#I’m on ep 16 no spoilers please
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
ozzo-the-wozzo · 1 year ago
Text
breaking out of my slumber to say that I’m watching evangelion and why is this just miraculous ladybug
32 notes · View notes
absolutebl · 5 days ago
Text
This Week in BL - 2024 is Ending, Not With A Bang But With A Whimper
Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.
Dec 2024 Week 4
Tumblr media
Ongoing Series - Thai
Your Sky AKA How to Train Your Seme (Sun iQIYI) ep 6 of 12 - Oh they are so fucking cute. Lee maybe the best brother wingman ever in BL. He is so entirely on Fah’s side. And we get sweet soft first kisses with permission asked. Yeah!
Stupid phone call!
Tumblr media
ThamePo (Fri YT) ep 3 of 12 - Not gonna lie, hard call over whether this should take the top spot this week. I adore this show.
This lead pair is absolutely stunning. I love that the story is about external drama with others, not manufactured drama or miscommunication between the leads. In fact, the romance that we see developing is one characterized by careful attention, gentleness, and patience. They enjoy each other‘s company in a restful calming way. We are watching them become each other’s safe space. Neither of them realizing how much they needed that from the world. I hope the conflict stays external and they get to evolve as a couple while narrative tension stays external.
Tumblr media
Love Sick 2024 (Sun iQIYI) ep 15 end - i’m quite pleased that they kept most of the stuff in the forest. And I actually like that they swapped it around so that this was the end of the series. I think it makes for a better more solid ending. I'm disappointed that 10 years on and PhunNoh still don't get to have a decent kiss. Since I think the new pair would’ve done fine with it. In the end I think neither Love Sick really come out on top. They’re both represent their time although this new one was oddly nostalgic.
I chronicaled my experience with 2024 as compared to 2014 here including ep-by-ep recaps and ratings, as well as a summary judgement over all. Spoiler...... all that work and it was, ultimately, a draw. I guess 10 years a not all THAT much has changed in Thail BL. Therefore this Love Sick gets the same as the original, 7/10 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
The Heart Killers (Weds Gaga) ep 6 of 12 - I love the tension and the slow rollout of the secret being revealed. It’s really beautifully done. Joong is knocking his role out of the park, I have to say. He’s kind of stealing this show for me. Also I loved the foreshadowing of drawing the make up tears on his face and then, of course, us knowing that there will be tears from Fidel in this episode once he knows The Truth. Very nice, boyos.
Tumblr media
Fourever You (Thurs YT) ep 13 of 16 - I think i love Arthirt best in the world. love seeing someone more an arse than Johan. To Johan. Also, by all means take Ngern's shirt off. We all being all kinds of respectful on this side of the screen. Pinky promise.
Tumblr media
Caged Again (Fri Gaga) ep 8 of 10 - Adorable date and sweet kisses. But NGL this episode was a bit boring for me.
Tumblr media
Perfect 10 Liners (Sun YT) ep 9 of 24 - I think that I like ForceBook best when they are just being casual long-term boyfriends together. You know, chwill chwill sabai sabai. I see Santa is back in his "punk ass little brother" role. Suits him well enough. But I have to say that Junior is absolutely stealing this show. He’s truly stellar. Meanwhile, what an adorable hug and meet cute. I enjoyed the ending of this episode. I admit, I’m not sold on the new pair, but I’m more willing to give them a chance now then I was when this was first announced.
Secret Love 60-81 end - what a very odd show. But I forgive a lot for pining semes and the stepbrother trope. 7/10
Ongoing Series - Not Thai
Our Youth AKA Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu (Japan Tues Gaga) ep 8 of 11 - oh its so painful. No one does this level of suffering like Japan. Just press that bruise and feel the sticky sweet ache.
Tumblr media
See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga) ep 11 of 13 - it is all very important and absolutely adorable but where Sean just kind gestures desperately at the bed and Shao Peng muscles him into it was absolutely fantastic. All the picking up and tossign arroudn and smily fun kissing in the shower. It'll all just GREAT. Also, THAT pregnancy line was epic. 
Eternal Butler (Taiwan Fri Gaga) eps 3 of 12 - It's actually quite sweet. Tonally quite odd, and definitely jarring when pitted agains the rest of the end of year offerings, but I think I like it? I don’t know where it’s going. Or what it’s doing. And I don’t entirely trust it. Because of the production house track record. But I am enjoying it. Also, the horny herb drug is back. This is a seriously old trope. Like 1970s old romance trope.
Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 13 of ? - I'm bored.
It's airing but......
Spare Me Your Mercy (Thurs iQIYI) finished it's run. I don't know what to do. Reviews are all over the damn place. Do I watch?
Be Moon - Falling for my enemy's son (China YT) movie from HBD Studio. I can't find it. You?
Winter Is Not The Death of Summer (Thai ???) - has been picked up to air on WeTV, or something? Criminals who meet in prison fall in love. I did find it on YouTube, initially un-subbed, then subs happened by which time I got distracted. It is very pulp but intriguing. For now it's to the wayside until someone tells me it landed safely. Occasionally Thai pulps want to be edgy and it's not a good look on them. But sometimes they do good.
The Renovation (Thai mini One31) 2 eps - Writer turns his blossoming romance with holiday resort owner into a novel. Is it worth tracking down? That is the question.
0.5D (Japan ????) 4 eps - Supposedly a now completed short. "Sales ace, Sada, has a secret that only his junior, Daiki, knows. He has pretended to have a gf for years, resulting in him being a virgin. But now Sada has fallen in love. Confused, Sada seeks advice from his junior." I sense another queer Cyrano De Bergerac. I can't find and it's got very poor reviews, so Imma stop looking. Info here.
It Ended But?
Blue Canvas of Youthful Days (China Sun Viki) paused at eps 9-10 of 12 - I have been told the ending is OK if not great. I just haven't been inspired to watch.
In Case You Missed it
I've started my end of year wraps. Here's the 2024 Trend Report. My best of year wards are still to come. Watch this space.
Next Week Looks Like This:
Tumblr media
Final still to come in 2024:
12/29 Sangmin Dinneaw (Thai Sun iQIYI) ??eps - trailer Childhood friends (Thai & Korean) reunite after being apart for ten years. As the boys reconnect, their bond matures and feelings of romance develop.
2025 Line Up
BL Announced for 2025 - PART 1
BL Announced for 2025 - PART 2
20 BLs Announced for 2025 That I'm Really Excited About
GMMTV 2025 Line Up - My Totally Biased and Wildly Flawed Feels
THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENT
Tumblr media
BEST BOY. (Your Sky)
(last week)
The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs
120 notes · View notes
1moreff-creator · 3 months ago
Text
DRDT Chapter 2 Episode 14: First Impressions
Episode 14!!! If Ep 11 really was the 70% mark (apparently the dev said that but don’t quote me on it, I saw it in a YT comment), then it only goes up to Ep 16. In the first trial, the culprit was revealed in Ep 10, then Ep 11 was their final defense as the class unraveled all the remaining mysteries, and Ep 12 was mostly post-trial. If the pattern repeats, this might be the episode we get our culprit reveal!!! And it seems likely, with the forty minute mark. So excited!!!
Also fine if it doesn’t happen if course, but we’ll see!
Tumblr media
Spoilers for CH2 EP14. CW: Hanging, murder, Eden!Culprit and Ace!Culprit discussion, blood and wires.
Nico! Nico! Explain the blood on the wires and my life is yours!!! I’m still surprised Teruko got “hanging” out of that crime scene to be honest.
Ace is so funny. He’s technically right that people should ask the victim and not just the killer, but he has nothing to offer.
“That’s why she didn’t ask you.” J really is becoming the voice of reason huh?
“It’s hard to remember the evidence.” (Paraphrased). Eden.
[Teruko lists the evidence] And… she omitted the tape. Yeah, the trial would get pretty derailed if Rose noticed the oddity there right away.
Wow, immediately Rebuttal Showdown let’s go! Really cool Hu animation. I wonder if she’ll end up being the Ace attacker or not? She could still just be defending Nico because.
“That’s why I have to interrogate Nico.” I love the voice acting, the chillest Rebuttal Showdown ever so far xD
[Sword Reveal] Fan?… Oh, because the fan being broken implies a hanging, right? That’s where she’s going with this?
“Lost their temper at Ace” is not how I will put attempted murder, Hu, but you do you.
[Cut] Oh, the fan was used as a pulley??? Fucking how???
“The fan being broken would suggest a hanging.” (Paraphrased) Oh I was kinda right with my start of RS guess.
“Isn’t that wire Hu’s custom weapon?” Woo, Whit with the brain cell!
“Nico stole from Rose, so they stole from [Hu]” (Paraphrased) Yeah! Teruko and I think alike!
[Hu triple dots] Was the wire stolen? I’m almost second guessing it with how reluctant she is to say that.
{Hindsight between keys: Man I went back and forth a lot this episode huh}
[Veronika talks about Nico planning for the trial] Even though that kinda contradicts what Nico said earlier (I guess maybe they lied, makes sense in retrospect), yeah she’s right (assuming they aren’t wrong about Nico trying to frame Hu). Is she trying to help her newfound bestie, Hu?
“Did they even want to learn to paint?” Poor Rose T_T Also Nico please say something.
“If something was bothering you, you could have talked about it with someone you trusted!” You know, Eden tried to do that with Teruko, and Teruko shot her down. I wonder if that’ll come into play…
“I don’t trust anyone here.” :O Well that’s a reveal.
Woo new Hu sprite! She is breaking down! But bestie please I don’t think you can fix them!
“Hu, I—“ Nico looks so done lmao.
“You trust me, right?” They just say they didn’t. Man, she is not beating the savior complex allegations with this one, huh?
Bro please let Nico talk.
“Are you a billionaire? Because that’s rich!” Ace you are not as clever as you think you are. xD
“Murder is murder…” Indeed, J the voice of reason.
“Why can’t either Ace or Nico simply tell us what happened?” You know we’re fucked when Arturo’s the voice of reason. Although I imagine Ace will shout at him that he doesn’t remember because he was unconscious.
[Ace shouts at Arturo] Got the reason wrong, but the shouting was there.
“Don’t throw two birds and a stone in a glass house, asshole.” Mixing two idiots there, big guy.
“They put some sort of cloth on my mouth…” Ah, there’s the unconsciousness shouting. By the way, full confirmation turpentine is just chloroform in this universe, nice.
[Charles lays down the law on Hu] Thank you, resident brain cell holder! How did they even get out of the first trial without you?
“I was going to!” Yo new Nico sprite is crazy!!! They’re going in!
“I was going to…” Oh, they’re trying to remain calm. That’s pretty cool of them!
“If you say what you think happened, I’ll help.” (Paraphrased) Yeah I was wondering how the dev was gonna write this without it being a twenty minute Nico monologue, this tracks.
Yo “fake” Closing Argument is crazy.
THE FUCKING LIGHT!!!! HOW THE FUCK DID IT NOT OCCUR TO ANY OF THE FIFTEEN PEOPLE THAT TRIED TO SOLVE THIS!!! I guess cause nothing pointed to it but y’know.
“How would that have worked?” Broom to move the fan? I came up with that in my original theory on this thing, though I think that was for the very first method which was clinically insane.
[Broom reveal] Ah, close but not quite. That’s actually quite smart! I’m surprised no one thought of that either.
[Releasing wire] …Am I stupid or does this not work? What would the wire get caught on?
{Yeah I still don’t think I get it? Like if the wire was moving from above the fan to around the broom, there’s nothing stopping it from going from around the broom to above the fan, so Ace would just fall. Did it get caught on the tape somehow? But how would Nico be able to put it around the broom then? Also how does the fan break? The wire would exert force from above and the side, not below, which is what the image makes it look like. I don’t think I understood this I’m so sorry.}
Oh, Ace woke up before the murder attempt was over! Good job badjoe for calling that!
Also are we far enough in to confirm Nico did this by themselves? I don’t have anything against those that believed otherwise, but I personally like it better this way. I imagine the theories aren’t 100% dead, as always, but y’know.
“And then I… Y’know…” THAT’S WHY THE BLOOD ON THE WIRES DOESN’T MAKE FUCKING SENSE!!! Man, as much as I love the EP 6 CG, it was not clear at all that they were that close, especially when the loose wire seemed closer to the entrance. {Looking back, yeah, I’m just not good at perspective on these rooms. The wires were closer to Ace than it looked}.
… Well there’s the small bit on the end of the loose wire that I’m still not sure how it got there, but close enough!
{Yeah it’s not. Believe it or not, I don’t even think the canon method fully explains the fucking blood.
Tumblr media
How the fuck was Nico using this exactly? I imagine the small bit of blood on the end is from the noose (which funnily enough, I kinda called there would be a noose, just got where Ace’s neck would be wrong), so then the middle is the part they used as a garrote. But… then where did the blood on the wire on the fan come from? Where they using both simultaneously?
Am I losing my fucking mind? How is it possible I still don’t understand the evidence even after All That? Has my brain simply rotted? And don’t even get me started on everything that wasn’t brought up! What the hell even is this case?
Then again, it’s midnight when I’m writing these hindsight observations, so I don’t think I’m operating at full brain capacity}
“What an interesting murder plan.” Veronika I love you.
“I tried to kill Ace and pin the murder on Hu. What else should I say?” I love you too Nico.
“And after all’s said and done, you can’t even say something as simple as “sorry”?” … Is Nico about to secret quote us?
“I tried to kill you because I don’t like you. Even now, there’s still no use to try and pretend that I like you. If I say “sorry,” you’re still going to hate me. So what else should I say?” Okay crisis averted. Still, this is a really interesting perspective, and I love it a lot. It calls back to Nico not understanding niceties like “please pass the salt,” which, relatable. If they’re not sorry, and Ace won’t get anything out of it, why lie? Very fun.
“D-Do you even regret what you did?” Poor Rose she’s taking this so badly T_T She still doesn’t have an answer as if Nico ever wanted to paint or not.
“I’m not Levi; of course I feel bad about something like that! I’m not heartless!” Yikes on calling Levi heartless, but interesting line for character analysis I guess.
“That was the worst choice that I’ve made in my life.” Wow, really cool new sprite and a lot of Nico info, this is awesome for us Nico enjoyers! (I call myself a Nico enjoyer like I don’t love every single character in the cast lol).
“My teachers, my classmates, my father…” Holy shit this is depressing.
“I’m not the victim here.” Damn, Nico. Just loving all this.
“So I don’t see the point in acting sorry.” Holy shit the sprites and the writing are on point today! {I’m sorry if my commentary’s not exactly thrilling, sometimes I’m just too invested to do anything but stare in awe.}
Rose: “I don’t know how to feel anymore” Sibling can you please give her a fucking answer damn.
“What does this have to do with the case? Everything.” Are we… doing “the pulley was used because they weren’t strong enough to murder otherwise” or…? I don’t know where else this would go.
“Coincidence? Hardly.” Does… Does Teruko already have Eden clocked (heh) as the murderer? No, right? It’s the strength thing probs.
“…They specifically intended for this murder case to be similar to Nico’s murder.” Wait does she actually think it’s Ace or Eden what?
[Non-stop, Bound Wrists] … I have nothing. Nico didn’t bind Ace’s wrists. What is happening.
[Bullet fired] Okay, slight nitpick that I’m pretty sure bothers me and no one else. I get that it’s hard to come up with phrases to shoot bullets at, but “there’s no evidence of that” or some variation is the thing that gets shot in, like, 90% of these Non-Stops Debates. Again, not really important, just wanted to point out a pet peeve of mine.
“One of the pieces of evidence was taken directly from the crime scene…” Oh now we’re bringing up the tape! Teruko didn’t identify it in the spinny thing so I was wondering if she was going to make the connection on her own, but I guess I should have never doubted the Queen.
“I finally figured out what this tape is…” Okay that makes sense. But has she actually clocked (heh x2) that Eden or Ace must have taken it? She’s acting real chill about it.
“It’s the tape from the gym.” (Paraphrased) Woo! It feels super satisfying to finally read those words in a trial setting. Another exceedingly common badjoe W, as they’re who pointed out the tape’s disappearance to me.
“That time Rose and I went to the gym together…” Oh so she knows knows.
“But didn’t MonoTV clean up the gym?” Yeah that would be convenient for you huh. There’s still a chance Ace is the culprit and she’s trying to defend him, but it’s looking rough.
{Actually in retrospect yeah what the fuck?}
“…I attempted to restore the gym to its original condition.” Which would include the tape being there. It might be over chat.
“… why didn’t you recognize it earlier, Rose?” She didn’t look at the crime scene queen. But it was in the trash. Geez Rose is just gonna feel awful after this trial, I’m really interested to see where her character will go.
“Wooow!” Fucking David jumpscare-
Yo why’s David of all people being a hater you wanted them to lose the trial.
[David blames Arturo for Arei’s death] Considering Felicity, low blow. I hate David so much (/affectionate).
“I can’t even recall what day that happened.” Oh so she’s breaking down breaking down.
[Rose speech] The Rose angst is insane this episode, I’m loving every second. In addition, there might be a line here that could point to Rose!MM. But to keep the habit, I’m not elaborating on that (on this post).
“Rose. You are helpful.” Let me ignore the Terurose agenda for a moment and point out that Teruko’s still being way too chill about this if she’s about to call out Eden. Is she putting on a front? She mentioned hurting when Eden talked to her in the kitchen, so she probably does care, but isn’t letting herself show it? Oof if true.
“That I could be dismissive […] without consequences.” Oh we might be starting the “Teruko learns to trust a bit again” arc sooner than I expected. Cool! Also she’s not about to secret quote us right? {She wasn’t}.
“Thank you, Rose.” Okay I am no longer ignoring the Terurose agenda this ship is about to pop off I feel and I love that.
“…that tells me exactly who the murderer could be.” It might be Edenover.
Select Two People! But she said after Ace ran out, right? Is she gonna point at Ace and Eden, or herself and Eden?
Nope, Ace and Eden. Well, those are the two I landed on!
“It’s you two, right?” [Voice Line] You make it sound like Ace!Accomplice or Eden!Accomplice are even like remotely possible, and I find that funny.
“What’s your reasoning?” Veronika I love you but she’s spent the last ten minutes explaining her reasoning.
By the way, while Teruko’s repeating more or less the same lockdown logic I must have explained in at least three or four different posts (honestly kinda surreal ngl), it’s gonna be really funny if the only reason the class can confidently rule out Teruko as a suspect is because her handwriting sucks too much which is honestly the best argument for her innocence besides protag privilege :v
“I’m the least suspicious because I’ve been helping” is the second best argument lol.
“But to be frank, most of you are incapable of [acting logically]” Tell ‘em Teruko!
I’ll refrain from pointing bv out every suspicious Eden line because I always feel like I’m leaning too much on confirmation bias for it, but let’s be clear, I’m seeing them.
Hu: “Eden isn’t the killer! Don’t accuse her!” Bro.
“I do have evidence!” BDA?
Called it! If we’re bringing it up this early, though… I’m assuming it’s not so simple.
“You all are moving way too fucking fast.” I feel the same way Ace. {For the first time in the trial}.
“Hold on.” Wait is David gonna be the one to bring in the possible workaround(s)? Why the- I thought you wanted to lose? What the fuck is he even doing anymore???
“Oh my my my. That’s an issue.” You saw the body didn’t you.
“Because I’m actually the first person to see the body.” Well, there goes the “See No Evil” idea, which I kinda liked. Unless he’s just lying, which would honestly make more sense; he’d be trying to lead the trial astray again.
Tumblr media
Okay but this is adorable.
“… at least one innocent person.” David, it’s- it’s at least two. How are this bad at math.
Nico: “Do you expect everyone to believe such an obvious lie?” This really is the Nico episode, huh? But it does make sense for them to push Ace as the culprit, I guess.
“He’s lying? Really?” Poor Levi’s got no fucking clue what’s going on.
“… he just conveniently avoided [the BDA group]” oh right they searched the whole floor before going to the playground David’s story is practically impossible.
Alright who’s gonna make the “What’s your source?” “I made it the fuck up!” meme with J/Nico and David?
“The only person who I need to believe me is Teruko.”
?????????????????????????????
(I feel like I write that exact sequence of characters every episode)
Are you just trying to go for a Teruvid angle to counteract the Terurose earlier? (/silly but really what the fuck-)
[David explains about Teruko’s skepticism] Yeah I guess. But, just so we’re clear: David still thinks the culprit is Ace and is just doing this to make them lose the trial right? Because otherwise what the actual fuck.
“AllI want is for Teruko to distrust others.” Motherfucker what-
[David’s whole Thing] You know, I really thought, I really fucking thought after Ep13, that we would get a break of a few episodes of David Bullshit, but no! What in the ever loving fuck is he even doing anymore???? No theories at this point, it is almost 11 PM where I am I do not have the brainpower to deal with this son of a bitch.
Levi: “Now that I think about it, Eden is in a good position to be Arei’s killer after all.” I feel a scrum debate forming.
“…why would I help it piece [the note] back together…?” I was right to avoid the bias. This line could be perfectly innocent, but the moment I read it, my mind said “she’s saying this too confidently, she had it planned, it’s Edenover.”
“Why… Levi, why?” While I do think Levi!Accomplice just 100% died of it wasn’t dead already, this line does read very funny with the context of that theory.
[Eden Breakdown] Man, {even after how much I’ve been sussing Eden in this and every other episode}, it sure does look like Ace is the culprit huh? Like, this scene is so beautiful and incredible it might just sway me to Ace!Culprit. The CGs are amazing, the music and the voice acting is terribly moving, the dialogue’s fantastic, holy fucking shit. I almost want to cry that was so fantastic. I— I wish I had more words, but that just left me speechless.
-
General Thoughts:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!
(/positive)
I don’t think I could have asked for more, this is just fucking perfect. Nico’s whole thing was great, the Rose angst was unexpected but wholly welcome, the tape reveal was revealed, David… Chiem, and the Eden CG stuff. Just absolutely fantastic all around.
…Slightly miffed the blood on the wires is still somehow not 100% consistent with the described method but WHATEVER it WORKS i do NOT wanna look at those fucking things again.
Theory Updates
Yeah it’s Ace.
Okay that’s dramatic lol. Eden!Culprit is not 100% dead, but off the top of my head, I can’t actually think of anything the characters can use to clear Ace rn. The only reason I believed Eden!Culprit over Ace!Culprit is that I didn’t think Teruko and even Eden could have missed Ace grabbing the tape upon waking up, especially with the sprite disappearing when Eden was on the ground, but… uh… apparently Teruko doesn’t trust herself so much.
With that glaring issue fixed, I actually think Ace!Culprit is significantly more solid than Eden!Culprit. No workaround needed for the BDA, no weird “are they even strong enough to do this” questions, and while the fish paradox Exists, Ace might have thought that putting fish there would make people think of Nico. Which, given the killer also somehow expected the class to figure out the similarities to Nico’s method when only a grand total of four people saw it, one of them being Nico themselves; yeah, I’d think he might be stupid enough for that.
EDIT: Also forgot to mention, Ace waking up before the murder attempt was over solves the issue of him figuring it all out. He actually straight up saw the method, he’d know how to replicate it.
And those Teruko-Eden CGs, man… I always had to really suspend my disbelief on some of Eden’s lines, even with venus’ narrative defense, but… come on. I’ve said this before; I have my limits.
All that added to the fact that Teruko seems to really want to start her “begin to trust again” arc, the fact David pushed for Eden!Culprit… it’s looking Ace!Culprit.
To be clear, there’s still things like Eden’s “Teruko, wait—!” that work better under Eden!Culprit, but I feel those are comparable to other potentially small foreshadowing moments such as Ace being weirdly fixated on the carousel. Eden!Culprit is, again, not fully dead, as other than strength, BDA and fish (all of which have workarounds), there’s not much concrete evidence clearing her. But at this point, I… don’t know. I’ve always felt kinda bad reading scenes like the kitchen talk with Teruko with as much suspicion as I did, but these final CGs, hmm…
Maybe my perspective will change with a clearer mind in the morning, but these are “first impressions” for a reason. They’re not meant to be very cohesive.
And if I’m wrong and it is Eden, well then I’ll have been wrong for a week or two instead of a year, so. Who cares at this point.
Speaking of getting things wrong, the Nico thing. I got Nico!SoloAceAttacker (is that the right notation?) right, and the really obvious stuff like using the stool to reach the fan. I’m also gonna give myself half points for guessing the broom was used to move the wire on the fan all the way back in my first post, but other than that, I did not cook. In my defense, a lot of the evidence (Nico’s missing cloak, the missing tape on the pull-up bar unless it’s somehow the roll, the isolated weights and toppled weight rack, and who knows what else) ended up not mattering in the slightest, which threw me off. Also, I call bullshit on this explaining the blood on the wires, that splatter pattern still doesn’t make sense with what was described. I guess my life isn’t Nico’s after all.
On the other hand, I’m a bit more confident on the remaining aspects of the Arei murder theory now that I believe the culprit is strong enough to pull it all off without issue, but we’ll have to see on that. My guess for culprit ended up changing for now, but the reasoning for arriving at them (tape) was solid, so we’ll see how that pans out.
All in all, immaculate episode. Chef’s kiss. Perfection. Holy shit. See you again soon!
70 notes · View notes
theclaravoyant · 1 year ago
Text
AN ~ Version 1 of about 16 trillion WIPS I have of Ed and Izzy finally facing each other again. Did I write 1500wd and technically not use the prompt phrase? Yes I did, but in my defense I'm haunted by It's not your fault you're broken, you were just trying to do your job.
For @fictober-event’s Fictober 2023 prompt: “It's not your fault." Spoilers up to Ep 6, in which it's theoretically based.
Masterpost of my Fictober OFMD fics
Fandom: Our Flag Means Death Characters/Relationships: Ed Teach, Izzy Hands. Tags: Canon Typical Violence, References to Suicidal Ideation and associated mutually-destructive stuff that went down in the early eps. Angst with a Hopeful Ending and hopefully healing vibes.
Try
Ed recognises the voice before he turns the corner. It’s so familiar and beautiful and missed, his heart clenches. Because Izzy doesn’t sing. Not the Izzy he knows. Not anymore. And yet.
His feet carry him forward like they haven’t caught on that this is a stupid idea.
The bell around his neck announces him and he can hardly stand to hear the song strangle itself in Izzy’s throat. If there was a dance in his step it’s gone now. Izzy stops and stares at him for a long, miserable, terrifying moment.
“Edward,” he croaks.
In the silence, one can hear the other shoe drop.
“Izzy. I think we need to talk.”
-
Stede has the good sense, and the sense of drama, to usher the rest of the crew below deck. The abandoned party makes for a fittingly morbid setting; its rainbow lanterns bobbing in the breeze, beautiful food and rich aromas doing little to drown out the rotting wound they’re about to rip open. Neither of them speak for a long time. There’s too much to say.
Eventually, Izzy steps down off the little dias they’ve been calling a stage. He ignores Ed as much as possible, and sets about cleaning up instead. He marches to the nearest table and begins scraping all the food scraps onto one plate. Now that they’ve gone and ruined the mood, he might as well. But he feels Ed’s eyes on him, knows that stupid bell is swaying in the breeze a micron away from tinkling as he only moves just enough to watch Izzy. The heat pricks the back of his neck until he can’t stand it anymore.
“You’re the one who wants to talk, Edward. I’m fine.”
“Sure. You look fine.”
“I was, ‘til you got here.”
It hurts, but Ed swallows. He did walk right into that one. But it’s not the uncharacteristically camp make-up or the… golden… unicorn leg apparently? … that’s got Ed worried. It’s the tension in his shoulders, his gaunt face. The way that he carries himself around Ed - even though he’s well out of arms’ reach - with an air of hesitation, like he’s terrified he’ll be suckerpunched at any given moment and is trying desperately not to show it.
I wasn’t laughing, it reminds him. I was screaming.
He remembers the sound of the bullet too. He remembers thinking Izzy was dead and gone. He’d hardly felt a thing at the time, but looking back he knew it would destroy him. It should destroy him. That’s what it should feel like, to have somebody so close to you for so long and in so many ways that losing them feels like - 
Well, like losing a limb. Isn’t that how the saying goes?
But his traitorous fucking tongue refuses to form fucking words, at least not ones that mean anything, so all he can do is dare step a little closer. He reaches out his arm - slowly, hesitantly, - and he watches Izzy equally slowly close a fist around the handle of one of the butter knives he’s packing away. So he stops. Izzy’s fingers uncurl, but Ed’s pretty sure he’d rather have been stabbed. It hurts, everything hurts.
“It’s getting late,” Izzy says at last. “Think I’ll call it a night, actually.”
“Izzy. Please.” The words barely make it past the lump in his throat. If they don’t push through it now, they might never, and that’s just- well, that’s just not an option.
“Are you going to order me to stay?”
“No. I’m not your Captain anymore.”
Ed wishes he could be offended at the implication that he’d ever use his position in such a way, but he definitely would. He definitely has. And maybe, just maybe, he’s finally come close enough to admitting that for one of the worst people on God’s Green Earth at apologies, because Izzy finally stops doing busywork and looks at him. Really looks at him, like he’s trying to figure out the answer to his own question. What am I, to you?
“Still on probation, then?” he asks instead.
“Oh. Yeah.” Ed flicks the bell at his neck. “Crew says the vote has to be unanimous. So.”
“So you need me to tick the last box on your little form.”
“Oh fuck off, you brought it up, not me.” Ed bites his tongue. All this is going to do is get them riled up until they strangle each other. He tries to channel his crash course in healthy emotional expression and drag himself back on track. He takes a deep breath. “What I mean is. You’ve got a lot of them going to bat for you, Iz. They really care about how you feel about- about all this. You should be proud. I know I am.”
Izzy blinks. “What?”
Ed plays back what he just said. Is he finally making the words go?
“I am… proud of you,” he repeats. Tears spring to his eyes and he feels a bit sick and overwhelmed but there it is, he said it. “And grateful. I really am. I don’t know what I would have done if you’d really- I mean if you hadn’t-” 
He swallows. And maybe it’s because he’s still trying to spare Ed or maybe it’s because Izzy is allergic to the full spectrum of human emotion or maybe it’s because the memory is swirling around them like the storm did and they can both taste the salt water in the air but Izzy cuts him off.
“I was just doing my job.”
“Your boss fucking sucks then.”
He gets a tearful snort out of Izzy for that one. 
“Yeah, well. Pretty sure I started it.”
And maybe it’s good they’ve been making a point of avoiding each other since they got back on board the Revenge. Maybe they’re… ready for something. (Please. Please let them be ready.)
Ed waits with bated breath as Izzy looks away, touches his finger to his eyes in case he’s been crying, and deliberates. Ed watches, wishing, pleading, contemplating falling to the deck and fucking praying that a whip crack of vicious vengeance isn’t going to come for him. Once upon a time - hell, even this morning - he would have offered the man his pistol to shoot him back. It’s the pirate way of doing things, an eye for an eye, and maybe it’s not the healthiest or whatever but he’ll take it if it means making things square with Izzy. He's already got a bad knee, what’s a little more metal crunching around in there?
The silence lasts so long it itches under his skin. It burns the tip of his tongue and he’s on the verge of opening his mouth to suggest that the man fucking shoots him (again) after all, when Izzy finally speaks.
“Well,” he announces. “If we’re doing this, I’m going to need a drink.”
Speaking of knees, they almost give way beneath him.
“Amen to that.”
-
There’s a lot to untangle; so much that if they had the time-bending powers of the gravy basket they might still have not got through it all. But it’s progress, and the two of them end up lying close on the deck with their hair and limbs tossed every which way and a red glow to their cheeks that betrays how much they’ve imbibed. They’ve cried. They’ve laughed, frankly a surprising amount. They’ve almost called it quits and stormed out a half a dozen times each. Yet they’ve both stayed, and they’ve both let those walls down further than they have in years. The wound they’ve been letting fester isn’t healed. It’s a long way from that. But it’s been cleaned and wrapped in new bandages and as the morning light starts to make its way across their faces, there’s a gentleness to the ache in their chests.
Ed sighs.
“Be honest, Iz,” he prompts. “Do you think there’s a version of us where we don’t wind up killing each other?”
Izzy frowns, struggling to turn his fuzzy mind to the subject without getting bogged down again in I had a dream where you killed me and Edward better watch his fucking step and the Spanish and the English and the way their downward spirals have been happening harder and faster lately. Rising sun be damned, it’s hard to have hope in the face of that.
“I don’t know,” he confesses.
Ed swallows. It’s hard to take. But he said to be honest, and they’re being honest in a new way now. In a new old way that reminds him of the way things were before, somehow. It’s like a light at the end of the tunnel, shining into the dark sea. Like the morning breaking over them. The sun is warm, and it reminds him of the things that are worth holding onto.
“Do you think-” he asks, “d’you think we could try?”
“Stranger things have happened.”
“Like Izzy Hands stone-cold-sober letting someone put glitter on his face?”
With a cheeky, if hesitant, hopeful smile, Ed glances over at Izzy the best he can at this angle. Izzy, best he can too, angles his chin to meet Ed’s eyes, and smiles back.
“Yeah,” he agrees. “Like that.”
11 notes · View notes
inkedkoi · 7 months ago
Text
Bingo Card: Part Five
Continuation of "Hold On To “What If”: Overanalyzing and Rewriting Sonic Prime" essay
Tumblr media
[Once Again, spoilers for Sonic Prime, all media here belong to their respective creators.]
✨//🌻//✨
Shadow saving Sonic
Tumblr media
ohshitwhatthehellishappening?!?!?!
ahem, uh so Shadow’s saving Sonic this time huh.
This is definitely going to be a parallel to S2 EP1 when Sonic saved Shadow from the Dark Abyss after Shadow failed to get into Boscage Maze. If there’s a callback to any of these lines, I die happily:
Sonic: “On the bright side, I’ll get to hold this over you forever.” [...] Sonic: "Together, we're gonna fix this." [...]
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Transcript:
Sonic: “Man, you must really hate having to admit you need me” Shadow: “You need me” Sonic: “Sure, I’m big enough to admit that. But not as much as you need me.”
[S2 EP1]
One thing I noticed in the Trailer (Dec. 16) was our Amy Rose (captions only said Rose but the voice kind of fits, here's a video to see what I mean: Link) says,
Tumblr media
Transcript:
Rose: “Hurry! He’s not going to make it.”
This line can’t be talking about Sonic in this scene since Green Hill can’t peek into the Void so the question remains, what is Amy talking about here? For all we know, it doesn’t have to be Sonic, it could be Shadow or someone other than our hedgehogs.
Label: “X”
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Transcript:
Sonic: I never knew you were a hugger. Shadow: Do you want me to save you or not?
[S3 EP7]
…nope, I’m happy with what we got (i’m so normal). And I was wrong about the voice being Amy’s, it was Thorn oops.
Free Box (lol)
Label: “X”
Nine gets what he wanted + Shadow being the one to convince him to do it (unintentionally, then attempts to convince Nine to save the Shatterverse)
[PARALLEL TIME 2!! Also, I have to involve some of the canon lore for this.]
Nine will redeem himself, that’s only logical. But for him to acknowledge his own mistakes, he would have to see it for himself. From the Clip (Nov. 11) and other previous instances, Sonic tries to convince Nine to think differently by simply talking to him. In all of those times, he fails. BUT, remember when S1 EP 1 Sonic saved Nine from the train, it cracked through Nine, just enough to let Sonic show him that he’s serious. It just makes sense that, since he doesn’t trust anyone, Nine values ACTIONS over WORDS, as it is why he attaches himself to Sonic. Of course, Nine would be against Shadow since Shadow is the one trying to rebuild the Prism and would be the one to have Sonic go against Nine. It may be the push that would make Nine go along with creating his home in the Grim without hesitation, all because Shadow is basically taking his only (well sort-of) friend away from him. That’s why, I want to see Nine getting the world he wanted. Not only to see what Nine really wanted and to see the power of the Prism’s energy, but also for Nine to see why he shouldn’t have done it.
There is a great YT video by Raihani Julie (here’s the link, please go check it out), an animatic based on an angsty scene from the show Amphibia I think really fits. Nine has a good reason to dislike Sonic but he still cares for him, leaving him completely conflicted. So, if Nine did make his own world, he would recreate Sonic, one that agrees with Nine’s plans. He would then realize what he wanted wasn’t a new world, but a friend. Now, for this realization, Nine could do this by himself, but if someone has to be there to help convince him, I think the best option would be Shadow. (Yeah, remember the trust theory?)
💬 "Why?"
Yes, Shadow would be the last person you would expect to help Nine. But hear me out: it’s all based on this exchange alone,
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Transcript:
Nine: “You’re not another version of Sonic. But you could be twins.” Shadow: “Hardly, I am the ultimate life form.“
[S2 EP7]
It isn’t just a callback or a reference, this shows Shadow would probably be the only one who can relate to Nine.
Both of them have a lot in common:
1) they closed themselves off and lashed out at the world, believing everyone else doesn’t deserve to be “saved” due to their trauma (Shadow formerly having this way of thinking)
2) they have been confused about their identity. For the most part, they get confused for someone else, but also, what they are meant to be (Shadow being a weapon/robot/etc. and Nine being a threat)
3) they value ACTIONS over WORDS
And what made them change? The truth. If it weren’t for Sonic and his friends, Shadow may have not known what he promised Maria in SA2 and later one realized the truth behind his existence in the Shadow the Hedgehog game. Without the truth, he wouldn't be able to move on from his trauma. Sure, Sonic and Shadow don’t always meet eye-to-eye but they do have mutual respect for each other. For Nine, it was when Sonic saved him in the first EP, seeing that Sonic was being genuine with him, not out to get him.
So, a conversation between Nine and Shadow is possible. Because of the green Chaos Emerald, Shadow may not be affected by the Prism or he may have retrieved it from the Darkness before the final fight, either way works. Since the show showed the pixel origins of Sonic’s first encounters with Tails and Knuckles, they could show one for Shadow. (”It all starts with this…” ok I’m sorry…) Just as Shadow said back in S2 EP7, he doesn’t trust Nine. But he has also seen how much Sonic defended him. It was naive, but Sonic sees the good in people. At the end of all, especially if Shadow saw that Sonic learned to listen, Sonic is trying to do the right thing, even if stopping Nine hurts.
Label for both: “N/A” — …don’t look at me. [internal screaming]
Tumblr media
Possible Sonic "Look-Alikes"
(Refer back to the Connections section and the Ultimate Sacrifice box if needed)
All you need to know is that if Sonic makes to get back to Green Hill in time = possibility of Sonic’s “look-alikes” appearing after he gets back (that could explain the “Sonic gets shattered” part), but I don’t think Shadow would have “look-alikes” (BUT LET ME HOPE MAN, I WANNA SEE PIRATE SHADOW)
Label for both: “N/A” — [sigh] I miss creative decisions, chat. I miss them a lot, I’ll be back (in my rewrite section).
The Prism has been broken before
[So, we have to consider the canon timeline, again…]
Ever since S1, something has been bothering me about the Prism but I couldn’t put my finger on it. But, what got my theory being created was when the Trailer (Dec. 16) released, where it all started. In the end, where Shadow is in a hurry to take Sonic back to Green Hill, the portal gateway is green.
Tumblr media
Now, it may be just to point out the obvious, that it’s Green Hill. Ok, side tangent: why is it green? Boscage Maze is already green, why then would there be two green portals? Wouldn’t it be logical for the portal to be a mix of the Prism colors? Green Hill = NOT Ghost Hill so it can’t be yellow. WHY GREEN??? Tangent over.
Anyway, I went down this mind rabbit hole from the portal design to questioning the existence of the Void before the incident. So, I went back to S1 EP1, and saw something interesting: notice how there are cracks in between each of the Shards, that are separating the colors?
Tumblr media Tumblr media
It isn’t the same as the Shards’ edges, they looked like they were glued together. Someone broke Prism and fixed it before it was discovered by EP1. Rouge can actually support this:
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Transcript:
Rouge: “You see, I’ve been searching for years for a super rare and shiny gem called the Paradox Prism. Legend speaks of untold power, and it’s buried deep within the Green Hill bedrock.”
[S1 EP1]
Are we just going to brush past this, who had this information? If someone knew about this a long time ago, why share this secret with anyone (except probably to gloat that they have encountered it)? That will be for us to speculate, but the possibilty still stands that there was a whole different Green Hill before the one we know.
💬 "What does this have to do with the canon timeline?"
Back in S2 EP1, Shadow shows Sonic the Prism blueprint, and in EP7, Nine states that the Shards have to be perfectly placed, a slight error would change a huge part of reality.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Transcript:
Nine: It’s not that simple. The alignment must be perfect. The slightest variation could have massive repercussions. People, places, and things can be ripped from existence. One small mistake, and poof! Reality is changed forever.
[S2 EP7]
If they manage to restore Green Hill, would it be the same as before or would it be a whole new Green Hill? Even if the Shards were “perfectly” placed, those would be the main Shards, they didn’t account for any of the smaller pieces that may have happened when Sonic crashed into the Prism. Who knows? Maybe we could get the version of Green Hill that’s in Sonic canon.
Label “N/A”: [starts spinning into insanity]
sonadow canon/j
For the viewers who happened to be shippers, we all had a fine course of our preferred ships. Especially for the sonadow shippers, myself included. this show was practically sonadow propaganda and my god, it worked.
Label “X”: LOVE WINS!!! 💙 in all seriousness though, I am happy everyone got to feast on the shipping moments they were able to get. (yes I screamed in the "i heart you too" and the "never knew you were a hugger" scenes)
Nine initiates the Hug
We had a lot of moments of Sonic's way of showing affection to the ones he's closest to, including Nine. As much Nine isn't as affectionate, he lets Sonic do his thing. It's not just limited to hugs though, they also high-fived. I think this is a build-up to a moment when Nine is the one who hugs Sonic, most likely near the end of the season. It would be the last stage of vulnerability, letting his defenses down for Sonic.
Label "X":
Tumblr media
And I was right, awww. (Though I wish there was a bigger payoff for it.)
“Home”
Tumblr media
Transcript:
Sonic: “Home is where your friends are, as they say…”
[S1 EP1]
This line will definitely come back around at the end, because it’s too unique for it not to. Probably at the end of the series.
SIDE RAMBLE: I just wanted to point out when Shadow tells Sonic:
Tumblr media
Transcript:
Shadow: “Home doesn’t exist anymore. Because of you.”
[S1 EP8, S2 EP1]
It meant a lot more, “They don’t exist anymore. Because of you.” Also, when Sonic is taken to Ghost Hill and finds the ghosts of his gang, Shadow explains that its existence is:
Tumblr media
Transcript:
Shadow: “A cruel version to make us suffer.”
[S2 EP1]
There are people who still dub Ghost Hill as Green Hill, but it is very clear: Green Hill is gone for good (at least the one we had at the beginning of the series) and, in technicality, the gang is dead, all that is left are ghosts/clones of the gang. Also, Shadow included himself in that last sentence (”us”). Think about it: the only Shatterspace he was able to access was Ghost Hill’s, went in and explored it for himself. We already know about the time difference that happens between Shatterspaces so we don’t even know how long he stayed in there. Days? Months? Did he grieve for the world he vowed to protect? All we know was that he determined the situation with the Prism blueprint and how Ghost Hill operated, along with the small glimpses into whatever Shatterspace Sonic was. That it was, in his words, cruel. It teased him that everyone he knew about was there, his home was there. But it also was gone (a callback to what Sonic said). If he stayed any longer, he might’ve gone insane. Notice that his hand was shaking during that scene. I thought it was good character depth that he really does care and he isn’t some edgy counterpart of Sonic. What he said to Sonic really gave a double punch to the gut because Shadow, if Sonic informed him of what Eggman was up to, could’ve prevented the incident from happening in the first place and they wouldn’t have lost their (first) home.
Label: “N/A”: [LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER x 100]
To be continued...
Previous Part || Next Part || Masterpost
2 notes · View notes
tytangfei · 4 years ago
Text
killer and healer - cut scenes masterpost
Alright my fellow clowns, here is a list of cut scenes, meaning that they were filmed and (usually) dubbed already but were removed from the episode. A lot of these cut scenes are just like 10 or 20-second shots that were trimmed off, so I’m not saying the entire scene was taken out, simply that the original scene was longer.I recommend you watch these so you get a fuller experience and more intimate scenes of the characters. You can also typically find these clips if you search up “Killer and Healer Highlight” (which seems to be their keyword for the scenes they cut.)
Notes: If I miss any cut scenes for any of the characters, please let me know! Many thanks to jazthespazz for identifying some of the other clips and marking down the precise second! Additionally, I’m going to add some notes on translations that provide fuller context! And provide some other info too on the novel and audio drama. Under the “read more” contains info regarding the endings and keeping track of which ending is from where.
As always, if you can, please support the original works! Check here for how to support, provided by Moonlight Pavilion.
TRANSLATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jiang Yuelou’s name and the poem associated as well as the romantic connotations
More discussions on the poem and its translations via anon ask
MDL Thread on translated names and titles
AUDIO NOVEL/NOVEL
novel translation (may be inactive since Moonlight Pavilion has picked it up and their website is here)
another novel translation by a different team posting on twitter 
audio drama | audio drama translated via Moonlight Pavilion Channel
CUT/TRIMMED SCENES + FINAL EP INFORMATION + ENDINGS
Episode 1
jiang yuelou and zhan junbai at zhan junbai’s donation charity event before jiang yuelou & song rong takes off to the warehouse (unsubbed but this scene is in chapter 1 of the novel)
jiang yuelou meets chen yuzhi for the first time
Episode 2
chen yuzhi healing jiang yuelou | additional video showing a longer  moment where chen yuzhi stares down at jiang yuelou, starting at 3:16
Episode 3
*chen yuzhi cleaning up jiang yuelou’s wound (it is 99% similar to the scene that aired in the ep, only some seconds were trimmed off)
chen yuzhi touches jiang yuelou’s hand right before swipes everything off the table (starts around 1:17)
Episode 10
jiang yuelou receives a checkup for his “sore throat” (starts at 1:28) and also gets acupuncture (this one is not dubbed)
Episode 8
chen yuzhi bandaging jiang yuelou’s arm
Episode 12
jiang yuelou taking off chen yuzhi’s shirt and cleaning up his blood (unsubbed but comments have given some info about what was said)
Episode 15
brief wrist-holding while jiang yuelou pulls chen yuzhi to talk privately of their plan (from the 49-second mark to 53-second mark)
Episode 28
chen yuzhi visits jiang yuelou in the hospital: jiang yuelou puts his arm around chen yuzhi’s neck (in the last minute of this clip)
Episode 29
jiang yuelou touching chen yuzhi’s face while breaking ties aka MGTV’s title: “jiang yuelou, how can you treat your wife like this” (unsubbed)
zhan junbai is at first gentle and then harsh in feeding yu tangchun porridge (unsubbed)
Episode 30
zhan junbai tortures yu tangchun with crabs (unsubbed)
Episode 34
zhan junbai forcibly shaves yu tangchun's scruff (unsubbed but comments have given some context; it's unclear where this scene would be placed but it's most likely between the 5min mark and 20min mark of the actual episode, during the talk w/ zhan junbai in the beginning and before chu ran sees yu tangchun all chained up and sitting outside)
Episode 35
this hug of their reunion with jiang yuelou touching chen yuzhi’s neck. (not dubbed)
Episode 37
the alternative ending aka the real ending (unsubbed but comments have given the general context of what was said)
**EXPLANATIONS ABOUT THE ENDINGS! SPOILERS AHEAD!** Placed under a read more. Includes links to the endings from the other mediums.
Tumblr media
[ID: screenshot of a YouTube comment by “falxCieStudios” who writes: “edit: ANOTHER update the the makers have officially dropped the happy ending on their weibo page. SPOILERS IN THE REST OF THIS COMMENT.
What happened is the makers wanted to release the alternate ending but mgtv wouldn’t let them and are withholding footage from them. But now the makers have re-edited, re-dubbed, used old scenes and did the best they could to create a new ending for us showing yue lou inviting yu zhi back to the country side with him. It’s an incredibly sweet ending, yue lou basically just dreamed of yu zhi dying. yu zhi never died. and zhan gets captured. yue lou and yu zhi eat dumplings as they should and remain happy and peaceful together.
Here is the link on there official weibo page to the brand new ending:
https://m.weibo.cn/status/4619421064366263#&video”
/end ID.]
Also, from my personal experiences of watching dramas from MGTV, it’s not surprising they pulled this move. I watched “The Sleepless Princess” from them and they did a similar thing to that drama as well--making an ambiguous ending and then creating a “happy alternative ending” where their VIP members had to pay extra to see. They do the minimal and try to make a profit.
In short, MGTV sucks. You should accept whichever ending you want. I personally be going with the happy one. :) 
THE ENDINGS
Because there’s quite a few endings provided by the drama/novel/audio drama, here is the list to keep it all in track. (many thanks to @thienna for the help and links and translations.)
from the drama: tragic ending (as seen in the original final episode)
from the drama: happy ending (provided by production team, scenes and audio put together from previous parts; link is to the original weibo post; you can also find it on youtube here--unsubbed but comments provide context) 
from the drama: scriptwriter's revised ending (provided by the scriptwriter; translated by thienna here)
from the audio drama: reincarnation ending (technically an extra scene from the audio drama and not part of the audio drama’s storyline; was supposed to be a part of the show but was not shot/filmed. translated by thienna here.) 
5) audio drama: link forthcoming; ending to be determined once it's finished. 
6) novel: link forthcoming (translations are not done but chinese fans already knows the ending since the 2nd and final book already came out)
766 notes · View notes
theflagscene · 2 years ago
Text
Finally watching the first episode of 609 Bedtime story, so far let’s see…
(Spoilers for the ep, obviously, readers beware!!)
The fight scene was everything I didn’t know I wanted, dude is so big, it’s about time he gets to play a tough guy.
Ohm singing is a no, please stop. I’m having TharnType war flashbacks to the supposedly ‘popular’ band that packed the bar nightly when they were actually absolutely terrible.
Could he look anymore awkward around those girls lol. He didn’t get to kiss a single one so far, just going in for the fake neck kiss/face hide again and again.
Game and Vee are already playing the adorable scene stealing side couple and it’s only 16 minutes into the first episode.
Ohm playing anyone who’s awkward about sexuality is too funny considering how protective he is of Fluke and Earth against homophobic assholes IRL and the fact he’s done 6 BL’s with Fluke (5 if you count close friend and close friend 2 as one BL)
Love me some pansexual representation with Game.
Lmao, Mum is an asshole and I like him. The way he and Mint interact, the entire bit at the cemetery, omg. Although I could’ve lived without hearing Ohm saying ‘mommy and daddy’ in English cause that’s gonna live rent free in my head for a while, ngl.
Wait this is based in November 2022, so in the post Covid world this dumbass goes to work in a public pub whilst coughing? Dude!?
I am officially in love with Mint, I want her to be my wife.
Bro, try turning off a light, maybe that’ll help with the whole sleeping thing 🙄
31 minutes in and Fluke finally shows up, nice for you to finally show up bruh.
Mr. I’d-never-date-a-guy, sure fell into that (very tame) gay sex scene real quick, even if he thinks it’s a dream.
That bitch be dead real quick, you could say he just ‘came and went’ 🥁 (No, I’m not going to apologize for that terrible joke)
That was clearly Mum in the helmet with the gun, was it supposed to be that obvious or like what? I’m confused. After the train wreck that was OMSN, I’m very concerned we’re delving into like evil doppelgänger/twin territory here.
I will hold off judgement and trust P’Golf, they did amazing with The Eclipse so I’m hoping they have something awesome planned for this too.
Okay, onto episode two!
18 notes · View notes
ladyofthenoodle · 3 years ago
Text
Sorry to submit this but I don’t have a tumblr account and didn’t wanna make one but NEED TO SAY THIS bc it’s been driving me nuts while I’ve been silently lurking in the ml spoilers tag. Has it not occurred to anyone that if the leaked script where LB snaps and tells Chat to stop is indeed from episode 15, it might be the point where he actually stops confessing his feelings to her? I’ve reread the transcripts for Rocketear and Wishmaker (aka eps 16 and 17) like mad. And the interesting thing is that, in both of those eps which we assume follows LB’s ‘JUST STOP’ line, CN makes absolutely no romantic overtures. Nino references his flirting in Rocketear all ‘LB turns him down every time and she’s right because he’s obnoxious!’ (which we see Adrien is hurt by) but when CN’s actually around LB, there is nothing romantic about him. No confessions of love. Not even a single line of admiration. The most CN does is call LB “m’lady” once, and that’s arguably a non-romantic nickname at this point. TL;DR: fandom noticed CN was acting more aloof and cold in episodes 16-17 and attributed it to the growing gap bc of secrets/insecurity - which is also true imo - but what if the change really started in episode 15, with Chat deciding to try and put a lid on his feelings by maintaining a distance, rather than risk LB getting mad at him? Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am. I just can’t believe everyone is assuming the JUST STOP is just gonna end in a reset of the status quo, when CN’s behaviour in the following episodes is so clearly and drastically different. Ofc, this theory of events can be a good or bad thing (or both) depending on your perspective (my poor ladynoir heart) but it would be a major turning point. And I think it fits.
i think it fits too, though i’m hesitant to draw too many conclusions about these scripts with more context. he’s toned down the flirting a lot overall this season - i don’t think we’ve seen him flirt much at all since gang of secrets. given that she got them kicked out of the movie by ranting about romance, he probably (correctly) intuited that movie dates, or maybe any dates, weren’t a great idea atm. i’m interested in why he’s suddenly romantically pursuing her again in 15, since there wasn’t much to prompt it in episodes 10-14 except that maybe he’s seeking more validation and attention from her after sentibubbler - i hope not since it seems to have backfired. maybe he just thought enough time had passed since gang of secrets? maybe he saw kagami at the beginning of the episode and it made him feel lonely? maybe he had a stray squishy feeling for marinette and overcompensated?
either way, i doubt we will be seeing much more flirting or romantic overtures from CN towards LB post episode 15. which, to me, as a ladynoir stan, is fine - they aren’t in a good place for romance right now, and i’d really like ladybug to be the one making the next moves if anything happens prereveal - heck, i’d like that post-reveal too. give me mutual pining where ladybug realizes she’s fallen for chat noir but he’s moved on to marinette. then they realize their identities, but adrien still isn’t flirting because of something ladybug said in the heat on the moment in season 4 episode 15! i’ll take all the romantic miscommunication and pining, yes please, but also we can put ladynoir romance on hold for a bit while they sort the rest of their shit out - so hopefully episode 15 will do just that
120 notes · View notes
my-mt-heart · 3 years ago
Note
I’m sure you’ve seen the TWD spoiler that you know who is a goner by way of Daryl in ep 16. What will you think if Daryl does his normal major man pain for having to end her? Will this put a major damper on our current caryl fun? To make us stew over it for months and months??? Please give us advice oh wise one! :)
I don't think he'll be upset about it. Like I've been saying along, Daryl will understand that she isn't worth saving and it's not his fault. He has better things/people to fight for, including a future with Carol. Cue active pursuit of said future in 11C. But I'll delve deeper in my review once I've seen the episode for myself of course.
23 notes · View notes
hopelesslonelyghost · 3 years ago
Note
I AM HEARTBROKEN OVER THE FUCKING EP 16 LIKE GODDAMMIT MOTHERFUCKERS
IM ON THE VERGE OF TEARS
I desperately need some crosshair comfort fic where they got his chip removed and she comforts him on the maurader. He feels really bad, but the reader reassured him that she loves him endlessly and she is happy to have him back.
Lots of tears and kisses and cuddles PLEASE-
I Forgive You
Tumblr media
crosshair x force sensitive!reader
warnings// spoilers for tbb ending (kinda sorta?), angst, not beta read
author’s note// is tied to this shot but can be read as a stand alone! and yes i did use That Scene with ahsoka and rex as inspiration. enjoy!
At first he didn’t want you anywhere near him. You didn’t blame him. To him you were a traitor to the Republic and deserved to be executed, so you kept your distance.
He was kept in binders up and was temporarily placed in Omega’s nook, for everyone’s sake.
But you could still feel his anger, his confusion coming off him in waves. You did technically go against his wish and ripped him away from the Empire.
So you meditated. More so than usual. And you tried to push the sniper out of your thoughts.
Until it was time to take Crosshair to the trashed jedi cruiser on Bracca. You were genuinely surprised to find it still intact. And so the journey to get the chip out began.
———————
“My scanner isn’t picking up anything.”
You blanched at Tech’s observation.
You shook your head, “It can’t be. Try again.”
“We already tried twice, there isn’t anything.”
You clenched your fists, “I want to try something.”
Walking up to Crosshair’s unconscious body, you gently placed your palms on either side of his head and nodded at Tech, “Run the scanner.”
Closing your eyes, you focused, “I am one with force and the force is with me….I am one with the force and the force is with me...”
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
BEEP BEEP BEEP!
“There! The scanner picked up something.”
You breathed out, “Let’s get to work then.”
———————
Seeing the Batch finally get some rest made you smile. They deserved it. You’d all been through a lot the past two rotations.
“I know you’re awake, little one.” You whispered into the room.
Omega sighed and got up from her place on the floor and walked over to you, sitting by the doorway.
“I can sense how restless you are. What’s on your mind?”
“What if…what if he doesn’t wake up? Wrecker didn’t take this long.”
Your gaze made its way over to Crosshair, “To be honest, I’m not quite sure myself.”
You turned back to her and gave her a warm smile, “But I do believe the Force.”
Omega gasped quietly, “What you did back there was so cool! Can you teach me?”
You chuckled and booped her nose, “I believe you should be sleeping. C’mon, I’ll play with your hair the way you like.”
———————
It was chaos when he woke up. You accidentally dozed off with Omega’s head in your lap. A loud crash had you on your feet, shielding the little girl from danger.
Your protective stance wavered when you realized that Crosshair was staring right at you. He looked around the room and glared at his brothers, who had also woken up at the commotion. Their guns drawn and pointed at him, you were so caught up looking at his face you failed to see he had reached for his sniper and was pointing it at your chest.
You raised your hands in surrender, “We’re not here to hurt you.”
“How can I trust you?”
“Hunter.” You looked at the Sergeant, “Give us a few minutes?”
He nodded, “We’ll be right outside.”
The batch shuffled their way out, Omega gripping your hand and squeezing it before letting go.
“You can lower your gun now.”
“You took me!”
Lowering your hands, you tucked them to your sides, “I did what I had to do.”
“I told you that I had removed my chip!” Cross snarled.
“And as it turns out, you lied!”
“How could you have possibly known I was lying?”
“Because the Crosshair I know would never willingly side with the Empire. We all know it!”
A few tense seconds passed before he lowered his gun and dropped it to the floor. Relief overwhelmed you, but you didn’t care. You had him back.
———————
For days Crosshair wouldn’t speak to you. Would only grunt in response to anything you had to say. Back in Ord Mantell, Crosshair decided to stay behind instead of joining you all at Cid’s.
Halfway to the parlor you stopped in the middle of the street and looked back at the way you came from.
“You should go. You both need to talk.”
You looked back at Echo and nodded, “Tell the others?”
He nodded and you turned back to make your way to the Marauder.
———————
“Weren’t you supposed to be at Cid’s?”
You crossed your arms and leaned against the Marauder's door. If you wanted to speak with him, you had to make sure he didn’t try escaping.
“I had more important things to do.”
Crosshair cocked an eyebrow, “Oh?”
Defeated, you relaxed and slumped a little, “You’ve been ignoring me.”
He tsk’ed and plucked the toothpick from between his lips and flicked it off somewhere into the ship.
“I’m not doing this.”
You rolled your eyes and walked up right in front of where he was sitting, “That’s too bad. We are doing this.”
You reached up to place a palm on his cheek, to which he promptly turned away from, “Talk to me, Cross. It’s impossible for me to ignore what you’re feeling. So please, talk to me.”
He stood up abruptly, forcing you to take a few steps back. And then some more when you realized he was stalking towards you, “What do you want me to say? Huh?! That I feel terrible after trying to kill you? That all I could think about was how much you deserved to die?!”
He stopped once your back hit a nearby wall.
“You should hate me.”
Your eyes softened and this time when you reached up to caress him, let you.
“I could never hate you, Cross. Never.”
His eyes widened and glossed over with unspoken emotion. He didn’t have to tell you what he felt at that moment. You could feel it.
“I know that wasn’t you back there. I did what I did because I love you.”
You pressed your forehead against his, “I forgive you. Always.”
93 notes · View notes
maleficent-cannoli · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
I posted 30,063 times in 2022
That's 28,746 more posts than 2021!
117 posts created (0%)
29,946 posts reblogged (100%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@snake-and-mouse
@sinistergooseberries
@thisautistic
@evergreenxhuckleberry
@spicyvampire
I tagged 1,327 of my posts in 2022
#your gender please sir - 263 posts
#kinnporsche - 46 posts
#vegaspete - 36 posts
#the eclipse - 35 posts
#the eclipse liveblogging - 31 posts
#the eclipse the series - 31 posts
#kpts - 31 posts
#kimchay - 29 posts
#kinnporsche the series - 27 posts
#<— exactly - 26 posts
Longest Tag: 139 characters
#my friend who i haven’t talked to in years got stuck upside down in one of those weird coffee-filter looking kindergarten basketball things
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
Might I suggest ✨ little spoon Vegas ✨
81 notes - Posted June 17, 2022
#4
Can we talk about novel! vs show!Porchay?
Please take this with a grain of salt because we haven’t actually reached the parts of the plot I’m going to talk about so there is still room for it to happen in the show, however unlikely it’s looking so far.
NOVEL SPOILERS AHEAD (obviously)
So far, show!Chay has been a little ray of sunshine while also making it clear whose brother he is, which novel!Chay did a little differently. In the original novel, Porchay was a little spicier when it came to his language, which can be very clearly seen in two parts of the novel.
“Do you think this will scare me? You're just being insecure. Because whatever you do, my brother will always be ahead of you. He's even better than you because P’Kinn won't follow him around like that if he's not!”
So the first is when he’s kidnapped by Tawan and takes it as an opportunity to mock his brother-in-law’s ex and hit him where it really hurts. The novel even mentions him having fun annoying him. He also calls Tawan a preschooler.
"Kim, you fucking bastard! Just try getting on with someone else, I'll pray to the Gods to make your dick shrink and rot!"
The second time is during the gathering of mafia wives (Tae’s words, not mine), which he tags along on because he’s absolutely convinced Kim is cheating on him (as far as we know, he was not). And he yells that out the car window as they drive away.
So, in conclusion, I really would love to see Baby Chay show his fangs a little bit. He’s been very precious so far, and I appreciate that, I really do, especially in a mafia show where he is the one shining beacon of purity and Wattpad-like joy amidst the darkness of moral ambiguity, but at the same time, it could be interesting to see him just SNAP at some point. He is Porsche’s little brother after all, and I would love to see him make at least a snarky comment. 
127 notes - Posted June 5, 2022
#3
Guys. I just realized something. What if we get to see Bible’s thigh tattoos in the VegasPete NC scene? What then?
134 notes - Posted June 16, 2022
#2
Rb if you’d fight the suppalo teachers behind a 7/11
134 notes - Posted September 6, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
Timelining KP
The time has come. I’ve spent the last few days organizing my notes as much as possible, so here it is. And it is a monster of a post, I swear I didn’t realize how long this was going to end up being.
HUGE NOVEL SPOILERS AHEAD
So the short version is this:
Ep 10 - VP starts, Chay gets kidnapped, further discussion of the mole, videos, Tawan is dealt with (30 - 33)
Ep 11 - VP episode, “fuck where’s Pete”/dead body, Porsche’s birthday (34 - 36)
Ep 12 - funeral/Return of the Pete, post-VP (36 - 40)
Ep 13 - parental issues, conversation re: Vegas  (42 - 44)
Ep 14 - boss battle, party (44 - end)
And now things get more specific, which is what was taking me so long.
Episode 10 (next episode)
Transition between the end of the Tawan arc and the beginning of the VegasPete/Everything-Is-An-Absolute-Trainwreck arc
VegasPete starts (obviously)
KinnPorsche will probably break up, but get back together by the end of the episode, potentially with the pool scene (although I know I’m setting myself up to be clowned with this one)
KimChay reveal
Kidnapping plotline
Porsche tries to move out/Big pushes Chay dumpster fire extravaganza
Basically everything up to the end of chapter 33 of the main novel (Tawan arc over, KimChay are a mess)
Further discussion of the mole (Kim knows Porsche isn’t the mole, everyone else probably realizes he isn’t the mole, so who is?)
Again, potentially Chay getting kidnapped (kinda hoping that’s what they go with since it was a really nice transition in the novel, not just for Chay himself, but it was the push KinnPorsche needed to talk out some of their issues and get back together, particularly for Porsche to be willing to hear Kinn out after the shit he pulled)
Maybe the whole thing with the sex tapes toward the end, or episode 11, or not at all, who knows
Oh and this would be the VegasPete episode that will probably feel the most uncomfortable because it’s really the beginnings of their relationship and even toned down it’ll be quite the experience
Not just for us but for Pete as well
We will probably see Vegas become more attracted to Pete beyond just being intrigued and amused
Episode 11
I’m thinking primarily VegasPete, like (hopefully) almost entirely VegasPete
Probably cut in with some main family drama 
Chay moving in with the main family?
KimChay kinda going to shit
Obviously some Tankhun commentary would be amazing
See the full post
149 notes - Posted June 8, 2022
Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →
2 notes · View notes
izzyizumi · 2 years ago
Text
youtube
Digimon Adventures (+2020) x “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” (J.P.N Version!) {Parody-Inspired A.U.s} ~ A.M.V. Preview {1st Version} + Duo/Ship/O.T.P: Koushiro{u} Izumi x Taichi Yagami {KouTai}
DigiAdvs Series © Toei Animation
Disclaimer: I do not own DigiAdvs. This is FAN-MADE. NO $$$ is being made off this fan-work
Notes:
This A.M.V. is currently mostly finished (This is the "first version" until I can smooth it out!) Hopefully you find some enjoyment with this much! This 1st half had taken about 1 hour + 45 min already. The end stretch took another 45~ min or so 'total'! (But at least 3 hours of concentration tonight to pull it off!!)
My editor was already beginning its typical "crashing" by the point of exactly when I added in the last few clips; so if I can fix it up a bit depends on IF it lets me add more...
I know there's quite a few events related to these two going on lately; since I'm not an artist and write fic / make gifs only sparingly, my preferred method of contributing is via . A.M.V-making... This is an idea I've had for many years now, actually (since before Kizuna and 2020 even happened!) but since I decided to wait it out until I had more decent Koushiro footage, I was finally able to 'complete' my outline for this one too!!
A.U.s (including Parody-inspired ones) can be read in here, including such timeline-hopping A.U. potentials; However, this is actually implied as semi CANON-compliant!! {Across both Adventures and 2020, if with them seperately!!}
There are very minor Tri spoilers (Kokuhaku!Koushiro + KouTai/Taishiro moments only + the 1 Taishiro-relevant scene with all Chosen from middle-end) + 2020 moments (also just a few of Koushiro + Taishiro) [specific eps include 1~3, 16, 36 & 59; all have Koushiro-relevancy]
Total amount of clips (with splices included) is: 46!
Summary:
“I BELIEVED them, I’ve BEEN tricked” “You’re JOKING, right? I CAN’T say it,”
“I understand, as expected; because of my wounded chest, My HEART stretches and splits.”
“I CAN’T LET MYSELF Cry,”
“Don’t hide your FEELINGS,”
“For your heart’s sake,GO AND FIND HIM, QUICK, QUICK, hurry!!”
{DO NOT Copy} {DO NOT re-post} {DO NOT remove caption}
Tumblr media
{Additional note: this post is mainly intended AS [SPECIFIC] DUO/SHIP (KouTai/Taishiro). please remember + respect this when interacting} please tag with the ship name[s] and DO NOT tag as only “brotp” or the like only*, thank you!} (*It is ok if you tag as “friendship” or the like along WITH the ship!!) {Failure to acknowledge interacting rules WILL result in a block}
Tumblr media
[Note: Tags/replies that are Positive/respectful are OK!]
{J.P.N Version with lyrics under the ‘read more’!}
youtube
Tumblr media
5 notes · View notes
feralthoughtdump · 4 years ago
Text
Arsonist’s Lullaby
Part One: Kiss With A Fist
Part Two: Only Angel
Bucky and his Angel’s relationship grow closer. 
Word Count: 6.8K
CW: violence, Bucky and his nightmares, John Walker being an ass, a little bit of fluff, smut, brief shower sex, Bucky steps on the reader with his boots, spitting, choking, spanking, Bucky using his metal arm, crying, FATWS ep. 3&4 spoilers
The cold air of the cargo container was strange, given that they were in a southeast Asian island. It sent a chill down Angel’s spine. Like something would go very wrong. They survey the empty space, searching for Nagel.
Sharon was certain Nagel was here, but there was no sight of him.
But Angel could hear the slight vibrations of music coming from… somewhere. 
She approaches the back of the container and feels around the rough metal wall. 
“Hey, I think he may be in here.” She beckons them over. 
Pressing a gloved hand onto the metal, she pushed, revealing a small laboratory in front of them. 
“You three go ahead.” She mutters. “I’ll keep an eye out with Sharon.”
Before they can say anything, she strides out of the container.
“You don’t need to worry about them.” Sharon crosses her arms as the door closes. “I know them well. They can hold their own.” 
“Oh, I know.” Angel chuckles. 
“Bucky likes to call you Angel, huh. Seems like you two bonded pretty quickly.”
She gives Sharon a humored look as they stroll around the dock.
“I thought psychopaths couldn’t form bonds.”
“You know I didn’t mean it.”
Their eyes dart all over the place, looking for any oncoming bounty hunters. 
“How’d you get my photo anyways?” 
“Heavy analysis of CCTV footage, a few phone calls, and a lot of digging. The photo was shit quality, but it was enough for me to go off of.”
“Was it enough to catch me?”
“I guess so. Then Zemo blew up the UN so we tabled the case.”
“Interesting. Maybe that UN bombing was a blessing in disguise. Saved me a life sentence in a high-security prison.”
They turned a corner.
“You wouldn’t have gone to jail. MI6 would’ve given you a job instead.” 
“Hmph. I’d rather die than be a servant.”
From the corner of her eye, Angel spots a passing black shadow. 
“Guys,” she presses a finger onto her earpiece. “Someone’s here.” 
A gunshot rings out from the container and the hairs on the back of her neck stand. Sharon gives her a knowing look and they turn the safety off of their guns. 
“Here.” Angel whispers, handing Sharon a knife. “It’ll come in handy.” 
Three bounty hunters transverse on them and they open fire, taking them down one by one. 
“We don’t have much time, hurry up!” Sharon yells into the earpiece. 
A bounty hunter wraps their arms around Angel and she grabs a knife, jamming it into their arm. 
Adrenaline floods her system, dialing her senses up to ten. A swift roundhouse kick sends another hunter tumbling to the ground. 
From behind her, she hears Sam and Bucky yelling and she runs towards them. 
“It’s in every action movie!” She hears Sam yell.
If her life wasn’t on the line, she would’ve laughed. 
“You okay?” She pants.
“No! We’re not!” Sam yells. “Zemo shot Nagel!”
“What? Where is he?”
Her question was answered when a container set fire and exploded. She spots Zemo standing atop another, donning a purple mask. Before she can point him out, he sprints away. 
“Come on, let’s get out of here.” 
Gunshots ring from her right and Bucky wraps a protective arm around her. In her peripheral she sees a bounty hunter riding towards her on a motorcycle, guns blazing. She quickly wriggles out of Bucky’s grasp and sends a knife into the tire, throwing the hunter off of the vehicle and into the fire. 
“Good aim.” He says, mouth agape in surprise.
“You just threw that dude into a fire!” Sam exclaims.
“Yeah, well, he was going to kill us.” 
 They continue to run through the maze of crates, turning corner after corner, dodging bullet after bullet.
As much as he hates to admit it, the sight of Angel in action, when her violence wasn’t directed towards him, sends a rush through his system. 
Zemo speeds towards them in a convertible, signaling them to get in. Sam jumps in the passenger seat while Bucky and Angel sit in the back. 
Her pupils are blown wide and Bucky swears he can feel the electricity radiating off of her. Without stopping to calm down, he grabs her face in his hand and presses a passionate kiss on her lips.
His heart skips a beat when she kisses him back, and in the corner of his eye, he spots Sharon giving either him or Angel, a thumbs up.
… 
Bucky makes it a habit to call her Angel all the time. He likes the way it slips off his tongue. He likes the way her eyes seem to glimmer when he calls her that. It’s as if the more he calls her Angel, she seems to glow more and more. 
He calls her Angel when they board the jet on the way to Latvia.
He calls her Angel when she sits down to change the gauze on her thigh.
He calls her Angel when they get to the Riga safe house. 
The more time he spends with her, the more he notices the little things about her. He notices how her tongue sticks out a little when she does her eye makeup.
He notices how her head would bop along to music in her earbuds
He notices how she’ll curl up on the couch, tucking her knees close to her body, while she sketches.
He notices how she’ll mutter curses in different languages. Mandarin, French, Russian, Spanish just to name a few. 
He notices how she took off her jewelry when she showers with the exception of a gold chain. A gold chain with a dangling pendant. A pendant of a little angel.
He notices how she uses apple cinnamon body wash. It made her smell warm. It made her smell like home. 
She gets along with Sam. Even Zemo. 
She talks about philosophy with Zemo and when she converses with Sam, they talk about music.
She’s a force to be reckoned with. Fiery. Just like Selby had said. A firebird. 
And despite her cool, hardened front, there was a gentleness to her.
The jet had touched down in Latvia late and night and they collectively decided to get a good night’s rest before finding Karli. 
He had woken up from a nightmare. Reliving the memory of killing Yori’s son. 
He didn’t know what compelled him to do it, but he padded over to Angel, reading Anna Karenina. Glasses perched on her nose, hair loose and resting past her shoulders. 
She looks up at him.
“Nightmare?”
Bucky nods, tears pricking are his eyes.
She places the book on the floor and stretches out on the couch.
“Come here.” She whispers arms open wider
She let him lay his head on her chest, nose pressed against her sternum. With gentle hands, she runs her fingers through his hair, slowing his rapid heartbeat. 
The serum had made his hearing sharper and from his position between her breasts, he could hear the soft thumping of her heart. It calmed him. 
“Can you sing to me?” He mumbles.
The hand playing with his hair stops.
“Sing to you?” She asks.
“Mhm.”
“I-“ she pauses “I don’t really-“
“Please.” He begs. 
She’s quiet, just calmly stroking his hair, then she sighs.
“What do you want me to sing?”
“Anything. Just… please, I want you to sing for me.”
She ponders for a moment before she parts her lips, voice shaky and quiet. 
When I was a child, I heard voices
Some would sing and some would scream
You soon find you have few choices
I learned the voices died with me
He closes his eyes and noses at her sternum. 
When I was a child, I'd sit for hours
Staring into open flame
Something in it had a power
Could barely tear my eyes away
The song is unfamiliar. He didn’t listen to music all that much anymore. And even when he listens to music, it was mostly from the 40s.
All you have is your fire
And the place you need to reach 
Don't you ever tame your demons
But always keep 'em on a leash
Her voice, still soft and quiet, is haunting. The way it wraps around the lyrics, warms his heart. He breathes in the smell of her apple cinnamon body wash. 
When I was 16, my senses fooled me
Thought gasoline was on my clothes
I knew that something would always rule me
I knew the scent was mine alone
He loves the way he can feel her chest move up and down. The way her voice sounds so rich with his ear pressed against her chest, the music echoing within her ribs.
All you have is your fire
And the place you need to reach
Don't you ever tame your demons 
But always keep 'em on a leash
He reaches his hand to play with the angel pendant on her necklace. Finger running over the grooves. 
When I was a man I thought it ended
When I knew love's perfect ache
But my peace has always depended
On all the ashes in my wake
As he drifts off to sleep, he can hear the last lines of the song lingering on her lips. The images from war. The torture he endured, the people he’s killed, the amends he has yet to make, all temporarily fade from his mind. 
All you have is your fire
And the place you need to reach
Don't you ever tame your demons
But always keep 'em on a leash
And for the first time since Steve left, Bucky was able to sleep without disturbance.
… 
“You have a lovely voice.” 
Angel was pulled from her sleep when she hears Zemo’s voice. 
She glares at him and places a finger on her lips, shushing him. Bucky was still lying on top of her, still asleep and she didn’t want to wake him. 
“My apologies.” He smiles. 
“Were you watching us last night?” She interrogates quietly. 
“No, but I do have a keen sense of hearing. I heard you singing to James.” 
She turns her head to meet his eyes. 
“He had a nightmare. It was the least I could do for him.” 
“Understandable.” He nods. “My son used to have nightmares and my wife’s voice was the only thing that could put him to sleep.” 
“I’m sorry.” She mumbles sympathetically. “About your family, I mean. I know you lost them a while ago.” 
Her hand combs through Bucky’s hair. 
“I understand how vengeance and anger overtook you. You needed your revenge. But don’t hurt him.”
“Hurt who? James?”
“Yes.” Her voice darkens. “If you lay a finger on him, I won’t hesitate to bury you.”
Zemo sighs. 
“I have no intention of harming him. I see the way you look at him. It’s the same look I used to give my wife. You care for him dearly and given your line of work, I know you’d do anything to avenge the people who harm the ones you love.” He walks towards her and offers her a cookie. Angel takes it with a wary hand. 
“You’ve got anything else you want to say?”
“I do have a question about that song. I knew that something would always rule me.” He quotes. “Was that about yourself, or James?” 
She narrows her eyes. 
“It was just a song.” 
“Yet it implies that something will always have power, control, over the songwriter.” He tilts his head. 
“What are you implying, Baron?”
“It’s not an implication. It’s an observation. You two share a common trait. For James, it’s his past. His time as the Winter Soldier looms over him. As for you, you seem to have this, how do I say it, a compulsion to kill. It will always stick to you.”
“Baron, I suggest you pick your next words very carefully.” 
Bucky stirs and she lifts her hand from his head.
“Mmm. Good morning.” He mumbles, voice rough and heavy. 
“Good morning to you too sleepyhead.” She coos, rubbing his cheek with her thumb. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mhm.” He hums.
She gives Zemo a look that says ‘get out.’
Zemo gives her a smirk and walks away, leaving the two of them alone.
Bucky opens his eyes and Angel can feel her heart melt. He balances himself on his arm to press a kiss to her nose.
“You look cute with bed head.” He chuckles. “So pretty. I could just eat you up.” 
“You look quite pretty when you sleep.” She giggles and rubs her nose against his. 
He places his head back on her chest and they lie there for a while, listening to the sounds of the city. 
Finally, she sighs. 
“Alright, Bucky, I’m gonna go take a shower.”
He whines and wraps his arms around her.
“No, stay.”
“Bucky,” she says sternly, “I have to wash my hair, let go.”
With a huff, he sits up and lets her get off of the couch. As she stands she turns around spotting Bucky, arms crossed and a pout on his face. 
“I never said you couldn’t join.” 
Bucky jumps up and runs to her. He places his hands on her waist and turns her around, pressing a kiss to her lips. She links her fingers with his and he follows behind her towards the bathroom. 
While they wait for the water to heat up, she reaches into her bag to pull out bottles of product. 
He spots the shimmering bottle of apple cinnamon body wash and smiles. 
“Apple cinnamon body wash.” He notes.
“Mhm. It's inexpensive but it smells nice.”
“It does.” 
She places her hand under the stream of water and gets a feel for the temperature. The water is hot, just how she likes it. Her hands pull the t-shirt over her head and then her cotton underwear. 
Bucky waits for her to step into the shower before he strips down and joins her. 
A content smile crosses her face when the hot water hits her body but her peace is broken when she hears Bucky yelp. 
“Why is the water so hot?” 
“I like it hot.” She turns to face him and playfully pokes at his navel. “It’s relaxing.”
“You’re going to boil me alive.” He grumbles. 
“If you don’t like the hot water,” She bluntly states, “then get out.” 
She shampoos her hair, letting the bubbles froth around her fingers, and then she pours a bit into her hand and reaches up to massage it into Bucky’s hair. 
He runs a metal finger down her sternum, collecting a bit of the bubbles that run down her body. When his finger reaches her scar, his touch lingers. 
Seeing the guilt in his eyes, Angel places a finger underneath his chin and has him look into her eyes instead.
“Don’t.” She murmurs. “You’ll only torture yourself reminiscing on the past.” She pulls him under the stream, letting the water wash away the shampoo in their hair. 
She’s got a meticulous shower routine, one that she likes to perform herself, yet she’s okay with Bucky standing next to her. When she combs the conditioner through her hair, she does the same for Bucky, knowing it would soften his hair even more and make it smell like vanilla and pomegranate. 
She places a bit of the apple cinnamon body wash in her hands and rubs it onto his body. Her hands pay extra attention to the scar on his shoulder. 
“It’s got vitamin E in it. Helps with scars.” 
Bucky turns her around, making her face away from him.
She can’t see exactly what he’s doing, but she hums with relaxation when she feels his strong hands rub the body wash into her skin.
“You’ve got some knots in your shoulders.” He notes.
“I’m aware of that.”
“You’re stressed.”
“I am.” 
When the water washes away the body wash, the shower is filled with the scent of apple cinnamon. 
She’s surprised when she feels a kiss on the back of her shoulder but nevertheless, she enjoys it.
Bucky presses another kiss in the center of her shoulders and kisses her along the line of her back. He sinks to his knees and places a kiss onto the dimples of her back. 
“Buck, what are you doing?” She smirks, turning around. 
“I just wanna love on you.” He murmurs against her skin. “Can I?”
She blinks owlishly, then slowly nods her head. 
“Y-yeah” she breathes. 
Bucky places a kiss on her scar and runs his tongue over it, sending a fire through her. 
“Open your legs for me, doll.” 
She shyly parts her legs and Bucky smiles up at her.
He grabs her waist,  hoisting her knees over his shoulders, pressing her back against the wall. 
She lets out gaspy whines when he kisses and nips at her thighs, letting his stubble rub against the sensitive skin.
“Bucky,” she whimpers “we- we’re going to waste water.”
“Don’t worry about that, doll.” He murmurs. “Just let me make you feel good.” 
He licks a stripe up her folds, causing her to gasp. She grabs onto his hair, pulling him closer. 
“So sweet, baby. You taste so sweet.” 
She doesn’t reply. She couldn’t. Not when he was making her feel so good. 
She slaps her other hand onto the wall, trying to hold herself up. Bucky tightens his grip on her and leans in closer, continuously licking into her, making her head spin. 
She tries to say something, tell him she’s close, tell him she’s going to cum quicker than she thought, but the only sounds that leave her mouth are breathy moans. 
When he pulls away, she whines. He gives her a cocky grin. 
“Wanna cum?”
She vigorously nods her head. 
“That’s a shame.” He lets go of her legs, almost dropping her onto the tile, and wraps an arm around her waist to keep her steady. “We’ve got a big day ahead.” His tone is teasing, almost mean. “I’ll let you cum later.” 
She’s left on the edge, and she’s angry. No, not angry. Frustrated. Frustrated and desperate. 
“You’re mean.” She grumbles, shutting off the water. 
“If you give me attitude, I won’t let you cum at all.” He chuckles. 
She pushes him away and wraps a towel around her body. 
“I don’t need you to cum anyways.” She grumbles under her breath. 
As she walks away, he grabs her by the back of her neck and pulls her into his chest.
“If I were you,” He lowers his lips to her ear, “I’d behave. Now,” he releases his grip and gives her ass a smack. “Get dressed, we’ve got a lot to do today.” 
She digs through her duffel to find a simple red jumpsuit. The neckline is low enough to be teasing, but it had enough support and pockets to be practical. 
“Sounds like someone had a good morning.”
She turns around, a big grin stretching across her face when she sees Sam. 
“Sam! Good morning!” She cheers. 
“No need to good morning me when I woke up to the sound of fucking.” he grumbles, annoyance in his voice. 
She chuckles as she buttons the front of her jumpsuit. 
“So, Bucky tells me we have a lot going on today. What’s on the itinerary?”
“Hopefully, we can track down Karli and convince her to stop. At least that’s my plan.” 
“Sounds good.” 
He grabs his jacket from the chair. “I’m headed out to get something to eat. Do you want anything?” 
“I’m okay.” She smiles at him. “Thanks for asking.” 
Sam reaches the door and turns around. 
“One more thing, you’ve got a great voice.”
“Was I that loud or did no one sleep at all last night?”
Sam chuckles. 
“I think after the past few days, it’s hard for anyone to get a good night's sleep.” He looks down, fiddling with his fingers. “What you did… what you did for Bucky in Madripoor, when we were undercover…”
“What did I do?” She asks curiously. 
“When Zemo had him go all Winter Soldier, you fought alongside him, you got to that first guy before Bucky did.”
Angel is quiet. She says nothing, looking down at her hands and picking at her cuticles. 
“He might not say this to your face, but I’ve been around him long enough to know that he’s thankful. And so am I.”
She doesn’t know what to say. What would she even say?
“I can see now why he likes calling you Angel.” 
With that, the door closes. 
She walks over to the kitchen, looking through the cabinets. The shelves were fairly empty, mostly just tins of cookies and candy, and a box of cherry blossom tea. She huffs in frustration when her fingers brush over the tin of candy, barely moving it. 
“Need some help, doll?” 
Bucky grabs the tin and places it on the counter.
Her frustration is reignited at the sight of him in a tight, black t-shirt. She wants him to bend her over, fuck her until she sobs.
But she knows he won’t give her that.
Before she can grab it, Bucky holds it above his head. 
“You’re evil.” She mutters. “Come on, give me it.”
“Nope!” He smirks. 
“Go fu-“
She yelps when Bucky loops his thumb through the belt loop of her jumpsuit and pulls her close to him. 
“Remember what I told you? Watch your language.” 
“Give me the candy or you’re not getting head for a week.”
Bucky’s eyes widen and he hands her the box. 
“Thank you.” 
She presses a kiss to his nose and walks away with the box. 
She knows what Bucky’s doing. He’s riling her up, teasing her. 
But two can play that game. 
She sits up on the counter and opens the tin. 
Turkish Delight. Candy she used to eat as a child. 
He’s staring at her. She can feel it. Her fingers pluck a candy from the box and hold it up. 
“Want one?”
Bucky walks over to her and wedges himself between her thighs. 
“Sure.” 
She unwraps the candy and places a finger on his chin, beckoning him to open his mouth.
Her fingers place the treat on his tongue.
“Sweet, isn’t it?”
He kisses her and she can taste the sugar on his lips. 
“Almost as sweet as you.”
She grabs another and hops off of the counter, humored by Bucky’s frustrated look. 
“Sam probably wants everyone ready by the time he gets back. So, I don’t know.” She eyes him up and down, ready to drool at the sight of his arms. “Get dressed.”
“Oh doll, I’m already dressed.” He chuckles. 
“Good. Then help me out.” Her fingers deftly unbutton the top of her jumpsuit, exposing her black sports bra. She reaches for her harness and shoves it in Bucky’s hands. “Buckle me in.”
… 
Sex was the last thing on her mind when she’s face to face with the new Captain America. 
“Karli Morganthau is too dangerous for you to be pulling this shit.” He yells. 
Angel rolls her eyes at the sight of John Walker. 
“How’d you find us now?” Bucky replies, voice full of annoyance.
“You think two Avengers can walk around Latvia without drawing attention?” 
Angel’s seen his face in the news. Lemar, the better of America’s new dynamic duo. 
“No more keeping us in the dark, and you can tell us why you broke him” John points to Zemo “out of prison.”
“He did that himself, technically.” Bucky answers. 
“That is an unbelievable explanation! And who the hell are you?” He points to Angel. 
“I’m a friend.” She grumbles, eyes narrowed. 
“You have no business being here. And whatever you’re wearing, all you’re going to do is draw attention.”
“And your little Mr. America getup isn’t?”
“Why don’t you go back to working in European intelligence or whatever it is you do.”
“You better watch your mouth, Mr. Walker.” She snarls. “Is that really how you speak to a lady?” 
“I know where Karli is.” Zemo interrupts their feud.
“Well, where?” 
“All we know is,” Sam answers, “It’s a memorial. We’ll intercept her there.” 
“That means civilians, high risk of casualties.” Lemar states.
“Alright good.” John schemes. “We’ll move in fast, take her by surprise.” 
“Not a good idea, John.” Angel retorts. He halts in his steps and turns to her.
“You have no clue what you’re getting yourself into. This is an American situation.” 
She leans in until she’s staring into his eyes. Rage broils inside of her. 
“Let me tell you something John, I don’t care about your medals of honor. I don’t care that you’re wearing that red and blue suit. So I’ll tell you this once, and only once. If you dare speak to me like this again, I won’t hesitate to-“ 
Bucky pulls her back, giving her a stern look. 
“Hey,” he rubs her shoulder, trying to settle her anger. “He’s not worth it.”
“Oh, so she’s your little girlfriend huh?” 
Angel presses the tip of her knife against his chin and backs him into a wall.
“You stay out of Bucky’s business.” She seethes. 
“Hey, hey, hey!”
This time, both Sam and Bucky had to pull her away, but she keeps her murderous glare trained on him.
“Jesus Christ, Barnes. Keep your little psycho under control.” John spits. 
“Hey, don’t speak to her like that,” Sam demands. “Just because you don’t know her doesn’t give you an excuse to be rude.” 
“Either you show her some respect,” Bucky says “or all of the help we have to offer is off of the table.” 
Sam nods in agreement and eventually so does Zemo, who adds a small shrug. 
“I wasn't actually going to kill him.” She mutters under her breath.
“We know.” Sam pulls her into a side hug. He directs his words back to John. “I want to talk to her alone.”
“I’m not losing her again.” 
“Look, the person closest to her died. She’s vulnerable. If there’s any time to reason with her, it’s now.” 
“What?” John halts in his steps. “No, wait stop. We are way past reasoning with her.” 
“Sam,” Lemar states. “If you walk in there cold, you could die.”
“But if you walk in guns blazing, you could have the blood of hundreds of civilians on your hands.” Angel folds her arms. “Besides, if things go wrong, I’m trained in mixed martial arts.”
“You think a black belt will save you from  a super-soldier?” 
Angel snorts. 
“It has before.”
Bucky looks down and stifles a laugh. 
“I used to counsel soldiers dealing with trauma, okay?” Sam argues with John. “This is in my wheelhouse.”
They’re all silent, staring daggers at each other. 
“John,” Lemar breaks the silence “If he can talk her down, it might be worth a try.” He gives Angel a kind smile. “And I think we give this girl a chance to show us what she’s got.”
“Thank you.” She smiles back. 
“I’m sure this can all come to an agreeable conclusion.” Zemo points forward. “My associate is just up ahead.” 
They watch as Zemo approaches a young girl, handing her some money. She beckons them to follow her down a cobblestone path, into a building, and through the boiler room. 
“You’ve got ten minutes,” John states while handcuffing Zemo to a pipe. “Then we’re doing things my way.”
While they wait, Angel spends her time playing with her butterfly knife, spinning the handle around her fingers.
“How do you not cut yourself doing that?” Lemar asks. 
She spins the knife closed. 
“I have before, it’s just about practice and being careful. Here, I’ll show you.” 
Bucky observes Angel showing off her knife tricks to Lemar. 
Despite the stressful situation, he still felt a pang of possessiveness. She was his Angel. He gave her that name and when she said she’d accepted it. In a way, she was his and he was hers. 
“What’s your name? I don’t think you’ve ever told me.” 
He hears Lemar ask.
Angel giggles.
“It’s Artemis. Like the goddess.”
Artemis. It’s fitting, Bucky thinks. The goddess of the hunt.
“That’s really cool. Let me guess, your parents were huge mythology fans?”
“You can say that.” She chuckles.
His eyes narrow when she smiles at Lemar. 
Their conversation continues and Bucky’s jealousy burns brighter when she places her fingers on the fabric of Lemar’s suit, giving him a comment on how she’s got an eye for fashion and how nice the fabric was. From his position by the door, he sees her turn to him and give him a wink. 
Bucky scowls. That little minx.
John crosses his arms and stares daggers into her.
“What exactly do you do, anyway?” He scoffs. “Are you some kind of spy?”
Angel raises a brow. 
“I’m not a spy. I’m just a problem solver.” 
“What’s that supposed to mean?” John shakes his head and secures the shield on his arm. “Nevermind. I’m going in.” 
“Oh, come on John, it’s only been eight minutes.” 
“No. Don’t do that. Don’t patronize me.” 
“I’m not-” Angel sighs and turns away, focusing her attention on pulling her hair back.
Bucky stops him before John can get through the doorway. 
“It must be so easy for you.” John’s voice is full of malice. “All that serum running through your veins. Barnes, your partner needs backup. Do you really want his blood on your hands?” 
Bucky can see Angel slowly shake her head, telling him not to give in to John’s words. But he can’t. He’s already done so much harm. He’s responsible for the deaths of so many people, he can’t let Sam become another. 
So, he lets John walk past him, Lemar following along. 
Angel runs up to him. 
“Bucky, why’d you do that?” 
“I can’t… I can’t risk it. I can’t risk losing him.” 
She sighs and places a gentle hand on his cheek. 
“I understand.” Her lips land a gentle kiss on his nose. “But don’t let his words get to you. Now,” She grins and lightly smacks his ass. “Go make sure he doesn’t kill anyone.” 
With one final kiss, Bucky runs off. 
She turns around to see the handcuffs dangling from the pole. Her blood runs cold. Zemo escaped and who knows what he’ll do.
She runs through the halls, boots quietly slapping on the concrete floors. From her left, she hears a series of loud gunshots and crunching glass. 
Her feet lightly tread next to the walls, ears picking up every little sound. 
She jumps, heartbeat pounding when the thump of a body falling to the ground meets her ears. 
Did Zemo kill someone? Was it Karli? Another Flag-Smasher? 
She runs through the door closest to her. From behind a table, she spots John staring at a small vial. A small vial of the serum. Before she can say anything, he runs away. 
As she quietly walks into the room, she spots Zemo, lying on the ground, unconscious. No one else was here. 
She crouches down next to him and gently shakes his shoulder. 
“Baron? Zemo? Come on, wake up.” 
He doesn’t move. 
She picks up his wrist, pressing her pointer and middle fingers on the vein. A sigh of relief passes her lips at the feeling of a pulse. 
Her hands shake his shoulder again, this time, with more vigor. 
“Zemo!” She shouts.
His eyes snap open and he groans in pain. 
“You passed out Baron.”
“I’m aware.” He grumbles. “John Walker threw the shield at me.” 
“Of course he did.”
She offers him a hand and helps him stand up. 
“Can you walk?” She asks. 
“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”
The two make their way through the city until they reach Zemo’s apartment. Sam was already there, typing away on his computer. 
Angel wets a towel in the kitchen and hands it to Zemo.
“Go, lie down. Put this over your eyes.” 
She walks down the hall towards Bucky’s room. With a tired sigh, she removes her shoes, jumpsuit, and harness.
Her eyes close as she lies on the bed in her underwear. The sports bra felt much too tight but she didn’t care. She was tired. Her morning sexual frustration had caught up to her but she didn’t feel like doing anything about it.
Even though it was only seven in the evening, she just wanted to sleep.
Right when she’s drifting off to sleep, the slam of the bedroom door jolts her awake. 
Bucky is standing in front of her, arms crossed, eyes filled with rage.
“Get off the bed.” He snarls. 
She laughs and rolls over onto her stomach. 
“No. If sex is what you want, let’s do it on the bed.”
She hears a sigh behind her and her eyes widen when she feels Bucky’s hands wrap around her ankles. 
“Buck, what are you-”
Her words come to a halt when he pulls her off of the bed and onto her knees. 
“You wanted me to fuck you?” He seethes. “Fuck you rough until you can’t speak?”
“That was the plan.” She smirks. 
He twists a hand in her hair and pulls her head back. Her breath is shallow as she looks up, meeting Bucky’s angry eyes. 
He’s mad. At the entire Karli situation, and maybe with her. But his anger towards her, she assumes, is fiery, lustful anger. Anger that she can have a lot of fun with. 
“If you had let me cum earlier,” She snaps, “ maybe I wouldn’t have been such a brat.”
She rubs her thighs together, trying to alleviate the arousal burning through her. A whine leaves her lips when he kicks her legs apart. 
He tightens his grip on her hair.
“You really need to learn some respect.”
Bucky places the toe of his boot on her back and pushes her face down onto the floor. She doesn’t resist, giving in to his dominance. 
“Aww, look at you,” he mocks, “You were so bold earlier, my Angel. Where did that fire go?”
Her heart swells. He’s no longer calling her Angel. He’s called her his Angel. She was his. 
Footsteps echo around her and she takes a shaky breath when his black boots come into view. 
“Look at me, doll. I wanna see those pretty eyes.”
His voice is commanding, authoritative. It drew her in, made her head spin.
She looks up at him with wide eyes as he bends down on a knee.
“Were you trying to rile me up? Trying to make me angry?” 
She nods.
Bucky roughly grabs her chin, cold metal digging into her cheeks.
“Use your words.”
“Y-yes Sergeant.” She squeaks.
He stares down at her, anger and lust in his eyes. 
“Open your mouth.” 
Her lips part and Bucky spits, letting his saliva pool on her tongue. 
His fingers press on her chin, closing her mouth. She swallows, heat burning in her tummy. 
“So now, you want to be a good girl, huh?” 
He picks her up by her neck and shoves her face into the soft mattress. His fingers loop around the elastic waistband of her panties and pull, the fabric digging into her cunt. 
“Yes, I’m your good girl.” She whines. “I’ll be good. Promise.” 
He leans in close, his warm breath brushing over her ear. 
“I don’t believe you.” 
He rears his metal hand against her ass, leaving a red handprint of her skin. 
A choked breath leaves her lips. She relishes in the pain and gives him a cocky smile.
“Is that all you got Sarge?” 
He lands another hard smack, this time on her thigh. A whimper escapes her lips.
“Oh, you’re really asking for it, aren’t you?” 
He shifts his hand on her neck, wrapping it around the front of her neck. She squeezes at the sides, slowing the circulation of blood to her head. 
She opens her mouth to speak, but the hand on her throat stops the words from leaving her lips. 
The clinking of his belt buckle sends a wave of lust through her. 
She was finally getting what she wanted.
His hand on her neck is released and she takes in a sharp breath.  
He pulls her panties down her legs and throws them to the side. 
She gasps at the feeling of cold metal rubbing between her folds. Her fingers dig into the sheets, grabbing at the fabric. 
“You’re practically dripping.” He muses, “Who knew you were such a masochist?” 
“Only for you.” She keens. 
“Only for me? Not for anyone else?”
“Yes! Yes! Only you!”
Bucky hums and lands another smack on her ass. She yelps and tears threaten to spill from her eyes. 
He shoves two fingers inside of her and she gasps at the cool feeling of the metal. 
She squirms around as he twists his fingers, pressing against that spot inside of her.
Hunger swarms her brain. She wanted, no, needed more. 
What he’s doing is sadistic, she thinks. Constantly bringing her to the edge, but never letting her tip over. 
He lets his thumb press against her clit and the tears she’s been trying to hold back spill over. She lets out a quiet sob into the sheets but Bucky doesn’t stop his movements. 
“I need more.” She quietly whimpers. 
“You think you have the right to beg?” He asks nonchalantly. “After that little show?” 
“I’m sorry.” She cries. 
Her eyes squeeze shut and she turns her head, letting her cheek rest on the bedsheets. When she glances up, she can see Bucky’s amused smirk. 
She feels the tip of his cock pressing against her entrance and she holds her breath. 
“Oh doll,” he coos, thumbing away her tears, “You’re so pretty when you cry.” 
A sudden thrust of his hips buries his cock inside of her. Bucky clamps his hand over her lips, muffling her desperate cries. 
“Shh, shh,” He whispers gently. “It’s okay, love. Be a good girl and take it.” 
He starts moving, his hips slowly thrusting into her. The fire inside of her burns, hotter and hotter. Her head is reeling as she feels herself come closer to her impending orgasm. Despite how rough he is with her, she feels safe. Safe with him. She feels safe enough to fall into submission, open and pliant for him. 
Her sobs against his hand become louder, more intense and he bends down to nip at her neck.
“Are you gonna cum, angel? Cum all over my cock?” 
She nods, eyes squeezed shut. 
“Do you think you deserve it?” He asks.
“No,” she mumbles against his hand. “But I want to.”
He brushes his fingers down the length of her back and she shivers. 
“You wanna cum, doll? Ask nicely.” 
He releases his hand and grabs her hip, pulling her deeper onto his cock. 
“Please.” She gasps. “Please, let me cum!” 
“You have to do better than that.”
“Please, I’ll be so good for you! I’ll never flirt with anyone again! Just please! Please, I wanna cum.” 
He picks up his pace, and she finds it harder to stave off her orgasm. 
“So polite.” He hums, “But not yet.”
She lets out a pathetic sob.
“Please.” She whimpers. 
“Be patient. You’ll get to cum soon.” 
Her breaths are shallow as she tries to keep herself from cumming. She bites down on her lower lip but the pain does little to help.
Relief washes over her when Bucky speaks again.
“You’ve been such a good girl for me. Come on angel, cum for me.” 
Her teeth bite down on the sheets as she’s hurtles over the edge, her orgasm sending shockwaves through her body. 
As her chest heaves and her mind becomes foggy, she can barely feel Bucky pull out and releases him cum on her back. 
She lies there, upper half sprawled over the mattress, a dopey smile on her face. A hum of pleasure slips past her lips when Bucky wipes his cum away with a warm washcloth. 
“You okay, doll?” He asks. 
She nods her head. 
The bed shifts as he sits on the bed and pulls her towards him. 
“Come on,” He lies down and pulls her close to him. He noses at the back of her shoulder. “Get some rest.” 
The sun was about to set, bathing their bodies in a golden glow. He runs his metal fingers over her bicep, cooling down her heated skin. 
She’s tired, so tired. Yet she’s happy. The first time in a long time that she’s actually felt happy. 
“Bucky?” She asks in a fucked out daze.
“Yes my angel?” 
A moment of silence passes. 
“You’re the only one who’s made me feel human.”
...
Once again, tysm @sojournmichael for reading over my little snippets of writing!
84 notes · View notes
blrush · 4 years ago
Text
Rec List Request
A personalised list for @jammy-boy 🥰 could be of interest to others, so enjoy!
Basic requirements: - just finished and loved SOTUS - is Arthur/Merlin trash - loves a twist or reversal of classic “power-dynamic” - loves angst with happy ending ______________________________
Tumblr media
Theory of Love
Film student Third (Gun) has been secretly in love with his best friend Khai (Off) for three years, but Khai is straight, a massive player, and a total arsehole if we’re being honest. This starts painful, but then they start playing around with tropes and expectations and then it changes POV which just HITS so hard and completely changes your whole perception. You know the movie Flipped? It references that, and then does the flip - so good.
Knowing the level of pining, pain and angst that you love (plus your background in film studies) I feel like this is required viewing. Get out the tissues. But also, it’s still really funny and cute/dumb (cause gmmtv) and the production was excellent. Also, Off/Gun are PEAK natural chemistry and Gun is such an incredible actor that watching him cry or yell at someone is still preferable to other actors being happy.
Watch on YouTube HERE
Tumblr media
He’s Coming To Me
Precious baby boi Singto plays Med, a ghost, who is is stuck in limbo for 20 years - until he meets a boy who can see him, Thun (my baby boi Ohm) who promises to help him figure out his unfinished business and cross over. And then they were roommates! And then they start falling in love and it’s ANGSTY because they know Med will have to leave one day. Ouch, my heart.
You will enjoy the mixture of domestic fluff and tragic angst in this. But don’t worry it has a happy ending (kind of, I think, from memory haha). Also, you will enjoy the fact that they can’t touch (cause, ghost) which is *chefs kiss* except for moments of heightened emotions when Thun’s powers become strong enough that he can touch Med (FUCK YES, THIS TROPE IS EVERYTHING)
After much whining from fans, they put it up on Youtube haha so watch HERE. 
Tumblr media
Until We Meet Again
ANNGST. RE.IN.CAR.NA.TION. ANGST. What else do you need to know?!?! Reincarnated soulmates trope?!!? HELLO!?!?  It’s so beautiful. I’m still not over it. And yes it has a happy ending, it starts super sad, then ends up super fluffy and the romantic fluffy moments oh god it’s so romantic. I know you love like soft domestic food sharing etc - this show is ALL about the cooking.
The casting, the characterisation, the acting, the story, the music, even the friendship group and the side-couple, it’s perfection *chefs kiss* PERFECTION
Watch on youtube HERE
Tumblr media
A Tale of A Thousand Stars
After the lovely volunteer teacher Torfun dies (RIP poor torfun) in a tragic accident, her heart is transplanted into selfish pretty rich boy Tian (played by the beautiful Mix). After learning of her selfless character, he feels guilt and shame for living (the angst is very real) and makes it his mission to complete her life’s wishes and follow in her footsteps. 
As the new village volunteer teacher, he then falls in love with the very handsome and very shirtless chief Phupha (Earth), who lives to protect the trees, we stan an environmental man. Angst, fluff, complications, and many miscommunications ensue. I was tearing my hair out by the end of this show. Yes, it has a happy ending (eventually). Earth x Mix was a pairing we did not know we even wanted or needed until this show happened and now I cry every time I see a picture of them together. Every single time Phupha looks at Tian in this show I literally tear up. HE LOVES HIM SO MUUUUUCHHH *crying again*
Watch on youtube HERE
Tumblr media
I Told Sunset About You
Childhood best-friends, turned enemies (for stupid kid reasons), to lovers. This is ANGSTY but so fucking beautiful it’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t even class this as “BL” because it doesn’t have any of the standard tropes, and there’s no silly sound-effects or innuendo jokes. This is like genuine lgbt+ indie-film realness. You can honestly just watch it for the cinematography and the music. The AESTHETIC of this show is what truly makes it special. The symbolism, the colours, this show said CINEMA. And the sexual tension is absolutely WILD. You will live for the angst (with a happy ending). And no, do not bother watching season 2, it’s perfect as a stand-alone mini-series. (I’m still upset).
Watch HERE 
and now for some stand-out non-Thai series...
Tumblr media
Where Your Eyes Linger
Korea has gotten on the BL train, and has now made a whole bunch of viki mini-series that are all cute but this one is right up your alley. This is VERY merthur. It’s literally servant/master, bodyguard/prince trope. But, I thought the characterisation was nicely thought out and wasn’t what I was expecting. The tension is palpable, the angst is juicy, and the soft kdrama vibes are cheesy and wonderful. Angst with a happy ending (of course).
Watch on VIKI
Tumblr media
HIStory 3: Trapped
So the Taiwanese HIStory series has been around forever, and I love the whole series (History 2: Crossing The Line is my all time fav). But for youuuu, I think the most appropriate is Trapped. Police detective single-mindedly obsessed with a gang leader? Yes please. But whatever power-dynamic expectations you would have of a police/criminal couple are twisted and warped immediately! This series is so endearing, it’s mostly comedy/action, and whilst it has plenty of angst, mostly it’s just CUTE as fuck. Also the side couple are adorable too!
The whole History series is on Viki now yay!
Tumblr media
The Untamed
Look, I KNOW 50 episodes of plot-heavy chinese historical fantasy is a lot. But there’s a reason this show was soooo popular. It only took me like 3 attempts and a whole ass “guide” pdf to figure out what the fuck was happening in the first ep cause its non-linear. But, if you are in the right mood (ie; sick, or in lockdown) and need something to get completely LOST in for like a week, then watch this haha. I know you couldn’t make it through Guardian, but maybe this one will hit the spot.
This has all the angsty character tropes you live for. And cause it’s censored, there’s no actual romance, so instead it’s just the best kind of UST, character driven, emotional soulmate angst. To summarise: Wei Wuxian is; adopted, a trouble-maker, impetuous, head-strong, fun-loving, has a martyr complex and wants to save everyone. Meanwhile, Lan Zhan is; lawful good to a fault, stoic, shy, and has a martyr complex about saving Wei Wuxian and Wei Wuxian ONLY. Now throw them into the middle of supernatural / political turmoil and see what happens. Well I’ll tell you what happens, Wei Wuxian becomes the “villain”, gets killed, and Lan Zhan spends 16 years looking for him. FUCKING KILL ME OKAY. (No, that’s not a spoiler it happens in the first episode haha)
Do NOT watch on Netflix the subs are trash. Watch on Youtube or Viki
 ~ ~ ~
This list may seem long but I was VERY reserved in my selection okay you have no idea how tiny this tip of the iceberg is 😂
Also, knowing your love of no-touching, tension, and angst. I would also briefly draw your attention so School 2013 in my bromance list which is the single most angsty show about friendship ever made.
Enjoy!
59 notes · View notes
pucksnsticksnhockeyboys · 4 years ago
Text
there for you
summary: your best friend Bowen can’t help but draw some connections between you and your favorite show. 
word count: 2k
warnings: heavy spoilers for New Girl. like, its basically the premise of the fic
note from the writer: here’s a link to a tweet with the scene im talking about in this fic, its from the episode “Oregon” (season 4 ep 16). shoutout to @bqstqnbruin​ for finding it for me
Tumblr media
Bowen had long since stopped asking to come over before showing up on your doorstep. Usually, he’d send a ‘are you home?’ text to make sure you were around, before heading to your apartment for whatever reason he had in mind.
The latest text had come in twenty minutes ago, so you knew he was going to show up soon.
Like clockwork, you heard a knock on your front door and Bowen greeting your roommates before your bedroom door opened. He was grinning, wide as ever, and you opened your arms for a hug from your position laying in bed, under the covers and in the middle of a New Girl marathon.
“Scoot over.” Bowen grins, barely giving you enough time to react before dropping on top of you, arms wrapped around your middle and his head nuzzled into the crook of your neck. You paused the show, not wanting to miss anything despite being on your third rewatch.
You wondered if he could feel how fast your heart was beating. If he knew just how much his touch affected you, how many feelings you were harboring from him.
“What’s up?” You asked, pushing away any thoughts about your massive crush on your best friend as you tried to get to the bottom of why he showed up out of the blue. It wasn’t the first time he had done so, but he always had a reason.
“I wanted to see you. Practice was rough.” He mumbled in the crook of your neck. Your heart skipped a beat at his words, how they fell past his lips so easily. Those words made you think that maybe your feelings weren’t so one sided, that there was a chance for you to be even happier than you already were with your best friend.
“You’re going to make me blush.” You teased, downplaying the fact that he really did manage to fluster you. Bowen snorted, squeezing you tightly once more instead of responding to your comment. An easy moment of silence passed, one that wasn’t stifling or awkward and it reminded you once more just how much you enjoyed being around Bowen. Subconsciously, one of your hands threaded through his hair. “I like it when your hair is longer like this.”
Your words were punctuated by a tug on his roots and though he didn’t say anything, he hummed contentedly. You worried that maybe he’d be able to hear the hammering of your heart or he’d know that the smile on your face wasn’t because of your platonic love for him. You feared that he would know—know how much you loved him and know that you had been hiding your feelings for so long. But you couldn’t let yourself think too much about that, you couldn’t let yourself overthink and ruin one of your closest friendships, so you tactfully changed the subject.
“Are we napping or watching my show?” You asked, though you had a pretty good idea what his answer would be.
“Nap, please.” He mumbled, and you could never deny him, especially when he was acting so sleepy and adorable, so you agreed easily. You both shifted your positions slightly, you trying to find the comfiest spot and him climbing under the covers with you, but eventually you both melted into your mattress, Bowen’s head still buried in the crook of your neck.
Bowen tried to stay awake a little longer; to tell you about his morning and the practice he had just come from that had drained his energy completely. But before long, his words were slurring together and when he stopped mid sentence, you knew he had fallen asleep with his arms wrapped around you and your fingers carding through his hair.
You tried to stay up too, to relish in the feeling of being in his arms. But you knew that pretending like it meant something more than it did was only going to break your heart more, so soon after he dozed off you closed your eyes and followed suit.
You were the first one to wake up, a combinatin of Bowen’s weight on you becoming slightly uncomfortable and the need to use the bathroom, so you did your best to climb out from underneath him without waking him. You thought you had made it out clear, but the moment your feet hit the floor Bowen was stirring from behind you.
“Where are you going?” He mumbled, causing you to halt your movements. It was far from the first time you had heard his gravelly voice just after he woke up, but it never failed to make your heart race. You swore you could listen to him talk forever, which was a good thing, since he never seemed to be able to stop talking.  
“Bathroom. I’ll be right back.” You told him, finally standing to your feet. When you turned back around, Bowen was already watching you with tired eyes that made your heart clench. God, you were so gone for him.
You slipped out of the room without saying anything more, not trusting yourself to not blurt out just exactly how his smile made you feel. When you returned, he was sitting up against your headboard, your laptop open on his lap as he queued up the episode you had been watching before he arrived.
“New Girl again?” Bowen teased when he spotted you enter the room. You playfully rolled your eyes at him, climbing back into your spot beside him on the bed. You mirrored his position, though you dropped your head against his shoulder.
“It’s a good show. Plus, Jess and Nick’s relationship is my favorite.” You told him decidedly, like you had a dozen times before. The relationship between Jess and Nick truly was somehting you strived for—friends that were always in love with each other, no matter the problems that arised and even when they were broken up they did their best to keep the other happy.
“Fair enough.” He chuckled, shifting slightly so that his arm was around you and he could hold you closer to his side. “What episode are we on?”
“Oregon.” You started, knowing you’d have to catch him up on more than just the episode name. “Jess, Cece, and the guys go to Portland because Jess’ dad is getting married. Jess’ boyfriend, Ryan, was supposed to show up but since he lives in England he said it wouldn’t make sense for him to be there. So, Nick’s trying to make Jess feel better because he secretly loves her and I just need them to get back together.”
“Don’t they end up together though?” Bowen asks, trying to recall as much about the show as he could. It might not have been one of his personal favorites, but he knew you loved it, so that was enough for him to try and follow along.
“Yeah, but they aren’t right now.” You confirm. Before Bowen could ask anymore questions, you pressed play on your laptop and continued where you left off. Jess and the group had just arrived at her childhood home, only to find her mom ready to greet Ryan, who wasn’t there. The scene played on, with Nick telling Jess the hard truth that Ryan bailing wasn’t okay.
You could feel Bowen’s eyes on you as the scene changed to Nick comforting Jess in her room. Giggling at the Jordan Catalano joke, you tried your best to focus on the screen and not the piercing blue eyed gaze that seemed to be studying your face. And, like you always did when you got to this scene, you bit your lip to supress a grin as Nick delivered his next line.
“The only thing that matters is that the guy is there for you when you need him. Otherwise, you’re dating a wall.”
“Are you even paying attention, Bow? That’s like, my favorite line. What I wouldn’t give to have someone love me the way Nick loves Jess.” You sighed, settling further against Bowen as the episode continued on. He didn’t say anything in response, other than a quiet hum, but for the rest of the episode you could practically hear the gears turning inside his head as he turned his attention to the screen.
Netflix automatically continued on to the next episode, but as soon as the intro started Bowen’s hand shot out and paused the show. You looked at him curiously; the two of you usually got through at least a couple of episodes whenever you hung out like you were then.
“You know…” Bowen started, trailing off before he finished his thought. He wasn’t meeting your gaze, and it was clear that what he wanted to say was on the tip of his tongue so you stayed silent while he found his words. “I’m always there for you.”
You felt your heart stop beating and skip three beats all at once. You weren’t sure where he was going with his train of thought, but if you had to guess you would be getting your hopes up. Because there was absolutely no way that he felt the same for you that Nick does for Jess.
“Yeah, you are…” You breathed, trying to get him to meet your gaze but instead he stayed focused on your comforter pulled over both of your laps. The hand that wasn’t around your shoulders was toying with the fabric, and in a bid to calm him down enough to get him to say what he needed you slipped your hand into his. Bowen drew in a steadying breath and finally met your gaze, a dozen and one emotions swirling behind his eyes.
“I love you, you know.” He said firmly, like there was no question about it in the slightest and not the very words you had been dying to hear from him for years. You nodded, unable to form words but not wanting to leave him hanging.
You supposed you did know that he loved you. He showed it in his blatant affection and the frequent texts about how his life was going. He cared for you, there was no doubt about it, but you had never let yourself believe that he meant anything more than friendship. And now he was offereing everything you’d ever wanted on a silver platter.
“Bowen,” You started, but you couldn’t find the words to tell him just how much you loved him back. Instead, you moved the hand that wasn’t wrapped up in his to rest on Bowen’s jaw, turning his head just slightly so that you could press your lips to yours in a long awaited kiss that stole your breath.
Kissing Bowen felt so much better than what you imagined. The angle was a little odd and your neck was craned to face him, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world. You’d share a thousand more awkwardly positioned kisses if it meant you got to be with Bowen.
You were the first to pull away, but you didn’t move far, wide grins on both of your faces as you took in the events of the past few moments. Your friendship was definitely changed, and in place was a relationship that you had been hoping for.
“I love you, too.” You finally mumbled. You wanted to tell him how you had loved him from the moment you met, how he made you fall in love with him with each and every day, but for the moment all that mattered was he knew you loved him just the same as he loved you.
“I hope, or else this is going to be awkward.” He mumbled playfully, leaning in again to close the distance between the two of you. You couldn’t help but chuckle against him, your hand slipping from his jaw to curve around the back of his neck in order to deepen the kiss.
Bowen was the Nick to your Jess, and not a day went by that you weren’t greatful for him.
242 notes · View notes
yukipri · 3 years ago
Text
Bad Batch end of season thoughts/ramble, bc it's been a week and I just wanna get it all off my chest...
(end of season spoilers and very disorganized rambling)
First off, I do want to say that I enjoyed watching the show. It fulfilled its primary purpose: entertainment. It was nice having something to look forward to every week, and even though it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was fun. The animation was gorgeous, I liked all the references and tie ins. I will likely watch it again, and will watch season 2. This is by no means meant to be a hate post.
That being said, it is critical so please just skip if you're not into that!
The thing is...it takes very, Very little for me to love a clone. He doesn't need lines, or a face, or even a name, and the default is that I will love him. He can even be a little bastard, like Slick, and it's fine. I always want to know more about them, and wish they had more screen time and time in general to develop their characters. So given that we were getting 16 (20 eps total if we count TCW S7 pilot arc) centered around these guys, I was expecting to absolutely adore them by the end.
And I wanted to love the Bad Batch, I wanted to love them so damn much, and I tried. But I think one of the reasons why they never fully clicked for me was that their thing seems to be "we're unique, we never fit in, we're outsiders in our own home, among the people who are supposed to be our own family, and so we've found our home with each other."
Which! That's usually a wonderful message, and not a particularly rare or unique one either for stories! I usually dig these kinds of stories!
The problem here is the extremely unique situation of the clones. They are literally created to be identical, brain washed to be uniform. They must conform, or are killed off by their creators, and their conformity isn't a choice in the slightest, but one of fear and necessity.
Their uniformity is something that they are also entirely aware of--it's unavoidable, they're clones. Once out in the real galaxy, they all strive to find and establish unique identities for themselves, struggling against a galaxy that just wants them to be faceless products. It's a shared struggle, and all they have are each other, and their brotherhood is sacred as a result. Shunning unique identity is the opposite of who a clone is--it's what they all want.
So on one hand, it's understandable that the Batch stuck out (when all others who would have also stuck out were culled, when individuality isn't allowed). It's understandable that they would have yearned for the brotherhood shared by the other clones, and when they couldn't have it, they stuck closer to each other. It's even understandable that they would feel bitter, having experienced bullying at the hands of the other clones (but isn't it also understandable that the other clones would feel bitter that the Batch gets special treatment, when their own brothers with less-than-beneficial mutations were taken by the Kaminoans to never return?).
And so we have this batch of clones, who the Kaminoans call "mutated," but also specify that their mutations are "desirable" (implying what happens to mutations that are undesirable...). They have their own unique unit, in which they're able to improvise and act freely with seemingly little to no oversight, so long as they complete their mission. No Jedi to obey, no nat-born officers who look down on them. In fact, they look so different from standard clone troopers that most of the galaxy probably don't even know they are clones. They have their own ship (personalized), they have their own possessions (which we don't really see any other clones have), they have their own barracks (probably also very unique), and they even have access to superior weapons and armor (most of the Batch, minus Echo, seem to be wearing modified Katarn-class armor which is supposed to be for Commandos. we KNOW it holds up better than standard trooper armor).
So I'm sure they had some unpleasant experiences growing up, and I do get it. But at least at "present" end of clone wars, they honestly seem to be living infinitely better than all other clones? They still need to follow orders but they have more freedom, and perhaps most importantly, they have clear uniqueness that is denied almost all other clones. And yes, some of the clones on Kamino bully them, but we've seen NONE of the "regular" clones that we know to be particularly nasty to them, and in fact it's Crosshair who starts it by calling them "Regs."
And how does the Batch respond to this situation? By acting superior. It's Crosshair who says and it believes this firmly, and I do feel that the others are likely mostly influenced by this, but it's also true that Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech don't really deny this either. They don't like the "regs," they do act like they're "better." Poor Echo, who they repeatedly seem to forget is in the room, and who they call "machine" and such...yikes yo
So I guess the point is, I just really struggled to feel sympathetic towards them, and was already on a kinda eh about their premise. They're marketed as "the special clone squad"--and yet they're not nice to the clones I love. I thought that wasn't great, but also hoped that the series would work towards them understanding the other clones better, and I love character development so that woulda been fine--but, nothing. A glance from Hunter at Howzer. Extended camaraderie from Gregor, who I feel they mostly just tolerate for the mission, other than Echo who genuinely cares.
And on top of feeling not feeling particularly sympathetic towards what I saw as a pretty privileged group of clones, the Batch seems to place primary blame of their woes on the "regs" themselves, who again, honestly seem far worse off! There isn't blame directed at the people who demanded the conformity from the other clones in the first place, that made it so the Batch couldn't fit in. The Batch was modified due to the Kaminoans (and implied specifically Nala Se). She's the reason why they don't fit in. And the Kaminoans are also why the other clones have to be so uniform, why they must fight to be people and not products.
Bitterness and pettiness can be fine in characters. But it's frustrating to see in a group supposed to be competent and elite, especially when those feelings have consequences. Sure, it sucks when someone throws a food tray at you. You can throw food back. It's not an equal reaction to feel no remorse when you shoot that guy dead in a blaster fight, when for all other clones, having to kill another clone is one of the most horrible, tragic things that one can do (thanks, Umbara).
Fives was the only clone to actually point a blaster at Nala Se.
We know Omega has deeply personal history with Nala Se. She was Nala Se's personal medical assistant. We see her cry when she takes off her head ornament that matches Nala Se. We know that being back in the lab gives Omega complicated, and probably not entirely positive feelings. But we barely learn more about this relationship, other than these glimpses.
And I get the feeling that to Omega at least, Nala Se wasn't all terrible. If Omega grew up with mostly only Nala Se for company, she had to have gotten her sheltered outlook on life, and her willingness to help others from somewhere. Nala Se intentionally let Omega go, to be "safe."
I think Omega's adorable, and I do like her. But I wasn't able to fully love her to the extent I wanted to, because there was always the fear that she was involved in the creation and implantation of the chips. She knows about them, she would have been positioned to do so. I want to think she would never, and I was hoping the show would reassure us of that, but it never did. We don't actually know how Omega feels about Nala Se, or even the chips and their presence in other clones. Instead, all we know is that Omega doesn't like "regs."
And again, "they call me lab scrubber," and "I helped put (or am complicit in putting) mind control devices in their heads," are kinda, unequal. Again I hope it's not the case. But it definitely kept me feeling uneasy throughout the show.
It really boils down to I don't trust or forgive Nala Se, and the Batch's lack of stance against her and the other Kaminoans, and clear distaste for their other clone brothers, really puts them in a situation that makes it difficult for me to take their side entirely.
And then gosh, Hunter. During Crosshair's whole "you never came back for me," spiel, I couldn't help but think he's kinda right. He had 15 episodes. Sure, it's difficult to get Crosshair back. But they could have done something. They could have done research. We could have had scenes of them wondering where Crosshair is, discussions on how best to find him, even if that discussion ended in, "but we can't risk it right now." They could have grilled Omega for information on the chips, which they really shoulda done either way, but especially since that knowledge is important to understanding what (they thought had) happened to Crosshair. Instead, they just ran every time Crosshair showed up. The show could have done better to show that they cared, and were trying, instead of just, y'know, doing chores for Cid. One, "I kinda miss him," doesn't really count as working on getting him back, at least in my books.
The sole exception to all of this, of course, is Echo. Who really, he works with the Batch fine, he's a former ARC and can more than keep up. Skillset-wise, he fits in well enough. But this season really made me wonder why he's with them at all. Crosshair's revelation and true feelings at the end of the season were no surprise to me, as they're consistent with what we've seen of him from TCW S7. But for Echo, a former "reg" to have to work with someone like Crosshair...even if Crosshair thought Echo was "different" enough to accept him, those are his brothers that Crosshair thinks he's so superior to, and has no issue speaking disdainfully about.
The increasing tension between Echo and Hunter, Echo's interest in helping Rex, in helping other clones, in doing something...I do hope they reach a point where Echo demands they go help, or he's leaving.
They gave Crosshair a chance, despite the fact that his choices were willing. I really hope Echo can convince the Batch to help save the other clones who don't have a choice. Because even if the Batch doesn't consider them their brothers, they're certainly Echo's. They matter just as much as Crosshair, and I really hope season 2 shows it narratively.
To conclude, again I'm interested in seeing what happens next, and I want answers about Omega and Nala Se. I find it interesting that they tied the facility where they took Nala Se in with the scientist dude collecting data on Grogu in the Mandalorian and those cloning labs. All of this is interesting, but at the same time I feel like it's trying to build up to Snoke/Palpatine stuff in the sequels which...I don't care nearly as much about, but who knows, could be neat ^ ^;
I'm okay with, and have made peace with the fact that the Bad Batch probably isn't the "clones-centric" show I wanted, and that they'll continue their own story, and probably continue to not care much about other clones in upcoming seasons. That's unfortunate, but alright. I'm interested enough in their story too.
But at the same time...I can't help but think man, if they have the time and budget to do a season 2, after seeing what was (or wasn't) accomplished in season 1...I wish they'd also make a Rex/Cody/Wolffe/"regular clones" show, because in the end, if you're going to do a "clones show"....that's who I want to see most.
If you got to the end, thank you for reading, and being an ear to my ranting ^ ^; Again this is literally just getting this off my chest. If this take isn't one you agree with, please just ignore. For people who did fall in love with the Batch, I'm happy for you, and regret that it just couldn't happen for me. But, I'm hoping that S2 will change my mind, but we'll just have to see! ^ ^;
37 notes · View notes