#THIS MAKES THEIR DYNAMIC SO MUCH INTERESTING

[casscainmainly]

"My long-held belief that Duke and Luke should not get along" <- could you please elaborate on this? I'm fond of both and I collect your thoughts and analyses like they're rare trading cards so I'm ready to be all 👀🫳🍿

First of all anon this might be my favourite ask ever, I've been dying to write my thoughts on these two so THANK YOU. Secondly my belief that Duke + Luke wouldn't get along actually stemmed from WFA, I was super annoyed with Luke giving Duke the pep talk in ep 76 because they have no relationship!!! Then I started thinking harder and realised they are a really interesting pair. In case anyone hasn't noticed I'm fond of giving Duke relationships where he's annoyed with the other person so 😭 this is very on brand.

The thing about Duke + Luke is they are, on the surface, similar - they are Black members of the Batfam who operate mostly independently, 'separate' from a legacy as Signal/Batwing (though I will deconstruct this later), devoted to their family, have a strong sense of justice, and view crime-fighting as a business. But I believe at their cores they are fundamental opposites - and it's this hidden opposition that makes me think they wouldn't vibe with each other. I'm focusing on We Are Robin Duke and Batwing Luke, though I will also refer to Duke's Signal days + Luke in Detective Comics.

(This is going to be a long post because this is lowkey my Luke + Duke thesis 😭)

Introductions

Duke and Luke were both introduced in the New 52, actually in the same year (2013!). What's really cool about their intros is that you already see how different they are. We first meet Duke in Zero Year, where he's fishing in the subway and then attacked by a gang; we then get the famous scene of him solving crosswords by Bruce's unconscious body. When Bruce tells Duke and his family to leave, Duke refuses, telling him they can't leave Duke's grandma and that all it takes is one riddle to free the city from Riddler's influence.

By contrast, we first meet Luke in the spotlight as he's wrestling for MMA in Batwing #19. He's been wrestling to get Batman's attention, refusing all job offers from his dad to do so (and thus creating some juicy father-son tension). In Batwing #20, we see he has two degrees from MIT, lives in a fancy apartment, and is really tech-oriented; his cover story for Batwing is that he's travelling the world.

Already, there are a couple things that already firmly separate them:

Class: Duke is from the Narrows whereas Luke is rich

Connection to Batman: Duke stumbled across Batman and gained his attention quite organically, whereas Luke was actively begging for Batman to notice him

Agency: Duke's actions were motivated by the extreme circumstances of Zero Year and a desire to help rooted in his material environment, whereas Luke's is a more internal, abstract wish to help (pointing to their class differences again)

Gotham: Duke refuses to leave his city, whereas Luke immediately packs up and travels the world

Intelligence: Both of them are fiercely intelligent, but in different ways - Duke loves puzzles and riddles whereas Luke is more inclined towards engineering and technology

And these differences only grow as they get older!!

Maturity

Duke is 16 (in my head, canonically it's vague but he's between Damian and Tim so 14-17) and Luke is 23. This age gap is honestly not that big, but I think it would feel big to both of them. And what's worse is that Duke is quite mature, but Luke is said to be immature:

Batwing #23

I don't think Luke is actually immature, but it's a recurring theme that other characters perceive him as unwilling to grow up; and I genuinely do think Batwing, for him, is kind of an adventure at first. Now compare this to Duke, whose circumstances disallowed him being childish. He had to grow up because his parents weren't around anymore, and he became quite jaded as a result. Even after he's mellowed out in his Signal days, I still don't think he could tolerate working with someone who comes off as light-hearted as Luke does. Duke would be annoyed by how he perceives Luke doesn't take things seriously, and Luke in turn would be annoyed when Duke inevitably criticises him for it.

Arc

Following on from above, their arcs are actually in total opposite directions. We first meet Duke alone and disillusioned with everything, putting his whole being into finding his parents. Then, through We Are Robin and Robin War, he begins to understand what Robin means as a symbol and finds community, leading to his brighter personality in Signal comics. Luke, however, begins very light-hearted (as seen above), with a huge respect for Batman and the Bat symbol. Once his family starts being torn apart, though, he becomes increasingly aggressive, more isolated, and in a much darker place. Compare a narration box from the last issues of both:

Batwing #34 / We Are Robin #12

These encapsulate their journeys: Duke learns that he doesn't have to act alone, whereas Luke struggles with accepting all that has happened since he put on his suit. Being a vigilante improves Duke's life, whereas it essentially ruins Luke's. This is why I don't think that WFA ep made sense!!! They have nothing in common in terms of the vigilante experience, and I think they would frustrate each other because they have such different conceptions of what the vigilante life is!!!!!!!

Batman and Robin

Okay so I said that Luke + Duke aren't legacies; even though Batwing is one, Luke doesn't actually talk to David Zavimbe, and his Batwing is not spiritually connected to David's really. But Luke and Duke both do take inspiration from other Batfam members - Batman and Robin, respectively.

Batwing #25 / Batman (2011) #45

Luke is the rare Batfam member whose motivations don't spring from tragedy - he's inspired one night when Batman saves him and he jumps in to help. Luke's love for Batman is wrapped up in Bruce himself, as a person rather than a symbol; he genuinely thinks Batman is awesome and wants to help people under his name.

Duke is the exact opposite - Robin is not a person for him but a symbol, and a symbol that can be spread to many people. It's also intimately tied with Duke's relationship to Gotham, because Batman is "on the gargoyle" and Robin is "on the street". Importantly, Duke says to Darryl that "I know you work for him, but you're us". Working for a singular person is in opposition to this 'us' that Duke believes in.

Luke, though not exactly an employee, literally wanted to work for Batman, Inc. Batwing is in many ways a 'job', an alternative to the corporate life Lucius wanted for him. Duke would, I think, take huge problems with Luke's philosophy as a whole. Separated from Gotham, attached to Batman as a person rather than as a symbol, Duke just literally wouldn't understand where Luke is coming from. And Luke, too, doesn't seem to respect Robin as a mantle (this is after someone mistakes him for Batman in Batwing #34):

I think Luke views Robin as firmly a kids' role, a sidekick for Batman; that would annoy the STUFFING out of Duke. I actually could write a whole post in itself about this incident and Luke being mistaken for Batman but that's for another day. The point is they are attached to the Batman and Robin legacies which in themselves are already vastly different, but Duke is kind of anti-Batman and Luke is a little anti-Robin, so they would not mix.

Family

One thing they do have in common is a deep love for family. But even then, their familial relationships are extremely different: Duke has a wonderful relationship with his parents, bolstered by the fact he lost them for a while, whereas Luke has a contentious relationship with his. Duke in some ways idealises his mom and dad, while Luke is sharply aware of his parents' shortcomings.

Batwing #20

Now this wouldn't be an issue normally, but Duke canonically has, like, a problem with judging other people's families. It's a really consistent (and somewhat hilarious) trait of his:

We Are Robin #5 / We Are Robin #5 / Gotham Nights #8

The Dre comment ("you're a mob kid?") is particularly telling. Because Duke has such a good relationship with his parents, and because he's shaped so much by them, I think he sees children as reflections of their parents/families. It's hard for him to see someone completely divorced from their family - you even see this a bit in Batman & The Outsiders, where although Duke understood Cass' disagreements with Shiva, I don't think he really got the nuances of what that felt like for Cass.

Luke's relationship with his father is complex and contentious. They love each other, but Lucius' desires for Luke just don't match what Luke wants, and Luke can't tell him about Batwing either so it's a constant back-and-forth. This secrecy is another thing Duke wouldn't get - I've made posts before about Duke and honesty, and it's a huge value of his. It's significant that as soon as his mom is healed she finds out about Signal; dishonesty is not really a factor in Duke's life, whereas it is Luke's central conflict. Luke's entire thing with his dad and his alter ego is something Duke has never had to deal with, and I think Duke would just be like 'tell him?? and make up??' and Luke would sigh so loud and hard.

Personality and Authority

But all of that aside, I just think their personalities wouldn't mix! Duke is a jaded teenager whose overt honesty and resistance to authority often give off a bad first impression (see his first encounters with Black Lightning, We Are Robin, Damian, even the Bruce train scene...). People do warm up to Duke quick, and once you love him you adore him, but there's a hurdle to becoming close to him that you have to leap first.

Luke, on the other hand, is affable and immediately likable. He's popular in school (as Russell mentions in #25), has experienced college social life, and is open and friendly. I think in an initial meeting Luke would find Duke off-putting and rude, while Duke would find Luke shallow and annoying. Luke is an extremely confident person, as shown in both Batwing and Detective Comics (particularly the latter). I think Duke would take this confidence as him being stuck-up, especially because Luke is rich.

Their class differences also separate their reactions to authority. Luke doesn't take authority at face value - he disobeys Bruce basically as much as Duke does. However, given his upbringing he isn't that anti-authority. Compare Luke and Duke's attitudes to cops:

Batwing #25 / We Are Robin #2

The Luke narration box is after the cops shoot him and accidentally make him kill his best friend 😭😭😭 like if that had happened to Duke his inner voice would NOT say that. This is another example of how their different upbringings and personalities cause them to have DRASTICALLY different outlooks on things. Batwing also sides with Batwoman when she kills Clayface in Detective Comics, something I think Duke would not do (he would've sided with Cass) so their ideologies often put them on opposite sides.

FINALLY, and least importantly, Luke is not a reader. This is a recurring thing and it's so funny:

Batwing #21

That's Tam telling Luke to "read a book". I think this exact interaction would happen with Duke taking the place of Tam, where he'd just be super annoyed that Luke doesn't enjoy literature. Honestly I think Duke might remind Luke of Tam in a lot of ways, since Duke is Bruce's golden child just like Tam is Lucius'. And that would annoy Luke, like he can't escape annoying younger siblings even as Batwing?? Bruce liking Duke more than Luke, even when Duke doesn't even care for Bruce's approval, would send Luke's blood pressure through the ROOF.

Conclusion

Um anyway I'm so so sorry this was so long but that's why I think Luke and Duke wouldn't get along!! It's mostly that they have such different outlooks on literally everything and their personalities clash. Anyway, if anyone bothered to read til the end here's your reward!! A little edit of what SHOULD have happened in WFA ep 76:

[venuswarmlight]

Goddess! Reader x caitvi

Warnings: smut at the end, really rushed. Not proofread.

It happened like a miracle, a magical dream come true from the old books placed in the Kiramman house. When they found you, they knew they were struck by cupid.

It all started when during a mission, the dynamic duo found an abandoned Museum, a colossal treasure in ruins due to time and weather, something so destroyed but at the same time hiding a delightful secret.

The first one to notice was Vi, when they started stepping into the bricks and collecting the remains of what were beautiful sculptures decades ago, a breeze that placed its hand right beside her, on her shoulder, and a soothing whisper “You should not be here.” A vibrant yet peaceful aura and that ethereal voice made her quickly turn around, her powder blueish-eyes prepared to confront a monster, a witch, everything but the body of a feminine representation, very much taller than her, with the most delicate ornament and jewelry displayed all over your body in the right places, that woman was too stunned to speak, she definitely knew you were not a common creature.

“Who are you?”She said, her husky voice resonated in the landscape, her echoes vibrating on the droplets of water falling down the vines and falling on the moss, she stepped back, completely mesmerized by your presence. Her gauntlets let out vapor that broke the suspension in the room, you didnt flinch, just answered with a mellow tone “Do not be afraid.” You whispered, following by your name, her curiosity grew intense in her heart.

Caitlyn wasn’t the exception, when she found the two of you talking, both sat down on a block of broken concrete, surrounded by vegetation and nature. The blue haired girl had at first very resentful thoughts about you, but when you spoke to her, she instantly understood. How could she not give herself to you?

And with that, they extended the case, just so they could go up that hill and sneak between the ruined structure, just so they could see you. You exchanged likings, stories, and fluttering moments that wrapped both of them in your singular charm. For you, they were nothing but another experience, humans and common species used to come and go whenever they wanted, with the time, you grew more distant and mature about them, but Caitlyn and Vi were different. This time you were starting to feel… Mundane things, unknown feelings that you thought disappeared lots of centuries ago.

Caitlyn fell first, your knowledge and wisdom instantly enveloped her in an obsessive attraction, making her blush and laugh more often when she was around you, finally letting herself have a little fun and rest when you helped her choosing and structuring her strategies and plans in her work, your intellect and ease to solve extremely difficult cases lighted up her heart, slowly falling in love with you, despite the fact that she denied it at first for respect to her girlfriend. But it wasn’t too much time later before Vi also started to feel the same, romantic butterflies flew around her stomach whenever she was with you, her confident personality totally screwed over when you two were talking, basically making her feel like a high school girl. You could be so adaptive to both of their needs and interests that it was almost like you were a third complement, not just another option or some funny thing to spend the time with.

You started getting more comfortable around them, letting them guide you over the town and inviting you to places you didn’t think you would be able to enjoy. For the first time, you felt imperfect and alive, and the security they provided was more than enough to make you fall in love with them. Even if you knew that soon they would probably forget you. At some point, you started neglecting your divine duties just to open a space for them, something that could bring consequences later.

Finally after six months, they realized they could not keep hiding this from themselves anymore, leading into a discussion.

“It just happened, cupcake, m’sorry.” Vi said, while holding the other’s hand, thumb slightly rubbing against her skin, trying to console her.

They were both laid in bed on their sides, face to face, inches apart. Caitlyn’s eyebrows furrowed, thoughtful, it’s not that she wasn’t okay with it, it was just weird to her. As someone who had only seen traditional relationships in her life, it was hard for her to accept the situation, she loved Violet with all of her heart, and all of what she has done was only to love her, but her suggestion was something she was hesitant of. She never shared, and she is quite possessive of what’s hers.. But there could be an exception.

“Don’t worry, darling. I think.. I agree with you on that.” Her words made Vi raise her eyebrows, surprised and amused by her reaction. “I have never done anything like this before, are you sure you really want this? Do you think she feels the same about us?”

“Y’know, I don’t have a problem with having a third, wouldn’t change anything between us. M’ pretty sure she has done this before, or she could know about this stuff, so why not?“ She answered, getting closer to Caitlyn, her eyes connecting deep to hers, she added “Take your time n’ when you’re ready, say the word.” She smiled right next to her lips, before kissing her passionately, her hands hugging her waist and pressing her body close to hers while the giggles filled the bedroom.

Caitlyn didn’t really wait long until their makeout session finished to tell Vi her final decision, the pink haired girl could not be more satisfied.

When the moment came, what they thought would be easier became actually more complicated. You were a goddess, you couldn’t love and commit to them the way they wanted to, just because of the fact that you couldn’t. Gods don’t do that. A wave of sadness rushed across both Caitlyn and Vi’s bodies, a gut wrenching feeling that transformed into a sigh of relief when they heard you negociate with them. “You have become the first thing I think of when I come down from the heavens, and the last thing I remember in my dreams, but if your hearts are truly devoted, I shall not end the bond.”

And it was more than enough. You had no arguments about it. You decided how it would be. And it would remain like that, just so they could keep you a little more. What started simply as dates in the midnight ended as you transformed into a fully human being, living human-like experiences and behaving like a human with them. A world where you could hide from the heavens and the sky, not caring about anything else.

You realised you were more than fucked when you gave in to them, fully.

Caitlyn’s moans where displayed all over the room, her chest raising up and down as she saw literally stars and the heaven itself because of your artwork with your mouth, your tongue flipping and lapping on her folds, lips sucking and biting her clit just to drive her closer to the edge, your hums sending vibrating waves all over her arousal, making her squeeze your head between her legs and pull your hair close to her sensitive skin. “Right there, god. Now I—fuck, understand why you’re so experienced, mmm.”

An amazing view for Vi, who was praising and worshipping your body from behind, one of her hands roaming all over your body, hugging your breasts and leaving purple prints on your hips that would disappear instantly, her fingers knuckle-deep inside your walls, pumping and curling in your wet softness, memorizing every inch of your skin and every reaction of yours, how you arched your back everytime she spoiled that spot too much, how you muffled her name in Caitlyn’s core, it send shivers down her spine, encouraging her to get you over and over again to your limits, her dirty talk always making you squirm and squirt everytime. “S’good for us, look at that, ffuckk… You’re creaming all over my palm.”

Two bad bitches at the same damn time. 🤞🏽

[creamyhoneycookie]

Ok, but what about a yan!reader? Someone who was interested in history and found document of the Beasts back when they were still the virtues. Becoming absolutely obsessed until realizing that they're still alive?!! Even if they've changed, that doesn't mean anything to our dear little yan!reader! They'll love the Beasts all the same!

(Preferably dif scenario's with all three but if I can only do one than shadow milk :3 )

These are going to be a little shorter, but this kept me UP last night thinking. Thankfully, espresso!

CONTENT WARNINGS: Obsession, stalking, predator/prey dynamics, unhealthy relationship dynamics

Regardless of who you fall for, it starts the same: research in a library so old, the statues of grand Witches still have faces. Legends tell of great heroes- a woman so kind and gracious that she grants the wishes of those who come to her, a general who revolutionized the lands he visited, the scholar who created magic itself... All across the darkest seas. It's such a hard journey, but... doesn't love persist?

Mystic Flour Cookie doesn't know what brings this strange cookie to her pagoda, but she does not care. Not until Cloud Haetae Cookie comes to her, reporting- you have no desire, no wish to ask of her- no greedy heart to tear into her heart, but you've spent all day sweeping the grounds, dusting and repairing the pagoda. Even if you're actually very bad at it. Eventually, she descends from her chambers, watching you quietly- she does not expect the adoration in your eyes, she soft flush of your cheeks.

"My Lady... I've journeyed far to join you...! You don't have to worry. I'll help from now on. You've done so much, you can rest- oh, but, I made tea! Won't you join me?"

... Strange. Mystic Flour Cookie isn't sure why... but despite this pure love... something weighs heavily from your words. But she cannot give it a name.

Burning Spice Cookie you find at his army encampment, and he takes you as just one of many followers easily... either you serve him as one more soldier, or you die in these conquests. He does not care. Except... once you arrive, he feels your eyes on him, constantly. Being watched, even when he's alone- it shouldn't unnerve him so, but it does.

And it thrills him. He has always been the hunter, the beast- for something, someone to make him feel like the prey? It's... EXCITING. He throws himself into figuring out who his hunter is- and when it's you? Oh, it's incredible. The dynamic shifts, cat and mouse constantly, and you both know it. This is love! It must be love! No one else can get each other's heart racing like this, and when you have him cornered, crawling into his lap like a lion about to strike, he adores it.

Shadow Milk Cookie isn't sure where you came from. First you were in the town outside the Spire. Then you were at the gates. And then- then you were making your way inside. He's hostile at first, prickly- one bitten, twice shy, you might say. (Nevermind the fact that he bit first, more often and refused to believe Pure Vanilla Cookie when he actually did tell the truth.)

He bullies you, toys with you, puts you through all kinds of tests: but every time you speak the truth:

I really do love you!

... And if he knows lies, he also knows truth. Eventually, he'll have no choice to believe you. ... Aaaaaaat which point, he's delighted, actually! He's terribly lonely, you know. Once he knows that you're the real deal, he'll accept your twisted love with glee; so long as you stay with him, he'll accept it all. ... Even if he gets a little snarky about it sometimes. Like, he already had Candy Apple Cookie, and now there's you? --Please don't kill each other he loves his minions.

[ataleofcrowns]

Love X's low romance route!! Playing through it makes me feel gross lol but it's done so well and so interesting to see! Love the subtle shifts in the dynamic, how much more prominent the power imbalance feels. Like MC actively leveraging it or not even acknowledging it and how different that feels from the other route where they recognize and work together to overcome the struggles it brings!! It legit feels like X is just entertaining the crown because they're the crown and that's what they want😭 need to replay the high romance route again to cleanse my palette!! Love your story and writing!!

I was so glad to read this ask, you definitely caught onto the essence of X's low romance route and what makes it so uncomfortable and troubling 🙈

For right now the low vs high variations are a single developing arc, where the low route for X specifically emphasizes a lack of trust from X where they put on a mask with the Crown to hide their true feelings, and a lack of understanding from the Crown about their position and how that impacts X as a consequence.

Later on in the story, if you've been mostly on the high romance route and drop down to the low one, you will definitely get a different reaction compared to someone who has been consistently on the low romance route. Same for someone who has been mostly low and later manages to get the high romance, etc.

For X it might end up being even more of a gut punch if you start out on high for these past couple chapters and later dropped down to low tbh. Like if you're consistently low, X at least knows what to expect. But if the relationship turns bad after your Crown has won their trust and gotten their hopes up and had X showing their vulnerabilities towards them... oof 💔

[monstersholygrail]

Nooooo puppy was close to win 😢

For real, in the poll it seemed like Puppy Hybrid Salesman was going to win for the longest time. I wasn’t expecting him to be so far in the running considering I don’t think he’s been introduced to yall yet. He’s lowkey a new character joining the mix. Then for awhile there he was tied with Minotaur Boss.

My friend and I were talking about how interesting it would be if Minotaur Boss and Puppy Hybrid would’ve ended up being tied. That would mean they’d somehow both end up winning the egg hunt. And together they’d fuck you till your brain turned to mush.

But it would be an incredibly fascinating dynamic. With Minotaur Boss being so tall and dominant and Puppy Hybrid being a submissive and pleasure top.

Minotaur Boss would try to control the situation right out of the gate. He’d wanna touch you, tease you, and drive you over the edge so many times you lose count but he’d want it done on his terms. Meanwhile Puppy Hybrids concern is only getting you. He doesn’t care about drawing it out or even making you work for it.

Puppy Hybrid just wants you to use his cock till he’s writhing in overstimulation. But if you ask if you can cum again he won’t deny you. He’s so eager to make you feel good that it completely overrides all of Minotaur Boss’ attempts at control and the boss doesn’t like that.

Being shared between them would be such an overwhelming but delicious experience. There’s no doubt with Puppy Hybrid’s speed he’d claim the prize (you) before the boss. He’d be demanding your pleasure immediately and even you’re shocked by how fast you cum on his tongue. But just as you’re beginning to get used to his methods, Minotaur Boss would push him aside and start doing things his way.

You’d be disoriented but slowly you’d get used to writing and begging Minotaur Boss for more. Then as soon as there would be another opening, Puppy Hybrid would slip right in, replacing the boss at front and center. You’d be so lost to the pleasure that you’d start begging Puppy Hybrid for more.

Minotaur Boss would be fuming and Puppy Hybrid would laugh saying you never need to beg for him. He’ll always give you what you need.

It would be a constant back and forth leaving you no room to catch your breath or get used to the different sensations. In a way it only seemed to make your orgasms that much more intense. And by the end of it they were left totally find while you’re reduced to nothing but a puddle of your mixed releases.

[pilotingdreammsss]

Happy birthday! (Sorry if I'm late.)

I have a writing request if that's okay. You don't have to if you don't want to.

I want Platonic Yandere Dark Cacao Cookie vs Platonic Yandere Pure Vanilla vs Platonic Yandere White Lily with a shy and timid reader.

I just want those three as rivals if that's okay.

Again, you don't have to if you don't want to. I'm just bored.

-❄💗🖋

Hi anon! I don't think I'll do your request justice...! But I'll try anyway... these WILL be headcanons since I don't think writing for so many characters is in my capabilities.

A/N: Don't massacre me. I can't really write PV, which SUCKS cause he's immensely popular at the moment. LOL.

Warnings: Obsessive/possessive behaviour, unhealthy power dynamic, implied violence, yandere behaviour. Continue at your own discretion.

Pure Vanilla Cookie, I feel, would be the lesser involved than the other two in terms of the rivalry. He's less concerned for his rivals and more concerned about you getting caught up in the crossfire. Usherings to the healer's tent, unprecedented check-ups at your home, and borderline stalking ensues.

He's convinced himself it's for your health, but he knows deep inside that he's also keeping tabs on the two others. He knows it's wrong to police your life.

He wouldn't dream of resorting to violence, not unless you're involved at mass. Even then, he remains someone who would rather resolve conflicts through talk. He doesn't like hurting people, but he will if they're hurting you.

His interests at most clash with Dark Cacao Cookie - whilst PV would much rather have you freely roam through life (with his supervision, of course). Dark Cacao Cookie wants you static in the Citadel. The two never resort to violence, at least not in your presence, remaining vaguely civil so as not to scare you away.

Pure Vanilla Cookie is much more tame - but his strange helicopter-like supervision is not entirely unlike him. You chalk it up to protectiveness. He knows you're so soft after all. You haven't the heart to tell him to leave you alone after so long.

"Something felt wrong, so I arrived to check on you, friend."

"Stay weary around Dark Cacao Cookie... I fear he may be a bad influence."

"Your wounds... let me heal them for you."

Dark Cacao Cookie is a different story - the weak have no place in such a dangerous world. When you'd become acquaintances, what first stood out to him was how timid you were. Mild - it was admirable, but her feared that he couldn't protect you as a friend. Left-over anguish from the estrangement of his son had seeped into the cracks of all his relationships.

Dark Cacao Cookie keeps a watchful eye on all your other relationships.

You notice his hold on his sword grow tight as you meddle with Pure Vanilla Cookie and White Lily Cookie. Warnings to stay away from them are frequent, though you shyly wave them away. It angers him a little, as he's convinced that he should be your sole protector.

Because the world will scar you - or so he's convinced. His traits appear as protectiveness, and, in dire situations, they're almost forceful. You admit to him that he scares you a little, and he appears wounded. The behavior is embedded into him so deeply that he doesn't know how to stop... He needs to place himself between you and 'dangerous influences'.

He wants you to stay in the Dark Cacao Kingdom - not entirely in the Citadel - but close enough. He wants to protect you, given danger arises. The Watchers are instructed to keep some eyes on you. You sometimes catch Caramel Arrow Cookie changing her usual routes to pass your home and make sure you're safe. Dark Cacao Cookie doesn't see her as a rival, so you make leisurely small talk sometimes.

Though, when the ancient's unsavory traits arise as topics in conversation, she grows protective. She'd been fed the same rhetoric by the king that you needed to be protected, and that what he did for you and the kingdom was for good.

"White Lily Cookie could be dangerous. You know of her past."

"Feral cream wolves have been spotted at the borders of the markets. I insist to come with you."

"This is to protect you."

White Lily Cookie has different motivations than the other two. Though the other two believe they assert themselves as protectors in your life, she sees you as a source of penitence for her sins. Her immense clinging grows overwhelming at times. She's with you whenever she can be. Though you admittedly enjoy her company, you wish she'd leave you alone some days.

Any signs of abandonment would have her spiral and cling harder than before. Interactions with Pure Vanilla and Dark Cacao Cookie have her on edge.

She's less inclined to violence than Dark Cacao, though more inclined than Pure Vanilla. Despite this, she doesn't want to, in fear that you'll see her as Dark Enchantress Cookie. Her behavior manifests in subtle possessiveness. Grabbing your wrists and hands when you linger with other friends for too long, pulling you away from groups, worried glances when she has to leave...

She, too, is timid. However, she takes the more outspoken role, particularly if you're in peril. She'll speak for you somedays. You're confused about whether to be grateful or if you don't appreciate the gesture.

Conclusively, her guilt drives her actions. Her guilt over the past, the guilt when she harms you, even if by accident. Holding you close lessens the guilt, and when she succeeds as a friend, she feels temporary freedom from it. You have to walk on eggshells around her if you don't wish for her to spiral.

"I'm a good friend, right?..."

"They're pulling you away. Please don't go!..."

"I feel lighter around you."

A/N: Biggg post. I hope I didn't do the request too dirty lol XP. I also have exams, which is why it took so long.

[betty-fran]

I like this art, and I like this idea, f!TOS Kirk is probably the most obvious genderbend in all Star Trek, so, yes, it's hard not to think about it.

My introduction to Star Trek began many years ago with AOS, and I’ve always loved Pines' Kirk - he is 100% my traumatized soul brother, bad childhood, self-destructive tendencies, disrespect for authority, and overall - an asshole on the surface, but actually a good guy. But he is very simple as a character - all his pros and cons lie on the surface. In its own way, that's exactly what I like about him, but this simplification of his image is the result of the fact that J.J. Abrams, let's be honest, is difficult to call a complex director. But Shatner’s Kirk is really a whole other level of depth; he is a complex and multi-layered character, and this is probably the biggest discovery I made in TOS (and I think I couldn't appreciate him as a character in my 20s the way I can in my 30s).

For me, TOS Kirk is actually easier to read as a female character. His constant conflict between career and love, while an interpretation of the idea of ​​"planes first, girls later," which is typical of the male image - career prevails over love (perhaps the most kitschy example here is James Bond), in reality, is quite rarely a real conflict for men. It's not really a problem for Kirk to have a wife waiting for him at home and raising his kids (after all, his father somehow managed to do it), especially considering it was the '60s and the idea of ​​the American dream was still fresh. For centuries, it was up to a woman to let love prevail over career. The woman stays behind and waits while the man is busy with his business. This actually makes me nauseous, but it's the truth of the patriarchal world. So I don't see any logical reasons for this conflict in Kirk, except internal ones. You can have both a career and love, if you can divide the amount of energy you put into both, which is not a problem for men, who generally never invest 100% in family life, but Kirk is always faced with a monolithic choice - if he chooses love, he has to put all of himself into it, all 100%, just like he does when he chooses a career, he leaves no room for compromise in this. And this is what makes him a more understandable character from a female perspective, especially in the 60s, when choosing the role of wife and mother, a woman often had to give up any other role.

Therefore, f!Kirk fits organically in a time of sexism and misogyny, and it would really be interesting to watch. Jennifer (? I'm not sure about the name right now, but it should no doubt start with J and be shortened easily) / Jenn T (t for tyranny) Kirk, the first female captain of a Constitution-class ship. I'm not sure if that's true, but based on what I see in TOS, a female captain is not a common occurrence. I think it would have been a real challenge in the 60s, given the history of Women Airforce Service Pilots after WWII. And in Star Trek itself, we get Janeway, the first lead-character-female-captain, only in Voyager, which was released in the mid-90s.

I think she really, without a doubt, has to have this film noir actress charm, with a very expressive face, and honestly, I can't help but see her as Lauren Bacall. She should be beautiful enough that she could easily pretend to be just a pretty face, but smart enough that no matter how much she pretends it, her intelligence would always remain obvious. And she also has to have a cute little nose, because that's obviously canon (which excludes SNW Kirk from canon, thank goodness). Just look at her!

I imagine f!Kirk as a well-bred girl from a good family, but with steely stubbornness, who, if she decided to do something, would do it and nothing would stop her. I think she would face more challenges in Starfleet on her path to captaincy than her male counterpart, which would likely make her even more career-focused. Given that TOS Kirk has a difficult dynamic with the role of father, but feels noticeably more comfortable in the role of mother, I think his female version would have the opposite problems, which would also apply to the Carol Marcus story (so far I have an idea for a love triangle that shows a) Kirk's inability to give up his dream of being a captain for the sake of a relationship and building a family and b) her attempt to transfer the feelings she had for Carol onto a man to fit into social norms), and it may include abortion, or the inability to have children, but in any case, the topic of motherhood would be difficult for her. No doubt, like m!Kirk, she would be torn between the idea of ​​romantic love until the end of time and her responsibility and duty as a captain, and constantly having to choose between these, she, of course, always chooses the ship. And we would also have repressed homo/bisexuality again, it is still the 60s, so I think their dynamic with Spock could be even more intense, considering that if they were both women, they would both have to go through a more thorny path to where they met, and they would likely hold on to each other even more tightly (god, if that's even possible). We would also have ongoing one-episode romances, but given the standard heterosexual focus of this, it would always be a man who's drawn to Kirk's beauty, and certainly wouldn't see her intelligence or personality. But Kirk's constant desire to save all the women in the frame, listen to them, and empathize with them would remain, and in some stories would have a more sensual and romantic component than her one-episode guy dynamic. And of course, I support the idea that McCoy would remain a man, and that the dynamics of the Kirk/Bones friendship wouldn't change.

I'll just come back to it later, and maybe find time to draw something with them.

I’m reading the old Star Trek books from the 70s hunting for vintage spirk and in a fun short story from Star Trek: The New Voyages 2 Kirk and a bunch of other crew members accidentally end up swapping genders (but not Spock 👀). It’s a 70s look at this idea so it’s pretty problematic but it does delve into some interesting thought processes especially considering it’s written by women. I would love to see a modern Star Trek show like Discovery take a crack at this especially now that we think about gender and identity differently than we did then. Anyway from an early time in the story everyone keeps going on about how beautiful kirk’s female body is so I thought I’d give drawing it a try.

[demilypyro]

Your feelings with "of the devil" made me revisit a game that made me feel the same. Transistor. I played it in an intense session in college, stayed up all night to finish it. It was 6 am and i cried so much when it was over.. I decided to revisit it to see if those feelings are still there, 10 years or more later.. I didnt make it past the first five minutes without crying. its all still there. Every single drop of love..

Fascinating. I played that game recently and didn't really get it. As someone who studied game dynamics and player experience, I'm very interested in what causes a person to react to a particular game. I wonder if it's a difference in our personal histories, or the things we struggle with? Our artistic sensibilities? Ahhh. It's so interesting

[hoonjayke]

[TEASER] - Lee Heeseung — REASONS TO (HATE) LOVE YOU

Your makeup is always intact, your hair is perfectly brushed, your clothes are always well-ironed and tidy, and your admirable grades are always on top. Many in the law course envy how you seem so perfect, unlike Lee Heeseung, who thinks everything about you is completely irritating. On the other hand, you can't stand Heeseung's arrogance. The way he always acts so pretentiously gets on your nerves, however, when you are forced to do a project together, you'll discover that this tension between you is much more than just hatred.

PAIRING: — Law Students - Heeseung x Reader (f)

GENRE: Academic rivals to lovers - (lower middle class) heeseung x (upper middle class) reader, fluffy, smut, a bit of angst, super suggestive.

WARNINGS: - lots of heavy making out, skinship, a few mentions of difficult family dynamics, miscommunication, bickering, jealousy, heeseung is kinda mean in the beginning, mentions of alcohol, [...] more will be added!!!

WC: ... (still to be counted) - masterlist - perm taglist (open)

[IF YOU WANNA BE TAGGED, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW]

TEASER — COMING SOON —

Even though he didn't say much, Heeseung saw how irritated you were: you seemed out of breath, your eyebrows were furrowed, and your gaze was fixed on him. And it was at that exact moment - when your eyes locked for a few seconds as he smirked - that he knew that irritating you would be his new entertainment.

[...]

"Yes, I want you." He whispered over your mouth as he grabbed the corner of your neck with his long fingers "Isn't it obvious?"

[...]

That's how Heeseung's college life became hectic. Everyone wanted to know the famous student who was brave enough to face the "queen" of the course.

The one and only - Lee Heeseung - the reason for your extra study sessions, because nothing was better than the feeling of beating Heeseung in any aspect of academic life.

[...]

Heeseung's jaw clenched, and you smirked, seeing how he was also clearly irritated. "Since you lack common sense, Heeseung, I'm gonna be honest with you. I think you're just an arrogant prick, and I have no interest in working with you." You gave him a false smile while he frowned.

"Well, I feel the same." He said through gritted teeth and walked away. "We'll sort this out tomorrow."

"Great." You took the paper and put it inside your book and closed it. Your desire to study had completely disappeared, and now you needed to think about how to talk to Mrs. Jung, because no way in hell you are going to pair up with Heeseung.

No way.

[...]

"You irritate me, but seeing you sad irritates me much more."

[...]

[dateamonster]

would love to read more takes on monstrosity playing with either like existing or fictionalized gender dynamics. i feel like ive seen a few now along the lines of "this monster species is naturally androgynous/doesnt have a human-analogous concept of gender" which is cool for sure but i havent rly seen much beyond that. and thats a shame because i think there are a lot of interesting ways that could go!

monster has a traditionally masculinized/feminized appearance by human standards that they dont identify with and are vocal about such (ie: they are not a "woman" whatever the fuck that is and will make sure you know it.)

monster has an androgynous/flexible appearance but for personal reasons identifies resolutely with a human gender (ie: she is a woman and, once again, will make sure you fucking know it.)

monster identifies with a gender specific to their species which, like with conventional human gender standards, implies specific social codes of conduct that cause friction when interacting with humans who obviously dont have a frame of reference (ie: an alien refuses to interact with the scientist who has consistently bungled the accent on the aliens formal third person pronouns, an insult punishable by exile on the aliens home planet.)

monster comes from a species whose gender and/or sex characteristics are dependent upon specific conditions which are difficult or impossible to account for while amongst human society (ie: the monsters human companions fail to realize that without other women of his species present his body will naturally begin to feminize to compensate for the perceived absence.)

the one i just did but i make it silly :) (ie: women of this species are all violent freaks and so you need to let her kill and murder and rip and tear asunder or else youll literally give her dysphoria you wouldnt do that to a pretty girl would you)

ok i unfortunately realized while writing that last one thats just how some actual human men relate to their gender rip

post cancelled i hate this fucking world cant even be silly and gay anymore without having real world social awareness

[stephforl1fe]

You know what- I am TIRED of batfam fantasy aus with Damian as a dragon or Bruce as a vampire!

Like yes I understand logistically it’s most fitting but come on let’s get creative! I am tired of searching and searching for a fic that isn’t: Damian-dragon, Jason-wearwolf, dick-mermaid, ect.

I think it’d be fun to play around with species soooo this is MY submission on what I think a cool dynamic for a fantasy au would be

Bruce: either human or a shapeshifter creature- i think a fun dynamic for him could be that he doesn’t have a clue that his kids have magic and have hijinks or have it be like when your kid comes out as gay so you do as much research as possible, like he’d be overly supportive

Dick: I think he’d be SICK as an angel or demon- extra points if you have him being originally human but he died after the circus act with his parents and came back as an angle or demon somehow

Jason: as much as I actually like werewolf Jason I think this man could be really good as gargoyle- I just think of all the fics where his favorite spot is next to the gargoyles and that it’d be cool if he had some kind of manic connection with them maybe from the pit??? If not a gargoyle I don’t think we get zombie Jason enough.

Steph: an human witch- humans aren’t typically capable of old manic witchcraft but Stephanie is doing her damn best! She’s constantly making up her own types of spells to cause chaos or blowing up her room when an ancient ritual goes awry.

Tim: a poltergeist- usually ghosts aren’t seen just like how Tim for the longest time felt forgotten or not seen, he eventually found out how to move and touch things and over time the residents at Wayne manor noticed the little shadows occupying their home that would take photos of them.

Cass: dragon- I KNOW I said I wasn’t a fan of the dragon thing but I think it could be fun for Cass. Most of the time dragons are big and powerful and loud but Cass is known for being small and sneaky and quiet- no less powerful of course. She always lends a scale or two to Steph for any spell she needs and takes her claim on the bats VERY seriously.

Duke: light elemental- I feel cliché saying this but I don’t read enough Duke to put him as anything else. I think he’d control light with his hands as though he was reflecting it off a mirror, occasionally you can find him just faceplanting on the ground outside because he gains power from the sun.

Damian: faerie or harpy- I so often see him as some big scary creature but I think it’d be such an interesting story to see him portrayed as a more small and friendly known species like a fae only for him to be tough as a nail. As a most fae he has trouble with hoarding tendencies and GREATLY enjoys playing tricks and deals on people- Tim once made the mistake of shaking hands with him in a bet and shudders anytime the memory is brought up. Being a far could fit his character well. He’s small but strong in his own way and god forbid you cross a fae especially a tricky one

[stevn-rgers]

Just finished S1 of The Wheel of Time

First of all.. this is the plot of this fucking show so far:

Moiraine: *saves the town, rands dad, the whole group multiple times, Mat, literally everyone multiple times (getting injured & almost dying) - goes to her death to stand w Rand against the dark one, stays patient with them despite the continuous disrespect and causing problems*

Them: (mostly Nynaeve and Rand) : “shE CANT BE TRUSTED, SHE IS EVIL, DONT LISTEN TO HER, WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF THIS OURSELVES! EVERYTHING IS HER FAULT”

Anyway, on with my thoughts, some of it will prolly be controversial lol

I really expected to grow to like Nynaeve but fuck if she isn’t pissing me off every other episode if not every single one, like bro shut up and listen

Moiraine & Lan stay my favorites & I am obsessed with the relationship between Aes Sedai and their Warder(s)!! I wish there was more focus on it, it’s the most interesting plot point to me

On that, I LOVE watching fight scenes with the Aes Sedai & their warder(s)! The way they move in sync around each other, for example the town fight in ep1 w Lan & Moiraine + the battle in the woods when Alanna and her warders are fighting! As she went to do a huge explosion they both took slight cover just in time - knowing her moves as she did them

Egwene is prob my favorite of the group of 5, she actually listens to reason & doesn’t just jump to conclusions/throw a tantrum. And her little backstory about the fever when she was a kid? Amazing, it gives such a look into her strength

^ like I said I like her a lot but ARE YOU KIDDING? She didn’t kill child psycho when she had a chance??

Wolves are one of my fave animals so I’m loving this situation w Perrin

THOM???!!!! I loved him??

I called the dragon literally from the beginning but I like that I was right, it fits well and I like the way they came out with it.

I hate Liandrin with a passion, like I wanted someone to just throw a single punch. And ik she gets worse.

Also Mat needs to stop being such a problem like listen my guy, find some chill. Also do I ship him and Rand? Yes tf I do, fight me

So I find the dynamic of Moiraine & Lan with the Lan/Nynaeve interesting. Like as her wander she is more to him than any other relationship — but he’s falling in love with Nynaeve. So I wonder about that, I’m sure that later in the show he’ll have to choose at some point between helping/saving one of them. And with how much Nynaeve dislikes and is rude to Moiraine rn….

Loial is PRECIOUS TO ME. Love and adore him, I screamed when he was stabbed fuck this noise

I need Nynaeve to stop pissing me tf off please and thank you. I want to like her, esp if she’s gonna be with my mans. So she needs to fucking stop her bullshit. Stop making poor Moiraine’s life a million times more difficult than it already is while you’re at it. Like she wants so bad to be the wisest and the most powerful.. her pride is so dangerous.

I feel like every other episode Rand is pissing me off so bad but then I like him but then I want to knock him tf off. I’m hoping he will also stop being so damn frustrating in s2

The way Moiraine thought she’d die so she shut Lan out so he couldn’t follow her to his death - and she sent him to his fam & essentially pushed him toward Nynaeve bc she feels he deserves better and more than a life of protecting her.. I’m not okay

So pissed off with that ending ya’ll, esp when Moiraine losing her connection/powers

“To be a woman is to be always alone, and never alone.” CHILLS. Every single time

If I dislike a character you like, don’t come at me, I’m on ep1 of s2 right now, I’m sure my opinions will change many times as I continue.

[echo-exco]

With Damians recent developments towards wanting to maybe be a doctor, I think it could be interesting to see that dynamic with reader.

Where his hands are stained with blood, yours have only helped others. Maybe youre both volunteering at the same hospital, and the patients there flock to you like a flicker of hope in the darkness. The patients of Gotham are much more wary than anywhere else, so gaining their trust feels nigh impossible. Somehow, you've done it. Like second nature, like you haven't even noticed.

Something akin to envy might first spark in him, as a natural response, before relenting his pride and trying to learn what makes her "better" at this than him. Of course he wouldnt know she was a meta, but still.

Also you can totally ignore this your wonderful fic just had my mind spiralling lol

I LOVE THAT!! THAT’S A REALLY GOOD IDEA!!

But unfortunately, I don’t think we have something like that with Damian here yet… 😔 (or maybe we do, if my inner author feels motivated enough).

(Small warning for a long reply)

Damian and healer!reader’s relationship is already quite complicated on its own (with some one-sided, inexplicable hatred).

It’s not really a surprise though, considering healer!reader tends to be pretty “neutral” with almost all the Batfam members.

To be honest, I don’t think healer!reader could actually treat people in Gotham.

She does have pretty good and experienced medical knowledge, but she depends completely on her healing powers, which not only allow her to heal someone instantly but also make her feel “alive.”

Without her powers, even though she can try to help in conventional ways, healer!reader always feels like she might fail, that something could go wrong, and that fills her with anxiety.

Healer!reader is completely dependent on her power and validates herself through it, and since she’s currently unable to use it in Gotham… well…

Besides that, healer!reader would need Bruce’s permission—or a doctor’s—just to even think about using her experienced, non-basic medical knowledge.

A better example is when I mentioned Tim in the post: like I said there, healer!reader only did small things to help him deal with his discomfort.

She doesn’t consider that she used anything that required “master-level” knowledge… she just took care of Tim the way a (family) doctor should.

BUT if somehow she were to get permission and trust to use her healing powers on the patients in a Gotham hospital…

They wouldn’t even have the chance to decide whether they could trust her or not, because healer!reader’s abilities are extremely fast for a normal being.

In an earlier reply, I explained how I imagine healer!reader’s powers work: think of it as her using threads to “fix” her patients like they were broken dolls.

That said, the pain that comes after the instant healing is horrible (though it heavily depends on how bad the patient’s condition was before healer!reader treated them).

Earning the trust of the wounded in Gotham wouldn’t even be something healer!reader consciously seeks—it would just happen.

Maybe it’s because of the calmness she radiates, or because, unlike most people, she never shows disgust, fear, or resignation when facing an injury.

However, seeing such an indifferent expression on a child’s face in such a gruesome, chaotic scene full of injured people is unsettling.

Though it’s even worse to endure the pain after being healed, isn’t it?

That’s why I think, even if Damian wanted to learn from her, I’m not sure healer!reader could really teach him how to treat people, or even how to be a good doctor.

She herself never allowed her mind to approach healing in a traditional way, because her powers and skills are her refuge, her absolute security: she never fails at healing.

But that very gift also isolates her, because in Gotham, a place full of distrust and disdain toward most metahumans, revealing her ability would be a huge risk to her life.

I also think the same about how Damian would feel toward healer!reader because of her medical skills.

He might feel a mix of admiration, frustration, and envy, especially because, without knowing she’s a meta, he would desperately try to find a logical explanation for why she can do what others find almost impossible.

Why his seemingly weak and gentle sister has absurdly good medical knowledge…

That’s NOT right, she’s supposed to be normal… so why?

She’s supposed to be safe… why?

In short, the relationship between Damian and healer!reader would be complicated if we explored that aspect.

(Who knows? Maybe in a what if? if I get enough creativity!)

Awww! Thank you so much for your sweet words at the end, dear!

I’m really happy to know you like my writing, and I’m also sorry if this response was way too long!

[lisziztaken]

In universe, my two main issues with this newest take on their dynamic:

There is a really in-depth (however rationally sound is whole other issue but I think effort and focus is the point here) discussion about Bruce’s motives and thoughts regarding each of the steps he takes in how/why he saves Joker’s life. You see the negotiation. And you sort of see more of how he looks at Joker and the impact of the injuries and the actions etc. Which is in an insanely stark clear contrast to when it comes to Jason. I’m not saying that we should be reliving the death of the second Robin every other Wednesday and by god I do not want to, but since this is the problem we are tackling and the storyline we are choosing to (re)visit, then it would feel pretty hollow for Bruce just go “you know it’s my fault and just take it out on me and call it a day”. It doesn’t make sense that there is so much less struggle in the decision to beat up/brutalize/shoot Jason, that all of it could be compressed into two pages.

DEAR LORD WHAT THE HELL “YOU KNOW IT’S MY FAULT I FAILED YOU I SHOULD HAVE PROTECTED YOU YOU WERE JUST A KID” sandwiched right in between shooting him in the face?? And throwing him into a car???? Why??? I’m not taking the route of “what kind of message are you trying to send with the gaslighting etc”, and the morality of the whole situation aside, just, the actions and the dialogues make no sense literally. Just looking at these panels now, it’s pissing me off. You have Bruce taking the first shot (in defense of the Joker. Again very interesting that we always prefer non-lethal/deescalating tactics but not when Jason is involved because manufactured conflicts but whatever), then the physical conformation, then AMIDST that he tried to change tactic, and Jason rejects the sudden change of course and physical comfort, thus the panels pin him as the aggregator, paving the way for another “Bruce tries his best Jason impulsively lashes out and refuses to look past something”. Once again at this point it’s not even about the direction of the story anymore, it’s how you choose to tell it. Like gaslight the character but own it??? If you want Bruce saying it’s all his fault to feel like a moment of truth and vulnerability and redemption, or even a tactic to solve the problem, then the storyboard should serve that purpose. At the moment it feels immensely like he’s trying to absolve his past and present and future actions by saying words and then not doing anything about it, and it’s hard to root for that. It’s hard to side with it. I knew what I was in for when I saw the cover yet I bought the comic 😭😭😭😭😭

Jason is the poster child for the child soldier problem of Robin but that doesn’t mean Jason himself believes that in-universe.

Really this feels like a cope on Bruce’s part. To be at fault for something is painful but it comes with the benefit of being able to fix or at least avoid the problem next time.

DC will never bother write Jason with enough depth to explore the idea but I really think he would never ever begrudge Bruce for making him Robin. Robin was everything to him. Hope, family, opportunity, agency. Yes it was dangerous but there’s a difference between facing danger for a purpose and dealing with it just to survive. Look at difference between Jason before Robin and afterwards. It’s truly a demonstration of how the effectiveness of nobility is a luxury the desperate are denied.

[viienrose]

Honestly, as a hard Wenclair shipper, I don’t hate on Wyler fans. I’ve decided to write an analysis about Wyler as a way to better understand them. Even if I don’t share their love for the ship, it doesn’t erase some good points.

The character of Wednesday, throughout the different adaptations, has always shown some kind of affection for the kind and shy boy-next-door type. Tyler kind of fits this description — even if, in my opinion, Eugene is a literal copy-paste of that stereotype and was clearly relegated to the “little brother” figure.

So Wyler can make some kind of sense. The dark and sharp character paired with the sweet counterpart is always a great combination. Opposites attract, am I right?

Another argument for Wyler is that Tyler turning into a dangerous monster wouldn’t necessarily be a red flag for an Addams. On the contrary, it’s actually a good argument — the Addams family loves the strange and macabre.

However, a Hyde must have a master. There has to be a power dynamic. Tyler will never truly be in control of the beast. And the Addams seem to value balance and equality in their relationships. It would also be unfair to Tyler to be forced into obedience. Even if Wednesday became his new master, it would make their relationship based on a lack of free will from one party. It sounds incredibly toxic.

The part that gets really questionable is the Hyde itself.

Like, I get that Laurel tortured and controlled Tyler, but he admitted to enjoying killing people. I also understand that it’s supposed to be interpreted through the lens of psychological/emotional/sexual abuse, and that Tyler liking the thrill of the dirty work he was forced into could be a trauma response.

But how much control does a Hyde really have?

That’s a big question throughout the show:

• Did Tyler really like killing?

• Is the Hyde another being within himself that subdues his “real” self?

• Or is it just his dark impulses surfacing?

• Is Tyler a good guy under the pressure of the Hyde, or was he the Hyde all along?

That brings us to the next point:

We don’t know Tyler.

We don’t know Tyler with the Hyde.

And through season one, we come to understand that Tyler was the Hyde. But it left us wondering: Was the Hyde Tyler?

Is Tyler a psychopathic murderer, or was he forced to act under the stronger will of a savage alter ego?

Are they the same or two separate beings? How do we even divide the responsibility between the two?

I really hope the show gives us more insight into it.

Since we don’t have answers yet, I can’t imagine Wednesday being involved with Tyler.

She obviously had an affection or at least an interest in the sweet coffee boy — but that wasn’t really Tyler.

The Hyde is part of Tyler, whether he likes it or not. Wednesday liked the version Tyler showed her — not his real self.

He basically lied to her to get close. He led her to Laurel even if he had some liking for her. Was he entirely controlled? Maybe, but either way, it’s safe to say Wednesday no longer holds any real attachment to him.

Another important point — even if it’s just common sense — is that Wednesday would absolutely hate Tyler if he truly meant those murders.

The Addams family might be creepy and kooky, but they have a strong sense of justice and solid values. They’re goth, not evil.

—

Now, some projections based on what we learn about Tyler in the future:

• Best-case scenario: He was subjected by the Hyde and gets help to control it, healing from his trauma. It would take time. He could then be redeemed and reintegrated into the outcast world, with a better understanding of Hydes and protections against the abuse he suffered.

• Worst-case scenario: The dark personality of the Hyde was always part of him, even before it “woke up.” In that case, Tyler holds responsibility for his crimes, is non-redeemable, and goes full villain mode.

Honestly, I’d be happy with either.

The actor playing Tyler is amazing, and I can easily see him nailing both versions.

Still, I think Tyler would be the perfect opponent for Wednesday rather than a potential suitor.

As you might have guessed from this analysis, I really dig his character — mostly for the mystery and potential he still holds.

—

Now that I’ve written this whole text about making peace with Wyler fans, I want to point out something:

We kind of have the same argument as Wenclair fans!

The opposites attract trope. The Addams’ fascination with monstrous creatures.

We’re not so different after all.

Let’s just enjoy the show in our own ways without turning on each other’s throats.

[seagulltheseawing]

i don’t enjoy shipping personally since it never interested me, just not really my thing. Not even in the wof fandom which is my main fandom. But when i see ultrakill gabv1el something awakens inside of me

i fw with gabv1el so hard it jsut makes so much sense because it’s an actually interesting dynamic