#The more I watch the latest episode the sadder it gets | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

whateverthedragonswant · 2 years ago

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Just finished reading your latest Big Sky posts, and I agree with everything you said. Season 3 is such a far departure from what this show was when it first started, and I hate how they’ve sidelined Cassie this season. I thought it would’ve gotten better when the focus shifted toward the campsite, yet the focus is still on Beau and Jenny. I’ve also noticed how Kylie’s barely featured in Big Sky’s social media posts to the point that you wouldn’t even know that she’s the main protagonist of this show! I know you’ve touched on this before, but I would love to hear your thoughts on how Cassie’s been treated this season. And I’d like to know whether you’re going to watch the final 3 episodes of the season (especially after reading what Elwood shared in his latest interview)

Hey, Anon! My first Big Sky ask, thank you! =D Thank you so much for checking out my posts! I apologize for the delay in my response. I will admit, I was frustrated with this show, Elwood, and the writers after watching 3x10 and reading the interview you mentioned (thank you for letting me know about it!), so I wanted to wait to let that pass before replying. So this way my answer to you could be as objective as possible while giving my opinion but not containing any of that frustration (aka basically me going WTF the whole time lol) if that makes sense.

Let me start out by saying that I 100% agree with everything you said here. Full transparency, I still haven't seen season 2 (only 2x01 and 2x18 at this point) but I know the highlights, and compared to season 1, the writing for season 3 definitely feels like a departure from the story that the show set up from the very beginning like you said. I know they were attempting a new format this season but Elwood/the writers have consistently demonstrated that they really cannot handle the weekly stories alongside the big one of the season as well as an ensemble cast that rotates weekly guest stars. They're struggling to juggle too many stories, from big to small, and it shows. It was the wrong direction for them to go in though I give them points for at least attempting it.

Like you, I also hoped that once Cassie's and Beau & Jenny's stories started to intertwine that things would indeed get better. Instead, it only got worse. To the point where I as a viewer didn't even care that we got a little Beau and Cassie time in 3x10 (and I love the dynamic between those two). They were purposely throwing Beau and Cassie together into a few scenes and intentionally giving her a little more time this episode to hook more viewers for their return next year. Not even to set the story up and what's coming for 3B but as a hook. That's all it was. And what's even sadder about this is that while it's been made obvious what they're doing to the point where it's showing through the story itself, Elwood and the writers aka the creatives don't really seem to care. They're moving full steam ahead and that's that. Okay, yes, we all know how executives work in this industry, but for a supposed creative like Elwood, that's really concerning and almost kind of heartbreaking.

I'm going to get into how I feel Cassie has been treated this season in a moment but I do want to talk about the Beau/Jenny thing first because I feel it's a very big contributing factor as to what happened to her. Probably a lot more than some people realize.

Beau/Jenny has become Big Sky's meal ticket so to speak. It's not what every single fan of the show wants, but it's what the loudest and most engaging section of the viewers want aka #AcklesNation. This particular section not only engages with the cast (when they're with Jensen or they post about Jensen) but also regularly engages with the Big Sky social media accounts, they make content on here and other platforms, and they are guaranteed to tune into each episode as long as Jensen is on the show. They've become invested in not only Beau and his story line, but also into the "romance" of Beau/Jenny. The media picked up on it due to this overwhelming interest from this section (as they have with other things Jensen has said in public, i.e. Deadpool in the last month for example) and now they bring it up in each interview with either Elwood or the cast. (not to mention these questions are approved/guided by the show's PR team when submitted for approval so if they didn't want Elwood or the cast talking about Beau/Jenny for example, the question wouldn't be able to be asked) Why is this important? Simple, because it relates to my point below:

You brought up the social media (and lack of Cassie/Kylie in it), Anon, and you hit the nail on the head. Because it all relates. When you look at their twitter page for example, it is literally the Jensen Ackles, Beau, and Beau/Jenny show. And that's not a dig at Jensen or either character; it's just stating facts. We only get Dedee when she's with Jensen, we barely get any Poppernak. And even then we get more of them than we do Cassie (the main protagonist like you pointed out) or Kylie like you said. Not to mention, whoever is running that account is repeatedly engaging #AcklesNation, posted a tweet in the beginning of the season of how they were going to suck up to #AcklesNation by using Poppernak's and Beau's interaction from 2x18 as a segue to make this point, and they consistently interact with The Boys Twitter account (which I suspect is run by possibly Kripke himself, not sure though) over Jensen. While whoever is doing this job is doing it well as far as that's concerned, it literally has become the Jensen Ackles show (and for all you Jensen Ackles fans out there, I am not saying anything critical about Jensen nor am I blaming him - this is not his fault obviously and I'm just stating facts). So this is now a big factor in how the decisions were made for the story this season that Elwood has made obvious himself not only in interviews but also in the show itself.

Back in September, Elwood and the main cast did their usual round of interviews to promote the new season. We saw things like this:

While they obviously had to squeeze in for this shot, there is no reason Jensen should be in the back. They could have easily fit him into the shot. Or Reba should be sitting in Elwood's chair and vice versa. But they did this seating this way for two reasons: 1) "Beau" is in the middle between "Cassie" and "Jenny" while not stealing the spotlight from the two leads (from fans of the show before Jensen was cast) & 2) Reba is one of the big names being pushed/used.

And then we heard things like this:

(Elwood - TV Guide - that quote up above btw is hilarious because it has been shown that Jenny has been doing the modern version of swooning over Beau ever since 3x01 - this is why we can't trust anything this guy says, either he's very incompetent at his job and believes what he's selling or he doesn't care because he's only focused on getting the ratings up)

Elwood purposely said before the season premiered that he was playing it down the middle between Beau, Cassie, and Jenny. He said it was going to be a slow burn and he didn't want people to think of Beau and Cassie's relationship as "romantic" but he also kept talking about how Beau and Jenny were a "team" and "professional". Kylie herself made it pretty clear that she viewed Beau and Cassie as almost having a sibling type of banter (x). Anytime Katheryn was asked about Jensen's casting/Beau, she would mention how Jenny and Beau made a great team at solving crime who also had great banter but that was all she would say. When asked about the romanctic chemistry between Beau and Jenny, she would answer with a sort of non-answer (which turned out to be its own answer): “Well, they did cast Jensen. How can there not be when you, when you cast someone like that? If there’s something that maybe manifests or doesn’t manifest, you don’t really know. I don’t know yet.”

Jensen even jokes that he's the "potato" that adds to the "Cassie-and-Jenny" stew that Kylie refers to. And we know potatoes help to thicken stew.

So the show purposely sold it as a slow burn that would be a sort of 'who will Beau end up for falling for' type of vibe between the two leading ladies. So at this time, Kylie's/Cassie's involvement not only in the general story line but also Beau's was going to be neck and neck with Jenny's.

Then we also get:

The question wasn't about Jensen, Reba, or the cast. It wasn't even about the characters. It was about this new format he's introducing. Only after he talks Jensen up does he briefly mention Reba, then goes back into Beau/Jenny (sell, sell, sell!), and then talks about the new format and how challenging it was. And what does he end it with? "...and we've got some amazing guest cast coming in this year." He's made it very apparent what the focus of this season actually is: the big names they're pulling in. Jensen, Reba, Beau/Jenny (and Beau himself), and the other big names are the main draw to this little show and he knows it.

This also shows how the story is taking a backseat this season to the actual selling of the product. This is the season where they might possibly have their last hurrah, where they've pulled in all of these big names (aka stunt casting) so they can promote the hell out of them and the show, and they've changed up the format. It's like a sales team came in and changed up all of the advertising, the look of the product, and even changed the slogan, in order to repackage it and get it out to buyers as a last bid to try to turn a profit after the product initially failed to sell well. That is literally what's happening here. And when that happens, that means shortcuts are taken, corners are cut, and you're no longer getting top quality of that product.

In this answer, he is basically admitting that he/they came up with the weekly format not only to alter the pace of the narrative of the show, but it was also done so Beau and Jenny could go solve weekly crimes together, something he didn't do until Jensen was locked in for the season. While Beau is not supposed to be a lead character, from Elwood's answer here he is basically stating that Beau is now a lead which is why we get: "...and a guy who has done 15 or 16 seasons as a series lead, so he's a guy I've always wanted to work with." Translation: Beau is intended as a lead this season and they're already starting to push the Beau/Jenny factor.

And the breakdown of what we've gotten so far has been this:

3x01 - playing down the middle between Beau & Jenny/Cassie: Cassie and Beau have a friendship that developed over in between seasons & Beau/Jenny start solving crimes - ends with the movie night scene of the three of them

3x02 - playing down the middle again: Beau and Cassie go to talk to Sunny while Jenny has to go with Tonya - ends with ranch scene where Cassie is having a basic housewarming

3x03 - playing down the middle again but slightly less: Beau and Jenny solve crimes though Cassie is mentioned in convo by Jenny & we see a convo between Beau and Cassie in her office though it turns towards Jenny who is mentioned by Beau

3x04 - more Beau/Jenny - less Cassie - no more down the middle

3x05 - dun dun dun, big Beau/Jenny push - less Cassie

3x06 - Beau/Jenny push - less Cassie

3x07 - Beau/Jenny push - a little more Cassie

3x08 - Beau/Jenny push - same amount of Cassie

3x09 - Beau/Jenny push - a little more of Cassie

3x10 - big Beau/Jenny push - a little more of Cassie - we even get a few minutes of Beau and Cassie

That's literally how it plays out.

And now in December we have:

(Elwood - TV Insider)

The fact that the interviewer has to ask how Beau feels is a big indicator that the story is not being told well, especially given Elwood's answer here.

Then we get a whole big thing (aka sales pitch) on Beau and Jenny:

Cassie?:

Not so much expounding upon Cassie herself, barely a blip about the Cassie/Cormac romance itself, and a bit on the actual plot. A bit weird given that Cassie is the main protagonist of this show, right?

Because Cassie has been pushed aside in favor of pushing the Beau (Jensen) and Beau/Jenny narrative. They literally tossed her aside, sprinkle her into the narrative here and there to still be able to claim "oh, we're still having Cassie be important to the story, look!", and gave her a throwaway romance so not only could they parallel it to the Beau/Jenny relationship but also to keep Cassie busy so we get more time with Beau but remove any possibility of Cassie being a potential romantic rival for Jenny (so Jenny can confidently go after Beau) and so like Elwood said, two women don't fight over a guy (which again is hilarious because the only thing keeping Jenny from going all schoolyard this season is because Cassie is interested in Cormac).

This is why Kylie/Cassie has reduced time this season compared to the last two. This is why Kylie/Cassie are not being featured/pushed on social media. This is why you can barely find any Cassie scenes from this season on YouTube unless it features Cormac or Beau/Jenny. Because the Elwood and the show see the response they got once it was announced Jensen would be in 2x18 and what kind of response they got after it aired. Then they even saw the response to the announcement that Jensen had joined Season 3 as a regular. They see the consistent engagement from #AcklesNation on social media (which unfortunately is what counts these days in this industry; I don't care for Cocoa Brown myself but she said it best in that IG Live she did), something like Jensen has over 10M Instagram followers, and the desire for Beau/Jenny from that crowd (which is because Jenny is being used as self-insert for a lot of them and it's being accommodated by Jenny's characterization drop this season but that's a conversation for another time). Jensen and Katheryn do have chemistry but it's nowhere near what it should be for this type of "romance" to take place successfully. You combine that with poor writing/development and....well, you need to do other things to compensate, like moving the main protagonist to the back burner.

Saying all of this, now we look at that latest interview and it makes more sense why we see less of Cassie and read things like this:

"I think the modus is to go right to giving the audience what they want" What a statement to make about the direction one of your leads' stories is going in, especially when you are responsible for not only making that decision but you are helming the show itself. This show lives and dies with him.

If I hadn't seen/read everything I listed above and only saw this one interview, I would immediately know that this show no longer worth my time, not while it's under this guy. I get that he has to keep the show on the air but when you make it obvious that you're just a salesman who is saying whatever he has to in order to sell the product, then the product isn't really being given the attention it's not only due but deserves.

Imho, that one line says it all. It covers what their actual goal is, what their intention has been all along, and how things are operating behind the scenes.

And to break it down even further:

"I think the modus" - this word automatically makes one think of 'modus operandi' which is defined as: a particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established. Well, frankly speaking, this whole Beau/Jenny "romance" is not characteristic or well-established, but it's obvious this is how they chose to go about it. We've only seen the build-up from Jenny's side, never Beau's. And they purposely threw Cassie into the mix in the beginning and kept the mention of her as a device to not only keep those viewers (aka Cassie fans) hooked but also because of what Elwood says later in the interview.

"Is to go right to" - had Beau/Jenny had an organic build-up, then yes I could buy that they've been planning this from the start. And tbf to them, it is possible they chose to do this once Jensen was cast as a season regular after they saw how loud the purported #AcklesNation was in wanting not only more of Jensen/Beau but also Beau/Jenny like I mentioned above. This is exactly what they're looking for (hence the SPN Easter eggs thrown in as well). More proof? Having Travis step out at the same time Beau steps in doesn't make sense for Jenny's character development, especially when they made sure to mention in the episode that Beau was still in love with his ex-wife, Jenny lets Travis go so he can find the girlfriend he can't let go of, and she barely gets a breather in between. She literally is between two guys who have the same issue, just different circumstances. That is such bad writing (and bad character development for Jenny) that I can't help but think they didn't intend a Beau/Jenny "romance" at that time, especially since it wasn't announced that Jensen was locked in for season 3 yet. So this gives more credence to the belief that the Beau/Jenny thing wasn't an actual thing until they saw the response to 2x18 and locked Jensen in. Especially given the two very different interactions Beau has with Jenny and Cassie in that same episode. Had Beau/Jenny been the plan, Beau and Jenny's introduction would have played out very differently and the end of Travis and Jenny's story would have been changed up.

"giving the audience what they want" - talk about specific wording. This isn't something they necessarily want or that he himself wants but it's the audience that wants it. And they're giving it to them. This line makes absolute sense with what he says in the interview about Beau and Jenny needing to earn that "physicality". He and the writers could have given it to the audience in the beginning of the season, if that's what they really wanted to do but they didn't. Instead, Elwood says this: "I think it all goes towards earning those looks, earning any kind of physicality that may occur in the back half of the season, really earning it, and making the audience want to be there for it." They made it a "slow burn" so they could lock in viewers each week, that's it. While Elwood talks about earning it (and he's right, when it comes to actual character and relationship development, things have to be earned before they happen or else it doesn't make sense and feels off-kilter to the audience), the main reason they're having it happen in 3B is because they're trying to guarantee a viewership for as long as they can which they're hoping gets them renewed for season 4. So they consistently bait the hook with whatever they need to i.e. the stroking of Jenny's face out of nowhere (which bless Jensen, he was the one that made that even work as slightly as it did), the Beau and Cassie scenes, and the cliffhanger with Buck vs Cassie. In order to keep people coming back to watch so they don't get cancelled. (The Winchesters is actually doing this same thing btw; I don't know if you follow this show or not but if you look it up, you'll see they're doing the exact same thing - their bait is the earned Jary kiss in the fall finale, casting an SPN actor in the mid-season premiere in January, promising fans payoff in the season finale - it's the name of the game for these two shows because they're trying their hardest to ensure another season)

Bottom line: they don't care about the story; they only care about numbers. If the rumors of this show being on the chopping block last season are true (which after all of this, seems like a pretty good bet that they are), then that explains everything. It explains their consistent appealing to #AcklesNation online, the content they choose to repeatedly focus on which alienates the other characters and cast members (and their fans), and why they're giving "the audience" what they want. They're fighting to stay on the air. Which makes sense especially if you look at this season's casting compared to the casting of the last two seasons (when comparing household names I mean). They really stepped up their game. We have Reba, Rex Linn, Jensen, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who was also made a season regular for this season), Rosanna Arquette, Henry Ian Cusick, Lyle Lovett, Darius Rucker...it's quite the lineup.

So that is why I feel Cassie has been pushed aside as much as she has. It's all about the numbers. And Cassie isn't producing numbers/ensuring ratings as much as Beau and Beau/Jenny are. And Jenny is perfect self-insert for a lot of people when it comes to Beau...and that's all I'll say about that (though I'm sure you get what I'm saying).

As for how I feel about it, I am just beyond disgusted, disappointed, and angry on Cassie's behalf. Disgusted because the story is literally being hijacked for numbers, and boy does it show. Disappointed because while Jensen/Beau was my gateway to this show, I did actually enjoy the show for itself after bingeing season 1 and falling in love with Cassie and her friendship with Jenny. Angry because they are literally not only moving Cassie to the back in favor of this bs but they're literally having a WOC prop up the white leads. Even though the WOC is the main protagonist and a lead herself. And I hate to say it but Beau has literally replaced Cassie, not just in Jenny's story but also in the main narrative of the show. He gets more screen time than Cassie does every single episode (which again is for the numbers). Not to mention, they literally used Cassie to help along the Beau/Jenny bs. She was used to make Jenny jealous (both romantically and emotionally), to help Beau open up to get him into position to be able to open up to Jenny, and to ease the way for Beau and Jenny in their own dynamic. And that is just so beyond wrong, I don't even know where to begin. For comparison's sake, check out the new show Alaska Daily. It's only half a season in but in those few episodes, they're handling the format of weekly cases vs the big case in the background way better and they're not sacrificing POC/WOC to do it. Eileen (Hilary Swank) is the main character but Roz is never pushed to the side or run over in favor of the white lead or to sell something for Eileen's story within the narrative. Roz is not used as a device by the writers to account for any incompetency or inconsistency or to solve a problem for them. The difference between the two is quite striking though they're literally on the same network lol.

But, back to Big Sky and Elwood, talk about ringing the death knell of what could have been a decent show. Anytime you see a showrunner doing fanservice like this (with the addition of making it obvious that you're only doing the fanservice for the numbers) rather than what actually serves the story and/or the characters, it's pretty much a done deal. Imho, it will only be a matter of time before this runs into the ground and completely disintegrates. Especially when romance is not supposed to be the focus of a show like this.

So I'm not going to continue to watch the show once it returns after the holidays. I truly have no interest. I think Reba, Jensen, and the cast are doing a phenomenal job trying to give life to these characters and give their stories their due, and the show has only lasted as long as it has due to the incredible work of the existing cast that the newbies got added onto. But seeing how little the showrunner actually cares about the story of the show based on not only the final product he's putting out but also his own responses and his moving the goal posts on certain parts of the narrative at large...no thank you. My time and energy can go to another show that tells a better story and gets it right, where the showrunner actually cares about the story and its characters.

After the season ends, I might binge it just to see the end because I don't like to say never and I don't like to leave things unresolved like that for myself, but I have to be honest, I highly doubt it. I love Cassie, I love Beau, and I do love Jenny, but it isn't worth it imho. And I feel super bad saying that because I do love Reba, Jensen, Kylie, Katheryn, Dedee, and the cast, and the work they do but even they can't make me forget the horrific and lackadaisical writing I'm witnessing.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your ask, Anon. I hope in somewhere in that long novel I made some sense lol. Sorry it took so long for me to reply! And thank you again for sending me my first Big Sky ask. =) I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!!! <3

#ask #ask answered #thanks for being my first big sky ask anon #big sky #bigskyask #elwood reid critical #big sky critical #big sky season 3

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starlight-time-machine · 11 months ago

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Week in Review

12/17/2023 – 12/23/2023

Sunday

Undead Unluck!!! The huge Round Table!!! UMA Beast and Language!!! Tsundere Apocalypse!!! Fuuko and Juiz being foils and parallels!!! Fuuko being Juiz’s fangirl!!! Gina and Sean messing around in the background!!! Julia!!!!!!!!!!

Dandadan was fine, it was mostly a set-up chapter after all. I was looking forward to seeing the new guy’s design, but maybe that’ll be next week.

Magilumiere is making me insane. I’m coughing up blood. Shigemoto clinging to a single-minded ambition to deal with his grief, Midorikawa envying that Shigemoto at least has direction in his life, Midorikawa deciding to follow Shigemoto and do the dirty work for him to maintain his purity……………………………………………………………….. What in the hell is going on here…………….. Shigemoto’s conflicted expression as Midorikawa offers to dirty his own hands……………………..but agreeing anyway…………….. Also short hair Shigemoto in these hypercute outfits is really cute… I need to see BL doujins of these two so badly… (Also this makes me even sadder that the new anime character designs they revealed were so ugly… They don’t get Midorikawa’s secretly villainous energy…)

Cipher Academy is good, as always… The cover page was funny, I would’ve loved to see what bear crimes Eteshite has committed… I loved seeing Yukako again, but the revelation that she was tanking all the damage to gather intel for Toshusai was chilling… I really like how Iroha’s whole thing is how he can openly and honestly convey his true feelings to others… In a story all about codes and the obstruction of information, the core theme is still communication above all else. So Iroha being able to cut through the chaff of everyone’s codes and personalities and reach their hearts is fun, and a great design for the protagonist of a series like this. (And again, this means that Iroha has chemistry with everyone he interacts with… “You’re the Cipher Soldier I aspire to be??? LOOK UP TO YOU LIKE A STAR IN THE SKY?????????” It’s so refreshing to have a harem set-up where the main guy is actually likeable and charismatic LMAO) Iroha and Yukako’s little banter at the end was also super cute… And now it seems like we’re closing in on the climax of this arc, which is really exciting. I’m most looking forward to finding out what the furry class’ deal is.

Monday

We finally got back onto the House train for real now (especially since it’s leaving Amazon Prime in a few days). The episode where House picks Thirteen up from jail was really solid; I liked the fun little parallels they did with Thirteen picking House up from the security office later, their banter was fun, and Thirteen’s fears are genuine and I could really feel for her. House promising to kill her was probably the nicest thing he’s ever done. After that was Masters’ farewell episode, and while I don’t care about her enough to miss her, I do think seeing her interacting with Thirteen more would’ve been fun…but oh well.

I watched the latest episode of Make Some Noise, and even though I’m happy to see the Noise Boys back for another round, most of the prompts just really didn’t do it for me… Considering some of the heights that other Noise Boys episodes have taken me, this one was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment.

The new Kusuriya episode was also pretty good. I liked all the effort they put into making Fengming look menacing, from the lighting to the framing and the emphasis on the knife behind her. I also liked the brief glimpse into Ah-Duo’s loneliness – despite being a capable woman who would probably love to take matters into her own hands and be the master of her own fate, her position inspires others to sacrifice themselves so as to not dirty her hands…it’s a lonely existence, I imagine. Younger Lishu is so so so so cute, the Jinshi/Maomao moment was also soooooooooo cute. Solid episode overall.

Tuesday

Chainsaw Man…the tragedy of Denji is how he’s a straightforward guy in a complicated world. And perhaps his version of happiness is just fundamentally incompatible with his surroundings and his position as someone with a unique power… I’d like to see Denji get a happy ending, but it’s getting harder to imagine that happening.

We blasted through the end of House season 7 today, and it was decently fun. None of the medical cases in this batch were particularly memorable, though. The only stand-out moments were House doing surgery on himself and House crashing his car into Cuddy’s house. Farewell, Cuddy – you could’ve been a great character if you weren’t trapped in the comphet will they won’t they thing with House.

I started rewatching Downton Abbey in a hurry because I found out it’s about to leave Amazon Prime. I had first watched the show right after I graduated high school on my Grade 12 English teacher’s recommendation, and while I liked it a lot, I think some of it went over my head on account of me being dumb and not knowing much about the world. On this rewatch, I can see now that the show is quite funny under all the posh sounding language, and it’s self-aware about the ridiculousness of this extravagant lifestyle while also allowing us to fully marinate in its splendour and, dare I say, its comfyness. Yes, eat the rich and all that, but there’s something comforting about the routines and efficiency of this estate and how the family and the servants interact and have fondness for each other. Lord Grantham in particular is winning the most based award by a long shot with his open-mindedness. All of the characters in Downton are so distinct and yet believable and likeable – even detestable people like Thomas and Mary get softened over time as we learn more about their struggles (that’s just going off my vague memories from my first watch, though). The only person I truly dislike is O’Brien. I love watching Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes trying to manage everyone like parents – it’s even more satisfying now that I know where they end up at the end of the show. Also it’s funny how they wrote Daisy to the be the audience surrogate character who asks basic questions so that the audience can figure out what’s going on and what the standards for the time period are. (Speaking of which, I like that it’s set in the 20th century – the rapidly changing landscape makes for an interesting backdrop to the soap opera-like personal conflicts of the estate). I never did get around to watching the Christmas special or the movies, so I’m looking forward to those after I finish my rewatch and refresh my memory on everything.

Wednesday

Seeing House return to PPTH was nice, as was him trying to reconcile with Wilson in his own way. Park is a fun addition to the cast (we knew her as Ruby’s voice actor on Steven Universe), but unfortunately her acting is so incredibly stiff…

More Downton. I’m enjoying it, but there are some moments where the editing gets a little crazy… Especially when they try to do quick cuts, it just looks jarring and almost like a mistake. I also find some of the romantic progression to be a bit abrupt… I get that they only have eight-ish episodes a season so they have to move things along, but it’s a bit weird when two characters make knowing glances and have like three meaningful scenes together and then all of a sudden they’re saying I love you or getting jealous when the other person talks to someone else like let’s be real here.

Thursday

Downton Abbey: We all saw it coming, and I do like it, but there’s some part of me that’s a little disappointed with the Mary/Matthew romance. As pointed out in the show itself, it tidily solves all of their issues (until the sudden Cora pregnancy…kind of), and the legal drama enjoyer in me would’ve liked to see them somehow foil the entail in some other way. I also wish it was more of a slow burn, but I guess there are other couples who fulfil that role.

House, but I have nothing notable to say about it.

Friday

Even more House. Why did we get like four white dudes in a row for patients. The boxing match subplot was cute.

Saturday

Undead Unluck is crazy good this week… I LOVEEEEEEEEE hearing the English and the Japanese Simlish happening, it’s a little mind-bendy but it serves UU’s international aspect really well. The standoff between Andy and Rip was a little whatever, but I liked that Rip and Latla got some comedic moments to themselves. They serve as a great foil to Andy and Fuuko, and it hints at their importance by humanizing them. And seeing good guy Rip in the current manga loop is really funny when compared to Hot Topic sexy bad boy Rip mmm I’m gonna lick my own blood every five seconds because I’m cool and edgy. AND THEN!! CHIKARA STOPPING THE BULLET WAS SOOOO HYPE!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SO BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some of Downton Abbey’s soap opera quirks are annoying me a little bit. O’Brien causing Cora’s miscarriage on the basis of a perfect misunderstanding, the waffling between Matthew and Mary, etc. And I’ve gotta say, Mary has been extremely unlikeable throughout this whole season…her quips feel more nasty than clever. Her sabotaging Edith’s prospects out of spite/for her own amusement didn’t sit well with me at all, and her next scene being her tearfully begging Matthew to stay was like…I feel like they wanted me to feel bad for her, but I really don’t.

#week in review #2023

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palariiii · 2 years ago

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“Did you know plants can hear you?”

DID HE TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED WITH BLITZØ TO THE PLANTS??

#helluva boss #helluva spoilers #helluva boss spoilers #stolas goetia #helluva stolas #how tf do i tag this #The more I watch the latest episode the sadder it gets #not fanart

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cheesus-doodles · 3 years ago

Note

You probably already watch the latest episode of Tokyo Revengers, or read the manga, but I wonder how the reader would handle the current relationship with Kazutora and Baji leaving the group?

hey look winky wink anon! its your first ask, we're finally here! ^^ its been a while since this episode, but this anime still makes me sad, the manga makes me sadder, and i still have to reread it again because i sped through the first time. honestly this entire blog is just self-indulgent brainrot to fill the hole in my heart

p.s: yall know the same song and dance by now - its 5.30am, brain go brr, will edit as necessary tmr

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Recommended Readings: A Friend In Me Part 1

Masterlist

tw: yandere, violence

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Leaving You

Yandere Platonic Toman Boys AU

The day started out as many other days did. Or at least that was what he liked to tell himself. Huddled at the furthest end of this shell of a room, today was undoubtedly one of the most miserable days of his life. But that couldn’t be said for the rest that shared this depressing environment. Still pumped off of having none other than Toman’s former First Division Captain, Baji Keisuke himself, join the ranks of Valhalla, the men in their signature white jackets were restless in their waiting for the upcoming fight. The buzz in the air was palpable, and ever so often, Baji felt yet another pair of eyes toss a curious look his way, though they usually dropped their gaze before he could respond with a threatening glare.

The arcade itself was a horrible place to hangout, or to even exist in if he was being honest, the stench of smoke strong and choking with every breath, old, rusting surfaces covered with either cigarette ash or dust. Almost as if they were miles underwater, only the lightest, slightest rays of sunlight made it past the tinted glass doors, and none reached the back of the arcade, where Baji was, seated atop what seemed like a table hockey game in a previous life. At least the bar lights that hung down from the ceiling still served their purpose, casting an almost eerie white glow that seemed befitting of the sea of white jackets, though the men gathered here under the lights were far from angels.

Yet here he was, stuck in this hell he willingly walked into, all Baji could do was turn his attention back down to his phone; the mindless clicking and cycling between old photos and text messages at least serving as a brain-numbing distraction while he spaced out and thought of nothing. But even that was a lie he was trying to feed his brain and heart. As much as he wanted to, as he wished for a blank mind, all he could think of was the pain that his friends were going through, the pain that you were going through.

You haunted him even during the day; the thought of you finding out, as you would eventually, that he was no longer there, no longer a part of the Toman that was built to give you the world. That Baji had left of his own volition to join a rival gang, even after he told you with his own mouth that you had to remain loyal to Toman. Just a few more suffering minutes - hours - that he would have to sit here, tortured by his own thoughts, until he could leave. Until maybe the cool evening breeze kissing his skin could turn his thoughts to something else, or maybe until the last dying rays of sun would take his agony with it so he could get a good night’s sleep.

Biting back yet another sigh, the Toman Captain didn’t need to turn to confirm that Hanma, who had been lounging lazily on his throne of broken games all afternoon, still had one beady eye fixed on his back, just as he had since they gathered in the morning. But who could blame the acting head of Valhalla? He had been a former enemy up till just the previous day after all, and even with the backing of Kazutora, Hanma was right to keep a closer eye on him - Baji would have done the same. Though he silently hoped that the beansprout of a man would let them go - it was exhausting to have to keep up with this act, and Baji craved the warm embrace of his bed - he knew it was unlikely. And so the clock ticked on, and all he could do was listen.

Unknown to the two former Toman founders, the rumbling of the sky outside, a sudden and sharp contrast to the blazing afternoon sun that had been and was still beating down upon the parched earth, foreboded the brewing of a storm. Cautiously crossing the narrow alley road, the only obstacle left between you and the supposed Valhalla hideout, you silently thanked your past self for having the thoughtfulness to pack the current you an umbrella. The weather forecast had promised clear skies and good sun, though after having endured the tormenting heat on your walk here, you were holding out hope that it really did rain and bring some relief. The three full bento boxes, each wrapped in familiar furoshikis, hung heavy from your arm in an otherwise nondescript brown paper bag.

From the outside, the hideout was somewhere that would have never caught your eye or attention, you mused, even as you approached the tinted double glass doors. Old, rundown and falling apart was the feeling you got, and how an entire gang came to occupy this abandoned lot was something you supposed you were never going to find out. Raising one free hand, you could only steel your nerves. Hopefully this went as well as it did in your head.

It was, least to say, pretty puzzling to hear very polite knocks echoing off the glass doors of the old arcade that Valhalla was inhabiting. The gang of closest boys huddled near the doors looked at each other, confused, before the knocks came again, and the culprit shifted closer to the door, their silhouette now clear behind the translucent glass.

“Hello? Is there anyone in?” You called out, almost hesitantly, the nervous pounding of your heart clear on your face even though you tried your best to hide it. You didn’t want to be here, or in this position, for that matter. Maybe it was really a bad idea like what the boys said - even maybe a dangerous one - to come here alone, but at the same time, you didn’t want to drag anyone else into this.

Baji looked up annoyed from his phone, the unusually loud commotion at the door having pulled him out from his thoughts. A good thing, for one, to be distracted from the increasingly depressing spiral he was going down, yet a bad thing at the same time, now that he was back to reality and this shitty situation he was stuck in.

It was almost like he was stuck in a dream; a familiar figure at first, and then you, or hopefully someone that looked like you, appeared through the fog. But if this was really a dream, he could only assume that his dream was starting to border on a nightmare, and he would rather he woke up in hell - dream or not, what he was trapped in wasn’t something Baji would ever wish to get you caught up in.

Yet there you were, the actual physical you, coughing badly, a fragile silhouette against the larger boys around you. Your nose tucked into the crook of one elbow, the other clutched onto your school bag and an all too familiar lunch bag, the sound of clattering bento boxes was already echoing inside his head despite the growing hustle and bustle drowning out the comforting sound. Gripped too hard for your delicate self by one arm by yet another nameless thug, all Baji could do was watch as you desperately tried to pull out of the painful clutch, to back up and out from the cloud of cigarette smoke that seemed to perpetually hang over the arcade, although you didn’t seem to be making much progress against the jeering crowd of delinquents who seemed to swell around you with every passing second. With his newbie status, his hands were all but tied, even if his heart yearned to reach out to you, to beat these shitstains into the ground and take you into his arms. To flee back to Toman. But alas, all he did was watch.

"Boss, we found this little shit loitering outside t…"

His patience at its limit, before Baji could even make to stand and shout, a loud thud, quickly followed by another, as two members collapsed on the floor, Kazutora’s fists having made itself known full-forced into unguarded abdomens, and the sea of white jackets immediately fell silent. “Get lost.”

It was almost impressive how fast they dispersed, with most opting to flee the crowd towards the back of the arcade, waiting till they were far enough from the Valhalla’s Number Three to throw a few dirty looks and mutters, and some instead choosing to vacate the area entirely.

And with the sudden exodus of people around you, you had been all but dumped on the dirty floor, a pathetic, maybe even pitiful sight under the dim, swaying lights of the abandoned arcade, your legs sprayed under you as you hacked and coughed into the crook of your arm. Were you standing? Had you fallen over? You couldn’t even be sure, the lack of breathable air making your sight hazy and your head swirl.

But you must have fallen over at some point, you rationalized, as you were carefully, ever so gently, lifted up, both your arms hauled and tossed over two different sets of shoulders clothed in white jackets you didn’t recognise. One large hand pressed firmly over your nose and mouth to replace where your elbow had been, and you were hauled quickly towards the exit, the bright sunlight bursting into your tender eyes before you could even get your bearings. They stayed, holding back your hair, watching as you dry heaved and coughed the smoke out of your lungs, gulping down the fresh air as quickly as you could. Both Baji and Kazutora knew that you, ever so delicate, always had difficulty breathing around cigarette smoke.

“What were you thinking?” Kazutora muttered under his breath, his eyes having completely lost its earlier crazed look as he soothingly rubbed your back, Baji tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “It’s not good for you in there.”

“I -” You heaved one last time, letting out a slight pant, a weary smile that matched your tired gaze revealed as you finally straightened from where you had been bent over a patch of overgrown grass. “I came to bring you boys lunch. Didn’t mean to get dragged in.”

Yet the moment you regained your bearings, your kind, fond eyes lightening up with excitement and cheer, your arms were thrown over both your friends, pulling them into one of your familiar hugs. Not that they minded in the slightest of course, taking the opportunity to snuggle into your chest, to push their faces into your neck and hair, the weights of their chest that had been there just moments ago from seeing you struggle to breathe lifting.

It seemed no matter where they were, which uniform they wore, you never failed to brighten the lives of everyone around you. Yet the little happy reunion wasn’t meant to last.

“Hey hey, who’s this pretty little thing?” The last voice either of them wanted to hear, cutting through their joy at having you back by their side like a wet knife through butter, had the two boys whirling around, sleezy, honeyed and all around amused.

How dare he, was the only thing that passed through the minds of your friends, as Hanma’s eyes landed on your comparatively smaller figure, wretched golden orbs scanning you up and down. How dare this scum looked upon you with his undeserving eyes, speak to you with his worthless tongue. You were theirs, and theirs alone.

But before Kazutora even had the chance to bare his fangs, to tell this outsider, even if he was the Valhalla Acting Captain, to fuck back off into the hellhole he came from, you had already stepped forward, gingerly taking one giant, filthy, tattooed hand into both of yours.

“You must be the one that has been taking care of Kazutora and Baji for me.” There was no malice, no lies in your smile. Like a spark of light that fell from the sun, bright, kind, genuine, the complete opposite from those fake, insincere, bloodthirsty grins that inhabited his world. You, your smile, your soft, gentle gaze, they weren’t anything that he had seen in the dark underbelly of the delinquent world where Valhalla, and people like him, thrived. “Thank you.”

Pressing a small transparent bag into his hand as you let go, the same kind that he knew all too intimately, instead of the familiar pills and powder that he expected to find inside, the bag was filled with pieces of steaming karaage, a little toothpick poking out of the bag, held up by the tightly done rubber band. “I hope you like karaage. Fried it up a little while ago, so be careful!”

And you were intuitive too, letting go of his hand just quickly enough that your two friends all but growling behind you haven’t the opportunity to leap into action, yet long enough to leave your touch imprinted on his hand. The small wave and ‘bye’ that you tossed at him before hooking your arms into Kazutora’s and Baji’s was enough to leave him wondering, watching as your odd little trio made off to places unknown, quickly disappearing over the curve of the horizon, the bento boxes you had been carrying from the start gently clattering in its bag until fading completely.

“Interesting,” was all Hanma could mutter, a small smile replacing the usual lazy smirk that he wore, as he turned to stroll, not back into the smoky hideout, but in the opposite direction, your bag of karaage held firmly in one hand. No way in hell he was sharing this.

“Tuck in, tuck in.” Spread out on the familiar picnic mat, you dried your wet hands on the back of your school shirt before prying open your own box, a chuckle slipping out when your friends needed no further encouragement, eagerly digging in, shoveling food into their mouths as quickly as they could. After a quick rinse of your hands at the insistence of both Baji and Kazutora, you had made for somewhere quieter to enjoy your lunch, a comfortable silence settling over your little group.

Any questions that had been bubbling up in Baji’s mind, questions about how you knew about Valhalla, about both his and Kazutora’s change in allegiance, about where the Valhalla hideout was, they all but evaporated with the ring of your laughter over the heavenly smell of your cooking, the nostalgia, the comfort of home washing over any doubts he had.

Then more laughter when Kazutora inevitably got a dab of mayo on the tip of his nose, you reaching over to clean your friend’s face. The sun had sunk much lower in the sky as lunch drew to a close, a light breeze having started up sometime when you were eating, tossing your hair and ruffling your school uniform. The boxes were stacked neatly back up, but just as Baji made to replace them in their bag, you stopped him.

"Oh and I almost forgot!” Tossing open the flap of your school bag, you retrieved yet another set of bento boxes, well-camouflaged between a few books and papers, ruffling your signature brown paper bag as you set the new boxes in. “Kazutora, bottom is for dinner tonight, top is Baji’s snack, alright?"

Beaming, your smile had always seemed like a second sun to Baji as you hooked the paper bag handle over Kazutora’s awaiting arm, but even now, the light that usually sparked his dark world was dulled, your smile failing to reach your anxious eyes.

"I’ll see you tomorrow then, Baji, Kazutora."

It took just a little too long for your words to register in Baji’s brain, even as Kazutora waved you off enthusiastically, tucking his hand into his pockets as he made back towards the rundown arcade. Tomorrow? But tomorrow was the big fight. How did you-

But when he snapped back, his hand reaching for you, to grab you, to tell you with a cracking voice he could feel building up in his throat that you had no place in this fight, in his fight, you were already gone. You never did once bring up that you knew throughout the entirety of the lunch, never asked about Valhalla or why Baji and Kazutora were opposing Mikey and Toman. You had just been you the whole time, and Baji didn't like this sinking feeling in his stomach.

You didn’t go straight back home - you couldn’t, not to the quiet, dark, lonely house that awaited you. Instead, your thoughts began to wander, just like how you now wandered darkened streets under the moonless sky with just your phone in hand, back to two nights ago when you found out the true extent of the turmoil stirring behind the iron curtain that you have never been permitted past. The streets were empty of both humans and vehicles, the stillness of the surroundings only broken by the buzz of crickets and the quiet buzz of the street lamps above.

Although you couldn’t say for certain how the two boys that appeared at your front door knew to find you, at the same time, you had to admit that you were grateful for their intervention - you weren’t sure if Mikey and the others would have ever told you. It had, after all, never been their intention to drag you into their world of delinquents, and you had been more than happy to respect their wishes up till now.

Yet all you could do in the moment was to keep wondering to yourself even as you trailed the familiar path home.

On the other side of town, the butterflies that churned in Takemichi’s stomach as he tossed around in bed all but prevented him from a good night’s rest, even when he needed it the most, given the big fight was tomorrow. Having received your message on your failure at reigning in Baji and Kazutora, it seemed that this whole spectre was still going down anyway. Now lying on his back, eyes turned up towards his empty ceiling, the boy couldn’t help but recall how yet another individual was dragged into this mess, dragged into a mess that he had a hand in creating.

The afternoon sun was still high in the sky, but both Chifuyu and Takemichi already knew deep in their guts that the earlier meeting with Baji that had all but collapsed meant that their hands were now tied. Even as the light breeze helped to somewhat dull the raging heat, kissing their skin and lifting the sweat that beaded on their forehead, it did nothing to calm the anxiety churning in Takemichi's stomach.

There just must be something else that they could do. Someone that could just talk sense into either Baji or Kazutora. "Chifuyu-kun, I -" His nails dug hard into the flesh of his palm, the hopelessness of the situation finally settling in long after the adrenaline faded, the echo of his footsteps dying off as the duo shuffled into the shelter of a bus stop, a temporarily respite from baking in the sun. “There must be something else we can do.”

All he received in response was a sigh, Chifuyu running one hand through his hair, the perspiration bouncing merrily on the ends of his hair.

“There is someone who might be able to help. But I’m not sure-” He trailed off, his gaze seemingly turning to stare off into the distance. Anything involving you, or even talking about you, inside or outside Toman was risky business, and Chifuyu understood that all too well.

“We need to try.”

Another sigh, the Toman Vice Captain opting to fish out his phone from the pockets of his black uniform instead of responding, keying in a number that Takemichi couldn’t see, and taking a few steps out into the sunlight before holding up the phone to his ear.

“- Alright, understood. Thanks again.” The snapping shut of Chifuyu’s phone only seemed to add to the tension between the duo, as he turned to take the same few steps back under the shade, his eyes turning up from his phone to meet Takemichi’s. "Just shut up and follow me, alright?"

Having been led down winding paths and through narrow, smelly alleyways between towering buildings, Takemichi could barely tell where he was, blindly following Chifuyu’s mob of golden hair through areas of the city he never knew existed. The sunlight didn't reach down here, and the boy had to be all but yanked back, down behind a few waylaid trash cans, right before he almost stumbled out into the alluring sunlight, out from the shadows of the small back lane that overlooked what seemed like a quiet river.

And right there, under the shade of a tilted tree, was you, tucked away in a little alcove that overlooked the gently flowing river. But you weren’t alone, a mob of golden hair anyone would recognise lying, sleeping perhaps, cuddled in your lap, one of your hands running ever so gently through his hair even as the other quickly cooling the two of you briskly with what looked like a small black folding fan.

"The final founding member of Toman." Came Chifuyu's whispered response to Takemichi’s unasked question. You were the open secret that all members in Toman knew about, but were barred from acknowledging on the pain of assured death. Your name was only mumbled below breaths when new members were briefed, away from the listening ears of the captains, and more so the founders - those who had survived long enough knew what awaited any that dared to even mention you on their unworthy tongues. Mikey barely looked like himself with you, peaceful, asleep, comfortable. He looked his age for once, mused Takemichi, even as he squinted against the harsh sunlight.

Grabbing your hand mid-comb, the two boys watched as the Toman founder got up from where he had been lying, and with uncharacteristic gentleness, intertwined his fingers with yours as he helped you up.

“We’ll follow them.” Yet before Takemichi could make a move, he was yet again yanked back down. Confusion washing over his face, it only took a second to follow the hand clutching his sleeve in a death grip back to his Chifuyu’s face to realize that the calm, collected facade he was all too familiar with had been replaced with a ghostly pale face, the fear all too visible in his now quaking eyes, the first time ever he had seen his partner shaking in his boots.

“This -” Chifuyu swallowed hard. “This is a bad idea.”

“We don’t have a choice.” Came Takemichi’s muttered response, as he hurriedly threw another glance back at the river bank. Good, you and Mikey were still there, Mikey seemingly taking his time to snuggle his face into your neck. “We need to stop Baji-kun.”

“You don’t know what you’re messing with.” Nothing ended well with you involved, and memories, too many memories, welled up from the dark recesses of his mind where he had forced them away, the consequences of tangling with you, where getting off with just a few broken bones was considered merciful. His own close brush with death was, of course, at the forefront of his mind, and Chifuyu loathed to find out his fate should the Toman founders ever find out what they were considering at the moment. To not only look at you, but to talk to you? Without them there? What would Baji-san think?

“Chifuyu-kun, this is our last chance to stop this fight.” The determination that sparked in the other’s eyes was almost convincing, but what changed his mind wasn’t that, far from it. It was the fear that shone through in Takemichi’s gaze, clear and simple, even with the resolution that Chifuyu could see burning fiercely alongside.

“Fine. But you follow my lead. You understand? We are as good as dead if we get caught.”

And so Takemichi did, quietly following behind Chifuyu, their duo lightly treading after you and Mikey as the two of you seemed to trail almost aimlessly all afternoon and evening, keeping to the quiet, dark alleyways where they could watch as you snacked your way through town. Countless numbers of taiyakis and sweets were bought and lightly fed to Mikey, you laughing brightly when the same snacks were pressed into your mouth. Yet all the while, it didn't escape them that your fingers stayed tightly locked with Mikey’s.

And finally, after an eternity of creeping and crawling through god-knows what in Tokyo’s dirty back alleys, you led them straight to your home. Though being at the distance they were at, and night having already bled into the sky, a merciful relief from the heat of the day, neither Chifuyu nor Takemichi could confirm if Mikey had left your house. It was just a risk they had to take, the duo decided wordlessly, waiting just long enough after your room’s lights had gone off before making their way up to your porch.

A few short, light raps seemed to do the trick to summon you to the front door, the duo outside not daring to risk pressing the doorbell. A small pop, and the door opened a crack, the moonlight slipping through and illuminating you against the black backdrop of your unlit house.

“Can I help you?”

The dim white light from the half moon only seemed to make your eyebags look even darker, your drowsy gaze looking them up and down before finally sharpening into focus when you recognised their uniform. Toman uniforms.

But just as Chifuyu began to speak, the first syllables of his name having barely left his lips, you had already put a finger to your lips, your tired gaze flicking up for just a second, back in the direction of your room he supposed, before turning back to them. You had a guest, it seemed, someone who was better off remaining asleep.

A quick nod. "Matsuno Chifuyu, Toman First Division Vice Captain." The whispered introduction was still loud against your silent neighbourhood, though the stillness was broken by the occasional rustle of leaves.

"Hanagaki Takemichi."

Your weary, yet gentle eyes seemed to peer through them into their souls, though your gaze was quickly broken by a yawn that escaped up from between your lips. “I don’t have long, but what can I do for you boys?”

Everything spilled out like the unstoppable tide. Baji leaving Toman, Kazutora and Valhalla, in rapid, hushed mutters, bit by bit, you learned everything that your friends had been hiding from you. No, not hiding. This was their world, the same one that your six friends had been trying to protect you from, even as they moved in the shadows to build their promised future for you. And you listened ever so patiently, gently running one hand through Chifuyu’s hair as desperate tears welled up and spilled over red eyes, an almost soothing presence in the difficult tale.

"I promise I'll do everything I can." A slight grumble that floated down the corridor seemed to be like a bell, you removing your hands from them and barely managing to wave a quick goodbye to them before the door closed silently behind you, the click of the lock signalling the end of their short time with you. They heard your steps lightly patter away, up what seemed like stairs before completely fading away.

“Go and get some rest.” Chifuyu mumbled, the day’s events having thoroughly exhausted him, even as he cleaned his face on his sleeve. “Fight’s in two days.”

“Who was that?” Came the quiet mutter, Mikey snuggling into your arms, pushing his face into your chest as you wrapped your arms tight back around him.

“No one you need to worry about, Mikey. Go back to sleep.”

As inevitable as the sun would rise, the chime of a bell in the distance signalled that the long awaited clash of giants was here. Tokyo Manji Gang, baring down the larger Valhalla. And the fight went down about how Baji had expected. Under the blazing afternoon sun, the heat radiating from the dirt floor and rusting metal seemed like just another minor annoyance as Toman and Valhalla members rushed each other, a clash of a sea of white and black. Once pristinely kept uniforms were splattered with sweat and blood as fists flew and bones crunched, the cries of angers and groans of pain resounding and echoing off the sheet metal and other various abandoned materials.

Even as he waited and watched from his vantage point, his shaking fist clenched tightly, tucked into the pocket of his white Valhalla jacket, forcing himself to do nothing as Hanma intercepted Draken, even as Kazutora slowly lured Mikey away from the rest of Toman, his mind kept wandering back to you. Keen eyes scanning the battlefield, Baji missed nothing, not even Kisaki behind the pile of scrap cars awaiting his move, yet there was still no sign of you. You never lied to them, not to Baji, not to the rest. And it was this that Baji hasn’t yet decided if was good or bad. Did you make the right decision - the wise decision - to stay away?

An open shot at Kisaki, the rush of adrenaline and battle, was what finally broke his train of thoughts away from you.

Yet when he was all but tackled by Takemichi, the same short, blond boy who had attempted to stop him with words, after having brushed away his weak-willed Vice Captain with a heavy heart, short, quick footsteps rushed him from behind, the loud pounding of boots on metal, and - nothing.

Then came the quavering whimper of your name, and his heart sank even before he could whirl around, the sight of you between him and Kazutora seemingly pulled straight from the deepest recesses of his nightmares.

You heard your name croaked out, almost uncertainty, by a voice so familiar yet unidentifiable, before your legs gave way and you collapsed under your own weight. You never did hit the ground - stopped before you could by someone you couldn’t see, but with the sharp pain that you never thought you could feel now flooding your body and mind, it wasn’t like you could tell the difference. Looking down, though you probably shouldn’t have, only sent another wave of intensive pain through your body, the short handle of the knife Kazutora had just been holding mere seconds ago now sticking out of your abdomen, the patch of red on your previously white shirt spreading slowly but surely.

“Oops,” You breathed, your hand wandering weakly over to your new wound, gently feeling the growing wetness, wincing when your fingers brushed the wrong spot.

The sunlight was harsh on your eyes and your blurring gaze, and you knew that all too well; closing them would be a sorely welcomed relief. Yet your heart screamed at you, fighting to keep them open anyway - the last thing you needed in this moment was to give your friends the wrong ideas. As you were lowered ever so gently to the ground, Kazutora's stunned face and quaking, watering eyes seemed to have been shoved aside, replaced by other familiar, albeit worried, faces.

"The fuck you still standing around for, Kazutora!" Draken roared, dashing over to where you laid, the fight with Hanma having been quickly and strikingly ended with a single blow from Mikey. "Someone call an ambulance!"

"I-I…" Yet all Kazutora could do was stare down at his blood-stained hands. Blood, on his hands. Was it his blood? Mikey’s blood? Your blood? He stabbed you with his own two hands. You.

"Ambulance is on its way!" Someone called back, and the carpark lot erupted into mumbles and mutters. Was this it? The end of Valhalla vs Toman? Who won?

“Don’t you dare let go, Takemichi.” Baji cursed, quickly stripping off his jacket and tearing a long strip off his shirt, before dropping to his knees, shaky hands ever so delicately peeling back your stained shirt, wrapping the makeshift bandage around the knife and the wound. The blood that oozed out even as he worked was all but taunting his efforts."Bring some shade over!"

But it seemed your efforts to fight your heavy eyelids were in vain, your consciousness fading for what seemed like a mere second to you, everything going black before you blinked, the crunch of a boot into bone forcing your exhausted eyes to open once more. The sun was still right above you where it had been all this while, yet it seemed that time had ticked on in the almost ten minutes you were out.

“I thought we were keeping this between us, Kazutora!” Came the roar from an all too familiar voice, as yet another crunch filled the otherwise tranquil surrounding, where out of your sight, Mikey’s fist smashed full force into Kazutora’s face. How dare he drag you into their world? The unasked question was loud and clear to the pale faced Toman members who knew you only by the rumours that swirled when the captains weren’t present, and even clearer to the almost ghostly white Chifuyu, who by now almost seemed like he was about to hurl.

“Mikey, stop.” Your weak voice barely reached the ears of the now frantic Baji, who only paused to take in your now half open eyes, even as Draken’s head seemed to bob in and out of the corner of your hazy sight.

Metal pipe flashing through the air, the few shiny surfaces left twinkling in the sun before smashing hard into Mikey, the red of the blood that splattered onto both boys’ faces - it was still all too clear, all too fresh in your mind and in the black behind your eyelids. If never having to see your cherished friends beat each other to a pulp meant getting up, meant swallowing the screaming pain in your abdomen, you would do it. And you tried, your lead-weighted hands reaching out to turn yourself on your side, grasping at the nothingness beside you as you all but forced your legs to move.

“Mikey -”

“No! You have to stay down!” Hands, familiar hands, rougher than they have ever been with you, steadied you even as your legs were knocked back down, but that seemed to do the trick, instantly catching the Toman President’s attention, stopping him mid-punch.

“Mikey, it wasn’t Kazutora.”

Footsteps, heavy steps in your direction that grew louder and louder as they approached. And then his face, one too hard to miss even through the haze, appeared overhead in your view - Mikey's blank stare that hid his anger and worry so well, his concern clear to you as he trailed one hand down your face, before turning his attention to the knife still buried in your flesh. In that instance, you knew that this petty fight was over and done - if Mikey was here with you, mission accomplished, you mused, letting out one shaky breath.

You knew what he wanted to ask. Then who did it? Who told you? Who dared drag you into this world, without their permission? Yet all you did was allow your gaze to slide almost meekly away. You never lied to your precious friends, and if you couldn't tell the truth, it was better not to answer.

There was no breeze that broke the suddenly stilled lot, the fighting having long died down since your name screamed above and across the clash, though the sun was uncaring, the heat and humidity continuing to steadily build across the dirt-covered floor upon which you were now rested.

The scream of the sirens only grew louder and louder as the crowd that had once gathered for a fight now began to disperse, with no particular party interested in being caught up in the mess that was bound to follow.

“Mikey.” Turning back at the call of his name, Kazutora was now locked in a ninety degrees bow, hands locked behind his back.

"I'll stay here," He mumbled, gaze turned down towards the ground. "I'll take responsibility. For Shinchiro’s death. For everything." For dragging you into this entire debacle.

“Fine.” Was all he received in response, and one last sweep of that signature long black Toman coat, the Toman founder in his white jacket found himself alone with you, still resting on the ground.

"You'll be okay, Kazutora." Mumbling, you shifted slightly as your friend pulled your head into his lap, trying to find a comfortable spot even as the shriek of the ambulance sirens drew nearer. "I'll be okay too, so don't worry alright?"

Even as you laid bleeding out on the filthy floor, your breath starting to come in gasps instead of the even ones you had been taking just five minutes earlier, it was clear that your thoughts were still completely on him.

“Over here, this way!”

Kazutora’s head shot up instantly from where he had been fixated, his fingers tangled in your locks, the shadow he casted over you providing a much needed relief from the sun - that was a voice he recognised, a voice that he knew.

“Hurry!” Another familiar voice cut through the silence. Baji and Draken, his mind finally registered. They were coming back. And for the once time in what seemed like forever, hope blossomed in his chest, a drop of water on a parched land. If they were back, it meant only one thing.

"Kazutora," Your mumble reached him even with the sudden hustle and bustle that sprouted up around the two of you, even as you were rushed past him in a stretcher and out of the now deserted lot, lacking the strength to keep both eyes open, still reaching out weakly for your friend.

Forgiveness.

His yellow, stunned eyes were all but locked on your fading visage, the boy failed to notice that there was a second stretcher, and that the medics were speaking to him. Still trapped in his own head, the thought of being forgiven still an almost unthinkable thought with your blood on his hands and jacket, the words spoken at him were nothing more than a buzz in his ears, the poking and prodding a minor annoyance. But his spire was immediately broken when he was picked up by his collar, to the horror of the awaiting medics, and all but carelessly thrown into the awaiting stretcher by Draken, his bored gaze having turned on his old friend once you had been safely strapped in. "Kazutora, you need treatment too."

“Baji, you go with him.”

Now with you being rushed to hospital, the sirens signalling the blaze of the ambulances through the city and towards the hospital, as much as Mikey yearned to be with you, you were in good hands, with both Baji and Draken now by your side. And the Toman President could turn his attention to a more urgent matter, now a fair distance away from where everything had gone down.

“Chifuyu, Takemitchy.”

Both boys froze mid step.

“A word.”

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ordinaryschmuck · 3 years ago

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What I Thought About "Follies at the Coven Day Parade" from The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who most likely won't read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

AND IT'S BACK! After six months, Disney's latest hit that they shunned, called The Owl House, has made its return! And the fandom lost their gosh dang minds while waiting for it! It's not like we could have watched other shows to fill the void in the next six months. No, no. People had to add more Hootys to the Owl House, adding more scars to Hunter's face, bald Annes, LEGO Edas, and this one dumb schmuck who thought he could write a drabble a day during his fourth year of college (Seriously, what was I thinking).

Not to mention the dozens of people who shipped Hunter with everything but the kitchen sink.

And there's the f**king sink. Gosh dangit. WHY COULDN'T HUNTER HAVE BEEN THE ONE CONFIRMED TO BE AROMANTIC?! And why did I have to draw that?

Whatever. The series is back, and now we don't have to rely on MoringMark to keep us sane in its absence. Now, with that said, let's see how "Follies At the Coven Day Parade" reintroduces us to the sadder side of Season 2!

...Yup. This half of the season's the sadder half. Might explain a lot about what happens in this episode, doesn’t it?

Spoilers below.

WHAT I LIKED

Luz Making Another Video for Camila: A solid way to start after how we left things off in "Yesterday's Lie" while also showing Luz's motivation for this episode...and maybe the rest of the season. The first time Luz made a video for Camila, I think there's a reason why she deliberately chose to stick around the Owl House and show off the people inside. And we see that reason here. Luz may not mind the day-to-day wackiness of the Boiling Isles, but she knows Camila will have a heart attack if she sees what happens to a student who gets detention. The fact that Luz probably getting detention a lot back in the human realm might not do much to ail Camila from said heart attack.

Also, Hooty shedding his skin to wash it or something will undoubtedly give anyone nightmares, let alone Camila.

Still, this was a nice way to begin the second half of a season. It continues from the events of "Yesterday's Lie" while showing Luz has to try harder to convince her mom to let her stay. Or at least visit the Boiling Isles.

The Kids Theorizing About Why Belos Wears a Mask: There are two things to love from this.

One, this shows just how much these kids are, well, kids. They're goofing off, coming up with crackpot theories about what Belos has under his mask, with only Amity being the closest because, of course, she is. She deals with what's more likely, not what's more fun.

And two, this actually comes into play later when Belos actually reveals his face. Don't worry, I'll get into that. For now, I just want to allow us all the time to appreciate how well-tight this series and its script are. Something as simple as kids shooting the s**t turns out to be an integral moment of foreshadowing, and I loved how easily it went over my head. Yeah, that's right. A kids' show managed to have a solid use of foreshadowing in a way that surprised this grown adult. Granted, I'm a person who ate a crayon when he was eight, but the point still stands: These writers know how to tell a good story.

Amity Learning Spanish: These writers also know EXACTLY WHAT THE FANS WANT! Seriously, I cannot begin to explain to you how precious it is that Amity is learning Spanish for Luz! It shows how committed Amity is to the relationship, where she wants to find out as much of Luz's culture as is available to her. And that's everything a ride or die Lumity shipper like myself could ever hope for!

Plus, she calls Luz a sweet potato! COME ON! COME ON!

Luz Kisses Amity on the Cheek: COME! ON!

I'm telling you, we're one Lumity episode away from a full-on kiss on the lips. And when that happens, prepare for all social media sites to snap like a twig!

Eda and King Know About the Promise: On the one hand, I would have loved to see Luz tell Eda and King rather than having that confrontation off-screen, especially when Luz directly lied to them the second she got back. BUT, on the other hand, I am so glad that Luz isn't keeping this big promise she made a secret from the people she loves. Lesser writers would milk that type of thing for unnecessary drama, and I'm glad that Dana Terrace and her talented team are above that. Granted, Luz still keeps the secret from her friends and Amity. But even that doesn't last long.

Besides, it shows how much Luz cares for Eda and King for them to be the first to know the truth. They're practically a second family to her. The least Luz could do is tell them something that could potentially jeopardize it. So, not only is telling Eda and King the truth a great moment of dodging a cliche, but it also shows a great deal about their relationship.

Luz’s Reaction to Raine: On the topic of relationships, can we admit that we're all Luz here? She's a die-hard shipper like the rest of us. So, of course, she'd be obsessed with the idea that Eda once had an ex. One that Eda had a spy keep tabs on...which is a tad bit creepy, but at least it paid off on knowing what happened to Raine after that fight with Darius and Ebberwolf.

And Luz is all there for the idea of bringing Eda and Raine together. Which, yeah, that's adorable. But it also shows a lot more about how much Luz cares about Eda. She wants a mentor to find happiness and would do anything to give her that. Especially if that means partaking in a kidnapping.

Why Luz Wants to Help Kikimora: But it's not just shipping that motivates Luz. When she sees Kikimora worried about not seeing her family again, you can see in Luz's expression how badly she connects with it. Luz wants a solution where everyone is happy, getting an ending where she can get everything that she wants. Luz might have trusted Kikimora too much, but you understand why. She's pretty much on panic mode 100% of the time, thanks to her promise with Camila, having only the briefest of pauses to worry about someone she loves. It's really heavy to think about, making you feel for Luz so hard.

Man, I wish there was a moment of levity, so I didn't have to think about how bad Luz is hurting...

Edric Selling Fireworks: ...This will do.

I consider this another moment of the writers knowing what the fans want. And Edric selling illegal fireworks that got his dumb ass in the hospital for testing out? Yeah, that's about a lot I could ask for from him.

Willow Working Out: Again, THESE WRITERS KNOW WHAT WE WANT! Ever since Dana confirmed that Willow works out on the weekends, fans clung onto that like a life preserver in a sinking ship! So, I'm betting that it's great to see visual confirmation rather than just taking Dana's word for it. It also adds an extra 'screw you' to any jerks left who thought that Willow was fat. She's not. She's buff as FU--

Amity and Willow’s Talk: --UDGE, do I adore this scene! This season needed another Willow and Amity one-on-one session, and the writers delivered. Amity, who is beyond worried for her girlfriend, goes to the one person she can vent these feelings to. Willow listens, offers advice, and even provides a distraction for Amity to focus on (while also explaining why Willow's hair is different in the promos. Cool). But I want to focus more on...a certain reaction from Willow.

When Amity admitted that she was glad they could do things like talk and braid hair again, I believed her. However, note how Willow doesn't say, "me too." She just hums and lets Amity continue the braiding. Heck, Willow doesn't even look as happy as Amity does. Willow just looks down with...not a frown, but a smile either. It's more like acceptance. Willow accepts Amity, willing to let her have this moment even if Willow herself isn't exactly comfortable. It speaks volumes about Willow as a character and her relationship with Amity. She's still not willing to forgive and forget just yet (yet being the key-word there), but she isn't going to let Amity suffer. That's not who Willow is. She's the type of person to act better than to let a grudge define her. And that's just wholesome.

Terra Snap-Dragon: But enough about wholesomeness. Let's talk about the latest villain added to this show's roster, whom the fandom will undoubtedly turn into a GILF. I'M CALLING IT NOW!

To be honest with you all, Terra Terra-fies me! Ha! Puns to hide the fear.

But, no, seriously, something is unsettling about this woman. She's one of those "nice" types of villains. She doesn't act malicious (for the most part) as she moves and speaks with a kind and caring smile. A smile that's fake as f**k, but at least she uses it to hide her heinous actions, making them seem not as bad as they would have been. Oh, Terra's still bad, don't get me wrong. But she could have done much worse. For instance, she could have killed Raine. But instead, she drugs them, making Raine still alive and well. Just...not without their core memories. It's sick and twisted, but at least it's drugging Raine instead of lobotomizing them, making Raine a shell of a person they once were.

Still, with how easily Terra could have crushed Luz without Amity's interference or how quickly Terra dealt with Kikimora and Princess, it is clear that Terra is NOT a person you want to mess with. She may try to act nice at first. But if you get on your bad side, pray that she'll show mercy to you.

Raine: And trust me, it's weird to consider what happened to Raine as merciful. Because, as I said, they're still the same Raine. They act caring enough to talk to Kikimora about her nerves, crack a few jokes, and still have stage fright when the center of attention. It's just their memories are changed, and that's almost worse than being held prisoner in...whatever the hell that coven brand wrapped them in. But, at the same time, it's a preferable position. Eda just needs to reach out and grab that part of Raine that still remembers who they are. We already see evidence that the effects of Terra's drug are possible to fight off and that their feelings for Eda are almost enough to do it. They still let Eda go after the fight, not wanting her to get caught and shedding a tear when she leaves. It shows a sign that the real Raine is still there. But, as is, they're a shadow of their former selves. And that idea is enough to break anyone's heart, including Eda's, who only leaves because she has no choice.

Yeesh, things got heavy again. Can we have another moment of levity?

Hooty and King’s Escape: Thank you.

Yeah, this was funny. Seeing these coven guards run away in fear of a float of Belos is just comedy that writes itself.

Amity Helping Luz: You love to see an awesome girlfriend in action.

Personally, I love that, despite her issues, Amity is still there for Luz and doesn't bring up the video until after the crisis is over. It shows that she understands a little something known as priorities, trusting that they'll talk about it when the time is right.

Luz and Amity vs Kikimora: But as cool as it is to see one awesome girlfriend in action, two is even better!

Seeing Luz and Amity work together in a fight is, ONCE AGAIN, everything a fan like me could want! The way they move in unison, come up with power-moves and hold each other's hands when things get too intense is...PERFECT! It's a perfect moment that goes on just long enough to make their fight against a well-trained witch and her dragon believable while still giving us that epic goodness.

Luz and Amity Talk: Unfortunately, the epicness has to come down sometime.

First, can we all appreciate that Amity never watched the video? Because I sure do. Amity all but crucified Luz for thinking she read Amity's diary. It makes sense how much Amity prioritizes privacy, so she wouldn't cross that line, no matter how badly she might want to. But that doesn't mean she won't confront Luz about it.

When Amity asks Luz about the video, she makes it clear she won't pry but still states that she can't help if Luz won't let her. It's a genuine moment of communication that not a lot of shows take advantage of. Most would let Luz keep the secret indefinitely, hurting Amity more by telling the truth after months of indirectly lying. And it makes me so happy that Luz came clean. Well, sort of. She does admit to Amity what happened with the portal but still hides how upsetting the whole ordeal is. When Amity confronts Luz, she looks away, almost about ready to cry. But when she turns back, Luz is smiling, almost as if to say, "Yeah, my life is beyond confusing at the moment, but I'm fine!" Except that she's not fine. She looks about ready to throw up from her anxieties at any second, with one bad day being all she needs to crack and crumble. But she doesn't tell Amity that. Instead, Luz tells Amity what she wanted to know, keeping a brave face for everything else. Amity could through it. We know she can. But ut for the moment, she'll let it pass. For now.

Belos’ Announcement: And from the wholesomeness, we go to the downright malice.

Now, this scene shows what makes Emperor Belos an effective main antagonist. Listen to how he announces the Day of Unity. We know it's bad, and our main cast knows it's bad, but the rest of the Boiling Isles doesn't. And it's all because Belos doesn't present the Day of Unity as something to be feared. He states it as a solution, saying that it will bring them all to a form of utopia. And, to provide a bit of trust to his community, he finally reveals what his face looks like, letting everyone know how badly wild magic may have scarred him and that he's willing to share that with his subjects. His speech and his face reveal are something that proves he's more than just a dictator. He's also a diplomat. One that knows how to work a crowd, hiding his malicious intentions behind nice words and grand gestures to distract them from who he really is. Something that real-life dictators do, and that's what makes Belos an effective threat. He seems plausible to happen.

“We’ll take it one day at a time”: This is a great way to end the episode. Everything is in a state where no one knows what to do or how to fix things. Raine is brainwashed, the Day of Unity is in a month, and Luz still doesn't know what to do with her mom. And yet, they end on this statement, "We'll take it one day at a time." There's a sense of hope to those words. Despite how bad things are now, our characters will get through it. They just need to take it slow and work through each problem as best as they can.

It's not a happy ending, but it's a hopeful one. And I couldn't have asked for a better way to end such a perfect episode...That is, if the episode was perfect.

WHAT I DISLIKED

Kikimora: Yeah...I didn't buy Kikimora wanting to leave the Emperor's Coven for a second. I honestly thought that with how heavy-handed Kikimora was acting, she was actually planning to pull a double-cross. But, no, she really was considering leaving. Which makes no sense. She nearly killed children just to get in Belos' good graces. I sincerely doubt her own family would have been enough to make her reconsider things, considering how quickly she chose against them the second Kikimora realized a promotion was possible. I guess there's no one better to use for an inevitable betrayal against Luz, meaning the real problem isn't how they wrote Kikimora in this episode. It's how they wrote her in the series. If the writers wanted her second thoughts to be believable, show Kikimora being somewhat objecting to ideas made by Belos instead of showing blind loyalty for him. Also, you know, DON'T HAVE HER ALMOST KILL CHILDREN! There is a spark of character development in how she now looks scared to be working for Belos, but her role in this episode still falls short...Even shorter than her.

A-OH! Got her! Haha...but seriously, the writers kind of fumbled this time around.

IN CONCLUSION

I'd say that "Follies at the Coven Day Parade" is an A-. Kikimora might not have been best utilized, but everything else works so well. The episode delivers on everything fans could ever want, presents new character and story developments, and shows why these characters and their relationships are so endearing. It's the best possible way to return to the new season, making me excited and terrified for what's to come next. And given how that's pretty much the theme of Season 2, I'd say "Follies at the Coven Day Parade" did its job right.

(Oh, and I also saw the new episode of Amphibia. It’s a solid mix of being wholesome, awesome, and hilarious. Anne’s parents are still the best, and Mr. X is as entertaining of a villain as he is a competent one. And the ending felt very ominous while leaving me curious to see what happens next. A definite A+ for sure…and, yes, this is how I’m reviewing both shows from now on. Because Disney just HAD to play them both back to back)

(Them sons of witches…)

#the owl house #the owl house spoilers #luz noceda #amity blight #willow park #toh kikimora #raine whispers #terra snap-dragon #raeda #lumity #what i thought about #the owl house review #and a quick review of amphibia #go to the bottom to see it #emperor belos

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impala666 · 4 years ago

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The One With Mrs. Bing Part One: She’s Back

Here we are. The episode I have been very excited about. Enjoy!

Friends rewrite (masterlist) Last Part (The One With The Monkey Part 4)

Last night you had slept on the couch, you just wanted a little bit of your own space. During the night it had been nice, but now you were laying on your stomach with your face buried in your pillow trying to sleep. While you could hear Chandler making breakfast and drinking coffee before he headed off to work. You had to work yourself at the store in a few hours, but you just didn’t want to get up yet. The only thing that was going to help make your day was that you didn’t have that long of a shift anyway. So you’d work for a few hours and then spend many more hours with your friends just hanging out. Finally, you decided that enough was enough and it was time for you to get up and face your day. So rolling onto your back you let out a loud sigh and pushed the blankets off of you before you managed to make it to your feet. “Good morning, sunshine!” Chandler optimistically greeted you. You stopped at the peninsula of the counter and just glared at him, with your hair a big tangled mess which only made him smile more. “What?” He asked you, taking a sip from his coffee cup.

“You’re just being really cheery and I thought that was weird.” You shrugged it off though and entered the kitchen to get your own cup of coffee.

“Where’s Joey?” Chandler asked.

“Not sure.” You answered honestly. “Probably still sleeping would be my guess.”

“How’s that going? I know you wanted to slow down, is that good?” Your big brother asked, just to check in on you.

“It’s been going great! He’s been surprisingly understanding and incredibly supportive. It’s just nice to have people who support me instead of trying to tear me down.” You smiled as you sat down across from him at the table.

“And you’re always going to from now on. Besides, if anyone knows about leaving home to pursue a career path that doesn’t meet the parents expectations other than you, it would definitely be Joey.” Chandler smiled at you in proudness and supportiveness.

“I know,” you told him with a small smile. For once in your life it was nice to know that if you fell, you had friends there to catch you and help you get back on your feet. You never had that with your parents; you could barely remember your dad before he got a divorce from your mom who was hardly ever home to begin with. All you really ever had was Chandler, at least you had him up until the moment your mom shipped him off to boarding school and then you were basically all alone until now. “And thanks for bringing up the whole disappointed parent thing.” You smiled at him in sarcastic thanks.

“You are welcome,” Chandler chuckled along with your sarcasm. Then the both of you just continued to talk about your daily lives until Chandler had to go to work and you unfortunately had to start getting ready.

********

All of you were finally done with your work day, so all of you went over to Monica and Rachel’s for some dinner all together telling each other about your day, to your surprise Phoebe and Monica had quite an exciting one. They caused a man they thought was attractive to be hit by an ambulance. “There are no conscious men in the city for you two?” Chandler asked, leaning against the couch as he silently judged his friends.

“He doesn’t have anyone,” Monica defended herself and Phoebe.

“Yeah. We feel kind of responsible.” Phoebe agreed.

“I mean,” you started all high pitched, but when you felt Joey put his hand on your waist from behind you, you stopped when you heard him chuckle.

“I can’t believe you said woo-hoo.” Joey added as he kept laughing slightly. “I don’t even say woo-hoo.”

“Oh! She’s coming up!” Rachel announced to everyone as she grabbed the TV remote and turned the volume up. Everyone else was excited to see who was going to be on the screen, but you and Chandler couldn’t help but make eye contact and roll your eyes.

“When we come back we’ll be talking about her new book, Euphoria Unbound. The always interesting Nora Tyler Bing. You might want to put the kids to bed for this one.” Jay Leno announced as he lifted up his copy of your mothers latest erotic novels. You couldn’t help but feel sadder and sadder the more he talked about her before they went to commercial. Ross, Monica, and Joey sat next to you with big excited smiles on their faces. Chandler already didn’t want to watch this but when he saw you drooping into the couch and your smile falling into a frown with a sad look on his face, he knew he couldn’t take it any longer. He knew you hadn’t heard from your mother since you moved out because he hadn’t either.

“We don’t have to watch this.” Chandler decided enough was enough. “Weekend at Bernie’s is on Showtime, HBO, and Cinemax.” He announced the change of TV as he picked up the remote.

“Come on, she’s your guys’s mom.” Joey complained in surprise that neither of you wanted to watch your mom on one of the biggest talk shows in America. The fact that Joey didn’t see why you were upset made you just that much more upset.

“Exactly. Weekend at Bernie’s! Dead guy getting hit in the groin 20, 30 times!” Chandler tried one last time for the sake of both of you.

“Guys.” Rachel beamed to you and Chandler. “I love your mom’s books. I cannot get on a plane without one. I mean, this is so cool.” Rachel was practically giddy when she found out that your mom was the author of her favorite novels.

“You wouldn’t think so if you were 11 years old and all your friends are passing around page 79 of Mistress Bitch.” Chandler relayed. You would have jumped in on the conversation too, because man did you have a million stories, but you just couldn’t think of any. Plus because of recent events you weren’t really in the mood to talk.

“Yeah, Chandler. I love your mom. I think she's a blast.” Ross spoke, apparently on the side Rachel was on. That your mother was this fun, wonderful person.

“Yeah, you say that because she’s not your mom.” You finally mumbled loud enough for all of them to hear you. They all turned to look at you, and for the first time they were seeing how hard this was for you. Ross immediately stopped talking, Monica and Phoebe looked at each other not sure if they should say something, and Joey wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you a little closer to his side. It made you feel slightly better, but you just wanted to run and hide under the covers in Joey’s bed for at least a week. But when the others heard kissing noises, they all turned around to see that Paolo was here and was practically eating Rachel’s face off of her body.

“When did Rigatoni get back from Rome?” Ross asked, now adding to the sad party you were having.

“Last night.” Monica answered him.

“Really? So then his plane didn’t explode in a ball of fire?” Ross asked, clearly not jealous at all. “Just a dream I had. But phew.” He thought would be funny to say out loud.

“Hey! Hey! She’s on!” Apparently Phoebe was also excited about all of this, and Joey left you and was now on the edge of his seat on the couch.

“Ah! Nora Bing!” Paolo yelled in excitement, much to your dismay as you watched your mom walk onto the screen, waving at the audience on the other side of the camera.

“Before we get to the book, now what is this about you being arrested in London? What’s that all about?” Jay Leno asked your mother, which had you rolling your eyes at that piece that was news to you.

“Your mom was arrested?” Phoebe laughed with astonishment.

“Shh, I’m busy beaming with pride.” Chandler told her, which clearly wasn’t accurate.

“This is kind of embarrassing, but occasionally, after I’ve been intimate with a man..” your mom started her answer.

“Why would she say that’s embarrassing?” You masked your pain with fake humor. To which everyone ‘shhed’ you.

“I just get this craving for kung pao chicken.” Your mom proudly answered for everyone.

“That’s too much information!” Chandler yelled at the TV.

“So now you’re doing this whole book tour thing. How’s that going?” Leno asked her.

“Oh, fine. I’m leaving for New York tomorrow, which I hate. But I get to see my kids, who I love.” Your mom smiled proudly, but it was hard to tell from the botox that she had gotten done. But all that you could focus on was the fact that she was coming here. She was coming here, to New York, after everything that had happened, and that was the way you had to find out. You were dying on the inside. But all your friends around you and your boyfriend all awwed for you and your brother. You crossed your arms tighter over your chest, wishing you could be anywhere else right now.

“Oh, this is how we find out.” Chandler yelled, sounding like he was pissed. “Most mom’s use the phone.”

“You know, I…”Jay Leno started saying as he got comfortable in his seat. But he also seemed like he didn’t want to offend your mom.“Don’t take this the wrong way, I just don’t see you as a mom somehow. I don’t mean that bad.”

“Oh, no.” Your mom scoffed while looking at the audience. “I am a fabulous mom. I bought my kids their first condoms.” Half of your friends turned to look at your brother while the other half turned to look at you with your hand over your eyes in embarrassment. You then just decided that you couldn’t handle it anymore and ran out of Monica’s apartment and to yours, and to Joey’s bed so you could hide. You were just glad that you managed to avoid eye contact with all of them. However, Chandler was just standing there completely mortified.

“And then he burst into flames.” Chandler said to himself as he felt like he was dying on the inside.

#friends rewrite #Joey Tribbiani #bing!reader #sister!bing #joey tribbiani x reader #chandler bing #ross geller #rachel green #phoebe buffay #monica geller

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tundrainafrica · 4 years ago

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Remember when Kenny Ackerman mentioned that “Everyone is drunk on something to keep pushing. Power, family, dreams, children etc. Everyone was a slave to something.” I find it really intriguing and fascinating. I think SnK story is just really well written and deep.

Anyways... I want to ask if Levi is also the same. If he is also drawn to a strong desire and be drunk on that desire to keep on pushing. I know he wanted to fulfill his promise to Erwin, but aside from that, what would be the the humanity’s strongest soldier strongly wished for?

Thank you.

Hello Anon,

This is a super interesting ask and I was super excited to tackle this so here I am at 4am just writing this because the last episode made me sadder than I expected to be.

“Everyone is drunk on something to keep pushing. Power, family, dreams, children etc. Everyone was a slave to something.”

Kenny is right. I honestly think to a degree we can apply this type of thinking to real life, particularly during war torn periods because in the most hopeless situations, we kinda have to explain how people are able to pull motivation out of their asses and keep fighting during trench warfare for example etc etc. I actually ended up reading a lot on post war ideologies shaped from trench warfare commonly used in WWI and WWII when I was finishing up AOT and I think I applied some of it in this fic.

And I do have this headcanon that this idea that you have to be drunk to continue fighting and to stay motivated was particularly stronger among the survivors (soldiers and citizens alike). Because the realization that the world is a shitty place through exposure to suffering, war, violence and general hopelessness of the situation comes slowly in the battlefield, especially when means were made for battle to last longer (like trench warfare.) And these long drawn out battles give soldiers time to think about what the hell they are really fighting for and these longass reflections can really make or break people and sometimes, we need an (almost) unhealthy attachment to things to stay alive.

And with Attack on Titan in particular and that paradigm where they’re the only surviving members of humanity left? I think that general paradigm tends to push fighters and victims to desolation more than hope.

I don’t think Levi is an exception. Actually, the fact that Levi stayed alive this long and had such a shitty life even before going out to the battlefield? Having lived one of the most arguably difficult lives in the survey corps, he had to have something to keep him going or he would have given up on life early on or I don’t think he would have gotten so strong in the first place. I wrote a fic on this long ago with the intention of making a character study of Levi with focus particularly on interactions with everyone he has ever loved. I only got two one shots written so far. You can read it here.

(I was just getting back into writing though after a long ass hiatus so I’m not too proud of the quality of this one in comparison to my latest works so I have plans on cleaning it up after getting back to it.)

But generally, the point of my sharing that fic is: I had, for a long time hc-ed what Levi could have been drunk with and I’ll try to articulate here meta-style instead of fic-style.

Let me start by pointing something out.

In my opinion, Levi is the most selfless, kindest and most pure hearted person in the series.

Of all the characters in Attack on Titan, Levi is the only character I have never seen act selfishly.

Okay fine we have seen him act recklessly, we have seen him act childish and we constantly see him impose his penchant for cleanliness on every single person. We know he likes to take advantage of the survey corps budget to buy some good tea. But when it really mattered, when has Levi ever made a selfish decision? When has he ever decided something for himself? Personally, I don’t think I have ever seen Levi’s desires articulated explicitly in canon. When Levi feels strongly about something or when he makes such a controversial decision to do something like maybe beat Eren to a pulp? Or, throw out bodies? It was always to save someone’s life.

Levi was first introduced as some crazy rash soldier with the courtroom beating scene but I think most of the character establishing moments happened in the 57th expedition with Levi telling Eren to do what he wants and just not regret it. We saw Levi admonishing the soldiers who wanted to go back and get a body. We saw him so willingly ready to throw the bodies out to give the soldiers a chance to escape and we saw Levi willingly give Petra’s badge to a mourning soldier so he has something to bring home. Also, we got ACWNR so we also get crumbs on the bond with Erwin and the will to follow him.

And what is the commonality among all the establishing character moments of Levi? For one, there is Erwin and the ‘ackerbond’ but even before that, how was Levi so easily able to live on despite all the bullshit he deals with?

More than anything, I believe Levi was drunk on bonds and on the friendships he built with people.

And this particular concept manifested in so many different ways. It manifested in his high regard for human life particularly which stems from his ability to empathize so easily with other people.

A high regard for human life stems from empathy more than anything.

Levi has this uncanny ability to empathize and to see the human in every single individual he encounters and I think this ability rivals his actual combat abilities in the battlefield.

Let’s talk about Levi’s godly sense of empathy for someone who grew up with such a shitty life. We see it in the soldier badge scene, we see it when he makes Nick watch the refugees go and we see it in how Levi supports Historia in opening up that orphanage and what made Levi so empathetic was the fact that he lived a life of struggle. There are two ways people can go about suffering, they can use it as an excuse to be an asshole or they can think to themselves “I don’t want anyone to ever have to experience this again,” and I think Levi’s general mindset is towards the latter. And really let’s give Kuchel some credit for having raised our boy so lovingly that he ended up thinking like that. I have so many headcanons of this because she had to be such a great mom for Levi to adopt this way of thinking.

When Kuchel died, Kenny came in and Levi started to understand that to survive in this world he has to do questionable things which explains his tendency to settle issues with his fists. Either way, Levi never did forget the general foundation that life is precious and that’s why he’s able to balance so easily those two facets of his personality. And possibly that was generally the start of Levi’s personality of willing to do the questionable for some greater good.

He experienced the worst things the world has to offer and that is why Levi is so easily able to put himself in other people’s shoes and this fuels his decision to act on what he believes is right. And even before that, all of the questionable decisions Levi has ever made was always for someone.

Levi had a godly sense of empathy and of course he empathizes, he feels it too, he feels the need for companionships, bonds, human contact and a sense of belongingness.

Why did Levi decide to learn how to fight? Why did he decide to beat up people? He wanted Kenny’s approval. And we already know how painful it was for Levi when Kenny left.

When Levi started his gang, I think it was more of a Robin Hood type of set up. We didn’t really get the details behind it but I think a lot of Levi’s work there was making sure a lot of the orphans in the underground or a lot of the less fortunate had means of making money. We did seem crumbs of it in ACWNR. When he gave a lot more money to that one kid who was sick? Maybe because he saw in them his powerlessness at being unable to save his mom.

Levi was particularly protective of Isabel and Farlan. And even in Ilse’s journal, we’ve seen that same protectiveness when Oluo was almost killed and when his special squad was killed, did you notice how Levi’s eyes went a little red in the anime when faced with the female titan right after finding out his squad died?

People are saying the ackerbond is a myth and whether or not it was a myth, I think Levi choosing to follow Erwin after losing everything he loved could have been a combination of both. He needed someone to protect but more importantly, I see that as Levi trying to find something else to live for. He left everything he has ever known in the underground, the only two companions left of his life there were gone and in those few moments before Levi talked to Erwin in ACWNR, Levi was broken, lost and trying to find something to live for.

And what does he decide to do? Follow Erwin. Right?

And let’s segway to some parallel a decade later when the only person left from his old life before decides to sacrifice their life in that godforsaken chapter 132.

(Yams wouldn’t have given us three panels of this if he didn’t want to show something.)

We have to admit Levi did grew up, he didn’t go crazy on some titan after they killed Hange and maybe because he was too injured or maybe the chapter just didn’t allow it. But Levi did have to cope for a chapter or so.

And what kept Levi fighting in ch. 135?

Bonds and Companionship again. He didn’t want anymore unnecessary deaths.

It probably can be considered ‘reaching’ for me to compare how Levi coped with Isabel and Farlan’s death vs. Hange’s death but I really think that the way Levi coped with them is similar.

Because for one, these weren’t just deaths, these were the last people from Levi’s certain points in Levi’s life, i really think that’s why they hit harder than before. With Isabel and Farlan’s death, Levi lost all remnants of his life underground. Levi was quickly able to see hope in Erwin and that’s why he was still able to continue fighting and Levi said this multiple times in the ending of ACNWR.

With Hange’s death, Levi lost all remnants of his life with the vets. Hange was the last vet and I think that’s one interpretation as to why we saw Levi practically die with Hange in 132 with those eyes.

(I’m a Levihan fan though so I have way more interpretations than that but I’m not dropping it here and making this meta longer than it is rn)

And a few chapters later, we see him scrambling for some reason to continue fighting. And what is the first thing he decides to do?

Risk his leg AND HIS LIFE for both Connie and Jean. And I honestly think that already says A LOT about his motivations for fighting. I mean Levi could have I dunno... Just mind his own business fighting titans right? But Levi decided to focus on keeping who he has left alive for a reason.

And as painful as it was to watch. I think it just paints a beautiful picture of his personality.

Levi has never done anything like that for himself. Levi has never fought for just himself. I think at the start of his life, he decided to fight for Kenny and every time he meets someone that person becomes his reason to continue living and fighting.

So maybe Levi was drunk with companionship and this desire for a sense of belongingness and his god tier empathy fueled by that drunkenness is what is pushing him to create a world where everyone can live with those too?

I really hope this makes sense. I’m writing this at 4am and I gotta leave for work soon but...

Thanks for the ask anon!

#levi ackerman #captain levi #meta

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thisbluespirit · 3 years ago

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Fic Writer Tag Game

I was tagged to do this by @allegoriesinmediasres but it had already gone round Dreamwidth this last week, so I did it there. I’ll try and c+p it over here, too!

1) How many works do you have on AO3? 620 (but I've been writing a lot of short things since around 2006-7, and there might even still be a couple of the 1994-98 fic from the newsgroups up). 2) What’s your total AO3 word count? 1,476,147 (but this does include about 300,000 words of origfic for RaTs and rainbowfic that are collected into three works, so it doesn't affect the works no too much, but it does affect the wordcount.) 3) How many fandoms have you written for and what are they? Too many to list here! A lot. *nods* 4) What are your top 5 fics by kudos? People, it's still Miss Marple. Maybe one day it won't be Miss Marple, but today is not that day. (ETA: whenever i do my top AO3 fic on these memes, it’s disproportionately Miss Marple. I am bemused.) Miss Marple: The Spirit of St Mary Mead So We Meet at Last Not Miss Marple: it's the rain that will strengthen your soul (SW Prequels) Five Times the Doctor Got in the Way of Captain Janeway (and One Time They Got Along Just Fine) (DW/ST) By the Book (Origfic) (Oh, wow, By the Book keeps moving up. It must get recced sometimes, somewhere, mustn't it? 0_o ♥) 5) Do you respond to comments, why or why not? Yes. Fanfic is a lot my way of being social, which is why I don't get along with the new push-button web much. Like, kudos is fine, ok, but I just wanted to talk to people, and via fic always seems to be one of the nicest ways to do it. 6) What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending? Oh, I don't know. I like being bleak sometimes when I feel like it. It might be the EatD one with the two Generals, but honestly there were a few in my mid-illness old bleak telly watching years, and the Level 7 one or the one from Children of the Damned might be even more so? Or some S&S stuff, too? I mean, I wrote S&S plane crash fic and weird drabbles. (I blame my fandoms! It's not my fault! *innocent*) Also I keep doing Clara splinter fic, so I keep killing Clara and it's always sadder than I expect when I get there. You'd think I'd learn by now, or just not kill this splinter, but, nooo, hey, how about MORE Clara splinter death, self? /o\ Oh, no, wait: it's probably Spooks! Spooks is also bleak and how about my tiny ficlet of death, Litany of the Fallen? Oh, actually, if I listen to people who aren't me, it's that B7 Avon/Servalan one, which I was always a bit: BUT I WROTE ONE WHERE THEY WON about it and everyone else was all THIS IS THE WORST in the comments. Sorry? The Quality of Mercy (Is Most Definitely Strained) (I still think the ending of Compendium is more angsty! It has double death!) (Ok, it's me. I like being bleak and angsty when I'm doing it. I'm less sure when someone else is doing it at me, of course. ;-p) 7) What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending? I honestly don't know. I'm usually kind of gen and happy and sometimes even humorous, and keep canon's tone, and DW is fairly light most of the time. I tried searching on Happy, but I have never tagged anything as happy. But probably it is an AAL! thing, because AAL! is happiness in b&w TV form basically. Maybe of Of Human Bondage (or Five Times Adam and His Friends Found Themselves All Tied Up)? But I like all the AAL! ones I wrote for Yuletide, because they were the ones where I tried to be closest to an episode, and that makes them the most fun to re-read. 8) Do you write crossovers? If so what is the craziest one you’ve written? I have a crossover in my top 5, so yes. I'm a DW fan; crossovers are just far too obvious a temptation when you've got a TARDIS. What DW fic writer hasn't managed at least one once somewhere? And I might have, um, written a lot of them. (AO3 says 126). I did once, way back in newsnet times, when we were having a debate over what you could and couldn't cross DW over with (and I was on Team You Can Cross It With Anything You Cowards), write a DW/Rainbow drabble. But I don't think I put that on AO3. I think it might be on Teaspoon. In AO3 works, I think by far the silliest is the Baldrick/Steed one, which AstroGirl said I couldn't write. (It was an Unconventional Courtship summary, not that they randomly dared me to write Baldrick/Steed. I mean, some of my flist totally would have done if they'd thought of it, but not in this case.) 9) Have you ever received hate on a fic? Not really. I've had some weird comments, but the nearest I've come to hate was one of the comments that time I tried to write Swan Queen fic and it wasn't happy enough for people. (I wrote a happy one after, but the ifrst one was set quite early, Regina was still kind of evil!) 10) Do you write smut? If so what kind? Alas, no. Although, ish, if we count my experimental elemental shipping phase, which included The Cornfield (Silver/Steel/(Sapphire)), which is the only time anyone called any of my fic sexy. I would totally have that comment made into a medal or something. 11) Have you ever had a fic stolen? Other than the random scraping things that have gone round over the years, no. 12) Have you ever had a fic translated? Yes! Several people have been kind enough to do this, usually into Russian, and usually (but not always!) Miss Marple. 13) Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes, and no - in adwc days we all co-authored round robins, which were a blast and highly frustrating. I think it'd be fun, but barring the odd bit of drabble tennis with various flisters back in the day, it's not really something that's worked out. (I'm thinking, I could have all the ideas, they could do all the writing, I could criticise?? XD) 14) What’s your all time favorite ship? My Relationships count is very misleading here, because I think it actually is (including in terms of things written for it), Sapphire/Silver/Steel, but it's a weird thing, so sometimes I tag it platonically, and sometimes I don't necessarily tag it at all for that reason, and also I think it puts people off unnecessarily. (But it's a Lie when I don't tag it. All my Sapphire & Silver & Steel is inherently OT3 even if no one else can see it.) 15) What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will? None. I have unposted WIPs, but I do hope to finish those, and the only posted WIP is a very old one only on Teaspoon that was begun before I was ill and I can't even really say at this point that I would want to finish it. 16) What are your writing strengths? Character/dialogue, I think? I am actually not that bad at plot, but currently I lack the stamina for long things. I like to think I can be quite funny when I'm in the mood. 17) What are your writing weaknesses? Description, action. Argh. Yes, let's just talk some more, okay? 18) What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? I was going to say I would never, but actually I did! I wrote Y Gwyll | Hinterland fic, and it wouldn't be right not to have some Welsh in that. However, while I may be a 1/4 Welsh and know some Welsh words, I don't actually speak it, so I had to turn to Llywela who was very kind and translated the sentences I needed. (I added the English translation in the footnote.) This was the fic, but basically language is important in canon (ironically maybe even more so in the Eng-lang version I watched than the original Welsh), and so it was also important in the fic. So, probably if it was a canon where it was required, then I would do what I could to get help to get it right? The good thing about the internet is that you can usually find someone, although usefully for me, I already knew someone. 19) What was the first fandom you wrote for? Doctor Who! 20) What’s your favorite fic you’ve written? I'm going to wimp out on this along with everyone else. Although... if any of you have a fave fic of mine, that would be very cool to hear! (But I don't expect anyone to.) Sometimes I'm pleased enough with the latest to feel it's that, but that's not always the case, and it isn't currently. (No, offence, Latest Works! I like you, it just only happens once in a while, usually when I've managed something I've wanted to do for years.)

I won’t tag anyone, because I know lots of people also did this on Dreamwidth, but it’s always VERY cool to see people’s answers to these things and memes are for stealing.

#fanfic #writing #memes #writing meme #ao3 #fannish nonsense #long post #rambling about fic #replies #allegoriesinmediasres #the c+p worked even with the links!#\o/

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