#These shows aren't your whole personality

[mylovesstuffs]

OT13 reaction to someone flirting with their s/o at an award show

Request: I've never sent you a request before so I tried to follow your instructions properly hope this is ok 👀)

seventeen ‼️🫶🏼

Fluff? Angst? Up to you really

Reaction 🌝

hm so in favour of the award season that just past, the idea was how the sebongs would react with someone else flirting with you during awards night (in this case y/n / reader is also a idol/ artist attending and no one knows their together ygm)

like who would be protective and approach right away? Who would just watch giggle and chuckle? Who would try to be nonchalant but be so obvious that they're looking?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts ‼️ sending lots of love and a happy new year 🫶🏼🫶🏼

A/N: I love the prompt! Btw, it might seem like everyone's reacting the same way, but no, they aren't. They just have a common ground, which I think every man should have. Also, I realized halfway through that I should've categorized it, but I was too lazy to rewrite the whole thing again. This would've been a good one-shot sort of thing if I only focused on one member, but I don't think I would be able to write all 13 members with the same prompt. I guess I'll try something like this in the future

Seungcheol: Cheol would exude calm dominance. He'd sit there, pretending to be relaxed, but his eyes? It would be locked on the situation. Wdym he’d do nothing? Absolutely not. The second he notices someone getting too bold with you, he'd make his presence known—not through confrontation, but with subtle yet commanding gestures. He’d accidentally catch your gaze from across the room, his intense stare sending a clear message: You good, babe? Need me to step in? If the flirter doesn’t back off, expect him to walk over, throw a casual arm around your chair, and smile politely, but there’s a steeliness to his tone when he introduces himself. He’s a leader on and off the stage, and no one’s coming near his person.

Jeonghan: Oh, Jeonghan's the king of playing it cool. He wouldn’t move a muscle, letting out a little amused chuckle as he watches the scene unfold. But don’t let his easygoing demeanor fool you—he’s analyzing every single detail. He trusts you completely but also knows how charming he can be. If the flirting escalates, he’d casually saunter over, all smiles, and innocently join the conversation. His honeyed tone would have just enough of an edge to make the flirter retreat. You thought he wouldn’t step in? He’s Jeonghan, the ultimate strategist, and he’ll always protect his love while still being effortless.

Joshua: Joshua would play it cool too but in a way that’s so obvious it’s endearing. He’d smile politely from his table, but his grip on his drink might tighten ever so slightly. He’s a softie, but also your man. If the flirter gets too close, he might find an excuse to accidentally walk by, brushing your arm or whispering something sweet and cheeky like, “Having fun, babe?” He’d never confront anyone outright unless necessary—he’s too classy for that—but his subtle presence would make it clear to everyone in the room that you’re taken. You think he’s just sitting there? Nah, he’s staking his claim in the most elegant way possible.

Jun: Moon would find it hilarious. He’s such a chaotic cutie sometimes, I can’t. He’d nudge the member sitting next to him and point at the scene, whispering something like, “Look at that. They think they have a chance.” But deep down, there’s a flicker of possessiveness. If the flirter keeps pushing, he might get up and walk over casually, sliding into the conversation with a sly grin. His playful charm would leave the flirter flustered and unsure of what just happened. He’s protective in his own quirky way, and I’m crying because he’d never let you feel uncomfortable. I love my man so much TT

Hoshi: Hoshi would be a mix of soft and slightly chaotic, and I love him for it. At first, he’d probably pout from a distance, his face betraying his jealousy even though he’s trying to act unaffected. But let’s be real, he can’t keep it cool for long. The moment he thinks you’re even a little uncomfortable, he’d dart over, all bright smiles, and wrap an arm around you in a totally friendly gesture. He might say something teasing but with a hint of possessiveness. His protective tiger energy will activated.

Wonwoo: Angst King Supreme. He would keep it nonchalant on the surface, but inside? Oh, he’s feeling things. He trusts you completely and knows you can handle yourself, so he wouldn’t intervene unless absolutely necessary. However, his subtle reactions—like a clenched jaw or a quick glance at the flirter—would give him away. He wouldn’t confront the flirter right away, but he’d sit in silence, overthinking every little thing. “Should I have made it public?” He’d question himself, spiraling a little, even though he knows you love him. If things escalate, he might casually walk over, not saying much but standing close enough to make the other person feel the heat of his presence. You think he’s unbothered? He’s LITERALLY fuming inside but hiding it behind that cool exterior, and I’m scared —

Woozi: Woozi’s reaction would be so understated that you might not even notice it at first. He’d sit quietly, watching the interaction with a small, almost imperceptible frown. He’s reserved but fiercely protective. If he feels like the flirter is crossing a line, he’d lean over to a member and mutter something like, “Do I need to go over there?” And if he does approach? Oh, he’s not wasting time on pleasantries. His tone would be calm but firm, sending a clear message without ever raising his voice. He’s your man, and he’ll step up when it matters most.

Dokyeom: Dokyeom would be flustered at first, unsure whether to intervene or let you handle it. He’s such a sweetie. But the moment he sees you even slightly uncomfortable, he’s on his feet, heading over with his signature smile. He’d probably introduce himself in the friendliest way possible, but there’s an underlying protectiveness in his tone. His warmth would make the flirter back off without even realizing it. Wdym he’d stay seated? Nope, he’s too caring for that.

Mingyu: Mingyu would be the most obvious of the group, and it’s honestly adorable. This man wears his heart on his sleeve. He’d try to stay cool, but his constant glances and slightly furrowed brows would give him away. If the flirter gets too close, he’d have no choice but to step in. He’d walk over with that signature puppy smile, but there’s a possessiveness in his eyes that makes it clear who you belong to. This puppy is anything but subtle.

Minghao: The8 would radiate confidence. He trusts you and knows you can handle yourself, but that doesn’t mean he’s not paying attention. If someone gets too bold, he’d walk over, might place a light hand on your back or shoulder, a subtle but powerful gesture that says, ‘This is my person.’ He’s the type to protect you without making a scene, and we should be swooning because he’s so effortlessly cool about it.

Seungkwan: Seungkwan would be dramatic internally but composed externally. He’d whisper to the members, “Are they serious right now?” before shooting occasional side-eyes at the scene. If he feels like you’re uncomfortable, he’d march over, his protective instincts kicking in. He’s fiercely loyal and wouldn’t hesitate to let the flirter know they’re out of line—but in the most eloquent way possible.

Vernon: He would be unbothered on the surface, but internally? He’s watching everything. He trusts you completely and knows you can handle yourself, so he’d sit back and observe unless things got out of hand. If he does intervene, it would be in the chillest way possible—maybe a simple hand on your shoulder or a quick, “Hey, you good?” He’s just subtle about his protectiveness, and he's here for his low-key energy.

Dino: Dino would NOT be the least protective. He’d watch the interaction closely, his brows furrowed slightly. If the flirter gets too bold, he’d approach confidently, standing tall. He might not say much, but his presence alone would be enough to make the other person back off. He’s mature enough to stand up for his love.

[the-apocalypse-is-upon-us]

hey why did u waterboard that persons post instead of just replying like a normal person. why put them on blast like that when the og post wasnt even a day old. like i agree with you and what youre saying in the post but why did you do it in the most hostile way possible. is anyone else trying to build a community here

Because the "waterboarding" format is a good way to both dispute an opinion and show that the opinion actually exists and you aren't making random strawmen, without exposing the persons identity. I thought that was the whole point of the method, to be honest... If anything, if i just came into their replies and used the preposition-conclusion methodology I did in that post, I would end up looking like a bigger jackass.

Also... shouldn't a community have open space for differing ideas and even disagreements? Did I come off that aggressive in the post? I'm genuinely confused.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

So whats your thoughts about the rumors that William and Catherine aren't living together? People have made claims about distance in their interactions (Personally I've not seen that recently) also seen references to the Remembrance Day wreath (he signed the card and not her) but that can simply be excused by timing, maybe she was busy and couldn't sign.

It seems to come down to the fact that shes out of public sight. Personally Catherine strikes me as a person who would push through for the job. If she was upset at William she wouldn't hesitate to make her boundaries known (ie the hand dodge) I've never bought the whole "they don't do PDA and thats why she shrugged him off" I think they were fighting and simply didn't want to be touched. Shes way to savvy to have an over reaction to "following the rules".

Which is normal, no couple is 100% happy 100% of the time. Disagreements happen and sometimes theres awkwardness. Anyways so to me Catherine won't hesitate to show her emotions in that way. But the stretch of the recent "separation" theory seems weird. She's very much a family woman and I don't think she'd want to separate the family. I think she'd be like any normal person and live with her spouse while working through their issues.

Or maybe they saw the backlash to their previous awkwardness and have gotten better at covering and ARE separated? Idk. In all reality its a non issue and I'm not genuinely concerned just curious as to your take.

Mostly I just wanted to send a non Sussex related, I to am tired of them and the rehashing of what next for them is getting drawn out lol. So sorry if you've answered something like this recently about the Wales please feel free to ignore in that case.

I think it's people trying to make news where there isn't.

Yes, on the surface, there is something happening to the Waleses: Kate disappeared, William grew a beard, William lost a ton of weight, there's that comment about Charlotte bursting into tears when she saw him with the beard for the first time, William and Kate made a very random out-of-the-ordinary last-minute trip to Balmoral, the Waleses backing out of the Olympics trip last-minute over COVID concerns (but not having any COVID concerns for other events that summer), a very touchy-feeling video commercial in Sepember, etc.

For me, I subscribe to "when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras" theory. And for me, these hoofbeats all point towards something stressful happening in the Waleses' home, which they disclosed in January and March and September was related to Kate's health.

And you know what, maybe William and Kate did have a temporary separation during this time. After all, the prevailing medical guidance says that people who are undergoing chemotherapy a) have lowered immune systems so they're more susceptible to illness and since the Waleses have three small children who are publicly out and about at school/extracurriculars and several pets and William's still kinda working (aka Kate's surrounded by walking, breathing, living germ factories) and b) depending on their treatment, may be able to make others in their household unwell via their bodily fluids in shared spaces (for instance, when she coughs or if she shares the bathroom or if she's throwing up) so why wouldn't Kate want to lower the risk of not just her own infection, but her family's risks of infection?

So it all makes perfect sense to me, and now that Kate's treatment is over and she's putting everything back together, the Waleses are coming back together as a couple, as a marriage, as a family.

But for other people, the "when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras" theory might mean the very real statistic that the risk of divorce is two times greater in heterosexual couples where the wife has been diagnosed with cancer (or other significant health issue).

And other people still, they might think this is a zebra, in which case this isn't cancer - this is a cover-up for a Waleses separation or something more serious is happening to William and since Charles is in crisis, William also can't be in crisis (similar to when the BRF didn't disclose William caught some serious COVID because it was right when The Queen and Charles had caught/were recovering from their own bouts of COVID).

So for me, I think because there's nothing else happening in the royal space that's newsworthy - no foreign visits, the diplomatic events were kinda boring and unglamorous, etc. - other people are looking for something to talk about and when there isn't something to talk about, they start picking at threads trying to unravel a story.

And right now, the only thread that can be picked apart is "what's going on with the Waleses?"

To put an end to that thread-picking (imaginary or otherwise), something else in the media cycle needs to come along and push it out. Unfortunately we're in a "dead" time of year where there isn't a lot happening - there isn't a big holiday movie, there's no natural disaster, no one died unexpectedly (like Kobe Bryant unexpectedly), the US government hasn't transferred power yet, sports are kinda dull, there's no Diddy-level scandal. etc. No new topic has really galvanized the press or social media to make everyone change gears and talk about something else.

I think the best chances of pushing the Waleses out of the speculative news are with the Golden Globes on Sunday Jan 5th, Jimmy Carter's funeral on Thursday Jan 9th, and/or new developments from Harry's lawsuit. But even still, those chances are slim because Thursday is also Kate's birthday, which means another round of media attention on the Waleses - how will they recognize her birthday on social media? Will there be a Waleses' church walk on the weekend? Will there be any exclusive stories by KP-supported rota reporters?

If I really had to guess, the Waleses will be pushed out of the media cycles (both traditional media and online/social media) on January 20th when the US government transitions from Biden-Harris to Trump-Vance. The transition usually dominates American media for a few weeks and if Trump has the same kind of executive orders up his sleeve that he did after his first inauguration, it will also be dominating headlines around the world.

(Also I think Carter's state funeral taking place on January 9th means William probably isn't coming. I don't think he'd want to spend all of Kate's birthday away from her, especially given the kind of 2024 he's had. I expect the UK's official representative will be Anne or one of the ex-PMs, if not Starmer or his wife. There is a chance it could be Camilla, but most likely not since Diana's still really popular here and Camilla, well, isn't but Charles may try.)

(Also they're predicting some snowy weather for us here in DC next week so I honestly wouldn't be surprised if plans for the state funeral change last-minute and we don't see all those foreign dignitaries fly in for it.)

[aro-culture-is]

Partnering cupioromantic culture is wanting to be in a relationship I want somebody to like me that way I want to know what dating is like I know I won't feel any differently than I do with my friends but I want it so badly but I don't think I'm getting that anytime soon because I don't know how alloromantic people start these things. Do I wait till someone proposes to me or something? Do *I* choose to propose to someone I think it's neat (how am I supposed to choose)? Will someone who likes me only tell me that if they notice I respond to their flirting or if I show signs of liking them back?

And what if they don't wanna be with me because I can't feel that way towards them? What if the only people who'll want to be with me that way straight boys or lesbian girls? What if no one sees me as a boy because I don't look or act like one?

I know I could have that with a dearly close friend instead of a romantic partner. But I want it. I don't think I can give all my attention and care to all my friends because there's so many people to worry about! But if it's only one person or just very few I could do that. I would care about them closely and I could be their priority too. I want to do romantic stuff because I think it's so neat!

I just wanna date someone but how that's even possible if I don't have the built-in asset that makes allo people do that easily. I know I'm not broken. I like being this way. But how am I supposed to do what I want to do?

I'm going to be totally honest: this sounds a bit like something best worked through with a therapist, because I think there's an underlying core of feeling like people liking you will require active effort on your end all the time, which is... not true in healthy relationships. maybe people will be okay with these things. maybe they won't.

you know you aren't broken. but do you feel like you have value, and if others can't see it, that is not your fault? do you feel like these relationships are a bonus if they happen, or something you need to feel (whole. correct. valued.) good? ... emotionally, or morally?

-- mod axel

[c1trvswurld]

Controversial opinion, but I think at least in our modern-day life, it's more progressive to have an unlikable female villain depicted in media. I'm kinda so tired of making and watering down every female villains goals and motivations by slapping on some sob story (that often times comes off as more sexist...yknow your typical "she's like this because she lost her kid or her husband or is infertile" or some other bs) and making her morally grey last minute. Especially when the whole point of the plot was showing how said female villain got to be an irredeemable asshole who would trample everything in her way. You can't suddenly build her up to be a stand-in for...idk the complexities of facism or capitalism, idfk maybe even a stand in for the devil himself. Then strip away a that progress with no build up.

Like a bit of a side note but I partially blame this on a new age of writers as well where while it's good to want a lot of nuance and grey areas to explore with villains it's become the norm to ALWAYS make them sympathetic. The goal from these writers have shifted from " let's make the most perfect fit for a villainous antagonist to oppose our main good guys" and more so "how can we make everyone who watches this love every single character to maximize positive outreach and profit. How can we get it so this piece of media attracts fandom more than it attracts people to a story" if that makes sense.

Writing has taken a sharp turn (especially in animated media) to write with things like shipping and fandom in mind. Like God forbid I want natural character progression and subtle insertion of character tropes that get built on that aren't someone just marketing these 2 character as sunshine x grump. That's what fanfic is for. Because no hate to fanfic (I write it a lot myself and have seen beautiful pieces of work) but it's so weird to see every book or show act like they don't need to build up everything. Like this is a fandom and show we all watched and get the inside jokes of.

But anyways back to my point, I've think we've been losing the unique charm of having fucked villains we come together and hate. Hate so much that you come to love and respect them for the amazing roles they play in their respective stories. And that's partially because of everything I said above. At least personally.

[nightixx]

ok so idk what the freak happened with Kat but

Guys

Touch grass

Not even as a meme or joke. Go outside, meet people, get out of your room and say hey to your parents for once, call your family, hang out with your friends, pray, pay your taxes, study ??

You could do ANYTHING to make your life better, but here are some people, trashing on the internet instead of actually being serious with your life and maybe it sounds like nothing but I SWEAR the amount of time you spend trashing on the net could be so beneficial for you

[bixels]

In the past, people in the Animal Crossing community would make fun of Tom Nook as a sleazy landlord. Since then, he's really rehabilitated his image as this 'heart of gold' businessman (he's the one who puts bells and furniture in trees for you to find! he adopted orphans! he donates to charity!), but New Horizons genuinely paints the most devious version of him.

He's successfully privatized settler colonialism: you pay HIM to move to a "deserted island" (which apparently the oceans in the AC world are just full of) and start a colony that he is directly invested in. At best he's running a weird vacation package scam (you arrive on the island with no money and in debt for "using his services"). At worst, he's using you to set up company towns. For god's sake, he literally has his own fake currency that he forces you to use to pay off your debt. But don't worry, he's repackaged it in a way that definitely doesn't sound like an MLM scam: the Nook Mileage Program!

You're no longer just his tenant or his temporary part-timer, you're his business lackey. The entire tutorial section of the game has you spending actual weeks running around completing tasks and doing hard labor to set up his colony. You're even tasked with preparing his properties and finding buyers for them. No, you aren't a tenant anymore. You work for the landlord. You are directly responsible for finding tenants for him. And he doesn't even fucking pay you. Not for setting up town hall and museum, or his nephew's shop –– which is the ONLY store on the entire island that sells necessities –– or bringing KK Slider to town, or helping populate his town. Not a single cent. No, actually, you have to pay HIM to BUY infrastructure like bridges and stairs and park benches. And all the while, he's telling you're the "resident representative"; you get to call the shots! That the reward is the community's progress. That what you're doing is in everyone's best interest (but most importantly, his).

Since NH's release, people have done a lot of legwork to say that Tom Nook isn't a capitalist while the game shows him at his very worst. He owns the only general store in town. You're forced to use a phone that he modified and branded as his own. Buy Nook-branded furniture and merchandise at the self-serve kiosk in the town hall, a governmental building! There's no conflict of interest here!

But hey, if you're tired of being the landlord/business mogul's goon, you can also find work as a deluxe resort home designer for a company that also pays you in their special company currency that can only be used to buy their products instead of a real salary! Because that's what the Animal Crossing franchise needs! More vacation homes!!!

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

We could have had it all...

[First] Prev <–-> Next

[pass3ra]

cressida's storyline was genuinely shameful tbhhh it's like they started rewriting it in the first half of the season then completely forgot about the changes they'd made to make it fit the book plot and it just ends up making everyone else look bad😐 every character in the second half got a "penelope did nothing wrong" lobotomy so we ended up with eloise completely ignoring cressida being sold off to an horrible man (when she made every effort to support her in the first half of the season) and for some reason resenting her for pretending to be lady whistledown? Then they somehow frame her ignoring colin's offensively bad pleas as it being her turning away from redemption when all she's trying to do is escape being trapped in the country with her likely abusive aunt... and it ends with her meeting her horrible fate and it still being framed as tragic only to immediately juxtapose it with the bridgerton family winning the idgaf war while gleefully seeing off francesca and her future dead husband. The bridgertons were the villains of the season frfr

[violentlydefending]

what the actual fuck is wrong with whoever it is running @/writing-prompt-s. why are they calling an actual palestinian blogger "shady" and using their massive platform on this site to accuse palestinian families and users of being bots and scammers?

[witheredgardenparty]

Every now and then I see the discourse circulate on this hellsite, and I wonder if people know that the term 'yandere' used to have an extremely specific definition that no longer holds up to how people use it today

[fairy-ganj-mother]

yesterday at 29.5 years old I watched as many videos as I could find from my high school marching band, choir, and theater run crew days and realized I barely have any memories of my junior year of high school (13-14 years ago btw) other than feeling bad™️

[quietwingsinthesky]

Hiiiii! So, a few days ago you were talking about the whole thing with Amy, Rory, and River. And when I saw those posts a thought arose in my head and I wish to share it with you.

Since River grew up with Amy and Rory as Mels. And Mels was Amy's best friend do you think that they ever talked about children? Since I know that it can come up when talking with friends, and like... do you think that Amy might've ever expressed whether or not she wanted children?

And if she didn't, that Mels would've had to listen to her mother say that she doesn't want children? The idea is so heartbreaking and sooo interesting.

What do you think about it?

no, no, see, you're so right and this drives me wild.

because, the way i see it, i don't think amy wanted children. she's somewhere on the 'hasn't thought about it' to 'vaguely negative feelings about it happening' range to me, which falls sharply into 'Not Happening Ever Again' post-s6. (specifically, in terms of having a kid herself, even if she could, i really don't think she would. i do love that she and rory end up adopting a kid later, because that does make sense, for amy pond who grew up alone in one universe with her family swallowed by cracks in time before the doctor helped her set it right again, for her to want to make sure another child won't be alone in the world like she was. getting off-track here.)

and that's so. because the first real memory river/mels has of amy is of amy shooting at her. and depending on how well the silence fucked up the rest of her memory, it might be one of the very first memories she has at all. that's how she met her mother, crying for help and getting a bullet instead. her mother tried to kill her, so of course, you have to think. she must have needed to hear that she was wanted, right? even if she was taken away, even if amy shot her, at some point, melody must have been wanted?

river is good at getting people to do what she wants, but she is very, very bad at subtlety. and mels is younger, has less practice, so when she wants to know this, she's just going to ask. blunt and quick, easy enough because amy's used to the way mels will open her mouth and you just have to be ready to roll with what comes out if you want to keep up. it's why they're such good friends (like mother, like daughter.)

they're nine, and mels asks if amy wants kids, and amy wrinkles up her nose and says she won't have time for children, obviously, once her raggedy doctor finally comes back. they're fifteen, and amy and rory dance will they-won't they in a way that makes mels twitchy to watch, and taunting amy about wanting to have rory's babies is a good way to get on her nerves. but amy calls her gross, tells her she's got more life planned than children would leave room for, and besides, imagine her, a mom? it'd be a disaster.

mels does. a lot. she looks at her mother and just sees her best friend instead. she's not even sure what she wishes was there, but. maybe amy's right. and besides. imagine her, a daughter, instead of the ticking time bomb she really is? it'd be a disaster.

they're sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and on. mels stands on the outside of a love story that births a universe. and her. how do you compete with that? not that she would know, not yet, she hasn't been there. but it doesn't make her feel any less alienated when amy and rory talk in whispers about a half-remembered world that's bled through to this life, about roman soldiers and boxes and the big bang of belief.

all these memories, they never mention children. on amy's wedding day, she's different, not like someone remembering a dream but someone who lived it. rory stands straighter, won't leave her side, and they're both so much older than they were yesterday. maybe now, right? a wedding's as good a time as any to decide you want kids.

mels not being at amy & rory's wedding is such an obvious lazy way of them trying to explain why they totally didn't just throw this plot twist together at the last minute that i'm not even going to acknowledge it. of course she was at their wedding. she's their best friend. there's too many people around the doctor, and she wasn't ready today of all days, so despite this horrible burning need under her skin to strike, she stays her hand. doesn't let him dance with her because she might just tear his throat out if he gets too close. stays with amy and rory as the maid of honor should. she must have been there for the awkward questions that always gets asked, 'so, any plans for a baby?' 'when am i getting grandkids?' 'oh, you two are going to have gorgeous children together.' standing a few feet from amy in her wedding dress and watching her mother tense and grit her teeth and brush off the questions. watching her look nervously at rory but never ask if he means it when his mom asks him if he'd prefer a son or a daughter, and rory answers 'either one, some day, not anytime soon.'

god i'm just going on and on, aren't i. but really, what's it like to know that amy never changed her mind. the next time she sees them, she's already been born and stolen. i don't like let's kill hitler for. so many reasons. but there is something compelling about how recklessly river lashes out at the world, at the doctor. even her sacrifice at the end is almost suicidal, throwing all her regenerations into this man without knowing if that will even work or if it might kill her to do it. but it makes more sense in the context of someone who has reached the end of a long, long wait for some kind of indication, any kind, that her mother wanted to have her. and finally been told, no. she didn't choose melody.

[nyxdimandis]

with the full disclaimer that i might be missing some context or significant piece of information & am fully welcoming anyone to inform me, i feel like. it really just doesn't seem like a huge deal that one of the "poison" storyboard artists is into "dark" kink. like this really feels like a non-issue to me

[musical-chick-13]

Sometimes I periodically think of that one "article" about how Doctor Who finally has an attractive cast again(???) so it's easier to Care™ now(???????). For a variety of mocking reasons, but mostly because the woman who wrote it had this whole thing about her teenage shame at being attracted to DTen. and how Embarrassing™ that was for her when he was like. The most BASIC celebrity crush you could have.

[gayofthefae]

The thing with the Byler twist - and it is a twist, even if we’ve predicted it - is that all that the general audience really needs to be on board is to realize that all of Mike’s behavior will have remained in character. No sudden change or confusion to accommodate this fan service ship. Even if you didn’t see it coming, it is very consistent with his behavior over the seasons.

That’s all you really need for a good twist. Not predictability but rewatchability. Does it makes sense? It doesn’t matter if it was built up. Because this isn’t a slow burn. It’s an “it was under my nose the whole time” subversion. Yes, it’s been built up from the start but that’s the part about being under your nose the whole time. Some people will have caught it some won’t, but ultimately, the fact that Mike’s behavior won’t change is what will make people see it.

Because the general audience is, by definition, not actively fighting the idea. Casual viewers. Character consistency is all that’s needed. Even if it WERE to be fan service, if they were to be able to execute that unplanned plot with great character consistency, props to them, that’s the story now, and I’ll accept it. (Just like I say a non-Byler ending would be totally great if it can maintain character consistency and realistic happy endings within that - I just can’t think of a way it can). 

This has been a long way of saying.

Mike and Will getting together will not feel out of character or like an adjustment or accommodation to this “new” storyline. And that’s really all that’s ever needed for a twist or subversion to work. It doesn’t have to be foreshadowed or predictable. It just needs to make sense. And as long as that’s true, no general audience member will fight it.