#Yes it was still a fight he could have won and he lost anyway.

[sleebyfrogs]

Okay so just imagine like. You’re just a little guy. You have no parents and your grandfather who raised you has always disparaged and disapproved of the very fact that you exist, for reasons utterly beyond your control. People enjoy your presence because you’re polite and charming the same way they enjoy flowers in spring, which is to say in passing and ultimately without any real connection.

And then you meet this guy who is just like. obsessed with you. He always wants to be around you and he derives true joy from it without you having to say anything funny or clever or lie for politeness’ sake. He creates art that he loves of you and because of you. Indirectly, you are suddenly able to put joy and beauty into the world, anything into the world, because you inspire him. You never imagined you would leave any kind of footprint the way things were before, because nothing you had was meaningful or lasting. And he flatters you dreadfully, he tells you how incredibly beautiful you are, and whether you realise it or not, you can feel that at least part of this value that he has found in you, that he has given you, comes from that beauty.

And then one day you meet his friend, who is older than you and cooler than you and a lord, and so witty and eloquent that you struggle just trying to keep track of whatever the fuck he’s talking about (and he always sounds like he knows everything about it), and he’s been this guy’s friend much longer than you have, and he also compliments you on your beauty and so seemingly that is the only quality of any worth that you possess, right? And then he waxes on and on about how it’s the only thing worth having and explains that what you have is actually incredibly valuable and fragile and precious, and that you are inevitably going to lose it and there’s nothing you can do. And also he says all this while you’re having your gay awakening because he’s sweet-talking you in a way you’ve never experienced and it’s uhhhhh it’s something. So then while you’re having a complete existential crisis over this your mutual friend calls you over to show you the most exquisite painting you’ve ever seen in your life and it’s of you. You didn’t know you could be so beautiful to anyone, you didn’t know he could create anything so beautiful, you didn’t know beauty on this level could even be captured in art. And that’s how he sees you, continually, without you having to make any effort to please him? Just to be yourself is enough to have inspired this incredible thing? You might cry. And then you realise he created it here and now and of you because on this particular day of June, you are twenty years old, and young, and pretty, and once you age out of that, you will lose the one thing anyone has ever valued in you, and surely also his interest, and you will be alone again, and worthy of nothing and no one. And because you’re also twenty years old and privileged and inexperienced you’ve never learned any capacity for nuanced thoughts and say things that are incredibly rash and stupid and regrettable.

So I’m not saying Dorian did nothing wrong but I am saying in his position I’d definitely have been a vain and terrified idiot too

[bucknastysbabe]

Hi I got an ask about subby Criston and I’m here to fill it but I accidentally deleted the ask itself. So I hope you see this😭😭I kinda went cuckoo bonkers word to Wyn but anyways! Pookie bear cries and nuts like 40 times🧸🧸

Knock ‘em out - C.Cole

Rating: Explicit

WC: 3k

Tags: Boxer!Criston, Manager!Reader, Criss priss prob needed to be in an institution but now gets paid for beating ass, a little bit of manipulation from reader, marathon sex, overstimulation, sub space, soft domme, 🚨CRISTON BIG ASS PRAISE KINK🚨, he’s puppy your honor, Dom/sub, sub drop, aftercare, pnv!sex, multiple orgasms, intercrural sex, cumming in pants, lil bit of background story but mainly P O R N

Taglist: @aemonds-holy-milk @arcielee @sugarpoppss2 @lovelykhaleesiii @starogeorgina @moncherrii @bambitas @targaryenbarbie @fairysluna @thought--bubble @fallingintoyourlilaceyes @gemini-mama @valeskafics

Thanks @tumblin-theworldaway for helping my mind crank up heheheheeh

Criston knew he was off— something never wired right in his brain. Most people would interview him and see the rags-to-riches story. He came from trash, really, his dad was the janitor at the big boxing gym in the city. Coach Dondarrion told people they let Criston train for free as his father worked so tirelessly.

In reality, he couldn’t stop getting into fights at school. It was unchecked anger growing out of control. Criston’s mother and father begged Dondarrion to take him on and help channel that aggression. It likely saved his life. He was only 10 and beating kids’ faces in over slights— imagined or real. He was horribly possessive, jealous, and lost. Boxing seemed to put a lid on that.

Occasionally he’d have to be ripped off an opponent. Whispers of Criston Cole being a psycho were rampant. He was twenty-three when he got his current manager. She worked miracles. His everything— Criston loved the woman so much that sometimes it hurt his head, thoughts too intense to siphon through.

He’d known her from the Blackhaven gym, she was a daughter of Coach Swann and knew the realm of boxing pretty well. Coach Dondarrion brought her into the picture when Criston almost killed a man in the ring.

She didn’t bat an eye when Criston snarled and tried to intimidate her— only cocking her head and snorting like he was an unruly animal. He’ll never forget the words she said after. It was a shift for the boxer.

“Do that again and you won’t fight this week. I’m in charge now. You’re my prize pet. If you want to keep being a prize pet then you’ll listen to me,” she stated, manicured nail poking his chest.

The bigger man still had no clue what came over him, but her words were like a balm. This was what Criston needed— firm orders and guidance. He hoped at the time she could help him with all the mess in his head. Criston nodded and replied, “Yes ma’am.”

“Good boy. Let’s come up with some rules. You like rules don’t you?”

No unnecessary jabs, no yelling, work on riding the bike and going through footwork, and no cumming until he had won.

Those were the rules before a fight. Criston abided by them religiously. Even if he was like a caged animal towards the lead-up to the big event. He would feel himself grow more and more agitated— actively restraining from ripping his opponent's jaw off. Cole probably looked psycho, with dark eyes intense, jaw clenching. But his expression remained eerily placid. His manager liked that and said she could smell the fear off the other guy.

Criston remained undefeated, she must be right he thought. Coach Dondarrion said Swann was a goddamn genius. She was perfect like that. He hated she wouldn’t go public with their relationship, Criston would wind himself up into an obsessive tizzy over it.

But when he won again, and again, she was there to take care of him. They’d get through the usual press, Criston would shower, and they’d ride back to the hotel together. The air was charged in the back seat. She’d slapped his wandering hands away the first couple of times.

Now he knew to stay put and she’d tend to his face or scratch his hair, careful of any knots and bruising. It felt so fucking good the first time she touched him, he had cum in his sweats before even reaching the hotel. Whining and writhing as she cooed and put ice on his black eye or taped a busted nose— he couldn’t remember exactly.

His manager had cooed in surprise when he seized up and gasped, wetting the inside of his briefs, “Oh, baby? You came? Needed that, didn’t you? Criston Cole, my prized pet, big bad man, didn’t know you liked being loved on. You deserve it, baby, I’m here for you, always.”

Her words had simultaneously embarrassed and made Criston want to kneel at her feet, awaiting her next command. He remained quiet, cheeks flushing heavily, worried internally his nose would start bleeding. Swann curled at his side and stroked his messy curls.

“Don’t be ashamed, you deserve to feel good. ‘Sides I know you have more to go, gotta be pretty full from going a week. You want me to take care of that, empty you out?”

Criston gritted his teeth and whined. He wanted it so bad. The demon in his head teased and prodded him, spitting lies. “She thinks you’re a weak little bitch, you really gonna spread your legs and bare your neck like a slut?” the voice said. He moaned softly, pained from the dissonance.

His manager whispered gently, a small hand rubbing soothing circles on his chest.

“Criston, baby, stop thinking so much, and let me do it for you.”

He melted into her warm embrace, the proposition flicking on a switch he didn’t know existed. She smiled as he slurred out a ‘yes’ and went lax under her palms. Criston didn’t know at the time— that submitting completely to another made his mind stop for a bit.

He was euphoric, eyes focused on her as they entered the hotel. She waved off any reporters and led him by the hand. Criston clung to her like a needy child in the elevator, his cock swelled up again. The manager let him rut a bit on her tight skirt and giggled at his desperation.

When they finally, finally gotten to the room— she stripped Criston down and made him cum until he cried, all the adrenaline sapped out of his body. He lost count of how many times her mouth and hand brought him to completion. He got to float in his head, tongue too thick and limbs too heavy to do anything but whine and be coddled.

Criston woke up later as a new man. He felt he could breathe. Then the games began as his record kept going up, Cole escalating to the fucking top. He didn’t know what to do with all the money except buy his family a house and Swann anything she desired.

He’d won again. Shaking his fist and snarling obscenities at Strong on the ground. He’d get another fuck-ton of money and go home happy. He’d picked up the belt and grinned, elated at his thirtieth win. On the top of the world.

Criston’s mind began to whirl as he stalked down the hallway. He briskly showered and answered a couple of questions to the press. She waited to the side, sinful red lips curled upwards. Swann was wearing the red bottoms he bought her, pretty legs shown off in her little dress and blazer.

When she nodded toward the exit he followed, agitated at the annoying reporter still asking questions. Criston didn’t want to upset her, so he kept his mouth shut and followed along, pulling his hoodie up. His balls fucking throbbed. He wanted to fuck his angel so bad, maybe she’d let him on a special occasion like this.

He got into the dark luxury vehicle, inhaling her sweet scent. Criston was close to getting feral, mouth watering at the possibilities. Still, he remained mute. Until she shifted, facing him in the dark, eyes full of affection. Criston couldn’t help the thin whine that burst from his chest at her attention.

“Look’it you. Took down Breakbones, got thirty wins, fucking hell baby,” she drew closer to him, “Criston Cole, you’re the real deal! You wanna fuck me, baby boy? I think you’ve earned it.”

“Pleaseplease, yes, fucking yes,” he pled.

A stagnant pause fell over the back of the car.

“Thank you,” he moaned, “Thank you.”

“Good boy, don’t forget your manners.”

She placed a warm hand high on his thigh, massaging the sore muscle. Her other palm caressed Criston’s patched-up cheek. She hummed “A kiss?” He nodded eagerly, vibrating in place, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. But Criston knew he had to be her good boy.

The woman softly pecked his lips, pulling back to watch Criston chase with a sad noise. She smiled and kissed him again, deeper this time. He eagerly opened his mouth for her, shivering as her nimble tongue playfully lapped at his own. Criston’s hands balled up in his sweats— no touching, no touching unless given permission.

Their lips wetly smacked in the dark car, her hand moving up to rub maddeningly at his straining cock. Criston cried out into her mouth, hips bucking helplessly. She laughed and nibbled on his shapely lower lip, hand squeezing his manhood.

“S’all mine isn’t it? My cock, just for me.”

He nodded in misery, his body wanted to let go, but it was a bit of a process to get Criston in the headspace he wanted. She knew how to get him there. Like her lips against his ear, tits pressed against his chest as she purred, “Easy love, relax, I’ve got you honey.”

“Mmm- gods, need it,” he gritted out, dark eyes lolling.

As her firm hand jerked him over the sweats, Criston’s manager nipped and kissed at his clean-shaven cheeks and neck. She whispered, “Sweet boy, I know you are s’hard, relax, relax, you’re gonna get to cum all night baby. As much as you want, just gotta let go okay?”

She praised and played with him some more, Criston began to pant hoarsely, thighs shaking as he neared the precipice. She tutted when the car stopped, “Get yourself together baby, we’re here now.” He blinked, a tear falling down his cheek, bewildered by the way she left him.

He was so fucking close! The boxer sulked and groaned at his denied orgasm, eyes watery from how intense his balls were throbbing now. He wiped his eyes and pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up again, keeping his head low. He hoped the half-assed tucking of his hard-on worked.

They walked in sync to the elevators. He sulked, “M’so hard it hurts.” Criston’s girl pouted her lips, patting his cheek, “I know, I know sweet boy, but we can’t keep the driver waiting. Almost there, don’t be so needy.”

Criston wrapped his arms around her waist, tucking his face into her neck. He would be good, he wouldn’t hump or bite. He merely wanted to hold her for a second before the elevator dinged. Swann hummed and nuzzled back into his hair.

Onward they went, Criston’s mind growing fuzzier and fuzzier as his body thrummed with need. Upon entering the penthouse suite— her entire demeanor changed. She snapped, “Go get undressed and kneel for me by the bed.”

He nodded in little jerks, undressing and folding them neatly, just how his mistress liked. Criston shuddered as the cool air hit his cock, swallowing heavily as he knelt before the foot of the bed. His hands shook with need, his adrenaline still thrashing and pumping underneath the skin.

He was downright panting by the time she came out of the bathroom, naked as he was. Criston bit on his lip, eyes watering again. The angel laughed, “You sure are worked up tonight.” She padded behind Criston, winding a hand into his hair, eliciting another agonized noise from the boxer.

“You are so damn talented, the Warrior smiles on you. I’m proud.”

“Thank you, thank you ma'am,” he whispered.

“I’m going to get on the bed and you’re going to fuck all that energy and cum out okay?”

“Yes ma’am- ohmygods.”

Criston’s brows pulled together as she laid before him, legs crooked and spread, her cunt shining with slick. He growled, digging his nails into the skin of his thigh. She crooked her fingers playfully, “C’mon baby, you’re allowed to touch. Use me, my special pet earned it.”

He almost felt bad in the way he roughly had pulled her ass flush to his hips, the flesh smacking loudly. Criston had eagerly gotten on his knees in the center of the soft bed, slotting his swollen cock against her slick pussy. “F-fuck, fuck, gonna use you baby, ’m sorry,” he gritted out. She smiled and shrugged, moaning as he rutted against her a couple more times.

Criston’s dark eyes rolled up as he entered her velvet cunt, warm and sososo tight. He snarled as he snapped his hips into his baby. She was crying out and digging sharp nails into his shoulders. Cole knew he was lost in the feeling, rasping and groaning possessive, ugly things he would never say out loud.

But when legs were wrapped around his waist and she was mewling his name? Criston had lost his firm barriers. He rumbled into her ear between kisses and bites, “My godsdamn pussy, mine, you’re mine, I’ll f-fucking kill anyone who touches you, looks at you, gods I’ll do anything!”

He groaned, balls drawing up quicker than expected. She was crying out “Yes! yes! All yours!” Criston sucked in a wet breath at her neck, hips driving into her at a breakneck pace, hands bruising her pretty skin. He choked on his drool, unable to warn her— Criston’s orgasm was that intense.

She tightened around him when his cock flooded, absolutely flooded her pussy. Criston moaned and clenched his jaw, fucking through the oversensitivity. His girl dug her heels into his ass to spur him on. The boxer swallowed down a little mewl. Everything was still so swollen, he had to keep fucking, keep cumming.

“Mmm, yes! Don’t stop baby, oh Criston!”

“I-I am, fuuuck, g’nna fill you up again!"

He drove his hips upward, lifting her hips so that Criston could get at her g-spot. She raked a bloody mark across his back, gasping in delight. He rambled while thumbing desperately at her clit, “Yeah, yeah, feel s’good, cum on me baby, need to feel you, m’close again!”

Criston wasn’t sure if it was her gorgeous wail or her pussy gushing on his cock or both but he came again. She chose to mouth at his lips, shaky legs clenching around him, hand pulling the hair at the nape of his neck. Meanwhile, he whined Swann’s name, the quickness of his second orgasm turning Criston’s brain into jello.

The slick noises between them were loud and sloppy, he was stuttering and whining. She threw her pretty head back and moaned. Criston was finding words hard. He kept fucking and fucking. She felt too good and he had so much cum for her.

“That’s it, keep it up,” she grunted.

Criston slurred, “Ca-can’t stop, can’t, can't!”

He felt his eyes grow wet as his overstimulated cock was gripped and milked by her cunt. The angel, his angel, wrapped her arms around his sweaty neck, his hips forcing little 'uhs' out of her plush lips. Criston blabbered uselessly, words bordering on sobs now. It felt too good, the pain and pleasure were ecstasy to him. He bottomed out inside her, stopping to mewl long and high before returning to feverishly thrusting again.

“Oh, oh, angel- hurts- s’good ohmygods your pussy, gotta cum again, m’sorry m’so sorry!”

She nuzzled at his jaw, moaning, “It’s okay, doing so good for me, needy baby. You needed this, poor baby’s balls are so full.”

“S’full,” he agreed, mindless and shivering.

Criston’s thighs began to twitch as he felt another wave cresting. He practically wailed as the third peak licked up his spine— white hot and mean. She gasped, nails digging into his flanks, pussy pulsing around another load of Criston’s molten cum.

He was a mess, wordless and drooling. Criston began to move again, gaze unfocused and mouth agape. He whimpered, all overstimulated and still fucking frantic. Criston felt like he’d die if he didn’t stop, tears pouring down his flushed cheeks.

Her hands held his face now, her lips saying something. Criston slowly cocked his head, attempting to understand his manager’s words. She said it again, this time louder with a smack to his cheek. Criston stopped his movements, protesting with a weak noise.

“Babydoll, you gotta fuck my thighs, I'm starting to hurt. I’m going to turn over, okay precious? Got that?”

His lips trembled— Criston didn’t want to do that. He wanted her pussy. He slid out anyway, a torrent of white spend flooding out of her well-used entrance, seeping onto the bed. She marveled "Oh Criston, you still have anything left?" The woman hissed under her breath as she flipped onto her stomach. She tucked a pillow under her hips, giving him access to her thighs, slicked with their release.

Criston stared— unsure how to proceed. His cock was so flushed it purpled, aching horribly. He whined, frustrated with his stupidity, the man just wanted familiar tightness again. She sighed and reached back, ushering his knees and thighs to cage her legs in, forcing Criston forward.

He gasped in delight when his cock slid between her soft thighs, warm and wet. His depleted brain decided this would do. Criston’s thrusts were jerky and uncoordinated, he was growing too sensitive to go on much further. He kept at it, crying and sniffling like a babe.

“Awe baby, you’re hurting huh?”

“Mhm!” he replied, scrunching his face up tight. He had to cum one more time, he had to! Even if it was excruciating, the pleasure ramped up into nerves prickling all over his worn body. She watched him with lidded eyes, lips in a smirk. Criston exhaled again, throwing his head back to sob.

“Gotta- I gotta,” he mewled.

“I know sweetheart, so close, let it all out, you’ll feel so much better. You’re so pretty like this— all fucked out and still want more. Knocked your whore brain sideways. My cute slutty puppy, I love youuu.”

Criston folded under the praise, his body contracting once more, stomach cramping as he devolved into cries. His abused cock managed to dribble one little last bit. He couldn’t stop crying, falling back onto his haunches. Swann guided him down to shush and pet his hair. She murmured, "You're okay, all done now, I'm here, not going anywhere. Just breathe."

Criston’s muscles were all loose but the adrenaline had been sapped quickly. He was gutted— in a good way. Just couldn’t help the reaction, he knew it would happen after an intense romp like this. His baby curled into his heaving side, laying feathery kisses on his jaw, a relaxing hand at his diaphragm.

“That’s it, let it out, poor baby. Couldn’t help yourself hm?”

Criston nodded through the incessant tears, his shaky hand threading through her hair. He rasped, “I love you so much. You’re perfect.” He was growing more sleepy, settled by her kisses and glowing smile. He could float easy and enjoy the win, curled up with his lifesaver. Well, after she got him water and wiped down the mess. He realized with a smile— she had laid a towel underneath them.

She’d have to help him function tomorrow, Criston knew he’d be scrambled eggs, sore, and a bit grumpy. But that’s why they kept a suite for three days. After the kick off he would rest up and replenish. They would fuck sensually, cuddle, and watch a in some order of that fashion.

His addled mind conjured up a big diamond ring he’d buy for her.

[sidekick-hero]

If I only could, make a deal with God

Written for @steddieangstyaugust Day 10 and Day 11, "Where were you?" and Temporary Character Death. They were too perfect not to combine for a quick Kas!Eddie ficlet.

Tags: Kas!Eddie, Angst with a happy ending, mind manipulation, temporary character death

words: 1.5k | AO3 | rated M

Watching Vecna burn is even more satisfying than Steve ever imagined, though the stench of burning flesh makes his stomach twist. Each bullet Nancy fires sends a thrill of fuck yes through him. With every shot, he silently dedicates it—this is for Chrissy, this is for Fred, this is for Patrick, this is for Nancy, and finally, this is for you, Max.

But as he sees Vecna’s body crash through the window, a knot of unease tightens in Steve’s gut. It’s too easy. Too damn easy. Every year, they think they've won, but they never really do. The monsters keep coming, relentless.

Steve glances up at the night sky, framed by the hole Vecna left behind. The darkness feels wrong, like it’s still hiding something. Deep down, Steve knows it’s not over. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

“Do you think he’s…” Robin begins, her voice uncertain, but Nancy shakes her head before Steve can answer.

“No,” she says, her voice firm. “I can still feel him. He’s hurt, but he’s not dead.”

Her words hit like a punch when they step outside. The ground is scorched, but there’s no body. Just empty, burned earth.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Robin mutters, pacing, while Nancy stares at the spot like it’s a personal insult. Steve knows that look—she blames herself. She feels like she failed because she didn’t kill him. As if it’s her responsibility, her burden to bear. But none of them should have to carry that weight.

Especially not the kids.

The kids.

“Dustin! Shit! Come on, we have to go!” Steve’s heart lurches as panic floods his veins. For a moment, he’d forgotten—lost in the fight, in the bitter taste of another near-miss. Dustin and Eddie, out there playing decoy, risking their lives to buy them time. If anything happened to them, Steve knows he’d never forgive himself.

He spots them almost instantly, two figures on the ground like a beacon drawing him in. The eerie silence is broken only by the haunting sound of Dustin's wheezing, mixed with raw, anguished cries.

Steve's heart hammers in his chest, and he breaks into a sprint, covering the last few feet in desperate haste. His knees hit the ground next to Dustin, and finally, Steve sees the body lying motionless on the cold, hard ground.

It’s Eddie. His eyes are open but lifeless, his skin impossibly pale, and a bright red trickle of blood runs from the corner of his mouth.

Steve knows he's gone, but he checks for a pulse anyway. There's nothing. Eddie is dead, and it's Steve's fault. He left them behind, chasing the role of the hero, and Eddie paid for it with his life.

Steve wasn’t there. He didn’t protect them, and now…

“Where were you?”

Dustin's voice slices through Steve’s spiraling thoughts, the question heavy with accusation. It's not just a question; it’s a condemnation. How could you let this happen? Why didn’t you save him?

“Dustin, I…”

“We needed you, Steve. He needed you! He’s…” A gut-wrenching sob shakes Dustin’s body, and Steve pulls him into his arms. Dustin clings to him like Steve is the only anchor keeping him tethered to reality.

“He can’t be gone. He can’t. He was just playing the most metal concert ever, Steve. He…he…”

Steve’s heart shatters under the weight of Dustin’s grief, a pain he never wanted him to bear. He recalls warning Dustin about love, about avoiding heartbreak, but this—this is so much worse than a broken heart.

This loss will change Dustin forever, just like Barb’s death changed Nancy.

Before Steve can find any words—though he doubts they would help—the girls arrive, urgency in their voices as they urge them to run. Steve looks up and sees the red storm in the sky, growing more violent with every second. They’re right. They have to move.

He pulls Dustin to his feet, but almost stumbles when Dustin resists, refusing to leave Eddie behind.

“We can’t just leave him here!”

“We have to! Dustin, come on.”

“No! I won’t leave him,” Dustin protests, his voice breaking, so Steve grabs him, hoisting him over his shoulder. He runs toward the trailer, ignoring Dustin’s screams of protest and the fresh pain from his bite wound.

Steve holds tight to the closest thing he’s ever had to a little brother, even as part of his sanity slips away at the thought of abandoning Eddie.

I’m sorry, he thinks, his mind screaming with guilt. I never wanted this to happen. I wish it was me, not you, Eddie.

“Where were you?”

A deep voice growls from behind, and when Steve turns around, the sight before him makes his blood run cold. He takes an instinctive step back, heart pounding in his chest.

It’s Eddie, but not quite.

The creature standing before him has Eddie’s familiar features—dark, curly hair, pale skin, those big dark eyes. But something’s wrong. The warm, soulful brown of Eddie's eyes is now tainted with a sinister red hue. He’s taller, his once-pale skin now tinged with an unnatural gray, and his fingernails have lengthened into sharp, claw-like points.

He looks terrifying.

And yet, beneath the nightmare, it’s still Eddie. Steve can see it, feel it.

“Eddie,” Steve begins, but the words catch in his throat, choking on the horror and guilt that threaten to overwhelm him.

“Where were you, Steve?” Eddie's voice is a mix of bitterness and something darker, more feral.

“I’m so sorry, Eddie, I…” Steve stammers, his mind racing for an explanation, for anything that could make this right, even as he knows it's impossible.

Steve’s heart races as he stares into the twisted reflection of Eddie, the boy he failed. The red tint in Eddie’s eyes burns with anger, and something far more sinister—a deep, unyielding hurt.

“You left me,” Eddie growls, his voice rough and cold, like shattered glass. “You all left me to rot.”

Steve flinches at the words, feeling their sting. “Eddie, no,” he pleads, his voice trembling. “We never wanted this. I swear, we never wanted to leave you behind.”

Eddie takes a step forward, his movements unnervingly smooth and predatory. “Liar,” he spits, his sharp nails twitching at his sides. “Vecna showed me the truth. You didn’t care. None of you did.”

“No!” Steve’s voice rises with desperation. “That’s not true, Eddie! We care about you. We all do! Dustin... he loves you, man. You should’ve seen him—how much he cried, how much he hurt. You meant the world to him. You still do.”

Eddie’s expression falters for a moment, a flicker of the old Eddie peeking through the dark rage. But the red in his eyes deepens, and he shakes his head, as if trying to shake off the doubt creeping in. “You’re lying. You’re just trying to save yourselves.”

Steve steps closer, ignoring the sharp claws, the monstrous transformation. All he sees is his friend, the boy who risked everything to protect them. “If that’s what it takes,” Steve says, his voice steady now. “If giving you my life means you’ll spare them, I’ll do it. If I could, I’ll trade places with you, Eddie. I’ll take your place in a heartbeat.”

Eddie stares at him, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the world around them seems to still, the storm above freezing in its rage. “You’d die for them?” Eddie asks, his voice softer, almost disbelieving.

“I would,” Steve says, his voice unwavering. “I’d die for you, too. Because you’re one of us, Eddie. We need you. Dustin needs you. I can’t take back what happened, but I can make sure you know that you’re loved. That you matter.”

Something cracks in Eddie’s demeanor, a chink in the armor Vecna had poisoned him with. The red in his eyes flickers, and the claws at his sides curl inward, less menacing.

“Don’t let Vecna twist this, Eddie,” Steve continues, his voice urgent, filled with the raw truth of his words. “He’s lying to you. He wants you to believe you’re alone, but you’re not. You’re never alone.”

Eddie’s breath hitches, a tremor running through him as he struggles against the dark hold on his mind. The storm above rumbles, as if sensing the shifting tide within him. “Steve, I…”

“You’re stronger than him,” Steve urges. “You’ve always been stronger, Eddie. Fight him. Fight for us. Fight for yourself.”

Eddie’s eyes squeeze shut, his whole body trembling as if he’s at war with himself. And then, with a sudden roar of pain and defiance, Eddie’s eyes snap open, the red receding, leaving behind the warm, familiar brown that Steve knew so well.

“I’m not his puppet,” Eddie growls, more to himself than anyone else. He looks at Steve, and for the first time since this nightmare began, Steve sees his friend—truly sees him—fighting through the darkness.

Steve nods, relief washing over him. “You’re not. You’re Eddie Munson, the guy who played the most metal concert ever to save our lives. And we’re gonna finish this fight together.”

Eddie looks at his hands, still twisted and monstrous, but the anger in his eyes is no longer directed at Steve or his friends. It’s focused on something far greater, far darker. “Let’s end this, Steve. For real this time.”

With a determined nod, Steve extends a hand, and Eddie takes it. Together, they turn to face the storm, ready to join their friends in the final battle against Vecna.

And this time, they’re going to win.

[90shaladriel]

Rewatch of the ROP Finale Fight Scene

>> Warning: Clearly biased and delusional Haladriel here! <<

I admit that on the first watch I had some issues with the fight, not so much that it was a poor fight, or unbelievable, more that I felt there was more missed potentials. I think a lot of that was my fan or shipping head canons.

Could I imagine a different way it goes down or ends? Yes.

But here are some positives

From the very moment they are onscreen together, Sauron tries to de-escalate. He snuck up behind her and walked past while she was holding the Nine rings and Nenya. Her first words were a question, a pointed one, but it's satisfying they began on speaking terms, and then his calm response actually backed up my opinion that the Season 1 events that got them together were not his design.

She is the one that picked up the sword and swung first.

He struck back but she was the aggressor. What might have happened if she had run away? Or maybe used the Light rather Strength to overcome him?

Anyway. The shift to Halbrand was a bit of a low blow. He reiterated his feelings for her were not all an illusion and then immediately turned into an illusion of not only Halbrand, but then herself (?) and Celebrimbor. Like appearing as her murdered brother, these don't seem to be good strategies for winning someone over who mistrusts you. But ok, he is a villain and showing off perhaps.

As Halbrand he never strikes a blow at her, he speaks, walks away and dodges her first strikes. Even as Galadriel form he mainly parries her rather than attacks. Then as Celebrimbor he stomps the stone structure to collapse rather than striking at her. I could have used more Halbrand fighting her though over the magic show spectacle, but it was cool I will say.

When she once more asserts the Door is Shut, (because of course with her people's city in ruins, Celebrimbor tortured and killed, the threat of Sauron in the future, she has no choice narratively), and then takes that moment to kick him hard in the face does Sauron seem to become enraged. He is hurt, his pride is wounded to, just as Celebrimbor did with his dying words. He takes his anger out on the rocks and her sword but doesn't really try to land a killing blow.

Once she slices his cheek he seems to have said "I've had enough of her" and let the rage take over. Even then what does he do? He uses the crown not the sword to impale her. Which is pretty toxic, I do agree, although how many times as she tried to stab him and gotten a pass?

Caveat that I've never been stabbed in the chest, but that was very suggestive of them to say the least.

He could have reached over and taken the Nine and Nenya once more. But didn't. The speech he gave then about what he would have done for her as his Queen is really something. It's not meant to convince her of anything I don't think. He has lost that part of her (The Door is Shut). At least that's my thinking. He just wants her to know since at that moment he knows he would have won and has nothing to lose by telling her the truth of how he feels or maybe once felt.

By the way she was stabbed by two spikes but only seems to have one wound?

Still after the creepy face he lets her fall. Takes the nine and then asks her for Nenya.

I guess this is ambiguos. Is it plot armor for her? Did he really think the crown's poison would not kill her but drag her spirit to the unseen world? Was this the method he used to bind souls to his werewolves in the book legendarium?

It's not clear why he still would need her or want that versus take her life like he took Celebrimbor's.

The simplest explanation would be that he wants her alive and to be at his side, whatever he selfishly thinks of that.

My main disappointment was probably that we didn't get either a redemptive angle on Sauron or perhaps a Galadriel trying to tempt him back in someway. Maybe those were just crazy head canon ideas. I think having evil Sauron be obsessed with Galadriel and her light is about what I expected before coming into Season 2.

[ruggiezz]

imagine nrc during the world cup era OMG 😟 rook after france loses to argentina, heartslabyul watching england losing

— REACTING TO THEIR COUNTRY LOSING IN THE WORLD CUP : twisted wonderland

[synopsis] twst characters and their reactions to their country getting disqualified

[characters] ace, deuce, cater, trey, riddle, ruggie, floyd, jade, azul, rook

[extra] this is just for the funsies, me spreading my octavinelle + ruggie latinos agenda. i'm a firm believer in the cater is american headcanon (AMERICA RAHHH🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅💥)

ACE TRAPPOLA and DEUCE SPADE got together with you to watch the World Cup. Oh? You're not interested in football? Too bad, you're watching it with them anyways. Pros: They buy snacks for all of you to eat while watching. Cons: Ace screams at the television and gets extremely frustrated. The silence was loud when the match with France ended. At least the food was good...

CATER DIAMOND was not #LiveLaughLove-ing that month. Imagine being the only american in your friend group full of british people while the US had a match against England. Don't get him wrong; he doesn't really care about football, but it's hard to ignore it when the whole school is talking about it. At the end of the day, Magicam material is still Magicam material. He got lucky though; the match ended in a draw; it could have been worse. Needless to say, he did not care about the US losing, #WorldCup #Disqualified.

TREY CLOVER felt like he was in a nightmare—a 29-day-long nightmare. The Heartslabyul students were either having a blast or screaming when they won, or they were having heated fights about whose country would win. Trey was stressed; maybe other housewardens were enjoying the World Cup (like Kalim, who was throwing parties every opportunity he had), but RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS was certainly not happy. The students were so focused on, in his words, "guys running after a ball", that they weren't studying for their final exams. Yes, he had become less strict after his overblot, but a few students still got collared. Both of them were relieved when the World Cup ended; they could not care less about their country losing.

RUGGIE BUCCHI listened to the brazilian matches while working, like it was a podcast. He was a busy guy, you know? He had to work, but he still wanted to listen to the match. To be honest, Ruggie was pretty confident that they would make it to the semi-finals. We are talking about Brazil here; their team is good. "There's no way the europeans are winning this one" he thought. Imagine his face when they lost by a penalty goal, a penalty goal... Ruggie bought himself a doughnut at Sam's to cope and not have a mental breakdown.

Peru didn't even qualify; they lost against Australia. FLOYD AND JADE LEECH were in a bad mood during the whole World Cup.

Yes, Chile didn't qualify either, but a business opportunity is a business opportunity. Did you hear? You can watch the football matches while eating in the Mostro Lounge, and if you spread the word and bring your friends, you get a special discount. AZUL ASHENGROTTO got showered in money during those 29 days it lasted; the restaurant made three times the amount they usually make. He was very happy, to say the least.

ROOK HUNT was delighted to see all the students celebrating. The passionate cheers of the students, the way they all rooted for their country, how they got together to watch, how sad they got over their team losing, how beautiful. Yes, maybe the students were screaming at each other; maybe one even threw a chair across the room, but still. There was something captivating in seeing how a game could bring students that had nothing in common together, all with the same goal: to see their country win and crush the others. He was more sad about the World Cup ending than France losing, even if they were so close to first place.

[howlingday]

Princess Nora's Arc AU, Nora was certainly a unique princess, she's not like princess Weiss who's a sticker for manners and rules, she couldn't care less if anything she just wanted to be herself and have fun. One day she sees a young squire jaune being picked on by the other squires so she scares them off and protects him. When their gone she asks if he's okay which he's not since he's supposed to grow up and defend her not the other way around which she refutes with how she can defend herself. They become friends, maybe noras first ever true friend outisde of politics and jaune promises to pay her back and defend her with his full might when he gets older

Princess & Squire

"And you say you beat them off with a stick?"

"A big one!" Nora said as she beamed at her neighbor princess, Weiss Schnee of the Ice Queendom. "And it was sharp, too."

"So it was a cudgel." Weiss said with a frown. Nora gave her an odd look. "A club." She tilted her head. Weiss, losing her patience, shouted. "A hitting stick!"

"Well, duh!" Nora giggled. "It's not like I had my heels for stabbing!"

"And where were your knights?" Weiss asked, her patience long since worn away. "Surely they would not leave their princess unprotected."

"Believe me, I don't need protecting." Nora chuckled, punching her open palm. "None of those punks will be bothering Jaune any time soon."

"Yes, and regarding Squire Arc-" Nora gave the odd look again, "Jaune. Was he not punished for his failure?"

"What failure?" Nora asked. "He got bullied by the other squires because they're a bunch of assholes."

"Princess Valkyrie!" Weiss stood and smashed her hands against the sitting table. "Your job as the Princess of the Jade Empire is to learn from your studies and become a proper leader for your people! How do you intend to become a respectable empress when you're sprinting through the muddied streets, swinging cudgel like a barbarian while you spout such profanities like a common wharf whore?!"

Nora blinked at the outburst, then proceeded to laugh at her friend. Weiss' face only grew more and more red as Nora continued her guffaw. It was at this point that Jaune poked his head in, only to then retreat back out the door when Weiss' snarling visage turned to his direction. As she calmed down, Nora did what she did best.

Be herself.

"It's easy, Weiss!" She stood up, then turned to the window. "I just have to keep being me. Ren is already the emperor, so all I have to do is just stay alive until he decides to give me the throne. Until then, I'll keep being the toughest princess out having fun. And Jaune'll be right there with me, looking out for me when I can't look out for myself."

"You really are a child." Weiss shook her head with a sigh before falling into her seat. "You're lucky your brother is the emperor, otherwise you and I wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Well, duh, the only reason we're talking anyways is 'cuz your dad wants us to be friends so he can have good relations with our empire." Weiss blinked. "What? Just because I like having fun doesn't mean I can't be aware of the political intricacies of the realms both inside and outside the empire."

"No, I... I guess not." Weiss flushed a bit at being so callously shown up. "Still, your knights should be doing the fighting for you. Squire Vasilias is already showing great promise as my personal guard!"

"I dunno," Nora swayed her lips side to side, "I'm pretty Jaune's already won against him at rock, paper, scissors."

"What?" Before she could answer, she watched Nora tip-toe to the door where their personal guards stood by. She pressed her ear to the door before flinging them wide open. Jaune had his palm flat while Neptune held a fist. Paper beats rock. "NEPTUNE!"

"Um..." Neptune gulped, the squire caught in his charges deadly, icy gaze. "I, uh, won at least two."

"Uh-huh, out of how many?" Nora asked, looking to her squire.

"Uh, I lost count at fifteen games, No- I mean, Princess Valkyrie."

[tumblingxelian]

When should a work focus on side characters? That's something of a weird discourse I bump into a lot in Fandom and I'm wondering if this happened to you before.

Oooh this is a fun question and while broadly the answer is "Whatever works best for the story" I feel a more precise answer would be:

"Whenever your story advertises itself as an ensemble cast, a team series or as giving focus to secondary characters it should follow through."

A great example of having done this and then forgotten how is Dragon Ball.

The first storyline is very much a steadily expanding team up, IE:

Bulma brings the techno brains, Goku brings the brawn and the good heart, Oolong brings shape shifting & sneakiness. & while not team members till near the end, Yamcha is a blend of smart and strong, IE he knows a helluva lot more than anyone else in the team about various lore & locations.

Puar's really the only one without much to do save bounce exposition off, but overall pretty solid. It even ends up being Oolong who saves the world, technically. But everyone contributes a decent amount at different times.

Compare that to say, the Fortune Teller Baba fights & you see a shift.

Cos yes, Oopa and Puar defeat Fangs & Yamcha takes down the Invisible Man & at least put up a fight against Mummy Man, but ultimately...

Goku could have solo-ed the entire rung of fighters with no sweat, literally the only challenge was his own grandfather who none of the team could have fought anyway.

This trend continues with other fighters basically existing to stall and or fail so Goku (& one time Gohan) can be more impressive when they show up to deal with the current villain.

Despite this, it still advertised itself as having or needing a team.

IE, yes Goku is the MC, but its Son Goku & his Friends, getting big splash pages & set up as the one's fighting off threats.

Honestly a big part of the reason for this problem is Goku was never really allowed to genuinely lose. He won the first Budokai "In spirit" by eating the prize money, only lost on technicality in the second. Then after that they had to concoct reasons to keep him out of the way until Cell, then brought him right back for Buu. A series where the MC always has to win is always going to struggle with making its secondary characters feel relevant.

This shouldn't have become a Dragon Ball Diatribe but its a useful reference point being a sequential series one can track the evolution of compared to say, Miraculous Ladybug. IE, a series that could never decide if it was the Ladybug show, the Ladybug & Chat Noir show or a team show.

Ultimately, I feel my first answer holds up, with an added caveat, so in answer to your question:

When should a series focus on its secondary characters?

Answer: Whenever it advertises itself as intending to and it serves the story.

[adamantineheart]

I'm trying to articulate why I love Dame Aylin so much and why she feels like such a miracle of a female character to me but it's like HAVE YOU SEEN HER??? WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY????

jfdjdjfjdjfjfj

okay but really

I bought this game because her design immediately won me over. I had no idea what her personality was going to be like, but I was hopeful that an angel lady in full armor would have something I’d like about her. I vaguely became aware that she was gay and eventually saw some spoilers and discovered her other half was Isobel. Honestly, both of them could have been terribly written and I'd still have enjoyed them because Aylin pretty, but that's not what happened at all.

I don't even know, but the moment I met Aylin it was like oh my god... oh my god. And IT WAS JUST HER BEATEN UP AND INSULTING BALTHAZAR. But that itself was all I needed to understand she was special. Their conversation just said so much about her personality. Her speech patterns, her confidence, her pride, her vengeance... Balthazar is an arrogant bastard who talks a big talk, but the underlying feeling I had was that if he messed up his intricate spells he'd be fucked because she would absolutely kill him. Aylin isn't a damsel in distress that needs you to save her from a monster... she's a tiger in the world's most impossible to escape cage. And it has to be—because not even a hundred years of torture made her any less dangerous.

So that was already my first impression of her and she wasn’t even physically doing well. She was dirty, her clothes were tattered, she wasn't given the dignity of shoes, her hair had been shaved... and that was just the surface level stuff. But none of it diminished how strong she looked. Even in that state, she was physically imposing. Some of that was her attitude, but she's also A Big Woman and it's fucking terrific. I wanted to watch her swat Balthazar down like a fly.

Of course, that's not how the fight goes. She can't be released until you go to release her and...

That transformation.

She is resplendent.

It's such a moving scene. Anyone who plays the game will remember it clearly because it leaves such a huge impression. But for me, it was another piece of why she was so magnificent. It's that full battle angel look that made me want to meet her in the first place, but with so much more emotion and significance. Returning to it with context on a second playthrough just makes it more powerful to me because I understand exactly what she's lost, how deep Ketheric's betrayal was, and I know all that pain and suffering she's gone through is not just at an end, but about to be replaced with a reunion so sweet it will bring Aylin to her knees.

That's sort of the final big piece of why Aylin just makes so [clenches fist]. She loves Isobel so truly. Loves her with her entire immortal soul. Respects her, treasures her, adores her. And.. this part is so important because in so many other stories it would end there, but BG3 makes it clear Aylin also deeply desires her. Wants to spend time passionately making love to her. It's so humanizing and beautiful and just everything to me!!!

anyway, yes. dame aylin.... may she smite all her enemies and fuck her wife in peace.

[realmoondragon]

i’m going to dump hollow knight au/oc world building stuff on the world now. no backstories, we’ll do that some other time.

so for the gods, every god has a foil.

white lady-shade lord,

the radiance-NKG

unn- a long dead god of bugs.

why dead? because this god was the one who created the inhabitants of hallownest. they made all of the bugs and gave them sentience. (yes, not pk. more on that later). But, they used too much of their power. Gods are full of their ‘substance’ it’s like how humans are full of water. but since they used too much, they weakened and died. Before death, they gave the remains of their power to Unn, and that’s why Unn can create life from plants.

the main characters in this AU are Grimm and Pk. this whole thing was inspired by @bluegekk0 ‘s au, so a huge shout out to them. grimm and pk live with hornet, ghost, and holly in dirtmouth.

WL had been ruling over hallownest for centuries, when PK showed up. WL knew about wyrm’s kingdom conquering habits, and when this one offered to co-rule, she cautiously accepted, not wanting a fight. Luckily for her, PK didn’t really do all that much. he tried, but he got anxious really easily from the royal duties and literally just like socializing and existing.

before Pk had shown up, the radiance had been slowly forgotten by the moths, just because they weren’t as interested in her. So, she plotted and schemed in silence. Eventually, she figured out a way that she could steal her ‘foil’s’ powers for herself. So, she did. NKG lost the majority of his power, and is now grimm. that’s a whole other can of worms.

Anyway, radi used this newfound power to create the infection. WL came up with the vessel plan, and created the vessels. she had them on her own. she convinced the dreamers the same way canon pk did, and hornet came from the ‘dalliance’ between WL and herrah. WL actually suggested it, not because she cared about the kid but because she wanted that spiderussy. so it’s pretty obvious that WL didn’t really care about hornet. whole other thing.

She put a bunch of eggs into the abyss, asking the Shade Lord to hollow them out and full them with void. it complied, and the vesssls were made. Holly was one of the few that hatched, complete with a mutation to give it a tail. (it/they for the vessels) After the climb, WL trained them in much the same way as canon, and put them in the black egg.

This worked for a while, but eventually the radiance overtook them. Their fatal flaw? duty to serve hallownest. unfortunate. even without any love being shown, they still had emotions (bc everyone has emotions).

Pk was the one to fight the radiance in holly’s head, and only barely won. he’s a great fighter, but went in overconfident. he now havs lifelong scars and doesn’t have the soul capacity to use soul magic. he got amnesia after the fight, and recovered in dirtmouth. after remembering everything, he realized he liked this better, so he stayed in dirtmouth with grimm, holly, hornet, and ghost, who had by now hatched and came up to dirmouth.

AND THATS THE TIMELINE.

pray for me i typed all this on my phone.

bye

[stars4krios]

I've recently finished TLOK & there for joined the fandom and... Did we even watch the same show???

(Very long & passionate rant under cut)

Like mf wdym Korra is the worst/weakest Avatar? It's physically not possible for her to be the weakest as the cycle goes on the Avatar spirt gets stronger so technically the weakest Avatar is Wan!! But I still want to point out the many reasons why Korra isn't the weakest or worst Avatar.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge vaid criticisms of Korra. Yes she constantly underestimated her opponents but in her defense she was severely inexperienced. She'd spent most of her life in that training facility in the south Pole and then once she got to republic city was almost immediately thrown into dealing with the equalits so she underestimated Amon due to lack of experience. She was then manipulated by her uncle so can you really blame her for not realizing he was evil till it was too late? THAT WAS HER FAMILY!!

Anyways, Korra has faults like every Avatar but she also has feats that you all seem to forget/over look!

My main example and my favorite to bring up in this argument is; Korra on harmonic convergence after having Raava RIPPED from her (need to emphasize the fact that Korra did not give Raava up willing like some of y'all like to think, she fought to keep Raava with her and was devastated when she lost her and the past lives. She didn't give it up willingly) meaning she didn't have the Avatar state and this fight was just her pure strength against UnaVaatu.

KORRA BEAT HIS ASS WITH NO BENDING, NO AVATAR STATE, NO PAST LIVES, NO NOTHING. KORRA FIST FOUGHT THE SPIRIT OF CHAOS AND DARKNESS AND WON!

But I have more examples of how strong she truly is (there is no order to them lol).

Korra broke out of Blood bending without the Avatar state (something Aang couldn't do).

She had control over 3/4 of the elements at like five, and the only reason it took so long to master Air bending (which still only took like a few months) was because she didn't get a teacher until she was 17!

Korra fought one of the strongest air benders WHILE DYING, like ppl forget she was slowly dying during that fight. She was weakened and still won.

Now let's talk about another one of my favorite feats of hers, REDIRECTING THE AVATAR UNIVERSE VERSION OF A FUCKING NUKE. Like it was so powerful it ripped open a whole in space & time, creating a new spirit portal and she redirected it and wasn't even fazed. Like I'm 90% sure she didn't even break a sweat!

She's the first Avatar to metal bend, ik it's likely because she's the first Avatar to exist when metal bending was more common but she was metal bending in like a week! That's not something anyone can do!!

Another reason I have is technically not about her strength but more about the strength of Korra's version of Raava. When Korra re-fused with Raava, the Raava spirit was bigger than it was when it was ripped from her and alot bigger than the version Wan fused with meaning Korra has a stronger version of Raava than previous Avatars making her inherently stronger than them. When Korra re-fused with Raava, she was big enough for Korra to ride on her but when Wan fused with her Raava fit in a tea pot.

Now time to defend Korra's loses!

・Korra lost against Amon because she was inexperienced, she'd spent most of her life away from the world and wasn't prepared to fight a master water bender.

・Korra lost Raava because it was supposed to happen. Ever Harmonic convergence Raava and Vaatu fight so it's likely that ever 10,000 year's the avatar cycle will restart, also did we not watch Korra be absolutely DEVASTATED that she lost her connect with the last Avatars? Like she spends most of the time during the 4th season wishing she could talk to Aang!

・Honestly I don't even know if Korra won or lost against Zaheer but I do know she was slowly dying during the fight. She was no where near her full strength! Also, the red lotus was actively surprised at how well Korra fought against going into the Avatar state just showing her control over it.

・Korra got her ass beat in that ring in the earth kingdom because she was rusty and GOING THROUGH IT! Like she hadn't fought in 3 year's and she was still working through her turama, it's the samething when she lost to old Toph, she was rusty, still being affected by the poison, and traumatized. There was on way she was going to win in that state

・ Korra lost in her 1v1 with Kuvira because she was rusty, she hadn't fought in 3 year's and you expect her to be as good as she was before her hiatus? Bitch please! Korra quite literally goes on to go toe to toe with Kuvira at the end of the season when she'd worked through her rust.

In conclusion, Korra isn't the wort or weakest Avatar your just over looking her feats and dumbing her down because you can't except your fav isn't as strong as you think. She was ment to restart the Avatar cycle, and she also isn't even in her prime! She's 17 in the first season, 18 in season 2 & 3, and 21 in the last season, Korra is still at the beginning of her career as an Avatar. She's only going to get stronger.

Also no, I'm not a Korra glazer. She's not even my favorite Avatar, it's Kiyoshi.

[rraaaannnn]

Gaming competitor 2

In 2000s

You walk slowly while wearing an oversized black T-shirt and blue oversized pants. It has been almost four weeks since you lost the game

You needed not to go to the arcade for a while to avoid ridicule from your friends after the defeat. You wanted to disappear for three days, but you did not know that you were being punished by your parents for not going out anywhere for four weeks

You enter the arcade door while seeing if someone has taken your place in your absence, so that the place’s cashier notices you

''Look who's here, I didn't expect you'd be gone for four weeks, are you ashamed of losing this much?''

You smile sarcastically

''Something you will never understand. Punishment from the parents.''

''Wh-Is it because I don't have parents, FUCK YOU!''

There's nothing serious that you guys used to joke with like that

You go to your usual place and your favorite game and see someone's head wearing a black hoodie

Approaching from behind, you could make out the little fingers and the distinct way they pressed the buttons to win

You smiled lightly after she heard the sigh that came out of this person's mouth even though she won the game

You approach quietly so that this person does not notice you while placing your head close to the person's right shoulder

''BOO!''

A scream spreads around while your loud laughter follows it

Which made the person who screamed recognize you, which made her place her hand on her chest, trying to comprehend what had happened to her a short while ago

Hanni Pham

Your competitor who made you lose four weeks ago

''The hell you're doing!''

Hanni expresses her anger while her voice softens as if she is asking you why you disappeared after the move that made her think about you all week

''I wanted to have a little fun scaring you…this is really fun and funny''

You're still laughing at the scream she let out

''This is not funny''

Her eyebrows and sideways glances are starting to show you how annoyed she is with you

''What are you doing anyway at my private game?''

Now Hanni raises one eyebrow

''How long has it been your game… Should I remind you that this place is for everyone and that this game can be played by everyone?''

It's your time to raise one eyebrow

''If you finish reminding me, stop and find another game to play with because I miss playing this video game''

''I will not go anywhere!''

She hugs her hands tightly to her chest and sticks to the chair like glue

''You're just bored, stop doing that and go away!''

Hanni sticks out her tongue to tease you

“If you don't move away, I will push you away.”

You start approaching and grab Hanni and try to carry her, but it seems that she is a little strong, so you try harder. You were able to carry her, but you fell to the ground, so Hanni quickly crawled to the chair while you were sitting on the ground, trying to pull her with her leg

''You two! Will you never stop fighting?''

The cashier stands while placing his hands on his waist

''Tell her to let go of my leg first!''

Hanni says as she tries to kick you off her leg

''If she stays away from the video game, I will stop pulling her leg!''

''Stop before I kick you out…''

The cashier orders you

''Yes! Kick out this gum stuck to the chair.''

''I'm talking to you Y/N''

''WHAT?After what we've been through?''

You ask him in disappointment after you released Hanni's leg causing her to hit the chair hard

''Of course he won't kick me out of the arcade, especially after I beat you!''

Hanni says arrogantly as she adjusts her jacket and the hoodie back on her head

You're both busy looking at the street, Hanni looking at the tree on the left and you looking at the sidewalk on the right after a cashier kicked you both out of the arcade

You look at Hanni, who is busy counting the leaves of the tree, then sigh and start walking on your way

''I think I should go to Johnny's to give me some lollipops''

You felt a tug on your wrist that made you turn to Hanni again

''Don't go to him!''

You tilt your head towards Hanni

''Thanks a lot you idiot,Because of you, I can't play now,Why don't I go to him?'

“I have a computer at my house that you can play with”

''Why should I come to your house?''

''To play…I downloaded the Street Fighter game,It's your favorite game,You can play it''

Well it's time to tease her, she was still holding your wrist so you decided to hold her other hand with your other hand

''Let's play with it, you and me on the bed,I bet it will be more fun''

A smirk appeared on your face after Hanni understood the hidden meaning of your words, so she started hitting you on the shoulder while she screamed lightly while hiding the blush on her face

''I can't stand you''

Hanni starts leaving you behind

''Am i still invited to your house?''

Without turning to you Hanni says

''Hurry up before I change my mind''

You look at the room full of things, full of pictures of some toys and singers. You can also see some certificates of excellence, and touch some of the things on Hanni's table while you wait for her in her room

''I brought some water for you…I didn't find juice''

Hanni tells you as she enters the room carrying snacks

''It's okay, I just want to play''

You sit next to her on the bed while you watch her try to open the computer

''Are you sure your parents won't be upset that you invited me here?''

''They won't be angry. I always invite my friends to the house.''

Finally, you open the game and Hanni gives you the keyboard to choose your character and play with it

You start playing while Hanni keeps watching

''That's great…why come to the arcade if you have your own computer? I would never leave my house if that were me!''

You express your admiration while playing professionally

“I said I would try it once, so I started going there for one thing without realizing it''

''Man, it's a waste of money, like my parents say''

''Yes, I agree with you, it is a waste of money, but I have reached the stage that made me see that it is not a waste of money because I won my award.''

''Chan-lee figure?''

You curse after asking your question because you lost,you gives Hanni the keyboard to start play

''No, it's you''

Hanni starts playing while ignoring your taunts

''Oh Hanni, you've become as flirtatious as me''

''Stop yelling, you're distracting me''

She tells you while moving her fingers skillfully

''Can you explain how I became your prize?''

''UGH just forget it!''

She almost lost, but was able to block the knockout

''I wonder why you would say something if you're going to back down? Should I teach you how to real flirt?''

Hanni wins the fight so here she is looking at you

''Do you want me to teach you how to play for real?''

''You're annoying…why don't you have a lollipop in your house? Johnny is better than you. He has a whole bag of lollipops''

''Stop talking about him!''

Hanni tells you while putting her keyboard to the side

''Why? are you jealous?''

''YES! Cause I go to the arcade every day and pay money to get your attention while he can get you with a lollipop''

You smile, a smirk

''I'm trying to win you over while you're talking about this boy''

Hanni returns the keyboard to her hand and starts playing without having to face you

''Calm down Hanni, I didn't know you loved me this much''

Hanni stays silent while she plays

''I can knock you out, Would you like to see?''

''You can not''

Hanni answers you calmly

''Are you betting on Chan Lee's figure?

''Yes, I bet on it!''

Hanni gets a little excited about the bet even though she just confessed to you

You grab Hanni's chin and pull her towards you. All Hanni can feel is your lip on hers. She doesn't know how to respond. Hanni is confused. You place your hand on the back of her head even if it means it will make her hair a little messy

You are enjoying this moment unlike Hanni who seems frozen

Hani starts kissing you after realizing that it probably won't happen again

She even dropped the keyboard on the floor and put her hands on your shoulders

Until you turned away from her while smiling at her

''Looks like you liked the knockout''

A light slap on your shoulder makes you laugh

''Looks like I lost the bet''

You press her cheeks lightly

''It's okay, I won the Chan Lee figure and you won me''

''Seriously, did I win you over? Does that mean you don't need a lollipop boy?''

She smiles at cute Hanni

''Yes…I think I'll replace the lollipop with your lips.''

Successive hits on your shoulder while Hanni's face turns red and you laugh

''you are so cute''

You tell her as you pull her into a hug

Hanni has become your favorite arcade

—

Actually, I don't know if they used the word "cute" in the 2000s💀

[jbtwentytwo]

Sebson Sunday (Nov 17th 2024)

On Jenson & Sebastian's 2009/2010 World Championship and how they're both decided on who ended up finishing P5.

or something something about Sebson being destined as soulmates to each other by winning their championship pretty much the same way.

Note: You could basically look all of this up on the internet and wikipedia. I just wanted to give some more context to each of the Championship year and put it all on one place. Wikipedia was good, but it didn't exactly explain the scenario when the drivers ended up with the same points or which exact position each driver had to end up for them to win the Championship. So I guess this is my way of doing that (hopefuly). Anyway...

Jenson Button - 2009 - Brazilian Grand Prix:

Simply put, the scenario for Jenson to secure his Championship was this:

Sebastian had to finish P1 if he still wanted to fight for the Championship in Abu Dhabi (the final race) and Jenson finished no higher than P5 (!!!).

Jenson technically had to finish within 4 points of Rubens to make sure Rubens couldn't catch up (example: Rubens could finish P1 but as long as Jenson didn't finish below P3, the 4 point deficit, then Jenson would still be ahead regardless of what happened at Abu Dhabi.)

Side note, neither Sebastian nor Rubens could end the season with the same point as Jenson because then Jenson would still end up as the World Champion for having the most wins in the season.

Now unfortunately, Jenson had a bad qualifying (tbh he'd said he never liked qualifying all that much). Like— started at P14 bad, and Rubens btw was on POLE! So... that's nice for our boy.

A slightly good news? Sebastian also had an equally bad qualifying and would start at P15 just behind Jenson. (See? Seb was just so sweet🥺 he just couldn't leave his boyfriend behind so he decided to join him at the back).

Anyway, quick recap for the race: Rubens struggled so hard to keep his position he unfortunately ended up getting lapped a few drivers and only ended up P8. That was only 1 point added to the board. Meanwhile, Sebastian managed to make up 11 places from P15 to P4🤯. However, that was not enough because he had to finish either P1 or P2 (to be very fair, he really had to finish P1) to make sure he still had the chance for the Championship.

So at the end, Jenson Button (my boyyyy!!!) managed to secure his World Championship simply by finishing P5🥳 and making sure that no other driver could take his place even if he DNFed at Abu Dhabi (Spoiler Alert: He ended up P3 there, that's good enough for me😌)

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Sebastian Vettel - 2010 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

In some ways, Seb's Championship scenario was easier to explain but a lot harder to achieve in practice. He had to finish P1 at Abu Dhabi while Fernando (who was leading on the standing) finished no higher than P5 (!!!). No other scenario, because that way Seb would still end up as the World Champion for having a lot more P4 finishes (these two basically tagged along the entire season🫨 having the same amount of P1, P2 & P3).

Mark & Lewis was there I guess😅 (Okay, my bad. Sorry boys). Mark would instead be the World Champion if he was P1 and Fernando didn't finish P2 (So P3 all the way down was fine, just not P2). Seb didn't matter in this scenario, since Mark was above Seb in the standing before Abu Dhabi.

Lewis had to finish P1 while Fernando had to either finish outside the points or straight up DNFed, Seb didn't finish on the podium, and Mark didn't finish higher than P7. All at once which— love Lewis, but it's just not gonna happen this way (and it didn't, so you know...)

Yes, 2010 was the year when FOUR drivers could still technically won the Championship (feat. Jenson Button, who sat comfortably in 5th😅 He's just happy to be there). Jenson was already eliminated in Brazil the previous race, which was kinda sad if you think about it since he secured his Championship the year before in Brazil and this year he lost his chance on the same track🙁

Anyway, qualifying went okay, the top 5 started the race on the top 5 as well. The race was when everything changed for everyone. Remember the scenario above? Yeah, Mark & Fernando got held up by the Renaults and they only ended up P7 & P8 (which was ironically sweet, because they suffered together at the end. basically the whole webbonso experience😅) while Seb finished P1 and leapt ahead from 3rd to win his first Championship as the youngest ever Formula 1 World Champion.

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

In conclusion: It's very neat that both Jenson & Sebastian managed to win their Championship simply based on who finished P5 in their respective races. While Jenson's P5 finish finally brought him his Championship, Seb's first championship ended up being his because his closest rival couldn't manage to finish P5 as intended.

Now, here's a photo of the sexiest part of the F1 Championship Trophy (sorry everyone else). Just look at their signatures side by side🥰

[livefastdriveyoung]

Takeaways from Testing Day 1

The RB-20 Maintains Status Quo - Max ended a full 1.162 (don't quote me but I think that's the correct math) ahead of Lando Norris in P2. The car did not appear to struggle under its 142 laps. It also remained consistent across majority of the runs. Checo will drive tomorrow.

Aston Martin is being underestimated - Fernando Alonso is a world champion, he started his session in P3. He stayed there for a great deal of the session. Even ending in P8 puts him in the points if this is a race. Additionally, Lance pulled through into the top five, taking P4 for a period of time. He's a strong driver, he shouldn't be underestimated. They both finished in the points, and had Lance not lost his mirror he could have pulled a fast lap.

Williams Car is the problem, not the drivers - I cannot reiterate this one enough. Alex Albon had a fuel pump problem, so entirely out of his control. Logan Sargeant has improved. Undoubtedly so. Not only has he built up his muscle and trained hard, he spun out and still managed to get back onto the track, and sit at P10 for most of the session before ending P11. Allegedly the reason he had a spin out was also because of a gearbox/transmission error. Whether it was the cause or the issue was the result, he held it together well. The car is having problems, not the drivers.

Mercedes Performance - We know that Lewis Hamilton is a strong driver. He's never been the best qualifier when there are competitive cars. Yes, George did not do as well as he could have, ending with P12, but he experienced at least two lock-ups. There's no guarantee that the issues don't exist in Lewis's car as well. We'll see what happens.

The complaint about their front wing design is interesting. F1 and FIA are separate organizations. Mercedes wouldn't blatantly violate the letter of the law, they would be the first team to be called out for it. They follow the letter and have the approval of the FIA. It has been approved. Whether F1's concern about the 'spirit' of the law being violated is something that could impact them, I don't know. I'm sure that the new rules will include a provision against this next year, but any immediate action, I doubt. Symonds is unimpressed.

Haas is not to be thrown out of the running - yet - A new team principal means that there are going to be changes. They straight out said the focus was on the Tyres and not on performance. While they are not a strong team, I think that throwing them away just because you might have preferred Guenther, or like to rely on what you already know, this isn't that. Yet.

Visa Cash-App Racing Bulls - Forget it, I'm calling them V-CARB. Anyway, Daniel Ricciardo, (LOL that autocorrected to all caps which is so funny) had minimal struggle with the car. His first few laps were not great,, but to end in P4 is wonderful. His statements about a podium in the beginning of the season being a dream not a reality is interesting, but I wonder if that is self-deprecation/spreading the party message from within Red Bull's house. Yuki finished P13, but, again, only had a morning slot. He was high up for a good portion of the day as well. I think this is going to be interesting. The narrative that they are not a junior team anymore seems to be accurate.

Stake did well - The C44 is worlds ahead of last year's model. Additionally, we forget regularly that Bottas was a Mercedes driver, he's won Gps before. Zhou is not a bad driver, I think this might be his last season to prove himself because I think Audi will keep someone who has a history of winning, and if the rumors are true, Carlos Sainz will be getting one of the seats. But that might motivate him. He's also young, 24 is below the mean age of the drivers (29) and if he can demonstrate improvements, they might keep him over Bottas.

Ferrari Fights - Buckle down y'all. I don't think that Carlos will do anything to sabotage Charles, he's not an idiot, but he's going to do what he has to in order to prove that Ferrari are losing out on a driver. He was P3 today. Charles is great, we know he can drive, his improvement is clear. I'm curious as to what that is going to look like.

if he's moved on from this, he's going to need to demonstrate to Audi that he can be a First Driver.

Alpine - Pierre pulled P5 right at the end. Ocon is toward the bottom. I'm not sure what's going on in house but nobody is happy allegedly. Guess we'll see.

[landoom]

the thing is, oscar knew lando would back off because he has so much too lose for this championship. thats probably one of the factors why so many are pissed off over the fact that oscar would risk points for lando but also for the team just so he can prove something that he didnt even get prove becuase he lose the win anyways.

imagine dnf-ing both of them out of the race? clearly lando wasn’t expecting such move from his own teammate. im not saying they could’nt race, yes. but what oscar did to almost jeopardize the team is so stupid.

i hope you get my English

Oscar's move was risky but it's wasn't a crazy move either. We've seen way worse many times.

Yes, perhaps Oscar knew that Lando would have to be careful but I don't know how it's a bad thing?

Oscar was allowed to race Lando. Oscar wanted to win. Oscar had all the rights to fight for a victory.

I agree that them colliding would have been a disaster but...it's part of F1.

It's part of the inherent drama of racing. Teams fuck up all the time, drivers - even the best ones - make costly mistakes.

I think some fans have forgotten about that because of how the last 2 seasons went by.

Races and championships can be won... but they also can be lost. I hope with all my heart that McLaren can at least win the constructors championship but if they don't, I will still support them, and Oscar, and Lando. My support is not conditioned by the mistakes they might make.

So yes, Oscar took a risk. It could have ended worse but then what? If Lando is to loose the championship by a few points, it won't be only because of Monza...

[worriedvision]

Lovers to strangers (Part 2) - Gepard (turning towards Luka here though)

Part 1 here. Gender neutral reader, Sampo betrays the reader here. I'm writing in Luka here BC I felt like it lol, he may or may not be your next love interest but shh.

--

Your place for rent was chasing you up about payments that were missing from your accounts, and you only realised what happened after you were eventually evicted. Now on the street, your stuff with you, Sampo was there with a gift box.

"Here, open it." Sampo states, brimming with excitement at you receiving this present he made for you. Opening it, a big cloud of smoke obscures your view, you hearing his voice giggling as he escapes. When your vision becomes clear, you see a letter addressed to you.

_-_-_

'_,

I'm not actually your brother! Isn't it funny how you went with that so easily?

Anyway, thanks for your generous donation to the Sampo Koski fund.

Love you like a brother,

Sampo Koski.'

_-_-_

Your jaw drops, processing the fact you didn't actually have a brother. The bastard scammed you, he took your long term boyfriend away from you by referring to himself as your brother, and now he's taken all of your savings. You can only hope Natasha would still be happy to keep you around as an assistant, despite your wishful thinking backfiring at you like this.

"Are you _?" You hear a man ask, shaking you from your thoughts. You nod, and he smiles as he introduces himself. "The name's Luka. Doctor Natasha told me you'd be able to accompany me to my cage fights tonight."

Oh, uhh..." You trail off, looking at the letter once more.

What was the probability that Sampo was going to be there? Would he call you out as the idiot who thought he was related to you?

"Just this once? I'm sure once you see me fight, you'll be convinced to tag along." Luka smirks, his mechanical arm giving an enthusiastic thumbs up.

--

Turns out, Luka was right.

He got your mind off your situation for a bit, in fact it seemed like he was fighting for you. Flashing smiles and winks at you when he had a second, giving his all in a lovely fight, and he eventually won the battle.

"Hah, Sampo lost another bet!" You hear someone cackle. "He's always wrong about Luka."

Luka taps your shoulder, smiling warmly at you as you begin to carry out the checks for his arm, as well as the basics.

"I heard about him, you know? He was boasting about screwing you over." Luka huffs, frowning to himself. "He's a shady guy, but he's also really good at pretending. I don't blame you for thinking you were related."

...just how did he know about all of this? Did everyone know about him being fake with you about your relation to him? Did your boyfriend know all this time?

"I think this was one of my best fights. I think you're my good luck charm." Luka chuckles. "How about I treat you to a congratulatory meal for helping my victory?"

--

Natasha knew fine well Luka was going to be fine without having a doctor there, but she knew he was one of the few guys that you would be safe with. Natasha knew he was stealing glances at you whenever he could, a very obvious look of interest in his eyes and his heart rate growing at a rapid rate when you enter the room. Instead of scolding him for trying to take a doctor to the fighting ring like she would with Sampo, she gives him directions to you. She felt terrible for only discovering the source of your financial problems merely a few hours ago, so she wanted you to know you still have your job with her while also letting Luka take you on a date.

Upon hearing Sampo blew the money he got from stealing from you due to him betting incorrectly on Lukas fight, she couldn't hold back a knowing smirk. She was glad to know he wouldn't enjoy what he stole from you. Looking out the window, her heart swells with joy when she notices Luka walking you to a food stand.

Yes, Luka was going to treat you well.

--

While all of this was going down, Gepard had also heard of the crime Sampo had committed and bragged about. How dare he steal from you like that, and like to you about something as important as being related to each other! He wanted to find you, but due to his work he has to wait until he gets time off.

For now, he had to prioritise somehow getting Sampo charged for his crime.

--

"Here's my number, thank you for making me feel better." You say, Luka enthusiastically typing in your number and sending you a test message to make sure he had your details correct.

"Let me know when you're free," Luka smiles, seeing you turn to speak to Natasha. After making sure you entered the office, he finally heads home.

[butterflydm]

wot rewatch 1x7: the dark along the ways

spoilers for s1 of WoT and through Knife of Dreams in the books; minor spoilers for one of the s2 character blurbs

Aaaaah, my angel Tigraine is here to kick ass and have a baby. This cold open floored when when I first saw it and it still floors me. It's amazing. I'm looking forward to more Maiden action in s2 so much. Not just the fighting here, but the emotion -- how frustrated she is that they won't just let her have her baby in peace, how she finally has a moment to herself and then this new potential threat shows up and we hang in that moment. Fantastic episode opener and it really makes me excited about what we might get in s2 for the cold opens.

So... given that she left Andor to chase a prophecy to save the world and has found herself on Dragonmount about to give birth... Tigraine could probably guess who her kid was going to be at this point, I feel like? She was very well educated, first in Andor and then in the White Tower, so I'm sure she would have known the Prophecies (maybe she even figured out when she learned that the female warrior society of the Aiel was called the Maidens of the Spear?)

The Emond's Field people want to get Mat but Moiraine must refuse because he's literally in recasting limbo right now. I love how Rand just instantly lost all trust in Moiraine the second she refuses to open the Waygate. She won him to her side by helping Mat, then immediately lost him once she stopped. Rand (and Nynaeve) are so protective & defensive over Mat in this episode and I really love it.

Of course, Rand is now probably also about, like 75% sure that he's actually the Dragon and so there's no need to worry about Mat anyway. But Moiraine is absolutely not sure who the Dragon is and it very well could be Mat (imo if she wasn't worried that Mat was a potential channeler, it would be pointless to send the Red Ajah after him).

Rand's little despairing looks back at the closed Waygate and his instant defense of Mat against anyone who says a word against him (even Egwene): catnip to a newly-minted Cauthor shipper.

Yeah, Mat is 100% Moiraine's least favorite child -- she 'knows' what choice he would make, she says (the wrong one). So, there are actually two different ways that the show could go with Mat -- Moiraine could be either right or wrong that Mat would make the wrong/evil choice and it depends on how they've decided to handle the Seanchan. Because if they follow the same storyline that the books did, Mat does essentially choose to embrace evil along that path (even if Jordan never admits it) when he decides that he's okay being married to an unremorseful and unwilling-to-change slaver. If Tuon stays the same way that she is in the books, then Moiraine was right about Mat. If Mat and Tuon's storyline gets changed/updated to be less... awful, then Moiraine will have been wrong about Mat.

Lan tries to tease Nynaeve to cheer her up but fails, so he tries to reassure her instead, telling her that Mat is safer where they left him. It's a sweet little moment.

Both Egwene and Rand are more open in this moment than they were in episode 2 and are able to share a snuggle as they sleep (but Egwene also checks in with Rand first this time and waits for him to essentially nonverbally give her a 'yes' before snuggling in). Rand is also a lot less raw about the breakup and they're hovering in a weird 'maybe we're not broken up after all' space.

People's worst fears clawing at them is a lot more informative kind of existential terror than just gore-whispers.

Honestly, given how on-edge everyone is put by the Black Wind, it would more surprising if it didn't lead to tensions and arguments. That was a rough experience for them all.

Lots of Lan backstory in this episode! His title, people from his past, etc.

Poor Moiraine looks so exhausted. Pretty much now until the end of the season. This is also when Moiraine has the message sent to the Red Ajah about Mat, which Lan is not around to hear, I note.

Perrin engages in some Fainspotting!

Oh, I notice that when Min serves drinks to the ta'veren, she keeps her eyes down. To avoid seeing all the viewings maybe? And I'm pleased to say that show!Min remains likable on rewatch, despite my bad experience with book!Min in my reread! She actually is a world-weary and well-traveled woman who has been through Too Much and is Tired instead of feeling like a tweenager cosplaying as one. And Moiraine literally has to blackmail her into sharing her viewings about the EF5.

And reading the new s2 summary about Min also tells us why Moiraine threatening her with exposure is enough to make her crack -- she was forced to be a carnival act! Yikes, Min's aunts!

Also that does look like the same baby from Rand's vision in the next episode, at least to me, so I think that's what she was seeing.

The EF5 all confronting Moiraine. I do wonder if it was the whispers of the Ways that made her decide to open up to them about how the non-Dragons will die when the Dragon faces the Dark One. And though the group does fracture into an argument after this discussion, they do present a united front against Moiraine here.

This argument also does a good job in laying down Egwene's philosophy and her reasons for wanting to do this. And we get another passionate defense of Mat from Rand.

It's fascinating how quickly Nynaeve jumps the conclusion that Rand and Perrin are 'fighting over' Egwene (something that both Rand and Egwene find initially baffling). I wonder how long Nynaeve has been expecting this to come up as an issue between them, that she goes there so quickly. Back in ep1, she sends Perrin away from Egwene's celebration to spend time with his wife and then in this episode, she notices Perrin noticing Egwene and Rand snuggling together. She is on "Perrin->Egwene HIGH ALERT" at all times and it's just kinda fascinating. If she'd just let them argue, I sincerely doubt that Perrin would ever have let anything slip.

Perrin's staring at Rand's mouth while saying "only woman I ever loved was my wife" moment. With a single shot, Perrin comes across as infinitely less heterosexual than his book counterpart.

We get some more good Lan content in his scenes with Moiraine and then Nynaeve. It's nice to get to see a piece of Lan's culture and for him to share it with Nynaeve. All the scenes that he has with both of them in this episode are really good. Lan comparing his devotion to Moiraine to Nynaeve's protectiveness over the Two Rivers' kids; I like it.

And this scene with Egwene and Rand is his last stab at denial. He wants to pretend that he can still be Egwene's husband/Warder. But if he doesn't give up on his denial, he might be condemning Egwene, Perrin, & Nynaeve to a painful death. What Egwene says here (that she will stand by Rand if he's the Dragon) is also related to why he goes off on his own and pretends to be dead imo -- he knows his friends wouldn't abandon him and so he has to abandon them for their safety.

And we reach the point where everything is at a crisis point and Rand can't keep denying every strange thing that's been building up since the night the Trollocs attacked.

This scene with Rand and Min is very good. Again, show!Min is doing a lot better than book!Min. Also, Min, I'm holding you to that "three beautiful women" viewing.

Aah, the kindness of how the show did Rand's birth really gets to me. The story is so much... colder in the books. That show!Tigraine gets to have a last moment of connection before she dies, and gets some assurance that her kid will be taken care of. It was an incredibly compassionate change to make.

lol, the poor awkwardness of the three Emond's Fielders (before they realize that Rand has disappeared with Moiraine).

Moiraine's thoughts, probably: "shit, it's one of the boys. Well... at least it's not Mat".