#also come one - Twist deserves it even if we all love him(to an extent lol)

[a-sad-mage]

Eli: DAMN IT! THE COMMON LANGUAGE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH CURSE WORDS

Eli: *starts cursing in Spanish*

Twist: Please don't curse at me in a language I don't speak Eli!

[duckiemimi]

gojo in jjk 236

i’m not one to advocate for prying away creative control from a creator’s (mangaka’s) cramped, overworked hands, and i understand that with oftentimes fandoms get so big that the story warps itself into something out of the creator’s control, but i do know what a good character arc looks like (i’ve seen it in this very story before) and i do know what public pressure can do to a creative mind.

that being said, keeping gojo dormant for more than a hundred chapters, then unsealing him only for him to gain nothing from his long-drawn out fight with sukuna is insane. i was assuming we were building up stakes in his character arc! i didn’t think he’d die prematurely without resolution! how could he be given a meaningless death when it was all he and geto talked about at one point?

gojo could’ve been living proof that change is possible and that fate is breakable. he was born after multiple cycles of six eyes and limitless users, he was born a baby-shaped building block, jujutsu’s atlas with the world on his shoulders. alone and untouchable. but he changed because he met geto. he changed because he met shoko, because he met megumi and yuuta and yuuji and every single character that has loved and cared about him. love changed him. to be loved is to be changed, and to have him go without an ending line to, “this is just a personal theory, but love is the most twisted curse of them all,” is such a loss. it’s like a sentence without a full-stop, abruptly cut short with no continuation.

i initially thought that he’d be weakened by sukuna, but then his allies would come running to back him up—there is strength in solidarity! his true strength should’ve stemmed from solidarity and love! interdependence and connection should’ve been the peak of his character arc! why did we end up with nothing even after tens of chapters of him fighting for his life? why did every other character sit still instead of using their advantage in numbers?

but i do see where gege is headed. with gojo gone, the baton has been passed onto the next generation. there is no longer a biological “hierarchy” of power amongst the sorcerers (to an extent), and perhaps sukuna himself will falter because the balance of the universe was pulled from under their feet. besides love, jjk is also about generational second chances: sashisu and itakugifushi; toji and maki; geto and yuuji and yuuta; geto walking to tengen’s quarters alone, delivering riko almost hesitantly, and yuuji waking to tengen’s quarters with megumi, yuuta, choso, and yuki. silhouettes in the dark of the tunnels. hell, you could even count yaga as a teacher and gojo as a teacher. or yaga’s CT and how he gave a child another chance at life. yuuji’s multiple resurrections. kenjaku and tengen. i get it, i do—i understand what gege’s trying to do here, but i’m tired of him using these characters as plot devices instead of giving them the resolution they deserve. (especially for jjk’s cash cow…he deserved more than a rushed end.)

i do hope that that one theory about gojo only being able to die if his head is cut off is true. but even then, after all of the fake outs we’ve had to read, that would be a shitty cheap shot. i’ll try to have faith; even that is wavering.

[bibibbon]

smth i hate abt hori is how easy it would’ve been to use the lov to show how hero society lets people slip through the cracks as a result creates villains, but he never fully expands on the idea.

jin’s parents died when he was in *middle school* MIDDLE SCHOOL! which means he could’ve been anywhere between 12-14. and then because of a motorcycle accident that *wasn’t his fault* he got a criminal record, was fired from his job, and became homeless. and then he just spiraled from there.

toga is biologically wired be to fascinated and obsessed with blood. but instead of helping her, her parents are disgusted by her and force her to suppress herself until she inevitably snaps.

dabi is a product of his fathers abuse and it was allowed to go on for decades because his father is a famous pro hero

compress is just an unapologetic evil bastard tho and i love him for that

This is also one of my problems with horis writing!!! Villains in MHA all had wasted potential and I absolutely hated the way their arcs went!

I guess the only arc that I can semi agree on is toga himiko's arc to a certain extent but that even has wasted potential that I talk about down below 👇. I discuss what togas arc could of been and different directions her character could of went.

In my opinion himiko was already introduced as somewhat irredeemable. The first time we see her we are told that she killed 6 people known so far and on around 5 of them she performed blood letting. Also her first victim she literally sliced him up and started drinking his blood (some including I theorise that she maybe even ate some of his body parts). I think it adds to the story simply because togas love or idea of love is based on her becoming that person and having parts of them on her whether that be literal or metaphorical.

I personally like the idea that toga is an irredeemable victim. Toga is someone who was failed by the system and had went through a lot for sure but the actions she did were also things that she should be accounted for ( I talk more about toga and what makes her different from lady nagant in another post). In the end I personally enjoy seeing toga be a humanised not redeemed victim of society that has also commited many crimes.

When it comes to other members of the league I feel like they could of all had better arcs in general.

I remember talking to @doodlegirl1998 and she suggested that twice and togas characters could of very much switched roles as twice is a character who parallels more with ochako (both struggling financially) and hawks would get more repercussions for killing a child (toga). However, I also do like twices death but I do have some problems like how I wish his death would of been thoroughly explored and we see how it impacted everyone or we should of gotten more from twice himself in general.

Dabi deserved better and I really would of wanted him to have a redemption arc, receive some concequences but end up with the todoroki family WITH ENJI DEAD (I HATE HIM!). I hated the whole Dabi always had an ice quirk and that he was just the second choice, always the second choice all along.

Shigaraki and just how much AFO was involved ruined everything for me also Shigaraki knowing about AFO was a horrible twist which made shigarakis characterisation even more inconsistent. I would of liked to see a Shigaraki redemption where he himself works towards one by starting to question AFO and get into the leader role a whole lot more while using the MVA to his advantage to get information, resources and more.

Spinner could of ended up being the better stain and learned form stains mistakes while also changing with shigaraki. I also feel like he needed more build up with his own counterpart like shoji and a thorough explanation and development of the whole hetamorphis discrimination thing.

Compress was evil for fun and it's fun to have those types of characters. One thing that I really would of liked to explore is compress's and magne's interactions. I feel like their arcs could of been interwoven (maybe I ship them a little who knows 🤷‍♀️) magne's death should of had more substance to it and all it just felt lacking and compress's disappearance the same.

Now when it comes to minor villains Iam a huge advocate for MUSTARD!! AND GIVING US A MUSTARD REDEMPTION 👇👇👇

I also think that muscular and moonfish should of obviously went to prison but that this could of been used as a way to shake the leagues trust for shigaraki. If any of the league members were to end up in jail would shigaraki help them? Maybe he won't as he didn't do that to muscular or moonfish or maybe he has stated to care for them more and he would as he is growing into that leadership role.

I would have it so that the Dr garaki is just an evil menace who starts to become much more greedy and manic causing AFO's death and going insane.

Kurogiri or kurooboro in this case would go through a different type arc that's down below.

In the end all of the villain characters or characters that don't up hold the status quo are victims of society. I think your ask could also apply to the hero characters that are also harmed by the system like hawks and izuku.

[ladysomething]

maddie, you're a freak. but a good one. as in those geniuses that were called freaks for being so so good kinda freak

1. look, I'm sad. of course. but I'm also relieved? I ended up being correct- to some extent (btw so did you. I did crashed over my bf, although it was before we broke up. that how we met. what a mistake. I should've pressed the gas harder) and now I happen to be traumatized over Max’s dream world, but that also means I know how his dream world is like! and. heaven, I'd unalive myself if I had to live that shit every. fucking. night. you're evil.

2. wygig kelly is my icon. queen. love her. P also. I'll also build her something. maybe a statue. btw do we ever learn who the fuck was the asshole that dared hurt her? or is it just... someone random. there are a lot of assholes walking around those streets. and also, the foreshadowing of something bad happening because you pretty much said "what's the worst this that can happen?" wants me to rip my hair out. buuut. I've decided to be positive for once because if Max is not going to be it, I will. they will speak and Kelly and P will be safe and Charles will understand. done. I'm a seer of future.

3. Max is an idiot, though I think we already knew that. but he's also an idiot who has a backstory- and a good one at that. poor little maxie never learned to control or deal or even understand his feelings. I want to push him into a bed and wrap him up with soft blankets and give him a sedative for horses and then read him the beauty and the beast and then give him a forehead kiss and then wish him good night. not in that order probably. the tale should come. before the sedative.

4. Sophie deserves every little good thing that there is in that fucked up world. I, also, wish to hug her. the diabetes my dad inherited me rushed to my blood about 15 years earlier with her. I love her. and Max being the mama's boy he rightfully is healed me.

5. can I repeat the procedure I already I carried out with my ex, but this time with Charles? I promise I'll try my best at being gentle, I know he's suffered as well. what. do. you. mean. he's not left Max's room. wHAT. WHAT.

6. +1. jos verstappen they will never make me like you. the only useful thing you've done ever in your life, was creating Max and Victoria. only that.

7. +2. my brother says that, I quote, he has already forgiven you for making him sad. that he begs you to never leave him with a cliffhanger like that again. (I tried to explain that's not how it works and that he has to be patient because you shall not be overworked in my sight.) then he apologized saying that's not what he meant and asked if you're doing good great nice. and that poor Max. and then poor Maddie. he says that he could've never kept such a plot twist to himself for so long. my roomie says that you're a freak as well. he means it good, too. and we all three wish you a (early) happy birthday hun! 😘 enjoy it.

I cannot finish without saying, I loved the chapter. you're a freak* ❤️

(*see the top paragraph for definition)

I FUCKING KNEW IT. GOD I'M GOOD.

we do of course learn who hurt Kelly. in fact, that information will be coming sooner than you think ..

truly max does need someone to calmly and gently explain to him how emotions work, and how he needs to channel them constructively rather than just be terrified that something bad will happen to anyone he cares about. I'm sure Max would argue that buying Charles and lying to him to keep him safe IS a constructive use of his emotions but. you know. there's a reason I'm the author and he's the idiot.

god I LOVE Sophie. the way she's had like two lines and I would die for her ...

CHARLES IS ALSO GOING THROUGH IT OK. he's also just a little traumatised pookie 😭

+1. when I was in Monaco, I saw the actual Jos Verstappen across the track. when I tell you I was sending him extreme glares even though he couldn't see them ... hopefully he picked up on my bad vibes though

+2. tell your bro that I was STRUGGLING. but also that there are several plot twists coming up that have been way harder to keep a secret, and that I still struggle with holding in. soooo. also the three of you teaming up to call me a freak .......... us all having a party when

[ershisposts]

TTEOM ENDING: NECESSARY BUT NOT A PROPER ENDING

i have read some posts about the ending which has been hugely misinterpreted to the extent that some people are saying they are not going to recommend this drama and I find that very disappointing and heartbreaking to see!

First of all, the ending is open ended. It's bittersweet and left us hanging for his return (which he will since in the book Tantai jin indeed reincarnates after 1000 years and in the show we saw that 500 years have already passed while he is cultivating inside the heart guarding scale). A few mins of extra footage to show that he returned (which is already confirmed in the book) would not have hurt. They should have given us that scene

I agree.

But what I don't agree with is how people are twisting it to mean that the drama conveys the message that one cannot defeat fate and all tantai jin suffered was for nothing which was absolutely not true! The original devil God controlled and planned tantai jin's whole life to the T starting from his birth so that he would give into him easily and fulfill his wishes of bringing the world to chaos. But Tantai jin reversed it ALL. He was a benevolent and kind ruler when he was Jing emperor instead of a tyrannical monster. Even his obsessive love for su su did not let him turn to the devil path.

From the person who wanted nothing but power to the person who wanted nothing but to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loves to the person who had it all he ever wanted but had to let it go to do what's right is a big fuck you to the devil god and to the destiny he was pushed towards. Many misinterpreted the ending thinking he did it for the world, or it's because the writers projected Ming ye onto him or solely for su su which is very disrespectful to the character arc and the growth he has experienced throughout.

The meaning of his sacrifice is twofold. Not only he claimed his agency back and made sure his body and soul would disappear so that there won't be any identity of him linked to the devil god, essentially dissolving the "made-up" life that he was led to live by the DG, but I see it as him also repaying his debt to su su and to the very few people who showed him kindness. In episode 39 when he absorbed the OG devil god, he finally showed that he is not willing to dwell on the negatives of his life but embrace the love he has received, however fleeting it was. He has learned to accept that he is worthy of love and now he will payback to the people who showed him that love to fulfill his debt (in taoism repaying debts is huge and is a recurring theme in xianxia genre). Yes, we can say he has nothing to payback for, those characters loved him unconditionally and he has suffered way too much. But this is tantai jin who has learned to give more than what he has received, and that right there is the significance of the chain of events in episode 40 that was necessary for us, the audience, to realize his immense character growth. This is a person who went from wanting to die to wanting to live but chose death, not for himself but to save the world which did not give him much. He went from someone who coveted power to someone who had all the power in the world and chose to give it all up because it's the right thing to do. And that's not to say he let go of his want to spend a life with his loved one because him leaving a part of his spirit in the heart guarding scale so that he can accompany the love of his life, and one day can come back to start anew, in a new life, that is "owned" by him and not by the DG shows finally how much he has come forth.

But yes, again, the REAL ending in the show should have been him reincarnating into that life that he wants and deserves. We also needed to see what happened to the secondary characters. The 40 episode limitation is one of the reason, also the writers could have given us an extra 5 mins of footage of his reincarnation and reunion with his loved ones (There is an audio recording but that's not enough ofc!) or do an epilogue. The possibility is endless but they did not and I understand that gripe but not recommending this solely for that reason is just too cruel.

This is one of a kind drama even for xianxia genre. Missing this is just missing a wonderful thought evoking story that makes you not only feel but also to think.

[jemmo]

also can i just say that now that we know what went down between jaewon and eunji, it makes her behaviour all the more understandable and all the more unforgiveable. bc she is compensating. she knows she did something bad and hurtful and the guilt of what she did makes her overcompensate in her behaviour with jaewon. she is both more flirty and pandering but also more demanding and needy and harsh, all to try and make up for what she did when the only way to start atoning for it is to be honest and admit it. instead, when jaewon breaks up with her, still thinking he doesnt know the truth of the matter, its almost like she gets offended. like he doesnt know what i did, and i keep telling him its not true, why would he do that? why doesnt he believe me, or trust me? yet she is the one that has already broken trust, she is the one lying. and its all the more reason for her to turn against jihyun, bc not only is jaewon moving on with someone else, not only does he represent what she lost, but he has this pure, innocent, honest air which is everything she’s not, and it makes her dislike him all the more bc she cannot avoid those things about herself. and it even makes jaewon returning to her more understandable, bc when he is self-sabotaging, when he does think the worst of himself, maybe he thinks this is all i deserve, a woman who cheats on me and lies to me and makes me feel like the bad guy, it all feeds in to him taking blame that doesnt belong to him. her whole thing is wanting to win, but this is not someone beating her, this is a loss she inflicted on herself and she cant deal with that. in a way, its like a twisted parallel of jaewon, the way their behaviour overcompensates for something they dont want to admit or accept, except jaewon needs to accept that he is blameless while eunji needs to accept blame. and i love that seeing this new light to her actions makes them no better, in fact it kind of makes them more horrid, but theyre horrid bc you understand where they’re coming from, and it makes it easier to see how she can go about becoming a better person. its like she’s humanised by us seeing the full extent of her wrongdoings, bc now she isnt some faceless evil, she’s a person who needs to learn how to treat people better and be willing to admit she isnt perfect. and i hope she does. 

[longeyelashedtragedy]

d, k, r

D: What’s the most personal fanfic you’ve written?

Ohhh...hmmmm. I'd say my two multichapter AUs, and then dumb kids in their forties (SORRY TO KEEP BRINGING THIS ONE UP lol)

The multichapters (Mare Liberum and Dangerous) depict how I feel/felt about myself, my trauma, and as someone who has trauma that has colored their entire life.

Mare Liberum--written mostly a long time ago and conceived of pre-covid, even, is a version of myself that I feel rarely exists anymore. I love this fic and the universe so much, and wish I was updating it, but not only did it lose all but 1 person of its audience, I also wonder if I can't access that part of me anymore. That fic is just about someone bitter and angry at himself, at how the world treats and perceives him, at the wrongs done to him by others and by himself for who he is, and the fic's message (including the "love story" part) is--If you're born wrong, you're not gonna get a happy ending.

Dangerous is about the different ways people can become fucked up adults. Mikel's story, as I've said a few times, is a really twisted and exaggerated version of my own, and when we eventually get to the Christmas Chapter where Granit visits Mikel's parents for the holiday, this will be the first time I've ever ever given people a glimpse at how my lifelong mental health problems have informed my relationship with my own family. I...really don't like to talk about this topic, including in therapy, I think for Cultural Reasons, but because I understand Mikel's life so vividly, part of that is the family part. However--without giving away the ending, Dangerous I started coming up with in like, idk early 2022? And we were well into 2022 when I came up with the ending. The message of this fic, which could be perverse to some I guess, is "fucked up people deserve love too!" Obviously I'm not fucked up like Xhakarteta are in this but...what a lovely change of message ❤️

And then dumb kids in their forties...I didn't intend for the fic to be like this, but really, Jamie's thought process in this kind of depicts me in my absolute worst moments. Again, a bit exaggerated and what not, but like I was talking about the other day, the toxic inferiority. Idk if that's even a real concept, but I don't see it depicted to this intensity, and my own inferiority issues have done a shit-ton of damage in my adult life. It's something I work on a lot, and it felt self indulgent in a fun way to put Jamie through that.

There's a little bit of me in "Visited Upon the Sons" too--mostly, my frustration with compulsory heterosexuality and how it dominates conversations no matter where you go. But weirdly, writing that and discovering this through the fic, made me feel less frustrated about it in real life. Writing as Therapy!

Wow that was absolutely too long, I truly cannot shut the fuck up lol.

K:  Do you have a guilty pleasures in fic (reading or writing)?

Lately I've been enjoying reading and writing a little Wag Fic 🫢 it feels so taboo! I also like things that are kind of gratuitously exploitative, but with a caveat: it needs to be a little tongue in cheek, like I can tell the author is making a conscious choice. (I think Dangerous is kind of like that, or at least I hope so lol)

R: Which writers (fanfic or otherwise) do you consider the biggest influence on you and your writing?

Julio Cortázar, and to a lesser extent Carlos Fuentes and Gabriel García Márquez. Yesss my academic specialty was latin american boom and postboom lol. 11/10 recommend! For fic writers, legit you all are so good I'd rather attempt copying these big name authors than to even try to be like you!

[sophieswundergarten]

GUESS WHAT, I JUST SO HAPPENED TO HAVE THE TIME

This is turning out to be so incredible! Every chapter has been more exciting and entertaining than the last, even though the soul-crushing horror of knowing the friendship will inevitably fall apart lurks around every corner. You have done such an amazing job of holding true to the characters while also taking artistic license to delve into fascinating backstories. One of my favorite parts once I've absorbed the plot is to go back and reread for all of the unique idiosyncrasies you've added.

The bits with Milligan and Kate are so precious! The two of them love each other so much, and it is really neat to see their relationship when she was so little. I also LOVE that you included the Whisperer messages/classes from the books! I used to memorize and recite them to myself like poetry because the cadence is so enthralling. BABY JACKSON. The way that Milligan realizes that the island, as ground zero, has the least interference from the Emergency is so cool! S. Q. enjoys playing with Kate and it is so sweet!!! I am really sad that we didn't get to see any of that as they got older, it would have been awesome for her to meet the boys and Constance and be like "And this is my big brother S. Q.! We're not really related, but he's great and I've known him forever so I call him my brother". PIERRE. The mental image of Curtain constantly being like "S. Q., this is the last thing we are keeping" and then immediately going back on his word because his kid is so softhearted. And he changed the windows!! Also Curtain solely caring about children if the child is S. Q. Milligan really is incredibly smart, and the way that he starts to pick up on Curtain's suspicious behaviour because he knows his friend so well is terrific to read. Poor Jeffers getting instantly smacked in the face. Oh, and Curtain is so messed up he's desensitized himself to the situation, and it's heartbreaking to see him act so dismissive while Milligan is fighting so hard to reach him. And Garrison! She has been through so much and you can really understand how it's killing her to be a part of this, but she is so scared of losing control (parallels) of everything she's worked on and losing all the few people she has left that she feels utterly helpless. (Okay, but "Garrison stared at Curtain, consumed by the overwhelming desire to punch him in the face." is hysterical and I loved the placement in the middle of this emotional scene!) The way she was so scared of rehab is such a complicated detail, oh my. And the bit about Curtain paying them and technically being an employer comes back around!! The way that he thinks through manipulating her is so twisted because on one level he's trying to gain total control and run his Institute "properly", but you can also see how reluctant he is to drive his friends away and lose some of the only people who've ever understood him. Milligan has figured it out seventy-five whole times? I was not expecting that. And poor Garrison (and to a lesser extent, Curtain) has had to go through this whole gut-wrenching process seventy-five times. " 'I think you need better friends,' she suggested. 'And I think my friend deserves better,' Milligan replied." oh just stab me in the heart a couple more times why don't you. Garrison trying to use the Whisperer for its initial purpose of soothing her fears when all she really needs is a hug and reassurance from a real person. And then the flip-side mirror-verse subversion of the first scene is such a fantastic ending!!!

My apologies to everyone who followed me for non-fan fic related content, because I've been on a writing kick recently...

...and yes. Yes I did just post another chapter of S.O.S. and I do plan on having periods where I take weeks or even months to update the fic and then post like 3 insanely long chapters at a time like some sort of mad man. But I hope that doesn't stop you from enjoying it!

Chapter 6 Summary: When Garrison and Milligan discover Curtain's plans for their inventions, they disagree on how to best deal with the situation, which creates a rift in their friendship. Meanwhile, eight-year-old SQ and three-year-old Kate attempt to plan a play date.

Click Here to Read the Chapter

Well, @serial-serializednovelreader @myfairkatiecat @oflightningandstars @sophieswundergarten @kneeslapworthy @mvshortcut most of you said you wanted another chapter soon so... here it is! (No pressure to read until you have time, I just realized this thing is already insanely long and will probably end up being the longest thing I've ever written so oops, but I look forward to reading your comments and hope you enjoy it!)

archiveofourown.org

[yvtro]

So, you brought this up in a recent post "his moral code that focuses on killing off only the worst brand of criminals". I am curious what your stance on this take is then.

Namely, I never felt Jason was over focused on a "Kill the worst criminals" ideology, he's not some Punisher analogue or wasn't in UTRH & the GA Crossover.

Instead, while I do think there's certain figures who he thinks crossed too many lines to be worth keeping around. That is ideology was focused on killing as a power move for control.

IE, he didn't kill those eight lieutenants cos they were particularly immoral, he killed them to establish control over their bosses and gangs.

He kills strategically to accomplish his goals and is largely utilitarian about it, at least in UTRH. This doesn't gloss over his claims of a moralistic element.

IE he left several gangs that primarily exploit children and trafficked people out of his recruitment drive and then killed them all with Onyx that one time.

But as a general rule I always took it that when written in UTRH, his stance was less "I am killing you because its moral" and more "I am killing you because it to my goals."

this is such a multi-layered question, i love it.

i think i hinted at it, but i believe that the focus on the worst criminals is a reading that is more of a wishful thinking interpretation rather than what is actually going on in utrh. and i’m actually sympathetic to it, because it aims to reconstruct the canon to make jay’s characterisation closer to his pre-death personality. it might also be in part based on jason’s monologue in the finale, especially on “i’m not talking about scarecrow or penguin. HIM. just him” bit, but if we want to stay faithful to the text (which i actually don’t. but i am willing to play with it for the time) this is jason’s request for bruce rather than what guides his own actions!

in reality, i agree that jason’s killing in utrh seems to be more strategic. having said that, it being strategic and being part of a plan (a plan that also has some more personal aims) doesn’t mean it’s devoid of moral motivations. and in these terms, i think it’s simply utilitarian rather than based on specific evaluations of each person. and utilitarianism is an ethical theory, even if certain versions of it accommodate treating people as means. so jay might have some extensive plans and commit deeds that seem (and imo are) vile, but it’s all for the “greater good” (sorry for a simplistic and bastardised definition of utilitarianism, but i doubt anyone cares about it here.) so, in short: jason’s murders are supposed to lead to maximising “moral” profit and protection of the innocents. (i would joke here that unfortunately he missed lots of his maths education, but let's be real, his maths is excellent; the problem lays within the theory itself and the twisted in-world reality that dc editorial crafted)

having said so, i'd like to still give credence to a headcanon that even with the case of lieutenants he probably did a thorough check to make sure that they actually “deserved” death, even if i doubt he was very merciful in his judgement. and that’s already my own guess and not something that is visible in the text.

at the same time, while jason’s plan seems extremely calculated, i don’t think at the deepest level this is what he’s getting at in utrh. and i’m not even talking about bruce here and his own emotional needs, because that would require an entire essay; his plan is surely tied to his own emotional trauma (but not stemming only from it, as i said, he does care about gotham to a pathological extent), that most people have to agree with. but here i want to address the ethical layer of the problem.

i talk a lot about jason wanting to fix the world, but when it comes to utrh, this is obviously a certain mental shortcut: what jason thinks is that there’s no way to completely fix the world, but that it’s still within his responsibility to attempt to minimise the harm. you can’t eliminate crime, but you can (as you said) control it. or however he worded it. and i don’t reckon control here is just some personal power trip; i think he genuinely believes this is what has to be done to protect people. it’s a nice bridge in between his natural idealism and cynicism; he says: well, there’s lots of evil in the world and i can’t get rid of all of it. but i have to try to purge as much of it as possible. whatever it takes.

while i'm convinced this is the concept that came to life mostly due to winick’s complete disinterest in jason’s inner life and motivations, and because he tried to make him a perfect foil for bruce, it does bring in some intriguing considerations. if we want to reconcile this reasoning with jason’s og personality and sensitivity, i imagine it would take an unimaginable toll on him. it would be much easier for him to kill in rage, retribution etc., but this is a plan that despite coming from a place of delusional care and hope, requires detachment that is very out of character for him. it stands against everything he was as a robin; it requires him to kill a version of himself. (he can't even attain that detachment till the end, as his monologue is as emotional and true to himself as it gets. but at this point he no longer is just killing a part of himself, he's just killing himself, end of sentence)

this thought is very compatible with what i call the no good deed interpretation btw, according to which he sees his past, vulnerable self as weak, and attempts to leave it behind, while creating his new identity to be untouchable. in a similar manner, he also manipulates his own worldview to make it seem like it’s impossible to help people while caring. this is an intensely paradoxical view, especially that his main motivation is still love, and yet in his eyes it's like a parasite.

it’s also tied to something that makes me think that in the end the utilitarian dimension is not actually the main (sole) feature of his moral disposition in utrh. what is the core of it is self-sacrifice, something that i talk about in this post.

btw this is not what i think the best course of jason’s moral development is. i’m not even deadset on this reading. it’s rather a possible interpretation of canon, that implements a patchwork of different moments in the continuity. and canon is free real estate.

[sbi-au-ideas]

Neutral Crossing

Tommy is 17 when he decides he wants a little shop. His father Sam, who feels bad because he’s always gone for work managing the local prison, funds this endeavor. Mostly because of a huge incident that happened when Tommy was visiting the prison and Sam chose to follow through with protocol, rather than protecting Tommy.

Tommy ended up trapped in a cell with a man who has a long history of manipulation and violent tendencies. Rightfully traumatized by this, Tommy desperately needed a distraction after he had been trapped in there for over a week without someone noticing. Sam gave him Neutral Crossing.

Neutral Crossing is a fun little shop with a fun little twist. Anyone can visit. Superheroes, supervillains, vigilantes, perfectly average people, anyone.

Strange request for a kid who had gotten trapped in a prison, but Sam couldn’t exactly refuse, so Neutral Crossing was built.

-with safety precautions, of course. Supervillains are dangerous after all. Sam created a FUCK OFF stamp (Tommy’s idea) that, when stamped, teleported any person or thing out of the shop. Then that person or thing would never be allowed back in the shop ever again, effectively banning them.

Tommy is the only person capable of unbanning someone. Not even Sam can undo it. Tommy has telekinesis, and it works strangely. It still works as telekinesis, he can lift objects off the ground, but it also lets him manipulate magic. So Tommy can essentially lift the magic in the stamp ink off the thing it’s on.

Tommy’s power is very powerful. The full extent of it is a mystery, but the amount of times Tommy has had people try to kidnap him is ridiculous. It never works because he’ll just telekinesis the shit out of everything and strip away their shit enchantments, but it’s still annoying (terrifying)

“Why do you run a shop where criminals can hide?”

“Hmm, I guess it’s out of spite innit? For the prison incident.”

“How so?“

“I was stuck with… him, for over a week. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be stuck in prison for longer than a week, hanging out with people like him. It’s like- I understand why they run. Why they hide from the police.”

“But what if someone like him walks into your shop?”

“Then I go FUCK YOU as I stamp their ass. They don’t deserve my protection. “

“What if a… ‘wrong-un,’ walks in?”

“I’m a child. They make it very obvious from the get go. If I get the slightest hint they have malicious intentions, I ban them. I know the kind of people that come into my shop.”

“So you’re admitting that you’re a child?”

“Oh fuck you man I thought we were having a serious conversation.”

“(Laughs) I’m just kidding, you are the biggest of men.”

“Of course, you should never doubt me.”

“So how do you feel about supervillains? A lot of them have killed people, destroyed buildings, ruined lives.”

“I watch the news a lot. I’ve gone out to watch supervillain fights, I know which ones I don’t want in my shop.”

“But you still want some in your shop?”

“I’m not going to kick them out. Some of them create great conversation. Like Siren! He and I have fantastic philosophical debates, he’s a big fan of politics and the justice system. Or Gambler, he sometimes comes in to check on me. He tried to give me a gun once.”

“Did you take it?”

“Would you take it?”

“Fair point.”

“Anyway, I just like that this shop gives me some excitement. It’s not everyday The Blade walks in and asks for a hot chocolate. His hands were shaking, he looked so nervous. Although his hands might’ve been shaking because a hero was having a coffee right next to him.”

“Did a fight break out?”

“No! You doubt my shop? The men actually had a lovely talk about their weapon of choice in Minecraft.”

“That’s… strange.”

“Personally I use the hoe.”

“You’re a strange kid Tommy.”

“(Audibly grinning) you have no idea.”

“Well thank you for the interview.”

“Hm, well you’re not welcome. We both know why you’re interviewing me.”

“I… you know?”

“You think I took this interview without doing some research?”

“… you’re smarter than I thought.”

“Get the fuck out of my shop.”

[ayamturd]

late│technoblade

summary: three times you said i love you, and the one time technoblade says it back

prompt: “I’d do anything for you, whether or not you ask me to”

warnings: fluff and major angst, blood and death descriptions, dsmp spoilers

pairing: in-game romantic!technoblade

a/n: this is my entry for @burntcilantro​‘s 500 writing event!! much love and congratulatory to min, they’re an amazing writer and an even better person (they’re so nice, give them the support they deserve)

also i separated some of the dsmp events and spaced them out (so there’s more time between for plot purposes lol)

wc: (2.0k) - m.list

“Why are you so stupid?”

You were sat on top of a chest, holding one leg with your arms while the other was currently being wrapped by Technoblade. While you giggled at his insult, you winced once he tightened the gauze on your ankle with a glare. 

“It’s not funny, y/n.” He leaned down to bite off the rest of the wrapping, finishing the fold as you huffed at his seriousness.

“I told you to watch the house, not climb onto the roof and play a fun game of risk. What were you thinking?”

His stare was heavy and made you feel little as he looked down at you. The tone of the room changed as you lost the humor in the situation, his concern overpowered by the anger laced in his voice.

“I just wanted to help,” you stated, turning your face away, discouraged, with your arms crossed. “You’ve been getting the all the resources lately and haven’t let me even step off the damn property.”

Looking down, you fiddled with your fingers as to avoid his gaze. “I wanted to try and fix the wood panelings that have been leaking, that’s all.” 

The silence was harsh, and you swallowed deeply at how uncomfortably stiff the air became. Technoblade opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it shut with no words to voice.

With a shaky breath, you gripped the edge of the wood and slowly lowered yourself onto your foot; you didn’t plan on staying here just so he couldn’t say anything more. Technoblade was quick to steady his arms around you in case you fell, but you immediately pushed his hand away aggressively and stood with all your weight on your healthy foot.

Arms out to balance, as you tried to take the first step on your bad foot, you crumpled into your self with a yelp from the pain and collapsed. Ready as always, Techno caught you from behind and guided you to the nearest chair. 

You flinched from the small movement but sighed once sitting again. Techno crouched in front of you to check how you physically were, but your eyes were closed shut as you tried to collect your breathing. 

“Y/n,” Techno call out. Calming yourself down, you opened your eyes to meet his; he was much more sincere before, his face soft as he spoke gently to you. 

“Hey, I’m sorry.” Looking down, Technoblade paused as to gather his thoughts before explaining himself further. 

“I know I’ve been overbearing since the attempted execution,” you reached a hand towards his cheek when he mentioned the recent event, which he leaned into as he continued with closed eyes, “but please know it’s from a place of concern. I just- I don’t want anything to happen to you. I can’t let anything happen to you. I-I…”

“I know. Trust me, I know.” You spoke for him as you pulled him into your chest, hugging his large frame as best as you could. He relaxed into your hold with a sigh of relief. 

“I love you, Techno.” You kissed the top of his head, and he only burrowed himself deeper into the hug.

“I’m so sorry, love.”

Technoblade was hunched over on the front lawn, hands on his head while trembling from the overwhelming pain of the voices. He whimpered at your words, indicating he heard you to some extent.

He had come home, alone, and fell to his knees at the sight of you when you opened the door. Immediately, you had rushed over to him and skid to your own knees to comfort him, but he grunted from your attempts to touch him; even when under the influence, he was still conscious enough to fear for your own safety relative to the blind rage of the voices. 

You had tried talking to him, attempted to get him to give you any context to what was causing his anger, which he answered with snarling growls in return. “Tommy… left… betrayed. Chose government.” 

While broken into murmured words, you understood instantly and tried to bring him back in spite needing to quench your own anger from Tommy’s departure. You rested your palms into the snow, lowering your head as much as possible to meet his bowed head. 

You peered up at him despite his own eyes screwed shut from the unbearable chaos that roared within his head, and called out to him as softly as you could. It was a stretch, but you hoped you could soothe him down by talking.

“Hey bubs, just listen to my voice, alright? You hear me now yes? You can understand what I’m saying?” Patiently waiting, you watched him closely until he gave the smallest nod, fists still pushed against his skull and twisting from the ache. 

“That’s good, that’s really good, love. You hear my voice, now listen to my words.” Slowly, you leaned close enough to whisper to him directly. 

“I’m here, okay? I’m so sorry about Tommy, I know how much you cared for him. I still care for him too, and I know it hurts right now, but rest assured I’m still here. I’m here Techno, and I’m never leaving you.”

With clenched teeth, he let out a sob at your declaration and pushed his head against you. You took his permission to touch him promptly, gripping him with as much strength as you could carry so he felt stable and secure. 

You squeezed him, desperate to ground him from slipping further, and rocked the both of you. He released a shuttered breath, and you kissed his skin gently.

“I love you, you know? I will always be here and I’ll always love you, no matter what.”

He clutched you with his entire being, your words and presence more than he could ever ask and want. 

“Why do you have to be too reckless for your own good?”

You grinned widely at his words, smile almost sadistic as you glanced at him with your arms propped on the axe you carried above your shoulders. 

“What ever could you mean?” Despite the roll of his eyes, he did nothing to hide his own amusement to your eagerness to the upcoming destruction you were to bring. He chuckled, his deep laughter making you smile more softly to how genuine he was as you walked besides him. Hand raised to wave his rocket launcher, he focused ahead proud. 

“We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?” Turning to look at you again, you stared at him adoringly and smirked slightly while bashful to his confident manner. “We are indeed.”

It became relatively silent as you walked through the layered snow, feet crunching from your steady pace. You continued to take random glances at him, Technoblade doing the same until you both heard a loud groan. 

“My god, you two are insufferable, I can’t deal with this right now.” Dream sneered at you specifically, as if you were the cause for his own discomfort, and walked through you both.

“I’ll meet you guys there instead, but hurry.” Swiftly, he pulled out an ender pearl and threw it a few yards ahead towards the portal, his figure disappearing altogether. 

You stared in disbelief from his actions until a cough interrupted your thoughts once more. “You know what,” Phil avoided looking at you both, his hands tapping together awkwardly as he walked ahead as well but turned to address you while moving backwards. 

“I’ll see you guys there too, just, be sure to be quick?” You both nodded wordlessly, and he took his leave in fast haste. 

Standing there alone, you risked another glance at him and met his eyes, laughing loudly at the circumstances. 

Technoblade held a hand to his face, body shaking from his laughter while you were endlessly giggling, holding your stomach from the pain. Eventually, your fits faded with large smiles, and you faced him with a shake of your head. 

“I didn’t realize we’d be one of those couples.” Technoblade sighed, though you could tell it was for play, and nodded. “A shame really, I never thought this day would come.” 

You giggled again, and chose to move closer, tilting your head upwards at him with a sweet beam while leaning onto your axe. He gave you a small smile in return, however his faded immediately after. 

Lifting his open hand, he cupped your cheek and bent down to kiss your forehead, touching yours together after with his eyes closed. “Promise me you’ll be safe? I trust you to protect yourself, but for me, stay safe when things start to go bad?”

While you knew it was impossible to guarantee you’d stay away from the majority of the danger, you knew better than to leave his concern unanswered and open. 

“I promise,” you murmured, “for you, I promise.”

He pulled you against his chest this time, engulfing you completely and holding the back of your head earnestly to his heart. 

“I love you,” you voiced, your words muffled into his armor and coat. He hummed while looking ahead, his eyes trained on the glowing portal that called towards him. This was a war he refused to leave with mercy, the price of your peaceful lives together on the line. 

“No…”

There was too much blood. The thick liquid stained every surface and soaked through his coat that he pushed against your wound. 

Internally panicking from your tight expressions of discomfort, Technoblade desperately searched through his inventory for something, anything, that could heal or at the very least help you. He was forced to face the reality that he used all his potions during the midst of battle and combat. He couldn’t do anything. 

“Why, why why,” he snarled, his eyes clouding with an outset of tears he couldn’t care for. “Why are you so stupid.” His voice caught in his throat from his conflicted emotions and he tightened his hold on the fabric pushed against your stomach; the pain had faded at this point, and you were numb to the constant pressure he tried to hold. 

“I’m so sorry, love. I lied.” Your voice was light and strained, but Technoblade refused to accept the situation for what it was. He turned to a perched crow, screaming at it to get Phil and scaring it away with a slash of his sword, before tucking his head down in an almost silent plea. 

“Why do you have to be too reckless for your own good?” he whispered. Though he tried to be delicate, he couldn’t help how tight he held your hand. 

“I’d do anything for you, whether or not you ask me to.” You gave a tired grin as your eyes began to droop, hand tightening on his, however incredibly weak in comparison. 

“I asked you to be safe,” he cried, body stricken with grief as he abandoned his hold on your stomach and instead shakily held your face, your own blood smearing against your skin from his callous fingers. “I needed you safe.”

You placed a hand over his, using all your strength to relish in his touch and kissing the inner of his palm. “Yet you needed my love more.” 

He choked out a sob from your admittance, and pulled you into his chest, your body limp, as he rocked you slightly. “I’ll always be there for you, and love you more than I could for my own safety.”

The ruins echoed the wails of a tormented heart on the broken landscape of a haunted battlefield that called for death and devastation. The smoke and clouds of destruction reigned above, and despite the final end to the corrupted nation that was built on nothing but lies and deceit after a helpless man’s death, Technoblade couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“I love you,” he uttered, the words he struggled for oh so long to express finally free from its cage. “I love you, y/n. I love you so much.”

His words fell on deaf ears, and he screamed in agony at the truth that laid before him.

He was too late.

[broadwayandnetflix]

i have a request for bo burnham!!:) maybe like the reader and bo watch the special when he gets done editing it and doing all the other stuff he has to do for it, and he records her reaction to the whole thing and that’s how he announces the special?? i know that’s weird but it’s been stuck in my head, so you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to!

Test Run - Bo Burnham x Reader

Warnings: Language

Theme: FLUFF (angst if you like squint)

Word Count: 1.6k

A/N: y’all I wrote this so fast, like kachow. I hope you enjoyed it, and got a break from all of the angst. but angst is still good. but this fic is not me fangirling over inside. never, couldn’t be me. I hope you enjoyed the fic though @bos-a-feminist I had sm fun writing it.

It had been late one evening when Bo had practically burst into the door of your bedroom. You sat puzzled as you gave the man time to catch his breath, as he gave you an eager look.

Trying not to giggle as Bruce yipped at Bo’s feet in pure excitement, it seemed he too was trying to figure out what was going on.

“What? Are we finally gonna have sex again?” you say humorously, causing the man to break composure for just a second.

“No! I mean what the fuck? Yes, yes, and to answer your question, yes. But not right now.”

You giggle as he looks at you with an expression you couldn’t fully decipher. In any constellation, it had been months since you had seen the man this energetic.

Usually, when Bo would come back from his long days in the guest house, he’d tend to be exhausted. Often just giving you a quick kiss before collapsing onto the mattress.

His blue eyes softening towards you as he extends his hand for you to take. Which made you realize that there was an ounce of seriousness in his actions.

Your hands fitting perfectly in his as he pulls you up from the bed, one hand making sure to hold the small of your back.

“Where are we going?” you breathe out.

Bo remained silent, but you found out soon enough as he led you outside to the guest house.

You had stopped dead in your tracks, causing him to do the same. Eyes widening as you realized what was gonna happen, turning to Bo and giving him the biggest grin you could muster.

From the minute he had set foot in the guest house to begin his special, he had been very secretive about it. Something about how it helped him to create something that no one really knew about.

I mean, you had some idea when the UPS trucks kept delivering camera equipment. Or when he had asked if he could take some of your clothes. Other than that, though, top secret.

It had been about roughly a little over a year when he had started the special. A year of emotions and hard work, and by the looks of it.

It seemed as though he had finished.

“Wait are you doing what I think you are doing?” you say, looking at him expectedly.

“Shit babe you catch on quick. Yes, if we are on the same mindset. I think we are, now hush, or I’ll never get to show you it.” Bo instructs before leading you inside.

In all honesty, you didn’t know what to expect. The last time you had seen the guest house had been roughly two years ago. Now? It looked completely different.

Wires and different camera equipment lay waste on the floor, making it almost a hazard. Other lights of various types and sizes filled the room like mini metal trees. It looked disorganized and yet organized at the same time.

Yet Bo walked through the maze of equipment with ease, almost as if it wasn’t even there. You smiled before tiptoeing to the clearing that Bo had made for you.

“Yeah apologies, I wasn’t expecting company.” Bo smirks as you break into laughter.

“It looks…well it looks well used.” you reply, getting comfortable on the chair he had provided.

In front of you sat a projection on the wall of what seemed to be an editing software. You looked back at Bo with an eager grin; he gives you a slight wink.

Anticipation settling in the air as you watched him mess around with the monitor. Until his cursor finally presses on a folder and a video screen pulls up.

You half expected him to sit beside you. Still, instead, he remains behind the computer, amongst his sea of technological instruments and cameras.

“Y/N, I’m showing this to you. Simply because you deserve to see why I’ve been so busy for like a year or more. Plus, you mean the world to me and I wanna know your input.”

Bo says softly. You can detect a hint of nerves in his actions and tone; you practically melt, realizing that was he anxious. Regardless you knew without a shadow of a doubt you were gonna love whatever he puts out.

You open your mouth to reply before he presses play, and an eerie ringing fills the room. Music filling your senses as the special, titled Inside, plays before you.

The next hour or two fills you with a multitude of emotions that you can’t quite place. It seemed like Bo was making you laugh seconds ago, and now you can’t help but feel tears well up in your eyes.

Cinematically it was stunning, breathtaking even. It was hard to believe that Bo had turned the little guest house into a studio. Or at least to the extent that it became, with its gorgeous displays and production.

Performance-wise, it was a completely different ballpark. Bo fucking delivered in more ways than one, whether in humor or just pure raw emotion.

Acting or not, it broke your heart to see the man you loved so dearly in the state that he was in. Of course, you could tell something was up even then when he was filming, but he never gave away the extent of it.

Just hearing him cry made your stomach twist in knots; you wanted to comfort him. Only to be reminded that it was just merely a video of him.

Even at the moment, it took you everything not to look back at Bo; you knew how much he valued your attention. Plus, you wanted to experience the special in full, just as you would if he were on stage.

The special wasn’t the same as his others, but it was well needed for a time like this. It felt personal and introspective, but it was also oh so clever and in-depth. You adored it and the time and effort that he had put into it.

As the credits rolled out and you saw an acknowledgment for your name, your heart soared.

You knew that the two of you had worked hard to be there for each other the past year. Especially with everything that was going on and Bo working most of the time.

To know that you had helped him in any shape or form. It just meant a lot, in more ways than he’d ever know.

The lights in the room flickered on as if he had made a make-shift movie theatre. You wiped away any stray tears, and before he could even say anything, you ran into his arms.

Bo jolting back in surprise before accepting the embrace and holding you tighter into his chest. His head resting gently on top of yours due to his taller stature.

“God I love you so much, more than you’ll ever know. I seriously don’t know if I would’ve made it out alive this past year if I didn’t have you.” he croaked into your hold.

It took you a second to realize that the man was crying, and you pulled away to meet his eyes. Your fingers brushing away his tears before reaching up to give him a kiss.

His figure bending down just a tad to meet your lips as he kisses you back sweetly. It’s light and yet so filled with passion for making up for what time that had been lost.

Yet as he looks down at you, a smile etching across his lips. As he asks you about what your thoughts are on his special, he already knows your response.

Unbeknownst to you, he had recorded your entire viewing experience. Of course, if he were to ever share it anywhere, he’d ask your permission, but it was apparent.

Even as you told him how much you loved it and how much you enjoyed it. You knew that he knew that you understood the special the way he had intended it.

It was one of the many things that made him adore you endlessly. You meant the world to him.

“We should celebrate babe! Maybe order a pizza or something.” you exclaim, arms still wrapped around his neck in your embrace.

“We definitely should, but what pizza places are open at this hour?” Bo smirks as you give him a slight frown.

“I don’t know, that’s a good question.” you hesitate.

“Actually I do know one place that’s really good and delivers.” Bo whispers seductively up against your ear.

You giggle and gesture for him to continue as he swiftly pulls away from your hold. His hand outstretched for you to take once again as he leads you towards the house. Or, more importantly, towards your bedroom.

“Me.”

——————————————————————------------------------------------

Bo sat anxiously beside you as his fingers lingered over the ‘post’ button on his different social media accounts.

The post in question was a video that he stitched together of you watching the special. With your consent, of course.

It had been edited together to be vague enough that he wouldn’t spoil the special. But nonetheless, it was sweet, and he totally made sure to include you tearing up in it.

You made it a priority to tackle him for that one.

The video was sweet and short, but it got the intended message across, and you personally loved it, just like you loved Bo and the special.

“Any-day now Robert.” you tease as you hold his one hand in yours.

“Do you think that they’ll wanna watch it?” he whispers quietly.

“Of course they will, it’s you. Baby you are so talented, your fans will be so excited.” you reassure.

Bo sighs before squeezing your one hand tightly before pressing the button. And letting Inside out into the world.

[ventisehe]

crying on their wedding day / genshin impact / part one

this was a request from my old account and i am only transferring it here. there is a part two to this but i got busy with school and organizing my new account, as well as thinking over deleting my old account.

since bennett is fifteen or sixteen, his part will be a little different from the others. with aether, he is hundred years old so his part if just like the rest. this is unedited and i wrote it at night when i was supposed to be farming so please bear with me hehe.

requested by: @bakuhoe-is-my-bakubro

includes: diluc, zhongli, childe/tartaglia, aether, bennett

warning: unedited, not proofread

part two

THOSE WHO WOULD SHED A SINGLE TEAR

     DILUC

       After losing his father and his horrible fall out with Kaeya, Diluc has become a firm believer that a man can truly live as an island, to some extent. As much as possible, he kept to himself and worked alone. Having people share his burdens with him did not appeal to him. In fact, it miffed him, as it made him feel indebted to them.

          He limited his interaction with everyone, especially those who are part of the Knights of Favonius, favoring solitude above else. But of course, this did not entail bad social ethics to others.

    He treated his maids and employees with civility and respect, the same can be said with his patrons whenever he worked behind the counter (it would certainly be bad for his business if he behaved aloof to them) and those he was once close friends with. He always behaved appropriately to them, although he must admit he can be quite insulting to the Knight, he always stood behind an invisible barrier, careful not to cross it and grow attached to anyone.

        He has long given up with amorous relationships. After all, what good would he be as a lover if he could not provide his woman the love and care she deserved? Surely, he cannot let a maiden suffer with his inadequacy as a potential husband. He is aware of how hectic his schedule is (he hardly has enough time for himself so spending time with his lover would be proven difficult) and how poorly he expresses his feelings, thoughts, and emotions. In a relationship, in marriage, communication is the key for it to be successful, and already then, he has failed. He may be a cold man at first glance, but he will not put a woman in s distressing dilemma, not intentionally anyway.

                    Being the richest man in Mondstadt and being considered attractive by many, Diluc was not foreign to having women throw themselves at him, attempting to seduce him. If maintaining a relationship with a woman with his current tribulations was hard, finding a woman who truly love and understand him was even harder. He has no means of deciphering who were pure with their intentions and those who sought him for his money and influence.

     And he accepted his fate without easily, without question. This was the way it was supposed to be in the first place. Diluc Ragnvindr - a lone man, who lived in too big mansion, sleeping on a bed too big for him. It was all he knew. The bright days of his childhood long forgotten.

    But then you came to his life so suddenly.

                          "Master Diluc," Began Jean, a polite smile over her lips. "This is ( Your Name )".

              All it took was for you to give him shy smile to have his walls broken down, and for his heart to yearn for what he has resolutely denied himself of for years. And it twisted him, and not in a way he welcomed.

          Diluc tried so damn hard to push you away. He avoided your presence, and made it his point to show you he wanted nothing to do with you, and made no attempt to cover it and ignored how his heart broke every time your smile fell. He resolutely refused to yield to your sincere advances.

                                     He treated you the same way be treated everyone, to show you how you were no different from everyone. You were just another dot in his life waiting to be erased and thrown in the back of his mind.

                                                       But the harder he pushed, the harder you pulled. In his brightest days and in his darkest days, you have never strayed far and welcomed him with open arms. You always went out of your way for him.

          It was hard not to fall in love with you? Why did you have to make things so difficult?

                        It wasn't too long until he was falling asleep in his bed with you in his embrace, his heart feeling light, warm and content. He hasn't feel like this in a long time - safe, and at home. Diluc found home from someone he tried to push away.

                                      The horror of what could have happened if he had been successful weighed down on him, and it took quite an assurance from you to make him remember that he has failed, and you were his, as he was yours.

                          Back then, he thought your persistence was bothersome. But as he stood at the altar right now, watching you enter with your white wedding dress, he was grateful you never gave up on him.

Diluc cannot describe how beautiful you looked as you graced everyone in the place with your presence.

Your eyes locked with him, and his heart soared in his chest. And when you smiled at him, an excited gleam in your eyes - he cannot help but smile back.

Time cannot be any slower, and the aisle cannot be any longer. And have you always walked this slow? Or were you just teasing him?

Diluc's breath hitched - Perhaps you knew how much he wanted to get this over with so he can have you all to himself in the comfort of his room.

And when he saw you smiling mischievously at him, he knew that he was right.

His words failed to describe how beautiful you looked. His words failed the joy he was feeling. May Barbatos have mercy on him

But the tear that escaped the corner of his eye explained everything.

"Oh, what is this?" His best man whispered beside him, a teasing tone lacing his voice. "Master Diluc is crying. Why, I never thought I'd see the day."

Diluc shot him a glare. "Do not make me regret making you my best man, Kaeya."

Kaeya laughed. "Ah, ah, ah," He chimed. "Your wife won't be pleased if we fight at your wedding day."

A warm and pleasant feeling coursed through him. His wife.

"She's not my wife yet." Said Diluc.

Kaeya looked at you as you walked down the aisle. "And in just a few minutes, I'll have two Ragnvindr to annoy." He patted his brother on the back, smiling a genuine smile for the first time. "Congratulations, Diluc."

     ZHONGLI

       Zhongli, or Rex Lapis for that time, has watched over Teyvat for thousands of years and has witnessed firsthand how kings and tyrants rose and fell, how kingdoms were born, how camaraderie are conducted, how romance makes a man foolish and blinded, how society flourished in the hands of mortals as Archons guarded them from their resting place, and throughout the tales of humans, his eyes has laid upon many beauties.

                   But you? Oh, even the most esteemed bard of all realms could never bring the satisfactory glory to your name and pulchritude.

            How dearly Zhongli missed the unspeakable power, money and authority he had back before he revoked his own position as a deity, keeping a close eye over Liyue and his people. But if ever presented with the opportunity to return to his rightful place as part of the Seven, he shall graciously decline, casting his gaze away and simply returning to your side.

                               After all, what benefit would he gain from it when he already has his heart is content in the possession of a mere mortal, a mortal he loved and adored. He would dream of ever choosing his old power over you, and that can be affirmed when he asked for your hand as the two of you took an evening stroll outside Liyue.

                 He has fallen for you and he cannot rise again. A gentle and kind woman with an understanding and patience which knows no bounds. If not for his revelation that he has accomplished all his duties and has come to decide to resign from his reign, your existence may be another reason for him to take the form or a mortal and ask for your hand.

                      He can still recall that faithful day when he first met you at the harbor. He stood by a high balcony, overlooking Liyue Harbor with arms crossed. The sun beat down against Liyue grounds and his skin, but it also casted an ethereal glow on you as you exited one of the ships that stopoed at the docks. And may he boldly say the sun was outshined that day, and his heart has been taken.

                                         Zhongli can only imagine how many men has chased after you, but failed to woo you.

                   Zhongli understood the concept of love. After all, Liyue and every living being that sought shelter in its walls were close to his heart, but never in his life has he felt the way he felt for you. It was the sort of phenomena he observed between lovers for centuries - unconditional love and care, a sanctuary in the arms of their beloved, an individual to trust and come home to whether the day has been kind or unkind.

           What he thought were trivial matters and the means of mortals for survival he has tasted its sweet flavor, and it was by your hand did he receive it. And he was thankful that you have found him worthy of being with you, and soon, being one with him in the contract of marriage.

And thus came the faithful day, the very day he longed to come ever since you have accepted him as your husband to be, and the day you have dreamt of every night you laid with him.

Zhongli counted the months, weeks, days, and if he had the ability to, minutes until the day of your wedding. He has a calendar in his room and everyday, he enthusiastically crossed out every passing day, watching as his wedding with you grow closer.

And when it finally arrived, Zhongli followed a meticulous routine to prepare himself, using expensive oils and perfume to which the Fatui money has provided splendidly. After all, he wanted to look the best he can for you. You deserved only the best of things, and he shall not hold back on anything to please you.

Though Zhongli, most of the time, was a calm man even under the eye of tribulations, when he stood at the altar in front of his close friends and colleagues, he can't help but feel anxious.

Of course he has no doubt in your love for him. He holds on your every word of love and affection as true, and his love for you was as hard as stone. Rather, it was he who doubted himself and his capabilities.

He wondered if he would be able to take care of you, love you the way you should be, bring a smile to your lips, and a laugh out of your mouth. If he had been Rex Lapis still, he would have easily uphold his duties as your husband. After all, what can an Archon not do?

It would be Childe, his best man, who would console him. He would tell Zhongli he is more than capable to care for you. He has a stable job (not to mention his connection with the Fatui), he was eager to please you and give you about everything if he can, he has a kind heart, he was a man who can manage his time wisely and never choose his profession over you, and above all, he loved you. Not many men can afford the luxury of being this perfect, but Zhongli was no man, not originally at least.

He will be unconvinced of what Childe has said. This unease in him was hard to diminish. Not being enough for you will tear him apart. The thought of it just gnawed at him. Will he make you happy? Will you regret marrying him when you realized life married to him wasn't as you expected?

It was only when the doors opened, and his wide and anticipative eyes darted over to the other end of the place did every little doubt in his mind is erased.

You stood by the entrance wearing the white dress you have fought hard not to show him until this day.

That bright smile on your face, those eyes that shimmered at the sight of him, the faint red on your cheeks - Zhongli did not even notice how love stricken he looked, and nor did he notice a tear cascade from corner of eye.

It was only when Childe stifled a laugh and pointed it out did he feel the dampness at the side of his face.

He forgot how to breathe when you finally stood before him. Even a veil cannot conceal your beauty.

With twinkling eyes, you smiled at him - like he was the only person in the room.

"Are you crying?" You ask playfully.

Zhongli will let out a chuckle, and as he take your hands in his, he said, "In such a beautiful day like this with the loveliest lady in Teyvat before me, how can I not?"

Indeed it was a beautiful day, made better when your lips met his.

He can't stop a few more tears from slipping.

THOSE WHO WOULD BAWL THEIR EYES OUT

     CHILDE/TARTAGLIA

                 Childe understood his duties as a Harbinger even if his playful and flirtatious facade may say otherwise. He kissed hands of women and paid them golden compliments until their mind went hazy with his feigned affection, but he was still a Fatui at the end of the day - a ruthless and greedy scoundrel who had too much Mora in his hands.

              And it was because of his line of work that he decided never to commit himself. If he was to find himself infatuated with a woman and she reciprocated his feelings and desired to pursue a relationship with him, it would inevitably drag her to the dangers entailed to his position.

                                       The last thing he wanted was someone to dear to him to be harmed, not to mention his lover could become his weakness, she could be taken by his enemies and be used against him, thus, making things more complicated and harder for him to fulfill his duties to the Tsaritsa.

             To him, nothing is more important than seeing through his mission with the finest quality of work he can give.

                   So damn you for coming into his life and distracting him. Damn you for bringing another bright to his life. Damn you for taking care of his family when he was gone. Just - damn you for making him fall for you.

      He hated this - the feeling of being weak, of being vulnerable, of laying his guard down. One touch from you and he's no better than the people he despised for being so frail and powerless.

                                              How ever do you possess this prowess to make him so dependent on you, to relish in your voice when you sing to him as the two of you laid together in his bed, how he let his defenses crumble when you whisper his name, the tug of his heart when you he sees you getting along so well with his family.

                          Childe wanted you. He wanted you more than anything and anyone in Teyvat. He was going crazy thinking about you.

             He refused to acknowledge his feelings at first, thinking perhaps he can use you to comfort him and his family in these troubling times. That's all you were supposed to be, a tool for him to make his family feel better whenever he goes off to accomplish his work as a Harbinger.

                              But he couldn't stomach the thought of using you like that. He didn't want you to treat like a toy. And it did not help that one day, when he was returning from a mission, you come rushing to him and blurting out your feelings and your worry for his safety.

               You loved him. Did he hear you right? You love a Fatui, and a Harbinger, no less. Surely, you aren't that stupid to fall for him.

     And yet he smiled a sincere smile at your confession, and he too followed your steps. That night, he was at his weakest. Just relishing in your arms and ridding all the responsibilities over his shoulders. He can forget all his faults for a moment, with you. A peace of mind and heart was found in you.

     Childe watched as you played with his fingers, and then he spoke. “Aren’t you afraid?”

       You hummed. “Afraid? Of what?”

                   Childe shook his head and held your hand which toyed with his digits. You looked up at him, puzzled.

              “Of me.” Said Childe, pulling your hand and holding it close to his chest. He closed his eyes, almost terrified of what your answer can be. “Of what I can bring to your life. I’m a Harbinger, [ Your Name ]. Your life is at stake just being with me. Do you know what you’re in for for loving me?”

                        You gazed at him, and he can’t see anything in your eyes. He let out a small gasp when you leaned in and kissed his cheek.

            “I’m not afraid of you or anything this world can throw at me.” You confessed. “You’re going to protect me, Tartaglia. I know you will. I trust you. I love you.”

                            And fucking hell, did he protect you.

                                          He tried to hide you from his fellow Harbingers, and especially to his enemies. Not because they will use you to get the upper hand against him, a leverage. No, he wanted to hide you, as long as he can anyway (because it won't be long until his secret is out, walls do have ears), to protect you. No one will lay a hand or even get a single strand of your hair. May the Archons have mercy on anyone who dares put you in the middle of the dangers of his job, because he surely won't.

Because of this, you and Childe decided to get married in secret, with no one else but Zhongli, the traveler, and their floating companion to be your witnesses in becoming one. The two of you knew well of the consequences your decision shall birth, but it's the one you're making. Nothing in this can stop Childe from making you his wife, and treating you as such.

Childe could not wait for the ceremony to begin. Even with such a small crowd - very small indeed - he did not hold back to make this day special for you. The finest of everything is what you deserved, and if he could give more, he would. But for now, all he can give you is himself, and he dearly wished he was enough.

The whole time, as he waited for you to emerge from the doors of the small cathedral the two of you chose to be wed in, he kept imagining how his life would be like with you.

Waking up beside you was the thing he looked forward to the most. When the sunrays peeked from closed curtains and cascaded down your slumbering form, a gentle and even breaths leaving your lips, a soft expression of rest - the thought of it filled his heart with warmth, a kind of warmth only you can evoke from him.

Waking up at your side on his bed always reminded him thst you were indeed there, and his. Soon, he'll be waking up beside you with a soft smile on his lips, a reminder that you were there, but now as his wife.

Childe never really considered him emotional. It was part of his discipline as a Harbinger never to let his emotions get the better of him. But when you stepped into the cathedral wearing the wedding dress you personally chose and had hidden from him for so long, a veil over your face but the soft smile still just as bright as the morning sun, it all came crashing down to him.

Childe wanted a lot of things in life. But what he wanted the most was to spend the rest of his life with you - providing for you, protecting you, comforting you, falling deeper in love with your every single day. All this he will do until his dying breath, and he knew you'd do the same.

His dream was walking towards him, never taking her eye off him as she approached the altar.

He can hear Paimon clapping and the Traveler reprimanding her for being a little too loud. He can hear Zhongli saying something to him but he couldn't understand a word he said. But he was too lost in his realization that you're going to marry him.

You chose him, a man with too many faults and imperfections.

Just as you arrived at the small steps leading towards the altar, the tears Childe has been trying to hold back streamed down his face, small hiccups escaping his lips.

You stared at him, worried. "Tartaglia, are you alright?"

Childe would try to formulate an answer but through his tears and hiccups, he couldn't make a single comprehensible word. His posture was regal and proper, as though he was trying to fool everyone that he wasn't crying.

How can you ask if he was alright? How can his heart handle how beautiful you looked right now?

"Excuse me, ( Your Name )," Zhongli interjected as he stepped beside Childe. "It seems that your soon to be husband needs a moment to collect himself. Please, excuse us."

Zhongli led Childe back to his room, and the Harbinger did not fight back. He was still crying even when the doors has closed behind him. Zhongli stood by the door, watching the Fatui sit on his bed, trying to stop himself from bawling.

Childe can feel guilt crawling up to him as he realized what he had done. What was supposed to the most perfect day, your most perfect day, was ruined because of him.

He was scared to think what you thought of him now. Were you resenting him for what happened? Did you still wish to marry him?

If only he had controlled his emotions much better. He shouldn't have let his joy break through him in tears.

"She was crying too, you know," Spoke Zhongli.

Childe raised his head to look at the former Archon. "Huh?"

"Your bride, she - " He smiled at him. " - she was crying too. She's happy to be marrying you."

Childe can feel his heart hammering against his chest in delight at what he said.

"So don't keep her waiting."

Childe bawled his eyes out once more when the words - "I do," - left your lips.

     AETHER

                 When his sister was taken from him, Aether was a lost and wandering soul in Teyvat with the sole purpose of finding her.

              Throughout his journey, he met different people from different regions. He learned their values and cultures, he grew to love the world he used to be a stranger to, he was able to utilize different sorts of Visions, and yet, despite all of this, Aether was lonely. Paimon - bless her pure soul - tried her best to keep his spirits and bring a smile to his face (he assumed she too felt the hollowness inside of him) but it was all futile as he often find himself seeking solitude and gazing out in an open field wondering where his twin could be and how she was fairing on her own.

                He will let the cool breeze comfort him, but all it left was a searing kiss of reality that his search might have been all for naught. That very concept his mind was conjured haunted him in his every waking days. Is he still journeying through Teyvat and reaching out to all Archons with a solid purpose? Was he no wasting his time looking high and low for someone who could not be looking at the sky as he?

                     "And what if she is?"

                                     Your words is what got his attention. Aether met you in the evening when the stars and the moon was absent from the skies. He sat on a fallen log overlooking the city of Mondstadt, alone and cold. Paimon has insisted in him accompanying him, but he had snuck away before she can chase after him. He needed to be alone with his thoughts, and with the scarce time he has for himself, he has to make the most of every night that comes.

                 Lumine was in his mind, and worry was gnashing its teeth at him. He was deep in his own world, sinking to the hands of his tragic thoughts, that he did not hear footsteps trekking the hillock he was at. Nor did he realize he was speaking his own worries in the air, eyes distant and staring blankly at nothing.

       "What if she's not even looking for me?" That's what he remembered saying that time.

                                       Then you made your presence known with an answer that refuted his initial thought. He whirled his head to the side, wide eyes with surprise. You stood next to him with a faint smile, hands behind your back and the moon slowly peeking from the shroud of clouds. A light in the darkness, the moon was. And so you were you to him.

                "Sorry," You apologized, sheepishly giving him a smile as you rubbed the back of your neck. "I didn't mean to interrupt. You were speaking out loud and-and I just had a feeling I needed to say something." You took in a deep breath, and Aether found the pink dusting your cheeks adorable. "I . . . I'll just go now - "

              Aether didn't regret asking you to stay.

                                   Before you came to his life, Aether did not know how much he was dwelling in the own hell he made. His inner tribulations, his worries, his insecurities - he only took notice the torture he was putting on himself when you keep saving him from his own mind.

                   At first, all he thought of you was a precious friend - someone he leaned on and entrusted with everything, whether it be secrets or help with his quests. He told you about his past, his twin, how exactly he was different from the people of Teyvat, how he and sister fought an unknown god, how she slipped from his fingers when he reached out for her, how much he wanted her back. He was terrified of what you may think of him when he told you these things, but to his surprise, all you did was wrap him in your arms and comforted him.

                                      Along with Paimon, you were his dearest friend.

             But as time passed, the longer you accompany him and Paimon in his travels, he noticed something strange. The way his heart skipped a beat when you smile at him, how he can't keep his eyes off you when you laugh at one of his tales, how his heart hammered ceaselessly when you press a chaste kiss on his cheek, the relief that seeps in his system when he sees you unscathed from a battle, how irritated he becomes when someone makes an offense against you, the joy that seizes him when he listens to you talking about something you loved, and how much he adored it when you scold him for being a little too reckless in fighting.

                           Aether, despite being older than he seems, did not know what to make of what he was feeling. It was strange, a good kind of strange - the kind of feeling that makes him feel like he was floating in the sky. All he thought of it was an overwhelming adoration for a friend. Nothing more, nothing less.

                  It wasn't until Paimon pointed it out did he realize what he was feeling for you.

                                           Upon learning his feelings for you, Aether couldn't sleep for many nights. He was plagued with the desires of his heart and his insecurities. It was like falling back to the same hellish pattern before you came along.

              He was in this world for one reason only - to find his twin. And when he does - and he fucking will - he will depart from here with her and continue their travels. Leaving you was the last thing he wanted. He couldn't bear the thought of it. It felt like leaving a piece of him behind in Teyvat, a hole in the shape of your name.

                            The solution he had for this is directly confessing to you. Of course, the blond was a nervous wreck when he approached you and asked for a moment of your time. Paimon knew of his plan and wandered away for the time being, wanting to give the two of your privacy.

              If you did not share the same feelings as he, he can already imagine the pain he will have to deal with, but it'll be much easier to leave. At least then he knows you won't be as hurt as he thought once he takes his leave. He never entertained the idea of you reciprocating his feelings. It would be foolish to - surely you can't find anything appealing with someone like him ; to which you rendered him speechless and a bumbling mess when you pressed your lips against his when he was in the middle of his confession.

                                 Aether shouldn't be this happy with you. He loved you too much to see you hurt when he tells you that he must leave. He was not welcome in this world, he was an outsider, a being not under the authority or influence of any Archons.

     But still, he spent months loving you, caring for you, doing anything to come back to you no matter what is thrown at him. He loved having you in his arms when you slept, he loved watching the stars with you at night, he loved you even with the inevitable arguments you two have - Aether was utterly and hopeless in love with you.

                     And thus, he decided to tell you what will happen after he finds his sister.

                      He knew he would be heart broken in seeing you cry, but it hurt more to see you smile at to him so genuinely and embraced him, saying, "You used to doubt you'll ever find your sister. It broke my heart everyday seeing you so hopeless, and I - " You composed yourself, shaking your head as your tried to gather your thoughts. " - now look at you," You cupped his cheek, the corners of your eyes wrinkling as your smile broadened. "I always knew the day will come when you have to leave me. When you told me you weren't from this world, I knew then I'll have to let go of you someday. But until that day comes - Aether - "

               What a shock it came to him when you got down on one knee and presented to him a glittering ring - there was unconditional love and hope in your eyes. It was like looking back at his reflection. "Marry me, Aether, let me make you happy for the rest of the days we still have remaining until you leave."

                                   Aether can never say no to you.

To his surprise, Master Diluc has already agreed to host your wedding at Dawn Winery. Aether was puzzled as to why he seemed unsurprised by the news of his engagement with you, and the Claymore wielding male answered, "( Your Name ) came to me for help when she planned to propose to you."

Aether knew Diluc, as much as possible, wanted to be alone. A lone wolf, he was. But with gratitude for what he has done, he asked him to be his best man. Diluc was startled by this requests but obliged. The red head might not show it but he was immensely flattered by Aether asking him to be his best now (and now time to subtly show it off to Kaeya).

At the day of the wedding, contrary to what he thought he would feel, Aether woke up with his an ache in his chest. He found himself looking out the window of his room, torn between his happiness and sorrow.

In a few hours, Aether will be able to adorn a ring on your finger, symbolizing your promises with one another. He shall be granted the sole blessing of calling your his wife. It was something he was looking forward to - seeing you in your wedding dress, watching as you walk down the aisle -

But Aether's mind kept drifting back to his sister - She would have wanted to be here. He thought.

Aether felt like he was committing a crime when he decided to take a walk just hours before his wedding. But he needed to clear his mind. Lumine never left his mind. He always thought that they would always be there for one another, or at least in big moments like this.

And yet she was still nowhere to be seen.

Is she still alive? Have I been wasting time? Is she still in danger? Is she lost in Teyvat as well?

"Didn't expect to run into you here."

His body tensed when he heard your voice, and he twirled around only to have his breath taken away.

You stood before him in the white dress he had longed to see ever since you proposed to him. He thought he would see a frown on your face, dismayed for his impromptu walk, but you wore a soft smile - a soft and understanding smile.

Aether did know what to say to you. He just stared at you, overwhelmed.

He opened his mouth to speak but he couldn't say anything. His shoulders slumped, and he sighed.

You approached him and kissed his cheek. He hummed in delight, eyes closing. "I hope you're not having second thoughts on marrying me." You told him.

Aether was quick to respond. He took your hand in his and kissed your knuckles. He looked into your eyes with affirming hues, "There is nothing I'm more sure of than marrying you."

You beamed at him. Seeing your face brighten up is always a beautiful sight for Aether, and it was enough for him to feel enlightened in the midst of his internal crisis.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Of course you can already tell something is bothering him. Aether shook his head. He has already ruined a small part of what is supposed to be a perfect day, he can't risk another mistake.

"I'm not going to push you to tell me anything." You stated.

Aether smiled. "Thank you." He replied. He gazed at you for a little while, taking you in. "Why are you out here anyway? And in your wedding dress too."

Your eyes widened and you looked down to assess his evaluation. "Oh Archons," You mewled. "I forgot I was wearing this." You let out a groan. "Great, now my surprise is ruined. I won't be able to see you cry when you see me walk down the aisle."

He laughed a little. "But still happy as ever to see you." He said. "So why are you outside?"

"Just . . . " You began, and Aether can detect a hint of nervousness in your voice. " . . . picking some flowers."

"I thought we already ordered flowers." Aether thought, frowning. "Did someone forget to deliver the flowers? I can call someone if - "

"No, I just wanted to pick some flowers, randomly. Like how you wanted to take a walk, randomly."

He looked at you with hesitant eyes. He didn't believe you. There was something hidden behind your motive to be out here. But like how you didn't press him with what was the problem, he did the same for you.

"Okay," He breathed out. "What flowers did you pick then?"

Aether's breath hitched when you pulled out a bundle of Windwheel Asters and several more flowers that was all too familiar with him.

He stared at the white flowers that combined with your Windwheel Asters, the very flowers that he remembered adorned his sister's hair.

"Aether? Aether are you okay?"

He stared at you with glistening eyes, his heart blossoming with adoration and gratitude. Without even meaning to, you managed to make everything alright.

"Yeah," He smiled at you. "I'm okay."

Aether thought when he stood at the altar, he would have Diluc trying to soothe his nerves as his insecurities slowly sink in his mind. But it didn't happen. Diluc merely stood by him with a relaxed expression, glancing at him every now and then.

"You don't look nervous at all." Diluc remarked.

Aether chuckled. "This is the only decision I fully know I won't regret."

Aether felt like it was his first time seeing you in your wedding dress. His heart was filled with the brim with utmost joy, but what caught his attention was the bouquet of flowers in your hands.

You told him before that you will have roses as your bouquet, but to his surprise, he can see the Windwheel Asters and the white flowers that reminded him of his sister.

His emotions was all over the place. He had no idea how he could look so calm. Somehow he managed to hold himself together until you finally stood before him.

When you stared at him behind the veil, he couldn't take it anymore. You were too perfect. How could he be so blessed with you?

Tears sprung to his eyes when you reached out to take his hands in yours. He retracted one of them to rub his arm across his eyes, wiping away the wetness that streamed to his face.

Why am I crying like a child in my wedding? Stop it!

He couldn't.

He only cried harder when you leaned forward, removed his arm from his eyes, made him look into your vibrant hues, to give a small peck on his lips - "You're okay, Aether."

     BENNETT

                 Bennett understood his bad luck more than anyone. He had lived with and through it his entire life he graced the surface of the earth. It was almost pitiful to see the boy smiling ever so brightly as misfortune after misfortune comes hurtling his way, but to him? It was an everyday and normal occurrence, nothing he hasn't seen or experienced before. His spirits has never let their roaring flame vanish, however, and if it had not been for his bad luck, everyone would have been drawn to his warm, welcoming, affable, and cheerful soul.

                                 But just because he was used to the constant array of debacle thrown his way, doesn't mean there were never days where he won't be upset over everything it brought to his life, and others as well, and wonder how long it will take until his unluckiness will lead him back to the very situation he was rescued from when he was a mere baby.

          He forgot how long it was when he had experienced something good, miraculously so. The only time he can recall being so was when he encountered the Honorary Knight, convened with them as a temporary adventure team, and found a treasure chest containing items he has only dreamed of in his sleep deep within a domain. However, that was many moons ago, and nothing has ever compared to it ever since. The moment he departed from the Honorary Knight, his bad luck came instantly to bite him.

                 It was far too long ago. Sometimes, Bennett wondered if that would be the only good thing that can happen to him in his lifetime, and thank the Archons he was wrong because the very worst day that came upon him is a day he will never exchange for another - the day he met you. When it was raining, thunder in the distance, lightning striking trees and soil, his bruised and bleeding form hardly covered under a small and flimsy tent, you graced him with your presence, and an umbrella which you used to cover both of you.

                                    He had never stopped admiring you ever since. His eyes always followed you, wide and shining. He remembered the warmth in his chest and the redness tinting his cheeks when you brought him to your abode and treated his wounds with care gentler than the Deaconess. When he told you what happened to him, he anticipated to he shoved out of the house immediately and have your front door slammed on his face, but you did not. When he warned you about his curse, telling you how you will be affected when you spend a little too much time with him, the look of fright did not cross your visage and you even insisted that he not leave your house until you were sure he was capable of moving without pain, even if you had instantly been affected by his unluckiness (you pricked your finger quite badly when you were stitching a deep wound of his. He always felt guilty for that and has not stopped offering his apologies whenever it pricks the corner of his mind).

                   Other than the team of adventurers who had saved him from peril when he was a baby, it was difficult to find someone who will stay with him, through bad times and more of it. One cannot simply imagine and comprehend the confusion and happiness that seized him when he found out you were spending more and more time with him, not out pity but because you enjoy his company (which was weird, but he'll take it).

                              You possessed no Vision, but Bennett never saw you in an inferior light. In fact, it impressed him how you can hold yourself without the aid of any power. Enemies took a little longer to eradicate but ultimately, you were always successful. He held you in high regard, and very much like a certain blond traveler, the poor boy thought it was merely friendship and respect he felt towards you. After all, wouldn't a friend accompany him in his adventures no matter what disappointing or gratifying the outcome is? Wouldn't a friend prepare meals for him before he goes off on a solo expedition? Wouldn't a friend stay up late up waiting for him to return after? Wouldn't a friend welcome him by the entrance of Mondstadt upon his arrival? Wouldn't a friend give him butterflies in his stomach? Wouldn't a friend make his heart pound in a way

                  It had taken the Traveler and his floating companion for Bennett to learn about how exactly he was feeling for you.

           He liked you, and not in the way he liked the traveler or Razor - he liked liked you.

                               When he realized about his feelings, Bennett nearly short circuit every time you go near him. His face flush a rich color of vermillion, his confident posture stripped down to a coy and uncertain stance, his eyes darted and never meeting yours for too long, a sheepish smile painted over his brims - Bennett had never felt this way before. It was foreign to him - liking someone - and it was worse for him because you were his one of his few friends (you, Razor, the Traveler and their floating friend), and having you withdraw from him if you ever learned his feelings frightened him more than any Ruin Guard could.

    He didn't bother entertaining the idea of you returning his feelings. With his bad luck, it was bound to end in a rejection, and he didn't believe he had the heart to accept the hurt that would come.

                 Bennett tried to keep his feeling a secret, he really, genuinely, did. He locked his feelings for you in a box and stowed away somewhere behind his mind. But it didn't take you too long to catch on. Bennett's theatrics wasn't as impenetrable as he originally thought because there was no other reason for you to corner him in a street in Mondstadt after he tried to avoid crossing paths with you, and admit your feelings to him.

                                  "( Your Name )," Stuttered Bennett, eyes darting to the side to avoid your eyes as he pressed his back against the wall behind him. You gazed at him, a tint of red over your cheek.

                 Archon, how are you so adorable?

                   "Uh, hi," He greeted meekly, as he rubbed the back of his head. "I-I was just about to leave for an adventure - "

                               "Bennett," You spoke, and he froze at the tone of your voice.

                   He looked at you properly, gulping. Shy eyes, shy smile, shy, shy, shy - and yet somehow, Bennett thought the worse - that you found out about his feelings and was about to turn him down.

          He almost got down on his knees and press his hands together in a praying position, head bowed, and beg to keep your friendship. It didn't matter if you did not share his feelings. You were more important than his stupid feelings. He can deal with the hurt of rejection that will soon to come, but losing you completely? Can he even come to terms with that?

                                But before he can do such humiliating display, you leaned in and pressed a kiss on his cheek,

                  It was almost too good to be true, and with someone like him, Bennett had to take a moment to comprehend what has happened. His feelings were reciprocated, opposite of what should have been considering his dilemma. How can this be? He was sure your friendship would be put to an end when you learn about what he felt for you. How did you even know that he liked you? Has he been too obvious? Surely not (he was). Perhaps you were merely toying with him, discovering his feelings and choosing to use it as a way to alleviate your boredom -

                                           Horror struck him when he processed the message behind his doubt. How could he think so little of you? Someone as sweet and kind as you would be repulsed by the intention of the actions he thought you were presenting to him. Prideful as this may sound, Bennett believed he knew you enough to know you were sincere in everything you do.

            But even if both your feelings are revealed to be mutual, the two of you agreed to wait until a certain age before forming a romantic relationship. The two of you are young and there are a lot more the world can offer outside Mondstadt. There are countless of opportunities to grow and be mature, to be able to have a set of qualities to take of one another.

                            But that didn't mean the two of you easily managed to hold back showcasing your favor for the other. Bennett will always find himself exchanging secret glances and smile with you whenever a third party joins in on your adventure. He would stick by your side in situations he think could potentially lead you to a major injury. He will attempt (and fail, unfortunately) to whip you up with something delicious when he has free time. And you did the same to him.

                  With you, there was never a time where his heart wasn't beating against his chest. He can't stop himself from bounding recklessly through his adventures whenever you accompany him, although he will still keep a close eye on you just in case something bad happens to you (but it's always him who ends up injured).

                                              But what he liked the most are the kisses the two of you share. Short, chaste, and shy - whether it be behind closed doors, when others are looking away, or when the two of you set of on an adventure.

            Bennett would lay in his bed with a smile on his face, his thundering heart preventing him from sleeping. He'll often find himself burying his face against his pillow, grinning from ear to ear.

                         This smile was different. This wasn't smile that he usually wore, the kind of smile that persevered through hardship after another. No, it was the sort of smile that was too carefree and too full of utmost joy, no worries or doubts in his heart. Everyday he always woke up to the excitement of adventure, but now, the excitement of it and seeing you once again always had him brimming with the want for the night to be over with so he can chase after his dreams with you. Chasing his dreams with you, what a life.

      His world is full of a bad luck, but he thanked the Archons for giving him someone he can depend on in the troubling waters he always he seem to drown in.

Bennett, embarrassing it may sound, often laid on his bed imagining about marrying you.

He can see himself making a fool out of himself when he gets down on one knee and propose to you. It'll be set in the most beautiful place he discovered in one of his adventure, somewhere quiet. Like maybe on top of a mountain overseeing a vast field.

Because of his bad luck, he'll try to prepare for every outcome. To be very sure everything will be saved, he made sure he created a plan B for his plan A, a plan C for his plan B, and so on, and so forth.

He can imagine himself fumbling over his words, blushing a bright red was made prominent because of his white hair, holding a bunch of hand picked flowers a little too tightly, sweat pouring from his face, his suit and hair a little ruffled -

If you say yes (spoiler alert, you will), he will most probably go haywire with shock and happiness, causing him to drop the ring down the mountain, and the two of you will spend quite some time looking for it. But in the end, you two will find it somewhere deep underground or deep underwater (to which you will ask help to retrieve) (Bennett offered to go down to get the ring but you can’t take any chances) and then you can start planning the wedding.

If Bennett had backup plans for his proposal, then expect there'll be much more backups with your wedding. He needed this day to be perfect for you, and his bad luck won't stop him from providing it for you. Even if he had to fight through horde after horde of Hilichurls (please stop him when he does, he definitely will do that for you), making you happy is his top priority.

Bennett will be extremely anxious the day before the wedding. He'll be pacing around his room, and has half a mind of running over to your place and spending the night there to reassure himself that you still want to marry him, and that you’re absolutely sure you want to spend the rest of your life with him. It will be Razor - who the Traveler spent hours teaching the basic information of the role of Best Man to - who will calm his nerves. He’ll stop Bennett from reaching your house and carry him back to his own, and giving him a lecture (he did his best) like the best man he was.

Was he having second thoughts on marrying you? No way! He will just be nervous about how the wedding will go. With his bad luck, something horrible is bound to happen.

At the day of the wedding, Bennett can imagine himself constantly seeking reassurance from his best man.

"What if I mess up?" Questions Bennett to Razor, anxious hands fiddling with his tie.

"Messing up is . . . normal." Razor will reassure him, but Bennett will shake his head.

“But it's me. When I mess up, it's always . . . catastrophic . . . ”

Bennett hoped that at least for his wedding way, everything will go smoothly. A perfect day, for you and for him. He won't embarrass you or himself. He won't forget the rings, he won't have his clothes tucked inside out, he will not spill any food or drinks on himself or on his guests, there will be no random Hilichurl attacks - none of that.

He really hoped for the Archons to spare him from his bad luck. 

He will be able to stand by the altar with confidence and a smile, waiting for you to walk down the aisle.

As Bennett is consumed with his thoughts, his eyes drew to the small table at the side of his bed and caught sight of the picture of the two of you perched on the surface. It was a picture you took with a kamera after one of his adventures. The two of you smiling happily as he showcased the loot of vegetables and wheat he gathered in numerous luxurious chests. It was good day, that picture was. He found more resources than usual. Of course, he learned from the Traveler that most of the chest they found contained treasures but hey, vegetables are better than nothing, right?

Bennett stared at your smiling face and can feel the heat creep on his cheeks as he imagined you in a pretty, white wedding dress, smiling at him so shyly and cute - oh, Archons, help him. May them have mercy on him. Of course, you always looked pretty to him - so, so pretty - but in your wedding day? Archons, he doesn't know if he can take that. It'll be too much for his big heart.

He can only imagine how your wedding will play out, but there is one thing he was sure of and that is that he will burst into tears once he laid his eyes upon you - and not the soft cry most men do in their wedding, oh, not at all like that. His heart is too big with too much love for you, and too soft to control his emotions properly.

Bennett will cry (bawl, actually), his tears of joy coming in streams, and it was loud enough for strangers to think he was grieving over a deceased loved one. He was hiccupping and sobbing, will probably be holding on to his vest tightly as if his entire lifeline depended on the pressure of how he crumpled the fabric. He hoped that in that time, Razor or the Traveler will lend him a hand and calm him down before he can ruin his own wedding.

Bennett, as he happily imagined that fateful day to come in the future (spoilers again, it will) did not feel a tear slip from the corner of his eye as he drifted off to a pleasant slumber with a beaming smile.

The boy absolutely adores you.

[captainsspnanon]

C3E38 reaction

Reaction will be written a bit funky, apologies.  I watched most of it last night and finished it just a bit ago.

I suspected we’d still get the resurrection ritual, and I’m glad we did.  I admit I’ve missed these, and am not adverse to having a few throughout a campaign.  Biggest thing to say for this is I really do like how FCG is turning out.  He was a bit harsh during the ritual, they even used a forceful spell to try to bring Laudna back.  I didn’t doubt Sam’s ability to make a compelling character, but I did underestimate him by considering that the twist of FCG attacking Dancer and being an Aeormaton was the extent of it.

Marisha spoke in the 4SD about how she was looking forwards to playing Laudna a bit different after this experience.  I’m looking forwards to see how she chooses to incorporate this into the RP.  Laudna still felt basically the same to me this time around, but her changing of the Form of Dread I’m sure will lead to more growth and RP.  (I both am and am not surprised that Delilah isn’t fully gone.  I’d have been surprised if she was considering how much Marisha probably tied into it for the backstory and expected RP.  Again, looking forwards to see how Marisha utilizes this to further Laudna.)

Vex and Percy once again feel completely on point for me, especially Percy this time around.  Matt deserves ALL the props.

YAY SUNTREE MATT

Of COURSE they try to see Gilmore, I shouldn’t have been surprised.  However, let this be a reminder that I fully believe that Travis does NOT hate shopping episodes at all, as Matt is the one to brush it to an offscreen scene with Travis then trying to lead it into RP.  He doesn’t like the shopping involving outfits and stuff, sure, but shopping involving magic shit?  He’s all over it and he’s been at least throughout C2 as well.  I don’t have enough memory of C1 to see if he enjoyed it after the group.... rebalanced, so to speak.

No comments about Pate the Imp except I am more than slightly disturbed, and that the same time it’s utterly perfect.

FCG and the Changebringer, talk about something I never would have called and yet is EXACTLY what the character needed.  I wonder if Sam and Matt had discussed having FCG slowly come into faith as a part of the pre-build, or if this was just an offering that Matt made that Sam took up with both hands. Truly an absolutely beautiful scene, even with FCG/Sam struggling to figure out how to do an offering without giving up their necessary materials.  I wonder if FCG will start collecting small things for offerings now?

LOL OF COURSE IMOGEN HAS A DREAM

I called Eshteross as soon as Matt described a more masculine warrior, and while I was 98% sure he was dead, confirmation to 100% was as soon as Imogen cast Sending and there was no response.  I’m sure the rest of the cast knew it as well, but they did a fantastic job of not metagaming it and RPing like maybe he was asleep.

Lovely slow build of the reveal of the battle and result, very much appreciated.  I’m sad that he’s dead, but it adds to the more deadly campaign that they were going into for C3 and also adds a bit of uncertainty with no longer having a guide.  On the other hand, they’ve got a skyship now.

Random thoughts:

Sam failing at Sending was wonderful wonderful justice for how frequently he teased Laura over it.  The perfect revenge.

During part of the aftermath of the resurrection ritual and Laudna coming back to life, I suddenly had the thought that maybe of the gods of the two forgotten ones was the original god of death before the Raven Queen ascended.  I’m sure this is not an original idea, but I don’t recall reading it before, so we’ll see.

Percy, Vex, and Pike having invisible guards and the whole army out front in case it was Delilah was PERFECT.

Fearne trying to steal Pike’s emblem was ALSO perfect but I’m also very relieved that she didn’t actually steal it.  It would have been incredibly funny, but I’d also feel bad for Pike.

[marunalu]

I dont know, I feel like if Hori wanted to humanize All for One by having him pull off a Darth Vader death thing he would've hinted at it by now. Star wars hinted at Anakin being a good man since the beginning of the trilogy, who we later learn was corrupted by the dark side, we have had no hints of there being a good man underneath All for Ones villain persona. The only hints of humanity we get is his love for his brother, but even that's twisted and cruel considering what he ends up doing to Yoichi. I feel like there's been no set up, and if it does happen it would kind of be coming out of no where. I know he hasn't been ruthless to Izuku like he has with the other OFA holders, but still. I could be wrong. The manga could go any way though, so it's best to be prepared for anything.

The thing is we DO know that afo wasnt always like that! He and yoichi were once very close to each other and did spend their time together, liked the same things like reading comic books together. Just like afo, yoichi once LOVED his brother (and I would go as far, that a tiny part of him still does). That simple knowledge humanizes afo to a big extent already. He was once a person worth to be loved. He was once a good or lets say better person. He wasnt like that from the beginning, he TURNED into that monster because of certain circumstances at the dawn of quirks, when every day could be the last one for you if you had a power.

Back then when the first star wars trilogy was released, people only knew 2 things of anakin before he turned into vader. That he was once a good man, a jedi and got corupted by the dark side. There was no other information! No other explaination. People had to be fine with the little info we got. Only the prequel thrilogy finally explained what exactly happened.

With afo its similar. The only things we know about him before he turned into a villain is, that he was once not a bad person and was loved by his brother he also dearly loved back (in a unhealthy way, but to him it was still love). That already humanizes him just like the only 2 good things we knew about anakin humanized vader. The only difference is, that we still dont have a full backstory that explains what exactly happened! Then there is the big posebility of him being izukus father.

People back then didnt care for vader, but they cared for luke and because luke cared about his father and wanted him to come back to the light side, the audience wanted the same thing to happen. Not because of vader (people loved him as a villain), but because of luke! So if afo is izukus father and izuku wants his father to become a good man again, I think most of the readers will want the same. Not for afo, but for izuku, because we want izuku to be happy. If afo deserves a redemtion or not is a different story!

All for one shows clear signs that he cares about izukus wellbeing, not only because he treats him softer then all the other ofa users before him. Afo had zero problems with killing en, a boy of izukus age, when en STILL had ofa and hasnt given the quirk away yet. He doesnt trigger danger sense around izuku. He gave him multible warnings about him choosing a thorny path, rants to him about how society sucks to explain himself, he doesnt mock him unlike the other ofa users before him, when he pushed izuku away with AIR CANON, his most powerful attack, in the first war arc, izuku had not a single scratch from that and instead it was afos hand that startet bleeding and shaking. That didnt happen when he used air canon at all might in kamino. He was holding the true destruction power of the quirk back! Because he doesnt want to hurt izuku. He wants him on HIS side! So there are already enough hints and way more then just the few I just mentioned.

[the-nysh]

I'm not a webcomic reader, just looked through it so I have a question: are there any differences between manga Garou and wc Garou when it comes to their features of character and not the plot lines?

So their fundamental core characters are the same, but the real estate allotted to his character + his relationships with others have all expanded, which means so have the circumstances, set-up, and presentation of what happens to his character have all changed to be different from the wc's trajectory too.

The biggest difference is that manga Garou's hero side has been made much more explicitly clear (likely even for his future path) - repeatedly spelled out (handheld) in our faces even, compared to more of the subtlety/mystery/ambiguity of his char's identity in the wc. How far will he go to maintain the ‘monster’ act while denying who he really is? ONE chose not to hide his softer 'antihero' true nature to only be revealed/exposed -to him and us- at the end anymore (as wc readers would already know 'the twist'), but further humanized him along the way, into more of a well-rounded, fully realized character who earns more of the (upgraded) sympathetic 'protagonist' spotlight during his arc. Where manga Garou's allowed to express the full 3-dimensional range of the emotional spectrum. From the cool and badass moments, to the fun and silly (he gets to be a nerd! and a goof!), to the tragic and triumphant, to the genuinely heartwarming and heartbreaking. All 0-100 and back. Compared to his more limited range in the wc, where those same traits were still there, just not as pronounced or explored. (Where now we have far more expanded information on Garou and his past lore/history, compared to even Saitama or Genos. :O And that's saying something.)

ONE has capitalized on his 'gap moe' appeal that Japanese readers love and have always seen as cute/endearing about him. So manga Garou behaves much more obviously/classically tsundere, to full comedic, ironic, and endearing effect. And for physical traits, he gets to keep his facial scar and defining 'wolf hair' in the post-arc, that wc Garou did not.

His relationships with Tareo & Bang have greatly expanded. (He also never interacted with Metal Bat in the wc either.) Wc Tareo used to be a stranger ugly kid who wasn't even named. Wc Garou still went out of his way to save him, but not to the same extent or established context of their friendship in the manga. Wc Tareo's favorite hero/role model used to be Child Emperor, but that has been completely removed for Tareo seeing Garou has his coolest/Greatest Hero instead. :')) While Tareo's importance to Garou - both for his char development and as his grounding, emotional anchor to his humanity, has become far more thematically emphasized. Wc Bang and Garou's relationship was quite lacking and never got the closure (or chance to reconcile) that they deserved. :') While in the manga it's portrayed as more of an estranged father-son relationship, where both sides yearn to reconnect what was broken, and Garou deep-down craves for Bang's actual support & validation for once. The way ONE decided to actually give him that in the end (more of the emotional support from Bang he needs, for the chance to heal and be happier) over his continued alienation alone as a fugitive in the wc, is such a significant change (hope vs uncertainty, suffering, hardship) feeling like the actual ‘blessing’ from god-ONE leaving off on a far more positive/healthy note.

But cause ONE was dead-set on presenting manga Garou as a (conflicted, misguided) 'good guy' who's clearly heroic/pure of heart (who's likely to remain involved in the plot or to become a hero in the future), displayed at his strongest when he chooses to ‘follow his heart’ putting everything else aside to save Bang & Tareo, that meant for him to still do anything morally questionable or believably 'evil’ in contrast, several compromises and tradeoffs had to be made. Mainly, as his character was set up, he could no longer actually do those 'bad' things as Himself anymore - THAT became the biggest divergence.

As wc Garou's agency/awareness of his own actions was never called into question; he did everything consciously alert under his own power. :O He was still confused of the changes happening to him for sure (also his hair literally turned into horns with a completely different ‘monster’ design), while figuring out what he wants as he goes - venting all his motivations in his verbose speeches at the end, but he still pressed on with a purpose. He never showed signs of feral 'sleep-walking,' doing things unknowingly/accidentally, or idle susceptibility to having his choice/control removed or taken from him. The fact wc Garou's most brutal attacks on the heroes were given to the monster cadres instead, and that manga Garou never fought/humbled the entire S Class, but needed to be literally unconscious (vs Darkshine and Bang) or forcibly corrupted under the influence (against his will & understanding) for anything 'bad' to happen says a lot. As that change actually removes much of manga Garou's culpability and muddles his actual accountability. (If ONE wants to explore the new in-universe ambiguity of that drama during his 'rehabilitation' later.) Especially when manga Garou became a trapped victim to god's True Evil cosmic mindrape (and takes all the blame upon himself for being weak, even for refusing/resisting/enduring that trauma as a survivor....now that's horrifically unfair.)

Wc Garou purposely leaving the heroes he fought alive, never wanting to kill a human, was a defining 'soft' trait (retaining his humanity) and mark of the moral line he refused to cross. This was so important to uphold, despite how 'evil' and vicious his (performative) actions appeared to be. Which was also consistent with manga Garou (as Himself) for the entire time he kept up the act too, until the inserted god thing completely threw that out the window, forcibly taking the choice away from him (as it was impossible in manga Garou’s nature to do this otherwise), in the most grievous 180 violation departure of his char to anyone who actually knows him (Bang, Blast, and later Saitama all recognized this Wasn't Him despite his claims), for the full shock of the trope 'ooc is serious business' to be put into play for real - as Saitama failed to take him seriously, with doomed repercussions for everybody. D: Even canon itself agreed this development never should have happened.

Saitama vs Garou went completely differently (no one died, the battle was localized and contained to martial arts skills only without any portal/space/nuclear/time superpowers, several heroes were still conscious to witness Saitama’s strength, everyone but Saitama wanted to execute Garou, etc), that I recommend you see the wc for yourself to understand all the differences and controversies, or even just to feel how the ‘vibe’ changed. Wc Garou being one-sidedly beaten with his whole ideology deconstructed and broken til he loses the will to live (til he’s saved by Tareo) was certainly something. And him becoming suicidal in the manga was also played with, but if there’s one feature I’m proud of manga Garou for, is that even after being physically beaten and suffering the horrific (sobering & distraught) realization he accidentally killed Tareo (!!!!)....he still resolved to reach out with the leading plan to help save the world (choosing to take action and sacrifice himself as a hero), vs wc Garou who lost his sense of purpose and no longer knew what to do. :’)) Manga Garou’s core motivations were also not totally broken in the reverted timeline either, so his unresolved feelings will likely remain valid & relevant in the events coming forward.