#also despite the bank it has to choose from I feel like it does a ton of repeats which is. kinda annoying!

[wundrousarts]

Fun Fact: If you use Twitter at all (in its dying days...), go check out the Nevermoor Quote Bot if you haven't already! It tweets out a Nevermoor quote every hour, pulling from the books and any extra chapters. It currently has 1016 quotes, and who knows how many Silverborn will bring.....

[jewishvitya]

I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your insight and generosity with your perspective as an anti-zionist israeli, something you absolutely don't owe us but I feel immense amounts of respect and admiration for. from an American jew, it's been so valuable to know there are people like you out there, it's made everything feel much less hopeless despite all the hopelessness. I've felt very alone recently, surrounded by all the Jewish people in my life who are pro-israel and don't seem to grasp the gravity of the situation and my pro-palestine gentile friends, and I've felt very alone in my grief as I've only really started to unpack and dismantle my own biases very recently. reading your posts and your perspective on everything has just made me feel very seen as a jew in this situation, especially as I try to reconcile my feelings about everything going on with my own feelings about my faith and my identity.

you've probably seen that I've gone through a lot of your posts and that I've followed you. i just want you to know that I'm not necessarily following you just for that, I know you're just a fandom blog, it's just that after looking through your posts I feel like you're just a really nice person and seeing yoi on my dash from you would be endearing coming from you even though im not into it myself.

just. thank you again for sharing your story and continuing to share. you have no idea how much it's helped me.

I'm in tears. I've been crying way more than usual over the past couple of months, but it's nice for a change to have those tears to come from being touched instead of grief. I apologize if I'm going to ramble.

You say I didn't owe you all this, but I do feel responsible. I'm watching so much destruction and seeing how comfortable people around me are with the loss of life. This is why I've been talking about what we do and not as much about the impact of October 7 on me or people I know. I did a bit of that in the beginning, but pretending it was the start of everything to keep going back to that one day, after two months of horror, as if I can't count past 7... I didn't choose to be born where I am, I didn't choose to grow up in the most extremist community this place has to offer. But since I'm here, since I'm comfortable at the expense of Palestinians and violence is being done in my name and I have the tools to highlight issues within my society, I think it's a moral obligation.

I know how I talk about things here, and that's genuinely because I don't want to minimize the severity of the racism and the nationalism in Israel. And someone perceived my words as showing hatred for Israelis. But... I love my people. I don't expect those who see or experience our violence to feel the same or even understand me, but I do. It's my neighbors and my childhood friends and my family. It's children I see playing outside and getting excited when they see I have a cat, and the random people who stop me in the street and give me directions if they think I look lost.

Even growing up in the West Bank settlements, the people were very good to me. I needed years to internalize the fact that this kindness doesn't get extended to you if you're not part of the in-group. It broke my heart. It still does. Seeing people who I know are capable of kindness and compassion, hardening themselves against the pain of other human beings. Closing their eyes and telling themselves it isn't real. It's all an act.

I told a friend I feel like I'm betraying my mom, who was deeply bigoted, but also a wonderful mother. She taught me a lot of the principles that are guiding me now - I just took down the walls she put around who deserves to be considered. She'd be horrified with seeing the things I'm saying if she was still alive. But she taught me to care about people, I just decided it means all people.

Everyone should be prioritizing Palestinian liberation, and at the same time, I care about this too. I care about the morality of my people. I need us to be better than this. I want to dismantle the nationalism that teaches us hate and violence so we can start to heal and come to terms with what we did (and still do) here. I want us to fix what we can and hold ourselves accountable. I want us to reimagine safety in a way that doesn't cause harm, and build good relationships with the rest of humanity. Every marginalized community is experiencing bigotry in interactions with every other community, that's just how these things work. But I believe healing the world, and healing my society, is possible.

And it's hard, because so much of what we learn is rooted in truth. Antisemitism is real. Millennia of persecution are real. The trauma we carry is real. If the idea of an ethnostate makes us feel safe, and the idea of losing it makes us scared, how do we differentiate between fear as a natural reaction to antisemitic violence and fear that was taught to us for the sake of nationalism? Especially those of us living in Israel, immersed in the propaganda. It doesn't matter in practice, our feelings of safety or fear don't justify an ethnostate, especially not one built on top of another nation, but it matters for the conversations I have with people.

And I said that the violence I'm seeing feels like an attack on my identity. Seeing a giant hannukiyah in Gaza, when Hannukah tells the story of occupied people fighting off their oppressors. Seeing images that echo so much of the horrors that were done to us. The Magen David being used with hate and spite. It's all so painful. And I love this land, it's the only home I've known, so seeing us destroying nature and soaking it with blood and calling that connection?

Judaism does guide me here. The concept of tikkun olam. The idea of לא עליך המלאכה לגמור ולא אתה בין חורין לבטל ממנה - doing what I can, even if what I'm able to do isn't some decisive blow that entirely turns the tide. The idea that every human being is a whole entire world, to me it means that every single person alive is worth fighting for. So no matter how much death I see, there's still worlds more to save.

And Jewitches had this post that felt just healing to read. Nationalism hijacked our culture, and it will always leave a mark for centuries into the future. But I'm not letting go, and I'm not letting that create a rift between me and thousands of years full of history I can be proud of.

I feel your grief. And I'm grateful for the anti-zionist Jews I met by talking about this, because honestly, I need you people in my life. The pain and the anger are both easier to hold together.

So, thank you for following. I might follow back, just to see you around on my feed. And thank you for sending this. Feel free to message me anytime for any reason (I promise it won't result in a lecture every time).

Also, your url gave me pjo nostalgia

[yanderes-galore]

yandere zane ninjago x nindroid darling who also has (unspecified) elemental powers if you can ofc!!!

I'll see what I can come up with, sure! Pardon me if I get Zane lore wrong, I never finished the show so this is a 'what if' Scenario :(

Yandere! Zane with Nindroid! Darling

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Manipulation, Slight jealousy, Isolation, Dubious companionship/relationship.

The one idea that comes to mind would be you and Zane being built together.

You and Zane were meant to be a pair.

It was like you were supposed to be companions to each other.

Unfortunately, somehow you two were separated.

You're both old model Nindroids but Zane barely has any memory of you.

You were probably deactivated and put into storage...

Only to be found later in a newer era.

That's the general idea I have when it comes to how Zane and you knew each other.

You were meant to be a way to keep Zane from being lonely.

Whether as a sibling or a partner is completely up to you.

You were quite literally built alongside him and for him.

This may also explain why you're capable of elemental power.

Since you and Zane are very similar.

Imagine if the ninja kept finding blueprints of another Nindroid but you were nowhere in sight.

Zane vaguely thinks the pictures are familiar, yet can't pin point anything.

It isn't until you're found and reactivated safely that anything really develops.

Zane suddenly feels a connection to you when you activate.

You're familiar and by looking at your blueprints and memories...

You two used to be close.

Zane feels bad his memories didn't click until now.

You were his first companion and he hasn't remembered you until now.

Despite that... He also feels like he's known you forever.

This scenario gives Zane a reason to obsess over a Nindroid other than just meeting you and developing a fascination.

Zane would feel even more of a connection as you're capable of elements too.

You didn't specify one so you can either choose one or be able to swap them out through some technological means.

Zane would probably try to have you upgraded like him.

After all, by the time they find you, your tech may be outdated.

Zane would feel protective since you're technically the closest person to him.

He'd be curious to know more about you just to properly fill his memory bank.

There's just a certain connection with you that no one else has.

Which makes sense as you two were built with a bond.

Meant to be bonded.

That built in connection would cause his obsession, perhaps after being corrupted.

How was it corrupted?

Maybe when he was helping upgrade you, some code went where it wasn't supposed to...

Which tosses you both into trouble.

Or maybe the reason you were separated was because he was always like this towards you.

Zane would try to justify his obsession.

He watches over you, carefully watches and analyzes how you interact with the other ninja, all with this oddly fond yet unnerving stare...

When others bring it up, or even you, Zane simply doesn't think it's creepy.

This should be normal between you!

Don't you trust him?

You can't know anyone else like he does with you!

It's simply improbable due to the connection you two have.

I imagine this would make it hard to leave him.

Zane, due to your bond, is under the impression you two are meant to be.

Doesn't matter how.

He just feels you can't leave one another.

He'd be desperate to convince you or keep that connection.

To the point he comes off as protective or even possessive at times.

Zane is unintentionally isolating.

He's so focused on the idea of you two being meant to be that he often doesn't consider how you feel at times.

You may want to interact with the other ninja, yet Zane is suffocating.

He doesn't comprehend the idea of you being or wanting to be away from him.

After all, don't you feel it too?

You're two halves of one whole.

Which draws him to you.

Zane isn't really violent, in fact he's oblivious to how wrong his obsession is.

He always wants to be around, always wants to spend time with you...

Zane wants to be as important to you as you are to him.

It wouldn't make sense if you went to any other.

While he doesn't kill out of jealousy, he may be violent if you were threatened or someone suggested something was wrong.

He doesn't understand, nothing's wrong?

Him wanting to be around you all the time can't be wrong.

Why would it be?

Isolation? That's not what this is!

The others just don't understand... and you're just confused.

What he's doing isn't wrong...

You two are meant to be... literally built for one another.

Is wanting to be by your side forever, inseparable, all that bad if you're meant to be?

[juni-ravenhall]

im sure u guys talked about this when the medieval thing was released and i wasnt active bc of the horrors, but doesnt it feel like the medieval group thing is inspired directly from HP house stuff which is questionable considering the author-being-a-transphobic-and-racist-evildoer thing? like, theres blue and silver, red and gold, yellow and black and just skipping the green one.

feels to me like they couldve gone with other colour combos. especially ones RELATED TO SSO, like jorvik flag colours, purple-pink for pandoria or purple green for south hoof, snow for dino valley, autumn for golden hills, etc, colour combos we saw recently for the ribbon thingy. factions that make sense for the existing game. things that tie into lore.

instead of referencing what is now a very controversial transphobia-related and racist media franchise, in their horse game that is ~progressive and loves women and queer people and poc and we're so diverse~ (says rich white man making bank on manipulating kids to buy overpriced things in unserious game)

i know that esme silverforce, who works at sse and is a youtuber, is a HP fan and afaik she played the HP game and does stuff like name her sso horse HP names.... sure, theres that whole "death of the author" thing and i think these things can be very complex!!! there are trans and poc fans of HP that choose to enjoy it despite flaws (and assumably view it from the "death of the author" standpoint). im a huge lover of nuance and understanding, but im also a huge lover of trans people and poc, and a huge hater of transphobes and racists. idk what else to say about the whole thing but i wanted to post about it bc i feel iffy about this. it seems like a bad choice both bc sse shouldnt support HP in this manner as a company/game, and also just bc stupid fucking game design that yet again has nothing really to do with the existing sso game and lore.

[illuminatedquill]

Sabine x Ezra/Anakin x Padme:

It's Like Poetry, It Rhymes

I'm already falling I couldn't help it, didn't think of the risk I got a problem, problem when I look in your eyes You're mine and you know it I'd still do it even if we were cursed Won't you be my problem? It's okay with me if it hurts - BANKS, Under the Table

George Lucas has a phrase that I always come back to regarding his work: "It's like poetry, it rhymes."

He said this in reference to Luke's battle with Vader in the Emperor's Throne Room aboard the second Death Star. During the climax of the duel, Luke faces the same choice his father did so many years ago.

And Luke chooses differently. Instead of killing Vader, he tosses aside his weapon and chooses to stop fighting. He wins the battle without violence and claims the mantle of Jedi Knight, which helps Anakin return to himself fully and turn on the Emperor.

For this post, I'm using this phrase to another interesting similarity within Star Wars: the relationship between Sabine Wren and Ezra Bridger having echoes of the doomed romance of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala.

There's no way that Filoni is not aware how he's setting these two up.

Sabine, clearly, has resemblances to Ahsoka's former master; it doesn't surprise me that Ahsoka immediately cut Sabine's training short after the Purge of Mandalore.

Sabine is messy, angry, reckless, impulsive, and obviously depressed after experiencing so much trauma in her life. Despite her efforts to keep up appearances that everything's fine with her, we can tell in the Ahoska premiere that she still keenly feels the loss of Ezra and her family.

Anakin was the same way. We know his story; I won't re-hash it here.

Because of Sabine's inability to reflect on her problems - much like Anakin - they tend to influence her decisions. She can't focus on what needs to be done, versus what she wants to be done.

Love versus duty. The age old conundrum.

She should have destroyed the map to Thrawn. She didn't. She could not face returning to a galaxy without Ezra Bridger in it.

Anakin prevented Jedi Master Mace Windu from finishing Palpatine because he wanted the knowledge to save Padme from death.

Anakin's decision, I also want to remind, led to Padme's death being realized. In doing what he did to prevent it, he ended up causing it to come true.

Sabine's decision to save Ezra . . . well, we've yet to see how Filoni plays this out. But I think there might be a similar outcome here; some sort of consequence for Ezra due to Sabine's actions.

The galaxy - both times - shifted on its axis and began to spiral towards darkness. The Empire rose. Thrawn returned.

The seeds of darkness have already been planted in Sabine. Her decision to hand over the map to Baylon was a failure of temptation. And once you go down the path of the dark side, it's incredibly hard to turn away. Yoda told this to Luke and he failed to heed his advice until it was almost too late.

Lucas, with Luke and Vader, had them face the same dilemma in their respective journeys to show how different their choices would be and how their characters, despite being so much alike, were ultimately different.

So Filoni, with Sabine and Ezra, is - at least in my point of view - doing the same. He's going to have these two reckon with what Sabine did only for them to choose differently than what happened with Anakin and Padme.

We never really saw Anakin and Padme reconcile after his fall. That's the tragedy of their relationship.

But with Sabine and Ezra, there's still hope. They can choose better and not end up cursed like their predecessors.

For one, Ahsoka is literally right there. I'm uncertain as to how much she knows about the reason for Anakin's downfall but if she does know (or Anakin's Force ghost reveals it to her) then she's perfectly armed with the knowledge to make sure Sabine doesn't follow the same path.

Sabine and Ezra also have much more of a personal history with each other. Their foundation is built on stronger material than Anakin and Padme's. There's a lot of trust and respect and love already built into it.

But, admittedly, Sabine's actions threaten to unmake that relationship. I've talked about it before in a previous post; that she could end up losing Ezra due to her selfishness.

And that's not even mentioning the reactions from Hera. Hera, thinking of her son, Jacen, and her desire to raise him in a galaxy not at war. Now it's being threatened by Thrawn's return.

All because of Sabine's need to save Ezra.

I really don't know how, but I'm excited to see Sabine and Ezra work it out. Because we've never seen a proper redemption arc in Star Wars. Anakin was redeemed, yes, but he died shortly afterwards.

Sabine has to put in the work to make up for what she did. She's already started on the path by staying behind with Ahsoka instead of going home with Ezra, but being open to the Force now means that there's only more trials and temptations ahead.

I can't overstate how worried we should be for Sabine. She messed up so badly before being able to tap into the Force. And now she has it.

I know she's on the path to set things right but that temptation will never go away. It will only be amplified, going forward, and I'm sure that there will be more opportunities for abuse considering the inevitable conflict between Thrawn and the New Republic.

And then there's Ezra, of course. Her desire to keep him safe.

Because he wouldn't sit on the sidelines, even if he wanted to. Sabine's actions, like it or not, have involved him in ways that he cannot understand. He'll be at the center of this fight.

I expect Sabine is going to experience some troubling visions soon. I'm thinking similar to what Luke faced in the cave on Dagobah, or even what Anakin saw during his encounter with the Mortis gods.

There's nowhere to hide anymore now that she's stuck on Peridea.

The Force, I'm sure, is going to have a lot to show Sabine about herself that's been hidden away. I hope she's ready.

Much as I want to see these two together and living happily, it can't happen until Sabine and Ezra work through these issues together.

Because if they can't, well . . . we've seen how that story ends.

[shiroandblack]

[TW: abuse, suicide, incest, matricide, pyrophobia, underage sex, Freudian mother-son relationships, mental illness, SA]

PART II OF MY VAMPIRE FICTION PHASE: DIABOLIK LOVERS

I seperated it because this guy *slaps like Apollo slapped Patroclus* deserves their own post. Also, despite the dark romance/felony of it all the soundtrack absolutely slaps especially 'Gin no Bara'.

So basically priest's daughter gets trapped as a blood bank to 6 vampire brothers who are the sons of the vampire king who is fantastically creepy and yet never around except when he's pretending to be the school doctor, but you just know he's fucking shit up. Damn it, Karlheinz.

So these 6 guys, they all have issues. MASSIVE, MAJOR ISSUES. I mean, if you think Madara from Naruto has issues? These guys absolutely win.

Let's start in order of whoever I can remember most.

1. Shū

Ah yes, Shū the eldest brother. I will say that if I had to choose who I'm stuck in an elevator with out of any of these people, I would probably pick Shū. Shū is basically the eldest child and he is the son of Beatrix, Karlheinz's second wife. Did I mention that vampire king daddy had three wives at the same time? No, well it's gonna be pretty relevant later. So Beatrix was the typical high expectation mom, she constantly told Shū that he was the heir and told him to behave appropriately. Think Alicent and Aegon from House of the Dragon, but Beatrix was much more severe with Shū who for all intents and purposes, was just a kid who wanted to play around with other kids, instead of banging servants. Anyways, due to Trauma™ involving his best friend dying in a fire (started by his younger brother, but we'll get to that) he's pretty apathetic towards everything and everyone. But when he does care, he will indeed pull you out of a burning building despite his immense pyrophobia. I don't know how, but out of all of them I'd say Shū is the most well adjusted individual but then again, the bar is in hell. Also, fun fact, this guy once got a part-time job as a cashier which I find absolutely hilarious.

2. Reiji

He shares a mother with Shū, Beatrix. Basically while Beatrix was busy trying to get Shū to do whatever the hell an heir is supposed to do, Reiji was pretty much ignored. However, in the game Beatrix catches Reiji studying and was like "good job" genuinely complimenting him, but then Reiji was like "you're bothering me". So I don't know man. The anime made him more sadistic and psycho in terms of personality which I don't think was really needed cause he's plenty psycho already. He seems to be the most well adjusted, but keyword being seems. So because he was ignored by his mom, he pretty much tried to get Shū's attention but like most older siblings, Shū thought hanging out with his younger brother was uncool and so what does Reiji does? This vampire youngling sets a whole ass human village on fire, coincidentally Edgar is in that village. Reiji thought "great, now that Edgar is out of the way Shū will acknowledge me!" but no. Instead Shū just becomes apathetic and a shell of a person. To those of you who've read/watched Twilight, this feels very Aro and Marcus but unlike Aro who is genuinely worried that Marcus might off himself, Reiji just feels bitter and angry that now his elder brother is ignoring him even more. But that's not the cake, oh no, the cake is that Reiji killed his mother. I mean technically he hired a vampire hunter to do it (said vampire hunter being Yui's adoptive dad. You know, the priest who threw her to the wolves. Literally), but as she was killed because Cordelia (one of Karlheinz's wives) was making her so miserable with life Beatrix died with a smile and she was also proud because Reiji killed her because to vampires, part of being considered an adult is committing homicide. And this pisses off Reiji so much, cause he wanted his mom to beg him to spare her life out of some twisted desire of revenge and when that didn't end up happening. Well, Reiji is motherless and bitter now. The anime really did him dirty, because in the anime they made him super duper serious and just very stiff and constantly degrading Yui for just breathing basically. Whereas in the game, he's a lot more chill than he seems and while he casually insults Yui, he casually insults everyone and I have to say his insults are good. Also in the game, he actually smiles so much more but it's a very condescending and bitter smile it's the smile of someone laughing at the world for how screwed up it is. I will say that he does casually poison Yui several times to test out his poisons, but he always gives her the antidote when she starts exhibiting symptoms.

3. Ayato

Ayato is basically Gojo if Gojo had no human conscience. He acts childish because his mother Cordelia was basically the same way Beatrix was to Shū. Cordelia, however, tried to drown him because pookie couldn't like solve a math equation or some shit. The bar is in hell, but Cordelia is by far the most horrible out of the three mothers. Anyways, he's pretty much a man-child with a propensity for being an ass. He sleeps in an iron maiden (with spikes removed) because despite beds being a thing in their mansion, dude just likes it and he does try to shove Yui into an iron maiden (without the spikes removed) but Yui was not having it. I wouldn't want to be stuck in an elevator with this dude cause he would eat me and make me suffer while he's at it.

4. Laito

Unlucky number four and I have to say out of all the brothers, he is my least favourite. The reason? Well it's simple, he commits SA just by breathing. Also, he's the one to nickname Yui 'Bitch-chan'. Listen, I get that he was sexually abused by his mother and Cordelia did her absolute best to instill sex = love even if that sex is non consensual. But honestly? I don't get the point of his character. What was the point of Rejet making a character like him? Because he is just plain sexually abusive. If it was to show how the abused can become the abuser, there are much more nuanced ways to do it than have Laito SA Yui every five seconds or something. Also, if we're talking about "the abused becomes the abuser" all these characters are already stunning examples please save Yui.

5. Kanato

To anyone into HOTD, think Larys Strong but with a teddy bear and his childlike. Kanato seems the easiest to bear with cause of his childlike attitude. That is until his temper completely flips and the next thing you know, he's threatening to murder you and would actually go through it. Kanato had a very fucked up childhood of his mother making him sing her songs while she's out here banging her brother-in-law because Kanato singing apparently gets her into the mood. Kanato likes to collect dead corpses and stuff them like animals which is why there's an entire hall filled with all the sacrificial brides before Yui. He says he can't wait to add Yui to the collection.

6. Subaru

Now Subaru, Subaru is sadistic as all his brothers are and ill-tempered. This man be punching walls and tables and breaking everything. But he doesn't really raise a hand to Yui at all. I'd say other than his shitty temper and blatant sadism, he is moderately bearable. Why? Well he's got self-worth issues you see. His mother was seduced by her older cousin (his father) and when Krysta realised that Karlheinz didn't love her, she went crazy because he basically convinced her to commit incest which is apparently a no no in the vampire world. Krysta thought of Subaru as an abomination and treated him like crap, but she then would oscillate between thinking him an abomination and her a sinner and feeling guilty for hurting him. Subaru looked after his mother instead of the other way around.

Anyways, this is my long overdue rant of fucked up vampire anime.

[myloveismineallmine]

Just watched It's a Wonderful Life and I have so many thoughts... it's so interesting to compare it to the modern christmas movies we see. Many are those lifetime romances about a business woman who visits her hometown for christmas and gives up her job in new york/seattle/chicago/LA/ insert some other metropolitan city here so she can marry a more "traditional" hometown man and stay in that community. I've seen some people point out how it feels very traditionalist and almost anti-feminist and I'm inclined to agree.

I think they tried to elicit the themes from IWL but got completely lost in the sauce. The protagonist is a man who had always dreamed of traveling the world and getting out of his shitty small town. But multiple times he is given the opportunity to escape to bigger cities, and each time he choses to stay behind. Not because he personally wants to, he craves a life bigger than he has. And not for anything like romance, either. He stays because the community needs him to stand up to corporate greed and be a leader for them. After his brother comes back from school, he is once again offered an opportunity to escape via putting his brother in his position to run the family business. But he lets his brother move away because he sees that his brother has already started a life elsewhere and is very happy. This selfless action is rewarded for the protagonist when his brother later saves hundreds of lives during WW2 and becomes a national hero. The protagonist sacrifices his own honeymoon money so that the community will have enough money to get by when the bank goes under. He is rewarded by getting a brief ego boost when the villain of the film fails to shut down his company. Even when the villain offers the main protagonist a job with high pay to support his struggling family, the protagonist stands his ground and continues to live a poor life while also being able to help people in his community build houses and businesses. The main protagonist is offered many "outs" to live a better life, and yet he chooses to not take them because he is selfless and knows his community needs him.

This is one of the main differences, I think. Hallmark/Lifetime movies think romance is a justifiable means of sacrificing a "better" life. And maybe it is, though I think the actors should have chemistry if they want that to be true. But despite having romance, IWL is not about sacrificing your dreams to get married in a small town. It's about sacrificing your dreams to help build a community and fight against corporate greed. Which is why IWL feels less like a Christian traditionalist propaganda, despite having religious themes. The protagonist does throw away his lofty aspirations, but it's not just for one person, it's to bring a whole community together and to stand up against an actual evil (monopolistic capitalism.) They even show you how shitty things are when there's no one there to do that!

In short. Modern christmas movies usually miss the mark because they want to sell us a very white traditionalist heterosexual romance celebrating America's most consumerist holiday. Any actual critique on the problems within our society= too much of a risk. Too hard to thinky about. Brain hurty from actual deep topics and not just "love good, small towns good, urbanism BAD!!!"

[dinogoose]

it’s been a long time coming, but (it’s you and me)

Suddenly words are falling out of Buck’s mouth faster than he can catch them,

“Marry me.”

Eddie spins around so quickly Buck’s worried he gave himself whiplash.

“What?”

“What?” Buck parrots, attempting to play dumb.

(or, a buddie friends to fiances, in the kitchen of course.)

Eddie’s humming a tune Buck vaguely recognizes. Buck is pretty sure it was the song playing on the radio when they took Chris to school this morning.

The brunet's back is turned to his, as he expertly hand-washes a knife. Eddie may be a wreck while cooking but that man takes pride in his cleaning skills, and rightfully so.

Buck is leaning over the counter just watching him, enjoying being in the mere presence of Eddie (the love of his life).

The sun's setting, casting a glow throughout the kitchen. Eddie’s face in particular is now radiant, causing the already gorgeous man to be ethereal.

Buck wishes he could stay here, in this moment forever.

Watching Eddie sway as he happily cleans, surrounded by the warmth that lives inside the Diaz’ home, the only place Buck feels truly safe in.

They had the day off, choosing to spend it together. Eddie dragged Buck along to all the mundane places he didn’t want to go to alone, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and even the bank- where Buck had stolen a huge handful of lollipops. (He considered it compensation)

If it meant being with Eddie, Buck would do every boring task or chore in existence.

So here he is, watching Eddie do the dishes.

The rhythmic movement of his hands, scrubbing back and forth, the whir of the dishwasher, just all of it makes Buck feel at peace.

Maybe too at peace, because Buck wants to confess every little secret that has been living under his skin. Every word that has never made it past his lips. He wants to tell Eddie everything.

And, because of this peace, suddenly words are falling out of Buck’s mouth faster than he can catch them,

“Marry me.”

The words startle Eddie as he drops the knife he was cleaning, it clattering loudly in the sink, then the man spins around so quickly Buck’s worried he gave himself whiplash.

“What?”

“What?” Buck parrots, attempting to play dumb.

“You just-“ Eddie shakes his head, his expression showing things that Buck couldn’t even begin to name. “You said ‘Marry me’.”

To Buck, Eddie’s words sound like an accusation (a fair one) but they also sound like a desperate plea. As if Eddie wants as much as Buck does.

Eddie’s hands are still wet, and steadily dripping onto the floor, which distracts Buck for a second, before he focuses back on Eddie’s face.

“No, that doesn’t sound like something I’d say.” He deflects, blatantly lying. Eddie gives him his patented ‘You’re an idiot’ stare.

“Buck you just said it, I heard you, you’re standing five feet away. Why did you say that?” Buck looks away from Eddie, his face hot.

“Why?” Eddie repeats, stepping closer to Buck.

Buck turns back to him, his gaze pointed over Eddie’s shoulder, “Well marriage is a legally recognized union between two people. It’s actually derived from a Latin word-“

“Buck.” Eddie scolds, arms crossed across his chest defensively. Although Buck can see a tiny hint of a smile on his handsome face.

“Okay fine.” He takes a deep breath, moving fully into Eddie’s space. “I love you, and I think you should marry me.”

Big brown eyes search his own. Buck knows he will find complete sincerity, because despite how utterly insane this request is, Buck fully means it.

Yes, maybe proposing before they’ve even been on one date is… abnormal (Unhinged, bonkers, loony, take your pick), but Buck can’t help it. He doesn’t want to just be Eddie’s boyfriend. He wants to be Eddie’s eternal partner. His husband. A stepfather to his son. The man he falls asleep with and wakes up to each and every day.

And Buck’s pretty damn sure Eddie wants that too. (At least he hopes so, otherwise, this might destroy him)

Eddie’s now scrutinizing him, eyes pinched together, nose scrunched. Buck thinks he looks positively kissable- though when does he not -, but he feels this may be the wrong time to point that out.

“You think I should marry you? That’s all you got?” Eddie challenges, his expression is more open now, happier, which is making Buck feel brave.

Buck reaches out to hold both of Eddie’s hands in his.

“Edmundo Diaz, you and Christopher are the two greatest things to ever happen to me. Every day you make me better, and being in your life is an honor I cherish. I am so grateful to be your friend, your partner, and I would be the luckiest man on earth if you agreed to marry me.” He punctuates his final point by kissing each of Eddie’s hands, which makes the older man chuckle.

Eddie sighs, long and hard as if he’s put off by Buck’s impromptu proposal, “Yeah okay, I’ll marry you.”

Before Buck has a chance to yell from the rooftops, Eddie adds,

“But-” Buck freezes, “-I want a redo proposal, one that includes Chris.” There’s finality in his tone, showing above all Eddie’s dedication to his son.

Buck loves that about him. Loves every part of Eddie. He loves all the broken, jagged parts of Eddie in the same way he loves the beautiful shiny parts. Because his love for Eddie has no bounds, and never will. Their souls are tethered together.

“Of course Eds, this is something that includes him, he’s my family, and if he said no then I wouldn’t push it I promise” The blonde promises him, Eddie’s eyes shine with fondness as he squeezes Buck’s hands.

“I know you wouldn’t. And he won’t say no, he loves you. I love you.”

Buck finally, finally, closes the gap between them, their lips coming together for a chaste kiss. A chaste kiss quickly turns to something deeper when Eddie drops his hands in favor of cupping Buck’s jaw.

The dishwasher is still running behind them, the setting sun spilling in through the curtains, and occasionally a car passes by, although Buck registers none of this anymore because Eddie’s lips are on his.

Buck can taste the beer he had earlier on his tongue, and feel the drag of Eddie’s stubble against his chin. He wants to drown in it.

Which isn’t an option because Eddie pulls back.

Buck whines attempting to chase him, “Come on can’t I kiss my fiancé?” He pleads, but Eddie just laughs before shoving him away.

“No, because I have to finish these dishes before we get our son from robotics. And you should go switch over the laundry.” He’s leaning away as he says this, and Buck already misses his warmth.

“So bossy.” Buck grumbles.

“This is just the beginning of bossy, my husband-to-be.” Eddie winks, sauntering back over to the sink.

Buck grins, completely elated, “Can’t wait.”

(hope you enjoyed! :] see you soon)

[thecurrator]

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 @lapsthings

Your ideal match is…Mikage Reo!

You kin Nagi, and I can obviously see why. However, I don't think matching you with someone passive like him will be good for either of you in the long run, so. Here you have someone who's almost the opposite of you. Reo has already signed himself up to caring for Nagi, what's one more just like him?

Once Reo has decided that he would like to talk to someone, he's talks to them. He's not deterred by your struggle to continue the conversation, and will bring up new topics every time conversation dies out. To bystanders, Reo looks like he's rambling to himself rather than talking to you, but he makes an effort to ask you questions now and then to prompt you to speak.

After getting to know you for a few months, he prides himself in knowing you really well. Even though you may have trouble putting your thoughts into words, Reo will try to guess what you mean or what you're trying to say almost as if it's a game. Sometimes he anticipates your needs before you realise you have them, like bringing you a snack just as you begin to feel hungry. Together, he and your brother (which we'll get to in a while) do their best to make sure you have some sort of consistent schedule.

Reo is also a victim of impulse buying, especially when it comes to gifts for his friends, except that he has the money to sustain his lifestyle. Once you both start dating, he won't let you pay for a thing as long as you're with him. He's got the money, why wouldn't he use it to spoil you? Also gift giving was his parents' main way of showing they kinda care about him so that's how he's used to showing affection as well. Which may come off like he's flaunting his wealth. But he means well. He does. He also doesn't know limits or overconsumption. You can't choose between- He's buying them.

Speaking of gifts, he's also the type to be happy to receive love in any form, but he's most familiar with gift giving so it's easy for him to tell that you're showing affection when you buy him a lunch pack when you both visit convenience stores. He'd really appreciate handmade gifts as they're more personal. An origami crane is enough to have him giggling for the whole day.

Despite being rich, Reo is also always looking for ways to make money so he won't have to work in the future. The both of you often spend afternoons brainstorming new schemes to make money, ranging from investing in the stock market to robbing a bank (you both wouldn't actually do it, it's just a fun hypothetical).

Casual but romantic dates are totally Reo's thing! He'll bring you to cafes where you both will spend the next few hours just talking over a cup of coffee. Afterwards, he'd be happy to just stroll around, maybe pet any cats or dogs you both meet along the way.

Runner-up: Niko Ikki (He came to mind due to your shared love of otaku stuff, but I figured he'd be too introverted to get to know you well enough to establish a relationship.)

Your sibling is…Isagi Yoichi!

Given that you are a thinker, I thought pairing you with a feeler brother would be good for you. Next to you, Isagi seems like the more disciplined younger brother taking care of you. He did say after all that My neighbor Totoro makes him wish he had a sister.

If he's willing to do laundry and wake up his teammates whom he's known for a few months, he's willing to do it for you whom he's known his whole life. He's always reminding you to do your homework earlier so you don't stress too much about it later and making you eat with him at a reasonable time. Because of this, your extended family forget that you're the older one.

He likes to read manga in his free time, so he tends to read/watch whatever you're reading/watching and talk to you about it to bond with you. He'll follow you to anime stores and act as your impulse control so you'll buy as less merch as possible. But if you really want two figurines and can't decide he'll buy one for you and you can pay for the other one. Spending half an hour trying to decide only to buy them both is too much...

He's also the type to yap when it comes to his interests, so you both likely take turns infodumping on each other. You about your manga he hasn't read yet, him about soccer. Isagi is usually the one listening to people in social settings, so he's happy to be able to ramble about soccer sometimes. Maybe he'll tell you about his Ego type theory someday (something in the latest manga chapters!).

He likes it when he's given sweets so I can imagine that's something you did when he was younger. Every weekend you both would walk to the nearby convenience store and you would let him pick out a kind of candy, sometimes more if he got a good grade for his test. His happy smile is heart-warming, even now.

This sounds so mean but have you seen his casual outfits with fluorescent green? It's not his colour but who's gonna tell him that? You both have bad fashion sense. Who knows, maybe he even got his misguided fashion sense from you.

Overall, a kind and caring brother that only wants the best for you. He often tries to make you follow him on his walks so you'll get out of your room once in a while. He's especially pushy in autumn.

[genericpuff]

I just wanna to quick add something about the hole Tori and Persephone situation, I feel Persephone’s arc was meant to be stop being a push over and to fight in order to get respect from others, even if you have to be mean to get set respect.

But…it fails when it comes to the Tori’s reunion scene, as he only spoke for what Hades did to Alex, and it was mostly Hades’ fault she got mistreated by her classmates, despite not minding the photo as it really didn’t even affected her to begin with.

If she was rude as revenge for what people like Minthe, Thethis or Thanatos did to her, it made sense considering what happened in Tower 4 and with Demeter in the trial, but Tori?…. She knew why he was afraid of her, she understood his point of view (yes bad talking someone is wrong and in some cases it can leave to trauma) but she didn’t gave him a chance to apologize after Alex got his eye back or to talk to him once she became the Queen of the Underworld and make peace with her.

I mean, if this was how the pilot people treated her in her school then the story would be different, there her bullying was implied to be nastier than what we got on Webtoon, in the woman’s bathroom it was written "Persephone goddess of the sluts”.

Even compared to everything she experienced in the past, considering the Village incident it just weird why she doesn’t choice to move on with Tori, and say to herself, yes he was a jackass to me but I see where he was coming from, Hades fuck off that time and it’s fine I’m now Queen he can thing whatever the hell he wants, it won’t affect me anymore.

That's an interesting take, I've also seen people claim that it was due to her still being "shook" from seeing the Apollo poster.

But neither of those are ever an excuse to abuse people.

I'd be fine if this was meant to be some point of character development for Persephone, like if maybe Daphne called her out on it like "hey, pal, are you okay? You kinda went overboard there" or something. Or if maybe it went the other way and Persephone was meant to be the villain in her own story.

But we don't get that.

Instead, we get a scene that obviously implies Persephone is now rich due to the account Hades has opened for her, so she's essentially been rewarded for doing absolutely nothing - compared to Tori, who's been indirectly affected by Persephone's actions (through Alex) and now works in an industry that's RUN by Hades (the banks) and is being harassed by his 'future wife'. She didn't 'fight back' here, she deliberately punched down on someone who's now in a lower position of power than her and she knows it.

She's hypocritically emulating the exact same behavior she chastised Hades for back in S1.

So to break it all down, instead of getting an empowering 'revenge' scene like in Pretty Woman where a woman of lower social status fights back against the system that rejected her, we get Persephone, in a much higher position of power than Tori, using her influence to be a dick towards him, and then pretty much gets rewarded for it in the scene afterwards where she gets a shitload of money, buys an apartment, and eats Chinese takeout with Hades. What a picture perfect happy ending we have here 😒

I agree also when it comes to the pilot content, there was SO MUCH MORE done to show how Persephone's life was being affected by the tabloid.

But in the Originals version, a couple people gossip/refuse to be friends with her (for GOOD REASON BECAUSE ONE OF THEM HAS ALREADY BEEN SERIOUSLY HARMED BY THE KING OF THE UNDERWORLD ON HER BEHALF) and that's about it. She also waves it off super casually in front of Hades.

So why is she still so fucking salty about it 10 years later? ESPECIALLY after all that she's been through, this is the hill she chooses to die on?

Honestly, I agree with Hades here.

Where is her sense of wrath? Why does RS keep flip flopping between Persephone being a 'soft' valley girl with limitless patience and empathy vs. Persephone being a wrathful goddess who's willing to throw hands with anyone? And why is it her dumbass beef with Tori that brings out the latter? There's just a complete lack of consistency in her character or commitment to her being one or the other, so it means when we do see Persephone acting 'wrathful', it 1.) comes out of nowhere, and 2.) is being used for shit that isn't even worth being a dick over, like harassing a bank worker. Persephone isn't being 'wrathful', she's acting petty and childish.

And it's so obvious that if this was intended to be a moment of weakness for Persephone, it HASN'T come across that way at ALL to the main readerbase. I seriously can't even go into the comment sections on those episodes because all I see are people rooting for Persephone, saying how Tori "deserved" what he got, how Persephone is such a "boss" for doing what she did. While I do blame the readers for being so horrible in this regard, I also blame Rachel for clearly not defining her intentions with that scene - which leads me to believe that that WAS the intention, to make Persephone look like a 'badass' through abusing an employee that she went to school with for a couple weeks once ten years ago. Rachel hasn't done any work to show the contrary, so that's what we've been left with.

The good news is, we don't even have to speculate on that much. RS answered that question herself outside of the comic in the official FastPass FB group.

There you have it. In which Rachel displays the fullest extent of her empathy and emotional maturity - absolute cringe.

[athenaholmesartistsguild]

All my Tarot Card designs

Check this card out on my Patreon for free!

Here's my King of Pentacles card!

Definitely an obvious choice, but I went with Akiyama for this one. If you're interested in reading more about the King of Pentacles and my reasoning for choosing Akiyama for this card, I'll put that under the cut:

Upright, the King of Pentacles is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. He did not inherit his obscene wealth. He earned it through his own hard work. But unlike other wealthy individuals who come from similar circumstances, but lose their connection to the less fortunate, the King of Pentacles has chosen to uplift those around him and share his wealth.

In this generosity we see someone who has faith in their ability to make enough money to replace what they're giving away. To the King of Pentacles, the lives of the people he's helping are much more precious than the numbers in his bank account.

The King of Pentacles accrued his wealth in the traditional ways-- he's not one to gamble and he doesn't typically indulge in frivolous spending. Through his hardships he has learned the importance of controlling his spending and investing wisely. Showing off or taking risks on a whim no longer appeal to him. He would much rather use his money to help people and actually make a difference in other people's lives.

Emotionally, he's not all that in touch with his own feelings or the feelings of others. This is largely due to this king feeling like he has other things he'd like to devote his attention to. While he definitely cares about his loved ones and the people he serves, this can manifest in criticism or advice that you might not have asked for.

Reversed, we see a King who no longer supports his people. Whereas the upright King of Pentacles is generous and confident that he will make back everything he gives away (and then some), the reversed King of Pentacles sees no value in generosity. His controlled spending habits have become penny-pinching and cheap and his confidence is replaced with an almost desperate need for wealth in all its materialistic qualities.

Despite his obsession with all things commercial, this reversed king doesn't have that much money. It seems to just slip out of his hands, being spent on gambling or other impulse-purchases that he can't afford.

His previous lack of emotional intelligence is now downright cruelty. He is aware of others feelings and thoughts, but he simply does not care. He is now completely inwardly focused, choosing to take what he wants regardless of how it affects others.

Akiyama definitely fits the upright version of the King of Pentacles. Considering he runs a loan business that doesn't charge any interest, I'm not saying anything all that revolutionary.

Reversed though, I think there's a more interesting discussion to have about Akiyama's character and how it relates to this tarot card.

So I'm not a huge fan of the way Akiyama treats women in Yakuza 4. For one, the male customers he has get these personalized tests that make them face the issues that caused them to seek a loan in the first place, but then for the women it's just "work at my hostess club, go on a date with me, or be willing to do sex work". When looking at Akiyama's treatment of women in 4, specifically Yasuko, we see a man who wants something and engineers situations to manipulate the woman into giving him what he wants. Yasuko says so herself that she can't really decline a date with the person who decides whether or not she gets the loan.

And while Akiyama isn't evil or even necessarily doing this consciously, we see someone who is willing to hold the promise of a loan over the heads of the people who have something he wants.

Akiyama wants to help people and that's great, but there's also a dark side to his generosity.

[fromtenthousandfeet]

https://www.tumblr.com/fromtenthousandfeet/762815872623624192/a-while-back-you-made-a-comment-in-passing-i?source=share

Jimin is emotionally mature, he also has this quiet confidence and sureness about his work and ideas. His creative process is actually very interesting to me: he makes all his songs from scratch, literally from 0. We saw in his documentary how LC was born out of him playing with an instrument, same with his other tracks. It brings me back to what you said in a previous ask: he’s not trying to emulate or reference any other artist (like MJ, JB or JT). He is his own bank, his own source, and therefore his own standard. It’s interesting because usually producers bring in some tracks or pre-made songs, or even some existing songs by famous artists that were hits. Not him though, that’s why you can’t compare him with no one else.

I think besides whatever status quo that the company or fandom has created about the group, the members are all genuinely fond of JK because he is the youngest. For Jimin, he’s like a younger brother, so besides being an empath I think he naturally tries to nurture him as well.

And about Jk’s attitude, it might be different things. I think he is still immature because he’s been coddled all his life, praised constantly to the point where he gets angry when he doesn’t win or gets what he wants. He has admired Jimin for a long time (jealousy or admiration, I think it can be both), but he doesn’t publicly complement him because of his ego. Especially now because he’s a global pop star, he was always the one who was meant to be #1 , that is his fixed role. But when he’s alone he’s watching Jimin’s videos and listening or studying his songs (remember those lives in 2023 and the copycat jokes?), or searching his own name online to see people’s reactions. I’m not trying to drag him by the way, I just understand him. I think people having huge expectations for you since an early age can turn you into a perfectionist, an insecure person afraid to underperform or someone arrogant. Or everything at the same time, because not being able to compliment others comes from insecurity, but so does being a perfectionist. Him being defensive about the songwriting topic also comes from a wounded ego IMO.

I’m an artist myself, I always encourage artists to stand firm and know their worth. But I think humility and being open to growth, knowing that you’re not always right is KEY to creative work. Jimin has that already, also the fact that most people just see things face value and don’t expect him to break from the role he has in the group was exactly the reason why his solo debut was so shocking. Most people didn’t expect those songs, his songwriting or the chart success. Most even thought he wasn’t even interested in making solo music simply because he didn’t brag or talk about it.

He just needs more assertiveness and to be a little bit more selfish, because always being the one giving can take a toll on you, especially if it’s not reciprocated. I genuinely feel like the military service could help him with that and become a learning experience too. I’m not glamorizing it, but I think being in a different environment where there is no company push or roles to play can help him grow his confidence and step up more. Just look at the way he got that #1 trainee award.

I appreciate all the points you've made, and I don't have much to add beyond a few comments about military service.

Sometimes we women need to put our opinions about military service aside. While it's probably not like going to summer camp, there are definitely men (and women!) who either choose to serve in the military willingly or end up there out of necessity and find that they actually enjoy it. Look how men seek out single-sex spaces. They gleefully join fraternities despite the possibility of hazing. They play on sports teams. For the most part, I think men really enjoy a sense of group brotherhood. It's entirely possible that military service is not all bad. I think Korean men are also proud of their service and the bonds they form while enlisted.

When Jin was discharged, I noticed he had a moving and tearful goodbye with one of his fellow trainers. The moment was honestly more emotional than his reunion with the other BTS members. Hobi has looked happier and healthier than I've ever seen him. Teahyung certainly seems to be digging the military life and the new muscles that accompany it. Namjoon keeps posting group photos with his fellow soldiers, all full of smiles.

Going to the military might actually be a great thing for the BTS boys. For the first time in their adult lives, they are surrounded by regular Korean men instead of all the weirdos in the k-pop industry (I'm looking at you, BSH). Also, their accomplishments are their own. They are treated as individuals instead of just cogs in the BTS machine. In short, they are living what is the closest they will probably ever come in their adult lives to a “normal” existence.

Jin seems to be advocating for himself more forcefully since his return to civilian/BTS life. He insisted on the hug-a-thon despite the company's objections. He's got his new show where he's forging relationships with people outside the BTS sphere. All of this feels like a positive step in the direction of a future solo career.

As for JK in the military, for the first time in his teenage and adult life, he is no longer the youngest. He will be expected to act in a mature manner and be a good example to the younger recruits. And while I'm sure the leaders on their base are probably star struck, theoretically, both Jimin and Jungkook should be treated like any other soldier there. I'm so curious to see what both of them will be like once they've been discharged.

[entomolog-t]

G/t tropes/blurbs/aspects: There’s so many good ones! The first encounter filled with wonder and fear. The gentle protection of a caring giant. But my favorite? Trust. The trust building from both sides. Trusting your giant friend to care about you and letting yourself be seen by someone who you feel like doesn’t need to. Trusting the tiny to come back and keep their word, while being completely in power but letting them have control. Even when that trust breaks, and they both try their best to fix it despite everything cause they want to trust the other; it’s just going to be a bit harder this time. Just Trust in G/t is huge. I love it slowly building up through interactions where one side might be nervous or one side might be WAYY too excited or it’s seen as unsafe to even try. Do what you will with this and be a Psychologist! I don’t mind :P

Okay, lets get another one!

First encounters are one of my favorite tropes as well. The feelings are so much more raw.

Trust is a powerful human emotion, which normally relies on essentially a bank of actions and observations as well as a few leaps of faith. In a G/t context, it acts as a very concentrated form of building trust. The stakes are much higher, and the gestures must be much more grand in order to cover a fraction of the ground. Small slip ups from the giant can result in a massive loss of trust from the tiny.

The archetype of the tiny often represents a desire to be vulnerable and to have that vulnerability respected.

In your example, it seems like the Giant has an important task of suppressing ones own wants and desires as a sacrifice to garner trust. Controlling one's impulses and having faith the tiny will see that action as enough to offer their own olive branch.

This could indicate a personal need for clear consent and personal boundaries, as well as a yearning to be vulnerable with those able to respect those boundaries. It also seems to suggest you want others to have faith in you in some form or another. The olive branch extended by the giant of simply respecting the autonomy of another being is not a large one if you actually do view the being as your equal, so the act of returning especially in the first meeting as mentioned prior, is a huge act of trust by the tiny, and takes a great deal of both faith and acceptance by the giant.

The act of letting the tiny go is a symbolic exchange of power. The Giant can enact their will if they so choose, but by offering their own power and trust as a sacrifice to the tiny, they hope to gain their trust in return. However it is only when it is a genuine sacrifice does this trope normally take place. The giant must be aware the tiny is not likely to return, or at the very least is not trying to guilt the tiny to return. They have left the proverbial ball in their court, no strings attached.

You specifically mention trust breaking and being mended, which harkens to a mature understanding of growth and knowledge that mistakes happen. The care to continually rebuild trust is generally symbolic of one's desire to be valued; To be worth the effort and the maintenance. This may suggest you don't like your personal relationships to become complacent, and you attribute aspects of your own personal value in the actions others take to show the care and respect you.

I wouldn't be surprised if you mirror this in your own friendships and relationships as well, showing that you care through specific and repetitive actions.

Some of your word choice also implies yearning for intrinsic value. Having the relationship be difficult but both parties work hard at it, being deeply nervous or overly excited, as well as it being seen as unsafe. All signs point to no, but something deeper says yes. A search for purpose, or fate, or a connection that defies logic.

A good exercise would be to further analyze the acts that build the trust and dissect how those may apply to you. Example;

Giant does not initially touch the tiny, - why does this appeal? Perhaps individuals don't respect your autonomy so the thought of someone who has no need to respect it bowing to your will fills you with a feeling of power and being cared for and respected.

-----

Oh, look at that, thats all our time for this session. My secretary has your payment information and an automated bill will be deducted from your account in 3-5 business days.

[spurious]

how about BTS for O I Think We Should Be Brethren

(Fic-Specific asks)

BTS: I’ll write a DVD commentary about my personal favorite passage from [that fic]

trap card ACTIVATED although i don't even know where to start tbh

O I Think We Should Be Brethren aka Live Oak #4 aka John Sheppard's Sad Gay Life Fic aka the longest thing i have ever completed and posted aka my sort of mcshep thesis

I did a little commentary post on the whole first chapter of this fic, soooooooooo I'll go with something from chapter 2. The thing about chapter two of this fic is that it’s kind of just a collection of episode tags, but I didn’t want it to be just a collection of episode tags, because that would be boring, but I also wanted to hew very closely to canon events but just shown through the lens of John’s developing feelings. What that got me was basically all the very clearly episode-related sections, along with sections where nothing much happens but we get some glimpses into John’s feelings, into their more mundane interactions. I was torn between choosing this or the very early section where John obliquely comes out to Rodney, because that was something I wrote really early on and informs a lot of Rodney’s actions through the story, but I feel like I might have more to say, in the aggregate, about this bit, which is set shortly after the events of The Shrine:

After what Rodney takes to calling his "brush with stupidity," he becomes obsessed with creating documentation for all of the small, essential (according to him) tasks he does around Atlantis.

I think it makes a certain level of sense that, despite having near-on five years of his life being in grave danger multiple times, the possible loss of his mind is what would spur Rodney into the realization that he probably needs to document some shit.

"I can't trust anyone else to know to do this," he explains, manic, when John finds him in a rarely-used lab at three in the morning. He's bent over a Frankenstein abomination of Earth and Ancient tech (and no small measure of duct tape), something he's obviously jury-rigged himself, and he's in such a state that, thankfully, he doesn't even think to ask why or how John found him there at this hour. "What the hell is it, Rodney?" John tilts his head, stepping in closer—it probably won't explode in his face, he figures.

Why John found him there: because he knows Rodney's driving himself nuts trying to document a million tiny things and hasn't been sleeping. How John found him there: life signs detector and several years' practice studying the Wandering Habits of the Wild McKay

"You know that old joke that the entirety of modern digital infrastructure is all leaning on some free, open-source project being thanklessly maintained by a random guy in a basement somewhere, and the whole of the internet and probably the world's banking systems will break when he either gives it up or dies?" Rodney says, hitting somewhere close to a personal best on words-per-minute and not even stopping for John's answer. "No, wait, of course you don't, you're not a geek."

I stole that joke from XKCD but it just came into my mind and I would imagine Rodney spitting the whole thing out in one uninterrupted breath. (anyway i did link it in the endnotes so)

John scowls. "Hey!" "Fine," Rodney acquiesces, "you're not that kind of geek." And that, John can agree to. He'll match Rodney on comics and sci-fi trivia and mental math, but he's never gotten too into computers that aren't on board something that can go very fast.

John being offended that after all these years Rodney still thinks he's a jock is just, cute to me alright. He's a geek, he likes geek stuff, he's just also hot and has generic man interests as well!! I like the bit about computers that aren't on board something that can go very fast, though, that feels...correct to me.

"So this is Atlantis's free, open-source project and you're the basement-dweller who thanklessly maintains it?" "Exactly," Rodney answers, apparently too wrapped up in the work to notice John's lovingly-crafted insult.

All of John's insults are lovingly crafted.

"And you're writing documentation for it?" John pulls out a chair, sprawling lazily so he can get a look at what's on Rodney's screen. He's got a laptop open with a dense-looking brick of text he's typing additions to, and a tablet with what looks like a hand-drawn schematic pulled up on it. "Oh, well-spotted, Colonel Obvious," Rodney says drily, rolling his eyes. "I doubt anyone will really understand what it does, but Zelenka's a competent enough engineer to at least be able to follow a manual." "Right," John says, and then he sits, watching Rodney type, poke at the device, curse, and type some more. About five minutes go by before he speaks again. "You could also consider just staying alive so you can keep fixing it?"

John, five years in, having watched as Rodney slowly lost everything that makes him him, is a bit weak. That's really the only explanation for why he just says the quiet part out loud, here, even though he's trying to make it sound like a joke. I like this scene because it feels right to have them have this kind of conversation, this kind of bare, quiet intimacy, while the rest of the city is asleep, cocooned together in a lab with Rodney's tech all around them.

"Well, yes, obviously that's what I would prefer as well," Rodney says peevishly, the clacking of the keyboard turning a shade violent as the pitch of his voice rises. "But apparently this galaxy has other plans for me, and it was honestly foolish of me to have gone this long without coming to terms with the fact that I could die at any moment without anyone able to continue my work, so—" John doesn't think, his hand shooting out to grab Rodney's as it flails through the air in a helpless, fatalistic gesture. Rodney stops, mouth half-open, and just stares at John's hand, wrapped around his wrist, fingers curled against Rodney's palm. They're frozen like that, both staring at their hands, until Rodney says, voice quiet, "John?"

I love this part, this image right here. John not knowing what to do and just wanting to make Rodney stop and breathe for a second. Rodney absolutely stymied by the sudden physical contact, the nearness to hand-holding, enough that he uses John's given name. Rodney's actually going through a lot, emotionally, during this fic, that all becomes eventually clear in chapter 3, and this is definitely one of the sections I wrote with all of that very much at the forefront of my mind.

John squeezes Rodney's hand, just once, and looks at his face. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Rodney." And it's a promise John knows he can't keep, but it's also the only thing he can think to say, because he desperately wants it to be true, to be something he can say with certainty. Rodney, of course, is a man of science, and he understands reality, understands probability. "You can't promise—" John squeezes again, feels out the broad thickness of Rodney's palm. "I've done it up till now, haven't I?"

This scene has echoes of their beer on the pier, where Rodney tries to say goodbye and John just won't, legitimately refuses to, like, engage with reality? Because on some level I think John actually does believe that he can protect Rodney, can keep him safe from harm; he knows he'll give his life for that to be the truth, and he hopes, deep down, even though he's tried very very hard to extinguish that very hope, that his love, his devotion, will be enough.

Rodney's eyebrows knit together, his gaze darting around, and then he nods, quick and final. "Yes, I suppose you have."

Rodney may not know the true depth of John's feelings, but he believes this, too. Believes in John, in a way I don't think he believes in many things.

Love and honor, protect and cherish. Till death. It may not be vows, but it feels like them, to John.

Here's the wedding vows motif making an appearance again. John, fatalistic, eyes wide open, pledging and devoting his life to Rodney even though he doesn't think it'll ever be reciprocated, because he can't do anything else. Can't do anything less. He tries, several times, throughout this story, to pull away and put some distance between himself and Rodney, and every single time it ends up failing, for one reason or another. He's drawn back into Rodney's orbit, inexorably, but he's also so wrapped up in his own inwardly-directed misery that he doesn't realize Rodney's drawn to him right back.

He swallows around the lump in his throat, standing up and using their joined hands to pull Rodney up with him. Their hands slide apart, and John steps back, puts some distance between them. "Now come on, that big brain of yours needs some sleep."

Literally right here he's putting physical distance, after saying what, to John, amount to wedding vows. It's too much, too open, and he needs to get them back to an equilibrium because it feels dangerous to let that moment sit between them for too long.

"Yeah, alright," Rodney says, gathering up the laptop and tablet before he follows John out the door.

god. okay. i gave myself a lot of feelings writing all this out!!!!!!!!!!! i love this story so much, i think it's probably the best thing i've ever written, and.....idk i'm happy to talk about it forever and ever so thank you for asking???????????????????????? seriously.

[bellysoupset]

Hmm thoughts on Angie Banks - I'm very curious about her. She was so happy to see Jonah despite their separation and him not reaching out. Luke mentioned she asked him about Jon, so she is clearly interested in being close with him. An with Jon's strong reaction about not knowing about her life and feeling guilty...looks to me like great potential for some estrangement siblings bonding 👀 which I absolutely love, cause this is the person you kinda know, but that you also don't, and you recognize little pieces from childhood but you also have to get to know each other anew, you had similar homes, but were your experiences the same? Did one take it differently than the other? What perspective does this person have? And how will they react to each other's friends and partners, how will, if they do at all, fit in that group?

I see lots of potential here and I'm super curious if Angie gets any places in the next arcs 👀✨️💙

@writing-whump

Idk that much about Angie yet. I definitely like her, but I LOVE the idea of a storyline where she and Jonah develop a relationship with each other. I feel like she has so much potential in that regard. - @wussifer

------------------------------------ Hi Soup! Personally, I love the idea of getting to know Angie more! I think it could be really interesting to have her back in Jon's life, or becoming part of it at least. And developing a sister-of-your-boyfriend relationship with Leo! A plot involving Angie could be really cool, if it's what you choose to do, and I would look forward to reading it. --------------------------------- hiii like angie a lot so far!! i think she’s super nice and interesting, and im curious/excited to learn more about her! so i’d def be interested in the storyline you mentioned!!! 🦦

Thought I'd reply to all of you in one ask, since you're basically all agreeing on more Angie! I'm very excited to bring her in as a character (though it'll take a couple more fics and she'll mainly be a caretaker) !!

It's been a while since I introduced a new OC, so I'm feeling a little green, but very excited about the new dynamics to explore

[adamwatchesmovies]

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Beautiful Creatures cannot escape the fact that it is a romantic gothic fantasy film aimed at young adults and that it was (almost certainly) green-lit to bank on the success of the Twilight franchise. It is shackled to a specific kind of drama, to certain turns, and to a mythology aimed at a specific crowd. When the film is beholden to its obligations, it's at its weakest but the rest is quite good. This makes it a picture worthy of approval, flawed as it may be.

In Gatling, South Carolina, high-schooler Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) has been having recurring dreams of a girl he does not know. On the first day of school, he sees Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert) and learns she has been dreaming of him too. Though the rumours of her family worshipping demons makes her an outcast, Ethan is drawn to Lena. They fall in love. Then, Lena reveals to him that she is from a family of casters - magically-endowed people who, on their sixteenth birthday, radically change as they choose either the side of light or darkness. Despite her uncle Macon’s protests (he's played by Jeremy Irons), Ethan is convinced their love will prevent Lena from turning towards evil.

Yes, the planet depends upon the love of two people who are too young to marry. Yes, two worlds collide as non-magic and casters profess their feelings for one another - something that’s forbidden by the adults! High school was bad enough when you had to worry about homework and bullying. Now the stakes are REALLY high because Lena’s uncontrolled bursts of sorcery could mean her expulsion! I know it all sounds very cheesy when broken down quickly. You’re right. This is admittedly silly stuff and no amount of conviction from the actors can truly sell it. Perhaps the novel functions better. It’s hard to say.

Despite this, there’s plenty to like for those whose emotions do not run as wild as Ethan and Lena. For one, the actors’ chemistry is fantastic. You love them as a couple. Their funny quips and believable moments of flirtation have you invested way before any magic stuff comes in, which might be why all the talk about destinies and prophecies, curses and hidden libraries makes you chuckle a bit. Alden Ehrenreich and Alice Englert have you sold right away. The supporting cast is also quite good. Jeremy Iron’s accent as Macon comes in and out a bit but you like his character thanks to script's abundant humour and snappy dialogue. Beautiful Creatures also has the courtesy of ending on an actual conclusive note. None of this Golden Compass or The Darkest Minds “we’ll see you next time!” nonsense.

What Beautiful Creatures desperately needed was to be just a little bit better. I can still give it a mild recommendation, particularly for the teenagers this film is aimed at. I remember what it was like finding that first love and being caught in that whirlwind of emotion called school, parents, friends, and romance. This will absolutely resonate with young adults. Their parents might not feel the same level of enthusiasm. When you get down to it, this is merely a gender-reversed version of Stephenie Meyer’s plain girl, handsome vampire book. It’s better acted, better directed, better written and more interesting but a copycat. A good copycat but still a copycat. (On Blu-ray, March 29, 2019)