#and make everyone Deal With The Situation

[sparrows4bats]

Gotham Med AU

An answer to the replies I got from @gosuckmydickgrayson @chomumo

If DC says Med Student Damian isn't interesting enough for a comic, I give you my pitch for a Doctor Damian Run.

Damian Wayne starts his internship as the youngest in his class. He is dual specialising in trauma surgery and paediatrics and everyone looks at the famous Wayne heir and assumes that he bought his way through med school. Got his rich father to pay for him to graduate early.

There are rumours and comments before Damian even puts on his scrubs. The few who knew him in med school sneer and gossip about how he was at the top of the class, no matter the subject. Those who don't know him know of him through Brucie Wayne's reputation and imagine a party boy just like his father.

Even his attending doesn't expect much, Gotham is a hectic place, especially for those who have to deal with the aftermath of its violence and chaos. Gotham General Hospital has the worst retention rate of any Hospital in the country.

Those who stay, stay because they care and because someone needs to. The veteran doctor and nurses look more akin to battle medics then medical professionals in a supposedly privileged country.

The interns not only learn how to take care of their patients but also how to survive. There are classes on deescalation, self-defense and emergency evacuation, and preparedness classes all staff must complete alongside their board exams to be licensed to work in this city.

Gothamites are the best equipped first responders in the world. Nurses and Residents place bets on how long it'll take the interns to drop out and how many will still be there by the time the internship ends.

Everyone who heard about Damian Wayne becoming a doctor expects him to crumble under the pressure. For a sheltered rich boy to falter once the reality of practising medicine in the most crime riddled city in the world sets in.

They do not get what they expected. Doctor Damian Wayne starts his internship like someone who has done this for years.

He follows orders, can stay up 24 hours or longer without complaint, does not flinch at any of the horrific things they see as they help with surgeries, and the emergency room, which is almost permanently understaffed.

He keeps quiet but is polite and professional in the face of surgical interns posturing. He is easily the most competent and quickly earns recognition from the higher-ups.

Damian has a steady hand and is courteous to patients, especially children who almost universally adore him, much to the youngest Waynes confusion.

During the extra classes Damian completes them without bating an eye and after he recognises a particularly rare parasite in a patient one day, the diagnostic department keeps trying to poach him.

The first time the hospital is attacked by rogues Dr Wayne save 3 lives and disables a bomb, claiming his father insisted he learn how to be ready for all situations.

The youngest Wayne becomes the Gotham Med Darling.

It earns him respect and envy, and jealous people have an unfortunate habit of becoming cruel.

Those who whisper and spread rumours of nepotism and preferential treatment are shut up when they can't even insert a line correctly or shut down by nurses who have a soft spot for the boy that reminds them of their sons.

They try to exclude Damian or find fault in his actions, but it's like he knows their every move.

Point out he is making a big leap with a diagnosis? well damn Dr. Wayne was right!

Try to take his patient away from him? Guess who got in early and just so happened to finish the surgery before they died.

Accuse him of buying his way through life? They boy performs seemingly impossible medical feats that no billionaire parent could buy them.

Try to suggest he is sleeping with someone to get the best cases? His boyfriend brings him lunch and coffee every day, and the two are so sickeningly sweet that no one believes a word of the slander.

Accuse him of cockiness or not caring? It's revealed that he volunteers at Leslie Thompkins free clinic in his spare time, donates his entire salary, and the first time he lost a patient on the table needed to call his brother because it shook him so badly.

Eventually, they stop trying, either quitting the program after the third Jokerized victim they struggle to treat or they use Damian Wayne as inspiration to better themselves for their patients.

That does not mean Doctor Damian Wayne isn't weird, though.

Dangerous impossible situations seem to follow him, be it vigilantes requesting him by name while actively bleeding out or the sheer number of villains that kidnap him.

He attracts trouble. Always involved in odd, rare medical mysteries. He even helped the GCPD track a new drug once and saved a victim of human trafficking after she appeared in the ER with an ear infection.

He deduces who is dangerous or how to help those who are desperate.

He 4 engaged after his partner gets caught up in a hostage situation and adopts a baby girls left in the NICU. He gets married on a random Tuesday in Vegas, annoying many of the staff that wanted to attend his wedding.

Performs surgery during blackouts, invasions, and attacks. Takes down goons, aliens, and on one memorable occasion Killer Croc. He dissappears at random but is always there as soon as a code is called. No one ever sees him running, though.

It's is all pretty tame by Gotham standards, Batman regularly buys them lunch and coffee after mass attacks.

Damian Wayne saves lives and causes chaos while doing it.

Gotham Med embraces him as one of their own.

[auncyen]

I have been idly considering Mirabelle and Siffrin being bed buddies for a brief recovery period after ISAT like. Sif just knocks out after the Head Housemaiden's blessing because Craft exhaustion (especially if 2 hats) and Mirabelle helps get them to the infirmary or something and does whatever healing she can for them herself and then once the party's got a rotation set up where someone can be with Siffrin if he wakes up she goes back to seeing all her friends!! and talking with the villagers!! and reassuring people who might not have seen in the House that yes the King's truly been frozen by his own Craft reflected and isn't going to spread his Curse again. And Mirabelle keeps getting flustered by being called a Savior, and embarrassed when she confesses about her blessing and people shrug it off because oh yeah the Change God IS lazy huh? but all's well that ends well and doesn't it just make it even more impressive that she went against the King, and she's so happy to see everyone moving but there's SO much movement and goings-on, and why is her head pounding, and.

Mirabelle just having a moment where she's like "why do I feel so tired why does my head hurt so bad. I wasn't using Craft endlessly like a CERTAIN somebody" and like. Isabeau or Euphrasie or someone clocks "Mirabelle you've been dealing with an incredibly stressful situation for months and your body's starting to register it's over, you will bounce back sooner than Siffrin but. you probably need rest too."

So she ends up in the infirmary too because well at least this way she's close to Siffrin for when they wake up!! also. painkillers for the headache

And then Siffrin does wake up and ignores any instruction they've gotten and tries moving around and nearly passes out on the ground before Mirabelle is like SIFFRIN. ...............can you even get back to your bed. Just come join me here

and snuggles idk

[eggrollforyou]

Wait For Me

Zoro x F!reader x Law

Summary: you, a fellow Straw Hat, and the crew are separated at Sabaody. Saved by Law, you have to decide if you’ll accept his help or cut your losses and handle things on your own until your crew reunites.

CW: MDNI, NSFW, Angst, slow burn, Canon divergent, eventual smut, AFAB reader, use of Y/N, hidden baby trope (kinda? Not by choice lol), descriptions of violence, blood, and vomit, pregnant reader, self doubt

A/N: Not proofread. I hope you enjoyyyyy!

Series masterlist : Previous chapter

Chapter 5

It’s been a month since you kissed Law. Weeks of agonizing awkward glances, quiet moments, and chastising yourself for your messy vulnerability. You spent the first week worried about what this would do to your relationship with Zoro. He’s pretty laid back, but this….this is different. Would he forgive you? Would he see reason when you had an opportunity to explain or would he see red? You weren’t going to keep it a secret from him but you had to figure out how to deal with the situation with tact. He was already going to be dealing with a lot when you reunite.

You continued to train relentlessly, hoping to lose yourself in that instead of your own thoughts. It was easier to deal with. You had four more months until you were due back at Sabaody. Still behind on your training and still feeling sorry for yourself that you haven’t gotten further along in training, despite the graces that everyone gives you. It’s far easier to extend that same grace that you so willingly give than to accept it yourself. 

Law has been taking the whole thing surprisingly well. He hasn't made you feel bad about the situation. Hasn't pressed for any conversations. He's simply been…there. Steady. At least you can count on that.

“Y/N-ya,” Law calls out, snapping you out of your thoughts. You shift in your seat in the galley, turning to the door. Law walks into the room with Ayumi in tow. Her sleepy eyes are searching for you. She reaches out as soon as she sees you across the galley. “She just woke up. She was crying for you,” he says as he passes her to you. “Sorry, if she interrupted your work. I just wanted to grab a bite before she woke up.” He glances down at your plate, food clearly uneaten, just moved around. 

“Ayumi,” he calls her. She snaps a side eye to him, “Let's go see Bepo, yea? Let your mother eat,” he attempts to coax her from your embrace. You chuckle as you look down as her grip tightens, “No!” Her side eye grows fiercer, “Mama.” He puts his hands up in surrender, eyes wide as he glances at you. “I’m beginning to see where she gets her attitude,” he smirks. You glare at him, matching her scowl, and he chuckles as he walks away.

Another two months have passed. You're counting the days until you can see your crew again. You've docked on another island to restock as you make your way back toward Sabaody. Law mentioned splitting up soon to move forward with plans on an island he said was imperative for his next mission. Something called Punk Hazard. You couldn't recall exactly since most of the planning didn't involve you. He seemed more stressed about it as the date got closer, though. 

“What are we gonna do without this little Princess here to keep us company?” Ikkaku coos as she tossed Ayumi into the air and delighted baby giggles fill the air. You're sitting on the beach, taking a break from training. All the hard work has finally begun to pay off. You feel stronger. Finally able to give Law a run for his money when you spar. Your observation haki is finally ahead of your armament, you can mostly predict an attack. Enough to get ahead of it. 

It's made you more confident in your ability to protect Ayumi. Not that you were ever in a situation when you needed to, but it certainly helped when she was wobbling into trouble on the ship. She's a year and a half old now and FULLY mobile. You've found your observation skills supremely handy to keep her out of trouble. 

“Ugh! What am I gonna do without YOU, Ikkaku?!” You reminisce how she's been the only other woman on board. Of course you two have gotten close. “Pfff. You'll be FINE! You have Nami and Robin, right? You're just gonna have to teach this little lady how to beat up those stinky boys,” she says in baby talk to Ayumi. You laugh watching the two of them play. I hope ‘Yumi adjusts on the Sunny. 

“I'm worried,” you quietly contemplate. “About what? What's there to worry about? Everyone will be so happy to be back together. Surprised, I'm sure, but happy.”

You sigh. You haven't told Ikkaku anything about your conflicted feelings for Law, nor about your kiss. “W-well….the last few months I've…I feel like a terrible person.”

She cocks an eyebrow at you, “Go on.”

“I don't know. The relationship I have with Law has gotten complicated. It's so messy Ikkaku. At first I thought I had feelings for him because of the hormones. And after ‘Yumi he was SO helpful, and supportive, and well GREAT.” You pause. 

“But lately they felt like they were growing into something more. And I don't know if those feelings are real, or if it's because he's just been there for me when I needed it and those lines just got blurred. And well….a few months ago, I….” You trail off.

“Out with it already, woman!” She pleads. “You sigh again, “A few months ago, I was feeling really vulnerable, and weak, and doubting myself and this whole situation. What if Zoro doesn't want kids…or me? Any of this. And I kissed Law.” Her eyes wide in shock and she stops dancing Ayumi on her lap. “I-I still love Zoro, and I want to make this work if he'll have it, but I feel like SUCH a shitty person. And I'm terrified he won't forgive me.” You look at her, clearly shaken. “Does that make me a terrible person?” You sheepishly ask.

She looks down at Ayumi and back up at you. “No, Y/N. That doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you human. We're messy, and confusing, and sometimes do stupid shit. But you own up to your mistakes. Apologize, make amends, and move forward. I mean, I don't know Zoro. But I know you. And you're a good, kind person. If he can't see that, then that's on him. Did Law say anything to you?” You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. 

“He said he would be here for me and ‘Yumi, no matter what.”

“Well, then there you go! If Zoro is a dumbass and doesn't see what he has in front of him…then come back. We're all here for you.” She beams a smile at you and you lean over to rest your head on her shoulder. “Thank you. What did I do to deserve you.”

You're fighting your stomach as it twists in knots as the Polar Tang approaches Sabaody. It's been two years since you were last here. Part of you finds it hard to push back the panic that you feel in your gut, remembering the fight that you thought was the end of your journey. Walking with Ayumi through the mangrove shifts your attention. You smile as she attempts to run, chasing the bubbles. “Let's go, baby. We have to find Daddy.”

Law and the rest of the Heart Pirates follow you as you go from one grove to the next to get to Shakky’s. Bepo scoops Ayumi up to bask in her snuggles along the walk as she excitedly points out the new sights. Law notices how tense you are, pushing back his own tension at the prospect of losing something he never thought he wanted. Fighting the lump forming in his throat he quietly asks, “Hey. Things will be ok.” Will they though?

You clear your throat, pulling your arms up to your chest, “Y-yea. I think so too. I missed everyone so much. You guys are so serious,” you joke trying to fight the anxiety lighting up your chest. Law rolls his eyes but fights a smirk. Shakky’s is suddenly in front of you and you stop. Bepo brings Ayumi to you teary eyed, “I’ll see you soon, ok ‘Yumi?” he sniffles. Propping her on your hip you turn to Law, “T-thank you….for everything. From both of us. We wouldn’t be here without you.” As you lean in to hug him goodbye, you’re squished as the entire crew embraces you and Ayumi. She delightedly giggles in the group hug, reaching out to touch everyone within her grasp. Law leans down, “I meant it. We’ll be here another day. You know where to find us if you need it.” You nod in quiet acknowledgement and a heavy heart. Finally released from everyone’s grasp, you turn around and slowly walk into the bar, unsure of what to expect.

It takes you a moment for your eyes to adjust from the brightness outside to the dimmer light inside the bar. “There she is,” Shakky calls out. “Oh? And who is this?” as she sees Ayumi. No real confirmation needed to be said who Ayumi’s father is. With her bright green hair and suspicious glare. She is very clearly her father’s daughter. You smile, “This is Ayumi….Where is everyone? Am I the first one here?” Shakky tips her head to the side, “He’s here, back room sweetheart.” 

Your heart jumps at the thought, palms growing clammy, butterflies in your stomach, but an overwhelming sense of warmth overtakes you. Your excitement at seeing him, that this moment is finally here brings a skip back to your step, overriding your anxiety. You walk past the bar, pushing open the door, you see Zoro standing at a window, looking outside. He hears your footsteps and turns around. He’s changed so much. He’s stronger. You stop in your tracks as he makes eye contact with you. Surprised you have a baby in tow, but his gaze softens when he sees your lip trembling. Shakky clears her throat behind you, “Let me see this little Princess,” as she reaches out to hold Ayumi for you for a moment. 

As soon as you see that Ayumi isn’t throwing a fit, you turn and run to Zoro. Jumping up into his embrace, wrapping your legs around his waist as he catches you effortlessly. You’ve wrapped your arms around his neck in a tight embrace, locking your face into the crook of his neck as you fight back the ugly cry you really want to cry. Zoro chuckles, “Don’t be a crybaby already. We were supposed to get stronger, you know,” he teases. You lean back, placing your hands on both sides of his face, your thumb gently ghosting the scar over his left eye. He glances away for a moment, trying to fight his insecurity about how you’d react to it. He shifts to wipe away the tears on your face. “I missed you so much,” you hiccup. 

He leans forward and kisses you, fiercely. The butterflies and hot ball of anxiety in your chest dissipate immediately as you kiss him back. His lips still felt the same perfectly slotted against yours. “I missed you too,” he whispers as he rests his forehead on yours. Ayumi breaks the silence calling out to you, “Mama! Mama, up!” she reaches out to you in Shakky’s embrace. Zoro’s eyes widen again, “Mama?” he questions, slowly letting you back down onto your feet. “Um…yea. Zoro, this is Ayumi….your daughter.”

Did you like this? I'm flattered! Wanna read more? Here's my Masterlist!

Tags: @shy-writer-999 @dreamcastgirl99 @guridoodles @ibuch7 @praline357 @chaixsherlock @lunafrisk303999 @starchild-unnamed

MDNI banner by @cafekitsune

Heart banner by @saradika-graphics

[thehusbandoden]

Not Even if I Tried -Bestfriend! Bakugo Katsuki x Reader

A/n: Just a quick draft I wrote last night

Not finished editing yet tho so sorry!

Genre: angst to fluff | wc: | happy ending | posted: 6/12/25

Trigger warnings!: misunderstanding, argument, jealousy, Bakugo grabs onto y/n’s wrist

“Come on y/n you know it’s not like that!” Bakugo protests, following you as you storm out of the building.  

“You *promised* me Katsuki! You lie and say you’re busy with work and then I find out you’re doing this?!”  

“Y/n it’s not what it looks like.” Bakugo snarls, reaching to grab your wrist. You jerk back, but he holds strong. “Listen to me.” His gruff voice is softer, gentler. It calms you down, but only a little bit.   

“Go ahead and explain yourself away for the thousandth time.”  

“That woman was a civilian who I saved in the hostage situation. She only has a certain times she is allowed out of supervision due to safety precautions they take, the LOV Is after her because she has some very valuable information. They wouldn’t let me see her for some damn reason, and so the only thing left to do was to bring her out, while being guarded, so she could tell me what she saw and heard.”  

“She wanted to go out with you Katsuki.” You sigh, your shoulders dropping as you give up on fighting. “Everyone wants to go out with you.”  

Bakugo snorts in disbelief, which only manages to piss you off further. “Whatever you say y/n. But seriously, I’m sorry I didn’t take you to dinner for your birthday.”  

You said that last time. And the time before that. My birthday was three weeks ago Suki.”  

“Well le t me make it up to you. We’ll order something nice and have dinner at my place. Just you, and me. I’ll turn off my phone, unplug the tvs, lock the doors and close all the blinds. Just us two.”  

“Like you would do that for silly old me.” You snort under your breathe, causing Bakugo to freeze.  

“What did you just say?”  

“I said- you know what never mind. It’s not like you would. Care anyways.  

“Yes I would! Y/n you’re being a pain.”  

“Oh so I’m the pain? Me, not you, the one who ditched his supposed best friend several times in a row now!”  

“You know I can’t do much when it comes to work y/n!”  

“There’s always an excuse with you! Just tell me you hate me already!” You spit, regretting the words as soon as they leave your mouth. Bakugo’s grip immediately falters, and his hand slips from your wrist. You take a step back as you stare at the man, he was dumbfounded.  

“Hate you? Y/n I could never hate you. Not even  if I tried.”  

Your mouth is dry, so you swallow trying to get the moisture back. “R-really?” You whisper, it comes out in a hoarse whisper. “yes really.”  

“W-what do you mean by that?”  

“I think we both know what I mean by that, y/n.” Bakugo whispers, gently taking your hands and pulling you closer to him.  

“W-what?” Your cheeks warm as one of his hands slips to cup your cheek, the other resting at the back of your head as he pulls you into a kiss, gentle and cautios at frst, utnil it starts growing into something more. Something desperate, something hungry. He kisses you for a good 30 seconds before pulling away, slightly out of breath.  

“You and me, Saturday night. Deal?” He whispers in your ear. All you can do is nod as you feel your heart race and your knees grow weak.  

“Good.” He kisses your cheek and then struts away, his cheesy grin stuck on his face.  

[croquettish]

Listen please feel free to ignore my idle ramblings. You just inspire me to bring my thoughts to paper and I always love to read your take on everything.

Honestly I also very much read Hans as a comphet gay man all the way.

He feels like the most overcompensating character ever. He makes loving women his whole entire brand which is so sad to watch sometimes.

The way he is expressing his attraction to Henry feels leagues removed from the way he is trying to court every single woman in the game.

He doesn't need flashy gestures or words for Henry. When it's real you dont need as much embellishment so to say.

For the first time in the games he sounds and acts natural with someone else he expresses interest in. Like it's not just a show he has to put on for everyone else except for his own enjoyment as whenever he interacts with women.

He looks like he is freaking melting with Henry.

I honestly also even think his constant trips to the bath house in the first game are just for basically spa treatments and not much else happens there. I think I even remember him saying something along the lines of he just likes being pampered.

It makes me really confused how people can think there were no signs of him being gay in the first game. What do these people think gay people would have acted like in a time when it might as well be a death sentence or a life as a monk AT BEST to express your true feelings.

I think Hans reaction, trying his best to be perceived as the most women loving giga chad ever is honestly the only sign I needed to realize that that can't be quite true. It feels fake all over. I sometimes wonder if they originally intended this whole attitude to feel genuine, but realized in the making how that just doesn't feel right at all and switched up his character accordingly? Like he's a character breaking free from his own pre intended writing somehow?

If you're reading him as Bi absolutely a valid opinion as well though! No hate only love!

Another point I just saw in your most recent post I wondered a lot about is the part of gaining reputation with Hans in the first game when being talked back to/down to (I think there also is at least one instance in the second game when I called him a brat and got reputation).

Honestly I think it's much to do with his low self esteem and probably not great metal health.

When you're struggling with your mental health because of your family situation like he does with Hanush you never get to develop a clear sense of self and deep self love and self respect. And various people deal with it in different ways, wheather they pull back into themselves and become people pleaser or they go another route like Hans and build this air of very high self regard around them. Of course either way it's all just a charade hiding his very vulnerable and self loathing core. Which sometimes makes flattery feel uncomfortable and being talked down to like self affirmation even if that's super twisted.

The way he talks to Hanush in the first game especially is so different from his snarky self. He is utterly defeated in the face of that man. He doesn't get angry how he usually does until after talking to him, he only ever meekly tries to even get a word in. He's belittled, not taken seriously and treated like a completely useless person and he doesn't really do anything. I think that's how a lot of people act in the face of a parental abuser that they learned not to set off even more.

(Honestly why I loathe Hanush. He's not one of the "bad guys" the games try to present. He is portrayed as a likable if hot headed guy, but he's an abuser in my eyes and is absolutely to blame for how Hans sees the world and himself).

Same as the unhealthy way of self harm Hans developed in making sure he stays unlikable so to say. For instance when trying to push Henry away when they are in the pillory. Even Henry sees that Hans is just saying mean things that he doesn't mean at all, just saying them to make sure Henry stops liking him and leaves. He never learned that he is allowed to be cared for like that so he has to make sure it stops. He has to make sure he is alone, uncared for, deprived of his only friend. That's a form of self harm if I've ever seen one. It honestly blew my mind that they added that. That whole scene is very rich when looked at from a mental health point of view in their interactions. When using the "Swear" option when playing as Henry he says something like "Who could ever be proud of you?!" and that seems to hit Hans like a ton of bricks crushing him. He looks like he is going to cry immediately and doesn't even come back with something to say like before, because that hit home like nothing else.

Like in their divorce era he snaps out of his self imposed agony and split from Henry as soon as Henry gets hurt because that's too much, that's not related to his self imposed denying himself his happiness. Even when you're fighting Old Semine at the wedding in swordfighting he is freaking cheering you on like he isn't really mad with you. It's not Henry he wants to hurt but himself.

I think that man is wildly unwell mentally and that's one more thing I really love about the way he and Henry interact with each other.

Henry seems to be somehow aware of that whole struggle and doesn't interact with it in an unhealthy or harmful way most of the time.

He is a caring man at the end of the day and that is exactly what Hans needs to heal, strengthen his sense of self and become a better version of himself.

Sorry again for putting like 5 different points in here. But I would honestly love to read your take. You always inspire me to think more about these characters I love.

Why would I ever ignore your idle ramblings when they're so insightful!!!! Also thank you so much, it honestly makes me super happy that people find value in my hyperfixation of picking this game and its characters apart. The fact that my own ramblings inspire you to think about these games and their characters in more depth makes me extremely happy ❤️

So for starters I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that reads Hans as a comphet gay man. There are honestly so many hints that he's overcompensating in the biggest way. As I said in my initial post about why Henry pushes Hans away at first, @hallowedlore pointed out that Hans' vibe of "love? I never knew love till now!" [five minutes later] "love? I never knew love till—" can be VERY indicative of queerness. Because of course he hasn't found the right girl; he was never looking for a girl at all. There are so many examples of this. Similarly, as @codeword-art pointed out here, noblemen are "supposed to be proud, stern, with a love for women," which, as they put it, most likely "stems from Hans' own doubts about his own sexuality." I could not agree more with this.

It's honestly not surprising to me that Hans has no idea how to act around women because he didn't grow up around them at all. His mother is either dead or ditched him and he didn't grow up with much of anyone, let alone any peers. But he did at least have Hanush around to act as a sort of male rolemodel. He had Captain Bernard and semi-frequently saw other noblemen. Women of his status, not so much. It's no wonder he doesn't really interact with either Rosa or Katherine, but even there, he seems more comfortable around Katherine because she's more like the women he was exposed to, castle staff and bath wenches.

I'm also inclined to agree with you about his trips to the baths. And not just because we find out he tried to convince one of the women to strip for him by playing dice with her (when he could have just asked her to) and then, after failing, used that as a conceit for how to try and get Henry naked… but also because he's so fucking bad at it. I tried for quite a while to find the post here but someone recently showed off a conversation Hans can have with one of the bath maids near Devil's Den, which is just so, so profoundly pathetic. Iirc this is during the fake Karolina era when he is white knuckling down on the last vestiges of heterosexuality that he thought he had.

It's interesting too that there is a non-zero chance (not a large chance, mind, just the possibility of it) that Hans could be a virgin. Like I think that's kind of fucking hysterical that for all his showboating it is possible for it to all be 100% fake pretend bravado. Do I think this is likely? Not really. But it's possible. Because we have only ever seen him strike out with women and we know for a fact that it is canon that he struck out with the real Karolina as well. He's bad at this! He fawns over Klara and goes to the baths to see her even though she's the only one of the bath maids there where touching is off the table. We also know that he's an idealist and a romantic who loves love. It wouldn't surprise me if he would look at sex he could pay for at a bathhouse as a sort of... hollow thing that wouldn't appeal to him. But by god, he'd pretend up and down and left and right that it does.

Another thing that should be commented on here that you brought up as well to a degree is this scene—and here I have to draw attention to @audentesfortunaiuvatt as usual magnificent tags. We know that they're canonically nude here. And @komorebian's wonderful gifts beautifully illustrate how much this motherfucker is just straight up checking Henry out. It's not even remotely subtle. And this is far from the only time stuff like this happens in KCD1! Like I shipped them like crazy after playing the first game and I can't imagine that was entirely unintentional on the part of the dev team. I mean look at this shit!

So much of Hans' character is faking it till you make it. Except he can't fake this well enough to pass as straight. He tries so hard and even then he's fucking transparent.

I maintain that I do think part of the reason that he enjoys when Henry gets smart with him is because he's willing to treat him like a person instead of an object, but like I said in my last meta post I do think part of it does have to do with a lack of self-esteem. The reason he does so much showboating is in order to try and fake who he thinks he should be. He masks and plays the mimic at every possible turn.

I also agree with you that Hanush had a big influence on his mental health (and lack thereof). But I think there's a bit more nuance here than you're suggesting. Because while you can 100% read Hanush's behaviors as abusive, the real issue (for Hans as well!) is that he's not actively and consciously trying to go for that result. Hanush genuinely thinks he's doing right by Hans and leading him toward what's best for him. And lbr here, even with something like the wedding, while the thing he's leading him toward is undeniably self-serving, Hanush is also… technically correct. Divorced from Hans' emotions, it is the "correct" choice. Hanush has raised Hans into a capable ruler in concept. This, to Hanush, was undoubtedly the most important thing. He just didn't realize he had to show him love and help him grow as a person as well. As I've said before, he's a great guardian, but he's a fucking godawful parent because he has no idea what he's doing.

If you're still sitting there going "no, he's evil" then I want you to look at the tiny tiny insight we get into Hanush's psyche here. It's just five seconds long and occurs at the very end of the scene where he lectures Hans during Clothes Make the Man. I brought this up as well in my meta post about Hans' relationship with Hanush. Hanush has no idea what he's doing. He (a former robber baron and perpetually broke gambler) was handed this extremely young child to raise out of nowhere. He's not a father. He doesn't know how to raise a kid. When he agreed to raise Hans in the event that something happened to his father, Hanush (like most people who agree to be a child's godparents) most likely didn't anticipate actually having to do it. And while it was quite common in medieval Europe for nobles to "foster" their children with other noble families as a way of cementing bonds and alliances, that doesn't mean that Hanush automatically knows how to parent.

You can read his stern talks with Hans and his emotional neglect of him as abuse. But the key thing here is imo intentionality. That abuse is borne from ignorance, not malice. And in a lot of ways that lack of intentionality makes it far, far more insidious. If Hanush hated him or hit him it would be so much easier for Hans to sort of recognize that what's happening here is emotionally damaging. He can walk away from this thinking that Hanush loves him and wants what's best for him, leaving him to internalize it all without second-guessing it. Because he's never had any reason to question it. It's also why him bringing up his parents here is especially poignant. Only with Henry, only placed outside of the bounds of society, only when surrounded by people who see value in him (so much so that Zizka assigned him control of a company of men!) does he start to question the things that he's taken for granted all this time.

And it does lead to things like the self-harm you mentioned, which I've commented on, if in no other way, at least in meme format:

(That's a lie, it comes up in my fic.)

That boy hates himself so much and thinks he's so fucking useless he literally actively pushes Henry away just so he can't let him down later. He knows this whole scene was his fault and is (even if it's just subconsciously) so angry with himself and insecure about how he's dragging Henry down that he flees. Even when Henry keeps forgiving him, over and over again.

You mentioned what happens if Henry bitches him out while they're in the pillory, and I agree that it makes a ton of sense that Hans, caring about Henry's approval as much as he does, would feel absolutely gutted. But I don't think that's the most telling thing you can get out of that conversation. If you play it nice the whole way through (my preferred route of choice, bc it ends up only making Hans feel all the worse for it after), you get this bit of dialogue:

Which... hoooooo boy.

I understand you need to take it out on someone. I can take it.

And that's exactly what Hans is so terrified of! That one day Henry won't be able to stand him anymore and will leave. So he leaves first. I mean, we get front row seats to his psyche later on that confirms exactly that. Because this, the "I wasn't good enough for you," is his take on what happens regardless of how nice you are to him.

@tsinavar and I had a conversation recently where they brought up what convinces Hans to keep poaching or not is whether or not Henry brings up his own safety. Which floored me bc, yeah, it really is that simple. Hans doesn't give a shit about his own hide because he doesn't think his hide is worth all that much to begin with. But Henry? He's worth the world to Hans.

And I think Henry recognizes this. He knows Hans, inside and out. It's why he can gut him in two seconds flat but then can choose not to. A Henry who is good enough at persuading people can use that ability, combined with how well he knows Hans, to talk him out of poaching by knowing to invoke his own safety. Like, no wonder Henry means everything to Hans. He sees Hans, inside and out, and stays by his side anyway.

[kooorey403]

Honestly, Bernard already has a whole villain backstory. I love the idea that he started it after he finds out tim is red robin- but it would be so funny if it was completely unrelated. Like while Bernard was in the cult of dionysus or something, he starts being Smiley as a way to like de-stress that doesn't involve pain and hating himself. And Smiley could be doing like stupid pranks and games all across Gotham - and his whole gimmick is wanting people to smile or some goofy shit like that.

And then his pranks start becoming more and more dramatic (coloring a an entire street bright pink, somehow glitter bombs planted in every drawer of the police station, outfiting an entire warehouse for his birthday party (the warehouse was not abandoned)(the workers were the semi-unwilling attendees)(it was not his birthday)) he catches the attention of the local vigilantes. Now, before he realizes Tim is Red Robin, the one who deals with him usually is Steph. Mostly because this seems right up her alley (also bc you know she's /spoiling/ his fun, haha- though by this point shes probably bat girl and not spoiler anyways).

Though, as he and Tim reconnect and become closer, Bernard is like... Wow, my boyfriend is totally a Vigilante, what the hell. And thus began Smiley's endless quest to get Red Robin to deal with him.

"Hey, lovely Purple, is Red around by chance?"

"Nah, man."

"That's too bad."

Steph comes into the cave covered in green glitter. Everyone is bewildered, Smiley's never targeted them before, if anything he seemed to go out of his way to not have them caught up in his pranks. But it continues to happen again and again.

"Purple again..."

"Why do you sound so diappointed!?"

"Red's my favorite color."

She gets him with her uniform somehow rainbow dyed. She won't tell them what happened. They begin to realize that Smiley won't stop asking after Red Robin.

"Do you know if-"

"NO. RED ROBIN IS NOT HERE TONIGHT, DAMMIT!"

When Steph enters the cave, she's shoved into the containment chamber used only for the worst, most contagious diseases contracted. That stink bomb was no joke.

They're completely dumbfounded at Smiley's new obsession with Red Robin. Steph is having the worst time. Tim insists on just dealing with Smiley and getting it over with. Bruce absolutely refuses to let him ...something about a villain whose theme is smiling being obsessed with a certain vigilante is familiar... Tim doesn't agree. Smiley's MO has never been to actively cause harm. It was just to be fucking annoying.

But, safety first, and the bats sort of share Bruce's opinion of the situation. None of them think he's a Joker in the making, but they dont like Smiley's fixation on Red Robin at all. Steph is absolutely done with dealing with him, so she's delighted to let the others swoop in to see Smiley for themself.

"Blue, you've flown rather far from home, haven't you?"

"I heard there was a smile I needed to turn upside down."

"Well, that's just rude."

Dick gets doused in water, and a purple goop gets dumped onto him. It isn't until later that they realize the goop is actually semi permanent hair dye. Dick gets placed on house arrest for a few days because of the stains on his skin, and they have to neutralize the purple with yellow dye. (Though, he'll swear his hair shines purple in light for months.)

"Ah, it seems there's a problem."

"The problem is you've fucking covered the Narrows in ribbons! Where the fuck did you get all of this shit!?"

"No, I mean that Red is already taken. I'm not sure what to call you. Speaking of Red... Has he been hiding from me? I haven't seen his little cape in months..."

"You're fucking creepy. You know that, right?"

Bernard ends up calling him Helmet. Jason hates him. Especially when he gets home believing himself unscathed, only to find out the back of his helmet had somehow managed to gain a large heart gem sticker.

"Yellow, isn't it past your bedtime, young man?"

"I can make exceptions."

"Just for little old me?"

Duke got covered in baby blue colored powder. Bernard used a lot more than he probably needed to. The highlight of the night was when Duke sneezed and sent a comically large cloud of blue dust everywhere. Bernard got a good laugh out of that.

Damian is absolutely flabbergasted that his siblings have managed to be bested like this. He demands to see Smiley for himself. Dick caves pretty quickly and agrees to take him.

"Oh, Blue, babysitting tonight?"

Damian hates Smiley. Bernard narrowly avoids getting stabbed in the stomach by the little Batling multiple times. Nightwing scolds him for excessive use of force. So, Bernard sort of feels bad for using itching powder on the two of them. But only a little.

When Batman goes to see Smiley, Bernard keeps his mouth completely shut. He doesn't really have the guts to taunt him. The trap he had set up for the unsuspecting vigilante of the night was simple but effective. Bernard almost doesn't use it on him- terrified of the repercussions. But he manages to work up the will to do it at the last minute.

Which is how the bat suit gets splattered in polka dots of hot pink paint. Every bat worth their salt managed to snap a photo of it.

Cass was perfectly content to stand back and watch all of this unfold. Personally, she had shown up to observe Smiley after the first time Steph showed up covered in green glitter. Though she never told anyone, she likes him. He was fun, and he enjoyed bringing joy to others, even if he seemed to have a little sadness hanging over him for some reason.

She watched his silent showdown against Bruce, completely enthralled. They were both speaking her favorite language, after all. Afterwards, she quietly joins Bruce, hopping through rooftops. They share a moment of silence before she speaks.

"He likes you."

"Hn."

"He respects you."

"He's dangerous."

She just tilts her head at the pink polka dotted man.

"The feats he's managed to accomplish in such a short a mount of time without being noticed, somehow without leaving any trails behind, are unprecedented. He's an unknown. Volatile. Unpredictable."

She shakes her head. "He won't hurt Tim."

Bruce grunts. "Names."

"He likes him."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Despite the conversation ending there, Red Robin is finally given the green light to deal with Smiley.

"Do not actively seek him out. If he's in your area you're fine to confront him, but only if it's nessacary."

Tim just hums in agreement, knowing that he plans to show up the second Smiley shows his face.

But for some reason... he isn't. Showing his face, that is. Weeks go by without even so much as a mention of Smiley's name.

Bernard was considerably spooked by Bruce. And it's embarrassing to admit, but it wasn't until Batman showed up that he realized that the reason he wasn't seeing Tim out was most likely because they didn't want him talking to the mysterious rogue who kept asking after him.

Bernard was understandably put out by his monumentous blunder. He had just wanted to see his boyfriend in action! Was that too much to ask for?

So, he laid low for a few weeks, planning his return meticulously.

Turns out, Tim wouldn't have to seek him out at all.

Bernard was going to have fun with Tim as Smiley. His next prank was going to be his greatest one yet. part of it sort of verges on the edge of vigilantism, but it's the aftermath that's important.

See, the thing is, Red Robin had been doing recconaissnace on a certain small time drug operation. The reason Bernard knows about this is by happenstance, Tim left out a sketch of the logo they tattoo onto their runners.

Bernard often surveys areas for potential pranks and games. At some point, he accidentally stumbles upon a group of people who all have certain tattoo visible on their shoulders.

Originally, Bernard was planning on suggesting he and Tim get dinner in that area so he could spot something or maybe even just dropping the information on one of the vigilantes as Smiley. However, he had a plan now.

So, he manages to time it just right, right on the day Red Robin busts a small abandoned office building being used to manufacture the drugs.

Tim wasn't thinking about Smiley at all. His mind was on more pressing issues, like the solo drug bust mission he gave himself. He really should've called for back up, but he figured it would be an in and out situation- call the cops and cause enough of a ruckus that the cops have a reason to enter and then arrest the people there. But when he bursts through the window, he finds the room has been covered in red and silver glitter. The criminals all unconscious. And for some reason they're tied up with bows? Silk ribbons and streamers hang from the ceiling.

'What the...'

"Hi, Red." The voice is from behind him, and Tim whips around with his staff in front of him- jumping away from the speaker.

"Did you like my present?" Smiley tilts his head towards the men tied up.

"Smiley," Tim says in lieu of answering.

"It's been so long since I've seen you, Red." Well, not that long, Tim was in Bernard's apartment just that morning, he stayed the night as an apology for not being able to make it to their Friday date night. Which was tonight, actually. Looks like he was able to make it, after all.

"The last time I saw you, you didn't even speak to me." Bernard theatrically slumps forward in despair before looking up and crossing his arms over his chest, attempting to appear dramatically grumpy. "It's rude to ignore people, you know."

The last time Bernard saw Tim as Red Robin was also the first time, before Bernard knew Tim was Red Robin. Tim had been with Spoiler, sepersting when they saw whatever shenanigans Bernard was up to that night.

"What do you want?" Tim bites out. Honestly, it was rather impressive that Smiley had managed to do all of this on his own. Though the fact that he presumably did it for Tim was a bit creepy. It's insane that he knew Tim was investigating this group, let alone where they were operating- getting here before Tim... Hell, he even somehow knew that Tim was doing the drug bust today and alone.... Let's just say Tim is not looking forward to giving his report to Bruce tonight.

"Oh, Red." Smiley practically purrs. "I just want you to smile."

And then he lunges forward as if to grab Tim, although there's not any genuine intent on Bernard's part. Bernard has never been the best at fighting. His only claim to fame in this respect is his extremely high pain tolerance. It's easy to brush off the bruises and cuts he gets, and he never flinches. It gives him an edge. Especially since when he gets into a fight, his goal is always to get away rather than to win.

Bernard plays the same game he always does, swiftly dodging all of Tim's strikes, backing away- slowly leading the vigilante to right where he wants them.

The place Bernard wants him is the roof, which is a few floors up. Because of this, Tim immediately realizes something is up as they near the stairwell.

He jumps back, away from Smiley, staff held in front of him defensively. "What's your game, Smiley!?"

At this, Smiley just laughs, standing up straight with his hands folded behind his back.

"I don't know, my dear Red..." Smiley slowly pulled something out of his back pocket before presenting it to Tim. "Why don't you find out?"

In between Bernard's thumb and index finger is a detonator. It's long to be held comfortably in one's fist and, Bernard's favorite part, it has a dramatically red button on one end. Recognition and horror blooms on Tim's face and Bernard turns around and sprints up the stairs.

Tim follows with a shout, and Bernard can hear him speaking into his comms below him beneath the sounds of them moving through the stairwell. Bernard jumps over the railings, and hops through multiple steps at a time. He's determined to get this prank right.

The door to the roof is open, just like he left it. And as he makes it out there, Tim slams into his back. It's a minor hiccup. Originally, Bernard had planned to make it out onto the roof more smoothly. He was going to dramatically turn to Tim as he made it to the top, detonator in his fist, he'd planned a whole speech. Not everything can be perfect, though.

Tim and he struggle there, Bernard firmly holding onto the Detonator. Tim grabs the wrist of the hand that Bernard is gripping it with, and Bernard has a hilarious thought- he doesn't need to be standing to press it! Duh.

His thumb slams down on the button with a resounding click.

"Fuck!" Tim curses, throwing himself off of Smiley, making a run for the edge of the roof- but as he gets there he sees a light shooting up from a few buildings away, and exploding in a sparkling light show of red and white.

Fireworks.

Tim stands there, dumbfounded, as more and more fireworks light up the sky. The other bats are screaming in his ear, demanding to know what's going on.

"It's... It's just fireworks."

There's a light chuckle from beside him, and Tim jumps and turns to see Smiley standing there beside him.

"What else would it be?" Bernard asks Tim, knowing damn well what else Tim thought it would be.

The adrenaline crash from believing the building he was in was going to explode is what makes sure Tim doesn't immediately start running or fighting.

"I told you I just wanted to see you smile."

And Tim seriously feels insane, standing there with fireworks going off in Gotham in the middle of the night. It's the incredulity of the situation that makes him laugh, just a touch hysterically.

The fireworks that light up the sky bathe Tim in an orange flash of light reminiscent of a sunset. And watching his smile stretch across his face, hearing his laugh ring through the night... Bernard almost falls in love with him all over again.

Tim shakes his head at him, giving Smiley a scathing look that's completely ruined by the smile on his lips.

"What?" Smiley waves a dismissive hand, but still sounding delighted. "Come on, why would I blow up a building I was in? Why would I blow up a building you were in?"

Tim could honestly think of a few reasons, the main being the weird obsession Smiley seems to have on him. Double bomber suicide seems right up the alley of Gotham crazy.

Soon, though police sirens ring through the night. Bernard turns toward the sound. "Ah, that's my cue to leave, Red."

"I still have to apprehend you, you know," Tim tuts.

"I think you should check on your drug dealers, Red." Bernard turns back towards him as Tim makes a questioning noise.

"Well, I did tie them up with silk ribbons... they're rather slippery. And to get them unconscious, I just drugged their food with sleeping pills, so they probably woke up already because of the noise." Bernard points to the fireworks.

Tim stares at him. Then, he lets out a heavy sigh and he runs back to the door into the office.

"Good luck getting the glitter out of your costume!" Bernard yells after him ominously, for extra affect.

The sleeping pills he used were no joke, those criminals definitely did not wake up from the noise of the fireworks. There was no glitter trap waiting for him either. Though there was one for the cops on the first floor.

Bernard chuckles as he makes his way down the fire escape. His only regret is that he can't see the look on his boyfriend's face as he realizes he's been tricked.

AND THAT'S A WRAP.

I hope you like it I literally spent my entire Friday on this. It was not supposed to be anywhere near this long... it just got away from me. Sorry for any spelling mistakes.

After this Tim becomes the main person who deals with Smiley, mostly because he's the only one who doesn't get covered in something when he confronts the rogue. Lol.

I like to think of this story as being very minimal angst, even though it is rather unrealistic that Tim would harbor no hard feelings at being tricked like this. Especially after Tim confesses that he's Red Robin and finds out Bernard has already known. Why wouldn't Bernard tell him?? Well, Bernard probably just thought it would be funny. I imagine Smiley is just a bit insane, well meaning, and definitely not evil... but that man is not right in the head. Love him to death, though.

Anyways lots of love to everyone!!!

Goodnight gng

Aaaand here's the sheet (The word is sheet? Idk- like... the info and a little characterization)

OKAY- before somebody throws punches, this was just a silly idea I got after seeing that beautiful art of Bernard and Tim hanging from a building and like- the moon is in the background and BERNARD LOOKS STUNNING

Anyway, I saw that and immediately thought "Damn, it kinda has kaito kid vibes with the doves and the suit... WAIT" and it was like my brain just melted. Especially remembering how the first introduction of Bernard shows him, I put his hair of that moment as a wink lol

And before somebody says "Uhm ☝🏻🤓 this couldn't work because Bernard will never do that and Tim is like, the best detective so he would find out immediately and" IT'S FANON, IT'S FUCKING FANON, GODDAMNIT LET THE FANDOM ACT LIKE A FANDOM. Go read a comic if you want something canon 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

[jewreallythinkthat]

I often think about how people (including me back in the day) talk about "oh well old people are all right wing. Everyone gets more right wing when they get older."

And now I am older, I realise it's not that I've become right wing. My values have not changed at all, I am still firmly on the left side of politics. What's changed however is that I understand the world a hell of a lot better than I did when I was 20. I've spent half a decade at uni, I've worked and paid taxes since before the pandemic. I'm involved in political things in a way you don't have the opportunity to as a kid.

What's changed is that I now understand how much more complicated the world is. I understand that some things, much as I'd love them, are not possible, or are at best impractical without loosing something else. I see the ways I want the world to change and I have to think about what is sacrificed for them. Minerals, food, technology, health; everything costs money. We don't live in a society where everyone looks out for eachother no matter how much I wish that were true. We don't live in a world where all country leaders wish for peace, or even wish the best for their citizens. We sadly live in a world where there are multiple leaders who have expansionist tendancies and don't care how many people die to get what they want.

I watched my cousin, one of the most left wing people I know - a journalist regularly on TV debating some of the most deranged right wingers in my country - not lose her left wing values, but adjust to a pragmatic view of the world. What is the situation now, what do I want, what's the best way to do this in a safe, and legal manner? They're just as involved in activism, however what they do now makes a difference because it's realistic goal orientated rather than based around ideological puritism.

Now yes, some people absolutely do get more right wing and they get older (there are also those who go in the other direction) and money absolutely has a lot to do with that. I personally view paying tax as a civic duty and a privilege but I know that this isn't a universal feeling.

The world is shit, but pretending anything other than realistic pragmatism is possible in the immidiate future without the deaths of thousands of people ("the revolution" etc etc) and the installing of an authoritarian regime is complete detached from reality. And I don't have the time to deal with people who don't bring value to the conversation.

[justlarkin]

Man, I don't know if it's because the setting and how Carbuncle is there to act rationally to the insane situation they're in compared to MC's usual indifferent or comical reactions, but the WRs just seem way worse about the trophy thing in this event.

Carbuncle is supposed to be the Prize for the event, not MC. MC has nothing to do with that arrangement, yet everyone is already acting as if MC was included in that deal. It's not even them vaguely referring to either of them with a title associated with an Exile. They're addressing MC by name. All of the discussion about what they'll do when they win is directed at and about MC. MC even thought there must be some kind of misunderstanding because the crowd was talking about them as if they're the Prize, not Carbuncle. The Rule Makers literally already have a whole custody arrangement laid out for how they'll split their time with them during the week without asking for their input.

Then there's that whole thing with FOUR of them ganging up on MC to prevent them from making any progress. Do y'all feel me on how excessive that was? It was stated that they were just picking on the easiest target, so MC was already at a disadvantage due to the hierarchy. All four of them didn't need to hop in and spawncamp them. I know MC usually pulls some bullshit last minute and they did here, but they were deadass just bullying MC for funsies.

I know they're always like this, but I really want to know what the fuck their problem is during this particular event because they're being really blatant about their lack of respect for MC and their autonomy lol💀😭

This is all so dumb too because I'm 100% sure if they just asked, MC would hang out with them. This is all so unnecessary unless they're specifically in this to beat MC's ass.

I hope Carbuncle crashes out and beats their asses, bro.

[laylainalaska]

Murderbot 1x06 reactions

The episodes just keep getting better! (Also some spoilers here for "All Systems Red" and a scene from the trailer that hasn't happened yet.)

The show still has a wonderful pulp-action-serial feeling, and both this week's parallel storylines were really tense, cutting back and forth between Mensah and MB in the crashed shuttle, and everyone else dealing with an increasingly unhinged Leebeebee back at the habitat.

Gurathin's reactions to Leebeebee are honestly delightful (his FACE at some of the things she says! also his reaction to Bharadwaj inviting her to come back with them!) and I love how he very obviously twigs to Leebeebee being completely Not On Their Side and starts trying to put the brakes on giving her even more access to them and their stuff before she pulls the gun on them.

In general, this episode really showcased how differently he thinks than the native Preservationers and that was just fascinating, from his deadpan "Debt" about how Preservation as a society functions (I feel like Gurathin as an outsider is probably more aware that Preservation's independent existence is a bit precarious, as opposed to the native Preservationers for whom things are just how things are and don't really question it), to being far less willing to trust or open up to Leebeebee - justifiably, as it turned out in her case.

I also just need to point out that it wasn't Leebeebee shooting him in the leg that made him capitulate and agree to do what she's demanding; it was when she told him she'd start shooting his friends next.

Meanwhile over on the Murderbot and Mensah side of things, I am really delighted with how subtle yet clear the show has been with MB's slow relaxing and opening up to Mensah. MB is still awkward, but it's visibly more relaxed and natural and more "itself" when interacting with her in this episode. And Mensah gets to see MB's ridiculous nerdy side. "Sanctuary FUCKING Moon?" Perfect line delivery, A+++. xD And also the two of them helping each other, and pushing out of their respective comfort zones, and cooperating to get each other working again, and the shuttle working again, was just really satisfying.

(Murderbot cursing itself for having deleted the manual to make space for TV shows! HONEY.)

But then at the end, the humans and Murderbot slam directly into the uncanny valley of difference between them - because it *isn't* like them, and now they all have to deal with having that brought home to them in an extremely violent way.

Also, wow, did Leebeebee ever pick the wrong human to take hostage. I mean, MB would probably have done more or less exactly what it did regardless of whose head she had a gun pressed to - it might have had more trouble with Mensah - but Leebeebee picked the one that wasn't going to cause it an instant of hesitation. I assume Murderbot's matter-of-fact execution of Leebeebee is what's going to lead into Gurathin telling everyone that it calls itself Murderbot and honestly .... I can see why!

Like. As well as killing Leebeebee, it made it clear that it didn't particularly care if it killed him too, and this is in a situation when he's hurt and traumatized and covered in someone else's blood. Revealing its secret name for itself is not only a relatively small thing under the circumstances, but from his point of view, completely justified in protecting his friends from a rogue SecUnit that very clearly does not mind killing people. (Not to say that this doesn't come across as a betrayal from SecUnit's point of view, but it feels like he's been given ample setup for doing it.)

I am really curious what the last two episodes have in store! I know the very broadest strokes of it, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it happens.

Also, this is just complete speculation now, but the show has signposted clearly enough that Gurathin is narratively Important (he's probably the ... triteuroganist, I guess? after MB and Mensah) that I wouldn't be surprised if Gurathin and his corporate trauma come into play somehow in MB leaving the group - I'm kind of vaguely speculating that he is aware of it leaving and chooses to let it go without telling anyone, or facilitates it leaving; anyway, I halfway expect the show to give us some kind of closure on Gurathin and MB, because it's done too much with them so far not to.

[nereidof40k]

@bookandyarndragon , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

Sunniva nods at Rose. “Sorry to distract your bonded. I’m sure you are eager to get out of here. My father in law just decided to make everyone’s lives interesting by releasing a video making it absolutely clear that bonded are to be cherished, under threat of him coming for you. Commander Sicarius was just questioning why anyone would need to be told that.” If Rose wants to know more, Sunniva explains that the 8th and its Primarch has a horrible reputation, to the point entire worlds would submit as soon as they heard the 8th was coming.

“Fortunately he got some help with his myriad of issues since coming here. Including how to deal with his visions of the future. Definitely didn’t help his situation that pretty much everyone he told about his visions took him about as seriously as if he was a Trojan princess.”

Kind of a amusing image, picturing the twelve foot tall cryptid as Cassandra of Troy.

Silly thought with Rose and Cato. Instead of encountering nekkid shouty Astartes at her house imagine the Shenanigans if she'd been traveling for work or niece rescue. Oh no the car broke down near your oc/si's farm. There doth the proud nudist Cato Sicarious appear. Oh no he must rescue the poor baseline/s (Rose and maybe Kara) from the approaching Night Lord in the tacky salicious shirt. And this unlucky fucer runs into the woods.

That’s a great idea. I’m laughing so hard. And then he runs into Konrad. 😂

[l0ttienatz]

me and my ability to make EVERYTHING. aboht lottienat :

when you've been conveniently enabled by everyone in the same traumatic situation with you, being believed in and followed because of your illness. (they dont know about it.) but once its not convenient to them, they drop it, make you look insane and deluded.

when there were only a few people who didnt partake in it, the ones who never enabled it and never followed you. the ones who saw through the bullshit that you yourself became blinded in.

—

when you and one of the said people are complete foils of each other, opposites who understand so well. when the same girl is the one who gently tries to make you agree to go home, to leave the wilderness. when you both survived the traumas just to have a pact (with the other as well) to not speak for 25 years, losing all possible time you could've had to resolve your tensions.

—

when even after you return home you feel a connection to the wilderness, to the nature. you feel like youre being heard.

when those who have cared for you have had to deal with you at your worst, the ones who adore you ONLY knew you for your worst. and yet, they still loved you through it. they never pulled away and instead pushed through.

—

when just as you start to feel a sense of normalcy, after being reunited with the other survivors, after being reunited with the same girl who carefully convinced you to leave (which didnt even happen initially. but person belief is that when they leave it's gonna be something of the same ordeal) she fucking dies.

when just as you get a sense of normalcy in 27 years, the person who brought it to you dies. the one you saved, the one you'd been watching for years, the one you cared for.

—

when the two of you were the most vulnerable with each other, when you had your chances to admit something. to talk about the dynamic, but both of you stayed quiet.

—

"to love me is to suffer me"

sorry i need to gtb and if this is cringe when I come back to its getting deleted ok bai

[mickedy]

I'd say Papyrus's biggest "flaw" is that he consistently underestimates people's capacity for harm, or overestimates his own capacity for good, maybe? Though it's not really him being simply naive, because he's aware of his choices, but i think he might have a bit too much faith in his ability to help others change. I could see him potentially being one of those people who get into a relationship with someone else to try and "fix" them despite the active disadvantages. i am saying this because i also tend to think like that

I might have worded it a bit poorly, of course each character has their own flaws but I regard each character's biggest flaw as the thing the game actively pushes against or presents as something the character needs to overcome.

Toriel, for example, is a very avoidant individual who is afraid of losing her children but won't actually take steps to confront or tackle her problems head on, because it is much easier to ignore them and create a life for herself in the Ruins where she can pretend everything is alright. By the end of the game she learns to be okay with vulnerability and uncertainty, and is able to let go of her fear and leave her hideaway in the Ruins for the first time in centuries.

Alphys is a character who deals with a lot of self loathing and doesn't reach out to anyone about it because she intrinsically assumes the people around her hate her as much as she hates herself. She goes out of her way to fabricate situations that make herself look better because she doesn't actually believe she can naturally be a person that someone would like and look up to. But by the end of the game she learns to be okay with reaching out to others for help even if she doesn't think she's deserving of it.

Etc, etc.

In Papyrus' case, his willingness to believe in others is never presented as a bad thing. No Mercy Papyrus is not in the wrong for thinking you can do better-- YOU'RE in the wrong for taking advantage of his vulnerability to kill him. There is a reason he's represented by the Integrity soul; he sticks to his guns in the face of danger and puts everything on the line to reach out a hand to you when nobody else would. He is the one character that goes against the "kill or be killed" mentality the game presents.

And of course there is an argument to be made about him being TOO trusting of others, like when Flowey manipulates Papyrus into getting everyone in one place so he can launch his attack. But that sort of loops back around to the previous point; Papyrus isn't portrayed as in the wrong for trusting Flowey-- but Flowey IS in the wrong for using Papyrus for his own purposes. When Undyne talks about Papyrus not being able to handle a Royal Guard title because his kindness would get him killed, we're not supposed to side with her.

This IS Undertale we're talking about. Papyrus doesn't go through an arc of learning to believe in others Less, because in the context of Undertale, it's not a bad trait for him to have.

Of course, things don't work exactly like that in the real world. Undertale is a fantasy game with fantasy rules where nobody was forced to die in the happy ending because of Magic and Friendship.

And in the real world, there ARE people who will take advantage of your kindness to hurt and abuse you. And putting yourself in a situation where you are constantly exerting yourself to extend an olive branch to someone who will keep hurting you regardless IS an unhealthy way to deal with these situations. (I mean-- not YOU specifically anon, more of a general royal You.) We all have different reactions to abuse and it is more nuanced than "be kind no matter what", of course.

But in the situations he was put in throughout Undertale, he never really made the objectively "wrong" choice when he decided to believe in the inherent goodness of people. Papyrus isn't fawning over an abuser, he's extending a hand to someone who, in his eyes, isn't aware of what they're doing. He KNOWS when a situation is dangerous and knows how to navigate it.

I guess what I'm getting at is, Undertale is not written for you to think it's okay that Papyrus put his trust in someone and got harmed because of it-- because Frisk isn't chastised for this, either. The game isn't written for you to think that Papyrus' hurt was somehow "deserved" because he was "too trusting". That it's somehow a little more justified to hurt him because he shouldn't have been such a pushover. Because, he's not a pushover. He's the only thing that pushes back against you when you decide to Kill or Be Killed. Yannow

[theloganator101]

The thing with Angel acting “fake” doesn’t make much sense because we are 4 episodes in and we don’t know anything about Angel except being horny and lame sex jokes. Angel says he has to act like that but he’s still playing the same character except he shoots gun now. I also hate how everyone shits on him for being a pornstar. Vaggie and Husk belittle it, Charlie and sir pentious are grossed out by it, pilot alastor was the most respectful, he asked what he can do and than politely said no when Angel offered him his services. Someone said it best Angel got flanderized in one season. He’s just the guy that makes and laughs at lame sex jokes and horny.

I’ve seen people defend Angel saying he is hypersexual because of the abuse he goes through and thats a valid take but after loser baby he just got better? He doesn’t wanna have sex outside of work or do drugs anymore and he just got better offscreen because the lesson husk told him was “just accept you’re in a shitty situation and we can get better together <3” the lyrics are really bad.

No one cares that Angel is being sex trafficked, cherri just tells him to do more drugs and husk tells him to not do drugs and guilt trips him. Charlie is the only one to see what Angel has to deal with and instead of trying to help get him out of that situation, maybe ask her dad if he can help. She cries like a baby when Angel was the one who had a “bad day” because of her. Angel just causal drops how he had to work 16 hours, calls Valentino an asshole or whatever, gets water boarded because kinks are weird jokes. Its insensitive how the writers just drop Angel having breakdowns about being trafficking and roofie every night plot line so casually. Angel abuse is not taken seriously and the merch doesnt help because Valentino is probably the most popular character than Angel and he gets sexy merch because the art and animation director think of ship they think is hot and are blowing kisses to a rapist

Angel isn’t a bad character like a lot of the characters they had potential to be good but got flanderized or turned into fanfic in just one season. I say fanfic because these characters are used for fan theories and head canon because the writers have no idea how to write these characters aside from making them curse and have sex with each other. These are characters the fans have to write for and fill in the blanks and fight over headcanons and over analyze because there’s nothing

All of this literally says that going into Angel's conflict in Season 1 was just too early and should've been saved for a future season.

Introducing Angel's overall conflict with none of the characters doing anything to help him just makes them look like terrible friends to him when some of them could clearly do something, IE Charlie with her royal status and Husk since he was previously an Overlord would probably know some loopholes to get Angel out.

And it definitely doesn't help that it seems like Valentino is getting more favored than Angel and how he only seems to be in the main cast as the token gay character, it makes the character feel incomplete and relying on stereotypes to make the personality.

[universalzones]

"I barely know myself anymore, so how do you expect me to tell anyone else who I am. Face it Lanolin, my situation is too fucked right now and it ain't going to change with some random ass blogger talking about it. Don't try saying I'm be pessimistic, I'm just being real." Surge knew the cards were stacked against her right now, and it was strong and tall fucking stack that was for sure.

"Though you know what? I don't give a fuck what G.U.N has planned or what people think of me. If I gotta be the bad guy in the eyes of everyone to stop worse shit from happening then I say bring it on. I'll break them before they break me." The tenrec would do what needed to be done, even if there were those that didn't agree. If it comes down to making a ton of problems for G.U.N then she'll do it.

"Jeez, kinda intense, don't you think?" The canine asked, though had been writing all that down as even he can admit it takes guts to say something like that and stand by it. "Well, what about you Lanolin? Did you want to give a statement about all this? Your word carries more weight than you think."

===========================================================

"...Can't you just make it easier to distrust and hate you for five minutes?" Kitsunami knew it was more the programming making him feel this way rather than the few valid instance's that made him be cautious around Sonic. Starline programmed his brain to be logically yet didn't account for when logic goes against his programming. By all accounts the fennec should be willing to work with the hedgehog, and even trust him a decent amount. He was just stuck in the position of the two programs conflicting each other.

Kitsunami is then seen thinking deeply. "You want to start really earning my trust then you'll answer this question honestly. Surge, did she get her memories back? From before Starline? She was... off when she went over her plan. More level headed, though kept having conflict with herself. She kept dancing around the issue. Told me she over used a new ability she's been working on and it was making it hard to think."

===========================================================

"That would be wise. Me and Jewel dealing with G.U.N while Miles and Belle leave to avoid being held up. However I am still worried about that attacker. If it was G.U.N who had Amy attacked then who knows if they have more agents ready to strike. Perhaps I should request Odessa to shift from helping keep G.U.N soldiers from overstepping to helping Miles escort Belle away from here." Blaze might be over paranoid right now, though better to be safe then sorry.

"Hey, I'm not as powerless as I was before." Belle would walk over to Belle-Bot, hitting a button under it's neck before it opened up which allowed her to step inside. It then closed as she took full control. "Truth is, I designed this should I even end up in a dangerous situation with Metal Sonic again. Not to mention if G.U.N tries claiming I can't leave I can claim it's a part of me. I doubt they'd be willing to try and rip me out. Not that it would be easy."

Lanolins eyes turned to one side as Surge spoke and she could hear that malice in her voice. She'd already consigned herself to what ever fate that lay ahead. But nobody knew the real surge, nobody knew the story of the girl who lost her life to a madman. People only knew her as the destroyer who wrecked the city, who fought sonic and lost. Some saw her on that track and got to see the real Surge under all that anger and bark. Lanolin believed under all of that was a good person clawing there way out of the hell they were forced into. She just wanted Surge to have her say in all of this... what ever small say it might be.

" It's true... many see you for the monster that tore through the city, or the enemy that tried to kill Sonic. Or the failure who couldn't do the deed... "

She said in a soft somber tone

" But nobody knows you... not really. Nobody knows the real story... the truth behind thunder in the sky. I've known you a short time ... and i barely know you... "

She motioned to the civilian with her hand and gazed into Surges eyes less like the soldier and more like a friend. Someone trying to beat past all that rage and help her... maybe it was the first time Lanolin dropped the tough girl act and was just that scared sheep who crawled into restoration that day.

" This is your chance Surge... To tell the world who you are... where you came from... to be remembered ... and not have your story tainted by GUN or anyone else... to tell the world... Who you REALLY are... people are starting to wonder about that. The mysterious green rider... she who fought off the phantom rider... they cheered for you despite EVERYTHING... but they don't know you... "

" This might be your last chance to tell them... so how do you want them to remember you? as the Villain ... or the Hero... he's your chance to convey that... what ever message you might have for the world... he'll be your voice...i dunno i guess... i guess i just feel like you deserve that..."

===============================================

Sonic rubbed the back of his neck as Kit was pretty adamant he would run beside him. Well he supposed if he was able to keep pace with Surge it would be fine right? He nodded his head and turned to make his way across the busted up city and toward the little town that Surge marked for him. He wasn't sure why that little podunk town exactly but he wasn't gonna argue he had made a promise and he'd keep it.

Yet Kit's words made him turn his head as he slowed down just enough so they were side by side. His eyes glancing over at Kit before facing forward. He still blamed himself for not checking that hole, maybe things would have been different if he had.

" That's fine... Trust is earned after all and i let you down. Worse i tried to hide it from you when i found out she was alive... you got every right to be angry with me... maybe in time you'll forgive me... maybe not... but i can still hope that things change for the better...."

================================================

Miles crossed his arms looking very lost in thought, as Blaze gave her stance on the situation. He didn't disagree either, recreating Starlines project wasn't simple. Especially since he had the original notes and they were locked up in his max security vault hidden away in a secret location. No one was getting in there without a small army and that implied they ever knew where to find it.

Still, if they had Surge? It was possible they could figure out all the parts and put it all back together again. It worried him and it was etched on his face how worried he was. Ever since Phantom War he'd been trying to devise ways to counter every possible bad scenario...

He wasn't sure he had an answer to an army of Surges...

" all we can do now is wait... and see what GUNs next move is... we also can't ignore Eggman... he's been to quiet lately to... its gonna be hard to watch GUN and him at the same time... guess we have our work cut out for us..."

" Heh yea... guess Belle's right... we are better looking into this when we are more secure. Speaking of i'll see if i can arrange for Belle bot to be moved to my lab's server room until we can save the data properly and move it back onto Restoration servers. It'll be more secure there then here anyway... "

" Well... at least we have a plan...I guess that leaves miss Blaze and i to handle this goon from GUN and his paper work. Ah Bureaucracy! at least i feel somewhat well equipped to deal with that! they should be arriving anytime--- Guess we should prepare for that. Why don't you and Miss Belle get Belle Bot ready for transfer while we handle the paperwork! "

[bullet-prooflove]

Curious what Ivy was doing during Pittfest?

This is such a good question and it is not gonna make you like Frank more.

Ivy had been suspended the day before because it was suspected she was stealing drugs because her code was being used to access the pharmacy cabinet. The night before Pittfest she gave Frank an ultimatum, tell them the truth or I will.

She thought he would go to Robby first thing but he obvs didn’t. He ghosts her texts throughout the day and she discovers he’s happily going about doing his doctor thing as if nothing has happened, while there’s rumours ‘floating’ around about her addiction.

She finally loses her patience and calls Dana because she’s not allowed to step foot in the hospital. She ends up on a conference call with Robby and then suddenly all that shit with Santos and Langdon starts to make sense. Robby says he’ll deal with it.

By this time Ivy is climbing the fucking walls over this situation and goes for a run. She’s trying to figure out the logistics of moving out because she knows at this point that Frank will not face up to his addiction. She hears the shots over her headphones, it’s a very distinctive noise that cuts between songs. She sees people bolting from the park she’s running past, some covered in blood and steps in to help.

She’s part of the initial disaster effort to set up a triage area, trying to stifle the bleeding until EMS arrive on the scene.  She ends up staying there most of the evening until the emergency services have gotten a handle on things and everyone whose critical has been taken to a hospital.

When she gets home she’s wearing a fresh festival t-shirt because her running one was covered in blood. Frank is waiting for her having no clue she was on the opposite side of Pittfest to him. He absolutely loses his shit, accusing her of throwing him under the bus and Ivy, she is fucking done.

She packs a bag of her things and ends up staying the night at a hotel because Lola’s on mortuary duty at the scene and Cici’s on nightshift. She calls her brother Danny crying after a shower and he drops everything, hopping on the first plane out of Hawaii to come and help.

[bluespiritshonour]

Guys, guys, guys!

Listen to me!

For everyone who's worried about Mai not showing much interest in Zuko in Ashes. Honestly, I personally got a little carried away because it was nice to see Zuko carrying the ship for a while and Mai getting to exist outside of him (come on, we needed that!) and I liked it so I didn't think about it much. Mai has done enough to show how much she loves him, right?

But think about it! It's Mai we're talking about!

If she doesn't see a future with Zuko now, which is probably the case (she doesn't know it's all gonna work out and her daughter looks like she produced her through parthenogenesis!) it actually makes sense that she'd try to bury her lingering feelings for him!

It's actually more her speed than how Yang characterised her in his stuff!

With Mai, you have to be subtle. Pay attention to the art!!! (thanks to my friend for pointing out the ✨tension✨ between them)

She's avoiding eye contact: either she's turning away from him or looking at him askance:

on a side note: the last panel is great header material. also, look at them! he's looking at her head on (he doesn't even try to hide he's not over her) but she's looking at him under her fringe.

Notice their body language! Zuko's open, Mai's constantly—constantly—turning away from him!

If she really were over him she wouldn't be acting like this!

Yes, it's true that he brought out strong emotional responses from her. So much so that she decided to confront him at TBR instead of pretending it doesn't affect her. But he's a repeat offender at this point (sorry for the way I phrase it but also, don't you hate the comics for that?) it makes sense that Mai is trying to deny her feeling for him! That's her stress response. She shuts down to avoid getting hurt instead of crying about it (that's where you went wrong, Yang!)

I totally read this as her not being over him! With Mai you have to look past mere dialogue.

Besides, the show did this the other way around where they didn't show Zuko worrying for her post TBR. I see people defending that. As in, not calling it bad writing. Let Zuko have a taste of it because it's Mai's comic!!! (All this, this whole paragraph, speaking from an out-of-universe perspective of course. Mai deserves her lime light too!) And while that was OOC for Zuko, this isn't even OOC for Mai!

She found purpose outside of Zuko and she finds it fulfilling. They could've done any number of things with her but they pulled this:

"You don't want kids to go through what you went through at the academy" (also love that Zuko's the one saying it! He knows her beyond the superficial!)

Tells you Hicks thought about Mai. Unlike Yang, who's stuff read to me like "what Mai would do? But I can't relate to what Mai would do! So I'd make her react how I think anyone would react under that situation"

And for Firelady Mai detractors!

Let me close this off with:

Mai can walk to an institution that hurt her and confront the person who was entrenched in its values and say "fuck your tradition" because she's the one with the Firelord's backing.

In Zuko's Fire Nation, she's free! She no longer has to censor what it is that she thinks of the "glorious fire nation traditions."

Maiko, speaking in a meta sense, granted Mai agency! And no, Mai wouldn't have a repeat of what her parents did to her if she marries Zuko! Because his whole deal is to change that country. Why ever would he expect her to be traditonal and docile? And here's proof of it!