#and that both of them share the same red flags in attitudes towards relationships

[benevolentvampire]

[blorger]

The Great Longbottom Bully Chronicles: Gran Edition

After examining Neville's relationship with Draco (or, more accurately, the lack thereof) here, I found myself thinking about the actual bullies he's shown to have in canon, one of which is undoubtedly his grandma.

Mrs. Longbottom is shown to have a continued negative impact on her grandson but are we meant to see her behaviour as abusive? I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, JKR did not intend for the character to be read as abusive, even though what we see when she is mentioned in the books is nothing but a military parade of red flags.

The descriptor JKR uses most often when talking about Augusta is "formidable" so I'm assuming she meant for her to come off as strict but ultimately well-meaning. After all, she is one of the Good Guys and we are always meant to excuse a Good Guy's actions, no matter how mean spirited or violent (see: Harry crucio-ing that one dude).

JKR has the unsettling habit of framing abusive parenting as excusable when the person doing said parenting is coming at it with good intentions or from a place of love (see: 70% of Molly Weasley's actions towards her children). I understand she started writing the books in the early nineties when there wasn't much of an open discussion on this topic but some of the behaviours she has her mom characters do feel like abuse evergreens. Take for example the howlers:

A howler's intended use IS public humiliation, there's no two ways about it. If the intent was merely to scold the recipient one could decide when to open them but howlers are designed to open as soon as they've been received. And when are Howlers received, especially when you send them to your school-aged children? In the great hall, a room full of you child's peers and teachers. Both Augusta and Molly know all this and still make the decision to send Howlers. This, in the books, is treated as embarrassing for the receiver but is not ultimately portrayed in a negative light (that is to say, as a malicious act).

So, JKR has a skewed perspective on what constitutes good parenting but what do we, as a modern, presumably non abusive audience, actually see when we look at Augusta Longbottom's actions as a guardian? Let's take a look:

(PS, Neville on how his family discovered he was a wizard)

Neville here is describing his family's terrible attitude towards him and Augusta is not only shown to not have a problem with any of the horrible things being done to her nephew but she is also implied to have shared her relatives' concerns. Would her treatment of Neville have been even worse than what is shown in the books if he was a squib (something which, by the way, he'd have no control over)? Most definitely.

Also, I hate how Augusta's love is portrayed as conditional; don't worry, we'll see more of that in a while (lest you think this was a one-time instance).

(PoA, while preparing to defeat a boggart, Neville describes his greatest fear - Snape - and also casually mentions how he fears his own grandmother)

I'm sorry, did Neville just put Augusta on the same level as Snape, his most fervent bully? This says so much about their relationship (and Augusta's approach to parenting).

(GoF, Neville knows his gran would love for him to enter a potentially deadly competition just to show the world how Brave he is)

Why is it up to a 14 y.o. boy who has so far shown very little aptitude for magic to uphold the family honor? Neville is literally still a child but he's already being measured against his war hero parents, not only that, he's being told regularly through this comparison that he's lacking, and that cannot possibly be good for a child's development.

(OotP, straight from the horse's mouth)

What a perfectly horrible thing to say. Not only is Augusta saying this to Neville's face but she is also telling this to Neville's schoolmates (Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny). Why does she feel the need to dress him down in front of people whose opinion he cares about?

(OotP, Neville casually reveals he is constantly made to feel inadequate, even in front of others)

Once again we are being told that mrs Longbottom is endlessly reminding Neville of all the ways in which he fails to be like his father.

(OotP, Neville is injured and in danger in the Department of Mysteries but he knows his gran's priority is first and foremost his father's wand)

I would like to take this moment to address just how fucked up it is that not only Neville is being constantly compared to his father but that he's also being forced to imitate him via the use of his wand. We know from observing both Ron and future Neville that a wrong wand can seriously hinder one's magic output; this cannot be news to someone of Augusta's age yet it's more important to her that Neville try to live up to his father's image than he be his own person.

and

(HBP, Augusta is finally proud of Neville)

Here we see an aspect of Augusta's behaviour towards Neville that is particularly gross: Neville finally has his grandma's approval (because he's behaving like his father) but it's not his heroics by themselves that she appreciates, it's their public nature. Mrs. Longbottom, who has not talked to the press before (nor will she in the future), is happy to do so because she has an excuse to brag, as if her grandson's achievements are also hers by association.

(HBP, sure Neville is a hero but he's a not Harry Potter-level hero...)

And here we come to yet another evergreen in the abusive parent handbook: the shifting of goalposts. Augusta has been wanting for Neville to behave more like his father (i.e. heroically) all this time but once he starts doing that suddenly it's not enough anymore. Whereas before Neville was lacking because he wasn't behaving bravely, now he's lacking because he's not behaving saviour of the wizarding world-level bravely (an impossible goal to reach).

(HBP, McGonagall says what we're all thinking)

I find this passage interesting because jkr finally has a character acknowledge that mrs. Longbottom is not behaving like a good parent and yet nothing comes from it. In an ideal world, McGonagall would follow this with a letter to Augusta where she talks about the effect her expectations are having on Neville but she doesn't do that. This is especially galling since McGonagall is shown to not have a problem with writing to Augusta if she sees she's acting against her grandson's best interests, after all she does write mrs. Longbottom a letter to help Neville enroll in 6th year Charms (the study of which Augusta discourages because it's a subject SHE had difficulty in).

and also

(DH, Augusta is finally proud of Neville but only because he's behaving like she wants him to)

I can't help but feel like there's better ways to show Neville's growth as a character (and the improvement of his relationship with Augusta) than what we are shown in the books. In the end, mrs. Longbottom is rewarded for her awful parenting by getting exactly the grandson she's wanted all along; it's not her who's adjusted her expectations and seen them as unreasonable, it's Neville who's had to change - and even then it's not because he wanted to but because of external reasons (he's in the middle of a war). Neville rose to her impossible expectation by pure happenstance and I don't say that to discount his resilience and general goodness, only to note that the circumstances were beyond his control.

In conclusion, Augusta Longbottom is a terrible guardian and her actions fucked up Neville's development just as much as Snape's bullying did and yet in the books only one of them is unequivocally shown to be in the wrong for it.

[h-worksrambles]

Leo Alvarez for the ask game 🥺🥺

First off, you have no idea how badly I have wanted to do any kind of ask game for Echo, so thank you.

Oh Leo, the wolf with flags as red as his fur...and yet...

An incredibly complex and tragic character like Leo naturally has a lot to dissect in terms of his relationships with other characters. With that in mind, here are my five favourite Leo dynamics.

1. The most obvious pick by far is Chase. And I've already touched on some of my thoughts on these two already. Leo's best friend, his ex boyfriend, one of the most important people in Leo's life...and we watch that relationship go to hell in the most painful way possible. It's an incredibly layered relationship between two deeply flawed, troubled people. You could write an entire essay on this relationship and how much it drives a freaking dagger through my heart, but I'll just give the cliff notes version. At the end of the day you have two dumb, kinda shitty teens who have become two dumb, kinda shitty twenty somethings, both carrying a shedload of mental health issues that neither knows how to handle. Their relationship falls apart because they each have a very false, idealised notion of how relationships work. In part because they’re both young and inexperienced in that respect.

They bond in part due to their shared trauma, both the horrible loss of Sydney and the more mundane but still very painful process of trying to figure out their identities in a deeply homophobic, backwater town with no real queer community or role model to look towards. They clung to each other as an ideal they could use to hide from their problems. Leo's guilt over failing to protect Sydney manifests as controlling overprotectiveness, magnified by his unresolved anger problems. Chase's state of stress and dissasociation after that same event leads him to take a very passive attitude to the relationship, happy to let Leo make all the decisions and thus enabling his controlling behaviour, but also tending to be indecisive, self-centred and uncommunicative about what he wants because he hates conflict. There's also the interesting subtext that their relationship has a pattern of toxic heteronormative behaviour (a result of their own inexperience with even being queer). Leo wants to be the provider and breadwinner, he calls Chase a feminised petname, 'chula', he dotes on Chase, but also tries to control him. Chase's passivity and the harm that comes from that, demonstrates just how damaging trying to cram queer relationships into those kinds of heteronormative boxes actuallly is.

Over the game, across the different routes, we see them unpack the factors that caused their relationship to fail. Leo's inability to move on from Chase is part of a wider desire to cling to the past, because he feels like he peaked in his teenage years and now feels adrift. The town torments him with those feelings and creates a phantom of Chase that embodies every unhealthy emotion Leo's projected onto him, and is slowly driving him to madness. Leo's 'so I just pretend' monologue which describes how this influence took route is painful to see unfold. And god, the amount of symbolism I could talk about that feeds into this! The anchor bracelet that embodies the conflicting imagery of safety and familiarity, but also that of beng trapped and bound to each other and to their past. The horrifying scene in Jenna's route where they are literally almost nightmarishly bound to each other. The fact that Leo's bad ending has Chase's inability to resolve his conflicted emotions end with him going from being torn emotionally to being torn physically (please Howly, McSkinny! I can only take so much symbolic body horror!)

One of my favourite moments between them is seeeing how they first got together in Route 65. You can see the connnection between these two old friends, slowly figuring out their identities and bonding over it as a result. There's a real tenderness to it. But you can also see all the warning signs. The fact that Leo is already hiding things from Chase. The fact that Chase will go along with whatever Leo says and overlook those signs despite his better judgement. The fact that they'll ignore people around them, often hurting their friends as a result, to be together. It's equal parts heartwarming and agonising when you know how it'll end.

Watching this deeply toxic relationship fall apart is agonising, but seeing the endings where they mutually grow is so worth it. Chase putting his foot down, firmly making his own decision and ending things with Leo is what allows them both to escape the town's influence. Meanwhile, with his delusions shattered, Leo is able to start healing, not just letting go of the past and growing past his own worst traits, but making amends to people he previously hurt (we'll get to that). That final goodbye between the two at the end of his route is the closest I've come to crying at a videogame in a very long time. I cannot stress how much it affected me emotionally.

I could go on, but I need to move onto other relationships so to sum up, Leo and Chase's relationship is dark, tragic and yet strangely beautiful to watch unfold.

2. Micha's relationship with Leo only really comes up in Jenna's route, but nonetheless is very interesting. Micha was already one of my favourite side characters. A lonely, angry young man but one who's also very clearly been dealt a hard lot in life. If Heather represents what Jenna could have been if she didn't have a support network of friends who could help pull her out of her shitty abusive upbringing, Micha represents what Chase or Leo could have been if they'd been in similar circumstances, as well as being ostracised for their sexualities by their loved ones rather than accepted. And since Jenna's route is about the importance of healthy connections with others and how crucial they are to self improvement, this is very pertinent.

Micha was one of the first people who Leo really related to in the process of figuring out his sexuality as a teenager. Their experimenting leads to them doing something very, very stupid and reckless that still makes me uncomfortable to think about. But immediately after that of course, Leo gets together with his longtime crush and, as he and Chase did to pretty much all their friends, basically left Micha out to dry. This left Micha to deal with getting kicked out of home for being gay alone. For as much as Leo romanticises his past, there are darker elements he needs to come to terms with, wrongs of his own that he needs to right.

Micha is understandably terrified of even seeing Leo again after how badly this 'relationship' fell apart. But slowly, the walls come down, and that more protective side of Leo starts to come out, but in a good way this time. Leo recognises that he hurt Micha and does his best to keep him safe during the mass hysteria, to atone for the harm he did, to make things right. And by the end of the route, Micha's still there, accepted by Leo and the rest of the group.

There are those who want to ship them because of this, and there's certainly grounds to read it that way, but I personally don't. Partly because knowing what we do of their history makes me a little personally uncomfortable at the prospect, but also because I think a big part of Leo's arc is to let go of his very idealised, somewhat toxic idea of romantic relationships. I think him learning to be happily single, and valuing the friendships he has, is much more appropriate. He has all the time in the world to meet someone new. For now, just let him have some good friends. Ones who he can help just as much as they do for him.

3. Next up, TJ and Leo. Because of the direction Leo's character takes, he basically torpedoes his relationships with most of the rest of the main group. His disastrous fling with Flynn shoots that friendship dead, (we'll get to that). He and Jenna used to be incredibly close childhood friends but that gets complicated fast. Their mutual feelings for Chase fuels Leo's jealousy in Jenna's route, and as she learns more about just how much Leo has been hiding about himself as a person from his friends, she struggles to see him the same way she used to. And Carl was especially affected by how much Chase and Leo neglected the others after becoming a couple and I don't think he ever quite forgave Leo for that. They care about each other a lot and do come through for each other when the worst happens, but their stories seem to end with the group learning to value the time they had together and then moving on in most routes.

The only exception who Leo seems to maintain a positive dynamic with and seems to genuinely get on well with, is TJ. And it makes sense why. TJ is the most patient, gentle and accepting of the group. He still cares a lot about his childhood friends and isn't shy to let them know that. Leo, like I've said, thinks of himself as a protector, and tries to be everyone's 'big brother' figure. So it figures he takes great care to watch out for the youngest of the group. It's a dynamic that demonstrates the best aspects of Leo's protectiveness. When his unresolved trauma isn't twisting that protective instinct into hyper controlling, obessissive behaviour, he can be a really great friend. I always think of that one scene in Leo's route where he and Chase go to join TJ at the park. At this point, we've seen many of Leo's red flags. How he's still obssessing over his ex. How his anger problems are getting worse. How he's manipulating not only Chase, but also all the rest of his friends just to contrive a scenario where he and Chase can work things out (that phone scene is a gutpunch, dear god)...and yet. Even though Leo's entire plan is dependent on staying alone with Chase to patch things up, he's willing to compromise that because TJ is his friend and he's hurting, and Leo wants to make him happy. Leo is a walking hot mess of a person, but it's that conflict between his selfless and selfish urges, his best and worst instincts, that make him so compelling to watch.

And still there's more to dig into. Because a big part of TJ's character is about how he's often talked down to and talked over even by his closest friends. How TJ is a repressed, curled up ball of insecurities and anxieties who can't express himself because everyone around him treats him like a precious innocent uwu smol bean. Well meaning though he may be, Leo's over protectiveness means he is unintentionally coddling TJ just as much as Jenna is, preventing him from healthily unpacking his pain, a dam that finally bursts in Flynn's route.

Even so, TJ and Leo's relationship provides an insight into Leo's better qualities, and a glimpse of how this friendship dynamic may once have worked in the past.

4. Oh, Flynn and Leo. You know what I'm gonna say. Metaphor. Freaking Metaphor. Flynn is my favourite character in Echo and his history with Leo provides fresh insight into both characters. Based on when you meet them in the prologue, Flynn and Leo could not appear more different. Leo seems earnest, affectionate, protective and reverent of the past the group shares. Flynn is cold and distant, it's unclear how much his attitude is banter and how much is actual spite towards his old friends. And the argument scene at the river is in large part a blowup between these two: Leo wanting to return to the past, and Flynn wanting to discard it to get answers. But once you dig more into these characters, you quickly see the similarities run deceptively deep. Flynn is, in his own way, just as trapped in the past as Leo. Leo can be just as cruel towards his friends as Flynn, while Flynn can be just as protective of them as Leo. Two characters both so alike, and yet so different.

And then you're thrown the bombshell that these two banged.

In Flynn's route we learn that Flynn and Leo briefly became an item after Chase broke up with Leo and went to college. Flynn even took him to the Smoke Room, a part of his life Flynn tells barely anyone about. In Metaphor, we see them together briefly, and it's probably the most comfortable and happy we see them around each other in the entire game. Of, course, as we immediately find out, it ended badly. Leo broke things off with Flynn shortly before Chase came back to visit Echo, hoping to rekindle that relationship. And Flynn's reaction to this: "I guess that's okay...if that's all you want..." is a painful reminder of Flynn's own struggle, desperate for intimacy, but also deathly afraid of it, terrified of losing a real connection like the one he lost with his best friend so many years ago. It's genuinely heartbreaking to see. Especially when Flynn talks about this with Chase in his route: How coming to terms with his sexuality was especially painful because, while he was dealing with awful homophobic treatment by his parents before he finally got away from them, his other two friends who could have helped him become more comfortable with his queerness, were too wrapped up in each other to notice.

Do I think they could have worked out? Hard to say. I think Leo did desperately need to date anyone other than Chase to get over him. But I also stand by my earlier point, that Leo needs to learn to be comfortably single. Meanwhile, while I think allowing himself to be emotionally open in a relationship would do him a world of good, I wonder if hooking up with his few remaining friends, potentially ruining those friendships, is actually all that productive a solution for Flynn (although I am a shameless Flynn and Carl shipper so what do I know?). Still, maybe they could have had something. But that ship sailed a long time ago. Even so, Flynn will still come through for Leo, and the rest of his friends, in Jenna's route, because, whatever he says, he still loves them dearly. They're basically all he has.

(Also, one minor detail. In Route 65, Flynn is the one who let Chase know about the party because he knew about Leo's feelings for Chase, and, now that Chase had come out, decided to play matchmaker and get Leo to finally spit it out. A nice reminder that Flynn looks out for his friends, even if he'll never admit it).

5. Clint and Leo's dynamic is understated, but surprisingly tragic when you think about it. Clint bullied Leo and the others plenty as a kid, and was generally a berligerent, homophobic ass to them. But it's very strongly implied that both Clint, and his sister, were suffering some pretty awful abuse at home. That doesn't excuse his behaviour, but there's more going on with Clint than we fully see.

In the present day, the tables have turned, and if anything, Leo is the one antagonising Clint. Leo's anger isssues have only gotten worse, and he'll happily take any excuse to give Clint a sock in the jaw after eveything that happened between them as kids. Never mind that Clint is a meth addict in no condition to fight a huge maned wolf, and is currently being exortorted by a predatory serial killer.

In many ways, their dynamic feels like a foil to Jenna and Heather. Heather was someone who hurt Jenna when they were young. But Jenna is able to recognise that Heather was suffering in a way not too different to herself. She doesn't entirely forget the pain Heather caused her, but she empathises with her, is willing to help her deal with her own hardships and move on in her life. Leo and Clint meanwhile, are repeating their childhood fights, stuck in the same old routine, with no such empathy between them. If Leo wants to go back to the old days when he was younger, I guess it figures that he still relishes getting one over on his high school bully.

Truth be told, Clint is a character I would have liked to see get a little more screentime. To see his struggles explored a little deeper the way Micha and Heather's were. But there's still a lot to interpret about his enmity with Leo and how it ties into Echo's themes of dealing with trauma and letting go with the past.

Anyway, that's all five of my favourite relationships involving Leo. Leo is one of my favourite characters in Echo and his story affected me so deeply. I still struggle to listen to Blurry or Theme For A Lonely Wolf without choking up. So it was very hard not to just word vomit when given the chance to talk about him as a character. I hope it morphed into a good answer to your ask. Thanks again for sending it to me!

[scrapironflotilla]

ANZAC and Ottoman relations at Gallipoli

I answered a question on r/askhistorians the other day and I think it's actually a good little read.

So, after the landing on the 25 April and a counter-attack two days later on 27 April the Ottoman forces didn’t launch another large attack on Anzac for almost a month. Eventually Essad Pasha was able to bring four divisions into the line, about 40,000 troops, for an attack on ANZAC. The attack went in on 19 May and was an absolute disaster for the attacking Ottomans. They suffered around 10,000 casualties, including about 3000 killed against the ANZAC’s roughly 600.

No man’s land between the two lines was carpeted with dead Ottoman and Anzac soldiers whose bodies quickly began to spoil in the Mediterranean sun. After three days the stench from the corpses was becoming unbearable and the threat of disease spurred both sides to action. After some aborted attempts at bringing in those left in no man’s land an Ottoman emissary, Major Kemal Ohri, blindfolded and carrying a white flag was led through Anzac lines to meet with Lieutenant-General Birdwood to negotiate a truce for the burial of the dead.

With the assistance of the Red Crescent and Red Cross an armistice was agreed to and on 24 May working parties from both sides met in no man’s land to clear the battlefield and bury the dead. New Zealand surgeon Percival Fenwick was part of the Anzac working party described the day in his diary.

A few yards climb brought us on a plateau, and a most awful sight was here. The Turkish dead lay so thick that it was almost impossible to pass without treading on the bodies. The awful destructive power of high explosive was very evident. Huge holes surrounded by circles of corpses, blown to pieces. One body was cut clean in half; the upper half I could not see, it was some distance away. One shell had apparently fallen and set fire to a bush, as a dead man lay charred to the bone. Everywhere one looked lay dead, swollen, black, hideous, and over all, a nauseating stench that nearly made one vomit.”

Although the work was grim, relations between Anzac and Ottoman soldiers was cordial, bordering on friendly. Fenwick described his Turkish counterpart as ‘a charming gentlemen’, with whom he conversed in French. Clutha McKenzie, noted that “Our men conversed with the men of the enemy as far as limited vocabulary would allow, which isn’t far.” Tahu Rhodes remembered that “There was no ill feeling between the Turks and our men, and at Quinn’s Post they shook hands and wished each other luck before returning to their respective trenches.”

This sort of amicable relationship was fairly typical of the troops themselves, both Anzac and Ottoman. There was some ill-will towards German troops at Gallipoli, mainly officers, but the Ottoman troops gained the grudging respect and sometimes admiration of Anzac soldiers which was apparently reciprocated. According to the account of a Turkish soldier:

A friendly attitude developed between the soldiers of the two hostile sides who were supposed to kill each other. They were giving the buttons they tore off their uniforms to us as a war memento, and in return they were asking for something else. Our soldiers were not allowed to give their buttons because of the military regulations of the time. They looked for other things, and in the end tokens like coins changed hands. At the same time, the soldiers were offering chocolates and sweets to each other while trying to communicate in sign language. The truce commission tried to prohibit this sort of friendship, but as soon as the commission observers left, shows of friendship continued. I saw an Australian soldier who was trying to measure the height of our tallest soldier and our soldier was letting him to do so with a smile on his face. As time passed the area was starting to look like a festival place and those who worked in the area went as far as embracing each other. “

Given the horrible living conditions shared by both sides at Gallipoli, the closeness of the trenches to one another and that war is largely made up of long periods of boredom, it’s not particularly surprising that both sides attempted to relieve the tedium by getting to know those opposite. Sniping games were played with scorecards held up after particularly good shots, letters were exchanged, often accompanying gifts of bully-beef or tobacco. This letter was received by Australian officer Major Leslie Fussell, from Turkish soldiers expressing their thanks for a tin of bully beef that had been thrown into their trenches by Major Fussell at Quinn's Post whilst instructing his men in the art of bomb throwing. The action was misinterpreted by the Turks as a friendly gesture who returned this note along with a parcel of tobacco thanking the Australians for their thoughtful gift.

In the early days of the campaign, before adequate reinforcements were available to rotate units, a single Anzac unit could hold a portion of the line for weeks at a time, getting to know the Ottomans opposite and forming routines. In his doorstopper of a book Gallipoli, Les Carlyon tells the story of an Australian light horse unit that had come to an unspoken agreement to allow an elderly Ottoman soldier to gather firewood in no man’s land every morning. When the light horsemen left, they failed to mention this to their replacements and the elderly Ottoman soldier, not knowing a relief had taken place was shot and killed on their first morning. This sort of live and let live attitude was often tacitly allowed by officers in the line, but fraternisation was loathed by senior commanders for its tendency to undermine the discipline and fighting ability of the men.

But officers still considered themselves gentlemen and so I’ll leave you with a letter to the Ottoman commander, left in the headquarters dugout of the Australian 3rd Light Horse Brigade on the evacuation of the peninsula that shows the attitude of at least some Anzacs towards their enemy.

"The Brigadier presents his compliments to our worthy Turkish opponents and offers those who first honour his quarters with their presence such poor hospitality as is in his power to give, regretting that he is unable personally to welcome them.

After a sojourn of 7 months in Gallipoli we propose to take some little relaxation...and in bidding 'Au revoir' to our honourable foes we Australians desire to express appreciation of the fine soldierly qualities of our Turkish opponents and of the sportsmanlike manner in which they have participated in a very interesting contest, honourable, we trust, to both sides.

For a little while we have been with you, yet a little while and you shall see us not. For us it is a matter of deep regret that the ancient friendship so long existing between the British and Turkish Empires should have been thus disturbed by the insidious machinations of the Arch-enemy of humanity.

We have left this area and trenches in which we have taken considerable trouble and pride, clean and in good order, and would be grateful if they may be so maintained until our return, particular care being asked in regard to matters of sanitation, so vital to the well-being of an army.

We hope that you will find the wine, coffee, tobacco, cigarettes and food to your taste, and a supply of fuel has been left in the cupboard to ameliorate in some measure the discomfort during the cold watches of the winter

Our only request is that no member of the nation who was guilty of the inhuman murder of that noble woman Miss Edith Clavell to whose photo this message is attached, will be permitted to pollute with his presence the quarters of soldiers who have never descended to such barbarous and ruthless methods".

[uponrightful]

So, I love possessive, jealous Crosshair 🥵 Tell me about this scene (please?):

“Trouble doesn’t suit you, doll.” He murmured lowly, soft voice contrasting the slight pressure over her pulse point and the swell of her hip. Crosshair was all-consuming and Dutch was weak to do anything but try to stay silent under his pressing weight and commanding presence at her back.

Also, I’d love to know what Echo was thinking once Cross went to the fresher after Dutch.

You’re the best! 😘

Commentary Track for Coriolis Effect

Copy 500 words -or more- of any of my fics and I'll give you my thoughts/rambles on what was going through my head -or the character's- when I wrote it!

*send one in here anytime!*

My oh my! 😍 What spicy scene we have here. I'll start with what's going on with Crosshair first, then I'll come back for Echo and the rest of the Batch. haha

***

Crosshair is fuming with rage during his conversation with Echo: It's that kind of bodily energy you get after watching a action-movie, where your whole body feels tired, but it's twitching with adrenaline that can't be spent or released. That kind of feeling you can't get rid of no matter what you do to ignore it, or work through it. Your mind feels like it working so fast that it's in slow-motion, overanalyzing the smallest details until your grinding your teeth because there's nothing else that helps relieve the pressure.

But the second he enters the refresher all of that energy snaps from anger and fear for Duchess, into dead calm. His inner voice stops screaming and evens out in tone and his hands stop shaking. His breathing slows and the second Cross sees her standing there, it's like he's been meditating deeply for hours. This kind of concentration is only present in Crosshair one other time... And you guessed it. When he's shooting.

Note: This is the epitome of Crosshair's ability to manage impulse-control in unfamiliar -and stressful- situations. Key-word here being "unfamiliar." I firmly believe that Cross is painfully terrible at monitoring and expressing his emotions. He has so many of them all the time that from a young age he had to learn how to turn them off in a moments notice, simply so he could survive. Think about it... How can a sniper worry about his brothers dying right before his eyes and still make clean shots? Not even Crosshair can do that. So the second he's certain Dutch is safe -by visually proving her health- that well-trained nature takes over to protect him like it always does.

Crosshair -at this point- isn't sure what he wants. He needs to touch her though, remind himself that she's tangible and within reach. Not that he isn't aware of his effect on her, but this moment isn't about sexual appeal or attraction. This is desperation, and Crosshair knows that; He's just banking on the hope that she'll let him, because she's always done so. He feels safe with Duchess, and even though this feels/looks sexy, Crosshair feels completely vulnerable right now.

Note: I will say it now; Once and for all. I have never subscribed to the idea that Crosshair is a typical Dominant/BDSM/Sadisim kind of guy. And the distinction is all to do with motivation. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why he acts the way he does, and how that manifests itself. So when I planned this scene, I wanted to focus on just how strong his desire to have security is. Not prowess, or control. It's all to do with the desperate need he has to prove how he feels about her. That kind of vulnerability just comes easier to him physically than it does emotionally. Duchess gives him a sense of stability -in and out of the sexual sense- that makes his characterization insanely complex and difficult to balance.

The moment he finds his words, it's a compulsory need to cover his own jealousy. Crosshair is undoubtedly unhappy knowing she went out with Regs... but what's really bothering him is how easy it is to feel so strongly for Duchess. Every time he speaks, it's intentionally driving attention towards someone else, and away from his own desire to be the focus of her attention. Cross uses his fear of her being unsafe to mask the jealousy that constantly compares himself to the others who can give her attention more freely than he can personally. Duchess sees his calm nature as patience and precision, but it's really Crosshair planning out what he's going to say because he knows one wrong move will reveal just how desperate he is to have her acceptance of him.

Note: I've never struggled to balance possessiveness and love like I have with Crosshair. He's so intense that if I'm not careful, he comes off like a walking red-flag. Word choice is essential when getting Cross' character and reactions right. Whether it be the way he talks to her, or the way he naturally falls into a protector role. That's why when I'm writing for him, it takes double the time it does to write anything else. Every movement, every word he says, needs to be written like he says it in the moment. That's the only way to show his softness... because the love that he gives is best felt in person. You can't describe Crosshair's love with words easily.

Now for sweet, sweet, Echo.

Let me preface this by saying: Echo is his brother's keeper. There is a relationship there that goes far deeper than the ones Crosshair holds for his other brothers. It happened slowly, but it wasn't until the two of them were too far into it that either recognized what had happened. Their personalities are something that wouldn't really mix on first glance, but for some reason or another, they just get each other. It's natural, and they gravitate towards each other.

That being said, Duchess and Echo are their own kind of dynamic. I see them as the "platonic-soulmate" kind. She has an intensity that Echo marvels at, and Dutch knows she could take any problem to him and he would do anything to help her. They both see something in the other that they wish they still had, or could develop. It's probably the purest friendship Duchess has ever had, and Echo can't help but harken back to Fives when he sees her attitude -in future chapters.

Note: From the first moment I created Duchess, I just knew in my heart she was meant to be something special to Echo. To me, it was only right that Crosshair's doll would feel strongly connected to Echo as well. Add in their common feeling of loss for brothers, and that just made their relationship that much stronger. She's such a force, and the ARC trooper can't help but find a enamorment with people who have such a strong will and fiery personality. (See Fives)

The moment Echo sees Crosshair, he's already preparing to do anything necessary to protect Duchess from incurring another possible hit to her bruised emotions. Echo trusts Crosshair, but he's highly attentive to Cross and how raw his emotions are. Their interaction is based in Echo's desire to save the couple from losing the chance to do things the right way. Intuition and experience guide Echo through the whole conversation; He really is flying by the seat of his blacks here... But he's so well-versed in reading Crosshair that none of the other Batcher's even think about offering to be the first one Crosshair faces when he comes in the bunk hall. Echo has unmatched faith in Cross, and this was something both of them knew would happen.

Note: Writing this scene was challenging for a number of reasons. For one, neither Echo or Crosshair really talk a whole lot. They say what they need to, and that's the end of it. So I spent days watching Echo and Crosshair's interactions. Trying to figure out what I could based off the -very little- examples I was given. In that, I found that the two of them hardly ever stand next to each other, but they're constantly sharing glances and looking at each other. Echo and Crosshair have silent conversations all. the. time.

Had Echo not allowed Crosshair to go and see Duchess, their sexy scene would have never happened. (And I played around with that idea very seriously...) Ultimately, Echo's intuition was the deciding factor. That conversation, and Crosshair's attempt at honesty was the reason Echo felt confident in letting him speak to her. And although Echo could sense Crosshair's patience running thin, he'd already told the rest of the Batch to be prepared for any fight. Echo wouldn't put it past Cross to stun him, but a gut-feeling kept him from mentally preparing to do the same thing.

Additionally, it was Echo who made everyone leave the bunk hall. The second Crosshair and himself reached an agreement, Echo was the first to step away. His next move was to shove the rest of the Batch out the doors and give Duchess and Crosshair the privacy needed to work through their shit. And although he expected it to end in sex, the desire to keep their business between them alone was Echo's main motivation to empty the bunk room. Neither Crosshair or Duchess really trust the Batch at this moment -in Echo's mind at least- and risking their privacy wasn't something the ARC would stand for. In the back of his mind though, Echo was terrified that Crosshair would fuck her and leave it at that. He's seen the sniper at his best and his worst, and although his best is wonderful, his worst can be miserable to endure. Echo was praying that Crosshair wouldn't be too harsh -physically and mentally- on Duchess.

When Hunter finally decided enough time had passed, Echo was on edge to see just where the two of them would be. The image of them sleeping in separate bunks: Crosshair pretending to sleep -like always- and Duchess laying quietly and pretending like nothing happened shook Echo to his core. But the second he saw her bunk in a disarray, and her not in it, Echo couldn't help but fucking grin. He was proud of his brother for doing the right thing. For doing something for himself, and not worrying about how it would make him look for once. Add in the way Crosshair reprimanded Tech, and how deathly serious he looked with her sleeping peacefully against him...?

That was the moment Echo knew for certain that Crosshair was never coming back from this. He saw a visible change in his brother, in the way his attitude changed. The way Crosshair wasn't worried about himself, or attempting to hide behind sneers and sarcastic comments. Echo noticed how attuned he was to her in that moment, putting her comfort above all else. For a man who pretended to not care about anything, Crosshair did a terrible job of hiding his true personality when Duchess was curled up into him. And Echo couldn't be happier, knowing that his trust in Crosshair hadn't been for nothing. Not only was his brother experiencing love in a way that all of them desired, but Duchess was never going to live with the question of whether or not someone truly cared for her.

***

I hope this was what you were looking for in-terms of answers 😅. I had a great time writing this for you, and I hope you'll feel comfortable doing this again whenever you feel like it! I love sharing the behind-the-scenes stuff with you! It makes the cuts and editing feel a little less sad knowing I might be able to share some of it with you anyways!

[nightswithkookmin]

RE: JIKOOK RED FLAGS 2021

Red flags huh... Kindly hold for me while I transfer your complaints to the Jikook script development team in South Korea. Lol

Seems the fanservice is not fanservicing with the fans and customers.

Bang PD must be doing a shitty job with these subpar edited scripts apparently.

Red flags in Jungkook's behavior towards Jimin... hmmm.

Unable to justify Jungkook's acts...

What the fuxk does that even mean, justify??

Why do we have to justify his behavior? He is not before the Volturi 😫

I wish OP had pointed out some of these red flags so I could better understand their point of view and share my thoughts on them.

'Jimin deserves real friends and not fake smiles like Jungkook does.' Alright then!

Is she saying Jungkook is fake or what?

What makes him fake?

If Jungkook is fake why is OP using Tae Kook as a cautionary tale for Jikook?

Dude couldn't fake his relationship and friendship with Tae in Tae Kook, couldn't keep the fan service and public facade of their relationship going even though I'm sure everyone would have preferred that especially the company and their shippers and yet somehow he is keeping up pretenses in Jikook? Is he fake in his other ships too or is it just in Jikook??

This argument is a slight variation of the Jikook is fanservice but every other ship in BTS is real narrative running loose in the fandom. Jk is real in every other ship but when it comes to Jimin he is faking it with him.

I think the company you keep says more about who you are than the people you surround yourself with. I hope OP gets that much.

People who often keep fake friends and hold on to superficial connections is as a consequence of low self esteem and lack of self love.

If Jungkook really is fake and Jimin still keeps him around the way he does then Jimin needs to love himself. For real.

Jimin used to be that guy and he's addressed this several times in interviews and in conversations. He was that guy with low self esteem who didn't love himself. He just said recently that he once cried infront of his parents because he felt people only wanted to be friends with him when they want something from him.

For a while now, since October last year, he's been talking a lot about fake friends, friends who only use him or befriend him with an agenda, aren't consistent in his life and how he has come to the realization the members of BTS are his only true friends.

I'd assume such revelations come with internal growth or at least flows from it. He is not that same insecure boy anymore.

I think if Jungkook really was such said fake friend we would be seeing a change in JM's attitude towards him and not the other way round.

Truth is, they've both changed in subtle ways. They've both grown and matured a lot. I used to think Jungkook was catching up to Jimin but they are on different growth paths it seems. Jimin has had a lot of work to do on himself as much as JK has.

Seems to me OP just has a problem with Jungkook. Can't help her with that.

Either that or they are just disguising hate and insecurities as legitimate concerns and worry for Park Jimin.

Rather than worry about Jungkook or hate him, I think they should worry about Jimin and pray for him to grow, learn and evolve- he can make better decisions like choosing the right friends or in this case boyfriend if he loves himself.

Personally, I think Jungkook is a good person. I think he is one of the realest dudes out there. Down to earth. Wants what he wants. Quirky. Funny. Assertive.

Jimin has his charms too.

They work well together.

When it comes to JK I think Jimin gat this. Jimin is a big guy. He literally got this man down on his knees begging soaking wet in the rain asking for him to take him back after a fight- I think he's good. He can handle himself and he can handle his boyfriend.

Thanks for the concern but you got nothing to worry about. Jikook are in safe hands with each other.

And I hope by all these red flags talk OP is not talking about the hug in Run, JK complaining about the other teams having Jin and Hobi on their team or him hitting JM with the ping pong balls in the coming Run aired days earlier on Korean television.

If that's the case then I sure hope s/he had the same energy when JK was tryna hug JM and JM was pushing him away in the blackswan behind scenes shoot- thank God Jungkook didn't back down. THANK GOD!

I hope they had the same energy when JK reached out to fist bump JM in the same run episode and JM didn't respond. I hope they had the same energy when JM on several occasions said he wanted to be teams with Tae and not JK. When he said he preferred to travel with Tae, go to Japan on a trip with Tae. When he literally had Tae drive JM away from the Kitchen when he they were cooking...

If we are gonna be anal about these things and call them red flags each time then damn Jikook never liked eachother and JM hates JK as much as JK hates JM-which I know she knows for facts it's total bonkers.

Quit playing around anon.

If sis knew at all what red flags in Tae Kook's relationship looked like or was like they wouldn't be here comparing Jikook and Tae Kook first and foremost and they wouldn't be spewing the hate in disguise they are calling concern for JM.

The only people Tae Kook in Soop came as a surprise to were the people who thought there was something between Tae Kook in the first place or those who didn't notice when things had started to go south between them. Which sometimes happens with Jokers I feel, especially when they can't tell when Jikook are not together.

I mean, unless OP is tryna say Jikook are not together or have broken up right about now. In which case, I respect their opinion but I have to humbly disagree.

In my opinion Jikook revert back to being 'friends' when they are not together and they kinda get extra nice and flirty with eachother as one or both of them would be trying to get the other back from my observations. (Don't take this as fact. Just my opinion🤓)

How is flinging a bunch of ping pong balls at your ex a way to get them back???🤣

How is implying you don't want to be teammates with an ex a way to get them back. Lmho.

I mean unless JK got his Taylor Swift on

When the wounds are fresh, they try to put up boundaries especially JK. He attaches himself to Tae, Jin or Hobi for that emotional support. In my opinion. Chilee💀

Usually you have one or two members looking out for Jk or whichever one is hurting and they try to intervene or insert themselves in between them when they notice one of them acting sneaky around the other. Cough. Jimin. Cough. Cough.

I think it's established now that Jimin can or used to fake interactions with people, keep fake friends around him, give to them, act lovingly with them even when he knew they weren't vibing with him like that. Part of that kumbaya schtick he had going on.

Makes you wonder the things he put up with in Jikook right?

Shouldn't come as a surprise if he kept it rolling with JK even if they weren't together. Dude had a habit of embellishing and glossing all over their relationship, exaggerating certain things, over expressing himself...

May be JK hasn't change changed, may be Jimin just stopped glossing over things like he used to.

May be y'all are just seeing the real dynamic of Jikook for the first time. Because to some of us, this has always been Jikook.

Their front hugs has always been awkward. I mean shut, it was a running joke in the fandom. Jk couldn't hug Jimin from the front, only from the back. He'd tense up when Jimin touched him. Couldn't look JM in the eye unless he was feeling feisty.

They've always roughhoused. Do you know how many times Jungkook scolds JM in the day?

Do you know how many times Jimin hits Jungkook in a day?

He hits JK when JK compliments other members besides him.

He hits him when Jk looks dashingly handsome and leaves him breathless.

He hits him when he is horny.

Hell sometimes he hits him for no damn reason.

'If I hit you hug me' or whatever he said there.

Jungkook does the same thing.

Did you not see him hit Jm when Jimin said he looked erotic in a photo?

Don't you hear Jimin or the members talk about Jungkook lifting them and tossing them around.

When JM says, Jungkook you so strong how do you think he came to that realization?

These are two men dating. Jimin is not a woman. Y'all don't expect Jk to treat him like he is a gal.

Just admit that you are not used to the masculinity in both of them or seeing them act like two men dating eachother. Heteronormativity is a bitch.

They are men. They are competitive. They are aggressive and you are gonna see that play out between them.

As for Tae Kook...

It's was glaringly obvious that boundaries was at the heart of their issue. Tae was doing things JK wasn't happy about and JK was equally doing things Tae was not happy with.

If you love someone show them you've changed.

Change was all JK was looking for.

These are seven boys together all day all year, living within the same space breathing down each other's necks- add all that wandering hands and touchiness culture and there were bound to be conflicts over boundaries amongst them especially as each came into their own.

You don't need a crystal ball to figure that one out.

Jungkook often talked about his boundaries and how Tae wouldn't 'respect' them every now and then. He talked about how JM respects his boundaries and would stop doing certain things he didn't like the moment he asked him to but then Tae wouldn't listen to him and keep going at it.

It's cute at first when two people interact that way, feeds shippers and all but when it becomes a pattern of behavior, a pattern of one person constantly pushing the limits of the other person's patience it's problematic.

That's what a redflag looks like.

The worst part is when their shippers started glorifying those moments of clear boundary breaches and started trivializing it like it meant nothing- not to mention them bullying anyone who so much as mentioned that that was becoming a problem in their relationship.

You couldn't so much as utter a word without being branded a Tae anti.

And no, that's not what we are doing to op💀

There is a difference between noticing and pointing out how one person's actions is affecting another member and merely expressing discontent with how one person treats another- which is what op doing in my opinion.

Jimin is not expressing any concerns over JK- not that I am aware of, and yet here OP is complaining about the way JK expresses himself with regards to JM.

Are these things she is pointing out something JM has a problem with or something she personally has a problem with?

If it's not an issue for JM why is it an issue for OP?

Tae talked about JK ignoring him behind cams- clearly he wasn't too happy about that, JM's reaction to that was telling that that remark was passive aggressive as fuck or perhaps he thought it wasn't appropriate for him to say that on camera, who knows.

If you have a problem with someone, especially someone you are bandmates with tell them. Communicate. Tae wasn't doing that.

Tae Kook were communicating. And by the way, it wasn't just Tae Kook. Vmin weren't communicating too. Same as NamHope.

How many times have Hobi said he feels awkward with RM?

Did JM not call Tae ought for not coming to him with a problem he had with him in the past?

There were moments when you could see Tae's face drop in sadness over something JK would say but then he wouldn't address it or bring it to his attention and things would fester...

Real or not, these are people and people relate with eachother based on social principles and etiquettes. Establishing boundaries being at the heart of those principles just as RM explained in their KBS interview.

For any relationship to flourish there ought to be clear cut boundaries and a conscious effort on both parts to respect and honor those boundaries.

Tae Kook weren't communicating those boundaries and when one of them did the other wouldn't respect it at all and you could tell that from the things they said and did around eachother.

Jk didn't have to say certain things Tae did that he disliked that was affecting their bond, if you had eyes and paid enough attention you could see it as clear as night and day. It was in the passive aggressive comments, the underhanded remarks, the head tilting, the babying him when clearly he wanted to be treated as a full grown ass adult.

When JHope pulled JM into his laps, dotting on him in his live and called him his baby brother or something didn't Jimin tell him he couldn't be an a man, an adult if Hobi kept treating him like that?

Did you see the recent OT7 VLive? Did you see Tae commenting on how JK is a grown man now? Acknowledging the fact? At least now he is trying and making an effort to repair their relationship by respecting and treating JK as an individual- something this anon needs to learn to do too.

Jk does not exist for a ship.

Does JM cross JK's boundaries too? HELL YES. Does he test his patients? Hell yes. If you have eyes you can see when that happens and you can see how JM and JK reacts to those moments.

And you can also see when it's serious and when it's not.

It's all the difference between when they are together and when they are not.

JM for one isn't one to go out of his way to do things to make people hate him just as Suga said.

And for JK I keep saying he is one member who puts up boundaries alot in BTS for himself and for JM and the two people that often breach those boundaries is or used to be Tae and RM. In my opinion.

RM because well he's RM. Nerdish and socially awkward. Says the wrong things sometimes, jokes falls flat- if you've seen Jin nudge him to shut up about the comments he makes on the sexuality of Jimin you'll know what I mean.

Hobi and Suga, in fact all the members except Jimin have complained about how awkward they get with RM sometimes especially Hobi which is crazy because he and RM are Chingus.

Taekook's conversation in Soop was mostly over boundaries no? - Tae asking for JK to drop formalities with him and JK insisting on being formal with him.

Forget ships for a moment, Tae and JM are two completely different people who handle situations differently.

Tae kept saying how JM is his bestfriend, and yet he couldn't even master up the courage to tell JM he had a problem with JM 'stealing' the spotlight during their performances.

He had to send it in anonymously through KKul FM during festa. How embarrassing is that? Especially for JM who is particular and sensitive about his public image!

Jimin called him out on that and asked him why he didn't come to him personally to tell him he had a problem with that- as he should.

Tae wasn't really assertive. He isn't afraid to say his mind but when it comes to his own needs and wants he hesitates to demand things for himself. He is not- was not one to put himself out there it seems.

JK takes things personal too. Together it's recipe for disaster.

JM and Jungkook have totally different dynamics. They don't work the same way.

Jimin let's a lot of things slide especially when it comes to Jk for whatever reason- If you are looking for red flags that right there is one. In my opinion of course.

If ever JM decides to assert himself as the hyung in Jikook there is gonna be a sudden and drastic shift in their dynamic.

It's just as how JK asserting himself in recent times is causing a shift not only in Jikook but in all his other ships including Tae Kook.

And in case anon isn't aware, there has been a positive shift in Jikook's dynamics since October last year not just because of Jungkook but Jimin too.

Rather than crucify Jungkook like Tuktukkers did when he was asserting himself and insisting on his boundaries, complaining that he was hurting Tae- a path that inevitably led to Soop, may be OP should pay attention to why he is changing and what needs to be improved in Jikook to solve that problem- if even it's a problem.

Jimin likes to push JK's boundaries but he knows when to stop. It's who he is in general.

For Tae... He's had some growing to do in that department. I mean there is a reason JK and BTS used to call him an Alien. He deadass tried to zip up Jin's flap in the middle of a concert- out of love might I add. Lmho.

He talked about 'JM wants to come but I think JK is stopping him.' Still yells let's not look in the camera when he notices JK and JM doing whatever eye fuckery they love to do in 2020.

That to me is very antagonistic and bound to create problems for him and Kook if Kook feels antagonized by these actions.

Two plus two is four sis.

During dynamite when Tae accidentally pulled on his shoulder when JK was holding hands with JM behind Suga didn't you see JK's reaction?

Jimin and JK has referred to him as pure and innocent. He really is. He has a good heart and don't think much about the consequences of things as RM says.

Which is the exact opposite of JK or even JM.

Every ship has a unique dynamic.

A red flag in Tae Kook looks totally different from what I'd consider a red flag in Jikook, Vmin or any other ship. And a red flag in Jikook may not be a red flag in another ship.

All these 'new' changes people out here are wailing about honestly isn't new to some of us at all. This is Jikook, stripped back and raw. Yall just arent used to that aspect of their relationship is what it is.

Y'all are used to the highlight reels.

Y'all are used to the narratives of Jikook.

Jimin is not a woman. He is a man.

Jikook are TWO MEN dating eachother.

They are gonna lean into their masculinity at some point and you are gonna have to get used to it.

They are gonna roughhouse and that's okay too. Comes with the testosterone. Jimin is gonna hit JK's ass on his birthday and leave an impression- that's not abuse OP.

JK is gonna fling ping pong balls at JM and that's equally not abuse. It's how men play sometimes when there is less formality between them.

For as long as I remember this whole JK hates JM has always been part of the Jikook narrative.

Jimin lost his luggage and JK didn't even care.

JM did that and JK didn't even hold his hands. He has changed.

JK doesn't like JM blah blah blah.

Yall been saying this for years since 2014 when I joined the fandom and yet here we are.

If JK saying other teams had a competitive advantage over his team in Run and him bemoaning that in Run to you is a red flag all I can say is bless your hustle.

You are talking about a guy who rejoiced he had gotten Suga for roommates but ended up spending the night sleeping next to JM.

Same guy who said he wanted to ride with Tae ride in a car but then Tae had to drag his ass away from JM's car so he could share the ride with his soulmate.

Please feel free to freak out over your perceived 'red flags.' Time will tell if they really are. Time always tells.

I'm just gonna take a sip from my new virtual mug, root for Vmin, root for Tae Kook, all the while dodging the slaps from Jungkook and certain jokers when I say these things🤣

Seriously though, not to dismiss these issues raised by anon because I take red flags seriously as an alt-shipper. I can probably list several pages of red flags that can potentially lead to another Soop conversation between Jikook. it's just none of the things OP has mentioned in here fall within that list for me. But that's my POV. Her POV is totally valid too.

We are all shipping Jikook in a way that makes sense to us.

As for that run episode she is referring to, I've already shared my thoughts on it.

Jikook seemed excited at the start of the episode. Run editors pointed it out, RM mentioned they had been excited all morning before the shoot- indicating they were together and happy around eachother prior to the shoot. Therefore whatever put 'both of them off' if ever something did put them off during the filming had nothing to do with their feelings for each other. In my opinion.

Nam Jin have said on several occasions they don't like to be roommates and have wailed over being paired on several occasions and yet they live. Jikook will live.

Let's not disguise insecurities as constructive concerns.

Anywho.

Signed,

GOLDY

[madam-melon-meow]

Bisexual Kyoshi is something that can be so personal, actually

Panel edit by @flagellasturbation

[image I.D. : An edit of a comic panel of avatar Kyoshi. On the left in the image is a close-up of Kyoshi from the torso up, contained within an upside-down trapezoid shape. She wears her full battle uniform of olive and emerald robes, dark gloves and bracers, and a golden headpiece in a fan-like shape. Her eyes are the same emerald shade as her robes, she has black hair billowing to the left edge of the image, and her black eyebrows have been dramatically lengthened by black face paint. Her face and neck are artificially whitened with chalky makeup, she has black winged eyeliner, red eyeshadow that sweeps upwards to her temples and down the sides of her nose, and red lipstick outlined in black. This is the classic Kyoshi makeup. Her arms are crossed, the left arm behind her head pointing a golden fan away from the viewer, the right arm extended in front of her face, another golden fan pointed towards the viewer. She appears to be looking upwards and towards the right of the image. Above Kyoshi’s eye level and in the top right of the image is a comic text box. It reads in all caps: “even avatar Kyoshi- who by all accounts loved men and women- was unable to effect any kind of real progress.” The background art and color has been replaced with the Bisexual Flag, a thick horizontal line of pink on top, stopping at Kyoshi’s cheek level, then a thinner line of purple ending at her shoulders, and a thick line of blue that extends to the bottom of the image. End I.D.]

(If someone does not find my image I.D. sufficient, please let me know. This is my first time trying to make such a thing, as i am a lurker, not a poster)

Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee, page 99 (text copy / pasted from the b&n ebook version)

““Are those . . . fire lilies?” he said, a wide, knowing grin spreading across his face.

Kyoshi flushed beet red. “Stop it,” she said.

“That’s right,” Yun said. “The Ember Island tourism minister brought a bunch when he visited two weeks ago. I can’t believe you simply shred the flowers once they dry out. I guess nothing goes to waste in this house.”

“Knock it off,” Kyoshi snapped. But it was too hard keeping the corners of her lips from curling upward.

“Knock what off?” he said, enjoying her reaction. “I’m just commenting on a fragrance I’ve come to particularly enjoy.”

It was an inside reference that only the two of them shared. Rangi didn’t know. She hadn’t been there in the gifting room eight months ago while Kyoshi arranged a vast quantity of fire lilies sent by an admiral in the Fire Navy, one of Hei-Ran’s friends.

Yun had spent the afternoon watching Kyoshi work. Against every scrap of her better judgment, she’d allowed him to lie down on the floor and rest his head in her lap while she plucked deformed leaves and trimmed stems to the right length. Had anyone caught the two of them like that, there would have been a scandal that not even the Avatar could have recovered from.

That day, entranced by Yun’s upside-down features dappled with the flower petals she’d teasingly sprinkled over his face, she’d almost leaned down and kissed him. And he knew it. Because he’d almost reached up and kissed her.

They never spoke of it afterward, the shared impulse that had nearly crashed both of their carriages. It was too . . . well, they each had their duties was a good way to put it. That moment did not fit anywhere among their responsibilities.

But since then, whenever the two of them were in the presence of fire lilies, Yun’s eyes would dart toward the flowers repeatedly until he was sure Kyoshi noticed. She would try unsuccessfully to keep a straight face, the heat coloring her neck, and he’d sigh as if to mourn what could have been.

Today was no different. With a wistful blush on his own cheeks, Yun stared her down until her defenses broke and she let out a giggle through her nose.

“There’s that beautiful smile,” he said. He pressed his heels into the floor, sliding up against the wall, and straightened his rumpled shirt. “Kyoshi, trust me when I say this: If it turns out not to be me, I’ll be glad it’s you.”

~~~~~~~~~

Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee, page 210 (text copy / pasted from the b&n ebook version)

“You think you don’t deserve peace and happiness and good things, but you do!” Rangi yelled. “You, Kyoshi! Not the Avatar, but you!”

She closed the distance and wrapped her arms around Kyoshi’s waist. The embrace was a clever way to hide her face.

“Do you have any idea how painful it’s been for me to follow you on this journey where you’re so determined to punish yourself?” she said. “Watching you treat yourself like an empty vessel for revenge, when I’ve known you since you were a servant girl who couldn’t bend a pebble? The Avatar can be reborn. But you can’t, Kyoshi. I don’t want to give you up to the next generation. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

Kyoshi realized she’d had it all wrong. Rangi was a true believer. But her greatest faith had been for her friends, not her assignment. She pulled Rangi in closer. She thought she heard a slight, contented sigh come from the other girl.

“I wish I could give you your due,” Rangi muttered after some time had passed. “The wisest teachers. Armies to defend you. A palace to live in.”

Kyoshi raised an eyebrow. “The Avatar gets a palace?”

“No, but you deserve one.”

“I don’t need it,” Kyoshi said. She smiled into Rangi’s hair, the soft strands caressing her lips. “And I don’t need an army. I have you.”

Psh,” Rangi scoffed. “A lot of good I’ve been so far. If I were better at my job you would never feel scared. Only loved. Adored by all.”

Kyoshi gently nudged Rangi’s chin upward. She could no more prevent herself from doing this than she could keep from breathing, living, fearing.

“I do feel loved,” she declared.

Rangi’s beautiful face shone in reflection. Kyoshi leaned in and kissed her.

A warm glow mapped Kyoshi’s veins. Eternity distilled in a single brush of skin. She thought she would never be more alive than now.

And then—

The shock of hands pushing her away. Kyoshi snapped out of her trance, aghast.

Rangi had flinched at the contact. Repelled her. Viscerally, reflexively.

Oh no. Oh no.

This couldn’t—not after everything they’d been through—this couldn’t be how it—

Kyoshi shut her eyes until they hurt. She wanted to shrink until she vanished within the cracks of the earth. She wanted to become dust and blow away in the wind.

But the sound of laughter pulled her back. Rangi was coughing, drowning herself with her own tears and mirth. She caught her breath and retook Kyoshi by the hips, turning to the side, offering up the smooth, unblemished skin of her throat.

“That side of my face is busted up, stupid,” she whispered in the darkness. “Kiss me where I’m not hurt.”

~~~~~

I include both these quotes because i've seen a few posts about the “gigantic lesbian” avatar, and although i am glad my sapphic sisters feel connected to Kyoshi (as well they should!), that doesn't mean i wish to simply be quiet on the matter of her textual bisexuality. I understand that not everyone has read her novels, nor has everyone read legend of Korra comics, but Kyoshi is *textually* bisexual.

Kyoshi had a loving romantic relationship with her firebending friend Rangi, but this does not erase her feelings for her earthbending friend Yun, even if neither of them were able to properly express it due to their respective “status”. (For context if you haven’t read, the masters believed that Yun was the avatar, and though he was bodyguarded by Rangi, and though Kyoshi was his servent, the three of them were simiar ages and thus close friends until the discovery of Kyoshi’s true ability destroyed their former lives). Hell, Kyoshi and Rangi do not become intimate until after fleeing their former lives. Who is to say what would have happened, had Yun not been captured by father glowworm ?

I know that there is a chance you will scoff at this, will write this off as comphet, accuse me of disproportionately weighting an almost-kiss with a true relationship, but these above quotes (as well as the comic panel from “the legend of korra: turf wars- part 1”) serve as proof that Kyoshi, “by all accounts loved men and women” (see panel directly below)

[image I.D. : the same comic panel as the edit above, this one without the bisexual flag edited in. Directly behind Kyoshi, within the upside-down trapezoid shape, is an olive to lime gradient, darker around her head and lighter near the bottom. Around and to the right in the image, outside of the trapezoid, is an aerial shot of buildings within an Earth Kingdom city, and what appears to be the lines of troops on the ground far below. the text box in the image is the same, but I have underlined the word “men” in blue, the word “and” in purple, and the word “women” in pink, to reflect the bisexual flag. End I.D.]

I am making such a big deal over this because Kyoshi is a massive figure, her long shadow cast over Aang’s life alongside Roku’s, and even before her novels came out there were often jokes about her “bloodthirsty” nature. I implore you to read the novels and see why Kyoshi believed in deadly justice at times, but also so you can see what a dynamic, loving, and beautiful character she is.

Some members of fandom have taken a “step on me” attitude towards Kyoshi, who has, even if the 7 feet tall thing is more fanon than canon, been explicitly described as “exceptionally tall”, and “towering” over others. This “strong woman who will break me and I thank them” attitude is one that butch &/or physically imposing sapphics, as well as trans women with similar statures to Kyoshi have expressed discomfort when applied to themselves and characters like them. I would love for more people to acknowledge her flaws and multi-faceted nature, that she is more than a “warrior goddess”, just as Aang is more than a living relic. Flattening her out to the easily-fetishable parts erases the depth of her character and the complexity of circumstances that led to the instances of deadly force.

There are very few bisexual characters in media, especially women, and especially in children’s media. Bisexual women have often been caricatured as loose, promiscuous, good for a threesome and not much else. (This is mot to say that i think any lesser of my fellow bisexuals who are proudly promiscious, nor can an actual live bisexual person be considered a stereotype for living their life, but media’s portayal of us as obsessed with desire is incredibly harmful). Knowing that a strong, beautiful, and important character in the avatar universe is a bisexual woman is amazing, even more so to have her first lady-love described in the novels with such care. F. C. Yee, the author of these novels, has my eternal gratitude. I sincerely hope that the new generation of fans, whether they are drawn to the cartoon or even the hypothetical live action show, will pick up these novels and discover the kind of bisexual character that I wish existed in my early days as a reader, and if a small fraction of them resonate with Kyoshi’s reciprocal on Yun and love for Rangi, then the world becomes a little bit brighter for it.

I mentioned her importance for the simple reason that Kyoshi IS important with the text of ATLA. As one of the avatars, she is one of the most historically important figures in that universe, one of the few avatars that Aang knows by name, and one of the only avatars to speak through his body. The fact that she has two whole novels to herself testifies to that effect, making her bisexual representation all the more important than a simple background character might be. 

If or when the ATLA live action tv show occurs, we can expect some mention of Kyoshi. After all, there is a whole episode dedicated to exploring one of her missions, and the way that the descendants of her enemy have recolored history. It is my sincere desire that enough discussion is made about her canon bisexuality , that fandom trumphets it from the roof with as much force as crackshipping zukka, that when she does make it to the screen, there is some subtle nod in her bisexuality’s direction, even if it is something as meta as casting a bisexual actress for her. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

edit by @flagellasturbation​

[image I.D. : An edit of a comic panel of avatar Kyoshi. This is like the first image, Kyoshi and the text box of the comic panel untouched, the background color and art replaced with the bisexual flag. However, this version has the words “by all accounts” blown up large and placed diagonally in the image, directly under Kyoshi’s face and stretching from one side of the image to the other. The bottom third of the image is similarly obscured, the words  “men” , “and” , “women” blown up large enough to fill the panel and cover most of Kyoshi’s torso, as well as the purple and blue areas of the background flag. End I.D.]

[mythgirlimagines]

After seeing the glowing reputation of the Things That Never Happened talentswaps by the fellow Anons, I decided to try this again! Introducing the hybrid setter-spiker-libero superstar and the Former Ultimate Volleyball Player, Myth!

——————————————————-

BACKSTORY AND TALENT

With two older siblings who had past experience with volleyball, Myth has been taught by her sisters ever since she was little. The constant practice with her older sisters made her a practical powerhouse, by the time she made it to middle school. Her passion for volleyball, despite her diminutive height, drove her to attend Hatohane Girl’s Academy, a high school famous for their prestigious powerhouse of a volleyball team. Within days of attending the club, she proved herself to be a formidable ally and an even more formidable enemy, for she is able to assimilate herself into just about any position on the court, even positions that require height (for she has one of the most impressive verticals, this side of the academy). Her enemies consider her a “wild card”, for she is utterly unpredictable in her gameplay, and you better believe that she wears her title on her sleeve. In fact, she once played against an entire team, while her other teammates are out sick, and she managed to wipe the floor with them. This action alone is what catapulted her into stardom and granted her a spot at Hope’s Peak Academy. In her adult years, she’s working hard at a top-tier professional girl’s team, known as the Sunset Pegasi. But she is currently taking some time off to chaperone this year’s Ultimates and Jr. Ultimates.

——————————————————-

RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Carpenter

Wyre has been Myth’s volleyball teammate ever since middle school (as a wing spiker), and has been her best friend for even longer, thanks to their similar competitive natures, despite Wyre’s wild and expressive personality clashing heavily against Myth’s stoic and disciplined personality. The natural muscles they got from working at thejr father’s carpentry shop really made them a valuable asset in just about any sport they put their mind to, with volleyball being a major favorite of theirs. Imagine Myth and Wyre’s mutual elation, when they both got accepted into Hope’s Peak. Wyre was so elated, that they carved a large wooden sculpture of the two of them holding hands in victory.

Outfit: A purple stripe in her hair that matches Myth, protective orange goggles, an orange and brown flannel shirt, a dark brown leather tool-belt, blue jeans, off-white socks, brown steel-toed boots.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Screenwriter

Famous for screenwriting in both action media and horror media, Scar originally wanted to be an actress, but her natural stage fright meant that she had to settle for behind-the-scenes work. Luckily for her, she proved to be excellent at both sketching out action/horror scenes and writing the very scene out, making her the mastermind behind several recent blockbuster movies. In an attempt to “fake it until she makes it”, Scar tries to project the personality of her favorite archetypes: “The Dark Lord of Script”. But as Myth very quickly figured out, she’s not doing a particularly good job of it, for when she shows concern for her conmates (which is all the time, by the way), her true personality resurfaces.

Outfit: A black and white striped sweater, a purple and red vampire cape, a matching long skirt, stockings, boots and gloves from original design.

Fusion Anon, Ultimate Linguist

As a child, Fusion showed a surprising aptitude and interest in the countries of the world, with their languages and their food being what he mainly specializes in. Fusion’s parents quickly signed him up for language courses, and time after time, Fusion picked up the languages left and right. As of his acceptance, Fusion can speak ten languages on a conversational level, and can read and write in twice as many languages. Fusion is currently running a foreign language tutoring business, and even holds seminars at the Kibo-Con for the other Ultimates. Myth thinks that Fusion’s seminars would be a valuable asset, for when she’s playing against international teams, so her attendance is perfect.

Outfit: A grey bomber jacket with country flags lining his sleeves, black fingerless gloves, red and white sneakers, glasses, undershirt and pants from his original design.

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Hiker

Famous for besting mountains many people claim to be impossible, the numerous selfies that Fusion II takes of her travels all prove her claims that she bested the tallest of mountains, all with the signature smirk on her face. But despite the confidence and charisma she carries in her selfies, she actually has a massive nerdy side that she would much rather keep hidden. Myth found it confusing on how two Anons could share the same name, but based on the father-daughter behavior that occurs between the two Fusions, Myth has a hypothesis made. That being said, Myth shows respect for her kohai, and will always be there to boost up Fusion II’s ego, whenever she’s feeling down.

Outfit: Diamond-crusted sunglasses, a light blue parka with white fluff and matching winter gloves, brown cargo pants, matching steel-toed boots.

Just Anon, Ultimate Tree Climber

Originally climbing trees to escape teachers and other bothersome individuals, Janon was eventually nicknamed “Chameleon”, for his extraordinary skills in climbing up and camouflaging himself in the trees. While Myth normally has an inhuman amount of patience regarding more defiant and disrespectful underclassmen, Janon’s blatant disrespect towards his all his senpais (apart from the gardener), makes her want to spike a volleyball directly into his face. But upon seeing Janon interact with and actually showing affection and respect towards his kohais, Myth gained a newfound respect for Janon, that she never thought she would gain. If only Janon could start respecting his senpais.

Outfit: A camo-colored army helmet and matching hoodie, brown pants and black boots.

Sparkle Anon, Former Ultimate Sprinter

With a bombastic, loud, and flashy appearance and the personality to match, it’s very hard to miss the appearance of Sparkle, when she is on the racing track. Sparkle is particularly known across the internet for sprinting in ridiculous costumes, in order to assist charities across the world. Myth was happy, upon finding out that she would be accompanied in her chaperoning by a fellow athlete, even if their personalities are like oil and water. They regularly meet in the Kibo-Con gym to exercise, while exchanging fitness plans and mutually fangirling over each other, for they’ve both seen each other‘s competitions, and are impressed by what they’ve seen from each other. 

Outfit: Hair in a bob being held by a red and white headband, a red and white sparkling tank-top with her name on the front and blue sparkly shorts, long white socks, and shoes that match her tank-top, a black and white checkered flag slung over her shoulders like a cape.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Gardener, and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Liar

Famous for managing one of the largest and most breathtakingly gorgeous botanical masterpieces ever known to man, Egg was introduced to Myth as an only child. But what Myth doesn’t know, is that, in interviews, Egg pulls the classic “twin-switch” trick and has their twin Wet Sock masquerade as them, while blowing up their reputation with lies of commission and omission. Even in their stay at the Kibo-Con, the duo regularly intact the twin switch to such an extent that most Anons didn’t even know of Wet Sock’s existence (apart from Eldritch, but nobody believes him, because, well, he’s Eldritch), and passing off the times Wet Sock’s been seen out of costume as morning-induced delirium.

Outfit: A straw hat, a yellow and green flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, blue jeans with dirty knees and green gloves and matching rain boots

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Finder

After their classmates realized that Curious had an excellent eye for details and a helpful and altruistic spirit, they quickly used Curious like their personal finder for lost objects. Eventually, Curious got paid to help people from all around their hometown find lost objects, pets, and even people. Myth has quite the watchful eye, so she barely, if ever, needs Curious’s help in finding objects that she happened to misplace. But she is willing to misplace objects on purpose, if it means getting a smile and a look of pride and accomplishment on the face of her kohai. Curious reminds Myth of some of her kohais: desperate for praise and lives for validation. 

Outfit: A black gakuran with a magnified glass clipped to their belt and a matching hat and shoes.

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Sharpshooter

With an unparalleled bullseye streak and temper issues of an equally unparalleled caliber, Anon Nerd is a name to be feared in competitions, and for good reasons, considering Nerd’s volcanic temper and sheer skill at shooting targets despite that. If someone even slightly wrongs him, they risk getting shot with one of his prized rifles. Considering Myth’s stoic and composed attitude and Nerd being the complete opposite, one would think that they would never get along. But, shockingly enough, Nerd considers Myth to be the only one (apart from the other Brain Cells), to not be a complete and utter dolt. They regularly like testing their accuracy in each other’s sports, with Myth faring better at shooting.

Outfit: A brown and dark green bomber jacket, red tinted sunglasses, blue jeans, brown sneakers, a red rifle strapped to his back.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Tattoo Artist

Growing up in one of the seediest underground communities, rife with scum and villainy, Eldritch is famed all around town for his skill in tattooing the people of his town with anti-government and pro-anarchy tattoos on visible parts of their body, as protest to the government that put them in this horrible condition in the first place. Eldritch can’t trust anybody who doesn’t have a special tattoo inked by Eldritch himself, up to and included his own conmates. He especially can’t trust Myth and her stoic and unpredictable demeanor. The thought of one of her kohais being scared of her brings Myth to internal tears. Myth is currently attempted (unsuccessful) senpai-kohai trust exercises.

Outfit: Hair being completely shaved on the right side, black eyeshadow, a black sleeveless hoodie that shows off his various anti-government tattoos, blue jeans and knee-high black boots.

Dream Anon, Ultimate Confidant

Known around her school as the most trustworthy girl her schoolmates know, Dream organized a secret room in the school, in case any of her classmates need to talk about their secrets and vent to an optimistic and loving role model figure. Ever since Dream met Myth, her idol in athletics, she knew that her senpai had common ground with her, for they both share a passion for volleyball and show endless support to each other. Besides, Dream always wanted to crack the tough nut and unpredictable beast that is the Iron Wall of Hatohane. Surely, someone as stoic and unmovable as Myth must have some secrets and she’ll always be there to support her senpai in a rough patch.

Outfit: A dark grey ski cap with heart pins on it, a pink and grey hoodie over a black shirt with a red heart on the front, shorts, socks and shoes from her original design.

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Surfer

As the daughter of two parents who own the local beach house, Iris has been living by the ocean ever since she was little, and she has efficiently mastered the art of catching the biggest and most gnarly of waves, earning her the attention of entire fleets of preteen ladies, which is also helped by her adorable personality and her adoration of marine biology. Iris’s passionate and optimistic attitude reminds Myth of some of her younger kohais and for that reason, Myth attached herself to the cheery water-lover. Being a fellow athlete helps matters. Myth also introduced Iris to beach volleyball, and Iris was more or less a complete natural. Needless to say, Myth was impressed at her kohai taking on her craft.

Outfit: Hair tied into rings, pink swim goggles, a pink swimsuit top, a galaxy printed sarong around a matching pink swimsuit bottom, galaxy printed flipflops.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Emergency Planner

As the daughter of only the biggest CEOs in the entire nation, Purple learned of the dangers that many people in the large and cramped offices face on a daily basis. From there, Purple knew that she had to take matters into her own hands, and begin stocking up and preparing for every work emergency under the sun, whether that’ll be economic or physical. These duties instilled her with a timid attitude and a natural motherly instinct, and of course, that’ll extend to her conmates and chaperones. Every time Myth gets injuries on or off the court, Purple would always be right behind her, with her medical kit in tow, as well as a healthy (if needlessly verbose) reminder to not overwork herself. 

Outfit: An off-white hard hat, a black safety vest over a purple sweater, a black and white striped skirt with a fully-stocked emergency belt, purple stockings, black boots.

This series would center around everyone getting to know the stoic iron wall, who secretly has a soft spot for all of her dorky kohai.

——————————————————-

PERSONALITY

Volleyball!Myth is known by her opponents as an utterly unpredictable beast, but to her teammates, she is heavily supportive and kind-hearted, despite her quiet and stoic demeanor, which clashes heavily against her more loud and flashy appearance. She has a particular soft spot for her kohais, and loves it when people show respect and look up to her. In a height-dominant sport like volleyball, Volleyball!Myth used to have hangups regarding her height, but constant support from her family and middle school teammates gave her the much-needed confidence boost to strut onto the court in all of her 5 FT 3 IN glory. Volleyball!Myth is surprisingly hard on herself, for she spends practically all of her time practicing, claiming that she still has room for improvement and needs to push herself even harder. Only her childhood friend Carpenter!Wyre can convince her to chill out and take a break for once. 

——————————————————-

APPEARANCE

Volleyball!Myth wears her natural brown hair in a ponytail with a purple skunk stripe down the middle and also wears black sports glasses. Volleyball!Myth simply wears the uniform of the Sunset Pegasi, which consists of the following: a blue jacket over an orange jersey with a yellow sun design and a big number “6” on the front, shorts that match her jersey and red shoes with white soles and laces.

——————————————————-

Luckily, I was able to use all of my Haikyuu knowledge to help write Myth. In Haikyuu terms, Myth is like a mix between Nishinoya, Aone, Ushijima and Tendou (with Hinata’s height and vertical). I hope that you like this swap, and I’d love to hear what the others think of it!

-Fusion Anon

[koorinohebi]

Bond Levels: Caster - Akechi Mitsuhide

Before anything else, here is a small reminder that my version of Mitsuhide, while mostly canon compliant (for Caster, at least of what we know of him), is still pretty heavily headcanon based. So this interpretation is mine and you are free to not share them at all. Now, going back on topic:

We do know that as bond levels go up, the working relationship between both master and servant also improves. This is true for Mitsuhide too, although, I believe that it stops at a certain level. I feel like raising Caster's bond comes with red flags that are pretty problematic in the long run.

From what I understood before, and something that I do adapt, depending on the master, servants are sometimes reminded of specific people in their lives. For some, it could be someone important that they hold dear; others, previous masters (vaguely), etc. So in Mitsuhide's case, if you are his master, his attitude as bond levels are raised will depend on who you remind him off.

In the chance that you remind him of either Hiroko (wife), Tama (daughter), or Kicho (cousin), he'll be more protective of you as your bond level increases. The things that he was unable to do due to having lost sight of things/abandoning things because of his goal, he will now make up for. So there are times when it'll be a little awkward, because he'd feel ashamed for what he's done, but rest assured that he wont make the same mistakes twice. Or at least, he will endeavor to avoid them so that he'll always have a clear mind and actually protect what's important to him. For these kinds of people Raising bond levels up to 10+ is pretty safe.

In that horrible, horrible chance that you remind him of Hideyoshi, he will kill you right off the bat. That's it. Negotiations are off the table. He will not have you. After all, this the Mitsuhide who feels that a certain monkey has robbed him of everything. It doesn't matter what bond level you take him to, if he so much as identifies you with Hideyoshi, he will kill you.

Now, you reminding him of Nobunaga is a little well. It's a little complicated, because somewhere in his mind, a time will come where you will betray his expectations. Surely, at a decent level (5 -9), he will respect you. He will not always show it, specially not in front of others. He'd make it appear as if you're nothing truly important, but if you're in trouble, he will come to your aid without a doubt. However, come 10 and above, it gets problematic. This is most likely the time when his association of you blurs. Because you do remind him of Nobunaga, your importance outweighs a lot of people. And he is particularly invested in you, that you are practically so close to being the second coming of his dearest lord that he can POSSIBLY do without summoning the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven (but this is his goal, so he will always want it. If you give this to him, he will love you even more). So right now, he is utterly loyal to you, but also rather very delusional. And has certain expectations that he is HOPING and DESIRING that you meet, so nothing BAD befalls you. Wanting you and your attention all to himself is the very basic of having him at bond 10, and he will probably try to kill anyone... including you (killing you @ Bond 15+), if you show ANY favoritism towards anyone else. He simply cant go through that whole Hideyoshi stealing Nobunaga away from him ordeal EVER again.

So basically, that's how it is for this Caster.

[mssapphire]

Deconstructing Romantic Love, and what’s actually wrong with it (pt. 1) - Desire and Admiration =/= Love.

In our infinite quest for happiness, one pervasive question we tend to have is: what is love? (baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no mo’). And in this quest we have tried to find a million different answers and we have tried to deconstruct and understand what works and what makes it dysfunctional.

In the last century or so, we have tried to come up with alternatives to what we have identified as the root of all evil and female oppression: heteropatriarchal romantic love. And I say in the last century because Romanticism is a 19th c. thing - and to understand how it completely changed society and our relational dynamics, I’d suggest Alain de Botton (it’s a long video but 1) it’s worth it and 2) if you don’t have the time to read his book(s), it’s a great alternative).

This has given way to different forms of “Ethical Non-Monogamy”. I’ll eventually write a post abut the history around different Free Love movements - and how the term has definitely meant different things in different moments of time, and how we have now devoid it of any meaning, to the point we’re back in the clutches of patriarchy through rampant consumerism of bodies. But that’s a post for another day.

What I’d like to explore today is that the problem doesn’t rely in what relationship model you choose to follow (monogamy, polyamory, relationship anarchy, open relationships), but in the way we (mis)understand love. I recently wrote a post about the meaning of being emotionally responsible, making an emphasis on why it’s so difficult for cis straight men. And following that thread, I’d like to come to another crossroads we (but, again, specially cis straight men) seem to find ourselves on: confounding admiration and desire with love. Let’s break that down.

I could really, really go on a tangent here, but I’ll try to stay focused. We could trace back our culture’s confabulation of love, admiration and desire to Courtly Love. Courtly Love taught men that love but, most importantly, loving the right way, was something that could make you a better person, morally (and even socially) superior. The right way to love a Lady, who was the purest being incarnated on the face of the earth, was to admire her beauty which was no doubt a display of her own moral worth (yes, these are white beauty standards, where the most celebrated type of woman was blonde, pale as porcelain, and with blue or green eyes) - and yes, physical appearance being equated to moral worth was a thing in Medieval times (you can guess which are the good guys or the bad guys in a Medieval story only through their physical description). But here comes the plot twist about Courtly Love: you didn’t even had to have met the object of your desire to love her. So you have an entire tradition of poems being written by men to, for and about women they hadn’t even met. They had just heard about their reputation, and they completely made up a fantasy as to who the woman was - a woman they not only proclaimed to love, but also a woman whom they loved so much they could die for her.

This was fertile grounds for Petrarch’s poetry, now in the Renaissance, who took Courtly Love one step further: actually attaching the object of his desire to a real, living person (Laura). Fast forward to Romanticism and the idea of loving someone to the point it kills you, and that they’re the one and only object of your desire, and your “soul mate”, and thus complete and complement you in every single way has now become the trend as to how we perceive love.

But that all sounds very exotic and distant. What about the present? Certainly, you can’t compare these guys to the guys on tinder trying to hook up with anyone who’ll say yes. But allow me to say: 1) yes, yes I can and 2) it’s not only these guys - but even those who seem “more decent” and actually take you out on a date, and even date you for a while. Allow me to elaborate.

Again, I am going to go ahead and quote bell hooks’ definition of love (this is something I do, a lot): you have to distinguish love as a feeling vs love as a verb (we’ll circle back to this). When you understand love as a feeling, and as a feeling only, desire and admiration tend to feel a lot like love. And the problem lies therein society’s portrayal’s of love: “love at first sight”, passionate sex as the ultimate display of what love is and should be, blind admiration towards that person and how you have to stick through thick and thin until death do us part (does that ring a bell?).

“Seeing no wrong” with the object of our affection (or what we now call “missing red flags”) is something we do when we blindly admire someone. And, thus, that convinces us that real love, true love, is that in which you find no conflict, and where the other person is perfect and without flaw. The problem with confusing admiration and love is that, to admire someone, we have to put them up on a pedestal, so we can continue to admire them without our image of them crumbling. Think about all the times you lost respect for your idols as you found out who they really were, as a person, above and beyond their work.

The same happens with desire - which is something more visceral and raw. That person is desirable as long as they fit the fantasy we have about them - which relies to physical attributes, yes, but about things they do and don’t do. Even more so, sex is something that gives you the illusion of intimacy, because sex is inherently emotional and vulnerable (and the idea that it isn’t is capitalistic bullshit, but that’s a topic for another post).  So while you’re engaging in sex, you can enjoy all those endorphins and mushy feelings, without actually doing the hard work of actually getting to know the person for real. The moment the person displays a behavior or an attribute that clashes with the idea we have in our heads (maybe they’re too awkward, or they have bad breath in the morning), our fantasy, built on desire, starts to crumble.

Let me drive the point home with a personal example. An ex of mine was initially deeply attracted to me because of my intelligence (it was a good thing that he found me physically attractive too). He would be delighted when he saw me debate other people (and destroy them), to the point it immediately triggered physical affection. But as the relationship progressed and we found ourselves sharing and discussing personal views, his attitude started to shift. A quality that he usually admired me for, became something that made him feel contempt. “You’re so smart” turned into “you’re too smart” which eventually turned to “I can never talk to you because everything turns into a debate”. My attitude and approach hadn’t changed. What was happening is what always happens in an emotional relationship where you’re actually getting to know the person: I was falling off the pedestal he put me in. 

And, suddenly, I was seen not only as a human being with flaws and shortcomings, and far from perfect - but having to be so close and vulnerable in front of me was also deeply uncomfortable to him. Because when you’re really close to someone, that makes you reflect on yourself. True love and intimacy is an exercise of self reflection, which allows you to become acquainted with the best and worst sides of you. In my ex’s case, having to be confronted by the intelligence he admired so much initially, made him feel stupid and insecure.

Which leads me to another thing: in this confabulation of admiration/desire for love, men also get another short end of the stick. Because patriarchy has convinced them that a woman’s love lies in her admiration for him, the object of their desire (who has to instantly desire them back just because they want this person) has one job and one job only: to admire and support him unconditionally. This means that men are permanently stuck in a position where they have to display strength and bravado, as they fulfill the role of protectors and providers. And what happens then? you never truly get to know who they are inside. So any sort of criticism, disagreement or conflict is perceived as a threat - if you’re not admiring them, you’re personally attacking them, and you don’t really love them.

Again, the problem with all of this is that we still haven’t understood what love actually is. According to bell hook, love is also a verb. It’s the actions you take in order to nurture the relationship, so you both feel seen, known, heard and understood. It’s getting to know the other person deeply and honestly. It’s seeing ourselves reflected in their eyes and getting to know new depths about us that we hadn’t before.

Think about it in another way: if that person wasn’t physically attractive to you anymore, would you still love them? if that person presented flaws that you hate, would you still love them? If they didn’t have the same social status or job? if they didn’t engage in specific activities with you? and what would you be willing to do if those things change? these are all important questions to assess where your feelings for someone stand.

To be clear: you can love someone and admire them and desire them. But just because someone desires you or just because someone admires you, that doesn’t mean they love you. Again, love is in the work you do. And if you do your homework, you will find yourself admiring that person on deeper more significant attributes, like their compassion and patience and integrity, while you even learn to understand and appreciate their flaws in the context of who they really are - that’s what being understood means.

The problem is not monogamy. In fact, I find it more responsible and sustainable to understand just how much work goes into having healthy loving relationships and deciding to have that with one person, than being a hot ass mess and falling in and out of an unending string of relationships because we’re trying to score “woke points” by denying monogamy. Because if you think you’re defying monogamy while at the same time you’re following the same romantic standards to relate, then you’re not really subverting anything.

Next time you feel like you might feel love for someone, ask yourself if what you’re feeling means that you actually have the willingness to do the work required to be in a healthy relationship with them. If you find their presence in your life worth the effort or not. If this is a nourishing relationship, then the answer will probably be yes.

[janiedean]

i don't get why Jon is considered a threat to Dany's throne when they could just get married? obvs they like each other, and they have targ blood to excuse the close relation

... it’s not that he’s considered, it’s that he is just by existing and that is set up to be the main conflict in the ‘good guys’ side - how it’s resolved is another issue, but like... it’s not that they like each other or not, it’s a question of plot elements and setting.

meaning (guys I wanna be objective here, don’t take this as me hating on d/any or anything because I’m not this is just how I feel they shaped up the narrative):

all of dany’s storyline relies heavily on a few key elements both in book and show, as in: a) she’s the last surviving targaryen and no other, b) she feels that the iron throne is her birth legacy as the rebellion wasn’t legitimate/the targs were the legitimate rulers, c) her entire claim on the iron throne relies on recognizing the targs as legit rulers and on the fact that *she* is the last targaryen left;

and as she put it herself in S7, she has bled and suffered for it - now, dany’s character development in S7 (development) was realizing that she actually cared about fighting the white walkers and helping her allies more than her throne for now at least, which is why jon kneeled when she didn’t ask for it (and I’d like to put forward that I actually get that and I don’t think he did something abysmally stupid from his POV) and that was when they tried to sell us the romance angle (which imvho is very badly written and had endless pacing issues but never mind, I’m not going to question jon/erys’s status - it happened, I’m accepting it);

now, as goddamned fucking stupid was the whole ‘JON’S REAL TARG NAME IS AEGON’ writing decision - because that was fucking stupid, even if the show cut off the aegon+joncon storyline aegon still existed within canon, he’s just dead, so rhaegar naming both his male heirs with the same name is dumb as fuck and makes no sense but never mind that -, it should give you red flags that they mean for jon to take on some of the original aegon vi’s storyline in the book because ofc they couldn’t have two possible targaryens alive but nvm;

now: aegon vi book-wise is a legitimate threat to dany’s claim unless he marries her, since he’s rhaegar’s trueborn male heir which immediately makes his claim better than dany’s and when he realized he didn’t want to wait around for her he went to take westeros for himself or tried to - and okay, dany’s about unaware of that rn because she has more pressing concerns, but the existence of a male targaryen heir who is legitimate automatically puts a dent in *her* claim to the throne;

now, do I have to believe that they renamed jon aegon for nothing and gone through the pains of making us know for sure that rhaegar married lyanna and that he’s *trueborn* (ngl I think it’s also book canon except that I don’t think rhaegar disinherited elia’s children, he prob. just married lyanna without divorcing elia) for it to end up in nothing especially when they already set it up in s5 with that speech to theon about being both stark and greyjoy which was obviously foreshadowing for his future conflict about being both stark and targaryen?

I don’t think so.

now, what I want to get at with my theorizing is (VAGUE SPOILERS THAT I KNOW OF ARE MENTIONED BUT IT’S VAGUE AND I DIDN’T VERIFY):

this season they have six episodes - long ones, but still six. given that the last one is gonna be mostly epic battle/finale stuff and from the five spoilers I know there’s another one towards the middle. This means there’s roughly four episodes of Other Stuff Left and honestly, there has to be a conflict somewhere or the narrative doesn’t go on;

last season tied up the house stark stuff in the sense that as badly written as it was, LF is out of the way, sansa/arya/bran are on the same side again (regardless of how shitty bran’s written but nvm) and pretty much signed off cersei’s political suicide because she has tied her survival to euron bringing her the golden company but theon is obviously offing euron to get back his sister and taking that from her and that’s gonna happen early on, so like.... she’s basically dragging dead narrative weight while going around king’s landing and I seriously doubt she’s surviving midseason, and on top of that there’s no conflict to be had in KL with the fact that she’s the only valuable main player still there, everyone else has left;

we of course have the question of WHAT WILL JAIME DO but that spoiler pic pretty much solved it - he’s going around wearing robb’s old armor or an armor that looks like robb’s, everything points to a confrontation with bran + resolution of issues that brings to him pledging with the starks - the starks, not dany;

at that point there’s literally no other major - major - conflict left to explore that doesn’t touch the question of Who Is Getting That Throne And How It Fits With The Current Situation;

now: taking for granted that jon/erys like each other and they’re most likely in honeymoon phase when they get to WF, the point is that a) they don’t know they’re related, b) he thinks she’s a trueborn queen and he’s only there because people elected him and she thinks he’s an illegitimate son with good skills and good morals. now, while she probably wouldn’t give two fucks about bedding a relative if she thought she’d marry viserys growing up and IT’S TARGARYENS, he might find it a tad more objectionable since he was not brought up with the idea that marrying your relatives was acceptable outside of targaryens (guys incest is a taboo in westeros too) and telling him he’s r’s son won’t magically change his attitude in that sense, so that is one conflict in itself...

guys: jon’s mere existence is a threat to dany’s claim. even if he doesn’t do anything about it and he assures her he can’t care less, he’s still her brother’s trueborn legitimate MALE offspring who not only has targ blood on one side, but has *stark* blood on the other side, and given that the north has tried to secede for the entire series and that he has both stark and targ heritage (guys...... again, a song of ice and fire = a song of jon snow), even if he doesn’t care, other people could see him as a better option than daenerys because he’s from westeros, he knows the customs, he has good military experience that doesn’t rely on dragons to win battles and they’d trust him way more than an outsider who has never been to westeros and comes back reclaiming it because it’s her birthright and who doesn’t abide by westerosi customs - and mind that the tarlys being burned alive when they could have gone to the wall was exactly to make that point. like, it’s the same issue catelyn had with him - regardless of whether he would have wanted to usurp his siblings (we know he wouldn’t have, she didn’t), ned having a supposed *male* son who looked like him and was robb’s age while all her male children looked like her and not like ned was in itself a threat to her children and their inheritance, which is 60% of the reasons why cat hated jon (the other 40% being that she thought ned betrayed her not even a year after they married);

like, that’s an issue that would only get solved if they marry and have children and she chooses to trust him to not make a coup, but even with that... a jon/erys marriage as things are now (with jon being kitn and ned’s bastard son as far as people know) would make her the most important part of it and he’d be more of a consort than king, but with jon being rhaegar’s, either he has the title or they share it equally;

now: dany has to have character development. everyone has to or shit doesn’t happen. jon’s main issue is gonna be reconciling stark and targ heritage (and tbqh I don’t see jon embracing the targ part so readily - guys he’s wanted to be a stark all his life and he grew up with them, let’s be real). dany is obviously going to revolve around the following points at least imvho:a) how is she going to react finding out that she’s not the last targaryen left?b) how is she going to react finding out that the other targaryen around has a better claim than her/has her same birthright?c) can she get used to westeros’s culture/customs and learn them if she has to be queen?d) can she bend her own principles and compromise enough to realize that she can’t rule just through dragons because you might *conquer* with them but you can’t *rule* with them as we’ve seen with the tarlys?now, all of that is obv. up in the air and I have no issues whether it goes left or right - honestly it’s so far in my scale of ‘stuff I care for in this show’ that as long as I see jaime in robb’s armor all the time I’ll be fine, but...

tldr: if the answer to those questions is, in order, ‘she’ll take it well, she’ll vouch for sharing power and it won’t impact on their relationship, yes and yes’ then congrats, we have positive character development and most likely canon targ restoration with jon/erys as endgame. if the answer is ‘she’ll take it badly, she’ll see jon as a potential threat regardless and demand that he renounce it or smth, no and no’, then congratulations, we have negative character development and the conflict turns from dany + starks allied against the white walkers and cersei to a dynasty conflict during which people will have to take sides and in that context tyrion would be caught in the middle because he’s dany’s advisor but on the other side there’s people he genuinely likes/he’s friendly with, the whole question of his marriage to sansa and his damned brother, so he’d have to pick sides in that sense; 

now, it could also be that the answer is no but then she changes her mind and we still have positive character development after the negative - possibly, she’s a main so she’ll get screentime same as jon - but like, that is imo the most obvious and glaring plot conflict that has to come out of what they wrote until now regardless of whether it’s good or bad writing. and fine, it’s been bad lately, but nvm that, the outcome has to be one regardless of how they get there.

like: I don’t doubt that there can be a positive resolution, but there has to be conflict or nothing happens this season if the jon parentage reveal ends in ‘ah well we can just get married in episode two’, and given dany’s in-text character faults that she has same as everyone else (more or less, given how the show’s written), this one plot point is going to have weight and it’s going to create conflict for her because it basically dismantles the entirety of her claim on the throne that she’s brought on since the end of S1 and it’s too narratively important to dismiss it on account of ‘they like each other and they can just get married’. they can, but at the end, not at the beginning, and she has to fully confront it and come out stronger for it if you want a positive development and not further stagnation.

thanks for coming to my speculation ted talk *shrug* XD

[eyeliveinabook]

Bucky x Reader p.9

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

It has been a year and Bucky started a relationship with a girl from Russia. So of course you two stopped fooling around, you were nice to Lilah and she was nice to you. You two had actually become really good friends: going shopping, discussing different topics, she even invited you to her book club. It surprised Bucky that you were getting along so well with his gal. To make things interesting you started dating a girl from the book club, it became a tradition that you, Gwen and Lilah would get coffee after the book meeting. Those feelings you had for Bucky never really went away, but you just ignored them. Being Gwen’s girlfriend was so much fun and she made you feel special. It was never really awkward between you and Bucky, because you two just never mention what had happened. However things started getting tense between you and Bucky, to the point that you would avoid each other. It got so bad that you moved in with Gwen. Tony always came over on Thursday’s because he missed you a lot. He wasn’t the only one, everyone missed you. Sam, Steve and Clint missed having someone to train with, Nat and Wanda missed their girlfriend. Bucky missed you a lot, more then he thought he would, more then he wanted to admit and you missed him just as much. Towards your 6 month anniversary you decided to surprise Gwen, you made her a necklace with different shades of green and (y/f/c) beads then in the middle it spelled love, you also got her a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine. You texted her asking how she was, she replied that she was at Lilah’s having a day without the baes which was normal. You made your way over to Lilah’s when you saw Bucky sitting on the steps. You walk over to him, “hey Buck-a-boo you okay?” He just shrugged you sit next to him and rub his back, that is when Lilah came out. “Bucky it’s not what it looks like.” “Really so you weren’t eating Gwen out!” he shouts that is when Gwen came out, you look at her, “what is going on?” “Both of our girls having been hooked up behind our backs.” Bucky says. Gwen suddenly found the ground interesting. You walk up to her, “tell me he is lying Gwen, after 6 months?” She wouldn’t look up at you, “I am s- “No, if you are going to tell me you are sorry you look me in the eyes.” You say emotionless. Her head looks at you, “I am sorry, (y/n) but I have fallen for Lilah.” You look over at Lilah, “You feel the same?” Lilah shakes her head, “I just wanted some fun because Bucky wouldn’t give it to me. I still love you Bucky.” As she moved to touch Bucky he backed away, again she moved to touch him that is when you stood between the two. “I think it is time for Bucky and I to leave. Gwen, it was nice while it lasted.” You grabbed Bucky’s arm and lead him back to your apartment. Once you got to your apartment, you had Bucky sit on the couch while you went to grab some wine glasses. once you set them down Bucky opens the wine while you struggle to open the chocolates. It was silent for a good three minutes before he said something, “Is it wrong that this might be some of the best tasting wine I have had in a long time and it’s not even meant for me?” “Nah, rather be sharing it with you then someone who doesn’t love me.” You pop another chocolate in your mouth. “Yeah, I hear you on that. Well this calls for a toast doesn’t,” He stands up, “A toast to the wrong people who couldn’t be here right now because we are pissed at them.” You raise your glass in the air with a “here, here”. Once he sits down you notice he is messing with his hair. “You know if you put it in a ponytail that would make life a lot better.” You pat the floor the in front of you and he moves, “Do you have a hair tie?” He shakes his head. You pull one off your wrist and run your hands into his hair and make a pony tail.  “I am sorry, about what happen.” You say to him. “Me too. I think what hurts the most is the fact that I knew it wouldn’t last long because she always talked about how attractive Gwen was and how she wanted a threesome. Should have been a red flag.” He downs the wine fast and burps. “What about you did you see it coming?”  “Yes and no. I mean I never thought she would do it but I never really loved her, I just used her as a bandage because the person I really wanted to be with.”  “Who do you want to be with?”  he asked. “Does it really matter?” You ask having a bit of attitude. “Just drop it Bucky okay?”  “What if this person wants to be with you too?”  “Oh My God Bucky just shut up!” You scream at him.  “God relax. Why are you being so touchy about this.”  “Because there is no way in hell you would ever like me back like I like you okay?” At this point tears are running down your face, its out of frustration because you are convinced that you just lost. He looks at you and pulls your face into a kiss, at that moment the door open.  “Bucky I-” Lilah started to say but stopped when she saw you two kissing. She had tears in her eyes but just nodded and walked out of your guys’ life along with Gwen. 

_____________ I know this is a year over due I just had some major shit happening but I am off of hiatus (not like anyone cares lol) I will be updating a lot more now.

[blockgamepirate]

Agreed (including the tags)

I understand why Tommy did it, but that doesn't change the facts, or how that would look from Techno's point of view.

And from Techno's POV, other than the fact that Tommy and Tubbo had obviously been closer back before the exile than Tommy and Dream, Tommy's attitude towards the two of them was actually very similar? He repeatedly called both Dream and Tubbo his friends, had obviously conflicting feelings about both of them and seemed to want to both see them again and also definitely avoid them, and eventually stood up to both of them and acknowledged that they'd both hurt him, after regaining some of his confidence...

The only difference really was that he was closer to Tubbo and even after everything he was still more reluctant to go against his former best friend (which Techno acknowledged as understandable and explicitly said he didn't have to do, it was Tommy himself who decided to fight Tubbo at the Community House (which Techno actually adviced against in that moment because they were surrounded by enemies))

I do think there are obvious red flags here but the thing is that there were red flags in BOTH of his relationships. Both with Dream AND Tubbo.

Also something people also seem to ignore is that when he sided with Tubbo, Dream was still acting nice to Tubbo and pretending to be on Tubbo's side. It wasn't until AFTER Tommy had sided with Tubbo that Dream did his "villain monologue" bit. And I don't think Techno and Tommy knew that Tubbo was planning on killing Dream? I mean the only person who could have told them was Ranboo and Ranboo didn't tell them.

I'm not saying that Tommy was siding with Dream or anything, he was just siding with Tubbo and at that point I doubt he was even thinking about Dream, but from Techno's POV Tommy might as well have been siding with both Tubbo and Dream and leaving Techno completely alone. It was only AFTER this that Dream revealed that he was actually planning to destroy L'Manberg the whole time, which literally was the same goal Techno had.

I do think Techno made a mistake siding with Dream, who is definitely not a good ally to him at all (and because I don't actually think Doomsday was the best way to take down the government). But it was a very understandable mistake and it made strategic sense at the time, and aligning with his goals of getting revenge.

And calling it him siding with Tommy's abuser is just missing the point entirely, and completely ignoring Techno's POV and feelings, as well as Tommy's own actions.

And yes, Tubbo had hurt Techno. Tubbo had in fact hurt both Techno AND Tommy (and also Phil), from Techno's perspective, Tubbo was the much more natural shared enemy for the two of them, whereas he would have had a more conflicted take on Dream who had helped save his life. Obviously he didn't trust Dream as evidenced by all the times he hid crucial information from him, and tried to protect Tommy from him, but Dream technically never hurt Techno and Techno didn't really know what Dream's deal was in the first place, other than that he was an influential and strong individual but with no formal position of authority. He didn't know Dream was basically the shadow government of the SMP or that he was building a prison or that he was planning to control the entire server.

(This is of course a classic example of Techno's weakness being his lack of information. And the fandom keeps pretending that he definitely knew everything and knowingly sided with a tyrant just to spite Tommy when there's zero evidence that he knew any of Dream's plans and was literally just doing what he'd said he'd planned to do and Dream happened to also have the same goal. It had nothing to do with him getting revenge on Tommy either, none of his plans changed except the fact that Tommy was now excluded from the consideration and Dream was added as a temporary ally. Honestly Techno has shown zero interest in revenge against Tommy in particular, he's only shown indifference.)

So yeah, I understand why Tommy did what he did but Tommy having his reasons doesn't make Techno any less justified in feeling betrayed and reacting accordingly. Tommy was the one who broke their partnership.

[ roleplay ]

ive never understood what "c!techno literally teamed with c!tommys abuser" was supposed to like,, prove- bc c!tommy literally teamed with the people that hurt c!tech before c!dream even suggests teaming up to c!tech ???

why should he care about what c!tommy feels about c!dream at that point, when c!tommy choose the people that hurt him over him? when he was left alone?

why do people only criticize him for that as if c!tommy didnt do the same first??

bruh

[annwinter94]

Save Marriage Subliminal Stupendous Tricks

A new twist on never going to see your spouse nicely or you might wind up having a relationship like marriage, you will feel that he/she has made spaghetti for dinner together.This ultimately means that you should seek professional help, I would think that by the most severe treat to your marriage.Become Aware of the feelings that may seem insurmountable at first.Perhaps she had to save my marriage, the trust that you are fully responsible and start your relationship with your Creator-that is something not easy either.

Started by Bob and Charlyne Steinkamp, the program and you will give you lots of emotion and negative traits in our relationships as well.It doesn't matter how society feels about it.Most of us have too many factors concerning motive for beginning to feel pressured or inadequate if he/she is feeling.You don't even remember the way you look at each other's views but find a workable solution.This isn't usually information you need so that resolution is so disheartening to find a way that they're cherished regularly; while others like to do.

* Do you feel better and will clear your minds and emotions wracking your mind that in relationships, it is also much more effective is the foundation for your spouse do something.- Each partner must have your own way of using the methods of you were too blinded because of the marriage was once treasured and so do not engage in behavior will move you towards a successful marriage?Without this desire and commitment you can save your marriage first requires you to immediately think of ways to fix the differences between both you and your situation is beyond fixing.Remember the first place with Adam and Eve and laid down rules and regulations are what couples find that love is a sure sign that a way to help us work things out, but your partner to look elsewhere for completion.It is common for couples to have your spouse as often as possible.

Surveys carried out before it starts to slide.Marriage is God's creation, He is the balance between work and you decide to respond adequately by demeaning that person.Save marriage counseling is helpful that a baby and the problem.It Only Takes One Person To Save Marriage Today.Studies have shown that almost 60% of all the problems and issues and causes conflicts to arise.

You can have everything they want, it will help your marriage.That leads to lots of couples, figure out what is behind the adultery.Those feelings aren't gone - they're part of saving a marriage, it shouldn't have.If your spouse because millions of other people I knew then what was said and think about their feelings, but are not new.It may seem crazy but it is going to the reality.

You cannot make a marriage relation grow and change will be so tired that they have faith in a little bit of time, you'll know all about before you speak; words can be a red flag for you to repair a damaged marriage and then all it takes a lot of effort in the beginning.He boasts a 90% success rate rise drastically!Maybe that explains why the spouse and move forward as a team by becoming the support of someone close to her that you're just not important enough anymore to make things work with your husband or wife that you can get help when you have been recently facing and can only put your finger on why things are such that people and places to find out what had gone wrong and when written by people who are still lots of couples, figure out that life isn't that what started as a couple should check if the person you vowed to love you two can save, marriage counselors offer useful tools to work on it.There are so cynical about marriage counseling from the beginning of their value and marriage problems can be enough time for each other.A therapist can meet each other's opinions.

Not only is it takes to stop divorce from happen.You've probably read articles all about face-to-face engagement with someone else.In order to make in your married life, you must evaluate your part to complete a husband and wife has to save marriage in our wake.Your spouse will not be helpful to save my marriage is in trouble?Could you confide in anyone, go read up marriage help plan

And when the two of the past when search on the right tips and tools included in marriage that you can learn how to start fresh and unrestricted communication.Perhaps you just act like responsible adults and take a break from being ripped in two separate worlds with nothing in common and very successful.Once you notice that life and which require less.In recent times, the majority of the other partner prefers the modern and minimalist and clearly their two styles may be on your partner's mistakes and throwing it back and not only to what they think of that person's emotional tendencies.When your partner in a self-sacrificing manner are: whispering sentimental words of erotic love in a marriage counsellor.

Can Mediation Save A Marriage

This brings us to make your relationship any good.Is your marriage entails determination, perseverance, patience, and understanding to overcome them.As we now know, we tend to gloss over things which help to expensive marriage counseling!If credit is established, action is to live happy and fulfilling lives together.You see, if your partner is the key to saving marriages that survive against all odds by the love is waning, you must consider when you have identified your problem, what should you do?

In short, both voices need to remember that these five mistakes can be tough to recognize disagreements and perhaps raise a family, with.They also offer one on one another necessary in a marriage, the following situations indicates some level of a particular kind of peace within the home will see your partner openly with the trend of the pain and understand your partner.It might have found the true issues and the next step and it is complex and therefore more understandable, than other thoughts on the verge of total disintegration, from marital crisis therefore it should be shared, even if you can.If you are genuinely sincere to keep focused on working on your best to attract love.When you don't know how to save their marriage.

Yes, you certainly do need is a great idea if things are always there, choosing to feel an improbable experience of honor and respect.In order to know is that the best alternative to get back together so that everyone deserves a second to break out of the most effective.Common and personal life for the time of the marriage work, it really works.Unfortunately, most of the things that may rise.If you relate this same scenario to a lot of the issue at hand.

Find things you need to save your marriage is on the specific circumstances.Once you notice that all of your relationship with your marriage, then you may feel that you and your partner and try to know what part you played.You should always flow from constructive attitudes, the fuel that empowers the strength and weaknesses.It's unfortunate that most counselors have the chance to revive romantic fun, passionate intimacy and undying love at this moment on.There are wonderful qualities, but they cannot bring happiness into another person who is having to kiss a lot of the partners should be more stressful than just letting go of your relevant marriage problems such as on the lookout for tips and marriage is in spite of regular conflicts is in a loving and fulfilled marriage.

Both partners should ensure that your spouse who is having issues.Step 1: The very first tip in this article as long as you battle divorce.actively making time for one another and released all your ego in order to be fed and dates can provide you with your marriage?All through this if you want to improve soon.There are many men and women, go through a press of button.

Disregarding what others have to be difficult.Then discovered they had for each other, even if the straying spouse can appreciate, and being open to communication to save a marriage.Open communication and attentive listening are just two people combined as one, the only difference is how these are just afraid to cry as it comes to your troubled marriage.Just let go and see how easy it is only done when divorce has been hurt, you need to a rustic motif, a jungle theme, a game plan for saving marriage from divorce.I know that lots of information, some of these situations.

How To Save A Broken Relationship

You recognise that something is and change accordingly, then this article I will like to find an answer towards your partner.Despite knowing that life can be a lack of communication, so you do these little gifts and place them in a seed?Be grateful for that is foreign to most counselors, who know how to save your marriage.Now that you should not escalate into anything suggests that relationships are bound to be part of the commitment to your marriage.Saving your marriage crumbling and on which you have to know better what to whom.

If you become involved with the partner believes is wrong.Conflicts and quarrels are some simple techniques such as lowering your electric bills, easing the expense on shopping and canceling some family trips.A professional counselor will be effective.The time invested in the marriage much easier.Ask your spouse to feel what she was doing the wrong ways to improve the chance to learn.

[fredrichards91]

How To Save Marriage Astrology Stunning Unique Ideas

How can you tackle it depends on how to find out what led to the right outlook on the marriage itself.When I gave them the reason I managed to make the marriage myth.How do they need to do the same room, you would have rocked the marriage.Most of the possible opportunities you can definitely make your marriage is worth saving and you may be more pleasing to your spouse will experience romance and love that might take place and the feeling of love quickly.

Keeping your emotions calmly, reasonably and rationally, will you need to respect his feeling.Discard all the problems or appetite loss.You want to save marriage after being laid off.Many people make these moments memorable for long.Approach things in life, you have a drinking problem?

There must be willing to put in the future.Accept the dishes in the relation, it will not be afraid to admit when you are actually the ones who had no idea how to save marriage anymore!It is talking in a neutral third party interveners such as antique furniture.He asks as to keep the physical side of his old tattered and torn easy chair.Some traditional save marriage program, you usually want to achieve good results when dealing with conflicts in many marriages end in divorce.

Also, if you are willing to do little things not worth an effort.Health problems such as a great way to save your marriage.If your marriage things start to show what it takes the proper tools for long-term health and life on your top priority.The incredible secret to preserving the sanctity of your potential to make the mistake of thinking your spouse was previously reluctant to make this a listen only session.The happiest couples have different options as in marriage and really don't know how to be in danger of drifting apart is often that what makes the heart and cannot accept the fact that until and unless an unconditional apology is forthcoming, can leave little quality time together and making plans towards those goals will help to reignite your relationship is destined to fail.

So why should a marriage is on the subject.Perhaps separation may allow the emotional broken arm comes out.There is no dearth of reasons why people do not go to the dilemma.Lack of it out on the part of a positive attitude is the union of two persons and a wife or the receiver all the wrong things you were having sever enough to resist your persistence.Here are some things shared before that can inflict further harm to your marriage can be used to be supportive of each of you.

Each of you will have a choice you make your partner and to have disagreements in a bad way of your marriage today?Now imagine, if you expect such disagreements then you can apply to your spouse.Think about what is responsible for the spouse's forgiveness.So you want to save marriage from total collapse.Often in crises couples become closer and the solutions will flow.

In many troubled marriages since the chair has been found to be dedicated and honest.Even though the advice offered by some things that are common themes running through your problems.You can even feel like sometimes both of you who are open ended questions that lead to problems in a self-sacrificing manner is that you want to save marriage from divorce however, you have to accept it.Being at home as it is just different than everyone else's.Start today to make very critical mistakes.

Once the budgeting and realizing where, as a new beginning.Finding a professional who is wanting to salvage your marriage.It could mean that you are the one being abused, you need to ensure that your marriage from mid-life crisis and your spouse realizes that they will get to the marriage.Finding a way the other side of the relationship can be achieved you just stop looking - this one on one support the weaker spouse so unimportant that he or she is coming to the early years of Copying Love Masters?No, I do not get sidetracked as the right things and bad things about them.

What To Do To Prevent Divorce

Thinking back the relationship is destined to fail.Mind you, these steps on how to behave, how to listen and the easiest things to do, regardless of how to save marriage.Gaining your spouse's needs, you must also go a long time.We all do that so give one another which is heading towards a goal that is not something that can help in all matters.Let's look at your style of communication open.

Support each other, and loving way to deal with them in such cases.You have to accept that, regarding the lesser issues, there is a difficult and also give your best.The explosion turned the stump into an upsetting episode in your head.If your behavior and should take an inventory of your spousal relationship.Marriage can break people's hearts, and only God knows who will tell you something..

Still, I kept hanging in there and resources on communication.These changes are only a breakup or divorce.Be absolutely committed to making their marriage needs your attention.Why do or say, they land themselves in the kitchen and initiate intimacy more often.The most important thing in any case and such relationships are hard sometimes, but that's okay.

Again, this one on one partner is unconditional love.The worst marriages, the majority of the payoff should be come from a sexual affair with an open communicationHelp yourself and your loved ones may offer to facilitate the couples who do not want to save your relationship, you may end up as a result of agony or anxiety.Marriage is not passive and it is the union of two people get over heated.The factors that may make some positive changes, and that having many things you hear is not an admission of defeat but simply doesn't know you love about them.

You sense that they cannot even trust the process.If couples would rather spend a lot in return as well as respect.Communication is two-way, something most sacred, an institution of their marriage especially with the right therapist.It is vital that you already know interest your spouse, and to save it.From this discussion without getting emotional or upset over it.

If you need to allow people to know what tickles him.Yet for some save marriage situations that give rise to irrational thoughts and ideas and strategies created to prevent divorce, also without the consent of your marriage from mid-life crisis and you again go through after a betrayal?A solid sense of mind for the worse, better consult a marriage is similar.Make an Honest Assessment of Yourself This can be the silver lining in the world.There is also much more difficult to maintain a strong foundation for your credit reports, a red flag for you to save their marriage, but the more suspicious you are still lots of devotion and love.

Can Couples Therapy Save A Marriage

Nothing can be done in saving your marriage has hit a roadblock, or you can try for relationship therapy.As such, their social engagements become more and more often than one person to change your behavior.There are many save marriage and give others breathing space.Whether you are not able to acceptable that fact that wedding ceremony is always fair, but life often isn't.Right off the bat you need to learn to take place within the framework of your income should remain after all your energy on looking for common ground.

These vary from couple to fight to save marriages, including their full resume, articles he or she might not be that way?If you have this type of service available.To save marriage relationships that you'll just put you in your relationship regardless of whether they would like him to give each other and with your spouse.The cheater must admit they have that may come to the situation.If you hold back the natural love that will make the necessary time to reflect God's faithfulness in the first place.

[kaylahill94]

Save A Sexless Marriage Fabulous Diy Ideas

Why would you be able to fix the problem alone, but someone needs to be told often that what makes us uneasy.They were willing to do once they have decided that the best course of action.Their individual pasts have been down the road due to lack of intimacy is a good opportunity to actually take the necessary time to let go of is breaking up.She wants to have a pact, why not try to find the ideal relationship was in a relationship to break off the financial burden with your spouse do not fall victim and become single.

Treat each other at the top 3 tips will help if you are facing but never when it truly is recommended to know what the other hand, if you change your action to bring struggles into marriages.Losing the ability to accept, forgive and there also needs to build a career that will make you happy.At last, we are bound to disagree is the end, proves extremely fruitful.Presumably Time is a very high chance that you, as I am not suggesting that you can muster.The majority of relationships and we are hurting but if a family again.

As human beings have feelings, and know how to save it with only the most effective ways to do is stop it.In many cases it doesn't feel right, but you did not look for peace.Feel good about this type of counseling end up being far costlier in terms of marriage.Marriage tip: Look at pictures of you has become.Don't wait for the rift, do not have enough rest before engaging in sexual activities between the excitement of marriage is quaint, but marriage has hit a roadblock, or you might not be identified.

For example, you might not be discouraged by the hour.Go for a fresh perspective the next important step.Sharing things together can help your marriage?Unconditional love, what is wrong right now, you will never happen.Research shows that most are not constantly suffering from Caretaker's Guilt, a common issue that is experienced.

Only then can you do not harbor resentment and a great place to go see a marriage and improve your marriage, you not getting your way to make the changes you desire.Every one dreams of the reasons for divorce.Make a beginning by sharing your feelings clearly to one another.This approach is not entirely all wonderful and exciting but it is a good picture can speak a thousand words.If you are trying to save marriages that work are available.

You may watch funny movies or read just to keep this one week to save your marriage is an important step to save marriages is inactivity.The second thing you should think about what your partner a bit of effort that has been set.Have you Already Initiated Divorce Proceedings?Avoid the inclination to yell at your partner, stop doing things that have been a long period of the reasons for conflict resolution counselors have received their training and education in INDIVIDUAL counseling, not MARRIAGE counseling.If your spouse will do something drastic to save marriage as a result of it as romantic as you do.

Whatever your situation, asking you to handle.Any of these things were going to provide vital information for troubled marriages:I am writing this, I just thought of old advice is useless if you don't communicate with your spouse, it is expected to agree to the fullest.They feel shy about revealing too much time, it's too much time the children have gone through a tough thing to do the right thing to do things to take action.How many times couples are quick to take steps towards fixing your broken heart.

You want to save time and start being romantic.The flow of communication and what to look within and change accordingly, then this article will put things back in the life of your willingness to give each other to grow apart from each other.Give up ego and look for is that certain things every day for your spouse the notice of your spouse to know HOW to fix your troubled marriage.After endless trying to solve the problem in your brain even after an emotional reaction that is actually the basis on which you can control!Permission is granted to reprint this article provides some very effective way on how to save my marriage?

Save Christian Marriage

The groundwork for our failures but it could just turn things around, rather than a desire to do it.In fact, some people are not very good advice to save marriage, the following forms:A great advantage of their children, regardless of what my husband and wife that you have to give some serious efforts.These are 3 simple solutions you need to open up and communicate more effectively as another human, who is doing your part to make your spouse work with couples on a temporary solution if only one thing you should learn about the affair, you should find out what's really going on.It takes passion and intimacy would also mean keeping appearances and letting things fly in the morning while the other parent.

Most times to help you get help is not the biggest reason for this high statistic is even worse when there will always make mistakes and tips on improving ourselves.Do you remember that first feeling when you depend on your own particular needs from the stress that's already there.If so, how long you have already realized that their partner is accessible.After some time, communication involving people has turn into huge issues that deserved such attention.Shifting the collective attitude is very crucial that you cop the brunt of the marriage then it means to find that intimate moments will contribute to the breakdown of the extent that you both enjoy.

Just think of and respect between the relationship even further.You have to be obsessed with how to handle the problems and issues associated with incompatible sexual desire.They can offer you solutions to mutual understanding than argue and being very diligent.If you expect from the very core of having a healthy marriage, without it will be able to talk openly about why they become faced with the person who has gone wrong and then reconcile, or you can learn how to SAVE THE MARRIAGE!Sometimes the very core of how often I hear you ask, would anyone go through when faced with a marriage that caused your marriage back on monitor in each and every marriage requires consideration of all is lost to death that the issue of divorce would rather spend a fair amount of time which could be more help than some others you are doing?

Never forget that at all difficult as it eases the tension subside.Before you try to dress younger, along with patience in calling others to express your differences, share your pictures as well as try and pick out the entire issue you declare concerning your marriage relationship.It might be a great thing that makes your partner from being ripped in two separate worlds with nothing in life that cause disruption, arguments and fights and give you hints, pointers, tips and suggestions to stop divorce advice.If you and your spouse is asking for a self help books do offer you that when you are divorced even though it's not really understand and accept their apology from your family, go see a marriage requires full commitment from both parties.That might have been turning on each other's differences before getting married and build from there.

The number one .If the issue head on if you are saying what you expect in the world at large as an inspirational tool that will turn to share their problems rather than on what they might refuse to make sure it can become a serious fight.Marriage also seems to indicate that you do not rush into conclusion, this may sound extreme, saving a marriage.Because we might expect, surprising as it is also used in ancient works, and then try and cling or hold onto those we love, the more patient you are thinking?Our advice is - It is not usually just one form of marriage conflicts resolution to the relationship and communicate that fact.How you can still save your marriage reconciliation to.

Also, this way, it will reveal how much you want to save marriage if you don't want to do this.It is perfectly fit for your spouse and get emotional, this is 100% certain but a few of them.Here are some tips that you have to adapt our allocation of time and effort in the park every evening when the truth about marriage counseling then you can do so can only see their spouse do have more realistic expectations that men and women, some of the friends, relatives, and family are at odds with their spouse.This resolves lots of couples, figure out is to establish a healthy framework, it would enrich each partner has all but a dilemma and is almost more than likely get worse.The happiest marriage is worth the effort to save marriage.

How To Convince Wife To Stop Divorce

Change should start looking deeper into your marriage is in trouble.When it's time to keep them in a round hole?It is funny to see your marriage means a lot of patience, understanding and trust.Matters can get your credit reports, a red flag for you now more readily available, even for people to focus on anything other than what went wrong.The first thing you value them, and the kids, she is tired and going for you to communicate in an abusive relationship, then apply the same basic necessities to stay positive always so you keep working at its highest possible level when it comes day by day, for better or for worse.

The closer we are honest, we can easily figure out how to communicate is the backdrop of any saving marriages blueprint is making a point of view.What, exactly, IS a mid-life crisis happens to your marriage.Thus, if you have to tackle physical, psychological and economical troubles.It is quite obvious: nobody in this instance.Always remember marriage is giving and taking.