#and that is a thing to strive for i think

[animezinglife]

My Inquisitor's (Mira's) best friend is Dorian, even though she's also quite close with Varric and Josephine. Varric is more the type of friend who mentors her, but Dorian is that classic "bestie."

Mira connected with him quickly: her family wasn't happy about the fact she was magically gifted, and the sense of betrayal and abandonment she felt as a result of being sent to the Circle (and how it all played out) is something she carries with her still. While the nature of family disapproval is different, it was easy for them to bond over parents or guardians condemning unchangeable aspects of themselves that weren't considered "acceptable."

They complement each other well. Especially early on in Inquisition, Mira is guarded and reserved. She is warm towards others and treats them well, but keeps her walls up to protect herself when it comes to her own feelings. Dorian, obviously, is bolder and more outgoing. Dorian is fun, and she's drawn to that energy. She grew comfortable with him much faster than she did most others.

Mira is highly intuitive and picked up almost immediately that he was gay, but they still briefly exchanged some mild, flirty dialogue until she started to notice someone else a little too much. She knew it wouldn't go anywhere, and it was just a pleasant, occasional, harmless, and fun distraction between friends. He makes her smile and laugh (especially as time goes on), but I think she loves the combination of his bolder nature and the she can still have meaningful, serious conversations with him.

Mira loosens up over the course of Inquisition. She starts to trust more, to let her own hair down some, and realizes more than ever how no small moment should ever be taken for granted. She knows Dorian always has her back and she has his. She still thinks he's brave for being so unapologetically himself, but also striving to be the best possible version of himself.

Dorian picks up on quite a bit Mira isn't always initially willing to admit to herself. Sure, we're not talking about romance, but he picked up on the Cullen thing pretty quickly (and definitely picked up on Cullen's interest in her faster than she did). He also didn't outright say anything about it and played along, occasionally making vague, off-the-wall, teasing comments to her in private. That is, until the not-such-a-secret was out.

Dorian is the one who most effortlessly brings out Mira's lighter side, and he's the only one who didn't have to build much of a relationship with her in order to do it. His social confidence (outside of areas like the Game or mediation) rubs off on her and helps her fall more comfortably into the idea of not always having to fit an expectation.

no more romance. romance is canceled. tell me about your warden/hawke/inquisitor's best friend and any info you want to add about their dynamic 🖐

[the-clumsywitchtarot]

Pick-an-Image Tarot Reading: How Can You Improve Yourself?

Because we're all striving to be our best selves, right?

Cards

10 of Swords

Queen of Swords (Reversed)

3 of Wands (Reversed)

Knight of Cups (Reversed)

I feel like this pile holds on to things well after it is done and over with, you're the kind of person that will replay things over and over again in their mind to try and figure out what went wrong with a situation. And you try to think of ways that you could've possibly prevented an ending, whether it be a friendship, a departure from a job, or the ending of a romantic relationship. This is one way you can improve, by realizing sometimes things are just meant to end and that there is nothing either you or anyone else involved could have done to change the outcome of the situation. With the Knight of Cups in reverse I feel like you are someone that has deep emotions but tries to avoid showing them to avoid being looked at as weak (I'm even hearing to avoid being looked at as feeble minded too). If you feel the need to hide your emotions from others that's one thing but please be mindful that you aren't hiding your emotions so well that you forget to experience them at all. With the 3 of Wands in reverse it feels like you can get so hung up on the past and what could've been that you forget that you still have the opportunity and privilege to live the life you want in this present moment. In summary you can improve your life by realizing all past situations and mistakes are done and when you find yourself reflecting on them. Instead of thinking how things could've been different, think about what positive things you can utilize from those past situations. And remember, those things ended for you to become the best version of yourself not wallow in what could've been.

Cards

8 of Pentacles

Judgment

The High Priestess (Reversed)

8 of Swords

This pile actually feels like it needs to enjoy the work that they've already put into themselves. Of course we're always supposed to be evolving and growing but we still deserve to take time to appreciate how far we've come. There are times when our growth and evolution needs to happen actively and we need to put in work and effort and there are times when it happens passively and we're just evolving by living life. I feel like you're at one of those points where you are supposed to be passively evolving but instead you are constantly trying to force growth and self development. It feels like you are one of those people that has an "enough is never enough" mindset but you really might want to to consider sitting back and taking some time to look at just how far you've come. With The High Priestess in reverse and the 8 of Swords I feel like you are a very intuitive person but that you don't trust your intuition as much as you should. In this reading I feel like the 8 of Swords represents logic and you feeling bound by it, thinking it is irrational to make decisions by intuition alone. I feel like you are someone that will intuitively know the right path to take but choose a path based on logic and end making the wrong decision. Then beating yourself up for not following your gut in the first place. This is really the only thing I can see that you need to improve, listening to your intuition and not just logic.

Cards

3 of Wands (Reversed)

Queen of Swords (Reversed)

King of Cups

4 of Wands

It's really strange, all of the cards except for one (4 of Wands) came out with the image facing the table. Because of that and the 4 of Wands being the only card that fell out with the image facing upright it makes me feel like this pile is looking to improve themselves to find a long term partner or because of a long term partner. If that is the case please make sure you are trying to improve yourself because you actually want to not just because you feel you need to to find or keep a romantic partner. I feel like the greatest way you can improve yourself at this time is by realizing your self worth and learning how to regulate your emotions. I feel like this group is one that is prone to becoming frazzled and emotionally overwhelmed, this could lead to you lashing out at those around you or becoming passive aggressive. Not much is coming through for the self worth bit but it just felt like something that needed to be mentioned. Consider the idea of going to therapy, for some reason I feel like group therapy could be beneficial for this pile but of course you and a mental health professional should make the ultimate decision on that.

I hope you enjoyed your reading and please feel free to let me know what pile/image you chose and/or what you thought of the reading in the comments!

Note: Please do not make any decisions that you feel uncomfortable with based on this reading. Always let your decisions be your own.

- Erika, The Clumsy Witch

[oldsoul007]

Ultraviolence

dr. charlie mayhew x dr!reader

request: Hi, can I request for a Doc Charlie Mayhew x rival in med school days reader. They haven't seen each other in years then reader got into an accident and *surprise surprise* Charlie gets assigned to treat her. Some enemies to lovers kinda thing

warning: arguing, puking

Charlie Mayhew and I were both top students in our medical school, each driven by a fierce determination to become the best doctor. From the very first day, we found ourselves constantly competing, whether it was for the highest grades, the best clinical evaluations, or the most coveted internships. Our rivalry was well-known among our peers and even the professors, who often marveled at our relentless pursuit of excellence.

Despite our competitive nature, there was a mutual respect between Charlie and I. We pushed each other to new heights, each striving to outdo the other. Late-night study sessions in the library often turned into silent battles of endurance, and clinical rounds became arenas for showcasing our knowledge and skills.

Mine and Charlie’s argument had reached a boiling point. We were standing in the study lounge, faces flushed with anger, each unwilling to back down.

"Charlie, your method is reckless and could jeopardize everything we've worked for!" I shouted, my frustration evident.

"And your way is so safe it's boring, y/n! We need to take risks to make an impact!" Charlie retorted, his voice equally loud.

The tension between us was palpable. Neither was willing to consider the other's perspective, and our stubbornness only fueled the fire.

"You always think you know better than everyone else," I accused, my eyes narrowing.

"And you never take a chance, always playing it safe," Charlie shot back, his tone biting.

Our argument echoed through the study lounge, drawing the attention of our classmates. But Charlie and I were too wrapped up in our own battle to notice. The more we argued, the more entrenched we became in our positions.

Finally, I threw up my hands in exasperation. "Fine, do whatever you want, Charlie. But don't expect me to clean up your mess."

Charlie glared at me, his jaw set. "I don't need your approval, y/n. I'll prove you wrong."

With that, we stormed off in opposite directions, the argument unresolved and our rivalry more intense than ever.

I was in the middle of stitching up a patient's wound, my hands steady despite the exhaustion creeping in. The room was filled with the usual sounds of the ER—monitors beeping, hushed conversations, the occasional shout for assistance. I could feel someone's eyes on me, and it didn't take long to figure out who it was. Charlie.

I glanced up briefly and, sure enough, there he was, staring at me from across the room. His gaze was intense, almost scrutinizing. It felt like he was waiting for me to make a mistake, to prove some unspoken point. Annoyance bubbled up inside me. I didn't need this right now, not after the night we'd had.

Without missing a beat, I shot him a sharp, rude look. It was a silent message: back off. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't look away. I could feel the tension between us, thick and palpable, but I forced myself to focus back on my patient. I didn't have time for Charlie's games

After a grueling night at the hospital, the group of medical school students decided to unwind at our favorite local bar. The dim lighting and the hum of conversations provided a stark contrast to the sterile, high-pressure environment we had just left. Me and Charlie, both exhausted yet wired from the adrenaline, found ourselves at opposite ends of the bar.

As the night wore on, tensions that had been simmering beneath the surface started to bubble up. Charlie, feeling the weight of a particularly difficult case, made a snide remark about me handling of a patient. Me, already on edge, snapped back, my voice cutting through the chatter. Our friends tried to diffuse the situation, but the stress of their demanding schedules and the alcohol only fueled the fire.

"You know, y/n, I really don't understand how you handled that patient today. It was almost like you were trying to make things harder for everyone."

My eyes narrowed, the tension immediately palpable. "Excuse me? At least I didn't stand around second-guessing every decision like you did. Maybe if you spent less time criticizing and more time actually helping, we'd get things done faster."

Our friends exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the brewing storm. Charlie leaned in, his voice low but sharp. "Maybe if you weren't so stubborn and actually listened to someone else's fucking opinion for once, things wouldn't get so chaotic."

My face flushed with anger. "You’re an asshole, You think you're the only one who knows anything? Your arrogance is infuriating, Charlie. Just because you have an opinion doesn't mean it's always right."

The argument escalated quickly, with both me and Charlie hurling accusations and frustrations at each other. It wasn't just about the patient anymore; it was about the long hours, the constant pressure, and the unspoken competition between us. The altercation drew the attention of the entire bar, but neither seemed to care as they vented months of pent-up stress.

I sat at my desk, textbooks and notes scattered around me. I had been studying for hours, but the material just wasn't sticking. The test was looming, and I felt the pressure mounting. With a deep sigh, she realized she needed help. The last person I wanted to ask was Charlie, but I didn't have much choice.

Reluctantly, I picked up my phone and sent Charlie a message. "Hey, I need some help with the study material. Can you spare some time?"

Charlie responded quickly. "What will you give me if I do” moments later another message comes through. “Sure, I can help. When do you want to meet?"

We agreed to meet at the library later that afternoon. I felt a mix of relief and frustration. I didn't like admitting I needed help, especially from Charlie, but I knew it was necessary.

When we met, Charlie was surprisingly patient and thorough. He explained the concepts clearly, breaking down the material in a way that made sense to me. Despite my initial reluctance, I found myself grateful for his help.

"Thanks, Charlie," I said at the end of our session. "I really appreciate it."

Charlie smiled. "No problem, y/n. We all need a little help sometimes."

As we packed up our things, I couldn't help but feel a bit more confident about the upcoming test. Maybe working with Charlie wasn't so bad after all.

Years later, I found myself in a hospital room, my head throbbing from the accident I’d just been in. I couldn't believe my luck when the doctor walked in and it was Charlie. Of course, it had to be him.

Charlie looked just as surprised to see me. "Y/n," he sighed, his tone professional but his eyes betraying a hint of the old tension between us. "What happened?"

"Car accident," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I guess you're my doctor."

"Looks like it," Charlie said, glancing at my chart. "Let's get you checked out."

The examination was awkward, the air thick with unspoken words. Charlie was thorough and professional, but I could sense the tension in his every move. I couldn't help but remember our heated arguments and the unresolved feelings that still lingered between us.

"You're going to be fine," Charlie finally said, stepping back. "Just a few bruises and a mild concussion. You'll need to rest for a few days."

"Thanks," I muttered, not meeting his eyes.

Charlie hesitated for a moment, then added, "If you need anything, let me know. I'll be around."

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and frustration. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was relieved that Charlie was there, even if it meant facing the unresolved tension between us.

Charlie walked into the room, clipboard in hand, ready to do his job. "Alright, y/n, let's get this last check-up done," he said, his tone neutral.

I barely looked at him, my irritation clear. "Just get it over with," I muttered, crossing my arms.

Charlie sighed, trying to keep his cool. "I need you to cooperate, y/n. This is for your own good."

I rolled my eyes, clearly annoyed. "Yeah, whatever. Just do what you have to."

Charlie started the examination, but my attitude was getting under his skin. "You know, a little bit of cooperation would make this easier for both of us."

"Maybe if you weren't so insufferable, I wouldn't be so annoyed," I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Charlie clenched his jaw, trying to stay professional. "I'm just trying to help you. Could you at least try to meet me halfway?"

My eyes flashed with anger. "I don't need your help, Charlie. Just finish the check-up."

Charlie finally snapped. "Fine. But for the record, your attitude isn't helping anyone. I'm just doing my job."

I felt a pang of guilt but quickly pushed it aside. "Whatever."

The rest of the check-up was done in tense silence, both of them stubbornly ignoring the underlying feelings that neither wanted to acknowledge.

Charlie couldn't hold back his frustration any longer. "Y/n, just exactly what were you thinking? You could've been seriously hurt!" he snapped, his voice rising.

I glared at him, my own anger flaring up. "It wasn’t my fault! And why do you even care so much, Charlie? It's not like it matters to you!"

Charlie took a deep breath, trying to calm himself but failing. "Of course it matters! You think I want to see you like this? You need to be more careful."

My eyes softened for a moment as I saw the genuine concern in his eyes. "Why does it matter to you, Charlie? Why do you care so much?"

He hesitated, the words hanging in the air between us. "Because... because I still care about you, y/n. I never stopped."

I felt a lump in my throat. Despite all the tension and unresolved feelings, there was something undeniable between us. "Charlie, I..."

He shook his head, cutting me off. "Just promise me you'll be more careful. I don't want to see you hurt again."

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions. "I promise."

As Charlie turned to leave, the unspoken words and lingering feelings between us seemed to fill the room, leaving both of us wondering what might happen next.

The years had softened some of our rough edges, and the intense rivalry that once defined our relationship had faded into a mutual respect.

The silence between us was comfortable, a stark contrast to our earlier years of constant bickering. As I sat in my hospital bed with charlie sitting next to it keeping me company, memories of our past interactions resurfaced, and we couldn't help but laugh at how far we had come.

Charlie broke the silence first. "You know, I used to watch you work and wonder how you managed to stay so focused. It drove me crazy," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I always thought you were just waiting for me to mess up. I guess I never realized you were actually... impressed."

We exchanged a look, and in that moment, it all clicked. The tension, the arguments, the stolen glances—it had all been fueled by something deeper. We had been too stubborn to see it back then, but now, it was undeniable. We had feelings for each other all along.

"Alright, y/n," Charlie began, trying to maintain his professional demeanor. "Let's go over a few things before you leave. First, you'll need to keep an eye on your—"

"—vital signs, particularly any changes in heart rate or blood pressure," I interjected, finishing his sentence with a knowing smirk.

Charlie sighed but continued. "Yes, exactly. And make sure you take your—"

"—pain medication as prescribed, but be mindful of any side effects like dizziness or nausea," I added, my tone light but confident.

He shot me a look, trying to hide his frustration. "Right. Also, you should avoid any strenuous activities for the next—"

"—48 hours, and gradually ease back into your normal routine," I said, my eyes twinkling with amusement.

Charlie couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "You know, it's really hard to be the doctor here when you keep finishing my sentences."

I grinned. "Sorry, force of habit. But thanks for taking care of me, Charlie."

He smiled back, the tension easing. "Anytime. Just try not to make a habit of ending up on the patient side of things, okay?"

"Deal," she replied, her smile widening. And with that, the unspoken bond between them grew just a little bit stronger.

I walked back into the hospital, my heart racing a bit faster than usual. I had told myself I was just coming back to grab something I forgot, but deep down, I knew the real reason. I wanted to see Charlie again.

As I made my way through the familiar hallways, I spotted him at the nurses' station, engrossed in some paperwork. Taking a deep breath, I approached him, trying to appear casual.

"Hey, Charlie," I said, my voice steady. "I think I left my, uh, sweater in my the hospital room."

Charlie looked up, a smile spreading across his face when he saw me. "Y/n, hey! I can help you look."

We walked together to the room , chatting about our day. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach, but I tried to keep my cool. As we reached the room, she pretended to search for my sweater.

"Found it!" I exclaimed, holding up the sweater I had actually had all along.

Charlie laughed. "You know, you could have just said you wanted to see me."

I blushed, but I smiled back. "Yeah, I guess I could have."

We stood there for a moment, the air filled with unspoken words. Finally, Charlie broke the silence. "Well, I'm glad you came back. It's always nice to see you, y/n."

I felt my heart swell. "Same here, Charlie. Same here."

Charlie took a step closer, his eyes locking with mine. The room seemed to shrink around us, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Without a word, he reached out, gently cupping my face in his hands. My breath hitched, my heart racing as I realized what was about to happen.

And then, he kissed me. It wasn't tentative or hesitant; it was passionate and full of years of pent-up feelings. The world outside the break room faded away, leaving just the two of them in that moment. I melted into the kiss, my hands finding our way to his shoulders, pulling him closer.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. Charlie smiled softly, his thumb brushing against my cheek. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," he whispered.

I laughed lightly, my eyes sparkling. "Me too," I admitted. And just like that, the years of unresolved tension and hidden feelings began to unravel, leading us toward a new chapter together.

[redd956]

I agree with tinstol here

You talk about children like middle aged men

Little Timmy with a single abusive father whose been bullied for "effeminate" traits isn't going to get better when he go online in the future and sees radfems spewing bullshit.

No misandry isn't the only factor, but it sure as hell perpetuates the problem.

Here's other things that have caused the rise in alt-right followings in young men

Toxic masculinity

Lack of third spaces

Modern school atmosphere

Unregulated social media access

Homophobia

Transphobia

Lack of mental health resources

Racism

Child Abuse

Parental Issues

Sexual Assault/Hypersexualization

Poor Sex Ed

And misandry/radfems

For just one moment, I want you people to remember being a middle schooler. Now imagined being one today. Think of how social media has just affected little girls; anorexia, sephora kids, Stanley cip craze, tradwives, bbls, buckle fat removals, the eyelashes

That same thing happens to little boys, but with all the opposing values; tufforexia, Hyper masculinity, grindsets, mogging, sport shoes, aggression, those toxic little YouTube shorts with the faceless buff men spouting intense rhetoric

They're Children guys! Genuine kids growing up and this is all they see.

If all we have for boys growing up is sports and online spaces, they're not going to turn out normal. Advocate for your local community centers, better team coaches, pursuits in diverse passions, and those organizations that strive to connect young men with Masculine figures in their life that actually care about them.

"as a guy who escaped the alt-right pipeline, [*blames it on Misandry*]"

[unrealisticlea]

I know I said since s1 that the only thing that would make me truly stop watching the show is Bobby leaving because he’s my favourite character and my favorite thing about the show is Buck and Bobby relationship.

I still think that. However, when I said it, I never imagined the show would break my heart so cruelly and out of nowhere.

I was disappointed by 911 many times before. I was disappointed when Buck and Abby got together in s1 because I thought it was creepy. I was disappointed by Hen cheating. I hated every single “Blue Lives Matter” storylines and there were many of them. I never rewatched season 5 because I couldn’t stand the show with half of the main cast gone. Don’t get me started on season 6, and how they treated what could be some potentially very powerful storylines as jokes (Madney Engagement, Eddie’s loneliness, Buck’s being a sperm donor). I thought I was done with the show after season 6 because I hated the “everyone gets a nuclear family” ending. I wanted buddie to happen and the 6x18 gave me the clear idea that it wasn’t gonna happen.

I came back every time because those stuff never felt malicious. And I’m a grown-up and I know some of them I didn’t like because of my own expectations and other simply didn’t cater to my taste.

but this time I did nothing wrong. I didn’t interpret colors and furniture like I did with buddie. I didn’t get my own hopes up about Buck getting some character growth like I did with the Sperm Donor storyline.

I interpreted the show at face value and they were the one who got my expectations up and they were the one who told me that Tommy was good for Buck and they were the one who told me Tommy was a good boyfriend. They were the one who showed me this lonely man who was only looking for a family and got very close to being incorporated into the show’s found family. They were the one who clearly wanted me to care about the character and the relationship.

I don’t know if they changed their mind, if there were BTS issues, if they gave into the bullying and I honestly don’t care. This show broke my heart once again and I don’t care why it did it this time because for the first in 8 seasons it feels like it broke my heart on purpose and they did nothing to soften the blow.

I always came back because 911 was always very careful with the audience’s feelings and it always felt like it strived to be people’s comfort show about what’s good about humanity and about showing up for each other, despite everything.

and this feels like the opposite of that, they got so many people invested in Tommy’s happiness and in his relationship with Buck and then out of nowhere they took everything away. There was no sad ending and no happy ending, there was no ending, it was just interrupted.

and I’m sorry, I still love every character and I would love to see more of Bobby but i don’t watch shows that break their audience’s hearts on purpose. kudos for you if you do. but I’m not brave enough. life is already hard as it is.

[pikahlua]

So what are your thoughts on Katsuki’s conclusion? I’ve seen some unsatisfied Katsuki stans but I’m curious of what The President thinks

Unless it's the lack of closure for not seeing the moment Izuku takes Katsuki's hand at the end, I'm not sure what the others are unsatisfied about.

Endings are difficult to discuss in many ways. The more that's wrapped up, the less there is to say about them in some respects. I like when some things are left open in the ending, and I think a lot of the correct things were left open for Katsuki. He's still striving to be the best, and he still has a ways to go. There's always the possibility of being even better than you were before.

Also, he totally saved Izuku, who saved All Might and everyone else. That shit counts for a lot lol

[stuckinthesmalldoor]

The discovery - Perfect

FANDOMS: Haikyuu

PAIRINGS: Suna Rintarou x reader

TYPE: Fluff | Angst | Crack | Platonic | Romantic | None:

TAGS/WARNINGS: none

SYNOPSIS: The discovery of Shinsuke’s little sister and his junior.

NOTES: I recently found out one of my favorite Suna fics called “Perfect” on ao3 was deleted. I will not name the author nor repost their fic in respect since clearly they have a reason as to why they took it offline but it ended on a cliffhanger of Suna and reader hooking up before Shin could find out so here’s my little update fic for my own personal sanity. I feel like Suna was kinda ooc and the ending is definitely dramatic but I’m 2 weeks away from finals so I wanted to get this down in less than an hour

If you see some posted on ao3 my account is ONLY Ciphered_Entity

Masterlist

“Shin…” you walk into the house, late with no snacks in hand. The rest of the team has settled to watching tapes of their upcoming opponents game. “...hmm you both took awhile, and from the lack of answer from Atsumu he’s covering up something on your behalf.” Shinsuke now stood, arms crossed as he greets you both the moment you walk in the door.

“Kita-san, please listen it was-” Suna attempts to reason out. “I don’t want to hear your excuses.” eyeing Suna before turning to you, “I tried to do something nice for you. Now go up to your room and finish your homework, our little celebration’s over.” Cool and calm, the chills run down all your spines.

You nod, avoiding the prying eyes of everyone including your brother but not before doing one more thing. You look up and kiss Suna’s cheek, “goodnight…and goodbye I guess…” You stalk up the stairs praying to the gods above that you and Suna would be okay after Shin finds out about you both more than he has.

“Suna, what were you and her doing?” Kita’s glare deepens tenfold, the team attempt to scatter all cornering themselves behind Kita, avoiding his steely gaze. Suna sighs, deciding it was time to come clean.

“I’m dating your sister.” Suna returns Kita’s question with a matching calming voice. “And?” Kita raises his eyebrows, knowing look, aware there is more context. 

“I flirted with her the moment you asked me to get your charger back from her. I snuck her out to her first party. Was almost her first kiss and was a lot of her firsts…and I skipped practice to watch her play in person.” He explains eyes dodging Kita’s looking at the floor, then at the team behind his captain. 

“hmm…I’m thankful for your honesty but I please ask you to leave our house.” Kita nods while you listen in at the top of the stairs. You sigh, shuffling up to your feet but Suna speaks up. “Before I go…I just need to say something, y/n is amazing. She’s beautiful, smart and talented and it’s a damn shame nobody in this damn house acknowledges that. The grades you claim aren’t good enough you know damn well are great. The fact that she half assed most of them and still gets consistently high marks is amazing.” Suna clutching his phone.

“She strives at volleyball, she dives like a pro and takes it more seriously than you think she does.” He walks towards Kita. “You didn’t see her in those first sets.” He points at the TV now off. “She walked out after she was subbed, started banging her head on the wall, punching herself and repeatedly told herself she was stupid!” 

“That’s cuz of you! Because you instilled that if she didn’t amount to the greatness of your standards then she was worthless and that isn’t true.” He concluded his rant. Red faced and brows furrowed. 

He turns around, “your parents skipped work to watch you play for 10 minutes. Her parents couldn’t even stop for 5 minutes to watch her play 5 sets. And yet with no support she continues to be better than half the people in this room. She deserves rest and fun and a goddamn life where she isn’t expected to live to your perfect standard.” He walks away without looking back.

“When regret settles in, just know I’ll be the one she cries to and you’ll be the reason why.” walking out, leaving the door open in fear of slamming it shut. 

The room falls silent, enough to hear the slightest breeze pass before the remaining people in the room hear shuffling up the stairs before a choked sob then a door closes. The rest of the team winces, frozen in place. 

Life comes and goes and sometimes moments shape who you are. For you it was Suna’s defense that pushed you to leave and pursue something away from your brother’s expectations, unfortunately for everyone that meant you needed to leave. You still talk to your family, enough to still care for them but your views were too different to bare staying. 

Here you are now standing on a stage, shining smile and squinted eyes while you receive your diploma in hand and wear a medal to match. You see Rin clapping gently in the back of the room, smiling just enough for you to notice from afar and the world passes by.

You take a bow with your team before running towards the bleachers. Soaked in sweat and you think a little bit of tears as you jump in time for Rin to catch you, wrapping your arms around his shoulders as he squeezes your waist. You feel Atsumu slapping your back as the rest of the crowd's cheers blend in with noise and for once you couldn’t care less than Shin wasn’t there to watch your game. 

[necarion]

Hoffmann's most famous thing (that y'all will have heard of) is "Das Lied der Deutschen", the National Anthem of Germany.

It contains the (now extremely infamous) lyrics

German Land is above all, Above all in all the world. If in constant guard and struggle, It unites in brothers' hold. From the Maas up to the Memel, From the Etsch to the Little Belt. 𝄆 German Land is high above all, Above all in all the world! 𝄇

This piece became extremely, er, problematic when the Nazi's used it as their national anthem of "Germany is the best and rules over everyone in the world". But when Hoffmann wrote it, it was a poem pleading with the petty German princedoms to unite and form a Germany that could unite all the German people. It was a profoundly liberal song that lost Hoffmann a professorship in the 1840s.

The last verse of the poem is the new National Anthem of Germany

Unity and Right and Freedom, All for German Fatherland. Let us all strive towards this goal, With fraternal heart and hand. Unity and Right and Freedom, Are the pledge of fortune grand. 𝄆 Bloom in this bliss of good fortune, Bloom on, German Fatherland! 𝄇

But I think we can all agree that the German government was displaying rank cowardice when they opted to go for the third verse instead of the second verse:

German women, German loyalty, German wine and German song. Shall in the world eternally Their highest chime belong. Inspiring us to deeds lofty, Through our lives all the way long. 𝄆 German women, German loyalty, German wine and German song! 𝄇

if tumblr knew about e.t.a. hoffmann it would be all over for you motherfuckers

he was a woke king (by early 19th century germany standards obviously, but still, my man respected women and roasted the fuck out of his characters when they disrespected women) who wrote stories so fucked up that even his sadboy romantic contemporaries were like there's something deeply wrong with this man he must be on drugs or something. i'm not exaggerating, sir walter scott once said that "the inspirations of Hoffmann so often resemble the ideas produced by the immoderate use of opium, that we cannot help considering his case as one requiring the assistance of medicine rather than of criticism" (link). but sir walter scott was a little bitch and hoffmann was a chad who wrote banger after banger (he wrote some shitty stories too because he's also a relatable king). not to mention, he did all that while being a full-time lawyer, and he was really good at his job, but he kept getting almost fired for drawing mean caricatures of his bosses.

anyway, go read "the sandman" (not the neil gaiman comic, the 1817 short story). it's only like twenty-five pages, and it is so deeply and wonderfully weird. it's a gothic horror story but also there's childhood trauma and robots! it reads like it was reverse engineered in a lab to appeal to tumblr freaks.

[kukekakuningaskris]

[springtz]

strive girls😁😁😁😁

[shorthaltsjester]

Why are your children bound by rules you will not follow?

Critical Role, Campaign 3, Downfall Parts 1-3 // Commandments of The Prime Deities according to the Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn

[kaialone]

Double-Edged (?)

I got distracted by this while I was thinking about something else, but-

When you look the shapes Paracelsus takes in Strive when A.B.A's Jealous Rage is active, obviously it seems like the "blade" part of his body is reverting to a more ax-like shape and all:

(there's a lot to talk bout here, but for now let me just focus on the thing that distracted me)

What caught my interest is that when you look at the blade part, it definitely looks like there was half of it broken off, like it's supposed to actually be a symmetrical, double-bladed battle ax:

Now, since Paracelsus' shape is constantly changing, obviously this might not be representative of any physical damage that literally happened, and could instead be a symbolic representation of something, but

I kinda like the idea now that Flament Nagel started out as a double-bladed ax, and half of it was broken off at some point over the course of his history, like maybe all the way back when he was still an actual lifeless ax, or maybe as late as during his first battle with Slayer?

I dunno, that's just one possibility, of course.

Just kinda continuing from that train of thought while I'm at it, I'm sure a lot of folks already know that "Moroha", (the name of the berserk state that A.B.A and Paracelsus would enter in the past games,) actually translates to "double-edged".

When Testament says this during A.B.A's Strive arcade mode, they actually use that same "moroha" wording in Japanese, making a fun little reference to the mechanic:

Obviously that name, "double-edged" is also like, alluding to the "high risk, high reward" nature of the mode back in the day, since the resources to use it were limited, and it actually drained A.B.A's HP (which could only be replenished if you knew how to play it well)-

but with what I talked about above in mind, it's also kinda interesting to think about how that name is applied to fighting with an ax that's actually single-bladed.

This is now going into full "just my own thoughts" territory, but looking at it from this additional angle, I kinda like to think that, metaphorically, it's like A.B.A herself is now the second blade, so to speak-

Both in the sense that she provides an extra means of attack and defense, and has a certain restoring/healing influence on Paracelsus, but also in the sense that she introduces another risky, potentially self-destructive element to the balance again.

[turtleblogatlast]

[ cw: trauma / ptsd / violence / brainwashing / ]

I’m not done talking about Raph and Leo yet because you know what kills me? How the beginning of the movie with Raph very angry at Leo to the point of lashing out at him is paralleled with how the end of the movie has the Krang very, very angry at Leo and beating him horrifically.

Both Raph and the Krang are so much bigger than Leo, both have been very angry with him, and both deem him responsible for ruining their respective missions.

To make matters worse, Raph’s body was used to hurt Leo. So it’d make sense for Leo to just…flinch, sometimes. To have his body reflectively brace for a blow that will not come because Raph would see this and just be horrified. Their fights, their roughhousing, their existing together all have a newfound and unwanted extra layer to them.

And Raph? Raph is traumatized enough having been brainwashed the way he was, turned into a monster in a way he always dreads in general. To be made into the antithesis of a hero and instead be a villain’s pawn, made to hurt his own family…poor kid, to say the least.

Can’t imagine what it must feel like, the first time post invasion that Raph gets mad at Leo and they fall into their old dynamic only for Leo to see the Krang and for Raph to feel like he is the Krang.

[dukeofthomas]

I hate the insistence in pushing Jason into the batfamily.

If he doesn't wanna go to dinner, he doesn't have to. If he doesn't wanna hang out with them, he doesn't have to. If he doesn't want to see them, he doesn't have to. If he doesn't even want to contact them, he doesn't have to.

It's so annoying to read fic and always see it presented as his Family Knows Better. Jason is just being silly by not realizing how much they love him and he just needs to let them break into his home and comms and life because they want him there.

[room-surprise]

I don't think that's quite right, because Mithrun doesn't wish for anything big: he wants safety and stability, a quiet life surrounded by people who love him. These are some of the most basic things anyone could ask for: shelter, food, affection.

Thistle's desires are unique because it's implied that most people would be content with just having their own personal needs met, and maybe one or two loved ones with them. Thistle actually wants, with his whole heart and soul, for an entire kingdom of people to be safe for eternity.

I don't think the "size" or complexity of the desire impacts what happens to the Dungeon Lord.

Mithrun had a strong desire, but it wasn't a unique or complex one. And these panels do seem to imply that every time a desire is granted, the demon eats it... But I don't think it can work like that, because then Mithrun would have immediately lost the desire to have his happy little fantasy world, Thistle would have lost his desire to protect the kingdom... etc. but they continue to want these things for a long time after they are "granted" to them.

I believe though Kui shows the Dungeon Lords looking worse and worse over time, that might not even be a direct consequence of the demon feeding off of them. I think the Dungeon Lords are just gradually becoming more detached from reality, paranoid, and losing their will to live as a symptom of "getting everything they want," something which is unnatural and unhealthy. Giving them everything is actually making them lose some of their will to live, since they don't need to yearn or strive for anything, like zoo animals with no stimulation in their enclosures.

(It could also be that the monsters around them are feeding off them in some way.)

But it IS a bit confusing, and unclear when exact the demon eats their desires, and how exactly that impacts them... since it seems like the demon occasionally steals a small desire here and there, which doesn't impact the Lords very much, and then at the end it takes all of the remaining desires at once, which leaves the Dungeon Lords in a coma-like state...

But as we learned at the end of the manga, even that coma-like state isn't completely insurmountable. They're still alive so they're still able to eventually grow new desires.

wassup lorekeeper :) do we know why mithrun got sick while being dungeon lord (right before he gets eaten)? i know he went insane because all dungeon lords go insane or whatever, but i don't remember thistle becoming physically ill until after he got eaten. mentally yes, very, but he seemed physically fit enough to chase laios around with a flock of dragons even till the end. (even with marcille and laios i don't think they got sick, marcille seemed more confused than ill). with mithrun he seemed to be describing that he got weaker and then right before the demon eats his desires he's just lying in bed ill. is that a thing that was explained and i missed it? can the demon eat physical health too?

Hello!

(Referring to Chapter 62)

I assumed it was part of the degradation the Dungeon Lords go thru? If you look at Marcille she isn't doing too great either (using her staff for balance/comfort and with deep dark circles under her eyes) and she has been with the demon for a much shorter time, being mentally and emotionally exhausted can result in feeling physically weak even if nothing technically happened to your body

Thistle looked healthier before he became a dungeon lord too, but it can also be that the demon had already been eating away at Mithrun slowly before the end, we know he ate some of Marcille before she stopped being a dungeon lord (her desire to take care of her hair) and ate Thistle's will to resist before finishing him off so he might snack on them before the main course?

Mithrun also doesn't even attempt to escape the demon when it first shows up drooling at him and only reacts when he starts to be actively eaten, as if he was in some sort of a daze before, so I don't think it would be strange if he had already some part of him consumed before the end (after all he describes the demon getting stronger as he gets weaker)

[mamawasatesttube]

thinking abt kon getting hurt/upset about something big and clark bundling him up in his cape... ouuhhhhh souperfam save me...