#and this is coming from a person with trust issues

[lifeonmarz-blog]

Every planet in the 12th: Observations

The 12th house shows you in which ways you can leave the biggest impact on the world in the purest most intentional way if you so choose.

*I didn't feel like proof reading spare me*

sun in the 12th often misperceived or seen as having underlining motives even when that is furthest from the truth. Actually quite often upfront with their intentions regardless if they know more than they've led you to believe. The projection others put on them is veryyy high, sun person unconsciously triggering deep seated wounds in others while they just assume they’re having a normal conversation. They either love gossip or are always being brought up in gossip. Attracting secret admirers bc of the taboo aspect of their personality. They teach others how to be themselves through example and that gives them the popular loner vibe, everyone wants to know whats going on in their life. Though Its often not as interesting as the stories that are being created about them (probably at home chilling). Unintentionally very funny their light hearted nature makes others feel comfortable. They know how to create warm welcomes. They can read animals minds. They dress how they feel. Escape artist. Probably through music, film or imagination. Gift for photography.

moon in 12th romantic relationships have a big influence on these people. They'll change their whole life around to fit into their lovers life for better or worse. Naturally harmonious these people are seemingly unsuspecting until you piss them off then you realize they just choose to keep peace. Prone to escapism usually through some sort of creative pursuit turned business. Obviously not forward with their feelings ppl tend to label them as having their head in the clouds when in reality they have plans its just nobody else's business. There's a love/resentful relationship with the mother. The mother could've been a physical provider but not emotional. These ppl had to nurture and comfort themselves and it made them very good at being those things for others. Children and animals loveeeee them. They are givers and don't mind sharing for the greater good. Dependable and persistent they can stick out something they feel is important. But if they don't care... Oh its very obvious. That job they don't like? Oh don't even worry about it they'll quit. They don't like feeling stressed or unharmonious and don't mind removing anything thats trying to hinder that. In the lower natures this creates a person that ignores anything that would make them have to readjust their behavior. Extremely delusional and misreads the room quite often. Very emotional changing how they feel about you frequently. It can become hard to give and receive trust.

Mars in the 12th manifest things/experiences so easy especially through their connections. They know how to put themselves in the right rooms with the right people. They date people that improve their social standing and they do the same in return. When its comes to career they could've seemed like the runt in the group but they grew themselves to be well respected in their field. Often hearing ''you only got this because''. They attract a lot of haters jealous of their success or the way they got their success. these people are attractive and naturally have a body others envy, they always have options and good ones at that.

Venus in 12th boy oh boy the hopeless romantics, but whats so hopeless about it? Others may often wonder why you picked the person you did viewing you as opposites. There may be an age gap or cultural difference. The women often choose partners that have a different social standing or perception than their own. The Men do the same though their more willing to be in relationships with unrequited love. Have had their fair share of infidelity issues until they found the person that would ride or die for them and vise versa. Privacy and trust are high priority for these people. Very good at socializing they know how to read what is needed to improve the energy of a space. Their parties/hostings are always so inviting and rememberable. They work very well with children and animals. Especially those in need. Fostering is something they wouldn't mind doing, along with nursing things back to health. Examples hair, nails. Plants etc. Very crafty they'd create beautiful jewelry and clothing. Their style is unique and acquired taste even. Controlling an image or narrative comes natural these Pol could do damage control for celebrities. When Ppl are in a frantic state they know how to calm assist.

Mercury in 12th are good at controlling the narratives around themselves. People hand on to every word that's said. These are the types that prefer to talk when necessary and not give out to much information. Just enough to keep you hooked. They have a unique sound and are musically inclined it helps that they think outside of the box. Usually the leader of the group because of their ability to see the broader picture and keep everyones best interest at heart. They attract haters bc they set high goals for themselves they get viewed as outlandish or unpractical when actually they just believe in themselves and remain optimistic. They know alot about very specific niche things.

Jupiter in the 12th don't get the credit they deserve for being so iconic. They really are trendsetters that break molds and stereotypes and tend receive backlash for the things they say & do simply because they were the first to do it. Opening up the pathway for others to show up more authentically and protected. They have big expression and are passionate about the things they choose to do. Their not afraid to speak their truth and having a forgiving nature. Creative pursuits are well received by the public attracting sponsors easily. Its also easy for them to find/create a community ppl reall gravitate to them. Their kryptonite lies in their self esteem. If they can't face rejection they'll hide the best parts of themselves. Only seeing the beauty in others and not what they offer the world.

Saturn in the 12th need to know when to stop while their ahead. They get into unnecessary battles bc of a fragile or inflated ego. When the ego is healthy this makes for a very powerful person that commands rooms with ease. They make Pol want to sit up in their chair when they walk in. These Pol are stubborn but more often than not it works out in their favor. Very hard workers and the same energy they apply is expected from those around them. If they put in 80 hrs a week they expect the same from you, if I can do it why can't you mentality. They achieve alot and Ppl notice it but its like no one ever sees them working they just see the finished product and know a lot had to be done behind the scenes. For example let's say someone is very popular you know they would've had to built those relationships you just didn't see it happen. They could have a guilt complex about their achievements and feel like theirs still more they should be doing for other ppl. Growing up as the star, the golden child, the one thats going to help the family put a lot of pressure and responsibility on them. This could've also affected the relationship between the others siblings. Lastly these Ppl are either very serious about punctuality or show up whenever they want to. Maybe even both they could've started out one way and over time became another way. When saturn is damaged they run from responsibility and are viewed as childish and never learning from their lessons.

Neptune in the 12th know how to win over the audience. I chose the word audience bc they love an audience. Ppl will make excuses for their behavior like ''you know they had a rough childhood'' as if that excuses hurting others. Professional sympathy grabbers even when their not even trying and great ass kissers when they want to be. That is in neptunes lower natures ofc. These ppl speak their mind without a fuck given. This is like the only pile im cursing in and that kind of explains them. Their going to say what they want and don't mind shaking the room up. Image is important to them. They'll study their own footage to see what they looked like, sounded like, acted like, and change anything they deem as not fitting. They could be great actors or social media personalities. Also would be good at managing social media accounts. These ppl may be easily persuaded especially by those they view as having a higher social ranking than themselves. Knowing how to adapt to any environment is their strong suit. They act as a mirror in their environment and reflect back whatever energy you give them. To a T at that. They know when to play it up or be more lowkey. This is type of person to always leave lasting impressions on ppl. They could be the first in a taboo field to achieve something. Like being the first pornstar to get 100 million views. Its like when you think you have them figured out they do something else that shows there's many other sides to them. Often hearing ''i didnt think I would like you at first''. With a great sense of humor they know how to laugh at themselves and lighten the mood they don't take life to seriously. They attract a lot of unique ppl their friend group is very expansive. They could be friends with a stripper and an attorney. Hell they might've been a stripper and an attorney.

Uranus in the 12th they just pop up and ppl are surprised like ''omg what are doing here'' these ppl are held in high regard mostly bc their very selective with their energy, your viewed as a busy person so when you come around it makes ppl feel lucky. You treat others fairly and want everyone around you to feel accepted. You value keeping the peace. The fact that I'm even using you instead of they is a reflection of how inclusion is important for you. Having an eccentric vibe is more obvious here but alot of ppl go the opposite way and don't want to appear uniquely at all they actually want to be as plain Jane as possible. This can actually rub ppl the wrong way and make them feel something is being hidden from them like your pretending. Feeling criticized in childhood is why accepting others is something they prioritize. They end up in rooms with many different types of ppl. This placement has a lot of experience in a lot of different areas. With a free spirited nature they are open to trying new things pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone quite often.

Pluto in the 12th, a quiet energy standing in the back of the room scoping out the scenery. They notice more than ppl realize and are smarter than they let on. Often having their power tested bc of their calm observing demeanor. Ppl try to make them feel they don't belong in certain environments or that their not really qualified but they don't mind showing you why that perception isn't accurate. They know how to push back. The type to pretend they don't care about popularity but they work very hard at obtaining it. But maybe they don't care about the popularity just the power that it brings. Knowing the value of relationships they put alot into maintaining them. They are very giving to those around them. Self sacrificing even, its like they believe thats how you show someone you really care. These are some of the most passionate people you'll meet. They just know how to make you feel understood and seen. They make everyone feel special. This is one of the most intense placements for the 12th house. The transformations are deep, murky, confusing but it breeds and very self sufficient determined person. They question everything and are always growing and adapting. When they find something they like they become obsessive about it. They will work for extended amounts at a time. Like binging behavior. In Pluto's lower natures they develop a chip or their shoulder and use their influence to hurt others. If they are operating from that place they become very good at it. If they are never brought into awareness they continue generational curses but their children will have it worse than they did. These are the type of Pol that will tell you a traumatic experience in such a casual way and your just left like wtf you said that like it was normal. They also could've grew up experiencing their traumas being brushed off like they were normal. They were familiar with death from a young age and may have felt like they never really were a child. They build the trust of others easily and its bc their honest. It is what it is to them. They are natural born leaders it doesn't take much convincing & they don't mind leading the way as long as you give them their accolades for it. Mind you they could have a god complex but to be fair if you've experienced or achieved the things they have you might too.

[socialistexan]

For any liberal white person that wants to signal they are a safe person to vulnerable communities in these up coming horror show that is going to be our lives, I have one piece of advice that isn't blue bracelets:

Wear a mask.

That's it. Wear a mask. I feel immediately safer when I'm into HEB or whatever and I see the one other person besides me and my partners still wearing masks. I can't know for sure if this person is 100% on all issues (being a visibly trans person means always being on guard), but it usually does signal to me that this person is more than likely both left of center and safe.

While we know fascists are already planning on wearing blue bracelets to try to trick marginalized people into trusting them since y'all made such a big deal about them this past week, they have had almost 5 years of propaganda against wearing masks so we know that's a higher hurdle for them to vault.

Plus there's the added benefit of, y'know, keeping you and your community safe from disease, not just Covid. I've gotten sick like twice in the past 4 years and I didn't get Covid until like 3 weeks ago and that's only because my fiance's Trumpian coworker got Covid and then came to work without a mask and it broke through my fiance's mask we assume during lunch.

[hextechmadelesbians]

Caitlyns path to destruction is really intresting in how it shows how people get pushed in to extremist thinking via grief and fear.

Historically speaking, the way fascist movements gain followers is by preying on those who have suffered recent tragedy or trauma (often as a result to social injustices or soical unrest) and basically use it to create a common false enemy. They take complex problems and emotions and say "all your problems can go away if we just get rid of those guys." This is particularly effective against dominate social groups who have almost always already been socially conditioned to think lesser of marginalised groups, whether or not they consciously realize it or not.

Caitlyn was learning the inherit injustices done by piltover and was trying to fix things by using her connections to the council. And even then when everything went to shit cause of jinx she still defended the people of Zaun. She even admitted to jayce that she understands why people are so quick to hate them all cause she was starting to feel that way, and at that point she was able to acknowledge and address it.

But then the attack at the memorial seems to confirm those negeative beliefs. For as much as caitlyn was sympathetic to the zaunites she seems to have had this idea that if you get rid of silco and jinx then suddenly all their problems will dissappear. But with an attack that had nothing to do with either of them, and with her preexsisting implicit bias, shes left with no one to blame but the collective.

Theres also the whole thing regarding the whole "i had the shot" issue. Caitlyn feels personally responsible for her mothers death because she didn't take out Jinx when she had the chance, all because Vi asked her not to. This mixed with her implicit bias becoming exceedingly more explicit, makes for a dangerous concoction for someone very open for extremist messaging.

(Sidenote: This isnt the first we've seen this in the show, back in act 3 Jayce did something very similar with the whole "you didnt tell me they were from the undercity" "im from the undercity" conversation with viktor)

This is also the thing that causes her to ultimately betray Vi, because once again she stopped her from taking the shot that she believes would of solved everything. Not only that but while Vi isnt necessarily wrong by comparing Caitlyn's actions to Jinx, saying it that way outloud was not the correct move qnd i think its what ultimately led Caitlyn to hitting her. Comparing Caitlyn to the person who murdered her mother, regardless of how true it is, was never gonna get a level headed response. Mixed with her growing fear of Zaunites now effecting how she sees Vi, it was inevitable she was going to do something impulsive shes gonna regret.

Cutting ties with Vi is also in itself going to bite her later because Vi was both her only remaining emotional rock and the one whos willing to openly criticise her. Vi will tell Caitlyn when she thinks shes wrong or doing something stupid which helps keep Caitlyn grounded. With her gone theres not really anyone who she trusts to stop her from doing something apprehensive.

This has all primed her to be the perfect target for Ambessa Maddarda, because shes emotionally impulsive enough to take rash action and vulnerable enough to manipulate, She now has access to the most powerful vassel she could hope to get (especially since Mel told her to fuck off). Ambessa has the power to manipulate the situation to make Caitlyn feel more and more justified in her paranoia of Zaunites and Ambessa can act like a yes man to all her worst impulses. Shes already fed into Caitlyns sense of personal responsibility for the council blowing up, immediately telling her that her mother will be avenged.

If im honest im not sure how Caitlyn is gonna come back from this one, i absolutely think shes gonna back out sooner than later much like jayce did. (Honestly she parallels S1 Jayce a lot which is why its kind of surprising to see people react to her going down this route with so much more vitriol than with Jayce.) Its definitely going happen but the question is if Ambessa will ever coerce her into staying in the hot seat or if she'll straight up try to kill her.

Either way this is going to be an extremely entertaining train wreck to watch.

[1moreff-creator]

What are some dynamics (in terms of like, foils/parallels) that you enjoy in DRDT?

you’re staring at a forest and asking me for every tree i like. do you want me to write another 28k word post /lh

I jest, of course, but not about the number of interesting foils in this series. It does a fantastic job tying everyone into several key themes in ways that make their dynamics endlessly enriching for my silly little character parallel-loving brain. So, uh, get ready for a long-ish post?

CW: One mention of self-harm, self-loathing

Teruko-David: I mean, you gotta start at the center, yeah? David’s the closest thing to a ���main antag” we have, and it’s no wonder; the guy’s built like a standard DR protag, obviously he’s gonna have a cool dynamic with the actual protagonist. 

These two could breathe a bit weird and somehow parallel each other doing it, that’s how much this foil permeates both their characters. From their fatalistic outlooks on the world (“my luck will always be terrible, I’ll always be betrayed” vs “people can’t change, the world sucks”), the ways they hide their feelings (Teruko was more distrustful than she first presented herself as, but cares about people more than she shows during most of CH2; while David has an entire different persona up to 2-11 and then pretends to be worse than he actually is), the self-loathing (Teruko refuses to think she could be a good person, David has the whole “inhuman” thing going on), down to the oddball sibling figure (Terubro “I know nothing about you” Tawaki vs Diana “I’m not even sure you exist” Chiem).

There’s their feelings about Xander and Min, too, which are all over the place. Obviously we all saw in 2-12 how much the British twink fucked both of them up severely, with Teruko rejecting any positive or yearning feelings she may have had about Xander (you can’t hide the cactus scene from us girl) while David vehemently defended him from any criticism. On the other side, Min is less of a narrative poltergeist (for now; XF-Ture exists), but she still comes up with them, with David calling her pathetic eleven episodes after Min hugs Teruko and Teruko’s internal monologue gives away how much she cares about the Student. 

And these parallels play into their weird-ass dynamic very well, because their beefing is founded on their similarities and their differences, out of projecting their self-loathing to someone similar at the same time they hate each other because of their disagreements on things like Xander. Crazy stuff.

Xander-Min: Mentioning these two second because they’re also Eternal Parallels. There’s almost not a single thing about these two that isn’t somehow reflected on the other. If you projected them onto each other’s direction, you would get no perpendicular component. Get it, ‘cuz they’re completely parallel- That is, by far, the nerdiest joke I’ve ever made, I apologize.

But come on. Their attitudes towards fate (the Rebel fighting it and Min resigning herself to the XF-Ture thing), the whole “holding on to the past vs wanting to move on from the past” thing, the similarities between how they actually feel about the education system (they have issues with it) contrasted with the things they actually do in respects to that (Min is still the Ultimate Student, but Xander dislikes that), their already mentioned contrasting connections to Teruko and David… Just, absolutely everything about them is a meaningful contrast. And it comes into play a lot, with their eternal beef being born largely out of these parallels. They’re awesome.

Teruko-Ace: Pretty topical for post-CH2. Ace’s entire arc is sort of a reflection of Teruko’s, yet taken to the extreme because of one particular point of contrast; Ace feared death, Teruko doesn’t think she can die. But he still basically serves as a demonstration of all the flaws in Teruko’s all mindset; the feeling of unchangeable fate, the complete lack of trust, all the good stuff. It basically allows an exploration of Teruko’s mindset from an outside perspective, which makes it easier to see the flaws in it.

Ace-Nico: Also topical, these recap foils go kinda insane. Their motives for murder, their contrasting talents (love for animals on Nico's side and fear of horses on Ace's), the way they relate to the rest of the cast, Ace's persecution complex vs Nico actively disliking how much Hu defends them, etc., it’s all very fun to see play out. 

Ace-Levi: The one who doesn’t care but protects others and tries his best to be a good person so he can be accepted in society without having issues, vs the guy that acts like an asshole because he’s scared of caring too much and he thinks the only way he can get out alive is by being the only one to survive. This leads to a fundamental misunderstanding between them that causes some of the most doomed yaoi of all time, which is the whole “Levi getting frustrated at not understanding Ace.” 

Arei-David: You’ve presumably watched 2-13, so I don’t think I need to explain all the awesome stuff that’s come from their shared themes of “good people” and self-betterment and all that. Not to mention, David’s little breakdown over Arei trusting the letter of the only friend she had being presumably born from the way he saw Xander as the only friend he had. Shit goes crazy.

Arei-Eden: Recap foils… Good people… The choice to be kind… Etc… Woah :O

Teruko-Charles: Ah, Teru’s recap foil. This one’s basically opposite of Ace’s, where Charles used to be sort of like Teruko acted in CH2, but later became a bit friendlier, if still somewhat prickly. Basically, if Ace highlights Teruko’s character traits from CH2, Charles post CH1 serves as more or less the “end goal” in a way. It goes beyond that, too, with the whole memory issues (prosopagnosia vs childhood amnesia) and, again, mysterious siblings (Terubro and Elliot what are your deals), so it’s always neat to rotate these two in the brain.

Veronika-Levi: We really don’t know too much about Vero, which always makes it a bit harder when analyzing these dynamics, but they already got some interesting points of contrast. Neither of them are particularly concerned about the deaths of the others, at least post-CH2 (Levi doesn’t grieve and Vero actively laughs at Ace’s death), but it comes from almost opposite ends of perspective. Levi doesn’t understand others because he doesn’t feel much empathy (if any at all), while Vero seems to treat the others not as people, but almost as characters to be analyzed (that’s the impression I get, at least), which makes her come off as very good at reading people but also occasionally causes her to see them as sources of entertainment first and foremost. Not to mention there’s also the fact they’re both very different people than they were in the past (Levi was some form of delinquent and now is a good person, Vero used to be outdoorsy and then no longer was). Wow that’s… more than I thought there was- How am I finding more interesting foils just by writing more???

Hu-Levi: I kinda talked about this in my CH2 PT2 analysis so read that ig.

J-Rose: A pair of recap foils who haven’t had too much yet, but a lot of their themes, in particular about fate and privilege and stuff, are pretty noticeable with them, so this is always a fun dynamic to consider.

Levi-Arturo: More recap foils, this one’s fun because of the dead family member :) Also things like their talents being related to aesthetics and both doing the things they do for a better life.

Veronika-Hu: This one’s kinda more hypothetical, since Vero in particular hasn’t had as much direct focus as other characters yet, but that’s part of what makes them fun. Past history of self-harm (even if brought on by very different feelings) is just the first of many parallels they could have, and it’s fun to see the contrast between Hu defending Nico to the ends of the Earth and Vero talking about how much she likes Arturo because of how awful he is. They’re really silly.

David-Whit: All the recap foils are fun, but I've always struggled to see this one in particular. Partly because I feel like I know less about Whit than I know about Mai :v Still, certain things like Whit ignoring anything that upsets him which connects to David constantly lying about his real feelings for his fans, which is probably what leads to David's outburst at Whit in the second trial.

Teruko-MonoTV: Because fate. Really this is here plainly because it’s just a funny as hell dynamic to even consider lol.

Teruko-Mai: Have they interacted? Has Mai had enough screen time to truly determine that this parallel truly exists? Do we even know a single theme that Mai’s character touches on for certain? No and it doesn’t matter! Because these two are clearly connected somehow and the whole “someone dearly loved - someone dearly unloved” thing makes me ill. Mai is getting mentioned in this post and you're not stopping it.

Mai-Whit: Fuck it! “We tend to idolize the dead” dynamic!!! It's very speculative, but this one’s just fun to ponder even if we have even less idea of what could be going on between the two than with Mai-Teruko.

Anyways ready for a few themes that run through a lot of characters?

David-Levi-Nico-Rose: The “feeling disconnected from the rest of humanity’s experiences” gang!!!

Min-Rose-Hu-Veronika-Arturo: The “wants to move on from the past” gang!!!

Min-Arei-Teruko-Ace: The “trying to fix mistakes” gang!!!

Teruko-David-Eden-Arei-Levi-Xander: The “what makes a good person?” gang!!!

Teruko-David-Xander-Min-J-Whit-Ace-Rose-MonoTV-Probably everyone else: Fate!!!!

And there’s more than I’m probably forgetting because I can’t possibly check every conceivable connection between these guys. At least I hope I covered most of the major ones. Thanks for the ask, these dynamics are always fun to think about!

[austenpoppy]

I mean. Personally I think it was a great idea to have Dick be a cop, but apart from that, why is that job more important than others Dick has had ?

First of all, there's the role it plays in the story. Dick being a cop and then being fired from the force is a very important plotpoint over many, many issues. It just lasted longer (both in-universe and out-of-universe), and we have more moments of Dick being a rookie cop than we have of Dick doing almost any other job. Bartender ? It lasted a few months when he was working for Hog. Blackjack dealer ? It was over in one or two issues, Dick was undercover and it didn't have that much significance. Exotic dancer ? It merely lasted hours, it was a way for Dick to get into a building incognito. Trapeze instructor ? A few scenes here and there were included over several issues, but overall it was more in the background. Meanwhile, there are entire issues dedicated to Dick's time as a cop - like this time he was assaulted then accused of murder by corrupted cops.

It also ties with the overall theme regarding Blüdhaven : unlike Gotham, Blüdhaven doesn't have a lot of psychopaths, but the corruption is rampant. Dick had to fight against dirty police officers almost as much as he had to fight against supervillains - it's significant that two of Dick's enemies, Soames and Redhorn, are corrupt cops.

As an aside, as much as I liked the way Dick managed to get his hand on Redhorn's little book, I think that from a narrative standpoint, Dick should have won against the onslaught of corruption as a cop, and not as Nightwing (even if he knew who to trust because he was Amy's partner).

Speaking of which, Amy is one of the most memorable characters Dick's ever worked with - and again, the building of their relationship, from Amy being distrustful and scornful to trusting Dick entirely to feeling betrayed then protecting him at the cost of her integrity, took months, lots of issues, and is very touching.

I like Hog (and that guy never died, damn it, he didn't live in Dick's building) - but he was barely present. Cheyenne and Shawn were above all love interests, more than coworkers (even if we can skip Cheyenne because those three issues she figured in were...weird...and forgettable). Dick's circus friends ? They have names, but they're still more background characters representing the lost childhood of Dick than actual characters with character development. Dennis ? Seemed like a nice guy, I guess ?

Third, Dick put in a lot of effort to get into the B.P.D. He had to go through the entire police academy and take tests. Museum curator ? He got the post through his personal relationships, even if he had the skills for them. Trapeze instructor ? He was noticed when he helped a kid. Circus owner ? Come on, yes, he invested his money, but it wasn't about what Dick wanted to be "when he grew up", it was about Dick keeping his past alive. Model ? An accident. Taxi driver ? First time around it was the first job offer he could find. Second time... *cough* Ric Grayson era *cough*.

Fourth, being a cop had an impact on Dick's other relationships. Bruce hated that he was a cop (for multiple reasons : he loathed the idea of Dick using a gun, was worried about him, and thought Dick was risking their secret identities). Alfred was initially supportive, but he also started to get worried. Babs hated it because she didn't want her boyfriend to risk getting killed 24/7.

And despite this, Dick remained a cop even after the corruption got brought down, in spite of his loved ones not liking him endangering himself all the time. And thus this is the fifth reason for me saying Dick being a cop has a lot more narrative significance than Dick being an exotic dancer or a bartender, Dick loved being a cop. Genuinely. It wasn't something he did because he needed a job to remain connected to people and still be Dick Grayson. It wasn't "just" an undercover job. He was ecstatic when he got hired at the B.P.D. He was happy doing it, and at one point it became more than an undercover job - though was it even a job, guys, considering he was doing it for free (that absolute madman I swear to God) ? He kept postponing the moment he'd have to resign after his "undercover" goal was achieved. He was crushed when he got fired.

You have to see, for Dick being a cop was about helping people at their lowest/learning information about people he'd be able to help as Nightwing. And Dick loves nothing more than doing that, so doing it 24/7 ? Sign him the fuck up. Like, some of Dick's most significant "cases" at the B.P.D. were about 1) stopping an act of police brutality, 2) being there to stop a domestic abuser and getting back as Nightwing to tell the guy to flee the city, or 3) getting a letter from a little girl, Kesia, who wanted Santa to help her Dad, crying, and spending the time before Christmas investigating so he'd be able to track her (and if that doesn't move you nothing will).

So yeah, Dick's time as a cop was significant. Now you don't like it ? Let Dick do something that would have the same effect. Let him be in child protection services. Let him be a nurse in the I.C.U. Let him be a firefighter.

Now I know people will say that the gym he opened at one point in the Rebirth continuity had to be something he held dear. It's not false, but I don't think he prioritized it the same way or that it was shown to be as important to him as being a cop was. At that time in that continuity, doing so was also an act of independence (considering he was younger) and of convenience (it allowed him greater flexibility to be Nightwing, something being a cop did not, at least in terms of working hours).

I'm still angry about "Dick is a cop". Thing going on.

Dick hasn't been a cop in 21 years (he stopped in 2003) He had numerous jobs since and before that and he was doing it at the time to try to fight the corruption from inside (whether that was a good idea is up to debate it wasn't in my opinion) and he was written as cop by Dixon (deregatory).

Devin Grayson continued and stopped that.

His most common job is being a barista followed up by a gym teacher.

[cash-legacy]

SOGUE MAGAZINE, WINTER 2024

The Blood of the Innocent: Judith Ward's Dirty Little Secret

(For the Occultify a Sim challenge in the Occult Simblr Discord)

Nobody will forget the feeling of seeing their childhood favorite movie star twenty years later. The nostalgia of seeing their face, the weird awareness of your own mortality as you take in the new wrinkles and lines. Did she have those kids when she filmed that movie? Were they really that young? I'm older than he was when he filmed that one show... But one Del Sol face has yet to bear the scars of time - the ever-iconic Judith Ward. In our interview, Ward told me exactly how she's stayed just so young and lovely: consensual Vampirism.

Want more? Read the rest of the article below the cut!

This announcement comes at a complicated time for Simerica, as anti-Occult sentiments have spread across the nation like wildfire, and public opinion has shifted away from their support. Vampires especially, known for their "inborn" violent tendencies towards ordinary Sims, face a great deal of discrimination in many regions. Some Sims view this as a safety measure, a means of keeping natural killers away from their families. Recent legislation has attempted to make this a national issue, as opposed to a region-specific one, as proposed by senators Victor Feng and Anne Thorne, of San Myshuno and Copperdale respectively. Others sympathize with the Occult cause. Feng and Thorne's bill failed to get the required majority, but it was close. Many Sims on both sides of the political spectrum felt that the vote should have swung one way or another, and celebrities across Simerica have taken to speaking their piece. Judith Ward's, however, may be the most personal - and impactful - of them all. We conducted our interview at Ward's Del Sol house:

WHY NOW? "Now is precisely the right time to speak up about these things. Sims across the nation are wondering what to believe, and who to trust. And they know they can trust me. If being open about what I am convinces even a single Sim to join the cause and protect my people, it will have been worth all the backlash I expect to face." YOU CALLED IT CONSENSUAL VAMPIRISM. EXPLAIN THAT? "It's true that untrained or under-educated Vampires can cause massive harm to populations, especially in small towns. But the solution to that problem isn't punishing them, or stripping them of their resources. We've seen what happens when you do that. It's why we've had this moment of tension in the first place. But when provided the resources needed to survive harmlessly, Vampires are no more dangerous than any other Sim." BUT... "CONSENSUAL?" "I keep a few Sims in my employ. Times are tough, and I pay handsomely. It's in cooperation with a private medical practice, they're thoroughly informed beforehand, and it's all quite sterile and ethical, don't you worry." TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH VAMPIRISM. "I admit, when I first signed up for it, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was frightening. The transformation can be quite painful, particularly in the first few days. I've had some issues with work, too. I have to film daylight scenes in short bursts, or on soundstages. I've lost more than a few roles because of it. But I've got it easy, all things considered. My heart really goes out to all those who don't have such flexibility in their careers."

It's hard to say for certain where Occult politics will lead. Polling is wildly polarized across and within regions, and extremism on both sides is rampant. More and more prominent social figures are taking stances, and Judith Ward certainly won't be the last. Only time will tell which way the political compass will turn. See you next time, LINCOLN BROADSHEET

CelebCrave: Sogue Journalist Fired After Political Tantrum!

"They wildly misrepresented me," complained former Sogue interviewer Lincoln Broadsheet, in a recent Social Bunny post. "I didn't approve the cover or the title... It's incredibly hurtful to see such a prominent magazine ignore my intentions as a writer like this... And they fired me over it. Writers like me get fired for trying to provide the truth, instead of writing for clicks." Read the full Social Bunny thread here: Lincoln Broadsheet @ LBWrites replying to @[...] They wildly misrepresented me and Judith. It was a huge lapse in judgment from Sogue, and their decision to fire me when I protested was irresponsible. 1/8 Lincoln Broadsheet @ LBWrites I didn't approve the cover or the title. My articles are always unbiased, especially when they're about such decisive subjects. It's incredibly hurtful to see such a prominent magazine ignore my intentions as a writer like this. 2/8 Lincoln Broadsheet @ LBWrites I couldn't sit by without speaking out, and they fired me over it. It hurts to see how many Sims don't care about misinformation and biased reporting. These issues are rampant, and writers like me get fired for trying to provide the truth, instead of writing for clicks. 3/8 [...]

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

I love the message about Brodians being able to thrive in a world of peace, as shown through the actions of Amber and Jade. But I would argue that they aren't the only supports where Diamant can let go of his stress, either.

Kagetsu, for one? Nothing about Brodia's legacy comes up in that support. Just two men connecting over an interest in swordsmanship, and learning about each other and the world through it.

And while the other anon did NOT say this, I was reminded of a narrative I have seen about Diamant... that he can only be "himself" with Amber and Jade, or that he "loses his personality" with anyone else, and I'd argue that, no, that's not the case at all.

His joyful side isn't some hidden part of his that he's afraid to show because of Brodian society - have you seen how openly silly Morion is, as king? - it's an important part of him, but not all of him. Not his "real" self.

What he hides about himself is perceived weakness.

With Alear, he's able to be vulnerable in a way he isn't with many others, not even his retainers. Still burdened by the anxiety of rule, but finding a sense of calm in finally having another person to relate with on those same issues. With Ivy, he's also able to voice these concerns with her, who is in the most similar position to him, and they both find confidence and hope for the future through their developing understanding of each other.

His support with Alcryst isn't about the sins of Brodia's past, but more about Diamant opening up about his own fears (with fire, something he tells no one else but Emblems), and how he and his brother find new understanding in each other by realizing that neither of them are perfect, and that it's okay not to be, as long as they keep pushing forward and do their best for Brodia.

Timerra and Veyle open him up to a new way of connecting with his people, outside of combat. Alfred teaches him the importance of optimism and trust.

Amber and Jade are a safe space where he can be unfettered and joyful, and it does help that they are people very disconnected from his stresses and anxieties. But that joy isn't the only thing he needs. It's the concepts of hope, friendship, family, community. There are elements in Diamant's other relationships that are important for his peace of mind too.

The ability to be vulnerable when society has told him not to be, to open himself up to a world not ruled by combat, to trust in others...

He has a wonderful range of supports that informs all aspects of his character, and so many of them are underrated. There are a lot of layers going on with this guy that makes his character so appealing, and I don't think many tend to appreciate it!

.

[heartofbusan]

Jeon Jungkook is a very single-minded person. I just came back from a screening of I Am Still, and as much time as we've spent with him, I still don't really 'get' Jungkook. I think I've said before that he's SO deceptively 'simple', that one tends to expect more.

More mystery, more ego, more complexities. He probably does have all those, but they rarely come to the surface in most of the content he's in. Maybe once or twice during a live has he lifted the veil to show us a bratty side. Overall, he seems extremely easygoing and malleable. And determined to excell his own expectations of himself, and ours, his audience.

He's very aware of how he comes across, and that's where it starts to rub. Why not let go a bit and show your darker tones? Does he mind that much if we see that side of him, or doesn't he have them? Is he even capable of failure? Can he be disappointed, hopeless, or even angry at anything or anyone other than himself? It's something I've been wondering as we await their return once they come out of the military. Will the way they allow us to see them change?

That grit and friction is something he might reveal once he's a bit older. Less inclined to please, but trust that if it never comes, it doesn't make him less human, but more extraordinary. Truly special, for having been blessed with an easygoing attitude.

I think the documentary as a movie going experience had its issues. I still enjoyed myself. I just wish it could have been more revealing. Maybe the revelation is that Jungkook has been an open book all along.

[dashing-disaster]

"Buck doesn't like basketball but basketball got him Tommy so it's actually a sweet gift" might be the most self centered arrogant take I've ever had to read - and in that, it makes perfect sense that that's the kind of logic Tommy, who constantly condescends and patronizes Buck, would use.

I see how the line can be interpreted that way if one doesn't like the ship, yeah. But it's not how I meant it and I think that comes across well enough in the rest of the post so I'm not too concerned about this.

Now, I wouldn't necessarily call Tommy condescending or patronising as that implies some degree of willfulness and his behaviour towards Buck up to the moment of breaking up is never deliberately unkind.

Quite the opposite, Tommy shows up for Buck, even if he has to go out of his way to do so, he compliments him, he takes care of him when he's hurt and he listens to him. Does he perhaps not always get it and is fondly exasperated? Absolutely. Just like Eddie, as we saw in the Halloween episode. Those two were on the same page about the curse there, but they still indulged Buck because they both love him.

Honestly, after 6 months the occasional eye-roll or 'sure honey' at your partner is a given because that person might be an idiot but they're your idiot.

That's not to say that Tommy isn't still a deeply flawed individual and that is unfortunately reflected in the way he handles conflict. There are two things specifically that form a pattern: Tommy assumes to know what other people (Buck) feel or think or how they will react in a situation and he runs from his problems. Both of those things are a defense mechanism and something people learn to do as a result of trauma.

Now, is it a healthy defense mechanism? Hell no! It's one that I'd advise anyone who detects these patterns in themselves to unpack with a therapist or, if that's not possible, at least be aware of the issues and try to find coping strategies to prevent self-sabotage.

Also let's be real, if it comes to unhealthy coping mechanisms he's found his people at the 118. Everyone at that station has had a go at those at some point I think. And thank God for that otherwise this show would be dreadfully boring.

And that's also where I would have loved to see more of this relationship. I'd have loved for Buck, who still has so little self-worth that he simply accepts it whenever someone leaves him, to fight for this relationship because they're both worth it. And at the same time with Tommy, who apparently would rather blow up a good thing without cause or reason just so he can be the one to control it, I would have loved for him to take that leap of faith and trust Buck.

It could have been a beautiful story about growth. I actually think it still can be, if the TV Gods are willing.

So, long story short, is Tommy arrogant, condescending, and patronising towards Buck? No. But he's not perfect either. He's a three-dimensional character with past trauma, fears, flaws, and many layers that we unfortunately only scratched the surface of.

And it's okay if you see things differently. It's okay if you don't like Tommy and your opinions and feelings about him are perfectly valid, just as mine.

Anyway, thank you for your message, anon, I hope you have a good day.

[aspynnwoofs]

Um. hi. your fanart of Marcy waking up from a nightmare is probably my favorite piece of Amphibia fanart ever. curious what was going through your head when you made it. also what are your headcannons/thoughts about The Core, Marcy, what she experienced while under its control, and its lasting effects on her?

holy shit dude, thanks? i don’t know what i did to deserve all this nice stuff you’re saying, but thanks. also the tags on the reblog were not aggressive or mean or anything, they actually made me super happy to see! i’m really glad you like it.

coming back after writing all the stuff, there’s a lot so i’m putting a ‘keep reading’ thing. seriously there’s so much

what was going through my head… hm. it’s like, i imagine Marcy having lots of nightmares about things that happened to her, or things that could have happened, stuff like that. i’ve read a lot of fanfic so now i really like the idea of her clutching her shirt when remembering being impaled. or even just for comfort, to know that her weakest point is covered in moments of terror. also she’s crying. sobbing. the only times she recovers quickly after bad nightmares is when she’s with the others.

i really like the idea of the Core not only sticking her in a box in her mind, but also showing her things. like to keep her from trying to get out. can’t resist if your mind is shattered and devoid of hope! anyway i mean like using the illusions to show her various things, situations, people. more peaceful ones where she’s with her girls, only to realize they aren’t there. terrifying ones where they make her live through her worst memories, her betrayal (of her and by her), her death, her torture and possession. twisted situations where Anne and Sasha proclaim that they can’t be seen with her, they can’t trust her, even hate her for what she’s done. sometimes the Core sticks her in unending darkness so they don’t have to think of anything, or if they’re focused on something else and need her out of the way (this is where the thing about being unable to sleep or feel safe in complete darkness is from). sometimes they’ll make a fake scene where it seems as though she is being shown what her body is doing, she can see through her eyes, and then she hurts people. kills people. sometimes it will be real, but she doesn’t know that, and she will still hurt people. when whoever in the Core in charge of her is feeling particularly cruel, they’ll do a simulation of her being saved. rescued. freed. forgiven. she’s finally with her girls. but. she isn’t. she’s still here. of course they didn’t save her, why would they? she’s a horrible person, and she did so much unforgivable stuff? why would they ever want to save someone like her? (shit this is long, yeesh. well i’m having fun soo-) sometimes Anne and Sasha kill her as she’s possessed, because she needs out of the way, and her life doesn’t matter anyway. sometimes they free her and then take their fury at her out on her by hurting her.

recovery from that is incredibly hard. when she’s rescued, she doesn’t believe it. firmly denies it, hides from them, tries to keep them from hurting her, curls into a ball and refuses to acknowledge them. because they aren’t real, they aren’t. hasn’t she been through this enough? it takes the others a while to convince her she’s in reality, and that yes, they do really forgive her. she’s actually completely free.

later in life she has trouble discerning reality from her nightmares. she has insane trust issues. she can’t walk, not by herself. she’s terrified of fire, because fire is what impaled her, killed her, and fire is the color of the eyes that haunt her. a small zap of static electricity is enough to send her into a flashback of her possession, of the chair, of fire and lightning and code flowing into her, burning burning burning. once someone tried to calm her by grabbing her wrists, which only sent her further. the cuffs. they chained her down. she can’t move she can’t move! the color orange makes her nervous, if there’s too much of it she half convinced they’ve taken over somehow and tinted her vision the color of her nightmares. (looking at this you’d really think i’d be able to write something. i should write something) sudden complete darkness, such as someone turning off a light without warning, has her half believing whatever just happened wasn’t real, that the Core got bored and stuck her in the darkness. sound and small lights can help her come back to reality. sound because the Core wouldn’t let sound into their void, that would defeat the point! and small lights because if it all comes back quickly it just means the simulation has been turned back on. better to show her something small but concrete. Anne and Sasha have gotten really good at realizing when she needs a reality check, and then knowing her to ground her. (btw she doesn’t move away because i need her to have a support system. she might actually go crazy if she’s separated from her friends) ( whAT THE FUCk-?? this is so long! i need to wrap up! holy shiiiit) Marcy likes to hold their hands to help her remember where she is. physical touch is very grounding. the Core could never get it right so it’s even more so. after some nightmares she flinches from touch, so other things are needed, but once she’s returned from the hell in her mind she needs touch. sometimes weighted blankets help to ground her when she feels as though she might almost float away, sometimes they chain her down and trap her beneath the weight of all her mistakes.

there’s probably more, but if i kept going i’ll just have written a whole ass fic in an ask answer. hope you liked it! if not idk what i can give you (you’ll like it, because it’s great)

i don’t think i’ve ever written things out like things before, i should do that more. it helped to have specific questions, so thanks man i guess? heh.

[grunkle-no-more-colombian-nights]

No More Colombian Nights - XVIII

Ford shifted uncomfortably in the sticky vinyl seat of a booth in Greasy’s Diner, watching the door closely as his fingers thrummed the table. Anxiety clawed its way up his chest as he waited for Fiddleford to appear. He didn’t want to say anything to anyone, but he needed someone he could trust to talk through what was happening at home. Dipper was a great apprentice, but too young to understand the full scope of the issue. This woman had integrated into his home, had looked over his notes, and had wormed her way into his brother’s heart. And when he eventually proved she was up to no good, she would hurt him and maybe even the kids. Mable seemed already overly fond of her as well. Ford just couldn’t allow it. He vowed to make it up to his brother, and he would make sure to do what was for his own good, even if Stan couldn’t appreciate it in the moment.

 

The bell ringing at the door brought his attention up from his own coffee, his heart jumping when his old lab assistant walked in. He swore Fidds had really come leaps and bounds in his recovery. He had always had a bit of a feral edge about him, but his warmth and sanity seemed to be returning nonetheless, and these last months since they had been away had made it much more apparent. He wore more clothes again, nicer jeans and button downs, thanks to Tate’s intervention. He truly wanted his father to get better and had spent time getting him what he needed to do so.

 

“Howdy Ford, how are you doing on this fine morning?” His easy southern drawl always soothed Ford in some odd way, familiar and comfortable.

 

“Just fine, Fiddleford. How are you this morning?” He kept his tone as even as possible, even though his nerves could have vibrated him out of the chair. Ford felt this way every time he talked to Fidds since he came back, nervous and guilty, but he craved his company regardless. Lazy Susan came by, greeting Fiddleford before pouring him a cup of coffee as well. He said his thanks to her before responding to Ford.

 

“I recon I’m doin’ just swell. Good to be out of the house. Feels pretty big and empty sometimes.” Ford was a bit surprised. Fiddleford had moved into the Northwest mansion before the end of last summer, creating quite a stir. It seemed to do him well, considering he was living in the dump before. However, he could understand how being in that big house alone could feel quite isolating. It was a bit hard to imagine though, considering he had moved from one crowded living situation (Stan and himself on a boat together for nine months) into an even more crowded situation (a house built for one person now holding seven people, much to his chagrin).

 

“Not enough company, old friend? Tate seems to keep you quite busy. And business seems to be booming, literally sometimes. That has to wrap up a good amount of your time.” Ford sipped his coffee, watching as Fidd’s shifted, looking mildly discontent with the estimation Ford made of his current life.

 

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true. Tate has me runnin’ around more than a midwife in November. Goin’ to all these doctors and therapy. Says it’s good for me. And raccoon wife is always a comfort.” That little fact made Ford crazy. How could a raccoon be an adequate partner in anything, let alone life? He sniffed, pushing his glasses back up onto his face, trying to hide the annoyance that probably read a little too easily on his face, especially by someone who knew him once so well.

 

“Right, well, you know I’m always open for a visit, and you’re welcome to come help in my lab anytime.” Ford poised his invitation again without Tate to intercept him this time. Fidd’s eyes lit up, excited but seeming a bit nervous at the offer.

 

“Well, Ford, you know I wouldn’t mind a short visit.” He could swear Fidd’s was blushing under his thick white beard, but he immediately covered his face while sipping his coffee, making it unclear. Ford put on his warmest smile, ready to butter him up if need be. It wasn’t hard to pay Fiddleford compliments; he was still one of the most brilliant minds Ford knew, but it took a little more effort on his part to achieve warmth, especially after Bill had frayed any trust Ford had ever had. Even in the last few months it had been a struggle; finding himself asking the most paranoid questions about Stanley and his intentions. It took a lot of talking down to remind himself his family loved him and had his best in mind.

 

Fiddleford was looking at him with curious and bright eyes, shining like they used to when they spent time together. It gave him a curious little shiver as playful smiles started to reach both of their faces. How had so many decades passed and here they were, smiling at each other? It didn’t seem logical or realistic, and he certainly didn’t feel as if he deserved the grace that Fidds was affording him. Yet here they both were, feeling ancient now but happy again, like before both their minds had been so corrupted. In their first few meetings, Ford had apologized profusely for everything that had happened between them previously, wanting sincerely to bury the hatchet. And although Fidd’s still hadn’t fully been in his right mind yet, it felt like a wonderful first step.

 

“I know you’ve been anomaly huntin’ in the sea for the last however many months. Is there data there that you’ve been needing a second opinion on?” Fidds tapped his fingers, making a small clink against the porcelain mug as he got the look on his face, as if he were already running invisible numbers in his head. Ford had always thought the look endearing.

 

“Yes, it was pointed out recently to me that some of my translations of the maps have left me with incorrect values in my math and navigation.” Fiddleford looked curiously at that.

 

“Oh, well if’n ya got someone to look over them already, why would ya want me to take a look?” His gaze flickered away from Ford's face, meeting the view outside as he asked. The question stung Ford, knowing exactly why that would cross his mind. Fidd’s had begun to remember why they fell apart those years ago. Things had gotten messy on both sides, and although neither of them acted perfect in the situation, Ford felt so deeply guilty about what had happened. If he hadn’t brought Fiddleford here. If he had just stayed in California... but the thought of losing the memories they shared in those late bunker nights... that was hard to want too.

 

“You’re one of the only people I think I could trust…” He could barely believe the words came from his own mouth, not one for admissions or sentimentality. He was getting soft in his old age. Fidd’s eyes had gotten wide, the wall dropping immediately.

 

"Well, Ford… if you’re sure. Then yes. I will help you.” Fidds smiled in a small secret way to himself before meeting Ford's eyes again. This time it was Ford's turn to blush, feeling the heat creep into his cheeks. Normally such displays of emotion would frustrate him immensely, having conquered his fear response long ago. Such lesser emotions should be easy for him to conquer, but somehow Fidds brought it out so naturally, it didn’t occur to him now.

 

“Fantastic!” Ford grinned widely at him. “I need someone, that isn’t my brother’s new fixation, to give me a more trusted view of my research.” It was said with a dismissive tone. It’s not that he didn’t believe what she was talking about; it was that she knew too well what she was talking about.

 

“Oh… ya’ mean Honey? She was actually extremely helpful on a couple of my projects recently.” Ford groaned loudly, putting his hands to his face in frustration.

 

“Even you Fidds? Does something not seem off about her to anyone else?” Fiddleford furrowed his brow at him. “Something just isn’t right. Has Tate mentioned anything to you? They are neighbors. Did he mention the agents?” Ford knew he sounded too intense; Fidd’s looking mildly discomforted at Ford's insistence on her ‘wrongness’.

 

“Only thing Tate has mentioned is that she’s pretty special. I just reconed that meant he fancied her though. He’s never been much of a social butterfly.” Fiddleford sipped his coffee, shrugging his slender shoulders as he watched Ford. Ford took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. It would do no good to look unhinged now, especially while he was trying to convince Fidd’s to come back and help him.

 

“Sorry, I get a little worked up still when it comes to my research... I just need someone else's eyes. Please, Fidds. You’re the only one I want to do this for me.” He fidgeted under the table, his five fingers twiddling together as he waited for Fiddleford’s answer. Fiddleford smiled gently at his old friend, nodding slowly at first.

 

“I will help ya, Ford. Reminds me of the good ol’ days.” Ford would have shouted happily if it hadn't been so obvious.

 

“Thank you, Fidds. I truly can’t wait for you to tell me what you think.” Ford was giddy for the first time in a long time, ready to share his research with another worthy mind.

 

^^^^^^^^

 

Stan pulled up to the dock, seeing Soos and the kids as they moved around the small deck of the boat. The dark of night had settled across the lake, but they had gotten some strung twinkle lights somewhere in the shack and hung them above the deck so they sparkled across the water. He swallowed hard, peeking in his rearview mirror at his face. Nerves danced in his stomach. It was one thing to woo a woman behind closed doors, especially when she practically fell into his bed at every opportunity she had. It was another entirely to romance her with an audience.

 

It also didn’t help that he had no clue what to expect from a couple of thirteen-year-olds and a questionable adult in the ‘romantic evening’ department of things. What did kids think was romantic? Holding hands? Stan snorted softly, smoothing out his eyebrows in his reflection before taking a step out of his car, adjusting himself slightly. He had worn his blue button down with the wide lapel, a quarter unbuttoned to show off his chest hair and medallion, of course, and his brown chinos and well-worn in boat shoes. It was thankfully a comfortable night; the rest of the week was forecast to be muggy and rainy as late June began to wind to a close and July amped summer into full gear in the mountain town. Mable waved widely over the side of the boat, calling out to him as he approached.

 

“Grunkle Stan! Come look!” She shouted, her small, high-pitched voice nearly echoing over the empty lake. Thankfully it was quiet out that night; no one on the water and no one in the area he could see. Honey’s front porch light was on, drawing his eye nervously as he scanned her small cabin, noting a shadowy movement against the curtain of her bedroom window. He picked up his pace as he hit the creaking wood of the dock, making his way onto the Stan’O’War II, surprised at its nearly unrecognizable appearance. Small candles and lights flickered, keeping the light low and dreamy, quiet romantic sounding music wafting from a small radio inside the cabin.

 

Dipper and Soos stood at attention near a small table they had set up in the middle of a small open space on the deck of the boat. A white tablecloth draped to the floor over it, candles flickering in the middle and small candies smattering the surface to complete the ‘romantic’ aesthetic they were going for. Dipper was scowling, clearly not happy to have been involved in this evening's events, but seeing as Ford had nearly disappeared most of the day, he didn’t have much of a choice. That had struck Stan as odd, honestly, wondering what had captured his own twins attention the whole day. That was an uneasy thought, knowing what had been preoccupying both of their attention for the last couple weeks. Honey would be in front of him all night though. Ford couldn’t do anything when he had her in his sights…could he? Mable proudly presented the scene she had put together, a fistful of wildflowers she had clearly plucked from out near the woods in her little palm as she beamed at him.

 

“What do you think? Pretty romantic, huh?” She smiled, her own approval shining on her face. He chuckled softly, loving her confidence. He did have to admit, though, that she had made their quaint little research vessel a pretty cozy place.

 

“You did great, Pumpkin. Even got those two in monkey suits!” He laughed, clapping Soos on the back.

 

“We got you all set up for the perfect romantic evening, Mr. Pines. Special lighting, sultry jazz tunes, and shareable foods! All to delight and inspire.” Stan grimaced at Soos’ attempt at a more ‘formal’ tone as he tried to match the vibe for the evening.

 

“Yeesh, yeah. Thanks Soos. Try and put a smile on that mug, kid.” He tussled Dippers hair, smiling at the grumpy kid.

 

“Just don’t let her try anything funny, Grunkle Stan. I still think there’s something weird going on.” He sighed at his great nephew.

 

“You’ve been spending too much time in the lab.” Stan grumbled, knowing Ford had clearly been in his ear. Mable shoved the quickly wilting flowers into his hand, moving him to turn back around and off the boat.

 

“Grunkle Stan, you can’t be late! Go knock on her door and bring her back. Let us take care of the rest.” She crossed her arms confidently as he stumbled back down the dock after she had practically pushed him off the boat and in the direction of the small cabin. He shook his head, not being able to tell if this was a great idea or a truly terrible one. He took another deep breath, running his free hand through his hair as he walked up to her door.

 

“Here goes nothin’.” He mumbled to himself, stepping up onto the porch before knocking on the door. How could he be so nervous talking to someone he had literally been inside not even a full day before? A few seconds passed as he stood awkwardly, listening as small footsteps approached the door. Stan placed a hand on the frame, leaning in as she opened up, trying to look nonchalant.

 

“Oh, hello, sir. Can I help you?” Honey teased, taking a long up-and-down look at him, her eyes lingering low before meeting his gaze again. She was wearing another small red dress, one that accentuated her hourglass figure and ended just above her mid-thigh. Stan smiled weakly, still trying to present himself as cool, calm, and collected in her presence, feeling the three sets of eyes from just yards away watching closely from over the railing of the boat.

 

“Honey, do this old man the pleasure of taking a step out tonight?” He straightened out his posture, holding out the already withering and sparse wildflowers Mable had given him. They looked nowhere near as nice as the bouquet that had arrived on her doorstep the morning before. She smiled warmly nonetheless, taking them gratefully from his hand before giving them an appreciative sniff.

 

“Of course I will. Give me a sec.” Honey turned, leaving the door open as she moved to grab her pelt off of the love seat that occupied her living room, wrapping the shining, silver fur around her before stepping out onto the porch with him. He couldn’t help but stare at her hugged figure, wondering how this evening would wind to an end, already planning on sending the kids home early with Soos. Standing near, he offered the crook of his arm. Honey’s arm wrapped around his own as they started to make their way over to the boat, hearing her gasp softly in surprise as they walked up the dock.

 

“Wow, this is lovely.” She cooed, her eyes wide as the lights flickered and sparkled in them. Dipper greeted them through gritted teeth, sounding completely exasperated as he did.

 

"Welcome, madam and sir, can I take you to your seats?” Dipper didn’t actually move, just sweeping his arm to gesture to their seats mere steps away.

 

“Sure can, kid.” Stan chuckled, winking at her as he pulled out her seat, letting her settle in before making his way around to his own chair. It felt a little silly in the cramped space, but Honey was clearly enchanted by the scene, her face glowing in the low light as she watched him awkwardly settle into his own chair.

 

“So, doll, how’s your day been?” He asked, trying to keep the conversation casual.

 

“I was pretty tired after last night's sleepover. Mable throws one heck of a party.” She smirked to herself, her eye contact breaking to the table. He snorted softly at that, shifting as he thought over the double meaning of her words. Soos approached the table holding a bottle of champagne, presenting it to them with a sense of pomp.

 

“Sir, madam, can I interest you in some fine spirits?” Stan leaned back in his chair, thankful for some liquid encouragement to handle this spectacle.

 

“Yeah, right here, Soos. Hit me.” He pointed to a spot on the table right in front of him, Soos presenting a glass. Stan quickly drained it before handing his cup back for another glass immediately. Honey giggled as she watched him sneer at the burning of the bubbles in his nose, sipping her own champagne slowly. He felt the warmth spread immediately, his nerves tamped by the fuzzy creeping intoxication as he eyed her appreciatively. Honey smiled sweetly, picking up the conversation.

 

“So tell me more about these codes you and Ford have come up with. I’ve been so curious since I saw your notes.” He swirled his glass, watching the bubbles escape to the top.

 

“Well, me and Ford have a different code. That one is made of symbols only us two know.” He smiled to himself, hazy memories of their childhood floating on the edges of his mind. “But the one you saw is my own special version. Only I know that one. Maybe I’ll teach it to ya’ sometime. It can be our secret.”

 

Honey had tilted her head, listening intently to his explanation, a coy smile playing on the edge of her lips. This was easier than he expected. Dipper nudged him from behind, a fierce whisper following.

 

“Grunkle Stan, remember what Great Uncle Ford said.” Stan rolled his eyes, ignoring the paranoid kid behind him, shifting so he leaned forward conspiratorially.

 

“Maybe I’ll even teach you the bros code, just to mess with Ford.” He winked at her, making her giggle again. Dipper gasped behind him, not realizing Ford and him had rarely used that code since they were young. It wasn’t overly complicated, and any of their extremely covert notes had been encrypted differently long ago. Dipper also didn’t seem to realize she was probably well smart enough to figure it out on her own if she put her mind to it. Honey was an odd one, not egotistical enough to present her smarts like Ford did, almost always displaying it in odd spurts of observation offhandedly. It could be unnerving at times, displaying a depth of understanding only a century of living could offer.

 

“Don’t get me in more trouble with your brother.” She chided gently, taking another sip of her drink. “I don’t need another reason for him to dislike me.” Her voice was soft, spoken into the rim of her glass, but he could tell it was eating into her, a flit of sadness behind her steel eyes.

 

“I thought you liked trouble, doll. We always seem to be in it, somehow.” He teased, watching as the smirk returned to her lips. Mable appeared from the cabin of the boat, going to the table with a wide grin.

 

“Dinner will be served shortly; in the meantime, would you enjoy a serenade by our finest vocalist on board?” Honey’s smirk had turned to a warm smile as soon as she approached. Stan could tell she adored Mable, maybe almost as much as he did, easily playing along with her planned evening.

 

“We would love to hear a song.” Dipper came out from behind Stan, looking like he’d rather jump off the boat than sing whatever song they had arranged for him to recite.

 

“Dipper will now enthrall you with his rendition of Give Me A Chance by Babba!” Dipper took his place uncomfortably in the open space at the back of the boat and began to sing. Stan chuckled, having a hard time not poking fun at Dipper, who by all accounts looked as if he wanted to strangle his sister at this point for getting him involved as he sang mildly unenthusiastically. As he finished up, Honey clapped loudly, cheering for the young boy who blushed deeply at her approving noises.

 

“You have a lovely voice, Dipper, even when you’re being forced to use it. Thank you for singing for us.” He looked taken off guard by her praise, stammering a response.

 

“Oh, heh, yeah….it’s no problem.” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. Mable interrupted, much to his clear relief as she brought out a very large, singular plate of spaghetti.

 

“Voila, enjoy!” She said as she sat down the noodles and red sauce in between the two. Mable nudged him in the ribs, whispering to him behind her small hand. “I saw this in a super romantic movie once. The trick is to share a noodle and meet in the middle.” Stan shook his head, vaguely recalling that movie also was about dogs.

 

“Uh, thanks, pumpkin.” He said, picking up a fork. Honey did the same, eating a couple of noodles while Soos did his own sampling of ‘romantic’ songs.

 

“I knew you were putting them up to something, but this is still unexpected. They did a nice job.” Honey said to him softly between bites. He chuckled softly, finishing off his third glass of champagne, filling his cup again while Soos belted near by.

 

“Hey, when I say I want to do something right... ehh, I usually half ass it.” He shrugged, taking another deep swig, the alcohol loosening his tongue. “You’re worth the trouble, doll.” He met her eyes as he said it, knowing few truer words had ever been spoken from himself. Even under the velvet night and the candle glow, he could see her cheeks turn rosy.

 

“Watch yourself, Mr. Pines. I may start to think you like me.” She winked at him this time, a smile playing across her lips that seemed more for herself than him. Mable reappeared, looking mildly disappointed that they weren’t sharing it the way she suggested.

 

“Well, dinner is over. It’s time to dance!” Honey laughed, rising from her seat and laying her pelt across it as Stan shook his head at Mable, staying firmly planted in his own.

 

"Sorry, pumpkin, but there is no way I’m dancing.” Mable threw on her huge puppy dog eyes, dragging a groan from him as he stood. “I don’t know how to dance.”

 

“It’s easy.” Honey said, moving to stand in front of him. He was nearly a head taller than her, the alcohol making his head swim a little as the boat rocked softly in the water. “Just put your hands here,” she guided his hands to her waist, her own arms resting on his shoulders as the soft music from the cabin of the boat grew in volume. “And sway with me. Easy.” She said it with soft certainty as his hands rested comfortably on the hips he was becoming so familiar with in their hours alone.

 

The old jazzy tune brought back some more fuzzy memories of his childhood, his mom dancing by herself or with them in the living room in the upper apartment. A fleeting moment passed through his mind as Honey closed the couple-inch gap between them, her body flush against his as they swayed to the slow melody. Mable had climbed up on the top of the cabin, eyes wide and shimmering with pride at her own set up as she watched the two ‘dance’ in the tiny space that was left for them to occupy on the deck. He chuckled at her enraptured attention, pulling away from Honey to lean back and whisper to Soos.

 

“It’s getting pretty late. I think it’s time you get the kids to bed at the shack, eh?” Stan gave him an expectant look. Soos took his meaning immediately.

 

“Oh, yeah, sure, dude. I mean, mister Pines.”

 

“Aw, what?! I don’t wanna go yet!” Mable cried

 

“Finally! Mable, I’m ready to go home and read.” Dipper groaned simultaneously, already making his way to exit the dock.

 

“Come on, kids.” Soos said, ushering them off the boat together before turning back. “See you in the morning, dudes?” Stan nodded to him, watching as they made their way back to Soos’ truck. Once they were about half way there, he turned to Honey, not giving it another thought before he gathered her face into his large hands, kissing her deeply, her warm plush lips a relief to the longing he had kept buried all evening. A muffled mmm bled into his own lips as the roar of the truck engine came to life behind him. He swore he could hear his young niece squealing in the truck as he broke away from the kiss. Mable would be mad at him tomorrow for kicking them out so suddenly, but he couldn’t imagine leaving the night where it was or breaking away from his want.

 

Honey leaned her head into his chest, comfortable in the slow embrace they stood in as the truck pulled away. Whatever CD or cassette Mable had been playing finished, the quiet of the night consuming them once again. Stan stroked her hair gently, the strands tangling around his fingers as her faint, warm breath breezed against his skin. He decided then to pick her up, throwing her over his shoulder with a humph. She giggled, wiggling around in his grip as he carried her off the boat and toward her cabin. His bunk was too small to want to utilize when a whole space was available so near by.

 

“Wait.” Honey whispered as they met the end of the dock, his feet meeting with the ground as a PEW sound flew feet by him, a dull thunk hitting the hull of the boat. She slid to her feet quickly, taking a defensive stance near the ground as Stan turned to see a small hole in the hull. Fury didn’t describe the boiling violence that wanted to escape him as he yelled.

 

“Who the fuck shot my boat?!” He looked around, not seeing anything as Honey yanked him to the ground, keeping low. She made an inhuman noise, like a hiss mixed with a guttural growl, as she made her way to all fours, stalking along the side of the dock. He shuddered at the clear threat, like an animal telling another to back off. He stayed low himself, cursing as he tried to plan his route to his car. “My gun is in the glovebox. I’m gonna go for it, toots. Stay there.” He whispered fiercely, readying himself to make the dash.

 

Honey growled again, this one a much more intense noise as she launched her own body forward, moving faster than he imagined humanly possible. In seconds she had made it to the edge of the house, the sound of a body making impact with another and grunting as she grappled with the attacker. Stan took the opportunity to run to his car, wrenching the door of the Stanley mobile open and finding his gun, readying it as he made his way back in the direction of the struggling noises. Honey had her teeth sunken into the arm of the man, thrashing with him as the original gun got kicked towards the house.

 

Just as he readied himself to pull the agent out for his own round of punishment, a slam hit him in the back, knocking him to the ground and knocking his breath out of him. Stan sucked in, gasping and groaning as he pushed back as hard as possible from the ground, slamming into the man above him. A rope wrapped around his throat, Honey’s voice reaching a ripping scream as the scratchy coil dug deeply into his neck.

 

“NO, STANLEY! GET OFF OF HIM!” His eyes began to blur as he clawed at his throat. What a sucker move, taking him off guard from behind. He groaned, air not making its way to his lungs as the world wanted to slip away. The agent loosened for a second when the gutted gurgle of the other agent took him off guard. Like some twisted horror movie, Honey had torn the flesh from his neck, blood pouring and pooling as she scrambled away from the dropping body. She launched herself from the quickly dying man, her strides too fast for the agent to finish the job as her gore-covered hands met him too, her full force knocking him away from Stan’s neck. Stan gasped, panting hard as he moved to try and help her.

 

Stumbling to get up, Honey and the agent kicked and tumbled like feral cats, her painted red claws indistinguishable from the blood that had caked over her fingers as she slashed at his face. She screamed again, pain filled as the agent’s fist cracked against her rips. She whimpered, crumpling to the ground and gasping herself. Not again, he thought, using his own shoulder as a battering ram into the agent. The guy flew, landing on his back where Honey was in an instant standing over him, wild-eyed and changed. Her eyes were black and animal, her breaths heavy and laden with violence. Her small body shuddered as she gripped the agent's neck, squeezing until her nails buried deep, the blood dripping through her fingers. The man’s scream was cut short, nothing but a horrid noise following. She looked beautiful and monstrous as she released and turned around to face him, her fingers dripping.

 

“Honey? Are you ok?” He asked shakily, her unblinking black eyes terrifying. Her body language became soft though, her breath settling as she took a step towards him. Something invisible hit her though, her hands flying up to her ears as she dropped to her knees. She shook violently, heaving as blood dripped from her ear.

 

“Stanley, get back from that creature before she kills you and eats you like she just did these other two.” Ford shouted, approaching from the brush holding an odd contraption he had aimed at her. Old man McGuckett stood behind him, looking deeply unsure of the surrounding events as he took in the gore that covered the ground and the dead and dying men that lay near.

 

“Sixer, what are you doing to her?! Stop, you’re hurting her.” He shouted, shoving Ford hard enough to knock the strange satellite gun off of her direction, allowing her a moment of reprieve. The quiet was pierced by her hitching whimpers, huddled to the ground in a small ball. Stan began to move to her before another door slammed, stopping him in his tracks.

 

“Stanley don’t. I told you something wasn’t right. I told you to stay away from the fae for this exact reason.” Ford called as he readjusted the setting on the gun and pointed it back at her.

 

“What are y’all doin out here?! Get away from her.” Tate had left his home, holding a shotgun in one hand while he approached the frightening scene. He quickly rushed to Honey’s side, moving to pick her up, his arms sliding easily under her waist and hips. She gasped in a way Stan couldn’t handle, finding himself grabbing Tate by the collar before he could even think a second thought, forcing him to leave her on the ground. Tate clearly didn’t have a second thought either, as the butt of his shotgun spun around and cracked the side of his head, ending the night for him.

[donuqx-art]

hi!! could u tell me abt picture perfect?? mostly how would they have met… omg the gays …. They are SOO cute btw i havent said much about them but theyre in my top ships :3

this silly chart should be able to explain most of my vision for them,,

ok so honestly Im still not sure how exactly they would meet,, maybe MINCY ends up witnessing BASIL getting bullied by some other kids and she somehow ends up standing up for him with the courage she received from KEL and SUNNY during the summer, the bullies scramble before things get nastier maybe,, they end up walking to BASIL‘S house to have POLLY help them patch up the wounds his bullies inflicted on him maybe?? idk,, I just think they’d meet post true end and eventually end up kinda?? friends,, problem is that BASIL doesn’t really want to get attached to MINCY because of his abandonment issues plus she’d kinda remind him of SUNNY and he’d feel like a heartless monster for using her as a rebound while MINCY isn’t sure if BASIL considers her as a friend either due to her having trust issues of some sort maybe,, so they both label their relationship as acquaintances so their first interactions are a bit awkward at first but eventually they get closer and they both end up developing some sort of understanding for one another,,

BASIL eventually sees MINCY as her own person and ends up admiring her passion and her patient, open-minded and somewhat eccentric nature while MINCY loosens up a bit more around BASIL and open up to him more,, they end up trusting eachother and open up to eachother‘s problems and hardships but decide to overcome them together,, hence why BASIL ends up assigning MINCY the clematis flower in my hc as this flower can represent the state of aspiring to reach higher places and overcoming obstacles ( which also comes from the name clematis in ancient greek κληματίς : clēmatís, ("a climbing plant") from κλήμα : klḗma – 'twig, sprout, tendril') and are considered flowers of travel,,

Overall this ship is about two quiet and shy outcasts who find comfort, understanding and solace in eachother‘s presence and to me this ship is mostly about healing (mostly on BASIL’S part), acceptance of vulnerability and reaching for the stars so to speak,,

I feel like once they both get closer they’d be seen as shy, reserved and well-mannered to everyone else but when it’s these two only they would become a lot more playfully snarky and sassy at eachother and generally a lot more peculiar,,

Im not the best at explaining things cuz the most you can get from are incoherent sobbing but I hope you can see the vision somehow ^^;;

Thank you for coming to my ted talk :33

[t-lostinworlds]

This is such a random train of thought but I came across a comment on a fanfic saying something along the lines of "people don't usually change" / "forgiving them is unrealistic" / "your character is pathetic for giving in" and while valid in some, if not, most cases, thinking that it applies to everyone and everything all the time seems like such an unhealthy mindset to have. In my opinion at least.

Don't get me wrong, I hate it when forgiveness is served on a silver platter where the person apologizes once and then all is suddenly forgiven. But if the person provided an explanation all while not passing it as an excuse, took full accountability of their actions, truly apologized and showed regrets, and then took the time to better themselves, worked hard to improve and then continuously show that they're a much better person now and had grown after years. Is giving a second chance really that criminal? Especially when forgiveness isn't even given right after that and it's still a slow and steady journey of building that trust where everyone's starting on a clean slate rather than jumping right where they left off.

I don't know, maybe this is just me always trying see the good in people, but if you really don't think that a person has the ability to grow and learn from their mistakes, (which everyone will make often) all while constantly showing and proving that they have grown and learn, then that's a bleak way to see things. It's just a sad way of thinking that just because a person made a mistake (obviously depending on the mistake), they're forever branded as a bad person.

It's like, needing people to be perfect and wise right off that bat, putting them on a pedestal where you think they won't ever make mistakes and once they inevitably do, suddenly they're never going to change and learn from it and they're always going to be a horrible person. And that just seems so…toxic.

Obviously, things are much, MUCH more complicated in reality. Some people never do change, some don't deserve forgiveness at all, and some are genuinely just horrible and vile human beings who deserve to rot. But thinking that everyone is like that?

Just, not everything is so black and white you know? Sometimes things are just various shades of grays. Humans are messy and complicated as fuck but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

[respectthepetty]

Kang's Trust Issues

All roads lead to my wild ass theory

Kang's dad told him that dogs must be punished to be controlled.

Both times Sailom has unknowingly approached the subject of Kang's dad, it has allowed Kang to be honest about his failing relationship with his father.

Yet Kang immediately stops himself and deflects.

Almost as if he was trained to belittle what he is saying, so someone else doesn't have to.

Because Kang's dad trained him to not trust himself.

And Sailom has fed into that.

Kang doesn't believe in anything, so Sailom gave him something to believe in - Sailom himself, but with that, Sailom also gave Kang someone he could trust since he can't trust himself.

So even though Kang is going about his relationship with his tutor in the queerest and most dominant way possible, he doesn't believe they are friends, so he wouldn't even be able to imagine he loves Sailom.

Because what Kang's dad really trained him to do was to lie to himself.

But he knows he can trust Sailom.

Because Sailom never lies.

And Sailom only acknowledges Kang when he is being honest.

Sailom has never eaten expensive steak. Sailom has never played with VR. Sailom likes free shit. Sailom got Kang's birthday cake from Kang's own fridge. Sailom was at that restaurant with a client. Sailom gets beaten up by debt collectors. Sailom told Kanghan all of this without hesitation. He never lies to Kanghan.

So how would Kang react if he thinks Sailom is lying to him?

Like . . . hypothetically helping his brother plan to rob Kang's house while he is out with Kang?

Especially if Kang, a boy who can't trust himself, trusts Sailom completely and starts to trust his feelings for him. How would a boy who has been tamed like a dog react?

And now it makes sense why Kang is not a boy of words, thoughts, or feelings, but actions. Kang has trust issues with himself. This is why he likes Sailom's approval because unlike his father who spins his desires into a negative (you don't want to do it), Sailom makes him feel positive (you can do it).

But it also shows why Kanghan's reactions are so out-of-control with Sailom (aggressive) compared to his reactions with his father (passive). With his dad, if Kang doesn't have options, he doesn't have to think, and if Kang doesn't think for himself, he can't act. But with Sailom . . .

Kang's trust in his father is based on control. His father made a deal with him only to break it. His father got Kang a motorcycle that he picked out for him. His father expects Kang to take over the family business. His father isn't controlling, but he doesn't need to be when he is already in control of Kang's future unlike Sailom who puts no pressure on Kang to pass his tests even though his job depended on it. Sailom trusts Kang will make the best decision for himself. Just like with his brother, Sailom has faith Kang will do the right thing.

So, once again, when Saifah breaks into Kang's house, will Kang trust the boy who never lies to him? Will Kang trust his tutor who demands honesty of him? Will Kang trust the friend who keeps his promises? And, more importantly, will Kang trust himself enough to know that he is more than dollar signs to Sailom?

Or will he lie to himself like he was trained to do?

Blue Boys are known for their honesty and trustworthiness.

So I have faith that he'll know the truth in his heart.

Don't disappoint me, kid.

[xdevilrushx]

Yuffie: You gotta admit - it's been awesome having me on the team, right?

Cloud: Hasn't been boring.

Yuffie: (fondly) You can say that again. It's been a real trip.

Cute Clouffie moment during the Jenova Lifeclinger fight.

They both have such a hard time admitting it, but they really do care for each other a great deal more than they're willing to let on (especially Cloud, with his usual too-cool-for-school attitude). Even though they might squabble like siblings at times, it's obvious that they have a soft spot for each other.

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

I DONT KNOW WHY BUT i was kinda imagining earlier barn having abandonment issues, and constantly feeling the need to ask howdy if hes gonna leave him, and when he gets upset infront of howdy he starts apologising and asking him not to leave ect ☹️‼️

anyway sillies 😋

im not sure what you mean by earlier barn!