#anyway don't debate me on this leave me in peace

[centrally-unplanned]

Academic History YouTuber Premodernist released video recently on "State Flag" discourse, and flag discourse more wildly, that I thought was pretty good! I agreed with 50% of it. For those who don't know, there is a longstanding movement in the vexillology community to push for more simplified flag designs, and they hate the state flags of the US as their antithesis; a movement that catapulted into the internet mainstream when YouTuber CGPGrey released a video riffing on that debate and grading all the state flag designs.

That video is great by the way (it's hilarious, CGP Grey is just very talented as a performer), and the biggest thing Premodernist is wrong about is that the state flags do suck. But what he gets right is that the so-called "principles" briefly referred to in the video are themselves pretty weak; some are fine but others do not hold up to much scrutiny. The state flags largely suck for the boring reason that they just suck; they are shitty designs and often repeat each other in a domain where "standing out" is the point. Like what the fuck Montana:

This is something a 5th grader whips up in PowerPoint for a class presentation. Helvetica Bold?? "Mandated by law in 1985" yeah I didn't need Wikipedia tell me this decision dates to the 80's.

But that is boring and subjective, right? You can't just say they suck. So you had to make a theory about it - and I won't go into too much detail but it generally boils down to:

Make it simple, "something a child could draw"

Make it "distinct at a distance", since it is a flag you are supposed to see it at a distance

Three colors or fewer

No words on flags

Which I think you can get the philosophy for. These principles, which CGP Grey outlines, actually come from the work of Ted Kaye, who is a big figure in the aforementioned flag reform movement and the focus of most of the video. As part of the original CGP Grey video I just rolled with that, but I did remember him showing Utah's newly designed flag at the end which embodied these principles, and uh:

This is kind of mid? Like it doesn't suck, but it looks like a corporate redesign of a hockey team logo or something. A bit of a red flag (hah) if your front-and-center case is weak.

Anyway this is what Premodernist digs into in the video. The stuff I agreed with the most are the parts where he just ???? at some of these rules. "No finicky bits", a "child must draw it", "distinct at a distance"? None of these actually track for say this one:

A child drawing the US flag does not draw 50 stars and 13 stripes unless they are a budding librarian; you absolutely cannot tell if this flag has 50 stars on it from a distance, and that level of detail is clearly some kind of finicky. Of course your response is "okay sure but still, I can tell what the flag is from a distance, I can't count the 50 stars but I get the gist". But that is true for almost all flags!

It's a fern and a peace pipe and a brown thing and the word "Oklahoma" below it, you absolutely, 100%, will be able to tell what this flag is at a distance. You don't need to count the leaves to get the general shape, and when you think about it, it is actually kind of silly anyone would claim otherwise. There just isn't any need to appreciate the tiny details on a flag to understand whose flag it is. (the only valid critique here is that everything should be bigger - too much dead space)

Not to mention the "see from a distance" thing even being a metric. That isn't how you encounter flags most often today? Maybe in the 19th century on a battlefield that was (and even then you had battle standards), but it isn't now. You see it in textbooks, on your computer screen, as an icon for a football game team, right next to you in a government office. Why privilege distance? You just made that up as a value. 99% of "flag consumption" is not seeing it at a distance.

The "only use ~3 colors thing" is the funniest, you can just argue this with...no? No you don't. You don't. What? No. You can...you can just use more colors? Here is an example from the "manual" Ted Kaye wrote on the subject:

And the 5 bands on the chinese flag are fine! They are not "hard to look at" or whatever. Also, I am screenshotting a tiny corner of a youtube video, this image is like 240p, and I can tell its a dragon - and that isn't even the color point it is trying to make, dude just deviates off into another critique. Meanwhile the Amsterdam flag looks like a traffic warning sign. Chinese flag needs to not have the white stripe connect into the white seal background, that is an error, but otherwise I prefer it.

It is annoying how many of the state flags are a blue banners with a round seal in the middle. That does make them hard to distinguish from each other. But that isn't a problem with seal-on-blue, that is just a collective action problem! Flag-reform-favourite the tricolor can run into this too - here are the flags of the Netherlands and Luxembourg:

Like one of your needs to go home and change, that is ridiculous. Though if you had a complex seal in the middle that might avoid this problem! Funny that.

Even the "no words on a flag" argument, which I am more sympathetic to, doesn't hold up too well because too often you find yourself going "unless it is good" which just isn't a rule. The Iranian flag is the stand-out he mentions:

The middle crest is a stylized rendition of the name Allah, and the cursive lining on the tricolor bands are text as well - God Is Great, 22 times, marking the anniversary date of the Islamic Revolution. Stylistically beautiful, also words on a flag. The state flags just didn't try to do anything artistic.

I think the best point Premodernism mentions is a sort of stylistic unity Kaye & Co are pursuing above all else - everything sacrificed for corporate minimalism. Kaye's book will say it respects history and symbols should be meaningful, but then hates any symbols that require complexity. He singles out Turkmenistan as an ugly flag for example:

And as I said I only 50% disagree sometimes, I do think there is a complexity limit, and this flag goes over it, that is too detailed. Though the main reason this flag is bad is the weird choice to not put the banner at the edge, and have the crescent just...float off center? If it was this:

Two seconds in paint, already better, you can play with it. But anyway, you can say the symbols are too complex, but if you also say you care about historical meaning? Turkmenistan is a nation of traditional semi-nomadic tribes, who populated the Silk Road and made textiles as their ultimate expression of art. These carpet guls are traditional symbols used in those carpets that represent the five major tribes that compose the country. You can't just invent new symbols that have equal meaning to these, right? Like you can try if you want, sure, new symbols become meaningful all the time. But a rule that says "all art from before 1950 is tossed in the dumpster because it wouldn't pass muster as a Pepsi logo" is a weird rule to adopt if you say you value historical meaning. Turkmenistan does not have to look like France, and it is weird to want every national symbol to be aesthetically coherent to each other. Let 100 flags bloom! It is certainly "distinct at a distance" lol.

Anyway that is enough summarizing of a YouTube video - as I mentioned, he actually likes the state flags, I don't, I do think you have to balance a lot of this with just "general design principles". Never have your name on a flag in Helvetica Bold, amazing I had to write that one down for you. But a lot of these flag-specific rules derived from Kaye's work I often see bandied about are silly, and I was glad to see someone point that out.

[buggybambi]

mama’s boy | carmen berzatto

content warnings: angst. donna insulting reader, mom!reader, carm and reader are married, carmen defending reader??, she/her pronouns for reader| content level: all ages, just be mindful of the angst.

summary: family dinner with the berzattos was never peaceful. until donna brings up your maternity leave.

“I don’t know. Maybe we should just.. not go.” Carmen offered as he held Winifred, or Winnie as you two called her, in his arms. A bottle pressed close to her mouth as she drank, with him lightly bouncing with her.

“Carmen, your mother has been calling and texting me all week asking what we plan on putting Winnie in. She barely got a chance to meet Winnie when she was born and I want her to at least get the chance to bond with her granddaughter.” You say as you cut up the vegetables for dinner.

Carmy lets out a sigh as he sits in one of the dining room chairs. “I just don’t want her to say something.” He mumbles. “She always says something, I just— I don’t want her to make you upset or say something insulting to Winnie.”

You turn the heat down on the stove, walking over to Carmen, placing your hands on his shoulders. “We can always leave. I just think it’d be nice for you and Winnie to see your family. That’s her family now, too.” You say softly as you stand behind him, gently scratching his scalp.

He leans his head back, looking at you upside down. “How’d I ever get so lucky to have you?” He asks. You press a kiss to his lips, smiling. “You have spit up on you.” You say softly, walking back over to the stove.

───

So far, nothing major had happened.

You'd been at Donna's house for nearly an hour and no comments, remarks or anything had been made. In front of Carmen, anyway - who was now in the living room with Pete, Richie, Fak. While you, Sugar and Donna stood in the kitchen, with you shaking up a bottle for Willow.

"So, when do you go back to work?" Sugar asks. "Two weeks. These past two months have been going past so fast." You answer with a smile. Thankfully, your job was flexible and let you work from home so you could handle Willow while Carmen went back to work.

"You still aren't back? Hm. When I had my kids, I was back to work after a week." Donna comments. Sugar quietly whispers a "mom" to try to get Donna to stop before she looks at her. "What? All I'm saying is, women now-a-days are just so.. lazy. They don't want to work. Your baby doesn't need you for three months, put her in a daycare." She scolds.

You stand there for a moment, processing before you quietly excuse yourself and exit the room. You went over to Carmen. "I'm gonna go feed Willow." You say, gently taking your daughter into your arms, lightly bouncing her.

Carmen knew that look. He'd worn that look before. His mom had said something. He waited until you were down the hallway and he heard the faint click of the guest bedroom to go into the kitchen. "What the fuck did you say to my wife?" He asks, his tone angry.

"Carmen-" Sugar begins. "No, Nat. What the hell did she say?" He demands. "All I said was I was shocked she isn't back at work yet. I went back when you guys were less then two weeks." Donna answers as Nat takes a step back, standing by to de-escalate.

"Ma, it's none of your business. She isn't you! She knows what's best for her body, it's not for you to try to debate." He says. "Carmen, do not raise your voice at me."

"Do not comment on my wife's decisions." He responds. "You're being very overdramatic, Carmen." Donna rolls her eyes. "She's my wife, and I'll be as dramatic as fuck for her." He says, before he turns and walks out.

───

He slowly opened the bedroom door, finding you on the edge of the bed. The half empty bottle beside you, a small towel thrown over your shoulder, with you gently rocking Willow. "Yeah, I know. You and I are both kinda new at this, huh? But we're learning." You spoke softly.

He steps in, smiling. "Hey. You okay?" He asks in a hushed voice, sitting gently down beside you. You nod, smiling at him. "Are you alright?" You ask in return.

He nods, placing a kiss on your head, wrapping an arm around you and stroking Willow's cheek with his pinky. "We're all good." He says, eyeing the bottle. "She's eating more." He points out.

You nod. "She's doing better at it." You reply. "Of course she is. She has you as a mom and you're the best mom out there." He says. You peck him on the cheek, laying your head on him.

"I love you."

"I love you, more."

[erabu-san]

halooo erabuuuu:DDD i was wondering what headcanons you have abt sethos and scara (platonic or romantic! im just so happy they're interacting heusheujauw) and i saw the other asks abt them as well and theyre all adorable<333

With the time, yeah, I ship them but... It is a bit complicated ?? I still stuck with one-sided from Sethos, and he already knows it ! But Wanderer doesn't show uncomfortable reaction, and seems like he doesn't care, so Sethos openly continue complimenting him.

Most of the time, when Wanderer don't ignore and they have a conversation, it is deep conversation abt history, their opinion about what wisdom is, they debate etc etc... They know they both have a secret (one is leader of Temple of Silence and the other is more than a simple student) and it kind of make them feel closer in some way, even if they are both different !

Sethos is SO. SO. SOOO. Interested on Wanderer in all kind of way. His origin ? His backstory ? His role in Akademiya ?? His curiosity kind of grow in him, becoming a complexing feeling finding how Wanderer is so fascinating. And the fact Wanderer is canonly have a pretty face doesn't help Sethos hahahaha !

For Wanderer, he is also kind of interested on Sethos ; he is clearly not like everyone he met. I believe he already knows he is from Temple of Silence since he works under Nahida and Sethos met Nahida (in sethosbackto) ! But... a mature and capable leader of old knowledge, who just living as a simple human who likes doing service and like running everywhere, indeed it is not something you can see everyday.

The thing is, I think Wanderer doesn't feel legitimate to have friends, nor living a peaceful life (it shows that he doesn't dislike having interaction with student in Akademiya, he just prefers to be alone maybe because of his "redemption")

So when Sethos clearly shows his interest he has toward him (not in romantic way at first), it makes him so confused on HOW persistent Sethos was. With the time, he just accepted it and even start the conversation when there is only the two of them ! (oh this part of Sethos's backstory 1 still rent in my heart) (calling Sethos a busy BEE and smiling, Wanderer plz.)

Oh, and Wanderer would call Sethos "weird" to like him !

"...You are so weird to like someone like me"

"Yes, maybe I am !"

"Hmph, you will regret it."

"I am the only one who can tell how I do feel"

And because Sethos is honest but not in guileless way, and also smart, kind of makes Wanderer comfortable. But, he can't help to fear rejection, abandonment, and keep feeling guilty, so... he keeps rejecting Sethos (what a bad idea because it doesn't stop him !! I am sure Sethos is also extremely patient to not push Wanderer. Like when Wanderer is leaving, he lets him leaves.)

I HC that one day, Sethos asked "if you want me to stop, look at my eyes, and tell me firmly" and Wanderer hesistated. It is so complex, because yes, he would like him to stop so why suddenly he just can't ? Deeply in him, all this compliments makes him happy, Sethos keeping searching him intrigued him but he finds comfort in Sethos's act (HMMMM borderline disorder personnality Wanderer) (it is so complex, I clearly don't master this topic, I know only the base)

(but it explains his constant fear and his constant rejection of affection)

But Sethos gets it. He understands that some feeling is hard to explain, and with the time, he gets how Wanderer act. He is always harsh and tell his mind, if there is something he dislikes, he would make it clear and badmouth it. so huh in the end sethos didnt stop dfsdgzrg

Anyway !!! there is this one brainrot I like, and this is Wanderer liking hearing Sethos's heartbeat. It happened when they were suddenly close (don't ask the context because i have no idea, just imagine) and Wanderer heard Setho's heartbeat

"How it can be so loud?"

"It is because of you haha"

And, those words activate something in Wanderer. He never had the thought that he could make a heart beating loudly and fast. I mean, the phase of him being obsessed having a heart is over but... wow ?

And I just imaging Wanderer wishing to listen more and more closely. (HUH I DRAW A SKETCH TO ILLUSTRATE MY THOUGHT !!)

And idk maybe listening Sethos's heartbeat relaxed Wanderer, thinking about "this sound is for me"

sethos have wanderer's hat because i just imagine "if you are interested in my hat, let me hear your heart" and that's the deal bazhebahzeaz

Oh !! WANDERER WOULD TEASE HIM, seeing Sethos all flustered.

"Where does your gut leave ? Hmph, it is satisfying to remove your stupid smile" while smirking and it just made Sethos more gay panicking I guess !!

And that's all for sethoscara talk. I hope the answer was in your liking, anon ! Thank you for letting me talk about them

[awkward-halfhug]

saving grace | warren peace x reader

summary: you have some bullying problems. Warren helps out

contents: Ron Wilson Bus Driver's daughter!reader x warren peace (because my sister said she wanted to see Ron Wilson mentioned and I said I can do u one better), cw bullying, chocolates, birdsong

2.4k

Bang. Bang bang. Your fists are softer than they should be against the thin metal. The knocking half hearted at this point.

This is the second month into the school year, and you've found yourelf in this exact scenario nearly every day. It's always right as you're heading to lunch. No matter where you happen to be, you're grabbed in broad daylight, hauled to your locker, and trapped there by one means or another, until you can figure your way out.

It's not the same people every time. They seem to rotate out. You think maybe they're on a schedule. Wonder if they coordinate with eachother and see what day is good for each of them. The idea makes you smile a bit, though it really shouldn't. Organized crime.

You don't always see who it is, but even if you do, it doesn't matter. Sky high doesn't have the best track record with this kind of thing. So, you mainly keep your predicament to yourself. Your teachers have enough to worry about, molding young superminds and all that. And your dad...you just really don't want your dad to worry.

It's not all bad though! Sometimes the cafeteria gets a bit too loud for you anyways. It can get pretty rowdy, especially when the students use their powers to show off to eachother (even though they're not supposed to outside of gym). So, really, a nice enclosed space isn't the worst place you could be, all things considered.

You sigh. It would be better if you had tater tots, though.

You hear footsteps down the hallway and perk up. Start banging your fist against your locker door in earnest.

"Excuse me? Hello?" You wait a moment and frown when there's no response. Try again.

"Would you mind opening my locker please? I'm inside of it!" Because that wasn't clear, surely.

"Whats the combination?" You hear, muffled. You grin in relief.

"It's 123"

Silence.

"Your locker combination is 123?" The voice is incredulous, maybe a little bit judgy.

"They find a way in anyway, it's easier for the janitor if I keep it simple so he can remember." You defend to the stranger through the metal.

You hear a sigh, and then the clicking of your lock, and then finally, the door opens.

The sight that greets you is not the last thing you expect to see, as it's not one of your bullies. But it's pretty close. Warren Peace is standing in front of you. The perpetually glaring, incredibly intimidating Warren Peace is your savior. Who would've thought?

You almost forget to climb out of your locker except he starts to look at you like you're stupid, and that's usually your cue to jump into action.

"Hi!" You say and he flinches. Too loud, woops.

Warren puts his hands in his pockets and turns to leave, this interaction apparently over for him.

You close your locker and hurry to catch up to him. "Thank you so much. I was getting hungry."

Warren nods. "Yeah, well..." He scratches the back of his neck.

It takes you a minute to realize you're headed outside.

"Did you already eat?" You ask.

"Lunch is almost over, so yeah."

You frown. There's probably not enough time for you to go get something and eat before fifth period. You brighten when you remember the chocolate your dad keeps in his mini lunch cooler. And you happen to be heading out that way.

"Do you like chocolate?"

"Why are you following me?" Warren looks put-out, but not for much longer, you decide.

"I'm thanking you."

"You already thanked me." He sighs.

"You didn't answer me. Do you like chocolate?" You persist. It's an important question, after all.

Warren pinches his lips together, looks like he's internally debating answering, and then reluctantly says "Yes." Before picking his pace up a bit so he's walking ahead of you out the school doors into the courtyard.

You speed up to match him, almost. "Good! Awesome. Follow me." You smile into his confused face and lock your arm around his before pulling him toward the school bus. He could get out of your hold easily, you're sure, but he doesn't, so he must be at least a little curious where you're going.

Your dad is on the other side of the bus when you arrive. You can see him practicing what might be karate moves under the shade of a big tree.

Warren looks less curious and more wary now as you tug his arm forward.

"What are you–?"

"Hey dad!"

You feel Warren startle beside you at the same time as you watch your dad startle in front of you. You watch him fall onto his butt after a particularly enthusiastic kick.

"Oww" your dad moans, and you grimace.

"Sorry."

He waves you off as he stands, giving you a smile through the pain. "It's okay, kiddo." You watch his eyes widen when he notices Warren beside you and he straightens his posture.

"Oh! Hi there, I'm Ron Wilson, bus driver", your dad whips out a business card and hands it to a bemused Warren. "And this little ray of sunshine's dad."

Your dad smiles at you proudly and you smile back. His eyes then flicker down to where your arm is locked around Warren's and a a weird expression crosses his face.

You flush and drops Warren's arm. Warren rolls his shoulders back like he'd been held captive against his will, which is just silly, and could finally stretch his muscles.

Warren glares at you a little as he makes eye contact with you before nodding at your dad. "Warren."

"You guys new friends?" Your dad asks, less excited than he usually is to meet new people. His eyes were still staring at where your arm was around Warren's.

Are you friends now? You're not sure. You don't remember the last time you made a friend, but a friendly gesture seems like the start of a friendship, right? That's how it was in kindergarten, you think.

"Warren helped me out with something at school today" you feel Warren give you a look and ignore it, "and I wanted to give him some chocolate to thank him. Do you have more in your lunch? I'll pay you back."

Your dad's features seem to clear up a little. He looks at Warren's eyes instead of his arm. "Oh, well that was nice of you! Sure, sure. What do you like, Hershey? Nestlé?" He goes to his cooler in the bus and starts rummaging around to find the goods.

You look up at Warren with an excited smile, and you watch as his glare loses heat almost reluctantly.

He rolls his eyes and leans toward you slightly. Murmurs as your dad is still in the bus. "I had stuff to do, y'know. Why am I out here meeting your dad?"

You frown. "It's not a proper thank you without sugar." You tell him. You want to add duh but think that'd probably be rude.

He snorts. "Ah. Well then, of course. Proceed." He says it sarcastically, but he's still standing there so you know he wants the chocolate just as much as any sane person would.

Your dad backs out of the bus with his arms full of mini chocolates. Smiling, he gestures Warren closer with his head.

"Well, don't be shy!" Your dad jostles his armfull until Warren slowly walks over and takes some chocolate, looking pained. The effect is lost though, when he takes his time sorting through the chocolates until he finds one he wants.

Warren starts to back away but when your dad says "take two!" Warren doesn't hesitate.

"Uh, thanks. Sir." The words are clumsy in Warren's mouth and it makes you smile.

"Thank you dad!" You say as you take two for yourself. "See you later." You give him a kiss on the cheek and lead Warren back to the school where fifth period is probably starting.

You walk in silence through the doors and hide your chocolates in sync when you see Mr. Boy in the hallway.

The bell rings and when you turn to say goodbye to Warren, he's already gone.

———

It's a week later before you really see eachother again. You have gym together but nothing else, what with your ability to perfectly imitate birdcalls deeming you hero support, and him being a hero and all. Your hero, you giggle to yourself.

Distracted, you don't see the boys until it's too late. Two sets of arms are around you from the sides before you know it, hauling you up and, predictably, to your locker.

You think maybe by this point you should just resign yourself to the routine completely, but you can't help yourself from struggling against the hold. No one helps you as you look from face to face of your peers. Some look on with pity, some pretend not to see, and others don't care. A couple even laugh.

You feel stupid tears prickle at the backs of your eyes in frustration and struggle a little harder. Your attackers gasp and you think you've done something right, but when you twist around, you see the source of the change isn't you, it's Warren. He's got a hand on each of the boys' shoulders, and as you watch, smoke rises from his hands. He squeezes, and the boys' faces screw up and their bodies try to cringe away from him.

They drop you. You're too amazed to worry about your stinging tailbone. Although, no, actually that does sting really bad.

Warren's expression is barely any different than his usual one. Which is to say, it's intimidating. But now his brows are furrowed in disgust as he glares at them.

The kids manage to wrestle out of his hold and run off before he can grab either of them again. Warren turns back to you. He sighs heavily.

"So. That keep happening?" He asks, with an almost uninterested tone. Almost.

You nod. He nods back, thinking, as he looks around them. Glares at the people who make eye contact.

He takes a deep breath. "Well, are you hungry or are you just going to sit there all day?"

"Oh!" You must look silly sitting on the floor like that. Probably an improvement to how you look being shoved into your locker, though. You wipe the tears from your cheeks discreetly and start to get up, when Warren grabs your arm and gently pulls you up.

He still looks bored when you're up and closer to eye level with him. But he can't fake nonchalance when he just stepped in to help you.

Your earlier thoughts come to mind. Your hero indeed. You're staring at him in awe when he clears his throat.

You're still both standing in the hall as bystanders walk past, uncaring, into the cafeteria.

"Sorry, yeah. Thank you. Again. Thank you so much." You smile your most grateful smile at him and he actually starts to look uncomfortable.

"I meant, are you going to lunch? They're gone." Warren stays standing in the hallway, waiting for your answer.

You can, now, you realize. You can actually go to lunch, and eat food, and not have your stomach complain at you the rest of the schoolday. You almost can't believe it.

"That would be nice." You say, in awe once again.

"'Kay. Go in then." Warren lifts his eyebrows and gestures for you to enter the cafeteria. You walk to the line and Warren follows behind.

After loading up your tray, you stand a few feet out of the line and stare out at the tables of kids eating and talking and laughing together. You don't know where to go now. There's only one empty table, and you watch Warren walk past you and sit down at it.

You look around for another few seconds before making a decision.

Warren looks up mid-bite as you put your tray down at his table. Place the pudding cup from your tray onto his. You look at him in silent question. He just stares at you for a moment, before returning to his food. He pulls the pudding a little closer to him. You take that as permission and settle down to eat.

Lunch is a quiet affair, but peaceful, and you find yourself smiling into your broccoli.

———

At first you think it might be a coincidence, when you start running into Warren right after the lunch bell rings. It could be a coincidence still, you think. But it's a coincidence that's happened every single day since he chased off those kids harassing you.

It could be a coincidence, but he sure does look like he's waiting for you, as he stands leaned against the hallway directly outside your classroom, and straightens up when you exit.

It could be a coincidence, you admit. Maybe. But you hope it isn't.

Each day you walk side by side to the cafeteria, as if you'd agreed to it. As if this was something you'd always done. You didn't, and you hadn't. You love it.

He's quiet, and brooding, and intimidating and lovely. These days you can't tamp down the fluttering in your stomach in fourth period as you anticipate the bell. A different sort of anticipation than you're used to. A good kind.

You try to dial down the smile as he looks over at you.

"What?" Warren frowns suspiciously.

"Nothing! Nothing. Just happy." You fold your hands together in front of you and hum as you head toward the food.

Warren lets you step in front of him in line and you each load up your trays before heading to a table.

Your table. Both or yours. You sigh happily.

It's technically, perhaps, just Warren's table. But since you sat with him that first time, you've continued every day since, and he hasn't shoo'd you off yet! It feels like a definite win.

"Hey Warren..."

Warren grunts in acknowledgement, shoving a fry in his mouth.

"Would you call us friends?"

He pauses in his fry-eating. Looks at you. Looks back down. Steals your jello.

"I mean. If that's what you wanna be."

You frown. Not as enthusiastic of a reply as would be optimal, but this is Warren you're talking to.

"Do you not want to be friends?" You can't help but ask. The evidence makes it seem ridiculous but you have to know.

He steals your plastic spoon and opens his pilferred jello. Speaks quietly. "If you want to be friends, we're friends, okay?"

It sounds like an admission to you.

"Are you sure you don't just like me for my food?"

Warren cracks a tiny smile, obviously relieved. "Who says I like you?"

"Little birdie" you grin coyly.

"Oh, and which bird would that be?"

You imitate a Blue Jay and Warren laughs.

thank you for reading! If you enjoyed, please consider reblogging/commenting, it means a lot ♡

[ddejavvu]

reader being shy about her period even though she’s been with hotch for while and doesn’t want to talk about it with him, but he’s straightforward about it, knows reader is shy but they’re both adults! so he draws her a bath (and maybe joins her?) and takes care of her whether she likes it or not lol

basically something fluffy 🥺

Drawing your bath is something you do every single night, but tonight it feels different, weird. It's probably the looming threat of Aaron shuffling around in the bedroom, and you're not even halfway through working up viable excuses when he asks the dreaded question.

"Can I join you?"

He's already undoing his pants before giving you the chance to answer. You never say no, the question is more of a formality at this point. But this time you shake your head, turning around to face him head-on.

"Uh, actually, Aaron, I think I want to take this one alone."

He freezes with his hand down his pants. Apparently untucking his shirt leaves him in a position that makes him look like a depraved teenager.

"Okay," He nods, redoing his zipper, clearly taken-aback, "Is there any reason why?"

"My head hurts. I just- I kind of want to be alone."

His face drops sympathetically, and he nods along, already reaching into the cabinet for the advil, "I'm sorry, honey. Here, take some, and when you're out I'll run interference with Jack so that you can go and lay down."

The way he handles it makes you feel bad for lying to him, but you bite the bullet and take the medicine anyways. It won't do anything, and the worst it will do is give you a headache. Then at least you won't be a liar.

"Thanks, Aaron," You murmur, bumping your face into his chest in a low-effort hug that holds more sincerity than it seems to, "I love you."

"I love you, too." He hums, kissing the crown of your head. He makes for the bedroom again, about to leave you to bathe in peace, but he doubles back, "Oh, and just so you know, I saw you were running low on pads, so I picked some up on my way home from work, but they're in that cabinet."

He points beneath the sink and your stomach drops, "I know you usually keep them in your purse, but Jack wanted gum this morning and I saw you didn't have many left, so I just stocked them here. You can move them, it doesn't matter to me, I just wanted you to know where they were."

He barely glances up at you after he's done, but the momentary gaze is enough to see that you're frozen. He stills in the doorway, "Honey? Are you okay?"

"You bought me pads?" The question feels embarrassing, heating your cheeks and burning your belly.

"I made sure they were the same kind," His brows furrow, "Is that.. okay?"

"It's-" You stammer, lip quivering slightly, "It's fine, it's- great! It's too good, Aaron," Tears well in your eyes, "You're too good to me."

"Honey," He croons, rushing to catch you in a hug, "That's- buying pads is not 'too good for you'. You need them, it's just the same as when I make you dinner or drive you to work."

"Those are all great," You gush, staining his dark green polo with your tears, "You're the perfect man."

You don't need to feel his cheeks to know they're on fire, and he chuckles sheepishly, rubbing up and down your back, "I think that's debatable, you can ask a few higher-ups at the office."

"Well you've never bought Erin Strauss pads before, have you?" You sniffle, two damp blotches on his shirt left behind even after you pick your head up out of his chest.

"No," He grins, shaking his head, "No, but one year I bought her a #1 boss mug."

"#1 bitch," You mumble, turning away so he can't see your smirk as he laughs, "Oh, and Aaron?"

"Mhm?"

"You can get in, if you want." You offer, still residually hesitant, "I just- I don't really have a headache. I didn't want you to know about.."

"Your period." He finishes for you, voice strong and sure of himself, "Alright. Lemme just set Jack up with a movie, then I'll be back."

You take the time he's gone to peek under the bathroom sink, and sure enough, two large packages of your go-to menstrual pads sit beneath a pipe. They're lined up neatly beside his shaving kit, and you marvel at the domesticity they radiate together. You pluck one from the package, fresh and light pink. The wrapper crinkles as you set it on the counter beside your fresh underwear, and a wave of comfort washes over you. This is your house, and you're allowed to live in it.

Comfort steps aside for amusement, though, when you picture Aaron striding into a corner store in his suit and tie, picking up two packages of pink pads, and handing them over to the teenage cashier.

"What's so funny?' He peels off his shirt with ease now that it's no longer tucked into his pants, discarding it on the floor.

"Nothing," You insist, a smile still lingering on your lips, "I bet the 15-year old checker was fun to talk to."

[loriannbowman]

Honkai Star Rail X Arknights | Yandere!Sunday X Sankta!Reader | Part Six

You purse your lips with confusion. Sunday was acting strange... or maybe not? You don't actually know him as you had only just met him, but you can't help but feel uneasy with his flittery movements. He's on edge, you seen that look thousands of times, you couldn't mistake it for anything else.

You hum slightly, lips pressed into a firm line.

"Mr. Sunday? Are you sure everything is alright?"

Sunday's attention refocuses on you. He gives a wobbly smile. His body feels like it's buzzing. His gloved hands tremble and his fingers twitch.

"Of course," he says, trying his best to sooth himself, "I'm fine, just a bit excited, that's all."

"Excited?"

Sunday hums.

"Yes, I'm excited to show you around more of Penacony."

You quirk a brow.

"What do you mean? Before, it sounded like you were going to kick me out!" you say with a nervous chuckle.

"Kick you out? We don't have such ways of doing that unless your body is within the Reverie, which it's not, might I remind you, my little stow away."

You gawk at his words, shocked by the sudden playfulness Sunday was sharing with you.

"Uh huh..." you say with a tilt of your head, "right. Got it... Actually, on the topic of getting kicked, how would I leave this place?"

Sunday's expression flattens, almost threatening.

"Well, there are two ways. First, you simply wake up, many people wake up by themselves naturally or by force."

You lean forwards.

"And the second...?"

"You die."

Your eyes widen to the size of saucers. All parts of you go on high alert, the same feeling you get when ready to proceed in combat.

"Die?!" you exclaim.

Sunday quickly covers your mouth, his gloves getting slightly wet from your partly opened lips.

What soft lips... I wish I could kiss them.

"Shh! You mustn't say things so loudly, you'll cause panic! Let me explain. One cannot really die in a dream, right? When you hit the ground after a fall, or get hurt by a weapon, the body forces itself to wake up by jumpstarting itself. We do not speak of "death" in the dreamscape, lest the people run into disorder."

Your eyes slowly close back to their normal size as your brain begins to process the information. What he says is mostly true. When hit with a sort of trauma, the human body's natural system is to jolt awake with adrenaline as the brain thinks you're going to die.

But death is possible in dreams, it's just not common.

Sunday slowly removes his slender fingers from your mouth, fiddling with them with his thumb. You pop your lips slightly, trying to shake away the foreign feeling away.

Carefully, Sunday brings his hands to his lips in a thinking gesture. He presses the fabric that touched your lips against his.

An indirect kiss is still a kiss... but I want a real one.

"Anyway, those are the ways in which you can force yourself awake. But those are crude and can cause quiet a disturbance in the peace. There's no reason to force yourself awake, right? You'll wake up on your own, so why not enjoy the atmosphere while you're here? Who knows if you'll ever get a chance to visit again, right?"

You purse your lips once again, debating on what to do. Sunday's offer sounds tempting, and he's right about you ever coming back. But there are people back home who need treatments, protection, a person to talk to... Even though you've only been here for a short while, you can't help but feel home sick.

"Doctor Loriann might just kill me..." you mutter to yourself, "but a little longer won't hurt, right?"

[konigsluvr]

Omg thanks so much for getting back on my request so fast! The NSFW bit was a nice bonus 😏 tsk got me simping more on this man

Yes 6 months ago way peak Avatar, there was an endless supply of fics to binge but the past 2 months it's dwindled down a lot huh

Can i request more König HC if that's okay, but about his domestic preferences. Like his morning routine, his fave food, how he likes his coffee, his fashion sense etc

Thanks, and no rush! Take care x

I'm so glad you guys liked my recent headcanons, I was nervous it wasn't gonna get any attention but the amount of reposts and likes warmed my heart smmmmm<33 and I miss avatar so much, I've been deep in the cod stuff that I haven't read anything about avatar in agessss. Anyways here is könig headcanons, domestic version (sorry I took so long xx). Reblogs are highly appreciate <33

★ navigation ★ masterlist ★

König Headcanons pt2

Includes: König being a cutie at home.

☆ his bed is probably in his top 3 favourite things in life. Like they would be 1: You, 2: you again, 3: his bed. Like there's nothing better than coming home from a long and stressful mission and finding you sleeping in his queensized bed. You make sure to wash the bed for when he comes home so he has the best nights sleep. You'd hear him let out a relieved sigh when he gets in bed and cuddles with you. Nothing better.

☆ I picture him as a morning person. It's just way more peaceful, calm, and bright. Plus, whenever he sleeps in, he feels a tad bit guilty due to "wasting" seeing a beautiful morning.

☆ the type of man that shuts his blinds in the evening, makes his home cosier and he feels a lot safer and private.

☆ he wears those compression shirts at the gym or when he's training at base... omg I'm just imagining how beefy he looks.

☆ black coffee, he probably likes the bitter taste but will probably switch to a more milky coffee once you convince him that its just way better. Probably won't take any sugars because he will be scared it will ruin his godly physique.

☆ for breakfast, he eats cereal because most of the time he can't be bothered cooking as soon as he wakes up. Sometimes he'll forget but you'll always be there to make sure he eats <33

☆ I'm sorry, I gotta include this. Apple juice>orange juice. You two have definetly had a heated debate on which one is better but he won, of course.

☆ könig probably won't leave the house much, if he does it's just for a small walk around his neighbourhood or in the park, and going grocery shopping.

☆ he would like to be comfy so wearing a hoodie or a jumper suits him and on a good day he'll wear his jeans, but mostly just joggers. (Grey Joggers *wink wink*)

☆ if you two are going out to a fancy dinner, he'll try to dress up for you but you tell him its fine as you don't want him to feel too causcious or vulnerable in public.

☆ fave food... I actually have no idea. He enjoys a good steak, especially if it's cooked by you :))

☆ he's a good cook, he can chef up a really good meal if he's in the mood. If you can cook better than him, he wouldn't even be mad. He would find it really attractive and would just watch you from the kitchen counter or stand right behind you looking over your shoulder, watching you cook. And if you burn something by mistake he'll either prevent it from happening before you even notice or he was too distracted by you and would laugh and tell you it's okay, and convince you he likes it a little crispy to make you feel better.

☆ his home probably didn't have much things lying around, such as decorations and random objects, but as soon as you moved in, you made it more homely with your random makeup there or your dropped clothing here. He's a tidy person but wouldn't be mad if you forget to put something away, he would most likely just leave it there in case you need it again later on or remind you kindly that it's there.

☆ movie nightssssss!! Imagine cuddling up with König on a Friday night when you two can't be bothered going out for a drink at the bar. You both choose a movie line up for the night, go out and buy some of your favourite snacks, get your most cosy blankets and share them together. Goals. Literal goals.

Sorry this pretty short. Have a lovely day and take care of yourself xxx

[oh-no-its-bird]

sorry but I genuinely need to know what the outside perspective of stoner Itama is- the ultimate weed supplier of Konoha?? At what point do they draw the line with this guy 😭

A wonderful question that makes me lose my mind a little bit to even consider actually

So we've already talked about how in this verse, Itama and Tobirama were trained to fight together as a duo, so they probably have at least a battle reputation that's tied pretty closely together

Actually hmm I'm thinking and that could cause problems for Izuna specifically, bc him and tobirama are on even ground and Itama would definatley tip the scales there

Ok so rewind -> they're trained to fight together and fucking terrifying, but for Reasons(tm) Itama tends to stick close to home base as a last line of defense / resident healer and clan poison master

When they send Tobirama and Itama out together it's to get shit DONE. Maybe Hashirama, in his desire for peace, actually specifically leaves him behind bc he knows if the twins go out on the battlefield together, certain pieces he doesn't want moved will certainly be doing some goddamn moving

As such, he doesn't have much of a reputation / maybe there's some sort of rumor ab him being sickly floating around

This also means he can do fun spy things bc no one knows what he looks like!! Which is even more reason to keep him off the battlefield, yayy

Funny bit where Itama and Izuna run into eachother in the wild and Itama totally knows who this guy is but Izuna has no idea who he is. Maybe they help eachother out a bit and Itama makes a joke about how he got separated from his brother, who's "tall and grumpy and acts like a cute little kitty cat <3"

And Izuna is like, haven't seen him, sorry

Then Tobirama shows up and Izuna is screeching "THATS Bibi-chan???" As Itama uwus and goes "I told you didn't I? My bibi-chan is tall and grumpy and acts like a cute kitty cat <333"

(Izuna feels like he's having an aneurysm)

Blah blah blah Konoha is made early yayy friendship peace and ninja drugs galore what a beautiful world we live in

The consensus on Itama inside Konoha is that he's very nice and the most reasonable / easy to work with of the 3 Senju brothers (HIGHLY debatable, they are all insane in very different ways)

Anyone who meets him personally within professional bounds finds him very charming and soft spoken, with the type of personality on the surface that'd make you think he isn't fit for shinobi work (which, to any shinobi worth their salt, is a red flag in itself)

Itama is very conscious of public opinions, and he's friends with Izuna who's like got spy master vibes going on for him— they probably collaborate together sometimes in that field. So he has a good grasp on what people think of him / how to manipulate that

OUTSIDE of the village, since Itama mostly avoided public eye for so long, he doesn't have too much of a reputation. Even after he started going out with Tobirama on public missions regularly, bc of Tobirama's own big reputation, whenever they do insane shit it tends to be attributed to him— not the harmless looking guy standing innocently behind him

Konoha's secret weapon,,

Anyways !! I don't think the fact that Itama is specifically the mind behind the really good konoha weed is public knowledge. It's definitely known that it's a Senju product, and a lot of people probably assume it's Hashirama

Itama IS however known as the guy who totally always has that good ninja weed, and he's totally always on staff as one of the first faces any visiting important people see. He's so disarming, he's great at charming dignitaries

He and Izuna probably get sent to the capital whenever they need court representation actually. Konoha's pretty politics duo here to smile nicely and feed you pretty lies

What the fuck was I talking about again

RIGHT OK SO

Outside of the village people don't really know Itama has as much importance / influence as he does, due to a mix of on purpose subterfuge and just everyone around him having really big reputations that he carefully allows to overshadow his own

It benefits him :)

They never see the Itama inquisition coming

<- This also means that when he does insane shit he never fails to get "oh what the fuck" reactions from anyone new around him (he finds the process of watching people realize he's just as bad / possibly even WORSE than his brothers very, very funny)

[viviennevermillion]

hi hi! this is my first time requesting something hsr wmqomq, may i request a small comfort fic with dan heng? with the reader being constantly fearful of doing something wrong, even if they have solid ideas on how to move forward or to work, because they feel as though one mistake will ruin things for others + will ruin others' perception of themselves (especially dan heng's perception towards them); preferably, the premise being dan heng comforting and reassuring them.

i hope you have a great and wonderful day / night over there!

ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ

✧ ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ: finally doing this request, reblogs and comments are appreciated.

✧ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ: dan heng x gn!reader, hurt/comfort, mentions of dan heng's past life, fluff, pre-relationship

✧ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: you matter to me — natalie weiss, brad greer

✧ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ: insecurities

Your eyes felt tired after you been awake for too long and you wondered whether your mind was ever going to give you the peace you deserved. You had reflected on the events of today, moving through the activities you did as if they were a list of points to check in order to evaluate a performance. You pondered on the breakfast you shared with Dan Heng and Mr. Yang, questioning whether the latter had been so cut-off and distant in his responses because of something you said or something that had nothing to do with you at all. You weren't sure whether you did your chores around the Express well enough for Himeko to be satisfied or whether she was going to talk to you tomorrow, asking you to be a bit more thorough. You had been tired and it felt like energy was a precious resource that you did not have the privilege of obtaining today.

And then there was Dan Heng. The thought of him made you smile instantly. The way his hair looked messy still from the night when he joined you at the breakfast table, taking a sip of his coffee and yawning as if he, too, regretted not getting enough sleep that night. You remembered the feeling of sitting idly next to him on the train, both of you reading books and enjoying each other's company without saying a word. As long as you were with him, though he did not speak much, everything felt comfortable and safe. As though you had found a refuge with another person, someone who reassured you that he'd be there; strengthening you and accepting you as you were; without even actively trying.

It was only when you were alone again, that doubts started to creep back into your mind. Doubts about whether he truly enjoyed your presence. Or whether he liked you but found that it was exhausting to be around you. Like you needed too much help or made too many mistakes. Maybe he felt like he needed to work extra hard to make up for your shortfall.

You had finished your second cup of tea for the night, cleaning the cup on the small kitchen counter near everyone's rooms before putting it back into the cupboard. You had seen that the lights in the archives were still on, meaning that Dan Heng had either passed out on his desk with his nose in a book or the man whose appreciation you craved more than anyone else's was still awake, possibly struggling to fall asleep just as much as you were.

You were pacing around the hallway, debating whether or not to knock on your crewmate's door, but feeling like it would probably anger him if you did. You had hesitated in front of the archives for a moment before deciding that it was probably best if you just went back to your room and tried to sleep for at least a couple of hours. Just when you were about to leave, the door to Dan Heng's room opened; your Vidyadhara friend peeking through the opening to look at you with a questioning expression. "Did you need anything?", he asked, making sure his voice was quiet enough as to not wake March in the room next to his, "I heard you walking around here and stopping in front of the archives... I don't mind if you need help with something. I wasn't sleeping anyway."

“Oh I was just…”, you awkwardly put a hand on your neck trying to remember what you even expected to happen if you had knocked on his door, “I just couldn’t sleep. Made myself tea.” Dan Heng nodded and let out a sigh. “I haven’t been sleeping well either…”, he admitted, opening the door a little more for you, “would you like to come in for another cup of tea?” You needed a moment to process the question. Dan Heng rarely ever took the initiative and invited people to his room if it wasn’t to help them out with missions or questions that could be answered with the help of the Astral Express archives. So you nodded and took him up on the invitation, watching your friend prepare two cups of tea. A honey & orange flavored one for you and darjeeling for himself. You wondered whether he just associated different tea flavors with all his friends. Weirdly enough, that was something you could see him doing.

“So… why is it that you can’t sleep?”, you asked, sitting down on his desk chair, “is there some super important research topic that you are mulling over?” Dan Heng sat down on his mattress again, putting the tea beside him on the ground. “Not really”, he shook his head and sighed; hesitating for a moment as if debating whether he should open up to you further, “I get a lot of nightmares… they’ve gotten worse since we went to the Luofu.” “Oh”, you whispered quietly, now feeling a little awkward about the whole thing, “I’m sorry if I brought up a sensitive subject by asking that… just… know that if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here to listen.” Dan Heng nodded with a soft smile on his face. “Thank you. I appreciate that”, he replied with a genuine expression, “you didn’t hit a sore spot, it’s alright. But it’s only fair now that you tell me what’s keeping you up as well.” Much to your surprise, Dan Heng proceeded to pat the mattress and invite you to sit down next to him. You did as he had gestured and thought about how honest you wanted to allow yourself to be around him. “Hey do… do you ever think I’m making too many mistakes?”, you looked down, not feeling comfortable enough to look into his eyes while asking that question, “like I’m not doing enough for the Express? That I’m holding you guys back? I guess that’s something I’ve been… worried about… for a while now.” 

Dan Heng seemed surprised at your question. “I had no idea you felt that way”, he spoke calmly, “truth be told, no such thought ever occurred to me about you and I doubt the other crew members feel that way either. Well, except for Pom-Pom maybe; but they’re like that with all of us, so I wouldn’t take it personally.” He smiled when he realized that got a chuckle out of you. 

“We all make mistakes”, he then continued, “I mean; March once wanted to see if she could jump from one train car to the other while it was driving so the bar is technically in hell… but that’s beside the point. Being a part of this team isn’t a performance or something you have to be good at. It’s a path you choose to walk alongside us and there’s a place here for anyone who needs it. Himeko taught me that much…” It hadn’t flown over your head that Dan Heng had gotten much more comfortable with the rest of the crew since your return from the Xianzhou Luofu and it felt as though he had really accepted the Express as his new home. You supposed a home wouldn’t judge you for imperfections and mistakes, so long as you were willing to help it grow and prosper. So in that way, you could look up to his new-found resolve. “You’ve grown”, you remarked with a smile on your face.

Dan Heng reciprocated your smile, looking into your eyes with a gentle expression. “Perhaps that’s the real goal of this journey”, he shrugged, “so if you look at it that way, being without flaws or mistakes would really be the worst trait for a trailblazer. And don’t worry too much, okay? From what I’ve seen so far, you’ve been a big help on this journey. So don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s many people who’d tell you that I could never make up for the amount of mistakes I made. That they’re what defines me. But nothing good comes out of worrying about them all the time.”

You nodded, thinking about his words for a moment. Dan Heng’s reasonable demeanor was soothing for your worries and it reminded you why you felt so comfortable whenever you were around him. He allowed you look at the thoughts spiraling in your head from an objective perspective, though you weren’t quite sure how he managed to do it every time. 

“Hey… uh…”, now it was his turn to feel a little awkward, “you can always reach out to me if you ever need an outside opinion on whatever you worry about. And if you want to we could… lay down here a bit. Maybe it would be easier to sleep that way…” You could feel your cheeks heating up at the suggestion and you felt flustered and nervous; yet this was too good of an opportunity to pass up on. You nodded and Dan Heng handed you an extra blanket, allowing you to make yourself comfortable beside him. 

Your eyes widened when he put his hand on top of yours. “Is this alright for you?”, he asked, making sure that the reassuring gesture did not unnerve you. “It is… it’s comforting”, you admitted quietly, focusing on the soft skin of his hand on top of yours and how he gently started caressing your fingers with his own. “I think so too”, he smiled as you closed your eyes, allowing yourself to relax next to him; the worries having been replaced by butterflies in your stomach and the feeling of being loved before you had even noticed. 

“Have a little faith in yourself, alright? And in us too”, Dan Heng whispered, squeezing your hand in a gentle manner, “we’re your friends and we care about you. I care about you. A few mistakes along the way could never change that.”

You fell asleep with a smile on your face and the reassurance that Dan Heng valued you for who you were, rather than what you accomplished. You were eager to see how your bond could grow in the future if both of you could learn to lean on each other a little more when needed.

[hauntingofhouses]

the tale of the ronin and the bride really changed the entire premise and promise of the show. because mizu really could've been happy. she WAS! she was happy. she fell in love and found peace and she was about to accept all of herself and openly be all of herself but then it was robbed from her.

and not to push my taimizu agenda again (sorry) but for taigen to behave the same way mikio did from the inevitable gender reveal would be so redundant in my opinion. it would be different if mikio didn't exist and that whole storyline didn't exist, but it does. so taigen won't need to play that role of "guy falls in love with mizu, only to find out mizu is a woman* who's insanely good at fighting, and then lashes out at her and destroys their relationship" anymore. someone already did that before him.

like! i was thinking about how taigen's reaction might mirror that of avigdor in yentl, which is the movie that inspired the love triangle in BES. so if you haven't watched yentl, basically it's about a woman named yentl who crossdresses as a man so she can study and go to school. at the school she befriends avigdor, who is just as passionate about her studies as she is and they basically become best friends who bond over their debates of rabbinic literature. yentl falls in love with him, and it's implied that avigdor also starts feeling that way for yentl, despite believing her to be a man. at the end of the story, yentl reveals herself to avigdor, and he lashes out at her for having "tainted" everything and for having made him a "sinner." he gets angry, there's an argument as he demands to know why she did it and why she is exposing herself now, and yentl ends up breaking down crying, confessing that she loves him. avigdor holds her and comforts her, confessing his mutual feelings towards her, and they kiss. and then they talk about running away together and eloping, but in avigdor's plans, yentl would have to be his wife and thus would no longer be able to do what she loves (study). so they end up parting ways and yentl leaves aboard a ship to find her own freedom.

so anyway, the parallels of yentl=mizu and avigdor=taigen are clear, but to me, it would be rather redundant if taigen were to try to force mizu into this role of a docile wife again. because that's what mikio tried to do! and mizu had done it, and was about to do it again. for a year she lived as a submissive wife and even began to enjoy it. and after sparring with mikio and him rejecting her masculine side, she put on her bridal robes and her makeup in hopes to apologise.

so whatever taigen's reaction will be, i think will definitely be a parallel to mikio's, but i think will end up contrasting it in the end (see: my taigen and mikio are narrative foils post)

i mean, definitely there will be conflict and drama though, about that there is no doubt. especially cuz we all know taigen is a huge drama queen, there's no way he WON'T make a big deal out of it—and this would be the case even IF he grows enough to be able to deal with all his conflicting feelings internally instead of lashing out. regardless, he won't be so accepting immediately, but i don't think he will outright betray her and be an antagonist again.

idk idk. i'm just having lots of thoughts about this now.

[mischievouslittlecreature]

I'm curious. What is the one thing you don't want to happen? /I read tags

lfkjdhkljfhk I was actually just debating whether or not to make a post about this! 😂

I don't normally express my *opinions* on Lizzie and Lizzie x Tommy here because I absolutely hate the feeling of raining on other people's parades, but I don't think that this really counts as bashing, so I'm just gonna leave it here and put it under a cut so those who don't agree can just scroll on by. This is just my opinion, guys! No hard feelings or anything if you feel differently!

I really don't want Tommy and Lizzie to get back together in the movie.

Lizzie's character went through so much development in finally accepting that Tommy can't be who she wants him to be and breaking free from him, and I feel like it would be a massive disservice to both characters, but particularly her, to force them back together. That storyline was closed pretty definitively at the end of season 6, and I honestly don't think that there's time to be reopening and focusing on it when we've only got about 3 hours max to work with as far as runtime. And there are just so many other aspects of the story that I think would be far more interesting to explore.

She was so miserable the entirety of their marriage, and deserves to be free of the Shelbys and their bullshit and to either be happy on her own with Charlie or go find that nice, normal man that she so badly wanted Tommy to be post season 4, and finally have some peace and happiness.

And Tommy deserves to not be locked in a marriage with someone who only loves the fantasy of him that she's projected onto him, or to be weighted down by feeling like he's failed her by not being able to be someone he's not. I think that they could be happy co-parenting Charlie together, but outside of that, I really feel like they should go their separate ways.

I always had the interpretation that Ruby was the only thing holding them together. And that the moment she died, so did their marriage, effectively. I do think that they cared for each other, but I don't think either of them really were in love with the other (as mentioned above, I think even Lizzie only loved her fantasy of Tommy, and not who he actually was). And by the end they both just seemed to bitter and resentful of each other. So it's really hard for me to root for them to end up together.

Anyway, I've always gotten the feeling that most people in the fandom strongly feel like they are *the* couple of the show and are passionately in love and should be together, so I shall now go hide under a rock to avoid the barrage of shouting likely to commence in my comments and inbox 🙃

[apsephion]

Here's the fluff I spun a wheel and it picked Danganronpa V3 and Demon Slayer characters so..... Here you go make sure you enjoy.

Characters: (Demon Slayer) Obanai, Mitsuri, Shinobu, Giyuu, Sanemi (Danganronpa V3) Kaede, Shuichi, Korekiyo, Kaito, Kokichi and Maki

Fandoms: Danganronpa V3 and Demon Slayer

Title: sleeping at night with these characters

Demon Slayer:

Obanai:

Man is a silent sleeper prove me wrong

He is also extremely still so you'd prob think he is dead sometimes

He gets cold easily so in summer it would be fucking perfect but in winter...

He might cling to you in his sleep but that's a small chance of happening

I'm sorry but mans would move away from you and push you in his sleep

Overall 5.5/10 could be better but still very nice to sleep with

Mituri:

My baby

She snores a lil bit tbh but cutely somehow

Will cuddle you in your sleep no debate

Might accidentally punch and kick you in your sleep

If you're bigger/taller than her she will sleep on top of you

If you're smaller/shorter than her she will little spoon you, you have no say

10/10 would recommend if you love physical contact

Shinobu:

I personally she would be a fucking menace.

Prolly can't sleep so messes with you defo

She is a light sleep so don't move too much or she finna get annoyed with you

But if you ignore all of the she's actually a pretty good person to sleep with

Prolly snuggles up to you

But if you sweat in your sleep leave her the fuck alone she hates the moisture

She is smol so she likes being little spooned, but when she wants to feel confident big spoons you

She's a peaceful sleeper when she can finally sleep

A solid 4.5/10 would recommend if you're a deep sleeper if not I totally don't recommend

Giyuu:

Doesn't sleep

...

But when he does end up sleeping like a log

Cuddles you and blushes like a mess when you tell him about it in the morning

Likes to be little spooned simple

Doesn't really like heavy blankets so your just gonna have to suffice

He is cold.

So he loves you're warmth whether in the summer or winter

Prolly cling asf

8.5/10 would recommend

Sanemi:

how do I say this...

Don't sleep with him please he is an absolute menace

A kicker and a puncher no debate

A heavy and light sleeper so he'd switch between the both

He will take your blankets even if you get your own

Pushes you if try to get close while he's light sleeping

But he would wrap his arms and legs around you

Protective so holds you closely and tightly

Won't let you live

Danganronpa V3:

Kaede:

Baby I love her btw

Amazing cuddler

Comfortable body heat

Prolly switches between a light and heavy sleeper through the night

Holds you

Rests her head on your shoulder

10/10 sleep with her, amazing experience

Shuichi:

My love, the reason I wake up

Hugs you,holds you, clings to you. Physical touch is just a must for him

He will not let you go while sleeping

Gets cold easily so you're a liability for him to keep warm

Little spoon frfr

10000/10 Soooooo recommend

Korekiyo:

I love this man like pleasss fuck me with your fingers

Ahem anyways

He is a gentle cuddler

Slight cold body temp

I personally love thinking that he would play with your hair

Sweet nothings while you're falling asleep

Sleeps late so he might coddle you while kissing the crown of your head

10/0 would recommend

Kaito:

Chaotic sleeper ™

Blanket hog

Sleeps right on you despite his weight

Snores

Squeezes you tightly

Big spoon

Sleep-kicker

7.5/10 though he's annoying sometimes he's a great cuddle-bug

Kokichi:

He doesn't like sleeping periodt

So he would be a fucking nuisance

Pokes your face while you sleep

Kicks you purposely

Takes your blankets

Why does he do this? Because he's kinda lonely being awake alone

So you have to mom him

When he gets to sleep he is a cuddle bug

You wanna go get water you have to bring Kokichi with

You wanna pee Kokichi's tagging along

2/10 annoying asf

Maki:

Doesn't sleep

Has trained herself to not sleep

But understands sleep is important

So what's the next best thing for her? She cuddle with you

Very nice body temp she adapts to winter and summer

Your thirsty? She gets you water

You need to pee? She accompanies you

Basically very comforting even if she rarely sleeps

7.5/10 would recommend

Sorry for not getting this one I live in South Africa so I didn't have lights but I'll get the smut one out as soon as possible. Love you guys

©Apsephion 2023 (forgot how to copyright sr)a

[stranger-theory]

Expand on current narrative that means byler? Because biased based theories aren’t a narrative I could argue a whole theory that Joyce and Karen want to get down and dirty with time and screenshots and easily led “narrative”

Although i'm not as articulate or as expert in expressing my opinions on this as I would like, i'm willing to try my best to explain to anyone who will politely listen.

Quick note: Using "bias" would mean that I treat Byler with higher status, and that I don't listen to any Mileven perspective, even if it's objectively the right one. Both ships have a shot, I just lean to the Byler side, but that doesn't mean i'll never listen to a Mileven. I'm more than open to hear why that perspective makes sense to them.

That being said, the first thing I would like to say is that technically, yes. You could argue that Karen and Joyce would be into something like that. But it's obviously not anything like Byler, specifically considering that there isn't a love triangle situation going on between Joyce, Karen, and Hopper.

Again, you are correct in the sense that these are simply theories, and anything can be the outcome at the end of the day, but it's more likely for Byler to happen than Joyce/Karen. The relationship between Mike and Will has been explored far more than an example like that. By that comparison, Byler's chance skyrockets.

-Karen/Joyce haven't had scenes with [tender, emotional music playing],

-Karen/Joyce haven't had the most obvious queer coding,

-Karen/Joyce haven't been confirmed by the Duffers that one has been canonically in love with the other through the whole show,

-Karen/Joyce don't have a famous love triangle where people debate wether or not Joyce wants to leave Hopper for Karen,

-Karen/Joyce aren't being promoted along with the other couples in posters or general media for the show,

-Karen/Joyce are not in a similar situation to Byler.

Now that we've established which is more likely, let's remove the comparison, and talk of Byler generally.

I've always said: there's always a ship for anything. So it isn't really a surprise that there were big Byler stans back in 2016, and I can't count that as proof. What's bigger proof to me is how many people have become stans now. There's such a large community of Bylers on tumblr who genuinely believe they'll end up together, and they're dedicated fans. I've seen this show sixteen times, and the past six watches have given me confidence that they stand a good chance. Their story makes sense to me in a lot of ways, mainly being the general idea for the love triangle.

Let me explain the Byler plot through my lens.

Imagine this: Two best friends since kindergarten. One day, Boy1 meets Girl. Their friend group keeps insisting that they like each other, so Boy1 gives in and says, "Why not? It's all part of growing up anyway, right?". Boy2 becomes jealous and sad that Boy1 is pushing him away for Girl. What Boy2 doesn't know is that Boy1 and Girl aren't the happy couple he thinks they are. Boy1 feels unfulfilled in this relationship, and he feels strange about his friend. In hopes that these feelings leave, he pushes Boy2 further away. Because of obvious tension, Girl confronts Boy1 about why he can't say "I love you". And it's simple. He can't say what he doesn't mean. Friends don't lie. Girl and Boy1 know they aren't in love, but for the sake of normality, they pretend. (Next is my idea of after canon) They eventually talk about everything, and feel at peace. They become best friends who want nothing more. Boy1 grows more comfortable with his feelings for Boy2, and they even flirt sometimes. Something dangerous has returned to their small town, and stress is high. Through this stress, their bond is even closer, and they confess the years of feelings they have. Maybe a smooch?? Who knows. They're secret for a bit, but when they tell people, everyone is happy for them. Boys who've been pining for years, but couldn't say anything about it because of heteronormativity(rip), finally have their happy end.

That's a dramatic run down of how I see their relationship going. Again, you don't have to agree, but since you asked, that's how I see it. There are also other things that aren't in the show itself, that I find interesting. They constantly promote Byler along with Jancy, Lumax, and Jopper, meanwhile El always has her own posters/pictures. They use a song between Lumax for a Byler scene (we know how important music is). Mike's top Spotify song is "Smalltown Boy", a song about being gay in a smalltown and wanting to run away so you can be out. There's also "Are Friends Electric?" in the playlist (I think the title explains itself). Honestly there's a lot his playlist says, but those are my top picks for kinda fruity.

ANYWAY, i'm sorry that this was a bit long, i'm just not one who's very good at explaining what I mean with fewer words. I hope you understand better why I see them becoming a thing, and why I wouldn't say it's an unfair bias. I think both have a chance, but this is my take on why this makes more sense to me. Thank you for asking! This took me way too long to write, but I hope it helped.

[karmicbias]

Ghoul Week night 1, success!

Unmasked ghouls below the cut.

I'm exhilarated and exhausted but wow, what an evening! Scroll to the end if you're just here for the good Chris photo - I want to remember as much as I can about the night which means trying to write everything important now before I go to sleep.

Opener, Blaqk Audio? Amazing. The lead singer seemed to be pleasantly surprised by the audience's energy and got realllll up close and personal with the front row. Fun music, I'm definitely going to add them to my rotation.

Debated leaving my spot during their set in hopes of catching Chris at the bar or something but my gut said I wouldn't be able to get back easily enough and it wouldn't be good time to chat anyway, so I stayed. As soon as the opening set ended and the crew started switching around the gear for Sisters, I spotted Chris pretty much immediately, setting up his station at Doctor Avalanche. I was in about the fourth row and made heart hands up high and pointed at him and he shot me a quick grin and a peace sign.

Sisters of Mercy were great! I'd heard that the last tour was kinda a let down but there was plenty of energy tonight! Ben Christo has incredible hair and arms and got lots of cheers from the audience throughout. Their other guitarist, Kai, also got lots of cheers especially on his 12-string.

Funnily enough Chris's onstage presence is the most subdued in the band (other than the frames of his sunglasses - everyone comes out wearing them but his glow under the blacklights). He's in the back and mostly just stands there stoically while Eldritch and the guitarists sing and strut. Crowd was packed pretty tight by the end and we were all good and sweaty which tbh means we were having a great time.

Once the encore wrapped I got back outside quickly for fresh air (yay small venues) and to see if it looked likely that I'd be able to catch Chris by the tour bus. A tiny crowd, maybe a dozen folks, seemed to also be waiting and security was chatting and not running anyone off so I decided to give it a go.

Waited for maybe a half hour without much activity other than pizzas being delivered and trash being taken out when I look up from my phone and spot someone hauling a couple of armfuls of stuff to the bus - and it's Chris! I call out his name and he gives a little half wave and a gesture that seemed to mean, I'll be back in a minute. So I wait.

Next thing I know he's ambling over! I've rehearsed this enough in my head that I don't freak out. I show him the pin of his cat, Rosie, that he shipped with the album I ordered from him, which he was delighted to see, and ask if he'd mind taking a picture. He agrees immediately and slings an arm around me. I follow his lead, i guess, and put my arm around his waist??

The conversation was going really smoothly and we spent a few minutes sharing various cat photos on our phones (classic), and I even had a natural opening to mention the show at 54 Below later this week, which he said he was bummed to be missing by one night with the Sisters tour schedule. Chatted about Enter the Vortex and he had a big laugh when I mentioned I was excited to see what Mad/Dylan wears for the show.

I told him how much I was enjoying the Kitchen Disco albums and he said there's one more coming next month. We talked for a good bit about his motivation for recording them and how the project started as an EP, then grew into an album, and eventually four albums.

At some point he apologized to me repeatedly for taking a minute to respond to a text, but as far as I was concerned he was taking time out of his evening for me so it wasn't a big deal.

I'm sure we chatted about some other stuff but I have to admit that I probably don't remember all of it... I would have stayed and waited to see if Ben came out but it was getting late, and I needed to get the friend I went with home before midnight.

Regardless, I'm so so happy I went and that I waited! The music was all absolutely fantastic and I got to meet someone I really admire, and tell him how much I appreciate his work.

A very good night.

[moonferry]

fsioy chapter 16!! yipee!!

note to self: stop writing without checking the word count oh my lord. anyway this chapter is finally finished and i couldn't be happier!! ive been thinking about some ideas used in thsi for WEEKS. i love these silly guys so much

warnings: near car crashes, unrequited love, heavy rain/storms

word count: 8086

summary: kent and willy have another heart-to-heart on the drive towards zuzu city, then an unexpected rainstorm approaches and traps the two on the roadside. kent has an idea and eventually some tough decisions are made. kent finally makes it home and gets to see his loving wife once more.

other chapters: chapter master list

ao3 link: here

July 19XX, The Road To Zuzu City

Kent sat in the passenger's seat - quietly mulling over his thoughts. He didn't feel much like conversation and it seemed like Willy was just fine with that. In fact, the older man had begun - rather rancorously - singing along to whatever song was playing through the mounds of static on the radio. Kent thought it would be better to leave Willy to his own devices, so he  glanced out the window and tried to discern how far they were from the city. 

The lush greenery of the surrounding trees soon meshed into the same quaint town he'd notice before. Kent couldn't help but imagine a life there - with Jodi, maybe a child or two. It seemed peaceful and it would definitely be a nice break from everything he’d been through recently. 

A small sigh slipped past his lips as he thought about the events once again. Kent was grateful to be going home - he didn't know if he could handle being alone right now- but something kept eating at the back of his mind; a question. Why had Willy helped him? Wouldn't Willy get in trouble for helping Kent escape? Kent’s expression dropped. He didn't want the man to get in trouble - especially because of him. Kent reached out and turned the nob on the dash - turning the radio volume down - before turning to look at Willy. 

“Hey, Willy?” Kent asked, getting the man’s attention. 

“Aye?” Willy responded, glancing up to look at Kent in the rear view mirror. Though, he made sure his eyes stayed on the road (or the dirt path that would pass as one) in front of him. 

Kent pursed his lips together, debating. He looked at Willy and tried to coax the words out of his own mouth. It was just a simple question, why couldn't Kent bring himself to ask? Maybe he wasn't sure he'd like the answer. Kent didn't know. Eventually, however, he managed to speak once again, “Why.. why did you help me? Leave, I mean.” 

Willy shrugged and replied with a simple, “I wanted to. Besides, I know ye could use a break.. These past few days.. ah.. Well, they haven't been too easy for ye, have they?”

“No, not really,” Kent replied. A small bout of worry creeped into his voice. He frowned slightly before looking down at his lap. He knew Willy wanted to help - for his father's sake - but Kent didn't like doing things that would get others in trouble. He spoke again, though he didn't look up at Willy - too ashamed, “Won't you get in trouble, though? For helping me.” 

“Ah,” Willy started, his own sigh slipping past his lips. He glanced at Kent again and shook his head before adding, “Don't ya worry about me, lad.  It takes a lot more than ‘punishment’ to get to Ol’ Willy.” 

“Besides, what's the worst they can do to me?” Willy asked. He paused for a bit, thinking. Willy gave a slow, solemn nod before continuing, “This war has already taken everything that matters to me. Nothing they do to me will hurt me worse than what I've already been through.” 

“Willy..” Kent started, his frown deepening. His brows furrowed together. Was Willy really willing to risk everything? Just to help him? Kent didn't like that thought. He doesn't know what went on in Willy’s life, but - judging by the man’s response - it must've been something terrible. Kent looked back at Willy, a wave of concern covering his face. 

“You once told me you've never been married,” Kent spoke, hoping he didn't come off as rude. He added, curiously, “Why is that? I mean - you seem amazing. I just can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to marry you..” 

Willy went silent, a glum look crossing his face. He pursed his lips together. Kent felt the silence surround them - like a thick, uncomfortably warm blanket. He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“Sorry,” Kent apologized, once again looking away from the other man. “Just.. forget I asked, okay?” 

“Listen, lad,” Willy started, a sigh slipping past his lips. He momentarily stopped the vehicle before turning to look at Kent. “I wanted to get married, I truly did, but.. things don't always work out the way you hope, ya know?” 

“Y’see.. There was someone, once,” Willy explained, reaching out and resting his hand on Kent’s shoulder. “He was the greatest person I've ever known. Any sane person woulda fallen fer him.. He was a great friend to me for many years. Then, he moved away from our hometown and we lost touch..  I was a bit crushed, but I understood. He needed to move onto greater things, I guess..” 

“So, to cope, I decided to join the military - well, more specifically the naval part, as I always loved water, even as a wee lad. I've been in this business roughly.. twenty-odd years now. But, back when I was just startin’, I bought a ship and docked it in the Zuzu City harbor. And, as I was roamin’ around - gettin’ used to being in a place that wasn't home - a familiar face walks up to me. Now, I hadn't seen him in a few years at this point and I was more than shocked that he remembered little ol’ me. He tells me how he met a pretty lass, fell in love and got married, and how he now had a baby on the way. I felt like my heart had been ripped from me chest - I mean, sure, I never had the courage to tell him how I felt so it wasn't like he knew how that would affect me, but it still hurt to hear..”

“I tried my best to be happy for him, even though it was killin’ me.. Eventually, we start chattin’ again and he becomes one of me best mates. The years pass by and - even though I'm still sulkin’ and mopin’ - I start to genuinely feel happy for him. Glad he found someone who makes him laugh, someone to look after him. Then, his kid is born, and he rushes to me all proud and tells me how excited he is to be a father. I’d never seen him so happy, Kent.”

“It made me realize that - even if I wanted it to - the two of us would've never worked out. He deserved someone like that lass. I couldn't bring myself to tell him how I felt, but I didn't want to let him go, either .So, when his boy was old enough, I offer to let them use my boat. Heh.. I remember the little tyke waddling around on the hull of the ship, excitedly babbling about how cool boats were. I almost thought of him as my own son. And then I remembered that he wasn't and that his Pappy wouldn't think of me the same.."

"Eventually, I threw myself deeper into my work. I couldn't bear to watch his happiness anymore. Then, the war started, and he.. being the brave fool he was, followed me into battle without a second thought - despite me beggin’ and pleadin’ for him not to. And.. then he died. I never told him how I felt.. I regret it every single day. I know it wouldn't have changed anythin’, but.. Ah.. never mind, I'm babblin’, aren't I?” 

Willy turned away from Kent and rested his calloused hands against the steering wheel. He looked out at the horizon, his expression turning glum as he thought about the past. 

“Who was he?” Kent asked curiously, tilting his head to look at Willy.

Willy let out a small, humorless chuckle. He turned back to Kent and his lips formed a thin line, though the corner of his mouth curved upwards slightly. He went silent, as if debating to reveal the name. Eventually, Willy sighed to himself, nodding, before saying, “He was your father.” 

Kent’s eyes widened in surprise. His father? That was certainly not the response he expected. It also made him quite curious. Kent thought back to Willy’s earlier statements - about how Willy cared “so much” for his father. Had this been what he meant the entire time? 

“You..? My father..?” He asked, the disbelief evident in his voice. His mouth was wide open, his jaw basically glued to the floor at that point. 

“Ah, it didn't amount to nothin’..” Willy replied, waving his hand to dismiss Kent’s question. He shook his head before adding, “Besides, Misty is a good lass. I’d never do anything to come between her and Chris. No, I'm grateful your dad found her, I am. If he hadn't, I wouldn't be talkin’ to you now, would I?” 

“I guess not,” Kent admitted, tilting his head to the side as he pondered Willy’s words. He still couldn't believe just how close this man was to his father. It seemed surreal that, after all this time, Willy cared enough about Kent's father to continue looking after Kent for him. 

“Enough about me an’ my love life,” he spoke, shaking his head. Willy smiled at Kent before giving him a gentle pat on his shoulder. He turned forward and placed his hands on the wheel once more. He called over his shoulder, “Let’s get you home.” 

With that, Willy started the vehicle once again and continued the drive into the city. Kent leaned against the window and watched dark clouds roll in from the horizon. It looked like a storm was approaching. It worried Kent slightly. His worry seemed to grow as the faint pitter-patter of raindrops began pelting the roof of the vehicle. Kent watched as a lone raindrop traveled down his window and silently hoped it would ease up before they entered the city. 

He couldn't be so lucky. The rain seemed to increase, making it hard for Willy to see the road ahead of them and making it harder for the vehicle to travel on the rough dirt beneath. It slowly turned into sludge and seemed to gunk up the wheels - sending them sliding back and forth. Kent’s eyes widened as the vehicle lurched to one side and seemed to aim directly for a tree. 

Luckily, Willy managed to jerk the wheel in the opposite direction - causing the vehicle to swerve out of the way before skidding to a stop completely. Unluckily, the vehicle spun around and landed itself in the center of a large circle of mud. 

“Are ye alright, lad?” Willy asked, his eyes wide. His first response was to check on Kent, who seemed completely uninjured - though he was slightly jostled. Kent gave a shaky nod in response. He glanced at Willy, who appeared just as shaken as he was. However, amidst the chaos and Willy’s attempts to steer Kent to safety, the man had slammed his own head against the steering wheel - a faint trickle of blood oozing out of his nose and matting in the hair of his mustache. 

“Willy, you're bleeding!” Kent exclaimed, a look of concern washing over his features. He frantically looked around and tried to find some sort of cotton or fabric to wipe away Willy's blood. 

“Ah, this ol’ thing?” Willy asked, reaching up and wiping away the substance with his thumb. He gave a slight chuckle before speaking once more, “That's nothin’. Me ol noggin has been through worse than a little nosebleed, Kenty boy.” 

“Are you okay?” Kent asked, the concern still evident in his voice. He frowned at Willy’s dismissive nature. This seemed rather serious to him. 

“I'm fine,” Willy spoke, reaching two fingers up to pinch the bridge of his nose and stop any further bleeding. He continued, “Sailor’s honor. However, we have.. bigger problems.” Willy motioned to the windshield and what little was visible through the massive downpour. It appeared that the vehicle was now stuck in a large, muddy hole. It didn't help that the rain continued to pelt down against the roof and create a loud, almost rhythmic noise. 

“Oh Yoba,” Kent said as he glanced out at the scene before him. He turned back to Willy and asked, “How are we going to get out of this?”

“Hmm..” Willy started, his free hand resting against his chin in deep thought. He pursed his lips together before finally speaking, “We have two options; wait for someone to come find us - which could take hours - or try to push ‘er out of this hole ourselves.. Either way, I don't know if we’ll make it to the city before sunset..”

“What?” Kent asked. Horror flooded his face. He couldn't believe they had made it this far just to get stopped. He let out a groan of frustration, reaching a hand up to massage his forehead, “You've gotta be kidding me..” 

“'Fraid not, lad,” Willy confirmed, a small sigh slipping from his lips. He knew how much this meant to Kent - how desperately Kent wanted to get home. He sucked in a breath through his teeth before reaching towards the door handle. 

“C’mon. let's go push her,” Willy instructed, motioning for Kent to follow him before adding, “I doubt anyone would come here this late at night.” 

Kent sighed, though he exited the vehicle and followed Willy. He cringed as the mud squelched beneath his feet, the grimy substance soaking into his pants legs. 

The rain continued to pour down on them - making it quite hard to see what they were doing. They carefully approached the rear of the vehicle (trying their best not to go sliding or fall face first in the mud). 

Kent rested his hand against the cool metal of the vehicle’s rear - which was now slick with rain. He waited for Willy’s signal before pushing with all his might. With the exertion he was giving, Kent’s boots began sinking deeper into the mud. Panic began bubbling beneath the surface as Kent struggled to lift his leg. It didn't help that the rain seemed to rise in volume, drowning on Kent’s pleas for help.

“Willy?” Kent called out. Though the rain muffled his voice.Willy couldn’t hear him - the man was also nowhere to be seen.  

“Wil- Willy!” Kent tried again, looking around for the older man as he desperately clawed at the back of the vehicle – trying to hoist himself out of the deepening mud. It was now up to his ankles. The cool dampness of the mud soaked into his pants and chilled him. It was uncomfortable and clammy. It filled Kent’s mind with the feeling of Misha’s bloated corpse. He felt himself start to freeze as the images creeped out of the depths of his brain. 

“Lad?” Willy asked, peering around the corner of the vehicle. He glanced at Kent and noticed how the boy seemed rigid, his expression wide with panic. “Lad? You alright?” Willy called out again. Kent seemed unresponsive and Willy’s own worry began to grow. He waded towards Kent, the mud sloshing and churning as he walked out towards the boy. Kent still didn't respond upon Willy’s approach - he didn't even seem to notice Willy coming nearer or the sloshing of the mud beneath the man’s feet. 

“Kent?” Willy tried again as he approached the boy. He glanced down and noted Kent’s ankles were submerged in the grimy substance. He recoiled in surprise, though Willy sprang into action. He called out a warning as he got closer to Kent, “Hold on, lad. I’m comin’!” 

When he finally made it to Kent, Willy didn’t think twice before attempting to free him from the deepening gunk. He wrapped his arm around Kent’s back before giving him a few firm tugs. It seemed that Kent was slowly being freed from the viscous substance. Willy exhaled a breath of exertion, sweat beading on the edge of his forehead. He gave Kent one final tug before the boy was finally free. However, the force sent both of them sprawling backwards. They landed in a nearby puddle with a loud sploosh and their uniforms were completely coated in the grime. 

“Eugh,” Kent called out as the substance coated his arms. It seemed he finally shook out of his stupor, though it wouldn’t be much help, now would it? The two had already gotten drenched from the rain - the mud didn’t help. Neither did the fact that the rain had suddenly turned quite cold. In fact, Kent felt the rain seep through his uniform and chill him to the bone. He shivered. 

“Ah.. So much for that idea, heh,” Willy said, shaking his head with a hearty chuckle. He pushed himself into a standing position before extending his arm outwards in Kent’s direction. Kent grabbed a hold of it and Willy hoisted him upwards. They two carefully walked away from the mud. When they made it back to the vehicle, Kent slumped against the cool metal and sighed. So much for going home, He thought to himself, a glum look crossing his features. 

“Don’t look so sad, son,” Willy spoke before placing a gentle hand on Kent’s shoulder. He frowned at Kent’s expression and scrambled for something that might cheer Kent up. A small sigh slipped past Willy’s lips, though he spoke once more, “Look, Kent, I know it seems.. Well.. bad, and yer now soaked an’ covered in mud.. But, I’m goin’ to get you home - I promise. Even if I have to march myself into the city and find a car. I mean, there has to be someone willin’ to help, right? We just need a way to contact them..” 

“Wait a minute,” Kent spoke, cutting off Willy’s train of thought. An idea popped into Kent’s head: his mother was always willing to help, and he knew her number by heart, they just needed a way to contact her. He pushed himself off of the vehicle and began pacing around in a small circle. What could they use to contact his mother? Kent’s lips form a thin line and his brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced around the nearby area, squinting at a distant box near a dim light post. Bingo. A payphone. Kent patted his pants, turning his pockets inside out to check for some sort of currency. Nothing. He turned to Willy and asked, “Hey, Willy, do you have like.. 25g on you?” 

Willy raised an eyebrow, though he patted his own pockets. He pulled out a small, slightly tarnished 25g coin. He placed it in Kent’s palm, though he looked at him skeptically and added, “Kent, I don’t know how 25g is goin’ to help us in this scenario, son.. Can’t exactly go make a wish in a wishin’ well, can ye?” 

“Just trust me,” Kent started. He took the coin and placed it into his pocket. He turned to Willy and spoke once more, “I’ll be back.” With that, he turned and began walking away from the vehicle. However, he was soon stopped. 

“Hold on a second,” Willy protested, his face contorting in worry, “Where are ya going, lad? And what, exactly, do you plan to do with me coin? That’s my lucky 25g, I’ll have you know!” 

Kent sighed, though he stopped in his tracks and faced Willy once more. He motioned over his shoulder, pointing at the payphone, before explaining, “I’m going to call my mom. Maybe she can help us!” 

“Kent, those payphones haven’t worked in years,” Willy explained, his voice slightly dismissive. A frown creeped onto the older man’s lips and he added, “Yer waistin’ your time.” 

“It’s worth a shot, right?” Kent asked, a hopeful expression crossed his features. 

Willy shook his head, though gave no verbal protest. Instead, he motioned towards the payphone and gave a small, reluctant sigh before speaking, “Fine. Just don’t go gettin’ yerself hurt.” Kent smiled at him and turned around once more - though he swore he heard Willy grumbling to himself. Something like “Well, there goes me lucky coin.. You better answer, Misty.” 

Kent ignored Willy’s grumbling and began his trek towards the light post. He glanced around at his surroundings - making sure it was safe - and walked up to the phone. Kent closed his eyes and held the small coin in between his thumb and pointer finger. He mumbled a silent prayer to Yoba - hoping that his mother (or even Ruby) answered the phone. He knew the storms always made the telephone connection dodgy. Kent also knew that their small apartment didn’t have the best reception or radio signal on a clear day. Please, Yoba, He spoke in his mind, If you’re real, let my mother answer the phone.

Kent opened his eyes and slowly crept the coin towards the slot. He carefully inserted it and heard it fall into… wherever it is they go with a soft clink. Kent gulped before reaching a shaking finger upwards. The number easily came to mind and he put it in without a second thought. Kent grabbed the now ringing receiver and held it up to his ear. 

For a while, all Kent was met with was the faint brrring of the dial tone. His hope began to slowly diminish, though just as he was about to hang up, someone picked up on the other end.

“Neilson residence. Misty speaking,” A voice responded professionally.  

Kent couldn’t believe it. He looked towards the sky and mouthed a small “thank you”. 

“Mom?” Kent asked. A faint tear formed in the corner of his eye. It had been months since he heard his mother’s voice. He hadn’t realized just how much he missed it. 

“Kent?” Misty asked, letting out a gasp on the other end, “Is that you, sweetheart?” 

“Yeah,” He replied with a small sniffle, “Yeah, Mom. It’s me.” 

“Oh, sweetheart! I’m so glad to hear from you,” His mother replied, her own sniffle echoing through the speaker box. Then, as if the situation dawned on her, Misty spoke again - confusion in her voice -, “How are you calling me, honey?” 

“I.. uh, well, I found a payphone,” Kent explained. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“How on Earth did you manage that?” Misty asked, dumbfounded. As far as she knew, Kent was still on the secondary base (and as far away from civilization as possible). She added, “I thought they didn’t allow any phones on the base? For, you know, security reasons, I’m guessing..”

“Well, that’s the thing…” Kent started, anxiously twirling the phone wire around his finger. He let out a small breath before explaining, “I’m actually…not at the base. Not anymore, anyway. That’s why I called, to be honest.”

“Kent Neilson,” his mother started, the scold evident in her voice, “what in the world did you do?” She paused for a bit before adding, slightly panicked, “They didn’t….they didn’t kick you out, did they?” Misty’s voice went quiet as she said the last part. Everyone knew that being kicked out (or “discharged” for a more technical term) from the military was never a good sign. It meant you had done something so awful - so heinous - that you could no longer be associated with the Ferngill Republic military.

“No, Mom,” Kent denied, easing his mother’s mind and denying her fears, “They didn’t kick me out, don’t worry.” Though, they might after they find out I left, Kent grumbled to himself. He shook the thought from his mind. He spoke once again, “I sort of.. left?” His voice rose on the word “left” as he pursed his lips together. He knew his mother would likely scold him for acting so irrational and doing something so crazy. 

“Left?” She asked, her voice rising in disbelief. Kent grimaced. Misty went quiet for a moment, debating Kent’s words. Eventually, the caring nature seeped back into her voice and she spoke once more, “That’s not like you, sweetheart. Did something happen?” 

Kent’ sighed, though he gripped the receiver tighter. He spoke, his voice slightly shaky as emotions threatened to overtake him, “Yeah.. Yeah something happened.” 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Misty asked. Though she was quite surprised when Kent blurted out a loud “No!” 

“Sorry.. That’s not what I meant, Mom,” Kent tried to explain, a small sigh slipping past his lips. He grimaced and raised a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. He knew his outburst likely hurt his mother’s feelings. He tried to reconcile the situation, “I’ll explain everything… as soon as I get home.” 

“When are you coming home, by the way?” Misty asked, a small ‘hmm’ slipping from her lips as she considered Kent’s words. She eventually gave in and nodded. She couldn’t stay mad at her son - the feeling of missing him far outweighed any anger she might’ve had. Misty spoke, “I miss you, dear. Jodi misses you. Ruby and I have been trying our best but, as of late, Jodi seems a bit more…worried than usual. She keeps mumbling about her brother? Something about unanswered letters..” 

Kent’s expression fell. Has the letter explaining Danny’s death not arrived yet? He knew the mail was quite slow, but it had been almost two days. Surely that was enough time to send a measly letter.. Kent frowned. He had hoped Jodi would have at least some form of an idea of what happened. He wasn’t too eager to be the one to break the news. Kent went silent. 

“Kent?” Misty asked, confused. “Are you still there, honey? This blasted thing I swear.. Always breaking at the worst of times!” She moved to hang up, assuming the signal had been lost. Kent’s eyes widened and he quickly spoke, shaking out of his stupor.

“Yeah, I’m still here..” He assured her. He paused for a minute as he remembered the reason he called in the first place. He and Willy were stuck, after all. “Um, listen, about that.. I had a question,” Kent spoke, chewing on his lower lip as he tried to keep his thoughts at bay. 

“Yes?” 

“Can you come and get me?” Kent asked. He looked around and tried to determine just how far they were from the city. He pursed his lips together. The rain was still quite dense and made it impossible to see. “The car got… sort of stuck in the mud. Willy and I are near the outskirts of the city. I can’t tell you exactly where because I.. don’t know, really.. But just look for the armored vehicle.” 

“Wait, Willy is with you?” She asked, knitting her brows together. She hadn’t heard or seen that name anywhere since the day Chris died. And, truth be told, all she had received was a small note of condolences from the man. 

“Yeah?” Kent asked, his own confusion seeping into his words. He spoke again, this time adding a bit more joking nature to ease his mother’s mind, “You didn’t think I was crazy enough to travel this way by myself, did you?” 

“Sweetheart, we both know how easily you get lost,” Misty responded, though there was no real malice in her voice. In fact, Kent swore he could see the smile on his mother’s lips now. She spoke once again, “Alright, dear. I’ll come find you. Stay with Willy until I get there, alright?” 

“Okay. You got it, Mom,” Kent spoke. He reached the phone outwards - attempting to place it back on the stand to hang up - but a small voice nagged at the back of his mind. He brought the receiver back to his mouth. Kent hesitated, unsure of what else to say. Eventually, he spoke, “Oh yeah, before you go… There’s one more thing I needed to tell you.” 

“What’s that, sweetheart?” Misty asked, tilting her head in confusion. 

“I love you.” 

“Aww, I love you too, dear,” Misty replied with a wide smile. 

She spoke again, “Okay, I’m going to hang up now. I’ll be there to get you in a few minutes!” And with that, Misty hung up the phone with a soft click. Kent stood there, holding the beeping receiver in his hands. His previous thoughts seemed to return. He couldn’t believe he had been too preoccupied with his own grief to ask if Jodi was alright. To make matters worse, the last letter he sent had been short and terse - as it was the day after Danny’s funeral. He silently hoped she wasn’t mad at him for that. He also hoped that he wouldn’t be the one to tell Jodi about her brother, that the letter would arrive before he did, but that didn’t seem to be the case. 

An beep sounded and the automated voice filled his ears with a shrill Please Deposit 25g To Make Another Call. Kent sighed and hung the phone back on the stand. He trudged back towards the vehicle and stood next to Willy, resuming his position of being leaned against the side. 

“Well?” Willy asked once Kent returned. He raised an eyebrow, trying to read the boy’s features and determine what had happened. He prodded for more information, “How’d it go?” 

Kent gave a small nod and explained the phone call with his mother - making sure to mention the fact that she would be there soon. The two waited and, sure enough, about fifteen minutes later a car pulled up. Kent raised a hand to shield his eyes as the headlights cut through his vision, momentarily blinding him until Misty realized and dimmed them. Kent approached his mother’s car and motioned for Willy to follow him. However, the man remained motionless. Kent turned back, confused.

“What’s wrong, Willy?” Kent asked. A small frown found its way onto his lips and his brows furrowed together. He was full of questions, so he spoke once more, “Are you coming?” 

Willy shook his head, “No, son. I’m not comin’.” 

“What?” Kent asked, dumbfounded. Willy had gone all this way and for what? Just to turn around once Kent entered the city? Kent didn’t like that thought one bit. “Why not?” 

“There’s nothin’ left for me there, Kent,” Willy explained, shrugging his shoulders slightly. A small sigh slipped from his lips and Willy looked at the ground - he couldn’t bear to see the hurt look on Kent’s face. Gazing at his muddy shoes, Willy spoke again, “That was always the plan, ’m afraid. I just needed to make sure ye got to the city safely, lad. Now, you don’t need me anymore, you’ve got yer Mammy.” 

“Willy, that’s not true!” Kent protested. He felt tears well up in his eyes. Kent felt like a child, pleading with someone who wouldn’t listen. He clenched his fist in anger, shaking as emotion overcame him. Kent spoke again, desperately trying to convince Willy to stay, “I need you. Please, Willy.” His voice spoke and cracked.

“Kent, just get in yer Ma’s car,” Willy replied, another sigh slipping past his lips. He finally looked up at Kent, his lips forming a thin line at Kent’s expression - which was raw with emotion and coated in hurt. “You aren’t making this any easier on me, son.” 

“So, what?” Kent spoke, his emotions churning and bubbling once again. He felt a mixture of anger, sadness, hurt… but most of all, he felt betrayed. Why would Willy make this great effort just to leave in the end? It didn’t make sense. He continued to protest, “You’re going back to that place? The place that took everything from you? And I’m supposed to be fine with that?”

“No, Kent,” Willy spoke, shaking his head. Willy bit his lower lip, taking in the boy’s words. “You aren’t supposed to be fine with anythin’. That’s how life is. Things happen outside of yer control.”

“Look, lad,” Willy continued. He looked at Kent and a remorseful expression covered his features. He looked at the car behind the boy -  seriously debating Kent’s offer before shaking his head. “I have to go back. It’s my duty. You’ll understand that some day, I know it,” Willy admitted sadly. 

“You’re just going to leave? After everything?” Kent asked, tears now pouring down his cheeks. He sniffled and closed his eyes to avoid any more tears. It didn’t help that they were still being soaked by the vicious rain. Kent slowly opened his eyes and watched Willy tentatively. Eventually, he added, “What if I never see you again?” 

To this, Willy responded with his usual heart chuckle and a shake of his head. He then stated, “I have a strange feelin’ you’ll see me again, lad. Just not in the way you’d expect.” Willy smiled at him - as if they were exchanging an inside joke. 

Kent sighed. Willy’s words did little to comfort him. Though, a part of him knew that Willy was right. They would see each other again. Kent gave a small nod and slowly edged closer to his mother’s car.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye, lad,” Willy spoke, watching Kent walk away. Willy felt a small pang in his chest. He had only known Kent for a year but he had grown rather fond of the boy. Kent was like the son Willy never had. 

Before he realized it, Kent ran towards the man and wrapped him into a tight hug. Willy’s eyes widened as the sudden force nearly caused him to topple over. Though, he wrapped his own arms around Kent and gave him a tight squeeze in return. Kent held the man for as long as he could, but his mother beeped the horn to signal they needed to go. He looked up at Willy sadly before speaking, “Thank you, Willy. For everything.” 

Willy smiled before giving Kent a fatherly pat on his back. Eventually, he carefully pushed Kent off and motioned towards Misty’s car. Willy reached a hand up and playfully ruffled the top of Kent’s hair before adding, “Now, get outta here, lad. Your lass is waitin’ on ye back home.” 

A sad smile spread across Kent’s lips, but he turned and walked towards Misty’s car. He grabbed the handle and opened the door. Though, before he got in, Kent turned and glanced at Willy one final time. He beamed up at him before waving until his arm hurt. Then, Kent got into the car and closed the door. As Misty began driving off, Kent glanced out the window and watched Wily. Though, it seemed like Willy wasn’t alone. Kent swore he saw a familiar figure standing next to the man - a figure who was burly, gruff, and had wrinkles near his eyes from smiling. Kent reached a hand outward, pressing it against the window as the two figures faded in the distance. 

Willy glanced to his left, smiling up at the figure next to him. 

“Well, Chrissy,” He spoke, shaking his head as a smile spread across his lips, “I think I fulfilled my promise, don’t you?”  Willy watched as the figure nodded - his form shimmering and glinting as the rain passed through him. 

“That’s some boy you’ve got there, old friend,” Willy continued. A proud expression crossed his lips and he spoke again, “He’s goin’ places. I guess I should, too. After all, the universe waits for no one, huh?” 

Willy got into his vehicle and it immediately roared to life. He’d never tell Kent this, but it was an all-terrain vehicle. They were never actually stuck. He gave one final glance at Misty’s car speeding away in the distance before driving back to the base. 

In Misty’s car, Kent was recalling the events until he left that morning - though he made sure to leave out gruesome and painful parts (which was basically all of it). Essentially, he told his mother two of his closest friends had died, he was injured (which caused Misty to break out into a panic and Kent had to spend several minutes assuring her he was fine), and then explained how it was all too much and he needed to leave. Luckily, Misty - even though she knew it wasn’t the entire story - didn’t ask too many questions. She knew her son, which means she knew that he would talk about it when (or if ever) he was ready. 

The car pulled into the lot behind their apartment and the two got out before approaching the door. Kent hung back, anxiously fidgeting with the sleeves of his jacket. 

“Are you coming, honey?” Misty called back at her son, a look of concern covering her face. 

“Yeah.. I’ll.. I’ll be in a bit, Mom,” He assured his mother. Misty gave a nod and entered the building. Kent paced around - his nerves eating away at him. He was excited to be home and see Jodi, sure, but he was also quite worried. After all, he had - rather unfortunately - lost her favorite hair tie (and her brother) and now what? He had to break the news to her? He didn’t know if he could do it. While Kent was debating, the door slowly creaked open behind him. 

“Kent?” Jodi asked, stepping out onto the stairs and looking out. She squinted through the heavy rain and pulled her cardigan closed. 

Upon hearing her voice, Kent turned around and glanced up at his wife. He gave her a soft smile and approached her.

Jodi scrutinized Kent when he stopped in front of her. The first thing she noticed was his hair: while it was still spiky and pointed on top, the once fluffy sides had been buzzed - shaved close to the scalp. It was unusual and unlike anything Jodi had seen before. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it. The next thing she noticed was two large gashes across Kent’s face - one spanning from his left nostril and angled down to his chin, creating a thick scar near the corner of his mouth, and the other across the bridge of his nose. 

Jodi frowned and reached her hands up to gently cup Kent’s face. She carefully ran her thumb over the scar on Kent’s mouth, her brows furrowing together. Jodi looked up at her husband and felt tears well up in her eyes.

“Oh, Kent,” She pleaded, rubbing her thumb over his scar once again. Kent leaned into her palm before turning his head and placing a gentle kiss onto her wrist. A single tear fell from her eye and she spoke once more, “What did they do to you, Cactus?” 

 Kent gave a sad smile at the nickname. He reached his hand up and brushed away Jodi’s tears before resting his own hand against her cheek. His heart sank when she glanced at his wrist and noticed it suspiciously empty.

“I’m sorry, Starfruit,” Kent spoke sadly, looking at his own wrist with a forlorn expression. A small sigh slipped past his lips and he added, “I lost your hair tie.” 

“Oh, honey, it’s alright,” Jodi spoke, though there was some sadness in her voice. She hid the emotion by beaming up at Kent and speaking once more, “I’m just glad you’re alright. It’s just a.. silly hair tie, after all..” 

“No, Jo, it’s not alright,” Kent replied, shaking his head in dismissal, “It was.. It was important and it was yours… and I lost it. It’s gone and it’s all my fault.” Kent finally broke, tears began streaming down his cheeks once again. He felt Jodi’s thumb brush against his cheek once again, wiping away the tears tenderly. 

“I have a feeling we aren’t just talking about a hair tie,” Jodi started, a small, knowing look crossing her face. A small sigh slipped from her lips and she added, “Are we?” 

Kent shook his head, a look of utter despair crossing his face. He wrapped his arms around Jodi and buried his face in her neck. His body shook as sobs racked through him. Through his tears, he managed to squeak out a small, “I tried to save him. I tried so hard, Jodi.” 

Jodi reached her hand up and laced her fingers in the edges of Kent’s hair, holding him as close as humanly possible. She knew something like this would happen and she had pleaded with Danny not to leave the day he enlisted. Jodi felt fragile, as if someone had taken a hammer and smashed her porcelain heart to bits, laughing as it shattered. Her own sobs bubbled in her chest, threatening to spill over and consume her completely. The only thing that seemed to keep that from happening, however, was Kent. 

Kent tightened his grip on Jodi, reaching his own hand up to cradle the back of her head. He knew that, no matter how much he hurt right now, she would be hurting much worse. After all, Danny was her brother and she talked about him and their misadventures as children constantly. Kent had never imagined he’d meet the guy - especially not under the circumstances he did meet him - or that he’d ever become best friends with him. But, thinking back on how Jodi described him, it was impossible not to love Danny, Kent realized. 

He let Jodi cry onto his shoulder. Kent held her close and tightened his grip - afraid that if either of them let go they’d both shatter completely. When Jodi finally moved her head off of Kent’s shoulder, she glanced up at him sadly. 

“What happened to him?” Jodi asked, though she wasn’t sure she’d like the answer. She needed to know, regardless of how it made her feel. She had to know what happened to her brother.

Kent gave a small, solemn nod and began retelling the events - including the details about Lee and Lee’s death. Jodi listened intently, though a small frown formed on her lips.

“Lee? That name sounds familiar..” She spoke, tilting her head to the side as she tried to remember where she had heard it before. Then, recognition washed over her. She sprinted back into the house and dashed into Kent’s room - ruffling through her belongings and pulling out a stack of letters from her brother. Kent watched her walk away, slightly confused. He decided he didn’t want to get any more soaked than he already was and followed her inside. 

Jodi flipped through each letter, intently scanning the contents for the familiarity. Eventually, she found it in one of Danny’s more recent letters - one dated three days ago. She snatched it up and ran towards Kent. When she made it back to his side, she pointed at the letter excitedly. 

“Now I know why that name was so familiar!” She exclaimed, wildly waving the letter in front of Kent’s face. She handed it to him and pointed at one of the later paragraphs. “Danny mentioned a ‘Lee’ in this!” 

It read: “I had a nice talk with a friend this morning, he tells me he’s your husband. While I’m a bit upset you didn’t share this with me, I can’t be too mad, can I? After all, I haven’t shared the most exciting news of all. I think.. I think I may have a crush on someone. His name is Lee. Ah, I feel like a schoolgirl, Dumpling. Everytime I think about him and his nice smile I can’t help but turn into a tomato.. I spoke to your husband and asked for help - I mean, I think I seriously like this guy, Jodi. As in, I “want to confess to him” type of serious.. Anyway, Kent gave me some good advice and I might take it. Wish me luck. Always and forever, your love-struck older brother - D.” 

“I mean, when I read this I was shocked,” Jodi started. She read the words again and continued, “Danny, having a crush on someone? It was unheard of. I was so eager to hear how it went - maybe a little too eager.. I sent maybe five letters or so..”

“But, there was no response and I began to get worried,” Jodi explained, her brows furrowing together. A small sigh slipped past her lips and she brought the paper close to her chest, inhaling the faint woodsy scent of the parchment. Danny always smelled like that when he hugged her. She missed it. She missed him. Jodi spoke once more, “And, now, learning everything that’s happened? I just hope he can finally be.. I don’t know…himself, I guess.  I always hated how Danny had to hide who he was, you know? He should’ve been able to have a boyfriend - preferably one who I could tease him about. I mean it’s only a little sister’s right, you know!” 

Kent gave a small nod, though reading the words had caused his chest to tighten even further. He really couldn’t believe his friends were gone. It felt like he had only known them for a short time. He reached upwards and wrapped his fingers around the three I.D. tags on his necklace. He just wished he could see them again - wished he could see them happy, and safe. An idea popped into his head. 

“Hey, Jodi?” Kent spoke, calling out to try and get Jodi’s attention. 

“Mhm?” Jodi replied, turning to look at her husband. 

“Let’s go stargazing,” He suggested, already moving to grab a blanket and some jackets for the two of them before adding, “There’s something I want to show you.” 

“You know I’m not one to turn down a good stargazing session, Cactus,” Jodi started, skepticism ebbing into her voice. She motioned towards the window, towards the rain droplets that were still pounding against the thin glass, and raised an eyebrow. She added, “But it’s still raining.” 

“I know,” Kent confirmed with a small nod. He reached over and grabbed Jodi’s hand, intertwining their fingers together and giving her arm a gentle tug before speaking again, “Just trust me. You’re going to want to see this.” 

Jodi looked at him, still skeptical, though she nodded and allowed him to drag her back out into the rain. The two trudged to the patch of grass - their patch of grass. Kent unrolled the blanket and carefully spread it across the damp ground. 

He laid down and patted the spot next to him. Jodi quickly took her own spot, though she snuggled up against Kent - her head laying on the middle of his chest -  and draped her arms around his waist. He wrapped his own arms around her shoulders before explaining what Willy had told him previously. When he finished his shoddy attempt at explaining, he spoke.

“Just.. look at the sky,” Kent instructed, motioning towards the stars with one of his hands before returning it to it’s resting position on Jodi’s forearm. He added, “Tell me what you see.” 

Jodi did as she was told. She looked at the stars. They just looked like normal stars. She turned back to Kent and looked up at him skeptically. She made a small squeak of protest, though Kent shushed her and pointed back at the sky. Jodi raised an eyebrow but turned and glanced back at the sky. To her amazement, the stars had begun to shift and rearrange themselves before her very own eyes. 

She let out a small gasp of astonishment and watched intently - utterly transfixed by the phenomenon. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen before. Soon, the stars were no longer stars at all. They swirled and morphed into the outline of two figures. Out of the two of them, only one looked familiar. Jodi squinted, looking up at the sky intently as the figures began to sharpen and come more into focus. She let out another gasp as recognition washed over her features.

“That’s Danny,” Jodi exclaimed, happiness washing over her. She reached a hand up and pointed at the figure of her brother. Her eyes shifted to the other - the figure she didn’t know - and she looked at Kent, puzzled, before asking. “If that’s Danny, then… that means.. That must be-”

“That’s Lee,” Kent confirmed with a small, solemn nod. He wrapped his arms around Jodi once again. He placed a gentle kiss onto the top of her hair before resting his chin on the top of her head. Kent moved and ran a caring hand up and down Jodi’s forearm before adding, “I like to think they’re happy, you know? They’re finally together.”

“And, they don’t have to hide or be ashamed of who they are,” Jodi added with a small nod. She completely understood Kent’s sentiment. 

Jodi leaned into Kent’s touch and closed her eyes, letting the image of her brother’s smiling face fill her mind. It made her heart ache less knowing that, wherever Danny was, he wasn’t alone. He had someone who cared about him. He had Lee.

[imthepunchlord]

Honestly, the thing I’m saltiest about in Tales of Arcadia is how they handled the redeemed villains. Angor Rot? Dead. Strickler? Dead. Nomura? Dead. Tronos Madu? Dead. Literally every redeemed villain doesn’t get a happy ending. It’s especially egregious when it comes to Angor Rot and Tronos, who were redeemed for all of five seconds before getting killed. Like, why even bother going through the trouble of giving that development if they’re going to die anyway? Redemption Equals Death is an incredibly stupid trope, and I really hate how liberally Tales of Arcadia uses it.

The trope does have purpose to serve, but it does depend on the characters. Cause sometimes that finality is the only way, and there is peace in moving on. One of the best examples can technically be Darth Vader, though that can be up for debate on his redemption. I wouldn't say he's fully redeemed, but has a redeeming death, saving his child over his dark service, felt like a good end for him.

So, the trope of Redemption Equals Death, it does have it's purpose and use, it just comes down to the character it will be applying to and their situations and set up. But the big issue with ToA is that they overused it. I would've top that trope at 2 characters max cause not every character will apply to that trope.

Like, I don't see the point of killing Strickler, narrative wise it didn't feel fitting. To me, it always felt that he was set up for a redemption and a happy ending.

Before he revealed himself a villain, you got to see that he loved teaching, and he worked off Jim well and on some level did still care for him. Like, you can also see the alarm/horror in his expression when he saw that Jim was the new Trollhunter and that Jim his student was now his enemy.

And even afterwards, able to accept that Jim IS his enemy, for a trained assassin who can easily kill this kid who just started out and would get stronger as he performed more, he didn't go out of his way to kill Jim, he first wanted to try and just steal the Amulet without causing Jim's death. I could be wrong, but, as antagonistic as he got, I felt he did always care for Jim on some level and was reluctant to see him dead, especially the first half of s1.

Also he did come to really care for Barbara (though it didn't stop his villainy, I feel those smacks in s3 should've happened in s2 but I guess they didn't want to explore Barbara in the know which is a weak choice to me). But, with her, his love of teaching, and his soft spot for Jim, Strickler was always set up for a redemption and a future ally and mentor. And with this, I always felt that Strickler's end was going to be him and Barbara marrying and he'd be Jim's stepfather, which would've led to more of their fun dynamic, where they do care but also can't help but be a little antagonistic and that it would improve as the years went on. Death didn't feel like a fitting end for him.

Angor Rot though I did see as a potential redeemed character and still fated for death and finding peace through it. This is a troll that had his soul taken from him, got forced into servitude to a human mage commanding him to hunt down his own people who were fighting his enemies, and through the years became hollow, bitter, and ruthless. Also, mindful the show is kinda up in the air about troll life expectancy, but there could be in the realm of possibility that Angor is also much longer lived than he should be given that he is tie to that ring. He's a villain that got put into a situation outside of his control, and he's forced into a service he didn't want to be in. By set up, that leaves him open for a redemption, and the possibility that death could finally bring him some peace, give him true freedom. Which I'm sure was the idea for s3 but I also had different ideas of what s3 was going to go, and it was so weird seeing Angor think highly of Morgana like, didn't you hate her?

Did, did you get some amnesia with your revival? Or was there some brainwashing with your revival? What's going on there, buddy?

Anyway, when s2 ended, I predicted that we were going to see a Claire and Angor dynamic explored, cause for Trollhunters, the first 2 seasons was really good about giving us different dynamics that actually came out to be a lot of fun to watch. Like Jim and Strickler and their antagonistic rivalry + Strickler falling for Jim's mom. And we got Claire and NotEnrique that was a lot of fun. And then we got Steve and Eli and gosh those two were hilarious.

So at the end of s2, I was anticipating that Claire was going to be trapped in Morgana's service with the revived Angor Rot and that they were going to be forced to work together and do as Morgana wills, and it was going to be intense and fascinating as Claire, next to Jim, had the biggest clash with Angor; she even thought that Jim should have kept that ring and wore it and forced Angor to work for him. And then lo and behold, she's now in a forced servitude and is working with a hostile and bitter Angor and what starts out as hostility becomes them becoming reluctant frienemies cause they're enemies stuck together serving something more dangerous than them and holds all the strings and the enemy of my enemy is my friend and those scenarios are always so fun to watch. And once free of Morgana, because he hates her far more than he hates Jim and co, he helps in that fight, and would pass on more at peace in contrast to his first end.

So, that's what I would've expected and that's what would've been my ideals on the paths for redeemed characters. Not every redeemed character needs to live on happily cause sometimes, there is that peace in death and moving on. But not every redeemed character should die either. And this series just took it waaaay to far, to a point it feels more for angst and shock value than something fitting to the character and story. But I also felt that s3 of Trollhunters was the start of this series starting to go downhill and made weird choices that clashed with what was initially set up so I'm not too surprised.