#be a luxury so it's kind of hard to sympathize that much like I could empathize with an outlier

[kohakuhibiki]

French people: we have immigration problems, if only people took it more seriously 😡

Problem: don't worry we'll be gone in 60 seconds, don't even stress. 🥱

[el-moscorrofio-y-el-mercachifle]

Hiiiii again, how are you ???

I completely agree with your response regarding the comment I made about Daniel and Patricia!!!

I also really liked the theory about her, I really believe that she grew up surrounded by luxuries, that somehow her mother "taught" her the things she knows today (like her obsession with money and finding a rich husband to pay her bills and things like that), and at some point she passed away and Patricia was left with this "souvenir" of her. I really would have liked to have met Patricia's father, to see their dynamic together.

And about Daniel: Oh, I just know that that man has serious problems. In addition to being a criminal for the things he did to Patricia, he is also a terrible person.

When I went to rewatch the ysblf again, I noticed that in the scene where Daniel calls Patricia (in that chapter where Mario cheats on her with Aura Maria and her finds out), he (Daniel) speaks to her (Patricia) as if he was sure that she had enjoyed their first “meeting” (in her apartment), and that she wanted it again. The same thing when she goes to his apartment (I think 1 episode after this one), and as we know there's that blackmail scene and at one point in their conversation he says something like: "there's no need to deny it, Patricia, I know you liked it .", and when she is reluctant, he manipulates her and says things like: "so if you liked it, let's continue enjoying it". I could be wrong, but in those scenes it made me seem like he's sure the things he does to her are wrong, but somehow tries to believe that she likes it, so "it's okay", which makes me believe that Daniel has done this before and not just with her.

Even though I don't sympathize with Patricia, it's impossible not to feel sorry for her in the scenes with him. Deep down I think she just felt very alone, that girl needed a hug!!!

By the way, I was looking for news about this continuation of ysblf that will be released this year, did you see that a photo of the script was leaked and it looks like Patricia will be pregnant? And from what I understand, it is from Nicolas. I don't know if it's fake, or just a character's dream, but I wouldn't want Patricia to come back and get pregnant, I think it wouldn't make sense and also, it would end the character's arc, but that's just my opinion .

Helloooo! I'm good, thank you🥰🥰

Thanks, I'm glad you liked my answer!! The characters' backgrounds would have been a great addition to the show definitely!!

For what we know through Marcela about Daniel's past, he was a womanizer much like Mario and Armando. Marcela says that Daniel simply now is too busy for that so he became very picky about it. There's the strong possibility that Daniel actually believes that Patricia enjoyed it and she simply has too much ego to admit it. After all, he knows Patricia was initially attracted to him, he thinks he's good in bed, and knows Patricia is practically walking ego. I think he believes what he says about her liking it. So it's hard for me to say whether he has done it before or not.

Yes, that's the thing with Patricia!! I find her incredibly annoying and by the time Betty returns from Cartagena I can barely stand her scenes. She's annoying and pretty empty by that point. But I definitely felt pitty for her at those specific moments. I think it's part os this novela's charm, that it can get you to feel sorry for characters at specific times before it reminds you they still suck as people lmao. Like Sofia, I dislike how she's always talking shit about Marcela even though she helped her a lot, and then I feel bad for her in specific scenes, like the Jail scene. Or Hugo, that I generally dislike how he's extremely arrogant and borderline misogynistic at times, but then I feel for him when Armando threatens him and insults him over his sexuality in front of everyone back in the firdt collection.

Honestly, Patricia is jut the kind of person that it's just nearly impossible to help. More than loneliness, she's probably mentally unwell. It's not normal to just prefer starvation over letting go of her gym subscription or her cellphone lmao.

Perhaps she needed to hit rock bottom, and I mean REAL rock bottom. Homelessness, disease. The thing is that if Patricia's story had been taken seriously, it could have been amazing and very heart wreaking. I mean, we are literally told that she doesn't eat for DAYS straight. Rhat definitely has to leas to some consequences.

Oh I haven't seen that! Definitely agree, I wouldn't like to see that, either. Nicolas and her ending up together sort of makes sense considering thay there were certain points in which it seemed to lead to that before being abruptly cut off, but I don't like that pair. Well, they definitely fit in together by bith being arrogant and superficial and always bragging about what neigher of them actually had lmao. But for them to end up together as A REAL COUPLE in love, there needed to be much more work. But well, it's been over two decades, perhaps those two finally reached maturity lmao

Thank you for the ask!!🥰

[childofaura]

What are your top 10 favourite FE Engage Support chain?

I’ll be honest, most of them center around Zelkov, Hortensia, and Veyle. There’s a few stand-out ones I like, but those were a luxury since I was so focused on trying to get through the game.

So top 10, in no particular order:

Jean and Zelkov. This support was probably one of Zelkov’s best, personality-wise. And it really showed Jean’s growth in becoming friends with him.

Hortensia and Veyle. The TENSION between these two after what happened. Both characters could be sympathized with, and seeing Hortensia eventually coming to terms with and attempting to befriend Veyle, and Veyle trying to make things right, it was very sweet.

Hortensia and Fogado. This was the support that actually made me ship some characters in this game. I like how Hortensia going along with Fogado helps her fill that desire to help people, on a more personal level. And Fogado opens up to her with a little bit of insecurity about his ability to assist Timerra. I love it so much <3

Zelkov and Citrinne. Man, this one was SUPER insightful, and it felt like Citrinne and Zelkov had a genuine connection as friends.

Diamant and Citrinne. Soooo, I had no idea they were cousins until the B support for this one, lol. But this one also shows a softer side to Diamant, something that endears his character as a royal a little more than some of the other main royals.

Hortensia and Alear. THIS is the support that really gives you good insight into Hortensia’s character. And it shows that mature side of her, adoring her mother and wanting to be genuinely compassionate, just… struggling a little.

Louis and Ivy. I know I said I’m not as fond of Ivy as much, but this one was genuinely one of her best supports and I also kind of ship these two a little as well. I love how Louis got her flustered.

Veyle and Alear. MY HEART.

Hortensia and Rosado. I’ll admit Hortensia was a little hard-headed in this one, but that was there to show Rosado’s eye for art, the beauty in the natural state. And it showed how sweet Rosado was, as he really just saw the beauty in the “real” Hortensia.

Boucheron and Framme. THIS ONE. WAS SO DAMN SWEET. Boucheron reading to Framme because she wasn’t good at it, both Boucheron and Framme crying over the book. This was a good one.

Honorable mention to Alcryst and Celine, that one was also very sweet. One of the rare genuine supports where these two REALLY had a connection without Alcryst’s crippling self-esteem being the butt of the joke. Actually, scratch the honorable mention, this one is just number eleven that I’ll force into the list.

[caitlynxviolet]

Hi! Hoping you have a great day!

Been meaning to tell you. I found out this tweet maybe interesting for you

She deliberately hides the family symbolic in her handkerchief so Vi wouldn't see or known that Cait is another noble family. Because she was scared of being hated or rejected by Vi, yeah makes sense for being "misfit" :(

And after read your another meta post about conversations between Cait and Ekko, I noticed when Ekko asked so you got plan? Cait said I have a friend on the Councilor (Jayce)

This! She didn't tell him her mother is another Councilor too. I mean compared to Jayce just started in 2-3rd day, Cassandra's more influence and longer in Councilor position right? I mean if I was in Cait position, given how much conflict between her and her mom yeah I would prefer Jayce who understands/listening more than her mom.

Yeah I can feel her emotion for wanted Vi Ekko to trust her and was trying to do that by being enforcer, thinking that would be better than Vi Ekko knowing her house..

Cait tried to hides it from Vi and still trusted to show her house, Vi was the one who she wished most to not judge her for being who she really was. And Vi didn't throw these words when they were at her house because Vi knew that Cait was not arrogant like the rest of people Piltover.

When in rain scene, suddenly Vi's word go back to that big shiny house of your really hits Harder.. I mean compared to other enforcers are mocking her for that (like in eps 4 before explosion) she is like yeah whatever idc, but it's come from Vi, a person she care about and who saw real Cait and that's why it's hurts so much 😭

I love when people notice things that are kind of hard to tell upon first watching the show!! She definitely flipped the handkerchief over so that the Kiramman symbol wouldn't be visible because she didn't want Vi to see it :') Thank you for showing me this tweet gahh I love details like these.

Like you said, she's so used to people mocking her for being privileged, therefore having Vi see her as a rich Piltovian girl, a Councilor's daughter... it makes sense that it's not the impression she wanted her to have. I understand why she wouldn't want to flaunt her family's affiliations.

Now that you mention it, I didn't even think about how she didn't mention that her mother was on the Council and said a friend instead. Hiding her true identity once again, but it also makes sense considering Caitlyn and her mother's differences and how she would do anything to keep Caitlyn from seeing the real world.

They also snuck in through the window of Caitlyn's own house, perhaps so that Vi wouldn't see the full exterior/living area and her parents wouldn't hear them coming in. Despite it all, Vi could tell the house had to belong to an extremely rich person, hence why she suggested a Councilor.

"Don't you have a cocktail party to attend?"

"Go back to that big, shiny house of yours"

There's a contrast in what the two jabs at her being a Kiramman mean. The first sentence is said by a Piltovian enforcer who knows exactly what a person of social status and importance like Caitlyn would typically do. All the fluff and the extravagant parties - the rich people nonsense. That's what causes her to disrespect her, reminding her that she's in no position to rule. She had everything handed to her. It's her privilege that's bothering her.

Vi only remembers the house. After all, Caitlyn saw Vi's own childhood house. She let her see just how little they had growing up, entertaining themselves with using chalk on walls of steel. It was incredibly vulnerable for Vi, I assume, and then she saw Caitlyn's childhood bedroom. That's what resonated with her. The sheer luxury of it all. We used to share a bed like this, except, maybe half the size.

I mean, Caitlyn didn't have siblings growing up and her only friend was like a decade older than her. It's kinda sad, when you really think about it. I can sympathize with that, even though she never had to worry about food, shelter or money. At least, Vi was loved and she had company. That makes her desperate search for Powder even more tragic, damn.

[davekat-sucks]

as someone who doesn't like Eridan I am curious as to why he is your favorite character.

Part of it is his design that really stands out from most of the other characters. Eridan is quite more fashionable than Kanaya. He at least show more emphasis on him being the respective violetblood he takes pride in, while also wearing blue, another color that is related to highblood status. As well as blue being part of a violet shade. Though if you try to tell him vviolets are blue, he will damn correct you that vviolets are vviolets. Learn your damn colors! Another is a bit of his personality. He is a douche, a tool. A violetblood who takes advantage of being high privileged and will put others down beneath him, because the hemospectrum says so. He is more racist than Equius. He is the perfect example of what a troll should be and how trolls should act. Too many fantroll OCs go for the more revolutionary against Alternia or being the "nicer" troll. But no one tries to be racist to lowbloods like a rustblood or bronze. No highblood fans themselves with their money or seen to enjoy living a luxurious lifestyle. He is the OG real deal of what it is like if someone is born under Her Imperious Condescesion's ruling. The only thing that he does have a fear that even he cannot escape as a highblood, was the pailing. Basically, he needs to fuck with someone or he dies, because Eridan did not contribute to help repopulate his race. It's already bad enough sea dwellers are rare to come by and his quadrants are empty as hell. Despite being the rich kid, Eridan craves for attention, whether be red romance or black hatred. Any one of those would be able to please him, if it meant it could comfort his ease of loneliness. The way he approaches could be seen as creepy, but at least Eridan is honest about his feelings. He doesn't dance around or lie hard to those close to him. It's that same advice of being direct that he tells to Kanaya, because she will not get Vriska's attention that way. It's also why he can't kill land dwellers. He wants to have good relationships with them. It's that same relationship that shows he his a hypocrite. The dude rants about being a sea dweller and wanting to kill all land dwellers. But he never acts on it. He only commissions people to build doomsday devices, but never makes one himself. Eridan spends most of his time on land than at sea, as Feferi points out. He has an interests in wizards, but doesn't believe in magic. That's a bit of parallel of Rose's interest to write yaoi wizard fics, but she dislikes wizards themselves because of her mother's encouragement of her hobby (though Rose was over analyzing her intentions, she did not realize Mom Lalonde did care about her well being despite Sburb going to happen). The man collects various weapons, but his main strife specibus is his rifle. We don't actually know if he uses the harpoons, spears, or other weapons he has collected in his hive. It could relate to Eridan's interest in military history and wanting to be like said general figures and dictators. But we rarely see him gather some army or actually trying to lead like one. He is all glub and no bite. It's sort of interesting that he is flawed. And of course, we cannot address about his actions in Murderstuck. You can sort of sympathize with him in some way. He lost his moirail, he has no other friends left, his home planet is destroyed, and this big bad Jack Noir is going to kill them. With Alternia gone, anything like hemospectrum or highblood lowblood status, don't mean SHIT if they have to abandon it. That means, Eridan has nothing left on himself. All of this happened as he was still a TEENAGER. The poor fish was feeling hopeless and his actions were caused by his own emotions. It's different from Gamzee, who can be seen controlled by Caliborn/Lord English or was willing to follow to help for his cause. Different from Vriska, as she wants to be seen as the big hero by raising the stakes even higher than before. I sort of wished that he could have faced Gamzee in some way during that x3 showdown combo, since their aspects are complementary towards each other. It would also be

fitting he gets revenge for Dualscar's death, by killing the descendant of the Grand Highblood. He and Vriska could have worked together one last time against the clown. Part of me also jokingly thinks Eridan would try to convince Vriska to take him to Jack in order to serve him. It's sort of a question of how exactly Eridan would get Jack Noir's attention. It is never explained how, even when Feferi and Sollux agreed they have to stop him. Would he fire his wwand to make a signal beam to get Jack to fly over? Would he asks Vriska to deliver himself to the man? No one knows, but either way, his surrender out of fear could be seen as dumb and cowardly. Sucks that he got killed by end of Act 5. But probably for the best he stayed dead, so that his character wasn't ruined from Act 6 to Pesterquest. His character not doing much as a sprite was one of the worst offenses. He really could have helped Jake about his Hope powers, but every dead troll there was shafted aside. At least let FEFPETASPRITE TALK. Don't use her as a joke, just because Hussie doesn't want to do Feferi and Nepeta's quirk in one chatlog! Then there's the half assed "redemption" joke bit from Epilogues and the ridiculous gender arc by retconning Eridan's backstory and forgetting about another character's relation with his lusus. Because WhatPumpkin don't want him to be a racist, rich creep asshole. And yet, it's why I love him. Eridan is one flawed, tragic villain. Maybe I just have a weird interests in douchebags who try so hard to be liked or acknowledged of being superior by putting others down to push their own pride, but with the way that has been set for Eridan, sort of makes sense to me that he would do all these actions. It's fucked up, but I can't blame him for being put in that kind of situation. Being a kid and growing up, it's hard and nobody understands. His life was an Ugly Story.

[wh-wh-whu]

Joy and Henry

New OCs, new series (?)! These characters come from the same original story as “Ni and Jay and Jane”, but in a different place and time. Since I am changing background stuff to post here, I am not sure they will still be set in the same ‘verse, but a crossover is never impossible.

Also this is the scene that inspired my first prompt-style post!

Don’t worry much about the Company and Associates, these are mostly placeholders as I figure the Lore, just know that this is government stuff and these people are very important. One detail that matters here is that all masters are men and 95% of the slaves are women. Sexism plays a big part in this story even in pieces that don’t focus much of it.

CW: slavery, background sexism, lady whumpee turned caretaker, mention of lady whumpee (other than caretaker), mention of (physical) hate mail, implied minor whumpee (everyone is an adult here but it’s implied stuff happened to them when they were minors), mentioned whipping, mention of whumpee being forced to hurt others, scars

Henry was not supposed to have an opinion on any of the Associates. He belonged to the Company, and so all the associates were his Masters.

Still, he couldn't lie to himself that Ms. Wilson was very different from all the others, and that for it he favored her a lot.

Joy Wilson was the only woman among the Associates, and the first one to step in in over 100 years. She was also a former slave, something that made her presence undesired in the Company, but in the end, none of the Associates could stop her. She filled all the legal conditions, there were no flaws in her papers, nothing that left room for argument that she wasn't legally free, that she didn't belong to the man who signed her freedom at the time, and he had even adopted her as his daughter before making her his heir.

Not that any of this mattered to Henry. He only knew it all from the gossip before Ms. Wilson moved in. That, and from the talk the President gave him just before he welcomed his new Master. The man had confirmed that Ms. Wilson was indeed a former slave, but tried to crush all of Henry's hopes that she would be any soft on him. Not that he had any, Henry knew she was more likely to sympathize with the other slaves, the women that he had to keep an eye on and punish, if necessary, than with him.

It turned out that Ms. Wilson was much kinder than anyone could have imagined. She didn't relish Henry's fear, nor did she seem to want to cause him any pain. She spoke to him kindly, in a soft tone, never insulting. Henry actually enjoyed being in her presence, and luckily he always had letters to deliver to her. She always received many more than the other Associates.

They weren't always kind. Henry wasn't allowed to read them, of course, but he knew. So many people wanted Ms. Wilson out. Even some of the Associates still did. Some envelopes came with drops of blood staining the paper, maybe a veiled treat? A way of showing her others were suffering more because she was there?

There was always a lot of crumpled in her trash too.

Henry knew Ms. Wilson was stressed. She was under a lot of pressure. One day, when he went to deliver her letters, he heard shouting from her door. It made him pause.

It was only her voice. She was probably on the phone. He didn't understand every word she said, but she talked of law. It was certainly Company business. Henry waited, not wanting to interrupt.

"I'm just tired, Fer." She said after a long pause, her tone much softer. "They don't let me do anything here." Another pause. "I know. Yes, yes, you told me. I knew it wouldn't be easy. I am used to men being shitty to me."

Henry's fist closed, crumpling the letters a bit. He should not be hearing to a private conversation, this was how slaves got themselves killed in the Company. They were not supposed to know the Associates' secrets. He didn't know if he was hearing any secret, but he knew Ms. Wilson was showing a vulnerability that was meant for someone else's ears.

"I just wish I could speak to them the way they speak to other women. No, I know, yeah it would only make it all worse. It would be fun, though. It's not like they can touch me. Don't worry, I know my priorities. I won't be careless." A longer pause. "Thank you, Fer. I wish you were here. Don't worry, nothing would make me give up on this."

Whoever "Fer" was, they seemed to be important for Ms. Wilson. She spoke their name in a sweet tone.

Henry tried to get the words he heard out of his mind, but he couldn't. Ms. Wilson disliked men, that wasn't really a surprise. It was like the President had said, she had probably been tormented by men her entire life. Henry was a man, well, just barely, but he was the only male slave in the Company.

Still, Ms. Wilson was always kind to him.

He waited until Ms. Wilson ended the call, then a little bit more before knocking on her door.

"Henry, come in." She greeted him, opening the door to let him into her apartment.

Henry obediently entered, feeling a bit intimidated as he always did whenever he was inside one of the luxurious apartments. Before Ms. Wilson, being called in always meant there was pain to follow.

"Your letter, Miss." He held out the envelopes, reminded himself it probably didn't matter that he crumpled them a bit, they would probably be thrown out like so many others anyway.

Indeed, Ms. Wilson didn't seem to mind as she took them and left them on a table. "Thank you. Is that all?"

Henry hesitated. Ms. Wilson seemed to notice it, and waited patiently for him to speak. He tried to choose his words carefully.

"Ms. Wilson, please forgive my intruding, but you seem to be going under a lot of stress lately, right?"

She frowned, making Henry want to slap his lips and run away. He could do no such thing.

"Yes." Ms. Wilson said. "But it's nothing for you to worry about."

"I apologize, I know it's none of my business." Henry agreed. He swallowed, trying to be even more careful with his next words. "I noticed that you, Miss, are the only one among the Associates that doesn't make use of any stress reliever."

The only one who doesn't have a slave, and doesn't use any of the ones belonging to the Company as a stress reliever. Henry didn't want it to come out as a criticism, but Ms. Wilson's frown deepened.

"I know... I know you would never hurt someone... like you." He lowered his eyes. He hoped he was not offending her, that was the last thing he wanted. "Everyone... everyone down there is very thankful. Everyone admires you, Miss. But it, it saddens me that you're the only one who has nothing to make you feel better." Taking a deep breath, Henry slowly reached for the whip attached to his belt. It was his work tool, for him to punish the others when he had to... and for the Associates to use to punish him.

---

Joy flinched as Henry took the whip, but he didn't seem to notice it, as he couldn't even look up at her. Of course, he had no intention of hurting her with it, he simply offered it to her.

He didn't need to say a word. Joy already knew what he was offering, and she would rather he didn't say it, but he did.

"If you wish, you can use me, Miss."

His voice was even and devoid of emotion, something that Joy had never been capable of back in her days. They could never really teach her that she deserved to be hurt, that she should enjoy being hurt.

But then she remembered how Henry was when she first met him, just a couple of months ago. Trembling, flinching, voice small as he apologized for not telling her he was a slave right away, as if it was his fault she had missed the Company's logo branded on his arm. Joy had seen him afraid back then, and other times, near other Associates.

This Henry in front of her wasn't afraid, and it hit her like a truck the realization that it could only be her fault. That she had shown him a kindness none of those men had ever done, and he wasn't afraid because this was not supposed to be a punishment, it was supposed to be a payment.

She hesitated as she reached for the whip, wishing to take it out of his hand. She wanted to throw that vile object away, into the fireplace so it became ashes and would never hurt anyone again. But Henry was soon unbuttoning his shirt, and she helplessly watched as he kneeled down in front of her, back exposed.

Joy inhaled deep and covered her mouth with her free hand. Henry's back was covered in scars. It was not surprising, not really, and it wasn't like she had never seen scars before. But seeing those old and new scars on his body - he was younger than Joy, barely an adult! - as he sat just a little hunched forward, perfectly still, fully accepting that this was the price to pay for a few kind words, that broke her heart, a heart she had had to stitch together too many times.

She remembered then, why she had agreed to be Mr. Wilson's heir in the first place. Why she had decided to leave the comfortable life he had given her and come here, in the center of the world, knowing well that men would look down on her and ridicule her and try to eat her alive every move she made. Why she studied hard and left her friends - her family - behind to be surrounded by people who hated her simply for being who she was.

Joy touched Henry's shoulder, and he flinched, certainly expecting pain.

"I can't do this to you, Henry. I thank your offer, but..." She trailed off.

He nodded, grabbing his shirt. "I just... want to help you somehow, Miss." He said, eyes teary.

"You already did. You already do." Joy said, sincerely. "I'm glad for having at least one person here who cares about me."

[irishmacguirefucker]

Saved

Or alternatively; Javier realizes he really hopes all his friends go to the ranch to be happy while procrastinating his own decision

There were a lot of ways Javier Escuella thought his life would turn out after he fled Mexico.

Having his own third-floor bedroom in a massive, beautiful house and living an almost domestic life around former gang members turned family was not one of them.

He had already considered himself saved. He was starving and without a thing to his name when Dutch took him in. For years having a bedroll, a guitar and a gang to give his loyalty was home enough for him.

So when Dutch announced to them all that they would be giving up the gang life for some ranch all the way back in New Austin... He was conflicted, that's to say the least.

He didn't disagree with the idea per se, it’s just a lot to swallow when you’ve been a revolutionary, a bounty hunter and a gang member. Never a rancher.

But he would follow Dutch. He would always be loyal to Dutch no matter what.

The speech was… odd. Dutch didn’t speak very long. Something nobody was used to. And then Hosea stood to speak to them all, that's something they rarely saw.

Dutch’s speech was impassioned and compelling as they always are but it was still jarring. Dutch Van der Linde, gang leader for life, the man who caught him trying to steal chickens from some other ranch was telling them that they should give up their life of crime and danger to become those ranchers.

He even went as far as to admit that the age of gangs was no more and that if they continued on as they were they would all go down in gunfire.

Javier couldn't help but think that was always the plan.

If the speech had come from anyone else it would have sounded like he was admitting defeat, but Dutch Van der Linde made it sound like an opportunity. A hopeful prospect of good money and comfortable lives.

And then Dutch stepped down and Hosea stepped up.

Hosea's speech was less focused on convincing people through faith and more on telling people what they would get.

He told them just how massive the house was, 11 bedrooms and other rooms that could be converted for their best use. Acres of land to have livestock, run the horses, and just to have as their own. Cabins that they would build after they got there so they wouldn't be cramped. He said it as if they could possibly be cramped in a house bigger than any of their camps.

And in the end, he told them just how he got the property. Javier hadn't known Bessie, she died before Dutch found him. Hosea was still grieving then, Javier could tell even though he barely knew Hosea at the time. He figures he must have missed the drunken year Dutch and Arthur spoke of but not by a lot, maybe 2 or 3 years at most.

Even so Hosea taught Javier English. Just as much as Dutch contributed to that cause, Hosea did too. Sometimes he felt a bit like a project for the two men but Hosea always assured him that it was an honor to have him join their gang and their family, and family help each other out.

Listening to Hosea speak of his late wife's childhood home with such excitement, was a little bewildering to everyone in camp. Hosea always had a sort of melancholy sort of happiness when he spoke of Bessie but this time around he just seemed so excited.

The hope in his eyes turned back the clock. He almost looked younger, standing up in front of everyone and laying out this opportunity for them.

When Javier said he would follow Dutch anywhere... He meant it. He would go with them to this ranch, he would have even if Dutch hardly told them anything. Not that he was naïve, he just had a lot of trust in Dutch’s ideas and they had hardly ever led him astray in the past.

However because he is not naïve he was skeptical. He knows many of the members of this gang were likely feeling the same way; former orphans, rejects, runaways, etc. Many of them had not had the warmth of a real home in a long time, some never had it at all.

But like him: they had faith in Dutch and trust in Hosea. So they would follow. He would follow. To a brand new life.

-

Javier remained skeptical. The night after the speech held a dangerous tension around camp. Everyone had either gone to their beds or into the forest to think long and hard about this decision, or was sitting around the campfire in dead silence.

Javier was near the campfire. Mostly because that is where his bedroll is but also because he had much to think about and didn’t want to do it alone. Around the campfire sat Arthur, Charles, Lenny, Kieran, Mary-beth and Tilly.

The silence was heavy, each of them in their own heads. Mary-Beth and Tilly were practically on top of each other with the way they sat. Javier supposed they found comfort in each other.

Glancing at the young women, he thought they should go to the Ranch. They're so young and so deserving of a good home. They kept glancing at each other looking rather conflicted. Javier hoped they chose to go.

As he moved down the line of people he passively thought he must be avoiding his own thoughts on the idea by examining his friends around the fire. He couldn’t bring himself to do it just yet.

Next is Kieran. Their newest member. Not that many of them really considered him a member yet. The offer had been extended to him, Javier had watched Arthur place a heavy hand on the smaller man's shoulder and say something too low for Javier to hear. Judging by the rare smile that broke out on Kieran’s face, he would be going with them as well.

Javier did not interact with Kieran much. As he often did with everyone, he watched the man from afar, examined him and made opinions on him that he would mostly keep to himself. He believed that Kieran was mostly telling the truth about the O’Driscoll situation. The boy clearly had no loyalty to the other gang and earlier spoke of Colm O’Driscoll quite venomously to Mary-Beth, Sean and Arthur in the dark of the night.

Javier is an incredibly good judge of character. Spending months being unable to understand the people speaking around you makes you exceptional at reading people through their actions. Kieran is a kind boy, his involvement with the O’Driscolls’ was an unfortunately unavoidable action that had brought him to the Van Der Linde’s.

Javier thought Duffy should go to the ranch. He took incredible care of the horses. Boaz was a rambunctious horse, and Javier had never seen someone outside himself handle her so well. He saved Arthur back in Horseshoe Valley, something a true bastard would have just used as an opportunity to run. And he was humorously lovesick over Mary-Beth, that much was clear to everyone. While Javier was sure that girl could have any man she wanted it looked like she liked him back. He couldn't help but feel happy for the both of them, they would enjoy ranch life and have a safe home for their blossoming romance.

Though Javier could only imagine the lineup of torturers he'd have should he break her heart. Javier would certainly be in that line, somewhere behind Arthur and Susan probably.

The next person here was Lenny. Another young member who had experienced so much pain. Javier had heard the boys backstory. He felt for that 15-year-old boy who watched his father beaten to death, made his first kill and had to leave behind his remaining parents so he wouldn't be hung for his crimes. Javier knew the pain of leaving behind family, he couldn't help but sympathize.

Lenny deserved to live on that ranch. He deserved to have the luxury that was earned by him, and his family through pain and suffering. 19 years old is so young, he had a whole life of comfort ahead of him should he go.

Finally, he observed Charles and Arthur, only to find them looking at him the way he had been looking at the others. Javier knew that on some level that the two men had already known before that night. They would be going, that much was clear. He was happy for them, his friends deserved to settle down and live in comfort.

Lenny’s voice speaking up nearly made him jump. “I think that I’m gonna go. I...I think my Ma and Pa would want me to. And if Hosea and Dutch say it’ll be good...I think it’ll be great.”

Javier smiled. Slowly he watched as Mary Beth and Tilly squeezed their joined hands and agree with the dark-skinned boy. Then Mary-Beth slid a hand to her side and intertwined her fingers with Kierans, just barely in Javier's sight. It pays to be so observant he thinks. Everyone around the fire all spoke up, agreeing and choosing to go and he was happy for them. And then suddenly eyes were on him and he was forced to face his own thoughts.

He could say what immediately comes to mind, he would stay loyal to Dutch. But that wasn’t what they were looking for. He couldn’t help but wonder if it’s what he really deserves. All this time spent thinking about how his friends deserve to go and live happily, but what does he deserve? He who left his family behind, who put them in danger by killing a powerful man over a woman. Did he deserve the same home as them?

His mother is dead, that he knows. He hopes his sister was happy with her husband, in a home with a family. He fought in Mexico for his village to earn what they deserved, that's something he was still proud of. But then he left. What did that make him? A deserter? A coward?

He was pulled out of his self deprecating thoughts when Arthur spoke up. “You should come with us, Javier. An’ not just for Dutch. It… It’s gonna be real nice there, I think you’ll be real happy.”

Then Charles. “I know we haven't known each other for long but after hearing your story, you deserve to come to New Austin, more than some of us. Definitely more than Uncle.”

That pulled a few laughs from the group before he continued. “You owe Dutch your life, but a lot more people owe you theirs.”

The campfire was silent once more but now it was anticipating. Waiting to see what the ex-revolutionary would say.

“I’ll go. I’ll follow Dutch anywhere...this gang is the only family I have left and I won't abandon them like I did my mother and my sister back in Nuevo Paraíso.”

Nobody responded, but they all seemed to be almost buzzing. This new prospect was going to be amazing, and they were all happy to see members of the gang agreeing to join on the adventure.

“Javier...Would you play a song for us? I just can't stand this silence no more.” Tilly said. Everyone seemed to agree, the tension was no more. Now they needed to wind down.

Javier smiled and reached back for his guitar. “Why not Hermana, what can I play for you?”

She seemed to think on it for a minute before leaning in to Mary-Beth’s shoulder. “Could you play one of your songs? One of them soft Spanish ones?”

Mary Beth jumped in. “Oh yes, please? They sound so nice, even if I don't understand a word.”

It was a kind request of them, to sing a song of his former home after a long deliberation over his new one. As he chose the song he would sing, he couldn’t help but feel incredibly happy that he would spend the rest of his days singing for his new family.

Maybe one day he would send a letter to his sister, try and find out how she is doing without him. But for now, he would sit around the fire and he would sing for his closest friends, and dream of their upcoming new life with them in peace.

[slytherinprincess03]

Loving Gestures

This is my attempt at writing a fic with the prompt: camping by a lake/the ocean, it’s for A Very Harry Potter Summer challenge. Check @hufflefluff-writer ‘s masterlist for the other fics :)

@angelinathebook and @dracosvftie gave feedback and ideas to continue this, thank you both so much!

I tried to make it an all houses possible, but I think being a Slytherin doesn't really fit in. Sorry. 

Pairing: Blaise Zabini x reader

Words: 1442

Warnings: The ‘M’ word. The end is crap and kinda rushed? I really struggled with writing an end to this fic. I apologize for that in advance

(Y/N) - your name

(Y/H) - your house

(Y/N/N) - your nickname

“Oh come on Blaise, this is going to be fun!” skipping excitedly, you drag a sulking Blaise with you. 

“You know I love you darling, but do we really need to do this?” he complains again ”can't we just stay at one of my families mansions?”

“Blaise Zabini” you glare at him sternly “listen to me young man, I could've easily asked someone else to join me on this trip, someone who wouldn't be complaining all the time. If I remember correctly, you willingly offered to join me, so stop complaining. You want to waltz around one of your mansions? Fine, but I'm going on this trip whether you are joining me or not.”

Before you left your shared flat, you had asked your boyfriend a dozen of times if he was certain on wanting to join you. Of course, you knew camping was something Blaise had never done and you didn't think he ever wanted to change that. After all he was raised in a wealthy pure blood family, one who never did something so common. Blaise was used to wealth and luxury.              To say the least you were utterly surprised when your dark skinned boyfriend offered joining you on the trip you usually went on with your parents. 

Sadly enough they passed away during the Battle of Hogwarts, it took you months to be able to speak about them without bursting into tears, now a year after their passing, you went on the same camping trip in honour of your parents' memory. Now Blaise knew the past year had been difficult for you, after all you were very close with your parents and it absolutely broke your heart when you learned they had passed away. Blaise had been there for you every second of every day, he loved you dearly and that was why he offered going camping with you. He just didn't realize it was way out of his comfort zone.

To say the least, when people found out about your relationship, they were shocked. After all you guys weren't even friends, heck you never even talked to each other. If that wasn't enough shock already, you being a (Y/H) half blood didn't really help. Everyone knew how Blaise was raised, they all thought he would end up with a pure blood witch, just like his mother wanted. She had even already made progress into getting Blaise into an arranged marriage.            When she had heard word of your relationship, she was furious. 

It wasn't as bad if you had been a muggle born or - Salazar forbid - even a muggle, but still. You were a (Y/H) and not to forget a muggle born sympathizer, to put it mildly Blaise's mother wasn't happy with you. 

Of course Blaise already suspected this, so when you first started dating both of you agreed on keeping it a secret. Alas, as with all secrets, people eventually found out about it. When they did, you were scared that Blaise would break up with you. You were convinced he would run back to his mother in order to be married off to some pure blood witch, when you voiced your insecurities Blaise took every moment he could to make sure you knew he would always stay by your side. 

"Are we nearly there yet?" Blaise whines "it's so warm and I just want to cuddle you" he continues while pulling you into an embrace. 

You let out a yelp of surprise and giggle lightly "yes over there at the foot of the hill" you point towards the hill "but we still have to pitch the tent."

"What? We can't just use our wands for that?" Blaise pulls you even closer and plants a small kiss on your lips, while groaning softly at the idea of setting up a tent with the hot summer air. 

"I think we could, but my parents and I never used magic" he looked down at you with pursed lips "let me guess, you want to pitch the tent without using our wands?" You bit your lip and nodded. 

"Do we really have to (Y/N/N)?" you could clearly see he just wanted to be done with it and use your wands, however you wouldn't budge. 

"Please? I love you, you know" you said to him, trying to persuade him, while batting your eyelashes at him. "Yes I know that, love. Fine, you win, but you have to do the work."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After several failures, the tent finally stood in its glory. In total, it had cost two hours and a lot of grunts from Blaise. He eventually caved in and decided to help you after the first few failed attempts. Because of the hard work you did with the high temperature and all, several beats of sweat covered your face. Blaise had noticed this as well and smirked slyly, he had the perfect plan to cool you down. Eyeing the lake, which was a few meters away from your tent, he called you over to him, slowly walking towards the edge of the lake. 

"You know (Y/N), I think you could use something refreshing" he said once you were in hearing distance. "Oh?" you cock an eyebrow in surprise "and what did you have in mind?" 

"This" he grins, for a second you stare at him in confusion, but then he suddenly pushes you into the lake. You yelp in surprise and a wave of water enters your mouth, sputtering you try keeping your head above the water. 

"BLAISE ZABINI" you scream, while glaring at your boyfriend. 

You huff while crossing your arms as Blaise rolls on the grass in laughter "shou- shoulda seen your face" the boy roars while tears stream down his face. 

"Get your bloody arse over here and help me out of the water" you demand, a small smile tugging at your lips.

 Once he is done laughing, he staggers over to you and extends his hand. Instead of allowing him to pull you out of the water, you tug on his hand, and he falls into the water next to you. This time it is you who is howling with laughter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After drying yourself with a few drying spells, you and Blaise lay in the tent. You snuggle into his side and lay your head on his chest, your legs a tangled mess.  'I love you' he mutters in your ear, while playing with your hair. A smile appears on your face "I love you too" you tell him while placing soft kisses all over his face. 

"(Y/N)?" Blaise asks to get your attention after a few minutes of silence. 

"Yeah?" a silence follows and when you tilt your head to look up to him, you notice how he's contemplating about whatever he was going to say. 

"Hey you know you can tell me anything, right?" he hums in respond.        Another short silence follows and you wait patiently for him to get whatever it is off his chest. 

"Marry me" your boyfriend blurts, for a second you think you heard it wrong. 

"I'm sorry, what?" you ask in surprise, completely taken aback by this. "Marry me, please (Y/N/N)" he repeats, while turning to look you in the eye. 

Before you could even utter a single respond, he already starts rambling.            "I don't mean right away, but just please marry me someday. I love you so much, I just can't imagine living without you and I don't give a damn about what my mother thinks. I don't have a ring yet, but if you say yes I'll get you one as soon as possible. Though I understand if you don't-" you cut him off by pressing your lips to his, pulling away you smile softly at him. "Of course I want to marry you, silly" you stroke his cheek lovingly.

"Are you serious?" he jolts up in surprise "Of course I'm serious" you smile sweetly at him "Oh I love you so much" he cries, before kissing you passionately "I promise you I'll find a ring worthy of you once we get back" you give him a small reassuring smile. 

"As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter to me what kind of ring you buy, I just know I want to spend the rest of my life with you and that is the most important thing."

After your little speech, Blaise shoots you a proud grin, "I'm so lucky that I can call you my fiancée. I love you my dear" "and I love you, my fiancé" you smile at him before you share a passionate kiss, a long night ahead of you.

------------------

If you want to be tagged as well, just leave a comment or send me an ask/message

Tags: @nebulablakemurphy​ @kalimagik​ @hufflefluff-writer​ @chaotic-fae-queen​ @dracosvftie

[mochuelovelli]

Lilith for the character ask?

Oh boy, a controversial character! Gotta say, I stan James Charles /J

How do I feel about this character?:

On a real note, I do like Lilith as a character. When we first meet her, she's pompous and proud. Oozing with entitlement, she's easy to route against and you like to see her get worked up and "brought down" to Eda's level as the wild which so eloquently put it. Later on, but not too much later that it feels disingenuous, we really get to see her show that she cares for her sister. One might believe it is *Eda* being ridiculous, as far as the audience is aware, Lilith's offer holds little downsides. Eda would be cured and be afforded the luxuries of the upper class AND keep her magic. All she had to do was be the Emperor's soldier.

As to not get off track by talking about Eda, (im sure Lilith herself would loathe that lol) Lilith's reveal to have cursed her sister over a spot in the emperor's coven was...controversial to say the least. I don't think it's unpopular to voice that, yeah. It could've been communicated better to the audience since I saw plenty of commentators and regular fans themselves either thought Lilith cursing her sister was *needlessly* petty and not at all thought out (which yeah it kinda was).

From where I stand on that issue is, yeah, Lilith's whole reason to curse her sister could've been avoided by just talking to her sister and asking her to let her have this. BUT, I think a lot of people forget that the Emperor's coven would want to limit the number of powerful witches in their coven. Sure, Belos would want to be protected by a bunch of loyal soldiers, but he wouldn't want too much of the population to ever have a much power as him. So limiting the number of members in not just his coven but possible in the other major covens, would aid in controlling that population.

This might be pure hogwash but like, there are a ton of other "lesser" covens. So in my mind, it's more likely that the general population of witches gets sorted into one of the various miscellaneous. If you think limiting yourself to only practicing Illusion magic sucks, imagine only practicing whatever the fuck the "swag coven" does.

Lol gonna add a page break this shit is getting too long

Romantic Ships for this character?:

Hm, it's only s1 and we haven't seen her interact w/ many characters outside of her fam/Belos/actual children. I kinda jokingly ship here with Steve lol. Kikimora and her also have a funny dynamic but in all actuality, I don't ship her w/ anyone rn.

Non-Romantic Ships for this character?:

Her and Hooty lol. I mean Eda is an obvious answer but like, Hooty fucking with Lilith is too funny to not want to see. Her and King would be great too, probably get some good B plots out of it. It would be a good contrast since they both can be petty but in different ways and I think that would help flesh out their characters a bit more and maybe cause some introspection (at least on Lilith’s end lol)

Unpopular opinion about this character?:

Lol. I feel like she is such a divisive character in general that most opinions about her aren’t too out of the main stream. I guess a more meta take is that when she’s portrayed in fanworks, usually fanfic but not exclusively, very...one note lol. She’s usually a pretty flat, boring character in an attempt to highlight the contrast between her and Eda. She’s the straight-laced, “responsible” sibling who has a chip on her shoulder. In fanon, that equates to her characterization to either be like, completely and utterly apologetic to the point where it becomes unbelievable for any person to do. Her apologizing or making amends is usually quickly forgiven by Luz/and or Eda. Sure, Luz is very forgiving person naturally but like?? She’s wasn’t mad in canon too much about THEIR well being (almost getting impaled), she was specifically pissed about Lilith betraying Eda. 

So, if Lilith is a big part of your story (and it’s working in the realm of canon), then this should be a problem which doesn’t get resolved by just ONE big action. I also feel like her being on better terms with Eda would come BEFORE Luz since Eda’s main gripe with her would be about her being annoyed by Lilith’s controlling nature and the fact that she didn’t trust her enough to talk about her feelings back when she was first cursed (also her using Luz against her but I feel like that would probably be a hurdle that wouldn’t really be over come until Lilith in turn would be willing to sacrifice herself for Luz while also making an effort to care for Luz as a person not just see her as a “pet”). Hhhh this section is so long and its kinda bleeding over in the next question so-

Something I wish will happen or would have wanted to happen in canon?:

yall if you are still reading I am so sorry sksk

I want Lilith in general, not to be forgiven by either Luz or Eda. Eda probably early on stating about how she is unsure if she could EVER forgive her sister for what she has done. BUT, critically, Eda would see that Lilith is trying and she is willing to work with her (with a unhelpful dose of teasing) because at the end of the day she still loves her sister. For the relationship they had before everything with south, for knowing her side of the story even though she believes it doesn’t justify her actions. She understands and sympathizes, she’s grown a bit softer thanks to Luz, which is very funny since I want Luz to be the one who is the hardest to convince Lilith actually had a change of heart but more on that later. 

Before I move on to what I want her path towards forgiveness with Luz looks like, I want to bring up a parallel that I haven’t seen many people make. Fans always talk about the parallel between the Clawthornes and Luz/Amity, and rightly so because there is a lot to extrapolate there, but I think another interesting dynamic that might be interesting to see in s2 would be an episode that focuses on lost friendship/sisterhood with the Clawthornes and Amity and Willow. It’s kinda funny that Amity and Willow’s friendship was ruined because Willow was too “weak” while Eda was too “powerful”. In a potential episode, it can show the progression both Eda/Lilith and Willow/Amity are making in rekindling their relationship with each other. For Eda and Lilith this would be a lot more rough around the edges since it both be either the first or one of the first attempts at doing so while Willow/Amity would maybe be further along yet still have some major/minor hang ups with one another. With Willow/Amity, their relationship would either be rounding the bend of fully moving past the “idk how to feel about you stage” or it is stated outright that Willow forgives Amity, (and by forgive, I mean in the “we both know what you did, you’ve actually changed. we won’t have the same relationship that we once had but I’m okay with trying again”). In contrast, Lilith and Eda would reach a understanding and come up with some ground rules on how to handle each other (Eda’s main take away from this “episode” would be what I previously stated in the last question), ones that will be more like guidelines cuz its Eda lol. Also what separates the Clawthornes conflict from the Willow/Amity one (besides the obvious) is that the Clawthornes both know how the other works. Which buttons to push and all that so both of them are going to have to learn to resist doing that, at least a bit, in order to actually progress. 

ANYWAYS, I also want Luz to be the one to regard Lilith the coldest. Luz refusing to let Lilith teach her anything despite probably having more practical/book smarts knowledge on magic theory than Eda because she doesn’t trust her. If they are gonna use that masked dude as a spy, I want Luz to assume Lilith is somehow a coconspirator. This plot thread doesn’t have to be going at 100% the whole time, (in fact I would want it to be a temp thing maybe lasting a couple eps at most or like, just something that is hinted at but not dived deeply until the second half of the season). Really, Lilith has a hard time because Luz straight up doesn’t give her the opportunity to really express her regret/remorse. Lilith probably won’t at first give her a ton of reasons to forgive her as she usually attempts at coming back at Luz’s snide remarks with her own quippy comebacks. Sksk a really angsty end to an attempt could include Lilith saying something to Luz after going on a small talk with her (where yeah Lilith has improved but still needs noticeable work) that she “reminds her a lot of Eda” and Luz bites back with something like “Oh yeah? You going to curse me too? You want another person you can force to do what YOU want?”. 

Hell maybe “parental problems” could have Lilith poke at, either on purpose or accidentally, Luz’s feelings about going back to the human world and Camila. Lilith reminding her, maybe unknowingly, reminds her a lot of her mom and that causes her to blow up on her. Luz would hate that comparison, thinking about how similar her mom and Lilith are to one another. That because she still has such a strong dislike of Lilith, it bleeds over into how Luz views Camila and vice versa. In that, both Camila and Lilith value respect, an adherence to the rules, have a great sense of wisdom (arguably for Lilith lol /hj), and (eventually for Lilith once she gets to know Luz better) a genuine want for Luz to succeed and belief in her even though they are critical of her actions at times. Sure Eda reminds her of that more, motherly protective kind of love, in which she would do anything for her to be happy and healthy. Lilith can be the other side of that, the worry and slight doubt. That familiar way they each go about trying to understand and get close to Luz yet not quite getting it yet would still do whatever she’d ask for her sake. Luz at first would take Lilith being disappointed in her actions as an accomplishment. As they grow closer and the more Lilith reminds her of her mom, it becomes scary. The disappointment hurts and in an effort not to feel like that again and to not want to think about the comparison between Lilith and her mother she will snap back at her. Eventually Lilith would then have to change again and reassure her that she cares and by extent, her mother cares to. It is here Lilith is willing to let go of being so constantly controlling and learns to encourage first (or do some form of the compliment sandwich) and Luz comes to peace with her feelings about her mother and understands her position better. To be able to love herself even if she knows that she will always try to do her best. 

oh my fucking god you made it im so sorry i guess i had a lot of thoughts. fffffff

[jobrookekarev]

Two of a Kind and More Than a Street Kid Could Ask For

Chapter: 1/1

Summary: Alex comes home to find Jo crying and they realize that they've both come a long way from where they were when they were kids.

Fandom: Grey's Anatomy.

Relationship: Alex Karev/Jo Karev.

Characters: Alex Karev and Jo Karev.

Rating: General Audiences.

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort and Fluff.

Read at AO3

Read at FFN

……………………………………………………………………

Alex slid open the door to the loft and undid the tie. All he wanted was to see Jo and wrap his arms around her. When he started working at Pac North, he didn’t realize he would miss Jo this much. He was used to seeing her on his lunch break and in between patients. Although they tried to at least see each other on their lunch break, he was lucky to get a call from her. Otherwise, it was eight to twelve hours before they saw each other.

He smiled as he rounded the corner to see her sitting on the bed, but when she turned to look at him he saw tears streaming down her face. She tilted her head and parted her lips, as the tears continued to fall down her cheeks. She had that painful expression upon her face that he knew so well, and it was heartbreaking every time he saw it. He dropped his briefcase immediately and crawled onto the bed, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

“Jo, what is it?” Alex asked as she put her head on his shoulder.

“I have two jackets,” Jo said with a slight smile as she held both of her coats in her lap.

Alex shook his head, not quite understanding why that was upsetting her, as he wiped away new tears that continued to stream down her face.

“I have two jackets, and a dozen pairs of shoes,” she said, gesturing to the line of shoes in front of her. 

“Yeah, and that’s… sad?” Alex asked as he just shook his head, clearly not understanding, but trying to sympathize with her. 

“You know that I bought this jacket online a couple of months ago,” Jo said, putting her hands on the Navy blue parka with a fur lined hood. “But it was too thick, and I got too hot on the days when it just rained. Yet, I kept it instead of returning it for the times when we go up to Leavenworth for Christmas or Canada in the winter.”

“Okay,” Alex said with a nod as he squeezed his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

“So instead I bought this one,” Jo said, referring to the dark green rain jacket she had purchased that week. “Now I have two jackets. Alex, I’ve never had two jackets before, not even when I was a resident. I always just had one jacket that I would wear for whatever, but now I have two. You know, and it’s the same with my shoes. I don’t have just one pair of shoes for a single occasion. I have several different pairs of boots, and high heels, and sneakers, and I can choose which one I want to wear, and I have two jackets.”

It was then that Alex finally understood. He nodded and kissed her forehead as she continued to cry. “I get it. It’s like when I bought two different colors of sneakers when I was a resident. I couldn’t decide what color I wanted, so I impulsively got both. At first, I panicked thinking it would break the bank, but when I realized it didn’t, I just sat there for a moment in awe.”

Jo smiled at his story and tucked her head against his chest as he rubbed her hand up and down her back. Jo got it, just like Alex understood her too because growing up Alex only ever had one jacket too. He had one winter jacket that he would wear regardless of the weather. If it got too hot, he would take it off, and it got too cold, he would put on a sweater underneath, but he was never able to afford two jackets until he got older. 

It wasn’t the big things, like a house or cars, that made them realize they were financially stable for the first time in their life. It was the little things like being able to afford two jackets. Jo took a deep breath as the tears finally slowed and he reached for a tissue, wiping under her eyes as she tilted her head and smiled up at him. It was the smile that she had for him every day when he got home from work, but he would never get tired of seeing her smile. She reached up to put her hand on his cheek and tilted his head down to kiss her. 

“Thank you,” Jo whispered against his lips, kissing him again.

“For what, you’re the one that bought the two jackets,” Alex said as he moved to lean against the headboard and pulled her into his lap. 

“It’s not that,” Jo said, shaking her head. “I mean it is, it’s just…”

Jo trailed off as she shifted in his lap and held the lapel of his jacket for looking up and smiling as she put a hand on his cheek again. “Thank you for not acting like it was weird that I was crying because I have two jackets.” 

“That’s because it’s not weird,” Alex said, shaking his head as he held her hips,  grounding her against him as she fidgeted and squirmed in his lap. “You and I, we both grew up with nothing, and now that we have something, a multitude of it, it can catch us by surprise, that’s okay.”

“God, I love you,” Jo whispered as she settled in his lap and kissed him again.

Jo’s lips were soft, and she melted into him. It was sweet and Jo’s lips were his home. He was so happy to be there, holding her and kissing her. His heart swelled with love for her as she pulls back. He leaned back in and kissed her cheek, then her forehead again, if only because he could. 

“I love you too,” Alex said, smiling as her eyes sparkled in response. 

Jo leaned in to peck his lips before she turned around and leaned back against his chest. Jo stared down at her two coats and they both sat on the bed in silence. Just enjoying the moment for a little while. 

Growing up Alex never thought that he would have this. A wife, a house he owned, a job he loved, and enough money in the bank to not only afford life’s little luxuries but to feel like he was secure, He knew Jo felt the same. He knew that even if something did happen to him, Jo would be taken care of. He made sure of it. No matter how hard it was to work at a different hospital, he would spend the rest of the days making sure that she would be able to afford two coats. 

[rvb-is-gay]

ok so now that the final episode of rvb0 is out for everyone, lets get into some discussion about it! please note that post isnt a topic of debate but rather just my personal thoughts about everything, so dont go arguing in the replies

(fair warning ahead of time for any fans, this is mostly criticism and negative feelings about it, so keep scrolling if you dont wanna read it)

When RVB0 was first announced, I remember everyone was first upset that the Reds and Blues weren't in it, including me. But now that I've watched the whole thing, I can say with confidence that my only issue with RVB0 isn't the lack of the Reds and Blues, but rather everything. the dialogue, some of the animation, the characters, the delivery, the pacing, the ridiculous amount of clichés, etc. I don't dislike RVB0 just because there's no Reds and Blues. I dislike it because I just found the entirety of it bad.

When I first started watching it, I went in with an open mind that maybe this season could actually be really good. I’d also be lying if I said that there wasn't a single scene that I liked. There were actually a few, but they still didn't make up for just the overall badness of the season. But please note that I don't blame the voice actors for any of this or even just Torrian Crawford for the season coming out a giant mess. Many people worked for this season and always had the opportunity to improve or change things but didn't. But anyways, let’s get into some of the criticisms I have for this season.

1. Smaller and more opinion oriented criticisms

This isn’t really criticism or anything important, but rather just a few things I found a bit weird to me personally.

First, the term “ragtag team of misfits” was used to describe Shatter Squad (and was even actually said out loud by One in the last episode, which sounded just so cliché and dumb in my opinion). I don't think this describes them at all?? Everyone has, at the very least, decent relationships with each other (save for One and East who were competitive with each other (which I also fucking hate in RVB that all the girl characters are always competitive with each other)), but that still doesn't really fit the term ragtag) and they all fight very well. I think ragtag fits the Reds and Blues more than it does Shatter Squad; they're bad at fighting, they argue and fight all the time, they're idiots, and that's why we love them. If they had just stuck with “a team of misfits”, that would've made more sense, but again, this is more of a personal opinion than genuine criticism.

Second, I don’t really like the aesthetics this season had. Everything felt a bit too neon and bright and then some stuff just felt like it came straight out of World of Warcraft or something. It didn’t really feel like RVB.

Third, my feelings about Carolina constantly calling Wash David can be summed up by what Michael said in the first episode of Halo 4 LASO: “Now we’re just gonna throw his name around all willy nilly. It used to be a secret.” When someone is called by their real name in RVB or just any story in general where everyone goes by code names, it’s usually a big deal and indicates something serious. Carolina wore out Wash’s name the first time she said it and it just got more and more irritating from then on out and lost its value.

Fourth, who was the blue and purple soldier in the first teaser we got? Was that One? Did they decide to change her armour colour? I don’t know, I just randomly remembered that and thought it was weird but I guess it must’ve just been a colour change.

Now, onto the more serious criticism.

2. Animation and dialogue

The second thing I wanna talk about is the animation. Don't get me wrong, the fighting animation is probably the best compared to everything else and it was pretty good to watch, but the talking and idle animations and gestures were..... kinda yikes. I know that it could be chalked up to “well we’re not used to seeing animated gestures since all of RVB usually has everyone just holding their gun and using the regular Halo models” but there were still some pretty bad parts.

Take the scene from Encounter at 3:26 as an example (I uploaded the scene to YT to put here, but obviously it was blocked for copyright):

This scene is probably one of the worst when it comes to not only the animations, but the dialogue, pacing, and delivery. When I first saw this, I honestly laughed. Here's a list of my problems with this scene and what made it so laughable:

The overexaggerated hand gestures. I get that because everyone's in armour and a helmet, it can be hard to show expression, but this feels like a bit much. Especially when One says “what? You’re pulling us off the mission? You cant do that!” I think that one scene in season 15 when Grif stays behind on Iris while everyone leaves and it slowly zooms in on Simmons’ visor somehow does a lot better at expressing feelings than this.

East immediately making the connection between Axel and Zero feels weird. I don't know if its just me who feels this way, but I think it should've been a little bit longer before she immediately is just like “you know Zero don't you”

Axel saying “I... I do... I did”  also sounds weird and like he was trying a bit too hard to sound dramatic. I don't really know how to describe it its just such a weird delivery of the line.

The way they all immediately start yelling at each other.

One saying “Axe, I trusted you” right after saying “tell us the truth”. Girl, you gave him no opportunity to explain and just immediately jumped to not trusting him anymore. Speaking of which, I don't think this was ever really mentioned again and had no meaning or importance to it.

The echoing of “I trusted you” also feels cliché to me, but this is more of a minor thing.

I think this one comment on one of the episodes on the RT site that says the dialogue “seemed acted rather than natural. It didn't really sound like how people normally talk, more how actors talk in plays” is how I feel about all of the dialogue in RVB0.

3. The villains

Zero and Diesel both felt like they didn't really have any motivation at all for being villains. Phase is probably the best when it comes to this. She was essentially abused by her father as a child and forced to undergo being experimented on. This is an actual good and understandable motivation.

Diesel we know basically nothing about, and then on the other hand, all Zero wants is power. But for what? Why? I can understand that power is a pretty common thing for people to want, but it still kind of felt like there wasn't really anything there.

Some previous good villains in RVB include:

Temple: Temple witnessed his best friend be brutally murdered right in front of him by 2 soldiers who didn't give a shit and just left him to die, especially right after he told him he was having a baby. Of course it’s understandable that he has a hatred of Freelancers after this. Any normal person would.

Felix: Felix was probably the best villain of all of RVB, to be honest (right beside the Director). He was just somehow so likeable and had so much personality, despite being an asshole. His ultimate motivation was money and being rich, which is another thing I can understand; the more money you have, the more you can essentially do whatever you want and live in luxury. I mean, even so many people in real life do horrible things just for money. I don't even have to give examples for this. Felix in general is also just a psychopath.

The Director: The whole reason the Director did what he did was because he lost the person he loved most in the world: his wife. He was willing to do literally anything to bring her back, leading to all of his actions in the Project Freelancer saga. You can find many examples of movie/TV/book/etc characters/villains seeking vengeance as a result of loss of a loved one and grief. Despite being a horrible person, the Director actually managed to be a villain you could even sympathize with, making him even better.

Sharkface: Although a bit of a more minor villain, similar to Temple, Sharkface is a villain because he wants revenge on the people that killed his team, the people he considered to be the only family he’s ever had.

4. Tucker & the swords

The fourth thing I wanna talk about is the whole thing with Tucker and the swords. I always found it kinda weird how both Tuckers sword and now Locus’ sword in the chorus trilogy were the same, but then in RVB0, Zero’s sword looks and acts completely different, but that might just be a little nitpick of mine.

As for Tucker, it was so good to see him. Although I don’t know if it was just me, but he seemed a little OOC. What I didn't like about seeing Tucker again was that he did literally nothing the entire episode. He was useless. He said “I can fight” at one point but then all he does during the battle is get held at knife point, run away, and then get stabbed and have his sword taken. Tucker isn't an amazing fighter, but he’s definitely a lot more capable than just this. We’ve seen him in action many times and I just feel like he could've done a bit more. It almost feels like he was purposefully nerfed and tossed aside just to advance the plot.

Another thing that I and probably a lot of people are upset about is the fact that Tucker might not even own his sword anymore?? When East stabbed him, he apparently died and the sword was rebound to Phase, but it wasn't very clear that this was the case. Although the beginning of the next episode starts with hospital beeps and a flatline, I don't think it was still really clear enough that Tucker actually died long enough for Phase to reclaim the sword because I saw a handful of people confused in the comments and, like me, even thought it was just bad writing at first and that the writers completely forgot about the rules of the sword established over several prior seasons.

When in the hospital, Wash tells Tucker that he almost died. Although I actually liked this scene because it was nice to see wash and tucker bantering again, I think it could've been made better and made the plot clearer if instead of saying he almost died, Wash said something along the lines of “Tucker, you died. Your heart stopped, but they were able to bring you back thanks to their advanced medical tech” and then in response Tucker freaks out because that means his sword will now work for Phase and now they know how urgent the situation is.

I really really hate that Phase just has Tucker’s sword now and nothing is even said about it. If Tucker was to give his sword away to someone, I think many people would prefer that it was at least someone close to him, like Junior for example, but instead it goes to a random girl he hardly knows.

5. Pacing

The fifth thing I wanna talk about is the pacing. This season was definitely a lot shorter than normal and I think that’s one of the things that really prevented it from being good. The entire story just feels rushed and while I understand that it can be really difficult to build a good story and characters in such a short time, I think there’s still ways you can do it without it feeling like there’s so much missing. I think the long intros and outros are also responsible for less time and maybe they should’ve considered cutting them to give more actual episode time. Here’s a few things that were poorly done as a result of bad pacing:

The final battle against Zero: The whole battle just somehow felt like a typical video game boss battle that ends super quickly to me. Shatter Squad didn’t even defeat Zero, he just up and got disintegrated or whatever from Black Lotus.

Shatter Squad giving up on their mission: After receiving the silly deep voice filtered message from Zero, everyone on Shatter Squad just immediately gives up on finding him.

One’s speech: One’s speech wasn’t awful or anything and I didn’t really have any problems with the speech itself, but rather just how quickly the team went from “we can’t do it.. it’s over..” to “you’re right! I’m in! Let’s go get them!” Compare this to Doc and Sarge’s speech to the Reds and Blues after Church and Carolina leave in season 10 episode 20. It just felt a lot more genuine (this is probably because the Reds and Blues had a lot more time to be developed, though) and was only given after some time passed rather than 2 seconds later. The scene and context also transitioned well into it and at first, nobody was on board with what Doc was saying, which is more realistic in my opinion. People’s minds won’t just instantly change, they’re still gonna think about it and maybe have a few doubts at first.

Phase and West: During their fight, West talked a lot about how he regrets giving Phase away to Starlight, that he won’t hurt her, and is even willing to die for her. Their scene together ends with Phase punching him in the head and then leaving to join the others and nothing else about them is mentioned. We don’t know if Phase forgave him or not, we don’t know how West feels, etc.

Tucker’s sword: Phase still has Tucker’s sword and like the scenario with West, nothing about it is mentioned. We don’t know what she’s going to do with it, if she’s going to keep it, if Tucker’s gonna do anything about it, etc.

6. Clichés

Clichés aren’t inherently bad and can be really impactful and good if done right. But when it comes to RVB0, it’s jampacked with clichés that aren’t good. Here are a few examples:

Everyone gives up until a speech is given: All of the points for this are the same as above, but I wanted to include this scene as a cliché as well.

Every female character is competitive with each other: RVB falls into this a lot, like I mentioned earlier. It happens again with East and One, although luckily they seem to resolve it, but not until literally the end of the season.

West’s fit about East: All of the lines and delivery in this scene were just atrocious and cheesy. I think West’s dialogue just could’ve been a bit more original, but instead we’re given this boring predictable “I won’t lay a hand on her. I promised her. I promised her mother. I promised she’d be safe” spiel that has no emotion to it in his voice.

The whole “I got this, you go ahead” thing: This isn’t like a super cliché thing, but I found it pretty interesting how it happens twice in the same episode.

I think this is pretty much all I can think of at the moment. If I think of anything else, I’ll add onto this. Overall, I think RVB0 would’ve done a lot better as just an RVB spinoff so that it could have more episodes and seasons dedicated to developing characters and a good plot. I’m really disappointed with this season and I hope whatever comes next is better than what RVB0 was. I hope the team that worked on it can learn a few things that come from the good and valid constructive criticism given to them. And if I had to pick, I think I’d say Raymond was my favourite out of all the new characters. He just felt the most relatable and realistic to me.

[stanbillyhargrove]

Demons - The Rewrite

Chapter 19 - Stuck In My Brain Again

A/N: This is kind of an artsy chapter, it shifts between Cat, Steve and Billy's POVs. Every new paragraph is a POV shift

Black fabric between cool fingers, sliding over pale skin. Zip it. It's a bit baggy now.

Beautiful.

Glittering sequins shining in the light.

Magical.

A smear of dark shadow, outline the eyes darker. Hide the shadows.

Fix the hair, let soft waves fall.

Take a moment in the mirror to admire the girl who looked back. Tiny and glowing. A shimmering goddess.

Perfect.

Another quiet house. Steve fixed his hair in the mirror. The bruises on his face had started to yellow around the edges. It didn't hurt to move as much anymore.

Small victories.

He had thought about covering them, maybe if she was here he would have let her conceal them.

Now he hoped they'd win him some sympathy. Maybe someone would feel bad and come home with him, make him forget for a moment.

Make him feel something good for a change.

He pulled back to straighten his suit. Everything in it's proper place, no wrinkles, just like he was taught.

A plastic container on his dresser caught his eye. Soft pink flowers nestled carefully on creamy tissue.

He was stupid to order them. She was never his to take to the dance. Never his to care for.

He was stupid to care so much.

The plastic crunched under his fingers, split and scratched when he squeezed.

He tossed them in the garbage on his way out.

Quiet was a luxury that was desperately wished for but that hardly ever graced the Hargrove house.

Max buried her head in her pillow, her muted scream joining the noise. A beer bottle smashed on a scuffed wall, shattering and flying over the kitchen tile. Susan's hands flew to her mouth with a shriek before she composed herself. Tried to call off the monster.

"Neil," she whispered.

Too meak. His roar is too loud, he doesn't hear her. Billy hears her. He wishes that she'd roar too.

Maybe she could be loud enough to cut through the noise. Maybe, if she tried.

Cause Neil had a crap day at work and then he heard his brakes squeal when he parked in the driveway. Neil had walked in and barked at his son to get them changed tonight. And Billy had offered tomorrow instead.

But if anyone heard Neil Hargrove's car squeaking.

Embarrassing.

Just like his fag of a son.

The one who primped and polished like a damn girl. The one who cowered underneath him, golden hair glittering with broken glass.

Too pretty.

Too much like her.

Embarrassing.

"You're fucking staying here and changing the brakes!"

Final. That's an order.

So Billy brushes glass from his hair and changes out of his dress shirt. Balls it and throws it in the corner as hard as he can.

"Billy," Susan whispers from his door, "I'll try...let me talk to your father...if you hurry, you could still make the dance.."

She makes an effort to sympathize. Tries to be the glue to keep her family together.

Billy knows he isn't going to the dance. Susan never musters up the courage to face the beast.

It's cold outside. Snow coming down cold and heavy. Covering everything in a plush, white blanket. Flakes clung to Cat's skin, trying to leave a chill.

The empty vodka bottle on the floor of her car didn't let her feel the cold.

Didn't let her feel anything.

She stared at the school from the parking lot. Listened to the muffled music and thought about going in.

She'd walk through the front doors and into the lights. Strings of white lights and silver stars along the doorways. Glittering snowflakes on the walls. Everything reflecting light in all directions.

Magical.

Steve would meet her at the entrance, extend an elbow to guide her under an arch. Smile together for a yearbook picture before entering the crowded gym.

A picture that would show a dead eyed Cat, alone in her too big dress.

Billy would be inside, shining gold like an angel. She'd float over to him, arms lifting to wrap around his neck. Warm hands gripped her hips to keep her close.

He'd lean close and whisper, "come with me."

She'd follow him to sneak away from the crowd into a dark locker room.

"I love you."

Repeated again and again like a prayer.

Whispered into heated skin and sighed against parted lips.

"I love you."

Callused hands slid under the hem of her dress to grab her. She wouldn’t flinch at his touch, she'd whine into him instead.

"I love you."

"What are you doing in here?"

Cat whirled to see a teacher standing in the locker room door, staring at her. She looked back for Billy but saw only an empty room. Stared into the darkness for a moment, wondering where he'd gone.

"You're not supposed to be in here," the teacher chided, leading her back to the dance.

Sequins flashed in the edge of Steve's vision. He thought he caught a glimpse of her disappearing into the crowd of people.

Thought maybe she'd come after all.

He pushed off the wall to go after her but was stopped by a pretty blonde. Someone wanting to fawn over King Steve.

He took a quick glance and didn't see her anymore. Decided not to go looking for disappointment. Not when there was a girl right here, running soft fingers over his arm and crowding him close to the wall.

She didn't need him anyway. She made that very clear.

He wouldn't chase after her, not tonight.

Billy was soaked and shivering by the time he finished changing the brakes. His fingers hurt from the cold, stung when he washed his hands. He stripped out of his wet clothes and buried himself in his bed, waiting to warm up.

Susan came in a few minutes later to leave a mug of hot chocolate beside his bed. Left without saying anything, the gesture said more than her words could.

It said I'm sorry.

The engine screeched louder with climbing speed. Screeched louder than her music. But not louder than the voice in her head.

She had to get away. Away from the lights and the noise. Away from Billy and Steve.

They'd be better off.

Steve would move on. Maybe with the pretty girl that had been hanging on to his every word. He could take her to the fancy boutique in the city and dress her up and show her off. She could help him take care of himself, take some of the weight from his shoulders.

He could be happy again.

Billy could shine bright. A golden king. Leaving a trail of notched bed posts to remember him by. He'd go back to California, forget everything about Hawkins. Forget everyone. Find a pretty girl to lounge on the beach and party with.

He'd run away and never look back.

They didn't need her.

Steve crowded into the back of his car with the blonde. Shared mouthfuls of vodka until the cold outside didn't bother them.

Wet, open mouth kisses over soft skin.

Hot breath fogged the windows, hiding them from reality.

Snow came down so fast she couldn't see. Couldn't see the path or the ice that covered it. Tires slid, locked so she couldn't turn. She closed her eyes. Willed it to be fast.

His fingers twisted in her hair, pulling hard. Too hard but he didn't care. Couldn't care.

She gasped and a smile pulled. Shivered when he reached between them to rub his thumb over her.

He wondered if Cat and Billy had made it to the dance. She would have looked beautiful.

He wondered if Billy had gotten her flowers.

The girl's nails dug hard into Steve’s shoulder. Gave him something to focus on when his stomach clenched.

Wait.

He rubbed faster, thrust up harder. Yanked her head back and left bite marks on her chest. Waited until her thighs quivered before burying himself deep.

They shared a brief moment, panting against each other before Steve pushed her aside. He smoked a cigarette and sipped at the bottle of vodka while she got dressed.

"Didn't realize you liked it rough," she murmured, looking in a pocket mirror to straighten her hair and makeup.

Steve shrugged before getting out of the car. Finished his cigarette as the snow came down around him while waiting for the girl to leave.

She came to a fast halt when she crashed head first into a tree. Blacked out with her head against the steering wheel, music still playing into the night.

@charmed-asylum

[mercy-of-the-ashes]

My Complete Thoughts On Haiji Towa and My Experiences As A Haiji Fan

Hey, guys. It’s been a while since I made a new post. I’m hardly on Reddit, but that’s obvious. As you can see from the title, I rewrote my Haiji post again, but I assure you, it’ll be the last time I do this. After all this time, I left out so many details, and I wanted to make sure I say everything that I want to say here. That way, I can just move on while knowing I got everything off my chest. Obviously, this post is about, you guessed it, Haiji Towa, the most controversial and hated Danganronpa character of all time. And it’ll also be about me and my experiences as a Haiji fan. It’s a very long post, so please bear with me.

Note: I do not want to cause drama by posting this. I’m not targeting anyone nor do I want anyone to target me for this. I’m just going to state all of my honest opinions about Haiji and my experiences in the fandom, and what I think about both. If anyone doesn’t want to read what I have to say, please turn back and ignore my post. You have been warned.

Haiji Towa is, believe it or not, my favorite Danganronpa character. Yes, I said it and for the first time since I joined the community a long time ago, I’m not ashamed anymore. However, I’m not blind to the hate he gets on a daily basis. I’m well aware of it, along with other things I’ve experienced for more than a year now. So for the third and final time, I’m going to explain my full stance on Haiji without leaving anything out. Again, I’m not defending him for what he is in canon. I don’t condone his actions in any way, shape, or form, so always keep that in mind.

Now Haiji is hated for a variety of reasons, and I’m going to list them and discuss my own opinions about each one. So let’s begin!

1. Haiji’s a pedophile! Why do you like a pedophile?!!

To start things off, I’ll get the obvious one out of the way. I know and understand he’s a pedophile, but it doesn’t mean I like him for that reason. That’s a disgusting reason to like him, and I’m not one of those people. I’m not deliberately ignoring that little detail from his character because I like him. Just because I like him *doesn’t* mean I support pedophilia. I hate that they made Haiji one, and the worst part is I accidentally found out about this way before I even got to Chapter 4 during my friend’s playthrough of Ultra Despair Girls. I’ll admit I was in denial, and I wanted to believe it was some sort of misunderstanding. Sadly it wasn’t one. Some say it was just a lame joke Haiji made, but I don’t know. Regardless, it broke my heart because I didn’t have a problem with him before that happened. But despite this, I couldn’t bring myself to hate him like 95% of the fandom. And I shouldn’t be forced to hate him. I hate the fact that he’s a pedo, not the character himself. Call me insane if you want, but it’s the truth.

2. Haiji’s a child abuser!

Another thing that I know and understand. Yes, the way he treated Monaca was wrong on so many levels, including calling her an alien or unwanted and always reminding her that she’s unloved. Abuse is and will always be wrong. Haiji hated her out of bitterness and jealousy, especially when her genius intellect started to shine, and he just didn’t care about her at all. What he did to a child was cruel, there’s no denying it.

3. He’s a jerk, a coward, a horrible leader.

I’d say that I’m not blind to this as well, but this is just me having to repeat myself over and over. I know what he’s like. Haiji’s a jerk and a coward who didn’t fight back against the kids and Monokumas. He didn’t do much for the Resistance, but he should be given some credit for trying to keep the surviving adults safe. Sure, he didn’t do anything until Komaru’s inspiring speech, but he did what he thought what was best for the survivors. The keyword is “thought.” And I have a feeling I know what someone might say immediately, which will lead to the next point in a moment.

I’m not familiar with leadership, but I know Haiji’s not a perfect leader. People have pointed this out a lot from what I’ve seen. He accused Komaru and Toko of luring the Monokumas even though it wasn’t on purpose. He didn’t listen to anything they had to say. He doesn’t fight back right away. But did it ever occur to anyone that he doesn’t know much about leadership? He didn’t know what he was doing, just like any inexperienced person would if they wound up in a similar situation. But he did have some good points. I actually sympathized with him when he first appeared. He didn’t want to fight back if it meant risking the survivors getting killed. Also, Haiji did admit he was being a coward later on, so he knew he wasn’t being a good leader. He’s not the perfect leader you would expect, but he did try. Of course, his bad choices do hinder what should have been decent choices.

4. Haiji’s selfish!

Alright, his desire for revenge is selfish. He cared more about himself and what he wanted out of this, but if he truly didn’t care about others, why did he form the Resistance in the first place if he didn’t care about anyone else? I don’t approve of him wanting revenge against the Warriors of Hope and the brainwashed kids, but I understand why he would feel that way.

5. Haiji wanted to kill all the kids!

The scene from Chapter 5 is one that I will always remember. I confess that I was against Haiji for wanting to break the controller, even if it meant killing all of the brainwashed kids. His selfishness, rage, and revenge intensified here. He even attacked Toko, a character I used to despise. She’s not a favorite, but even I hated when he threatened her. Haiji was an irrational bastard throughout this chapter, and hating him for this reason is valid just like the first two. But I still understand his behavior here. Also, note that I didn’t include the other two reasons, so I’ll get to that in a moment.

Now that those reasons have been covered, I can get to the part where I can discuss my overall opinion. All of these reasons for hating him are valid, and some of them are more valid than the others. But I want to do something first. For this next part, shove the pedophilia and child abuse aside. Pretend those traits don’t exist for a moment.

Put yourself in Haiji’s shoes. You are the heir of Towa Group, a conglomerate that will be all yours someday. During your life of luxury in a city that you are destined to run someday, you discover you have a stepsister, Monaca. She later surpassed you and is helping the company, making you feel angry and jealous because a child managed to surpass you. You feel threatened and useless, and you develop an inferiority complex.

To not make matters worse for you, you just ignore her (considering how the wheelchair “accident” already happened). As long as she’s making the company profit, you don’t care what she does. The company is what matters to you. But little did you know, those Monokumas she’s developing are “death machines”, but you’re too late to realize it. You choose not to risk the company exposing everything, so you don’t say anything to not lose everything you’ve been working hard on for a long time.

Then suddenly, your father is killed right before your eyes by the same Monokumas. You barely manage to escape, but unfortunately, you get attacked too. Your arm is ripped apart and you scream in pure agony as children laugh at you. It’s a traumatizing experience for you, but because of all the conflict, your emotions take over your mindset. You blame it on the children. Monaca, who had manipulated everyone, is the enemy in your eyes. You begin to hate the children with all your heart, and wish for vengeance.

You’re forced to hide, unable to fight back after what had happened. You try to think of a plan, but deep down, you’re too afraid to do anything. Everything was traumatizing to you, so you just remain hidden from danger all while making sure the survivors don’t suffer the same way. But when words of encouragement inspire you to fight back, you rally up all the others to fight the kids that you have grown to despise for what they’ve done. Blinded by hatred, rage, and revenge, you don’t care if the kids die. You’ve suffered so much, you just want it all to end at all costs.

This only explains some of his actions, but seeing things from his perspective is key to understanding Haiji’s way of thinking. I did this because people don’t seem to notice that Haiji’s an emotion-driven man. He’s intelligent despite people claiming that he’s an idiot, but his emotions clouded his logic. He can’t think logically because he’s so fueled by revenge. He’s not an idiot, he’s inexperienced. He didn’t know what he was doing. His emotions dominated rationality, which in turn led to the way he was in-game. Being selfish and filled with revenge alongside being emotion-driven and unable to think clearly makes sense.

“But he’s a pedophile and an abuser!” I know that already, but I’m not defending him about that. Excluding the forced pedophilia and abuse, all of Haiji’s actions aren’t being excused here. I’m not excusing any of his actions at all. Understanding them and supporting them aren’t interchangeable. I wouldn’t be writing this post if I were the blind fangirl who believes that he did nothing wrong, something that people accuse me of being. Well, apparently it’s false. I can like a character without liking everything that a character does. Liking everything about a character is a dangerous mindset that I don’t have.

On to my next opinion. Haiji Towa had a lot of wasted potential. I don’t know why all of his untapped potential was never utilized. He had so much going for him, it kind of hurts to see a lot of ideas being poorly executed. In my honest opinion, Haiji could have been written better. UDG intended to make characters fall into the gray area, but even without the obvious stuff, Haiji still could have worked to fit with the theme that not everyone is completely good or completely bad. The pedophilia and abuse were forced and unnecessary to me because with everything else, Haiji already fit the theme of the game. The extra push was overkill in my eyes.

And then there’s the argument which states that he was meant to be hated, so that’s why Haiji is the way he is. Some people even told me that I missed the point of his character. No, I didn’t. I know he was made to be hated, but wasn’t Monaca the one meant to be hated? Why drag Haiji into it? Anyway, even if Haiji was made to be hated by everyone, I’m not obligated to like it. For me, they ruined him, ruined what could have been a great character, and I know there are people who feel the same way.

Haiji wasn’t allowed better writing. He didn’t get more focus, and never had a chance to get redemption. If they had taken better care of his character, Haiji could have been an antihero type of character who would get a redemption arc. He had plenty of traits that fit the character type, so all he needed was redeeming qualities and more focus to make him less of a plot device and more of an actual character. I like antiheroes, and that’s what drew me in to his character.

Why am I passionate about a character everyone hates? This will shock people, but Haiji and I have a lot in common. Again, the pedophilia and abuse do not count. We are emotion-driven and insecure. It can be proven by those who know me, and even I’m aware of how emotional and insecure I can get. We don’t always think logically, and it screws us over. We are cowardly and paranoid, too afraid to take risks, and we are hotheaded by struggling to see when we are wrong and don’t ask or accept help. We get jealous of others who upstage us (except I never abused nor will I ever abuse anyone), and we do hold grudges.

Haiji and I are both passionate in our own ways, and we are both intelligent when we can be. Plus we dress casually, and we can be sarcastic and laid-back when we’re not jerks. Yes, even I can be a jerk towards others, but my positive qualities outweigh my negative qualities.

However, unlike Haiji, I’m trying to overcome whatever flaws we both share, but it takes time to improve myself. Trying to be more confident and rational isn’t an easy task. Heck, I still struggle with accepting help from others. Also, I used to be vengeful towards others for a variety of reasons, especially after I was emotionally abused by a toxic friend, but I’m doing better now. I still express bitterness towards her and people who have hurt me recently, but I’m not out there seeking revenge.

Removing the pedophilia and adjusting some things, Haiji could have had more depth, only he wasn’t allowed more attention. It’s pretty sad when I think about it. He’s one of the most realistic characters of the series, and he was handled improperly. All of this is why I was driven to do something about it, which now leads to my own portion of this post.

*************************************************

My experiences as one of the few Haiji fans have resulted in mixed feelings about the fandom. When I realized I liked Haiji more than expected and started to see the hate he constantly gets, I knew I was taking a risk when I decided to tackle something. That something was my goal to create an AU Haiji Towa. I never saw anyone do it before, so I knew it would cause problems, but I did it anyway.

Basically I started writing stories where Haiji isn’t a pedophile or an abuser (at least not to an extreme). My stories gained attention as time went on, and I admit I got so excited knowing that people acknowledged my efforts. So I kept going with them alongside my Haiji roleplay accounts. In a sense, I made this into a commitment, plus I was having fun writing a more likable version of Haiji. But there was a problem that I didn’t realize until recently. My Haiji was too different to the point where he was an OC.

I won’t lie, I refused to see it, but people did question my efforts because of it. I’m embarrassed to look back on those memories now that I know they were right. It’s no wonder he was rejected in Killing Game roleplays. That problem is now solved now that I’m rewriting all of my Haiji stories. They are stories that are now deleted, but they will come back but better. The way I roleplay Haiji was altered as well. It felt like all of my efforts were for nothing, but they weren’t. For my new portrayal of Haiji, I’m going to lean more towards canon, but considering how his backstory and personality are lacking in some areas, I can still take creative liberties with my AU Haiji.

I know I’m saying all of this as if nothing bad had happened, but I did say I’ve developed mixed feelings about the fandom. First off, the hate towards Haiji fans is ridiculous and disturbing. I’ve never seen so much hatred for a fictional character, ranging from wishing death upon him to hating actual people. Hating Haiji is valid, but the fact that people hate those who like him is taking things too far. They are falsely accused of being pedo/abuse apologists. I experienced that myself, and it’s annoying.

In my case, I was accused of glorifying Haiji Towa, so anything to do with him was banned from a place where I usually hang out often. Talking about him, roleplaying as him, anything related to Haiji, is banned. What made it hurt for me is the rule seemed like a call-out. Why? It said it doesn’t matter if it’s an AU Haiji, it’s still an issue. Just because I like him doesn’t mean I glorify pedophilia and abuse. I said this a million times to those people, yet my voice remained unheard. A minor detail was when they also accused me of liking him just because he’s attractive. Yes, I do believe he’s handsome, but that’s not the only reason why I like him, or else why would I write this post? Why make this if I’m a “shallow fangirl” who doesn’t see issues with him? I’m not stupid to behave like that, and I hate it when people misunderstand or underestimate me.

Another embarrassing moment was when my tastes in characters was questioned. They told me that I shouldn’t like characters like that, but again I don’t like Haiji for those obvious things. The same can apply for any character. People can like whatever character they want without supporting everything that they do. So, if I like Korekiyo, I support incest? I like Kokichi, do I approve of compulsive lying? What about Tenko, does that mean I hate men? NO. I don’t support any of those things.

And another thing, I like Haiji, but that doesn’t mean I’ll do the same things as him. Liking a character doesn’t equal being the character. Hating a character doesn’t equal hating people who happen to like a character. People like characters for thousands of reasons, and doing this sort of thing puts Haiji fans in a negative light when we don’t deserve it. Without a doubt, there are Haiji fans who…like him for being a pedophile and/or an abuser, but those are a minority of Haiji fans. Fans that should stay away from me and everyone else. Not all of us are pedo/abuse apologists, and these false accusations only serve to demonize us when we are innocent.

I hate to bring up this next thing, but it’s something that caused me to lose trust in people. This whole time, I thought they encouraged and supported me for liking Haiji and my efforts to create my AU Haiji. It turns out they didn’t. On one hand, I understand why and I can respect that. I’m not trying to change everyone’s opinions with this post. The reason why this hurt was I trusted them. I thought they were on my side, but then I realized they have been questioning me and never appreciated my efforts the whole time.

Two things come to mind. The first one is I don’t care if people hate Haiji, but people should at least respect those who do. Hate Haiji, but respect me. But if people hate me in the process just for liking Haiji, then there’s nothing I can do about that. As for the second thing, I know not everyone will appreciate my AU Haiji. Even after they made me realize the way I’ve been writing him, it won’t resonate with everyone. It’s not a big deal there, but I still felt like they lied to me, as if my efforts have been invalidated. The same people didn’t attack me directly, but it doesn’t change the way I feel.

What’s worse is, I almost tried to write Haiji as he was in canon because they believed it was the right way to do it if I wanted to give him a redemption arc. I was forcing myself to do it, but my heart kept telling me this isn’t what I want to do. I can’t stick with all of canon, it goes against my principle to keep the pedophilia and some of the abuse out of my AU Haiji. That’s what I’ve been doing all this time, and I’m not going against that. I’m sorry to those the people who suggested it, but I don’t want to do it. My plans for my own version of Haiji wouldn’t work if those things were intact. I’m done trying to please others. I’m a writer, and I like to write stories that don’t make me feel like I’m forcing myself to write something in some way. I want to write what I want, not what others want. So my plans for my AU Haiji will be a combination of all of the things I added to him, and what’s canon to make him a better AU Haiji. But no pedophilia and abuse (at least the severe kind of abuse). Ever.

I apologize if I sounded irritated in some places, but I’ve had a lot of emotions bottled up and I just knew writing this post would help me release them in a more productive way. The last things I want to say is all of this toxicity in the fandom is insane. I don’t hate anyone. I used to, but I realize I don’t care anymore. It’s a waste of time. What I do care is people should be allowed to like whatever they want without people breathing on their backs and making them feel bad.

If I hadn’t tackled my AU Haiji, I wouldn’t have returned to writing ever again. I was in a bad place because of the abusive friendship I had dealt with years ago. I haven’t written anything for years until I became a Haiji fan. Haiji, or Danganronpa in general, revived my love for writing. And I wouldn’t have met my friends on Discord if I hadn’t done any of this. It’s thanks to them that I’ve done so many things that I never imagined myself doing, and it’s thanks to them that I’m doing my best to improve myself as a person. It’ll be a long journey, but I don’t have to do it alone. So despite the toxicity, it was worth making it this far.

I’m lucky that I’m still here doing what I want to do. There were times when I wanted to just give up, but I have friends, real friends, who support me and don’t want me to give up on what I love. And I won’t. Besides, there are Haiji fans out there who feel the exact same way as me. If people could give them a chance, give us a chance, they could see that we’re great people. In the end, I didn’t just write this post for myself. I wrote it for all the Haiji fans out there that are afraid to speak up. And they’re right to stay hidden, and personally, I hope they see this post.

Alright, I’ve said everything that I wanted to say. I hope you guys took the time to read this lengthy post. Please respect my opinions, I never wrote this to cause any harm, but I needed to say everything that I’ve wanted to say for so long. Now I can put this to rest and move on.

[alyssa-ward]

Bared and Stolen Souls

[ Following Possibilities and New Allies ]

It can’t have been more than a few minutes.  The sensation across the link is tipsy.  Exhausted.  An underlying sadness.  Either no more than moments have passed, or Riley has spent most of the time since they last spoke in about the same state.  “Hey, uh.”  Volume increases slowly.  “Just taking some measurements for that sheathe I mentioned.  Didn’t want to startle you… if that’s even how it works.”  A pause left before she continues speaking.  “How.. .how’s everything going in there?”  A lift of hope in the tone and Alyssa doesn’t quite know what to make of it.

"It doesn't startle me," the woman in the blade replies shortly, "but thank you all the same. How long has it been since we talked last?" The question comes not with accusation but with genuine curiosity.  It’d be nice to put some perspective on what’s happened.  "Are you speaking out loud, or thinking? You may not have to vocalize to reach me, just… direct your thoughts at me, if that makes sense. I'm doing..." Alyssa almost offers a platitude.  Says something nice.  It’s just not there though, her gaze slowly sweeping her corrupted empty woods.  The truth then.  "I've been better. I miss… everything. Being this alone is hard. How are you?"

"Yeah, yeah I can sympathize with that." Riley’s reply feels genuine, though it comes with it’s own air of surprise.  Perhaps she hadn’t intended to be so honest either.  "Not your uniquely specific circumstances, of course, but..." She breathed a sigh.  "Being shut away from everything and everyone you love, not knowing how many days or weeks have passed. It's a special kind of hell. I'm sorry, Alyssa." For a moment Aly has a glimpse into Riley, the real person, what she hides beneath the surface.  Then as quickly it’s gone, the woman on the other end of the blade is clearly practiced at shutting her doors and putting up walls.  Her focus seems to shift to Alyssa’s other question instead.

"I, uh... out loud, yeah. I guess I should work on that. Can't imagine I'd be very effective in any capacity if I'm caught out in public just chatting away with a voice only I can hear..." a brief chuckle crosses the link, and then after a pause, Riley’s voice comes through far more clearly. "Can you hear me..?" A pause during which Alyssa gives affirmation before she continues. "It hasn't been long - a day or so at most. I'm assuming time isn't a luxury for this sort of thing. I put some feelers out for the information we're looking for, and I paid good money to have my informants expedite the process. In the meantime, I figured I'd fit this blade with some proper protection."

"Sorry to hear it," Alyssa finds sincerity comes easily here. She lets Riley talk, there’s no reason to interrupt it all.  Only when she’s sure Riley has gotten what she wanted to say does Alyssa’s voice come through once more. "That sounds wise. I don't know what Kat was using as a sheath before. When I gave her the Dagger it didn't have one. I'd pulled it out of the ruins of Gilneas and had it cleaned up, regripped, and sharpened." A realization as she’s saying it that it might be news to RIley that the dagger Alyssa now inhabits was a gift she gave. "I wish I could do more, it sounds like you have everything important covered."

"I'm, mph. I'm just doing what I can. Checking one thing off the list at a time." A pause. "You'd mentioned needing to go over the spell work you'd need for the..." She trailed off momentarily. "Are you all set with that?"

"As set as I can be without the soul," Alyssa replies, with less assurance than might be preferred. In truth, this is outside the realm of anything she’s ever tried to do, but she’s as much an expert on souls as she’ll ever be.  She keeps what she can of her nerves to herself. "I only have the knowledge in my head from when I was put in here so..."

"Hoping to get that to you sooner rather than later. Which..." Being unsure seemed to be something the pair shared in common, Riley’s certainly comes across. "When the time comes, do I just-"  Whatever follows that doesn’t translate across the link, but Alyssa can more or less put it together.  "Is there anything important I should know going into this?"

"Just cut them...maybe silence them. Having your soul torn out hurts, they'll be loud."

"Right." Riley murmurs out loud in the relative solitude of her shop. "I should hear back from my contact by noon tomorrow, and, if all goes well, you'll have your soul sometime tomorrow night." Then, as if to indicate her acknowledgement that time doesn’t mean much to Alyssa, "I'll keep you updated along the way."

"We can try something else Riley," Alyssa’s voice comes quiet this time.

It’s something Alyssa’s been dwelling on a great deal.  Soul magic, torture, these are the things that have lead to where she is today. "Maybe if we can just find her, we don't have to do any of this." Sigh is audible across the link. "Kat wanted me to do better, if we can do this another way..."

Disagreement palpable from the woman holding the weapon. "No. No, we can't leave anything to chance. Not if things are as bad as you say... As bad as I think, based on everything I found in her office." Determination fills Riley’s tone after a moment of silence. "If this is what it takes to get her back, it'll be worth it."

"Okay," Alyssa’s hesitation is hard to miss.  Now here at the finish line of the plan, she finds herself balking.. "Okay. Yes, we'll do this then. I'll figure it out.”  A pause, for a moment that might seem to be the end of this talk and yet Alyssa realizes she’s not yet willing to end the conversation. "How long did you know Kat?"

"Light, that's a good question..." The silence drags out, and when Riley finally replies it’s clear that she’s speaking out loud again.  Still good enough for Alyssa to hear.  "Feels like a lifetime, and not long enough, all at once." There's a smile in her voice, one touched by melancholy. "She's one of the only people in this world I've never once had to question whether or not they'd be there for me when I needed it. I can't tell you how many nights we've spent bellied up to a wobbly table at the Pig, talking over a split bottle of whiskey until well after last-call. Sometimes, we wouldn't go home even then - swiping a bottle from the bar and somehow managing to climb up to the rooftops without killing ourselves." There’s a laugh, and Alyssa can feel the hint of tears.  A sensation she shares as they speak of their missing companion. "I can sit in silence with her and feel at peace. No expectations, no forced pleasantries. No bullshit. She makes the world feel a little less lonely." Riley's voice cracked with emotion, and she took a minute to pull back and collect herself before speaking again. "What about you, how'd the two of you get tangled up with each other?"

Alyssa finds herself near choked with emotion, warmth flows over their shared link before she replies. "That sounds like Kat. Feel like it’s the Kat not a lot of people know these days, but still her."  A smile to herself in the woods, a hand pressing into the fur of the wolf.  "Oh...well it was over a year ago now. I was watching a friend's dog, took him for a walk out in the woods and ran into her by chance. We got talking, and we connected." It’s a happy memory.  One she doesn’t spend enough time with.  So much of the course of her life shifted on that chance meeting. "I don't find something kindred in many people but she's always been easy to connect with. Always there for me for whatever I need, big or small. Always pushing for me to grow as a person in dozens of little ways. Convinced me to get my business off the ground. Helped me learn to defend myself." Wistfulness, "only thing we were bad at was talking about feelings. I wish I'd told her I loved her before all this happened."

"Kat has a way of knowing things, reading people - probably why she's so damn good at her job." Another chuckle, warmth radiating from her side of the link. "You might not have said it out loud, but I bet she knows." A pause, and then, "I'll do what I can to see that you still get that chance, yeah? To say the words, and have her hear them."

"I did, in the end. Close to the end. She said it back...at least I think she did. The void and the Sleeping City were altering both of our minds at the time. I don't know what was real and what was manipulation." A wash of sadness. Until this very moment, Alyssa hadn’t really properly considered that the ‘I love you’ she got from Kat might have been another trick of the Void, manipulation.  None of those final moments might have been real.. "Your right either way. She knew...." A trail off before she returns to her original thought. "The fragment of her that she left in the blade, it takes the form of a white wolf. Does that mean anything to you?"

Riley’s soul shifts and moves in its space in the grove.  The spines lengthen, and the core closes in on itself.  Protection against the wave of sadness that comes from Alyssa, clearly protecting herself against falling down her own hole. No words, spoken or otherwise, accompanied this reaction, however. Instead, an air of downcast understanding could be felt. "No, unfortunately..." disappointment radiated briefly from her end as she huffed a sigh. "For everything I know about her, there's a whole lot more that she keeps hidden."

"Yeah...she keeps everything so separated. Okay thanks." The way Riley's soul reacted to that last thing makes Alyssa hesitant to press on anything else. "Well...let me know when it's time."

"It won't be long," Riley begins, though after a pause she adds, "Might check on you a time or two in the meantime, if you don't mind. Not really anyone else I can talk to about... well, all of this."

"Yeah, yeah of course. Like I've said, it's lonely in here. Talking helps. Whatever you need.”

"Thank you, Alyssa. I -" she cut herself short, energies shifting with her continued emotional withdrawal. There was something else to be said, surely, but Riley kept it to herself for the time being. "Talk soon." The connection faded, silence reining once more.

"Hey -" Riley's voice traversed the link, a moment offered for the other to respond before she continued.  Was it only a few minutes again?  No, it must’ve been longer, Alyssa is sure it’s been longer.  "I have news. Some of it might even be helpful."  The pain of sobriety radiated from Riley's end of the link, but within that swirling tempest, the faintest sliver of hope could be felt.

"Helpful news is good." Alyssa replies, her own hope radiating back when she picks up on Riley's.

"Just heard back from my contact. Seven individuals with the name 'Hawke' are listed among the survivors coming out of Uldum." A brief pause was given to allow that bit of information to sink in. "Two are located at the clinics here in the city - neither matched her description, but I followed up on the lead just in case. Strike one."

Alyssa mutters a swear in a language Riley likely doesn't recognize unless she speaks Eredun. "It's not an uncommon last name. That's a start. Where are the others?"

An unseen sense of understanding from Riley’s end. "Another was sent to an asylum." Another pause, recalling her immediate dread upon hearing that news, but quickly pushed it aside.

“Oh…” Alyssa starts to reply, but she stops when Riley continues.

"That was a bit more difficult to confirm with my own eyes - they're keeping those poor bastards under heavy lock and key - but it's not her. It's not Kat. Strike two." Hesitant relief.

The relief is echoed by the Warlock. "That sounded like a real possibility considering the state her mind was in when we parted. So what's the next step?"

"Well, that leaves the last four. All admitted to pop-up triage camps in Uldum, and only one that matches her description." A palpable, albeit brief sense of exhaustion crept over the link. "I don't want to put all of our eggs in one basket, but we're running out of time. And options." The break that followed, while absent of spoken thought, was anything but empty. Progress was being made, but it did nothing to abate her anxieties about what they'd find at the end of it all. "If we're in agreement, I'll see to the last bit of business tonight. And, once that's taken care of, I'll square away a port to Uldum, and we'll go from there."

Alyssa summons up her focus, burying her own anxieties and projects a fresh wave of calm. Summoning demons requires a great deal of self control, and so when she needs it, it's there. She puts that out through the link now, hiding her own anxiety beneath it.  Riley needs strength and assurance now.  "That is a good plan. I wish we had more time, that I could try more things. We should go and find out though."

"Are you sure you're on board with this?" Maybe it’s something in Alyssa’s tone, or maybe it’s reflection on the earlier hesitation Aly showed.  Either way Riley seems to need assurance that this is still the plan. "I don't want to rush you - we'll take this one step at a time, yeah? We just... we need to be efficient with the time we've got, and I'm fairly certain I can't do this without you." There was a pause, as though that fact was just then solidifying itself by way of admission. "I'm prepared to cross the next item off our list tonight, I just need to know you're with me, here."

"And to think you were ready to leave the chatty knife behind," Alyssa replies, trying to muster up some humor. A slow 'exhale' which isn't really a thing for her and yet the sigh comes through all the same. "Yes. This is the wrong time to have my conscience stir. I've taken plenty of souls, this is no time to balk. I'm with you."

"Guess you've grown on me a bit, what can I say?" A brief chuckle paused her train of thought, the faintest hint of a smile present through the link - though it was fleeting. "Thank you," her reply murmured aloud to the empty room, the sentiment genuine. "Dusk is only a few hours away. If all goes according to plan, you'll have your soul by midnight."

"Good. Like I said, even a small cut. Just be sure to silence them in some way. I'll do the rest."

"You're the boss." Riley let that comment sit in the silence that followed as the dagger was set carefully aside.

Alyssa watches the archway to Riley's soul close as contact breaks. A glance at the sleeping wolf. "This had better work. You're a terrible companion, you must be good for something."  There’s nothing more to be said for now.  Only stealing herself for the next step.

[ Written with @blue-eyedraven​; heavy mentions of @kat-hawke​ ]

[tiaragqueen]

Yandere One Punch Man Headcanons Pt. 2

99-nct asked: “If it’s not too much to ask, could you do a couple more for characters like Garou and Amai mask (with maybe some s-class heroes)?”

Anon asked: “Hello!! Can I please please get a yandere garou headcanons, tyy :)”

As per requests, I’ve decided to write the second part of Yandere OPM headcanons. I admit, Garou was a little hard for me to imagine but he certainly has a yandere potential. So, I apologize if it’s not up to your liking. Regardless, I hope you enjoy it!

If you like my writing, please support me on ko-fi!

Amai Mask

Pretty boy... I honestly love his short hair more than the long one

Probably the busiest yandere out of the others

Vain

You might catch his interest due to your strong power and beauty

Though I can see him liking a celebrity as well

But you know, cameras are on them all the time

So it decreases his chance of ‘owning’ you

Amai Mask is very generous, you see

There’s nothing he won’t buy for you

Clothes? Just take them

Cars? Pick any brand you want

Vacations? Where do you have in mind, darling?

Tries to organize his time evenly, but fails miserably

I mean, he's still human and juggles tons of jobs

Hero, model, actor, singer

Each needs his attention just as much

It’s hard to be organized when you always have something to do

But it’s a hidden blessing, you know

You can escape anytime he goes to work

Which is almost all the time, to be honest

But you gotta know that he’s famous and therefore, has many connections

You can escape to other countries and he'll be there to bring you back

Or one of his lackeys

Or even his GODDAMN fans

Whoever and whichever works the best

He’s not delusional per se

More like he doesn’t understand why do you want to leave after he provides you with literally everything you need

Though, not exactly self-aware either

Harsh in punishing

Bondage, starvation, isolation you name it

Prefer sexual punishment than physical one

Merciless in killing anyone who even injures you in the slightest

Especially monsters

Has a burning hatred in everything he deems evil and ugly

And anyone who taints your beauty shall not live long on his hands

Definitely obsessed and possessive with you

Likes to mark you

He’s not too forceful in showing you off

Because he knows that you’re his

The world knows, all heroes know, his fans know

You literally have no chance in escaping

So you might as well give up and start enjoying the luxury he happily bestow upon you

Before he takes them away

Garou

The first time I saw him I thought he was Bang's younger self

Surprisingly nice to kids

Therefore, he might be more attracted to younger partners

Won’t tolerate being looked down upon

A mere scolding is enough to set him off into an enraged state

So you have to tread carefully with him

Very carefully it’s ridiculous

It’s like walking on an extremely thin rope or a brittle ice with bubbling fire underneath

Which is his temper, by the way

Unless you’re feeling suicidal enough to get a taste of his anger

Doesn’t mind hurting you to prove his point

You might be one of those wallflowers as he hates popular ones

Despite that, he's always protecting you from any bullies

A good shoulder to cry on

He knows what it feels like to be bullied so he easily sympathizes with you

Yet, he often belittles your low self-esteem to disguise his good intentions

After all, he doesn’t want you to think that he’s gone soft on you

In a way, he’s like Tatsumaki but meaner

Sometimes you have to hold him back from fighting any heroes who have the misfortune on crossing paths with you

Absolutely wants to start a family with you at some point

It doesn’t matter if you’re not ready

He likes children and he wants one

So either he forces you to make love with him or adopt a child

Stalks you at all times

If anyone has the audacity to harm you, he’ll kill them right in front of you

Won’t lie and instead boast when you ask him if he’s stalking you

Not clingy, has too much pride for that

Possessive

But he doesn’t mind if people talk to you

As long as they keep the boundaries in mind, he stays chill

Like Saitama, Garou won’t kill humans

Unless provoked

Then again, who wants to provoke such a dangerous man?

He doesn’t get a nickname ‘Human Monster’ for nothing, you know?

Metal Bat

If his sister doesn’t like you, then he won’t

Depending on how you see it, it can be an advantageous situation for you

You just have to make yourself as unpleasant as possible

Then Bad would certainly release you

But he's not all temperamental and cockiness

He’s smarter than he looks

So he'll catch on your attempt rather quickly

Let’s just say that you’ll be traumatized so much you won’t be able to look at Zenko in the eye again

Hard on the outside, soft on the inside

Loves spoiling you

But he’s a little tsundere

Secretly clingy it’s almost endearing

Overprotective like hell

Sometimes stalk you from the shadows

He just wants to make sure that you’re okay all the time

Blushes heavily whenever you show any sign of affection to him

Not above threatening you, either

Quite terrible in lying, so subtle manipulation doesn’t come as easy for him

So he uses fear instead

Won’t force you to start a family with him

But wishes for it anyway

Sometimes comes to your apartment/house unannounced

Loves cooking for you

Especially when you’re the type who eats snacks all the time

He can easily excuse it as ‘you need to more healthy food’

If Zenko likes you, you’ll probably spend the majority of your time in their apartment

Thus giving him more chance to get close with you

Or if you’re a hero, then Bad will find a way to work together

It doesn’t matter if you refuse

Bad’s stubborn

Therefore you need to suck it up

Unless you want to suffer again

Zombieman

Serious and strict

Doesn’t really care about your feelings

Won’t hesitate to kidnap you

Secretive about his past

Very jealous

You can stab him all the time you want and he’ll still alive

He’s immortal, you see

Hence his name

So if you want to leave, you need to step up your game

And you can’t give any hint that you’re scheming something either

Intelligent with a detective-like thinking

If you even show the slightest odd behavior, then he'll immediately be suspicious  

However, he’s fairly forgiving

As long as you apologize sincerely and promise that you wouldn’t repeat that mistake

Openly shows his annoyance at your habits that he finds irritating

Such as eating greedily or with mouth open

Prefers modest partner than loud-mouthed ones

Thinks that they’re easier to be ‘taught’

Not at all bothered with death or gore

Doesn’t mind killing in your sight

Because you should get used to it now or force yourself to do it

A lone wolf

If someone is bothering you

Rest assured he’ll come home with their head as the ‘souvenir’

Suppose you’re a powerful hero

Might develop an inferiority complex to you

But he won’t show it, of course

Don’t be surprised if he asks you to be his sparring partner someday

Knows his limit very well

However, it doesn’t mean he’s giving up either

He'll create a plan

And when the time comes

Your enemies/anyone who harms you will disappear

King

Looks intimidating at first glance

A HUGE otaku

Don’t get me wrong, tho

He can bluff his way out of everything

Too much of a coward to actually kill a person or monster

But can be pretty possessive

Peacemaker

Doesn’t like to argue with you

Willing to throw away his stashes of otome games in exchange for your affection

Or if you show any sign of jealousy

Obsessive, secretly collects your photos or posters

Especially if you’re famous

Gaming together as a date

Always win

Unless you’re an expert like him too

Then be prepared for lots of rematches

Not that you complain

Dominant in public, submissive in bedroom

I feel like he’s suitable for a quietly assertive partner that seems submissive on the outside

Needs guidance because he’s pretty clueless in real relationship

That’s why you can easily escape from him

If you’re famous

Then he would be one of those obsessive fans

Always sending you love letters and tells you to stay healthy

Might stalk you too

But he always excuse it as ‘passing by’

And you’ll believe him of course

Because why would a hero like him stalk you?

You feel honored to have the strongest man on earth as your fan

Whenever he meets you by chance, he’d get tongue-tied

But it’s endearing

You’d never know that he’s a yandere

Mumen Rider

I know he’s not an S-class hero but I have a soft spot for him, okay? I mean, do you see how precious he is in this gif?

The subbiest yandere out of any yanderes

Like, he wants to do everything to ensure you’re comfortable with him

You want food at three in the morning? Okay, let me put on my helmet first

You’re feeling ill? What kind of medicine do you need?

Your feet hurt? Here, let me massage them for you

You’ll feel like you’re a royalty when dating him

Which is his intention by the way

He wants to make sure that your needs are met

Feels sad if you talk to other men or purposefully making him jealous

Because he’s done so much for you

He’ll take it that he needs to improve more

Extremely hardworking to the point of being a perfectionist

If you show the slightest displeasure towards something, especially if it’s his action, then he'll blame himself

Tends to ask or send you messages with ‘are you okay?’, ‘how are you feeling?’, or ‘do you need anything?’

Puts your feelings above his

Loyal

If someone bullying you, then he'll step in like a brave hero he is

He's weak compare to other heroes

But his determination is admirable

Dominant in bed

Only because he wants to make you feel good

However, he doesn’t mind giving the reins to you if you’re the dominant type

Loves to appreciate every inch of your body

Very supportive in any hobby you do, even if he doesn’t particularly like it

Won’t hesitate sacrificing himself should a danger ever arises

You often lecture him on the importance of self-preservation

If you ever save him, be it accidental or intentional

Then he'd be your BIGGEST fan

Like King, he'd send you love letters

Considerate and sympathetic

He'll charm you with his pure heart and sincere kindness

You don’t want to leave him

Because such a man is very rare amidst insincere heroes

Or maybe it’s just me but oh well

[tisthenightofthewitch]

KISS THE GO-GHOST: AN INTERVIEW WITH TOBIAS FORGE

Ghost, formerly known as Ghost B.C have cultivated a cult following within the metal community since their debut almost 10 years ago. Known for their dark persona and eerily catchy soundscapes, they not only have a sound that’s unmistakable, but a stage presence so involved that there are backstories to each Papa(the name used by each rotating front person) that has taken rein thus far.

I remember when I first discovered their 2010 release, Opus Eponymous, and how enthralled I was with their sound. Granted, I was late to the party, as they had already toured through Utah before. By the time I had completely immersed myself in their music, it was 2014—a year after their second full length album, Infestissumam had released. I was hypnotized by their macabre charm from the get-go, and I’ve eagerly anticipated every release since then. I’ve always loved how frontman Tobias Forge’s vocals shine against the instrumentals, as well as how grim the lyrics truly can be.

With the surprise “re-release” of their single Seven Inches of Satanic Panic, which originally had debuted in the ’60s (according to the Ghost timeline), this magic touch is exceptionally present. As 2018’s LP Prequelle had hints of disco and other nostalgic influences from the 70s and 80s, Seven Inches is laced with the catchy, punchy sweetness of the 1960s—inspiring sounds reminiscent of The Zombies and The Monkees with a sinister twist.

As their grandiose tour, The Ultimate Tour Named Death, conquers North America for the remainder of the month, Forge and I spoke about the band’s origins, song influences and meanings, and life on tour.

SLUG: What inspires you to make songs based around dark themes, such as Satan? Where does this aesthetic come from, and how does it exist in your full-length releases?

Forge: It wasn’t just an epiphany that I had. I grew up, as many others, in the metal underground community. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been a fan of hard rock, metal and all kinds of rock music. My main tool of expression and what I sympathized most with was heavy metal—especially the bands that were big around the time that I was very little. Around 1984, when I was three years old, all of the new, big bands were shock-rock bands like Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, Wasp and Kiss. These, among others, were the first bands that I really, really liked. My older brother, who was significantly older than I was, gave me those records and it just went from there.

I’ve come to expand my liking of music a lot. I loved a lot of 60s music and 70s pop-rock and all kinds of musical styles. When it comes to expressing myself, there’s always been some sort of shock-rock value to whatever I’ve done—a little bit more explicit when it comes to lyrics and a little bit more explosive with image.

My first band that I ever formed was a death metal band and I spent my whole adolescence playing death and black metal where obviously satanic themes are omnipresent. So, when Ghost happened, it wasn’t like I was coming up with a new image—it was so natural. Then, it expanded over the years because I felt like if I’m going to keep things fresh and keep being inspired, I need to expand the lyrics going forward. I’ve always drawn parallel lines, and my ways of expression are always leaning towards darkness and goth in the same way Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen do. I feel more kindled with them when it comes to song writing than I would with Venom—even though I love them, too. The lyrics that I try to write nowadays are more focused on symbols for something real. Satanism is a very good symbol for turmoil or conflict, but most of the lyrics from albums two, three and four have more parallels to real life and the world. It’s just explained with satanic parallels.

SLUG: What are some of your favorite songs from your discography and why? What makes these songs special to you?

Forge: You have the “cream-of-the-crops” in a way—like, the immediate songs. I think “Dance Macabre” is an immediate song and is a song that I will be playing for the rest of my life. I think “Square Hammer” is like that. “From the Pinnacle to the Pit” is a song that is very immediate. I think “Cirice” is one of the best songs I’ve ever written and probably will ever write, but for different reasons. Sometimes I really enjoy songs that are simple. Sometimes it’s harder to write a simple song. You have all of the ingredients that you need in order to make a song, and a risk that the song will be considered premeditated. But, yes, it is. Every song that has ever been written was done so with some sort of intent. Even the songs that people think are made with no commercial interest whatsoever are usually written to feel or taste a certain way.

So, you’re always happy when you manage to say the things that you wanted to say and have the moods in the song that you wanted in there without making it complicated. It’s so easy to get stuck in a complicated arrangement that’s hard to get out of. Where “Square Hammer” is so simple, “Cirice” is a little bit more complicated. It has a long intro that has nothing to do with the rest of the song. It has more of a classic metal arrangement, whereas “Square Hammer” is way more punk. So, I like those songs for completely different reasons, but they both do the trick and they’re songs that will come to embody Ghost. That’s how it feels right now, at least.

SLUG: Your live shows and stage presence are always so elaborate and beautiful. How has your stage show changed with the introduction of Cardinal Copia in comparison to Papa(s) one, two and three? Where did the idea of having a masked band to this intricate extent come from? Why Papa and why Cardinal Copia?

Forge: Early on in the creation of Ghost, I was just reviewing what I had heard. When we recorded the first demo, when I heard my songs, my first impression was that it sounds like a heavily imaged band. If I were a fan of this record that I hear, I would be disappointed if it turned out to just be four or five dudes just standing in jackets and t-shirts. It doesn’t sound like that. It sounds more like an experience and that’s where it originated.

The aesthetics and the ideas are a mash-up of everything that I grew up watching and listening to. It’s black metal mixed with horror films and showmen. I’ve always been a fan of every single character that balances genius, charisma and being pathetic. That’s where Papa comes from.  He’s supposed to be cool, but he’s also slightly out of touch and pathetic—and funny, I think!

SLUG: The last time I saw you in Salt Lake City, you opened for Iron Maiden. Now, you’re touring North America after touring Europe with Metallica. What is it like to tour with these big names in metal? How have these bands influenced you in the past and what does it feel like to work with them now?

Forge: I am still as much of a fan of these groups as I was before, which is a very nice feeling knowing that I can completely separate my ideas, my dreams and my fantasies about both of these bands. But I think that has to do with the fact that for most of my life, I’ve idolized those bands while still always also knowing that what I wanted to do with my life was very similar to what they did—meaning record albums, go out and tour the world and change the world and have a deep impact on people in the same way that they had an impact on me.

On a very professional level, from the get-go, both Iron Maiden and Metallica have been very informative to their fan-base. Iron Maiden started that with their album Life After Death. All of their tour dates were in there, there was a lot of info about their touring life and the technicalities of playing live. I used to sit down with a map book and circle everywhere they played. I would try to figure out their days off and where they were playing next. Very early on, as a kid, I sort of approached it from a professional point of view. Not only did I want to stand on stage like I saw in the pictures, but I wanted to tour like they do. That’s the school of rock that I went to. Metallica would be even more informative later when they released their box set Binge and Purge. You could see old faxes between management and them, and I read everything I could see. I already knew 20 years later that that was a part of the program. I’ve learned so much from studying Iron Maiden and Metallica that when the day came when I started touring with them, I was like “I know this!” It was something I had done before. Now, I have the luxury of learning so much more firsthand.

SLUGMAG.COM