#but that ones a bit of a downer to me soooo

[mulderscully]

i kinda also have negative dw feelings but i would looooove to hear yours

it's complicated because a lot of my feelings turned sour over a leak for the last special and that's ruined my enjoyment of the other two.

but basically: i don't like donna getting her memories back. I KNOW this is the most unpopular opinion of all time, but the more i sit with it the more i know it's how i feel.

i didn't always feel this way, but i love the trajedy of donna's ending. i love that it was hard and painful for both of them.

i always assumed she would get her memories back temporarily and then CHOOSE to lose them again because she has found meaning outside of the doctor. but to see that she is still in that same mental space is really a downer, and to me it feels like... donna clearly has some serious mental health struggles that just cannot be "oh, she's happy when she's with the doctor!" because what sort of message does that send?

one things i love abt rtd era is the the focus on family, and we saw a glimpse of that in the first special, only for it to be ripped away and have her and fourteen thrown into some insane plot for the second special, which is such a strange decision to me just because this is an anniversary special! as a standalone, great! but as an episode that is supposed to celebrate 60 years it's like.... ok?

i also just feel like there is too much disconnect for me. fourteen is written in a way that doesn't make much sense to me. it feels like he's written like... ten but more emotional? not like this was JUST the thirteenth doctor. it feels like a reversion that doesn't feel honest or earned at all? thirteen was closed off too! and it's odd for him to be suprised about certain behaviors that are "new" when they're absolutely not to the doctor. eleven was a VERY touchy feely doctor for a thousand years. this isn't new to him, but it would be to TEN and it feels like rtd can't let go of writing fourteen as ten in this regard.

and my issue is also just the fandom. i love the tenth doctor. i love his pain, his repression, his intensity. so people saying fourteen is "ten but better." or whatever is just confirming that people never actually understood or loved ten for who he was, and that's making me sad since he is the most popular doctor there is in new who.

and it's like... no matter what this gonna change how people see ten. how they see his era and his regeneration as well and that bums me out. i love specials ten, i LOVE i don't want to go. and while all of that still happened, it somehow feels cheapened to me now :|

this would all work if rtd has used what he already had: the metacrisis doctor, instead of having david be the doctor three times. not bc i'm a tenroorose girlie but bc then everything wouldve stayed in tact. and having cameos from rose and maybe martha as well would've felt more like an ode to what made his era so strong and revived the show in the first place.

idk this is messy and i'm still sorting it out but i feel a little bit churny abt it and not rly in a positive way because in his book rtd was soooo proud of how he ended s4 that the last thing i expected was for it all to be undone with a wave of the hand and without delving much into the life donna has made for herself and/or focusing on the people the doctor has ADORED in the time since as if he didn't have a downright manic devotion to clara.

[theboarsbride]

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Rant) Review.

Rating: 2⭐⭐/5 stars

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Length: 420 pages

Review: Soooo……..needless to say I really did not enjoy this book (nor did I ever really anticipate such because this was a hate-read and I cannot stand SJM as both an author and a person lmao). This is going to be a long rant review, and I know a lot of what I'll bring up has been brought up previously in other reviews, but I will still try to provide new insight nonetheless! This review will come in segments, and can be accessed beneath the cut.

ALSO!! There will be spoilers throughout this review. Don't read any further if you don't wish to be spoiled!

AND ALSO! This is merely my opinion. If you enjoy this series, AWESOME! I'm glad for you, this just isn't for me, and I, in good faith, cannot give this book a good review.

⚠️AND NOW CONTENT WARNINGS⚠️ There will be mentions of sexual assault and overall abusive and possessive behavior. I will mark parts of the review that mention these themes with an asterisks (*) so that you may avoid that content if you're not up for reading about it.

NOW ONTO THE REVIEW!!

1. What I liked - While this was still a hate-read I don't want to be a total downer and I wanted to find something about SJM's writing that I enjoyed. Granted there wasn't a lot, but they were still there!

- To start, I feel like SJM can write really interesting and tense action scenes. The opening scene with the killing of the wolf, the naga chase scene (which, like… why are we getting naga in this very clearly English/Celtic folklore-inspired world, and to never have similar creatures featured again?), the trials Under the Mountain, etc. Just, overall, the third act taking place Under the Mountain was so fun!! Like, it wasn't great and still riddled with SJM's writing and other uhhhh questionable stuff (we'll get there), but overall I enjoyed it so much more than the previous two-thirds of the book!

- There were also some romantic moments that I thought were really sweet, and I wish we saw more of that! I wish we saw more of Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship blossom more!

Now onto stuff I didn't like…..(there's a lot)

1. The Writing and Characters - I can't stand SJM's writing style. The obvious annoyance is her overuse of em dashes, and also ellipses. Both of these were so incredibly unnecessary in her work, and only distracted me, and slowed my reading.

- And also she reuses the same sentence structure, and it annoyed me once I noticed it (ex.- i was going to the bathroom, which was white and clean and shining. Then, I went to school, a place that was dull and bland and boring.) 

- Like jfc. I wholeheartedly believe the conspiracy that no one actually edits SJM's book because good LORD.

- I refuse to believe that SJM knows, or would even care to know, how to write believable poor people. I refuse to believe that Feyre’s family has been destitute for nearly a decade - because they sure as hell don’t come across like it. Feyre’s sisters, Elaine and Nesta, act so dainty and bitchy about work and survival despite living this way for ALMOST 10 YEARS. Their mentalities, how they react to being poor, how they treat their belongings, how they treat and handle their food, how they handle their money, etc. doesn’t line up for me. I just don’t buy it.

- Also in relation to this point: Feyre is weirdly quick to let Tamlin’s servants wait on her hand and foot. Her psychology, how she thinks, and engages with Tamlin’s manor around her doesn’t fit with someone who’s spent eight years living in violent poverty and starving.

- A bit of a nitpick but, it bothers me that SJM writes Feyre as a painter yet I, for the life of me, couldn't tell you what her style is, how her artwork looks, or even what ANY piece of art looks like in this world. Feyre talks about her artistic eye and all that, but to me that description means nothing. Being a painter and liking art does nothing for Feyre's character, it's such a useless detail when it could be something that adds depth to her character and shows the reader how she views art, how she views the world, etc. This just shows me that SJM did nothing to research art, styles, and mediums, nor does she actually care about her character writing enough to utilize art as a way to elevate Feyre as a character.

- The pacing is so boring. It’s just painfully slow and stuff that could be exciting is skimmed over and never elaborated on, and all that really happens for the first two-thirds of the book is just Feyre vibing (and being passive aggressive towards) Tamlin and Lucien.

2. This is a fairytale retelling? - This book has EVERYTHING I absolutely loathe about modern day fairytale retellings - more specifically retellings of Beauty and the Beast.

- It fails as a retelling, in general, because it completely misses the point of the fairytaleS (there are multiple going on in ACOTAR) and ends up being a shallow husk of these classic tales.

- ACOTAR markets itself as a retelling of several fairytales: Beauty and the Beast, East of the Sun, West of the Moon (a Norwegian variant of BatB featuring a 'beast' that is a polar bear by day and a handsome prince by night), Eros & Psyche (a Greek myth that's widely accepted as one of the original versions of the 'monster bride-groom' narrative framework), and the Ballad of Tam-Lin (a Scottish folktale that features a man cursed by a queen of faeries). And yet I feel like it fails all of these stories, primarily Beauty and the Beast. BatB is a story about kindness and love, and loving someone for who they are as opposed to what they look like, and ACOTAR embodies the very thing I hate about modern retellings of this story: a ‘beast’ that is outwardly handsome and the only ‘beastly’ thing about him is being hypermasculine, aggressive, toxic, and cruel while offering little opportunities of redemption. Except, Tamlin isn’t necessarily all of those things. Conventionally hot and hypermasculine, yes, but he’s been nothing but gracious and nice to Feyre. And WHY is he named ‘Tamlin’, obviously being named after the titular Tam-Lin from Scottish folklore, and SJM does nothing to give this story a ‘Scottish flair’? Which brings me to my next point:

3. Worldbuilding - There is nothing about this world that convinces me that this is unique. It does nothing to differentiate itself from other fantasy worlds, or even our modern world! You can tell that there are medieval and Rococo/Georgian Europe influences, but that’s only in fashion and aesthetics. But the faeries?

- To me, they’re nothing more than conventionally attractive people with pointy ears and MAYBE magic. Tolkien elves, pretty much! Like, deadass, I pictured Tamlin looking like Legolas but jacked as fuck (AND WHY COULDN’T WE GET MORE OF TAMLIN’S BEAST FORM!?!?!?!? UUGHH!!!! BIG SAD!!). There were so few, like… FAERIE faeries, and whenever there were any the only indicators SJM would offer are differing skin tones, sharp teeth, claws, wings, etc. They just felt so uninspired and lazy (teetering between underdeveloped spectral entities or LOTR elves) … why write about faeries if you’re not going to put in the effort to flesh them out as FAERIES? I once saw someone say that what SJM is doing to faeries is what Stephanie Meyer did to vampires and honestly??? I agree.

- I will forever be bitter that SJM decided to write about faeries and did NOTHING new with fae lore.

- *I know this gets explained a little more in the second book (which… I will get to that when I write my ACOMAF review because i’ve thoughts) but what exactly is this world’s religious system? Because you never get a good feel for it. I say this because several times Lucien mentions ‘Hell’, as in capital ‘h’ Hell - Christian Hell. Why would he say this when humans are agnostic/athiest with a sparse numbr of fae-worshiping cults (and were once implied to have had a polytheistic religion that differs from our world’s Christianity) and fae worship the Cauldron and other faerie deities so like.....why would SJM not use a few extra braincells to create her own version of Hell rather than using lazy cultural shorthand that, by the logic of this book's world, doesn't work???? And this is a recurring theme in ACOTAR: lazy, underdeveloped, under explained world-building.

- *This might just be me but I hate the fated mates trope in this series. It just seems like a way to sexualize domestic abuse, and it doesn’t allow me to enjoy seeing a budding relationship to develop if we’re told that these two characters are SUPPOSED to be together and are MEANT to be in love and have sex!! (also a me thing: the way SJM sexualizes stuff is a personal ick… her ships are built more upon sex and sexual attraction rather than romantic feelings, which just isn’t for me and makes me struggle to believe people to actually be in love despite how much the author tries to convince me of such). Also the violent gender essentialism and heteronormativity :( ….it only gets worse in the second book.

- Why must we refer to everyone as male and female??? I would give this a pass if the faeries were more faerie and less human but… these fae are just humans with pointy ears, so I am deeply uncomfortable by the constant use of ‘male’ and ‘female.’ (I’m convinced that SJM is into omegaverse erotica, and I’d honestly have more respect for her if she just wrote straight-up, shameless omegaverse erotica rather than trying to write a vaguely developed fantasy story that fails to deliver on the epic plot it’s trying to sell to me.)

4. Feyre - She is a dumb protagonist (and I blame the author). She is dumb and deserves death - and you can tell that this is a plot-convenience brand of stupidity, unfortunately. Like the instance with the Puca. She suddenly sees her crippled father on Tamlin's land in Prythian in the middle of the night??? Given the wary hostility and aggression and distrust she's been displaying towards everyone and everything so far in Prythian, why isn't she doing the same in this instance???? She's said herself she is wary of faerie tricks, and acknowledged that not even whole, able-bodied humans are able to survive in Prythian without the help of a faerie, so why would she think her disabled father, who is helpless in the mortal realm, be any different??? And why would she care that her father has come for her??? Did she not wish that her family starves without her, so that they realize she's important to them and she holds them in such an embittered contempt?????

- Tamlin and Feyre have no chemistry. It just feels like I should be shipping them because this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and all that, but I just don't. SJM is relying heavily on a fairytale framework while also doing nothing to even try to convince me that these two characters are meant to be together. Their relationship is so dry and it feels like the attraction comes from nowhere, and only starting with physical attraction - which, to me, goes against the message of BATB, of loving someone for who they are rather than what they look like. The two of them, respectively, have more chemistry with Lucien than each other. Hell, why not make them a throuple???🤨 now THAT I'd ship because all three have banter, and any interaction with Lucien is so much fun to read.

- Also……how the fuck did Feyre not figure out Amarantha’s riddle?

5. *Rhysand - Yes. He gets his own section because I HATE him - and I HATE that he is destined to be the endgame love interest. He is a character we’re meant to root redemption for but I fucking refuse. And this is why.

- Rhysand has the perfect set up to be a scary asf villain, not a love interest. We will talk more about Rhysand and why he and Feyre are a ship I refuse to get behind, but that will be reserved for future updates. 

- For now: Rhys is great for a scary villain! He is night incarnate, he has snark, he has an imposing presence, and he can invade the minds of others......and he invades Feyre's mind, which she described as being immensely uncomfortable and painful, and she is afraid. Mind you, he does this without her consent. Keep in mind that everything he does beyond this point is without her consent and he is doing it as himself and for his own gain, not the influence of love pollen or magic. He is doing it while totally aware and sober. That's why he is a horrible person and a creep.

- He does many things without Feyre’s consent. He tortures, assaults, drugs, and harms her all without consent without anything else compelling his will other than himself.

- He forces her into a deal in which she is to spend one week a month in the Night Court with him, and he does this by twisting and pulling her broken arm when she refuses. He drugs and assaults her by making her drink faerie wine (which she refuses to drink as she was warned against doing so), dresses her scantily clad AGAINST HER WILL, covers her in paint so he knows where people all touch her AGAINST HER WILL, and makes her perform lap dances until she gets sick and then makes her all do it again AGAINST HER WILL. After catching her and Tamlin stealing a moment, he pushes her against a wall and kisses her WITH TONGUE to make it seem like he was the one that muddied the paint on her body rather than Tamlin. All of this he’s done AGAINST HER WILL.

- Have I mentioned how he does this against her will yet??? Did I emphasize enough that Rhysand does all this to Feyre without her consent???

- Rhysand is an evil creep that I refuse to redeem. What he did for Feyre Under the Mountain is awful and not at all deserving of redemption. And I don’t care if he says ‘I did this to help defeat Amarantha and save my court’ or ‘I did it to make Tamlin more mad and to kill Amrantha instantly’ or ‘I did it for your own good.’ I don’t fucking care, those are the excuses of an abuser. He didn’t need to literally torture and assault her.

- Also, on that note: why does he do this for the sake of making Tamlin more mad? Like??? Tamlin saw his court be cursed, he was sexually harassed by Amarantha ever since he was a child, and he witnessed Amarantha torture a woman he loves. Why would he need anything more to make him kill Amarantha faster? This argument fails to work for me. Fuck you, Rhysand, I hate you.

6. *Calanmai - This gets its own section because it’s just… so messy, and I wish to blame SJM for it’s messiness because the characters are all victims to her insensitive, careless writing.

- This is a very weird scenario??? Because, let's be frank, Tamlin assaulted Feyre and Feyre is a victim... HOWEVER. on multiple occasions she is told by FAERIES THAT HAVE EONS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS WORLD, THEIR CULTURES, CUSTOMS, AND ACCOMPONYING DANGERS to stay in her room and that this is not safe for humans, especially her once the Great Rite occurs because Tamlin will be drawn to her. But she goes against these warnings, going to the festival and leaving her room before dawn. 

- HOW DUMB ARE YOU FEYRE??!?!?!?!?! WHY ARE YOU SO STUPID???!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!??!?! JUST UUGGHHH!!!!!!!! 

- And then there's Tamlin. With how the Great Rite is explained, it's like he is possessed by some springtime magic so that he is a vehicle for said magic? So the scene where he pins Feyre and bites her is almost set up like he both is and isn't possessed? It's more like he's drunk off of love pollen?? I don't know, but to me I think that both are and are not at fault - they are because Feyre didn't listen to SEVERAL warnings in a situation that is obviously unsafe for her and Tamlin could've prepared better by explaining things to her and setting up safeguards, and they aren't because Feyre is a victim and Tamlin is being possessed by a power that's greater him (which is kind of implied to be something he really doesn't want to do). Again, this is a very weird and highly uncomfortable situation - both are victims to SJM’s writing.

- Ultimately, the situation of Calanmai is poorly written and handled on SJM's behalf. It feels like her trying to eroticize a moment of assault, which in of itself is gross (bear in mind that this was initially published as a YA novel - and I initially read it as a YA novel in middle school), and to introduce Rhysand, the second half of this love triangle, which there are so many other ways this could've been done. And the fact that the assault is brushed off and treated like a friendly joke without having actual discussion about it makes it worse. - This is arguably the most 'fae' thing in this book so far? Like it feels so fae because of connections to celebrating springtime and fertility, and drinking and festivals, but at the same time this just feels like an oversexualization of traditional pagan beliefs by being a massive orgy?

- Just. Ew. Sarah J Mass, you’re gross for writing a moment like this and not being responsible enough to execute this concept with more nuance.

7. The Ending - This is really brief, but boooooo to Feyre being resurrected with all the powers of all the High Lords. :(

- (Also I know that Rhysand hints at him and Feyre being mates and uugghhh kill me now)

So these are my main thoughts regarding ACOTAR… It’s a fantasy romance that should be advertised more for it’s romance than fantasy elements as the fantasy-action takes a major backseat and acts more as a subplot to the main romance. It’s a fantasy world that is underdeveloped and is full to the brim of underutilized lore. It butchers existing faerie lore, and leaves much to be desired. Characters are unlikeable and stupid, and the only thing that got me through this book was Lucien.

SJM I do not like you, and I cannot wait to return to write about my hate for ACOMAF.

[uselesslilium]

Eh, what the hell. Potential list of fics I'm thinking about writing once Mimesis is wrapped up, to organize my own thoughts:

ExValk Hunger Games AU, Part 3 Pros: Last part in the trilogy, finally wrapping it up would be very satisfying. Will not be longer than maybe three chapters. I still feel bad about how I left Mika in part 2, so getting him off that cliffhanger would be great. More ensemble cast scenes, and a chance to write Rinne+Shu interactions. I’ll finally get to write ExValk OT3!!!! Cons: Mimesis was largely a stressful downer all in Shu’s POV, and this would be Even More Of That. I think I could use a break from that vibe before going back to it. Still no Mademoiselle. Also would have to reread Mockingjay to make sure I got District 13 down, which means I can’t write right away.

Scum Villain AU Pros: I have been thinking about this fic on and off for like over a year now and I still want to write it, so I’m motivated. A balance of silly and serious. Would be fun to play around with fantasy genre conventions and the meta of ‘Eichi as the author’. A bit of a dynamic flip where Shu has secret knowledge about Mika rather than the other way around. Huge ensemble cast and lots of POV options! Can write Mado-nee as her own person! Have full narrative justification to write Mika’s kink awakening! Cons: Dear fucking god would it be long. I haven’t even begun outlining. Huge ensemble cast and lots of POV options. Fight scenes.

Arranged Marriage AU Pros: Fluff! I can write fluff again!!! Still with a nice undercurrent of angst and drama, of course, but it would definitely be lighter in tone overall. Could start off in Mika’s POV right away. Never written an arranged marriage AU before, and honestly I’m hankering for it. Potential for fun Seiya+Mika awful mentorship. Cons: Would have to think about politics. Have not really sorted out the plot at all. Possibly too much thematic overlap with Awakening Hermitage?

Momo leaves to work for Ryou AU Pros: Ohhhh I could make everyone soooo miserable. :) I want to dig into Ryou and Momo’s weird awful friendship so bad. Want to dig into Momo’s terrible self-sacrificial tendencies and his fawning reflex and how he’s the worst person to try and fix Ryou. Want to examine Yuki’s passivity and self-loathing and then make him actually Do Something. And I have actually managed to outline it, so there’s a solid base to start with. Cons: It would take at least 8 hefty chapters to finish, and that is a long time to stew in abusive relationship dynamics. No getting around what a huge bummer it would be to write. Also, haven’t written for i7 yet, worried about whether I know the characters and Japanese entertainment industry well enough to pull something this messy off.

Ciel AU Pros: It’s a Ciel AU!!! The characters would let me play with the setting in interesting ways. Gender. The mythology allows for really fun canon parallels. I have an outline planned, and have actually written the first chapter already! Cons: Maybe two people would get it lmao. Can I stop myself from letting it bloat? Didn't know The Truth about Grandpa Itsuki when I started and that'd need serious adjustment.

Shape of Water AU Pros: Mika finally gets to be a monsterfucker. Shu is the focus of the misery for a change. And also a beautiful octopus mermaid. Pure Mika POV would be interesting. If I try hard and believe in myself, this could possibly be a one-shot. Cons: Another very limited cast and setting. Would be hard to work in the parts of their relationship I find most compelling.

[goatpaste]

in what ways would you improve part 5?

ykno everyone ask me that and i never really have a clear awnser for it

i dont love p5 its not my favirote, but i think its such simple things as like it might not be a part that suits my taste. it also have a lot of characters i really could be bothered to care for one way or the other. like i love bruno a lot i think hes sooo well written, and trish is great... i think mista and naracia are fun.. mm.. i dont really think i care much for any other characters? in that part? shrug

but also like pacing and not having character who just flow with the narrative. i know they all have their excuses as to why but everything works its way to where its supposes to go so quick and easy with no hiccups or anything. nothing feels suprising or interesting, just feels like its happening. which i guess is the theme of destiny at play

but the only time i was engaged witha character ard was probably Bruno. i Really love trish but she does NOT get enough time to shine she really doesn't

and im not a fugo hater im just a fugo neutral, i did REALLY like araki's choice to stick to fugo's character in that moment and have him not go with.

but beside the pacing and everything just feeling like an inevitable downer for all of p5

i think im just not that into a lot of characters and i dont know if thats something that can be 'fixed' lol like their characters arnt bad, i just dont care for them. except Giorno. i think Giorno was written bad. i think Giorno has soooo much potential to be a very fun character, but araki blew it imo

i think! trish and giorno shoulda been one role. Because giorno and trish both have fun neat personalities that we dont get to actually explore and enjoy because araki kinda side lined them. even Giorno in his own part. Like Giorno gets more screentime at least... but Trish kinda takes what Giorno coulda been with the complexities of the history of his father and does it actually good. I just think Giorno/Trish fill out similar roles but trish is more enjoyable at filling out the role but gets less screentime than giorno who already feels like a tourist in his own part. idk! i think i just wish Trish played a bigger part and was the one who got to kill her dad...

also id change that fucking last batch of story with them following requiem for wht felt like a million episodes, that the fuck was that...

i just

found P5 sooo slow and boring at times and very unengaging. i often forgot Giorno was there and literally couldn't remember his name until a lil over halfway through watching p5. Depite growing up in the area, he acts like he knows fucking nothing and is a tourist rather than a long term citizen. Barely any on the team pays much attention to him and no one feels like their friends despite establishing they have been together for years and care about each other. and im not talking about the silly bullying each other like pour soda on naracia speakers. It just feels like their all their own separate guys who sometimes remember they care about each other, or remember Giorno is there.

Giorno, son of Dio is just some guy lol. normalist man

also arakis whole statement on like 'i didnt want dio being giornos dad to be a big deal' like.. you make dio a big deal in every part... you couldnt even talk about the complexities in moralism in giornos character with who his father is/who his family is/who he is

idk

im like, p5 had some stuff, but it just feels like araki worked on it aimlessly for YEARS and just both was dragging it on and wanted to end it so fast and get it over with. so idk what to do with that part i dont

its kinda locked in a state of a bit wonky

[samswinchesters]

Heyy dw anon here. hope you’re doing good! Bit late on this review as my uni started up again and I am swamped already. but anyway. Episode 5. Want to preface this by saying I did really enjoy the episode. I am just a bit irritated with our girl Bernadette.

That being said loved the Chee and Bern moments. The whole she dated Elvis reveal had me gaping at my TV like??Damn Girl ok?? Thanks for sharing or good for you or? The writers are really trying to embrace the time period in the funkiest way possible!

Blond man is still being awful, Joe should have scalped him and called it a day but nooo some dumbass had to let Gordo drive the dude ALONE at NIGHT like ofc he escaped, who is surprised raise your hand! Need him executed asap.

then the whole thing with Dean was soso sad but so well done. His words to Bern about them not even being recognized as Americans obviously shook her entire worldview a bit.. and her giving him the necklace and a hug was soooo :((( her internal turmoil over Dean and the draft is so much worse in context with her border patrol job too like Bern I know you want to move up the ladder or whatever the fuck but jfccc get a gripppp. Atp I am genuinely concerned she’s going to leave like don’t you fucking dare!!

Like I get it. I do. Glass ceiling on the rez and all that. maybe she feels trapped (tho if that’s actually the case I would have liked the show to make that more obvious beyond her just saying “I want to find my own way”) And having modern day context for how shit the US border patrol is and how badly women and especially woc are treated in white-male dominated professions (and this is happening in 1971 to boot) helps to make it seem like she’s making an even worse decision if she goes. to me it’s a no brainer, I’m staying. But I really just think Bern doesn’t know any of that, or at least choses not to acknowledge it. Like she saw what happened to Jim in the FBI, come on now. and he warns her too this episode, “-I can come back” “Can you?” *silence*. He almost didn’t get to come back! Bern fr needs to make a weighted decision matrix and figure out her decision that way bc I think the lack of sleep is starting to affect her cognitive activity.

Anyway. Sorry for being a downer this week irl shit combined with the fact that the finale of s1 wasn’t exactly happy is giving me a creeping feeling that ep6 will be a rough one. Hopefully I’ll be wrong and we’ll actually get to see everyone experiencing happiness on our screens, but we’ll see!

everyone dont moveeeee, dark winds anon is back.

OKAYYY so we were a litttleeee off in our predictions HOWEVER I will say, in my heart I know what is chrew. that small scene of them sitting on the floor of her living room…….I currently live there in that moment nobody break the immersion for me. yeah, it was kinda weird for them to say that like at first I thought she was joking but no mames, she was actually being serious 😭

literallyyyyy not a bootlicker or whatever but iirc, cops follow a two buddy rule system so like, the fact that gordo probably gave himself the task of driving this sick son of a bitch on his own by himself bc #ego like omfg shut UP take someone with you, idiot 🙄 it’s like every time they try to shoot at the suspect and never shoot at the tires…these people are making the WORST decisions like if I were in that university, that blond man would nottt have escaped. we’d do a better job than the police -_-

omfgggg that part with dean and bern now THAT….moment of silence bc I almost cried LOL sorryyyy the emotions got to me again. if this was meant to push her into the border patrol route, oh, I’m shaking my fist because what is this show without miss. bernadette manuelito?? like, I’m really scratching my head at some of the decisions that are being made in this season. a part of me respects the route they’re taking, there are parts that I do love, and other parts where it makes me look around the room and wonder what everyone is thinking.

this show has always been bold in its message and like you said, I wish they had pressed more into those issues and leaned into the reasonings. I just don’t want bern to become some weird girlboss whedon strong girl because she’s always had that strength within her. it never had to do with the job, it’s about who she is as a person. exactlyyyy like why did she even apply in the first place when she saw the chokehold the government had on jim…….we need to go back to the drawing board…maybe a nap and a sandwich will do her some good 🙏🏽

don’t apologize for anything, babe!! we won’t always dig every single episode. it can be frustrating as well when it’s a show that you care about and they slip a bit and you’re like I know you’re better than this, girl 🤨 to me, I blacked out and only remember the jimbern moments bc the rest I was like, okay, we’re setting things up but I’m yawning a bit. finale day, everyone. and to those who already saw it on amc+, should I prepare for trench warfare or,,..

[mickgaydolenz]

one of my sources for studying degrees in-tangent gives like these little descriptors for each degree to give a visualization as to what that degree can entail. its kind of neat tbh.

but for 3° Cancer, which is what Micky's 4th house Saturn in Cancer is in - and i've already talked a lot about it so we're aware of what it already entails - it gives this description that made me sink to the floor:

"A woman seated in an altitude of grief, her clothes disordered and her hair unkempt, holding some faded flowers in her hands; among the flowers are lilies and roses"

amongst all of that, which i dont think we need to dredge over 'cause it's honestly a bit of a downer to discuss; not ideal to feeling grief on behalf of another person for today. however, because im so cool and epic with a lot of sexy knowledge, i want to discuss the lilies and roses since i am a super sucker for symbolism in all things. it's not necessary but it's what the neurodivergency is commanding me to do and i have no say.

note: both roses and lilies have sooo many different colors and varieties to them that its hard to pin down an all-encompassing symbolic generalization for them. but my sources have tried their best at it and i think it works well.

remember that Saturn slows progress, and always brings difficulties to wherever its placed and in aspect to, so it's overall going to dampen the symbolism of these plants; hence the 'faded flowers', because that's the nature of Saturn's influence.

lilies are known to be recognized as a flower of purity and innocence -- it's a flower of sympathy. it also happens to be associated with the Moon! and i think that's incredibly coincidental considering his Moon opposes his Saturn. so, a whittling away at that purity & innocence due part to his home life, either growing up in or in trying to establish his own, is a possibility. especially since he's been working in the entertainment industry since he was a child. i don't think he ever got to experience that kind of child-like innocence and purity much in life due to that and just became part of him as he got older, quite literally tending to his inner child a lot of the time. lilies also symbolize dignity and honor, in which those things can only be accomplished through hard work, and at times through his life it seemed those things did not come into play throughout his career. his Moon is in Capricorn 10th house; he's always taken his career choices very seriously and emotionally invests himself into it to which, again, can cause problems in the home (as we've discussed before), and could struggle trying to uphold those things at home.

roses are much more recognized for their symbols of love and romance, which is the usual accepted generalization, and i do agree with that too. but roses are also known for its secrecy. the 4th house is already pretty private as it is; double that with his Saturn conjuncting Juno....someone HELP HIM dios mios. roses are associated with Venus, but Juno is pretty much a fine-tuned off-shoot soooo *nervously pulling at collar*. tbqfh "faded" is an understatement for roses here.

and you can combine the two flowers + their meaning and you get a whole fuckin' mess. someone throughout life who lacked discipline in personal relationships because of his rose-tinted glasses. he fucked around AND found out. 🧠💥🤯 (other placements and aspects can back this up too, this ain't just one speculation)

now to tie this all together: 3° Cancer.

other than the one nice thing, "an ear for music", there's also: "dependence on home, possible mother fixation", "strong feelings that over-rule reason and experience", "expects support from home without effort", and "easily influenced by the opposite sex which can cause either injury or disgrace". so, y'know. use context clues for that one.

…���..i……..i………i need to throw myself off a bridge…….

[over-a-rainbow]

Ranking The Lucifer Seasons

Number 6: Season 3

Boy, did season three drop the ball. We were all ridding high after season 2 and it’s finale. The hype was real with the addition of Tom Welling…and it just fizzled out. So many odd character choices, too much filler, a love triangle no one wanted or asked for. It was simply a mess. I do love several episodes in the season but to me it truly is the season where I can say the show was bad, but thankfully it’s the only one.

Now honestly the rest of the seasons are all really close in enjoyment for me so if something seems low it’s because it’s off by like a point of half a point on my personal enjoyment scale.

Number 5: Season 4

I adore season 4 I really do. The writers came back with a vengeance after getting canceled and then renewed and it shows. The story is tight. The new characters are interesting but don’t feel like they over stay their welcome(well mostly). It’s also the season that truly put Chloe in the spot light for the first time and I love that. My only issues is that while I understood where Lucifer was coming from he at times felt overly dickish to Chloe and the others. As well as the fact that I do like Eve but she in the last few episodes drove me crazy. Still a great season, and the final balcony scene is top tier.

Number 4:Season 1

I think some people may feel this is too high, but I don’t know. There’s something about season one I just love so much. Maybe it’s the tone. Maybe it’s the mystery of it all. Maybe it just makes me nostalgic cause all the characters have come so far. I really like Malcom as a villain, I like watching Chloe and Lucifers friendship blossom, I like seeing the evolution of Amenadiel. Overall, it’s just so different from the other seasons that I can’t help but get sucked in even now when I know exactly what’s going to happen.

Number 3:Season 6

Now, to some this also may seem too high. And you know what, maybe. I just adore season six(well mostly) but to me the stuff I didn’t like is so heavily outweighed by stuff I did like that this is where it belongs. Yes, I know the ending has issues and there were plot holes. Ultimately though season six really is make or break depending if you liked Rory or not. If you didn’t then yeah your not gonna like this season. Me personally I liked Rory and found her sympathetic. But that’s just me. Also episodes 1-5 floored me! I was so excited to see where things went and what was happening. Episode 6 broke my heart, and 8-10 never let me stop crying. Overall just a fun season and in my opinion an overall enjoyable sendoff.

Number 2:Season 2

Season 2 really is the serotonin season for me. It’s so freaking cute! With some amazing heartfelt and gut wrenching episodes in the entire series(looking at you Weaponizer and Monster). I love the evolution of Chloe and Lucifers relationship it felt really organic this season. I also love all the other characters growing and finding there own ways on earth. It’s also the season that started some trends that became series staples, such as Mr said out bitch, one character of the core group finding out about Lucifer, and continues the trend of season one by having a season arching villain. I adore mum. I know she’s not a villain in the traditional sense but she’s still an obstacle they spend all season trying to get over so it counts. Also I can never listen to the song “Unsteady” the same again after this season.

Number 1:Season 5

Ok, because season 5 is one whole season even though it was basically split into two seasons, I’m counting it all as one season. Season 5 has got it all baby. The Lucifer and Chloe reunion we had been waiting for. A great new villain. Canon Deckerstar. A sex scene. The truth about the ring. Trixie! Dan and Lucifer being friends again. Dan finding out the truth. Baby Charlie! Linda and Amenadiels great co parenting. Finding out about Linda’s daughter. Chloe learning she is a miracle. “I choose to be vulnerable around you” piano speech that is still my favorite romantic scene in the whole show. Chloe being the badass Queen she is. Lucifer dealing with his issues with his father, as well with himself. Maze learning about and dealing with her mother. Maze getting a soul and her soul mate. The first F bomb. Mr. said out bitch getting into heaven. The absolutely heartbreaking final two episodes. Lucifer letting his walls down and telling Chloe he loves her. Azreal! I just adore this season with all my heart, and that finale! I truly believe it is my favorite episode of the whole series it’s just so well executed.

But then again that’s just my opinion.

[hakkais-hoe]

Love your aggressive s/o x Bonten headcanons lol

If possible can we get a version where they find out the only freaking reason she's so aggressive is because she's literally hungry and sleepy... Like all the time? Like she'd need food in her hand 24/7 and constantly eating something (or napping) in order to not go off on someone for breathing wrong for more than an hour lol (you can ignore this if you'd like idc I just think it's hilarious to see them with what's essentially the equivalent to a pissed and grouchy cat lol)

Bonten x reader with hanger issues n a food complex.

'm glad ya liked em :)

love this idea too

Warnings: swearing, blood, fighting, gun references, drug reference (sanzu ofc).

Bonten: Mikey, Sanzu, Koko, Ran, Rindo, Kaku.

Mikey-

finds you rummaging through your bag after a fight

after you come back with nothing from it and a sour look on your face he cant help but ask

"What's up with you now?"

notices your similar to him after he hasn't had a snack for a while

if you ignore he'll leave you to your little tantrum as usual

after a long bonten meeting you're sat drifting off in your chair when someone bursts through the door

you do one of those freaky slow look ups a glare as cold as ice on your face

"You're really gonna come shouting in here n wake me up you fucker?! I'm fucking tired and hungry af n you have the balls to do this shit. I'm gonna cave ya head in dickhead."

'oh' Mikey knows exactly what the problem is now

he grabs a dorayaki out of his stash n throws it to you

you grumble a bit before going silent and munching on the treat

promptly moving to a couch and taking a nap

from then on Mikey keeps extra snacks for the both of you and you take regular naps in his office, sometimes with him.

your aggressive little attitude seems to get a lot better which keeps the rest of the executives calm.

Sanzu-

tbh i don't think he'll realise, he likes it when you're a bit psycho n that

takes Takeomi or Mochi telling him that you seem calmer when you have snacks for him to realise

straight up asks you

"Soooo you got like a food complex or something babe? Cos I get it I get antsy when I don't have a pill for a while, I can get those food supplement drugs if ya want love."

like boy no who tf wants ur shitty drugs

"I want snacks motherfucker not some boring ass supplements, actual food n several naps a day."

our boy only gets it when you spell it out n will buy you all the snacks n food you want

also keeps a blanket n pillow in his office so you can take a nap with him

watches you sleep like a creep can't lie

whips random snacks out when you get n attitude during meetings

loves it when you have a little anger tantrum cos you wanna nap n lets you drag him down onto the couch to use him as a pillow

probably can't sleep cos of the drugs but good effort

"Think you should take a chill pill on the drugs, love."

"Which one's that is it in my bottle? Is it a downer? They're boring baby."

sir you have a problem >_>

Kakucho-

chances are he already clocked it after the first few times he saw you beat a bitch then walk straight into a shop n buy snacks

wont actually mention it he just makes you take scheduled naps under the pretence that he needs one

will gently massage your kneecaps during meetings when you start to get grumpy

pulls random snacks and drinks out of his pockets

tries to keep you calm all the time

practically throws a blanket at you when you get ratty

will bundle you up even in meetings n make you take a nap on his lap

human burrito

very devoted to looking after you

will let you fight when you're really angry but prefers to keep you as docile as he can

"Love, enough. C'mon come sit down wit me and have a snack leave that piece of shit there."

ur surprisingly obedient when he's waving your favourite snack at you

Kokonoi

honestly he just thinks you're a bit nuts plus you spend too much time with sanzu according to him

most of the time he just lets you do your thing n he doesn't get involved

only realises that there's something odd when the Bonten executives plus the boss go out for a meal after a meeting

you're silent for once n you even seem calm as you practically bounce in your seat with all the food in front of you

once he realises that you're a lot calmer with food he offers you his

will send someone to buy snacks as soon as he sees a hit of aggression coming from you

you fall asleep on his shoulder later in the evening

Koko adjusts you slightly to keep you comfortable

hears your light muttering about nonsense

he ignores the conversation that all the executives are having in favour of listening to you sleep talk

he can make out your quiet words at some points which cause him to chuckle

until you mutter about how much you love him

an unusually soft smile on the both of your faces is there until late into the night

tries to make you take naps often after that just so he can listen to you sleep talk

feeds your grumpy self often he orders some expensive snacks just to see your reaction.

Rindo-

if you think this cocky shit would ever question your angry self you have another thing coming

he enjoys watching you beat the living daylight out of anyone

coincidentally brings you some snacks during a meeting one day

usually you'd be snapping and threatening to fight sanzu by now but you're silent for once

he stops listening to Kaku's report to observe you n notices that you're only silent cos ur stuffing snacks in you mouth

"Uh babe? Did you actually just calm down cos I brought you food? If I'd known it was that easy I woulda brought you a whole ass shop."

"Mhm buy me a whole convenience shop n I'll marry you."

the boy definitely does a Koko n buys you way too much to keep in his office and your apartment

please let him pamper you

he realises that he enjoys your happy food enjoying self more than the little psycho you usually are

comes into every meeting with food

when you sleep on his office couch n wake up even calmer than with food he encourages you to sleep more

buys an expensive ass weighted blanket for his office

bless him he heard that they keep people calm from Ran

sometimes sits at the couch reading paperwork with your head on his lap

strokes your hair to help you sleep better

"Love ya Rin..."

your sleep talk is his favourite thing

Ran-

already knew

this man is very aware of everything you do

he may seem lackadaisical but he knows everything that you like and everything that keeps you calm

he plays it off as a coincidence that he started bringing snacks 3 weeks after you started

when he figures out your favourite he keeps them in his office 24/7

also like Rin he has a giant weighted blanket in a cabinet for you

has it out as soon as you come into his office

leaves it so that you can wrap yourself up in it when you're both going through paperwork

you ofc inevitably fall asleep in it

your boyfriend gets you all comfy and lays down with you for a quick nap

he wakes up wot you gently brushing his now messed up hair away from his face

you seem gentle and calm for once as you smile down at him

"Hi handsome. Did you have a nice nap?"

he's shocked ngl

falls in love with you all over again

"You look like an angel my love."

pampers you and makes you sleep a lot in his office just so you can wake up and be calm with him

he wants all your calm attention

will still cheer you on when you have a "tantrum" as Rin calls them

[ripperdaddy]

the viktor vector romance path + ending we deserve

Disclaimer: This is definitely something I came up with in my head. There will be a few instances that are solely made up so it can tie in with the “story.” This is purely fictional; something I wished happened if there was a possible Vik romance 🥰 This is based on my general knowledge of the game & Vik’s life. All gifs + images are from my own personal play through, but wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Appearance Menu Mod, found on Nexus Mods by the creators, MaximiliumM and CtrlAltDaz. And the shirtless Vik mod by the lovely samsnak ♡

It would start after completing the Paid In Full quest where you pay Vik back the eddies you owe him.

I feel like realistically, the general player would have to be at least halfway through the story to have collected enough eddies. I would say that a good point in the story where we can begin the romance is that you’ve already established a connection to Alt and have dealt with the VDB’s.

I think it would be a short side quest like River’s. Vik already plays a big part in the story overall on his own, so I don’t think it’s necessary to make his “side quest” too long. His romance would just be an addition to the ending.

And as much as I would love for him to be a bisexual option for both male/female V, if we’re sticking with the game’s standard with limiting partners to only one kind of partner, he would only be romance-able by a female V with a feminine voice.

V: Finally scrounged up enough eddies to pay you back in full.

Vik: Hold on to ‘em just in case - you need ‘em more than me.

V: I’m not taking them all the way to my grave, Vik. Here. And.. thanks again for doing so much work on me ‘thout ever seein’ an enny.

Vik: That’s what friends are for.

Then, there is an additional option for dialogue to trigger the romance path.

V: Friends? I think you’ve been in and out of my body more than anyone else I’ve hooked up with in Night City.

He laughs, with a coy smile. “Well, can’t argue with you there. Why don’t we take some of these eddies and grab a drink. You know, to celebrate. Catch up on old times. Haven’t seen you round here much lately, kid.”

You agree to meet at the El Coyote Cojo tomorrow evening.

You meet around 9 PM and you are welcomed by the sight of Pepe and Vik at the bar.

V: Nice choice of venue.

Vik: Thought you’d like it. Haven't been here since.. well, you know.

V: I miss him, Vik.

Vik: I know, V. Me too.

You immediately take a seat and tinker with a few dialogue options, where you can either have a sweet moment talking about Jackie or some surface questions to ask, like how he’s doing, what kind of drink he likes, etc. But it all winds down to Jackie anyway, where Vik confides in you about his past. Judging by how Vik was so affected by Jackie’s death, and V’s (if you chose the suicide ending), you can tell that he has lost a lot in his life, and keeps his circle very small.

You then achieve an even closer, more personal relationship with him. But, ultimately nothing happens other than the usual, wait 24 hours in game for a text/phone call from Vik to head into the next stage. At least now, you have established the foundation for a future romance.

Halfway through the 24 hour period, you get a text from Vik thanking you for the lovely evening. No reply needed, as he calls you once the 24 hour mark hits and invites you out for another date.

You meet at Tom’s Diner for coffee in the afternoon. It starts off with him apologizing for being emotional the previous night and asks if you’re open to hanging out again and going down to Pacifica to watch a fight with him.

Vik: Hey, V. I just wanted to apologize about last night. I didn’t mean to be such a downer.

V: It’s okay, Vik. We share the same grief.

Vik: I was going to head down to Pacifica and catch a real good match later on today. I was wondering if you’d like to come along, think it’d be great for the both of us, you know, as a distraction.

pssst even Johnny’s rooting for y’all ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Johnny: Hmm, interesting.

V: What?

Johnny: Never thought you'd be going out with this guy.

V: Vik's amazing. And I mean--we basically owe it to him since he practically saved our life.

Johnny: Don't tell me you're going out with him out of pity.

V: I'm not.

Johnny: I know, I can feel you get all mushy-gushy. It's almost repulsive. Just wanted to hear you admit it.

V: Eat a dick, Johnny.

You arrive before the GIM and blend into the crowd.

V: Nothin’ like watching guys beat the shit out of each other to get your blood pumpin’, huh?

Vik: This is a real good matchup, V. This kid’s fresh, young talent.

V: You miss it, don’t you?

Before the fight begins, Vik shares a story about his time in the ring and coming in second in the Watson Boxing Grand Prix.

There’s some extra fun options in the dialogue, you can bet some eddies on who’s gonna win, or side with him. The fight ends, and you two head outside.

Since you’re already out in Pacifica, you head over to the boardwalk (where you would ride the roller coaster with Johnny) and he starts telling you about the last days of his boxing career and how he transitioned from the sport to being a ripperdoc.

You both share a sweet moment with each other, reminiscing about old times and talking about V’s future with the relic. This is where I would see Vik confessing how he feels about you, mentioning how grateful he is for Jackie introducing you to him.

The evening ends and Vik asks you to give him some time to try and dig up some footage from his storage and have you come over to watch. You can kiss him then wait another 24 in game hours before the last quest. Halfway through, he texts you and asks you what you’d like for dinner. You can opt for pizza or chinese.

I haven’t seen or read anything about how or where Vik lives. If I overlooked something, please let me know! But for the sake of the story, let’s say he does actually have his own place that’s now introduced in the game. Personally, I think he has a typical bachelor pad, like a really nice apartment. Not too far from his clinic either. He looks like he would just walk to work. Vik definitely has a lot of money, but he’s so humble I doubt he would choose to live lavishly. As mentioned in the beginning, he typically just “sleeps nights” ever since he was over “being a legend” so I’m guessing his lifestyle is very routine. He goes to work, goes home, sleep. Seems unlikely he has a place like the Peralez’s. It would probably be just the same as V’s but decorated to his taste.

The evening comes and you are over at his place. He’s dressed in just a white undershirt, no exo-glove. You get to know more about his family, how he grew up — scanning things around his place. Then he plays some footage of one of his fights for you, while you two have a conversation and share a beer. As you two sit on the couch, you get close, then have an opportunity to kiss him.

then this is where da sex happen hihihi (ノ・ω・)ノ

The next morning you wake up and you two have a heartfelt conversation about where this is going. He already knows your situation, so I would assume he is very accepting and supportive. And with Vik, he seems like the kind of guy who would still want to be in your life and keep the friendship the same way despite no longer being together romantically. So it’s official. He’s your man 🥵 !!11!1!

Like how River gives you the “fuck the police” tank top after sleeping with him, I think Vik would give you his Night City Devils t-shirt that provides you with a significant amount of armor or some kind of cyberware upgrade that makes you invulnerable for a brief moment while using your hands to fight enemies.

Note: I was thinking of Vik giving V his boxing glove necklace, but because it's part of his character's appearance in the game, I don't think we would be able to essentially "take it" from him - unless he gives you a replica as a keepsake. Which I think would also work.

If you successfully romance, during the rooftop scene near the end of Nocturne OP55N1 (despite Vik’s disposition of him telling you to take matters in your own hands and being a little closed off), you still have an option to reach out to him when Johnny advises you to call a loved one.

V: Hey, Vik. I just wanted to say, thanks for hanging with me, until the end.

Vik: Quit talking like it is, V. Just do what you need to do.

V: I mean, think of it. It’s like I’m heading into the last round of this whole thing.

Vik: Well, in that case.. remember—keep your hands up, guarded at all times. It ain’t over just yet.

V: Heh.. I can feel it, just a few more punches.

Vik: Now look at you - the new welterweight champ of Night City.

V: Thanks, coach.

Vik: Last piece of advice from the coach's corner. Just.. be careful, kid. Remember, I’m with you.

Okayyyy, soooo I’m not the biggest fan of how CDPR gave us two of the same endings (Path of Glory). The only difference is that Rogue’s life is spared. I would have assumed that not only would we get to keep Rogue around, things should have played a bit more differently for V if we took the route of going solo against the corpos. So let’s tweak it.

This specific ending; it should be after getting through Don’t Fear The Reaper where you single-handedly manage to rip through Arasaka by yourself. Johnny goes back to Alt & Rogue is still alive. Yes nobody dies!!!

(honestly this ending can apply to any love interest you choose)

Vik and V are now living together in a lavish penthouse, entertaining an upcoming merc to do their work for them (which is now the current POV of the player.) You were recruited by Rogue at the Afterlife, who told you to visit this couple for a real, preem job.

They give you some vague details about the gig and go on for a brief moment about what you will be doing and what you should expect. Vik emphasizes to you that it’s important you get what they need because it’s for his wife, V, as her life depends on it.

As Never Gonna Fade Away is playing in the background, they tell you to break into Arasaka HQ.

Then the game officially ends.

[hotchslut]

believe it’s the fright

spencer reid/reader (strangers to enemies to lovers)

week one | week two | week three | week four | week five | week six | week seven | week eight | week nine | week ten

summary: y/n gets drunk and finds a new way to get under spencer’s skin. (part 2 of series. part 1 linked above.)

As the team gathered at the round table, (y/n) made a point of pulling up next to Hotch. The two had spent a lot of time together around the office in the past week and she had actually grown quite fond of him. He was patient with her and never made her feel inferior for asking questions, even the stupid ones. Everyone was always calling him uptight, remarking how he didn’t have a sense of humor, but (y/n) knew better. Although she had yet to make him break, she knew he was just being professional, and he never seemed to mind when (y/n) got a little goofy with him.

“Good morning, Hotchy,” (y/n) singsonged, grabbing his iPad from in front of him to get a good look at the crime scene photos before Garcia explained the case.

Spencer was sat across from her, twiddling that fucking pen between his fingers. “(y/n), it’s 6 in the morning, do you need to be so loud?” he whined, reaching for a sip of his coffee. 

Even after last week's long case, she had never seen Spencer look so tired. He was almost always early to work, and not once had he made a complaint about it being too early. Sure today they had been called in a little earlier than usual, but Spencer just didn’t strike her as a night owl. “Late night, Spencer?” She prodded, reaching to kick him under the table but she couldn’t quite reach.

“Why do you care about how I spend my nights, (y/n),” he groaned, palming his tired eye.

“Who was she?” (y/n) leaned forward, grinning from ear to ear, trying to read any hint Spencer gave her. 

Before he had the chance to reply, Garcia flew into the room and addressed the team, “Alright, my friends, I am so sorry, but this one is a bit of a downer.”

Without saying a word, Hotch took his iPad back from (y/n), but positioned it so she was able to look over at the screen. Luckily, this case was happening right at home in Virginia, so the team wouldn’t be completely abandoning her for the next couple of days. 

Everyone contributed to the debriefing of what exactly they’d be looking for. Even (y/n) had an idea or two. They were shot down quite fast, but it still felt nice to be involved. Once everyone was on the same page, Hotch began assigning everyone to their tasks. “JJ and Morgan, I’ll have you down with the M.E., Rossi I want you to head down to the first crime scene. Reid, you and I will go interview the suspect who’s in police custody. Being here in Virginia means I’ll have you shadow me throughout the case, (y/n).” Everyone nodded in agreement and started to head on their separate ways.

While (y/n) was ecstatic to actually have the opportunity to learn some more practical skills, she was a little peeved that it was going to be with Spencer. To her, it would’ve made more sense to send him to the medical examiner or to the crime scene; What was this high-pitched skinny kid going to do to interrogate a potential murderer? She levelled with herself, believing that no matter what happened, she could probably get a good laugh out of the whole thing.

 (y/n) was nervous as she entered the police station. She had never stepped foot in one, despite the fact she probably deserved to a few times. It made her a little uneasy to know that the highlight she was wearing had been shoplifted from Sephora just a couple months prior, so she just took a moment to thank God she had never been caught.

“What are you thinking about?” Spencer asked, as they walked side by side, trailing slightly behind Hotch.

The question took her off guard. She despised when people asked what she was thinking about. If she wanted them to know, she would’ve simply said it out loud. Besides, most of the time she wasn’t even thinking anything at all. There wasn’t always a whole lot going on up there. “This is my first time in a cop shop,” she explained, taking in the room.

“That’s surprising,” he quipped. 

 After introducing (y/n) to the sheriff, he led the pair into the interrogation room. 

“This is just like the movies,” (y/n) remarked, spinning around to look at each gray wall before heading to the one way mirror. Inside sat a man, probably larger than Hotch and Spencer combined.

“This isn’t supposed to be fun,” Spencer judged when he saw the look of amusement in (y/n)’s eyes.

After observing the suspect a moment longer, she turned to the profiler and barked, “So why did you choose to do it for a living then?”

“To help people,” Spencer replied, holding eye contact. He shrugged while speaking with a sincerity in his eyes that (y/n) didn’t feel would be appropriate to challenge. 

Accepting her defeat, she turned back to the suspect while Hotch joined on the other side of her. The three stood for a moment trying to read the man. “He doesn’t look nervous,” (y/n) profiled, though she wasn’t sure exactly what that would mean.

“Not yet,” Spencer replied, walking towards the door with Hotch following close behind.

 When he saw the agents walk in, the man grinned. It left (y/n) with a gross feeling inside. She always had good intuition when it came to people, and she knew just by looking at him that he was certainly guilty of something. Unfortunately, she didn’t have anything to actually back that up, as someone's vibes wouldn’t exactly hold up in court. 

She watched intently as Hotch and Spencer worked through their interrogation, taking mental notes of how they executed their approach. The team had previously profiled their unsub as a narcissist psychopath who viewed the women he had killed as surrogates, though they were struggling with identifying who exactly they were surrogates for. In (y/n)’s fairly unprofessional opinion, it didn’t seem the boys were getting too far. While she absolutely felt herself learning some valuable tools she was hoping to get the chance to apply later, she also found herself having fun watching unknowingly timid Spencer act tough towards this monster of a man. After about an hour of back and forth, Hotch and Spencer accepted their temporary loss and stood up to walk back into the room (y/n) was standing in. 

“Am I wrong in assuming you didn’t get too much out of that?” (y/n) tried to sympathize.

Hotch remained silent, trying to replay in his head everything he had heard. Spencer’s brows were furrowed as he looked down quizzically. His jaw hung open as his tongue ran across his lips. (y/n) could tell he was thinking hard as his facial movements and expressions seemed to be a subconscious effort. “Actually, yes,” he finally spoke. He looked up, looking at Hotch then (y/n), trying to come up with the right wording. “Yes, you’re wrong,” he swallowed before bringing his hands up to continue his monologue. Sometimes (y/n) thought the way he spoke with his hands was going to give her whiplash, but she also knew that was just her being dramatic. “He mentioned before that he was raised to respect women and would therefore never do something like this, but when we asked further about his family he retorted that that was personal and not relevant to the case. This was the only time he mentioned someone other than himself,” Spencer explained rather quickly. 

“That’s sus,” (y/n) replied in an attempt to help Spencer feel validated in the direction he was going. Instead, he just glared at her, implying she had overstepped and he wasn’t finished talking.

“This guy is proving to be a textbook narcissist. We need to have Garcia dig up anything she can on his family,” Spencer paused, making sure he truly believed what he was about to say before continuing, “I think the women are surrogates for his mother.”

Hotch nodded, gesturing for Spencer to continue. “See what Garcia can pull up before making any assumptions with him,” he explained. It was clear Hotch trusted any of Spencer’s instincts, but he still wanted all approaches to be tackled thoroughly. 

Spencer dug into his pocket and rapidly pulled out his phone and dialed for Garcia. “Hello, my pretty little brainiac, please tell me you’re giving me something to do,” she pleaded through the speaker phone. (y/n) took note that apparently “pretty little brainiac” was acceptable but “Spence” was crossing a line. In her opinion, the former seemed a little more demeaning. 

Garcia worked quickly, giving Spencer all the information he needed and then some. “I need to talk to him again,” he told Hotch, without hinting at what it was exactly he needed to talk about.

Hotch gave him the go ahead while himself and (y/n) took their positions at the window. When Spencer reapproached the suspect, he didn’t speak until he slammed both his hands down on the desk separating them, leaning far enough in that he could’ve hardly breathed out a whisper and it would have sufficed. Instead, he yelled directly at the man. 

“What the fuck is he doing?” (y/n) posed, trying not to laugh.

Hotch patiently explained the tactic and why it was going to work on this specific individual. (y/n) understood, but she couldn’t help but feel it would’ve been more effective had it been Hotch doing the screaming. Nothing about Spencer was scary. Sure he could be a little snappy, but when it came to being threatening, (y/n) got more scared walking past a group of teenagers than hearing Spencer attempt to forcefully bellow accusations.

--------

In the police station conference room, Spencer stood staring at the bulletin board, tracing his fingers across a map. Hotch was playing and replaying certain sections of the recording from Spencer’s interrogation while (y/n) sat at the desk across from him, impatiently tapping her foot. She had finished the small amount of paperwork that was ready to be processed and was fading fast from her early rise. 

“Soooo,” she breathed out. She was not only tired, but she was starting to go stir crazy in this tiny room. Hotch looked up at her while Spencer continued tracing his finger between crime scenes. “What are you going to do? Don’t you have to either make an arrest or let him go by 24 hours?” 

Hotch decided to turn this into a teaching moment, which (y/n) was not at the brain capacity to handle. “What do you think we should do?” he quizzed.

“Let him go,” she said point blank. “Dude’s weird as hell but you don’t have any evidence. Also, you have his contact information, it’s not like you can’t change your mind later.” 

“That’s not exactly the most tactful approach,” Spencer judged, not bothering to turn around to face her.

Hotch had to agree with both of them. “It might not be tactful, but she’s right. We don’t have any evidence. I think we need to rethink our profile.”

Spencer tried to hide his disappointment - The team wasn’t usually wrong, and it was never fun to have to start over when they had worked so hard. “The profile’s not wrong,” he fought. He knew that for sure, and while the man they were holding definitely fit the description they were looking for, he couldn’t argue that they could at the very least have the wrong guy.

“Hotch, do you mind if I go grab a coffee?” she asked, knowing she was going to pass out right on the table if she didn’t fuel herself soon. “Like, not the break room coffee,” she clarified. 

Needing a pick-me-up himself, Hotch handed (y/n) a $20 and instructed her to bring him back one, as well. 

Spencer finally spun around, his ears perking up at the idea of coffee, like a dog whose owner had just called for a walk. (y/n) looked over to him, and it was no surprise he was also flashing her some unintentional puppy dog eyes while he whined, “Me too, please.”

“But, Spencie, I don’t know your order,” she whined back. She took a risk with the nickname, and while he didn’t look happy, it didn’t earn her the same outburst that “Spence” did.

“Spencer, you can go with her, I’m going to go release our suspect,” Hotch instructed.

 Spencer and (y/n) walked down the street by the police station. Neither of them were sure exactly where they were going, but assumed they’d pass by a coffee shop quite quickly. As they walked on the path, Spencer tried bringing up his hand to speak, accidentally brushing (y/n)’s. “Are you trying to hold my hand, Spencer?” she joked before he had the chance to speak. Spencer grew flustered and annoyed at the accusation. 

“No-”

(y/n) laughed, loving how riled up she could get Spencer over practically nothing. “Don’t be shy,” she taunted, reaching out and grabbing his hand. 

He quickly and rather aggressively pulled his hand away. “I don’t like touching.” 

“I don’t have cooties.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” He looked down at her and smiled. It wasn’t a nice smile, however, it was one of those tight and thin-lipped smiles. The kind that showed her that he was proud of himself for his bitchy remark.

She laughed again, showing him she wasn’t actually offended. Pissing off Spencer was fun and hearing the often well-spoken and put together doctor stoop to her level was the highest form of entertainment for her. Her intention was never to create a hostile work environment, and she definitely didn’t want Spencer to hate her, despite how much she disliked him. Nothing she had said had been a lie. She found him to be incredibly annoying and everytime she thought he was growing on her, he would go off on one of his statistics tangents that made her want to rip her ears off. Although, being around Spencer wasn’t necessarily the worst thing in the world, but it wasn’t because she liked him. It was because she loved making his day a little worse by annoying the hell out of him. She knew that probably made her a bad person, but she couldn’t control it. He made it so easy. She figured as long as it didn’t escalate to them going home at the end of the day crying and that they were able to remain at least kind of professional around each other, there was really no harm in having a little fun. 

 -------- 

Spencer was right. She hated to admit it, but it was something she was going to have to get used to. The case closed in just under 2 and a half days and the whole crew had just finished handing their reports in to Hotch. It turned out the man they had been holding had, in fact, been a psychopath, but when the true unsub claimed another victim as Hotch was releasing him, it was evident he was not the man they were looking for.

(y/n) was the last one to hand in her work and saw everyone packing up as he headed down the stairs to the bullpen. “I am exhausted,” she practically yelled on her way over to her desk. She didn’t know how the rest of the team did it, she was hardly involved and the case had taken a significant toll on her energy levels. “I love almost all of you, but I cannot wait to not talk to anyone until tomorrow.”

“Almost all of us?” JJ pestered.

“Spencer’s got some work to do,” (y/n) explained, looking over at the boy who refused to give her more than an eyeroll in response. If he was being honest, he was getting pretty sick of always being the butt of her jokes. He wondered if it would kill her to just leave him alone for 5 minutes. He didn’t care that they didn’t get along, he knew he wasn’t going to get along with every person he met, but there was no reason for her to have made that comment. 

“Well, I’ve got some bad news for you, (y/n),” Garcia chimed in from her position sitting on top of Derek’s desk. 

(y/n) threw herself into her chair dramatically. “Not another case already,” she groaned, looking up at her.

“No, no, don’t worry,” she soothed her with a chuckle, “Rossi’s buying everyone drinks at O’Keefe’s AND since you’re new to the family, you haven’t had a night out with us, so you have to come.”

(y/n) had never heard of O’Keefe’s, but if there were going to be drinks she didn’t have to pay for, she was without a doubt going to be there. A new burst of energy rang through her body, as she quickly stood up and threw her purse over her shoulder. “So what are we doing here?” she asked. 

The whole group celebrated as they began walking towards the elevators and towards the bar. They hadn’t had a night out in what felt like forever, so each of them were determined to make the most of it.

 “May I suggest,” (y/n) spoke loudly with a sly grin, “a round of shots since it’s, like, my first night out with the gang?” 

Everyone was seated around a fairly small table that they had to pull extra chairs up to. (y/n) was squeezed between Spencer and JJ so tightly that her legs were touching both of them. She didn’t think anything of it, in fact she hardly noticed. That’s what happens when 7 people fit around a table for 5. Spencer on the other hand, grew incredibly uncomfortable.

“A round of shots it is,” Rossi exclaimed, waving a waitress over. “Seven shots, please,” he asked once she arrived.

“Six,” Spencer spoke softly.

(y/n) turned her whole body to face him and in doing so, unintentionally placed his leg ever so slightly between her thighs. “You’re getting one, what the fuck?” 

He tried not to squirm at his discomfort. “I don’t drink.”

“Like, ever?” (y/n) laughed, only slightly judging him. She knew people had completely valid reasons for not drinking, and under normal circumstances she would never pry or pressure, but nothing regarding Spencer was ever a normal circumstance. 

“Not really, no,” he shrugged. Noticing that wasn’t good enough for her, he continued, “Every so often on special occasions.”

“Is this not a special occasion?” she asked, turning her body back to receive her shot. She noticed everyone had one, one had even been slid across to land in front of Spencer. 

He laughed at her, too quietly to hear, but anyone could see it. It was one of those moments where he had to rethink where it was he stood with her. Every single thing she said was enough to make him want to scream in resentment, but she was so fucking charming about it all. “Because it’s your first night out with us?” 

“Because it’s my first night out with you!”

“Not good enough,” he said, sliding his shot away from him again.

JJ peeked over (y/n) to get a good look at Spencer. “C’mon, Spence, are you going to do it or not? We’re ready to go!” 

Suddenly (y/n)’s whole demeanor changed. Being seated with a group of profilers, she didn’t want anyone to notice, so she tried her best to smile along, but she was mad. She was infuriated. Though, she didn’t know why. Why could JJ call him “Spence” when she couldn’t? It wasn’t just that she couldn’t, it was that he got mean when she did. She wasn’t sure why this was affecting her so much. She realized JJ and Spencer had been friends for years before she had even entered the picture, but something about it still stung. Frustrated with herself for allowing herself to even care, she decided it was time to drink. And hard. “It’s fine, I’ll take yours for you,” she spoke, reaching across him to grab the shot, refusing to look at him.

 As the night carried on, (y/n) could feel herself getting a little too drunk, but she didn’t mind. It wasn’t just because of Spencer, either. She was feeling genuinely happy as she conversed and joked around with the rest of the team. She hadn’t known them very long, but they were so welcoming and friendly, she felt perfectly at ease. 

Everyone else seemed to be feeling the effects, too. Rossi and Hotch had left about an hour prior, but not after loosening up a bit themselves, which was fun for (y/n) to see, considering how they usually were at work. Derek was at the pool table trying to pick up girls when JJ looked to Penelope and invited her up to the bar to get another drink, leaving (y/n) and Spencer still seated. 

“Hey,” (y/n) began, naturally putting her hand on Spencer’s thigh to address him, “Let’s go play darts.”

Spencer obliged, but mostly because he didn’t want to just sit there at the table trying to converse with an intoxicated girl who he didn’t necessarily enjoy the company of even when she was sober. Maybe he did need a drink to get through this night.

 “I’m really good at this,” she slurred, throwing the first dart. She was right, she almost got a bullseye first try. Luckily, Spencer wasn’t bad himself. At least this meant it would be a fun challenge for both of them.

They mostly played in silence, which (y/n) never found awkward, but Spencer grew anxious. “So, you got Hotch tonight,” he remarked.

“What do you mean?” She scrunched her nose up, completely unsure of what it was he was referring to. Trying to rack her brain for what it was, she stumbled slightly, grabbing onto Spencer’s shoulder for support, just in case. “Sorry, sorry, you don’t like touching,” she apologized, immediately letting go. Usually she wouldn’t apologize for making him feel bad, but she understood where anxiety around touching could stem from and didn’t want to cross any non-verbal lines.

“It’s okay, just don’t think so hard, you’re going to hurt yourself,” he spewed. He knew she was just holding on for support, so he wasn’t exactly mad about it. An apology for all the leg touching might go a long way though. 

Any trace of a smile on (y/n)’s face disappeared. The last thing she wanted to hear in that moment was a dig at her intelligence. Suddenly she wasn’t feeling as bad about getting handsy.  

“I just meant you cracked him tonight,” he explained. When she didn’t reply he could feel himself burning up a little, hoping he hadn’t completely missed the mark. “That’s what you’ve been trying to do isn’t it? Make him laugh?”

Suddenly (y/n) forgot about being offended. The alcohol was definitely screwing around with her emotions. “Yeah, how’d you know? But, like, tonight doesn’t count. I’m wasted, he was drunk… It doesn’t count. I’m going to make him crack in the office,” she delivered almost like a dramatic monologue. 

Spencer laughed. He would love to see that. The pair continued with their game as Derek walked over to join them.

“Nooo!” (y/n) yelled as she saw him approaching. “You struck out?” she asked, part sympathetically and part sarcastically, placing a hand on his arm.

Spencer noticed the gesture and thought about how now that Derek was here and she was self-described “wasted’, she was just going to start putting her hands all over him. He just hoped that meant he was safe.

“No, actually,” he corrected her, “The ladies were just heading to the bathroom. I thought maybe boy genius here would like to join me when they come back.”

(y/n) grew ecstatic at the idea. “Baby boy gonna go get his flirt on?” she teased. She had seen the girls Derek was talking to and they were HOT. Way out of Spencer’s league, that’s for sure. Which, if (y/n) was being honest, might leave Spencer emotionally bruised after a night of trying to talk with them, but for her, it was going to be a hoot.

“I’m okay, thank you,” he told Derek, pursing his lips.

“Oh, come on! Don’t you want to impress them with some magic tricks?” Derek baited.

“40 year old virgin over here,” (y/n) told Derek, causing the both of them to snicker.

Spencer on the other hand, didn’t find it as funny. “I’m 33,” he reminded them.

“Still a virgin,” (y/n) mocked.

He wasn’t sure why this made him so upset. It’s not like his sexual life was any of his coworkers business. He couldn’t hide the fact he was slightly humiliated, however. “No, I’m not, thank you.” The way he spoke, hitting each consonant, would’ve been enough to make (y/n) ears bleed, had she not been currently inebriated. 

Derek knew this, of course. Derek was probably the only person besides Spencer who was familiar with the ins and outs of Spencer’s kind of existent, but not exactly exciting sex life. 

Seeing Spencer getting all worked up over the subject of sex was filling (y/n) with a kind of seratonin she hadn’t felt in quite a while. He said it himself, he was 33, so why did the subject get him so rattled? Just then, the girls exited the bathroom and walked back over to the pool table. “Spencer, if you don’t go try to fuck one of those girls then I will,” (y/n) said, eyes not drifting from the two girls.

“You don’t have to talk about them like that,” Spencer complained.

At this point, the alcohol had completely settled in, leaving (y/n) without a care in the world about what she did or said. “But they’re so hot. Look at them,” she pleaded, waving her hands to prompt Spencer to turn around. 

He knew they were pretty, but he wasn’t exactly in the mood for trying to pick someone up when he knew they were cooler than him and that it probably wouldn’t end well for him. 

“Don’t you just want to take them home, rip their clothes off, and dominate the hell out of them,” (y/n) asked, finally turning back to face him. She could tell he was trying to suppress any emotions, which clearly meant it wasn’t working out well for him. Knowing she’d be able to get him completely riled up, she didn’t want to quit. “They’d probably sound so fucking good moaning underneath you while you took control. C’mon, Spencer, I’ve seen you take charge. I bet you want to slam them onto a table like you did with your hands in that interrogation room the other day.” She was lying through her teeth. There was no way Spencer had a dominant bone in his body. Sure, he faked it well enough on the job, at least sort of. In the bedroom though, she knew this boy had to be all missionary all the time.

Spencer was thoroughly embarrassed. Conversations revolving around sex were generally a no-go for him anyways, but hearing someone talk about him, did anything but turn him on. He was done and he wanted to go home. Besides, it was going on 1am and all of them had work the next day. “Let’s go home,” he finally said. He didn’t want (y/n) to see how uneasy this conversation was making him, so he decided to just drop it completely.

“You want to take me home?” (y/n) faked flattery. 

“I’ll take that as my cue to go,” Derek said, leaving to join the girls by the pool table again. He knew they weren’t actually going home together, but he would’ve used anything as an excuse to get away.

“That’s not what I mean,” Spencer exhaled, feeling her getting under his skin worse than she had before. “I mean you’re embarrassingly drunk, it’s late, and we both have work in the morning.”

(y/n) didn’t want to leave. She was having fun, but she knew he was right. “Will you drive me home?” 

“I don’t drive,” he told her. He was just going to leave it at that, but no matter how much he despised this girl, especially right now, he wasn’t just going to leave her drunk in the bar with no way of getting home. 

“What, you want me to drive then?” she half joked but with a little too much anger in her tone.

Spencer was exasperated. She was impossible. “We’ll share a cab,” he tried to reason.

“No, I hate cabs.”

“What? Why do you hate cabs?” He started doing the thing where he overused his hands and spoke at an extremely high pitch. He was simply overwhelmed. “You want to take the subway with me?” he finally asked, thoroughly vanquished. 

“I think that would be fun.”

He rolled his eyes and turned to walk towards the door. Shocked by how quickly he was moving, (y/n) rushed after him to catch up. 

 She had had fun that night. If anything, she was happy to have a new way to get at Spencer and couldn’t wait to get to work and grind his gears a little more the next day. As they walked silently to the station, Spencer occasionally held his arm out to make sure (y/n) was balanced. Even if she was doing fine, he got nervous. The events of the night kept replaying in his mind. It was one of those nights where he cursed his eidetic memory. Meanwhile, (y/n) couldn’t stop thinking about the irony of everyone calling Hotch the uptight one, when it was really Spencer who couldn’t seem to let loose. She was going to have to change that.

“Hey, Spencer,” (y/n) intruded on the silence as they stood waiting for the train. 

“Mhm,” he replied, still relatively lost in his own thoughts.

“Do you know you’re hot?” she pondered. 

That was enough to get Spencer out of his head and into the moment. “What do you mean?”

(y/n) groaned, “Do you know you’re hot? What the fuck don’t you understand?”

Spencer swallowed nervously and placed his hands in his pockets, thinking of what to say. Truthfully, he never really thought about it. It didn’t exactly matter. He definitely had days or weeks of feeling self conscious over his looks, but who didn’t? “You know,” he began, and if (y/n) wasn’t so far gone she would’ve picked up on his nervousness, “1 in 10 men actually think they’re hot.”

“So, do you?” she continued to pry. She looked up to him and while he could feel her trying to catch his gaze, he just kept looking ahead. “I would totally go home with you if it weren’t for your personality.”

“Thank you, (y/n), that’s great to hear - That it’s not my looks which are the problem, but my personality.” He was clearly offended, but she didn’t understand exactly why. She had spent the past two weeks telling him how annoying she thought he was. 

“Don’t be such a little bitch about it,” she exclaimed, “I think you’re annoying but everyone else seems to love you.” While there may have been a sort of backhanded compliment in there somewhere, the way she spoke would suggest otherwise.

Neither of them spoke for the next few minutes until the subway arrived. When it finally did and the doors opened, (y/n) grabbed his hand to lead him on. She didn’t understand that they were having a fight. Spencer shook her off of him as he followed her, but for the rest of the ride to his stop, he couldn’t stop thinking about what would’ve happened if he had just let her hold his hand for those few moments.

[0ccuria]

What're your thoughts on how Maya and Zer0 were handled in BL3? Both in the sense of theur individual plots and the whole 'despite being best friends they never talk to each other directly' thing. I've really wanted to hear how you felt on that in specific!

whew boy this is such a loaded ask ngl lol. so I’ll give a loaded answer. sorry if I forget some details etc.. I can’t possibly remember everything

fair warning, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS. like big huge spoilers. 

I’m so torn because these two are obviously my fave BL2 VH’s. Or just overall, really. Maya and Zer0 are held so dear and near to my heart whether they’re together or by themselves. So I was really nervous, but excited how they’d be handled.

One one hand, I really do love what they did for Zer0. It’s exactly how I’ve always imagined them, give or take a few things. There is so much positive character growth. They aren’t such a loner anymore. Being around people isn’t just tolerated.. “part of the job” etc, but it is welcomed now. They chose to be around such dorkwads that they proudly refer to as friends. This was kind of shown in TFTBL as well. They were serious about “doing things again” after Ep 5.

They are just as much of a dork as the others. They like watching sitcoms when no one is watching, they tell stupid jokes and puns, we even hear them mess up their haiku because they, too, get flustered in front of beautiful people. They just have this playful aura about them underneath all that edge that really got to shine through in 3 because now they are their own person. Not just a playable character with some funny dialogue.

They honestly had me in the first half when Zer0 went missing, and Katagawa taunting that they had joined him. I was scared that it was true mostly because…. I knew that wasn’t Zer0. They wouldn’t do that, even if they missed assassinations etc. I was scared the writers were going totally OOC. But I was extremely relieved when we were proven wrong.

Witnessing Zer0 in action had me fucking dead tho. It was sort of an out of body experience because I’ve mained Zer0 for soooo long. Seeing them slice open them doors was just… 👌👌

I’m veeeery curious to see if that line they ask about how Katagawa obtaining a copy of their suit is answered in the future because uhhhh… wtf do they mean by that?

Now.. Maya….. 😤 firstly, I also love her development. She chose to go back to the place that initially used her because of her powers. She saw that they needed help and took it upon her self to carry that responsibility, as well as Ava later on. She only wants the best for her people and Ava, even if it means being a bit of a “debbie-downer” about it sometimes. She eventually kinda became the thing she rebelled against, but she still knew how to have fun. Of course she’d ride on the back of a tactical and take down another vault monster, she is ALL about that hype. She never lost that edge.

But man… I am… SO.. fucking disappointed. Angry. Disgusted at they way she was treated. I had written a post about it a little while ago but I’ll kinda reiterate here. I really don’t know what the writers were thinking. How any of what happened was approved. It makes… NO sense at all.

Maya, the one siren that actually studied, read, and eventually taught ancient techniques, the one siren who even remotely called “Nyriad” by name, even if not aware of who that was, the siren who had the power to literally hold anyone or thing in the air and flail them around…

..is the one that gets the most embarrassing, degrading death.

She’s not given any ounce of dignity. She’s just thrown out like used tissue paper, while Lilith and Tannis both get some heavy plot armor and are allowed to be rescued and have a heroic death(so we think as of now)

And then, to make it even worse, the twins are just CONSTANTLY reminding us about it. Troy’s stupid meme video of her dying playing in various spots, and then he somehow gets to use all of these powers that Maya apparently had but we never really got to see??? How convenient for him that he JUST THEN discovered that he TOO can suck the powers out of others???? It just so happened to be Maya so that his plot could develop.

It was honestly heartbreaking to see her powers used against us in such a way. I don’t think I’ve ever felt what I did in BL3 with any other game.

I would have been okay with her dying if she had gotten a heroic death, or just one that made sense. I was expecting it ever since the trailers. I was hoping she’d get to use her powers to their full potential in order to help take down the twins, along with Lilith and Tannis. But nah.. she’s shafted like a quarter into the game.

No (real, meaningful) memorial.

No statue.

Not even a grave or mention of her on Athenas.

And this is where I get disappointed about her interactions with Zer0, or visa versa. I’m not speaking of them as a “ship” here, either. Only in a general sense.

They don’t even stand near each other. They are never in the same room together. They don’t throw back witty one liners or reminisce Pandora to each other on the Echo. It’s like they were never even friends or worked together to begin with.

Here they are on the same planet after 7 or so years.. and they never bother to meet up even once???

Sure, Zer0 mentions to say hello to her and they will mention how they were the “deadliest team” and that “she deserved better” after her death, but that’s really it. That’s all we get.

You would think that BL2 being one of the most popular and played games ever, people would want to see the characters they’ve become so attached to interact with each other. Just like the BL1 crew got to.

It’s just bad my dude. Really bad. Everyone in general just feels SO… so disconnected.

[perspective-series]

Switched Perspective (18)

By: @arc852 and @hiddendreamer67

Warnings: Mentions of Past Trauma, Mention of death/almost killing someone, and Guilt

(Check the reblog for the links to the previous chapters and the prequel!)

This is a sequel to A Third Perspective! Read that first or you will be confused!

 Virgil made his way to Roman’s apartment, heading into his room. Since no one else was in the home, he decided to leave the bedroom door open as he sat on the desk and let Roman off.

 Virgil was nervous. He knows he did a lot of wrong things. Went a little far with both Roman and Logan. And while Roman said he forgave him…

 “Soooo….” Virgil started but trailed off. How did they start this?

 “Soooo…” Roman bit his bottom lip, looking around at everything in the room.

 This was awkward. That much was clear. What were they supposed to do, just have an open discussion about their feelings until a blossoming friendship emerged?

 “...are we friends?” Roman asked, unsure as he decided to jump straight to the point. The faster he could get this over with, the better.

 Virgil blinked, having not expected the question. “Are we? I mean, I don’t know…” Virgil ran a hand through his hair. “Do you even want to be friends with me? After everything I did?” Because at this point, Virgil himself wouldn’t want to be his own friend.

 “Umm…” Roman went back to biting his lip, putting his hands behind his back as he rocked back and forth on his heels. “I mean, I’m supposed to, aren’t I? That’s the whole point of this thing.”

 Virgil groaned, putting his head in his hands. “We’re never getting back to normal.” He said and then, much quieter. “And it’s all my fault.”

 “Aw, come now Virgil.” Roman sighed. “This isn’t all your fault. At least part of the blame has to go to Logan and I for treating you so poorly from the beginning.”

 “...I guess you could say the only one who didn’t do anything wrong is Patton, huh?” Virgil said, lifting his head a little and sending Roman a small smile.

 “Heh, yeah.” Roman agreed. After all, though Patton had been a little negligent in handling Roman, he was still the sweetest lil’ puffball they had. “Guess that cinnamon roll just had to put up with the rest of us.”

 “Yeah.” Virgil chuckled, but soon found himself frowning again. “Why did this even happen to us? Patton and I would have been gone by now and everything would have gone back to the way it was.”

 “I think it might have been...destiny.” Roman gazed off into the distance, looking dramatic.

 “Destiny.” Virgil deadpanned. “Yeah, right. I’m more likely to believe Thomas’ theory of it being two witches than something like destiny.” Virgil said, rolling his eyes.

 “I’m serious!” Roman insisted. “I’ve always been one to believe in the supernatural, and you’ve gotta admit there must be some sort of mystical magic at play here. How else could this possibly have happened? Clearly, we were just destined to become friends, and yet we screwed it up so terribly the first time that the universe is giving us another chance.”

 “Look, I can’t explain how we switched. I’ll admit there must have been some sort of magic in play here. But I just...don’t believe in destiny. Never have. I-I can’t.” Virgil sighed, rubbing a hand across his face. “It’s just, kind of depressing to think you were destined to be smaller than the rest of the world. Destined to have to survive and fear the beings you have to use to survive.” Virgil shook his head. “Thinking everything was just a coincidence helps my self-esteem a lot better.”

 “...oh, ah, right.” Roman turned a slight shade of pink in embarrassment, having not thought of it that way. It was easier to believe in fairy tales when you could picture yourself as the hero.

 “Do you...regret being a borrower, then?” Roman asked, realizing it would be quite easy for Virgil to just keep everything switched around. “Would you rather stay this size?”

 “...I’ll admit, some part of me always thought being a human would be so much easier. But…” Virgil bit his lip. “I’m good at being a borrower. Being human...well, clearly, I’m far from the best. Do I wish I didn’t have to fear humans? Or being caught? Yeah. But I was born a borrower and I honestly don’t feel like changing that.” Virgil shrugged. He did envy humans in the past, of course, but this whole experience especially taught him he is no good as a human.

 Roman was glad to hear it. It would have been a pain if Virgil decided to go against the general consensus that changing back was indeed the goal.

 “I think you’re an excellent borrower.” Roman praised.

 “Roman, I was caught twice.” Virgil deadpanned.

 “Well yeah, but that meant I got to see you!” Roman said enthusiastically.

 “That’s like, the exact opposite of what a borrower is supposed to do,” Virgil said, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

 “Okay fine, maybe you’re not a great ‘traditional’ borrower,” Roman emphasized his point with air quotes and a small eye roll. “But that doesn’t mean you’re not an excellent borrower. Maybe it just means you’re a borrower destined to befriend humans. Oh! See, what I did there? Destiny.” Roman did a fist pump of victory. “Brought it full circle.”

 Virgil rolled his eyes fondly and couldn’t hold back a small chuckle at Roman being Roman. “Maybe.” Virgil conceited, for the time, being anyway.

 “Let’s say destiny is real. Does that mean you were destined to be a giant thorn in my side?” Virgil asked, smirking.

 “Ah!” Roman gasped, putting his hand to his chest as he pretended to be hurt. “How you wound me, Virgil! If anything you’re the tiny brooding needle pricking my finger.”

 Virgil found himself laughing out loud at that. “Hey, if I don’t, no one else will.” He said with a shrug, still smiling.

 His smile, though, quickly went away as he thought for a moment. He was actually kind of having...fun, right now. With Roman. Virgil actually laughed for the first time in what seemed like forever.

 Virgil found himself realizing that...he did want to be friends with Roman. Which, honestly surprised him. Whoever thought he’d want to be friends with a human?

 But, even though he wanted to be friends with Roman...did Roman want to be friends with him? His answer earlier told him no, not really. He was just doing this so they could get back to normal. And Virgil understood that. He was terrible after all. He abused his position as the human and left physical and mental scars in his wake. Why would Roman want to be friends with him?

 “...I’m sorry. I know I said it before and I know it doesn’t really mean anything, but I am so, so sorry.” Virgil said, looking down and fidgeting with his sleeves. He only just now realized he was still in Roman’s pajamas.

 “Virgil, I already forgave you.” Roman reminded him, frowning at Virgil’s change of demeanor. He had noticed Virgil actually opening up and having a good time, but now he was back to being his usual debbie downer self.

 “Why? I almost killed you, why would you forgive that?!” Virgil’s eyes widened as if just realizing something for the first time. “I almost killed you.” He repeated, this time in a whisper more for himself. “I almost killed Logan.” Virgil stood up suddenly, backing away from the desk and Roman.

 “I-I shouldn't even be near you, I-!” Virgil held his head in his hands, trying to stop the tears he could feel coming.

 “Virgil!” Roman ran closer to the edge of the desk as if trying to bridge the gap between them, despite knowing he was effectively trapped on the desk itself. The fall was certainly much farther than the tumble he had taken off the coffee table.

 “Virgil, stop it,” Roman spoke loudly, making sure he’d be heard. “You’re being ridiculous. How could I not forgive you? Look at you! You’re a mess! Am I really supposed to stand here and be all grouchy about the past when you’re clearly broken up over it? It’s not like it’s going to happen again.” Virgil wouldn’t even get the chance, once they switched back.

 Virgil lifted his head, staring at Roman with wide tear filled eyes. “B-But it technically did happen again. After I did that to you, I went ahead and did it to Logan!” Virgil shook his head. And if he was being technical, Roman had already given him his second chance. And he had failed.

 “That’s why I can’t understand how you can just forgive me. I mean, I sure don’t!” He would never forgive himself for how he hurt the both of them.

 Roman huffed. He was beginning to see why the universe had made Virgil a borrower, as he was certainly far too stressed as a human.

 “Okay, so you screwed up once or twice.” Roman crossed his arms. “Big deal. Who hasn’t? The important thing to remember is that you didn’t kill us.” Roman also thought it beneficial there were no other humans-turned-borrower around for Virgil to terrorize, but he didn’t vocalize that opinion.

 “Virgil, clearly you’re not meant to be a human, so stop beating yourself up for being a bad one.” Roman took a few steps forward, standing almost at the edge now. “You need to move past this and remember you’re just a borrower trying his best.”

 Virgil nodded along to what Roman was saying, slowly putting his hands down. “R-Right. You’re-You’re right.” Maybe if he said it enough he would believe it.

 “...Even though I still don’t know how, thank you for forgiving me.” Virgil said, looking away. “I would understand if you really didn’t though.”

 “Virgiiiiiil…” Roman leaned his head back and let out a loud groan. “I get that you’ve got this whole angsty persona going here, but this whole self-deprecating thing is seriously bumming me out.” Roman pointed firmly to the desk chair in front of him. “Now get your butt over here and be my friend!”

 Virgil couldn’t help but snort at all that but tried his best cover it up with a cough. Sighing, he went over and sat back down. “Sorry, but I can’t really help the whole self-deprecation thing. I’ve always had it, just ask Patton.” Virgil shrugged, but he was wearing a small smile.

 “Let’s tone it back to just the usual depressive humor, m’kay?” Roman smirked. He understood that Virgil was just like this, but Roman also didn’t want his friend to keep beating himself up.

 Roman paused. Did he really just mentally address Virgil as his friend?

 “I mean...I was having fun joking back there with you.” Roman admitted, rubbing his arm slightly as he looked directly up at Virgil. Now that Virgil had sat back down, they were so close. Roman looked down to ease the pressure on his neck. “I’ve always had fun with you if I’m honest. This whole teasing thing. It’s...nice.”

 Virgil was silent for a moment. “I was too, having fun, I mean. It’s nice, cause like, Patton may be my best friend but I can’t tease him like this. He’s not that type of person. But it’s fun to tease someone you know won’t take it wrong and who will tease you right back.” Virgil admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. He found himself looking straight down at Roman, realizing how close they actually were.

 “I...never really had a best friend,” Roman confessed. “That’s why I was always so against you and Patton leaving. I...good lord, this makes me sound desperate, but,” Roman shrugged, “I didn’t want to be alone.”

 Virgil frowned. “But you’re...you. You’re outgoing and friendly, maybe a little overwhelming sometimes, but overall you seem like the perfect friend.” Virgil paused, realizing what he was saying. A blush settled on his cheeks. “I-I mean to other humans, not to me, of course.” He said, crossing his arms.

 “I know!” Roman agreed, throwing his arms up dramatically. He began to pace back and forth, clearly passionate about this issue. “But everybody always has their best friend, and everybody else’s friends are their best friend and they probably all assume someone amazing as me already has a best friend or they’re too intimidated by my shimmering personality to ask or-”

 Roman paused, stopping his pacing to fully process what Virgil had said. He put his hands on his hips, glaring at Virgil. “Now wait just a moment, what do you mean not to you?”

 Virgil stared at Roman, before smirking. “I mean, no offense or anything, but I can’t have a friend whose ego is bigger than me.”

 “That’s not fair.” Roman crossed his arms. “Now you’re just being ego-ist. Narcissists deserve borrower friends, too. Or at least this narcissist does.”

 “Oh really? Well don’t expect me to do anything but bring you down a few pegs, none of us can afford your ego growing any bigger.” Virgil chuckled, sitting back with his arms crossed in a relaxed position.

 “Once I’m back to my true self, I’ll have height and ego to spare.” Roman leaned forward, sticking his nose out and looking smug. “You want to cut me down to size? I’d like to see you try then.”

 Virgil laughed. “Oh, you have no idea what I can do. When we’re back to normal, you better sleep with one eye open, because I will find a way.” Virgil leaned in close. “And that is a promise.”

 “Bring it, storm cloud.” Roman didn’t even flinch as Virgil got closer, a fact Roman was quite proud of given his experiences as a borrower. Instead, Roman meaningfully stuck his pinkie out in Virgil’s direction.

 Virgil, confused, leaned back a little. “What are you doing?”

 “It’s a pinkie promise.” It took Roman a moment to remember Virgil wouldn’t know what that was. “We wrap our pinkie fingers around each other to make the promise unbreakable.”

 “Uh, okay?” Kind of weird, but he’d seen humans do weirder. “But uh,” he looked from his pinkie to Roman’s. “Not sure how that’s supposed to work with us.”

 “Hmm.” Roman hadn’t really thought of that. He trusted Virgil...but also Virgil had proven himself of being incapable of controlling his human strength, and Roman didn’t particularly want to break his pinkie. Roman winced at the thought.

 “Ah, how about we just touch them together?” Roman amended his idea.

 “I guess that works?” Virgil shrugged and lowered his hand, pinkie out, to Roman.

 “Aaand...there!” Roman tapped his finger to Virgil’s, looking satisfied. “It’s a pinkie promise. That means no take-backsies. It’s the rules.”

 Virgil hummed, taking his pinkie back and staring at it. “Humans are weird.”

 “Oh, absolutely.” Roman nodded in solidarity. “But you like me anyways.”

 “Unfortunately,” Virgil replied, smiling. “You ready to get going?” It wasn’t hard to see that the two had completed the goal they had come here to do.

 “Ready when you are...friendo?” Roman was still not used to friend-themed nicknames.

 “...I’d stick with your usual nicknames.” Virgil smiled, before offering his hand to Roman.

 “You got it, dark knight.” Roman clambered onto Virgil’s hand.

[askdawnandvern]

Vernon: Well, it used to be 'I'm dreamin' of a white Yule.' But bein' with Dawn has kinda warmed me up to a song called 'It must have been the Mistletoe.”

Dawn: *Giggles* That's one of my all-time favorite Yule songs. What can I say? I'm a sucker for romance. *Giggles*

Vernon: Ditto.

Dawn: Although I'm not sure that song constitutes a carol does it?

Vernon: Yer lookin' to me like I know? *Chuckles* I mean everyone knows y'all are the smart one in this relationship.

Dawn: Oh pshaw, you act like you're some kind of country bumpkin! You are almost as much as a book worm as I am! *Giggles*

Vernon: Well-...

Dawn: And we both play B&B! It's not like that's an easy style of game to get into. Stop trying to give credence to wolf stereotypes Puppy.

Vernon: Alright, alright fine....but I still don't know what the difference is between Yule Carols and Yule Songs.

Gus: I think it's another one of those 'muddied issues', kinda like Die herd counting as a Yule movie or not. I've read stuff that said carols are mostly religious hymn stuff, like related to the birth of Simba and so on. Whereas songs are all like...just about the holiday festivities.

Dawn: So like 'Deck the Halls' and 'Jingle Bells' aren't carols?

Gus: According to that rubric yes, but I've heard others say they count as carols...so...again...I don't know. It seems like most mammals just classify Yule carols as 'really old holiday songs'.

Vernon: Maybe it's best if we just go songs then.

Dawn: It would give us the biggest pool to work from.

Gus: Well, I've got a bit of a soft spot for 'Rockin' around the Yule tree', and I know Melly is kind of partial to 'All alone on Yule'.

Dawn: Is that the one that was in Burrow Alone? The second one?

Gus: *Nods* I don't think it's a secret we kinda both love that movie. Especially the second one.

Vernon: The traps are way better in the second one.

Gus: Definitely.

Nick: I feel like I'm going to get a lot of flack for this, but I've always loved 'Bunny it's cold outside.”

Judy: You mean the song everyone says is creepy and sexually aggressive?

Nick: Yes, and it's ridiculous. They are both just being coy with one another in the song, it's obvious. He wants her to stay, she actually wants to stay, bu-

Judy: Sound to me like you're making excuses. *Mock gasp* Nick, are you some sort of sexual harassment apologist!? *Chuckles*

Nick: Oh don't you do this to me Carrots! Not even as a joke!

Judy: *Laughs* Relax Slick....you know it's one of my favorites too...I just like to see you sweat.

Nick: Oh har, har. Remind me to put some coal in your stocking for that one.

Ada: How bout, 'Youse a-'

Yuri: Don't you dare. You and I both know it's not your favorite!

Ada: Well it is my favorite to sing around youse. *Chuckles* But fine, my favorites is 'All I wants for Yule is youse.”

Judy: The Gazelle version?

Ada: Naw, Da Mariah Cowly voision! Dat's da classic. Ol' Gazelle made i good attempt, but youse can't top Cowly's version.

Judy: Well...the gazelle version is my favorite.

Xavier: I've got a soft spot for “I'll be home for Yule.” It always makes me feel a bit better to listen to it when I can't make it back to the Ranch for Yule.

Malcolm: Aww Fluffybuns...

Dawn: What about you Malcolm?

Malcolm: Aww shoot, well I like mine a bit more on the upbeat side. I'd say let it snow is my favorite, even if it don't snow all that much in San Fran.

Qali: That's my favorite too!

Trenton: I'm sure everyone was expectin' that.

Qali: Name me one arctic mammal that doesn't love snow Trenny!

Trenton: Well...I guess y'all got me there. Still, I'm a fan of White Yule myself, and I ain't arctic, even if i do look the part.

Giselle: I love 'Last Yule' by Ham! It always gets stuck in me head this time of year.

Qali: OOH! That's another good one! It's just so catchy!

Giselle: Well at least someone appreciates me taste in Yule music. Wade was starting to complain about it.

Wade: Because I've been hearing it every five minutes for the past few weeks Gizzy. I can only take so much of that synth before I need to decompress with some rock er' somethin' to cleanse the pallet. Side's, I prefer my Yule songs to be funny like ' Grandma got run over by a reindeer.'

Giselle: Yes because Last Yule is soooo much worse by comparison to that gem of a song.

Yuri: At least someones talkin' my language. I'm a fan of 'The twelve pains of Yule' myself. Certianly encapsulates how Yule makes me feel...

Ada: And here youse are sayin' you ain't a grinch.

Vanna: I-I like 'Have yourself a merry little Yule.”  It was always my favorite growing up.

Audrey: Aw shoot, that's my favorite too Hon. My Ma used to play that one all the time durin' Yule, so hearin' it always reminds me of my puphood.

Dorian: I've always liked 'Blue Yule' myself....but I mean, I blame that on my Pa. The ol' Mam' was a big Ovis fan, and he sorta imprinted that on me growin' up. So even if the song is kind of a downer, it's still a classic to me.

Zach: Ain't nobody gonna mention the theme from Yule Vacation? C'mon, that's a purty upbeat Yule song, and it's catchy as heck.

Vernon: I don't think most of us wanna accidentally invoke the bad luck that follows around that Clark Grizzlewold fella in the movies.

[adreamofspring-archive]

soooo i take you‘re convinced that the leaks are true? not gonna lie i still have a tiny bit of hope left even though i probably shouldn’t. but i just want it to be over. the only thing i look forward to if they go down this road is the massive shitstorm they will get. i feel bad for the actors, i think they were just as disappointed as we are when they read that bs.

I’m going back and forth I think. Yesterday I was fine and even hopeful but today I just feel devastated and furious.

Watching the behind the scenes for 8.04 I don’t really have any hope right now, but it might come back tomorrow lol who knows. I just don’t understand why they’re humiliating and vilifying Daenerys most out of every other character.. Why does she need male counterparts to ‘temper her worst impulses’? Daenerys ‘impulses’ have been what’s saved her or furthered her story along for the better. She doesn’t need anyone to temper her impulses, that started when Tyrion arrived and they had to make him seem like a saint when he’s no better. Does no one else realized how fucked up that is for such a strong female character to have to be coddled like a child by the male characters around her?

If the leaks are true and she suddenly snaps and Jon has to kill her, why couldn’t she just die with dignity? Woman goes mad with power and has to be killed by the main man hero? Dying at the hands of the only man she’s ever loved and her only family left? Dying at the hands of someone who is no better than she is? Seriously? The woman who brought magic back into the world? The woman who made it her mission to abolish slavery? The woman who has protected and saved thousands of lives? It’s just such an insult to her character I think. Y’all have already heard everyone's opinions but she literally came from nothing. The only thing she had was her name. An orphan, an abuse survivor, a miscarriage survivor, a sexual assault survivor, a former slave. She crawled her way up from nothing and for her story to end in such a way is horrific. Her entire arch has been about helping people and abolishing slavery. She had some mis-steps along the way just like every other character, but she has good intentions and a good heart. She’s not a tyrant. She’s not her father. If she suddenly snaps and goes mad then it’s because she’s lost fucking everything and gotten nothing in return and tbh, that would cause me to snap too.

I feel so bad for Emilia right now. So fucking bad. What an actual nightmare this must have been for her. As people have already pointed out, she’s survived not one but two aneurysms while filming this series and has said that being able to play such a strong, brave courageous character helped save her life. Having the story end in such a damning way where she goes crazy? Wow. They had the audacity to play a tribute to her after they made her film this. How..... distasteful. She’s had to put on a smile this whole time and my heart just aches for her lmao.

Even if these leaks don’t come true, the fact that in 8.04 they pushed that Daenerys needs to be tempered, handled and coddled is sexist as hell and I’m over it. Daenerys Targaryen has done more and succeeded more on her own than any other and she most assuredly doesn't need anyone to temper her or ‘keep her from the edge’. But the audience trusts Tyrion and Varys and they’re both pushing that she’s losing her mind and will go crazy... when this whole time she’s been listening to them and following their advice..? but when she’s forced to take the city from someone she’s the mad one? Varys is a hypocritical little shit and I’m not here for it. He says he’s for the people and for the realm but had absolutely no issue serving for Robert Baratheon for years after the sack of Kingslanding where many innocents died. This is war. NEWSFLASH: innocents will die. It’s inevitable. If he and Tyrion are going to sit there and act as if they’re any better than her or that they’ve never killed innocents in war before... fuck them both... she deserves to die and should be killed for wanting to take the city from someone who actually doesn’t care about the people? It’s just sexist writing I’m over it.

Sorry for being literally the most debby downer in the fandom... especially with this url lmao. It just feels like my best friend is being attacked and there isn’t anything I can do about it... because the writers can’t see how sexist and unfair this is. Hopefully they’re just faking us out and it’s just shit 'red herring’ 2 episodes before the series ends.. but I don’t know anymore because it’s not just Daenerys they screwed over in this episode. ugh.

I hope I’m wrong. I’m boo boo the fool regardless of what happens but I hope I’m only a clown by having emotional break downs for nothing.

[brightgoat]

What's Michael personality? P.S draw him.

Don’t tell me what to do.

But uhh, hm, Michael, Michael, Michael… he is a natural-born leader, very thorough. Responsible. Thinks ahead. Very determined, but not hot-headed. Before Lucifer’s fall, he was actually rather easy going, but still responsible and organised, lively, liked hanging out with others but didn’t mind being on his own every now and then. He was very kind as well. Energetic. Doesn’t mind a little competition then and now but a good sport. After Lucifer fell, he became much more uhhh… serious. Typical soldier, commander. No time for jokes, got work to do. He’s mostly calm, kind of like a dangerous calm. And uhhh, never really smiles anymore. Very stern and rather strict. The only one who can tip him off is the Devil. Sometimes when he speaks, usually to the Devil, you can hear the saltiness, pettiness even. He’s kinda tired though, a bit of a downer at times. He’s still thoughtful though, he can be kind, but with him it’s get the job done first, feelings later. Hates getting innocent people in the crossfire, but if it comes to it, he’ll do what he must. Doesn’t disobey.

His relationship with Lucifer, hsfgaj well, they were the closest of brothers, they were the FIRST brothers, Mike cared for Luci more than anything. They even made a secret handshake using wings at one point. They fought over stuff, as siblings would. Lucifer would go and drag Michael over to a little trouble-making every now and then, but Mike would never go too far. Of course, secretly, Mike was always kind of jealous that Lucifer was the favourite. Maybe even angry, that Lucifer would do all kinds of crazy stuff, but dear ol’ dad always liked him more, and never really bothered to hide who the favourite is. Of course, Michael never let that envy get the better of him, he held himself together. Still, as time went on, he started worrying for Lucifer, cuz his brother was getting all kinds of ideas, started with a little blasphemy but then it kept escalating. Luci even asked Mike to join him at one point, but Mike refused. At one point, Mike was just kind of done with Lucifer’s shit, but he still didn’t want him to get himself hurt.

Anyways, nowadays their relationship is uhhhh,, eegghhhh. Let’s say they hate each other, both of them are mad at each other. Both have their lists of reasons why. Both of them wish it didn’t have to be this way. But the Devil is petty and Michael is under orders, soooo yeah. Usually their meetings are violent. 

So yeah, that’s him and that’s them. 

[mairzymarzipan]

Night of the Full Moon Character Reviews- Classes

It’s about time I finally get on this.  I’ve been wanting to start these reviews for a while, but personal stuff came up, and then worries about the future of my blog.  But things are finally sussing out so- why the fuck not now?

And naturally I’ll be talking about the characters.  Other folks are talking about gameplay itself and strategy, but I kind of love these characters.  Some of them have really fucked up stories.  There seems to be some translation weirdness(this is actually a Chinese game), but I feel like there was a love when crafting these stories.  I’ll just talk about mechanics when I feel it’s important for the plot.

And who better to start with the heroine herself?

Night of the Full Moon is sort of a cross between a TCG and a roguelike.  The cards you stumble on, the events that happen and the people you meet are randomized each time.  It takes place in a magical forest on the edge of a village.  Said forest is cursed and everybody knows it.  It always snows, and those affected by the curse in it can never leave.  On a full moon night, cursed people lose their minds, apparently, and attack you even if they might not usually.  The more times you play through, the more about the story is revealed.

You play as Little Red Riding Hood, an orphan(???) raised by her grandmother.  When your grandmother disappears, it’s your job to march into this forest on a full moon night to find her.  

There are currently six classes to choose for your little cloaked heroine: Lady Knight, Ranger, Nun, Little Witch, Magician and Apothecary.

“Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother relied on each other for a living, and was often bullied by boys.  As a result, she did not have many happy memories of her childhood. However, she had to learn to use her brain and her fists to survive.”

Spoilers, but the knight class is the only one you can play for free.  Yeah, sorry, this game has some DLC so, your mileage may vary.  The knight class is fun to play, though.  It involves using your weapons and armor and combining your armor with cards that hit for a lot of damage.  You may feel a little annoyed when the witch pharmacist keeps offering you useless mana potions, though.

I just don’t really have much to say on the story of this timeline itself.  I do like the idea of a person learning self defense specifically bc of bullies, but something about this wording bums me out.  Her being defined as being a victim is kind of a downer.

Knight Red does not(afaik, feel free to correct me) have any class-specific interactions with any of the enemies.  Yeah- some of these classes will get an extra choice when they defeat a certain enemy, if their dialog is triggered.  It’s by chance, though.

And yeah.  Most of the art depicts Red with anime white hair.  I like to imagine the art of her on the cards is her as a little kid and then she dyed her hair as a teen.

🛡️🛡️ Two shields.  Serves it’s purpose but kind of the most bare.  Considered this is the only non-dlc class, that seems a little lame.  Why not just make Knight, Ranger and Witch free and make the others dlc?

“Little Red Riding Hood has long been the only girl who dared to go into the forest with hunters.  Over time, she became more agile and earned more gold from her prey. Perhaps one day she will achieve her dream of building her grandmother a house, no longer cold and hungry.”

Now this appeals to me a bit more.  And- don’t worry.  It’s clearly in the intro that her and Grandma have a place to live- but it’s probably a shitty apartment with a shitty landlord or something.

But this is a Red who has more agency.  She’s defined by her hobbies instead of how other people treat her.  Not that her life is any piece of cake.  I do like that mention about trying to make money, bc this is one of the classes where you can attain the ‘steal’ card, where can get a little extra money when you fight people.  

Ranger Red gets a class-specific interaction with the a hunter who has a particularly harsh backstory.  I’ll get to him tomorrow.  I like to imagine this guy took Red under his wing a lot when she was younger, too.

The ranger class involves a lot of chain reactions, finagling things so your turn is longer and then potentially hitting for a lot at the end if made your turn long enough.  It’s in my top three favorites.

🏹🏹🏹 Three bow and arrows.  Some cool characterization and legit a fun class to play.

“The king Little Red Riding Hood does not like to use violence to solve problems.  “Injuries of the body are far easier to treat than those of the heart and spirit.” This is Little Red Riding Hood’s motto.  Perhaps this is the reason why she is more understanding than others.”

Nun Red was initially interesting to me because...well, spoilers, but it doesn’t take many playthroughs to realize that the people involved with the church are kind of like the biggest bad.  There are other big bads, but they’re kind of the shittiest people?  And a person kind of has to be involved with a church to be a nun.

But that might not be the case.  She really kind of plays more like a cleric.  Her moved involve healing herself and praying.  Her special interaction is also not with a member of the church but rather somebody who may be described as a pagan.  Also, your Grandmother fucking hates the church, so I really doubt she’d let her grandmother become an actual nun.  Nah, ‘Nun’ Red seems to represent an old faith that the villains have been trying to eradicate.

That being said, despite avoiding violence, I don’t have a lot to go on with this Red’s personality.  Ok so, she’s really nice?  I assume she’s poor like all the other Reds, but doesn’t seem to care about that.  Like the Knight, she just kind of comes off as too passive.

Gameplay wise, she’s my least favorite.  A healer makes sense if other people are in your party who can hit, but Red is alone.  It’s very difficult to get her to wield damage and fights go on for a long time.  It’s just, boring and frustrating.  For that reason, I’ve giving her just 🙏🏻 one set of pray hands.  Petty, I know, but that’s how I play.

“Even though the study of black magic is strictly prohibited in town, Little Red Riding Hood’s curiosity cannot be suppressed.  What’s more surprising is that the witch has great patience in her guidance of the girl.”

Oh, yes, here we go!  Probably the most interesting Red story wise.  Spoilers again, but remembers those multiple Big Bads I mentioned?  Well the Witch is one of the biggest of the bads...that is, unless you think that Pharmacy Witch and Apple Witch are different people.  Then who knows which one in her tutor.  My headcanon is that they’re the same person using a shapeshifting, so...

But yeah, to have a character who was trained by one of the main villains then go back and take on the evil in the forest makes for a pretty fun story.  Yes, yes, it’s every video game twist, but give me this.  Also this Red is driven, not by her shitty living situation, but simply by curiosity.  She thinks magic is weird and cool and wants to know everything about it, and she’ll break the town laws and go into the woods to just to learn.  That’s pretty neat!

This description, along with some facts about said Witch also lead to some pretty important headcanons about the ur-story but...I’m going to wait to talk about those when I talk about the Apple Witch.  

Witch Red is kind of just, a wizard.  You can be an elemental generalist, or you can focus one of the three elements, or you can stock up your mana up just to hammer people with it later.  The difficulty is often picking a strategy early enough and finding the cards you need to make it work.  The class specific encounter is with a mage who has a similar deck so- it fits.

She gets 🔥🔥🔥🔥 four fireballs.  Great for story and headcanons, but her class isn’t one of my favorites to play.  As I said: petty.

“As a descendant of the Hope family, Little Red Riding Hood discovered a strange bond between her body and cards when she was very young. She sought to cover up this supernatural phenomenon and magic became her best excuse.”

There is a lot of unpack here.

“A descendant of the Hope family” is another thing I’ll talk about when we get to the Witch.  This class is...kind of meta?  I had assumed up until seeing that that everyone wasn’t really carrying around physical cards but rather they represented attacks.  What does it mean if Magician Red has power over cards themselves?  Does she warp reality to mess with people’s attacks?  Spoilers but no, unless you have a card that wipes out mana/attack pts.

Also, it’s wild to me that Red was born with this super power, but it was soooo scary that she told everyone that it was magic.  Yanno, the thing that’s been established as illegal.  What exactly is it that Red is capable of doing, and why is it so frightening?  The description doesn’t reveal much.

You can either use a lot of traps with her or you can bank mana to make combos with your poker dart card.  Both are pretty fun.  Her special encounter is with a robotic stage magician who is actually pretty awesome.  Also he probably didn’t train her, because he’s kind of new to the area.

She gets 🃏🃏🃏 three playing cards.  Fun class to play, and he beginnings of an interesting character, but too confusing for me to latch onto.

“Little Red Riding Hood has been filled with curiosity for the natural world ever since childhood, and enjoys performing strange experiments. To care for her aging Grandma, she secretly learned how to concoct cheap potions from the crazy apothecary.”

Personality wise, Apothecary Red seems to have a lot in common with Witch Red, with the natural curiosity.  The nature of the ‘strange experiments’ is a little dubious, though.  Are you talking ‘let’s see what happens when I mix these two chemicals’ or ‘let’s see what happens to this frog if i stick it in a blender’ strange?  Apothecary Red may or may not be some kind of sadist.

The fact that she willingly hangs out with the other Apothecary does not help her case in that respect.  Dude is kind of a jerk but more on that later.  Worth noting, though, is that she only works for the guy for money, but does her ‘strange experiments’ on her own time.  She seems to be self taught and feels like she’s lowering herself working for this guy.

Her playstyle supports the notion of this Red being a jerk.  You can set people on fire and they’ll burn for a little while, or you can slowly drain their life force, or you can blow up your own stuff in their face, causing damage.  It’s...actually really fun!  Especially you have the right weapons to set up chain reactions.

The apothecary is who you have a special interaction with, and even then she seems to be unimpressed by him.

Anyhoo, I’m go ahead and give this girl 💥💥💥💥💥 five explosions.  She’s definitely a sadistic heroine, but that’s what makes her fun!

WEREWOLF RED WEREWOLF RED WEREWOLF RED???

So, this is the teaser image for the ‘coming soon’ class.  I’m hoping it’s indicative of what’s to come and not just a generic plate.  It looks like a girl with an axe with a werewolf growing out of her back which...is actually a concept that’s already canon, so yeah. Anyhoo I am so pumped about this.  You interact with so many monsters in the story, it’s about time you get to be one.

🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺 five potential werewolves!

Ok, so there you go.  This post is going to be a little different as we’re talking about one character in different timelines and also we didn’t touch on voice acting.  Hopefully that gives you an idea of the game without skipping ahead too much.  Next we’ll talk about some of the people mentioned here, as well as a few others.