#but we see even in that arc he shed a tear over him. he's a good person deep down

[kitsuneoftheorganization]

i would like to hear all your thoughts about ai hrgfkfjdk he is such the character ever. his whole character arc and that last duel with yusaku absolutely devastated me :')

HHHHJAKSKSJSK okay number one I absolutely love characters who at first seem not so bright, but are way smarter than they appear, yet at the same time are still dorks. and he is the embodiment of that. I love his goofiness. The fact that he annoys the hell out of Yusaku and tries to get reactions out of him is hilarious.

overall he doesn't feel, imo, like a character, his personality and their interactions feel very real, and this is actually something in general I like about vrains and the characters and their interactions

what really hit me hard though was him trying to play the part of a villain at the end and trying to hide his real reasons, even though you could see the fact that he really does care a lot for everyone. Man has the villain fashion down tho 👏

as for his human form, paired with his personality he had me like WOOF WOOF 🐕

it was on a more serious note so interesting to see how he pictures himself as a human, his body language, etc, and the fact that he's still just as much of a dork (excluding, y'know, the trauma of losing his family he's dealing with, poor guy :[ ) but just imagining being there as a human and seeing this ai have feelings and free will and depth and be so human would be crazy to witness much less befriend him and have a bond with him like Yusaku, it reminds me of DBH where Hank sees the development of Connor and they become so attached to each other

but then the final duel absolutely destroyed me, him getting nostalgic but still trying to be jokey about it and pretend he doesn't care, then finally giving up the act and telling Yusaku that in every simulation he sacrificed himself to keep Ai alive, and seeing how devastated Ai was, was devastating. him asking if he was a good partner had me CRYING

i'd love to see just everything turning out great, yusaku finding him, him getting a body back, just living domestically with yusaku and all his friends and seeing how he would navigate the world. I want to think the other ignis are somewhere out there as well and that somehow possibly they could be brought back and coexist :) yes I'm being hopeful but poor Ai being the last ignis, realizing that other AI programs just weren't able to be the same as the ignis are, the weight of being literally the last thing like yourself and knowing a good amount of humans are distrustful of you is a lot to shoulder

I could go on and on but in general he's just the most lil creacher ever and I wanna squeeze his cheeks. im so happy he survived but he rlly needs a hug

[runabout-river]

Yuji's accumulated Trauma

After Choso's death, I've been thinking about Yuji's reaction to it. At first glance, it looks mature and composed and obviously Yuji doesn't have the time and privilege to grieve. More importantly, Gege didn't give Yuji any panel time to be distraught; his aniki's death scene was over pretty fast. The 3000 Shibuya deaths in conjunction with Nanami's and Nobara's deaths on the other hand had been given more time and more impact afterwards.

The difference in reaction between those two times makes sense in context but, in my opinion, not with Yuji being mature and composed about it.

Because Yuji never got over Nanami's and Nobara's death, he didn't heal from that, instead, he had a negative character arc where the trauma of their deaths affected his world view and mentality in significantly bad ways.

He started to think of himself as a cog in a machine and he also identified with Mahito, the curse who killed both his friend and his mentor figure, a villain and his personal antagonist. Yuji did not overcome Mahito in Shibuya, the story makes us forget that often times. He was marked and changed by Mahito and even though that curse ended up with an extremely pathetic death that didn't mean that he hadn't broken something inside Yuji.

The only time where Yuji constructively dealt with that trauma was in his fight against Higuruma but that was only about his guilt over letting Sukuna kill 3000 people with his body. And it didn't get resolved completely, at least not in a way that would've helped with dealing with Nobara's and Nanaimi's death too.

Yuji is taking that trauma from Shibuya, his feelings of weakness and guilt, and he puts them into believing himself to be a machine that has to follow a predetermined path. Before Sukuna took over Megumi, that meant being suicidal when the situation called for it. Yuji wanted his life to make sense again and dying so Angel would've her wish of seeing Sukuna dead to save Gojo perfectly fit into that.

After Sukuna possessed Megumi, his path and role stayed the same except killing himself directly was off the table but that tendency still exists inside of him. If he were to be presented a way to defeat Sukuna while saving Megumi at the same time where he would die as a result he would take that path immedietaly without hesitation.

Back to Choso's death. In my view, this unresolved trauma and his lack of will to live lead to an unhealthy coping mechanism: thinking of his friends and allies as already dead. We can see that when he asked Megumi if Nobara had survived Shibuya.

He knew that there was a slim chance she survived but it was so low that she was basically dead. When Megumi confirmed her fate, Yuji was prepared for it. Prepared to receive the bad news so instead of crying again he could function like the cog he was supposed to be.

And this Mahito-infused cog mentality still follows him until now. He has to function so his role can be fullfilled and when that means he has to think of his friends as having already been killed so he would never break again then that's what he's going to do.

He did not despair over Choso's death, he despaired because it looked like he was alone and on the verge of defeat against Sukuna. His role was breaking just like his reason to live and I think that this mentality, his negative character arc, will find it's conclusion at the end of the Sukuna fight.

This fight is not the end of the manga, we still have the merger to deal with, there is still a big arc with smaller ones in between coming at us. But for Yuji something big has to happen, probably something pretty bad that has him crushed... at first.

At the end of it, he will finally deal with all his loss and his trauma in a good and healthy way and leave his life as a cog and being a human Mahito behind. Then he might finally shed the tears that were missing in chapter 259.

[911n234]

suzanne collins, your work will always be appreciated

Suzanne really had the nerve to make us fall in love with Peeta—sweet, gentle, good Peeta—when everyone was obsessing over emotionally unavailable and mysterious dudes. And honestly, it makes me love Peeta even more now. His character was ahead of his time: a caring, loving partner, the kind of standard we only started to appreciate more recently.

I swear to God, I start tweaking every time I see a TikTok comment about how Peeta will never be able to love Katniss the same way he did before the war. It’s his love for her—and his inner strength—that pulled him out of the trap his own mind set for him. He came back to Katniss because he loves her. But, on some level, these commenters are right. They’ll never have the same love they had before the revolution.

They’ll have a better one.

The love of solitude and peace. The love of understanding. The love forged through war, one that carried them through every torture, every loss, every tear they had to shed. It’s the love that’s stable and strong. The love that’ll make every bad thing bearable. The love that helps you heal. The love that never runs out.

But honestly, you can’t really blame people who fell into the narrative of Peeta “hating” Katniss. We all understand where that idea came from. The older you get, the more you realize how good Peeta’s hijacking arc is. No, he doesn’t hate her. No, it’s not some twisted awakening of sexual desire. And no, Peeta is not a “bad boy.”

He’s a terrified boy. A boy who lost everyone, including himself.

My Roman Empire? It’s Peeta not only being scared of Katniss but also of his own mind. Can you imagine waking up and having no idea who you are? It makes my heart ache for him, honestly.

Suzanne not turning Peeta into a “bad boy” tells us so much about the story. Yes, it’s about love—partially. But on so many levels, it’s a deep exploration of society and the people in it. Katniss, confused by her own emotions, Peeta, terrified of his own mind.

So yeah, miss Suzanne Collins definitely had the nerve.

[f1crecs]

Fic Rec List - Charles/Max AUs

if your fic is on this list and you don’t want it to be, please let us know and we will remove it immediately, no questions asked. we have contacted most of the authors on this list, but sometimes people fall through the gaps - just pop us a message🤍

have a pairing you want us to do next? please read the faqs and then head to the inbox.

don’t forget to give the authors featured on this list some love in the form of kudos, bookmarks, and comments

of course we can, anonymous 🫡

enjoy!

On the Ice by @f1tyreslightmyfyre | T | 5.5k Max is a hockey player, and Charles is a figure skater! Cue a lot of teasing and romance. This was so cute!!! I absolutely loved the teasing and the dynamics between Charles and Max. So much fluff! It was also based off of an artwork in the community that everyone needs to see too!

'Max knows that he probably stares like a lovesick puppy, but who can blame him? “Am I dreaming?” He says by way of greeting. “Or is that you, pretty boy?” Charles doesn’t quite roll his eyes as he scoffs in amusement. “Yeah, of course, it’s me. Don’t cream your pants.” He skates in a lazy, easy circle around Max. “I know I’m irresistible, but I know you can do it.”'

nsfw: chemical (can't let go) by @alphatinies | E | 8k Max is in a club bathroom when suddenly, his rut hits. It turns out– his ex, Charles, is willing to help him through it. Even if they broke up 3 months ago. I really loved the A/B/O dynamics! It was a fantastic read and I love the raw dialogue and want that Max has for Charles. Nothing is ever really over!

'They broke up three months ago. Coming here is not only humiliating, but also stupid—they haven’t talked since the break-up, agreed on a clean cut, pretending not to know each other whenever their friend circles happen to cross paths. They’re mature about it. Mostly.'

all this happened, more or less by @lightningmickqueen | ? | 10.3k In lockdown, a popstar named Escalier Des Fleurs has taken storm. It turns out he's a familiar face: Charles Leclerc. And– he's singing about his crush, Max Verstappen. I loved this fic so much! It was one of my first fics I read when I was introduced to the F1 fandom. It's such an adorable story, and is very very VERY reminiscent of Hannah Montana. Read if you want a fluffy, angsty with a happy ending story!!!

'i am having the hardest time processing the fact that the ferrari strategy team cannot put together a strategy but charles leclerc can have two successful and unrelated careers #his team doesn’t know the weather #meanwhile charles is in the car writing a song in his head that will go on to be one of the best selling songs of all time #WITCHCRAFT'

Story of Our Lives by Eviestappen, footysel | G | 16.3k When Charles and Max meet when they are kids, they are both drawn to football. Charles' assists and Max's goals are teamwork at its best. But when Max has to move back to Belgium, they're torn apart. However, life throws them for a loop, and they are reunited again and again. I love a good childhood friends to lovers arc! Plus, this taught me so much about football terminology. It's literally Lestappen IRL but with football instead! Adorable must-read!

When the final whistle blew, they all collapsed onto their knees, shedding a few tears of happiness as they once again crowded the dutch boy. They sang cheers in his honor, hoisting him high up in the air during the trophy presentation.  For the first time in my life, it's all so clear. I feel calm like I belong. I'm so happy here. Just as it had been all season, Charles picked up the ‘star of the match’ award posing alongside Max, who had received the ‘player of the tournament’ trophy. The two young boys, predictably future stars, smiling like there was no tomorrow.

nsfw: noir désir by @alphatinies | E | 24k Max moves in with Charles and Pierre. Charles is an artist struggling with inspiration, which he happens to find in Max. There is a lot of longing in this fic which I love, it’s practically palpable. Charles especially struggles with his desire for max as he has a lot of history with Pierre. The mix of it being a character study and exploration, but also having good plot progression was absolutely amazing. One of my absolute favourites and made me feel many emotions. This fic is what AUS23 (1:1) sounds like.

'The desire hasn’t dissipated by the time they pull apart. Charles almost expects there to be a moment of clarity, to realise what he’s done—but that doesn’t come. When Max pulls away, Charles could still drown in his eyes, yearning to taste him again, and he does, leaning forward to press their mouths together. He kisses him eagerly, like he’s trying to prove a point—he wants this just as much as Max does, he can’t stop thinking about him in a way that he hopes is reciprocated, he wants him.'

glitch by @nyoomfruits | T | 26.5k Max is a webmaster at a fashion magazine, and an F1 fan. He has a meet-cute with driver Charles in the elevator at when Charles turns up for a photoshoot. It's love at first sight for Charles. I love an office romance and I guess this was half of one. Max is so not interested at first but Charles is charming and persistent-but-not-pushy and the developing relationship is sweet and unhurried. The fic deals with the realities of dating a famous person when you value privacy. The peanut gallery/Greek chorus provided by Daniel and Lando is hilarious and very in character.

'Daniel opens his mouth, presumably to say thank you, but then he looks at the coffee cup and frowns. “Uh,” he says, pointing at the cup and looking up at Max. “Where’s the rest of it?” Max pulls a face. “Soaking into the shirt of two time Formula One World Driver Champion Charles Leclerc.” “What,” Daniel says, as Lando pops his head over the divider with a gleeful look on his face. “Oh this sounds like it’s going to be good,” he says, as he catches the red bull can Max throws him one handed. “What happened?” Max sighs. “I ran into him in the elevator. Literally. Then I told him he was braking too early on turn 11 yesterday and that’s probably why he lost, and he just kept staring at me, so I kind of panicked, and got out of the elevator three floors too early.” “You are a gift to this earth,” Lando says, sighing delightedly as Daniel howls with laughter next to him. “Like who the fuck does that? Meets one of their favorite drivers and then tells them their braking is shit. Truly, only you. I’m so glad we are friends.” “Max, Maxy, never change,” Daniel says, trying to catch his breath. “God I wish I could have been there.” “You,” Max says, pointing between the two of them with his Red Bull can. “Both suck.” “What was he even doing here?” Lando asks, as Daniel wipes the tears from the corners of his eye. “No clue,” Max says, with a shrug. “Didn’t think to ask.” “Too busy insulting his braking,” Daniel says, sending himself off into another peel of laughter.'

no brakes on by @drivestraight | T | 32.5k Max is a Red Bull driver, but Charles is a (surprisingly good) actor. After a not-so-good meet-cute, they're suddenly drawn together after having to make amends for PR. I love AUs where half of a pair is still a driver yet the other doesn't have to do anything with racing at all! The fic deals with the perils of being famous and always in the spotlight while dealing with romance. And, Sebastian is still driving for Ferrari!

'Real. That’s—that’s a hard concept. For most of Max’s life, the past, the present, the future; what was in front of him and what was merely a dream he was running toward, they blended together. He spent seventeen years, even the years he can’t remember, working at his dream, then all of a sudden, it was his reality. Fast forward seven years he was a champion, everything he wanted to be but wasn’t sure if he would ever be. It’s just—everything has moved so fast. Max can’t tell real from unreal anymore. He wants to rest, wants to live in the moment, but the moment is—it keeps moving. It keeps escaping him. He isn’t sure where it is, isn’t sure where he is. What is real, what is not. Max feels like he could wake up one day, twelve years old again, strapped into his go-kart in pouring Holland rain, trying to find grip where there wasn’t, thinking of better things and a brighter future.'

nsfw: give me that fire by Lady_Something | E | 40k Chef!au, Max and Charles have history, but it doesn't stop Charles from coming to work as Max's new sous chef. Exes to lovers. To be honest working in a restaurant sounds like a nightmare but for some reason I love reading stories with this setting. This fic was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way, at times I was near tears and had completely given up on a happy ending but the lovely lady_something brought it all together in a both happy and realistic ending. If you like well written and delightfully flawed characters dealing with complicated relationships and grief, this is a fic for you! Trigger warning for death of a pet!

'“Charles, I just spent the last four years thinking I’d lost you forever. That I’d ruined not just the best relationship I would ever have, but the best friendship as well. If there is even the slightest chance that I can earn back enough of your trust for you to give me another chance, I will do whatever you want.” Charles chews on his bottom lip, his cheeks flushing beautifully. “That’s a lot of power to give somebody over you,” Charles says slowly, twisting the fork in his hand nervously. “I trust you,” Max answers immediately. “You probably shouldn’t,” he says softly. “I still haven’t forgiven you for not wanting me to go to Arthur.” Max wonders what Charles might make him do, if he were feeling vindictive. He’s never been on the receiving end of Charles’ pettiness, not really—except when he’d sabotaged Max’s serving to the Michelin Inspectors in Paris—but he’s seen it. When they were kids, he’d seen it a lot. He’d always thought it was funny, that Max had a reputation amongst their peers for being aggressive—but Max had always known that Charles was really the unhinged one between them.'

Of Shadow by racingline | M | 46k Charles Leclerc is a typical college student. Except, it turns out, none of what he knows is true: he's stuck in a universe where racing, his family, and the people he love don't exist. This is one of my all-time favorite magical realism fics! It's crazy, each chapter had me so hooked and wanting to know what happens next constantly. I loved it so much and the universe.

'Charles’ brain is still an echo of modena yellow and rosso corsa, the sounds of the factory and the smells of winter in Italy a vibrant flurry against the flat backdrop of his reality. He thinks of Maranello and Ferrari, the uneasy whine of Jules’ Renault when he revved the engine too high at every red light on the drive back to Monaco like each one was the start of a race. He thinks of the Academy–of Jules, who was the first one to be signed, and of himself, the first to make it all the way through. He thinks of the garage, more an artists’ studio than a factory. He thinks of Enzo and the son he lost too soon. He thinks, amo pensare che la Ferrari puo costruire piloti tanto quanto macchine, and he thinks, ask a child to draw a car and certainly he’ll draw it red. He thinks of mistaking the Italian anthem for that of his own country; he thinks of the scuderia in all its infallible, divine contradictions; its hopes and heartbreaks interlinked in an endless chain.'

nsfw: The Things You Do by loveleclerc | E | 71.9k Dutch mafia boss Max meets Charles in a strip club, where the latter formally works. After Charles decides to steal his wallet and go on a shopping spree, Max finds him, and lots of teasing ensues. Plus, Max is practically Charles' sugar daddy. This was genuinely so captivating and so hot. The plot was so insanely well-written and made me want to keep coming back! I read this on a plane ride and it made the time fly.

'“The quiet only lasted so long. Shouting in Italian and Dutch soon erupted from somewhere in the house along with gunfire that made Charles flinch, covering his ears while he squeezed his eyes shut. What the fuck had his life become?”'

nsfw: grapefruit mignonette by slapshots | E | 73.6k Max is an esteemed chef working under Christian Horner and Charles is an part-time server and architecture student. It turns out, tension does wonders for attracting the two together. So much food imagery! God, when I was reading this, I got so hungry. The descriptions were so lovely! And, I love any restaurant AUs. The characters were so funny and I loved their attitudes.

“Charles, this is our Executive Chef Max,” Christian said, picking up the fork and digging into it. “Charles just moved from –“ “France,” Max said. “Monaco,” Charles corrected. “Monaco is in France.” “I assure you, Chef, that Monaco is its own country.”

mr. invisible and the thing by @chubbydino | M | 97k A soulmate AU where Charles is a mechanic and Max is Daniel's agent. But– Max doesn't believe in soulmates, and Charles is struggling to cope. I love this fic so much! I reread the whole fic every update. Slow burn and soulmates are some of my favorite AUs and it's a fantastic read with some of the best writing in the fandom.

'Max hated the person his life had been mangled with. He referred to him as The Thing, because Max considered him more demon than anything else. Soulmates—he hated that term, but he had no other one to use in conversation—seemed awfully similar to demonic possession. The Thing certainly haunted him. The Thing seemed to like every kind of food Max hated. Every morning, Max tasted frothed milk and espresso when he woke up. Every morning, it made him gag. The Thing also liked French Onion soup during winter (palatable), mango in summer (chalky), and some vile kind of meat in the fall. The Thing lived in Europe somewhere, Max guessed. The Thing woke up at dawn and didn’t sleep until dark. The Thing’s schedule made it nearly impossible for Max to nap—and Max loved to nap. The Thing was also scared of cars. Max couldn’t describe how he knew, but the sound of a Formula 1 car always made him nervous the first time he heard it on race weekend, distant terror echoing in his bones. Further proof that the system was flawed—no soulmate of his would be scared of what he'd devoted his whole life to.'

thank you to @blueballsracing, @maaxverstappen, & @lydia-petze for compiling this list 💝

[nobodysdaydreams]

My thoughts on the SI-5

For as much as a lot of fandom romanticizes the SI-5 as a friend group, Kepler really did Jacobi and Maxwell so dirty. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he got it in the end, and the character himself is hilarious. But I need to talk about this. This man is insane and needs to be held accountable.

First of all, he meets them at the very lowest points of their life. Maxwell is isolated from her family and support systems, and it’s implied her career is heading for the toilet due to her fight with the ethics board. Jacobi’s career is totally over after he was blacklisted from his work, and it’s implied he doesn’t have strong support systems either. Kepler knows that and uses it to manipulate both of them into working for him. They both, especially Jacobi, have such a strong loyalty to him because they saw him as their only way out of their situations, and Kepler does not match that loyalty at all.

How do I know this? Because he was totally cool with Maxwell dying. Didn’t shed a tear. And when Jacobi called him out for that and threatened HIS life? Kepler was like “well okay. Guess we have to shoot Jacobi then.” I was reviewing my episode reactions, and I totally forgot he told Minkowski that. Like he didn’t hesitate or even try apologizing to Jacobi or admitting he was wrong first, he jumped right to “kill Jacobi instead.” He also had the audacity to say “how could he (Jacobi) do this? After all we’ve been through? 🥺” and then what they’ve “been through” is Kepler buying Jacobi fireworks (1) time, admitting to stalking Jacobi and Maxwell for years before he hired them (creepy), harassing and threatening them if they fail to comply with his orders, telling Jacobi and Maxwell they’re worth about as much as a glass of whisky and he wouldn’t miss them (which is verified by his reaction to Maxwell’s death and brief willingness to kill Jacobi to save his own skin when Jacobi tries to get revenge), lying to Jacobi and Maxwell and keeping secrets from both of them, and being an arrogant jerk of a boss who treats them more like his patronized pets than his friends. It’s actually funny how Kepler is shocked that wouldn’t be enough to keep Jacobi’s loyalty after gambling with the life of his best friend. He’s so blinded by his own ego it’s hilarious. Like buddy, it’s a miracle of desperate circumstance that either of them were loyal to you in the first place, you pompous whisky-worshipping buffoon.

You even see it in the little details. Kepler talking to Cutter about Jacobi and Maxwell behind their backs on that one call, the way Jacobi calls Maxwell “Alana” but Jacobi and Kepler use their formal names for each other until the very end when Kepler calls Jacobi “Daniel” and acts legitimately terrified to discover what Cutter and Pryce’s true plans are. Which again, love the way the redemption arc was done and those little details show you proof that Kepler rethought his views and isn’t doing this on a whim and that Jacobi and Maxwell’s friendship, as compared to their relationships with Kepler, was a stronger and more real and genuine friendship. I mean, headcanon what you want, write the SI-5 how you want. But a lot of people seem to either love or hate the whole SI-5 group (I admit this was me for a long while, though I do love post-redemption duck and whisky boys) so it’s easy to gloss over these internal dynamics within the SI-5, but if Kepler survived, I would personally need him to acknowledge just how much of a jerk he really was because yikes.

[sneezemonster15]

Why is it offensive to so many SNS fans to even consider that Gaara and Naruto would make a good couple? IF (one BIG if) there was a scenario where Sasuke had died in the end and Naruto hadn't, which would never be at Naruto's hands btw but then so many others wanted Sasuke gone, would you not want to see Naruto have some comfort? Who would have given it to him? Who would be capable of it? Sakura? HINATA??? Kakashi? Sai? All of these are emotionally inept ass people.

Gaara is perhaps only second to Sasuke in Naruto's eyes, in terms of connection and mutual empathy. Gaara is the only other character to get a retrieval arc where Naruto is the pursuer. Gaara is the only other person Naruto goes absolutely feral for, and no, Hinata in Pein arc doesn't count. Totally different contexts. Gaara is the only other person than Sasuke that Naruto shows a deep personal connection with. Gaara after all was also a jinchuuriki, who shared similar and perhaps even worse predicament than Naruto, as Naruto himself acknowledged.

Naruto and Gaara share a mutual understanding. They care for each other deeply. And God forbid, if something had happened to Sasuke, I would certainly want Gaara to be with Naruto and knowing Gaara, he would be there, no matter what. If Naruto were on Mars, Gaara would find a way to be there for him. Gaara loves Naruto, he understands Naruto, and Sasuke as well to quite an extent. Naruto also is aware of Gaara in part two, even though it's Sasuke whom he loves. But there is certainly a mutual fascination and attraction between them, a certain awareness, kindredness. So if Naruto ended up with Gaara after it all, I would not resent that ending. I would be pleased to see that Naruto at least, finally gets some love and affection after starving for it for so long. As in when Sasuke wasn't there. And who better than Gaara to give it? Gaara is the only person who would even stand a chance to be able to comfort Naruto in case of Sasuke's demise. Nothing would make Gaara happier than making Naruto happy. He would make it his life's mission.

Naruto chose Sasuke over everyone, including Gaara, so there's no doubt that Sasuke is Naruto's priority over everyone. But damn, I just want to see my boy happy. Gaara won't make him happy the way Sasuke does. Naruto wouldn't even want to live if Sasuke was gone. But Gaara is quite the lover in his own right. And he loves Naruto, truly. He knows the deprivation of love, just like Sasuke and Naruto, he knows how it feels to be at the receiving end of people's hate and indifference. And he learnt what it meant to be cared for and valued because of Naruto. The same thing Sasuke did for Naruto. He gave up his life for Naruto in waves arc which in turn made Naruto realize how deeply he felt for Sasuke all along and how much it meant to him to be valued in such a way by another person. That this is what it means to be family. Gaara had a change of heart because Naruto showed him that he was valued and understood. That he wasn't alone anymore. Naruto hurt for Gaara too. So much. Naruto is passionate about Gaara. He shed tears for him, he wailed and screamed and raged and turned into a beast for him. Gaara is a very well written character and he has a well developed, actually quite beautiful relationship with Naruto. Their relationship and its development gets a lot of visibility in the manga as well.

I also recognise the fact that if it were actually possible to make Naruto end up with Gaara, Naruto would have definitely ended up with Sasuke. Heh. But that's not the point I am making. I don't actively ship Gaara with Naruto. But seeing them together makes me happy and fact is, them ending with each other would be a thousand times better than what we have now.

[echosoftheflower]

I rewatched YHS purely because I had fallen into Grian's newer stuff (Traffic Life) and out of nostalgia from when I watched it as a kid. This whole weird analysis/character study thing was written in one go in a moment of thoughts and only applies to the characters.

That being said, Something, something, the terror that is YHS Sam being a product of his environment and mental health.

Nearly the entirety of YHS can be reflected in how no one tries to stop him or talk to him when he starts getting bad or violent. Some characters even go as far as to encourage his various behaviors (i,e, at the start of the crossdressing arc some girls offered Sam their outfits to try which in other contexts could be them being nice but he was VERY open about it being for getting with a lesbian woman). It takes about 20 episodes through the series for Sam to start really losing it and in that time we see him do various things to try and handle each situation he is in. He leaves the room when he's overwhelmed, he keeps his bear that brings him comfort with him, calls/checks in with his parents everyday, and he sticks close to his friend to have constant support. While these behaviors can be interpreted as him being sheltered or sensitive it could as be possible he is aware he has issues and knows to take these steps. However everyone around him (even Taurtis) just keeps pushing him, tearing these things away from him and mocking him for these behaviors.

This blatant uncaring nature is further shown in how when Taurtis' girlfriend is killed, there is no investigation, just a cover-up by the police. And no one offers him any kind of comfort or support, especially the adults. The way Taurtis never seems to expect any real comfort or even offers any to Sam when he loses his comfort stuffed bear reflects how, unlike Sam who (ignoring Yandere as it's non canon) was implied to have moved here, he lived here for his whole life. We never see him call his parents, he never seems to have trouble accepting everything around him, and we don't see much obvious changes in his character. All that changes is him growing more weary of Sam as time goes on, but he never says anything, never discourages or checks in. He, like everyone else in the town, just accepts that this is who his friend is now.

The reason Grian was so much more clearly distressed by all this is BECAUSE he was new, it's why we see him get so much shit for it. Why he's talked down to for not just accepting it. The issue is, he is thrown straight into the deep end with Sam who is by now at his wits end, and mind you, EVERYONE GOING ALONG WITH HIM. No one ever tells Sam to knock it off, tells him off for what he did to Taurtis, or even puts any form of blame on Yuki. It's not until gym class, the last class of the day, when Sam really seems like he's fully fallen into the delusion and Grian really couldn't fight him off that Rowan and Rowan alone (who was their single most creepy teacher) starts trying to get Grian away quietly, but at that point it was way too late.

Only when Grian is at full-on KNIFE POINT and being forced to eat plastic in a shed is when the adults take any real action. And that action is pulling a gun on a student. It is after this point with all of Grian's resistance and people FINALLY telling Sam he's wrong, that Sam starts to have a breakdown questioning himself and his sanity implying that even as far in as he is, IT COULD STILL BE POSSIBLE TO GET THROUGH TO HIM. However, it seems no one is interested in taking that step, rather ending the situation as quickly as possible and moving on without even bothering to help Grian or talk to Sam more than they have to.

Later we see that Grian somehow ended up right back in the same situation he started in, This implies that either Sam managed to threaten the people with guns into sending Grian back over to him or after he burnt himself out they just handed him back over, no supervision, no “maybe we should separate them” or “we should call the police” just “whelp that's over with, send them home.”

Nothing has changed but Grian reluctantly going along with Sam’s continued delusions to protect himself.

Throughout YHS we see Grian truly start to accept this as his reality and change himself to fit in and survive, in a pretty similar way we saw Sam change. We watch both Sam and Grian grow violent and cold. Sam is quick to anger and uses threats to get his way without question while Grian grows cold, compliant, and ruthless, doing what he needs to do to get from point A to point B and survive another day. He is detached and still a bit stubborn but in all reality he has adapted to survive all the same.

We can see Taurtis become more and more nervous with his friends especially when most of these developments happen when the two are alone without him to ground them. Still, he can't figure out why this happened or what happened to the people he once knew because he grew up here, this is all he knows, and as far as he can understand, there's no reason for them to have changed so drastically when he's not there.

It also becomes more obvious for these reasons WHY they only seem to change so much when he is gone. They lose the sense of familiarity that he provides with his jokes and attitude. Instead forced to cope in the only ways they know how, Sam falls into his anger and delusions to make up for him being gone. And Grian grows detached, falling into the mindset of "live to see another day by any means necessary" leading him to become as deadly as he is when the mafia/police arc begins.

We can actually see how they both have learned to adapt to situations like this in TS during the time in which Taurtis is missing. They try to get a job like normal teenagers but when the weirdness of it all starts to show itself and no matter how hard they fight to do it the way that they believe is right (i.e. getting sales with customers by being genuinely good workers) they just keep getting knocked down. So, they fall back on those unhealthy coping mechanisms and behaviors. Grian suggests making their coworker look bad and Sam suggests murder. Later when they go through their arc of trying to save Taurtis from the mafia, they resort to theft, focusing all their anger on the one person who, by all means, is probably the most normal guy they have met, Jason. They are mad and jealous of him because he can have what they can't, a stable job, stable money, people who like them, and entirely non-violent. They rob the place because they believe that the police would never help them against the mafia. They eventually do get arrested and offered a deal to go to help with the mafia. They kill many in their way, but upon finding out it was Jerry instead of Taurtis they respond by saying "we should have just left him to die". It is after this incident they both start carrying guns on them, something that seems to confuse Taurtis when he comes back. We watch as they change for the worse in this situation, now on equal footing and displaying how their unhealthy ways of coping worsen the other's with Sam unpredictability kick-starting that cold detached need to survive in Grian's mind, and Grian complying with and feeding into Sam's violent solutions.

The end result of all of these changes is put on full display at the end of TS where they are nearly unrecognizable as the people they started out as in YHS. The other-world Sam, who is treated as he was at the start of YHS, goes entirely ignored by Sam and is only being acknowledged to say he's annoying and needs to die when he finds out he likes Invader (a constant state for Sam to hate her is also likely a comfort) and is following her around as he had once done with Suki. Grian has a much stronger reaction to his alternative, He says he's weak and pathetic, wanting nothing to do with him and taking joy in killing this more innocent version of himself. This is once again that sense of jealousy for what they can't have, a stable life, stable friends, and alright mental health. They destroy the world with no regard for anyone, not even Taurtis' pleas can get through to them.

And so they destroyed the world that had destroyed them, giving in to the calls of a powerful, manipulative, evil book because, in the end, it was all they knew. And really, they had very little to lose. All they ever wanted was their house, their friend, and to finally leave that city.

[meenawrites]

So.. I finished Alchemy of Souls

Guys, the amount of tears I just shed in front of my entire family in the last episode of part 2 is crazy.

They were just sitting there like, you good? It's fiction as I'm sobbing my eyes out.

Anyway.

I have many thoughts. So many. And I lowkey want to make a separate post for each of them.

But for now I do want to leave some of my impressions about the finale: (spoilers ahead obviously)

I thought it was pretty well done. I expected to be a bit more shocked about the whole Jin Buyeon is Jin Seol-ran plotline but it honestly made sense to me and I feel like it was actually foreshadowed pretty well for the most part, even in season 1.

Also they definitely got me good with the deaths of Park Jin, Maidservant Kim, and Jin Hogyeong (if that's how you spell her name). Like that's when I started crying tbh. (I could care less about Mama Jin tbh, she sucks, but that deserves its own post). And I'm glad that them actually being alive didn't feel like a cop out to me. They established early on that Jin Seol-ran knew what would happen and used that to their advantage so it was believable and didn't feel like a Deus Ex Machina move for them to be saved. Well, maybe one of them should have died (cough–Mama Jin–cough). But it's fine.

I do feel like the last two episodes were kind of rushed though. I don't know if they had budgeting constraints or if Netflix didn't give them more than ten episodes, but I think that they should have had at least 12. Two more episodes would have allowed for more expansion on the climax and allowed them to up the drama more, which I think would have done well for the series over all, and would have been a better payoff.

I think the time could have been used well to flesh out some of the side characters arcs more. I feel like Danggu and Jin Choyeon were kind of pushed off to the side this season, and especially in the latter half, but I would have liked to see more of them and their relationships not only with each other but with Jang Uk and Naksu/Jin Buyeon.

For all intents and purposes, Naksu/Jin Buyeon lived as Jin Choyeon's sister for three years, and we can see that despite everything that happened three years prior, Choyeon did treat her as her sister even knowing the soul was Naksu's and cared about her. I think that could've and should've been expanded upon, her choosing to care about Naksu/Jin Buyeon or how that came to be. Also, after Naksu regained her memory AND found out Jin Mu had been for sure controlling her at the end of Part 1, I would have loved to see the conversation between her and Choyeon about what she did, an apology and an explanation that she would never have done that if she were sane of mind. What I said about Choyeon applies to Naksu as well because she lived three years as Choyeon's sister, and we can tell she cares about her, so I would have loved to see more of her feelings towards her, especially upon remembering all that had transpired in part 1.

When it comes to Danggu, I mean, he's one of Uk's best friends, and he was left out of the loop a lot when it came to anything Naksu-related. I would have liked him to find out or for Uk to tell him at some point and see how he makes peace with that. Because Danggu and Mudeok were friends in part 1 and he supported her (erroneously) in her supposed romance with Seo Yul. But then she killed his fiance's father and tried to attack him. I can't imagine the sense of betrayal he felt, but also finding out that it wasn't her fault and how he could come to terms with that would have been great to see. I also think his whole experience/trauma from part 1 was kind of glossed over. Like his main thing this season was his broken heart after Choyeon didn't end up marrying him, and I think that was making his feelings a bit too one-dimensional there. They do talk about how he feels slightly uncomfortable/doesn't know what to do with Jang Uk at the beginning of the show, but once Seo Yul comes back, that's kind of forgotten about and the three of them just start hanging out again no problem. I would've like to see a bit more about him struggling with becoming Leader of Songrim as well and how he adapted to that amidst his heartbreak for both his love and his friend who he doesn't even know how to act around anymore, and even towards Naksu/Mudeok who kind of ruined his future and that of his best friend but also being intuitive enough (because he is and he has one of the best hearts we've seen in the show) to realize that there's more to the story than her just going on a murder spree.

I've seen some talk about people saying they didn't like the actress for season 2 as much as season 1 (forgive me, I forgot their names), but I think both brought something good to the table.

Season 1 actress for Mudeok was really good. Her facial expressions were spot on and her chemistry with Lee Jaewook and the other cast members was really good. I think she definitely had great stage presence and made the show popular in the first place. I just don't agree that season 2 actress was worse.

I think season 2 actress definitely put in the work and embodied who Naksu/Jin Buyeon was for the majority of the series. There were times where she made expressions that perfectly resembled/echoed Naksu/Mudeok's that really got me like yes they are the same person even if she doesn't remember. She may have been cuter than we were used to with out sharp-tongued and emotion-resistant Mudeok, but I think Naksu needed that. As Mudeok and before then she didn't have the luxury to be more emotional and girly, it's only now in this body that she does, and I'm glad she had the opportunity to express that side of herself that had never seen the light of day.

We did get a glimpse of that side of her at the end of part 1 where she's playing around with makeup and what might make her look pretty, and it really spoke to all that she had missed out on and had to give up in order to survive. So yeah despite all the angst, I'm glad Naksu/Jin Buyeon had that opportunity through season 2 actress who played it really well while keeping in line with the essence of Naksu/Mudeok.

This whole thing about Naksu being the shadow to Jang Uk's light and if light exists then it needs a shadow broke my heart you guys, it was so perfect. And the fact that they were each other's light and shadow at different points but were also wholly necessary to each other in that was beautiful. I want to talk more about this in a separate post, so I'll table this metaphor for now.

Shout out to Crown Prince Go Won, a great character this whole season in terms of both comedic relief and massive character growth. So good.

Uk's arc was fantastic too but again want to save that for a full post.

Those are my out of order first thoughts about part 2, but I have SO MUCH MORE to discuss, so I will come back for sure. I just needed to scream to the world for a bit (virtually of course).

Question though for all of you more knowledgeable in the k-drama world: is there going to be a season 3?

[notsorryiml8]

This Naruto re-watch is wild. Got 3 going on at the same time. My OG rewatch is still stuck at the War Arc; has been for the past forever months. Niece and nephew made it to Pain, but we took a vacation break and just got back ("no, you cannot watch Naruto while we're away on vacation!" We compromised and they brought their Switch). And Mom-mom, bless her heart, every weekend we have to start over because she doesn't remember it. I can quote every episode up to the Chunin exams because that's the furthest we make it - thought we'd never make it out of the Land of Waves. Don't get me wrong, I love Kakashi, but if I have to see him stuck in Zabuza's water bubble one more time or that Inari kid whine and cry or Naruto and Sasuke run up trees one more time, I'm going to...well, still watch it, but still...

Made it to where Pain destroyed the village and killed everyone. I swear niece shed a tear when Kakashi died. Nephew might have, too. There was definitely ,"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! He can't die. He's a main character. He has to come back. They won't keep him dead. I'm never watching this again." They were upset for a minute. Made me turn it off and everything. He lived, they were happy again. But whew, that was rough.

Side note - nephew has asked about Kakashi's book several time. Has a running commentary, "Why is he reading that book all the time? What's it even about? No book is that good. Why is he looking like that when reading the book out loud? 👀 He pays more attention to that stupid book than he does his kids. Seriously, that book made it past the time skip. Sasuke done left, Naruto was gone for years, and Sakura found Hokage lady to train her and he was too caught up in that book to notice they were gone. Surprised he didn't take that book to the grave with him and wasn't reading by the fire with his pops ."

Three weeks before they go back to school and there is no way we're finishing. The war's gonna take six months. Boy child wants more Itachi. Girl child wants more Sasuke. Both like the Akatsuki. And preparing to start all over again next week with Mom-mom. I love my family 😂

[cadybear420]

On this post

Unpopular opinion: Kara is my fav. And if she was at Berry she would've been a possible fan favourite for everyone.

(essay length be warned)

If she was at Berry at the start, I like to think that (even though she wouldve been mean and angry still at times), she'd be really chill and enthusiastic cheerleader who probably helps the cheer team with routine runs and would be in homework club and getting actual help help with people.

Kara has lots of potential, can she be redeemable? Of course, she's literal a teenage girl- shes going through issues. She'd be a big sister, and I just like the idea of Kara & MC being a duo.

She wouldn't be friends with any of the seniors, but she'd coexist with them (like "Cady & Regina give eachother that respectful nod at the end of mean girls" type of coexist).

Idk, I just like mean girls having a chance to be a good person in a good influenced school.

This also applies to Zoe as well, and maybe Max.

Of course with Brian, being at Berry doesn't mean you're a good person (since Brian was raised in Berry and was a misogynistic fuckwad.), BUT, being at Berry can help you turn a new leaf as there's only good positive influence from everyone.

Also just imagine Kara & Mia actually chilling out together. They're fine being next to eachother, they're okay with asking eachother for cheer help, and I could see them getting iced espresso's before school starts and yapping to eachother.

Imagine Kara getting EVERYONE milkshakes after cheer practice, I can also see her shedding tears when she graduates and sees her found-family in the cheer team wishing her luck in college- and she realises how good she's had it here and that SHE'LL be okay and that THEY'LL also be okay even without her (and Payton).

(good grief. This is long. SoZ)

Send me unpopular or popular opinions about anything Choices and/or HSS related, and I will rate them on the aforementioned scale and elaborate if possible

My Rating of this opinion:

strongly agree | agree | neutral | disagree | strongly disagree

My Elaboration below:

I can't really talk about this without spoiling a (presumably much) later quest of HSS Prime... eh fuck it.

SPOILERS:

There's a later quest of HSS Prime where the gang helps Kara realize her self-worth and she breaks up with Max for good, so there's definitely something to look forward to as you go through the Prime storylines haha. One of the few areas (imo) where Choices OG HSS truly messes up something from Prime is how they basically retcon that arc, as we see Kara is dating Max throughout Book 3. Granted I haven't reached that storyline yet in my Prime playthrough, and IDK when it first came out, but still.

That being said, I suppose it does check out that in Choices HSS, Max and Kara's break-up basically happens because of Max revealing he doesn't really care about Kara, as he was planning on breaking up with Kara after graduation so that he could party with all the girls at his college.

(End spoilers)

Regardless, I can see Kara faring much better at Berry. Same with Zoe. Not fully sure about Max. One of my favorite things about Zoe's redemption/atonement arc is that she doesn't just become friends with the main crew. She even admits she still doesn't like them because they're all too nice. But she is truly trying to change for the better now, and that's what matters.

I definitely agree with you that Kara as well as Zoe would be the types to just coexist with the other characters, not quite becoming friends with them, but still being able to turn over a new leaf at this better school environment. Maybe even forming a new sense of companionship and understanding with Mia like you mentioned. Even in just Choices HSS, I definitely see that for Kara, most especially due to this scene.

Brian is definitely an interesting case now that you mention it also, someone for whom Berry does not work. He does not want to change, he dislikes the community at Berry and believes they alienate him, and he even willingly leaves Berry because he thinks they're not good enough for him. I'll have to look at this more in-depth later but this was definitely an interesting character to have for HSS.

[enigmatist17]

Angst that turned into something based off of this and this

When Fives opens his eyes, he can see the stars.

He's not trembling from exhaustion, the hunger cramps due to not feeding his accelerated metabolism the nutrients it needed are gone, and the tears he'd shed in despair trying to explain everything are gone. While he's not lying down, he's not standing up either, just looking at the millions of shining stars as he tries to figure out where he is.

"Fives?"

"Tup?"

"Hey there." Tup is standing, floating, ???, beside him, a smile on that face he'd seen go still days ago. His long hair is free of its bun, idly floating around his face with its familiar teardrop tattoo. "Did you die from the chip too?"

"No, I died trying to tell - well, anyone about it." Fives said, and Tup hugs him when the tears streaming down his face float out among the stars. "I failed."

"You did your best." Tup hugs the ARC as he falls to pieces, his anguished cries making the stars around them dim. Fives cries until three sets of arms seem to come from nowhere, hugging him tight as familiar voices whispered to him in comforting mando'a.

He doesn't have to look to see who it is, letting out a weak laugh as he's hugged even tighter, feeling the first shred of joy since waking up.

But wait, it should be four of them?

"He's still alive." Droidbait answers his unbidden question, and Fives finally turns to see the long dead Domino's he and Echo had seen die so long ago. Droidbait, Hevy and Cutup are smiling at their old batchmate, looking just the same as the day he'd lost them, happy and sad that Fives had finally joined them. Fives wanted to scream at the knowledge that Echo was alive, but instead started to cry again when he's embraced yet again by the four around him.

"It's okay vod'ika, he'll join us eventually." Cutup pressed his forehead against Fives', and watches the former ARC let out a strangled sigh.

"We have so much to show you." Hevy hums when Fives stops crying again, feeling as if he'd been crying for years at this point. "The universe is so big."

"There are also so many friends who are going to be delighted to see you again." Tup smiles, offering a hand that's taken and held like a lifeline.

"Lead on then."

It doesn't stop the pain of Fives' failure as the stars begin to fly past the group, a planet they'd only seen on holo's soon appearing below them as if in orbit. No one can see the dead men as they seem to appear on some beach, and somehow Fives can smell the salty air and feel the warm sand beneath his feet as the Domino's pull Tup and Fives towards a group of troopers that seemed eager to accept them. Old friends who had died, and shinies that had fallen cheered at Fives' arrival, and while it hurt to smile, he was glad to see them in a way.

Time marches on, and then they come in so many numbers.

Thousands and thousands of brothers begin to appear in the stars, all frightened, confused and screaming in anguish when they realize it's over. The chips and its knowledge just clicked into their minds when dead friends and brothers began to appear, and the Force rang out with sadness and agony as the guilt hits them all.

The 501st cry when they reunite, some of their numbers missing but most having died on the Resolute while trying to murder both Ahsoka and Rex. It takes a long time to realize they had been doomed from the start, and in batches more and more brothers appear as years pass.

Some had died fighting the new Empire, some had been test subjects that had gone gruesomely, and not enough died of old age.

Rex and Kix are the last two to join the millions of souls drifting among the stars, and the Force sings with a bittersweet joy when the very last brother finally opens his eyes.

Kix had been alone for so long, fighting a war that had finished so long ago, and died alone for a Resistance that hopefully won their war. He's not alone when he looks around, so many brothers crying with joy as the medic is embraced, and for the first time since they'd lost, he falls apart in their arms.

Then

Then the Force sings to each soul, and the stars vanish, and every clone closes their eyes at a gentle voice.

You have another chance, take it for yourselves my children

When they open their eyes, they're on Kamino in bodies that were far younger when they had left them.

They had a second chance

They had a second chance

[garoumylove]

I know there will be several talented people doing write ups on this but I just want to add my own two cents as well because this got me emotional.

The reason I write Garou fanfics so much is because I find his psyche absolutely fascinating and close to my heart. He presents with such anger and sassy cockiness while dealing with so much inner turmoil. And most of the time we don't get to see that inner turmoil but every once in a while ONE/Murata will lift that veil through one panel or a piece of dialogue and we get a glimpse of the troubled young man and all those painful feelings inside. And it's that pain, inner conflict, the vulnerability he guards so closely that I love to explore and that makes me fall for him over and over again.

This panel is one of those. As I've mentioned a while ago, I'm not a fan of the way Garou has been characterised in the manga since he reappeared on the surface at the end of the MA arc and especially not a fan of his characterisation post MA arc. This, however, is the Garou that I love. The troubled young man who pushes his way through life with a heady mix of bravado and stoicism. And then we get this.

"I'd love to show you how 'easy' it would be...' accompanied by a somewhat gruesome inverted panel with blood splatter. To me, this is the first time Garou is letting out his pain and frustration at his loss with Saitama. His ideology, while simplistic, got him through a tough childhood and adolescence. He clung to that goal and shed an exorbitant amount of blood and sweat over it only to discover it was never going to be. The loss of that would be gut wrenching. And finally here we get him giving us a glimpse of that raging pain. Of that vulnerability.

But what gets me even more is the next line "You worthless hunk of junk that can't even bleed or feel pain". This is one of the most obvious and clear times that Garou is coming face to face with his own pain. To me, it's like he's finally admitting that he is in pain. Not physical pain, but just this existential pain that he finds himself sometimes drowning in and doesn't know what to do with.

And then next panel he just goes right back to work with the older guys looking after him which I find so fucking sweet and adorable, telling the lad to put everything down and stop working.

At this point I see Garou starting to deal with all that backlog of pain and trauma. He is not in it all the time but he allows it to come to the surface, holding it, feeling it and then he goes back to this new low-key life. This isn't something he is going to process in one go. This will be an ongoing process. Diving head first into that chaos, those demons in his head, into everything that hurts and unravelling it a little at a time before swimming back to shore and going on with his life.

It's a process that I think is a lot more poignant and powerful than the happy-go-lucky de-fanged puppy characterisation we currently (but didn't used to) get in the manga. The Garou we get in the webcomic still has those fangs, but he lets himself be more than that little by little. One day, he will be at peace with who he really is and every time I think about it, I kinda want to tear up.

[glasshalftrue]

i generally really liked the fifth season of fargo and thought it was a pretty good return to form after the disappointing fourth season, but it was definitely still weaker than the first three, and one of my biggest criticisms is how it handled the character of Lorraine (played by Jennifer Jason-Leigh). her performance is one of complete over-the-top moustache-twirling villainy - which is fine in and of itself, the show is certainly no stranger to cartoonishly larger-than-life characters. but it doesn't really square with the semi-redemption arc she eventually goes through. roy tillman is, rightfully, painted as a complete monster and gets the comeuppance he deserves, but Lorraine never suffers any consequences for her actions - and while it's totally fine for a villain to "get away with it", so to speak, i get the sense that the show doesn't quite see her fate (or lack thereof) as a miscarriage of justice so much as a perfectly fair conclusion for her now that she's "one of the good guys". but just because she's expanded her circle of empathy just enough to include Dot in it doesn't mean she's a good person, and it's shown that her debt collection business is extremely predatory and has ruined many, many lives. yet because she's less crude and more outwardly respectable than roy, her misdeeds cold and detached rather than and hot-blooded and personal, we're not expected to hate her in the same visceral way that we hate the wife-beating, gun-toting authoritarian nutjob. now, im not opposed to villains with shades of nuance; it makes total sense for Lorraine to be particularly incensed by misogyny, and a big theme of this season is toxic masculinity, and conversely, the plight of being a woman in a man's world. but for a season that is so nakedly contemporary and political, it seems odd to let the Billionaire off the hook, and i think it speaks to the the myopic liberal mindset that hawley's seething contempt for trump has, unfortunately, put him in. (on that same note: i'm uncomfortable with the show's use of prison rape as something we're supposed to cheer for at the end of the season. i can't say i'd shed many tears for someone like roy, but in general prison rape is treated like a punchline in society, even celebrated as a de-facto component of the penal system, so it's disappointing to see the show contribute to that retributive trend.)

[giggly-squiggily]

Helloo if req is open may you write a platonic tk fic between rin and sae if it is posible? Thank you so much!

Oh my god YES! :D These two need it, I swear! Okay so; general heads up: I'm exclusively an anime watcher when it comes to Blue Lock- meaning I don't really know how these two's relationship stands or what goes down during/post the whole U-20 arc; I just know they deserve to be happy. I hope you like it! :D

CW: Swearing, angst with a happy ending, sass, possible OOC-ness of the characters (I tried to keep it as close to their canon personalities as possible but yeah), Spoilers for Sae and Rin's backstory- kinda. Not full detailed ones but I'll tag accordingly anyway

Cloud 9 (Taglist):

@myreygn, @cupcake-spice13

“Hey, who allowed you to get so tall?” Sae narrowed his eyes at him.

“Genetics.” Rin shrugged, pushing down the toaster shelf.

If you told Rin Itoshi he’d have a relationship with his brother again in the near future, he would have told you to fuck off. Possibly throw shoes at you too.

Then he’d feel bad for throwing shoes because he was raised better than that, but still.

Things kinda happened in a blur since the U-20 match. A call had come; an invite to dinner. Then he was at Sae’s hotel room, splitting a pizza when the restaurant proved too crowded for either of them. Words were exchanged, a few tears were shed, and by the end of the night, Rin found he could finally breathe again in the presence of Sae.

They’re relationship was still fairly awkward at times; it was impossible to go back to where they were before Sae went to Spain. Still- when Rin called him and mentioned they’d gotten time off from Blue Lock, a room was made up for him at the apartment; clean and prepped with fresh bedding, as if it’d been waiting for him this entire time.

“No mint on the pillow?” He joked upon getting there.

“Please, we already have Shidou. We don’t need anymore pests.” Sae had rolled his eyes, the gesture lacking any real malice upon mentioning the demonic player.

That’s where they were now- getting comfortable in their newfound relationship.

“Tch.” Sae scoffed, shaking his head in mock disapproval as he turned from the coffee maker, mug in hand. “I remember when you barely came up to my elbow. You were so small- running after me on those stubby legs of yours, trying to kick the ball out from beneath my feet.” He shook his head, a rare smile tugging on his lips. “You’d get so worked up about it too. I’d have to buy you a popsicle so you’d stop crying.”

“Shut up, I was six.” Rin rolled his eyes, a blush burning his face at the memory. “Of course I was short. At least I grew since then.” He turned, raising a brow at his brother. “What’s your excuse?”

A look of shock passed his brother’s face, jaw dropped and brows raised. Rin felt a twinge of satisfaction. If the Press could see his usually stoic brother now, they’d probably faint. “I see you gained a mouth along with all that height in these past few years.” He sounded a touch impressed.

“More than you gained, it seems.” Rin couldn’t help himself. It wasn’t even that Sae could be called short; it was just so satisfying to sass him. He deserved it, probably. 

“Tall as you are, you’re still a little shit.” Sae put down his mug, rolling up his sleeves with a dangerous glint. “Seems like I’m gonna have to remind you just who you’re talking to.”

Rin ignored him- mainly due to the toaster popping, presenting his warmed Pop-tart. He should have known Sae didn’t make empty threats.

The moment his poptart touched the plate, hands were latching onto his sides, digging into his ribs with relentless pressure. Rin-much to his embarrassment- let out a loud squawk, the poptart nearly flying out of hand as he doubled over. “Gah! N-No! Dohon’t!”

“All this time later and you’re still ticklish?” Sae sounded deeply amused, a rare smile pulling on his lips as he carried on wiggling his fingers up and down the younger boy’s sides. “Maybe you should have considered that before you started sassing me.”

Rin went to retort with yet another remark, but Sae had found a terrible spot beneath his lower ribs, clogging his throat with growing giggles. “Ngh! N-No! S-Sae!”

“Hm? What, no retort?” The older boy asked, keeping one hand on Rin’s lower ribs while the other came around to his belly, clawing. “Come on- just laugh. You know you want to.”

That did it. Rin let out a wheeze before he doubled over, laughter bubbling over his lips as he tried sinking to the kitchen floor. “Fuuhuhuhuhuhuck! Fuhuuhhuhuck, gahhahahahahahha! Nohoohohoohooho, Sahahahahhahahe you ahahhahahahhahass!”

“Oi, show some respect, you brat.” Sae switched to digging into Rin’s armpits when his hips proved too far to reach, barely fighting down a chuckle at the harsh swear his brother let out, immediately followed by childlike giggles. “Look at you- you can barely say my name, let alone stand. Tell you what- take back what you said about me being short and I’ll let you live.”

“Nehehehhehver, shohoohohort stahhahahahck!” Rin declared without any hesitation. Ever the stubborn one.

Sae tsked, slowing down his tickles and giving the other a chance to breathe. “You really are determined to die today, are you? I’m starting to regret letting you stay here- how the hell am I going to hide your body?” He reached out, squeezing the back of Rin’s neck, earning a yelp as the boy scrunched up. “Maybe I’ll bury you in the backyard and plant a garden over you. Think Shidou would notice?”

“Prohoohbably not.” Rin groaned, and then- because he could. “He’s used to shitty things. That’s why he’s dating you.”

Sae, who was turning back to his coffee, froze, slowly looking back at Rin with scary eyes. Oh, he was DEAD. “And to think I was gonna be merciful this morning.”

Seconds later, Rin was kicked onto his back, Sae pinning him faster than he could react. He wasn’t much of a fighter- neither of the brother’s were- though Rin was faster to throw a punch. He went to do just that before a scream ripped from his throat, laughter returning stronger than ever. “GAHEHHAHAHAH! SHAHAHAHHAE!”

“I tried to be nice, but it’s clear to me that you’re still a little shit all this time later.” Sae scolded as he drilled his thumbs into Rin’s hips, going right for his worst spot. “Now- do you wanna repeat what you just said?”

“AHEHAHHAHA!” Rin was a mess, hands trying to shove off Sae’s vice grip as he thrashed and squirmed against the kitchen floor, feet kicking and scoffing the ground. His face felt like it was on fire, and his hair blinded him, hiding his scrunched up eyes. It was humiliating and stupid and he wanted to rip his skin off as a means of escape.

But also…it was fun. Really fun. He hadn’t felt like this since they were kids, when Sae would tickle him until he was squealing through tears caused by a scraped knee. He could almost see the fond smile his brother wore when he did so. The memory even during all this made his heart ache.

“Do you give up?” Sae asked, bringing him back to reality. Right- his death. A small part of him was tempted to shake his head, declare that he’d never give up just to see what would happen.

What came out of his mouth instead shocked both of them.

“NIHIIHIIHIHIIHI-SAHHAHAN PLEHAHAHAHHASE!” The squeal of mercy was the true end of it all. Sae’s hands stopped almost immediately, pulling away from Rin’s prone body. The younger boy scooted up the floor a few paces arms tossed loosely around his waist as he tried to catch his breath. Well, at least it was over-

Oh god.

Oh GOD.

“Shit…” He groaned, covering his face with his hands, mortified. He didn’t just say that outloud-he didn’t! Across from him, Sae was silent as stone, seeming to be frozen to the floor. Great- there goes any real progress they made at fixing their relationship. Rin readied the speech in his head. I’ll head back to our parent’s house. I’ll be fine. I’ll be gone in the morning-

“Heh, you haven’t called me that in years.” Sae spoke, his voice strangely soft. When Rin dared a peek, he saw it.

 It wasn’t as open as it was years before, but the same fond look was in his eyes, softening his carefully stoic expression immensely. A ghost of a smile was on his brother’s lips, not quite there yet, but it was something.

“Don’t remind me. God, that was- that…Fuck! You suck!” Rin growled, scooting back with a proper glare. Sure his face was still on fire, and his body was still tingling with a cross of tickly residue and nostalgia, but he was adamant on being angry. “What the hell? My Poptart-”

Sae then did the unexpected. He bursted into laughter.

“Pfft- Gehehhahahaa! Good god, aahhhafter all that, and you're worried about a POPTART?” He cackled, falling back on his ass as he held his gut, head thrown back and smile wide. “Good God, Rin! You haven’t changed at all.”

“....Tch, whatever.” Rin rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he fought down his own fit of laughter, the struggle increasing when Sae let out an ungodly pig snort. “Ugh, you’re so annoying.” He kicked his leg gently, too tired to stand. He felt light and breathless and exhausted and just…

“What’s up?” Sae shook his ankle, gaining his attention. “You look sad.”

“I’m not.” Rin ducked his head, hiding his expression. “I’m not. I just…I don’t know- I think part of me…misses this.” He waved between them. “I missed just…laughing with you, I guess. It all feels so far away, still.”

Sae hummed, considering. Then he stood, walking over and offering a hand. “It doesn’t have to be a distant memory anymore.” When Rin looked up, Sae’s face was back to its usual calm, but his eyes were kind. “I’m here. And I don’t plan on leaving again.”

“Promise?” Rin hated how small his voice sounded. He hated it more when he saw something break in Sae’s eyes, dark with remorse.

“I promise.” He sounded a tag hoarse as he ruffled Rin’s hair, breaking the tension. “Come on then, I’ll make breakfast.”

“Please don’t.” Rin cringed as he stood. “You can’t cook.”

“Do you want me to tickle you again?” Sae raised a brow. Rin couldn’t help but grin.

They ended up ordering breakfast instead.

Thanks for reading!

[esperr]

My thoughts on the new trolls movie (me ranting about trolls 3 for way to long)

Disclaimer: I am aware this is just a kids movie and it’s not supposed to be a cinamatic masterpiece. I am mostly just writing this for my own entertainment

I absolutely love doing these movie reviews, my first one being on the nimona move (I will link it at the bottom for anyone who is interested)

Now I will start this off by saying that I did NOT watch the 2nd trolls movie so some of the plot holes I might mention in this post could be things I missed because of that, but most of these are specific to this particular movie

The first thing I noticed are the many inconsistencies, such as when Gristle gets his eyebrow pulled off but only a second later he is shown with both eyebrows fully in-tact. Although, the main problem I have with this movie in in fact NOT the inconsistencies, so I will leave those at that.

At the begging of the movie we see branch as a baby. His family is separated and he is left with his grandmother who is eventually eaten by a Bergen. After this is the wedding scene. During this scene poppy expresses how badly she wishes she had a sister. This whole bit of dialogue just seems so forced. It’s as if the writers were trying to figure out how to make a movie centered around branch about poppy. This is where we get into the main thing I disliked about this movie: The sheer amount of side plots.

The first side plot we run into is poppy’s yearning for a sister. We then see her father grimace and it is extremely obvious right off the bat that she most definitely has one. This was definitely a VERY strange choice considering this movie is supposed to be about branch finding HIS family members. Adding poppy’s sister into the mix is just completely unnecessary and it adds nothing to the movie overall. It essentially just takes away from the main focus of the movie, confusing the viewer.

The second side plot we run into is Tiny diamond wanting to seem grown up. This is just even more unnecessary. Like it’s ok to explore different characters in a movie but REALLY? Why him out of every character? Not to mention that despite trying to “explore” his character, we learned absolutely nothing new about him. They could have instead used this time to explore branch and his brothers a bit more, but alas we are left with these bland brothers who lack personality.

Once poppy finds her sister we run into yet ANOTHER side plot. Poppy’s sister and the other trolls that live in this area are still afraid of the bergens. This honestly just felt like filler at this point as it was a conflict that was already resolved in the very first movie. It felt extremely forced and again took attention away from the actual plot.

Although this movie is about branch and his brothers most of the screentime is used up on little things that barely add anything to the movie. So much in fact that the antagonists BARELY FEEL LIKE THEYRE THERE. Like honestly I forgot they even existed because they have so little screentime. They also tried to give vaneer a redemption arc but failed miserably. They essentially just showed us that he kinda has a little bit of remorse and that’s it. ALSO NOT TO MENTION ONE OF BRANCHES BROTHERS RANDOMLY HAVING A CHILD WITH ANOTHER SPECUES WHAT WAS THAT?? he also just left his wife with all of his children and no help?? Husband of the year award definitely goes to this guy…

The very last thing I found annoying about this blue was when branches brother died and came back to life in the same 2 minutes. They didn’t even have time to shed a single tear because right away he was straight back to life. His death didn’t even matter at that point. They didn’t even have time to use some power of love and family trope because he was alive again just like that.

This brings us to our very last sideplot that did not make sense: just when you think the movie is finally over branch randomly decides to announce that he was also in another band and these random sparkly trolls walk in out of NOWHERE for NO REASON. WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THIS?? WHAT WAS THAT?? JUST WHY?? Why?? I CANT WCEN ?? WHAT??

When watching this movie I kept thinking to myself: why didn’t they instead use all this time to explore the brothers and backstories or give velvet and vaneer ACTUAL arcs and personalities. But alas we can’t have everything

I barely scratched the surface of how absolutely Absurd this movie was in this post, but if I all about trolls 3 for any longer I think I just might lose my mind. If you made it this far I applaud you. You are very brave

[director-yomi-hellsmile]

reading the...... Preview....... My notes....... Heheheheh

We got a timeskip. By a little.. I see Bristleclaw (aka formerly Bristlepaw) as a warrior let's see about the siblings + if the wretched nightsun spawn are born. Also if Graypaw's not named Grayspots I'm slamming my keyboard (I'm on the phone)

Wafflepelt. I forgot Wafflepaw was a thing sdjjjgds imagine getting ur cat to win a contest to star in canon warrior cat and its got the -pelt suffix. Cheated and spat on

Stemtail and Graywhisker.... I guess Graywhisker's fineeeeee but come on he has spots. He's got spots.......

Nightsun babies are here. Named Goldenkit (golden tabby tom) and Shinekit (black molly). Hi kids I'm so sorry your dad is literally Nightheart

Oh wait Myrtlebloom also got a litter?????? Is this where Shyfrost's gonna come from.. Kits are Oakkit (pale brown tabby molly with white spots), Sunkit (orange tabby tom, is it after Sunbeam??) and Hazelkit (tortie molly with white spots). No Shyfrost in sight. Keep on looking

ThunderClan baby boom

This will affect the family tree.

Anyway checking out all the other adult names of the ASC kits lol. ShadowClan first

Oh they got: Birchfeather (Dovewing and Tigerstar kit which means I automatically like him), Bloompetal, Firbark, Whisperbreeze, Streamripple. I actually like those?? Firbark and Streamripple especially. Good job Tigerstar let me kiss you directly on thr lips

Who the hell are Redpaw and Sprucepaw huh... New spawn.... Also oh no I see Lightleap gave birth god forbid a single even a little prominent female character not get pregnant. The Curse has finally affected my girl. It was inevitable. I should have prepared

Lightleap spawn is Quickkit (ginger tabby tom), Beehckit (pale brown tom, haha typo the writers made a typo everyone point and laugh), and Poolkit (white molly). The cat genetics nerd inside me in crying and writhing in pain rn

SkyClan section. Fuck you Tree I hate Tree stupid stupid cat

Beetleshine for Beetlepaw... Good name good name but I already named an OC that earlier so I am not impressed. I was first. Beepaw is uhhh where thebhell is Beepaw. Oh they're Beesting. Actual good names I am satisfied with your work. Moving on

Duskshine and Ridgeglow also good however come on you already used -shine in the same generation come onnnn.......

Ok Who's pregnant. Was anyone pregnant

Needleclaw was.... Her kids are Robinkit (reddish-brown molly) and Starlingkit (black and white tom) Woohoo Starling prefix win. Also by any chance is the father Kitescratch. Just wondering

FINALLY. Sparrow and Cherry retired

WindClan timeeeee

Leafcurl yay. Nice girl nice name 9/10. Her less cooler siblings got Grassfur and Branchleap. Clearly there's a superior sister

Silkypaw and Fluffpaw??? Huhhhhh?? Who are they..... Also thanks for getting creative for once your efforts have been recognized by the great Yomi

Kicking my feet going hehehe at warrior cat website book preview. This is where I was supposed to be all this time. I found my calling

Stripeheart and Brookripple are also here. I revoke my praise of the authors getting creative come onnnnn you literally JUST named Streamripple I. I'm gonna make them kiss. Bond over being literal clones

Guys this is big. This is huge. Breezepelt is a grandpa now. I am going to shed tears

Appleshine's kits (Breeze grandkids) are: Rustlekit (white tom with a brown tail) and Stretchkit (brown tabby molly with white face markings). Giving the authors their creativity praise back. Do not dissapoint me again

WAIT NIGHTCLOUD RETIRED. o7

Still not over with how Owlnose is a deputy now for some reason. Didn't his entire small character arc a few books back center wholly around with how he should not be a leader. They literally only picked him because they killed off literally every other RiverClan character with a personality and he was the only fuckijg option because he's the only cat who got actually developed even if it makes no sense I. I'm. I hope he spontaneously combusts

Also I will prevent myself from going off on Podlight getting off scot free for his atrocities while. I will prevent myself I do not deserve this headache

Anywayyyy Splash siblings are adults now named Troutshine (WHAT'S WITH THE SHINES), Rapidsplash and Floatshimmer (who's also with kits now? you sure you aint too young..)

wait a moment. I just realized something about the timeline. Wait was Sunbeam already- yeah she was pregnant in like. Wait hold on does this make sense. If it doesn't then the timeline is broken if it does I'm just rightfully worried,

Anyway guess Hollowspring and Sparrowtail joined RiverClan? I thiiiiink it was mentioned in Star. Or not.

Amyway Floatshimmer kids are Heronkit (silver molly) and Eelkit (black tom)

Phew... That's the allegiances section. Holy fuck. That's a lot of cats. Kitten season

On to the actual chapters now lmao

Prologue:

Oh hii Leafpool is that Skystar GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HERRRR LEAVE HER ALONEEEEEEE DO NOT TALK TO HER. HE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED AROUND WOMEN THIS IS FUCKING TERRIFYING GET AWAYYYYYYY

"The Clans were unstable in my time, and if you ask me, they’re just as bad now.” Skystar. Skystar back in your times the Clans weren't unstable they were a tragic disaster that brutally murdered every single woman that came in contact with it. Also shut up get this man away from Leafpool

Why is Skystar here even. Get him out

Also. The writing here is so goofy can we get to Moonpaw already

Oh wait another journey?? Actually this is fine I hate the Lake territories. Change location NOW

Chapter 1

Why's Tawnypelt such a hater. What did Bloompetal do to you she's literally just frolicking she's just a girl

Why is she. Genuinely So mean to everyone.

Which don't get me wrong is not inherently Bad if this was any other media I love mean mean women however this is warriors. I don't remember the last time a wc character was genuinely just kind and nice to people, every single cat is just written interacting in such a mean-spirited way and them just being casually cruel to each other is supposed to be charming somehow, like everyone's an asshole already we don't need more. And also Tawnypelt is a Female Warriors Character™ which means that if this keeps up she'll definitely get disproportionately "punished" for it in some way later and. I'm just praying that Moonpaw is a ray of goddamn sunshine when we get to her please I can't do this anymore

Is. Is the entire chapter gonna be her being unreasonable and snapping at everyone younger. Is. Is

I actually genuinely do not understand her problem. Like I get she's sad I get it but. Was she deliberately written as making problems out of nowhere, or did the writers shart once again.

(don't mind me I'm just paranoid... I've been hurt by warrior cats before...)

Hehe Poolkit- oh wait that was it. That was the chapter. I mean its fine actually

Chapter 2:

Leafstar time. I don't like her but I will now mindwipe all my opinions I've had on her character to have somewhat of a good time now. Maybe she gets better!!

Praying they are gonna be normal about Leafstar's vision loss. Please warrior cats

I was correct lmao Kitescratch was the father

Mystery Sickness

Mystery Sickness epidemic plot!!! I got no idea what the hell these symptoms are supposed to be but. Ok❤️yay

There is people being loud at my house

Can be Mystery Sickness pleaseeeeeeeee spread to ThunderClan too. Can we have ThunderClan population culling this arc pleaseeeee

Anyway get out my way grandma it's MOONPAW TIME

Chapter 3

Baby.

Oh god another medcat apprentice that doesn't want to be a medcat. Can we stop.

Also idk about how they just took a look at Moonpaw (who's also a child) looking different (aka. having chimerism) and went "we're now gonna force you into a lifetime of celibacy" it's just. So weird to me I hope Moonpaw kills everyone especially her parents

Moonkit. Moonkit I'm speaking directly to you now you have to start killing

Oh fuck she's got that voice inside her head. Please writers I am praying for you to be normal. If this is her vengeful dead fetus sibling she absorbed in the womb that people have been theorizing I am also going to kill everyone. If this is also an Evil Plural plot I will get your spirits too

Oh no. Oh fuck. Chat I think it's. Oh no. Chat I think they're. Doing just that.

Oh fuck. Oh no. *sighs painfully* *cocks gun*

Thanks Jayfeather and everyone else in that den for being normal about Moonpaw and clearing up the fact that it's just her parents that are being Really Weird

I like. Moonpaw. I'm also taking her and her voice away from the warrior cat writers she is mine now get away from her

Yep that finally confirms it she's being deliberately written as plural

Unnamed Moonpaw Voice you're so silly. If you're evil later for some reason I will take your side

Unnamed Moonpaw Voice got a reflection-

Oh fucj is that. They're really. Is that really the spirit of her dead fetus sibling she absorbed in womb oh god oh fuck

VERDICT: I am officially taking Moonpaw away from the writers that's it. She is mine now get away from her what are you doing why am I actually somewhat affected by this