#can you tell i love her character. i love her character a lot
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
David Gaider on Cassandra (the last of these retrospective character threads), under a cut for length:
"This is the last of the (major) characters I wrote during my time on Dragon Age. I could go into others, and considered moving onto Stray Gods... but I feel like fewer would be interested, and I honestly can't keep up the pace. So let's make this the last, for now. So, yeah. Cassandra. We knew early on that Cassandra would come into DAI as a companion, along with Varric, that this was part of what DA2 set up for the sequel. Now, I'd written Cassandra's short scenes in DA2, yes, but I wasn't her writer for DAI. Initially, she was Jennifer Hepler's character. By mid-project, in fact, Cassandra was more or less fully written. Jennifer did a great job - solid character, solid quest. The sticking point, it turned out, was her romance. Now, to be fair, Jennifer told me straight up when we began that writing romance wasn't her forte, but she'd give it a go. The problem with the romance as she wrote it wasn't in its execution but more a clash between the character as Jennifer envisioned her and the requirements of her being a romance. See, I mentioned previously that a romance arc inherently limits the kinds of stories you can tell with a companion. Many responses I got can be summed up as "lol skill issue", but consider this: a companion romance isn't a fic you can just throw up on AO3. It's an investment of a lot of resources. If a companion has one, most of their resources need to be devoted to it - it's not "now let's ALSO add a romance"."
"That means it needs to take priority in who they are as a character and their arc. What's more, they need to be *appealing* to a big chunk of the player base - or at least someone we can imagine being broadly appealing, anyway. Thankfully, there are still many many stories this can accommodate. 😊 This, however, wasn't one of those. Was Cassandra a fascinating character? Absolutely. Her romance, though... Well, Jennifer DID warn me. She'd written Cassandra as a serious, self-righteous, pious woman who put the Inquisitor on a messianic pedestal. Romancing her meant changing her view of you. You did this by being... pushy. Jennifer didn't mean it to, I'm sure, but sometimes it came off as, at best, negging. At worst, a bit harassy. And Jennifer would have fixed it. This was a 1st draft, and the issues - while serious - were something a skilled writer like her could handle. No problem. Thing is, Jennifer left. You may not remember, but this was around the time a bunch of GamerGate dudes decided Jennifer was somehow responsible for ALL of BioWare's faults. Oh, the power she wielded! She, a writer, could even command the combat Bio made! The result was a LOT of ugly harassment. 😞 Is this why she left? You'd have to ask her, but it undoubtedly didn't help. The important thing is, she left - and there was nobody as senior nor as superhumanly fast as her to take over any unfinished work. This is where Patrick Weekes comes in: a solid, senior writer who could fill her shoes."
"It was great timing - not only did Cassandra need a writer, I'd slowly fallen more and more behind. It was clear by that point that I'd never be able to write Dorian AND Cole AND Solas as planned. They needed to pick up two. And I let them choose the ones who interested them, like all my writers. Patrick taking Solas was no surprise, and while I had Big Plans for Solas in the future I knew at least he'd be in good hands. I was reeeeaaaally hoping Patrick would then pick Cassandra... but they wanted Cole. My baby. Who I created in Asunder. I grumped, but Patrick clearly loved the character. They had ideas for Cole which... yeah yeah, sounded cool. Fiiine. 😅 Now I had to figure out what *I* was going to do with Cassandra. We couldn't move the romance to someone else, all the other female characters were well underway, and I didn't know the character well enough to fix her with tweaks. That meant a re-write. I didn't WANT to erase all that good work, but I needed to start from scratch. Yet how? A pious, self-righteous character was already a risk in terms of romantic appeal. There are only a small number of traits sorta considered universally unappealing but they're on that list. In this instance, Cassandra already being a known character helped. I came across a webcomic (by aimo, I think? AHH I wish I could find it now) that made a joke about Cassandra reading Varric's books. Off-hand, no basis for it, but funny. 😆 And I thought: YES. THAT'S IT. THAT'S WHAT I'M MISSING."
"I sat down and wrote the "fangirl" scene, just to test it out. Everyone loved it, and it served to change my image of who Cassandra was - a view of the inside, at the idealistic and awkward passion she felt, for so many things... AND the Maker. "Yes," I thought. "I could fall in love with this." Who knew Cassandra could be funny? Not anyone, coming out of DA2, yet here we were. It worked so well and her voice came so easily. Miranda Raison was game ofc, and amazing. Though Caroline did gripe that, if we ever met more Nevarrans THAT accent meant we'd have the Tali Problem all over again. 😅 Cassandra's romance is burned into my brain as the time when we THE most awkward conversation with the animators ever. See, that moment during the sex scene on the picnic blanket when she leans back and... there were suddenly these strategically-placed candles, juuuust covering the Sordid Bits. Thing is, they were so obviously placed just to do that. Plus, we'd already decided to do full nudity in DAI, hadn't we? WHY WERE THEY EVEN THERE? Turns out, the nudity thing was still pretty new to the team. They'd forgotten and put the candles there almost as a reflex. So prudish. So Canadian. 😂 I do find it kind of funny that, these days, what I mostly hear about Cassandra is from female fans upset at me because she wasn't a lesbian option. I mean, right? Who wouldn't want that? Technically not my decision, but I guess I WAS behind the companions having set preferences so... fair enough?"
"Some of them do take it to an entitled place, though, like Cassandra *should* have been a lesbian. Why? Because she looks like one, apparently, and that that's a bit of stereotyping which feels... odd? But it's not as if lesbian players are spoiled for choice left and right, so again: fair enough. It did lead to the best end credits VO perhaps ever, and overall I'm pretty happy with how Cassandra panned out. Things never end up like you expect, right? But such is game dev lyfe. 🥸��� Did you know Cassandra was THE most-romanced DAI character, by a good margin? Least, by a good margin? Dorian."
[source thread]
User: "Did you have any hand in her writing for Dawn of the Seeker?" David Gaider: "No, none. Nobody at BioWare had any hand in Dawn of the Seeker, outside of maybe Mike approving the script or direction? Only he could say for sure." [source]
User: "Was Miranda a specific casting choice by anyone on the team (similar to your picks for Merrill/Fenris/Solas), or was she simply a lucky find? I loved Miranda on the BBC series "Spooks", so I was very pleasantly surprised to learn she voiced one of my favourite DA characters" David Gaider: "I don’t remember how Miranda was cast. Auditioned, I expect, and she had a good “steely warrior voice” which is surprisingly uncommon among actresses. The accent she made up was all her, as well." [source]
User: "What's the Tali Problem?" David Gaider: "When Tali was the only Quarian, the actress doing a made-up accent was fine. Once there were others… do we get them all to mimic her? That’s a tall order!" [source]
User: "I'd say Solas is the most popular nowaday, but you need to be such a specific race/gender combo + most straight guys wouldn't go for him, i get hes not on top of the list, but I'd have expected Josephine over Cass." David Gaider: "You can’t go by how fans online talk about playing the game. There is almost zero correlation between the playstyles of the vocal hardcore and the masses." [source]
User: "I was a Dorianmancer. The cut content in Trespasser DLC was sad to read, it definitely felt short/abrupt for Dorianmancers. Anyway to share what was cut at all?" David Gaider: "I don’t know what was cut out of the conversation, as I never played it. I just heard about it after the fact." [source]
User: "Those end credits are truly incredible. Do you remember who wrote them? I'm guessing a combination of Mary Kirby & you?" David Gaider: "I wrote them, but I recall the entire team kind of took part in brainstorming the pieces of it." [source]
User: "I’m very curious- Do you know what direction you would have taken Cole and his story if you’d kept him?" David Gaider: "It's hypothetical at this point, but I suspect I would have been less willing to lose the serial killer aspect... or, at least, would have made that transition occur as part of his arc in DAI. Yet that's easy to say from this side of the divide. Who knows, really?" [source]
User: "With Cassandra you created one of the best characters in DA history." David Gaider: "Personally, my favorite response of hers is where she gets mocked for loving romance and she comes back with a retort about how it's a strength - how loving something and striving for the ideal takes courage. To me, that's central to her core." [source]
User: "inquiry: did you not write any of the Awakening characters?" David Gaider: "I wrote Anders, Justice, and Nathaniel in Awakening - but it was such a hurried project, my memories of it are pretty much a blur. "Yes, I worked on that" is almost all I can say about it, I'm afraid." [source]
#dragon age#bioware#cassandra pentaghast#my lady paladin#video games#long post#longpost#solas#cole#spirit boy#harassment cw#mass effect#fenris#the fenaissance
192 notes
·
View notes
Text
I'm gonna be so serious, y'all are remembering POWDER and Ekko and not JINX and Ekko when screaming about how much you "wanted Timebomb endgame over Caitvi"
shoving JINX in a relationship with her current mental state is not a good writing choice whatsoever, because Ekko literally had to keep rewinding time because she kept trying to kill herself. If Anything, That relationship would be rushed and fanservice because they would have jumped the gun in 2 episodes vs the 2 seasons it took for Caitvi and showing their ups and downs throughout their whole relationship.
The alternate universe works because Powder doesn't become Jinx and the two don't separate, unlike this universe where the two have been at odds for 7 years and almost kill each other back in Ep 7 of S1.
"But Cait never said sorry!" she didn't really have to, because Vi never stopped being in love with the girl that she Knows Cait is at heart, the Cocktail Molotov scene in Act 2 makes that VERY apparent. Cait saying that she was waiting for Vi to recover to address Jinx is the start of it because Act 1 Cait wouldn't have even Considered doing that, because she was so gung-ho about putting a bullet into Jinx that she Demanded Vi move out of the way for her to do so. She holds herself accountable with the mistakes she's made ("We can't erase our mistakes. None of us." that wasn't just a line targeted at Jinx to prove a point, there's deeper meaning behind it), and moving the guards out of the cell proving that she trusts Vi and her judgment on Jinx is that apology, Caitlyn has always been an "acts of service" kinda person over being a "verbal" kinda person; it's all over the place in S1 but Especially here in S2. But even after she takes Vi's shirt off, you could tell by her eyes and body language that she was most likely going to stop herself again to apologize for hitting her because the wound was in the same spot she initially hit, which was part of the lead up for This wound to even happen, but Vi's the one that just pulls her back in instead.
I'm also gonna add on that Vi thinks she made the wrong choice in trusting Jinx and thinking Jinx's changed because Jinx locked her in the cell and ran away again. So why in the Hell would Vi go chasing after her Again to be met with the same result time and time again? Vi isn't responsible for Jinx's mental health and y'all saying that are just weird. And I think it's apparent that Stillwater probably wasn't even in the top 10 things in her head being with Caitlyn, she was just running wild on emotions that she hasn't allowed herself to feel like-- Ever. And even if it Was Vi probably would have said she wasn't comfortable being in a jail cell of all places.
What was I talking about? Oh right, Timebomb.
Like Yes, it's shitty that Ekko doesn't get a happy ending considering he's the most unproblematic in the entire show. But people tend to forget that at the end of the day, Arcane is a TRADGEDY. It's not She-ra, it's not The Owl House, it wasn't going to be wrapped up in a neat little bow where everyone gets to smile and walk into the sunset with their loved ones, especially considering the fact that this season's being used as build ups to other stories, it's relatively clear that this isn't the last we're going to see of a lot of these characters. When they come back into play? well... who's to say?
But also, let's address that a lot of the Caitvi hate is just straight up homophobia at this point because a lot of people can understand Mel's admission to manipulating Jayce as an apology but Cait's actions we're suddenly braindead and need shit completely spelled out. like good lord I'm so tired of this. Y'all would NEVER have survived Catradora let me tell ya...
(My next post is gonna be a long winded rant about Maddie so stay tuned for that...)
#arcane#arcane season 2#caitlyn kiramman#vi arcane#ekko arcane#jink arcane#caitvi#timebomb#league of legends#yall are weird#and hypocritical#to say the least#arcane discussion#im rambling again#but i have a point#making timebomb canon would be fanservice not caitvi#im just saying
177 notes
·
View notes
Text
a sinner i am part vii
trope: Boyfriend's Dad PP character: Joel Miller x f reader this chapter summary: you don't keep your promise and Joel isn't happy about it. warning: dirty talk, public sex,joel's a dirty old man, cheating on your bf (but it’s cool, cuz its with Joel and everything is fictional in this universe), alternative universe b/c daddy miller stays alive and hates golfand he has a son named Shawn, no Sarah. words 4.2k rating: E author: these reviews and stuff are so cool thank u and if i get lots of reviews and stuff i will keep adding faster and i will keep their naughty lil secret going back home. because i love them sooooooooo much xoxoxoxoxoxoox taglist: @lady-viscera | @cjdign | @fuckthatbazinga | @liciafonseca | @stevie75 | @joelalorian | @oldenoughtoknowbettersstuff | @akah565 | @dontknow446 | @pedritosgfreal | @yesjazzywazzylove-blog | @untamedheart81 | @ashleyfilm | @sptbear | @elegantduckturtle | @noneofmyshipsarereal | @blahkateisdone | @wintersquirrel | @shivkillian | @auteurdelabre | @sheepdogchick3 | @moel-jiller | @cuteanimalmama | @gossipgirl-03 | @cowboymarcs | @tahi2006 | @guelyury | @churchofjoemiller | @r3dheadedwitch | @tutarrads | @galway-girlatwork | @supertoga | @ghostofzion | @casssiopeia | @tateypots | @yxtkiwiyxt | @regalwhovianbrowncoat774 | @pastelpinkflowerlife | @inept-the-magnificent | @auteurdelabre | @meleekabenjamin | @stevie75 | @animejunki5 | @zooty-and-fruity | @drunk-and-capable | @lunpycatavenue | @joelssluttyknee | @getitoutofmymindwrites | @swankyorange | @joeldidnothingwrong | @thischarmingmandalorian | @604to647 | @pedr0swh0r3 | @annieispunk | @doblasftcisco | @ilmattmurdocksthighs | @bunnybeheaded | @swaggydogsblog | @untamedheart81 | @watermelonslut | @loudtimetraveljellyfish |
wanna see my other stuff?
part vii: breaking your promise
"I swear to you I won't stop until your legs are shaking and the neighbors know my name." — Horace Cope
You glance at the bathroom door, knowing that Joel is across that room. You're still sore from yesterday and on your shoulder blade is a scratch from the rock walls of the cave. You had to lie to Shawn and tell him it was from sharp coral during snorkelling.
You look at his naked back as he breathes softly. The sun shines outside the window promising another perfect Hawaiian day, one final day in paradise. Shawn's phone goes off with an alert you know too well. His bros are texting him about some online game they're all playing. Hours of Shawn's free time are spent on video games with his friends. He stretches awake, reaching clumsily for his phone before turning to face you.
"Good morning," he says in a scratchy morning voice. He scans his phone before typing something back. When he’s done he drops his phone onto the bed before shuffling towards you, planting his mouth at your jaw.
"You look good this morning," he says against your neck, kissing there. You hold back a frown as his morning breath reaches you. His hips start to move against yours and you feel his cock already half hard when he reaches for your breasts.
"Not right now," you say moving out of his touch. "I don't really feel up to it."
"But I'm so hard babe," Shawn says pawing your breast through your flimsy negligee. "And we leave tomorrow. I wanna get in all the vacation sex we can."
He says all of this with a playful look in his eyes but the tension is there, his hand still kneading your breast through your shirt. You made a promise to Joel and it's one you intend to keep.
This is my cunt to fuck. My mouth to cum in.
You look back at Shawn with a pout and your hands resting over your belly.
"I think I ate something bad," you say with a frown. "Sorry babe."
"Oh shit really?" Shawn pulls back with a grimace before shrugging. Then he turns on a smile. "Whatever. Let's go for a hike. Just the two of us."
Joel wakes up with Tess in his arms snoring soundly. He blinks the sleep away and stares at her face taking in the lines around her eyes and the freckles along her cheeks. Even in sleep she's a beautiful woman. She herself was forbidden fruit at one time, a woman Tommy told him to stay away from one rainy afternoon when he saw the way Joel watched Tess' tight ass move in her pants as she left the office.
"Christ Joel keep it in your pants. She's good at what she does and I don't wanna lose her because you need to get your dick wet."
Joel sighs heavily and thinks about his relationship. He feels like things have gotten stagnant or is it that with you things are so much more exciting? He can't decide and he doesn't want to give up either.
He glances at the bathroom door knowing that you lay beyond it. He can picture you there in the bed he had you on. You crying out for him as he went down on you, making you cum so hard you gushed over his tongue.
He still can't believe yesterday and the cave. You were feral and yet so sweet wrapped around his cock. He had a hard time recalling the details of it all because you'd both been so frantic. The ride home was silent and you avoided each other the rest of the night. It's quiet from your room and he wonders if you're still sleeping. If his son wasn't home he'd crawl into bed with you and play with your pussy until you woke up dripping for him. A glance at Joel's phone tells him he missed a text. It's from Shawn from a few hours ago.
Going up to Mauna Kea. Be back by ten.
Joel sees that it's almost ten. It's the last day of vacation and he wants to do something memorable. Maybe a luau? It's cliché but seems fun and something you’d enjoy. He scrolls his phone until he finds one for this evening and books it for the four of you. He wonders what you'll wear.
Tess stirs next to him and Joel feels his cock swelling. It's not like you're here and he really needs to let out some tension before you get back. Because you were serious when you said you didn't want to keep doing this to Shawn and Joel knows he should feel more shame than he does.
I just need to fuck it out of my system. If I'm drained I won't be so pent up.
He twists to face Tess, pressing on her hip in response hand thighs part with sleepy lack of coordination. He moves his fingers over her cunt and she lifts her hips to chase the feeling. She coos his name softly as she wakes up all fluttering lashes and soft sighing. Joel shoves down his boxers before tugging at her panties. She lifts her hips so that he can remove them easier.
"I need to make you cum, honey," Joel says as he props his cock at her entrance. "You gonna let me?"
Tess just nods with a sleepy smile and widens her thighs. He gives her a gentle kiss before feeding his cock into her. He fucks her soft and slow, stretching her around him listening to her coming apart beneath him. He's only listening because his eyes are closed and it's not her cunt he feels but yours. This is you he's fucking at his leisure in his bed. Your whimpers and whines as he splits you open with his cock.
"Biggest you've ever had," he murmurs, hips snapping faster and faster. "Barely fits."
You exist there behind his eyelids, eyes rolled back, tongue out, brows crossed as you beg for more.
More daddy please.... I need it.. I need it
"You need it?" Joel grunts, fucking Tess so hard the bed is creaking. "Tell me how much."
"So much," a voice replies, not yours but Tess'. "So much Joel, please!"
He's already over the edge at the memory of your tits bouncing and he's about to cum when the sound of the door being thrust open is heard and Shawn's shout startles him.
"Dad! Tess!"
The two of them stop immediately, eyes wide. They exchange sheepish glances as Joel pulls out of Tess. They throw on clothes and stumble out, concerned. Shawn is standing there with you at his side. Shawn is flushed and beaming, holding you around the waist. As soon as Joel and Tess draw over he takes your left hand and holds it proudly out to them.
"We're engaged!"
He did it on top of Mauna Kea during the hike. You were sweaty and surprised and when he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring he'd been keeping secret for the week you could only feel a panic swirl in your belly.
"I wanted Tess' help planning a proposal," Shawn says now as the four of you sit around the breakfast table talking about it. "She's the one that found the hike her first day here."
"I'm glad I could be a part of it."
You make yourself smile at Tess and pick at your fruit bowl. You're pretty sure she and Joel were fucking when you came home this morning and the thought infuriates you.
“So Tess knew about it,” Joel says, hurt that his son didn’t share this with him. Shawn gives his dad a sad look.
“I’m sorry pops, I just know how bad you are at keeping secrets.”
You choke on your water pretending that it went down the wrong tube. Joel hunches over his meal just nodding. You're sitting next across from him and he's trying so hard not to focus on the shirt that clings to you. It reminds him of the day he'd been so eager to ride with in the ATV. The day Joel came just thinking about fucking you. And now he's had you and he still craves so much more. But he needs to focus on this monumental event for his son. His only child, the man who will one day take over the company. There's a mixture of pride and revulsion in him.
"Congratulations you two. Let's celebrate."
He orders mimosas for the table, speaking gently about how proud he is of Shawn and happy for the future. How can he say all these things when he was balls deep in you yesterday? He's trying to catch your eye but you refuse to look at him.
"I thought we could do a luau tonight to celebrate your engagement," Joel says, irritated when you still won't look his way.
"Thanks Dad."
"That sounds so nice Joel" Tess says squeezing his forearm.
You throw back the rest of your mimosa with a scowl. Your mouth tastes sour and you frown watching Tess touch Joel. You shouldn't feel possessive as you sit here wearing another man's ring but you do. But this is all for the best because now you have to stop whatever all this is with Joel.
"Thanks Dad," Shawn says as he slings his arm around you. "Me and the future Mrs Miller appreciate it."
Joel watches you tense up before excusing yourself saying you have to use the washroom. Joel watches your perky ass swish away from the table and he bites back a groan. Shawn waits until you're out of earshot before looking back over at Joel and Tess.
"I'm surprising her with a couple's massage in the room. Do you mind giving us the place for a couple hours?"
"Of course," Tess says before Joel can talk. He feels frantic about everything and worried for some reason he cannot explain.
"But it's our last day together, son. I thought we'd spend it hanging all four of us."
"Oh leave them alone," Tess says with a playful slap. "They're newly engaged! They want some time to themselves. They don't wanna hang around us old folks."
You arrive back at the table just after Tess confirms she and Joel will hang out by the pool for a couple hours.
"I just think it's presumptuous kicking me outta the fucking place I paid for," Joel grumbles a while later at the pool.
"You only get engaged once, Texas," Tess tells him over her magazine. "Besides the cabana is private. Maybe we can finish what we started this morning?"
Joel is too distracted to enjoy the thought of fucking Tess in the quasi private cabana. Normally the thrill would be enough to get him hard but right now he's fixated on what's happening with you two in the room.
"I forgot something in the room," Joel says standing and looking down at her soaking up the sun. "I'll be right back."
Joel jogs the entire way back to the private suite with his dark eyes stuck on the door. Joel enters into the space to see you and Shawn tangled up on the couch, pulling away quickly when you hear his footsteps.
"Dad," Shawn says in irritation, tugging up his jeans that were halfway down.
Joel takes this in, clenching his jaw. "I thought you two were gettin a massage."
"We are," Shawn says harshly "they'll be here in twenty."
Joel can see the way you're both panting. Your hair is mussed and your lips are swollen from kissing.
"Well I'm sorry I just forgot my wallet," Joel mutters. "I'll grab it and get outta your hair lickity split." He grimaces and walks into his bedroom. He locates the wallet quickly but pauses, overhearing you and Shawn on the couch.
"He'll be gone in a sec."
"I feel like the mood is killed."
"It's not."
Joel winces at the whiny edge to his son's voice.
"I can get you moaning again real quick." Joel hears the sofa dip. "We can finish what we started if you wanna be my good girl."
"Shawn he's in the next room."
"I'm just kissing you, babe," Shawn says and Joel can hear the wet sounds. "Don't you wanna be my good girl?'"
Joel hears your pause and then. "Yes."
"Then let's finish this in the bedroom when he leaves."
Joel sees red. He was very clear in his instructions very sincere in his request. And now you're gonna take Shawn's cock the second he leaves. And the worst part is he can’t stop it.
"Got it," Joel says bursting into the room holding up his wallet. You sit apart from Shawn on the couch looking guilty. Joel's eyes scan your rumpled dress.
“Bye dad,” Shawn says with an arm throwing itself around your waist to drag you into his lap.
Joel watches a moment longer before he walks out the door and closes it, his chest tightening in anger. He stops outside the front door and he should leave but he doesn't. Instead he walks the perimeter of the villa until he finds the open window of your bedroom. He crouches down under the window, listening to hear you and Shawn speaking. You sound exhausted.
"Shawn I'm tired."
"It's our last day in Hawaii and we're engaged," Shawn insists. "All you have to do is lay back."
Joel can hear the sigh you heave before the creak of the mattress indicates you've gotten into bed.
"That's right babe," Shawn groans. "Show me that pretty pussy."
Joel's hand is clenched so hard it's burning. He closes his eyes when a rhythmic slapping noise begins.
"You take me well," Shawn gasps out. "Such a good girl."
You whine his name over and over until Joel can't hear anymore. He's so furious he thinks he might put his fist through the window. Instead he makes himself walk back to the pool where Tess waits for him.
You stand in front of the mirror later that night, smoothing your tropical patterned dress and frowning. You look good but you feel terrible. Fucking Shawn this afternoon felt weird, being engaged feels weird, wanting Joel feels weird. Everything just feels weird.
When the four of you get into the luau and take to your table you end up seated beside Joel. His eyes are scanning your body, itching to touch you. He allows his legs to widen under the table, irritated when you pull your legs tighter together to avoid touching. You're engaged now, you tell yourself as you shrink away from him.
The group's watch the entertainment, eating from the delicious buffet and cheering at the hula dancers. The drinks are bottomless and after a few you need to use the restroom. You excuse yourself, still ignoring Joel's hard gaze. When inside you splash cold water on your face cooling down your cheeks. You stare at yourself in the mirror and frown.
"Are you okay?"
You look over to see an older woman staring at you with concern, washing her hands.
"I just got engaged today." You give her a weak smile.
The woman pats her red hair with a palm and gives you an eye up and down. "Sweetheart if that's your reaction to getting engaged, I think maybe it's time to dump the guy. Just my two cents."
"I'm just overwhelmed," you say quickly feeling guilty. "He's wonderful."
The woman touches you on the shoulder. "Trust me. This isn't how you should feel the day you get engaged."
She walks out of the door and you go back to staring at yourself in the mirror. You don't look like a happy fiancée. You look terrified! But you don't know how much of that is the engagement and how much is guilt over fucking Shawn's dad. You open the door to head back and look in surprise at the tall figure who stands there, blocking your exit.
"Joel?"
"We need to talk," Joel mutters before pushing you back into the restroom by the shoulder. He scans to see it empty before locking the door. Then he advances on you, taking wide strides until your back is up against the sink basin on the counter. His hips are against yours pinning you there.
"He make you cum this morning?"
You blink up at him in surprise before you shake your head. He lets out a groan that morphs into a growl.
"Fucking shameful," he tells you, his large hands coming to slide up your waist, palms cupping your breasts through your dress. "I'd have you cumming on my tongue every hour of the day."
You take his hands and you gently move them from your body. "Joel stop. We can't do this anymore."
"I know," Joel says even though he's half hard just looking at you.
You don't say anything; you just look at the floor with red cheeks.
"I heard you with him earlier." Joel feels his face grow warm when you frown. "I told you not to fuck him," Joel growls as he lowers his face to yours. "Told you this cunt and this mouth were mine."
You glare up at him in frustration, eyes narrowing in anger. You didn't want to fuck Shawn! He hovers over you like a beautifully terrifying statue. Your pussy throbs just inhaling the cologne he dabbed on before you all left. He's so hot right now in his vacation shirt and wavy locks. But he's your fiance's dad and if he's not strong enough to stop this madness you'll have to be.
"He's my fiancé, Joel. What was I supposed to do?"
"Supposed to listen to me."
You cross your arms in front of you and give him a stare that makes his stomach drop. "Why would I do that? We're not together."
Joel rears back slightly at this before his eyes turn into malevolent slits. "I guess fair is fair. I was balls deep in Tess when you came in with your announcement."
You raise your head defiantly staring him down.
"Bet you were thinking about me the whole time."
The silence in the bathroom is deafening for a moment. Joel just stares at you while you blush further. You can't believe you actually said that to him. He leans in and puts both hands on the counter behind you, keeping you trapped between his muscular arms.
"I heard him calling you his good girl. But you're not a good girl are you? Not when you take my cock one day and his the next," Joel spits. "What do you think that makes you?"
Your face goes red with embarrassment and your whole body goes up in flames at the judgment in his deep voice.
"I think it makes you a whore," Joel hisses. "A filthy little slut."
You bring up your hand and slap him without thought at those ugly words and the crack of skin on skin echoes in the empty restroom. You breathe heavily, glaring at him as his head snaps to the side. You don't notice that he immediately grows hard but you do see his nostrils flare as he looks back at you. Your eyes go wide like a frightened animal when you see his dark eyes grow darker.
"I'm sorry, Joel."
Joel grunts sharply before he backs you against the counter again and reaches under your dress. He cups you there, feeling you're wet already through he fabric of your thong. He stares down at you and sees the flush along your cheeks. Your big eyes blink up at him, pupils like saucers. He spins you around to face the mirror as you try to wrest away from him.
"What the fuck are you doing?" You whisper urgently as his belt buckle and zipper undo behind you. There's the crinkle of a condom wrapper and then his mouth at your ear.
"I'm teaching you a lesson."
He doesn't wait for you to reply he just tugs your thong to the side and plunges his cock into you. You let out a yip of surprise but Joel quickly covers your mouth with one huge hand.
"They're right out there," Joel whispers against your earlobe, his mouth pressed to the gold earring you wear. "You gotta be a good girl and keep quiet. Don't want Shawn to know you're in here taking his daddy's cock do you?"
He pushes your dress up, exposing your bare ass and cunt. He groans as he withdraws slowly to see the shiny slick of you coating him before thrusting all the way to the base over and over again. His eyes go to the mirror above the sink to see your eyes are already rolling back, back arching for him.
"Look how much you love being full of my cock."
Your eyebrows knit as he hits that sweet spot inside, too aroused to even open your eyes to watch him sink into you from behind.You clutch at the counter not caring if you're seen or heard. All you can do is chase this blissful feeling. But Joel keeps one hand over your mouth, sealing in your moans.
"Shouldn't be doing this, should we sweet thing?" Joel croons as he pounds into you, making your fingers curl around the sink basin. "Shouldn't be fucking this tight little cunt when they wait at the table." He watches your ass bounce against his hips, the recoil making him moan against his sealed lips. "You gonna stop me?"
You can't answer other than to whine against his palm. He holds you by the throat, forcing your face to tilt up so you can see your expression. You're completely blissed out with pink cheeks and your mascara smeared. You look ruined and behind you is the strong form of Joel, dwarfing you as he fucks into you.
"Naw you're not gonna stop me," he grins wolfishly. "You want it just as much as I do."
Now he uncovers your mouth as your hips roll along with his. You look at yourself in the mirror again, watching as Joel fucks you like an animal from behind his fingers sliding over your hip and between your thighs. You gasp, looking behind to watch him fuck into you, watching the recoil of your plump ass as he stares.
"We can't keep doing this,” you croak, “we can't."
Joel sees how you're fighting so hard not to want him but your body keeps backing up to fuck yourself on his slick pole as he tickles your clit.
"Our little secret just a little while longer," he tells your reflection quietly. He grunts and groans quietly as he fucks your tight hole, his hands bruising your hips as he holds you in place.
"He make you feel this good?" Joel whispers, eyes stuck on your open mouth as you hold back a cry. “He make your cunt drool like I do?”
"No," you say in tiny gasps at the filth he’s spewing. "No. Never."
Joel feels his cock being strangled by your cunt and now he begins to pound into you, watching the reflection the entire time. His face is red and his teeth are bared. You look like you’re on another planet, whining quietly as you take him.
"He make you cum most of the time?"
He knows the answer but he still sneers when you shake your head. He lets out a groan that morphs into a growl.
"Fucking shameful," he tells your reflection. "I'd have you cumming on my tongue every hour of the day."
He holds onto your left shoulder, helping his momentum as he thrusts in and out. You moan his name quietly, imagining being in his bed, thighs spread as he devours your cunt. He moves his thumb into your mouth. "Suck." His eyes fix on the mirror as he fucks one hole with his cock and fills the other with his wide thumb. Your cheeks hollow as you suck his thumb.
"Just my little fuck toy aren't ya," he grins at your reflection. You moan around his finger, nodding and cock-drunk. He takes his hand from your clit but you don't complain, you just keep sucking.
You'll do whatever he asks of you if he fucks you well enough and the both of you know it. He feels you start to clench around the head of his cock and he slowly stops. Your eyes snap open and meet his in the mirror as you pant, whining his name. He looks totally wrecked with a flushed face and mussed hair.
"You don't get to cum," he says against your temple as he begins to thrust shallowly again. "Only daddy cums tonight. And only I cum in this cunt from now on, you understand?"
"Yes," you say panting heavily as he saws in and out of you. "Yes, I understand."
"Repeat it."
"Only you fuck this pussy," you say in a slur with your entire body jigging as Joel holds you by the hips and doesn't hold back.
"Say it like you mean it," he grunts as he feels his balls contract. "Look at that little slut in the mirror and tell her."
You hear how wet you are with each slap of his thighs against the meat of your ass before Joel presses your spine, causing your ass to rise for him as your chest hits the cool counter. He slips between your folds faster and faster as you jerk against him. For a moment you forget what he asked you to do until he prompts you with a low growl.
"I said, what are you?"
"A little slut," you whimper. Joel feels a shudder go through his spine at your easy submission. You watch him curve his face over your shoulder to speak against your cheek.
"And what does Daddy's slut need to remember?"
You look at the reflection staring back at you, one breast spilling out of your dress, the skirt hiked up, your ass bouncing each time Joel thrusts up into your waiting cunt. His wide hand goes to cup your exposed breast as he watches your back arch. He rolls the nipple between his fingers.
"Only daddy cums in this cunt from now on," you tell your desperate reflection.
"And who owns this pussy I’m fucking?" Joel asks you,
"You do," you gasp as his movements grows staggered and forceful. "Daddy owns my cunt."
Joel cums hard, so hard he's convinced the condom can't hold it all. He groans fuck fuck fuck against your cheek with his eyes closed.
"Such a tight fucking pussy for Daddy to cum in. Such a good girl for taking me like that," he says before he places a kiss to your cheekbone. He looks at your red face and the heavy lidded way you stare at him. He kisses the damp hair at your temples. You smile and he returns it.
"I'll see you back at the table."
what did you thin of this chapter? next up mile high club anyone????? or do you have scenarios you rlly wanna see with them?plsssssss write some good long comments for me or i won't be motivated okayyy i luv uuuuuuuuuuuuuu
#pedro pascal characters#pedro pascal#pedro pascal fanfiction#smut#joel miller#joel x reader#au joel miller#joel miller x original character#joel miller x reader#joel miller x you#joel miller smut#joel miller fanfiction#joel miller is a daddy#daddy's good girl#daddy’s babygirl#daddy’s wh0re#daddy k!nk
258 notes
·
View notes
Note
can I request arcane characters x reader who is covered in scars. I mean lots of scars that make you go like” ho this person has been to hell and back” and “ how did you survive that”. Some scars old and new, and scars that are deep enough to see the flesh move
A/n: Hello!! I hope this is good for you <3
Vi, Jinx, Caitlyn, Ekko, Jayce, Viktor, Mel
Masterlist
You have many scars
Vi
Vi doesn’t flinch at the sight of your scars; she’s no stranger to a rough life. Instead, she looks at you with respect and admiration. "You’ve been through it, haven’t you? And you’re still here." Her fingers trace over the rough lines, her touch gentle. She doesn’t pry about the stories behind them unless you want to share. To her, every scar is a testament to your strength, and she makes sure you know it.
Jinx
Jinx stares a little too long at first, curiosity dancing in her eyes. She makes a joke, trying to lighten the mood. "Looks like we’re both walking disaster zones, huh?" But beneath the laughter, there’s genuine fascination. She’ll ask about a scar or two with childlike wonder, though she quickly backtracks if it feels like too much. To her, the scars are part of what makes you you, and she loves every inch of that.
Caitlyn
Caitlyn notices your scars immediately, but her reaction is quiet, measured. She doesn’t ask questions but makes a mental note to learn more when you’re ready. When she finally speaks, her voice is soft. "Whatever you’ve been through, it’s shaped the person you are now. I admire that." She’s careful, ensuring you never feel self-conscious about them. Her hands linger protectively whenever she touches you, silently promising to shield you from further harm.
Ekko
Ekko doesn’t judge; he’s seen his fair share of pain. When he notices your scars, his expression softens, not in pity, but in understanding. "Every scar’s a story, right? You’re tougher than most people I know." He’s the type to tease lightly to make you laugh but will get serious when it matters. He admires your resilience and lets you know it in a million small ways—like offering quiet comfort when the weight of your past feels too heavy.
Jayce
Jayce doesn’t hide his initial surprise, but it’s quickly replaced with concern and curiosity. "What happened?" he blurts out before catching himself. He’s a mix of gentle and awkward, unsure how to navigate the subject but eager to support you. Over time, he learns when to listen and when to offer reassurance. He sees your scars as proof of your survival and will go out of his way to make sure you feel proud of that.
Viktor
Viktor’s reaction is thoughtful. He doesn’t see your scars as flaws but as pieces of a puzzle that make up who you are. "You’ve endured so much," he says quietly, almost reverently. He’s curious but never intrusive, and his touches are delicate, as if honoring the battles you’ve fought. Viktor admires your strength and often tells you that your scars are symbols of a life lived with courage.
Mel
Mel doesn’t flinch, doesn’t stare—her gaze is steady and kind. "You’ve been through more than most, haven’t you?" she says, her voice warm. She admires your strength and makes it clear she doesn’t see your scars as anything to hide. If anything, she sees them as a mark of resilience and beauty. She’ll soothe your insecurities with quiet reassurance and ensure you know how deeply she values all that you are.
See pinned.
#arcane x reader#arcane#league of legends#vi x reader#vi x you#vi arcane#jinx x reader#jinx arcane#jinx x you#caitlyn kiramman#caitlyn x reader#caitlyn x you#caitlyn arcane#ekko x reader#ekko x you#ekko arcane#jayce x reader#jayce x you#jayce arcane#viktor x reader#viktor x you#viktor arcane#mel medarda#mel x you#mel x reader#mel arcane
225 notes
·
View notes
Note
What do you think of The Owl House? Like, I liked and respect Dana a lot for what she's accomplished, but I also feel like everyone is just pretending that the show doesn't have any problems, as I felt that the cast was always very poorly developed from the beginning.
I like the show, I don't love it, but i think it's pretty good. TOH has a lot of really cool world building and lore, but I also found a lot of the characters really lacking. Three of my biggest annoyances were Luz, the characters having altered personalities after one episode and the underutilization of Luz's friends.
I think Luz is actually a great protagonist, my issue is when the show really loves to tease her as this flawed and morally complicated protagonist when... she isn't? any time she does something bad, its completely accidental. It's funny when the show first came out and people negatively compared her to Mabel because Mabel actually did make a lot of selfish and careless decisions that she had to grow from.
The show also had a bizarre habit of giving characters new personalities after their first appearance, and I think Amity is the worst offender of this. Her first appearance she's the generic mean girl bully, and this is used to create conflict and for Luz to befriend Willow. But then after that, all of a sudden she's super "cold" and keeps to herself, and the characters act like she's just the popular quiet girl? and then the show has the audacity to blame a lot of the bullying Amity did on her friends and parents. I have no clue why the flashback episodes portrayed it like Amity just watched as her friends bullied Willow, SHE was a part of that! Similar issue with Hunter. Introduced as a snarky brat, and then his next appearance he's incredibly angsty and depressed so the audience could sympathize with him. Willow and the Collector were also ones that stuck out to me, but it was a change that was subtle enough that I didn't notice.
I don't know why writers do this. I like it when your characters are messy and flawed, give them unlikable traits so we can watch them slowly be better people. Don't tell me someone is flawed and then don't give them flaws and don't tell me to sympathize with a character by just giving them a new personality.
I think everyone is pretty aware of how poorly utilized Luz's friends are but there are seriously so many episodes where I was like "why aren't Willow and Guz taking Amity's place". They really feel like a studio mandate.
Also Lumity is kind of boring but honestly, I don't really think its as big of a deal as some fans think it is. Lots of cartoons have straight couples that quarrel, get together and their relationship isn't the most compelling in the world, but its still pretty cute. If anything I do wish Amity would work through her issues more than have what little personality she had disappear when she dated Luz.
With your point about how fans handle criticism, admittedly I think part of the reason why people don't want to admit the show's problem is because Disney fucked it over MASSIVELY and it feels like punching down (at least to them). I think there's a very common mentality of "is it fair to criticize a show that never really got a chance to fully find its stride?"
But I also know this is just a massive problem with shows that have queer characters in general. There's just this prevalent attitude that if you have a problem with a piece of media that also happens to have queer characters, it means you're "ungrateful" or trying to insult it on purpose. Though personally, I think TOH fans are a lot better at handling and giving criticism.
163 notes
·
View notes
Text
Live reaction to Mastermind, ughhhhh.
Spoilers of course.
Gross.
I like this design; she's cute. Shout out to the character designers.
Satan's design is like whatever. Those imp-like horns on the top of his head looks silly. Just more fucking red on top of red. Loveart23's Satan design for her re imagined is peaked.
This shit is fucking gross, please STOP!
This design is bad too and Ozzie's outfit is hideous.
Bee's outfit here is 100% better than her main one.
See Mammon, no one wants you because you are fat and that's gross!!!! >:(((((
Notice that Mammon is the only sin that is overweight and the only one confirmed to be on the asexual spectrum. Levi's design is horrible. Those colors do not go together.
This line would be amazing if Loona wasn't a whole ass adult. This is so melodramatic I am giggling. "I love you guys." Yeah, you threaten to sexual assault them both to Mooxie and stalked them back in season 1. These characters are not "found family". This is the quality of this show now, just ass.
I skipped the song; I'm not listening to that shit. I'm tired of hearing Stolas singing about Blitz, This is a small smile on my face, you know why just look like my username.
YES SATAN!! This shit got me laughing, why he is crying over Stolass?? Fuck him, he is a fetishizer.
This is the FIRST time Stella and Via have interacted....we are at the end of season two. Look guy, she's being EVIL!!!!! and doesn't care about her daughter at all. *eye roll*
What does Stolas even do?? We never seen him do his royal duties, just fucking around with IMP or he is in his mansion.
You want to fuck your sister.
GET IT!! HE EATS A LOT!!!! MAMMON IS FAT!!!!! ISN'T THAT GROSSS!!!!!???????
I WANT TO PUNCH A HOLE IN MY WALL. Viv will never beat the fatphobia allegations. Let fat character exists without doing shit like this.
I notice that all or most of rail thin characters are rarely seen eating food but Mammon and Adam who are fat eat food on the regular.
I'm sending the fandom there too. My new favorite minor character! Thank you, janitor imp. You're a real one for this.
She better not assault Blitz every again.
Why is Blitz bathing him??? This is giving me bad vibes like why????
DROWN!!! Please do us a favor and DROWN!!!
Rating: 2/10
I don't care about Blitz, Stolas, and their relationship. It is boring and bland like dry moldy toast. It being the main "appeal" to Helluva is an awful choice, no one can tell me otherwise. This is why the views have been dropping since the released of Full Moon. The shippers are this show's life support and if they ever become unhappy, this show is tank.
This episode barely kept my attention unlike the previous one. I even paused it to eat some Hawaiian Rolls, and I had more fun eating bread than watching this episode.
The only thing that kept me interested was the small mentions of Lucifer. If did not have a hyper fixation on him, I would probably not finish the episode.
The crew hyping up Vassago by putting him in that pride parade print and other merch is funny because he does nothing. He has no personality out of being Spanish. If something is hyped by Viv or anyone else, it's going to be lame.
We know season three will have more focus on Ars Goetia so he will probably be Stolas' future Latin lover or even worse, a love triangle between him, Stolas, and Blitz. Vassago and Stolas should get together, they both have "ass" in their names.
Viv said this episode is one of her favorites and is self-indulgent. Self-indulgent where??? This is just your standard season two epsiode of Helluva. I thought it was going to be more of a musical episode.
Anyway, this episode is bad in my opinion.
#live episode reactions#helluva boss critique#helluva boss critical#helluva boss criticism#vivziepop critique#vivziepop criticism#vivziepop critical
111 notes
·
View notes
Text
The one thing that seeing the full s2 script solidified for me is that Edwina’s defining character flaw is not naiveté but self-absorption instead.
A lot of people attribute Edwina not clocking anything before 2x06 as ‘innocence’ or argue that it was because she was ‘sheltered’. But honestly, the truth is she had it pointed out to her, not just by Kate, who kept trying all the way leading upto the wedding, but even by Daphne, Anthony’s own sister. Yet, she disregards both their perspectives, because it didn’t happen to her.
When Kate tells her about feeling humiliated by Anthony, Edwina’s main argument seems to be that he didn’t really do anything to humiliate her. When Daphne points out that Anthony is not even-tempered, Edwina’s main argument seems to be that he’s even-tempered with her. That’s what counts to her. Even over and above how he’s with his family.
I think that having Kate focus all her attention on Edwina during her childhood, made Edwina direct her own attention inwards, towards herself. That’s how she grew up. We know that Kate sacrificed and scraped pennies to keep them afloat and later to get them to England. So, it’s reasonable that Edwina was her sole focus while she was growing up and that’s what Edwina internalised.
You can even see both their character flaws play out in the scene where Kate has just woken up from her coma.
Even as she’s recovering from a life-threatening head injury, Kate is focusing on Edwina and Edwina is focusing on herself.
I especially think that the things Edwina did end up noticing make this argument stronger. The moment she actually looks at Anthony at the altar, she’s able to piece together the story. Had her obliviousness been due to innocence, she would have not have drawn the conclusion that she did. To know that Anthony “would never look at her, the same way he looks at Kate”, she has to recognise and interpret the signs of love, attraction, and desire, which she does very readily.
Then, why did she not see it before? Because she simply never paid attention to it before. And I’m including Anthony in this, because when she really looks at his face, on the altar, she’s able to tell immediately. All throughout the season, she’s only been paying attention to how he makes her feel, rather than him.
Kate’s character flaw is self-sacrifice and Edwina’s is self-absorption and both of these things drive the season 2 plot.
#bridgerton#anthony bridgerton#kate sharma#kate sharma x anthony bridgerton#kanthony#bridgerton analysis#bridgerton season two#meta#writing#I also want to say that neither of these flaws are truly addressed#Kate keeps waiting for Edwina to grant her permission even upto episode 8#willing to go back to India and sacrifice love for the sake of it#and Edwina as I mentioned in the post#but this was already too long#so let me settle for this
86 notes
·
View notes
Text
Actually I WILL talk about Mai's seeming 'radicalisation'. With the upcoming comic, I can see why a lot of people are confused/caught offguard by Mai suddenly having a vested interest in reforming the Fire Nation's school curriculum.
However, I don't think it's as much of a heelturn as one would believe at first glance.
Mai is a difficult character to pinpoint on some levels, particularly due to her upbringing which stripped her of a lot of her self expression. I think most of the fandom underestimates the trauma and effect of Mai's upbringing. I elaborate on it here.
However, the long and short of it is that Mai was not encouraged to question, criticise or, god forbid, rebel against her enviornment. To the point where her parents scared her with stories of spirits that would kidnap her if she misbehaved.
Ukano's involvement in politics and relatively high status should also be taken into account. Mai would have grown up being strongly encouraged to conform to her father's beliefs and go along with his politics.
Mai : My mother said I had to keep out of trouble. We had my dad's political career to think about.
We've seen the propaganda and indoctrination of the Fire Nation school system, how it uses misinformation in its curriculum and how it punishes deviance.
Most fire nation children won't have the tools to find the cruelty and danger in the philosophy of the Fire Nation. Zuko had to get banished from the country to even start his deconstruction. And he had Iroh at his side to guide him.
It's not shocking that Mai would not be able to see the flaws of the Fire Nation. Despite this, she still shows no attachment to the Nation's cause, either. In fact, she actively refused to take part in the war effort when she thought she could get away with it.
I don't think Mai had much sympathy to the other nations, nor will I claim she secretly harboured anti imperialistic sentiment. I simply want to state the fact that Mai was, from a young age, forced to do things she didn't want to do and conditioned by multiple parties, to accept this. Mai has been trained to be passive, with only the method of passive aggressiveness and gloominess to defend herself.
I think after the fall of Ozai's rule and the slow restructuring of the Nation, Mai got more freedom in her life. Ukano's political role diminished, so Mai was allowed to think for herself. She gets to discover the world more and develop her own thoughts and ideals, rather than the ones she'd been forced to conform to.
This line in the upcoming comic seems to confirm my thoughts:
Mai's upbringing is the underground and darkness. She was never given an alternative or agency in her life. And thanks to Zuko, she was able to see and experience a different world than the one she was brought up with. She is able to help to try and achieve it.
Initially, Mai is angry at Zuko's joining of team Avatar. She feels betrayed and upset that he did not talk to her in person, even if it was to protect her. And yet, she saves him. While I believe that most of her motivation was genuinely out of love for Zuko. But she also, ekther inadvertently or deliberately made the choice between Azula and Zuko. Between the two potential duture leaders of the Nation.
And she chose Zuko. Who is not only the boy she loves, but also the boy who can heal her nation.
There is an argument to be made about how Mai represents the Fire Nation itself and its relationship to Zuko, but that is a topic for another day.
The theme of Mai caring for the future of the Fire Nation can be seen expanding in the comics. As 99% of the fandom will tell you, the comics have their flaws, but I do enjoy their handling of Mai for the most part.
I think it's interesting that we are shown that Mai not only wants Zuko to be Fire Lord, but for him to be a good Fire Lord.
We see her dissapointed in Zuko secretly meeting with Ozai. At first glance, what she says to Zuko is that she is dissapointed in him keeping secrets from her, which is understandable, since the last time he kept a secret from her led to him joining the opposite side of a war.
However, with her next appearance, we see that Mai may have had another concern relating to Zuko's communing with Ozai. When Ty Lee informs her of Zuko also enlisting Azula's help, Mai exclaims 'so he really is turning into his father', which seems to denote that Mai has a distaste for Ozai and his rule, whether that be from the begining, or recently acquired.
Mai also criticises Zuko's callous and controlling restrictions over the frightened townspeople. This serves to further cement the idea of Mai becoming disillusioned with the similarly inclined authority figures of her past. Authority figures who were a symptom of the Fire Nation's utilitarian and imperialistic system. We see this disdain manifesting in its full force in the teasers for the upcoming comic.
I think people tend to not realise how restricted in her self expression and thoughts Mai was, despite all the puzzle pieces being laid out for us in the show.
Mai has gone through a very quick and yet realistic episode of character growth in my opinion. Not unlike a lot of people raised in heavily Conservative and restrictive households who peel off later in life, she's settling into her own mindset and motivations.
Ans I don't think it's an unrealistic idea for Mai to want to help change the education system. The Fire Academy for girls is where she met Azula, and as an all girl school alumni, I can tell you first hand how toxic and confining these enviornments can be.
While Mai may not be seen as a particularly empathetic or kind person (though I think this interpretation is flawed), she can sympathise with the young girls who will be placed in the shoes of her younger self.
She can want to not see these kids go through what she, Ty Lee AND Azula did.
[The panels of Mai glancing between the stifling interior of the school and the open window and choosing to go outside and lead the Nation's youth outside... ugh]
Not only is this a rather logical progression for Mai's character, in my opinion, but it also feels like a very big 'healing your inner child' moment for Mai. Since she was not really seemingly allowed to be a child, as most children in the Fire Nation appeared to have such restrictions placed on them.
I don't think it's much of a stretch of the imagination that Mai would want to have at least a small part in dismantling the system that harmed her and so many other children of the nation.
She is a young woman now, she has grown from the oversheltered, apathetic teen she was in the show. She has been able to make her own informed opinions about the state of the nation, has been able to hone her trauma into determination. And it seems we're going to see the fruits of this development in "Ashes of the Academy".
I have very high hopes for the upcoming comic, since what we've seen of it appears to make a compelling story, one I relate to deeply, as well as a good study of Mai, a character I find often misinterpreted by the fandom.
#'this is out of character' my brother in raava let me tell you about this cool thing called character development#mai#atla mai#mai atla#zuko#azula#ty lee#ashes of the academy#pro mai#pro maiko#avatar#atla#avatar: the last airbender#the last airbender#avatar the last airbender
101 notes
·
View notes
Text
A thought on a queer Star Trek timeline
Watching Star Trek from the original series to modern times is to fast forward through the evolution of queer rights through the 20th and early 21st century.
In the original series queerness must be imagined in the close relationship between Kirk and Spock. We can only see ourselves in what we hope and dream about for the future. We get Amok Time.
In the 80's queer people start to materialize in the background. TNG takes tentative steps towards telling our stories, still cloaked in the allegory. We get Outcast.
In the 90's Ds9 gives us Rejoined. Still cloaked in allegory, but the lines get sharper, the mist starts to lift. A character has a monologue about how two people that love each other should be able to be together. Hidden winks has turned into words.
Voyager, while a good show in other respects, does not give us a single crumb of queerness. Aside from the relationships we ourselves imagine.
In the 2000's we are on the cusp of actually having queer people on screen. Enterprise tries to tell stories of gender (Cogenitor) and the AIDS crisis (Stigma), two episodes that are still filtered through a limited understanding of both. When Enterprise ends in 2005 and this Star Trek era ends with it, queer representation in film and tv is still scarce.
The AOS era instead is where queer people, for the first time, stepped out of subtext. Sulu is married to a man - a nod to George Takei, the original series actor. Star Trek Beyond comes out in 2016, the year after same sex marriage is legalized in the US.
It isn't until 2017 that a Star Trek show officially, without subtext or allegory, gets queer characters, when Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber are married on Discovery. Discovery also adds further queer characters down the line, finally saying that yes - queer humans do exist in the future.
I know you all will have opinions on what is queer or not. But when tracking the evolution of queer representation it's important to separate subtext from text and to separate when something is allegoric verses not.
I interpret Jadzia Dax as queer - but she is not human. She is an alien wrapped inside a gender non confirming shroud of gray areas. That is the strength of her character - that it allows the writers to explore themes that otherwise would have been taboo. But the fact that they could only pursue queer storylines with non human characters tells you something about the times.
it really feels like Star Trek was late to the party with queer representation. I think there's multiple reasons for that. One is that when Enterprise was created, it still carried the legacy of shows created in the 80's and 90's. Enterprise itself is also literally a prequel - there seemed to be little desire to be bold and innovative.
Timing is I think the main reason why Star Trek trailed behind. Between Enterprise ending in 2005 and Star Trek Discovery starting in 2017 there's a whole era of representation. If Enterprise had dared make an actual queer character, like Malcolm Reed, it would have been just ahead of the wave of representation that started popping up in the late 00's - but instead it closed on a similar note as DS9 did 10 years earlier.
Feel free to add your favorite queer episodes. There are some "official" queer episodes - but there's a bunch more that meant a lot for us as queer people, for one reason or another.
#Apparently I had a lot to say today#queer trek#Let Reed be gay 2024#I say 'a thought' like this isn't an essay
103 notes
·
View notes
Text
On one hand would I have killed to see ace rep in the show itself? yes yes I would have because we are sorely lacking in ace rep in most media's.
on the other hand asexuality is different from being aromantic and it's clear christian linke just doesn't want the ship to be encouraged and so picked the character in the ship who hadn't been portrayed as having a sexual/romantic relationship with anyone, it's just that said character also happens to have most of the traits that stereotype ace characters had so it cheapens the decision in the writing by a lot
Like I feel like at least half of the cast being confirmed as ace would have been better rep. You could have had it be Mel and then showcase her seduction of Jayce being something she doesn't at all give a shit about sex besides using as a tool for furthering her power until she realizes she caught feels. You could have had it be Vi and have it so she feels like that's why she has a tough time connecting with people and maybe have her tell Caitlyn in a heartfelt scene. Hell you could have made it Ekko and have had a mention of it in season two episode 7 where Powder says she'll always love and respect Ekko's boundaries. There is nothing wrong with Viktor being ace if the writers had set out to actually make him ace rep, however the only thing that even hints at Viktor being ace is him saying no to walking home with Sky and that could very easily be read as Viktor is just distracted with his work or Viktor just not being interested in women. Viktor being "confirmed" ace by one of the writers in an out of media interview out of what seems to be a dislike of a popular queer ship leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
and can I just say I'm kinda sick and tired of asexual characters being almost exclusively confirmed as ace through tweets and outside of the source material, like if the higher ups were preventing representation and the only way to announce it was a blog post that's one thing but when most characters only have their asexualty revealed as an afterthought it's really disheartening like how bad of a writing team do you have to be that hazbin hotel of all medias does a better job of explicitly showcasing a character as asexual than arcane does.
(suggestive warning)
viktor being confirmed to be asexual but only because christian linke despises the idea of jayvik being inherently sexual or just romantic for that matter is just so disheartening
im so sick of disabled people just being viewed as undesirable and unable to have sex in comparison to characters like jayce. and to see this type of stereotype being placed on a character i align myself with heavily is just so devastating
587 notes
·
View notes
Text
The clock may be ticking for Outlander on TV, but the story is everlasting for bestselling author Diana Gabaldon, who writes the historical fantasy books (nine and counting!) upon which the show is based. Debuting in 1991, the first Outlander novel has spawned several sequels, spinoff novellas, and ultimately the intense Starz drama that viewers have come to love. With the final episodes on the horizon and new prequel series Blood of My Blood forthcoming, Gabaldon reflects on the show’s end and offers a peek inside her notebook.
What have you been happy to see so far in Season 7?
Diana Gabaldon: One of the things the Outlander production as a whole does really well is battle scenes. We’ve had a certain amount of the [American Revolution’s] Battle of Ticonderoga, the first Battle of Saratoga, and a lot of the second Battle of Saratoga. And I absolutely loved the actor playing Benedict Arnold, Rod Hallett. The casting this season has been spectacular. Every character is just right.
Would you say that Benedict Arnold was the character you were most excited for fans to meet this season?
He is historically fascinating, and I did a lot of research work on him because he plays a large part in more than one of the books. And we’ll see him again in Book 10. His story is very interesting. Everybody knows how his story ends, or at least they think they do. But yes, I was just impressed that, between the script and the actor, they pretty much nailed him and captured his sense of reckless adventure and his charm. Luckily, they used a lot of the book dialogue for it, some of which was taken from things that Benedict Arnold himself said.
With the show set to conclude with Season 8, do you have an ending in mind for Claire and Jamie’s story on the page?
Yes, I have shared the ending scenes with [the creative team]. But as to the actual way the story comes to a conclusion? No, they don’t know that. [Laughs] But we’ll get there. I don’t write in a straight line, and I don’t work with an outline. This is why it takes me several years to write one book — not only the way that I write, which I describe as like playing Tetris in my head, but also just the sheer size and the fact that they are books of a continuing nature.
You’ve shared a few excerpts from your 10th novel in the series. Is there anything else you can tease about it?
Well, I’m still writing it. And I have a title, but I’m not revealing that until we’re a bit closer to publication. I don’t want to rub all the “new” off it. I can tell you that it’s got whales.
You’ve also written Season 2’s “Vengeance Is Mine,” “Journeycake” in Season 5, and the upcoming 14th installment in Season 7. Can we anticipate more scripts from you?
Yeah, it’s so much easier than writing novels. [Laughs] It takes me three weeks tops to write a scene. I will be writing a script for the prequel [Blood of My Blood] and one for Season 8 [of Outlander].
Though only one season has been given the green light, how long do you envision the prequel’s story to be onscreen?
Well, the television version isn’t up to me, but for what it’s worth, I have material for three — relatively short, as compared to the main Outlander novels — prequel books concerning Jamie’s parents. Blood of My Blood is based on the synopsis of the first of those books.
Apart from the ones you’ve written, are there any episodes you love so much that you wish you had?
Oh, yeah. There’s always at least one per season where I’m thinking, “Oh, this is fabulous.” It would be [Episode 8, “Turning Points”] for Season 7.
Do you have a favorite memory from your times visiting the set?
It would probably be the first season where they invited me to do a cameo [as Iona MacTavish] in Episode 4. It was fascinating being part of the set rather than visiting it. I was a cast member for three days. It was just interesting to see how it all worked.
Were you able to make it to set for Season 8?
God willing, I will be on set for a week or so next month [September 2024]. They’ll be filming the final block, for which I wrote one of the scripts, so I’d like to see a bit of it live. The last time I was on set for a prolonged period — as opposed to drop-in visits — was for Season 2’s “Vengeance Is Mine.” The food from craft services was always excellent, so I’m hoping to have a toastie, and I’m looking forward to seeing good friends.
How have the main cast’s performances surpassed what you envisioned on the page?
Sam Heughan does a fantastic job with Jamie, and Caitríona [Balfe], while she doesn’t look like the Claire of the books, certainly acts like her and is totally immersive in her character. I’ve [never] seen a bad performance by anyone at any level.
What will you miss most about the show?
I’ll miss the entertainment value of seeing dailies five nights a week, but otherwise, I’m not troubled. The end of a great adventure is always a bit traumatic and nostalgic — but it does leave you with a feeling of specialness, accomplishment, of having been part of a great endeavor. And they do live in my head, you know…
Are there more stories in this universe that you still wish to explore?
There’s always more I could write. Making the optimistic assumption that I’m going to live long enough, I have notes for [time traveler] Master Ray-Mond’s book (no title on that one yet) and for another [about Claire’s first husband, Frank], titled What Frank Knew.
Will you feel sad saying goodbye to Jamie and Claire?
I really don’t think I will — the main books are written with a lot of lacunae — spaces where we move from one block of story to another, leaving a hiatus of months (or sometimes years) in someone’s life. I can, should I want to, always go back to one of those places and write what happened while everyone was looking somewhere else.
Outlander, Season 7B, Fridays, 8/7c, Starz (Midnight on the Starz App and On Demand)
This is an excerpt from TV Guide Magazine’s Outlander: Claire & Jamie’s Love Story For The Ages issue. For a deep-dive into the historical romance, scoop on the second half of Season 7, and details on the upcoming prequel, pick up a copy of the issue available on newsstands and for order online at Outlander2024.com.
Article posted 29 November 2024
58 notes
·
View notes
Text
THE YEAR IS 2019… WELCOME TO GRAVITY FALLS: ETERNAL DEVOTION AU Return To The Falls RP Edition
Related accounts set in 2012: @formerquestionmarkmp, @dippers-guide-to-the-strange, @pocketsfullofglitter, @queenplatinumpaz2012.
CHARACTER INFORMATION:
Mason “Dipper” Marth Pines:
Age: 19 years old
Pronouns: He/They
Identity: Bisexual, Non-Binary
Fiancé: Paz Southeast
Online College Student
Stoner
Well known ghost hunter in the area
Mabel David Pines:
Age: 19 years old
Pronouns: She/It/Pink/Meow/Oink
Identity: Cis, Aroace
Shroom addict (Don’t tell mom!)
Sells knitted sweaters and scarves, as well as Kandy bracelets, on Etsy
Pastel Goth/Scene mixture… I don't know either man.
Stanley Caryn McGucket-Pines:
Age: 67 years old
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Cis Bisexual
Husband: Fiddleford McGucket-Pines
Usually out sailing with Ford and Fidds
Kept his mullet in honor of his nieces old nickname
Owns five “#1 Dad” Mugs. Four from Soos, one from his niece.
Stanford Filbrick Pines:
Age: 67 years old
Pronouns: He/It (Only uses it due to Bills effect on him)
Identity: Cis Gay
Space Divorced TM both Fidds and Bill on separate occasions
Formerly brainwashed by Bill- barely resisting getting back together with him
Can not handle The Lust TM
Paz Elliot Southeast:
Age: 19 years old
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Bisexual Transgender
Fiancé: Mason Pines
Only recently found out he was trans- binds and cut his hair, but that’s about it
Steals Dippers clothes a lot. They’re his now actually.
Will never, ever admit to being the bottom relationship even if they’ve been together six years and it’s obvious as fuck.
Working for Greasys Diner
Jesus “Soos” Ramírez:
Age: 29 years old
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Cishet
Wife: Melody Ramírez
Stan is his dad figure, duh
Melody and him have a son named Diego
Cried like a baby the first time the twins referred to him as their uncle
Wendy Blerble Corduroy:
Age: 21 years old
Pronouns: She/He
Identity: Cis Bisexual Lesbian
Dippers weed dealer. Why are you shocked
Barely looks any different than she looked at age fifteen… except she ties her shirt into a crop top to show off her stomach tattoo of an axe.
Hottest lesbo on the block, according to nobody but her friend group
Robert “Robbie” Stacy Valentino:
Age: 22 years old
Age During Death: 15 years old
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Cis, Bi-curious (will not admit this)
Somehow befriended Paz. Neither know how nor want to admit it, but they have movie nights where they do each others nails and makeup and cry to metal music.
Zombie. Walking corpse even. Yep, we’re leaning into THAT old theory.
Still beefing with Dipper for literally no reason. Even Dipped doesn’t hate him at this point he just likes annoying him. They’re like brothers honestly.
Gideon Charles Gleeful:
Age: 17 years old
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Cishet
Ex-Ciphertology chil cultist
Despite this he still cries over the fact that Bill finds him annoying
He can’t really find anything to do with himself anymore since weirdmaggedon and highschool so hes really fucking bitter.
Fiddleford Hadron McGucket-Pines:
Age: 69 years old (haha funny number)
Pronouns: He/Him
Identity: Cis Gay
Husband: Stanley McGucket Pines
Him and Emma May were actually beards- still occasionally in contact.
Was forced into a polyamorous marriage with Bill and Ford- eventually divorced them for MANY reasons
Seriously this guys got some BAD C-PTSD to be honest
Martha Winona Pines:
Age: 38 years old
Pronouns: She/Her
Identity: Cis Aromantic Bisexual
Ex-Husband: David Patterson
Has even WORSE C-PTSD from being Bills former puppet for like seven ish years
Literally so fucking grumpy about his return but NOBODY will let her murder him so she’s decided on verbal assault
Loves her kids soooooo so much
Calls Stan “Uncle Mullet”
William “Bill” Lu Cipher:
Age: ??????????????????? centuries old.
Pronouns: He/They/It- anything masculine or gender neutral
Identity: What a boring concept
Former triangle, now human for redemption- can only reincarnate if fully reformed, though he will never fully be forgiven for what he’s done, so he’s stuck this way til this body dies.
Can’t use his powers anymore- not even floating, which he hates a LOT
Misses Ford soooooo much…. Fucking loser.
BOUNDARIES:
13+ interactions only
Currently Gideon is still a minor, and I’m only a teenager, so please keep the NSFW to a minimum. Suggestive is fine, though.
DNI inc3st/p3do proshippers, p3do/m4p, transph0bic, hom0phobic, or r4cist people. You are not welcome here.
Please be respectful to me, the mod. You can be mean to characters, not to me. I do not appreciate hostility
Here and Here are the Casting Call links for the Eternal Devotion podcasts, please consider helping out with voice acting or even writing!
#dipcifica#gravity falls#gravity falls rp#gravity falls ask blog#gravity falls rp blog#dipper pines#mason pines#mabel pines#stan pines#stanley pines#stanford pines#ford pines#bill cipher#billfiddlesford#billford#martha pines#gideon gleeful#robbie valentino#wendy corduroy#pacifica northwest#pacifica southeast#paz southeast#fiddleford mcgucket#soos ramirez#eternal devotion#eternal devotion rise of ciphertology#eternal devotion return to the falls
57 notes
·
View notes
Text
"Orihime being afraid of Ichigo's hollow power shows she doesn't fully accept him."
I see this take and similar ones pop up from anti fans of Ichigo and Orihime and try to say that Orihime is bad, in the wrong, etc. for being afraid of his hollowfication powers when her first encounter with a hollow was her brother Sora.
I know the anime did a lot of damage to Orihime's character - especially by taking these scenes out and altering them compared to the manga - but when Ichigo begins to undergo the same process as Sora, it only makes sense that she's afraid.
Not because she's afraid of Ichigo but because what he can become.
And just like Sora said, "It would be [her] fault"
Also - this is to counter the whole "Ichigo and Orihime were never close/barely friends/just acquaintances" that I see floating around often too.
But all in all - Orihime was never afraid of Ichigo. She was afraid of what he could have become.
As Acidwire, Sora targeted Orihime because of her growing bonds with Tatsuki and Ichigo. He even says that he attacked them because they tried to tear him and Orihime apart and that she already knew why.
For clarity - what I'm about to say isn't me saying that Sora was abusive in life and I'm going to specifically try to use his name as a hollow "Acidwire" as much as possible to express the slight separation between Sora as he was while he was alive and Sora as he was when he became Acidwire.
Especially since early on, it established that hollows - while they were once former humans - often end up being twisted versions of the people they once were.
Now onto the point -
The "You already know why" isn't dissimilar from how abusers, manipulators, etc. often talk to their victims when they're angry or upset. It's similar to the silent treatment in a way where it implies that the victim intentionally made the abuser upset.
He references her prayers for him every day helped ease his own suffering before she became friends with Tatsuki and entered high school before she stopped praying for him altogether. He then says how it hurt him that when she got home, all she would talk about was Ichigo.
For one - the fact that Acidwire knows this proves that Ichigo and Orihime were at least already friends by the time the manga started. In contrast to the anime where Ichigo outright says to Rukia that they've "never had a real conversation"
Anyways - this here in and of itself proves Ichigo and Orihime at least knew each other beyond just acquaintances - because they were close enough for Acidwire to notice and be hurt by it.
She tries to defend herself but he cuts her off before attacking Ichigo again
Acidwire tells her to come with him back to when it was just the two of them. In the context of the story, this would basically be him killing her.
However, this is also a tactic abusers use known as isolation.
When she questions why she should go with him and why he'd hurt Ichigo and Tatsuki before saying that the brother she loved would have never done anything like this.
I feel like in the anime, it kinda breezed by these moments which are honestly heartbreaking in hindsight and key for the leadup to why Orihime was afraid when Ichigo would use his hollow mask.
but Acidwire's response to her refusal and saying that the brother she loved would never do this is to not just harm her, but blame her and say that he is going to kill her.
In the time that she's become friends with Ichigo and Tatsuki and slowly grew happier, Acidwire blamed her for his own despair and sadness.
The kind, loving older brother that she had always known became a monster that would kill her and everyone close to her, and it would be her fault that he did because she stopped praying for him.
Here, it shows how Acidwire views Orihime not as a person who should live her own fulfilling life, but as an object who should live for him because he gave up his entire life to raise and protect her.
Once again, not to say that Sora was an abuser or abusive person, but this line of logic is the same one that abusive and toxic parents often use when it comes to emotionally abusing their children. Saying how the sacrificed so much for their children to control how their children live their own lives when the child never asked to be born. Similarly, Orihime didn't ask to be born or ask for Sora to raise her.
Sora did because that's the kind of person that he is, but Acidwire turns these loving traits of Sora's into a manifestation of abuse.
And even though she has nothing to be sorry for... She apologizes to Acidwire because that's the kind of person she is.
It also shows how she puts on a smile so that way others don't have to worry about her. She didn't want Sora to think that she was sad and hurting, she didn't want him to worry about her so she buried and hid her own sadness.
She apologizes to Acidwire for making him sad and (in what she thinks are probably her last moments) says that she loves him and that she didn't mean to hurt him.
As he's slowly regaining himself, Sora admits that he already knew that Orihime was just trying to shield her sadness from him but still wanted her to pray for him because it was only in those moments that her heart was his.
Ichigo then tells him that it's the same, those who die and those who survive are just as sad as the other.
It's in this moment Sora had fully regained himself, enough to know that he couldn't stay in a form like this or else he'd come to hurt Orihime again. If he killed the little sister that he raised like a daughter over his own heartache, would he have been any better than their own abusive parents?
And finally, the two get to say goodbye properly.
Also - a side note - a lot of people criticize Orihime's passive nature and how she never seems to fight or argue with anyone but it's because the one time that she did have a fight with someone, they died and became a monster.
This entire sequence emphasizes why Orihime always tries to reach out to others in need and never argues or fights. She doesn't want her friends or even strangers, to become like how Sora became Acidwire.
Now, Rukia had changed/erased Orihime's memories following this event but it likely didn't work as intended since during the Rukia rescue arc, Orihime mentions that she's been able to see hollows and spirits ever since the encounter with Acidwire.
Now let's go ahead and jump ahead to VL Ichigo -
Going to Hueco Mundo - Ichigo already knew without having to be told or convinced by anyone that Orihime was in danger. Aizen did his best to make it look like Orihime was a traitor to the Soul Society and Ichigo never bought it
It's being put in plainer and plainer terms that Ichigo transformed as a response to Orihime's call for help.
Even if you want to argue that there was a mistranslation or that Ichigo doesn't directly reference Orihime, even if you remove all of the text the sequence of events goes
Orihime's cries
Ichigo began to move and get up - functionally coming back from being dead
Once again, even if you want to remove the text avoid arguing about whether or not it was properly translated - nevermind the fact that in Japanese pronouns are often omitted and there is a big assumption to just know who/what you are talking about -
Even without text, the images show Orihime crying, and Ichigo beginning to come back to life.
Both she and Ulquiorra question whether that is Ichigo
Now that said, I think that Ichigo vs Ulquiorra is one of the most brutal and best fights in the series. Both Uryu and Orihime know that this isn't Ichigo.
Yet remember how it is established that hollows often become twisted versions of the people they once were? This is a power that Ichigo can't control and yet uses it to protect the person who called out to him.
While I don't disagree with the notion that this is also White protecting Ichigo, it doesn't change the fact that Kubo intentionally drew Orihime and Ichigo rising side by side multiple times. Even without text, Kubo places emphasis on her and her cries for help against VL Ichigo - not White or Zangetsu.
And when Uryu tries to bring him back to his senses what does Ichigo do? Put a sword through him.
Once again, even if you want to remove any and all text, Kubo puts VL Ichigo paneled side by side with Orihime, and when Ichigo comes back to his senses
The first person that he sees is Orihime.
As much as I want, I'll save my yapping about Ulquiorra for a separate time.
But for a moment, even if only briefly, his desires to protect were twisted in a way that hurt those around him, and once again - Orihime was the catalyst.
Ichigo says that he didn't want to win like this - showing that he views fights as something more honorable than what White/VL Ichigo had done. His last memory being that he had a hole put in his chest, also shows that he more or less "blacked out" and had no control over his actions.
What is one of the things established when people become hollows?
That they lose control of themselves and their desires are twisted.
The difference between Ichigo and Acidwire is that Ichigo wants to protect Orihime while Acidwire wanted to own her - which is why Ichigo never directly harms Orihime even as he loses control of himself.
But - all of this yapping is to show how from Orihime's perspective, hollowfication and hollow powers aren't good. They turn people into monsters that hurt their friends and loved ones.
It's also established that Orihime is the type of person who will internalize her own thoughts and feelings (it isn't ""hubris"" as some people call it).
Whether or not you want to argue that it was an assumption that Ichigo became a VL because she cried for help, it doesn't change the fact that she still cried for help and that Ichigo became a hollow/VL.
From her own perspective, she blames herself regardless of whether or not you think that it is an assumption on her part that Ichigo became a VL to protect her.
And after all - why wouldn't she blame herself when her first encounter with a hollow - Acidwire - blamed her for the monster that he became?
I know I skipped over him using his mask in the fight with Grimmjow, but I already yap too much and wanted to try to keep an already long post short(er).
Anyway - all of this illustrates the trauma that Orihime has regarding hollows and hollowfication. It's not truly her fault - yet in both instances she blames herself.
And not just Kubo, but Ichigo himself is fully aware of this.
Which is why when he tells her not to worry and that he's still himself is so important - because it shows that Ichigo has learned to control that side of himself while at the same time, being aware that Orihime is someone who has been traumatized by hollows and hollowfication.
Ultimately - she doesn't want Ichigo to become a monster like Sora. For Ichigo, it's growth in his own ability while for Orihime it's comfort in knowing that Ichigo won't lose himself fighting to protect those he cares about.
In short, she isn't afraid of Ichigo - she was scared of him becoming a monster like Sora had.
#rainbow talking#orihime inoue#orihime kurosaki#Ichigo Kurosaki#Bleach#Pro-Orihime#Pro-Orihime Inoue#Pro-Orihime Kurosaki#IchiHime#anywho - I did my best to leave out any romantic or shippy analysis#bc people will try to twist it to say that I'm trying to push a ship when I'm not#I still tag it as the ship bc I'm pretty sure shippers will want to read it#but i'm fending off Orihime slander that has crossed my tl in one way or another#Kubo also really does have a way of writing trauma that is super subtle#Because one can argue that Orihime becoming so kind and compassionate is a result of the trauma she's experienced#even before the start of the main series considering she was 3 when Sora ran away with her#even if she may not remember her parents specifically and only heard about their abuse#studies have shown even if someone doesn't remember it the abuse they experienced still has an impact on them#but all in all this was really more about Orihime#cause even removed of the text#Kubo drew VL Ichigo side by side with Orihime multiple times FOR A REASON#even if you want to argue those reasons aren't romantic#they're still there for a reason and it's to show how much Ichigo DOES care about Orihime#as well as Orihime's own experience with hollows/hollowfication#her hesitation and fear is a sign of trauma and PTSD even if the manga doesn't expressly say that#and it's something that Ichigo acknowledges and that he and Orihime also work past
42 notes
·
View notes
Note
Nahh, Val defenders are SCARY. I just saw the recent tea and lemme tell you. I’m an artist who does artist alley at huge cons over the USA and I’ve had people upset at me for having almost every Hazbin character as a keychain design except for Val because that mothafucker can go jump into an insect repellent buzzer for all I care. And I have had actual encounters IN PERSON of people who were upset I didn’t have the rapist man. I’d tell them I am too uncomfortable to draw him because guess what honey, I survived rape so of course he makes me uncomfortable. Also I’m the artist and I can draw whatever the fuck I want. And people would get upset saying they needed their husbando or tell me gee sucks for you but he’s a fictional character. Don’t care! I don’t care if he’s fictional, do you see how people treat awful men like him saying shit like they wished that Val had a contract with them? Don’t get me started on the ValAngel cosplayers who would pose in questionable manners, or the Val cosplayers who used their cosplay to excuse they heinous shit like touching people’s asses because they think they’re in character. And now with this print issue, it’s just going to get worse because people find the rapist man hot thanks to glorification of sexual assault. Also to the people comparing ValAngel to a consensual non-con kink, please seek help. Sorry babes I just had to get it out of my system because this is making me furious. Anyways, that’s my piping tea, and I love your blog.
Oh, sis, I just wanna start off saying that I am so sorry you have been dealing with this and that you're strong af for still being here and being you despite what horrors you faced. I wanna applaud you for your strength and keep up the good fight! I'd also like to apologize for taking so long to answer asks! After the latest drama, I have been getting so many more asks, and tbh I never thought my acc would get as much traction as it does nowadays! Glad you and every have been enjoying my posts and hope that I can better she'd light on Biv and her little posse!
Regarding your situation at cons, I am so sorry you had to deal with them obnoxious ass people. They say in one breath, "Oh, it's fiction!" But then, in the other, get pissed when said fiction is not available, that's how you know that they dgaf and only care about their "interests" over actual survivors concerns and critiques over the handling of SA. The fact that a lot of them do these sexual acts onto people proves the fiction DOES INDEED affect reality, unsurprisingly. Ima say it again, these mfers need to see Val get dogged on and made fun off lime a punching bag, and we'll see if they pull that same excuse.🫢🤭
#vivziepop critical#vivziepop criticism#anon ask#viv get a grip#vivienne medrano#vivziepop#hazbin fandom critical#hazbin hotel standom#hazbin standom#hazbin valentino#hazbin hotel valentino#valangel sucks btw
40 notes
·
View notes
Note
Say TT, what would be your top 10 T-rexes from media?
Ooo, tough one. I don't know if I can even rank them - I think I'll just share ten I love.
youtube
We'll start with the queen, the goddess, my inspiration, the T.rex(es) from Jurassic Park (and its sequels). An elegant design with so many iconic features, from the angry eyebrows to the overbite and of course the iconic roar. The franchise itself stops treating the T.rex with respect from the third movie on, but that doesn't stop it from being its flagship creature.
youtube
As villainous rexes go, I don't think any have surpassed that bastard Sharp Tooth, who channels the raw horror of the most fearsome fighting animal in the fossil record.
youtube
Every single moment of the T.rexes in Prehistoric Planet filled me with delight and childlike wonder - yes, even when one got chased away my quetzalcoatluses. It was just nice to see a dino documentary where T.rex doesn't die for once, and seeing rexes be tender and social was also something I deeply crave but rarely get to see in dinosaur media.
youtube
For dino documentaries that break my heart, the Walking With Dinosaurs rex reigns supreme. I know it's not a particularly accurate reconstruction (and in fact kind of mind bogglingly weird if you look at the details closely - what is going on with the area where her skull meets her neck?), but the story they tell with the rexes here is so tragic that it's burned into my mind. There's the one scene of a rex howling alone in the forest in search of a mate, where the narration notes that it's unlikely anyone will answer the call, that's just lodged into my memory as the ultimate illustration of romance-based loneliness. I feel that rex, man. I feel that howl into the empty woods.
youtube
I know it's not a "good" movie, but fuck it, I love The Last Dinosaur. I love the suitamation, I love how the T.rex is presented as this borderline supernatural threat in the vein of Moby Dick, I love that it actually gives us a T.rex vs. Triceratops fight (an odd rarity in dinosaur media despite it being a matchup that 1. happened a LOT in reality and 2. pits two of the most popular and fearsome dinosaurs against each other - "T.rex vs. Triceratops" is, like, someone who's so hot that no one ever asks them out because they think they have no chance).
youtube
There's a Japanese kid's movie about a girl who's trying to reconnect with her estranged paleontologist mother and ends up adopting a baby T.rex, and it's very cute and deeply emotional and has scenes of a baby T.rex in a Christmas cape and Santa hat evading the Feds because that's just what you have to do when you're a weird animal companion to a child. It love it. It's called Rex: A Dinosaur Story and I watch it illegally every year because there's no US release of it.
youtube
You Are Umasou is another Japanese piece of paleomedia aimed at children with a deeply emotional story about strained parent-child relationships that involves a T.rex - several T.rexes, actual, one of which invents the art of kickboxing to style over his opponents - and l also used to watch it illegally, but luckily Discotek Media released a blu-ray collection of it and its sequels (called "The Heart and Yummie Collection" in an atttempt to translate the pun of the original title that only kinda works), so now I can just watch it whenever, to my delight.
youtube
Fang from Primal is one of the most well-rounded T.rex characters in media and I love her so much, even if I can't watch the first episode of that show ever again. It's a shame that show never got a second season, I would have loved to see more of Fang's adventures in a prehistoric world full of dinosaurs and monsters. A damn shame that they didn't continue it - they certainly wouldn't have made the show be about ancient human civilizations with almost no monsters and a weird scene where a woman sleeps with a caveman covered in third degree burns.
Speaking of tyrannosaurs who get a great deal of characterization and team up with cavemen to fight dinosaurs and monsters in a fantastical prehistoric world, none have ever done it better than the original Devil Dinosaur. He lost all of that characterization and, like, any agency at all really when Jack Kirby stopped writing him, sadly, but at least he had a fun team up with Godzilla before he was reduced to a mindless brute and/or glorified pet in subsequent Marvel stories.
Finally we end with Gon, the star of the manga of the same name, a tiny little T.rex (well, arguments could be made he's more of a generic theropod, but he's been called a T.rex enough for me to count him here) whose anthology series tells some of the most dramatic, emotional stories about animals surviving in the harshness of nature without a single line of dialogue. Gon's stories range from the humorous to the downright tragic, and you can always tell what this little dinosaurs is thinking and feeling without him saying a goddamn word. Also he personally beat the shit out of every single fighter in Tekken, which basically makes him as powerful as twenty Gokus.
34 notes
·
View notes
Note
Hiiiiii I love your blog and your writing so much.
I know you have a hc that Sevika is bilingual, can you elaborate on that? Who taught her Spanish? Did she grow up speaking it? Does she do that thing where she forgets the English word for something and has to make up something to describe it? Does she say things in Spanish when people ask her to tell them something knowing they don’t speak Spanish so she can go “what, I told you already?”
Also I would die if she referred to me as “mi mujer” 😭😭😭
Thank you, have a great day!
Hello, anon! Thank you for the kind words 😄
So, yeah I think I mentioned this in a random throwaway Sevika headcanon post and haven't ever elaborated on this. But yes...
One of my headcanons for Sevika is that she is trilingual, and that stems from her family. First and foremost, I don't play League and I don't know shit about League lore outside of the bits of research I did to write for some Sevika stuff. I do see that League lore is incredibly detailed and expansive (which is fascinating to me) but there's still a lot that hasn't been explained from what I can tell? It looks like there are multiple languages that exist in Runeterra, which makes sense considering how many sentient races and ethnic groups there are. So let's talk about that for a second so you can understand my thought process on this. Walk with me here.
First off, this is, of course, a fantasy universe so the concept of languages and the countries they come from don't exist in that universe in the same way they do here. For example, there is no country called Spain, and therefore, there is no language called Spanish. So how does that work in my head? Easy. Use an existing language as a proxy for a fantasy one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I mean...are the characters speaking English in Arcane? Clearly no, because Germanic languages and the countries they derive from don't exist. They're speaking whatever local language exists in that universe. I figured why not add some other IRL languages for flavor? So with that being said, this is where we get to another headcanon.
If we're going by ethnic background, I like to imagine Sevika as Afro-Latino from her father's side and South Asian through her mother. Why? Her VA, Amirah Vann, is Afro-Latina (African American father and Puerto Rican mother) and speaks fluent Spanish. Sevika's name appears to be Indian in origin and I mean...like look at her lol. She is clearly meant to be, in our world, South Asian, most likely Indian. I obviously do not know what region of Runeterra this ethnic background would translate to. Maybe Shurima???
Given that background (and the bit of trivia about her VA), that's how I came up with her being trilingual. Learned all three languages growing up in the home. "Spanish" from her father, and a third language I haven't decided yet (Hindi? Urdu? Sanskrit? Punjabi? Don't know yet, need to research) from her mother.
Why? Well...why not lol. Truthfully, I thought it'd be interesting to make up some additional reasons why she's so fit to be Silco's right hand. Piltover and Zaun are port cities, and being port cities, you're going to come across a lot of people from a lot of different cultures who speak a lot of different languages. Basically the idea here is that Silco chose her as his second because of a variety of factors:
Multilingual, helps with gaining trust and securing deals
Trusted patron at The Last Drop
Same end goal of liberating Zaun
Loyalty
Can hold her own if shit goes south
Intimidating (she's fucking huge and can beat your ass)
Good at reading people
Surprisingly good at negotiation when she does bother speaking
And now that we know that Sevika herself was the one handling the majority of the deals (she said so herself in Season 2), I like this headcanon even more lmfao. Like here's an excerpt from an unreleased piece of writing I did that mentioned it:
The downside here ofc is that I, personally, only speak one language lol. I took Japanese in high school for 4 years and can't remember much except how to read hiragana and katakana (should have studied more!). I am absolutely going to have a lot of blindspots when it comes to things that only bilingual folks or folks who speak more than one language experience, and that is something that would be worth doing a bit more research on. Quirks like the ones you mentioned are things I forget that people experience 😅
That is a bit long so sorry for that, but I hope this answers your questions well.
Keep in mind: these are just headcanons. That's it. This is for fun. If you think something different, then do you!
taglist: @gaudesstuff @archangeldyke-all @abitohoney @sexysapphicshopowner @iamaboringrattat
@ash-fall7 @the-anonmaton @peanutbutterprincess @thesevi0lentdelights @kylorey25
#Arcane#Sevika#Sevika headcanon#headcanon: sevika#sorry this isn't an actual fic but this does give some context for HCs I include in my Sevika fics
29 notes
·
View notes