#especially if all of the people involved have something to say

[kaitlyn-chukwu]

Katsuki Bakugo headcanon:

-Bakugo is confident and brash, but when you're alone, he’s much softer.

-His love is demonstrated through acts of care, though he doesn’t always say it outright.

-A typical date might involve him dragging you to a spot he finds interesting—maybe a new training ground or a place where he can show off his skills.

-He tries to act cool, but his cheeks flush when you praise him.

-Despite his tough exterior, Bakugo loves surprising you with small gestures, like buying you your favorite snacks or leaving a note for you in an unexpected place.

-His “romantic” moments are blunt but meaningful: "I don’t need anyone else. You’re the one I want."

-Sometimes, he’ll watch you silently with a small smile when he thinks you’re not looking, but you catch his gaze, and he quickly looks away, embarrassed.

-Bakugo is fiercely protective of you. He might not always show it in the most gentle way, but you’ll never feel unsafe when he’s around.

-Bakugo’s not big on PDA, but when you’re alone, he’ll surprise you with small, unexpected gestures like running his hand through your hair or pulling you close for a brief hug.

-He’s not the type to say “I love you” every day, but he’ll call you something like “damn, you’re pretty cool” or “you're the best damn partner I could ask for” when you least expect it.

-If you’re going through something difficult, Bakugo will show his support in a straightforward, sometimes blunt way, pushing you to overcome challenges with his “stop being weak” attitude, but it’s always coming from a place of care.

-He’s not one to hide it, so when other people flirt with you or give you too much attention, he’ll get irritated and make sure everyone knows you’re his.

-When you accomplish something, Bakugo gets proud—he might not show it immediately, but he’ll make sure others know how impressive you are (especially if it involves him being involved in some way).

-If you’re good at something he’s passionate about (like training or a hobby), expect him to challenge you to a friendly competition, just to prove that he's the best... but secretly, he loves when you beat him because it pushes him to be better.

-Bakugo is fiercely loyal. He’ll always have your back, even if he doesn’t show it with words. He’d go to great lengths to protect you and keep you safe.

-While he’s protective, Bakugo respects your independence. He’s not going to hover over you or control your every move—he trusts you to make your own decisions.

-He’s not the type to plan romantic dinners, but if you’ve had a tough day, he might show up with your favorite food or take you out somewhere to help you unwind.

-Bakugo’s not the most emotionally expressive person, so it can take a while for him to truly open up about his feelings. However, once he does, it’s meaningful and deep.

-Bakugo loves to tease you, but it's all in good fun. Sometimes his teasing can get a little intense, but if you ever tell him it’s too much, he’ll tone it down (even if he acts annoyed about it).

-He gets irritated if anyone tries to steal your attention away from him for too long. Quality time is important, so if you’re busy, he’ll make sure you find a way to spend time with him soon.

-When it’s just the two of you, he’ll occasionally let his guard down and show a side of him that’s softer, often without even realizing it. He trusts you enough to do so.

[comradesummers]

i've gone from being mad about the existence of maddie bashing in fic to being kind of amused by it. like yes, a lot of the reasons people hate her are very misogynistic and reveal a lack of basic empathy for women and survivors of domestic violence. but sometimes these writers really have to stretch themselves to find reasons to hate her and it's very silly. some of these silly reasons include:

maddie and chimney dating is an hr violation (these people are not coworkers, what does hr have to do with anything?) and it makes poor buck very uncomfortable (i seem to recall him actively encouraging the relationship in the show)

buck is angry at maddie for being too controlling and "dictating" his medical decisions after the fire truck injury. like lol imagine if she had watched her brother puke up blood and was then told by a doctor that he could've died if he hadn't been surrounded by medical professionals and had just been like, continue risking your life kid, i'm not going to say shit about it

in general, she is depicted as controlling or micromanaging buck's life a lot in some of these fics, but is bashed in other fics for not being involved enough in his life (not being his attack dog during the lawsuit arc is a big one). i'm pretty sure some of these people genuinely believe that maddie is a bad person for not agreeing with all of buck's decisions, especially the stupid ones

this is a common one: maddie is clearly a bad person because she broke into buck's apartment (the building manager let her in). god forbid anyone have fun with this very silly goofy show and its silly goofy scenes. this contrived situation that was clearly created for comedy purposes must be taken deadly seriously. also, tell me you don't have siblings without telling me you don't have siblings

this isn't a reason as much as it is a general observation, but a lot of these fics appear to be omegaverse. do you think there's something about the existence of knotting that makes maddie a worse person?

most of these fics have at least 100 kudos and a lot of them have much more. which again, used to piss me off, but i've since found serenity in the knowledge that i get to enjoy a good character played by a hot lady while these people take all the fun out of it by interpreting her every action in the worst possible light. which sounds like a much worse viewing experience tbh

[ghostkingirl]

An analysis/rant about Alexis Ness and fear of abandonment

Seeing all the Ness hate (mainly on TikTok) is genuinely making me feel like his trauma and fears of abandonment aren’t being acknowledged enough so here’s my analysis rant about Ness because I am a Ness glazer and I feel like he has the potential to have the saddest or most important arc in NEL.

Obviously Ness is extremely insecure and sees himself as having no inherent value as a person. Especially for kids coming from toxic households, it can be hard for them to see that they are important and valuable as individuals.

Ness believed his only value was in soccer, and Kaiser was the first person who believed in him whenever he was at his lowest point. Kaiser (in a sense) acknowledged his value and helped him develop it further. Even after that, Kaiser opened up to Ness and developed a level of trust in him.

For someone like Ness, who was abandoned by the people closest to him, it’s understandable why he would attach himself to Kaiser. He saw his only value as being something for Kaiser to use to achieve his dream, and Ness probably got absorbed into that. I can see how Ness probably got so involved in Kaiser’s dream that he lost his own sense of identity, and I don’t think he realized that until after Kaiser broke things off with him. He wasn’t inherently trying to suck up to Kaiser, he was probably trying to reach that level of closeness he felt when him and Kaiser first started playing together, and he genuinely never thought about himself as an individual. When you hate every aspect of yourself because of what others have told you, having someone acknowledge even the smallest part of you means the world. You keep searching for more of that validation that they gave you, but in searching for that validation you neglect other parts of yourself and lose part of your identity until you only put value in that part that was validated in the first place. It’s honestly a tragic cycle of dependency and reinforcing toxic behaviors that I think is really well developed.

The complaint I see a lot is that Ness just hates Isagi, when i think it’s more complex than that. I don’t think Ness originally hated Isagi, he just went with what Kaiser said because (as I mentioned before) I don’t think Ness sees himself as a full individual. His attempts to only be what Kaiser wants/needs are what drives what he says and does for the first part of his involvement in NEL. I think Ness only hated Isagi when Kaiser “chose” Isagi. Not only did Ness only hate on Isagi at the beginning because it’s what he thought Kaiser wanted, when Kaiser chose Isagi I can see how Ness felt threatened by that. Until then, Kaiser had never tried to truly connect with anyone except Ness (that we know of), and Ness probably felt like his relationship with Kaiser would be sacrificed if Kaiser started working with Isagi.

I don’t think Ness is just a “Kaiser glazer” I think Ness is a deeply complex character whose abandonment issues and trauma are driving his every thought and decision making. He went from feeling totally worthless to having any part of himself validated and acknowledged. It makes sense that he put all of his self worth into that one part of himself so that Kaiser would keep him around. It also makes sense that he would be angry at Isagi considering the fact that Ness probably sees Isagi as being the one to affect his relationship with Kaiser. Ness just hasn’t realized how severely dependent he is on Kaiser’s attention and validation, and even if he has I don’t think he’s acknowledged it as problematic (yet). This is not to say Ness is perfect, he is a DEEPLY problematic character who is reinforcing his own downfall by constantly seeking validation from Kaiser (who in turn keeps pushing him away which only makes Ness try and seek MORE validation).

My hope for Ness is that like all us kids who have been abandoned and found our self worth in another person only to be abandoned again, that we find love and value for ourselves as individuals and not side characters in someone else’s world.

Anyways your local Ness apologist, out :3

[space929]

Allow me, an autistic person, to add onto this with exactly why. While I 100% agree with this and I think it is perfectly comprehensive, I have met people who genuinely did not understand why this was a fucked thing to say and I'm all about education.

So there are a couple points that I have here, apologies if they end up a bit scrambled.

First is that this feeds off the idea that we can not learn, and thus, telling us we're doing something wrong is... I think the point is ableism? I don't know. It makes no sense. But this idea is built off of ableism, quite clearly. We are perfectly capable of learning. It may take us more time and instruction, but we can learn. To say otherwise is infantalizing.

We also need to acknowledge that there was literally nothing else this could be, but I am not here to discuss that, I'm here to talk about autism.

It's also built off the idea that we are completely clueless at socializing. I would say I am worse with social cues than Elon, and I've never thrown up a Sieg Heil. Especially not for a fascist. Beyond this, we are a spectrum. Some of us communicate great. None of us throw up a Sieg Heil because of that. Maybe because they're Nazis - which... guys, you're asking the leopard to eat your face. Stop being strange - but not because they're autistic. There is also a level of nuance here involving manipulation and such, but I'm not qualified to talk about that and it doesn't apply to Elon, so I'm moving on.

Another good thing to mention is that the biggest issue was his response.

Sometimes, we all accidentally do things that are bigoted. Some of these things that aren't a Sieg Heil can absolutely be attributed to not understanding social cues. But the way we respond shows what kind of person we are.

When I do something bigoted, I apologize and carry that around with me so that I don't do it again. I do not refuse to address it, try to scrub it from the internet, and agree with people who are talking about how we shouldn't be calling people nazis. I also wouldn't associate myself with nazis for years prior. Doing all of this might hint towards the fact that I am a nazi, and I am definitely neutral towards the topic - so still evil.

Stop using autism to make a point when your goal for eugenics makes us obsolete. You only care about us when you can defend nazism with it. That's not what we're here for. We're people. Treat us as such, please.

And thank you to the rest of yall who are being normal. I know yall exist.

fyi if you're trying to use the fact that that rancid ass muskrat cunt is autistic to be like "oh he didn't know what he did was wrong" about the fact that he threw up a fucking nazi salute then you are one of the stupidest fucking cunts to walk the earth and since we're in a housing crisis you should start offering the massive amount of empty fucking space in your skull for rent

(signed, an autistic person)

[lxdymoon0357]

Hey, first of all, you're an absolute gift for single handedly fighting the fanfic drought in the villainess reverses the hourglass fandom. I read all your fics about it and I'm not even a Lohan fan lol. I was hoping to request Karin (platonically) with a reader who's her stepdaughter like mielle but they actually have a good relationship. Before Karin's wedding, her and reader have a conversation and reader tells Karin that when she thinks of a mother, she thinks of her and it's a cute found family moment. And it's my first time requesting so if it's too vague or too detailed or anything please lmk!

(Oh m god, thank you so much!! This made my entire week, for a thank you, take this post extra early and extra nice. I worked hard. See? This is what you guys can get if you give me compliments, yes i'm an attention whore. No, I do not care.|| found family troupe? You're Mielle's sister too. Fem! Reader. ALSO FIRST POST OF 2025)

© Writing belongs to me, Lxdymoon0357. Do not plagiarize, but reblogging, liking and commenting is deeply appreciated.

Mum's bonus princess

Carin would be running around usually, doing something with Aria or something. But right now, she was being fitted for her wedding dress, so she was busy to do anything. Admiring the way the lace was being fitted, Carin wouldn't mind saying she was highly privileged to somehow get here and give her darling daughter Aria this sort of life.

But her mind did stray to her current husband's three children he had with his previous wife; Cain, the eldest son, Mielle, the daughter who was sort of stand-offish to her but still civil and bubbly, and finally you, Y/N..Possibly the favourite of your entire family, adored by your brother, Mielle, maids and your father.

She hoped you wouldn't be offended by Aria and her coming to your house. She knew the ideas of nobles had about commoners, especially ones like her who seemed prettier than most; you're either heavily blessed by gods and somehow luckier in life, or you're unluckier than most..

For someone like her, who has a child, it was the latter for her. Most people would simply blame her for being involved with a man, as if she was a seductress with her figure and beauty.

But Carin worked hard to give her daughter the life she wanted, and she hoped she could enjoy this life and her stepchildren would be civil with her.

Finally being done, Carin was walking out to the garden when she saw you giggling gently in Mielle's arms at the table with your father and brother, Mielle softly blowing raspberries on your cheek as you giggled, your hands dug into her straight and soft blonde hair and her fluffy collar-ed dress, while Aria watched from aside, as your eyes glanced at Carin before they were again brought back by Mielle on her face.

She immediately felt saddened, hoping maybe this situation might fix as she walked to Aria, patting her back, who kept watching Mielle play with you on her lap and in her arms.

"Why don't you play with them?" Carin gently asked, as you let out a particularly loud laugh as Mielle giggled, holding you close to her, as Aria looked down, "..Mielle doesn't want me near Y/N.." she said huffing as Carin sighed, her eyes falling on her husband.

Her husband looked at her, as she motioned with her eyes to make his children include her girl to as he shrugged, "Mielle, why don't you and Aria talk? You're two the same age and who knows you might find something in common?", he said as Miellee turne to Aria, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as your brother took you in his arms as you giggled, patting Cain's face, as you turned to your father with a giggle and the new mum.

Mielle moved beside to sit with Aria, of-course very standoff-ish and unapproachable but Carin motioned for Aria to try to make conversation and they got a bit dry conversation going which did make Carin smile as she sat down at the table, her eyes turning to you giggling and playing in your brother's lap as your brother and father watched you lovingly.

She got to know everyone, except you, but it was simple to say Carin was nervous. You were the literal baby of the family and possibly everything ran around your finger, she did not even get to talk to in public like this due to her own nervousness.

If you did not like her, you could end this entire marriage within seconds, so hopefully she begged that Mielle wasn't feeding you ideas that she was trying to replace your mum.

Of-course you slid out of your father's lap and waddled back to Mielle, you adored her more than anything, being so young..you had Mielle around your fingers too, Mielle only smiled, picking you up and placing you on her lap as she continued to converse with Aria about fashion trends going on in social circles.

"And baroness Herovi-"Hovii" you copied Mielle as she giggled, "Oh? You want to join elder girls now, do you?" she gently kissed your cheek as you squealed in happiness, pulling gently on her hair as Emma smiled, gently patting your back as you kissed Mielle's cheek, making her smile, Aria stood aside, smiling a bit outcasted, but happy at your cuteness as well.

"Ri'.." you softly giggled, turning to Aria and catching her eyes, her hair was wavy, bouncy, not like Mielle's and you wanted to touch it as Emma held you back, making you pout and whine to remove your grip and touch Aria's hair.

but Emma kept a tight hold, she'd rather die than let her late lady' darling child interact with a commoner..

But seeing your distress, Mielle sighed, you were stubborn, no idea who you got it from, and she loved you..she promised herself and her mother to support you in whatever you wanted and supposedly, right not, you wanted to touch Aria's hair, so she swatted and removed Emma's hand from your tin, chubby wrist,

"Let them be, Emma" Mielle said, almost upset as Emma surprisingly stepped back as Aria gently waved to you as you reached out to her, Mielle didn't want to hand you over.

She loved keeping you on her lap, but as she turned, she saw her father motioning for her to let you bond with your stepsister..So she sighed,

"Keep your hands steady on my sibling, better not drop them"

Mielle hissed to Aria, who nodded nervously and held out her hands as you giggle and stayed in her arms, almost her size since Aria was such a small girl, despite being Mielle's age.

You gently dug your hand into Aria's hair and giggle, holding it up as if to show it to Mielle, who had arms crossed but nodded with a smile, "Yes..her hair is blonde, like mine" she smiled, gently rubbing your back while you were in Aria's arms.

Carin smiled, atleast Ari was being included, that's all that mattered to her. You spent a while in Aria's arms, babbling about everything and anything, which made no sense.

You were talkative, Carin and Aria learned.. After a while, Mielle again took you back into her arms, since that was more than enough for Aria's first time with you, as you giggle, holding onto Mielle's lacy collar as she gave you biscuits and broke them smaller for you to grab easily and not choke,

"Chew gently, okay?" she said, lovingly as she gave you a piece in your tiny fist.

The day spent, hour and Mielle, Aria and Cian had to leave for some lessons, leaving you giggling on you father's lap, as Carin watched with a smile,

as you gently turned to her, finally spotting her in awhile. You thought she was a bit scary, like evil stepmum from Cinderella but she got your gifts sometimes and Mielle liked her, so you were scared..but accepting her, somewhat.

You kept eyeing her, looking at her. She was so pretty, but was she nice?? Like Mielle or Cain or your father? Will she make you work in rags for Aria???

You couldn't tell, but you unconsciously reached to her, making your father and Carin freeze up in slight surprise before your father motioned Carin to take you, a bit upset she was leaving you waiting.

Carin immediately took you closer, holding you on her lap like she used to for Aria, your hands fiddling with her fan as you held onto the purple lace of her dress, while Carin smiled,

"So..Are you ready for your new mum yet?" your father asked as you turned to him and your cheeks formed a pout,

"No! I won't wash dishes in rag clothes!", "...What?"

you huffed, turning your head and flopping backwards causing Carin to hold you, why do children act like jelly when annoyed?!

"...Sweetheart, again..What did you say?" your father asked as Carin sat there, exasperated, already catching up to what you meant, "I won't be washing dishes and clothes in rag clothes with evil stepmum like Cinderella!" you huffed, crossing your arms.

Your father almost laugh but only chuckled and gently rubbed your back,

"no, it's okay. Your new mum will not make you work in rag clothes. She's just a new mum",

"like shopping bags?", "No-", "like dolls?!" you asked excitedly.

That made Carin hide her face behind her fan while your father awkwardly apologized to Carin, who brushed it off with a 'it's okay'.

"No, a mum", "muma?" you asked turning to Carin who gently pulled her fan down and nodded, "yes. I'll be a new mum and I won't be evil, promise" she assured you, making you uncross your arms and tilt your head.

"So...No cinders for me? No Cindered.....no CinderY/N?" you asked curiously making her smile and shake her head, "you don't have to be covered in cinders." she assured, as you giggled,

"Okay..New mum is amazing!!" you said excitedly, "Alright, time to sleep" your father said as Carin hugged you one last time because you wanted it and ran off to your father where your father took you away to put to bed.

Atleast Carin wasn't dying to call you CinderY/N or make you clean in rags..Mielle wouldn't ever allow it, but a bonus princess was nice. Especially if she was like you, preferably you.

[williamvapespeare]

going to u for advice/hear others thoughts, not to attack u, but how do u reconcile knowing the actions of neil gaiman with interacting with dead boy detectives stuff? i know he didn't make all the comics but he made the original/other comics are based on his works and he was an executive producer for the netflix show. i'm feeling conflicted and i haven't seen a lot of dbda fans talking about it

hey! this is something i've been thinking about a lot too and my answer is solely based in my own experience; i can't speak for all dbda fans. i wouldn't say that i was a huge neil gaiman fan before this, even though i did like his work - you can see i wrote one good omens fic back in the day and i do remember loving "ocean at the end of the lane" when i read it. i was really sad that i couldn't see the play when it was in london. i definitely liked what he did, but i hadn't read all his books or anything like that so i can't imagine the hurt other people are going through who DID feel that way.

i see dbda as distanced from him in part because i haven't read or seen Sandman, which is maybe a problem because it allows me to block out his association with something i love. i've engaged with it mostly by reading dbda fanfic that uses sandman characters, etc (also HUGELY unrelated not, but once i got a comment on a fic gushing about how i'd used sandman lore in a throwaway line about charles not dreaming and i just said like "oh thank you!" or something but it was completely accidental al;sjkf). from what i know: neil gaiman didn't write the comics and wasn't involved in the show beyond executive producing. i want to support people making fun queer horror art because that's the kind of art i love and i personally like to make. the way people engage with this is going to be individual, especially for anyone who needs to grieve or deal with feelings of betrayal and trauma.

personally, the things i will do going forward are: try not to give support to media that will benefit gaiman, and DO give vocal and monetary support to the creatives of dbda when i can (ie i supported the Appearances fundraiser because i want to see these creators make more excellent weird queer art and i knew that money would go to them), give praise and credit for the show to the people who were actively involved in making it - Steve Yockey, the writers, the cast, the writers/artists of the comics - these people we KNOW were the ones who had hands in crafting the story we love and none of them are neil gaiman.

you are 100% right to call attention to the fact that gaiman is inherently connected to this world and story that i/we love and that IS something i need to learn to acknowledge in my existence in fandom and as someone inspired by it. i don't have a concrete answer for how i'm going to do that morally, other than make sure i'm aware of it and try to make decisions that support the creatives who make artistic and moral choices that i DO believe in.

hopefully this answer was somewhat coherent and answered your question alright? again, this is probably a really individual thing for all fans of the show so i'm sure everyone will have their own insights

[maxdibert]

Would Snape even be capable of being a good boyfriend?

That depends a bit on what you think makes a "good boyfriend."

There are very basic things in romantic relationships that people often view as a plus but that should really be the foundation of any kind of connection. For example, respecting the other person's boundaries, honoring the agreements established, showing emotional responsibility, and generally treating your partner or the person you're involved with well. Many people believe that doing these things makes someone a good boyfriend because men are held to very low standards when it comes to being good partners, but those things are just the basics. They're the simplest things, really—just having a certain level of emotional maturity and behaving like a decent human being.

Relationships are more complicated than that, certainly, because it's not just about being a good or bad partner but about the compatibility between two people. This compatibility is based on two fundamental things: goals and character. It’s not about having identical goals and personalities, or even similar ones, nor about being completely different or opposites. It’s about finding a balance between those two concepts. You can meet someone who checks all the boxes for what an ideal partner might be and still not work out because your personality and theirs don’t mesh, or because your life goals are very different. You might even experience this with someone at one point in your life, meet them again years later, and have it work out because both of you are at a point where a healthy relationship is possible. There are a lot of factors at play.

Severus is a very complicated character with a terrible personality. And that’s just how it is. I love him precisely because he’s a prick with a bad temper, capable of being the most efficient, effective, and functional person in certain aspects but then getting triggered by something and suddenly behaving like a tantrum-throwing child incapable of managing his emotions—especially his bouts of anger. This makes for a fascinating and fun character to explore, but having a partner like that requires a certain kind of person. Severus wouldn’t be an easy boyfriend because he hasn’t had an easy life. He’s never addressed or worked through all the traumas he carries, he’s never learned how to manage his emotions, and he doesn’t have tools to handle them apart from using Occlumency—which is essentially an avoidance mechanism, and we know avoidance mechanisms are the absolute worst when it comes to emotional management.

You’d be dealing with a guy who, first of all, isn’t pleasant. He can have pleasant moments, but it’s not his default. He doesn’t know how to be pleasant and doesn’t like being pleasant. Being unpleasant is a type of protection he’s imposed on himself because he’s spent so many years performing that role to build a wall between himself and the rest of the world, especially to avoid forming personal connections or overly intimate relationships. He doesn’t know how to deal with positivity. I imagine him as someone who’s been through so much that he can’t quite believe he can have something good, and if someone were to ask him out, he’d probably think it was a joke or experience anticipatory anxiety, thinking they’re going to leave him any moment. He’d likely leave first or subconsciously sabotage the relationship to create a self-fulfilling prophecy and maintain the stigma he’s placed on himself—that he can’t be happy and everything goes wrong, blah blah blah.

He’s a deeply depressed person with terrible anger management, someone who would likely lash out over the slightest perceived attack, saying things that are incredibly, deeply hurtful. Then he’d feel terrible about it and, instead of apologizing, would fall into an avoidance spiral out of sheer embarrassment. He’s someone who’s very used to being alone, which makes people quite particular and fussy, often complicating cohabitation.

But on top of all that, he’s someone who wouldn’t chase after you, wouldn’t make the first move, or wouldn’t ask you out again. He’d be too terrified of feeling and losing because his emotional intelligence in that sense is quite stunted. So he’s a complicated guy, a guy with a lot of baggage, and someone who’s like catnip for people with a "rescuer syndrome"—those who want to save broken puppies from the street, “fix him,” or prove to him that life is worth living. That kind of partner would be terrible for Severus because he doesn’t need someone to change him. Lily already tried that, and it went terribly wrong because he has a specific personality, and you can’t put conditions on loving someone. You either love them with all their flaws, or you don’t—period. And that’s okay; it’s not a bad thing—it’s just incompatibility. You’re not going to change Severus, and you don’t have the right to change him. What he needs isn’t a mother or a caretaker; he needs someone who’s his equal, who stands up to him, and who, if he yells, will yell louder.

He needs someone who can understand his messed-up head, maybe even share some of that, someone with the same shitty character but greater emotional maturity at the same time to be the more rational one in the relationship. Someone who doesn’t judge him for what he’s done, who doesn’t even give it much importance. That’s to say, someone who can hold their own with him. I’ve always believed that, for someone deeply traumatized but unworked, the best match is another deeply traumatized person—but one who’s done the work. In other words, someone who has the same issues but has developed the tools to manage them because that creates the perfect balance: you understand the other person, you can handle them, and they understand you and can handle you, but when things go south, the person who’s done the work knows how to manage the situation and de-escalate.

I think that if Severus found someone who could keep up with him, then yes, he could be a good partner. Why not? He’s a very loyal and dedicated guy with almost obsessive devotion to those who earn his respect, trust, or affection. He’d do anything for someone he loves. He’s extremely devoted in his attachments because he’s so intense in that regard. The thing is, that’s not everything. He also needs to be with someone who can provide balance so he doesn’t act like a jerk. If he were with someone who gets scared at the first sarcastic comment or when he blows up over some nonsense, then no, he’d be a terrible partner. I mean, with complex personalities like his, everything depends entirely on the person he’s with and their character. Severus is a very difficult person. I think he could only show that he’s capable of having healthy and functional relationships with someone equally difficult but who has a clearer sense of things than he does.

[moltengoldveins]

OK SO MY INCOHERENT THOUGHTS-

in case you didn’t know, humans have this interesting mental capacity we call the Uncanny Valley. Basically, once something hits a certain threshold of Close To Looking Human, instead of going “oh! That’s a human!” Our brains instinctively panic. They classify that thing as So Evil. Ultimate Evil, Actually. You Should Kill It Or Run.

This is not the case in most animals! which is why I call it a capacity. Once something looks generally like an animal? Said animals tend to accept it as another animal and move on.

The theory, and I cannot find where I read this unfortunately so I can’t quote it, but the THEORY, is that the reason we developed this was to be able to recognize when something was Off about people because they had rabies. If something is aaaaaalmost human, but Wrong? It’s not human! It’s a human with rabies.

Another theory I read is that we developed this ability to distinguish between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. These are both really interesting theories, but they’re also not what I was talking about in the above post.

Now, I’m gonna tackle the parasite thing first because it’s shorter. It’s a well known and documented phenomenon that diseases, especially diseases classified as parasites, get worse during the full moon. This is why moon madness is a thing. This is why hospice centers have a sort of mini lockdown during full moons.

Completely unrelated: did you know the herb Wolfsbane is one of the most commonly used herbal treatments for parasites? Yeah. Wild.

ANYWAY NOW FOR PRION DISEASES -

According to Wikipedia (not the best source, no, but this is a tumblr post fuck off) “Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies(TSEs), also known as prion diseases,[1] are a group of progressive, incurable, and fatal conditions…According to the most widespread hypothesis, they are transmitted by prions, though some other data suggest an involvement of a Spiroplasma infection.[2]Mental and physical abilities deteriorate and many tiny holes appear in the cortex causing it to appear like a sponge when brain tissue obtained at autopsy is examined under a microscope. The disorders cause impairment of brain function which may result in memory loss, personality changes, and abnormal or impaired movement which worsen over time.[3]”

prions are misfolded proteins that enter into a cell and start causing other proteins to misfold, leading to a cascading effect where every protein in the body is gradually replaced by a nearly identical protein that is entirely unusable. It’s not completely jumbled, either! It’s just…. Not quite right. It’s almost usable, but not. Almost human, but not.

This is the cause of chronic wasting disease in deer! The human equivalent is called Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and it’s basically always fatal. It’s largely localized in the nervous system - twitching, delusions, pain, spasming, all from the slowly forming web of tiny holes in your brain tissue and nerves as the cells die of starvation. Deer with CWD are…. Deeply wrong. Uncanny, you could say. They wander around in circles, they act aggressively or irrationally. It’s very similar to rabies.

Now, prion diseases and rabies aren’t necessarily related, except for the fact that they’re both transmitted from animal to animal and that they’re difficult or impossible to cure, but the sensation that accompanies seeing a rabies victim or seeing a deer infected with chronic wasting disease is the same. It’s the Uncanny Valley. It’s that sense deep in your subconscious that something is wrong. That is not a deer. That is not a dog.

That is not a person.

I thought about that, and I realized I think that’s what vampirism is. It’s when you look at something and you realize that - though it looks human - creeping through its blood, through its nerves, is a misfiring of code. There is something wrong. That is not a person, that is a walking transmission of Other, of Bad Data, a shambling glitch self-generating outward into infinity until the host is dead and the pattern spins itself out. It ties into the nature of vampirism as something that freezes you in place: humans are capable of growth, of change, of life. A vampire is just… a repeating pattern that’s Wrong.

I’m fascinated by the fact that a prion is simply a misfolded protein. It’s literally not even alive. It’s not hostile. It’s not broken or aggressive it’s… just a mistranslation. If said misfolded protein were somehow fold itself in such a way as to be not beneficial, but not fatal to the body either, the disease would no longer be an unfortunate tragedy. It would be transformative. It would rewrite. It would wiggle itself down to the very smallest bits of you, would change them from the bottom up, would infect others through a very similar manner as a classic a vampire or werewolf. Saliva. Blood.

How much does one’s DNA affect one’s personhood? You can’t attribute every human flaw and failing to genetics, but I just found out I have a genetic condition that prevents my body from metabolizing a vital amino acid. The code doesn’t match. The acid can’t transform properly. I have to take it artificially, and now that I am, I am a shockingly different person to be around, but I can’t tell. I literally cannot perceive that I am a different person now, except for the moments when I see other people’s reactions to me shift in real time, and I realize that I’ve been doing something deeply ‘out of character’ for unmedicated me.

If someone were to have every cell in their body replaced, one by one, with a cell whose DNA was translated into a completely different genetic ‘language,’ despite said cells fulfilling the same purpose and holding the same memories…. Would they be a person? Ship of Theseus this shit, is that the person they were or is it something Else? What if those cells CAN fulfill the same function, but they’re also stronger, faster, smarter, more capable of growth and development? Are they still a human? Are they still the same human?

As someone who believes that humans have souls, I want to say that that wouldn’t matter, that they would still be the same person. But I ALSO believe that the nature of the soul and the nature of the body are intertwined. If the body changes into something inhuman, do you still have a human soul? Or is it a different kind of soul? Has the soul left the now foreign environment, leaving only a facsimile to puppet itself around in its absence?

In ‘conclusion,’ um. I’m. I’m face blind. I cannot properly perceive human faces, and because of that, I am, when with others, at all times experiencing the sensation of uncanny valley. It’s unpleasant, sure, but the real kicker? When I look in the mirror and see Not Human Bad Evil Run Hide staring back at me for a split second. It never gets easier. It never becomes normal. There’s always this uneasy sense around mirrors, that they’re off, that what I’m seeing isn’t real. That, one day, I might walk into a bathroom… and my reflection won’t walk in with me.

me, minding my business at work: boy I love making UV scanner bodies!

my brain: both lycanthropy and vampirism are prion diseases.

me:……………… holy fuck wait-

[the-morningstar-family]

Poor Felix.

Maybe check if there are counselors in sloth? Or hospice workers? People who are used to working with families where a member is suffering from a fatal illness.

I don't know what the proper term is but these people aren't exactly therapists. They focus on helping people who are dying and their family members.

On another note, or maybe related, Lucifer darling, you do know that racism is a big part of hell's society?

The Goetia treat imps as if they're lesser beings which is more or less encouraged by Satan, everyone thinks they're better than hell hounds and some people even consider them nothing more than pets.

This is something you should already be aware of considering you are, you know, the KING! But it's especially something you need to become aware of when raising one half-Goetia/half-succubus child, one little hell hound and three half-angelic/half-sinner babies, because Alastor is not Lilith so chances are good that the triplets will be considered lesser than Charlie, especially because you and Al aren't married which would, in medieval speech, make them bastards.

Not saying you need to get married, but definitely saying you should get on top of that narrative before any of your small children hear about it.

But as you have a lot on your plate, let ne do you a favor:

Hey Charlie, I gotta talk to you about your siblings.

[insert everything I said before to Lucifer]

[lay back, eat popcorn and enjoy the show]

Charlie: “Dad? Alastor?”

Lucifer: “Yeah honey?”

The princess takes a breath, handing over some papers. A small list of a few people with Bel’s approval. She looks between the two, especially sheepish towards Alastor.

Charlie: “I know you have a lot to do and all that, so I thought… I wanted to help you and I looked at Bereavement counselors. It's not exactly like therapy but maybe something for now- if you want to!! I don't want - I didn't do it because - I hope it's okay -”

Alastor: “Charlie, dear, slow down. Thank you for the suggestions and the work you put into this, we will look it over”

She smiles sweetly, and claps her hands in excitement.

Charlie: “Oh-! I made sure to look for uhhh. You know, those that have worked with all kinds of hellborn and sinners before.”

Lucifer: “Yeah, it's always good to have some experience”

Both Charlie and Alastor give him a strange look.

Charlie: “Dad… uh I know you haven't been to involved for a long time but…. Um the reason I watched out for that is because some might not treat Felix and Nova like everyone else…”

Lucifer: “Why's that?”

An indignant noise leaves the deer's throat.

Alastor: “Darling, Felix is a hellhound. And Nova essentially is what one would've described as mixed during my time”

Lucifer: “What? No! That can't be! I've never made any laws about stuff like that. It's fine”

Alastor stares. Unbelieving. Opening his mouth, and closing it again.

Alastor: “How are you not aware?”

Lucifer: “Huh? I don't… I wouldn't- You don't think I would make laws like that, right?”

Alastor: “I should hope not. And based on the fact that I had to explain quite a few things about the concept, you couldn't intentionally.”

Lucifer: “See then it must not exist!”

The demon massages his temples. While his little girl cringes in sympathy.

Alastor: “Who governors the Hellborns?”

Lucifer: “Well, mostly satan, but my word still goes above his”

Alastor: “And when was the last time you intervened, changed or even looked over a law he has passed?”

The king mumbles, face as red as an empire apple. Even the deer ears can't pick the words up.

Alastor: “What was that?”

Lucifer: “I don't remember, okay!?”

Alastor: “So it stands to reason, that it has been a very long time, since you had any governing power over the Hellborns?”

Lucifer, reluctantly: “Yes… but -”

Alastor: “And. Have you walked amongst the common folk since then?”

Lucifer, mumbling: “Don’t say it like that…”

Alastor: “Well? Have you?”

Lucifer: “Not for long…”

Alastor: “To summarise. You have not passed, nor forbidden laws in an extremely long time and have not overseen the day to day of your subjects either. Yet you claim to know whether or not any type of class- or racism exist?”

The king picks at his palms nervously. Not daring to meet his partner's eyes. He bites his lip as well, and tears gather in his eyes.

Lucifer: ”Is it really that bad?”

The deer looks at him. His initial anger passed with the sight of tears. Ugh. He's going soft. But he has an idea.

Alastor: “I think there is something I should show you.”

Lucifer: “Wh- what is it?”

Alastor: “A business venture that is quite ambitious. Come along”

[damian-al-ghul-wayne]

Out of character.

Hello. This is Damian's mun, and I'm making this post to shed light on my name because of certain allegations that have been surrounding me with 'sending' death threats.

I would like to start this off and say that I do not condone or agree with anything that has been said to any of the people who have gotten asks such as that. After a discord server incident in November, I blocked a handful of people and deleted the app from my phone. I needed away and didn't want to see any of these people's posts due to things that had been said to me in private conversations. During this time shortly afterward, I was in the hospital because I tried to take my own life. Everything was too much for me, and I couldn't handle it. And that's how it's been for the past few months.

I want to apologize to the people who have been getting these anons because it absolutely is not what should be happening. I have a feeling that it may be people that I have associated myself with or that have spoken to me before about the situation awhile back. I didn't know any of this was said, and if it was said on my behalf, then I am extremely sorry. I haven't had much contact with anyone from that old dc rp server or anyone who was involved. I've kept the people who I didn't want to interact with blocked and off of my tumblr feed for my own mental well-being.

And now, it is apparently happening again, and I am getting blamed for these types of threats.

For the past few weeks, I have kept tumblr deleted off of my phone and have mainly been using the website if I needed to post / wanted to post on my Damian blog. Otherwise, I am never on Tumblr. I know people dislike me, and I know that will never change, but I would at least appreciate my name not being blamed for something that I wasn't involved in. I was only informed of this situation because I had been messaged and sent a link to a conversation that was happening surrounding it.

For the past few months, I have not been in a stable or correct mindset. I made this Damian blog as a way to distract myself from my own health. This blog was made on August 3rd, 2024, the day after I had turned eighteen. I started my first semester of college on the 19th. Everything this blog has stand for was just a way for me to distract myself from my own life and escape reality. If I had known that these things would happen and worsen my own health, I would never have made this blog. I'm not asking for sympathy or pity. All I ask is that threats and messages such as "kill yourself" or "i hope you get raped" aren't sent to ANYONE. It's not a fun thing. I've experienced it multiple times myself with this blog, and I've seen others experience it now, too.

Overall, I would like to apologize to @/totally-not-peter-parker, @/thebetterrobin, and @/anyone else who had received these kinds of messages, especially after the whole discord incident. None of what was said to either of you deserved, and I hope that it never happens again.

I'm not sure what to do anymore, but I think that's mostly what covers what I wanted to say. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I am truly sorry once more that this is even happening in the first place.

[zoieru]

Mind-dump analysis of Sunday and Welt

Non-romantic, though you can see it that way if you want. Basically musings on their dialogue, body language, trauma responses and their views of the world. Based on my noggin, my experiences, and my knowledge on psych and philosophy. Mentions of trauma, and Aventurine. Spoilers for 3.0. Come chat with me about it in the ask box pls oml. (html broke read more link sorry)

So I was writing an Astral Express Sunday headcanon thing, and realised the part with welt I had more thoughts on than I could handle !!! So I decided to make a bigger breakdown of it from my perspective weeee. 1.7k more thoughts...hehe. Includes pics.

So, Sunday is essentially coming into this new world (the astral express lifestyle, the knowledge and involvement of other planets issues, everything not just Penacony) for the first time, and in a vulnerable state at that. He was trained and groomed to be who he was basically his whole life, and not just the positions of power and control, but his position he gave himself also of protector of his sister. That's been taken from him, all of it, his role, his direction, drive, everything. To say the man must feel lost is understatement of the century.

So when he is confronted with Welt Yang, a mysterious and stoic man who displays his intelligence by deciphering there's something up with his disguise, questions him on his motives, etc, but then seemingly confidently starts to trust him, he is...confused?

First, Welt says multiple times that he knows how he feels, he's had to leave a home quickly too, but doesn't elaborate. So his reasons are already determined at least somewhat by his empathy for Sunday. That is a lot for Sunday to work through. He mustn't have really related to anyone in his life, even his sister due to their vastly different experiences despite being in the same spot. To have someone, and quite quickly, especially after what he just did, sympathise, empathise, and relate to him...thats intriguing, and confusing, and probably a bit suspicious.

Further, when going to meet Robin, Sunday outwardly questions why Welt is giving him the privacy to speak to her, refusing to be a bystander for his benefit. Welt answers:

'i believe you're the kind of person that has the ability and desire to use everything to your advantage... but that everything does not involve Miss Robin'

Sunday pauses, and thanks him. It's confusing, unexpected, and yet another puzzle into Welt's character. I think this moment means an incredible amount to Sunday. Ultimately, his sister is everything to him, where everything started, and Welt has given him the space and freedom to do the thing he is so nervous for, he is dreading but must do, one of the hardest things he's probably ever done, say goodbye for an indeterminate amount of time. Who else has probably shown him this sort of seemingly genuine act of kindness, goodness, before? Probably no one. Plus, despite not really outwardly discussing his relationship with his sister with Welt before this, Welt shows an understanding of Sunday's care for her, to the point his usual nature and methods don't apply to Robin.

So that's why Sunday asks another question, after saying goodbye to Robin

He's starting to see himself in Welt, I believe, in some way, when he says 'I had a feeling that you would never give up on someone who needed help' which is reinforced by his 'help' of Sunday just now. But I think what Sunday is maybe confused about here is why him, why here. He is confused why they 'help' him, a 'nortorious fugitive' and a 'friend they never knew', rather than people in new worlds, people he deems perhaps deserve it more, people who he thinks Welt should care about. I believe, here, he is still viewing things zoomed out, from a grand perspective. He sees 'people' as an entity, much like how he did with his plan, saving them from misery by keeping them in the dream. But Welt goes on to explain that it's the people he meets that are his trailblaze, but on an individual and connection scale, not 'helping peopleTM' like he tried to.

And that means Sunday, it means Tingyun. Sunday even asks directly, then, 'why me?', and Welt repeats his previous answer. 'i know how you feel.' despite what he's done, he offers him empathy, help, and connection. It's alien to Sunday. He has heard the worst of people's deeds, was tormented by them, wanted to save them from themselves, yet Welt is just accepting him.

Then another thing, Welt sits in the audience watching Sunday become himself, say goodbye to his old self and everything he once knew, literally becoming whole again, and slightly unsure of how he exactly he will be once both halves combine. This moment is so so intimate, so deeply personal, perhaps the most personal I mean he's literally talking to himself, becoming himself, shedding everything he's ever known, starting a new life. And Welt isn't just watching. He says:

'Regardless of the outcome, you will have a witness. I'll be waiting for you in the audience.'

Here, he does multiple things. One, he is promising Sunday he will be here for him and almost continue to accept him in whatever shape or form after he's done, giving him the respect and time to do his thing, and the support he wasnt planning to get. Its like...almost a threat, saying he wont let him run away after, but not quite. its also a signal of protection. He is staying with Sunday through this obviously terrifying and massive moment, at a safe and respectful but supportive distance, something Sunday was planning to go through alone. Also, he says he'll wait for him. That's so...personal. ugh, it's too much. And the thing is, Sunday lets him, thanks him, wants him to be there. Trusts him enough to see him at almost a most vulnerable point in his life. Crazy stuff.

Plus, during this line, the camera zooms in on Welt's face for just a few seconds, emphasising how big this is.

Now I'm not sure if we should assume Welt can hear everything Sunday says to himself. The theatre is empty, afterall, but I dont know. Sunday says he's scared, says why he's scared, tells himself he doesn't like himself, parts of him. It's so goddamn personal, heart wrenching, truly. And there's a line here I want to discuss quick.

'to save more lives, you must first understand what they live for and what they die for. The best way to achieve this is through personal experience.''

This is a reflection of Welt's words, his reason for trailblazing. It shows he's taken them to heart, ponders them, realises that to truly help people like Welt does, he needs to know them, not see them as an entity from above.

Also, when done, Welt makes a gentle joke that covers the supportive gesture of his acceptance of 'either' of Sunday's selves. He almost dismissed the whole act as if it was casual, while subtly acknowledging it's significance, and gently showing his support, so it all doesn't make Sunday feel uncomfy.

'Well, how should I address you now? Mr Sunday or Mr Wonweek?'

I love it.

Then Sunday has the confidence to request staying with the Astral Express Crew. Knowing the others might hate the idea, but having enough confidence in the fact that Welt at least seems to want him there.

'You are one of my trailblazing goals.'

Sunday looks visibly touched by this statement. the feels.

So let's now skip to the Astral Express, where he's been on a while let's say.

After all this, Sunday and Welt almost have this unspoken deep connection somehow. They have shared a deeply personal moment for Sunday, and Welt has shared more with Sunday about himself than he ever has with anyone on screen that we've seen before.begins to respect Welt Yang quite tremendously really. Sunday now has time to sit, think, reflect, and probably torment himself with thoughts.

I think he has built this ridiculous level of respect for Welt, perhaps more than for most in his life. And also intrigue, confusion. He perhaps observes him. It is obvious Welt has a troubled and mysterious past, the extent of which is unknown but suggested, yet the man has a poise about him that seems stable, secure, confident. It intrigues him, maybe makes him a little envious even that despite this man having no set 'home', travelling the trailblaze with seemingly little control over things Sunday feels he would lose his mind over, he still seems confident in himself.

You ever feel like you're pretty self sufficient and able when alone or most of the time, but theres that one person where you're in their company and it's suddenly like all your brain function has dimmed and been transferred to them and they're now the 'thinker' and 'doer' and you're just there mostly looking pretty?? That's Sunday and Welt sometimes. Sunday was so used to being everything, controlling everything, seeing everything, that now he can relax that, or rather forced to let go of all that, as hard as that is, he finds himself inadvertently letting Welt take over a bit, observing and involving himself but Welt taking the lead. It's perhaps part of a trauma response to having to grow up too fast, to not being able to have had the points in life where you can trust and let someone have control for a while without risk. So as a result of this trust and acceptance he has built with Welt, his brain just sort of...relaxes a little. Welp.

That's displayed well in the infamous 'mom speak to the doctor for me pls' scene, I think. Cute.

Okay it's the end now, I could probably yap more but my thumbs hurt. One more musing though:

I wonder what it would be like for Sunday and Aventurine to meet, after all of that. They, ultimately, had a similar journey in terms of them making a big decision, a big 'attempt' at something bigger than themselves intricately linked to their identities and core beliefs, having to face parts of themselves along the way.

Now that Sunday has shed his 'grandiose' demeanour and plans, I wonder what it would look like for them to meet on equal terms. (Obviously not really knowing how this whole thing will have affected Aven coming out of it).

These two men, as literally mentioned in the 'combining selves' scene for Sunday in the theatre, are fundamentally opposed. One has been made to and has had to build his life and principles on control. One has had no choice to and built his life on luck, lack of control. It's such an interesting dichotomy to me.

There's also this interaction with Welt and Sunday before meeting Robin:

'I had a hunch and decided to try my luck. Seems I can be lucky sometimes'

'its not like you to leave things to luck'

'I'm trying to change too'

It's twice, in this long section, that Aventurine/luck is mentioned, at least. I wonder how he would view him should he know more, and now that he seems to have a certain begrudging acceptance and respect for luck/chance.

OKAY IM DONE FR NOW HAHAHA come discuss with me if u want :3 hope you enjoyed.

Here, take this, its not safe out there

(づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡

[knaveumineko]

Umineko Episode 2 Blog: A Study in Scarlet

The rules have changed.

As of Episode 2, we've been introduced to a new tool for solving the murders: Red Truth. Naturally, it's a double-edged sword, eliminating much of the ambiguity we might have used to worm our way out of admitting magic exists, while also providing information we can use to narrow down what did happen.

They aren't as fair as Beatrice would have us think, of course. Her "you are incompetent" line already reveals that Red Truths are subjective: they're only true to the extent that Beatrice believes they are true, or at least, to the extent that she can come up with a reasonable interpretation of what she's saying that is true. This is not to say they're completely useless. The game strongly implies that Beatrice is basically omniscient with respect to events on Rokkenjima, so she can't really "subjectivity" her way out of concrete statements of fact, although she can probably get creative with her wording, so I'll have to watch out for that.

We also have to contend with the fact that Beatrice is perfectly allowed to lie as long as it's in white. In particular, she likes to make a statement in red and "clarify" it in white.

It's hard to say whether she's telling the truth about this, especially since I still don't understand what the Golden Land even is, but it's another angle she has for misdirection.

I also noticed that she really likes to specify "humans" rather than people in her Red Truths. Of course, she has to do this because she wants to leave open the possibility that there are witches around that aren't being covered by her statements, but it could also tie in to the alter ego theme that Episode 2 has going on. It's a bit of a stretch, but I have a theory regarding that which I'll get into in the post discussing all the magic stuff.

She can misdirect further by withholding truths. A statement being in red might prove something is true, but refusing to say it in red does not mean that it's false. Another Devil's proof. Battler might even be wrong about some of the tricks involved in the locked rooms, although he probably got the chapel one right, since I can't see Beatrice conceding unless she has to.

Red Truths are only one rule in Beatrice's game, and since this is our second go around we ought to try and reverse engineer some of those rules by comparing this episode to the last.

Beatrice likes to describe the people on Rokkenjima as "pieces" and if they're anything like chess pieces then they each have specific roles they fill, and different kinds of moves that they're allowed to make. A couple of these roles stand out pretty well.

The Watson: A first person narrator, invested in solving the mystery, whose thoughts on the case we're allowed to follow, and whose version of events can generally be trusted. So far, this is always Battler.

The Queen: the surviving Ushiromiya wife, who takes Kinzo's gun and uses it to take charge of the group. Insofar as the 3rd person narrator is trying to frame the story as a Slasher movie, the Queen is the final girl, although it seems they don't quite manage to overcome the killer in their big confrontation. It was Natsuhi last time, and then Rosa.

The Sheppard: A third person narrator, who believes in magic and tries to frame the story through the lens of a supernatural horror. Presumably has to survive until the end, or else I'm not sure how they could narrate events. It was Maria last time, and probably Sayo this time.

Certain arrangements remain constant. George and Shannon are always about to get engaged, Kinzo always locks himself away, the first case involves killing off the squabbling siblings and their partners. In fact, Beatrice's statement that the starting arrangements are more or less the same between episodes means that we have some additional information for trying to solve that mystery, too.

Shannon says that Beatrice's magic is the only reason her relationship with George is possible at all, which means she probably desecrated the shrine the same way last time. I also think my speculation that the siblings begin the killings by turning on eachother still has legs (I completely forgot until the reread that Rosa is shown in the chapel with the rest of the siblings). The final scene where Battler is escorted to Kinzo's study proves definitively that Genji is in on the witch conspiracy in all episodes, if we needed any proof of that. Unfortunately, the ending also pretty much confirms that Kinzo is alive, so I think my earlier theory about him being dead the whole time has been contradicted.

I have to wonder what Lambdadelta was really getting at when she said that Beatrice is an opponent who doesn't always make the best move. To some extent we already knew this. She selects her victims according to the Demons' Roulette, leaving it up to fate instead of picking off the most dangerous or most intelligent right away. She refuses to use Red Truth to end the game on the spot by confirming magic is real (of course, she probably can't do that since magic isn't real, but the trick is that even if it was it would still be out of character for her to say so). I do have to wonder if there's more to it than that. It's definitely weird that the culprit in this case has found Kinzo's gold, meaning they solved the epitaph, but they're still trying to get other people to try and solve it even though it's unclear how they could possibly benefit from this.

Umineko is an interesting experiment in interactive storytelling in that it is not, in any way, interactive, but it's still undeniably a game with a set win condition and rules that restrict your actions. Your goal is to defeat Beatrice by finding an interpretation of the text that denies magic, explains the bizarre events of the story, and does not invoke any bad-faith readings, like suggesting the whole thing is just a dream. Umineko absolutely begs for you to engage actively with the text and in doing so it feels like a very distinct experience to reading an ordinary book. Even others in the mystery genre do not frame the existence of the mystery as an explicit antagonistic force.

I'm starting to see why people liked the Ground Rules post. Umineko really does want you to metagame the hell out of it, and now we have so many new tools for doing so.

[thus-wrote-mrs-zeppeli]

AHHHH HIHIHI !!

just wanna start by sayinh youre like one of my fav people on this platform i live and die for every post 😭💞

And i finally caught the requests so !!

Headcanons for various jojo characters with a reader who has a healing stand mayhaps?

Feel free to put whoever else in, i dont mind, but i'd love it if you could do bruno and diego, my bbgs fr 🙏

Hihihi!! Aaaaa thank you so much I am SO honored!!!! And when u mentioned Bruno and Diego r your bbgs I had a “did I just send MYSELF a request??” Moment lolol literally I had to physically restrain myself from calling Bruno my wife when Jojo came up while I was chatting with some people irl the other day lolol-

I love him and Diego so much! And YES, I can do this! Sounds interesting~

Bruno’s takes place before Giorno joins the squad

Content: for Diavolo and Diego: possessive and controlling behaviors, light depiction of injury

Various jjba characters x reader with a healing stand:

“Doctor! Doctor!”

Characters: Rohan Kishibe, Bruno Bucciarati, Diavolo, Diego Brando

Rohan Kishibe: You cannot BELIEVE he sometimes argues with you over healing him. Rohan has had a difficult personality for as long as you’ve known him, but really…you must insist you accompany him on his travels despite his protests. You’ve seen on more than enough occasions he’s liable to put himself in dangerous situations and get hurt. So you’re going with him.

He’ll always fight you on it, claiming it’s much easier to travel alone; but he has SOME nerve saying you in particular are difficult to travel with, because he always has some sort of grievance about almost everything when you go anywhere together.

You tell him if he didn’t put himself in harm’s way all the time you wouldn’t have to follow him around.

And even if he claims he won’t this time, you both know that’s not really a claim he can make. His inquisitive nature will Always get the best of him, so you will be there for when that curiosity inevitably gets him terribly injured in some way.

Thank goodness your man is difficult to kill…but he really needs to stop pushing his luck, it’s bad for both of you.

And despite him pretending your presence doesn’t change anything on his trips, he will try to be a little bit more careful when you’re involved. He thinks it’s because your constant worrying is irritating, but honestly he can’t bring himself to willingly lead you into something too dangerous. Most of the time.

Bruno Bucciarati: He will always consider himself responsible for the safety of his team, and the nature of your stand ability means you ease his mind when you’re near. You’ve seen his gang. They’re reckless, quick to get into fights, even with each other-there’s no need to worry about him but PLEASE do whatever you’re willing to do to make sure the others aren’t bleeding out from stab or gunshot wounds, or limping around with broken bones.

At Bruno’s request, you would always prioritize healing the injuries of the people he’s in charge of, but when the opportunity arises you will offer him some healing too.

He might not get nearly as bloodied and beaten as Mista does all the time…but you’ve noticed your dear Bucciarati seems to get chronic headaches, that especially intensify when he’s stressed about his work or managing the team. You never make a big deal out of it, don’t even mention it really, when you use your stand to ease his pain.

But he’ll always make a point to thank you. And gently remind you that he’s fine and you should focus your energy elsewhere.

You can only try to respect that for so long though. I mean, the reason your stand heals is because it’s in your nature to severely hate seeing your loved ones suffer.

And it’s not like he can be mad at you for caring about him. It’s just an unfamiliar feeling for him…he’s used to focusing all his attention on others and shouldering their burdens and taking care of them…so having you around trying to ease his pains…very unfamiliar, but not unwelcome.

It will take a while, but eventually he’ll grow comfortable enough to even ask for your healing touch when his pain is a little too much to bear on his own. But more often than not you’ll have to nag him to not push himself too hard and let you help him.

Diavolo: He considers it very fortunate you stumbled into his path. You consider it very Unfortunate. The Boss of Passione is an extraordinarily demanding partner, expecting absolute obedience and loyalty from you in return for his “love” and protection.

You’re not sure when you even wanted to be in a relationship with him, but you’re in too deep now. Defying an obsessive and paranoid man like him at this point would only get you in even more trouble.

He’s smothering, constantly breathing down your neck and making sure you’re not planning anything, and when he does let you leave wherever he’s decided to hole himself up, Doppio is always accompanying you. You’re expected to heal him if anything should happen, but you know Diavolo only says that in a weak attempt to veil that Doppio is actually the one watching you.

Daring to reveal your stand in front of anyone that is not him or Doppio will get you in hot water with the entire Italian mafia.

But it’s not like Diavolo needs your healing…he’s never around anyone who can hurt him anyways! You really are some just in case tool he keeps in his pocket; so your life is incredibly boring, even if it’s safe. And moving around all the time for his anonymity’s sake is annoying and uncomfortable. What’s the point of your stand if you can’t use it to help people?! He Really hates that compassionate nature of yours. Makes sense, given how thoroughly selfish he is…The two of you do not click at all, but he doesn’t care. You don’t need to like him, but he’s not letting you leave as long as you’re an incredibly useful tool.

Diego Brando: He does so adore how useful his partner’s stand is…To cure any sort of fatigue and injury…such a boon to him! He wants you all to himself and he will NOT be sharing you. So don’t even THINK about flashing your stand to anyone other than him, he won’t forgive you if you do that! He’s definitely using you a bit to his advantage. But he takes care of you in turn, making sure you live a comfortable life and giving you whatever you ask for. All you have to do is follow his easy rule and he’ll be a sweet and doting husband for you. Simple, right?

It tugs at your conscience sometimes though. To sit quietly on the side while someone suffers, simply because your husband demanded it. But a part of you can’t bear even the thought of upsetting Diego, after he’s been so good to you…and all he asked for was one simple thing.

And he was just looking out for you by telling you to keep your gift a secret…He cupped your cheeks in his hands so gently as he reminded you how bad it would be if an evil person found out about your powers. You could be in a lot of danger, and he might not be able to save you. So please, don’t needlessly endanger yourself like that. He couldn’t bear it if anything bad happened to you.

Deep down you know he’s just saying that to keep you under his control, but you love him…and you honestly believe at least a part of him also loves you.

So you’ll bend to his will usually. But what Diego doesn’t know can’t hurt him. If you mend a broken bone or ease a sore throat on occasion he might not find out. And even if he does find out, how mad can he really get at that? (Pretty damn mad, but you have too much value in his eyes for him to deal Too harshly with you, despite what he might say in the heat of the moment).

-

Ngl I kinda blanked when coming up with additional characters, so I just went with some more faves, haha, the POWER of: “feel free to put whoever else in”!

[brodygold]

Golden Army: Dragon Heist Part 2

Part 1 here

The Golden Army headed through the city of Waterdeep, looking for Floon, who had been missing since last night. Brody knew time was of the essence for finding missing people. The more time that passed, the fewer clues they could find. Volo (and his monetary reward) was counting on them. He fiddled with his lute as the mid afternoon sun beat down on them.

"Alright bros. Let's split up to cover more ground. Me, Ross, and Daniel will check out The Skewered Dragon and see if anyone saw him leave. Scott, Henry, and Grayden, I want you bros to check the surrounding area for any clues. Any questions?"

"Just one, Brody. Did Volo give you a description of Floon to work with?" Grayden asked, "That seems like something important."

"He sure did, Grayden. Floon is a well dressed man of average height with long red hair. He was wearing a quote 'very ugly pearl necklace with a seashell on it' end quote."

"That's not a lot to go off of, bro" Henry added.

"I know, bro. But we want that reward money so we gotta find the guy. Now let's go! Meet back here in an hour."

And so the party split off, ready to find the missing man.

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

"Are you sure there's going to be clues here?"

"Of course, bro! There's gonna be clues all over- OH WHAT IS THAT!?" Scott ran over to a nearby store window, putting his head against the glass.

"Scott, now is not the time for window shopping innit. We gotta look for Floon." Henry sighed.

"But look at that big plushie! I want it!"

Grayden sighed and looked down as his two teammates got into yet another argument about wants versus needs. That's when he spotted something glistening on the sidewalk: A rather ugly pearl necklace with a pink seashell attached.

"Interesting..."

Grayden looked back up, an idea forming in his head. "Hey Scott, do you want to take a look around inside?"

"Oh don't tell me you're taking his side in this bro."

"Not at all. I just want to speak to the owner for a second."

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

The Skewered Dragon had definitely seen better days. The front facing windows were completely smashed in and a ship's anchor was lodged in the roof. It was definitely the seedy part of town, that much Brody was sure of.

"Why would a well-off man come drinking someplace like this?" He wondered.

The inside of the tavern didn't look much better. The decor was very much nautical, and the dockworker patrons only added to the setting. Brody and Ross walked up to the bartender while Daniel approached the various patrons to see if anyone else was there last night.

"Hey there bro. We're looking for a man named Floon Blaagmar. Well dressed, long red hair, ugly necklace around his neck. Sound familiar?"

"Can't say me memory's too good right now, especially not for strangers. Maybe some coin would loosen me tongue." The bartender smirked.

Ross pulled out one of his many knives and stuck it in the counter. "Maybe some blood would loosen it too. Wanna find out, mate?"

The bartender visibly gulped. "Fine. Worth a shot anyhow. Guy's a regular here. He drank with two men that night, one after the other. He and the second man left around midnight after some drinks and a round of Three Dragon Ante."

One of the patrons Daniel was talking with interrupted. "Are youse talking about Renaer Neverember? Stuck up noble who loves to rub our faces in it."

"You mean the son of former Open Lord Dagult Neverember? I thought he'd have been in Neverwinter with his father." Daniel howled.

"Well I guess he wanted to stick around," another patron added, "not like it did 'em any good. A group of men followed the two of them out last night. Dunno what happened next but can't have been good. One had a tattoo of a snake on his neck."

A snake tattoo? That could only mean one thing.

"The Zhentarim are involved." Brody whispered.

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

As the hour passed, the two groups met back up to discuss what they'd found.

"A group of Zhents followed Floon and his drinking partner out of the tavern. They came in this direction." Brody said as the others approached. He noticed Scott holding a plushie in his hands and cried for their finances.

"They were attacked outside of the Old Xoblob Shop. The owner saw five men attack the two, one of whom had a snake tattoo on his neck. We also found Floon's necklace." Grayden added.

"Wow that is ugly." Daniel commented.

"Apparently the Zhents have a warehouse they use on Candle Lane. Might get some clues if we look there." Brody wondered just what they would find at the warehouse of a rival mercenary group. One with much more influence but a much worse reputation.

"So what are we waiting for? Let's go find our guys!" Ross exclaimed, holding his dagger in the air for emphasis.

"Technically we're only looking for Floon."

"I'll bet rescuing a noble will bring us a lot of cash though, bros!" Scott said in excitement, the plushie shaking as he spoke animatedly.

"You got it, bro. To Candle Lane!"

Candle Lane wasn't very far away, and the group arrived at the warehouse in a matter of minutes, a snake imprinted on the door telling the Golden Army they had the right place. Of course, the door was locked.

"I've got this bros. One second." Ross pulled out his trusty tools and got to work, unlocking the door with a few flicks of the wrist.

"Alright bros. We're going to be doing this quietly," Brody whispered, "We sneak in, look for clues, and get out before anyone notices us. Understood?"

"Yes Cap." The others spoke in unison.

"Good. I'll go first." Brody opened the door to the warehouse slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible. Inside he spotted a group of four raven-esque creatures, huddled together in the center of the room. All was quiet until the sound of the floor creaking alerted everyone in the room to their presence.

"Oops." Brody whispered.

"INTRUDERS!"

To be continued...

[tousey-mousey]

The longer I live in my skin, the more I appreciate that my discomfort at some parts of me is entirely external. It's all the sense of "I should change myself so I'm more desirable, so I'm more of what others want and less of what I am". It's this feeling that I need to make myself... I guess, marketable. Not in the sense of capitalism or in the sense of finding relationships, but in the sense of becoming someone who would fit in.

Marketable's not the right word.

I think I have felt like society is set up to expect people, especially women, to look and act like bottles of milk.

Which is to say,

White,

Low-fat,

(But not fat-free),

Short shelf-life,

(But long enough to be consumed),

Cheap,

(But not too cheap),

And exactly what you expect.

That's not healthy. Like that's just not a good idea.

And it's not what I should try to be. It's not what makes me happy, either. Why do I try to be something I don't like?

I want to lose weight because my knees ache. I like how I look, honestly, but my knees hurt and I want to be able to walk up stairs without my knees hurting. I don't WANT to be thin, I do not think I would look like me if I looked thin, but I would like to be somewhat lighter on my aging bones.

I want to be strong, and butch, and smile all the time. I want to cuddle kids and tell them it's gonna be okay because I'll punch the first person who tries to hurt them and then teach them how to punch the second.

I want to age into myself. I love seeing the tiny little wrinkles that are slowly creeping around my eyes. I'm not old enough for real wrinkles, but they make me feel like I've lived a life and not just congealed gently into place.

I guess I dunno. I just like myself, and I want to like myself more, and that involves abandoning the desire to be something I've been told I should want to be and instead picking back up the desire that made me want to become who I am in the first place.

Transition is inherently an act of defiance. Why did I try to defy through conformity? I think because I was sad and scared. I'm not sad anymore, and I haven't been scared for a long time. Now I just want to love and live and smile all the time.

i love trans women so so much and its such a dreamy feeling to get to be part of a community like this. i havent been down from the clouds in years

[vintagesimstress]

Don't you just hate it when you're trying to write a dialogue-heavy scene and to not get lost you have it all nicely planned out, either on paper/screen or at least in your head, but then you suddenly hear your characters say things which weren't planned at all and you think 'hey, that's actually good, let's write it down', and the whole convo goes into a completely different direction and you either need another 500 words to arrive at the line they were supposed to say or you never even arrive there at all...?