#he's so difficult to keep a consistent relationship with omg..

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Black Mask/Riddler/Mad Hatter with an S/O with pretty bad identity issues, maybe? Like every other month (or sooner) they hyperfixate on a new Persona to be. No sense of self, idk.

Your writing is the fucking best

Omg thank you so much 🥺❤️

So I took this as constant personality changes and fixations it be something different. If I got it wrong I am so sorry!

Relationships weren't easy all the time. Relationships were even more complicated when it came to dating a rogue. Now sprinkle in some self-identity issues and a constantly changing personality. Yeah, it's a strange relationship yet somehow it works none the less. However, it made the rogues s/o very unpredictable and not even the Batman could really make a consistent assumption about the s/o

Black Mask: His partner is going to have a very difficult time proving to him that they aren't being fake with these constant changes. Roman won't appreciate it, and his relationships are really dependent on consistent traits that are honest. He won't be able to form a real connection to this kind of person, and the relationship will be quick to fail when Roman gets frustrated and loses patience.

The Riddler: "An enigma are they not, Dark Knight?" He'd seem smug, thinking his partner could even stump the Batman, being too unpredictable to determine the partners next move, and that would be right up Edward's alley, right? So, on the surface, he'd want everyone to think the relationship is perfect, but truth be told, Edward is too controlling to handle this. He needs everything to stay a certain way, in order, at his command. To have a partner that constantly switches up on him has him stressing and freaking out because he can't control that. Furthermore, he can't predict what traits, values, etc will stay and what will go.

Mad Hatter: Here's something frightening. Jervis wouldn't notice this. I think there are periods of his life that he doesn't know what's up or down. Meaning, i think he'd know his partner exists, but the tiny details to him, such as personality, would go right over his head. Yes, I did just describe something so fundamental as a personality in a relationship as a 'tiny detail' to Jervis, because that's how warped his perception is. The most consistent thing in his life is Alice and himself and the how, when and why he got to be where he is today is often blurred. Jervis often gets confused about his own sense of self and why he's doing anything. Naturally, this makes keeping up with his partners changes incredibly difficult and unnoticed ad it would imply he was clear headed and remembered everything about his partner. He's simply used to them.being there and that's where the love comes in.

[mickmundy]

I wanna hear you talk about bushmedicine again. Do you have any thoughts about them that have been floating around in your brain recently? 👀

OMG UWAAA U ARE SO SWEET!!!! Oh Yes Always.,., hehe...

lately i've been thinking about how medic Interacts with sniper.,., i think in my writing i make this pretty clear but talking about it casually is a totally different vibe than doing so within the like. realm of my fics.., but i think medic's personality is one that can be a bit fickle and difficult to write! he's playful, sadistic, charismatic.,., patient and impatient.,., he's Unpredictable so that means writing him in a way that feels… Consistent can be a bit of a struggle!! i’m most insecure about how i write medic honestly, so trying to nail him means a lot to me since it’s something i struggle with so much!! i think medic loves being unpredictable and enjoys being an Enigma to people, even to those he considers friends. it excites him that he keeps others guessing!! but i think it would take someone like sniper to Truly capture medic’s… Romantic attention.,., someone who his relationship bleeds (ahah) from Professional-But-Friendly coworkers…

because i don’t think medic is one who runs around Wanting to be besties with Lots of people. i think he likes having Friendly-but-Distant relationships with Most of his teammates/coworkers and Likes that he can Affect people however he pleases with his Charisma but isn’t really. Truly Close with much of anyone (except for heavy)

… to Doctor And Greatest Achievement…

i think this would make both medic and sniper feel.. Complicated. i don’t think sniper was “traumatized” from the revival itself nor do i think he Actually went to heaven; i think it was a vision/dream/whatever you want to call it and i don’t think he was traumatized by his death. i don’t even think he has trouble wrapping his head around the fact that he WAS revived! but i think it baffles him that medic would even Want to revive him. and i think he has Unresolved Feelings about his parents (despite the “closure” we get in the comics when sniper goes to heaven. i think that’s something he’d Dwell on)… so he feels Complicated about the “fallout” of the revival and not the Revival itself if that makes sense.

to medic, sniper is a miracle. his first revival, living proof of his genius that’s as real as anyone with eyes can see… the uber hearts are works of art too of course, but people can’t see those. people can see sniper, alive, thriving, good as he ever was… That means a lot to medic. and medic’s always been good about keeping his doctor-patient relationships just that. he’s Friendly/Is Friends with the other mercs but doesn’t bear any Emotional Attachment to them (except for heavy, who i think is his best friend)…. but what medic doesn’t anticipate is that Feelings.., Can Grow Where They’ve Never Been Before… and that’s never happened to medic before.

…. to something….. complex…. and Strange……. and New……

both medic and sniper think that once feelings are felt they just stay that way forever (which is Supposed to be ironic given medic’s ability to be cunning/manipulative)…. this Thing between them sneaks up on both of them… and sniper is emotionally immature but medic is Very in touch with his own feelings… falling in love really is something that nobody can prepare for….! something i love about the ship itself is that i think they’re both flawed people and i don’t think they’re “star crossed” or “soulmates” or anything like that…. i think they develop feelings for each other and work to be together because that’s what being in love is about imo… they fight to understand each other and love and accept each other unconditionally…. sniper always wants to push these feelings down and away because he’s always sworn its easier to “feel nothing at all” (even though he’s actually a very emotional person… as we know from his in-game and comic lore!)… but according to medic, part of being alive is the joy of feeling… and things that invoke feelings are… worth feeling, no? :-) and felt with pride, not felt with shame or regret… hmm, well, medic Is very charismatic… perhaps he can persuade sniper to see things his way just a little bit!

that’s just something i think about <3… HEHEHEE

[cameleche]

OMG THE FUNNIEST THING For me would be Vox, having BEEF with Husk of all people, and Husk just having no fucking clue as to W H Y HIM.

Like, Vox would feel jealousy to Husk from Alastor side cuz:

Husk was also an Overlord that Alastor was “friends” or at least “colleagues” with before.

We know Alastor used to kill overlords or at least “disappear” them, we are not sure, but for SOME REASON, he decide to keep Husk around, yes he treats him poorly, like a pet, it’s a REALLY TOXIC dynamic, there no doubt about that, so one might think,

“why the fuck would Vox of all people would feel jealous of THAT. Vox is someone that HATES, being look down on SPECIALLY by Alastor”

And yes it’s true, but with the level of obsession that Vox holds over Alastor, it’s clears he craves for Alastor’s attention.

Before, when they were friends, maybe he craved for any positive attention/reaction he could get from Alastor.

But now he craves for any negative reaction he can get from him.

So with that, in mind, the only consistent thing is that he craves for a reaction, for attention, so I believe what would KILL him and made Vox even more furious beyond belief, than Alastor making fun of him, would be Alastor’s indifference or ignoring him.

So that brings me back as to why Vox would feel jealous of Husk’s and Alastor’s dynamic.

Vox would NOT feel jealous of the abuse and treatment Husk receives from Alastor, he would NOT feel jealous of Husk selling his souls to Alastor or being Alastor’s pet.

He would feel jealous of the attention Husk receives from Alastor.

1. Alastor kept Husk’s soul around, an ex-overlord, something he usually doesn’t do, he kills overlord, he doesn’t keeps them around.

2. Alastor brings Husk around to where he goes, to the point where he brought him to the Hotel with him to work.

3. They live under the SAME ROOF.

4. Husk is one of the few man that Alastor seems to be okey, with touching or being touch by him (yes it’s toxic and he used it to make fun of Husk, and treat him like a pet, there’s not doubt about that)

(And when Husk touches Alastor’s chest on the scene where Alastor’s threats Husk, I was surprise by how un phase Alastor seem to be about it🤔)

5. And tbh, you cannot tell me Vox would see that one scene of Alastor pulling Husk’s chain, and wouldn’t AT LEAST think “GOD I WISH THAT WERE ME” 💀

(specially with how much of a FREAK he is, like, he is fucking Valentino on the low, one HAS to be AT LEAST low key a freak to do THAT)

Now on Vox’s anger towards Husk, cuz of Husk’s and Angel’s dynamic:

Vox doesn’t give a shit about Angel.

He doesn’t care about his life, his problems, his attention, at MOST he cares about the money he makes for them.

But he DOES care about Valentino (to some extend, we’re not here to discuss Vox’s and Val’s relationship, that’s ANOTHER WHOLE CAN OF WORMS)

And Vox is the 1# candidate to take care of Val EVEYTIME he throws a tantrum, we see this on episode 2, when Velvet tells Vox about Val waiting for his “flat face price” and Val screaming “FUCKING FINALLY” they get across pretty easily that THIS is a normal occurrence to them.

So with the development in Husk’s and Angel’s relationship, and Angel’s new found confidence and strength he had won with it, it’s safe to say that Val’s reaction it’s going to be less than pleasant.

And Vox it’s going to have to take care of it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

(And that’s is not taking on account, how maybe later on the show Angel would probably abandon the Vees all together 👀)

(And let’s be real, with those shitty scrips and horrible acting, Angel is the only one keeping Val’s emporium afloat)

So WITH THAT, and Vox’s tendencies to be a stalker, he would tried to search the reason as to WHY, Angel is being “more difficult than usual” or “causing more problems than usual”

(Which fucking dick, Angel is just TRYING to live his own life and idk BE HAPPY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH 😤)

So he would spy and maybe follow Angel into the hotel or in his day to day life, it’s not something he hasn’t done before, and WITH THAT, he would find out Angel’s new found relationship with Husk, he will tell Val, angst and problems would follow, yada yada yada, yes we know.

BUT we are HERE to talk as to HOW that would affect VOX specifically.

Angst would occur, and stuff, Angel and Husk would hit a new low, but after all that, their relationship/friendship/maybe more 👀 would grow stronger.

And that WOULD PISS OFF VAL BEYOND BELIEF and who would have to take care of it. VOX.

And instead of being angry at Valentino, he would be Angry at Angel, and why is Angel suddenly acting this way?

CUZ OF ALASTOR’S FUCKING CAT

So yeah, it’s would be HILARIOUS, just a scene of after ALL OF THAT had build up inside Vox, and in a battle or something or discussion or tense moment, he just screams

“I’M SO DONE WITH YOU!!!” To an unsuspecting and unaware Husk, as he just looks around trying to see just to WHO THE FUCK is Vox referring to, just to come to the realization that he is talking to him.

Just for Husk to be like “THE FUCK DID I DO TO YOU????????????????” Obviously unaware of the BIG chain reaction he caused by just EXISTING.

So yeah, it would be OH SO MUCH FUN TO SEE💃

Was this an elaborate over analyzing just searching for an excuse to see Vox and Husk interact? maybe.

Do I care? Not really

Would it be EVEN more messy and entertaining to see? DEFINITELY

Anyways that’s all, if you made it to here, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING, AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY 💕❤️💕

I love how these 5 kind of form a chain with their connections and I desperately need to see all of those connections come together at some point

[crimenight-a]

where on earth have you been?

❝    I’M A RISING GLOBAL STAR,    lois,    i’m everywhere.    ❞   his answer comes arrogant,    but his expression lacks the accompanying sauve grin.    instead,    a softer,    ALMOST GUILTY,    smile slowly edges the worn frown away.    no matter how far his  meticulous  training had taken him,    he fails to upkeep his formidable constitution around a woman who found the truth in EVERYTHING;    no targeted secret would stay disguised for long—–     but he stands there,    tight - lipped,    &    challenges the notion. 

❝    business    &   —–    family matters.    ❞   his tone doesn’t invite any questions     (    he wonders if that will stop her;     his conclusion doesn’t surprise him    ).      with a buzzing phone in one hand    &    a folder in the next,    he starts to move PAST her.    HE WAS NO SHY MAN,     but his own frigidity took more from his resolve than he was willing to admit.    ❝     i have a billion meetings today—-     we COULD—-     i’ll see you later,     lois.    ❞

PROMPT.  ACCEPTING.

[absolutepokemontrash]

I come bearing a request! The Brothers with an MC who's really good at cooking and baking? Like, the stuff food blogs dream of. Master-level instagram pastries. Could compete with the chocolate guy if they put their mind to it.

👀 ooooo, I do love me some pastries-

(I know you have an *ahem* distaste for Lucifer, dear moot, so enjoy Lucifer acting like a bit of a dingus in his section!)

Lucifer

Oh, the human can cook. *insert asshole eyeroll here*. Great. Wonderful. Groundbreaking. That’s what’s got all his brothers acting like- what was that word Levi used? Simps? This human has turned six of the seven rulers of hell into a bunch of simps.

Sure, the human has near godlike cooking prowess. Sure, everyone looks forward to their day for cooking. And sure, everyone thinks the human’s pretty great.

Tsk, not him though. He’s a refined demon. Some silly food isn’t going to make him a lovesick fool… did he smell eclairs..?

Lucifer peered into the kitchen to see MC carefully taking a tray of eclairs out of the oven and letting them cool off on the counter. His favourite dessert… right there in front of him…

Due to not being a total moron, MC notices Lucifer and asks him what the hell he’s doing just standing ominously in the doorway. Lucifer makes up some bullshit excuse about reminding MC to do their homework and just leaves. Okay, game plan, he needs those fucking eclairs or he will spontaneously combust.

As he snuck into the kitchen that night, Lucifer took a moment to briefly wonder why he was creeping around his own house. He was the Avatar of Pride for pity’s sake! He could eat whatever he damn well pleased! Oh shit was someone coming- no? Okay, back to sneaking.

Lucifer crept into the kitchen, saw the eclairs, and all logic was thrown out the window. Time to eat!

“BEEL NO! NOT THE- Lucifer..?” “…” “…” “…you’re very talented, MC, do you mind making more of these?”

SOMEONE SNAP A PICTURE! THIS IS THE CLOSEST LUCIFER HAS GOTTEN TO BEGGING IN THE LAST THOUSAND YEARS!

Mammon

Ugh, stuck babysittin’ some dumb human, how lame…

As Mammon was throwing a “I’m broke and I’m stuck in a pact with a dumb human” pity party, the most heavenly smell entered his nostrils. Cooking… good cooking… was Barbatos visiting or somethin’? Nah, Lucifer woulda made a big fuss about gettin’ ready for Lord Diavolo. Huh, so what was goin’ on in the kitchen?

Huh? The human? The human can cook? Well damn, maybe this whole deal wouldn’t be so bad. Oi! MC! As payment for babysittin’ ‘em, he got to have an extra big share of- OW!

Did- did the human just hit him with a spoon?! Th-they can’t do that!

Apparently they fucking can. Mammon gets told to sit the fuck down and wait for the food like everyone else. He grumbles on the way to the dining room, but he can’t fully hide his excitement to try the food.

The food even looked pretty! How did they do that?! Magic. It had to be!

After everyone’s tastebuds were blessed with the heavenly substance that is MC’s culinary exploits, Mammon decides he needs to get on this human’s good side in order to receive more food! Maybe even find some way to make a profit or somethin’!

After weeks go by of trying to suck up to the human without looking like too much of a chump, Mammon eventually realizes… hey, this human ain’t so bad. They’re nice, they make him feel good about himself, they give him headpats… he’s really hit the jackpot here!

He’ll offer to help MC bake or cook, but beware, he will try and sample the food before it’s done. Don’t let him lick the spoon!!!

Leviathan

First thought? This human ain’t shit. Thought after seeing their food? WOAAAAAAAH! JUST LIKE THAT ONE ANIME-

He was unceremoniously cut off by Beel asking demanding seconds. Humph, fine, he doesn’t actually care about this dumb normie food anyway.

…well at least until Levi saw a little something something on TV that he just had to ask MC to try and make. He shyly knocked on their door and when they answered, Levi shoved the screenshot in their face and stuttered out a dinner request.

On the day MC was supposed to make dinner, Levi poked his head into the kitchen and tried to make it look like he was just standing in the same room as MC and not checking to see if they were making his dinner request.

Not that he’d blame them for not doing that… who’d wanna make some anime dinner for a yucky Otaku- OMG JAHSHSHABA THEY’RE MAKING IT! *fangirl squeals*

As Levi continues to commit the SIN of being in the kitchen at the same time as someone else, MC eventually just asks him if he’d like to help out.

“Here! Just keep turning the takoyaki.” “R-really? You trust me?” “Yes, Levi. You watched how they made it on your show, right?” “Yes! I won’t mess up! I swear on my honour as an otaku!”

All in all, it was a very cute bonding experience for the two. Now it’s a regular thing. Levi requests something for dinner or dessert, MC makes it, Levi helps out.

Satan

So, the human can cook. That’s nice. At least someone in this literally god forsaken house can.

He makes sure to thank MC every time they cook, then he makes sure to thank whatever deity is watching over him that Solomon wasn’t the human staying with them.

As the months progress, Satan realizes, he should learn how to cook better. I mean, Levi and Mammon were somehow both improving in their cooking endeavours, and if MC could teach those two, then he would be a breeze.

Satan walked into the kitchen and simply asked if MC needed any assistance with what they were doing. MC just slid him some garlic to dice and that’s how this mentor/student relationship was formed.

Satan was a star pupil, but Mammon and Levi weren’t above trying to sabotage Satan’s progress to get him to leave.

Here’s the thing, the sabotage worked, but it only worked once, and the two idiots didn’t stop to think that maybe they shouldn’t sabotage the meal they were going to have to eat later.

Well, cooking lessons continued uninterrupted after the ghost pepper incident…

Even when he’s ‘graduated’ their little cooking class, Satan’s always willing to lend a hand if needed. He also will slyly hand over some recipe books and cute baking supplies that he finds. MC should be prepared for lots of cat related things to come their way.

Asmodeus

The human can cook? Oh frabcious day! He’s saved from a life of his brother’s mediocre cooking! And the human’s so cute too! What a bonus!

Not only is the human cute, but their food is just so… aesthetic??? Pretty???? Omigosh he just has to get a picture for Devilgram!

For the first few months, MC’s relationship with Asmo consists of Asmo not at all subtly asking to take pictures of their food and post it to his Devilgram. Listen MC, his followers would just love it!

Being the saint-sheep they are, MC lets Asmo sit in whenever they’re making anything in the kitchen. And Asmo slowly realizes “hey, this cute human with the awesome food is actually pretty cool too!”

New Mission: Make the human fall madly in love with him so they’ll want to hang out more.

Whether the mission succeeds is up to MC of course. (I mean, I’m already smitten with him sooooooooo-)

MC offers Asmo a lot of the pastries they make, but the Avatar of Lust almost always declines. Listen honey, he’s on a diet- wait, don’t make that sad face! He’ll eat it! Look! It’s- it’s delicious…

Diet cheat day is now every day MC makes dessert. The feeling of bliss Asmo gets when he takes a bite out of anything MC makes is only second of the treats is second only to the joy he feels at seeing MC happy that he likes their food. It’s just so wholesome I can’t-

MC’s food Devilgram has almost surpassed Asmo in terms of followers and honestly- he isn’t even mad.

Beelzebub

Gasp! Lucifer finally got him the pet personal chef he’d always wanted! Thanks big bro! :D he’ll be sure not to eat this human!

On the first night MC was supposed to make dinner, Lucifer needed to hold Beel back from breaking into the kitchen to see what was causing that heavenly smell. It was, difficult… especially because Lucifer hadn’t slept in three days.

When they all sat down to eat, Beel practically inhaled everything and held up his half bitten plate for seconds.

We here at Stupid Headcanons incorporated recommend that MC have as many bodyguards as possible stationed around the kitchen at all times to ward off a hungry Beel. We don’t want him eating the ingredients and half-tempered chocolate.

A cinnamon roll through and through, he’ll eat everything MC gives him with a big ol’ smile on his cute little face. He’s not the best person to go to if MC wants advice or critique because the best thing Beel can usually muster is “it was really good.”

As Luke said in Lesson 5, Beel would make an awful food reporter. But we love him.

Similar to Levi, he’ll give meal requests on what to make for dinner. (At this rate, MC’s going to have to make some kind of list).

He kind of just waits by the door like a sad puppy whenever MC is making anything because he can’t get into the kitchen :(

Belphegor

The smell of freshly made chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house did reach the attic and it only fuelled his rage more. How dare the human win everyone over with cookies?!

After the attic incident, Belphie was won over with cookies.

Belphie just stands creepily in the kitchen doorway whenever MC is making anything and just makes shit really uncomfortable. Why’s he doing that, you may be wondering, well, he’s trying to calculate the energy needed to swipe the bowl of cookie dough and sprint to safety.

He never succeeds, mainly because once he gets to the bowl, MC already has the wooden spoon ready to smack him, so he just freezes mid-theft and slowly puts the bowl down.

“Oh my gosh, it says let the bread dough rest overnight? Let’s get a headstart and go to sleep now.” “Belphie what-” “I made a pillow Fort, come in. Let’s sleep.” “In the kitchen????”

How’d he make the pillow Fort without MC noticing? Years of experience. He’s trained in the art of- MC? What do you mean you can’t sleep right now and you need to get a head start on shaping fondant?

…he may have eaten the fondant while MC wasn’t looking… whoops… Beel may have rubbed off on him a little…

[scary-monsters]

You are my single pipeline to Diego Brando shenanigans and I love that for you. Me. Us.

Tell me, have you got any fun headcanons about the Diegosaur? Literally cannot get enough of his lame ass (exceedingly affectionate).

omg Obsessed with this ask, THANK YOU :'))) i love it for you and us as well, he's the best, it's my mission every day to scream abt him so much that more and more people will be converted

i have some really Strong headcanons, i don't remember what i've mentioned on here and what i haven't, BUT:

he's a fiend for sweets, he loooves baked goods and pastries especially

i mean this feels fairly canon anyway, but he's very socially stunted and has very little basis to go off of as far as building relationships goes, he's painfully awkward and that's uncomfortable for him so he chooses to fill in the blanks with his typical jackassery and spiteful commentary. it's all he knows, it's what gets a reaction (and he likes attention, good or bad)

his horse is and always will be his bff, he raised silver bullet from the time she was born and closely bonded with her from the get-go due to his innate connection with horses in general. plus, regarding the previous hc, he probably didn't connect with many kids his age and SB was always easier for him to exist with (i don't recall there being a canon gender for SB but i default to 'she' so i apologize if i missed that somewhere)

in general: hates people (canon) but LOVES animals so so so much

movie snob movie snob movie snoooobbbb... i rarely envision deeg in a modern setting but every time i do it's him watching a movie with someone else and loudly discussing his theories and insisting others pay attention. and when anyone else has a comment to make he's OFFENDED bc why would they talk during a movie??? then rewinds it a dramatic amount to replay. hypocritical brat.

consistently cold, blanket hog, whiny little baby about the entire experience of being even just a little chilly.

morning person, gets up with the sunrise and loudly enjoys the entire early morning experience. modern diego would be a little bit like those "rise and grind" people, i just know it. except he's spoiled and barely has to work very hard so like. Shut Up lmao

he's 5'3", no i will not accept any arguments (im joking, i just think short diego is so cute and i know it's pretty universally accepted in fandom anyway)

scary monsters makes his skin pretty dry even when it's not active, his hands get especially cracked and gross so he has to take very good care of them

ok so the bow on his helmet? stick with me here... connecting it with the bows he had on his shirt as a child... there's no reason for that bow to be there on the helmet but perhaps he specifically asked for it as a reminder of his mama

snorts when he's genuinely laughing abt something. it's cute, ok

(edited to add a few more)

really good at braiding hair, he knows how to do all those fancy braids that look really difficult to achieve but he can do it so easily, he's practiced on silver bullet for a long time, it's always been good stress relief for him

he's an ugly crier for sure, he rarely cries in general but when he does Oh Boy it's gonna last a while and he's gonna be a Mess

he's particular about the way he dresses (when he's not in the middle of a massive horse race, he doesn't have much choice there) he wants everything fit perfectly and cohesive etc etc he's probably the type to wear things like once or twice before he's like "alright that's trash now" bc he's a spoiled brat

feels the same way about his living space, it has to be clean and organized or else he'll have a meltdown (that too, he's prone to meltdowns over the tiniest things, stomping around and huffing dramatically)

he keeps things bottled up for a very unhealthy amount of time bc he doesn't know how to deal with his feelings, he'd rather just not have them but LOL sorry bud that's not how that works

hopefully that's not too many/too little hhfjkds i always have to stop myself from rambling abt this man, i just cannot stand him (i say in the most affectionate way possible)

[libertybri]

Any headcanons of Butch from Fo3 romantically with a guy!Lone?

Omg I have so many!! Butch is honestly such a complex character to Lone and I love it more than anything. So I’m writing this in categories building up to his completely romanced!relationship with m!Lone. This is probably much more than asked for, but I kind of go nuts when it’s anything Butch related so I hope this is somewhat enjoyable!

PINING

Once Butch is aware of his own feelings for m!Lone, he doesn’t make an effort to hide them

He will constantly compliment the other man, sending loads of affection his way and all types of flirtatious comments

He does so in a way that could be picked up as humorous from Lone, so if the feelings weren’t reciprocated, he couldn’t be able to humiliate himself by doing this

However, if he even notices a faint blush on Lone’s cheeks as he’s comments on his muscles or winking at him, he is going to go all in until a confession slips out from either of them

Butch loves offering to cut or style his hair, generally enjoying being so close to Lone and being able to touch him

To be able to do this so often he will make comments towards Lone like, “when’re you going to let me get ahold of that rat’s nest on your head” or “bout time you got a haircut from your ole pal Butch, yeah?” knowing Lone won’t refuse him

When traveling he will make comments about Lone’s appearance, complimenting him and admiring his sun-kissed, sweat beaded skin

Butch will always try to stay close to Lone, and if told to hang back will mock him or complain loudly until Lone gave in and let him trail closely behind

“I knew ya couldn’t resist me”

ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP

Butch would be the first to confess of course, while the thought of actually getting into a relationship with Lone scares him

This sets him off a bit and requires Lone to tell him ultimately the two of them would be just fine together

Butch doesn’t argue with that logic and finds comfort in calling Lone his boyfriend; it helps when people try to skip out on paying for a haircut and all he has to do is say the Wanderer is his beloved, always makes them pay right then and there

FIRST “I LOVE YOU”/REALIZING HE’S IN LOVE

Contrary to popular belief, Butch would actually be such a sap once he’s smitten for Lone and would definitely blurt out the first “I love you”, it doesn’t take him long either

It would be completely random, either out when they’re traveling or while they’re sharing a drink; Butch would admire his lover with a stupid grin and blurt out how much he loves him and is happy the two could be together

Like I said, sap

BEING ROMANTICALLY INVOLVED

He is all for PDA and showing people that he is the boyfriend of Lone and vice versa; consistently having his arm thrown around Lone’s waist or blatantly flirting with him in front of random people

He seeks comfort and reassurance in Lone, knowing he hasn’t always been the best towards him so he feels as if he always has something to prove now

He loves cuddling Lone more than anything and is 100% the small spoon

Butch doesn’t even realize when he goes on minor rants about their future together/marriage, losing himself in the moment before he even realizes what he’s talking about

The only thing he finds difficult about being in a relationship with Lone, is that he is the Wanderer after all, and will always be up to some dangerous task that always keeps Butch up at night worrying for his safety

That being said, Butch is the type to scold his boyfriend for doing stupid things that could get himself killed and will definitely call him out for being somewhat selfish in doing these things, but it’s only because he cares for him more than anything

And lastly, Butch would only ever have eyes for his beloved Lone, seemingly having been in love with him before the two ever left the vault in the first place

[allisonlol]

Can I request Chamomile Tea, Earl Grey Tea and Peppermint tea with Jouno?

a/n: YES OF COURSE <3

chamomile tea; what is their sleep schedule like? does it change around their s/o?

i feel like his sleep schedule is pretty straightforward tbh?

tries to go to bed around the same time; usually around 11pm or midnight

and wakes up consistently at 8am every morning for work

jouno would try to keep his sleep schedule the same once he started dating you...but that proves to be pretty difficult lmao

if you're a night owl (like me) he would complain that you're annoying him by being awake on your phone while he wants to sleep

in jouno's defense, you do tend to put your volume a little too high while watching tiktoks at 3am 🤫

this irritates him so much LMAO

but he'll keep his sharp comments to himself bc he loves you

literally pleads with you to sleep at the same time as him because he's a light sleeper that will wake up at sounds you CAN'T EVEN HEAR

gets all whiny if he doesn't get his eight hours of beauty rest before work every night 🙄

congrats tho because this is the first time you'll actually see jouno beg for something

however, there's no winning with him because even if you go to bed earlier than him, he'll tease you about it

peppermint tea; what do they get excited about?

besides for hearing the sounds of others suffering...

jouno gets excited to spend literally any kind of time with you (bonus points if it's outside of work)

this excitement is all internal of course, so it's unlikely it will actually show on his face

you could run up to him to pepper his face in kisses after he arrived home from work and while he'll still be his usual “😑” on the outside, internally he almost feel nauseous from the butterflies you give him

also he loves to hear you get all excited for things

adores listening to the way your heartbeat races when you've become enthusiastic about something

hell, you could drive past a cow pasture and get all giddy while pointing out the cows and jouno will just think "omg ily ( ⋂‿⋂)"

if you surprise him with unexpected gifts or plans for a date night, it's likely that you'll be able to catch a surprised expression out of him <3

that kind of stuff means a lot to jouno, since it shows that you genuinely care and are putting an effort into the relationship as well

andddd the earl gray tea prompt was already done here!

[podcastsaremyjam]

Podcast Recs!

Sometimes it can be difficult to find new fiction podcasts through the jungle of nonfiction ones. I LOVE finding new podcasts through other people’s recommendation’s, so I figured I’d take advantage of tumblr’s “pin a post” feature to pin a list of my favorite podcasts to the top of my page! Be sure to check out the tags on this post too—I try to be pretty consistent with tagging on this account. I’ll keep updating as I find new podcasts!

Fantasy

The Adventure Zone

If you’re into D&D, you’ve probably at least heard of this one, but it’s definitely worth the hype! TAZ was created by the McElroy brothers who, along with their dad Clint, play D&D together. The whole thing is INCREDIBLY hilarious, but each story really gets more complex and interesting as it goes along. The first “season,” TAZ: Balance is my favorite—classic D&D setting following Magnus, Taako, and Merle as they adventure and a larger mystery slowly unfolds. #adventure #dnd #found family

Unseen

A collection of stories set in the same magical universe by the team who created Wolf359. Each episode has been really interesting, and the worldbuilding is really great! #magic #lgbtq+ rep #mental health

The Two Princes

Rupert and Amir are princes of two kindgoms at war who decide to take destiny into their own hands by pursuing the cause of the curse plaguing their kingdoms. To do so, they will have to create an uneasy truce as they forge deeper into the enchanted forest. This podcast is so lovely. The characters growth is just *chef’s kiss* I just found out that seasons 2 & 3 were released exclusively on Spotify, so guess who’s “to listen” list just got longer? #princes #lgbtq+ rep #prophecy #enemies to lovers

Sci-Fi

Girl in Space

Our narrator (who’s name has not been revealed as of the end of season 1) is a young scientist who’s parents have died, leaving her as the sole living inhabitant of the research station Cavatica. Space seems so vast when you only have yourself to talk to...until it isn’t. One of my all time favs—there is so much depth in the story and characters! #space #research #mental health #grief #space station

Directive

Y’all, this one made me cry the first time I listened to it! The story (in season 1) follows Frank as he works as a caretaker watching over the cryogeniclly stored bodies of people on their way to a space colony. It’s such a poginant exploration of the social bonds we take for granted. #space #mental health

Wolf 359

Told through the audio logs of Communications Officer Doug Eiffel , Wolf 359 follows the crew of the Hephaestus as they monitor the star Wolf 359. If I could only recommend 5 podcasts to someone, this one would definitely make the cut. Each of the characters is so well flashed out as the podcast progresses, and the conversations it has about mental illness are handled so well! #space #mental health #space station

Moonbase Theta Out

Ugh, this podcast is so good! The first season follows the researchers and workers on Moonbase Theta as they prepare for base shutdown. However, with political issues threatening the safety of family planetside and those in charge being suspiciously unwilling to provide information on certain topics, our narrator pushes for answers before he goes into cryogenic stasis. Note—the narrator of season one and his husband are sappy and adorable. I love them so muchhhh. #space #politics #lgbtq+ rep #space station

The Orphans

If you love sci-fi, this is the podcast for you! The Orphans tells the story of a universe full of future technologies and humanity continuing to push forward into unknowns. Each season tells a different story arc set in the same universe, interconnecting and building on past seasons. #technology #space #survival

Burst

An adorable anti-capitalist comedy set in space! #space #aliens #lgbtq+ rep #space station

EOS 10

OMG This podcast always makes me laugh so hard! It follows two doctors, a nurse, and a hypochondriac alien patient as they navigate medical appoinments and daily life on the station EOS 10. Shenagains ensue. #space #medical #lgbtq+ rep #aliens #space station

The Strange Case of the Starship Iris

Hooooo boy! Bring on the found family adventures in space we all deserve! Something here about the Each character is just beautifully written, layered in complexities that start to peel away as we get to know them. #aliens #space #found family #lgbtq+ rep

The Bright Sessions

Therapy session recordings of Dr. Bright’s patients. Only, her patients aren’t there for help with anxiety or depression. They’re there because they’re “atypicals,” people with incredible abilities. I love each of the characters in this podcast, and learning more and more as the plot unfolds!

Horror/Supernatural

The Magnus Archives

I don’t normally listen to horror, but I started listening in the middle of the pandemic and HOO BOY. It did not disappoint! The story follows Jonathan Sims working in the archives at the Magnus Institute, an institute dedicated to gathering information about strange and unusual occurances. Each episode is Jon recording himself reading statements people have given in order to better organize the Archives. Starts off a little slow in terms of Jon’s interaction with other characters, but that aspect starts picking up halfway through season 1. #horror #supernatural #lgbtq+ rep

King Falls AM

Though not as terrifying as the other shows in this section, King Falls AM can definitely be unsettling. The show follows Sammy Stevens and Ben Arnold as they host a late night radio show in the not-so-sleepy town of King Falls. Though newcomer Sammy is skeptical of the town’s reputation for supernatural events, there is definitely more to the town and its inhabitants than meets the eye. #supernatural #mental health #lgbtq+ rep

Welcome to Nightvale

My first ever podcast! You’ve probably already decided if Nightvale is your cup of tea if you’re on my blog, but basically WtNV is a radio show covering events that happen in a town where glowing clouds rain dead animals, a country of tiny people exosts under a bowling lane, and librarians will must not escape the library. Vaguely creepy and definitely weird! #supernatural #lgbtq+ rep

Other

Levar Burton Reads

If you love short stories, definitely check this one out! As the title suggests, the immensely talented Levar Burton selects a different short story for each episode and reads it. His selections span lots of genres, and he’s read stories from some of my favorite authors like Neil Gaiman and Nnedi Okorafor!

Me & AU

This podcast is sooooo cute! It follows Kate as she hyperfocuses on a new show called Selkirk and becomes friends with a fellow Selkirk fan named Ella.

Under Pressure

Follows a doctor of literature aboard a deep sea research station three miles underwater.

36 Questions

A musical three part mini-series about the relationship fallout between a husband and wife after the husband discovers that his wife isn’t who she says she is.

[tedricknivison]

(All ages will vary because I’m not great at linear timelines. They will range mainly between 10th-12th grade in high school, there will probably be younger and older stuff though)

(Also please please correct me if I get any extracurricular activity information wrong, I’m only in color guard so honestly I don’t really know much about the others lol)

Characters- Ted

Favorite puppy (I’m personally partial to him so uh expect a lot of Ted-centric stuff)

He’s in marching band!! He’s a saxophone

Has been since like 7th grade actually, he was on trumpet but his middle school had no saxophones so he decided to move

His favorite song he’s performed on sax was September by Earth, Wind, and Fire (because thinking of him with that song makes me Very Happy)

He’s also in choir/a cappella and is Super Awesome at it omgs

[Angst warning]

His parents? Kinda sucky (you’ll notice that as a theme with me because ahaha it’s pretty difficult for me to imagine many family relationships that aren’t lowkey trash sorry about that-)

Like Super Rich Kids by Frank Ocean? That’s a Big Mood for Ted.

His parents are the type of rich people who work overseas like most of the year. They’re around maybe 12? non-consecutive weeks a year.

And they stopped paying for proper childcare as soon as Ted hit 13 so he’s pretty. He’s gotten pretty self-sufficient.

Honestly he usually prefers when they’re gone though

When they are home it’s not a great environment, they’re super judgemental of everything he does and they only really seem to care about grades

That does mean he has the house (penthouse?) to himself most of the time, which he appreciates

And the maids are usually nice, even though they usually don’t speak much English. Ted has gotten at least a little good at Spanish too, and is taking that as his language at school

[End of angst]

He met Charlie in middle school and became friends with Schlatt through osmosis pretty much

It was probably like 6th grade? Ted wasn’t very good at socializing with people but he wore a shirt for a band Charlie liked and they hit it off immediately

And since Ted didn’t have anyone to sit with at lunch Charlie kind of. Adopted him.

Schlatt and Grace sat with Charlie already, Grace was super psyched to meet Ted actually

She’s a big fan of him, they get along super well.

Schlatt took a bit longer to warm up to him but eventually the four of them were tight and hung out outside of school a lot

Ted’s like. Top of most of his classes

It’s pretty iconic of him honestly, he’s not taking easy courses

He also like learned to drive as soon as he could because nobody would consistently be able to drive him places and he was tired of public transport/his bike

[Ship content- no smut]

In probably 9th grade Ted starts dating a cheerleader (Madi) and they get like super close super quick

All of Ted’s friends love Madi (she moved from out of town recently) so she’s immediately added to the friend group

However it’s right around this time where Ted starts questioning his sexuality and everything (there’s a scene I’m gonna bullet up later about it)

Honestly their relationship has been a bit strained on the down-low for a bit by this point- Ted’s got super shit self-esteem and Madi is also like super not having a cool time, personally

So Ted tells her that he’s questioning and she goes like “hey Ted I do. I do really love you but like I can’t deal with that actually.”(The polyamory, not bisexuality)

Which totally good for her for knowing her boundaries and keeping them

And now they’re great friends!!!

And actually he meets his next girlfriend (Shae) through Madi- they’re both on the cheerleading team

They become good friends until like halfway? through sophomore year when both Shae and Ted end up asking Madi separately if she’s ok if they ask each other out

They don’t know each other’s plan but it’s a really funny event

Ted tells her outright he’s bi and polyam, she’s totally cool with it (in college she ends up getting super into relationship anarchy and she’s living her best life I love it)

But y’know Ted is still Sad and feels Unworthy Of Love

And that’s not Shae’s problem to fix, she supports him as much as she can but she has her own shit going on and can’t always deal with that

So she’s like “hey Teddy you should uh. You should think about seeing a therapist” and he’s all like “you’re a genius why didn’t I think of that earlier”

Shae and Ted are actually really healthy together it’s super great for two 10th graders lmao

(I keep forgetting how old I made them I-)

Anyways yea he’s in therapy now, his parents don’t really know it’s very iconic of him

But before he can like. Make significant progress with that. Ted actually figured out that he likes Schlatt and Charlie and omgs no he can’t like them they’re his best friends they’re gonna think he’s a freak

So he’s struggling with that

And there’s a scene I know that goes right about here where Ted figures out that Charlie likes Schlatt and bro. He’s going through it. He really says “Hey feel free to like rant about Schlatt anytime you want to me, it’s amusing and I don’t mind” (this is a scene I know Very Well)

He does mind. He’s in pain. Ted is. Struggling.

So yea that goes on for like almost a year. He thinks he’ll get over it eventually and he doesn’t because he’s stupid and bi (affectionate, me too lmao)

And then comes the Confession, beginning-middle of 11th grade? That’s it’s own scene that I’ll bullet out later I know how it goes. Lots of tears and chocolate chip cookies

[End of shipping]

Expect Charlie and Schlatt’s character sheets in 2-5 business days, as well as smaller ones for Grace, Shae, Minx, and the others I plan on having!!!!!

(Also don’t be surprised if the format of this changes tomorrow or sometime when I can get on my laptop and make it more accessible lmao)

[hogwartsfirebolt]

Aaaand we’re back!!! I can’t believe it’s been a year since the last time I found myself typing one of these, but here we are, and WHAT. A. YEAR. Full of the highest ups and the lowest downs and through it all, so, so many wonderful stories that have made this my best reading year in fandom, ever. If you’re interested, in no particular order, I’d like to share some of my absolute favorites with you ❤️ Banner art is by the immensely talented @upthehillart and with nothing else to add, here’s my

FAVORITE FICS I READ IN 2019 PART ONE

1. Grounds for Divorce - @tepre - 122k - Malfoy finds a coin. Harry finds a letter. A story about histories, a story about families. A story about a lemon tree somewhere in Upper Egypt.

This is the only thing on this list that is actually in order because DAMN. Because HOLY SHIT. This is my absolute favorite fic of all time and that’s not... I’m not exaggerating. I have INFINITE things to say about it, and actually, I have. Let me refer you to my long, gushy rec specifically about this masterpiece and just BEG you again to read it because it’s beautiful and it will change you and and and-

2. amid this warm and steady sweetness - warmfoothills - 21k - Harry is not living in a period drama, no matter what his friends or his new house or Malfoy’s sudden affinity for horse-riding might suggest, and if one more person uses the word courting, he’s going to start hexing people.

This is just beautiful. Every word feels like it’s been laid down with gentleness and the entire setting is vibrant, sweet, so lovely it’s almost palpable. I had never read anything for this pairing that was modeled after a period drama, and it was perfectly done, it made me laugh at the outfits and the teasing and the ridiculous situations all around, and go “awww” when it became sweet and now I just want to keep it close inside my heart. You simply have to read this. 

3. Star Quality - who_la_hoop - 118k - Two years after the war, and Harry’s content with his life. OK, so it’s a little annoying that he keeps winning Witch Weekly’s Most Eligible Bachelor award, and he’s really not looking forward to the unveiling of an enormous gold statue of himself, but he loves his friends, and he loves being an Auror. And if he yearns for something more, something he can barely bring himself to think about, well, he’ll probably get over it. No one’s happy all the time, are they? But then everything changes, and Harry’s thrown into a new and dazzling world he’s not sure he can actually escape from. And as time goes on, he starts to wonder: does he actually want to?

Incredibly creative and executed so masterfully that I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in a day. Features a fed up Harry (always appreciated in this house), alternate realities, concerts, retail jobs, wishes upon stars, balloons, boys not knowing how to communicate but still inevitably falling in love, and just hours and hours of FUN. 

4. And One To Play - @tackytigerfic - 21k - Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter are the best team in the Auror Department, even when they're driving Gawain Robards up the wall. When Malfoy is injured on a mission, it causes Harry's magic to go haywire. Meanwhile, a mysterious criminal is draining people's magical cores and turning them into Squibs. Can Harry stop blowing Malfoy away in time to solve the case? And will Malfoy ever stop trying to get the last word?

GUYS THEIR DYNAMIC IN THIS ONE IS JUST PERFECT. The author wrote this absolutely incredible relationship where they trust each other and have so much fun and are so perfectly attuned to each other and I just sucked it right up because it’s so good. The case is interesting and engaging, Harry’s little predicament makes such a mess, and still their dynamic and friendship is the backdrop of it all. This fic is a really, really good time all around. 

5. That Old Black Magic - @bixgirl1 - 77k - Centuries ago, marriage contracts were the norm — ready-made alliances between families, expected and complied with, without complaint. But norms have a way of changing, and when a long-dormant contract flares to life, Harry has to navigate an unexpected splintering of the path he'd thought would be easy after the war... with Draco Malfoy.

Reading this was one of the best moments of my entire year. I read it in a day, couldn’t put it down because the writing and the pacing and the dynamic are so incredibly good it blew my mind a little bit. It’s a slightly different take on the arranged marriage trope than what I was used to, and I loved it so, so much. It might be my favorite fic of Bix’s, ever. 

6. On a Clear Day - saras_girl - 41k - Draco Malfoy is waiting for his real life to begin, and it appears that he’s not the only one. Coffee, charity, and the wisdom of the elderly.

!!!!!! That’s all I can think to say!!!! In trying to read ALL of saras_girl fics I have found such ABSOLUTE GEMS and this is definitely, definitely one of the best of them in my opinion, it’s just so incredibly lovely in every way and I’m so weak for when they slowly let themselves be vulnerable with each other the more they get to know each other, and help each other be brave and !!!! again. This paints it so beautifully I just want to read it again and again. 

7. Renaissance - dysonrules - 33k - Harry awakens after a long sleep to find things terribly changed. He's not in an alternate universe... it just seems like it.

Surly, moody Harry is a weakness of mine, and the way he navigates the extremely difficult situation he finds himself in in this one was so interesting to read. I always do love Draco being capable and good at what he does, trying to become a better person through his work. A really, really good fic with fantastic characterizations and a plot that kept me on my toes the whole time. Definitely recommended. 

8. At the End of the Day - sara_holmes - 7k - No brooms, a distinct lack of balls, no comprehension of the offside rule and a Malfoy who apparently has magic feet. Harry never knew this stupid game could be so much fun.

This fic is so light, so lovely and young that I went back to it over and over again during the year. It carries that feeling of tentative new beginnings, letting go and reconnecting with those around you after going through terrible things, all of that in a way that never loses sight of the fact that they’re still teenagers and still deserve some fun and light in their lives. So, so cute.

9. take my hand once more - @candybarrnerd - 8k - Harry finds himself standing in front of the door to the Room of Requirement with no memory of having walked there or having walked past the required three times either.-Everything feels like it's falling apart, his second marriage is failing, and he would actually kill for a decent nights sleep, which must be why the Room of Requirement provides him with the solution of a bed when Harry steps through the door. When he wakes though, he finds it's so much more.

Oh god I ache just remembering this. It’s so, so good. Every word paints every feeling so effectively that I felt it etched into my chest and all of Harry’s love for Draco was mine and his sorrow was mine and what he felt after the Room of Requirement gives him what he needs is what I felt too and I was just broken and repaired completely in 8k words in the best way ever. You MUST read this now. 

10. Eternally Consistent - @alychelms - 44k - Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter assumed they would never be anything but civil enemies, until Potter lands on Malfoy's doorstep, bleeding, covered in curses, and acting very strangely indeed.

THIS IS EXCELLENT, REMARKABLE, EXTRAORDINARY!!! Omg every word, I swear every word had me on the edge of my seat and you see that time turner tag? Do you see it? It’s played in the BEST possible way, the case is so freaky and incredible and the work with the destroyed time turners and those... wizarding physics applied to it were so incredibly interesting. The characterizations are delicious, every moment Draco and Harry work together is fantastic, and in the end, when everything falls into place, it’s perfect. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. 1000000/10. 

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

Each of these fics is incredibly close to my heart and I enjoyed them immensely. I hope they bring you all joy as well, and I’m ALWAYS here to gush about any of them ❤️ Happy holidays!

[hahanoiwont]

@bluerose2017 replied to this post: Omg thank you so much for responding to my thoughts. I have three questions for you. 1. How many universes are you thinking of writing in And Whither than? 2. Once all the sanses and Papyruses come together, are they gonna argue with each other on who gets Frisk? 3. Do the sanses and Papyruses ever get jealous of Frisk’s brotherly relationship with each other?

!! hi! I am so glad to hear all thoughts about my writing, thank you for dropping by to talk to me! And these are excellent questions :D

So, in order (and under a cut because I have a tendency to ramble):

1. How many universes are you thinking of writing in And Whither than?

Initially, WT was meant to skim over hundreds, possibly thousands of universes. Frisk gives up entirely on the concept of staying in one universe, and clings to their drive to free their friends and family in each universe--there's one more world where everyone is happy, and that has to be enough. But then I remembered some writing advice I got a while back about how you almost never need a hundred of something if you show a few of it really well. And I realized that Frisk can reach the same mentality I was going for while being a lot easier to understand if we only went through a few universes, zooming in on the initial adjustment to being misplaced in the multiverse. It's more fun if they're not an expert! It's a lot easier to like someone who we've seen adjusting and learning than someone who skims into old hat really quickly, narratively speaking. So, I did some massive readjustments.

Now, Frisk is going to go to a total of (spoilers!!!) seven universes, including Underfell. So far we've seen Underfell, Underswap, Dancetale, Frisktale, and Swapfell; that leaves two unexplored. (/end spoilers). I decided which universes to put in basically through requests early on (Dancetale wasn't requested but I missed dancing lol); now that the arc of the story is decided, I can only explore other potential AUs through spinoffs like Fall Into Grace. So: finite number of universes. We've stopped in Swapfell for a while, but we're making good progress.

2. Once all the sanses and Papyruses come together, are they gonna argue with each other on who gets Frisk?

This one's a bit more complicated--yes and no! On their own, they'll each come to a conclusion--Cozy/Stretch has decided it would be best if Frisk came to Underswap first and negotiations can start from there, while Blue is under the impression that they'll all be talking it out once Frisk is found, and Red has his own plans, etc. No one is arguing, but no one quite agrees, either. But at the end of the arc that brings everyone together, there will be some other complicating details--not to mention that Frisk has already been traveling for a long time for a preteen with no consistent home, and they have their own opinions about being kept. After all, it's people arguing about whether and where to keep them that started this disaster, and historically people wanting to keep them has not always been a good thing (see: every Toriel and swap!Asgore). Swapfell is actually the only universe that's gotten them to stay in the skelebros' home again, and that will have its own complications. Frisk is already a difficult person to contain, "keeping" may not be as easy as some would hope.

3. Do the sanses and Papyruses ever get jealous of Frisk’s brotherly relationship with each other?

:D I can tell you Red's not exactly pleased. One can argue that he signed himself up for heartbreak by kicking them out of his universe, though. You know who didn't give them up? Fell. Prepare for some spoilers ahead (nothing concrete, but a lot of the fuzzy "someday" stuff)

I have a scene very vividly in my mind for when they meet up again--we'll see how it actually works out in context, but it's been part of the plan almost from the start. Fell tragically lost his younger sibling when they were 12 years and 6 weeks old, having met them when they were 11. Already in WT canon, quite a bit of time has passed; even more for Frisk than for anyone else. They're getting older, learning, changing, growing. They're making new friends he's never met and having new experiences he can't imagine.

By the time he catches up to them, part of their life has passed without him, and he can't get it back. He risked everything to take them in and raise them, and that chance was stolen from him by the person he loves most in the world. Fell's very first thought after meeting them again is: You've grown up. You don't need me anymore. Because that's the tragedy of his part of the story: he went above and beyond in every situation, he improved himself beyond his wildest imaginings to live up to their faith in him, and he still loved and lost a sibling. So one day he'll have to face this fear--they've met other, braver, gentler, kinder, better versions of him. Now that they have a family that spans the multiverse, now that he isn't the best choice in a bad situation, what could they possibly need him for? What use is there in keeping him around if they don't need him anymore?

And Frisk's thought in return is, But I still want you. Wanting is just as good as needing, but I do it by choice. They never loved him because he was better than nothing; they loved him because they knew he was worth loving. He loved them and protected them when they were too young to look after themself. He was the Papyrus by which all others were measured. Of course they love their other siblings very deeply and very much, but that doesn't mean they would ever leave him for a version of him with a less explosive temper, or who's better at feelings. They love each of their brothers as their own people, who they got to know because of their similarities but came to love for their differences, too.

That's how a lot of the interpersonal conflict is going to be resolved eventually. A lot of patience, a lot of compromise, a lot of understanding. And, hey, it turns out it's a lot harder to resent someone for stealing your sibling once you crash on their couch a few times--there are going to be sleepovers all over the multiverse, and the various skeletons will get to know each other, too. After a while, each of these previously lonely people will turn around and realize that it's not just a shared custody situation, it's that their family has gotten a lot bigger. It starts with Frisk, but it ends with everyone knowing Slim is a great listener and Shy is actually terrible at DDR and Blue is the kinda guy who'll pick you up at 3am from the wrong universe, no questions asked. So while things will get pretty tense in the meantime, eventually, I hope we'll get to a point where it feels right for everyone to get along with each other. Sometimes it really is one big, happy family.

Anyway, that's what I think at chapter 21 (22?) out of a gazillion. It may be that a new plot comes out of nowhere, and I have to follow it down the rabbithole Right Now Immediately, derailing everything along the way. But I'm always happy to talk about what's going on behind the scenes! Please do come by and chat whenever--anything from "hey why is frisk so fixated on the stick" to "so actually though what if we stayed in frisktale forever"! I'm really pleased with this fic, so I have many, many thoughts about it :D

[ohhbiscuits]

Anonymous said:

I know this may be kind of a hard question, but I love giving challenges! While Bandit is a pretty wonderful doggo all around, what would you say is his biggest fault?

( this is SUCH a good question omg, thank you so much for sending it! really got me thinking about bandit on a foundational level, what the core aspects of his character are and where the cracks in that foundation would be. 

i think one of his greatest issues is that he struggles with confronting meaningful problems and often fails to see the bigger picture outside of his end goal. this is an issue that comes up fairly consistently: there will be a difficult question or situation and he struggles uncomfortably to engage with it, usually turning to chilli or otherwise finding some way to bail out of it without a response. and he gets VERY locked into a specific end goal ( getting to the camping grounds and securing a good spot, getting a pizza oven to feel less jealous of his neighbor, getting the kids to school on time ) which can end up creating issues with reaching that goal, because he’s neglected to attend to the details. 

his relationship with chilli works as well as it does in part because she’s more detail - oriented than he is and isn’t as easily frazzled when it comes to the big questions or more serious situations. she slows him down and keeps him from racing ahead or missing out on what he might not notice or realize otherwise. )

[buckevantommy]

'(Un)Happiest Season' review

Simply put, it wasn't enjoyable as a romance or a comedy or a Christmas flick. It failed on many fronts, but this reviewer from Salon.com puts the thing into words for Happiest Season's main failings: 

What's bad: There were two main criticisms of "Happiest Season." The first being: Can't LGBTQ audiences have a holiday movie where the main plot isn't about mining the anxiety and trauma associated with coming out, being closeted and casual homophobia? Then there's the fact that Harper really is just kind of the worst. After pushing Abby back in the closet, Harper ditches her in a town where she doesn't know anyone to go drink with her ex-boyfriend until two in the morning, then proceeds to call Abby "suffocating" when called on it. It's a pattern of s**ty behavior that is pervasive and present throughout the movie, so her redemption arc doesn't feel super genuine. 

Why can't we have main queer characters in Christmas movies without their presence being all about their queerness? We want fluffy festiveness, dammit! They could've made Harper less selfish and more attentive while still playing into the *I'm not out yet Because Reasons so we need to hide our gay relationship* trope, but they didn't. Who knows why, but what a waste. 🎄👩‍❤️‍👩☃️

^ Look at that trailer and tell me you don't expect Misunderstandings with fun and tropey antics + Domestic Christmas Shenanigans + Comfort for Hurt! You will be sorely disappointed. 😞 

NOTE: The flick does have a few good moments. And it's probably worth the watch just to see what's missing/mishandled when it comes to queer characters and queer romances in mainstream movies. 

But it's not really fun or funny or heart-warming - where are the snowball fights? Insightful conversations? Christmas elements like eggnog/spiced wine, candycanes, mistletoe? Where are the many colourful side characters and the hungover brunches? We get one scene of ice-skating for a few minutes and it's wasted on sibling rivalry bs rather than, say.. Abby and Harper skating together but not being aloud to touch—omg the tension!! 😍 

There's just not enough comfort for the hurt Abby (Kstew) goes through; the film wholly lacks those warm-n-fuzzy Christmas vibes; there's just way more wrong with it than is right with it - which sucks, because this had the potential to be such a great movie if only Harper was written as less ignorant/selfish and we'd gotten more enjoyable family interactions and more festive fun - like a celebration in town. Instead we get a few limited shots of the adorable town, a crappy bar, and an OTT fancy Christmas party for performative rich white folk on a career path for power and "perfection" (ie. wholesome family values). 

The story they went with was definitely better suited for a dramatic film, so in a romcom setting it really didn't work. Plus the side-characters were flat; we needed more depth from the supporting characters, more meaningful interactions. 

^ Look at those intro credits!! Look at all the domestic happy moments and tell me you don't want to see a movie filled with such fluffy festive goodness!! Well, if you don't want to see such moments, don't worry because you won't. I naturally thought we were going to get this kind of romantic-and-non-romantic happiness dispersed throughout the entire film, but no. Not a one. There's 5 minutes of Happy Couple at the start, and that's it 📸☹️ (unless you count a photo collage of the happy ending and year that follows stuffed into the end credits). 

BTW: That intro song is the most Christmasy song in the whole movie. The soundtrack features modern pop songs which 1) don't help set the festive vibe and 2) are really fucking annoying; the song choices are grating, not pleasant, not enjoyable, and they overpower the scenes with a whole lotta noise. I really wish we'd gotten more tunes like the one above. 🎶 

About the image below—Abby is actually miserable the entire time, getting worse by the day, barely a smile seen on her.. while Harper is the one schmoozing her family and contacts with teeth bared, so.. this image isn't what you'll get, just fyi:

(also: the only POC actors they had were the perfectionist-stone-faced-bitch's husband and his girlfriend - wife + hubby being secretly separated.) 

The things that the Salon reviewer liked are the same things I did (see below), but imho even those elements weren't enough to save this film from being: 

an infuriating 102 minute-comedy of errors buoyed by a healthy dose of gaslighting 

More cons of the flick are pointed out by denofgeek.com: 

Some of its issues come from the structure of the film, which shoehorns very real queer struggles into wacky rom-com tropes too fluffy to contain the stakes at hand. Meanwhile the choice to have one half of the lead couple be so aggressively and repeatedly cruel—while her high school ex Riley, played by the ever-perfect Aubrey Plaza was standing right there having all the chemistry in the world with the other romantic lead—was a fatal one.

It really was a dramatic plot idea crammed into a fluffy narrative. You can see the conflicting genres fighting to stay alive and they both die a slow, agonisingly dull death throughout the film. The whole *Abby being converted to loving Christmas by Harper inviting her to spend the holidays with her family* thing, only to have Harper force their relationship + Abby into the closet. Straight conversion much? I'm 100% sick of heteronormative bs in my queer Christmas films. 

For the most part, when you're not feeling for Abby's harsh treatment by her would-be fiance and everyone but Riley ignoring her completely, you will be bored af from the lack of festive cheer - not just twinkle lights and boisterous seasonal music, but those good ol' homey family Christmas vibes. With the Harper house + family members, everything's a performance, so that lack of sincerity and warmth makes for a depressing viewing experience: 

^ Jane (one of Harper's 2 sisters) is the only character allowed to be consistently genuine in the narrative (aside from John, but he's restricted mostly to phonecalls, and Riley - but even she's keeping Harper's secrets). Jane is the only character who is naturally vibrant and reminds us of some of the reasons we get excited about Christmas movies: to feel joy and to enjoy the company around us during the holiday season! 🎄☃️🥳 But rather than give us a fun day out with Jane + Abby, we get Abby + the second sister (i don't even remember her name, just BitchFace) which leads to more bad treatment of Abby - this time by two spoiled af no-smile rich kids. *le sigh* Jane carries the spark of honest joy for the entire Harper clan and that is TOO MUCH to expect of one character, let alone a side-character. 😪 

There are so many ways the story could've been tweaked to make more sense and be somewhat enjoyable, including: 

The orphan!Abby thing is just bad. Rather than give Abby a voice, chances to let her personality shine, almost everyone interacts with her to merely briefly express their condolences for her long-dead parents 🙄 

Abby is a pet-minder, ie. she's an animal lover, yet at no point do we see her interact with animals! Not a dog or cat or hamster, no reindeer at the petting zoo, nothing. 🐕🐈🦎🦜🐠

Riley + Abby getting together (even just a kiss) 👄 

Abby + Harper separating so Harper can get her shit together - and then we get several flashforward shots of them separately living their lives (Harper especially), and then meeting back up again - maybe the next holiday season, after some much-needed time apart 🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️ 

side characters who engage with Abby in a sincere, meaningful way instead of ignoring her (again, we got Riley, but she was outside of the family dynamic) 😊 

MORE FESTIVE CHEER! where were all the staple Christmassy passtimes, the smile-inducing season-specific experiences??? 🎉 

More from denofgeek: 

Where the script gets into trouble is that it doesn’t distinguish between Harper being closeted and her poor treatment of Abby. The two are separate issues and treating them as one does no favors to Harper, nor others struggling with the closet. As Dan Levy’s beautiful monologue late in the movie alludes to, the closet is a safety mechanism—but it’s not a free pass to treat people like garbage. [...] 😟🏳️‍🌈

Even a brief conversation teasing out that being in the closet doesn’t justify how Harper acted, and that plenty of people in the closet don’t treat others like trash, would have been important. Instead once Harper is out (which the movie takes pains to make clear only happened because Harper’s sister Sloane outed her), and a gesture so small it could never credibly be called grand is made, all bad behavior is washed away. [...] 😤🙅‍♀️ 

The jarring underlying issue is that 'Happiest Season' attempts to apply the standard rom-com and made-for-TV-holiday-movie tropes to queer life. So Abby having to go back into the closet isn’t framed as a painful regression or being forced to deny an essential part of herself, but rather a fun twist, in the vein of “but the guy she insulted on the plane is the owner of the ornament factory she has to impress to win the Christmas contest!”🚪😒 

All of Harper’s behavior adds up to making her feel like something the audience wants Abby to be free of, not someone Abby should be fighting for. Once Riley tells Abby about Harper’s cruelty in high school, where Harper outed Riley and mocked her rather than standing up for her or finding an excuse that protected them both, it becomes incredibly difficult to root for the lead couple to get back together, or for Harper at all. 👏💃 

With this information, Harper’s other transgressions go from frustrating to part of a larger pattern. Sadly, it’s a pattern Harper repeats when her sister outs her and she throws Abby under the (lesbian) bus. 🤬 

FAVE THINGS: 

all interactions between John (Dan Levy) + Abby (he's witty, honest, and 100% the most entertaining element of the entire film; i wish we'd gotten more of him) 😆 

Riley (Aubrey Plaza, Harper's ex) + Abby's scenes together because CHEMISTRY, both between the characters and the actors 👩‍❤️‍👩

Notable between Abby + Riley scenes include 3 instances of Riley comforting Abby's hurt: outside at the fancy party (Abby feeling excluded/ignored/not worth anyone's time due to the way they treat her even though they don't know she's gay), at a gay bar in town (sandwiched by scenes where Abby's made to feel like crap by Harper), and at the fancy home Christmas party where Riley gets Abby something stronger to drink after hearing Abby was going to propose to Harper (but it's been a helluva shitty week and those plans are dead) 👭 

Every scene with Riley was blessed relief from the hurt and discomfort and boredom of the rest of the time with Harper's family. 🤩 

Sister Jane, for being a genuinely fun character 🤗 who was written starkly different to her family and treated somewhat like an outcast 

Aubrey + Kstew killin it in various pantsuits 👀 

In contrast, Riley connects Abby to queerness, bringing her to an LGBTQ bar to decompress and enjoy a Christmas-themed drag performance. It’s the most relaxed and comfortable Abby is on screen since the opening scenes, a chance to glimpse Abby’s authentic self before Harper summons her back to heterosexuality, and where she once again ignores and disappoints her. Riley actually talks to Abby at the various holiday parties whereas Harper keeps leaving her to please her family, especially her father. It’s not hard for the natural chemistry between Plaza and Stewart to take over

I wouldn't watch this film again. For a hopeful Christmasy love story I'd just watch all Abby + Riley's scenes: 

In closing, here's a batshit article title from observer.com that just makes you go, huh? 🧐:

‘Happiest Season’ Isn’t Happy, But That Doesn’t Make It a Bad Rom-Com

Um.. yes, yes it does. 

Rom-Coms are supposed to be fun, light-hearted stories about love even when the plot deals with lying - The Proposal, Sweet Home Alabama - so a movie that leaves you hurting more than comforted in sympathy with one of the main characters because the (apparent) love of their life is treating them like shit, then it doesn't deserve to be in the genre of Rom-Com. 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨💞🎬

In summary, Abby and Harper got 5 minutes of happiness in the beginning, and an eventual happy ending after a super rocky middle. The journey was painful and unenjoyable, and it made their happy ending unbelievable and, for Harper, undeserved because of her behaviour through 90% of the story. 

In short: it was not, in fact, the happiest season. 😕👎

[jslittlebirdie]

Hi, darling!💖 I'm sorry if you've addressed this before, but how did you and J meet? What did you think of each other? How did everything develop? I'm sending you love and hugs!!🥰💜💚

OMG! Erika, darling ❤️ Thank you so so much for sending in this lovely ask!! I'm sending lots of love and hugs right back at you 🤗😘

It took me so long to write this answer, because, well, I got a little carried away 😅 Under a cut, because I don't want to bother anybody with my personal stuff.

I first met J about four years ago - in summer 2016. I had just finished school and had the whole summer off before university started. I watched a lot of movies in the evenings, and that's when I first accidentally came across TDK. I had never been interested in superheroes and stuff like that before because nobody around me liked that kind of thing. But in this particular night, I just thought I'd give it a try - I had nothing to lose.

And omg. What had I missed in all these years?? Because of TDK, I have not only developed my passion for Batman and Joker but for superheroes, comics, and stuff like that in general. I think I've become much more open-minded about these things. And if I hadn't watched the movie that night, I would never have met this community and all these wonderful people ❤️❤️

The first time I saw J, he, well, intimidated and fascinated me at the same time. Especially his "magic trick" and his stories about the origin of his scars left me with my mouth wide open. I know this is silly, but I was still thinking about it a few days later 😅

I don't know exactly what it was about him that captivated me (and didn't let go of me again). Maybe it was his mysterious appearance, his charm and charisma and his looks 👀😅 Maybe it was his devil-may-care attitude that stands in such a strong contrast to my own personality. Or the way he always keeps a cool head even in the most difficult situations, that he can easily adapt to new situations and is never predictable due to his special way of thinking.

OMG, I think I could go on gushing about him like this forever 😅😭💚💜

But at that time I wasn't ready for a relationship yet. I didn't want to admit my feelings. I was a bit confused and overwhelmed - how can you have feelings for such a villain? But I never forgot about him during those four years. And he never forgot about me either. He was always there. A silent observer. I think I have become something of an obsession of his. And he has become mine as well. I thought a lot about him and imagined what his life was like before he got his scars (I read a lot of fanfics about him and even wrote a few about him as well). And that was the moment when I saw him not only as the Joker but also as Jack 💚💜

This year (2020), a lot has changed again. J has been passing by more often and stayed longer and longer. Until he finally more or less moved into my apartment and now uses it as his hideout - and I more than welcomed his presence. We got closer and closer until... The cinema in my city was playing old movies again in response to the pandemic. And when "The Dark Knight-Trilogy" was there as well, I was totally over the moon!! On July 16th I finally got to see J on the big screen. It was just like the first time again! Except that I had now reached a point where I couldn't stop grinning every time he showed up and a certain tingling in my stomach became noticeable. That was the moment when I could no longer deny my feelings for him 💚💜

On top of that, I didn't know until this summer that self-shipping is real thing and has a real name - I had never heard of it before. It was a real enlightenment for me when I found out about it. When I think about it now, I guess I've had quite a few F/Os in my life, romantic as well as platonic and parental ones.

But none of them has stayed with me for as long and as consistently as J. As he would probably say at this point, "Ya are stuck with me, doll. I'm like a cockroach, ya can't get rid of me that easily."

Even though, I still can't quite understand why. I mean, I'm just an ordinary girl who isn't particularly pretty, smart or exciting. I'm more of an ugly duckling in a world of beautiful swans. A plain Jane. Unobtrusive, shy and awkward. Actually the exact opposite of J. But maybe that's exactly what he likes about me. That I am the calming presence for his chaotic being. That I can see the man who is hiding behind the thick layer of greasepaint and that I can attain the last bit of humanity that he always tries to hide. These are all just assumptions and hopes... For J is not a man who openly expresses his feelings and thoughts. But the mere fact that he stays with me and always comes back is proof enough that he must care about me, that I somehow managed to sneak into his heart!

It took us four years to realize the relationship we are in with each other. Sometimes it was complicated. Sometimes it still is today - when I have certain doubts and concerns. But here we are!

And I love my J! I love him so much 💚💜

[aqvarius]

I hope the rmd mc for kasumi is a bit different cuz she rly be hittin on my last nerve and I don’t think she would rly v✨i✨b✨e with kasumi in her current given state

i’ve decided i need to play matsunaga and cc before getting a better sense of the eicu guys but honestly some of these recent asks feel like my own brain jumped out of my head and started sending me anon asks lmao bc i totally agree. anyway i know it’s a controversial opinion to not like the rmd mc and i’m TRYING to be fair and put aside my bias against her and try to analyse what exactly it is that i don’t like, but yeah i just don’t really find that she has romantic chemistry with the characters (that i’ve read, i.e. takado and hosho). not that anyone ever asked for this, buuuuuut this ask has basically triggered yet another mc rant so stop reading here or get ready and settle down with some popcorn lmao.

DISCLAIMER: this is all just my personal opinion! and i’m sure many of you will disagree with me. please place a “i think/believe/feel” before every claim i make as everything i say here is just my own feeling towards her. i also need to disclaim that i have only properly read takado and hosho’s routes (bc i’m still...mad at sen’s route, and i’ve only made it through one chapter of matsunaga so far) and i understand (and fully subscribe to) the idea that mcs read differently depending on the route as well. and as always, please don’t let my opinions affect your own enjoyment of any characters or titles that you love!

ALSO as i was writing this, i went back and read my previous rant about her and i realised that i’m more or less reiterating the same points i made there but in a (hopefully) more structured and slightly more developed manner whoops. 

so here’s almost 3000 words and a whole bunch of screenshots under the cut because i don’t want to spam everyone’s dashboards with my unprompted Opinions(tm).

so anyway i’ve been thinking it’s a translation/tone thing. when i have the time/energy, i might sit down and really try to analyse the actual language, but just going off my intuition, i think maybe it’s because:

1. sometimes they choose to express something idiomatically and so that tone doesn’t come across as sincere. this isn’t a real example, but let’s think about the difference in tone between “oh no!” and “yikes”. because of modern day vernacular, we kind of associate “yikes” with a sarcastic and judgmental tone, whereas “oh no!” might connote a more genuinely concerned reaction. so sometimes i think that the use of very contemporary vernacular (which, lbr, trends towards a more sarcastic tone in general bc us gen z kids are mean) results in a lack of sincerity which makes the mc come across as a little more callous and less... actually kind and nice? i did get the feeling that hlitf mc has recently swayed towards this sort of tone as well and suspected that they had the same translator (which was confirmed later in a voltage Q&A). i’m definitely #biased but i can forgive this more because we had a good amount of content with her being adorable before the tone switch so i have a pre-established impression of her in my mind. 

by the way, i just want to say that while i do have this critique, i do really admire and respect the voltage translation and localisation team (and am... super indebted to them) and i do think they do fantastic translations generally. 

anyway, i believe this linguistic issue is at least partially responsible for my personal perception of the rmd mc’s personality that i expand on in the succeeding points, but my next point has more to do with the writing and characterisation of the most recent wave of mcs.

2. rmd mc has very few visible vulnerabilities. i think this is one of my biggest qualms with the new title mcs like rmd, destind and mk but i think stories are at their best when you get to see the mc fail and be vulnerable and wallow. the reason why i love certain mcs - particularly the ones whose titles and storylines centre around their careers (hlitf, irresistible mistakes, my last first kiss, scandal, celebrity darling, kiss of revenge, sleepless, otbs, arguably msb, etc.) - is because we get to see them fail and then grow. not only that, but you often get to see the relationship between the mc and the love interest deepen in these moments. but if you have a ‘perfect’ mc, then there’s no room for growth, so plotlines are forced to fall back on drama and trauma on the love interest’s side which... is exactly what rmd and mk do. 

this is not to say that rmd mc doesn’t make mistakes, because she certainly does, but i don’t find that they’re ever genuinely serious mistakes. for example, think about hlitf mc’s repeated mistake in season 1 of going after small crimes without seeing the bigger picture and thus potentially messing up an entire investigation. they allow her that space to mess up and be completely wrong for public safety. then they give her the time to be self-reflective and run away back to nagano really think about what her mistakes are, and where to go from there. she is confronted with humbling failure, and is forced to address issues about her own pride/ego, and matures into someone who has a more nuanced idea about justice. on the other hand, rmd mc never has to (consistently, afaik) go through a genuinely humbling experience, so she her pride/ego/arrogance never gets seriously called into question. maybe this is because the premise of rmd has to do with life and death and they don’t want to make it seem like she’s directly responsible for someone’s death, but hlitf also deals with life and death issues and the mc learns that if she messes up to save one civilian, she may actually be jeopardising the lives of tens or hundreds or more. 

anyway, taking takado’s route as an example, because this was our exposure to her as a character, the most frustrating thing is the way that she tries to lecture takado that he’s wrong about his attitude towards amputations, and never actually has to personally experience the potentially disastrous consequence of putting her ideology into practice. i think i would have enjoyed the route a lot more if she had gone over his head and naively made the decision not to do an amputation and then the person ended up dying or having to have a larger section amputated all because she was like uwu we can’t just cut off people’s limbs without waiting. i think if that situation had happened, we could have seen her actually have to confront her own naiveté and realise that she’s a noob and too idealistic and that reading a lot of medical journals does not translate to having actual field experience and intuition and who is she to question him like that when she knows nothing. she only realises that omg... we may have to consider some things with something called nuance... basically when more of takado’s backstory is revealed.  

(maybe this is because i work in academia so it extra-frustrates me, but omg if i had to one-on-one mentor a student like her, i would genuinely go nuts. she reminds me of some students that some colleagues and i have had where they  “well, actually” at everything you say bc they read some stuff on reddit or twitter that has absolutely not been proven through practical application of, or research conducted through the lens of, their theory. like imagine i told my advisors “despite being experts in [their respective fields] and having written numerous very important books, you’re wrong because i don’t agree but i have never myself conducted proper research to counter that!!”)

basically i wish they treated takado’s route like kaga’s routes (bc lbr takado and kaga are maybe... the same person?). look at the self-reflection here:

and here:

she does get down on herself at times, but look at the way that she humbly accepts her mistakes. sometimes she wallows on her mistakes, as anyone would, but look at the way she examines her failures and turns that feeling of inadequacy into motivation to work harder and smarter. 

by the way, these screenshots are from his ms1 and ms2 - so pretty early on - and we get to see her learn from these mistakes because she’s allowed to make them. we also get to learn more about kaga’s strictness and his kindness because of these mistakes.

i don’t know if the whole refusal to allow rmd mc to make significant errors is a response to readers who are like “omg.... why are voltage mcs so weak, why can’t they be perfect women who never get anything wrong” but ANYWAY i just feel like they never confront or address her hubris properly. 

3. following on from point 2, i find her one-dimensional. i’ve mentioned this before in a rant, but i don’t find her to be a very deep character bc to me, she reads as mostly surface level sass. i said: “her dialogue with them often reads as like they put 100 points in “snark” and 0 points in any other personality trait” lmao. so she’s great in one-off screenshots where you can see her bite back with a very screenshottable one-liner, but i find it tiring to have 30 chapters of her just literally running her mouth. because of this constant tone that they keep giving her, i find it really difficult to see any emotional depth in her character. because she’s the perspective character, her internal dialogue is just as, if not more, important as the love interest’s external dialogue in terms of carrying the emotional weight of falling in love, and i just don’t understand how there’s any sense of two people falling in love and getting to know each other when every sentence out of her mouth is just sass. can you imagine you meet someone and you get to know them but never have any genuine conversations bc every line out of your mouth is sarcastic? like your date is opening up and telling you about some difficulties he’s going through (which i’m sure you all know is a very vulnerable and scary thing to do) and instead of being empathetic and kind and understanding, you’re just like “sucks to be you dude”. and instead of saying “you don’t need to carry everything on your shoulders”, you say “you’re STUBBORN and i’m RIGHT”. OF COURSE i’m being kind of hyperbolic here (not even that much tho, see screenshots below) but that’s basically the tone she constantly takes. 

so when takado opens up about the rina thing, instead of being like “oh shit i’ve been judging him all this time and i’m genuinely sorry because i didn’t know a thing about you and yet i’ve been running my mouth”, she says “your head is as hard as a rock ya know?” and then KEEPS GOING. 

where’s the empathy sis? where is it? i’m looking but i can’t find it.

EVEN TAKADO WAS LIKE “I WAS TRYING TO TALK SERIOUSLY ABOUT IT”

and then the writers just push off her rudeness as like “it’s okay it’s chill!! takado laughed about it afterwards and it made the issue sound insignificant!!” even tho it’s obviously an extremely traumatic thing? WHY does he even fall in love with her??? i don’t UNDERSTAND alsdkfjs she has NO FEELINGS!! i just want genuinely romantic moments... is that too much to ask... it’s called romance md...

once again, let’s compare that to hlitf mc, when she finds out about kaga’s trauma. literally the FIRST reaction she has is to consider his feelings.

without even hearing his side of the story, she defends him because she trusts him and immediately empathises with him and the first thing she does is try to understand him and where he’s coming from. 

later on, when she hears him just dismissing things and playing callous, she actually cries on his behalf, which shocks him because he’s not used to people caring about him:

isn’t that a MASSIVE difference in reaction to essentially the same character opening up about their trauma? which do you find more conducive to developing emotional intimacy? in my opinion, it’s so much easier to fall in love with someone who supports you and has your back and trusts and believes in you and tries to understand you and can have a genuinely caring conversation with you when you need it. by the way, it’s not like kaga’s mc doesn’t sass him either! they have great bantery chemistry and she shit-talks him ALL THE TIME (a lot of the time under her breath and he’s like HUH? it’s great). 

and yet... we still actively see her caring about him... instead of being like WHOOPS my tongue slipped, i can’t help that i’m naturally insubordinate ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

by the way, i’m not trying to put the onus on female characters/heroines to be caring/empathetic/kind/loving. i’m putting the onus on ALL characters to be caring/empathetic/kind/loving in their own ways if we’re supposed to be convinced that they’re falling in romantic love. sure, kaga’s mc is exceptionally loving but kaga returns that love with his own ALL the time ;~~; anyway i’m gonna stop talking about them for now bc otherwise i would just completely derail and keep going on and on about them. 

anyway, back to takado, i actually find him to be more caring and loving than his mc? i actually genuinely like takado as a character and i think that real life me and him would be great together so i’m like extra offended that he’s with her rather than ME??? i would treat him so much better. 

i consider this lack of emotional depth to actually be a bigger hindrance on my enjoyment of the game than the lack of flaws thing. voltage’s recent wave of mcs with the love choice titles have been trending towards the ‘perfect woman’ type of mc, but while i have some Thoughts(tm) here and there about the other protagonists, none of them strike me as being as hard to get along with as rmd’s mc. so i’ve mentioned my issue with the masukisu mc’s weird moral boundaries (more an overall voltage issue that manifests the most strongly in her character), but i also do find that they don’t let her make big mistakes and they present her as this perfect superwoman figure with no weaknesses which like... unrelatable. but at least her banter is flirty banter and there’s a lot of chemistry there (even if it’s sometimes lacking emotional depth, as in some of kazuomi’s scenes - and that’s not her fault, that’s 100% on kazuomi lol). you can definitely understand why they’re attracted to each other at least, and you can definitely see real, deep love form between her and yuzuru the most. even though the masukisu mc is a ‘perfect woman’, the premise is designed to spark relationship conflict and the writing really helps us understand the emotional turmoil of falling in love with a target because of how much it lets the mc dwell on it. destind too basically has a perfect mc in terms of work/career, but they let her have her very glaring weaknesses and, once again, the premise forces her to address her shortcomings with regards to her idealistic view on soulmates/destiny and explores the head vs heart thing where she has to really examine her emotions and how they potentially come into conflict with her preconceptions of and preoccupation with numerical compatibility. 

thinking about it objectively, i feel like takado’s mc and mlfk ayato’s mc have a couple of similarities in the way that they don’t realise they’re in love for the longest time (although obviously childhood friends to lovers provides a better context for not realising that love - same with my boi natsume), but there’s just something lovable about mlfk’s mc that i don’t see in rmd. without going too deeply into it bc (1) i’m tired and (2) i’ve been going on about this for WAY too long now, i think that comes back to tone or writing (and possibly translation) style. i think at some point, i might actually go and compare the language in the “omg am i in love...?” scenes between takado’s mc, ayato’s mc and natsume’s mc but uh... not tonight haha. 

actually, at some point, i genuinely wondered if rmd mc was aromantic. i really just thought she did not experience romantic attraction because i literally got no sense of it through her internal monologue bc they kept pushing the whole like “i only relate to people’s ~aesthetics~” thing. and then i wondered how they were going to make an aromantic mc fall in romantic love...? because... it’s an otome game? (btw i’m not saying that aro people can’t enjoy otoge, i definitely know people who do! but there’s a big diff between someone playing an otoge vs someone being a character falling in romantic love in an otoge. but please call me out if i’m misunderstanding aromanticism!). anyway, long story short, rmd mc (takado’s especially) falling in love is absolutely unconvincing to me because i find her dialogue - both internal and external - rather unfeeling. 

these three points (1. translation that favours colloquialism over communicating emotional tone; 2. characterisation of a hubristic mc who doesn’t need to overcome significant challenges; 3. lack of emotional depth and empathy/understanding) are basically why i don’t think that she has good romantic chemistry with the love interests in romance md that i’ve read so far. i also have some very petty personal gripes (sekai...........) but they’re not relevant to this particular topic and frankly just... really petty so i don’t want to get into them here.

so anyway, long story short: i agree that i don’t think she would really vibe with kasumi in her current given state. like, they could be friends, maybe.