#his fans being like 'he's allowed to have an opinion!' yeah but he went right to insulting and being hateful that's beyond opinion

[cchickki]

caseoh's comments about kendrick lamar and rap music felt very antiblack to me idk

[cina-full-moon-xanadium]

Heisei/Reiwa Kamen Rider Bike Riding Time research

Hello there! Does anyone remember from a little while back when this image was going around?

For a while, at least in fan communities I frequented; this was quite infamous for showing just how sharp a decline Kamen Rider's namesake had become in the last few years, with the absolute nadir of the Heisei 20th anniversary Kamen Rider using his bike for a total of 47 seconds (and also, on the other end; just how much Kuuga would not get off his bike)

Obviously, it's been a few years since Saber now; and I've found myself wondering from time to time exactly how the Riders since then have fared, especially since both Geats and Gotchard have garnered a reputation of sorts for putting a bit more emphasis on the bikes and feeling like they have more screentime than your Zero-Ones and your Sabers.

So! I went looking and found the source. This extremely dedicated Japanese poster called Yamashita Radio who of course I will be basing the majority of this on, including his rules and his counting. And when I say 'dedicated' I mean that at one point he lost all his data so he just counted Kuuga through Saber all over again. MAD respect for this man! I highly recommend a full readthrough of this 5-part post at one point because it's very impressive and interesting stuff in my opinion

One other interesting point is that that chart there? That's main rider only; and also includes any riding they did as civilians. There is a separate chart for all motorbike riding in the show as a whole; including other riders, including monsters, including even just random civilians! For posterity, I think it's important to post that chart for comparison with the main rider one -- I've colour coded here so that red is Heisei 1 (Kuuga-Decade), green is Heisei 2 (W-Zi-O) and yellow is Reiwa (Zero-One onwards). Main rider only on the left, all biking on the right.

Up front there are some absolutely fascinating observations to make here - Zero-One had the least bike scenes of any show! Brand new era of Kamen Rider! - but I think I've talked about the past enough. With all this said and what I feel is a very important plug to make, let's get into the meat of this -- how do Revice, Geats and Gotchard compare to previous shows?

Rules

... okay, yeah, sure; let's quickly establish a baseline first. As I'm going off of Yamashita's work, I'm also going by all his rules; it's a good thing I agree with all of them because I kinda didn't want to completely redo the count of every season!

TV Show ONLY! No movies, no TTFC specials, no HBVs, no V-Cinema, none of it. The main reason given is that, uh, Paradise Lost has a 100+ bike scene near the start so that's too much of an advantage -- fair enough! Personally I also think it's more interesting, because movies generally have more budget and allowances for bike scenes so those tend to be the same. Maybe a separate count would still be interesting, but I think including movies would flatten out the times too much and make the data pretty uninteresting

No openings! Agito has too much of an advantage

Non-transformed states count the same as transformed states. Godai riding a bike is the same as Kuuga riding a bike.

All motorcycles are treated equally! Mopeds and even CG scenes and bikes are allowed

Other vehicles such as cars, trains and even bicycles and hoverbikes are excluded. Two big exceptions are made for Drive and Revice as they do not have a main motorbike otherwise, but this does exclude things like Gaim's Dandeliner, many of the Oni in Hibiki's transport vehicles, Den-O's Den-Liner, Gotchard's Steamliner and Madwheel and Decade's Agito Slider

Transformations of the bike still count as long as it's being ridden. The Boostriker turns into fox mode while you're riding it? That's fair game

Flashbacks and other repeat footage ("previously on" segments etc) don't count of course. But in cases where it's clearly stock footage but it's still a new event, like the many Ryuki Rideshooter scenes, that's still counted

Count from the moment the bike is straddled to the moment the bike is gotten off, and everything in between. Scenes where the bike isn't technically visible - such as close-ups of the rider's face, or cutting to another character's reaction - are still counted if it's all the same scene

Revice

3m21s (2m23s for Revi only)

Oh lucky me, this was actually done for me! Yamashita made a small update after Revice finished to add this. I just went over and double checked it.

At 3m21s, Revice is at this point the series with the 2nd least amount of bike riding; above Zero-One and below Zi-O. For Revi alone he's in 3rd least; above Zero-One and below Saber. Happy 50th anniversary!

An interesting note here is that Ikki never rides Vice Ptera untransformed -- concerns over the actor's safety, maybe? Daiji also pulls in 58 seconds for the show on his own motorbike, but abandons it completely after episode 13; only bringing it back for the summer movie (which is also the only place he rode it as Live). Interestingly, the 12 seconds he rides it with Sakura in episode 13 is the only time he uses it in the show after becoming a Rider. The skateboarding scene in episode 7 for Jackal Form goes on for over a minute, but unfortunately can't count for this...

I think most people expected Revice to place quite low, though. So let's move on to a show I think a lot of people expect to place higher.

Geats

4m05s (3m45s for Geats only)

I keep repeating it, but this is a show where it seemed a lot of people got the impression of the bike having more importance than before. I think there's a lot of aspects that come together into that -- the bike being tied to a specific 'special' item that's even part of the main rider's main form, the upgrade forms going off of that, and the bike being used in prominent scenes including in the first episode. Geats even arrives on it in his Revice summer movie cameo!

But ultimately if you look at riding time, Geats ends up in 3rd place for overall bike time; above Revice and below Zi-O, while for main rider only Ace ends up in 5th last; above Saber and below Decade. As such he ends up being the main Reiwa Rider to use his bike the most.

This is where I started splitting main rider and untransformed rider in my personal tracking charts, just for fun -- I actually couldn't do that for Revice because as said Ikki never rides anything untransformed except his bicycle. Until episode 11 Ace actually just slightly edged out Geats for having more bike time which was enjoyable to see.

A very interesting thing happens in regards to the Boostriker's transformed state. I decided not to include finishers involving it unless the Rider is specifically riding it -- and the one and only one to do so was Buffa in episode 6, accounting for every single second he rode the machine. He had a penchant for using the buckles' weapons in ways he wasn't supposed to, and he kept up that rule even when the 'weapon' was a bike.

Geats spends a decent amount of time in the final episode sitting on his bike while talking to Regad and the other Riders, and that really saved the show's overall times.

Gotchard

5m09s (2m32s for Gotchard alone)

According to production blogs, Gotchard had a stated aim of using the bike more. Unfortunately it seems this didn't manifest itself in a very major way... but I think we did see more interesting uses of it! Spanner has his own bike (that like Daiji, he never rides transformed!), there's a version of Golddash from the future, other characters including Golddash itself ride rather than Hotaro at multiple points!

For 'others', the 3 seconds in Episode 2 is when Minato rolls up to deliver Golddash to Hotaro personally. Episode 9's 5 seconds have Renge (with Sabimaru in the back) riding it to deliver Hotaro's cards to him in Kyoto.

Spanner shockingly saved the series' overall time here in a similar way to final episode Ace, by sitting on his for an extended period of time during his conversation with Lachesis at the start of episode 47.

While it's not a very long scene nor did it change anything for the rankings, the bike scene in the final episode that just aired is notable for an extremely rare instance of a Rider Machine being ridden by a Kamen Rider's final form. To my knowledge this has previously only been done by Agito, Den-O and Revice (the latter in a movie). Fittingly for a show where part of the direction was inspired by Agito, both Agito and Gotchard do this Final Form bike scene in their final episodes.

And now, for the final count...

Gotchard ended up in 21st for overall bike time between Zi-O and Saber, but this was largely due to other characters; so Hotaro alone ended up in 22nd between Revice and Saber.

Overall we're now 5 shows in instead of 2, we can indeed see a very large dropoff in the Reiwa Era -- including Zi-O, the most recent 6 shows are all at the bottom of the list. This is especially notable when The next most recent series, Build, had 12m31s; almost double that of Saber's -- and this wasn't uncommon, with Ghost and Ex-Aid sharing similar times.

This was the main thrust of my research... but what say we go on a little addendum? Because when I mentioned Yamashita updated his post to include Revice in 2022, there was... one other series he saw fit to do a count for. One that was only halfway through, but nonetheless saw an impressive amount of bike riding time. He only got halfway, but what say I finish the job out of pure interest?

It is "Avataro Sentai Donbrothers"

The extremely normal 2022 entry into the Super Sentai series has a number of bike scenes. Some you may expect from Don Momotaro riding his CGI Enyarideon on his Palanquin for much of the first cour. Some of you might say that CGI shouldn't count, it's easy enough to animate together a scene than deal with road laws and such -- but does Kijibrother not count? Does Inubrother not count? Do none of the mech scenes count? It's a festival, people. Let's enjoy it.

Even aside from the CGI, Yamashita noted halfway through the show; that can't quite account for everything else. Sonoi has a bike he rides in multiple episodes, every time with a wheelie. Inuzuka twice within 4 episodes steals a bike and almost runs people over with it, as is perfectly fine for a hero. Don Kaito shows up with his own motorbike to promote his new book, which you should buy. For a show where it's not even in the name and for recent Sentai, there's an awful lot of riding going on.

Yamashita in his post speculates that part of this is Inoue's own habits -- as a man whose Toku experience largely consists of regularly writing for Kamen Rider in the 00s, it's natural to expect he would be inclined to write something like "Inubrother escapes the scene on a motorcycle..." as if it was second nature; as if that's nothing special for a modern show.

And I would be inclined to believe that... as such a habit is something that would likely get ironed out after a while; and sure enough, while bike scenes are frequent for the first half of the show, they disappear entirely from episode 23 to 43. It is at this point in my own count I thought we would simply never see a large bike scene from the show again, and the sheer fun of counting up Donbrothers would be lost.

And then... he appeared.

My saviour from the future.

With a full uninterrupted 1 minute 15 second bike scene

I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I remembered the future episode but I had completely forgotten this was a part of it. When I started timing this episode I was leaving the house fairly shortly and I figured like the past 20 episodes this would be easy enough to count, and I was utterly bewildered. I should never have disbelieved for a moment.

With all that said... where does Donbrothers end up in full?

7m21s (4m23s for Don Momotaro alone)

This overwhelming record easily puts both Donbrothers and Don Momotaro in 20th place of their respective charts; beating all Reiwa Riders and Zi-O -- with Don Momotaro even coming close to dethroning Kamen Rider Decade's riding time!

This is where we stand, my companions. In an era where Kamen Rider's biking time is lower than ever before and shows no sign of significant recovery, Donbrothers swoops in to steal its glory. Never lose faith. The festival never ends

[thekoalapastriesbakery]

ok so we always get reader was fan of driver BUT

let me introduce driver was a big big fan of reader !! so basically reader is a driver and has been for awhile now (like sebs age range) anyway so the driver has been a fan of reader for a long time (reader was probably drivers gay awakening) and now they’re driving together and like the celebrity crush evolved into real feelings

-🐝(can i claim this one?)

yes you can! i've added it to the claimed list :) done this with oscar because i love him <3 mentions of reader winning a championship but not mentioned which year bc i couldn't choose who to screw over, mild suggestive content, + minor implications of manwhore!reader but yk all of them were in the early 2010s so ...

you've been a formula one driver for a while.

the early 2010s were ... well, nobody could say you didn't have fun. it was a time when a few of the drivers decided to experiment a little. you being gay was a bit of an open secret among the drivers. if they wanted a night of fun to find out what they liked, you were the one they went to. which meant many of the podiums and cool-down rooms you were in were ... somewhat charged, shall we say.

the day you won your championship was no different. what you didn't know, though, was that your celebrations caused a young oscar piastri to realise something pretty fundamental about himself. you were easily the youngest of the older drivers—you'd just gotten into f1 when you were barely eighteen—which (perhaps unrealistically) convinced oscar that he was allowed to hold onto his crush on you. the age gap wasn't that big, right?

when oscar got a seat in formula one and realised he would be competing against you, he was thrilled. he knew his manager, mark, wouldn't approve ("i raced against him, oscar, that means you're too young"). that didn't stop oscar's daydreaming. he'd always told himself he had no idols. it was true to an extent, but that didn't mean he didn't idolize you just a little bit.

over his rookie season, he actually got to talk to you and get to know you beyond the personality you had in front of the cameras. slowly but surely, oscar's idolization gave way to genuine feelings for you. his daydreamed version of you grew closer to the actual you. his daydreams morphed from you becoming so instantly enamoured by him that you'd bend him over into romantic dates and waking up next to you and maybe even having kids ...

it takes almost two seasons, all of oscar's courage (and more than a bit of alcohol) for him to confess to you. you're not about to take advantage of him while he's drunk, so you take him back to your apartment and let him sleep in your bed while you take the couch.

he's so embarrassed when he wakes up, but he doesn't take back what he said. he is in love with you. he's been in love with the idea of you for years, and he's now been in love with the real you for over a year as well. he's so sure you'll reject him because he's too young for you. but you don't. you just lean forward and kiss him softly and admit that you feel the same. you were scared he'd think you were too old for him.

yeah, the age gap is controversial and people certainly have their opinions ... but you and oscar are happy. you both know nothing happened until oscar was well and truly old enough and you never pressured him into anything. if anything, you tried to push him away from you.

who knows?

maybe the two of you were just ... meant to be.

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Trunk or Treat with The Yandere Student Council Pt. I

Based Off the OCs in this Post

“Alright everyone let’s start talking about ideas!” 

“Uhm do you mean ideas for what to do with Halloween coming?”

“Oh no darling, we always do a Trunk or Treat kind of thing.”

“We are talking about our costumes.”

As bizarre as it sounds the college’s students look forward to the costumes of the student council

Allowed to enjoy whatever festivity that comes with their choice

For reference they share that last year they had a ‘kiss–in–the–coffin’ booth for their shared vampire costumes

“J-j-just so you know the kisses were on the cheek only!”

“I didn’t ask but okay.”

It set the precedent for this year to be just amazing if not better

“Since we have you now (Y/n) we should have something special that welcomes you in!”

“I-i-i-i think that’s a great idea.”

“I’m all for it too!”

Despite your protests, in fear of being singled out by their fans your haters they forge on

“They won’t be bothering you. Not on my watch.”

“You say that but–”

“Seriously (Y/n) believe us! We’ll make sure there won’t be any problems.”

“And if there are we will kill them.”

“What?!”

“Joking. Joking.”

They’re not

Anyway it was decided on that the council will be Ghostly Royalty

Which makes costumes really easy or so you thought 

According to Min, quite a large part of the budget went into your costumes

“Pick your jaw up (Y/n)! This is the best part! You don’t think we get this big of a budget without showing off, do you?”

“Still…it feels a bit overkill…especially when I don’t have a fan base at all.”

“Ohhh that’s what you think–ow!” 

“Roman, always such an optimistic chatterbox. Always saying things that are not true.”

Lucoa takes the role of the king naturally

Spencer is forcefully given the role of the queen

Min takes the role of the dungeon master, despite his meek character

Roman takes the role of an advisor

Gil as a duke

June as a duchess

“Wait so what am I?”

“Our dragon.”

“What?!”

“We wanted to put a spin on the old system!”

“But that isn’t really accurate…nor does it really fit the ghost royalty theme.”

“.....”

“....”

“So? We’re doing fantasy ghosts then.”

In your opinion, it's just an excuse to make your costume as ridiculous as they please

“This is an early draft of your costume.”

“What!? Wait where are the actual clothes? I’m just seeing gold necklaces and bangles.”

“...That was the idea.”

“I’m not wearing that if there aren’t actual clothes underneath there.”

“...But it will ruin the integrity of the design and disrupt the choreography and–”

“Then hide it under the gold! I’m not going to be half-naked for the entire school.”

“...I will consult the President.”

You owed him a favor after that

Saying you agreed to this as an honorary member

But when you’re not having to fight Gill on your costume designs

You are helping the others

“June…this is just a dress.”

“Right, it’s a perfect occasion to wear it. And don’t my hips feel and look great.”

Adjusting the golden belt meant to hang off his waist you try to ignore how his poses requires that he touch you in some way shape or form

“Well yeah but don’t you feel like your fans would want you in something else?”

“Oh baby! You don’t have to worry, they love this sort of thing.”

And helping with their research

“Roman I know you never seem to run out of ideas to hang out but why a medieval diner?”

“It's for research! By the way, how do you like the food? I made sure the critiques were as positive as they could get.”

“Roman.”

“Yes?”

“Why did that waitress, compliment our relationship?”

“OMG they brought another plate of bread and for free? So cool.”

“Roman!”

Or helping organize their booths

“So Spencer what are you going for?”

“A kind of dunk tank except it drops on me.”

“Oh okay….this says that you’re not actually using water but…oil?”

“Yeah Lucoa suggested I show off my scars and muscles.”

“Wait you have those?”

“Hahaha very funny but seriously give me your opinion.”

“Oh wow….yeah, I think they’ll like it…no they’ll love it.”

“Oh really? Well, thanks!”

As if he didn’t already know

But eventually as the date comes closer it comes time to focus on your booth

But it seems that as an honorary member you don’t get to have much control over your own booth

Or any decision involving your event

“Hey Min what are you building over there?”

“Oh this is the art for your exhibit. Lucoa put me in charge of matching the gold from your costume to the setting around there.”

“Aw thanks can I help?”

“N-n-no!”

“Oh.”

“S-s-s-sorry the President gave us explicit instructions not to include you in the making of it. I’m r-r-r-r-really so sorry!”

“It’s fine Min, don’t worry about it.”

It’s just so apparent how little you would be included in your own activity no one really bothered to hide that fact from you

“Hey Gill this meeting on your calendar, I don’t remember getting your usual reminder for it.”

“That is because you are not invited to it.”

“Don’t be sad (Y/n)~Afterwards we can just come visit you after.”

“No no that’s okay I’ll just take the day off then. Catch up on homework.”

“Aw~ Don’t be like that we’ll come over to your house after.”

“No I’m not sad. I’m going to be happily doing my homework alone!”

“Putting that on our private calendar: Going to (Y/n)’s house an hour after the meeting.”

At the end of the day you’re just as surprised when the event begins and they shove you in the room under the stage with nothing but a warning not to move from the chair you’re in:

Part 2

[mjoffic]

red velvet cake - bf!eddie munson x fem!reader x brother!steve harrington

Summary: Your relationship continues to blossom with Eddie, however your older brother Steve isn’t the biggest fan and lines are tested

Warnings: swearing, smoking, tense situations, angst, fight fight fight, let me know if I miss anything!

Word count: 5.3k

a/n: Hey, all! Welcome to my first official post! If you enjoy, please like, reblog, etc! This was just a lil blurb, but I have other things in the works, so I’m hoping this goes well and I can continue to share with you all!

               “I need you and your big hair to calm down.”

           Your brother looked to you quickly from the bathroom mirror, his face scrunched up at your comment.  “My hair is not big.”

           “You say that and yet you’ve gone through your second can of hair spray this month,” you retorted, grabbing the can quickly in your hand.

           Steve snatched for it but you held it behind you, ceasing any attempt of him grabbing it.  He sighed with a comb still lodged in his brown tuffs and leaned back against the counter.  Another disagreement between the two of you.  Nothing was new seeing as that was the typical way a brother and sister relationship stemmed.  From the time you were born, only a short year after Steve, you were at each other’s throats constantly and could never come to an agreement on anything.  Steve would steal your favorite toy that day from the toybox, so you’d steal the TV remote and sit on it to his disdain when your parents allowed you both to pick the nightly movie after dinner.  You’d spread gossip in the middle school of your older brothers crush on Tammy Thompson (before the singing career), and somehow most girls still believed in cooties, so he’d steal your clothes from your locker before gym class was over.  Today’s topic of conversation once again revisited your current dating life and now you were stealing his most prized possession.  This was the never ending, vicious, and annoying cycle only those who had a sibling could understand at the end of the day.

           “I really don’t see what the big deal is,” you said, crossing your arms.  “Eddie and I have been seeing each other for almost a year now and you still refuse to hang out with him.”

           “Yeah, it’s Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson.  He runs that club Dustin and Mike are in, huge nerd, and he’s in a band that plays at the Hideout” he grumbled.  “Also, he’s way older than you.”

           “He’s twenty, Steve.  It’s not like I’m a kid anymore,” you replied.  “Also, he’s a senior.  I’m a senior.  And Hellfire is actually really cool if you’d take up the invites I’ve extended.”

           Steve shook his head, wagging his finger.  “No, no, you’re a senior.  This is his third time being a senior.”

           “And he’s gonna graduate!  He finally has a C in Mrs. O’Donnell’s!”

           “It’s still weird.  And just because you date him doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

           A groan escaped you and your arms dropped from their defensive position.  “But the least you could do is be civil with him.  I can’t bring him over because you make everything so uncomfortable, and now with Nancy’s party coming I’d just like the two of you to get along for once!”

           Steve looked to you after your minor outburst and his eyes traveled your face.  He couldn’t help but be a little annoyed by you but he hated that in a sense, you were right.  He’d only based his opinions on Eddie off of what he knew from when he went to Hawkins High and what he heard around town.  You’d always dealt with his on and off again flings that never worked out and continued to accept each one as they came through the door so why couldn’t he do the same for you?  It might be the older sibling in him screaming at him to watch out for his baby sister but you were getting older and dating was just naturally right behind.  The thought ran a chill down Steve’s spine.

           “Fine,” he sighed, standing straight.  “I’ll…  I’ll try. Just this once.  But I’m not going to the board game nights, though.”

           You squealed and the jump that came with it shocked your brother.  You could get past his comments this once.  “Thank you, thank you!  Oh, Steve, I could hug you!”  You made a face realizing what just came out of your mouth and you shook your head.  “But I won’t.  Gross.  Here’s your even grosser hairspray, I have to go call Eddie!”

           You shoved the can back in his hand and spun on your heels, now ready to face your boyfriend and his dislike for Steve.  Steve, however, felt a small smile creep up on his face at your antics.  His head snapped up at ‘hairspray’ and he groaned.

           “It’s not just hair spray!” he yelled after you, before looking to himself in the mirror.  “It’s Farrah Fawcett spray.”

                                            ●          ●          ●          ●

             Eddie had come to pick you up for your nightly drive together as soon as you had called, and you couldn’t help the excitement that buzzed in you.  He took note of this and turned down the head pounding sounds of Motley to focus in as soon as you had climbed in the passenger seat.  “What’s got you riled up, sweetheart?  Missed me that much?”

           You smirked, looking to the doe eyed boy. “You’re so full of it, Eds.”

           He tossed his hand to his heart, making those big eyes of his twinkle in the light of the dashboard.  “Only full of my love for you.”

           You couldn’t help the laugh that bustled out and Eddie soon joined in, his hand now grabbing yours in his.  He squeezed gently and you squeezed back, the cold of his rings sending goosebumps up your arm.  “Now come on, spill.  You sounded way too excited on the phone.”

You nodded.  “While yes, I definitely missed you, I talked to Steve today about Nancy’s party.”

           His hand lost a little grip to yours and you looked to him quickly, the smile on his face slowly disappearing and you frowned in response.  “Eddie, it was a good conversation.  He didn’t even say much in the negative category.”

           “Much?” Eddie scoffed.  “So I’m guessing we’re gonna talk about it.”

           “Well, yeah.  I mean, I would just really like you both to get along,” you shrugged.  

           Eddie made a face.

           “For one night.”

           An eyebrow raised as he looked at you.            “For me.”

           That was it.  Right there.  Eddie was caught.  How could he say no to you?  Your relationship had been nothing but perfect, and there was a happy balance of entertaining each others interests.  You’d attend Hellfire meetings with him and watch Corroded Coffin practice, he’d come to your piano recitals and help you finish your notes for book club.  You’d share musical interests with each other and watch every movie under the sun, and you’d both agree Sixteen Candles would never been an option.  His Uncle Wayne had taken an immense liking to you as soon as you and Eddie became friends, he’d even tag along to your piano recitals sometimes when work didn’t have him in a chokehold.  

           “I know you two have never really liked each other, but you’re my boyfriend, he’s my brother.  At the end of the day I don’t want to have to pick between the two of you, and Steve has agreed to set aside all of it for the party.  I just want you to be in the same boat.”

           “Is it just one night?” Eddie questioned, his eyes searching yours.

           “If I can get one night of civil between you two, I can die happy,” you smiled softly.  “And besides, it’ll be fun.  Everyone will be there, the kids, Nancy, Robin, Jonathon, and I’m making your favorite.”

           “Stop,” he gasped, the twinkle coming back and he grinned. “Please tell me it’s your red velvet cake.”

           “With the homemade icing,” you nodded, watching him throw the theatrics back on and he fanned himself.  “Mrs. Wheeler has been asking for the recipe since I made it at Holly’s birthday last year, figured the party would be a good time to make it.”

           “It’s always a good time for anything you cook,” Eddie praised, making you shift in your seat.  “Now I’m really looking forward to this party.”

           “Well,” you sighed, adjusting yourself in your seat and turning your full body towards him.  “I know something that might help the wait.”

           He noticed the change in your tone and his eyes didn’t lose the glimmer, just a different glimmer now displayed and he double checked the gear and threw it in park, having turned into the high school parking lot. “Oh?  Did you make something else for me?”

           “I brought only the best for you,” you smiled, leaning up and across the console separating you.  

           Eddie bit his lower lip and his hand grabbed lightly at your face.  “Show me, princess.”

           Immediately obliging, you pressed your lips to his and he quickly pulled you over the console, resting in his lap.  He seemed to take all of this better than Steve. Maybe the party would work out in your favor, hell, maybe they could even be friends by the end of it? Maybe?  Right?

                                           ●          ●          ●          ●

             “I think it’s nice you’re setting aside your differences for your sister,” Nancy said, pouring a bag of chips into a large serving bowl.  Robin and Steve were helping her with last minute food prep as they awaited everyone to arrive.  Pizza was already there, sodas were in the cooler, Robin even brought movies from Family Video and Steve dug out the old board games your parents had stored away.

           “It’s just for tonight,” Steve retorted, grabbing a Coke and quickly opening it.  He could feel his usual nerves heightened with the agreement between you and him. He’d never admit it, but having his little sister genuinely involved with someone was a huge thing for him (but also it being Eddie didn’t exactly please him either).  “I told her I’d try for tonight.”

           “Why don’t you, I dunno, try everyday?” Robin said, raising an eyebrow.  “You’re missing out on future brother in law bonding time.”

           Steve winced, groaning out and waved his hands. “No, no, no, don’t say that.  You don’t know that.”

           “Ah, but you don’t know either,” the short haired fiend quipped and shrugged.  “Also it wouldn’t kill you to maybe get to know Eddie and form your own opinion. He’s sat with us at lunch a few times, he’s not so bad.”

           Steve looked to Nancy, his face stressed.  “Can you believe this?”

           Nancy pursed her lips, finishing up last touches. “I don’t think it’s honestly a big deal.”

           “What?  You agree?” Steve said.  “You’ve seen Munson and-“

           “And,” Nancy interrupted.  “-nothing.  I don’t have an opinion on Eddie because I don’t know him that well.”

           Robin gestured in support, throwing her arms out in front of her.  “See?”

           “Well he doesn’t make the effort either,” Steve defended.  “So why should I?”

           “One of you has to, or you both have the chance of losing y/n,” Nancy responded, raising her eyebrow at him.  “It takes effort from both of you.”

           “But-“

           The sound of shouting and laughing came from the front room and Nancy looked at him once more.  “Behave.”

           Steve sighed as the kids piled in the kitchen, scurrying over each other and grabbing what their hands could before Nancy shooed them.  “We have more people coming, guys, come on!”

           Jonathon followed in, shouting after Will and Dustin as they brushed past him into the living room.  He smiled kindly to Steve and soon took to the tension that radiated from the older boy.  “You alright?”

           Steve nodded, taking a quick drink of his Coke. “Yeah, just being scolded by women. Again.”

           Jonathon laughed briefly before Steve spoke up once more.  “Is my sister here yet?”

           “Uh, I think her and Eddie weren’t too far down the road,” he replied.  “I passed them on the way here.”

“Good, good,” he nodded. “Great, wonderful, terrific.”

           Steve continued on a tangent of positive words and Jonathon glanced between the two girls, pointing to Steve with an eyebrow raised.  Nancy rolled her eyes and shook her head.  Robin shrugged, sipping exceptionally loud on her drink.  Jonathon made a face at both of them and could only anticipate what to expect going into tonights events.

           The same thought had been crossing Eddie’s mind all day. He knew that despite how he felt, he needed to try his best for you.  That meant setting aside how he felt about your brother, how Steve made him feel all those years in school, every single time Steve laid the ‘freak’ bit on thick – Eddie was preparing himself to leave it all at the door as soon as you arrived to the party.  He could only hope Steve was on the same page and tonight would move rather seamlessly.  If all went according to plan, maybe they could continue hating each other again bright and early tomorrow morning.

           “Whoa!” you yelped, almost bumping into Eddie who had stopped in front of you.  The cake in your hands was fragile cargo and you swerved, saving it from meeting it’s demise with the pavement.  “Jeez, Eds, if you want any of this cake I would appreciate if you kept both feet moving or a heads up would be greatly appreciated.”

           He turned abruptly and made a face, scratching the back of his head.  “Um, yeah, sorry, sweetheart.  Just lost in thought."

           You couldn’t help but smile softly at him.  His nerves were on full display and you knew Steve was most likely in the same boat.  You’d do whatever you could to ease both of the boys tensions, to prevent anything from escalating, and you hoped they both knew you were on their sides and not against them.  It would be beneficial not just for you but the group, too, if there was common ground and structure and not the constant state of tension so thick, of awkward conversations, of debating if it should be both Steve and Eddie invited or one or the other.  Not only was it hard for you, but your friends who were also in the same predicament you were with two of the group members holding it out for one another.

           “It’s gonna be fine, Eds,” you said as you stepped up the small step to the door.  “Deep breaths, like I taught you.”

           He snorted, pushing the door open for you.  “Aye, aye, captain.”

           The eye roll that followed had Eddie pinching at your hips, causing you to yelp and laugh, trying to escape the attack.  “Eddie, stop!  I have a cake in-“

           Your back met with a firm surface and you gasped, hands gripping the dish even tighter.  You wobbled slightly, your feet finding an uneven surface and hands gripped your arms to keep you from tripping even further.  The eyes of Steve looked back at yours when you glanced back and you sighed, standing straighter after regaining your footing.  “I almost dropped the cake, Steve.”

           “Maybe Eddie shouldn’t goof off as much, then,” he stated plainly, removing his hands and making eye contact with Eddie who had set his lips in a fine, tight line at the statement.

           “Come on, Steve,” Nancy quipped, stepping in the room. “He was just being a little silly, that’s all.  Y/n, Eddie, there’s food and drinks in the kitchen!  Come on, I’ll help you get that cake in a safer spot.”

           You smiled to Nancy, looking back at Eddie and raised an eyebrow.  He shook his head and held up his pack of cigarettes, slipping past the three of you and towards the back doors.  A frown soon replaced the former smile and you slipped pass Steve into the kitchen. Nancy gave him a stern look and hustled behind you.  This would be a long night.

                                         ●          ●          ●          ●

             Eddie had rejoined the festivities shortly after his two cigarettes, his nerves only escalating at Steve and his comment.  Right off the bat, he had thought, he just had to jump into an accusatory stance.  He bit his tongue in your defense, but how long could he keep that up?  Jonathon and him had gotten into conversation you had overheard, and watched quietly from a distance.  Nancy and Robin chitchatted next to you, and the kids were already causing Steve’s inner mother to kick in.  Lucas and Mike were tossing a ball back and forth in the living room, Dustin and Will had turned on their favorite radio station and were singing much off tune to Madonna (much to everyone’s surprised enjoyment, even Eddie who only ever consumed that of every heavy 80’s metal or hairband), and Max and El were currently in a contest of who could crush a soda can the fastest: Max against her forehead, or El with her actually head?  Steve was in the current stages of trying to prevent possible brain damage, to both.  Erica was continuously bugging you for a slice of cake, to which you turned her down everytime.

           “Nerd,” she’d grumble.

           “Don’t you agree?” Robin asked, bumping her hip into yours and you quickly looked to her, eyebrows raised.  You waited and she glanced to Nancy, then back.  “Have you really not been listening?  Babes, this is the impending doom of the possibility of not getting new band uniforms.”

           “Oh, no,” you breathed, the end of ‘no’ hitching slightly in question and you couldn’t help the giggle that followed when Robin groaned.  Nancy joined in the laughter and Robin threw her hands up in exasperation.  

           “Fine!  I’ll go complain to Steve!”

           “That might be good, actually,” you suggested, watching Steve stumble by with Dustin on his back and attempting to smack his hands away. “Looks like he could use the help.”

           “Dustin!  Dustin, Steve is not a piñata!” Robin hollered, following after them as you and Nancy watched in amusement.

           “So,” Nancy started in, refilling your cups and returning her gaze to the events taking place in the room next to you.  “They haven’t fought.”

           “Ssh!” you snapped quickly, looking to her.  “Nance, you’ll jinx it!  This is the most I’ve seen them not go at each other, even if they are just keeping to themselves.  It’s a start and I’d like to keep it that way.”

           “How long do you think it’ll keep up, though?” she asked honestly.  When you frowned at her question she set a hand on your arm.  “I want you happy, you’re my friend.  Knowing those two bone heads, though, I just worry they’ll drop the façade when you aren’t looking.”

           Your frown creased even further into your face.  “I don’t know what I’m gonna do, Nance.  It’s my brother and my boyfriend.  I love them both, but I don’t wanna lose either of them.”

           “I know,” Nancy sighed, before perking up.  “What if-“

           “Watch it!” Steve shouted, and all eyes directed into the living room.  

           Eddie dusted Dustin’s shoulders off, before looking to Steve.  “You almost crashed the kid into the bookshelf, man, you should be the one watchin’ it.”

           Steve scoffed, rolling his eyes.  “Like earlier when you nearly pummeled my sister into the ground?”

           “Goddammit, Nancy,” you mumbled before stepping up a ways. “Steve, it was-“

           His eyes cast to you and he scoffed.  “An accident?  Like anytime y’all horse around?”

           “Hey,” Eddie snapped, stepping up to your side. “I’ve never laid a hand on her like that.”

           “Like what?” Steve retorted.

           “You know exactly what you mean,” Eddie said.

           Jonathon stepped up now, followed by Dustin.  “Come on, guys, everyone just caught up in the moment.  Everyone’s good.”

           Steve shook his head.  “I’ll be good when he’s gone.”

           “Steve!” Nancy said, shaking her head.

           “Like hell!” Eddie laughed.  “I was invited!”

           You sat a hand on Eddie’s shoulder, looking to him. “Eddie, calm down.”

           “Fine!  Then I’ll go!” Steve said, and he looked to you.  “Come on, Y/N, we’re leaving.”

           Everyone stared, Robin trying to talk quietly to Steve who was having none of it.  Nancy looked to Jonathon with a worried expression and the kids clamored to the other side of the room, just watching.  You stared at your brother in disbelief and shook your head.  “Steve, we just all need a break, please!  Let’s just all breathe a second!”

           “We can breathe at home.”

           Steve stepped up and grabbed your arm, causing Eddie to grab the other.  You squeaked at the force of the two boys, looking to Nancy with wide eyes.  They had never escalated to protectiveness with you involving each other in the same moment, it had never gotten this heated before and the worry crept in the pit of your stomach, causing bile to slowly rise in the back of your throat.  You swallowed it down, the panic on your face evident and Nancy immediately jumped in.

           “Boys!” Nancy yelled, grabbing onto Steve and Jonathon grabbing Eddie.

           “Come on, guys, this is stupid,” Jonathon added and patted Eddie on his back.

           “She doesn’t wanna go,” Eddie snarled, staring Steve right in the face.

           “I’m her brother, older might I add, so what I say goes,” Steve responded, Nancy tugging on his belt loop.

           “Guys, please stop!” you cried, wiggling in their grips.  “You said you’d try!  Just break it up!”

           Dustin and Max came up, prying the older boys grips and Robin stepped up to pull you aside, her arm slipping around your shoulders. Eddie shook his head, chuckling to himself and turned away from Steve which caused Jonathon to loosen his grip. Nancy kept a petite finger interloped in Steve’s belt loop for safe keeping.  

           “Steve, why don’t we go outside for a minute?”  Nancy mumbled, tugging lightly.

           Steve broke his gaze on Eddie, wiping a hand down his face. He nodded slowly and turned towards her. “Yeah… yeah anything to get away from that freak.”

           The words slipped out without a second thought. Steve froze, as did everyone else, and eyes landed on Eddie.  The panic that set in was worse than the first time and you pulled away from Robin, going to Eddie immediately.  As soon as the words were out, Eddie’s shoulders tightened and his back went straight. Jonathon could see his face and he watched every emotion cross over it – shock, realization, anger, guilt, sadness, absolute rage.  Eddie couldn’t register who was near him and his hearing went into a high frequency pitch.  His eyes darkened and the only thing you felt was the shove, a rush of air, and your back hitting the counter of the island.  “Eddie, no!”

           Eddie swung first.  His fist connected quickly with Steve’s jaw and the elder boy stared stone cold at him as Steve stumbled to the ground.  

           “Shit,” Dustin muttered and everyone was quick in action.

           Steve jumped up from the ground, Will and Mike trying to hold him back while Jonathon and Dustin grabbed for Eddie.  Lucas moved Max and Erica out of the way and Robin and Nancy stepped up to your side.

           “Let me go!” Steve yelled.  “Let me go!”

           “Knock it off!” Mike snapped, stumbling at the tug Steve attempted away from the younger boys.

           “Come on!” Eddie cackled.  “Let pretty boy get a nice swing in!”

           “Don’t push it!” Jonathon snapped.

           “I’m slipping!” Dustin yelled, his palms clammy and his upper arm strength nonexistent in the pull Eddie had.

           “Eddie, Steve, stop!” you shouted.  “Stop right now!”

           “I’ll never understand what my sister sees in you!” Steve shouted, glaring.  “She could do so much better!”

           Eddie scoffed and licked his lips.  “Like I haven’t heard that before!  At least I can land a gal, you strike out on every chance you get!  So much for being the Hawkins King!”

           “Shut up!” you again yelled.  

           “Maybe you should listen to your girlfriend!  She’s clearly got the brains in this relationship!” Steve smirked.  “Third times a charm right?”

           “It’s no wonder she hates being at home!” Eddie started, and you froze.  “I wouldn’t want to be around someone as idiotic, full of themselves, and a kiss ass like you!”

           “Bullshit she doesn’t want to be at home!  It’s better than that trailer trash park you’re in! I’m surprised she hasn’t brought home bed bugs or lice!”

           “Ask her then!  You don’t even try to get to know her anyway, so what does it matter!”

           “I know my sister!”

           “Like hell!”

           Tears began to well in your eyes and you tried your best to swallow them down.  The adrenaline was suffocating, everyone getting their own taste of it.  Dustin’s grip slowly lost and Eddie pulled free the rest of the way, Steve finding his way out from Will and Mike.  Everyone started yelling all at once when the two got ahold of each other, causing mass chaos to ensue.  Fists flying, Eddie landed another blow to Steve’s eye – it would definitely be swollen in the next hour and shut completely by the end of the night.  Steve tumbled around with Eddie, landing two good blows into his ribs causing the metalhead to yell out – they weren’t broken but there would definitely be major bruising and tender for a while.  You attempted your own chance at pulling them apart, but the force of the two sent you stumbling and Nancy shouted, anger setting in for her at the two acting this way in her home.  “Knuckleheads, break it up or I’ll call Hopper!”

           The two continued their dance, nearly tumbling into the three of you and Steve slammed Eddie against the counter top.  Eddie flailed beneath him and Steve sent a blow to his jaw, causing Eddie to yelp in pain.  He glared up at Steve and reached around him for anything that would help him gain some traction.

           His hand landed in something mushy, his fingers feeling a heavy, thick, consistency on them but he went with it.  Eddie grabbed a fist full and landed a blow into Steve’s face, causing him to gasp and lose his hold.  Steve wiped his face, red crumbs and white icing coating his hand. He stared at it before looking up and it was on before you could stop them.  Steve grabbed his own fist full and the two went back to it, cake and icing flying in every which direction.  Food and drinks came with it and everyone yelled as soon, the entire party was coated in carbonation, crumbs of chips, and icing being flung every which direction.  Nancy tried to block herself, screaming out in anger.  Oh, how much trouble she was going to be in for this later.

           You felt the tears brimming, pushing, and soon tumbling over your waterline.  They were heavy, hot, and quickly cascading down your face.  Your chest heaved as you struggled to catch your breath and everything moved in slow motion in front of you.  The cake was destroyed, demolished, gone, as were any chances of your two favorite people reconciling and putting any differences behind them.  There went any chances of family dinners, trips, any chances of enjoying a Corroded Coffin show, any chances of a future that was healthy with either one.  You watched as they continued their antics, neither one of them sparing any glance to check on you, to see your reaction, for any sign or confirmation that you were okay.  In this moment, it was about Steve and Eddie.  It was always about Steve and Eddie.  Reflecting and looking back, even when it was you and only one of them, it turned around to discuss the other.

           Steve always wanted to know what Eddie was doing, who he was hanging out with, where you were going with him, if Eddie was trying to sell you weed, if you two were drinking.  Anything he could get dirt on for your parents.  Eddie always wanted to know what Steve was doing, if he was working, when he was working, and when he’d be home so he could plan exactly to come get you at the worst time just to annoy him.  It was little things, it was spiteful, and the two couldn’t leave high school behind.  Where did you even fit in to the equation?  At that point it’d be better for them to just date each other.

           Making your way to the now empty cake platter, a splash of Coke greeting you in the face on your trek, you grabbed the glass dish firmly in your hands.  The porcelain was completely clean, smooth, no crumbs of what had been.  This is what your life would be now; clean, smooth, no crumbs of what had been.  The surface, slipping back and forth in your hands, would not survive this fight either. Arms raising above your head, you could hear your pulse in your ears, not even the shout from Robin when she saw what you were doing, it was so loud.  Even when you screamed out in frustration, you couldn’t hear how actually loud you were, how it was almost deafening as the realization set over the situation in front of you.  Most everyone covered their ears with their hands, wide eyed and cowering back from what was to come.  With your screaming, you quickly brought the plate crashing down to the kitchen tile and shards of glass went flying.  The small pieces grazed your bare calves, probably not the best time to be wearing shorts.  Steve and Eddie were the two closest to the line of fire, both of them turning away and blocking their faces.  When the glass had calmed, that’s when your screaming did, and the deafening silence that followed felt louder.

           Everyone looked around, food and drink covering every surface in the kitchen and half of the living room.  The glass had spread from the bottom of your feet into the line of the living room, down the tile of the kitchen, and even some had managed to bounce to the countertop.  All eyes slowly landed on you, Eddie and Steve both finally taking in the mass destruction of what they had caused.  Tears continued to stream down your face, mixed with the icing slabbed on your cheek and the stain of Coke all along the collar and upper shoulders of your shirt. Eddie looked to your legs and saw the thin lines of blood from the shards, before meeting your face again.  Steve watched as your shoulders shook from the sobs held in, your face as red as the cake you had made.  

           Oh shit, the cake.

           “Oh, baby,” Eddie started.

           “Kiddo, I-“ Steve added at the same time.

           “No!” you sobbed.  The room grew quiet again.  All eyes were on you.  This was your time.

           “I-“ you started, taking a deep breath to try and align yourself.  “I didn’t want to lose- to lose either of you.  I wanted th-this to work.  Just once!”

           Guilt began creeping over the boys, disappointment settled in Steve’s bones as he knew he let you down, Eddie feeling his own tears start to grow at the state you were in.  They didn’t want this.

           “But now,” you chuckled, causing both boys to go rigid in fear.  “Now I realize you’re losing me.”

           You looked to each of them, a sob tight in your chest and you choked it back.  With shaking hands, you wiped the remaining food from your face, and brushed past the two of them and everyone else.  The sobs finally racked your chest as you quickly made your way out the door, slamming it shut behind you.  

           Steve and Eddie looked around before looking at each other.  They both were fucked up.  And they had fucked up.  Big time.

[landoom]

(I’m the anon who brought up people not liking Oscar for off track stuff)

Yeah, I agree with all of that, I think. I try really hard to check my biases while also reserving my right to have an opinion. And just to clarify- I absolutely don’t think Oscar is nearly as much of an asshole as some drivers! It’s just his particular brand of PR that irks me… and some other things… anyways, not your problem. lol

I may not like Oscar much, not hate, and I actually feel kinda bad about not liking him, but I’m not out shouting hate against him for unfair reasons.

That’s the thing, right? We don’t have to agree, but it’s not cool to spread hate or wish ill upon someone for being a bit of a dick as a racing driver, on or off.

But to be fair, a lot of blogs are a “what you see is what you get” so we can block each other. And people should be allowed to vent… hmm.

McLaren has handled things poorly (race strategy and PR) in my opinion, and so many fans are vocally toxic that it exacerbates every tiny thing.

Some Hardcore Lando fans (kinda somewhat myself included) are so used to him being attacked for anything and everything he does that we’re super defensive of him, sometimes in unhealthy ways. Lando gets A LOT of hate. Way more than Oscar has. Way more. I always have to give myself a day after a race to let my emotions cool down. Just like some of the drivers have to! 😂😛 But I am very defensive of Lando, sometimes to my own detriment, I get so angry at people. I recognize that.

And McLaren has done exactly nothing to defend him, which I find distasteful.

Anyways, this turned into a tangent. 🤦‍♀️ I am so sorry. Ahhhh

(I’m so glad you didn’t take that ask poorly and it came across how I meant it, I do appreciate that we can have a calm discussion without either of us trying to change the others opinion ❤️)

Once again I agree with mostly everything.

Just the part about being able to block Tumblr means people can vent here... Yes but then they need to tag accordingly.

If you really want to hate on a driver, then tag it. That means realising you're perhaps going over the limit and that your words can be read as disrespectful or hurtful.

Because there is something I really despise in this fandom at the moment and on social media in general: how hate is becoming accepted, seen as normal or even glorified (through likes and views, etc...). It shouldn't! People should feel ashamed of hating or wishing harm to other people, especially ones who they don't even know, that aren't hurting them in any way! You can have an outburst brought out by your passion for F1 and adrenalin and acknowledge (like your doing) that you went over the limit. But some people are creating their whole online persona over being a hater!

Also, as a Lando fan too, I can completely understand the part about Lando being hated for nothing or never doing the "right" thing whatever he does. And I agree it makes us a bit defensive.

But we won't fight hate with hate! Some Lando fans are treating Oscar exactly like they are complaining other people treat Lando! I'm sorry but I can't understand that...

[thesunfyre4446]

OMG I cannot take this anymore, I’m so tired of expressing my opinions on team black and getting backlash for it. TB supporters need to learn to not be so aggressive when it comes to defending their “Innocent” team. I’m not a green supporter either but I find myself sympathising more with those characters because I feel like they have reasons as to why they are what they are.

When I’m watching the show, I find myself disliking Rhaenyra. She constantly complains about being a female but yet she never does a thing to support her cause. In the books, I’ve heard she disinherits Lady Rosby and Lady Stokesworth on account of their genders and gives everything to their younger brothers. I did read the passage on which it says this and it was said that both girls were never named heir but they were the firstborn and is it not Rhaenyra’s movement to show that women can rule?

Back to her not doing anything about it, she does things, not a lot but the stuff she does do is extremely damaging to her image yet she still acts on them impulsively; Going to the street of silk with Daemon which leads to her marriage with laenor WHICH leads to her bastard children. Had she just not gone and not interacted with Daemon, she could have picked what man she got to marry, it didn’t necessarily have to be love but she could of picked one that could perform their duty and she could be friendly with. She could have done this because her father was allowing her to pick which was rare in those days and just further proves that Visery’s would ignore the customs for her.

I truly do agree with Viserys when he mentions that Jeaharys would have disinherited her and I don’t think Rhaenyra realises how lucky she is to have him as a father. She abandoned him for 6 years, knowing he was dying of an illness and only comes back to beg him to get out his bed and put himself in pain to defend her which he does because he loves her. Adding onto this, Rhaenyra expects to come back to kings landing and everyone to just follow her just because she was named heir, she didn’t stay there to prove her worth or anything. She left it for the greens to manipulate and take over and she is mad that she has no allies there when she’s the one the went into hiding. She’s been named heir for around 20 years at this point, most of the men that swore to her are dead and like they said in the show, most of those oaths are stale now.

The greens are definitely more politically savvy than the blacks which is how they gained so much support, had Rhaenyra stayed in the court and worked on making allies and proving her worth to the realm then maybe the Dance wouldn’t have started. Her hiding away in dragon stone also definitely helped the greens to take the throne because had she been in kings landing then she could have known straight away that her father was dead and the greens would have had a harder time getting the throne, but she left it open for the taking and gets mad when it is taken.

Forgive me for all this, I’m just so incredibly annoyed right now.

i completely agree with you, anon. some TB stans are just impossible to talk too. i usually love it when people with different opinions that mine leave comments on my posts, but i've gotten soooo many disgusting and disturbing messages calling me names, being racist, being incredible misogynistic towards alicent and just being very weird and aggressive.

idk it's very weird how personally TB stans take the criticism towards rhaenyra and daemyra. i mean, daemon gr00med and choked her - a lot of people are obvs NOT going to support this couple and find it very problematic.

i'm not a huge rhaenyra fan too . her character is kinda boring for me, she's giving me an overprivileged-rich-soccer-mom vibes. and yeah she def was not politically savvy (part of the reason i dislike her lol) and made a lot of mistakes. i think that rhaenyra is def a product of viserys's bad parenting skills. he never prepared her to rule, always justified and defended her mistakes (i mean, how are you going to grow as a person when your daddy defends everything you do no matter what?) and he gave her a false sense of security.

[sky-kiss]

hello <3 I’ve been lurking around the raphael tag little niche and I see that a fairly popular concept is tav/durge duchess (love the concept love the energy, very big fan of it in your fic as well) and I was wondering, since raphael struggles with sort of minimising how much his mortal side is perceived in favour of appearing as much as possible as a devil with a capital D (see his celebratory paintings being all about his devil form), whether that by itself would be a peculiar choice to take a mortal as a consort. or if you think he sort of did the math and went well tav/durge is a very effective asset he can keep close and its sort of worth it take the loss of sort exposing himself to other archdevils being judgemental over it (especially since the hells seem very much like a only devils can sit at the grown up table lmao)

/Stares at you. Sighs. Sips scotch/

So, I see. You're finally here to kill me, anon.

Alright. Let's get into it. If we're being entirely honest, I do not believe that Raphael would offer Tav/Durge a place as his consort. I genuinely don't. Especially not directly after they've given him the Crown. I've done it a few times recently, mostly because it's the only place to conveniently put it. And it works for short-form posts.

But if we are talking about genuine Raphael, it's my opinion that he would not offer. He may be fond of you, but his version of fondness would translate more to like...how fond you are of a good dog, or a subcontractor who put in great work. You aren't equals. "Friends," but not equals. Raphael's interest in Tav/Durge stems from what they can provide him. Once he has the Crown, he sees himself as having succeeded. You might meet for drinks like he's promised, but he has no reason to continue the relationship.

However, there is something to be said for an adventurer's soul. And Tav/Durge would be a massive catch further down the line. By the endgame, the TadFools are a bunch of freaks if we're power scaling. They're only level 12, but the games mechanics and the psycho gear they acquire allows them to punch well above their weight class. With their stat blocks, their party of four could probably fight Zariel. And on that note, because of game mechanics, Raphael could probably take Zariel (based on her 5E statblock) in a cage match, even without the Crown. He'd at least make it close. That's how powerful the crew is by the end. So, they would be a crazy powerful asset to acquire.

To the point of offering them the role of consort: no. I don't think he'd do it. Not right after the Crown, at least. And it's something I wish I'd made clearer in my long fic. I'd clarify it in a rewrite. Raphael never actually offers Joi/Durge the role of consort. Haarlep moves for her to be in that role. Haarlep informs Mephistopheles that she's his new consort. Meph is the first one to actually state it and does this in front of Dispater to discredit his son. Raphael then plays along with it in order to build his influence with the succubi/incubi. It's self-preservation, power, and arrogance that motivates the decision, not affection.

So uh...yeah. Sorry. I don't....I don't think he'd take Tav/Durge as his consort. Maybe after he's had his assbeat for a while? And they crusade and prove themselves to be incredibly useful?

But we lie to ourselves for fiction. Sorry for the longpost.

[teaberrii]

Chapter Three: Small World

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

But, he's been mysteriously cursed to turn into a cat every night since his eighteenth birthday… until he meets you, an employee at his grandfather's company, who rescues him as a cat and changes him back with one kiss.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

You allow Alhaitham to sit on your couch while on a call with Childe, the first person you thought of. You never thought you'd go to Childe for emergencies, but life likes to throw curveballs. You're still on the call when you turn around and see Alhaitham staring at you. Well, at least he's being cooperative. You made it extremely clear that he isn't allowed to wander in your apartment; he should always be where you can keep an eye on him.

“It’s… a long story,” you say, turning away from Alhaitham. “...Yeah, okay. Thanks, Childe.”

You end the call and put your phone on the counter.

“Was that a friend?”

You turn back to the handsome stranger on the couch. Alhaitham isn't a complete stranger, but he'll remain a stranger until you get to… really know him. That is if you ever get the chance. After today, you may never see each other again.

“Yes. He’s going to bring some clothes.” Alhaitham’s eyes land on the pamphlet that your sister brought yesterday. Then, he picks it up. As you watch him flip through it, you ask, “What? You interested?”

“I’m not a fan of these. But, there must be a reason why these companies still exist.”

“Why aren’t you a fan?” Alhaitham looks at you, and you stiffen under his gaze. “...What?”

“Nothing." He puts the pamphlet on the counter. "Should I be glad we can finally have a civil conversation?”

“Yeah, well, don’t get your hopes up, Catboy,” you mutter.

“You went from pervert to Catboy. I guess your view of me has changed.”

“Why do you care what I think?”

“Did I say that I care?” You cross your arms over your chest. “I only stated a reasonable assumption based on your attitude.”

And his reasonable assumption is right. He's been nothing but cooperative throughout this bizarre fiasco. The only request he asked of you is to keep his transformation a secret, which you agreed to because his business isn't your business, and… exposing him wouldn't do you any good, anyway.

“Anyway,” you sigh and nod toward the pamphlet, “Have you been to one of those before?”

“I have.”

Should you probe further? You aren’t sure why you’re suddenly so curious. Did he… find a girlfriend there? Why did he go? Was he in a similar situation as you?

“Curious now, aren’t we?” he continues with a ghost of a smile.

“It’s only fair, don’t you think? You know quite a bit about me.”

“Not exactly.” You eye him skeptically. Alhaitham looks you square in the eyes. “All I know about you is your name, that you have a younger sister, and you have been single for a while. It’s basic facts that can be about anyone.”

You roll your eyes. “Who was the one who said we should be on better terms because we know so much about each other?”

"Allow me to correct my statement." You narrow your eyes. "I know very little facts about you. But, my subjective opinion of you is that you're a kind person because you took me to the vet. But, looking at it in another way, I can also say you’re a person who cares too much about other people’s business.”

“...So, was calling me nice earlier just a display for me to figure out what to do with you?”

“Not you, per se. But I needed more time. You were about to heartlessly kick me out. How was I going to convince you otherwise?”

…And you fell for it.

The buzzer in your apartment goes off, and you quickly answer it. Alhaitham sees a ginger with blue eyes on the screen. Once the screen goes dark, you quickly turn to him.

“...Hide.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want him to see you and get the wrong idea.”

It’s not Alhaitham’s business, but… do you like this guy? Is that why?

You sigh. “To save everyone time, just… hide. Please.”

As soon as he hears the knock at the door, Alhaitham enters the washroom and closes the door.

“Hey, sweet cheeks!”

You take the bag of clothes from Childe. “Thanks for making the trip.”

“So… are you going to tell me why you need my clothes?” Childe looks past you. “Don’t tell me you’re hiding a man!”

You put your hands on Childe’s shoulders and spin him around. “I’ll see you at work, okay?”

But he suddenly spins back and puts his hands on either side of the doorway. “You owe me.”

“Okay, I owe you,” you say impatiently. “Can we talk about this later?”

“Fine. I’ll let you off the hook for now. See you at work, love.”

You close the door and lock it. You sigh softly and hear the washroom door open. Then, when you turn around, you see Alhaitham standing at the doorway.

"These are my friend's clothes," you say, handing him the bag. Alhaitham takes it. "You're about the same height as him, so these should fit."

“He didn’t sound like just a friend.”

You put a hand on your hip. “Curious now, aren't we?”

Alhaitham holds your stare for a few seconds until you turn away. Then, he walks back into the washroom and closes the door.

When he comes out, he's wearing a casual tee and jeans. From the mildly unimpressed look on his face, you don't think he's a fan of Childe's fashion.

“I guess they’re not your style.”

"Beggars can't be choosers."

You stand from the couch. “Good. At least you have a good head on your shoulders.” Then, you walk toward the front door and open it. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Alhaitham.” You gesture for him to leave.

“I guess I should thank you for your hospitality.” He stops at the doorway. “Maybe we’ll see each other again, Miss Bachelorette.”

“We won't if you continue calling me that."

A small smile tugs at his lips as he leaves. You close the door, exhaustion hitting you like a tidal wave. You glance at your clock. It's almost time for work, and you feel like you just ran a marathon.

◆◆◆

Once Alhaitham walks into his apartment, Kaveh jumps from the couch. He has black circles under his eyes, and Alhaitham quickly reassures him that he is okay.

“Do you know how fucking worried I was?” Kaveh screams. “I almost called the police!” He looks at Alhaitham from head to toe. “Um, why are you dressed like that? It’s not your style at all.”

“Long story,” Alhaitham sighs.

“Where did you even get those clothes from? My God… don’t tell me some chap took pity on you and—” After telling him about what happened with you yesterday night, Kaveh laughs. "I can't believe a fucking kiss turned you back. What kind of a world are we living in?"

"One that sadly lacks reasoning and logic." Alhaitham walks to his room and opens the door to his walk-in closet, where it's full of dress shirts, collared shirts, suits, and the like.

“So, is that it, then? After so many years, the answer was just to get someone to kiss you as a cat?”

“It’s more than that,” Alhaitham answers, and Kaveh raises a brow. “Her younger sister also kissed me when I was a cat. I didn’t change back.”

Kaveh’s jaw drops. “So… is it only her, then? Is she like your prince in shining armour? Your… soulmate?”

“Stop making assumptions.” Alhaitham takes off Childe’s shirt and changes into a gray turtleneck. Then, he reaches for a pair of black pants.

"It's not, though! This can't be explained through scientific explanations!" Kaveh smiles. "Are you going to see her again?"

“I’m not welcomed.”

"What? How are you not welcome? Did you even tell her who you are?"

“I told her my name.”

“No, you idiot! I meant who you are. Top scholar at Akademiya? CEO at—”

“Why would I?” Alhaitham changes into his fitted dark pants and adjusts his belt.

"I never thought you'd be one to ask dumb questions, Haitham," Kaveh deadpans. "Why wouldn’t you?”

“We didn’t get that far.”

"Well, this girl sounds pretty interesting. If you do see her again… I'd like to meet her. And, y'know, put in a good word for you."

Alhaitham leaves his walk-in closet and says, "That's unnecessary."

“Oh, come on,” Kaveh groans, “When are you going to start getting into the game again?”

“I’m not interested.”

“In her?”

Alhaitham doesn’t answer and heads into the washroom and closes the door.

◆◆◆

"Geezus, Cherie, you look like a walking zombie."

You aren't flattered at Tighnari's comment, but you know how tired you must look right now. You already wore minimal makeup, but today, you had no time to wear anything. You barely had enough time for your quick five-minute shower. Your morning route today was like a race against time.

“Appreciate how you think I look like crap right now, Nari.”

"No, no! That's really not what I meant!" he insists, matching your pace to the early morning meeting. "Did something happen? Are you okay?"

You want to bring it up as a joke. Nari, did you know cats can turn into people? Because you won’t fucking believe what a night I just had. Just to see how your friend will respond. But then you remember the 'promise' you made to the stranger and think better of it.

“Yeah, I… rough night.”

“With a man?”

You shoot your friend a deadpan look. Your family isn't the only one who likes to make these jokes. Your relationship status is an open secret; sometimes, your colleagues poke fun at you. Usually, you'd respond with some witty or sarcastic comment. But today, you really aren't feeling the joke.

“Trust me. It’s not what you think it was,” you mutter.

“Man... must be serious. If you want someone to talk to, I’m all ears.”

You muster a small smile. “Thanks.”

You see Childe at the table when you and Tighnari walk into the meeting room. Childe gives you a look, and you already know what he's thinking… about how you will make it up to him. You won't be surprised if he invites you to dinner or something similar. While outsiders will see it as Childe having a romantic interest in you, you know it's anything but. Childe is like this to everyone. Men. Women. Just anyone he's close with. So, you're not any different.

"Good morning, everyone! I'd like to start the meeting with some amazing news…." Your manager presses the clicker, and the slide immediately changes to the awardees list for this year's Big Hit Awards. "Some of our team members made the list this year." His eyes land on you, and he says your name. "Congratulations!"

You’re still processing the news as he says his congratulatory message to the others. Then, once a round of applause comes from everyone in the room, Tighnari nudges you.

“Congrats!”

"I expect all of you will attend the award ceremony," your manager says. "This year, there will be an after-party."

“I heard the new CEO will be the one handing out the awards,” someone says.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Do you know who this person is? Why’s leadership keeping him in the dark? It doesn’t make sense! Where’s the transparency?”

“He just joined today,” your manager says. “We should be getting an official welcome message soon."

"So, about this after-party…." Everyone turns to Childe. "Is everyone invited? Or is restricted to the awardees?"

“Everyone in the company is invited.”

Then, the meeting turns to the usual project updates and concerns.

After the meeting, the sounds of shuffling chairs and small, overlapping conversations emerge. You're pushing in your chair when you hear someone congratulating you. You turn to your right and see Signora, a senior screenwriter on another team. She's one of the ones who you're technically competing against.

“Thanks, Signora,” you say.

She gives you a small, polite smile and leaves the room.

"Classy as always." You turn around and see Childe and Tighnari. As you walk back together, Childe asks, “Oh, by the way, do you two have a date to Zhongli’s wedding next month?”

“Haven’t thought about it,” Tighnari says. “But, I might bring someone.”

Childe looks at you. “Let’s go together.”

“I’m already going.”

“Yeah, but not with someone… Right?”

“Why don’t the three of us show up together?” Tighnari jokes.

Childe laughs. "Hey, why not?" Childe loops an arm around yours and gestures for Tighnari to do the same. He does. "Sounds kind of exciting. If anyone asks, we can say we're in an open relationship."

You roll your eyes and politely remove your arm from theirs. “We don’t need to bring a date,” you deadpan.

“Yeah, but it’ll be better if you do.” Childe smiles at you. “Your debt will be cleared if you come with me.”

It's not that bad of an exchange. You're already going to Zhongli's wedding anyway, so it won't be out of your way.

“Deal.”

You and your colleagues come to a fork in the hallway. You and Tighnari continue walking while Childe heads for the elevators to return to his floor.

Alhaitham has just finished a meeting with the business leaders and is fixing his shirt cuff in the company elevator when the door opens but not on his floor. He looks up and sees a tall, familiar ginger walk in. Just before the elevator doors close, Childe quickly presses a button to open the doors again, and a female employee quickly walks inside. She looks a little out of breath.

“Thanks, Childe,” she smiles.

“No biggie.”

Well, what a surprise.

Alhaitham occasionally glances at Childe as the elevator zooms upwards. His dress shirt is unevenly tucked in. The buttons near his collar are unbuttoned. His pants show signs of discolouring. He's also wearing a small gold chain around his neck. From his appearance, Alhaitham doesn't think Childe's a serious guy. He probably likes to have fun and get away with things if he can. 

The elevator doors open, and Childe and the female get off on the same floor together, still chatting. Alhaitham gives him one last look as the elevator doors close. The guy has charisma, though. With females, at least. Should you be careful around him?

When the elevator doors open again, it's on the top floor. The man escorting Alhaitham to his new office holds the door open for him, and Alhiatham nods in thanks as he steps out.

His new office is… nice.

It's spacious. It's modern. It's also equipped with a sleek couch, a large smart TV, a lot of large windows, and... a great city view.

“Is there anything else you need?” the man asks.

Alhaitham turns to him. “No. Thank you.” He sees a sleek laptop sitting on the technologically-advanced table.

“Your grandfather has sent you all the documents and notes you need to catch up on what’s been happening.”

“Great. Thanks.”

“If you need anything else, let me know.”

Just as the man leaves, Alhaitham powers up the table. The name of the company appears, and then a login screen. Only industry experts and leaders know that Alhaitham is the brain behind the design and functionality of this table that almost every executive has. Without even opening the laptop, Alhaitham starts going through his latest emails.

◆◆◆

You've been getting congratulatory messages throughout the day. While you've responded to them in kind, not everyone is thrilled about your achievements, something you come to learn the hard way. You're cutting through the marketing department as a shortcut back to your desk when you hear an insulting statement from a male colleague.

“She only gets those ideas because she’s inspired by her boring, loveless life.”

You raise a brow as you get closer. Who are they talking about? When you make eye contact with him, he immediately turns away. The colleagues he's chatting with turn around and give you a tight smile. You don't think much of it until a female colleague approaches you.

“...They were talking about you,” she says quietly.

“Hey!” You turn around and see that male colleague looking in your direction. “Why’d you rat on me like that?”

The woman doesn’t say anything and quickly returns to her desk.

You continue staring at him, and he awkwardly looks away. Should you say something? Or should you just walk away? You can care less if someone doesn’t like you, but you don’t want them to take your silence as permission to keep talking about you behind your back.

"I don't want to make a fuss over some childish gossip," you say. "But I will report you to HR if it continues."

He exhales and looks away.

“He’s… just a little frustrated,” someone says. “He lost a bet because he thought Signora would win best screenwriter.”

It's true Signora's project also had a really great run. You've been nervous, but regardless of the outcome, you did your best and had no regrets. Many people considered you and Signora to be the company's best screenwriters in the company… to the point where you've heard of some people taking sides. It's ridiculous, and you never bought it. But, this is... new. You never thought someone would be so salty over a win that's not even theirs.

"Everyone has opinions," you say, "but that is no reason to badmouth people in public."

One floor above, Alhaitham is walking down the hall, his mind focused on a call, when he sees a small gathering below. What's going on?

"But it's true, isn't it? Everyone knows you've been single for, like… God-knows-how-long. Do you hate men or something?"

“My personal life is none of your business.”

Alhaitham stops. That voice. He walks over to the railing and looks past the crowd of people. Then, his eyes widen. It's… you.

"I'm just saying to diversify your ideas. I mean… even the interns are talking about it! All of your ideas are filled with women empowerment; there's nothing wrong with that. But it's one idea out of the millions you can explore!"

You scoff loudly. "How pretentious. I think we both know the real reason behind your frustration." The man stiffens. "You're afraid of those kinds of ideas. Even more so now that they're doing well in the market because they don't match your liking, which is, if I am to venture a guess, ideas that favour men over women?"

Alhaitham has a hand on the railing as he closely watches you and that male colleague.

“That’s not it!”

You walk toward him without taking your piercing stare off this pathetic man who is more pathetic than you initially thought. "You're free to like whatever you want. But think before you speak."

You walk away just as a long silence settles in. Alhaitham sees you exhale sharply, and then he continues on his way. 

◆◆◆

You've been so busy over the past few days that you've ignored company announcements and focused on emails that directly relate to you… which means you still have no idea who this new CEO is. You saw the welcome announcement, but it's still unread in your inbox. But that doesn't mean you haven't heard anything about him.

“He’s gorgeous! Did you see him in person?”

“I did. He looks better in real life! But, hey, it's always the handsome ones you must watch out for."

“Why are you two talking like you have a chance with him? You don’t. Stop dreaming.”

Despite all the talk about the new CEO, your mind has been elsewhere besides work. You haven’t seen or heard from Alhaitham. Not that you're expecting to see or hear from him. But, since that ridiculous encounter, you can't look at cats the same way again. 

You arrive at a high-end apartment and see your real estate agent at the entrance. You exchange pleasantries, and she holds the door open for you. As soon as you walk in, she starts giving an introduction about the place.

You've been keeping an eye on this apartment, which is why you took a different route home that day to take a good look around the area. Who knew it would lead to your fated meeting with Alhaitham?

As soon as you arrive on the floor of the condo, you’re pleasantly surprised at how bright it is.

“There are only two units per floor,” the agent says. “The one who lives across from you is a man. He also lives alone. Very sophisticated.”

“How do you know?”

“We have a mutual friend.”

She unlocks and opens the door across from your possibly soon-to-be neighbour. You take your time looking around the apartment. The more time you spend, the more you feel this is the one. 

You're watching your real estate agent lock up the place when you hear the elevator doors open. A blonde-haired male walks out.

When he sees your real estate agent, he waves. “Hey, hey! Working hard, I see.”

Is this the man who lives in the other unit?

His eyes land on you, and he smiles. "Are you the one who will move in across from my friend here?"

Hmm, guess not.

“Oh, I haven’t decided yet,” you say.

He laughs. “He could use a cute girl or two in his life.”

You spend a little time talking with him and learn his name is Kaveh, the architect who designed this building. You're a little starstruck, and you hope it isn't showing on your face.

You're standing in front of the elevator when it opens again. As soon as you see the man inside, your heart stops. It's only for a moment, but his surprised look matches yours. Then, his lips curve into a small but visible smile. "Well, it looks like we meet again."

Chapter Four

Tag list: @suoshiii @lxry-chxn @lordbugs @seirenspinel @sakiimeo @ashtree-and-the-cats @ceylestia @forsh4dow @aalastors-blog @deathkat657 @kalpie @elernity @sentieence

[dufferpuffer]

Unpopular opinion: had JKR died after writing OotP, the series would have been better that way. The last two books have rather poor pacing, do not add much to the setting or characters, destroy all of the credibility of Voldemort as villain (for the adult leader, at least), and probably do more harm than good to Severus Snape's character. Yes, we wouldn't have had Grindelore (or Grindelwald in general), Snily and Kreacher redemption, but... these are still not enough to redeem the existence of HBP and DH. And fans would almost certainly came up with a better series continuation/finale.

I read this as "Unpopular Opinion: JKR died after writing OotP"

For HBP - I'd say that is unpopular. I like that one, I like how everything went in it, I think she finally worked out how to write a decent mystery... and it was great for Dumbledore's arc.

I'm not saying the Author is particularly good, she was just fine - but she did a decent job in specific ways I don't trust fandom to: I like that she is a nasty, biting, distrusting, traumatized little weirdo that knows what its like to suffer and be trapped. I like that she knows what its like to be deeply mentally unwell, crippled by it - and how fame and money don't change that. I like that Harry Potter is a miserable, nasty, darker version of the Muggle world - and I think most things since the books ended just... forget that. Make it cozy. The love softens the hurt. But she never did that. She made Love a theme - but allowed her characters and her world to be brutalized at every turn. It's great!

This fandom? Handling Dumbledore after OotP? Handling Draco Malfoy? Handling the recent death of Sirius Black? Handling the sheer concept of Harry being a doomed child-soldier...? Shit, we can't do that now, with all the hindsight. All the expanded world-building we got in the last two books, now that Harry was older and given more independence...? Gone? Like 70% of who Snape is and why he does things is in those last two books. And he was one of the few things done perfectly: He is the thread knitting the entire story together. it might be called Harry Potter - but the story is about Severus. He was everywhere doing everything, and you don't realize till right at the end... yet can go back, through every book, and see it quite clearly, now that you can look back on them with Harry's adult eyes and not his kid eyes. She pulled it off really well. It makes a re-read of the books almost mandatory just to go WOAH. It's not One Piece, but it's good - especially for childrens fiction. I'm pretty happy with what we got, especially in HBP.

DH... eh. That one dragged its feet... I like most of the ideas and set-pieces: Starting the book with Moody's death shattered the entire concept of the Order - Hedwigs death was a nice touch, Harry's complete loss of 'Home'... the death of Charity... the wedding getting interrupted... the idea of these kids camping and starving and getting captured over tiny mistakes... But yeah - the way they are executed and tied together is lackluster. Especially the final conflict and the goddamn epilogue. It feels like it was rushed. That there were dot-points and they were strung together and said 'good enough' - because ending something is hard. But HPs ending was unsatisfying. We can do better.

I don't really know what you mean by it destroying Voldemorts credibility as a villain. Like he wasn't the most compelling villain overall, but I don't know what in the last two books was particularly bad. Maybe I'm forgetting something. I don't think about Tom much... But as an egocentric manipulator, only interested in his life story, using prejudice that already exists in the world for his own gain despite not caring for it himself...? I think that went ok.

Please don't take this wall of text as like angry at you or anything - I just blab! It's an interesting idea, Harry Potter without the final two books. You're right in saying 'not wanting HBP' being an unpopular opinion... I dunno if the same can be said about DH :^9

[threadsoflacee]

bryan AND hugh have said that will is in love with hannibal in the past. and bryan even said he regretted not doing a kiss take and mads said he and hugh almost went for it but had to scale it down. fans are allowed to be angry he's going back on his words and it doesn't make them weird. unless they're seriously threatening him or something

no yeah youre very right!!!! i just meant that i find it strange how fans are getting mad at hugh for giving his opinion on will graham, that opinion being he won’t fall in love with hannibal like right off the bat after years of trauma and toxic bond relationship. i think he said it would take a few more seasons for will to come to that realization he is in love w him , but that he needs to uncover sooo many things within himself first to get to that point. i always keep seeing fans that r only here for the fanservice or the "toxic cannibal yaoi" and that r getting angry they never actually kiss or make love in the series. while yes it is sad they never actually do bc its SO obvious theyre into each other , i think with a relationship like theirs intimacy would take SO much time and healing to achieve. i think hugh dancy has that pov and some fans r just not happy w it at all !!! and thus need to say he doesnt know what hes talking abt or whatever . everyone can have their opinions but attacking someone for not having the same opinion as u just doesnt sit right w me

[mistress-of-vos]

For the ask game Ra'sTim (yes predictable I know but I just adore how you write them to the point where I want more information)

Ra'sTim

SHIP IT!!! 💚💚💚

Okay yeah I'm very loud about them but I'm still so so happy you asked about Ra'sTim! I'd talk about them all day. This is probably gonna be long 😅

P.S. Thank you! I'm happy you enjoy my work ❤️

1. What made you ship it?

Okay this is such an easy yet complex question. I have looked back and realized I was writing past/implied Ra'sTim on my fic notebook back on 2014 (give or take) when I was newly done reading Red Robin. I'm unsure exactly *how* is started because before 2020 I had been on an extreme Transformers fixation, and my memories are fuzzy. I believe I was shipping Ra'sTim as a background ship without fully realizing I was doing it (it should also be noted I started as a KonTim religious fan, and grew into a JayTim girlie). I actually read two of my fav Ra'sTim fics back in those years (around 2014-2015), which were in Spanish, but they had a Ra'sTim portrayal that would mark my views, as the characters make the dynamic very different to the most popular ships in fanfom.

It was at the beginning of 2020 when I went back to DC, and funnily enough climbed quickly from JayTim to BruTim and started writing an ongoing fic. While doing so, I re read past fics I remembered I used to love, and went back to read comics as well. Suddenly, after reading Red Robin again, I was looking at Ra'sTim through different glasses. And it was something happening to me in many levels, as I was also getting a bit away from Kon & Jason and more into characters as Babs & Jean-Paul. I wondered what *more* there could be to Ra'sTim, and started reading more of Ra's. As I read and explored Tim in my writing, I realized I wanted them together.

I'm unsure about how to call it. The feeling was almost of enlightenment, like suddenly seeing something that has always been there yet for some reason you couldn't distinguish its shape. Perhaps being a Megatron/Starscream shipper helped, because I saw the potential of Ra'sTim and decided to explore the possibilities and their tones of gray.

At first Ra'sTim wasn't my main ship (although I was already writing it), but as I explored them, the more I felt it was a dynamic that came naturally to me, and scenarios I found more enjoyable.

The more I read their comics and explored them in my writing, the more they felt *right*. Perhaps it was meant to happen, as I can admit they fall a lot more into my tastes in fiction. Ra's as a character drives me insane with his potential and lore, and Tim stays as my favorite bat boy and who I believe changed the Batman mythos.

And yet, everything was born from a simple panel. "You are a very dangerous young man."

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

Oh, this is a tricky one!

I like their dynamic a lot, as I'm an open immortal/mortal sucker. And that does play a huge thing in my view of them and why I come back to Ra'sTim again and again despite having other fixations. The fact that Ra's has such a complex background and is not your usual western interpretation of an immortal (let's say a vampire) is also a fav thing of mine, as I think it allows stories with him to leave usual storytelling and challenge beliefs about good & evil. The fact that he believes he's *good* and a hero is particularly tasty as well, and mixed with Tim's need for helping others and guilt when he's not useful to the world (and Batman), gives a wonderful meal.

Their size difference is extremely hot too.

Aaaaand having a canon mutual interest where they are connected in a mysterious, unavoidable way, it's a cherry on top.

Lastly, I adore their contrast as characters and how they will allow the other to win a little battle in order to win another. It's a game of cat and mouse.

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

I have unpopular opinions on most characters and ships. Some of them I feel comfortable expressing and others... Not much.

With Ra'sTim I have many of them, but mostly, it's that I loathe how other ship fandoms use Ra's as a random villain to hurt Tim and prop up another ship. For me, that's almost insulting, as Ra's is already a hurt character broken by many writers at DC. For me Ra'sTim it's never about "evil, mean Ra's hurting Tim because villains do that" and even less would I do it for another ship. I enjoy dark Ra'sTim, but never to hurt the characters.

My unpopular opinion then would be about the characters, perhaps. I don't see Ra's being cruel to Tim without reason, because in my mind, Ra's feels *love* and he cares for Tim. And Tim loves him back. They are just messy and won't communicate well, but that doesn't mean Ra's will go full evil and that Tim is a damsel in distress needing saving.

I don't see Ra's as an abuser. Neither do I see Tim as a helpless victim. And I believe this narrative hurts all characters involved without real motive besides wanting to prop up someone else and being too lazy as to read a less known villain or writing an original one.

[donnydamakkk]

What are your unpopular opinions on any/all of the BAU women?

(i saw the word unpopular after so i jus gave general opinions shdgsdjdsdk sorry but some of it is prolly unpopular anyway)

jennifer jareau is the apple of my mothafuckin eye fr. the literal love of my life. i am so serious when i say every blonde woman that i have ever found attractive needs to bow down before her (n samantha stephens) n kiss the mothafuckin ring. she is so slept on n i feel like people don't really understand or appreciate the many layers of her. i feel like she's so widely misunderstood. tbh people's takes on her tend to make my eye twitch real bad. as beautiful as she is, i feel like "soft", beautiful looks contribute a lot to her massive mischaracterization. except rosie's; she understands jj, she gets it. but for the most part, i dont feel like people should b allowed to speak on her bcus they're prolly wrong. (also butch jj is the best hc ever, but we all know i feel that way)

i really love emily prentiss, i do. she's intelligent, soulful, goofy in a way that doesn't feel ridiculous or stupid (contrary to a lot of fanon portrayal) but i mostly feel like that about early seasons emily. the more she left n returned, the less it seemed like the writing for her character was true to her n it started to feel bland. i often ask myself in later seasons where her personality went bcus at a some point she jus feels kinda blank n like shes there for fan service. it isn't emily's fault tho; it's all the writers. i love emily tho. also i hc her as bisexual now bcus idk i feel like u would have to swing from multiple vines to participate in sin to win; i can see her being w women n men equally as far as sex goes but being more likely to fall in love w women but sometimes she'll fall in love w a man n b like, well shit... ok n rockin w it but yes, shes a bi babe. i have also concluded that homegirl has a type n jj would b the exception to her rule/type bcus emily is def robert deniro (iyyk). anyway....

no one is allowed to hate elle greenaway, alright? as much as i do love gideon, everything that went wrong elle is his n hotch's fault n i mean that wholeheartedly. anyway, she was a cool as a fan w ice in it, bruh. i b missing her so much. also, i was proud of her when she shot that serial rapist; he was never gon stop offending. she did the right thing.

jordan todd was such a sweet, sensitive baby but she was functional n driven n i like that. she's also flirty. i like that too. idk man. i loved her so much, and ya know, i really loved her for really highlighting all the work jj does and reminding them all to like really appreciate her. she was a great temp; i hope she's happy somewhere. also i will never not scream about this but HER AND EMILY PRENTISS GOT NASTY n i would like to see it (:

i didn't enjoy ashley seaver or her arc. contrary to popular belief, it isn't bcus she replaced jj. it's bcus shes the only team member they've ever had that was there without any actual professional merit. girl wasnt even finished w the academy, and i, for one, did not enjoy watching what was essentially an internship. also she was boring so.

i like penelope garcia a lot; she's fun n she's sweet. i would like to write for her more but i find it difficult bcus she doesn't feel like a real person to me. which is like not to say i haven't met people like her bcus i have but whenever i do, it's kinda jarring n i always feel like i jus hallucinated. also my view of emotions is... yeah. so, there are times where she's kinda paralyzed w emotions that grind me a bit bcus idk i kinda feel like if ur emotions aren't servicing u in that moment then u needa jus suck it up n deal w them later, u not getting nowhere if u crying to much to function n then u still have this problem; so suck it up n deal w the problem n cry later n she has to b reminded of that often which again grinds me a bit but thats a me thing. i dont hold that against PG but it's jus sumn that we are not compatible on n that's fine. also i love love love love love love her n her dynamic w morgan ofc but some of the nicknames she calls him makes me personally uncomfortable as a black person but i mean hey... also, evolution was a disgusting disservice to her character n she deserves to b happy n at peace w her life away from the bau; she coulda came back without getting sucked back into a job that was messing her up mentally. she deserves better

i don't really have an opinion of kate callahan. i don't like her. i don't dislike her. i simply did not connect to her at all; also s10 wasn't a strong season fr so that ain't even really her fault. i do like that scene w her n my jocks on the plane tho. i like jennifer love hewitt tho (maddie buckley is that bitch fr). she b cool in stuff.

alex blake, my beloved fr; she calms me. i love that. i really really really loved her on the team; i loved how that version of the team functioned so much. it's one of, if not my favorite version of the team. she is the best (later seasons) replacement character hands down. god, i loved everything about her. literally everything about her. i fr don't have any notes, 11/10 fr. i miss her terribly. i would also let her do unspeakable things to my body so long as she talks me thru it n i know she would. anyway, i hope she's happy teaching n living her life <3

okay don't jump me but like the v worst thing any show could do to me w any character is introduce them w terrible hair. it's shallow as fuck, i will admit that but if that's how i first meet them? baby! i will never get over it, i will never unsee it n it will impact my ability to consume that character moving forward. that to say n i do hate to say it but tara lewis is a character who has fallen victim to this. they shoulda never introduced her in that fuckass wig. it pisses me off jus thinkin about it n she was in it for a while so as shallow n terrible as it is, it affected my connection to her. but it is what it is, im not apologizing for it. also, she has the horrific misfortune of being introduced in the late late late seasons when for the most part they wasn't even trying in the writers room fr, which sucks. bcus im gonna b particularly honest here, i dont feel a thing for her or luke. i like matt bcus i watched beyond borders n bcus i mentally connect him to jj as her male tethered. i also, so sorry, don't care that she's queer; i don't like how that whole thing was written. it didn't do shit for me at all. really, in conclusion, tara lewis is a victim to criminal minds writing team n costume department. so justice for tara!! but no yea she not my homie or nothin like that; i don't hate her tho.

[piracytheorist]

What is a common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about?

I'm taking this back to Once Upon a Time, and it's the idea that Killian's journey was to go back to his "Lieutenant Jones" persona. Only I am RightTM of course, and my RightTM opinion is that Lieutenant Jones was even less of himself than Captain Hook was. Killian is, at his core, Chaotic. He doubts and rejects authority, he acts on his own moral code (whether that's fucked up or a little more sane) and he hates being controlled and told what to do. Lieutenant Jones was in the Navy, and you cannot survive in such a place if you're not full-on Lawful and willing to abide by someone else's rules.

So there were a lot of people who saw Lieutenant Jones and went like "This is what Killian needs to return to" and it's the absolute wrong way to interpret his character. Killian only joined the Navy because Liam wanted to join, and because Killian still (and always) idolized him and thought that Liam is always right and he should follow what Liam does. But it's not how Killian works as a person. People only think he should have gone back to that was because Lieutenant Jones was GoodTM, and the only way for Killian to be redeemed and become a good person was by adapting back into a place that went directly against his actual beliefs and stances.

--

Wait, I thought of another fandom opinion as well, and it's about Mia Winters from Resident Evil 7 and 8. So much of the fandom seems to have the interpretation that we're meant to hate her, and I cannot begin to tell you how wrong that feels. I don't think we're meant to fully forgive her, of course, but the narrative gives us enough material to show that Mia really, honestly cared for Ethan and yet the "Mia Winters bashing" tag is a common tag on ao3, but I'm not surprised that a video game fandom is overflowing with misogyny. Because, especially seeing how easily people forgive Heisenberg for his far more atrocious behaviour against Ethan, not giving a female character the benefit of the doubt, completely disregarding the idea of Author's Intent and only basing ones' opinion on her on their biases can also be traced to misogyny, I am sorry to tell you :)

So yeah. It's mostly because it's obvious people allow their biases to influence their opinion on Mia and don't take Author's Intent into consideration like, why were we given this and that scene? What is the narrative meaning of the two different endings in Resident Evil 7? How does Ethan react to Miranda's words while she poses as Mia? How does Chris Redfield, beloved character of the franchise, react to Mia's outbursts at the end of Resident Evil 8? Some people just don't give a fuck about any of that and go like "She's not sexy, mysterious or OP enough so into the trash she goes". And I am not even a Mia fan. It's just very obvious how biased people are about her.

Which is not a bad thing... if you recognize that. It's okay to have biases and for some characters to hit you in a very very bad way. The problem is most people don't realize that and they make going through the "Ethan Winters" tag here a nightmare until you block the right people.

🔥 choose violence ask game 🔥

[vro0m]

vro0m’s rewatch - 164.1/310

2015 US GP

Okay so... if you’ve followed the story, I have like 75 gifs for this one GP. Hence it’s gonna be in 3 parts. Deal with it.

This one is prerace + the race + the cooldown room.

Good thing f1fullraces reuploaded the 2015 season because I couldn't find this GP anywhere at the time I downloaded the races. Uhhh… there's a weirdly high number of views for this race on the website? Did something happen? (Well I’m laughing very hard at past me being a dumbass retrospectively.)

Oh. It was a wet delayed quali. Nico is on pole again. Ohhhh right Lewis can win the title here if he beats Seb by 9 points and Nico by 2 points. It's not raining anymore but it looks wet and cold. 

Quali report. Actually the session was so delayed it took place on Sunday morning! Sainz spun and hit the wall. Seb almost lost it but just brushed the barrier. Ericsson also almost lost it but managed to keep it on track. Raikkonen as well. Jenson, Verstappen, Kvyat and Lewis all also went sideways at the same place. Q3 simply didn't take place. Too much rain. That's how Nico ended up on pole, with his Q2 time. 

Lewis is second on the grid though, followed by Daniel, Kvyat, Perez, Hulkenberg, Massa, Verstappen, Alonso and Grosjean. Where the fuck are the Ferraris?! Did they struggle that bad? Oh, they're 14th and 18th. That's bad.

Lewis says the fans have been amazing staying out in the rain. He hopes the weather stays OK so they can put on a good show for them. He doesn't love but doesn't mind the tricky conditions.

It'll be a hard race, probably the hardest this year. He's excited about it. About winning in America, he dodges the question about the title and says he's had the privilege of winning there a couple of times and the support has always been great. He says this weekend is definitely the most support he's ever had there so he hopes he can make everyone proud and he'll do his best out there. 

At the time, no British driver has won back to back titles which is hilarious retrospectively. Brundle agrees with Simon that in his opinion it would make him a legend of the sport. Then Simon points out that Lewis revels in the light and Hill admits that he had his doubts about it at the start of the season but Lewis definitely proved him wrong and he can do whatever he wants and still win. (Yeah. Shut up next time Hill.) They also agree that being a legend doesn't necessarily has to do with winning championships as some legends haven't won any. (But that's not something you need to worry about there you idiots.) 

One interesting statistic I wanna relay here because it's particularly relevant to our rewatch is : at that point he's won 42 times. Exactly half of these wins happened in a McLaren, over the course of 6 years. The other half, obviously, happened in a Mercedes, and that's his 3rd year with them. It tells you all there is to know about how bad McLaren was doing, and how bad he was doing at McLaren, and how actually genuinely dominant Mercedes is at this point. It could have gone very differently, had he not moved there and then. 

Also I think more generally (and I'm sorry I'm not trying to bring anyone down with this) it's noteworthy that McLaren was actually doing good and then they fucked up in 2009 with their terribly shit car and it took them actual years to climb back through the field. So. Yeah. Realistically. We might wanna keep that in mind in 2023. Unfortunately. 

Let's carry on. For a reason I cannot fathom they allowed Brundle to drive the W06. He himself says "believe it or not". Lewis asks if he's gonna ride Nico's or his. I don't understand the answer, but I think it's his, because that's the face he makes when he hears it.

Brundle asks how it is to drive it. Lewis thinks. "You're gonna be at Silverstone, it's gonna be probably cold, it's probably gonna be wet… if it's in the wet oh you're gonna have some fun" he says with a smile. Brundle chuckles. Cut to Silverstone. "Is that rain?" he asks. It is indeed. I don't care about him driving. I just paid attention because Lewis was there at first. But he's exclaiming, he can't believe the performance of this car, even in such conditions. He's baffled. 

Now the sun is coming out. 

Ohhhh actually I went to read the Wikipedia article and the Ferrari drivers got 10 place grid penalties because they changed their PUs, which makes a lot more sense than them doing this bad. Overall there were a lot of updates during this GP but the Mercs only added "ears" at the top of the airbox to improve the ERS cooling. 

The cars are on their way to the grid. We hear that Nico complained that there was something wrong with the front tyres. "They're not working at all". Someone answered him that it sounds like they're just cold. But they agree on front wing changes anyway. Lewis also says he feels like "the fronts are gonna take a beating." Nico is seen in deep conversation with the engineers. Lewis is also talking with one and Bono as well. We see Lewis an unusual lot on the grid. He walks around, checking out Nico's car from afar, it seems. 

They're all on inters. It's time. 

Formation lap. 

Lewis says it's drying out "real quickly."

And they're racing !

THE MERCS ARE WHEEL TO WHEEL RIGHT AWAY AND LEWIS FORCES NICO OFF THE TRACK AGAIN AND IT'S YELLOW FLAGS AT THE BACK WHILE NICO LOSES PLACES BUT THE REDBULL ARE COMING FOR LEWIS THEY HAVE BETTER GRIP! There's a lot of spray but Nico gained a place and is now attacking Daniel for P3 but he can't make it! The yellow flag keeps flashing on and off! Kvyat couldn't attack Lewis and the Mercs tyres must be warming up at the end of the first lap because they seem to have better control now. The top 10 reads Lewis, Kvyat, Ricciardo, Nico, Perez, Hulkenberg, Seb, Verstappen, Jenson, Raikkonen. It means the Ferraris gained 7 and 8 places respectively in one lap. That's more like it. Grosjean says he got hit and has a puncture. Alonso says he has a puncture. Valtteri is getting a new nose. I guess there were good reasons for that flashing yellow flag. Nasr is going around missing half of his front wing as well. Alright so the 2 Saubers collided, that explains Nasr's damage. A Marussia is retiring. There's debris on the track. It's slightly chaotic right now. We need replays. DRS gets enabled and Kvyat is in Lewis' range or rather Lewis is in Kvyat's range? Idk. Anyway, he also set the fastest lap so it might not be over yet. 

On the start replay we see the contact between Alonso and Massa (?) in the first corner. We see Lewis and Nico also touched wheels. Honestly it's the second time Lewis gets ahead that way and it's not pretty.

Kvyat is closing in on Lewis. There's a third way battle between Raikkonen, Hulkenberg and Sainz for P8. AND A VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR? What for? Oh the debris, maybe? Everything slows down. Kvyat overtook Lewis when Lewis slowed down for the VSC then let him back ahead. Similarly, it's unclear whether Sainz overtook Hulkenberg before the VSC or not. It's confusing. The VSC is indeed for the debris. It was getting dangerous, it was on the racing line. Lewis says it's slippery and asks if Nico's also complaining. Bono says the tyre temps are at the very top of their operating window. Valtteri retires. Crofty says Kvyat's overtake earlier was actually genuine and nothing to do with the safety car. Kvyat wonders why Lewis is so slow. Brundle thinks it's precisely because his tyres are overheating. The VSC is ending. Nico jumps Ricciardo. Brundle says he thinks Lewis is backing them up to bring "his team-mate into play a little bit" which. No probably not. So that's Kvyat 0.4 away, then Nico 0.4 further, and Daniel 0.8 down. Nico attacks, and overtakes Kvyat. Lewis needs to get away. Daniel : "how the fuck did Nico pass us?" Brundle thinks it's because Lewis was backing them up. I still don't believe so. Why would he. They won the constructor title already. 

Lap 10 : Lewis, Nico, Kvyat, Daniel. All less than one second away from each other. Perez, Seb, Verstappen, Raikkonen, Sainz, Hulkenberg. The inters are starting to fall off. Grosjean pits for the softs. Kvyat is closing in on Nico but can't attack. Grosjean just went wide ahead of Lewis on his dry tyres. Lewis is starting to pull away slightly, getting Nico out of his DRS zone. Grosjean retires. Kvyat attacks but goes wide and Daniel seizes the occasion and gets ahead of his team-mate! And right away, he slips past Nico as well! He's frantic on the radio. "That was not a safe coming back onto the track!" he claims. We see a replay. Nico swerved away when Kvyat joined back but uh. I don't know. I don't think there was an imminent collision there. Raikkonen is pissed as well : "why don't I get the DRS if I'm up so close?!" Sainz got ahead of him. Daniel sets the fastest lap. He's only 0.2 behind Lewis! Ffffuck. But Lewis widens the gap again. Raikkonen got back ahead of Sainz but they damn near collided. Sainz isn't giving up. Now Nico sets the fastest lap and Daniel attacks Lewis! But he doesn't get ahead. Phew. There's a lot happening. Raikkonen is swooping on Verstappen, they're wheel to wheel and they almost touch but Max stays ahead for now. DANIEL OVERTAKES LEWIS NO! FUCK OFF! NICO OVERTAKES LEWIS AS WELL NNNNNO! OH HE COULDN'T DO IT thank god. Raikkonen : "That guy keeps pushing me off the circuit every time when I’m next to him. So if that’s legal then I will do the same next time." He's talking about Verstappen, unsurprisingly. He's told they're checking with Charlie. Verstappen attacks Seb for P6, and he wins this one, but Seb comes back, but Max keeps the place, and Raikkonen is just behind, that's some close racing for sure. BUT HE GOES WIDE! SEB IS BACK AHEAD AND RAIKKONEN ATTACKS. SEB ALSO GOES WIDE BUT KEEPS THE PLACE AND RAIKKONEN CAN'T FIND A PATH. AND NICO ATTACKS LEWIS AGAIN, THEY'RE WHEEL TO WHEEL AND LEWIS HAS TO FALL BACK AND KVYAT IS BASICALLY ON THEM AS WELL, LEWIS DEFENDS AND HE'S CALLED IN TO PIT come on it's time! Get the tyres! Get back in the lead! Daniel sets another fastest lap. Let's see how the slicks are doing. Seb pitted as well. A few backmarkers already did. 

On lap 20, Daniel pits. Nico pits. Kvyat pits. Ohhh no. Kvyat is shaky out of the exit and Lewis is coming at full speed but goes wide. He's down in P4, the undercut didn't work. Meanwhile Jenson, who got on the slicks earlier, now sets the fastest lap. This is going to be good. Lewis is already on Kvyat's heels. OH AND RAIKKONEN IS IN THE GRAVEL AND INTO THE WALL! No big shunt, thankfully, but he's out of the race, no? He gets away after furiously turning his steering wheel back and forth to get his wheel unstuck from the barrier. Crazy. He needs a new nose.

Now Seb sets the fastest lap? Lewis is struggling and making mistakes, now. Focus! AND NICO IS BACK IN THE LEAD!

AND LEWIS IS BACK ON THE PODIUM! GET THEM REDBULLS, BOYS! Come on! They overtook them basically at the same time. Incredible. Nico sets the fastest lap. No! It's Hulkenberg! You know it's a crazy race when the fastest lap jumps from car to car. Now Seb is closing on Kvyat, go go go ! YES ! He's ahead! Massa is called to retire the car. And Hulkenberg overtook Sainz for P7. Lewis is gaining on Daniel. But he's definitely losing on Nico, who just set another fastest lap. Here we go! Come on… Come on… Come on… HERE WE GO, LEWIS IS BACK IN P2. Raikkonen is called to retire. That's the 5th DNF so far. Oh and here's the sixth car, Ericsson has stopped on the track. Is that going to be a safety car? Yellow flags. Safety car. Ouuuh boy. That's gonna mix it up again. Nico is told to stay out. Seb pits for mediums to go to the end? Jenson, Perez, Hulkenberg pit. "Is there a big temperature difference between our tyres, because I have no grip out here?" Lewis asks. Bono tries to quiet him down : "Not a big difference, Lewis, just keep doing what you’re doing, working those tyres. We have fuel to burn." 

We hit lap 30 under the safety car. The order goes Nico, Lewis, Daniel, Kvyat, Seb, Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Perez, Jenson, and Sainz. Lewis : "Is there a different line into T1 because I don’t know, braking is quite slippery, it’s easy to lock up, are drivers going deep?" Bono : "I’m afraid I can’t comment on lines, Lewis." It's the new radio guidelines, I mentioned them previously. Nico is seriously backing them up to the point they have to take action to not collide with each other. Here we go again. They're all neatly lined up in the pit straight, then Kvyat locks up and goes wide into the first corner. He's now P5, behind Seb. That might have been a good gamble, putting him on mediums during the safety car… Seb attacks Daniel and can't quite make it but then he does and he's up on the podium, easily. But Daniel overtakes him back! Not so easy then. AGAIN! Seb is ahead of Daniel! And behind them, Verstappen overtakes Kvyat for P5. Kvyat moves out of line to come back at him but instead Max moves on the outside to attack Daniel in the next corner! Kvyat goes off! Hulkenberg takes P6. It's now Verstappen under pressure. Lewis sets the fastest lap. He's now closing on Nico, he's just half a second away. Hulkenberg attacks Ricciardo and THEY TOUCHED! Hulkenberg's car is damaged and he's falling down the pack, and stops on the grass. Lewis sets another fastest lap. Daniel has damage as well. Kvyat is catching him. Sainz gets a 5 second penalty for speeding in the pitlane. VSC? Okay… Annoying. Pit stops then. Nico, Daniel, Kvyat. Lewis is informed Seb who’s behind him is probably going to the end. Now what. They should have pitted him as well. "How much of a disadvantage am I in, with the tyre situation?" he asks. "We’re going to have a look at the tyres now mate. Make an assessment," Bono says. The VSC is ending already. Now if he pits he'll lose badly. It's lap 40.

Alonso and Sainz overtake Perez for P6 and P7. "How big a gap do I need to the people behind?" Lewis now asks. Bono answers "So we need to find another ten seconds to Vettel. Not sure if we’re going to be able to do it on this tyre set." There's no fucking way man! Of course not! Oh this is so frustratiiiiinnnng. There's 15 laps to go. He can't hold them off. He just locked up as well. Nico is closing on Seb, now. He overtakes him. OH KVYAT CRASHED! WTF. Well that's another safety car they better pit Lewis immediately. Kvyat is okay. He just lost it on his own. That's an 8th DNF. Honestly wtf is this race. Lewis does pit indeed. Interestingly, Seb pits as well! So Nico is in the lead, Lewis is P2, weirdly enough Verstappen is P3, and Seb is P4. Then, amazingly, it's the two McLarens of Jenson and Alonso, I guess the updates work? Perez, Ricciardo in P8, Maldonado P9, and Sainz P10. Let me actually go to the end of the standings because you know what? It's just two more cars! Rossi, P11, Nasr P12. All the others DNFd. 

10 laps to go. That's gonna be an intense ending. Nico backs them up again. The safety car comes in. "Okay Lewis you'll have 10 laps remaining, just keep it nice and clean," chimes Bono. Here we go. Seb attacks Verstappen but can't make it yet. The two Mercs are flying ahead. Seb overtakes Verstappen. There's now a 3 way fight for P5 between Alonso, Perez and Daniel. I don't know where Jenson went. Lewis is 1.3 seconds away from Nico. LEWIS IS AHEAD! WHAT?! Oh Nico made a mistake! He went wide! Fastest lap for Lewis. Seb asks "what happened there?" He's told Nico went off line and to try and catch him. Sainz overtakes Ricciardo for P7. JENSON OVERTAKES THEM BOTH FOR P7?! Unbelievable. Nico sets the fastest lap. Listen. Listen. 

Give me a second. 

Hear me out. 

P6 : Alonso. 

P7 : Jenson +0.176

P8 : Sainz +0.375

P9 : Ricciardo +0.392

P10 : Maldonado +0.287

P11 : Nasr +0.721

Can you imagine? The chaos. 

JENSON OVERTAKES ALONSO FOR P6 he's flying, there's already a one second gap between them and it's just been a few corners! Sainz overtakes Alonso for P7, and Maldonado overtakes Daniel for P9. Now Maldonado overtakes Alonso as well. And Nasr overtook Ricciardo. Alonso complains he has no power. He asks what they can do and then says he's coming in. "Fernando stay out, stay out, we're still in the points." He says okay, once I'm not in the points anymore, I come in. 

5 laps to go. As things stand, Lewis wins his 4th title here. Bernie and Elton John are watching? 

4 laps to go. 

3 laps to go… Sainz overtakes Jenson for P6. 

2 laps to go! Seb is closing on Nico! He might still prevent Lewis from winning his title today? 

Final lap!!! Seb is 0.6 seconds away, he has the DRS! 

Oh my god oh my god oh my god 

IT'S THE END OF THE RACE! LEWIS WINS HIS 3RD CHAMPIONSHIP! 

Oh and I'm so happy Seb will be up on that podium with him.

"Okay Lewis, I think you've done it mate!" we hear Bono's message as he went through the line. "Just need to see what Nico does… That is it! World champion, pal! World champion!" 

Paddy Lowe echoes Bono : "Three times world champion, Lewis !" 

We hear some heavy breathing. "I'm feeling it pal," Bono speaks again, "I'm feeling it." Then Paddy again : "How does that sound Lewis? Three times world champion." 

Finally we hear Lewis, his voice is breaking. "It’s the greatest moment of my life. Thank you guys so much. That was… I’m just so grateful, thank you. To my family, I love you all. Thank you." 

Then Bono reins him in. "We got to look after the race car, mate, we’re going to need it next week." But Lewis goes ahead and does some donuts anyway.

"So let’s just look after the car, mate, and have some fun tonight."

(We had a Bottass appreciation post at some point, it’s only fair)

In the cool down room, Nico congratulates him then Seb does as well.

After his weigh in he sinks down and rests his head on the table.

He's out of breath, sniffling, emotional as always, he steps away from the camera, tries to find some space but they're being very annoying with him. Then he hugs Paddy Lowe.

His reaction is weirdly calm compared to last year's. Nico throws his cap at him in an ugly gesture that you’ve probably already seen a hundred times.

Paddy Lowe stares him down.

Lewis smiles like a child at some guy, asking if he can go. The guy says they're waiting for instructions.

[takerfoxx]

Even though exactly nobody follows me for my opinions about Gridman, this is still a fan blog, and I've technically been a Gridman fan since I was a little kid, even if only through Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad basically being my Power Rangers, because I wasn't allowed to watch Power Rangers (growing up in a conservative Christian household in the 90's was fucking weird, man). Still have the toys, in fact.

So anyway, given my nostalgic fondness for Gridman, of course I was all about the anime reboot. I loved SSSS Gridman, thought it was great. And while Dynazenon wasn't quite as good (felt the climax fell a little flat), it was still really good, and I enjoyed the hell out of it.

And now I finally got around to watching the crossover movie that serves as the franchise's grand finale, and...huh.

Well, let me put it this way. My reactions went about as such.

Man, it's been a while since I've watched this. Gotta recall everyone's names and what happened at the end.

Okay, this multiverse shit is admittedly kind of lame, and there's a lot of really out there coincidences, but it's still fun to see the two casts of characters hanging out and interacting. Feel sorry for both team's b-tier members, though. They get like maybe one or two lines apiece. Also, dafuq is up with Gauma's princess just showing up the hell out of nowhere! You'd think that'd be a bigger deal!

This play script is totally a meta-commentary on the writers' own frustrations in making this movie, isn't it?

Kaiju fights are still hype, though!

Wait, hold on. They're not actually...

They boomed me! They actually boomed me! They pulled a Rebellion Story and got me! Oh, this is good! Hell yeah, turn up the weird, I wanna see how this-

Well. This may be the stupidest climax that I've ever seen.

Eh, things ended on a nice note, I guess.

So, basically this movie's biggest problem is its villain. Like, we find out the reason for the different digital worlds colliding is because Gridman himself became corrupted and all the worlds that he created are merging. Okay, that's cool! I like that!

Except we find out that Gridman was actually corrupted by an outside force, who turns out to be this super-kaiju...whom we literally never heard anything about until the final fight starts and he just shows up and starts ranting in cliched super-villain monologues! Like, serious! Who even was this guy? Why is this franchise's final, final battle where all the characters team up and we have like a gazillion different new combinations and super-weapons against this fucking Dragonzord-looking motherfucker that we've never even heard of until the punching started and we get no exposition about until literally the climax of the movie? Why would we even care about this guy?

Seriously, if you needed a final boss, Alexis is literally right there! Just have this be part of his master plan! Or, hell, if you wanted to go meta with it, make it be Khan Digifer, the OG villain from the original show! Or commit and make it Gridman himself! Make the final fight be a "I know you're in there!" fight to redeem a hero corrupted by his own guilt and self-loathing!

And while it was fun seeing Akane again, the way they brought her back was pretty sloppy. I know it's Trigger and Trigger is ridiculous, but it usually feels like there's a method to the madness.

I mean, I still enjoyed a lot of it. The two teams interacting was fun, even if Yomogi did get relegated to sidekick. Sorry buddy, protagonist no longer. And poor Yume and Koyomi were...there, I guess? I mean, even Chise felt like she had more to do. Same with the NG high-schoolers. I guess they had lines. And it did feel like they were running down a checklist of everything they needed to cram in, like Yomogi and Gauma's reunion, the two protags having a heart to heart, etc. But I still liked it.

So, not upset that I watched it, but the final act left a lot to be desired.