#i also tried out tai i believe

[o-kye]

last night i had a dream i was considering the name kaz. how are you guys.

[mackeydoodledoo]

A Taste of your Heart: Epilogue

Pairing: Bridget x (Fem!)OC: Ashlynn Hood

Chapter Summary: You solidify your relationship with Bridget, as does Ella and Chamring, the VKs have been put in their place. Everything seems to go back to normal... But, Bridget isn't entirely over their Castlecoming prank.

Chapter Warnings: Grudge

Chapter Key: Italics = Thoughts, +*+ = Time Skip, Bold/Italic = Singing

Chapter Theme: Life is Sweeter - Descendants Cast

A/n: May or may not be short, but hey, those are epilogues... Big thanks for reading through :)

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

*Ashlynn's POV* As you walk back to your room after class, you catch Ella and Charming in the common room.

"Hey you two," You greet them, "Have you seen Bridget?"

"She immediately went back to her room," She answers, "I don't know why. She always hangs out after. She also didn't have her usual happy expression..."

"Hmm," You sigh, "I'll go talk to her then..."

"Bridget?" You gently knock on her door

No response...

But, you could hear faint music from the other side of the door...

"Bridge, it's me, Ash," You knock again

"Come in," She says, unenthusiastic

You slowly open the door and walk across the floor to meet her at her little baking station.. You give her a kiss on her temple, but she doesn't give a reaction...

"Hey, is everything okay?" You ask

Your eyes drift to the cookbook on the table...

"Why do you have the Sorcerer's Cookbook?" You ask, "You shouldn't be messing with those..."

"The VKs need to pay for what they did to you," She answers

She's a little cute when she's mad...

"B, this isn't like you," You say, "Everyone is all over the news about Ella and Charming..."

Your answer doesn't phase her as she continues looking up at the cookbook...

"Bridget," You sigh, "I don't care what they did to me..."

"But, I care what they did to you," Bridget turns to face you finally, she tries to hold in tears, "What they did was unforgivable.... They need to pay."

She quickly wipes her tears away and dives her nose back into her baking... You sigh...

You truly didn't care about what the VKs did... You protected Bridget, which the prank was aimed at her... You were honestly over the whole ordeal. Everyone seemed to move on.

"They need to pay," Bridget says again, trying to hide it under a sigh

"They honestly don't B," You sigh

She continues to not listen to you as she continues looking at the cookbook recipe.

Sometimes we make mistakes...

Her spoon stops clinking against the bowl...

Sometimes we burn the cake But I still believe, that all will be okay The sun shines a little more brightly...

You begin to take a step towards her...

When we take things a little more lightly...

You continue slowly making your way towards her...

It's all gonna turn out nicely With just a taste of your heart...

Your hands touch her elbows, slowly moving along her forearms...

It's likely We'll fall into something spicy Just mix it up, you'll keep finding that...

Your hands rest on top of hers...

Life is sweeter when you are...

She lets go of her mixing utensils and turns to look at you.

"I... Have never heard you sing before," She says

"That's because I'm always somewhere, where the music isn't," You say, "Plus, I thought it was the appropriate time to."

She sighs as she rests her forehead against yours... Slowly her lips curve into a smile

"Now, can we just go to baking regular baked goods?" You ask, "That would be a fun date idea."

"What about the VKs then?" She asks

"Karma works in mysterious ways," You say, "They will get what's coming to them... It's only a matter of when. You don't have to forgive them. But, I don't want you doing something that'll get you sent back to Wonderland..."

She huffs out a sigh...

"Would you do it for me?" You ask

*Bridget's POV* "I'll... Try," You sigh

You couldn't tay mad, especially if she sang just for you. You tug at the collar of her shirt and give her a kiss.

*Ashlynn's POV* You chuckle as you take a step back and begin helping her with baking.

"You can have feelings about the ordeal," You say, "I won't be mad about that. I just don't want you doing something drastic..."

She sighs, "But how come they would get away with everything?"

"They're the VKs... They're sneaky," You answer, "And Merlin is a little... Slow to catch them..."

+*+

For once, Bridget didn't bake anything for everyone... But, just for the both of you. The both of you go to your shared little nest up in the tower; overlooking the campus.

"Oh man people are going to be jealous when I'm the first one who tried your new Enchanted chocolate chip cookies," You say

"Well, this recipe is very special, so it'll only be exclusive to you," She smiles

"Well, aren't I special," You joke

"You are to me," She says, "You're my girlfriend after all."

You sigh into a smile as you continue to munch on your cookie.

"Hey... Ash..." Bridget breaks the silence

"What's up?" You ask

"What made you ask me to Castlecoming?" She asks, "Since... Well... You only came around when Uliana was bullying Ella and I..."

"Don't laugh, but I've admired you since day one," You confess, "Kind of like an 'admiring from afar' kind of deal. Never had the confidence to bring myself to introduce myself to you.... Let alone talk to you..."

She caresses your cheek and you lean into her hand.

"Well, you're lucky you have the type of girlfriend who reaches out to everybody," She smiles

"I suppose...What are you going to do when you leave this place?" You ask

"Go back to Wonderland to ascend to the throne," She says, "I am the princess of hearts after all."

"Hopefully.... Just hopefully, maybe I could ascend the throne with you..." You suggest, "But, who knows..."

"I'd want you there, by my side, I don't care what my family will think," She says, leaning close to you

"Might have to fight my way there, considering you may have a lot of suitors by then," You chuckle

"Then my bet will always be you," She smiles before leaning in to give you a kiss

Years Later...

*Ashlynn's POV* You open your eyes when your ears catch the sounds of footsteps throughout the halls of the castle. Your nose caught the scent of food.

You poke your head through the door and see Bridget with her back turned. She hums to herself as the spoon clinks with the bowl.

You try to quietly make your way towards her, hoping the floorboards would play in your favor.

"I can hear your breathing, love," She says

You sigh in defeat playfully as you rest your head on her shoulder.

"I wasn't trying to scare you you know," You say

"Hey, mom, can I go out to the town?" Red comes in

"That's alright dear," Bridget answers

"Don't do anything I would do," You add

"No promises mom," She rolls her eyes, smiling

"Obedience doesn't come natural to you? Doesn't it kiddo?" You ask your daughter

"I only learned from my mother, who is a Hood," Red's voice echoes from the castle halls

"What will we do with that girl?" You sigh

"Make sure she grows up to be a proper Queen of Wonderland," Bridget answers

"Just like her beautiful mother," You turn her

Her hands rest on your shoulders as the both of you sway to blissful silence.

*Bridget's POV* Back then, you were certain there wasn't going to be anyone interested in you. But, the one who was... Was the daughter of Robin Hood, and was willing to make a fool of herself to save you from humiliation.

"I love you, Ashlynn Hood," You say

"I love you, Bridget," She replies

[rotating-hyperfixations]

Teen Yellowjackets Niche Specific NJ Headcanons:

Watching Yellowjackets has me reflecting on my own teenage hood and I grew up in NJ, so therefore I constantly think way too much about dumb shit they could do that’s specific to growing up in New Jersey and thus this list was born:

Growing up Nat was a CEO catholic (Christmas and Easter only). Her parents don’t really believe, but there’s enough Catholic guilt there from their childhoods that they feel like they should go for the big holidays. They stop going when her dad dies.

Lottie was informally adopted by an elderly Italian couple who owns a deli. In middle school she started going there nightly for dinner when her parents were out of town, and the owners were so confused/disgusted that they always made sure she had a meal free of charge, even though she could pay. Even into high school they give her extra food, she usually pawns it off on Van or Nat, or sometimes Shauna if her mom’s working the night shift at the hospital.

Van worked at a pizza place. She hates it, but they let her take slices home for free and she likes that it feels like one of those jobs a character would work in an 80s coming of age movie.

Jackie’s parents have a beach house in LBI. The soccer team takes it over for one week every summer

Shauna likes to drive down Ocean Ave late at night listening to her mixtape that she made specifically for those drives (this basically a right of passage for teenagers who grew up by the shore, myself included).

There is infighting amongst the team about which is better: Dunkin Donuts or Wawa. They had to put a moratorium on the topic because things were getting too personal.

Van looks up to Kevin Smith and loves Clerks because he was also from a small town in NJ and was able to get his movie made.

Tai is ready and willing to kick anyone’s ass who tries to defend Pineapple on pizza, she thinks it’s a crime against pizza and it should be outlawed. Jackie is a pineapple on pizza enjoyer, this causes problems.

They all live in central Jersey and fight with opposing teams at tournaments and matches about whether or not that section of the state exists.

Nat is a transplant from North Jersey and they all give her shit for her accent that she just can’t shake.

Misty is an NJ transit defender, even though the service barely functions.

Shauna is banned from watching the Giants and Yankees because she has anger issues and spends their entire game yelling at the tv.

Nat and subsequently Van (Nat-Van childhood best friends you are very dear to me) call it Taylor Ham, whereas the rest of the team calls it Pork Roll. Each side has attempted to convert the other, but have yet to be successful.

They were all devastated when Action Park at Vernon Valley closed because it meant they could no longer get shitty cheap beer without being carded.

[fowlblue]

quick Artemis sketch for a new AU that I’ve been thinking about-

Kinda long and convoluted AU plot but I’ve been listening to TAI and the mental image of Artemis in a big old fluffy coat possessed me, so-

The Fowl Star deal’s been in the works for a really, really long time, and anger between Fowl Senior and Britva appeared pretty much immediately, as often happens with such criminals. Neither want to work with the other and Britva in particular is already planning on blowing the Fowls to smithereens whenever they come sailing over- but then while he’s wandering back down the Manor stairs after another meeting, he actually bumps into young Artemis, who Tim has largely tried to keep removed from Britva’s attention, because Britva is a dangerous man.

A fair caution, as it turns out, because Britva’s solution to hitting the Fowls where it hurts is to just kidnap the little Fowl heir.

Artemis is very young, enough so that he can be raised to believe just about anything, after all, and forget his former home entirely, which is wonderfully dramatic and no doubt a very painful premise to Tim and Angeline. Who knows? Maybe Artemis could one day be raised to kill his father- in the meantime, it’s a living warning not to encroach on Mafiya territory, because their son’s now in the line of fire.

Except Britva is shit at raising anything and largely just ignores Artemis’s existence, passing off his care onto any of his underlings who are free at the moment and making no effort to hide their criminal dealings. Artemis also lacks the sort of bloodthirstiness and toughness that anyone expects, raised in such a violent environment- instead of a potential heir to this new criminal empire, Artemis really just spends most of his time frightened and skittish. He’s also smart enough to easily know he’s “adopted”… he just has no idea who he really is, either, no last name, barely remembers what his parents sounded/looked like… for all he knows, they’re dead, and he’s in big trouble if he starts trying to figure it out.

I don’t know how exactly how Artemis would meet Holly, though he eventually would somehow- and given that Holly has some sympathy for humans, and Artemis wouldn’t be an antagonist to her in this AU and is moreso just… a very scared kid who just happens to be a genius, I’d like to think she’d at least want to help him, even if she can’t, really (not at first, anyways). I’m thinking Artemis wanders off while following around his latest babysitter (who’s probably disposing of some unfortunate victim or another out in the snow) and accidentally stumbles upon one of the few “fairy forts” up north and gets stuck there. Not ideal for a Mud Man, much less a Mud Boy so Holly gets sent up there to let him out of chute dock or what-not.

Foaly gets a little interested in the matter too, once he hears about it from Holly- after all, the Artemis Fowl II case was one of the largest missing persons cases in recent human history

Holly’s struggling with the weight on her conscious about whether or not they should somehow tell his parents (Foaly could always just drop the information in someone’s inbox, after all)- the centaur points out, however, that it’s probably not a matter of the Fowls not knowing who’s responsible- they just can’t get to Artemis safely. And it’s not fairy business.

(It could rapidly become fairy business, though- Artemis meets one, and suddenly, he wants to meet them again. It’s a welcome distraction from everything else he’s dealing with)

Artemis wouldn’t have the same resources, skills or the same criminal history as normal Artemis, since he’s never really been allowed to go anywhere else- this Artemis would, however, likely know how to use a weapon… even if he’s not very good at it. Instead of like… stealing priceless artwork or whatever, this Arty carries around a little box of matches, and whenever the criminal urge hits him, he goes and starts a small fire somewhere (always where there’s no risk of anybody getting hurt)

Other notes:

- Very few people in the Mafiya actually know Artemis’s first name (and they’re not allowed to call him “Fowl” under any circumstances), so a nickname that gets passed around for him is “Matchstick Boy”, due to Artemis’s aforementioned habit of carrying them around.

- What Artemis lacks in classical skills (no violin, piano playing or time spent painting for this Arty, no matter how much he really wants to learn), he makes up for in more street smarts than canon, such as picking locks or pickpocketing. Such skills come in handy for him in such a harsh environment.

- Upon eventually reuniting with the Fowls and Butlers, he’s most unnerved by Butler himself, simply because the bodyguard seems at first glance like someone Artemis has learned to avoid. Arty doesn’t even know where to start with Juliet- he’s interacted with other children even less than in canon.

- Artemis can’t be mind-wiped after meeting Holly due to the difficulty of navigating Russia’s cold and radioactivity for the People, so Holly and Foaly start humoring Artemis’s attempts at conversation in an effort to keep an eye on him and what he knows- the benefit of Artemis being a child is that no one would believe him if he did say something. Eventually, it becomes less about keeping an eye on him and more just checking on him in general, even if both don’t really know how to help him- sometimes, Artemis is injured, or behaves as if he’s in active danger. Sometimes, he just seems desperately lonely. He has no friends, no real parents or family… Holly is one of the few people to ever be kind to him, and actually help him out (if he hadn’t found the way out of that shuttle port, he may well have froze). Usually, Artemis has to look out for himself.

- While he knows he’s not Britva’s actual son (it’s fairly obvious, they look nothing alike), Artemis doesn’t hate him. He doesn’t really know how to. The man and his underlings are undeniably evil and cruel, but that’s all Artemis remembers, so he sees it as less a matter of right and wrong and more a matter of illegal/legal. Still, he doesn’t like hurting people- he knows that much.

And voila! There you go! Idk I just think it’d be a neat twist, “raised by villains” is a pretty classic AU.

[anthurak]

Everything we Assume about Team STRQ (It's Everything)

So when it comes to theorizing about Ruby, Yang and their parents in Volume 10 and beyond, I feel like not enough people appreciate just how LITTLE we actually know or can be truly sure of regarding the backstory of Team STRQ or what was really going on during Ruby’s and Yang’s childhoods.

Simply because for much of the show, our primary source on such things was YANG, someone who couldn’t have been much older than FIVE when a lot of the important shit was going down and only seems to have gotten much of her information from her father and uncle after the fact.

In a show with a now LONG history of adults lying to or otherwise withholding important information from their children/students/charges.

And before anyone tries to claim that ‘Tai and Qrow wouldn’t hide important things from Yang and Ruby!’, let’s not forget that Yang didn’t find out that RAVEN was her birth-mother until after Summer ‘died’. Note also that Yang specifically states to Blake that she ‘learned why (Tai kinda shut down)’, not ‘Dad/Uncle Qrow told me’. Or the fact that Yang spent over ten years searching for any information on her mother, believing that she had cut herself out of her family completely, only for it to turn out that Qrow has been in on-and-off contact with his sister this whole time and even has a pretty good idea where she is, and was content to NEVER tell Yang ANY of this until Yang pressed him directly on it in Volume 3.

So basically EVERYTHING we’ve been assuming about Summer, Tai, Raven, Qrow and their dynamics and what they were doing 15+ years ago based on Yang’s conversation with Blake in Burning the Candle? Yeah I’d say we need to be calling just about ALL of that into question.

ESPECIALLY after Ruby’s tree vision gave us our first actual look back into Team STRQ’s past.

To give just ONE example: After Yang’s talk with Blake in Volume 2, telling her that Raven ‘left Yang with Tai just after she was born’, we all assumed that Raven disappeared right after Yang was born, vanishing into the night never to be seen or heard from again.

Now both we and Yang have known for a while now that the second part of this is patently untrue; that Raven was not only in occasional contact with Qrow all this time, but that she was even keeping an eye on Yang in bird-form.

But now Ruby’s tree vision has not only shown that Summer was apparently in even closer contact with Raven prior to her ‘death’, but even calls into question Raven ditching her team right after Yang was born as we have so long believed:

Not only does Raven show the kind of concern for Yang and even Ruby (“You’re just going to leave them?”) that you might not expect from a woman who just walked out on her family without a word, but when Summer retorts that “You’re one to talk,” Raven replies with; “You’re better at that life. Better than I was.”

Really think about that statement for a moment. Raven is insinuating that she has the experience to know that Summer is ‘better than her’, implying that she actually TRIED to settle down into ‘that life’ with her teammates. Given that she and Summer are specifically talking about Yang and Ruby, this could very well be indicating that Raven DIDN’T actually leave right after giving birth to Yang, but instead stuck around for long enough to actually TRY to be a mother to Yang. And that at least part of her reason for leaving was that Raven felt she wasn’t fit to be a mother. Or at least that Summer would be better for Yang (and Ruby) than her.

Meaning that at this point, everything we first assumed back in Volume 2 about Raven leaving Yang as soon as she was born has been either MASSIVELY called into question or disproven entirely.

So with that in mind, what else was Yang wrong about in this scene?

Or perhaps a shorter answer; what was she even RIGHT about?

Like when Yang stated “Summer was the first love (Tai) lost,” we first assumed Raven and Summer were both in serious, committed relationships with Tai, either one after the other with Summer and Tai getting together after Raven left, or all three were in a full-blown polycule.

But now in hindsight, just how well does that assumption really track?

We can at least assume from reading between the lines of the Warrior in the Woods short that Tai did indeed love both Raven and Summer. Yet let’s also remember that in that very story, while the boy (who is a clear stand-in for Tai) loves the titular Warrior, it is never made clear whether the warrior actually loved him back, or how she cares for him. And what is made clear is that the boy’s love for the warrior is ultimately a love that is not or cannot be returned by her.

So by that token, what if neither Summer OR Raven ‘loved’ Tai in the same way he loved either of them?

In all her appearances, Raven barely ever speaks of Tai, and the times she does indicate she doesn’t seem to think much of him. Indeed, we’ve yet to actually see ANY of Raven and Tai together. Which all begs the question of how Raven and Tai were together in the first place. Well, what if they weren’t together? What if Yang was an unplanned pregnancy? The unexpected result of what was supposed to be some drunken, one-night-stand? Which would certainly cast Raven’s decision that she wasn’t fit to be a mother and to leave the family in a particularly interesting light.

Then we have our one scene of Summer with Tai, which I’ve always found to be curiously lacking in overt romantic gestures. There’s no kiss, no ‘I love you’ or even any kind of flirting. Sure, there is that hug, but as I’ve noted in previous posts, RWBY has used that kind of close embrace just as, if not more often as a gesture of platonic or familial affection. Never mind the fact that Summer clearly didn’t trust Tai to tell him what she was REALLY doing that night. Summer and Tai are certainly quite close, I’m not arguing that. I’d even agree that Summer did ‘love’ Tai. But did she love him romantically? At this point, I’d call that rather ambiguous best.

So we’re left with a Raven who’s made it unclear if she ever cared that much for Tai, and a Summer who’s left it a bit ambiguous how she may have cared for Tai. Which if nothing else, doesn’t seem to line up very well with the assumption we got from Yang’s recounting.

Instead, I can’t help but think the image we’ve gotten and long believed about Summer’s, Raven’s and Tai’s relationships has been based far more on Tai’s nostalgia and grief-driven biases (and likely some petty resentment), and Ruby’s and Yang’s assumptions BASED on those. Let’s not forget that Yang almost certainly learned that ‘Summer wasn’t the first love he lost’ from Tai. And sure, maybe Qrow knows that Tai is looking a bit too hard through rose-tinted glasses, but maybe he’s decided to just let Tai have this, and more importantly is afraid to risk any conflict with the only teammate he really has LEFT.

This is what I mean when I say that much of the fandom is assuming FAR too much based on information we learned in the early days of the show. When we’ve seen so much of what our heroines believed in those early days either called into question or disproven entirely. Combined with a show that has made judicious use of ‘unreliable narrators’ and parents/teachers/leaders/adults with a bad habit of hiding important information from their kids ‘for their own good’, even when it turns out to not do them any actual good.

So to come back to that question: What else have Ruby and Yang been wrong about?

Or again, what have they even been RIGHT about?

This is why I think we may actually see a big reveal like ‘Raven is Ruby’s real dad’. With things like the building information of what really happened to Summer Rose, the growing implications hiding in the margins of just how big of a dysfunctional fuck-up parent Tai really was and especially lines like “Who knows why they kept the secrets they did,” and “Maybe we didn’t have the full picture…”, I’m feeling more and more confident that we are headed towards a major confrontation between our heroines and their parents wherein a WHOLE LOT is finally brought to light for Ruby and Yang.

Ever since Volume 3 ripped the status quo to pieces (along with Penny) and burned it to ashes along with Beacon (and Pyrrha), RWBY has been making reveal after reveal that things our heroines/the audience believed, assumed or were told at the start and early days of the show were WRONG.

So I’d say it’s only natural to think that the SAME will happen to those things that Ruby and Yang long believed about their parents.

[rachetmath]

Favorite Jaune Ship

Okay, let me do this. My Jaune ships. Other ships I’ll do later.

Lancaster/SilverKnight (Jaune x Ruby);

This ship still holds a special place in my heart and to me was supposed to be one of the factors of the show. Jaune and Ruby's relationship started at Beacon. Jaune was Ruby’s first friend and was the first thought of being a part of a team besides her sister. Unfortunately, she was stuck with Weiss and Jaune had a crush on her. Ruby has times when she and Jaune talk but were always cut short for reasons. However, after the fall of Beacon, I was happy to see her and Jaune team up. But my hopes were short-lived when Weiss and Oscar came onto the scene. Now, because of them, the one relationship I could support died because the story tries its damndest to push Whiteknight and Rosegarden together. (Like seriously, this is one of the reasons why I hate Oscar to this day. Volume five, to this day, I believe Jaune should have unlocked his semblance for Ruby instead of Weiss.)

DragonKnght/GoldenKnight/DragonSlayer(Jaune x Yang);

Now normally this is a crack ship. This ship is just two people boning for almost no reason, but I can see a story behind this ship with Jaune and Yang being an alternate version of Tai and Raven. Jaune is Raven because both  have supportive semblances, use swords, and have a distaste for Ozpin’s methods. Yang is Tai due to mainly being raised by him alone. Throughout the story, we see how Jaune and Yang interact and how their relationship differs from Tai and Raven’s. How Tai and Raven fell apart and what they should’ve done to maintain it. How Jaune and Yang handle situations differently they’ll always find a way to bounce back by talking it out and giving each other space. Though I believe Bumblebee fans would be offended and probably say, “Blake could add that same effect”, I still stand by this.

SilentKnight(Jaune x Neo)

Cute, deadly, and very sad. I haven't read the book but I have heard about it. Also, I wish they made a movie starring her or gave us an episode but… okay. Back on topic, I find this ship enduring. They have only one thing in common but that's enough to create a dynamic between them. However what makes the ship sad is that Neo will be the only one hurt. Image Neo trying to be Ruby just to be with Jaune only for him not wanting to be with her. Loving and caring for Ruby more than Neo. Neo hates and becomes jealous of Ruby because unlike her Neo has no friends. Roman died. And Cinder betrayed her. Jaune probably being the best thing in her life but she will never have. So sorry folks, Silentknight was a no-go.

Topaz (Jaune x Emerald)

Same as Silent Knight except it's Emerald’s loyalty to Cinder getting in the way of her having any relationship with anyone. Jaune probably would talk to her but trusting her could be too much of a stretch for him. Emerald might as well be one of the few who could talk to Jaune one-on-one and be real with him but still, I don't think neither of them is looking to like each other.

Knightshade (Jaune x Blake)

These two never had a single one-on-one conversation. Like really they barely interact with each other. I would not be surprised if they both got drunk somewhere and were found sleeping in the same bed by accident. But I believe they are good friends.

Knightfall (Jaune x Cinder)

Okay, this can go either way. Jaune is done playing the good guy to a bunch of girls who are favored by everyone and want to destroy the world. Cinder decides to be a good person and wants to redeem herself. I highly doubt this would happen but I love the concept. Imagen Jaune has to tell Cinder to chill out all the time. Then having to be the most patient with her especially when following a plan. Cinder trying to be nice but pushing her feelings down so she doesn't show weakness is funny, sad, and insane.  

Martial Arc and Nora's Arc(Jaune x Ren x Nora)

You two do not deserve him. You had four volumes to talk with this man but you didn't. Ruby knows your leader better. Yang treats your leader better. Shit Weiss treated your leader better. Ya’ll barely maintain a relationship with each other. How will you two be in a relationship with this guy if you can't contribute or commit to it? F*** the both of you.

Whiteknight(Jaune x Weiss)

Okay, now this may be my f*** all worst ship. First, I’ll admit Jaune was just a fanboy seeing his female idol for the first time in real life. But as he continues he eventually gets over her a bit. Then in some way, he does try to get with Pyrrha, who was an upgrade. What I don't like about this ship is unlike Lancaster it feels forced. Like in volume five Weiss got stabbed by Cinder for no reason. It should have been Ruby considering Jaune traveled and spent more time with her than Weiss. And Cinder hates Ruby. Then in volume seven she basically used the man to get away from Bumblebee. And the only time she ever acknowledged this man was in volume nine when he turned out to be her favorite character in a story. I may be wrong but no, this is not my favorite.

[remember-digimon]

Let's talk about Tai!

First of all, Tai does in fact show signs of terminal Shonen Protagonist, however with the depth of his character we can assume it is in remission. Good for him.

Tai is reckless and often rushes into things without thinking. To him, there is the goal and there are things in the way of his goal, so naturally he just has to bulldoze the obstacles and he's good. This is probably how he ended up as the leader of the group, aside from him being shown as a sort-of-main-character; while other characters are important, Tai is the driving force. He is action.

(Remember that time he tried to beat up a Bakemon?? This kid has zero chill when he's on a mission I swear)

If Izzy were in charge, they would get sidetracked by the details. If Matt were in charge, they'd likely never get very far because he has to consider the feelings of the entire group. If Sora were in charge, she would be too concerned with protecting everyone.

While Tai is basically the rocket fuel of their group, this also leads him to charging forward when other parts of the metaphorical machine aren't ready. This is why the dynamic of the whole group works so well; Tai may be hyperfocused on the end game but the others make up for the skills he lacks.

In addition to being the driving force, Tai is really good at delegating. He gives the task of figuring out the gate in Myotismon's castle to Izzy, who is objectively the best one for the job. During Our War Game, he's giving orders like a general during the fight, showing his aptitude for strategy.

Other leaders in Digimon seem to be given that title simply because they're the ones wearing the goggles, but in my opinion none of them really live up to the standard set by Tai. He may not have a deep understanding of Digimon and their world, but he has Izzy for that. He might sometimes lose himself in the end goal and forget to be empathetic to his friends, but he has Matt for that. He might be bullheaded and stubborn, but he has Mimi to be blunt and tell him what he needs to hear.

His real weakness lies in Kari; when she passes out in the desert, Tai basically falls to pieces and Izzy has to take over. When Izzy accidentally broadcasts their location, Tai flies off the handle, unprovoked, in a way that's pretty out of character for him any other time. He's haunted by the incident where Kari collapsed at the playground when they were younger, and he blames himself completely for what happened.

It's interesting to compare Tai and Matt as older brothers. Tai is very loving to Kari, and very protective, likely (at least in part) because of what happened at the playground. Matt is just as overprotective of TK, maybe even more, since he's basically rooted his entire purpose in protecting TK. Tai values Kari as a member of the team, but is still highly aware of the danger she's in. This is similar to how Matt views TK, being glad to be spending this much time with him but losing himself a little in worrying about him.

Unlike Matt, though, Tai is never really given the chance to fully confront his fear of something happening to Kari. He finds aspirin for her, but Machinedramon attacks and separates them. She's recovered by then anyway, but that's beside the point. It would've been nice to see him come to terms with his feeling of failure to protect her at all costs, but there were huge monsters to fight so I see why they skipped it.

Overall, Tai is a wonderful protag. He's courageous and instills his teammates with the energy to keep moving forward, he always has his eye on the prize, and he knows when to step aside and let someone else handle a problem he might not be well equipped for. Other shonen protags, like Ash from Pokemon for instance, can solve their problems by believing in their friends and that's it. Tai solves problems through strategy, delegating, and most of all, teamwork.

[ioncewaspoisonivy-13]

The Connections of Peter and James, and Proving That Taylor is Both of Them.

I personally believe that the song "Peter" is Taylor singing to her closeted self. To prove that Taylor is Peter, we can use the song "The Man" which includes a line where Tay wonders "what's it like to brag about getting bitches and models". The song also happens to have the lyric, "I'd be a FEARLESS LEADER" obviously referring to herself. The next time we see this phrase used, the line is "Forgive me Peter, my lost FEARLESS LEADER, in closets like cedar... " this seems to be a specific choice of phrase in order to point out that TAYLOR IS PETER. Another time we see Peter Pan referenced is in the song "cardigan", in which the line reffering to Peter is "Tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy" this song is supposedly told from the perspective of Betty, a character in the "Teenage Love Triangle" of the folklore album. In this scenario and based off the context of the song, Betty is likely reffering to herself as Wendy, and James as Peter. But if Peter is Taylor, doesn't that mean that therefore TAYLOR IS JAMES? Another important mention is that Taylor Swift is actually named after James Taylor. She also capitalized "ME" inside of the word James in the Apple Music lyrics when it was a puzzle for lyrics from The Tortured Poets Department album. With all of this evidence (and a bit more but i was unable to remember all of it) I have come to the conclusion that when Taylor is reffering to Peter or James in her music, she is actually talking about herself.

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.11.01] AERA x Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook "Shin" - Interview

— In the sports world, people often say that "heart, technique, and body" (Shin-Gi-Tai) are very important. Among these, I’d like to hear your thoughts on something related to "heart."

YH: Of course! Thank you for your support!

— First, I want to ask, in the Q&A of this photo book, you said, "If the feedback is not good, I only think that 'my effort is not enough.'" This statement left a deep impression on me. Some performers believe that if their work does not receive good evaluations, it is due to a lack of understanding on the part of others. They think the problem lies with those who do not understand. Your perspective of thinking "it's just that I haven't tried hard enough" feels like pointing the blade at yourself rather than others.

YH: I actually don't know how to think "Why don't people understand me?"

— So, you mean this is a matter for the performers, and it’s their responsibility?

YH: From the perspective of a performer, if we delve into what we want to express, I think it stems from having something we want to convey and hoping others can understand it in some way. We aim to communicate these ideas. If they are not conveyed, I only see it as a shortcoming in my method. People are different, and everyone has various interpretations of what is "impressive." So, I know it’s impossible to communicate with everyone. However, I still hope to reach as many people as possible, and I want anyone who sees it to think, "Ah, this is what it is." That’s what keeps me motivated.

— Some people might think, “Even if I can’t make everyone understand, as long as one person gets it, that’s enough.” Your thoughts seem to completely contradict this idea.

YH: Of course, I have thought, "As long as I can convey this feeling to one person who is moved by it, that’s enough." However, if that "one person" could become everyone, then I would indeed be very happy. For example, if 70% of the audience understands, but 30% feel left out and bored, then I would think, "My performance didn't cater to that 30%." Therefore, I believe that while I strive to enhance the purity of my emotions, I must also develop expressive techniques that resonate with that emotional purity. Take, for instance, a manga artist who has created a popular series spanning 20 volumes. If they start a new series that fails to gain popularity and gets cancelled, such a situation is quite likely, isn’t it? Because the voices of readers will not lie. The same goes for us—if no one is watching, we can't continue. I think that’s the structure of society. Even if you work hard to present what you believe is the best, if society doesn’t recognise it, you might feel, “I’ve worked so hard, yet I haven’t conveyed anything. That is too unreasonable!” The world is full of such experiences. However, I think this unreasonableness ultimately comes down to my own efforts not being thorough enough, or not mastering the correct techniques for communication, which leads to the message not getting through.

— You hold such thoughts and feelings, and to convey them, you also need to improve your skills. As a performer, your strict attitude is evident. When did you start to have this mindset?

YH: It might be due to my personality, or perhaps it has always been this way. For example, if you fail a jump in a competition, do you blame others? No, right? Similarly, for me, if the ideas I want to convey are not expressed, it equals failure. This failure is not anyone else's fault; it’s my fault. I'll think "maybe my timing was wrong" or "maybe I was too forceful in my performance." I see it as my own responsibility.

[It is because of the pain that it feels real]

— Taking the example of the comic you just mentioned. If the message isn’t conveyed, attributing it to the reader's lack of understanding shifts the responsibility onto others. I think, in a sense, this is just finding an escape for oneself. If you believe it’s due to insufficient personal effort, then it leads to personal suffering, doesn’t it?

YH: Yes, it does. But it is precisely this pain that gives a sense of reality. If you immerse yourself in a lukewarm hot spring, you won't really feel like you're in a hot spring, right? Of course, I believe there should be an appropriate temperature, but only when it reaches a certain heat can you truly feel that you’re soaking in a hot spring, warming up and feeling happy. Similarly, in daily life, if you stay in warm water too long, you’ll just end up feeling more and more swollen, and ultimately, there’s no sense of feeling alive or the reality of effort. I think it can become that way. It’s precisely because there are times that are very cold and times that are very hot that I become aware of moments like “I’m experiencing a hot moment” or “I’m currently in cold water.” This awareness allows me to truly feel the reality of my efforts.

— I can sense your desire to convey something to many people and your pursuit of expressing your ideals. You’ve mentioned that this ideal is constantly advancing, and I think this progression is closely related to your capacity to receive various stimuli. From what sources do you gain this stimulation?

YH: For example, from ballet and dance-related content, and more broadly speaking, from novels, the feelings conveyed by photographers, movies, anime, and so on—everything can stimulate me. In a sense, I think news is also a form of expression. For instance, when a major disaster occurs, the way the message is conveyed and received can vary greatly based on the content and the method of delivery. Even if the facts remain unchanged, the understanding can differ entirely depending on how it’s conveyed, right? I believe this applies to skating as well. Suppose I’m performing a sad program; if a smile appears on my face, how would that be understood? Some might think, “That’s inappropriate for the performance.” But if that smile comes after transcending sadness, it might be interpreted differently. If I can reach that point, I think both my technique and mind would have improved further, allowing me to convey it.

— In other words, everything can serve as stimulation for your performance and ideals.

YH: That’s true. It's the same with the trivial things in daily life. If I consider everything that enters my eyes and ears as part of my expression, I can repeatedly recognise my shortcomings and constantly discover areas where I haven’t done enough. I live in this awareness every day.

— While receiving such stimulation, your ideals are continuously developing. At the same time, I feel that your ideals should be things you envision for yourself or are based on yourself. However, when your ice performances achieve such great success, external expectations like “I want to see something even more amazing” can also increase. Does this create pressure and inner conflict for you?

YH: The pressure is immense… Every single time, I try my best to show something that "there is no better than this", so if someone asks me if I can show something that surpasses that in the next moment, I can only say that it is not so easy to do. For example, in "RE_PRAY," if I deliver a perfect performance on Friday, can I surpass that by Sunday? It’s impossible to surpass it just one day later. I put in over a month of effort for that Friday performance to finally exceed my previous performance, yet I’m expected to outdo myself within a day or two. This terrifies me. I become so nervous that I can’t eat and my body trembles. This happens often. But I just realised that when I think about my ideals, the standards are indeed based on myself, but I believe that is “the version of myself that everyone expects.” The evaluations are not my own but are based on how others see me, which becomes my standard. Regarding what you mentioned about using others as punching bag when what you want to convey is not understood, attributing the failure to communicate to the audience's shortsightedness, I believe that everyone’s evaluation is my evaluation. It’s wrong for me to assess myself independently. I think only when I achieve results and receive good evaluations can I tell myself, “You’ve worked hard.” Without these, I think I could never truly feel that I’ve put in enough effort in my life. 

[Every day feels like a last-minute effort.]

— You place great importance on communication and understanding. If you fail to convey something well, you see it as your responsibility.

YH: While preparing for performances, even if I work hard, if I don’t receive good feedback in the end, I’ll feel like "I thought I was trying hard." I’ll think that my efforts were meaningless. With all sorts of information coming in, I continue to grow, and my ideals evolve too. I believe that the point where my personal ideals intersect with everyone else's ideals of Yuzuru Hanyu is my target. My self-assessment and my current position are shaped by others' evaluations. I’ve been striving to exceed both my own ideals and everyone’s ideal.

— These two ideals continuously intersect, and striving to position them at a higher point and surpass that must be incredibly challenging... especially when you bear all the responsibility.

YH: Perhaps it’s just in my nature, so I don’t find it strange. In fact, pushing responsibility onto others would cause me more pain. Blaming others or attributing my incompetence to them in an attempt to escape makes me feel even more pathetic. I don’t want to feel guilty, and maybe that’s why I keep working hard. When I fail to meet others' expectations, I feel extreme disappointment in myself, and I work hard to avoid that feeling.

— In a sense, do you feel like you’re constantly being pursued?

YH: That’s why I’m scared. I think humans are like this. For example, during hunting, if you’re not in a state of fear or pushed to your limits, adrenaline cannot be released at 100%. In other words, it’s this constant sense of fear that keeps me driven and striving. This has probably become part of my personality. Some people have experienced this, others may not. It’s like when you’re in school and have a test coming up, only to find out the night before what’s on the exam, then frantically studying last-minute... that’s how I approach skating and training every day.

— Lastly, I want to ask you, on December 7th, you will be turning 30. How do you feel about transitioning from your 20s to your 30s?

YH: I’m gradually understanding what kind of person I am, realising the strength of my will and the things I want to do. My core is becoming clearer. The things I can do are also increasing, and I feel like I’m gradually climbing the ladder of adulthood in my own way. However, as a performer and skater, there is also a part of me that is free-spirited like a child, which is very important. As I approach my 30s, I want to learn how to switch between being an adult and a child. It is important to have both sides. As an adult, I want to stand firm and strong. But I don’t think I can skate on my own. It’s truly because of the support of many people that Yuzuru Hanyu exists. So, I absolutely don’t want to become complacent. In this sense, I want to be an adult while continuing to embrace my inner child.

Source: https://weibo.com/6473801248/OEgQd1Vjm https://weibo.com/6473801248/OEhf1dYW6 https://weibo.com/6473801248/OEhA7mxou

Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4023323748

[florencetypemaniacs]

How would the Ro’s react if they accidentally hurt Mc physically or emotionally in like a heated argument, and how would they react after this all blows over? (wait till Mc approach them or goes to them)

Thank you so much for the ask! I do want to say that the ROs would never phsyically or mentally abuse the MC in a relationship. 

I also answered an ASK if the MC & the RO got into a joke fight right here

💛 Marcel

Marcel's eyes widened as he stared at you, your eyes downcast as the words that left his mouth settled.

He was usually the voice of reason, the one that reminded his friends not to fight, so how could this have happened? He didn't mean it; hell, he didn't even know why he said it. 

But the look on your face was so intense that Marcel almost had to look away so he wouldn't empty his stomach. 

Marcel was just left standing there, the shock not leaving him even after you already left yourself, tears in your eyes making Marcel's words leave a bad taste in his mouth as he runs after you. 

He caught up to you, telling you how sorry he was, until his voice was raw. 

🧡 Margaret

Frustrated tears flowed from Margaret's eyes the moment the betrayal in your eyes was shown. 

"Well, if that is how you feel, then I think I should just leave." You said your voice was monotone, which made Margaret wipe her eyes again, trying not to let the water fall. 

She watched as Your whole body shook as you left.

Then she simply stood there. She had never been in a fight before, let alone one with a romantic partner, so she had no idea what to do.

After a few seconds, the guilt started seeping through, and the words she said struck her hard, and she collapsed to the ground in a sobbing heap.

How could she have said that to you? What a horrible person does that to someone they love, and gosh, she loves you so much. What was she supposed to do? You probably hate her now. 

In the end, Margaret would run after you, trying to apologize, and would be quiet after everyone settled down, too scared to ruin it again until you talked to her about it. 

❤️ Owen

Owen's jaw almost snapped as he clenched his teeth together. The words were already out of his mouth, and it felt good to let the anger go until he saw the look on your face, the shock of his words settling over the room until you turned to leave. 

The pride and relief he was feeling at his cutting words turned to dust. A pit opened in his stomach, and his mouth turned dry before you even walked out the door. He grabbed your hand and brought you to him in a bear hug. 

"Shit..... I'm so sorry, lass/duck/lad. I'm so bloody sorry."

Owen's voice raspy and muffled, hiding his face in your neck.

💙 Rosemary

Rosemary tried not to let her resolve crumble as you left the room, tears in your eyes. 

She won. 

Why did it not feel good?

Rosemary doesn't like being the one in the wrong, and she knew exactly what buttons to push with one glance. 

She tried to forget about it and bask in the glory. She trusted you that you were coming back because you loved her. 

Didn't you? You still loved her, right? 

The thoughts would creep in, filling her with anxiety as she would come to you, hoping to make amends. 

🩵 Tai

Stubbornness is what keeps Tai from going after you. Tai believed he was right, and nothing was going to change his mind. 

Not the way his stomach knotted when he thought about you. 

Or how he laid awake at night wanting to hold you, but being so scared you hated him now. 

Tai wouldn't go after you, but he would punish himself until the whole fight blew over and you came back to settle things, and the following week, after you two talked, you could tell that he was afraid that you were still mad at him, his touches being a little more constant, from hand holding to his foot touching yours under the table. 

💚 Zane

Zane wouldn't go after you, no matter how much he wanted to. 

Every thought he had would turn back to you and how he completely screwed up. You probably hated him now. 

Anything would tick him off until the fight ended, to the point that everyone stayed away from him like he was a bomb about to go off. 

That was until you finally came to him and the anger would completely disappear, and while he might bring it up once or twice to brag about you coming back to him after the fight is long forgotten about. 

In that moment, he would feel such relief and hope that it would completely turn into him wanting to take you to bed. 

[before-it-felt-like-a-sin]

Cool About It

Summary: Natalie Scatorccio might be the meanest girl you know, and somehow, you've fallen for her.

Notes: please be kind this is my first fic! Not proofread. Also it's just a pretty slow burn.

"You should totally do it, y/n," Tai said to you from across the table, "I mean, you already know like half the team. And it's not like you have anything more important to do."

"Wow, Taissa. Wow. Maybe I do have more important things to do. Did you ever consider that?" You replied, taking a bite of your sandwich.

By 'it', you both meant managing the soccer team. Tai and Lottie had both been bugging you about it for months, essentially since school started. At first, it was to meet new people. Then, it was to hang out with them. Now, it's because you have nothing better to do.

"If by important, you mean spending your stepdad's money, then I guess you do have more important things to do."

"Rude, but fair. It's not my fault he gave me a credit card with no limit. Trying to buy my love or whatever."

You had moved to Wisayok at the beginning of your senior year, because your mom remarried, and your stepdad couldn't move because of his job. Coincidentally, it was also because of your stepdad that you met Lottie and Taissa. Lottie's dad and your stepdad were business partners, so you two were forced to hang out pretty often. Luckily, you got along well. Then Lottie introduced you to Tai, and you three had pretty much been inseparable since.

"Look, y/n, please just manage the team. What else are you gonna do when Lottie and I both have practice, huh?" She asks.

She kind of has you there. Sure, you have other friends, but they're either also on the soccer team, or not 'hang out outside of school' friends.

"Damn, really pulling the loser card on me are you." You replied with a look of mock-hurt on your face.

"If the shoe fits."

"Fine. I'll do it"

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

"And this year, coming on as a new manager, is y/n y/l/n. I want you treating her with respect," coach Ben announced to the Yellowjackets on the first day of practice.

You looked around at the girls standing in front of you. Obviously, you knew Lottie and Tai. But you also knew Van. Mostly because of Taissa's insane crush on her, but you two also had a few classes together.

Shauna you also knew, but that was because you'd been paired up for a project in world history, and you got along pretty well. Jackie, of course, was team captain and Shauna's best friend. You didn't know much else about her, but she seemed fine.

Laura Lee, on the other hand, you decided to avoid at all costs. You knew she was religious as hell, and you didn't feel like being told that "god wanted you to be straight". Sure, Lottie told you that she was okay, but sometimes Lottie didn't have the best judgement.

That left Natalie. You had no idea what she was like. You knew she was friends with Van, but that was about it. Honestly, she kind of scared you.

"Hey! I'm y/n, nice to meet you all!" You said with a smile, attempting to look each of the girls in the eyes. Most of them just stared blankly back at you, but Shauna gave an encouraging smile.

This was going to be interesting.

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

By the third week of attending practices, you'd figured most of the girls out.

Van was the team goofball. Constantly cracking jokes, trying to get people to laugh. The two of you clicked instantly, your humor just matched. You made it your lives mission to make fun of Taissa as often as possible.

Laura Lee was sweet, you had to admit, but she was a bit pushy in her religious thoughts. You weren't too upset, though. At least she hadn't tried to get you to date boys.

Shauna was just the sweetest. Definitely the team mom. She was the most welcoming to you when you were first getting started as manager, and you really appreciated it.

Jackie was a lot sometimes, but she also just believed so wholeheartedly in the team and their abilities. You admired that about her.

And Natalie? She was kind of a mess. But you felt inexplicably drawn to her. Maybe it was the messy hair, or her smudged eyeliner. Or maybe it was that you couldn't figure her out, but you wanted to.

"Y/n snap out of it. We have to leave soon," Lottie yelled at you.

"Oh shut it. I just have to put shoes on. Plus, it's a party. No one shows up on time." You replied, rolling your eyes.

"Yeah, but we have to pick up Van and Nat. And if we don't leave soon, we'll be too late for it to be socially acceptable." Taissa pulled on a jacket.

"You just want to see your girlfriend," you said, drawing out the word. Tai's brown skin flushed a dark pink. Everyone had noticed the two of them hanging out more and more. Of course, you were happy for them.

"Don't act like you don't look at Natalie like you want to bang her brains out. Tai's not the only one with a crush."

"Enough, both of you. We seriously have to leave." Tai's voice kept you from making a comment about Lottie and Laura Lee.

"Don't wanna keep your girlfriend waiting!"

"Shut it, y/n"

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

"Y/n, Lottie, Tai, good evening ladies. Y/n, thank you for driving. I owe you my life." Van's voice bounced through your little sedan as she got into the car.

You laugh, throwing your head back a bit.

"Of course, Van. It gives me an excuse to not drink."

"Wait, you don't drink?" Nat asked, sounding like she thought you were insane.

"I don't drink at parties, at least not ones with a lot of people I don't know. It's not really my thing," you reply, attempting to keep your tone even. You knew that some people found your aversion to drinking odd, but honestly you didn't care.

"Damn Nat, don't insult the driver. She might just leave your ass," Van joked, quickly shifting the mood.

"Oh, she'll do it too," Lottie added, "I wouldn't test her."

"Maybe it's your ass I'd leave. Ever think of that?"

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

You were standing in the kitchen, sipping a Diet Coke when Shauna walked up to you.

"Hey, y/n. I didn't really expect to see you here. You don't seem like the party type."

You smile at her. "I'm not. But Tai and Lottie roped me into it. I think they just wanted someone to drive them home, honestly."

Now it was Shauna's turn to smile at you. "I'm sure that's not the only reason."

"You're probably right about that."

"Where are they, anyway? You'd think after convincing you to come to a party they'd at least hang out with you."

"I seriously have no idea. I don't care though, as long as I can find them when it's time to leave."

"Let's go find them. Or at least one of them. You shouldn't be standing here alone at a party you didn't even want to go to."

"Shauna, you're being really nice and all, but you should go have fun. I don't mind being here alone."

"Are you sure? Because if not I could-" before Shauna could finish, Natalie walked up to the both of you.

"Shauna, leave the poor girl alone." Natalie leaned up against the kitchen counter.

"Don't be a bitch, Nat."

"Hey, let's not fight in the kitchen. Nat's right, though, Shauna. You don't have to stay here with me."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely. Plus, now I have found someone to talk to." You gesture towards Natalie and smile at Shauna. She looks as if she's not totally sure if she's believes you, but she walks away anyway.

Once she's out of sight, you turn to Nat. "Thanks for saving me, but you didn't have to be mean to her. She just wants to make sure everyone's having a good time."

She scoffs, "that wasn't mean."

You roll your eyes, "sure," you say, and turn to walk away.

"Hey, wait."

"Dude, I know you don't really want to spend your time here talking to me. You don't have to pretend like you do."

For a moment, Natalie almost looks hurt. Before you can tell for sure, her face changes and she's smirking at you.

"You're right. Go find Lottie and follow her around like a puppy. I know that's what you want to do anyway."

You don't even dignify her with a response, and just walk away for real this time. You spot Lottie from across the room, and almost walk over to her, but then you remember Nat's words. They shouldn't have affected you the way they did, but you look back to see if Natalie's watching you.

When you turn around, she looks you right in the eyes and smirks, almost daring you to go over there. Part of you wants to, to prove that you don't care what she thinks. The other part wants to show her that you don't just exist around Lottie.

After a few minutes of internal struggle, the latter part wins out. You turn away from Lottie, and walk towards the back porch, hoping to spot Tai or Van.

Luckily for you, Van wasn't far away. You make your way over to her, half hoping that Natalie is still watching you. You want to show her that you do have friends, and she can fuck all the way off.

"Hey, y/n, enjoying your first Wisayok party? Isn't it grand? Everything you hoped it would be and more?" Van asked, obviously messing with you.

"Oh yeah. Shitty music. Shittier company. My ideal Friday night."

Van laughs. "I'm honestly surprised you even came. Tai talks about how much you hate things like this all the time."

"What do I talk about?" Tai approached the both of you, handing a cup of what you assumed to be beer to Van.

"How anti-party y/n is."

"I'm not anti-party. I'm ant-most of the people at them."

"God, you sound like Natalie. I swear you two would get along so well if she gave you a chance," Van said.

"I don't think she wants to give me a chance. Honestly I don't care. If she wants to believe I'm some perfect stuck-up little princess, I don't give a shit. She doesn't know me." You take another sip of your drink.

"She doesn't think that. Everyone knows you're not stuck up. She just doesn't like new people very much." Van looked at Taissa, as if for confirmation.

"Van's right. She didn't speak to like half the team until halfway through the season our freshman year. Although, I'm still not totally sure she's warmed up to everyone. She might still hate Jackie."

"Fabulous. Jackie and I can start a club."

"Y/n." Tai gave you a look that would make even a tree wither.

"Can you imagine that? Me and Jackie starting a 'Natalie hates us' club?"

"I'm sure Jackie has much better things to do. I also don't think Natalie hates you. I think you kind of intimidate her," Van said offhandedly, as if that was widely known information.

"Yeah, my great tits and winning personality intimidate Natalie Scatorccio, who half the time shows up to class high, or drunk, or both. I'm pretty sure I couldn't intimidate a worm. Much less Nat." You laugh, trying to imagine Natalie being intimidated by you.

"Maybe not the personality, but definitely the tits."

"Why are we talking about y/n's tits? Do I want to know?" Lottie asked.

"Those two are talking about how intimidated Natalie is by them. Which, if we're judging by how she was staring earlier, I'd agree," Taissa answered.

"Okay, new topic. Can we leave?" You asked the three of them, hoping for a yes. "We can even go back to my place. I just don't want to be here."

"We have to find Nat, but sure," replied Lottie, speaking for the group.

"Do we have to?"

"Y/n, I was joking about leaving her ass when we were in the car. She'd kill me if we left."

"Ugh"

"Come on, loser," said Tai.

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

Drunk Natalie was both fun, and your worst nightmare.

"I'm just saying, Nirvana is the best. Nothing and no one beats them. Nothing. And. No one." Van had to support all of her weight, and essentially threw her into the passenger seat of your car.

"I don't want her getting carsick in the back." Van's look almost made you forgive her. Almost.

"I won't get carsick."

"Tell that to the back of Tai's car."

"Okay, assholes. Enough. Get in. Get buckled. Does anyone need me to drop them off, or are we going back to mine?" You ask.

They all chorus 'no's', so you put the car into gear and check that everyone's seatbelts are on. All three in the back seem to be secured, so you turn to Nat. As expected, she hasn't put hers on.

"Natalie, this car doesn't move until you put that seatbelt on.

"Why do you even care?" She glares at you, and it takes everything in you to not hit her.

"Because I don't want anyone to die. Even assholes like you. Don't make me do it for you."

She looks like she wants to defy you again, but she then sees the look on your face and thinks better of it. Soon enough, she's buckled in, and you can finally start your drive home.

"I can't believe we're finally seeing the princess's castle."

Yep. Drunk Natalie was your worst nightmare.

"I can take you home right now. Don't think I won't."

"Oh, I know you will. I just like fucking with you. I like seeing you all pissed off."

"Hi, Nat, it's me, Van, your best friend. Please remember there are other people in the car before flirting with y/n. Thanks." You heard all three of the girls in the back giggling, and your face flushed.

"That wasn't flirting, dumbass. Generally, flirting is done when you like someone."

"Why doesn't drunk Natalie shut the hell up?" You ask, feeling so many different things. On one hand, Natalie was flirting with you, right? She had to be. On the other, why would she flirt with you? She hated you. Unless she really was intimidated by you. God, when you got home you were definitely breaking your 'no drinking' rule.

"Okay, Princess. Whatever you say"

"I said shut up"

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

"Never have I ever... fallen for my best friend," Van asked, waiting for someone to take a drink.

For what felt like the millionth time tonight, you were the only one to drink. You guessed it was fair, since you needed to catch up to everyone else. But damn, this vodka was gross.

"Wait, really? Who?" Van looked at you, waiting for a response.

"Someone back home. Her name was Molly. We're still friends, too. She's pretty and blonde, and a little bit of a mess. We just fit in the right way. Didn't work out though. I was a bitch, and I fucked up for a while." You didn't know why you said all of that. That was normally something you kept incredibly close to your chest.

"So not Lottie?" Natalie asked, slurring a bit. You should've just taken her back to her place, but something kept you from doing it. You really regretted that choice now.

"Fuck off. I'm done playing." You get up and stumble a bit, but then gain your balance, "feel free to keep going, but I'm going to bed."

"You aren't gonna share your bed, Princess?"

"Natalie, I will make you sleep outside. Fuck the fuck off."

"God, I was just messing with you. Chill out."

"Okay guys, let's not be hostile. Y/n, go to bed. Honestly, we all should," said Lottie. You shot her a grateful look, and attempted to make your way up the stairs. You didn't make it very far before you face planted. Apparently you had drank more than you thought.

"Shit, y/n, you okay?" Tai shot up from where she was sitting on the floor.

"Fine. I might just sleep on the couch. Apparently I can't walk up the stairs."

Tai and Van help you make your way to the couch, and give you one of the throw blankets. Soon enough, you're passed out.

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

You wake up, and it takes you a second to figure out where you are. Then it hits you like a ton of bricks. Literally, your head is pounding, and you remember what happened.

As you sat up, you looked around for you friends. The only person you saw, though, was Natalie. That's when you saw the note. You picked it up, and read it.

'Hey y/n, I took Lottie and Van home, but you and Nat were both still out cold. Sorry I left her, but hungover, tired Natalie isn't something I wanna deal with' -Tai.

God fuck. What a great way to start your day. After a few minutes of agonizing, you decided to get your ass up and make breakfast. You padded to the kitchen and poured yourself a cup of iced coffee, and got out the waffle maker. If you were gonna have to deal with Natalie hungover, you were gonna at least do it caffeinated.

While the waffle maker heated up, you did a quick change into sweats and an old t-shirt, and you washed yesterday's makeup off your face.

By the time you walked back downstairs, the waffle maker was ready, and you began working on the batter while sipping your coffee.

After a while, you heard rustling of blankets in your living room. Soon enough, Natalie was standing in the doorway of your kitchen. Silently, you gestured to the island where you set out a cup of coffee for her.

She walked over and sat down. Smiling softly at you, she picked up the coffee and took a sip.

"I'm making waffles, if you want one."

"Sure."

The way her voice rasped nearly made you drop your cup. Something about it made you want to listen to it forever.

Somehow, you reeled yourself in. Your crush on her was pointless. She hated you. Your waffles weren't going to change that.

For a while, the both of you sat in near silence. She said thank you for the waffle, but that was the extent of your breakfast conversation.

"I should probably leave soon."

"Yeah, sure. Just let me grab my shoes and I can take you."

"It's fine, I can walk."

"You absolutely cannot. It's like 3 miles. And you're wearing platforms."

"I don't need your help."

"I either take you home or you don't leave."

"Why do you even care? I'm nothing but an ass to you, yet you still act like we're friends. Clearly, we're not." Her face is hard, and it takes a lot for you to not cry.

"God fuck, Natalie. Heaven forbid I just be a good person." You stare at her, trying to get her to understand, or at least listen to you.

"I don't want you to be good to me."

"Why. Why not. I try to be good to everyone. Why are you different?" You're nearly yelling now.

"Because, y/n, I don't deserve it."

"Fuck you, Natalie. Fuck you. I'm taking you home. That's it." You walk over to her and look at her in her eyes.

She stares right back. "No, y/n, you're not." She makes a move to get up and walk away, but you grab her wrist and pull her back.

For a moment, she looks like she's going to hit you. Instead, what comes next is completely unexpected. She leans in and kisses you. While you're stunned into silence, that's when she makes her escape.

"I'm leaving, y/n. See you at school on Monday."

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

Two days. Two days of sitting in your house, not talking to anyone. Wondering what Natalie was doing. Waiting for her to call. But why would she call. She didn't owe you one. She just kissed you to get you to leave her alone, right? She didn't really like you, right?

You managed to make it through the entire school day without seeing Natalie, and you couldn't tell if it was a blessing or a curse. But you knew you couldn't avoid her at practice. That she couldn't avoid you at practice.

Throughout the whole practice, you watched her. You watched her run drills. You watched her 1v1 Lottie. You watched her scrimmage the JV team. And you watched her not watch you at all.

Finally, practice was over. You hurried to help coach put everything away, hoping to catch Natalie before she left. As you walked to the locker room, you spotted her.

"Natalie, hey, Nat, wait!" You ran over to her, waving. She just kept walking.

"Natalie, come on. We need to talk."

"About what, y/n?" Her tone was icy, and you didn't know why. She was the one who left you.

"Don't do this. Just come with me. Please."

"What am I getting out of this?"

"I don't know, Nat. What does it matter. If you don't like what I have to say, I'll leave you alone. For real." At that, she turns around and looks at you.

"Fine. Where are we going?"

"My car, I guess. Come on, it's over here." The two of you walk in silence to where you're parked, and you unlock the doors. Simultaneously, you both get in.

"What do you want to talk about, y/n?" She sounds bored.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that you fucking kissed me, and then ignored me all weekend. I thought you might be dead, Natalie." Your voice was hard, but there was an underlying sadness to it.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I made it home," she joked, expecting you to laugh, or at least roll your eyes.

"Don't be a bitch, you know that isn't all."

"Fine. The kiss wasn't anything. Is that better? I don't have feelings for you. Don't worry about that." Her voice isn't joking anymore.

"Fuck you, Natalie. I can't believe you literally just kissed me to get me to leave you alone. God. Using my crush on you to your advantage like that." You turn away from her, not wanting her to see you tear up.

"Wait. You have a crush on me?" Her voice softens, and you see in the window reflection that she moves to touch your hand, but then seems to think better of it.

"Fucking obviously. Clearly you don't feel the same, which is fine, but you don't have to use me like that."

"Shit, y/n, I'm sorry. I..." she trails off, and you wait for her to finish.

"You what, Natalie? Hm? I can't deal with your bullshit right now. Get out with it."

This time, she does make a move to touch you. She places one hand on yours, and moves the other to the side of your face.

"I lied."

"What?"

"About not having feelings for you." With this, she uses the hand on your face to turn your head towards her. For a moment, you just look at each other, drinking everything in, before she speaks quietly.

"Can I kiss you, for real this time?"

"Yes." Your voice is barely a whisper, but as soon as she has her permission, her lips are on yours. You thread your fingers into her blonde waves, and both of her hands cup your face.

You sit like that for what seems like hours, just kissing and kissing, only stopping to come up for air. You know your lipgloss had to have smeared, but you can't bring yourself to care.

Eventually, though, you stop. When she pulls away, it takes everything in you not to force her lips back on yours.

"That's why I've been such a bitch to you. Because I have feelings for you. And I don't know what to do with them." She almost sounds small saying that, the admission seeming so unlike her.

"Hm. I know how you can make it up to me."

[lurkingshan]

La Pluie Meta Round-up

Since many of us have decided to stop being normal about this show, I wanted to get a little more organized about tracking the great meta inspired by the episodes every week. Some of y’all are putting in work to write these amazing essays digging into the text and subtext of this show, and I want to make sure I’m not missing any of it, as well as have a central place to track my own. I thought this might also be a useful resource to others, especially anyone coming to the show late (please join us, this is the perfect moment to get into La Pluie). 

So without further ado, a round up of my favorite essays and posts to come out of the fandom on this excellent show. I will plan to update this each Saturday with the previous week’s meta as we go through the final four episodes. I tried my best to find everything but y'all know how faulty tumblr’s search and tag functions are, so if you think I missed something important, let me know!

First, the most crucial essay about La Pluie that everyone must read

We Must All Get Gayer and Louder About La Pluie Immediately (@bengiyo)

Second, a round up of some of the essays exploring the structure and intent of the story

Note: these may contain random spoilers for some episodes but are not specifically about any given episode

Four schools of thought on soulmates (@shortpplfedup)

Intentional subversion of the soulmate trope

Interrogating the romance genre (@chickenstrangers) 

La Pluie and the subversion of second lead syndrome

La Pluie and the subversion of the faen fatale

La Pluie: On the Lore 

Locations of La Pluie (@colourme-feral)

Name meanings in La Pluie (@recentadultburnout)

Narrative determinism versus genre determinism (@ginnymoonbeam)

On the subject of consent in recent bls (@williamrikers)

Romance tropes don’t work in real life (@heretherebedork) NEW

Romantic idealism in La Pluie (@ginnymoonbeam)

And finally, episode specific reactions and predictions

Note: These are spoilerific, starting at episode 4 aka when we all started really losing our minds over this show

Episode 4

Defying destiny (me and @bengiyo)

La Pluie Ep 4 And My Love Of Emotionally Available Characters (@bengiyo)

You (Yes, You!) Should be Watching La Pluie

Episode 5

La Pluie Ep 5 Stray Thoughts (aka birth of the Tai’s Dad is queer theory) (@bengiyo)

What we know about Patts (plus Shan and Ben’s vindication)

Working out the colors in La Pluie (@respectthepetty)

Episode 6

Hands in La Pluie Ep 6 (@wen-kexing-apologist)

La Pluie meets Nora Roberts (@syrena-del-mar)

On suspicion of Patts (@ginnymoonbeam)

Patts Was Going to Blow Tai. Tai Wanted It. Why That Matters. (@bengiyo)

You need to be watching La Pluie

Episode 7

Hands in La Pluie Ep 7 (@wen-kexing-apologist)

La Pluie: Maybe we will get a happy ending after all (@neuroticbookworm)

On the bed scene in Ep 7 (@ginnymoonbeam)

On the make out session in Ep 7 (@shouldiusemyname)

Episode 8

La Pluie and the Exploration of Romance, Competence, and Queerness (@bengiyo)

La Pluie: Do you still believe in soulmates?

La Pluie: The most important thing is that we really love each other

The Language of Love in La Pluie Ep 8 (@wen-kexing-apologist)

Third Child Syndrome: Birth Order Theory in La Pluie (@syrena-del-mar)

Episode 9

La Pluie and The Kind One (@sunshinechay)

Soulmate Skepticism vs Romanticism in La Pluie (@neuroticbookworm) 

the divine in me; the divine in you (@liyazaki)

The Kindness is the Point (@bengiyo)

The ultimate message of La Pluie

To love is a choice (@heretherebedork) 

What matters is CHOICE (@shortpplfedup)

Episode 10

A Jungian Perspective on La Pluie (@syrena-del-mar)

A Logical Love Doesn’t Exist (@fadelikeclouds)

break your own chains (@liyazaki)

Diving into Tai’s mind: Actions do not speak louder than words (@fadelikeclouds)

La Pluie: A Masterclass in Conflict Writing in Romance

La Pluie Breaks the Soulmate Bond

La Pluie: Not All Gays Are Great (@bengiyo)

La Pluie the Soundtrack (@shouldiusemyname)

Lomfon thoughts (@rocketturtle4)

On Tai’s isolation (@sunshinechay)

On villainising Patts (@shortpplfedup)

Pee Peerawich Can Fucking Act (@wen-kexing-apologist)

Revisiting episode 8

Similarities between Lomfon and Tai (@iguessitsjustme)

Tai and Patt’s incompatible conflict styles and Tais’ conflict avoidance (@ginnymoonbeam)

The Depths of Inner Turmoil (@syrena-del-mar)

The Soulmate Label (@indigostarfire)

Understanding the Core Four of La Pluie (@neuroticbookworm)

Episode 11

Balancing Self-Absorption and Love in La Pluie (@syrena-del-mar)

Checking in on the colors (@respectthepetty)

Connection (@wen-kexing-apologist)

Communication (@shouldiusemyname)

Even though they’ve separated it doesn’t mean they’ve failed (@chinzhilla)

It isn’t destiny- it’s freedom (@liyazaki)

La Pluie and the Aftermath

La Pluie: Thoughts on the Queer Subtext and More Patts Reflections (@bengiyo)

On Tai as a middle child of divorced parents (@slayerkitty)

On Tai’s special treatment within the family (@shortpplfedup)

Parenting in La Pluie, Episode 11 (@neuroticbookworm)

The narrative is letting Tai be unlikeable (@sunshinechay)

[wen-kexing-apologist]

10 BL Boys I Would Throw Hands For

Okay so everyone is doing retrospectives and what not and I should just kinda quit while I'm ahead, but I just rewatched My Ride and decided that I needed to highlight some of the boys that I would 100% throw hands for should they be wronged by any man. So without further ado here are the people who would inspire me to seek justice and retribution against those that have hurt them with the same feral energy of cocaine bear.

Tawan- My Ride

First if all, Por better watch his fucking back cause if he does anything to fuck with Tawan again you better believe I'm jumping on the back of Mork's pillon and we're turning a man into a pin cushion. Tawan has literally done nothing wrong ever in his life. He cares for everyone so deeply. He is so soft and kind and gentle in the most beautiful way and there is not a malicious bone in his body. Tawan is just a genuinely, naturally, and fundamentally good person and I am so glad that he is a sunshine for sunshine kinda guy because Tawan deserves a man like Mork in his life (and Mork- who would also be on my list but he throws hands just fine on his own -deserves a man like Tawan).

Uea- Bed Friend

Uea is so incredibly lucky to have King in his life, because if it were me, and Uea told me what his parents did to him, the next thing anyone knew I'd be at Uea's parents' house ripping his step-father's throat out with my bare fucking teeth and locking his mother in the bathroom with like a pack of hungry wolves or some shit. Uea's family got off far far too fucking easy because King is capable of some level of self-restraint. I, however...if there is one person on this list who I would turn the most feral/attack dog for, it is this beautiful angel right here. Sleep with one eye open Uea's Mother, I'm coming for you.

Tian- Khun Chai (aka To Sir, With Love)

He's beauty, he's grace, his mother will murder you in an instant if she thinks you know he's gay. I honestly probably don't need to do anything to the people who have wronged him cause between his mother, his brother, and his boyfriend he's got that shit covered, but...I love him so much. He just wants to be himself. But himself is a gay man in occupied Thailand, in a family that disowned their last outed queer member and drove him to suicide so, he's having the time of his motherfucking life. I am not saying I condone the swift delivery of a death to anyone his mother thought might threaten him, but...I get it.

Sakuko- Koisenu Futari

Hello to one of my new-found greatest loves. Sakuko is yet another human embodiment of sunshine who has had too many people do her wrong in her life. She has built herself a little family, and she's found a life she loves, and if anyone ever threatened that you better believe I would be there swinging a baseball bat in an instant. Sakuko, my aroace queen, just know that I care about your happiness above all other things. Enjoy your bike ride!

Patts- La Pluie

gif from @ueasking

Now listen, I know Patts is capable of holding his own against those who have wronged him, but he should not have to do everything himself. Patts, save your energy for your veterinary practice, I'll return Tai to you after he has been smacked around a little bit. Patts is one of the rare characters here that I would throw hands for both in fiction and on this website. You have a problem with Patts, you can kindly meet me in the Waffle House parking lot at 3am.

Mrs. L- Laws of Attraction

If there is anyone on this list that I would have to bet has killed someone before, it's Mrs. L. I have no doubt that even now if someone tried to fuck with her in any way she'd have them on their ass in an instant, but bad bitches gotta stick together ya know? Call up Maya, Rose, and Nawin and I will meet them out front to take care of that problem for you. You've got your hands full with those boys of yours.

Daisy- Secret Crush on You

Oh Daisy, oh my darling, darling girl I got your back from now until the end of the earth. Daisy is just the absolute sweetest, and I want all the best for her, and if anyone was to ever fuck with her in any way, they are getting Cask of Amontillado'd by me, personally. Look at that smile, keep your brightness, babes.

Han Ba Ram- Sing My Crush

gif by @wanderlust-in-my-soul

Okay so. Honestly I understand why Im Han Tae was immediately cute, cuddly, and flirtatious with this boy. He is an extremely huggable lad. I can also understand how that need to hold this Sad Gay(tm) could have impacted the length of time it took you to realize you had feelings for him. This sad boy right here doesn't know it but he has accidentally summoned a small gang of people who are ready and willing to go all Ides of March on his music teacher's ass. So heads up to Sangin, @bengiyo, @ginnymoonbeam, @lurkingshan, @kyr-kun-chan, @shortpplfedup, and I are outside your front door and we just want to talk.

Boston- Only Friends

Now, I will not deny my boy is a bit of an asshole, a shit-stirrer if you will, and there are times and places where I will let Boston deal with the consequences of his own actions and get smacked around. HOWEVER, you slut shame my boy? Death. You pull an Atom on my boy? Death. You abandon my boy? Death. According to the end of Only Friends Boston's is absolutely lacking in people in his corner, so I will be there with bells on. Boston, cruise as much as you want baby, and if any of those boys give you trouble, give me a call.

Amane- If It's With You

gif by @dramascene

In case you haven't picked up on it, sad!happy boys are my kryptonite and Amane is just the saddest boy with the best bundle of joy mask I have ever seen. He deserves the world, this boy, and if anyone ever tried to steal his joy again, I would steal their soul right out of their bodies.

Wasn't gonna make this a tag game or anything but if anyone wants to answer it, go right ahead!

I will, however, tag @negrowhat, @respectthepetty, and @sorry-bonebag since they are the ones that supported my vision so they see the post

[velvet-vox]

The complete and utter alienation of Tai Lung: Part 2

Very recently I've done a marathon of all the Kung Fu Panda movies after not seeing them for a couple of years, watching one after the other in a single day, and aside from the emotional whiplash of seeing Kung Fu Panda 3 right after 2, it really got me to rethink about the colour theory present in the Kung Fu Panda movies, and more specifically about Tai Lung's.

Now, it's no secret that my first Tai Lung analysis blew up (unexpectedly), and it's still getting new hearts to this very day, and thus it only felt natural to make a sequel that could touch upon things that I didn't talk about originally.

So... let's bring up the colour table again, shall we?

As we have already established, Po is yellow, Shen red, Kai and Oogway green, and Tai Lung blu....... right?

The thing is, this simple association of the colour's meaning doesn't leave much room for an interesting, in depth discussion, that's why I wanted to go a little bit deeper into what I've head cannoned as the individual meaning of each primary colour, so that we can expand upon our current colour dynamics.

Just for reminder:

Cyan+Magenta=Blue

Magenta+Yellow=Red

Yellow+Cyan=Green

Just like we said, Yellow is the colour of Po, our heroes, the good side, (the Chameleon) and justice; whenever Yellow is present on the scene, you know that you can put yourself to ease, as nothing bad is probably going to happen;

I believe this to be the most straightforward primary colour, for obvious reasons, but especially because all the other colours gain their meaning when compared to Yellow (Po, our protagonist), therefore it also has to be the one we understand the most.

Indeed,

Po = Yellow

Now, this is where it starts to get interesting:

....I believe cyan to be Oogway's true colour. I think about it. When we first met Oogway, the only lighting present in the room was the cyan light of the Dragon scroll's pond, there was actually very little green accentuated in that scene, it was all mostly mellowed out by the cyan.

It also makes sense when you consider that Tai Lung and Kai had a relationship with Oogway, while Shen didn't because red isn't made out of cyan.

There's also the whole popular belief that "cyan represents patience" which also fits Oogway, but it's not really important to this discussion, so you can think what you want about it.

So,

Oogway = Cyan

Magenta... is particular.

Particular in the sense that it's extremely rare in both the movies and outside material.

Of magenta/purple things that come to mind we have Crane and Tai Lung's clothing, Shen's mother, Feng Huang related things, that weird sexual panda from the third movie... and probably some more.

As you can see, magenta is incredibly hard to pinpoint its meaning due to how infrequently it's used, which makes sense: Magenta and purple have ties to royalty in both China and other countries around the world; it's a sacred colour, so it has to be used sparingly, and I don't think it was ever intended by the writers for a meaning to be extrapolated from it.

....

Yet I tried to anyway.

Now, let it be known that I'm planning to make a post talking about Po's weird relationship birds, as it feels like whenever a bird is on screen the conflict is already more personal for Po.

For now... you could argue that magenta means danger, since it's the closest colour to purple aka yellow's opposite, and both Shen and Tai Lung are a direct threat to Po while Kai is treated as a joke for the entirety of the final movie, but I doubt bad writing has any deeper meaning.

I actually wanted to attribute magenta the meaning of closeness. For me, it was the easiest way to justify his rarity: it can't be Shifu's colour because he lost relevance after the first movie, and no other character is closely associated with it, so it makes sense for it to just be a colour that's taken for granted by Po since his adopted dad shares those tones.

However, I think I came up with a much more interesting idea: it's the colour of pride and approval, as Tai Lung and Shen both sought the approval of their parents to satisfy their ego, while Kai wasn't seeking anybody's approval for his evil actions.

Ultimately, magenta, much like in the movies, is irrelevant to the narrative, so I'm going to ignore it, but for now,

Approval = Magenta

Finally, (a worthy opponent) with all that out of the way, let's talk about everybody's favourite snow leopard!

And the first thing to mention, is the gold.

The Gold.

The GOLD.

It's everywhere. Whenever you look at him, Tai Lung is always chasing the gold, he was welcomed by the gold when he had no one by his side, and said gold was always what he dreamt about when he was in jail, he basked in the gold his entire life, and when that gold rejected him, he had nothing left in his life to cling onto because his entire life was dependent by that gold.

While Shen and Kai have Yellow as part of their secondary colour by nature, Tai Lung doesn't, yet he wants to. But that yellow keeps rejecting him and putting an end to his actions;

When Tai Lung's first rampage is interrupted, the (chi) body block technique that Oogway uses to stop him is yellow; when Po kills him at the end of the movie, the after wave of the Wuxi finger is, again, yellow; TAI LUNG'S EYES ARE YELLOW. BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT'S ALWAYS ON HIS MIND.

... And that makes all the similarities that he shares with Tigress kind of sad (For both).

Like, I already knew that Tigress and Tai Lung were similar and meant to be foil, but it's only after my most recent rewatch the underlying pain and tragedy present in their rivalry really hit me.

If Tigre's pupils weren't red, she would have easily turned out as the next Tai Lung.

And Tai Lung upon seeing how similar he is to Tigress, probably thinks "This is what Shifu replaced me with. A cheap knock-off copy of the real deal".

It hurts him deeply, because it reminds him of how little Shifu really cared for him, despite not being true, and it scares Tigress, who's nervous for their entire interaction, due to now finally seeing Tai Lung in the flesh and not as just some story she overheard.

Tragically, once Tai Lung finally manages to get his paws on the Dragon scroll (yellow), it doesn't fix anything for him, instead, it sends him spiralling one last time before Po can finally put him out of his misery.

And with that, Tai Lung goes out of his miserable existence, only finding peace in the afterlife, and not in death.

<<<<Previous part

The horrifying humanity of Lord Shen

[wickedcoeur]

i think that we, as a community, need to talk about the parallels between the black brothers and tai lung and tigress from kung fu panda. i can (AND WILL) elaborate, but now i'm just lazy

oKAY, NOW I'M READY

so it all started when i went to watch kung fu panda 4 with my niece. first i was inconsolable bc the great lesbian icon tigress wasn't in the movie, but then, when i was out with some friends we started to look up fanarts of her at pinterest and there was this cute fanart of her and tai lung being siblings and playing togheter and IMMEDIATELY i thought about the black brothers

i need you guys to forget about the goodxbad stuff here bc that's not the point, the point is siblings angst. so tai lung, aka sirius, is the first son, the one to carry all the expectations, the one literally beign raised to become the dragon warrior/heir to the black house. and here they diverge a little bc tai lung tries, he gives all of him to achieve this, and all the love and attention from master shifu is conditioned to him beign the next dragon warrior but sirius is a rebel, he hates all that's linked to be a black and hates the person that his parents want him to be, so he do wathever is in his power to not be that person.

BUT THERE IS A BREAKING POINT FOR THE BOTH OF THEM: when their parents realized that they aren't and never will be what they want them to be. so tai lung goes insane bc not only he's beign denied everything that he fought for, the very thing that defines him as a person, but he can see that his father, whom he always though loved him, is starting to resent him bc he didin't get what he wanted from tai lung (this post is not a shade to master shifu, i love him, but i'm here for the drama). now with sirius his parents finally realized that he's not going to be the perfect little heir, so they torture him, and the last piece of hope that he had for his parents to love him is gone, THEIR LOVE AND ATTENTION WAS CONDITIONED JUST AS IT WAS WITH TAI LUNG AND MASTER SHIFU, now that he's to no use, he isn't valuable anymore. so they're both gone (tai lung go insane and ends up in jail and sirius go live with the potters)

meanwhile, we have tigress, aka regulus, the younger one, that is only there to fill the void that their older siblings left. regulus saw sirius with their parents, he (regulus) never received much attention from any of them, but he just knew that if sirius had been a good son they would've loved him, bc they tried, they tried to teach sirius the ways of the black family and there were moments, when they were satisfied with sirius behavior, that almost seemed that they loved him. so when sirius left and their focus turns to regulus he's ready to be the most obedient and well behaved son on this earth. now, tigress had never lived with tai lung, when she came to the temple he was already in jail, but she heard how master shifu adored him, and how broken he was that he was gone. she also knew that what caused them to drift apart was the whole "you're not the dragon warrior" thing, so the only way that she could gain the master's attention was to become the dragon warrior. but it didin't matter how hard they tried, how much they gave away to those people, they just weren't their siblings, they weren't enough.

i also like to think of the fact that tigress always felt like she was doing good, like, i'm not enough, my father doesn't really care about me, but this is my purpose and i'm actually helping people so at some point everything is going to be ok (when i become the dragon warrior), and i think that's kinda what regulus felt too, and i'm NOT excusing any bigotry behavior here, but he genuinely believed that he was doing some good for the wizard world by supporting his parents cause, so it's interesting when we think about "why reggie didn't leave??", because why would tigress leave???

i ALSO like to think about the skittles beign the furious five: tigress as reggie, monkey and crane as barty and evan (just two dorks who are superpowerfull), viper as pandora (i fell that there's no explanation needed) and mants as dorcas (c'mon, that little thing full of rage is very dorcas coded).

anyways, now i'm tired and won't be rereading nothing, so i don't know if it's understandable or if it's even english at this point, if you have any doubs fell free to ask

@morallyundefined

[scrumptiousstuffs]

How much of the truly unhinged things FK do and say do you think is mostly fanservice? I genuinely can't imagine saying half those things to a person for real. It's not that I think they don't care about each other, but I can't really believe it's that intense without them realizing it, so I have to conclude that it's made that way for fanservice. They have said they read everything we say, so they know what we respond to and what gets retweeted the most. And I know enough about other cps to know some of the fanservicy things they do - pretending to not be able to make something everyone knows they'll be at, saying stuff like "we're just naturally like this", getting "caught" cuddling. It rings less true every time I see it.

The one thing that gives me pause is how much other people tease them after being around them for five minutes. Is it all just one big in-joke? Do other cps have that same thing where their coworkers ship them and is it as universal (I think Tay and New do? I don't know I don't really pay enough attention to other cps, just enough to know most of the common fanservice)? Do other cps say things like FK say to each other? I just don't know.

I guess I just think that fanservice is supposed to be a tacit agreement between fans and cps to buy into an illusion but not take it too far. When you do that, it's fun. But sometimes FK make me want to go full delulu and then I have to slap myself a little.

Anon, I give you permission to go all delulu 😉 (I’m in it and living the best life 😌).

However, delulu aside, I don’t think FK is doing much fanservice.

I mentioned in previous asks they will try and do “extra” or hype up a little bit, usually during fanmeet/concert/events - but you can always tell 😅. They are amazing actors on-screen but off-screen, they are a pair of giggly mess whenever they try to do fanservice - be it delivery pick up lines (most recent examples inc. FK fanmeet and OF fanmeets), where the boys almost immediately break out of character or doing it exaggeratedly👇🏽 (First burst out laughing after Khaotung deliver a pick up line, while you can see Khaotung’s face…)

Or if it is an “act” of fan service (like during LOLfanfest when First stripped off his jacket) he broke out into a cheeky grin (and trying to hold off a giggle), Khao rather than “joining in the act” by I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♀️ caressing those biceps (for example), instead gets flustered and tries to quickly cover up his bestie (of course, First may just be doing it to tease his bestie and trolling us hehe)

No doubt, they are getting better (or should I say, more comfortable) with fan-service, for example, when Khaotung proudly told his bestie a fan was hitting on him (during the Bookfest earlier in 2024), First immediate response was “why are you hitting on my boyfriend?”

But, I stand by what I said in my previous ask, our boys (as a CP) are generally atrocious at fanservice 🙃.

The interactions we see of them now are just how they are -clingy, sticky besties who don’t realise that the things they say and do for each other are actually not the norm for usual best friends behaviour or even usual CPs. We are just seeing it now cause their relationship is “open” once they are officially a CP. But the boys have gone on trips together even back in 2020, do collab of their clothing lines when they were babies in GMMTV and I remember the official FC managers of both boys actually said they know FK are close even pre-CP cause if you find one, you bet you will find the other one close by (also echoed by countless of other actors/actresses who like you say in your asks - tend to tease them mercilessly about it hehe)

This ask explains FK relationship better. And I’m putting a link from a previous ask I answered re: iconic moments in FK fandom, where most of the unhinged stuffs happen unscripted.

We see them basically doing/saying unhinged things way back pre-CP. I’m sure by now, you have hopefully seen countless of other videos or read through other asks stating the same thing (with most of the videos normally captured by their friends/colleagues in gmmtv cause they just don’t realise how out of the ordinary their relationship is).

The boys share everything - from wardrobe, perfumes, accessories to credit cards. I’m sure we also have evidence floating somewhere they just packed everything in one suitcase (at one point) when they had to travel overseas together for a function.

Also, the one thing they can’t fake - is the genuine adoration they have for each other when they stare at each other (usually when the other is not watching). So many photos of these 2 just staring at each other (that fans jokingly labelled it as Thanawhipped and Kanawhipped depending on who is doing the staring). We had interviewers/photographers actually calling out to Khaotung (at one point) to stop staring at First so they could take his pictures 🤣…

Plus, I have always thought the boys as old souls and quite sensitive to emotions (especially if it pertains to each other). Jokes aside regarding the “extra” fanservice during their official fanmeets/concerts - these 2 cannot express how much they meant to each other without breaking down and turn into gooey mess (personally, I just can’t see these as being fake).

But you are absolutely right in saying CP culture, fanservice and the parasocial relationship they have with the fans should be respectful and we need to have boundaries. It’s fun to admire their relationship/friendship (or whatever it is they have - I’m still on queerplatonic team, btw 🫡) - but it shouldn’t be to the point that we cross the line.

As for other CPs, I don’t follow them closely enough to comment. I think each CP have their own take in what they want to show to their fans, but most can function independently without the other and they have friends outside the CP. FK on the other hand…yes, they have friends too but these 2 are codependent to the point they genuinely can’t seem to function 100% without the other person being close by as their support person (like the amount of time Khaotung mentioned First without prompt when he was the special host for GMMTV Live House….🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎���♀️🧎‍♀️and similarly, First will bring up tidbits about Khaotung again unprompted to fans/hosts 🤦🏻‍♀️ (eg the tidbit of him staring at Khaotung face when they woke up together in their shared bed during the Busan trip…🙂‍↕️)

Anyway, I’m going to finish up with this view of Khaotung (cause now I’m imagining this was what First saw that morning in Busan 😭😭😭 - those lucky boys!)