#i hate the show i can't teLL YOU HOW MUCH I HATE IT

[random-arcane-fan]

transcriptions below the cut

Arcane's relationship with League lore

I really don't know anything about LoR. The intent was to fill gaps in lore with Arcane, but stay mostly consistent. There's exceptions, certainly, we did have full support to tell the story we wanted and we wanted our characters' actions to feel consistent within Arcane.

Vi & Caitlyn

reply to AnComAlice: Ever since Vi came out in the game, I've always thought, "Why are you a cop?" Do you ever feel constrained by the source material?

Not in Arcane. I love telling difficult stories. Those are the best kinds.

reply to deebriedee: Will there still be "aww" moments between Cait & Vi even if a romantic relationship is established? So many shows have that one couple everyone ships but the moment they get together or the relationship is solidified by a kiss etc, nothing happens afterwards and I'd hate that.

I can't say anything about what may or may not happen. We are trying to tell believable stories based on characters' "lived" experience. That doesn't sound very believable to me?

reply to caitcupcakelyn: I have a question: Did Caitlyn falsify the release order on Jayce's behalf? Since when Marcus mentions it to Jayce he looks surprised, and also Mrs. Kiramman tells Kait that she has violated several rules...

Yes! She used the knowledge Jayce just told her about him becoming a Councilor, and the offer he made to become her "head of security" to falsify a release order.

not replies:

There are several moments in the season where Vi is surprised by Caitlyn and looks at her differently. The animators did a phenomenal job tracking that subtext with her expressions, but the storyboard artists also had a hand, giving Vi closeups in those key moments.

Vi mentions it in her first scene with Caitlyn, but the Warden was implying that they would beat Vi to punish her every time she would beat up one of Silco's goons that ended up in Stillwater.

reply to skyllianhamster: I was a bit taken aback by Vi's callousness at the kid Jayce killed. I imagine the context was regarding exposure to death, which Jayce hasn't seen much of, but I read it in the context of death as normal collateral damage, which sounded cold for Vi. Thoughts on that scene?

Vi doesn't show her real feelings about the boy's death because it doesn't help her make her point to Jayce. But when he's not looking you can see how upset she is.

Vi & Jinx

They were all children, even Vi. It was traumatic experience [sic] and no one can blame children for their trauma. What Jinx says is her own warped perspective. Honestly, they all need therapy.

Vi has put all her hope of saving Powder into defeating the villain she believes created her: Silco. She takes out years of pent up frustration and rage on Svika, whom she thinks is the only thing standing between her and Silco.

On why Marcus took Vi

Marcus felt guilty for how his dealings with Silco lead to the death of Grayson, and wanted to do something to make amends. Vi would've died if she went after Silco in that moment and he knew it.

On the words "god" and "hell" showing up in dialogue

I know there are beings in Runeterra that are revered like gods or goddesses so we are ok with characters using that terminology. That example wasn't in the script so it must have been added by Hailee and left in because the team liked what it brought to her performance so much.

On English being used

Practically, their writing is not English because our global viewers won't hear the show in English. Creatively, Piltover is a melting pot of cultures, the reason some things are written in it is similar to how we recognize words in other languages that have universal meanings.

How the hextech weapons work

The gemstone powered the rocket with Hextech augmented acceleration (similar to the Hexgates). It's not consumed, just like Vi's gauntlets and Jayce's hammer don't consume their gemstones.

Silco

Silco grew up working in the mines and has a little tolerance to the gas. He also knew it was coming, and the others didn't.

reply to Darkri97: I only have a few if thats alright 1) If the water itself is toxic and open wounds react the way they do like with Silco what happened to Vander's arm since it was cut? 2) Is there any concept art listing everyone's height? 3) could we ever see concept art of the whole cast?

1) The eye is a delicate organ, which is why Silco's reaction was so strong.

[nothing missing; if there were other answers, they're cropped out]

reply to thelittleworms: After Silco met and talked with Vi in ep 6. Did Silco really believe Vi didn't come for her sister. Or he told Jinx like that because h didn't want to lose her? Or another reason?

He lied to her to manipulate her feelings.

not a reply:

Silco wears make up in Act 2 & 3 to cover his scars. One way he tries to bury his trauma.

reply to TearsOfaStay: Hi Amanda. First, a bog [sic] thanks to you and all arcane staff for this fabulous show. I don't know you can still answer questions. Have you considered silco's character in kind of a father love for jinx or he just raised and kept her bcs of his aims for having zaun independent?

Silco has his own fear of abandonment issues and uses those to manipulate Jinx. Even though it comes from that twisted place, I think Silco believes what he says when he tells Jinx she's perfect and he loves her like a father.

Trauma

reply to miliamalae: Hi Amanda! The writing for Arcane is stunningly observant in terms of mental health, trauma and how difficult experiences shape people. Did you rely on some pre-writing research, or is it mostly your own intuition? Either way - it is absolutely incredible! Thank you so much.

This was a big team effort of both research and intuition. It's certainly not everyone's experience with trauma, but hopefully believable in the heightened reality of a fantasy world? Glad you thought so, anyways.

Vander & the kids

Vander knew the girls before. Mylo and Claggor's parents also died on the bridge and Vander took them in like he took in Vi and Powder.

Vi and Powder snuck out when they weren't supposed to and followed Vander and their parents. I don't know their ages, but I think we were going for Vi being about the same age here as Powder is in act one.

Viktor

We have a backstory for Viktor that wasn't made canon to explain how he got into the Academy. His parents saved their money to buy him a uniform and he pretended to be a student until he gained Heimerdinger's attention. Instead of punishing him, Heimer made him his assistant!!

Jayce's opinion on Heimer

reply to ELWINDS: hi amanda! when jayce decided to push heimerdinger off of the council, how much of that decision was based on what he ACTUALLY said in the council room (his inaction on fixing issues with zaun, etc) vs heimerdinger wanting to destroy his only hope for saving viktor?

This is my opinion, but in that moment Jayce was using all those things he mentioned as a tool, but all he really cared about was saving Viktor. If Heimerdinger wasn't going to use his power on the Council to destroy the Hexcore, I don't think Jayce would've done it.

not a reply:

Jayce has been dealing with the council through Mel to get his Hextech approved and to build the Hexgates for a long time. He's been frustrated with their inaction for longer than we see onscreen in the show.

Ekko

Ekko is a little older than Jinx, I think he's like 19–20. After Vander died he went around helping Silco's victims until they had a little rag tag crew of people like him who wanted to help. They found the tree and were able to slowly expand into the Firelights.

I think Ekko beat Jinx in that fight because he learned from his mistakes in the childhood game, and was able to predict and dodge her moves.

reply to Ronie_6: Hi Amanda! Here is a question that I think I haven't seen: Ekko's parents are alive in Arcane? Or is he an orphan? (In the Universe page he has a short story called Lullaby that mentions them, but in Arcane he seem [sic] to live with the firelights) Thank you so much for everything! 💖

Sorry, I can't answer this for many reasons. None of which I can share.

Just a collection of what I feel were the more interesting tweets from Amanda Overton’s AMA: 

Arcane’s relationship with League lore: 

(emphasis mine)

(I read the “consistent within Arcane” as “please stop bugging us over very minor nitpicks”)

Vi & Caitlyn:

(no offense but I interpret that as cop!Vi is absolutely coming)

Sounds pretty straight forward to me that yes of course Vi and Cait would still be romantic if they became a couple as she would consider the opposite to be not believable behavior. 

Vi & Jinx: 

On why Marcus took Vi: 

(LOL, no offense to Amanda, but I still think that that is a terrible reason/character motivation, to translate “he felt bad” to “I’m going to put a teenager in prison without a trial for 6-7 years” )

On the words “god” and “hell” showing up in dialogue: 

On English being used:

How the hextech weapons work: 

Silco: 

Glad to hear it, I was kind of worried they might rewrite him into somebody who was privileged somehow and hence being a hypocrite. 

(I read that as a “no” on “he was just using/keeping her for crime stuff” but on a “yes it is unhealthy because he is manipulating her because he clings to her due to his own abandonment issues”)

Trauma: 

Vander & the kids: 

Viktor: 

Jayce’s opinion on Heimer: 

Ekko: 

Just a list of topics she went “sealed lips” on: 

- people asking about how the League character of Camille intersects with the story of Arcane - people asking about more details on Ekko and Powder’s relationship

[burningcheese-merchant]

cmon burningcheese headcanon generator 3000. I know you got some more in there so SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!!!

Should I change my blog name to that, I wonder 🤔

Rough day today so I'm going to answer this particular ask in an attempt at self-soothing because BurningCheese makes me happy haha

For Valentine's Day, Burning Spice likes to show off his surprising way with words by writing Golden Cheese poetry. Even today, after knowing him for so long (and knowing he's not dumb, far from it), she still can't help but feel astonished by the silver tongue he hides in his mouth. He's been doing this since long before they ever got together (he started when she began tolerating him enough to allow him near her outside of their usual sparring sessions lol) and he's never missed a day. Even when she still hated him, she was never able to refuse (both because he knew to play to her love of gifts, and because he wouldn't leave her alone until she took the damn envelope lol)... Nowadays she almost acts like a schoolgirl with a crush, in how excited she is to see what he writes her next. She keeps them all safe in an everything-proof box and it's one of her favorite things to receive from him (like so haha)

Likes To Bite x Likes Being Bitten (and it goes both ways lol. GC just waits until they're alone to give him a nibble. He loves it so fucking much you have no idea)

BS's main love language is physical touch, which he gives GC in spades. A hand on her shoulder, an arm around her waist, grabbing her and yanking her away from whatever she's doing and into an inescapable hug, holding her in his lap, smothering her with kisses, adult fun time (wink wink)... He simply cannot keep his hands off of her, nor does he want to, nor will he ever. (this also extends to fighting. They still spar all the time, for fun. Old habits die hard)

BS is extremely clingy at bedtime, he will grab onto GC and fall asleep and not let her go no matter what (he won't wake up either, he sleeps like the dead... Unless she tries to get up to drink water or something, then he's awake and grumbling and fussing like a spoiled baby until she's back in his indestructible cage of an embrace)

GC doesn't like spicy food at all. She indulges BS when he wants her to try food from his homeland because that's what lovers do for each other (and she's too proud to chicken out), but... goodness, those people are insane. They think this amount of spice in a dish is acceptable??? BS just thinks it's really funny to watch her sputter and her face turn red when she eats a mouthful of vindaloo lol (although he secretly hopes that any children they have do not inherit her spice intolerance)

BS helps GC preen or otherwise tend to her wings when necessary. She used to ask her attendants to help, now he's the only one who's allowed to (they've come a long way since this haha)

They're both very jealous and not jealous at the same time, if that makes any sense. Neither doubts the other's loyalty or devotion, not one bit. Buuuuut alsooooooo they don't like when anyone else tries anything with the other lol. Someone even LOOKS at GC Like That and BS is either getting in their face to intimidate them or being overly touchy with GC to establish dominance lol. (GC usually doesn't need to step in if the reverse happens, BS will just tell other women to fuck off point-blank. But if they don't listen, then it's HER turn to be overly touchy to establish dominance lol. Also, lots of mean girl insults. That's what you get for trying something with her man)

BS proposed to GC on the same cliff where he tore up her wings. Very macabre and tasteless on the surface, admittedly, but he saw it as undoing the dark, unfortunate significance that place held. Making new, happy memories to replace the old, unhappy ones, ykwim? (She understood what was meant by them being there when it happened, she was actually very touched)

BS is GC's new throne. Being significantly smaller than him means she fits really snug in his lap. An extra throne was not built for him after they married because GC said that he's allowed to sit in hers and she'll just sit in his lap when he does lol

GC tastes rich and a bit salty; BS tastes very hot and spicy. His is actually the only spice she can tolerate (and thinks is delicious)

Something kid-related just because: GC named their son, BS named their daughter. But you probably could've guessed that on your own haha

[rivereverie]

What I like about the Dryad Test scene (Astarion romance spoilers)

So I haven't done any other character's romance yet, but I want to talk about the brilliance of Astarion's version of the “romance test” scene in the circus. While I do think it was a missed opportunity to show a little more vulnerable reaction when you first call him forward to do the test (calling him the "one you love"), before he covers it up with his usual mask, I think this is a beautifully subtle scene overall. Which is impressive given how indulgent it is. The whole premise is that you full well know the true answers to the questions, but if you want to make him happy and comfortable, you wont give them. He’s clearly uncomfortable with you bringing up personal information in front of an audience, even if it’s to correctly answer the question. He obviously isn’t taking the test seriously at all, and is doing it more to just have fun and mess around. As much as I adore sincerity, this scene is just so in-character for Astarion I can't be mad at it. You’re showing him how well you know him *by* answering incorrectly, because you know *that’s* what he wants. You're showing that you know him, and you don't need to prove it. While it would have been fun and cute to just have a little moment here that plays right into the dryad's game without any twists, this execution of the scene suits Astarion's current emotional state so much better, and makes it more engaging. The story doesn't just pander to the player, no matter how indulgent Astarion seems as a character. He’s imperfect and struggling a lot, and the player needs genuine patience to see the real him in those rare moments when he lets the mask fall.

He’s been making some very slow changes throughout the game up to this point, and he’s still grappling with that. It’s obvious that even he doesn't really understand or want to face his feelings and how he’s changed, as he’s unwilling to even put a label on his relationship with the player character at this point. He’s all about using his mask as a shield, and so the times we’ve seen behind it have been insanely vulnerable by his standards; private moments meant to stay between the two of you. So of course he wouldn't like it if you just bring up his deepest feelings in a public setting all for some silly carnival activity. He’s also very much the type to say: “like I need a dryad to tell me how I feel”, when prompted with the game in the first place. He probably only agreed because the player wanted to, and he wanted to just have a bit of a laugh. It’s not that he doesn't have genuine feelings for the character, but rather that he has no clue how to handle them. He’s probably holding back a lot at this point in the story, and it probably scares him that he’s getting so attached to someone. Someone that could be taken from him. He probably sees that as a weakness that Cazdor could exploit to hurt him even more, and so his  natural instinct would be to keep everything close to his chest. Orin’s line about Gortash using our connection as a noose by which to hang us probably illustrates his fears perfectly. It’s scary when you have feelings beyond your control, and given that he probably hasn't felt this way about someone in as long as he can remember, if ever, he’s probably even more unnerved. This subtle internal struggle is perfectly illustrated in this scene. At this point in the story overall, he’s confused, on edge, afraid, angry, but also maybe the slightest bit hopeful for the first time in a long time, because of the player. 

The best part is that his instincts about not wanting his personal information shared with a stranger is justified, as Orin shows up to ruin the fun. Apparently in early versions of the game, its at this point that she would kidnap the player’s romanced companion, but apparently play testers hated that (this is just what I've heard). It would be so neat, even though I'd panic and drop everything to hunt her down. That sinking feeling when Orin reveals herself is only magnified if you answer the “true” options during the love test, because now one of our greatest enemies has critical information that could be used to hurt our loved one. 

Anyway I just love how subversive this scene is because of who Astarion is as a person, and how it illustrates the unique bond he has with the player character. His reactions are so cute when you give answers that he likes (like saying what he wants most is revenge, or that most things fear *him*, actually). This is a rare moment when it seems like he's actually having fun. It's just two idiots in love messing around, and that's important.

(This is all just my interpretation. Feel free to disagree)

[sweetbans29]

Back to You (4) - CC

Pairing: Caitlin Clark x Reader

Summary: We are getting somewhere

Warnings: none?

Word Count: 2.5k

Previous

Back to You Masterlist & Sweetbans Masterlist

You wake up the next morning with a pounding head. You groan and turn over onto your stomach, dreading having to open your eyes.

Your hands feel around to find your phone but can't seem to find it. You keep feeling around until you find something familiar and you do. You find your stuffed pig Pua and pull it into your chest.

The bed dips near your left hip, you let out another groan.

"Good morning to you too," Kate says as she rubs your back.

You don't respond.

Although you want to rip your head off, you can't help but feel tears begin to form. You bring your hand to catch the first tear before it falls.

"Hey," Kate says softly, as she shifts to sit on the bed and bring your head to her lap. "You don't need to be tough here."

You let the tears fall as you hold Pua and let Kate rub your back. You haven't cried like this since the early days after your break up, when you vowed to not let Caitlin have such a big affect on you. But here and now, it almost feels worse than the initial blow.

"I hate her," you say in between sniffles.

The words come out straggled and you mean them, Kate knows you mean them. But what is not said is how much you still love Cait and how you hate that you know you always will. Kate also knows how much you love Caitlin.

"I don't think I can keep doing this," you say.

"This is your dream job," Kate says softly. "You have worked so hard to get here and I know this is the last team you wanted to work for but being the head of player development is where you belong. There is no doubt in anyone's mind about that."

You know she is right.

"Don't let her take something that you were made for," Kate says and you really don't know how you ended up being so lucky to have her as your person.

"I just don't understand why it has to be here," you say. "Out of all the places - even looking overseas, I end up here. It is like the world is playing a cruel joke."

"Or maybeeee it is showing you that you can exist in a world with her but live independent from her," Kate says and you finally look up at her.

"Since when are you wise?" You say giving her a skeptical look.

Kate hits you on your shoulder and the two of you end up play fighting until you feel ready to tackle the world.

You know it is not possible to live in a world where you always avoid Caitlin, especially in the Caitlin capital of the world. Initially coming into this new job you thought you could go unseen, but the more you thought about it the more you want to be seen. Not by the world, but by her. You miss her - have since the day she ended it and you always told yourself that you would never let her in again. At the end of the day, you have to protect yourself and you stand by that. But looking at life, you feel like you are hurting yourself more by trying to keep her out of your life than letting her back in. Not nearly as much as you had before but working for the same team, you know you need to be cordial.

Being cordial with Caitlin does not mean you are allowing her back into your life.

Being cordial with Caitlin does not mean handing your heart back for her to hold.

Being cordial with Caitlin means no longer doing everything in your power to avoid her.

Come Monday, going into work you were ready to face whatever the wind blows your way - Cait included. You let your assistant Ben know that he no longer needed to make excuses and he nodded with understanding eyes.

Ben doesn't know the story - he's never asked and never will, not that you would tell. But he knows enough, has seen enough pain in your eyes and watched as you practically sprint the other direction when no.22 comes walking your way. But Ben prides himself in being great at his job and that includes knowing the boundaries of his boss.

You decide to head to the practice gym while the team is warming up. There is a home Fever game tonight and you know it is going to be a tough one, not only physically but potentially mentally considering we are playing the Lynx.

The team is in the middle of individual shooting drills and you observe as your staff works with a few of the players. You see Keith working with Caitlin and know she is taken care of. As you watch them, you notice how even after a few years Cait still has a lot of the same mannerisms she had in college. She has developed a lot, her shot selection has grown and you have seen her continue to become great in all aspects of her game. She has gotten stronger and has filled out more which you try not to think about too much outside from it being an on the court advantage.

Caitlin is locked in and you are grateful her attention is on the game instead of your presence. Once it is time for the team to head to the lockers before the game, you see Cait do a double take in your direction.

You can see the internal battle that she is facing. You never show up before games - the only time she has seen you on game day was when she stole that moment during half time. And with what happened at the Nike event, she was not expecting to see you so soon - even if it is what she has been hoping for.

Caitlin heads into the lockers, running by you in the process.

You don't trust your voice or your eyes for that matter and turn away as she passes. Your hands grip a nearby table and you take several deep breaths.

As you compose yourself and head out onto the floor, you take up space next to Ben.

"Ready?" Ben asks.

"I am here, aren't I?" You say and give him a smile.

Ben smiles and nods.

The Lynx are the first ones on the court and you find your eyes wandering over to their side. You spot the sharp shooter you are looking for and find that she is already looking your way. You give her a smile which she returns.

You stay in your spot as the teams are called and the game commences.

The Lynx come out strong, shooting 64% in the first quarter. Caitlin starts the game with 4 points in the first and you can tell she is in her head, she doesn't wear it well.

You watch the coaching staff do their job as you observe to better direct your team come next practice. Going into the second quarter, you see Caitlin chatting it up with McBride on the floor.

You don't want to think anything of it but when you see Caitlin begin to get a little chirpy and bump Kayla's shoulder you finally move from your spot. You take a step forward, not knowing what you are doing as the ref's whistles blow and Caitlin is pulled back by Hull and Howard. Kayla just waves her hand dismissing whatever Caitlin said which only causes her fire to fuel even more.

You don't know why but you feel your anger begin to boil and you want to approach Cait but know this is neither the time or space to do so.

The game continues, becoming even more physical if that is even possible. It is the last minute of the first half Kayla pokes the ball out of Caitlin's hand causing it to go flying into the backcourt. Both players go for it, colliding hard. Caitlin is laying on her back, hands above her head as she tries to catch her breath. Kayla is the opposite, laying on her stomach as she pounds her hand on the ground.

A time out is called as the refs go to the monitor and the med staff comes out to check on the players.

"She is an idiot," you mutter under your breath as you watch Caitlin get help up. You can tell she is avoiding you but you know she feels the heat of your stare.

"Do you want to talk to her?" Ben asks and you know he is offering to get her in a room during the half.

"No, that is honestly the last thing that I want to do right now," you say. "I think I would actually rip her head off."

Ben nods, trying to hide his smile. You are too busy staring down Caitlin to notice.

If anyone were to ask Ben, anger is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to you and Caitlin. But no one asks.

Caitlin comes to sit on the bench and your stare burns into the back of her head.

The refs call it a foul on Caitlin which puts the Lynx in the bonus, sending Kayla to the line. She hits both and the quarter finishes with the Lynx leading by 7.

You don't bother going down the tunnel and opt for walking across to the visitors side. Finding a spot, you wait for the team to run out. When they do, you see Kayla slow down before you have a chance to stop her yourself.

"I'm sorry," you say and wish you could say more.

Kayla firmly shakes her head no.

"You, you have nothing to apologize for," she says with a calmness and sureness that almost immediately reassures you.

"Are you okay?" You ask scanning over her as if she didn't finish out the second quarter on the floor. "It was a big hit."

She chuckles and brings her hands to hold you in place and says, "I am perfect."

Between her hands on you and the smile she is giving you, a blush creeps up your cheeks and you shy away.

"Thank you for coming to check on me, it means a lot," Kayla says and you nod.

"It is the least I can do," you say. "Watch yourself out there."

"I got you watching me, what more do I need?' Kayla says as she begins to jog out onto the floor and you wave her off with a smile.

You let her take the floor and make your way back to your spot next to Ben. It is now your turn to feel the burn of a pair of eyes staring intently at you during the final warm-ups.

"I don't know who has a deadlier stare," Ben says quietly.

"Ha ha ha," you fake laugh as you watch everyone but Caitlin.

The third quarter is just as intense as the second as the Fever bring the game back within one. They will need a big fourth quarter to secure the win and all eyes are on the all-star.

The fourth is a battle as there are seven lead changes. It comes down to the final seconds, Lynx are up by one and the ball is in Caitlin's hands. As the seconds wind up, she lets it fly and it hits the back iron - rebounded by Kayla.

The final buzzer sounds and Lynx win by one.

You watch the crowd thin out and the team's head to greet friends and family. The players eventually head into the lockers to change and head into media. You head to your office to take some notes on the game before heading out for the night.

On your way out, you pass the tunnel to the floor and hear someone. You immediately know who it is as you stand there for a second debating if what you are thinking is a good idea.

Your legs override any thoughts you have as they lead you to the floor.

Caitlin is standing in the spot she missed the final shot as Keith is feeding her the ball.

"Go home Keith," you say.

"No," Caitlin says, not looking at you as she goes for another shot - missing.

Keith gives you a look and you nod your head towards the door.

Being alone with Caitlin was not on your bingo card for today but here you are, sending Keith home so you could be alone with her.

You take his spot and feed Caitlin the ball but she just stops and stares at you. You stare back at her.

She takes a step towards you but you take a step back, keeping the same distance between the two of you. You watch as her hands come to grip the bottom of her jersey, a habit that you know she has developed to avoid touching something that should not be touched.

The two of you stand there in silence. After a few minutes you finally break the silence.

"We are not friends," you say and you see Caitlin's shoulders rise a little as if she is about to argue with you but they fall as if she remembers how the two of you ended up here.

"I can't be your friend," you say. "Not that you deserve it."

Caitlin is now looking down at her hands.

"But I am tired of whatever is going on between us," your voice is tired. You are tired.

"So where does that leave us?" Caitlin asks softly.

"Honestly?" You ask, more so asking yourself than her. "I have no idea."

She nods, taking in your words.

"But I deserve to walk into work and not be crippled with anxiety over the thought of seeing you," you say looking at her now. "We both work here. We both live here now. We are going to see each other, that's the reality of the situation."

"She is nothing compared to you," Caitlin blurts out and you breath trying to lose your composure.

"We aren't anything," Caitlin follows up. "We met a few weeks ago and I invited her because I didn't want to go to the event alone and Kate was going with you..."

"So it's my fault?" You ask, anger bubbling under your skin.

"No," Caitlin says and tries again to take a step towards you and succeeds. "Not even close."

You put your hand up to stop her moving closer and bring your other hand to rub your face.

"I know I messed up, that seems to be all I am able to do since you've arrived, but I am ready to fight. Fight for you, for us," she says.

"There is no us," you say with a little more bite than you anticipated.

"I deserved that," she says softly. "But I meant what I said - that night is the biggest mistake of my life because you are worth it. And I am an idiot for not doing this sooner."

You look up, eyes meeting hers and you know she means every word. And you know that being cordial with Caitlin is going to be a lot harder than you initially anticipated.

AN: Well, we are starting to head in the right direction, right? Let me know what you think! And as always, thank you for your love and support 🤍

[callmeizukunotdeku]

Okay, but can you imagine a world where Jason comes back and decides proper punishment is an eye for an eye?

Bruce may not be perfect but boy does he know how to torture himself.

Bruce might not have killed the Joker, but he went off the fucking rails after Jason died.

If Jason came back--if he told Bruce that his sweet little boy was back? There's no world in which Bruce wouldn't welcome him back with open arms.

So he plans it: he'll show Bruce he's alive, cry a bit over Tim as Robin, and make Bruce send the kid packing. Then, he'll push. He'll tell Bruce how unsafe he feels knowing the Joker is still alive. How that man needs to be delt with in the same way Jason was delt with.

He'll push Bruce closer and closer to his breaking point and then, to freshen the grief, he'll kill Tim.

Do it as the Red Hood.

Remind Bruce what happens when he puts people in the suit.

Imagine that's his plan.

Then, imagine how surprised he'll be when he announces his revival and Tim gets him somewhere private.

"You know, Placeholder, I don't really like you that much. Forgive me for not wanting to talk to anyone who's not family right now, but--"

"No," Tim interrupts, "no, I know. And I'll make it quick." He takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine what you must have gone through to die and come back and see someone else in your suit like that. If I knew you'd be back, I'd have found another way to hold him back. I just...wanted to give a formal apology before going home. I know that nothing I do could ever rectify what my taking your place must have felt like to you, and I'm sorry for that, but if you ever need anything, I'll be right next door."

Jason furrowed his brow. He was planning on waiting a couple days to plant the idea of Tim leaving in Bruce's head. He didn't anticipate Tim cornering him the first day he was back. "What?"

"I mean, I know I don't really have anything unique to offer, but the offer still stands." He watched Jason for a moment, hoping, most likely, for some reaction of 'no, please, stay in my suit, in my house, where you don't belong' or 'i don't entirely hate your guts'. Tim looked away. "Um, right, so--I'm going to leave while it's still light outside. It's--I'm glad I got to talk to you," Tim said, with something nauseatingly genuine in his eyes, "goodbye."

Good manners be damned, Jason didn't say 'goodbye' back. He let Tim leave without a word.

He expected Bruce to comment on it, but he didn't even bat an eye, just kept staring at Jason like he was something precious.

After it goes on for long enough, Jason finally asks, "You good, B?"

And all he can say is, "You're home."

And he is.

Bruce announces him as alive again on the grounds that it's Gotham and weirder things have happened. Since he's seventeen, he gets to go back to school.

Since Tim is fifteen, he's there too.

"Placeholder," Jason calls him, whenever he sees him--tries to torture him with the word.

And Tim looks at him sadly, "I'm sorry."

Every fucking time.

Tim doesn't even try to justify it or anything. Just apologizes. Agrees that he is a placeholder and apologizes for it.

And it pisses him off, but Jason doesn't lay a hand on him.

Not yet.

He keeps hinting to Bruce.

I'm not safe with the Joker alive.

I can't stay in Gotham if the Joker's alive.

I'll leave you if the Joker's alive.

I'll make sure everyone will.

And he does.

It's laughably easy to make his way into Drake Manor.

Tim seems surprised to see the Red Hood.

He's less surprised when he learns it's Jason.

Jason beats him into the fucking floor and the kid whimpers and wines, but doesn't call for his mommy or daddy.

Jason leaves happy.

He's still happy the next day when he doesn't see Tim in the halls. The boy's absence is expected, even if the lack of news about his placeholder being found beaten and bloody is, for lack of a better word, disappointing.

It's a full week later when Jason is scrolling through news articles and the whole world stops around him.

The Drakes Set to Return to Gotham after Seven Months in Iran

His brain lets him process the smaller realization first.

How he came back six months ago and how Tim has been alone for half a year and his only familiar face was Jason in the halls.

Placeholder.

I'm sorry.

And then, he pukes.

Because Jason beat Tim halfway to hell, but, as long as someone was there to see him in the morning, call an ambulance and make sure he'd get help, Tim would have been fine.

A week, Jason thinks, and then he's running to Drake Manor. It's all too easy to break in, again. To find Tim, again.

Laying where Jason left him.

Jason swallows before kneeling next to Tim.

He moves Tim's hair out of his face and--

And he's still warm.

A quick check confirms that, yes, yes, there's a pulse, and then everything happens in flashes.

Call 911.

Get in the ambulance.

Sit in the hospital waiting room until Bruce bursts in.

"I was worried sick," Bruce says, "what happened?"

"Tim was attacked," he says, quietly.

Bruce nods, "And you? How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." I attacked him.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine." Guilty.

Bruce waits over him until the nurse finally reports that Tim's out of his first round of surgery and is, for the most part, stable.

Jason asks to see Tim and is denied.

"Only family can visit," the nurse says, and Jason looks to Bruce.

In Bruce's ear, he whispers, "Tim was under your guardianship while he war Robin, right? Can you get us in?"

"I can't," Bruce says, "He's not mine. He never was. Tim has always lived with his parents."

Listen... "Placeholder" is a way more fucking tragic nickname/title than "Replacement," and thus this is the name Jason should use for Tim if ya want to max out the angst.

Because there is value in being a replacement. They aren't the original, but a replacement has their own identity. They could be better or a newer model or simply different. There's no expectation for the replacement to be traded back either (though a replacement might get traded for the next replacement). A replacement is compared to the original but they are also accepted as their own identity.

A placeholder, on the other hand, "occupies the position/place of another person." That place isn't theirs. That place is temporary. There's no value to their own existence/identity, and they don't bring anything new to the table as they are. They are a stand-in for something else. They aren't wanted or desired as they are but rather for who they are standing in for.

"Placeholder" is certainly worse :)

[carnalcrows]

YANDERE GANGSTER

☆ name: Felix Marino (Феликс Марино | Félix Marino) → "Fortunate and Of the Sea"

☆ ethnicity : Italian-American

☆ age : 34

☆ gender : Male

☆ mbti : INTJ

☆ his story : [click to proceed]

Once just a regular blue-collar worker with a simple dream—build a good life for his wife and their unborn daughter. But fate had other plans. A tragic misunderstanding led to his wife's brutal murder at the hands of a gang seeking revenge for a crime he never committed. Grief turned into vengeance, and vengeance turned into power. One by one, he eliminated those responsible, leaving no stone unturned, no soul spared. But revenge wasn’t enough—it never is. By the time the dust settled, he had built an empire from the ashes of his pain. Now, he rules one of the most feared mafia syndicates in the world, his name whispered in both reverence and terror.

He’s a ghost of the man he used to be, his heart long buried with his wife. He tells himself love is no longer for him—his wife would have hated the monster he’s become. But in a world of blood and betrayal, the past has a way of creeping back in when least expected.

☆ appearance:

Dark brown hair, always neatly styled but never too perfect—like he doesn’t care, but somehow, it still looks effortless.

Dark green eyes with brown flecks, almost black in the shadows, but strikingly green in the sunlight—if he ever lets himself stand in it.

6'2" with a lean but powerful build—every move he makes is calculated, every step, deliberate.

A face that looks carved from stone—strong jawline, sharp cheekbones, an expression that rarely changes.

Wears expensive but understated suits, always in dark colors—nothing flashy, just powerful.

Tattoos: His wife's name on one wrist, their unborn daughter’s name on the other, the only softness left in him. He has various other tattoos of flowers and snakes running down his arms and his back.

☆ personality:

Cold, calculating, and terrifyingly efficient—he doesn’t waste words or emotions.

A master of control—of himself, of his enemies, of the entire underworld.

Speaks in a quiet, measured tone, but when he gives an order, it’s absolute.

Loyalty is sacred to him—betrayal is met with ruthless consequences.

His patience is legendary, but once it runs out, there’s no going back.

Haunted by his past but refuses to show it—his grief is a private wound, one that never truly heals.

Believes emotions are a liability, yet can't fully extinguish the ghost of the man he used to be.

☆ with a lover:

He doesn’t do casual—if he lets someone in, it’s serious, but that’s a rare occurrence.

Overprotective to a dangerous degree—if you’re his, no one touches you. Period.

Doesn’t believe he’s capable of love anymore, but if it happens, it’ll be deep, intense, and consuming.

Shows love in subtle ways—protecting, providing, making sure you’re safe before you even realize you’re in danger.

Will never say "I love you" easily, but his actions will speak louder than any words ever could.

Doesn't do jealousy—he does ownership. If you're his, he makes sure you know it.

☆ strengths:

Unmatched strategic mind—he sees five moves ahead at all times.

Ice-cold under pressure—he never panics, never loses control.

Deadly with both words and weapons—he can end someone with either.

Inspires fear and loyalty in equal measure—his presence alone is enough to command a room.

Never forgets a debt—whether he owes one or is collecting one.

☆ weaknesses:

His past—no matter how much he buries it, it never truly stays dead.

Love—he tells himself he’s incapable, but if he ever lets someone in, they’d become his greatest weakness.

His wife's memory—she is both his strength and his curse, the one thing that can still make him hesitate.

He doesn't know when to stop—revenge, power, control—he always wants more.

Has built his empire alone and trusts almost no one—loneliness is his own prison.

☆ relationships:

Wife (deceased): The only woman he ever loved, the only person who ever made him truly happy. Her memory haunts him, and he wonders if she’d still recognize him now.

Unborn Daughter (deceased): A life that never got to begin, but one he still mourns every single day.

Right-Hand Man: The only person he trusts, the only one who dares to speak freely in his presence.

Enemies: Too many to count, but they all share the same fear—crossing him means death.

Potential Love Interest: If someone ever manages to break through his walls, they’ll find a man who is both terrifying and deeply, painfully human.

☆ extra:

Speaks fluent Italian, English, Russian and a handful of other languages (for business reasons).

Has a soft spot for old jazz and classical music—not that anyone would dare comment on it.

Never lets anyone see his wrists uncovered—those tattoos are the only vulnerability he has left.

Keeps a single photograph of his wife tucked inside his wallet. No one has ever seen him look at it.

[myotherblogforrin]

Quiet Madness

(Rin's constant inner battle when it comes to you has driven him into a quiet kind of madness).

You're supposed to be with me. You're supposed to be with me. You're supposed to be with me. His own silent mantra as he watches you gracefully straddle the motorcycle, sitting behind your boyfriend.

Why aren't you with me? Why aren't you with me? Why, why, why? His mantra began to break down as he watched you pull your helmet on.

Mine, mine, mine. You are mine! His inner rage shouted as he clenched his fists.

Forcing himself to nod as you waved goodbye, his perfectly trimmed nails dug into his palms.

Why am I not enough? Why is it so easy for you to leave me? Don't I matter? Don't you care about me?

Your heart slowly ripped itself apart as your jackass boyfriend kissed the bartender.

Rushing from the loud, crappy bar, you pulled your phone out and hesitated.

Would he even want you around? You'd dropped him so fast the minute your boyfriend called.

This was your Friday night with your bestie. The night you watched and played every horror title you could get through by the next morning.

Would he ever talk to you again? Would he forgive you and let you stay the night?

Your mind raced as you finally dug up the courage to call.

Rin was still pissed when his phone rang, your name appearing. He almost didn't answer. Rin convinced himself that hearing your lousy excuses was better than listening to the war raging in his heart and mind.

"What?" Rin's tone was cold.

"I'm sorry. So, so, sorry. Can I come back and..."

Rin's mind snapped when he heard your sobs. You never cried. Soul wrenching, grief-stricken sobs that poured salt into his already open wounds poured through the line.

"Where are you?"

"Sent...My...location," you managed between sobs.

You stood from the bench outside the convenience store when Rin's car pulled into the parking lot. Rin stood by the passenger side, door already open for you.

You didn't say anything. His expression the only warning you needed. Rin had plenty to say, but he never had the courage when you were so obviously hurting.

"What did he do this time?"

You glanced over at Rin, his eyes trained on the road. It broke your heart even more when you realized he thought you were crying over your ex.

"It's not about what he did," you spoke your voice breaking.

Rin had no patience for riddles or denials.

"Then what? I've never heard you cry," Rin admitted.

"I fucking hurt you, Rin!!! Why don't you ever tell me! You are my best friend and...I finally realized how crappy I've been to you! Why? Why do you even put up with me?! With this crap I put you through?"

Tears started falling again, but you reached over and covered his free hand with yours.

Rin saw sunshine and rainbows the moment your hand touched his. All he wanted was you, your touch, your love. He was desperate for it. And though he finally realized you were hurting for him, because of what you'd made him feel, he still couldn't say what he wanted to.

"You assume too much," Rin finally responded.

You pulled your hand back, realizing how stupid you were. It was Rin Itoshi. After his brother, he was the least bothered person on the planet.

Rin wanted to pull your hand back to intertwine your fingers together, but he didn't.

"Either way, I'm sorry. You deserve better."

Rin parked the car, the quiet madness sneaking back in as he began to overthink your words.

Better? There isn't better. It's you, you idiot. You are it! Why can't you figure that out? You can't leave. You can't leave.

He opened the car door for you and took your hand as you got out. You held his hand tightly, grateful for the small kindness he was willing to show you. You hated yourself for treating him so poorly.

Rin released your hand as he opened the door to his place, leaving you to shut it. When you turned around you found yourself caged in against the door. Rin's intense teal orbs burning into yours.

"Don't leave."

You didn't try to hide your confusion and smiled up at him.

"I wasn't sure you still wanted me to spend the night."

Rin groaned, unable to keep his frustration hidden any longer. How oblivious were you when his body was pressed against yours? When he was looking at you like a man desperate for water after years of dehydration.

"Idiot. Don't leave me."

Rin nearly crumbled when you looked at him with that clueless expression for the second time.

"You're my best friend, Rin. I'm never going to leave you."

Rin rolled his eyes before finally placing his lips against yours. Rin wanted to be rough. He wanted to get his point across in a way you would never question. But it was you. Rin could only ever be gentle with you because you had been his world for so long. No matter how tough or self-reliant you were, he would only ever see his sweet, gentle best friend.

"Be mine," Rin forced the words out, though it felt like the icy grip of death itself wrapped around his fragile heart, wondering what your answer would be.

You were still shaking from the gentle kiss your best friend had suddenly planted on you. You wonder when he learned to kiss like that.

"Yours? That sounds really, really good."

You grabbed the front of his shirt to bring him down for another kiss, but he smirked pulling away. Grabbing you by the hand, he headed towards his bedroom.

"We have to farm more rainbow weapons. C'mon," Rin planned on teasing you a lot before he kissed you again.

**Rin and reader play RE together, that's where the rainbow weapons mention came from.**

[resident-idiot-simp]

The Avengers reactions when they realize that Bucky and Steve our friends with Logan (and Wade because You can't have one without the other)

Ft: @orcadork4ever

Or another option they're hanging out with Laura in the Avengers are very confused because who is that child?

Clint walking into the tower

"Guys Bucky and Steve are hanging out with some kid in the park. I am confused because they act like they know this kid. Have any of you seen them with a kid?"

Tony: no??? How would they know just a random kid?

Clint: That's what I'm asking!?

However long later until Bucky and Steve come back

The other Avengers sitting and waiting for them: So who was that kid?

Steve and Bucky:??? What are you talking about

Clint: I saw you hanging out with a kid in the park.

Bucky: OH you mean Laura.

Tony: Laura???

Steve: Yeah Laura she's an old friends kid

Natasha: You two have friends?

OD- Bucky: She’s Peter’s friend and just so happens to be out friends’ kid

Tony: Wait Peter knows her?!

Steve and Bucky: yes? Did you guys not know about her?

Avengers: NO!

Steve: ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ I don't know what to tell you Laura's great

Bucky: She's hysterical she's just like her father... For better or worse... Usually worse

Steve: usually worse

Bruce: Wait so who is her father?

Bucky: Logan

Avengers: ?????

Steve: You guys know Logan

Clint:... Are you sure about that?

Steve: Yes I'm confident. He's Logan

Bucky: laughs yeah that's about right

Tony: okay I give up who exactly is Logan since apparently we know him

Steve and Bucky: Wolverine

Avengers: ?!

Natasha: Wait you're saying you're friends with the Wolverine?!

Tony: HE HAS A KID?!?!

Clint: I mean are we surprised that he has a kid?

Bucky: Yeah we served in world war II with him. And no it's surprising he doesn't have more than just one.

Steve: He has one that he knows of

Bucky: Great point

Steve: Do you think he has another kid out there?

Bucky:... I mean maybe? He's over 200.

Tony: I'm sorry can we go back to you knowing the Wolverine

Bucky and Steve: It's not that big of a deal

Tony: It is though!

Clint:... Wait If you know Wolverine....

Natasha:......do you know...

Steve: sigh He's not actually that bad

Clint and Natasha: Yes he is

Bucky: Really he's not. If you just talk to him long enough without being actively hostile

Bruce: backup who are you talking about

Bruce:....have you seen it

Clint: I haven't

Natasha: I definitely have. Was scoping out someone that they had a hit on. I never want to see that again

Tony:.. I hate this can we go back to before I knew this

Steve: hahaha it's funny that opinion comes from all angles Laura also hates it

Bucky: why might should clarify that. She hates she's subjected to it as much as she is.

Steve: Oh no yeah she, Vanessa, and Althea are all very happy for them. It's just since she has his mutation they can't really hide stuff.

Bucky: shutters imagine having to go to that mansion of teenagers and being able to smell everything

Tony: I'm horrified about everything I've just learned

Od:

Bucky: Wade said that even if they air out the house for a full 48 hours she can still smell it. So they’ve compromised on designated areas where she just Doesn’t Go.

Peter: swinging in Hey everyone. What’s up?

Tony: WHY ARE YOU HANGING OUT WITH A MERCENARY?!

Pepper: Tony just found out about Laura, Logan, and Wade and is about to have a heart attack. Tony. Breathe. You’re fine. Peter’s fine.

Tony: HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!

Peter: Um. I’m really okay, Mr. Stark. They’re really cool. So is everyone at Xavier’s.

Me:

Peter: oh I have a picture I took of them cuddling on the couch. Honestly they are I've of the healthiest couples I've seen. Shows Tony the picture

Tony:.... I'm dreaming this is a dream

Bruce:... Honestly that's not aa surprising as I thought it would be to hear

Steve: Honestly yeah it's wild just how good they are to eachother

Bucky: except for the stabbing

Steve: honestly I'm not convinced that's unhealthy.

Bucky: Good point

Natasha and Clint sharing a look before speaking: You guys have no idea what they did to the underground when they got together

Bruce: oh?

Clint: It's like they've gotten better. Which is insane to say considering it's Deadpool and Wolverine

Natasha nodding: they're more efficient now. People just got up and left gave up completely at being a mercenary.

Od:

Peter: And they’re really good with the kids.

Bruce: I thought they only had Laura?

Peter: No, no, they do. But they kind of like half-adopt everyone? Like, the Professor built extra housing near the mansion for them and a lot of the students hang out there instead of the school because it’s quieter. I’m a kit as far as Logan’s concerned. Laura says I was one of the first people he decided was Pack.

Tony: Kit? Pack?

Peter: Oh! He and Laura are Ferals. Mutants who are more animalistic. I kind of fit into that category but not entirely since I’m a mutate.

Me:

Bruce:.... Ok I'll admit this is fascinating want to elaborate more. What does it entail exactly to be a feral

Peter Now smiling: Ok so there are a spectrum of them in two separate categories, pray and predators. It's pretty much what you expect each group has traits that are more predator like or more prey like.

Tony:... ok

Peter: Now This is a very small subsection of mutants about 5%. Of that only 1%-1.5% survive to adulthood.

Clint:... Okay I didn't know that's statistic what the hell?

Peter shrugging: They usually die when they're kids and first mutate. Normally the more extreme or higher on the spectrum the more likely they die. Specifically predators because of the fight or flight instinct.

Natasha: that makes sense kid with claws or teeth get corner cuz they have no idea what's happening?

Tony: It's like cornering a wild animal.

Peter: If they lash out and kill someone you think they care about taking their life considering they are a mutant?

Bruce slightly horrified: and if they ran off a kid that young can't survive by themselves

Peter: Exactly that's why most of them don't survive. Logan is an anomaly. If it wasn't for his healing factor he would have died when he was a child. He and thus Laura are pretty much the most extreme you can get on the predator side.

Tony: Wait pause what is Laura get lumped in there? Doesn't mutation not carry alone genes? Isn't it just randomized and luck of the draw if you're like your parents?

Steve and Bucky: She's a clone

Tony and Bruce: What?!

Peter: Yep just didn't end up quite right She's got three claws but the middle one of each hand is in her foot. Also she's a woman.

Steve: She really is his clone though down to her personality

Peter: Anyway ferals usually take on traits of a specific animal though there are some general things. Logan in general though really is a Wolverine. He growls, purrs, scents people and things, and has fangs all that.

Natasha: It's a bit freaky

Od:

Peter: No more freaky than me walking on the ceiling and having Velcro hands

Natasha: Touché

Tony: Okay. Okay. deep breath Summing all of this up to make sure I’ve got this right. Cap and Buck served with Logan in World War II because he’s like 200 years old now. He’s also a feral mutant who has animalistic tendencies and claws that come out of his hands. Laura is a clone of him except her claws are two on each hand and one on each foot and she’s female. Logan is somehow married to THE most notorious and inappropriate mercenaries in the world who is “not that bad and is good with kids.” And they both think of you as part of their family.

Peter: nodding Yeah, pretty much~ Got it in one, Mr. Stark~

Pepper: calling out from the kitchen And Peter has been hanging out with them and the students at Xavier’s.

Peter: Yeah? Is… that a bad thing?

Pepper: No, sweetie. It’s great that you’re getting to talk with other mutants your age.

FRIDAY: Boss, your blood pressure and heart rate are elevated far above your usual values.

Tony: I’m well aware of that, FRI. shaking like a chihuahua

It won’t hit for him until he sees them interact and sees Wade with their shared kid

Tony: You better not be killing anyone around him.

Wade: He already asked me not to, don’t need you cock blocking me too Iron Dad

Me:

Tony:... Are you insinuating you get off on it

Wade: You do not want to know the list of things that get me and Peanut off

Tony: I hate you

Wade: Love you too

Tony is truly surprised though at how good Wade is with kids. He turns down his personality quite a bit to accommodate younger ears.

Wade had caught him steering dumbfoundedly and had just shrugged. "You know I always wanted kids"

Tony wouldn't have believed that before but he does now

Od:

Wade: My exie bestie Vanessa and I tried. But it didn’t work. And then I got El Super Cancer so that pretty much wiped out any chance there. And that was before the experimentation and torture. So… takes a drink They’re not mine by blood. But they’re mine, y’know?

Tony: nodding slowly, watching Peter across the room I think I do…

(You will get more later or you will get a fic I'm unsure which right now)

[singingrottenbones]

Just finished rewatching 1x10 and 1x11 and by god, I love and hate how Hannibal is truly the villain in those episodes. There is no ambiguity. Even Abel Gideon raises an eyebrow when Will has a seizure and Hannibal shrugs it off like it's nothing.

And I kept wondering why this feels like the most evil Hannibal is throughout the entire show, even though he goes on to stab Will and kill Abigail.

I think what it comes down to is that even though you could argue that his attack in Mizumono is much more life-threatening than the encephalitis, it feels less... devastating? The mask is off. The teacup has shattered. Will can't stop the knife, but at least he knows it's happening.

In season 1, he turns to Hannibal as a friend and a medical professional. Yes, he knows that Hannibal is manipulating him to a certain extent, but he isn't aware that Hannibal is literally conspiring with his neurologist to keep his diagnosis from him, that he's telling him that it's all in his head, that it's mental illness. It's pervasive and very nearly fatal, and in a different way than a knife to the gut.

And it truly makes you hate Hannibal. It makes you mad. It's not fair, it's not fun. It just is, and their dynamic only considerably shifts in season 2 when Will knows who (or what) Hannibal is. Suddenly, there are two players.

Not in season 1 though. In season 1, you're just yelling at your screen in frustration.

[1cookedegg]

Sword Dance - Part 3 of 3

yandere scara x fem!reader. 3.6k words. tw for graphic descriptions of violence, murder, and also general mental instability miss girl is going through it :(

<<< Prev ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Next >>>

Kunikuzushi is holding the blade from yesterday when you arrive. You still have another in your sack, as per the agreement, and it's enough to make you question why he would even still have it. He hardly seemed like the sentimental type.

He raises it as you approach, stopping you from approaching. Good. You had no desire to be close to him anyway.

A few moments pass and he's staring at you. No spiteful remarks, no derisive quips- it's just silence, and you decide you don't like it. You hastily rummage through your sack and pull out the new sword, preparing to toss it over. You already fulfilled two ends of the bargain, surely it couldn't be helped if he refused to speak-

"Stop." His voice rings in your ears and you hate how easily you obey. Kunikuzushi lowers the blade in his hand, tilting his head. "Tell me how you feel, holding that blade."

You take pause at this. You hadn't given it much thought- hadn't wanted to give it much thought, since yesterday's incident- but it's weight felt... heavy, against your hands. Foreign, like it was never meant to be there, like it was never meant to be held by you.

That you could feel that way over something created by your dear family made more than your palms ache, but it was the unfortunate truth. When you relay this to Kunikuzushi, he (unsurprisingly) does not share your guilt. He only snickers, taking slow, deliberate steps forward.

"That's not hard to believe, given your meek disposition..." he pauses, "but that's not the whole truth, is it? No, there's more to you then just that... there's a certain boldness within you, a ferocity you've hidden from your precious family."

His smile tightens when he presses his body teasingly against the tip of your sword. "Yesterday, when you first held a sword in my presence..." his voice is a whisper, something almost intimate, "did you want to kill me?"

Something catches in your throat. It's either your breath of words of denial, spat instinctively to deny his claims- but you find that you cannot lie, because he's right. You had thought to pierce Kunikuzushi, to strike him down along with the threat he poses.

Your silences seems to speak louder than any words could, evidently, as his grin only broadens. He takes a step back, letting his own blade fall to the floor as he opens his arms in the mimicry of a warm invitation.

"Go on, then. You were obviously holding back, yesterday, so I'll reward your restraint. Strike me down, L/N Y/N."

Your grip tightens involuntarily, despite the pain it brings to your still-fresh wounds. You wince, slightly, but you find yourself numb to the stinging when you look at the man- the thing- before you.

Dancers had to know their anatomy well. Your body was your instrument, so understanding as much of it as possible was essential to your craft- and Kunikuzushi was leaving all of his most vulnerable body parts exposed. An invitation. An opportunity. A chance.

When you take it, you're knocked to the sand almost instantly. His glinting eyes betray nothing. "Again."

You continue like this long into the night. It's a torturous cycle of attempt after attempt on his life, of him evading and forcing you to the ground beneath him.

"Do you see, now, how far your resilience takes you?" he jeers, "In the end, it's just futility."

You stare at him from the sheen of the blade, panting, sweat and sand sticking to you like crushing weights. "And yet... I can't see myself giving up." You raise your head, inclining it in some show of defiance. "That, in itself, is another form of eternity."

Kunikuzushi's eyes narrow, slightly. "How irritating."

When you strike once more- the 40th or 50th attempt, you lost count-  he swoops down to retrieve his own discarded blade, holding it against yours in a show of force.

"You're a dancer, aren't you?" He clicks his tongue, "you should know that a basic stance is the difference between life and death. Bring your heel back, a bit."

You blink at the instruction. Was this some kind of trick, another cruel test, something to disadvantage you once again-

When you obey, you find yourself feeling much more anchored. Silently, you curse your hastiness in forgetting such basic training.

You don't remember how long the two of you continue like that. He barks instructions at you, you almost cut him, and then he sidesteps and sweeps your legs from under you. The cycle repeated itself over and over, but the neither of you seemed to waver. You were battered and bruised by the end of it, but in a way, it felt almost like the perfect dance you had been waiting for since your mother's passing.

Then, you woke up. Face down, grains of sand stuck between your hair and the crevices of your face, the sword clattered uselessly at your side. You wince as you try sitting up, a numbing static prickling all of your nerves until all you knew was its incessant buzz. The feeling was so much that standing practially caused you to buckle all over again.

"What... happened?"

The surreality of it all hits like a weight as you looked up to the sky. The sun was sinking into the horizon, just as it had the previous two days-

Which meant that this day was the third.

Your haze shatters instantly. You've been unconscious for an entire day? How has no one come looking for you? Frantically, you gaze swept up and down the beach, looking for any evidence of the one who had been with you. Your blood runs cold when you see no signs of Kunikuzushi, which can only mean one thing.

He's gotten bored of your arrangement.

The sword is more useful to you as a cane, the brunt of it as firm and unwavering in supporting your weight as you were in returning home. You run with all the swiftness your aching body can muster, and no matter how many times you fell, you force yourself back up.

Kunikuzushi's words race in your mind as you move. "Originally, I was just going to kill you and move onto your kin."  He must have thought you dead, you realize, and if you were dead it gave him the perfect excuse to do what he came here to do, but you couldn't let that happen, not to your brothers, not to your father, you couldn't-

Your pace falters as you come to the edge of your home. You saw only glimpses of what the country destroyer was capable of, and you had imagined the worst- a burning workshop, bodies crumpled on the ground, a maniacal laughter echoing off the dying walls of your bloodline-

But there's nothing like that. In fact, nothing even seems to be wrong. The surroundings are so calm- so quiet- that you, bruised and heaving for breath, feel like an outlier in your own home. Like you don't belong here, anymore.

The creaking of the floorboards is exceptionally loud when you step inside. It makes you wince, but you press on. If your fears truly were unfounded... if everyone was safe, if you were uneeded... you'd have loved nothing more than to rest your body, just a while longer. To curl against your futon, let sleep envelop your stinging body, to have the memories of anguish that Kunikuzushi left you with drain from your mind...

You stop when you open the curtain to your bedroom. Your futon, your low table, your spare dancing shoes- they're all gone. Where have they gone?

There are voices in the hallway to answer the deafeningly loud questions in your mind. They whisper to themselves despite being under the impression that they are alone.

"...taken..."

"...the deal?"

"She won't-"

The curtains swing open again and you are face to face with your brothers. They stare at you, wide-eyed, and you feel bile rise in your throat. It feels like the first time they're truly seeing you, lately- but the way they look at you doesn't feel comforting in the slightest.

"...Hey," you start, voice hoarse from disuse, "where's... where are my things?"

They look at each other. They look at you. One of them finally speaks up.

"Why are you still here?"

The question is accusatory, and it feels like a punch to the gut. Your throat feels scratchy, constricted as you speak. "What are you-"

One of them grabs you before you can finish. Another joins in, until they're all dragging you, thrashing like a limp fish, out to the backyard as your heart hammers in its chest.

Your sword is ripped out of your hands, and it feels a part of you is being ripped away, in turn. What are they doing, why are they doing this to you, what is happening, why would they ask you that-

"Stop, please just stop," your voice was a pleading sob, "you have to listen to me, there's been someone coercing me the past few days! He's a t-threat to all of us, and he's gonna... he's gonna kill us-!"

Your brothers press your knees into the coarse earth as you thrash weakly. They hold you down, ignoring your tears, their voices blurring into an indiscernable mess to your ears. You can't even tell if they're speaking to you, anymore.

His footsteps ring with perfect clarity, though. So does his voice.

"Well, well... you fools do know how to follow orders. Well done."

There's a jeering lilt to his tone, a sarcastic, demeaning clap to echo his utter lack of being impressed. Kunikuzushi doesn't look at you when your head snaps up, eyes boring into his perfect picture of boredom. You want to scream, cry, gauge his eyes out, but all you can muster is a agonizingly high squeak as your mind trembles.

He looks through you, past you- his gaze settling on another faraway figure that makes the corners of his lips twitch.

"I'll admit, I didn't think you had it in you to be so ruthless... but it seems I was proven wrong. As the head of the L/N clan, I must express my deepest apologies for doubting you."

He mocks the reverence of a bow and your father sighs aggreigosly. Your father. You can barely make out the outline of him beside your brothers. This is the first you've seen him outside in... you don't know how long.

"F...father?" Your lip trembles. He doesn't look at you, either.

"There's no point in drawing this out." He says gruffly, "we gave you what you wanted- now take her and go. Leave us and our forge be."

You're pushed somewhat harshly to Kunikuzushi's side of the yard. The dirt gets in your eyes, and you can see your family stepping away so as to distance themselves. You were at an utter loss for words.

"W...what-" the words you would've spoken are swallowed up as he pinches his cheeks and raises your chin. Kunikuzushi finally looks at you, the only one to look at you, and it's to him you pose your hollow question.

"What is happening?"

He taps his finger to your cheek thoughtfully and hums to himself, considering the despair on your face. It makes you a sopping wet, pitiable thing, and he seems to absolutely relish it.

"That's a loaded question, Y/N, but it has a simple answer." his gaze flits past you. His grin seems to tighten. "The L/N clan values the life of their only daughter less than they do their precious legacy."

Kunikuzushi's voice is a death bell ringinf in your ears. "Did you know," he states, matter-of-factly, "that when I came here to eviscerate them and their forging art, they tried to barter with me? Do you know what it was they offered up to me, first?"

You say nothing, because what can you say? Of course you know. Of course it would come to this, it contextualized everything far too perfectly.

"Why?" It was all you could do to cry out. You wanted them to hear you. You needed them to feel something. Your voice was hoarse and strangled and strained but you didn't care. It felt like you were dying, and you wanted them to hear that. "Why would you do this to me, why?!"

You can't tell if you're screaming to the men behind you or the thing in front of you, but surprisingly, Kunikuzushi isn't the one to respond.

"All day, every day... all you do is sneak off to the beach to dance." Your brother says. "You don't help at the forge, you barely know how to read the blueprints-"

"You've been a spoiled brat since we were kids, and now our entire way of life is under attack," another interjects, "you can finally be useful for something."

Your body trembles. Kunikuzushi hasn't lessened his grip on your face, and your tears pool over and across the length of his fingers. You're in disbelief. They... they gave you away. They chose to sacrifice you, to save themselves, when they had no idea the agony you had endured for their sakes-

Did they know? Perhaps they did. Who was to say that Kunikuzushi hadn’t come to find you immediately after brokering the deal, that day? Who was to say that your deal with him, in turn, wasn't just an elaborate scheme to break your spirit?

"P-please," your voice warbles like a child, desperate for something, anything more secure than the grip on your face, "please don't let him take me, he'll- I don't know what he'll do to me! Please don't let me go, I- I can be useful, I can have a place here-"

"The place for dancing in this family ended with your mother." The sound of your father's bootsteps shifts in the dirt, as if he's turned himself away from you. There's a grief to his voice, one you haven't heard in years, but it's resolute. "This is all we have left. This is how you must be useful to us now, Y/N."

It's only when you begin to hear your family walk away from you that Kunikuzushi releases your face. Your body crumples to the ground like a rag doll, curling into itself as unto a worm in dirt. Your heart pounded, your ears rang, your body prickled with static from the sheer, soul-crushing shock.

The screaming you hear, you're unsure if it's something your mind has conjured in its haze- so too for the sounds of sharp cracking you hear and the scent of iron that stings your trembling nose.

Without warning, you're pulled up from the ground like a puppet on a string. Kunikuzushi holds you from behind, steadying you as your eyes adjust to the sight before you.

Your brothers, your father, your family- mangled, twisted, a mess of misjointed limbs and bulging eyes and gaping mouths-

You double over and vomit. He's holding you with bloody hands, staining your clothes and skin with the remains of your family, your absolute worst fear realized and you were helpless to stop it-

There's a strangled cry from your father. You see your brother's chests rapidly rise and fall. One of their fingers twitch.

Your heart stops beating for a moment. He let them live?

Kunikuzushi curls a blade around your fingers. It's the same one you gave him, in what felt like an eon ago, when you were too naive to realize that there was never a chance at escape for any of you.

"You see it now, don't you?" His whisper curls around your ear, "You've done so much for your clan, and they're too shortsighted to see it. They've repaid your loyalty by selling you out. By betraying you. Doesn't that make you angry?"

There's a swell of something bitter in your chest, as if he himself had commanded it. Your grip tightens as they groan in pain. What right did they have, to suffer the same as you, then cry out as if someone would come to save them? How many times before today had you kept your despair silent?

He lets you go and you take a slow, stilted step forwards, looking down at the men splayed before you. There was no way they'd survive what Kunikuzushi had done to them, not with the amount of blood they've already lost, and this was obviously his ultimatum for you.

You look at him from the corner of your eye, and he's watching you, as silently and keenly as he was when he was just your audience. He wanted an encore, you realized. He was probably expected you to use the sword to end their prolonged suffering, and it would be very like him to revel in the irony of a clan destroyed by the things they've created.

And yet. Your hands were not made for slotting in a sword, so you stick it into the ground beside you.

If it was a performance he wanted from you, a grand finale, then it would be on your own terms, with your own art.

In dance, one must know how to quickly and seamlessly shift their weight. Failure to do so could result in injury for the dancer, and the same could be said for toiling in the forge, where one must maintain a delicate balance with the hot, unformed blade in their hands.

Your family had failed to see the similarities between your passions, and in doing so, had made you the molten sword upon which they would burn.

Your heels dig into open wounds, widening gashes and stomping out life as they scream and thrash underneath you. Their splintering cries are your music, the beat you move to as you shift between them all as artfully as you could. Your movements were hardly as graceful as they were usually, but you hoped the raw viscerality of it all would speak power into the world in the stead of your typical restraint.

When your screaming brothers go silent, you stumble towards your father, pulling the sword out of the ground as you go.

You kneel before him, drawing his head into your lap as you block out the moon from his purview. His eyes have glazed over, and you nearly mistook him for dead, if not for the shallow rise and fall of his chest.

Shakily, your one hand holds his cheek. The other holds the blade. How ironic, that you had to carve a place for your hands to hold both such objects, and it was doubly cruel that it hurt so much.

You lean down and press a kiss to his forehead. You whisper something to him- an apology, a platitude, you're not too sure- but you do it as gently and soothingly as you can. It's more than he deserves, but you can't help but recognize the loss you feel for what it is.

When you slip the tip past his flesh and stab into his windpipe, you squeeze your eyes shut. You don't want to see it, but you hear it in every fiber of your being. Your father gurgles and chokes on his own blood, writhing and convulsing with what little strength he has left before he goes deathly still.

You open your eyes and are met with your father's corpse. His lifeless eyes stare at you, through you, wide and petrified. All this time, you just wanted him to see you again. Now, at least, you won't be without the memory of his gaze ever again.

You don't fight Kunikuzushi as he wraps his arms around your waist. He's on your level, you realize, and you have to wonder why something so untouchable would lower itself to the ground just for you.

"You," he laughs breathlessly, "are interesting, L/N Y/N. I knew you had potential, but you've surprised me."

He pulls you away from the ground, from the eerie stillness of your clan's graveyard, peering down at them derisively as if you were other, like himself. You should pull away, you should spit and hiss and claw at him for all he's done to you- but you couldn't deny the heady rush you feel when Kunikuzushi holds you close to him. Like he knows the despair you're feeling, like he won't let go.

Instinctively, you turn your head into his chest. He strokes it as if you're some lovely, obedient little pet. "I think I'll take you with me," he says aloud to no one in particular, "there are better stages for the both of us elsewhere."

Despite being so close to him, you don't hear a heartbeat. It's unnerving, but its rigidity serves you well as an anchor. He leads you away from the forge, from the smell of steel and dewy grass, away from the sounds of shifting sand and lapping waves, and you follow him. If there did exist such transciences as familial bonds, then you needed the eternity Kunikuzushi promised you.

When he brings you to a dock late at night, towards masked foreigners loading boxes onto ships, he offers you his hand once more. Offers you a new stage, a new life, a new eternity, by the definition the two of you wrote in a traitor's blood- and of course you take it, because above all else, he's inviting you to dance.

You would perform no lonely dances, henceforth. The ones that glide across your mind taste like a sweet, dulling indulgence, and your memory lingers on the one your mother taught you to teach your future husband.

Kunikuzushi is snapping at what looks to be a subordinate. His hand is still gripped in yours tight and unrelenting. Your lips twitch in either amusement or disgust. Perhaps the two of you could learn to do a different kind of dance, together.

Short A/N: thanks for all the support on this little mini series everyone!! It's been in my drafts a while, so getting to finish it off has been quite satisfying 😌 if you guys have any thoughts/drabble ideas be sure to hit up my inbox teehee♡♡

[tsiftor]

Thinking about modern au scumcumplane before going into pidw.

Insignificant, cliche cumplane backstory:

Sy and sqh married overseas. They kept their last names as is, though. At first they only lived together as roommates for like, maybe three years? Sy knew that Airplane was struggling with keeping himself afloat, so he asked if Airplane wanted to stay at his place until he feels more stable. Anyway, sy finally figured that he might not be straight (never been) when he didn't want sqh to move out.

He tries to act normal about falling in love with sqh of all peeps for like a half a year before they had the talk. Sqh almost killed himself when he thought sy fell in love with some other guy while he had been crushing on sy for three years... They dated for two years before they got married, and its been a year since then. They are probably 27 years old...? They met when they were 21 years old.

Back to scumcumplane:

Sj!sqq appearing in the modern world, and he bumps into sy and sqh admiring his clothes (and his face). Then, sqq gets berated by sy because why did he have to cosplay as the scum villain of all character? Like, what a waste! He could've make use of his appearance to cosplay as lbh. Sy still doesn't know his lore because sqh never told him. How could he when his husband had so much to say about his novel?

Anyway, sqh tries to calm sy down. Your internet personality is showing! Sqq is obviously annoyed, asking several questions. "Why should he cosplay as that lowly beast? Who are you? Where is he?"

The two share a glance before sy jokes, "You're not even at an anime convention, there's no need to be so in character."

Sqq's glares at them. "You think this one is joking?" He scoffs. "Of course. No one ever believes me." He says it almost sarcastically, but the undertone of it was just... sombre.

Sqh ask if he has a place to stay, to which sqq paused before saying no. Sy does not stop sqh from inviting sqq over to his place.

Sy learns about sqq's backstory straight from sqq because sqh wouldn't tell him. He didn't felt it was right to when the actual character was right in front of them. Sqq knows sqh is aware of his backstory because he read the god forsaken webnovel, glossing over any papapa scenes until he dropped it not even a third into it. Sqq is also surprised how respectful sqh is treating him. Anyway, it takes like two years before sy finds out. Sqq gets coddled, platonically!

Sqq would be living with them for like four years. Who would've thought? Despite all the ups and downs they had, sqq also marries the two of them after dating for like two years. Although, what really triggered it was when sy had a serious health issue that put him back into the hospital. Sqq desperately hated not being allowed beside him because of the hospital's "only family members allowed" rule.

When sy gets well enough to allow outside visitors, sqq learns that the main reason why sqh and sy married was because of this same exact reason. Sqq so wanted to shout that it's unfair he can't do the same, but sy held sqq's hand and sqh held his shoulders asking if sqq would like to marry them. He said yes, of course.

Maybe two weeks after sy gets discharged, they work on the marriage prep immediately. It was a small wedding with only their supportive family members. They wore traditional clothes! (During cumplane marriage, they wore suits.) They have their honeymoon, and sqq's world breaks apart when he is forcefully pushed back into his old world without warning. Again.

Old man yaoi. They are not even that old, aside from sqq who is still immortal, and still has his abilities from his last world. That's not really important, though. Sqh and sy is 33 years old during their honeymoon phase with sqq, I guess?

Anyway, sqq wakes up to mqf. He slowly realizes the dreadful truth, and goes into another qi deviation when he realizes that he lost his loving family. Again. He's in his mourning phase. After several qi deviations (basically suicide), and having multiple peak lords take turns to calm him down, he lives his days practically bedridden. No one knows what happened to him. He doesn't say.

He doesn't even react to yqy visiting (intruding). He's the only one who visits often, really. He's pretty sure the other peak lords have long forsaken him. Then, one day, he is visited by the hallmaster. An unexpected, uninvited guest.

The hallmaster asks, "how are you feeling?"

Sqq doesn't reply. However, when the hallmaster continues to stay and yap, he gets ticked off. "Leave!" Bursting qi to scare the hallmaster away because he has always known them as a coward.

Despite that, the hallmaster stayed. "A-Jiu..." He said, eyes tearing up.

Sqq startled. There's only two people in the world that would ever call him down. Two people who should not exist in this world. He finally takes a look at the hallmaster, and he noticed how familiar the hallmaster is to someone. "...Y-Yuan...?"

The hallmaster—Shen Yuan—throws himself onto sqq. "I missed you so much, A-Jiu."

"You... how are you..." 'here?' Is not mentioned as sqq is lost for words. He wants to reach out for sy, but he's scared that his hand will phase through sy's body just like all the other dreams (nightmares) he had.

"I don't know! Last thing I remember was complaining about sqh's shitty update, and before I knew it, I woke up here." Sy lament as one hand wipes his tears away, and the other holds onto sqq's hand. And oh. Oh, his hand is warm.

Sqq slowly pulls sy into a hug, still in fear that if he did it too quick, sy will disappear into thin air. Sqq tears up when he realized this his husband is still there. They stayed like that for a quite a long time until sy shifts to look at sqq. The adorance in his gaze is remarkably the same gaze sqq know and love.

"I... I lived day and night wishing I was dead," sy looked like he wanted to say something, but sqq interrupts him. "But now that you're here, I found my reason to continue."

"Oh, baobei." Sy nuzzle against sqq. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"What happened during the honeymoon?"

"You just up and disappeared. We assumed you got transported back." Sy replies.

Sqq nods. He wants to ask how they fare after his disappearance, but his insecurity got to him. However, sy knew what he was thinking. "I missed you. We missed you. It felt like there was a gap in our chest knowing you weren't there."

"How are you here?"

"I don't know! Oh wait, I'm pretty sure I died. Choked on some meat bun..." Sy waves it off as if it was nothing. "There was this system telling me I can't go back to my old world or else I would be permanently dead. It told me to follow some role, but then it said there was an error, and deleted itself."

Sy was supposed to go into sqq's body, but due to all the qi deviations, he couldn't. He doesn't want to steal his husband's body, anyway! He gets put into the hallmaster's body. An npc who gets killed by lbh simply for being a man working in Qing Jing Peak, and not stopping the bullying. The npc doesn't even have a name or face, so when sy was pushed into the body, it became an original character. He looks exactly like sy aside from the long hair. However, he does not have a last name. (That's okay, he'll take sqq's last name.)

Eventually, sqq finally leaves his bamboo hut. He had to bring his strength and stamina back. He is accompanied by the hallmaster, that doesn't go amiss. Although, the peak lords had to ask (the disciples) who it was because they don't pay enough attention to trivial stuff. They brushed it off very easily. That change is noticed by sqh, who actually went to investigate (stalk).

Sqh transmigrated into pidw as a baby. He was forced about by the system, unable to help sqq. It wasn't the sqq he knew, either. He'll die regardless of whether he followed the system or not, so he just lived being pushed about. That is until the system kill itself after an error, and sqq was acting ooc. In particular, when sqq was acting familiar with some npc. He brawled when he realized it was his husbands.

Sqh and sy both died at the same exact time, but they got transmigrated at different time periods. Anyway, that is all for this idea.

[deni-means-flor]

Random fandom theory

You guys know how on Project Sekai/Colorful Stage, the dream from Vivid Bad Squad is to put up an event that surpasses Rad Weekend?

My strongest theory is that the only way that VBS will be able to do it, is by having every other band from the game participate in it.

Like, imagine a Rad Weekend created with the amazing stage design and direction from Rui and Nene from Wonderlands x Showtime, super energetic performances by actual industry "pros" like Leo/Need and MORE!MORE!JUMP, with original songs for all groups created by N25's Mafuyu/Kanade with the flyers and promo designed by Ena, and costuming by Mizuki... That would literally surpass Rad Weekend by miles.

And honestly, I know this is pure fanfiction and meta-analysis on my part and not based on any canon indications, because something I've noticed in most of the story events, and forgive me if this is already ✨a thing✨ in the fandom, is that most of the event stories have an element of subtly showing how all bands are interconnected.

Like Haruka being An's best friend/helping Kohane and Toya with the chocolate brand sponsorship event for Valentine's Day, or the pairs of siblings (Saki/Tsukasa, Shizuku/Shiho), or Kohane being school friends with Minori, Emu from Wonderland x Showtime being in the same class as Shiho from Leo/Need, etc.

Note: Other than Honami being the housekeeper for Kanade (and Mafuyu by extension), I honestly can't see N25 factoring in much within my theory but I'm open to suggestions plz

But idk, in my mind I think that eventually we'll get a random stage event where all bands are involved in the creation/formation of this massive VBS event where, idk, for example, An talks about her dream with Haruka, Haruka tells the MMJ girlies during a live stream (or Kohane talks about VBS' dream with Minori) and Minori, being the ever-helpful sweetheart she always is, says that she'd love to help! And convinces MMJ to participate and bring their fans to the event.

Then Shizuku tells Shiho that it might be fun for Leo/Need to participate and of course she needs to consult with leader Honami first, so she says yes because of course, that would be a great opportunity to show the record label that Leo/Need can handle large concerts or festival crowds, so it would be great practice!

And of course little firecracker Saki cannot wait to tell her big brother firecracker Tsukasa about this awesome event that some people are planning and how Leo/Need will participate, so he starts imagining how the set design and staging of such an event would need to be, and of course he tells his Chaos twin Rui and they both decide to check it out, which makes Emu super excited, and they all end up roping poor Nene into this, who honestly wonders how being the MC for such an event would be so nerve-wracking, and of course Tsukasa LOVES that idea so they volunteer to be the masters of ceremonies and he brings this up to Toya, who OF COURSE would never say no to anything that his "savior" asks for!

So although Akito fucking hates Rui and Tsukasa for being weird, he can spot talent from miles away and he agrees to coordinate the staging of the event with them and Shiraishi (though he keeps making fun of them for being weird).

And so, in the weeks before the event the VBS crew is still worried about the costumes and promos but in the meantime, while housekeeping, Leo/Need's leader Honami listens to a song by N25 while Kanade is composing or something and she brings up the idea of creating songs for the bands that will be on the event, as a way for Kanade to leave the creative block that she's been having for quite a few N25 story events, and maybe getting some help from Mafuyu in those compositions would cheer her up and show that music can be healing and that they can both get out of their comfort zone and compose for different types of musicians, and of course when Ena and Mizuki hear about this they start thinking that N25 participating in the event would be an amazing way to cheer Mafuyu up, and idk, I think this would be such a sweet thing for Project Sekai.

Of course I'm yet to see how the upcoming movie release will fit into all this but idk, what do you guys think?

[world-dream-polin]

(Sorry for the mistakes, english is not my first langage)

I don't usually say things, but I wanted to share some opinions (it's gonna be long, so buckle up 😅) :

1. The SAG awards were amazing those two are unhinge and choatic and GORGEOUS ! Like, why do they act like they have NOT seen each other in give years like it been less than 24 hours, they are at the same hotel, and they are shooting together this week. Like COME ON GUYS! I agree that no matter the relationship now or in the futur, it's magical. And that's why we are all so hooked/obsessed. You don't see this enough in life, such a pure love. Now I'm the first one to tell you men and women (when both are straight) can be friends without falling in love, saddly I have not wittness it and all the ones I know fell in love 🤣 it was just a matter of time.

2. Time, let's talk about it! Some of y'all are WAY TO IMPATIENT (I am too thought 😅), but because something does not happen now, does not mean it will ever happened. "You can't hurry love, you just have to wait!" And that's the thing here, just wait and see ! Now I have some theories about Luke and Nic not acting on whatever feelings EVERYBODY can clearly see : 1. They are clearly blind and in denial and it will take FOREVER for them to wake up. 2. They are scared of rejection and non of them wants to risk the incredible friendship. 3. Some body was rejected (might be more Luke because sir is the most crazy one, and look the least happy when not around Nic), but we know NOTHING so it's spéculations. 4. They refused to date a co-star and mix pleasure with business. That is SO PLAUSIBLE ! So I'm like, let's wait until the show is done...so in 50 000 years basically 🤣! Joking, maybe Luke and Nic will leave earlier after perhaps Eloise's season 🤔, but that's a topic for another day.

3. I'd like to continue by making a parallèle with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds (reminded people they are married with 4 kids), they met on set and it took about 6 years to REALISE they could date. They dated other people while being friends, help each other get friends and even went on double dates with respective ex-parterns... Sounds familiar guys? So a follow on insta means nothing, if anything, it means everybody is cool, and Luke and Nic being supportive of each other is more important than any adjacent. Now, yes the timing is wierd, but it took me 4 YEARS to follow my best friend's boyfriend, and they were together before I met her. Now crazy enough, she left him three months after I follow him 🤣.

4. I'd like to close the statement with saying that the adjacents are better than me. I'm their age (24 going on 25) and if I saw my partner acting with their friends/co-worker the way Luke and Nic are, I would spiral, break down, cry and be out of here. Like, they really are better than me 🤣.

5. Now, what I think about the adjacents as a whole and their relation with Luke and Nic are a WHOLE other thing. I think I sated how I feel in some comments here and there. But what I like to do is ignore them as much as possible. Them being a thing does not minimised the bond of Luke and Nic. I'm not delulu because I know Luke and Nic aren't together, but them together (even platonic) just brings me joy. Now I will remind for the slow ones in the back DON'T SEND HATE TO ANYONE! If/when you don't like someone/something either don't follow them/block them and ignore it exist. And if somebody reminds you those things/people exist, accept the fact that it does and just it ignore it again. It's going to be fine! But directing you're frustration and anger to people you don't know WILL CHANGE AND DO NOTHING!

Now, ladies and gentleman, those are my thoughts, good day to all 😁.

[skiagraphe0]

I'm about to break out my psychology minor: I sincerely believe Hans has alexithymia.

Alexithymia is an inability to identify what you're feeling. It's more common in men than women statistically, and it is most prevalent in people whose upbringing involved role models that modeled ignoring or pushing down your feelings instead of acknowledging them. Your brain will adapt to survive abusive conditions by learning what results in negative outcomes and what results in positive outcomes. Your mind also learns, as a child, via modeling itself after those around you - if everyone around you is emotionally illiterate, you're not going to learn something they can't teach you.

Nothing in Hans' life ever taught him how to know what he felt, let alone how to process those feelings.

An alexithymic person still feels, and can feel very intensely, but they have absolutely no idea what it is that they're feeling. I know that if I feel a spike of adrenaline and a heated sensation in the back of my neck, that's anxiety. Someone with alexithymia only knows they have a more acute awareness of what's going on, not that they're anxious and being hypervigilant. We see Hans feel, but we see him calculate a lot more than he feels, and we see he's much more visibly expressive in private. He can express what he's feeling. But if he could identify it, if he was able - not willing, able at all - to identify how charmed he was by Anna or how concerned he was for Elsa, we'd have seen that.

Self-hate is usually identifiable to someone with alexithymia. You've seen hate modeled growing up, so identifying that is actually not that hard. It's everything else that gets hard to wrap your mind around. Hans might not realize he cares about Elsa because a lot of people with severe alexithymia think they are genuinely incapable of loving anyone or caring about anyone. They mistake their inability to identify what they're feeling as an inability to feel, and I can 100% see Hans' family being the kind of people to tell him he can't love anyone.

Hans doesn't recognize that he loves Elsa. He doesn't know if he can even feel love at all.

But the audience can see it. Love isn't just a feeling, it's something you express, something you do. The audience can tell a character loves another when that character does what he can to help, when he apologizes, when he's ride-or-die for her. That includes kids. I watched Star Trek Voyager alongside my dad when I was 7 to 10 and I still picked up on that as a precursor to characters getting together. When someone is there for someone else in a way they aren't for anyone else, it's easy to see something romantic there, even as a kid, because love is patient, love is kind.

Disney could have Hans be obviously in love with Elsa without even Hans realizing it. We'd notice. Kids would notice. And it would be really good to show that you can love someone without the payoff of kissing them/marrying them right away. Sometimes you love someone and that in and of itself is really good for you.

Highkey need this for helsa in frozen3/4

[goldenhand9107]

i will literally pay Tim and ABC money to have someone actually say the word "bisexual" on this show, i swear to GOD

[runningracingdancingchasing]

Unfortunately, Rapunzel didn't know what was beyond her little secret valley, or else she'd have a ready suggestion. Her mother never really described the world outside, except to tell her how terrifying it was (though she was honestly starting to question that, what with how gentle Aladdin had proven to be so far).

She scanned the tower, wondering if she could maybe hide him under her bed or up in the rafters or something when an unexpected call from outside grabbed her attention.

"Rapunzel! Let down your hair!"

Time was up! Nearly panicking, she grabbed Aladdin by his vest and dragged him over to her wardrobe. "Get in," she hissed. "Stay hidden. And be quiet! Both of you!" she added pointedly to Abu, then unceremoniously shut the doors on them.

"I'm not getting any younger down here, Rapunzel! Or dryer!"

"Coming, Mother!" she called out cheerfully to dispel any idea that there might be something amiss up here. She hurried to the window and looped her hair over the hook outside the window before allowing her hair to cascade out the window. She waited until she was sure her mother had a good grip and began hauling on her hair, hand over hand, lifting her up to the tower window.

As soon she was inside, Mother Gothel made a huge, dramatic show of drying her face and hands, and she moved to the fire to hang her cloak up to dry, slowing when she saw Rapunzel's dress there. Only then did she look back at the young woman and realize she was in her chemise and slip.

"What on earth are you doing undressed?" she wondered.

"Oh! I tripped and fell in the wash basin," Rapunzel told her honestly.

Her mother clicked her tongue. "So clumsy," she observed, "just like I said before," and hung her cloak up by the fire at last. "Well, you know how much I hate leaving you after an argument, especially when I've done nothing wrong, so I went and fetched parsnips so you can make your favorite soup for us!" she said brightly.

"I was thinking about that," Rapunzel said. "Our argument, and my birthday present."

Gothel looked sternly at her. "I hope you're not still talking about the stars, Rapunzel."

"Yes. Sort of," Rapunzel went on. Her heart was hammering in her chest as the half-truth spilled out. "I realized that the... the stars were a lot to ask for, so I was hoping that instead... you would get me more of that paint made from the white shells?"

Frowning, Gothel sat in a somewhat ornate chair. "That is a very long trip!" she pointed out. "I'd be gone for three whole days!"

"I know, Mother," Rapunzel pressed gently, submissively. She chose her next words carefully. "But it's the best present you've ever gotten me. And I just know I could be happy for a long time if I could just have more of it."

The woman sighed heavily. "Paint," she repeated flatly.

"Please?"

And finally, the woman's hard facade seemed to crack. "Oh... very well," she relented. "You know I can't deny you anything."

It was a lie, and they both knew it. She had denied Rapunzel a very big thing just earlier today, and that argument still hung over their heads.

"Pack me a basket for my trip, while I make sure I have everything else I need for it."

Rapunzel was quick to hug her mother, excited and relieved that her ruse was working. "Thank you!" she bubbled. "Thank you so much!"

Her mother pried her off of her with a permissive smile. "Alright, alright, get to work. We can have hazelnut soup when I get back."

The freezing didn't go unnoticed by him, but he didn't mention it. Obviously there was something off here that she didn't want to talk about, and there was potential that it included why her hair was so long. But she obviously either wasn't in a position to talk about it or she was afraid to. Afraid to would explain the freezing...

Still, he stood back up fully and looked around the tower for a moment before rubbing the back of his head slightly.

"Well... it probably wouldn't do to go and stand in the cave, either, since she could probably walk right past me... She might see me that way." Aladdin sighed slightly as he began to really think of places that he could go to hide from her 'mother', whom Aladdin was starting to suspect of... something. He wasn't exactly sure what yet, but he'd work that out as they went along.

"I'm up for suggestions." He told Rapunzel, shrugging his shoulders somewhat.