#i was EXTREMELY not expecting that ending

[asidian]

This post was originally made with still images, but the extremely kind @thecaseofcas offered to make gifs for me. So without further ado, a body language post, now with motion! ✨

I want to point out a little character body language tell that Charles has that I think has flown largely under the radar. Every time he's gearing himself up for something he thinks is going to be difficult, he does the cutest tiny double-bounce.

He does it in Esther's house, while Edwin's getting ready to go into the cabinet.

Depending on how you interpret the scene, he's either gearing himself up for a potentially dangerous situation or (let's be real) psyching himself up for the temptation of watching Edwin strip his jacket off. (We see you, Charles.)

He does it near the end of episode two, talking to Crystal by the window.

He's just gotten a look into her heartbreaking issues regarding not being wanted and having nowhere to belong, and he's heading into what he expects is a fraught conversation, trying to talk her up into knowing that he, at least, appreciates her.

He does it when he steps forward to address the washer woman.

He knows the stakes here are high; people might be killed in the hundreds, and this is their chance to get the information they need to stop it.

He does it just before he lobs the Molotov cocktail at the doll-spider.

This is the one of the highest stakes we see all season; this is Charles gearing up for what he likely considers to be the most important moment of his afterlife. If he doesn't get this right, he's condemning Edwin to an eternity of torture.

And he does it again when the doll-spider reappears on the stairway, just before the final dash for the doorway at the top.

Again, the stakes couldn't be higher; he knows very well they've got to make this happen, or the consequences are unthinkable.

There are likely more instances throughout the season; these are just the times I recall off the top of my head.

But more importantly than any of these, it's really telling that Charles still does this while he's in disguise.

It shows up in the very first episode, when they go to speak to Becky's parents about her disappearance.

Here, too, he's gearing himself up to handle something he knows will be difficult. It's going to be an emotional conversation, and it's desperately important that they have it so that Crystal can get the information they need.

But this is a different actor. That means that this is such a significant character tell that they prompted the actor who plays disguise!Charles to use it, in much the same way that disguise!Edwin keeps his hand mannerisms. It's not the actor's body language. It doesn't seem to be something Jayden Revri does in interviews. It's something he's decided on for the character, a deliberate acting choice.

It's very much intentional, and it appears again and again, throughout the series.

I don't know that I had a point, here. I just wanted to appreciate the fact that this boy psychs himself up when he thinks things are about to get rough, and that he has such a charming way of doing it.

[asha-mage]

BingLiuShen au where Shen Qingqiu's fevered heteronormativity poisoned brain decides that the best way to avoid dying for the crime of being a heterosexual male in a stallion novel is to pretend not to be heterosexual and thus not a threat to the protagonist's harem. He figures if he can hit that sweet spot where his (supposed! Not real at all!) sexuality is just a quirk of the beloved mentor then the narrative will have no choice but to keep him alive. Airplane might be a hack, but he's exactly the sort of hack who would put in a token gay character, then shunt them off to the background, only to be trotted out again when he's getting flack in the comments for sexist, homophobic, and/or generally shitty writing decisions.

And for Shen Yuan, whose stated life goal is to idle away the hours in luxury and occasionally bask in Binghe's protagonisty coolness (in a very heterosexual way of course!) that would be the perfect out. There's just one problem- how does he demonstrate his (definitely fake!) homosexuality without playing into homophobic tropes and getting himself killed for offending the genre's aggressively het sensibilities?

The answer? Pretend to be pinning away silently in unrequited love for another man. It's perfect! All he has to do is drop a few extremely subtle hints in Binghe's hearing implying having feelings he would never act on for say, Liu Qingge, and he'll be golden. After all, what person attracted to men (which he isn't!) wouldn't fall immediately in love with the Bai Zhan War God? It has the added benefit of proving what a good Token Gay he is by the fact that he saved Liu Qingge's life without any expectations or hopes and without ever even revealing his (supposed!) feelings.

Shen Qingqiu gets about a week of feeling like a genius after putting this plot into motion before Liu Qingge starts showing up at Qing Jing with small gifts and pastries and asking to spar, and well. In between melting down (because how on earth did he put it together from the grand total of three entirely ambiguous hints he dropped!) and trying to stay composed (because even the straightest guy- which he is!- would get flustered by having Liu Qingge smiling at him Like That) he figures the only rational thing to do is just Commit To the Bit, resign himself to one day becoming cultivation partners with Liu Qingge and retiring together into the background of future plot shenanigans. Their are clearly no other possible ways of dealing with this situation, and hey being with Liu Qingge of all people isn't bad. That's a fan favorite character and he's stupidly handsome and brave and kind! Shen Qingqiu could do a lot worse, especially in a world like PIDW. In fact given the alternatives, Shen Qingqiu's could probably consider himself incredibly lucky. Objectively that is. From a purely 'guy trying to survive this dumb novel' point of view. It would be an honor to have Liu Qingge's arms wrapped around him. If he where into men of course.

Meanwhile you have Luo Binghe in the background of every scene the two are in with a forced smile, internally speed running the '*fork in garbage disposal noises*' to 'I just want my Shizun to be happy! I swear!' to 'actually Liu-shishu is really nice I can see what Shizun sees in him' to 'oh no I think I want to be in the Middle Of Whatever That Is' arc.

(And of course, Binghe at the end of the day IS the protagonist, and after much trial and tribulation, is supposed to get exactly what he wants...)

And all the while you have Liu Qingge, utterly oblivious to the mental anguish and gymnastics of his shidi and shizi, who just keeps turning up at Qing Jing, because he really does like Shen Qingqiu and even if that first date was his sister's idea he's found he really does enjoy spending time with Shen Qingqiu, and also Shen Qingqiu's sticky first disciple who despite the crocodile tears is actually clearly pretty strong. He has no idea that Shen Qingqiu is silently picking out drapery for the future house while Luo Binghe tries to rationalize his out of control heartbeat as a completely normal side effect of the sparring match they just fought (Which he only keeps challenging Liu-shishu to make sure he's strong enough to protect Shizun! He swears!).

WIll the three of them ever figure it out and get their act together? Sure. Will they do it before the Conference/Abyss arc upends everything? Absolutely not.

[jungkooktarot]

Jungkook as a boyfriend + his love languages | tarot reading

(I got multiple requests about this topic so I couldn’t answer a specific ask. Enjoy)

Almost every time Jungkook has been a boyfriend, he have struggled with the theme of balance. We all know he is extremely career oriented, and his job takes up too much space in his life. He can’t find the right balance of maintaining his love life & professional life at the same time. It’s all or nothing for him. The thing he likes to do is to give his entire attention to his career, and then when he catches a break, moves it all to his relationship. Which is something unfortunately not many of his past partners were understanding of. He was constantly asked to make a choice between his partner or his job, to sacrifice. And since he’s extremely passionate about his job, plus the fact that these relationships weren’t the most marriage material, he thought it’s not worth it to lose his job for a relationship with an uncertain future. Thus that’s a big reason he had to end most of his ex relationships.

Especially in the past, he used to struggle with people pleasing tendencies. He’s the type to give and give until he loses himself. I didn’t expect this reading to be too personal like this but honestly, I can say he didn’t have the best experiences in love, yet. He often felt lonely in his relationships, like nobody can actually get him, his core self, or accept him fully. It always felt like there’s a wall between him and his partners. All these heartbreaks made him grow thicker skin. It’s like in the past he was a puppy, looking to be loved by anyone. Now he is more assertive with his boundaries. He learned to say no and be clear about what he wants or doesn’t want. At least more than before. He needs his alone time every now and then. He has a tendency to lose interest fast, especially if things aren’t going the way he fantasized about. Even though I don’t think he’s the type to initiate the breakup. He just lets the other person feel like it’s best to call it quits.

I’d say his best relationships were the ones least serious. Where they went with the flow, were friends before anything, enjoyed the vibes, and when these vibes died, they ended things peacefully, with no hard feelings.

———

One of his love languages is definitely gift giving. spending on his partner. taking them to restaurants, shopping, et cetera. not just his relationships but in general. he gets a boost seeing others happy with things he bought with the money he worked to earn. It’s almost an ego thing too? – he also loves quality time. staying and watching movies with home cooked meals. going on a picnic. et cetera. he also loves making his partner feel nice about themselves. so he’d compliment them a lot. and he’s a good listener too. – another thing he’s big on is physical touch; however, it’s not just like that. I’m strongly getting that he looks for a strong emotional connection first. I really believe that somewhat he’s a demisexual. He isn’t what boys typically are (horny dogs) and he doesn’t get off to someone he isn’t emotionally connected to. I dare say he’s the type to wait until marriage too. Not saying he’s a virgin (who knows though) but at least he’s a celibate. He loves making the first time special and marriage is perfect for that.

[braveincafleet]

Honestly Fuck Bruce for this, probably one of the worst things he's ever done to Jason and at the conclusion to this arc they just make up? No, the man just violates Jason without his consent in quite a big way here, what he does also endangers Jason and mentally destroys him and for what? 'so he can save him and give him a new, happy life' How can he have that when you've traumatised him, endangered him, taken away his ability to defend himself, betrayed him in the most extreme way and you expect him to be able to re-start when you took away his own agency?

I despise what Bruce did to Jason here and I hate that as always DC just lets Bruce off the hook for this so easily and so quickly. Jason should be allowed to be angry about this, Jason should be allowed to hold this over Bruce's head, Jason should be allowed to decide to have minimum contact with Bruce after this, he should be allowed to reject his apology. The instant forgiveness Bruce gets from Jason and the hug at the end of this arc bothers me a lot, It sends the message that no matter what your abuser does to you, you should forgive them and continue to allow them to manipulate and abuse you.

I like Batman comics and his character is fascinating, but he consistently treats Jason like dirt and honestly it would be nice to see consequences for Bruce's actions someday.

[r0-boat]

🪶 anon here! Can I request dating headcanons for WHB Beleth, Valefor, Belial, Astaroth, Bimet, and Bael with gn s/o please?

I've been eyeing this one for a while

Finally ready to do it!

Whb dating Hcs Various Demons

Ft: Beleth, Valefor, Belial, Astaroth, Bimet, Bael x Gn!reader

Sfw slightly suggestive

Beleth

Beleth will take you anywhere you want. On dates Beleth loves to spoil, whether it money or affection. Those eyes will be on you the entire night What the hand on your waist he is attached to you by the hip. His voice would rumble into your ear asking if you would like to go out for dinner. Or asking you if you want that thing that you've been eyeing at a store. He always tries to make his dates as a romantic as possible.

Beleth slowly becoming more and more touchy as the date progresses. By the end of the night he has his hands on your hips making your ass gently grind against him His teeth scraping against your collarbone as he begs you to stay awhile in his bedroom.

I can see Beleth becoming more protective. You can't help it, mainly because Many dating spots in hell are not built for humans. He's just looking out for you, He promises, Even if he is taking a little bit of enjoyment from it. Not only he becomes protective but he also becomes a little possessive. Beleth, as much as he doesn't mind sharing you with others, there are times when he doesn't want to share you at all and doesn't even want another devil looking at you.

Valefor

Valefor has never been on a date before. So he will bluntly ask you where would you like to go. Please choose because he has no idea Where a human would like to go on a date in hell. Valefor would try to copy Mammon and ask his king for advice on where he takes you on dates. So expect extreme fancy dinners and being spoiled rotten with money.

Valefor's number one goal on a date is to make you happy. To make sure you have a great time. He'll do anything you want to wear, anything you wish. He'll buy anything that you merely gaze at in a window. Valefor, surprisingly, is a little possessive. He's just greedy, especially with demons from other kingdoms trying to get your attention. He will politely remind them that the two of you are on a date and you are all his for the day. He can't help but feel a little pride when he sees the look of jealousy on their faces.

In the human world, it is very taboo to talk about other dates you've gone on and/or about past partners. But with Valefor, He actively seeks it out and encourages you to talk about other dates with devils. Suppose you let it slip that you have been to a place with Bimet before. Valefor smiles and says, "Well, would you like to go there again?" In his brain, he thinks that those places other devils have taken you made you happy, and he wants to make you happy... So, of course, he will take you there and make you relive the glorious memories you've had but with him instead.

Belial

Somewhere quiet and relaxing, somewhere where it's just the two of you somewhere where the two of you can just talk and enjoy each other's company. When he takes you on dates he wants just him to be there. He hopes it's not too much of a problem Belial is sure he'll find a way to communicate with you that doesn't involved Jjok. Belial is a natural romantic if this is your first date with him you would be very surprised to see that he's laid a blanket out on a field of wildflowers with foods snacks and fruits he's prepared a night prior.

Belial surprisingly becomes very talkative; you can't blame him even though he loves that his little demon familiar can help him speak. He wants you to hear his words and not from somebody else's voice. also he might die on the spot if he tries to ask to kiss you and Jjok will scream that your a whore. Belial likes to ask you before touching or kissing. To tap your shoulder before writing on your palm "can I kiss you?" Or "May I hold you?"

Belial like the sweetheart he is will ask if you're enjoying this every now and then. And after the date is finished he'll lean his head on your shoulder and write begging you to stay the night. "Will you stay the night please? I'm not ready to part from you yet..."

Astaroth

Dates with him are always romantic as if out of a fairy tale. It's like you're living a dream when you're with him His words poetic and his voice soft and smooth as silk. Dates are supposed to be romantic about to lovers sharing the affection they hold in their heart. That being said he does prefer a more traditional style of dating in the human world since he frequently goes there.

He's already planned the entire date out so please take him by the hand and have a good time with him. This fairy tale date will slowly turn into something more. He is cultivated the atmosphere just right by the end of the night you'll be underneath him sharing his sheets.

Astaroth knows exactly what he's doing, And he's confident that he could charm you, with sweet gifts sweeter touches and even sweeter thrills. He lives to tease you and see you blush and squirm. He will his finger and demand you get closer as he fixes your hair He leans in and whispers "Your outfit drive me crazy Just wait till I get my hands on you."

Bimet

Yes even the money hungry greedy Fox would absolutely spoil you, when he complains of how much money he's spending on you don't take it seriously. After all he's the one who demand you come when he reserved a table for two at the most expensive restaurants in all of Tartaros. The prideful smirk on his face as your eyes widen on how Christine and clean and gold and everything looked inside.

Bimet spending money on someone that isn't him is unheard of And he hates it how you make him feel this way. Any absolutely hates how possessive he gets around you. Tell every demon and Tartaros that he is used to getting everything he wants without any work. And now here he is, actually trying to earn your affection. Trying so hard to get what he wants. He will not be outdone by commoners. He will buy your free time if he has to.

Going around malls and shopping districts and sightseeing is a Date to Bimet. He'll see you eyeing something that caught your attention and he'll stop and point at it "do you want this?" Don't even dare lied to him and shake your head he'll just get more angry Just accept it and let him buy it for you.

Bael

Please take this man a resort or something. He doesn't even know how to relax properly even on a date he is always thinking about work. You had to pry him away from that desk as you spend two nights at a nice resort He feels bad because he wants to take you out on a date and make the day all about you but he just does not have the time to....

You do him a favor as his eyes widen when He notices you going behind him and putting your soft hands into a shoulders. As soon as your delicate finger start to apply pressure his eyes rolled back as a moan slips from his lips. By the Seven Hells He wonders if the reason why I feel so good is because you are doing it. After about 10 minutes he had to get you to stop doing it Even as his muscles loosen as more and more knots get undone He feels something else beginning to tighten in his pants.

The two of you spend the rest of today and the next day relaxing at the resort and having fun. He comes back like a new devil and greatly eagerly looks forward to your next 'date.' He's so busy he can't afford an entire day for you, so a lot of your 'dates' have to be playing in advance, but on the bright side, you get a couple of days with him to yourself. You wish you had more time with him, but He prefers having a few days to let loose finally and have you all to himself than a certain someone coming in unexpectedly and trying desperately to steal your attention.

[bitchface24-7]

Hi V! I was wondering if you felt comfortable doing a fluff fic of reader x viktor or jayce comforting reader on her period ?

All goods if you can't!!

I really enjoy your writing and I live all the attention to detail you put into your stories !!

THIS SUCKS… - VIKTOR & JAYCE X READER

synopsis: you're on your period, you feel bloated, agitated, and your stomach hurts. You can't tell if you're hungry, if you're cramping, or if you really need to shit. Your lovely boyfriend sees you struggling, and takes care of you the best he can.

warnings: menstruation (obviously), pain, fluffy fluff of our boys taking care of us.

genre: m/f or gn/m

p.s. I'm going to write this in the style of bullet points. Also, why not get both? This isn't Jayvik, so if you prefer one over the other, you can just read one part. Love ya! ❤️

VIKTOR X READER

You dread everytime your menstrual cycle hits you. It's painful, messy, and makes you agitated at the littlest things.

It makes you unintentionally be snippy with Viktor, something that upsets you even more since he hasn't done anything to deserve that treatment.

He's incredibly understanding. As someone who deals with chronic pain he understands that pain can make you act in ways that you typically wouldn’t.

Your pain may not be 24/7, but he knows it comes once a month for a week straight.

He has pain killers, a heated weighted blanket, and light food that surprisingly fills you up ready for you.

He’ll even make you sweet milk when you ask for it.

You typically do parallel play, he’ll continue to work, but he’ll make sure he's in the same room as you.

More times than not, he's cuddled up with you in bed, your pleading eyes and pouty lips will be his downfall. He can never say no to you.

Viktor makes this part of your life so much easier, and you can't thank him enough for it.

(its actually his way of thanking you. You take care of him all the time. Adjusting his spinal brace, his leg brace, making sure he has his cane. Helping him take off his assistive devices when he asks. Making sure he eats, he sleeps. He appreciates your care and love more than you'll ever know. So he tries his best to help you when you need it.)

JAYCE X READER

Jayce has a good idea how to take care of menstruation aches and pains. He's practically Cait’s older brother. He was around when she went through puberty.

It was not a pretty sight.

He knows you'll crave sweets, chips, sushi, fried chicken, really anything super flavourful and bad for you.

He knows teas help with cramps, so do heating pads, and lightly massaging your lower abdomen.

He knows you'll alternate between wanting to be alone, and being cuddled.

He knows you'll accidentally get snippy, feel bad, and want to hug him.

He knows it all.

It’s like it was ingrained into him on how to take care of you. He just appreciates that the hellish years he had to deal with a pubescent Cait paid off in the end.

(no he swears she was going to kill him at one point)

Being able to cook delicious food because of his mama makes it even better. He’ll make so much food you honestly wont know where to start. But they'll for sure be something there you can stomach.

They'll always be there to take care of you ❤️

Hi Anon! Thank you for the compliment! Sorry this is much shorter than you probably expected, I just don't deal with my period often? I go like one to three months in-between cycles and I just take care of myself when it happens. I medicate myself and essentially sleep away the pain for a day and a half, then I'm back to normal, I’m just bleeding now as well.

The longest time I went without a period was six months back in 2022 (I was 20 and had gotten it in November after my assumption of extremely early onset menopause LMAO, after that I got a tracker app to help me remember when I get it) and no I was not pregnant. Unless I’m Mother Mary reborn, that wouldn’t be possible.

[martygraciesversion381]

Heyyyyy i wanted to request an Ollie Bearman fluff fic. I don't really mind what it is but maybe something about race weekend. ❤️

PAPER RINGS (OB87)

summary: Ollie comes back home after the brazil gp

warnings!: none just fluff and a bit of angst

a/n: it took me so long to write it i'm so sorry just been pressured cause of school and all. this was actually so cute to write ollie is just so fluff coded<3 kinda short but i'm really proud of it (might be my best work)

masterlist

the results in brazil weren't what ollie had expected. he recieved a 20 second penalty and ended p12, out of the points. he shouldn't be mad after all he's still an f2 driver even if he'll be in f1 next year. he's already extremely talented but it's just not enough.

he didn't even stay to party with the drivers just went back to you in your shared hotel room. he was so happy that you were able to come to his race even with your busy schedule cause of your studies.

ollie opened the hotel room door before slamming it closed making you jump. you were laying on the bed while reading a book. when you saw ollie. you put down the book and rushed over to him hugging him.

"m'so proud of you olls you did so good today" he wrapped his arms around you and forced a smile but it didn't last long.

a few seconds after, his head was burried in the crook of your neck and he was crying and sobbing. you rubbed his back softly while praising him and assuring him that he was the most talented driver you've ever met and that you were so lucky to have him.

after his sobs had calmed down, you both stayed there unmoving until you spoke up.

"wanna shower and watch a movie?" you asked and ollie nodded in the crook of your neck.

you stood up and the both of you walked to the bathroom with your fingers linked. once you reached the bathroom, you turned to ollie.

"take off your clothes baby i'm gonna prepare the shower okay?" ollie nodded and you turned on the water making sure that it was warm enough before taking off your clothes too.

you and ollie held each other under the warm water just enjoying the calm that only the other could provide. people called it soulmates, you called it home.

you started to wash ollie's hair. massaging his scalp with your fingers as you poured shampoo in his air. he leaned into the touch closing his eyes and letting out a small sigh. you then washed his body slowly massaging every part of him and especially his shoulders to relieve the pressure caused by the race.

ollie did the same for you even if you insisted that you could do it alone. you both washed and held each other needing the physical touch after the time spent apart from each other.

after you both dried each other, you put on some fresh clothes and headed to your shared bed. you pulled the covers over the both of you and cuddled closer to him. people would find weird that he is the one holding you even if he's the one in pain but ollie found more comfort in holding you than being held.

you put a movie on but it was quickly forgotten as you both were just content cuddling. you shared some sweet pecks and ollie flet his eyelids grow heavy.

"tired pretty boy?" you asked using the nickname that you used before dating to flirt with him. ollie smiled and nodded.

you turned off the tv and you both layed down together. you rested your head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

"good night olls"

"good night love"

you both succombed to sleep quickly. people would say that it wasn't much, just young love but for you it was home and ollie knew that wherever he'll go, you'll be here for him. he sometimes found himself planning your future together and your wedding. You knew that you'd be happy even if it was only with paper rings.

taglist:

get added to the taglist!!!

@motorsportbarbie13 @f1addict3 @gorgeusreputation16 @swiftlyconehead @carloswinner @g00d--vibes @paulinegba @linnygirl09 @rd14 @itsleslie1998

[metatheatre]

this is about gaiman and fandom. it is NOT "oh no my blorbos."

I expect some pitchfork mob will come for me no matter how nuanced I try to make this so I forfeit that in advance. But I can't stop thinking about how impossible it is to separate art from artist when you realize that the art was, all along, consciously and specifically designed to capture the attention of a certain kind of audience in order for the fan community itself to become a hunting ground for people to victimize. It finally clicked for me why the sudden veer away from queerbaiting in GO 2 felt so abrupt and false to me, even though I shipped it, even though it made sense to the actors and fans and was perfectly justifiable within the text. That decision (I can't speak to the rest of his work, as I haven't engaged with it beyond the movies made from a couple of children's books) was a choice that gave him immediate access to a fresh new pool of excited, adoring young women and queer people, people he could directly interact with through tumblr and other social platforms. I myself went manic about it because it touched on some very specific queer religious trauma, and I'm betting a lot of people in the fandom felt the same way. People who maybe were estranged from their families of origin due to religious intolerance. Vulnerable people. He chose to groom and abuse women who were young, naive, desperate, poor, homeless, queer, sometimes all of those at once. And his work, whatever else it was, whatever else we make of it in the wake of this, was a means to that end. It was on purpose.

I don't know. This isn't a revelation. He obviously wasn't the first narcissistic abuser to use his art to project a sensitive thoughtful image of himself or lure in damaged fans with the message that they aren't alone, and he won't be the last. I just think if anyone who was in his periphery because of fandom tries to continue to be in community with one another in any way you gotta acknowledge this. Even if, like me, you never particularly gave a shit about him personally or engaged with his larger body of work.

Also if you haven't read the vulture article yet and you're going to, be forewarned that it is extremely triggering and goes into very explicit details. Check in with yourself. I didn't realize how much it was affecting me until I finally turned the lights off in a daze an hour after finishing it and started crying.

[bwat5-blog]

Good Example Of What I Mean

**Spoilers For Arcane**

Okay. So, regarding my recent ranting on the topic of people making baseless arguments and by extension my harping on them, this is what I mean. And for the record, I'm not new to the internet. this sort of idiocy is far from cutting edge trolling. I know that. But as we are all here routinely in this space devoted to this story, I saw this earlier this morning and it happened to be a great example of what I posted last night.

First of all, I am not re-blogging the person who had posted it with sincerity because I broke my own rule and responded to an Arcane Critical post last night and woke up to 20+ comments this morning. That's on me. But I will say I am not mentioning this just because of one stupid meme. I have seen some variety of this statement countless ways:

"Caitlyn suffers for the first time and loses her mom and everyone acts like its an excuse to hurt all of Zaun".

This kind of thing right here is exactly what I mean when I say some of yall are just flat wrong. I can't tell if it is intentional or not, because you quite literally have to ignore massive chunks of the show to believe something like this, but at the end of the day when I say some takes are not worthy of discussion this is what I mean.

By the way, this isn't even about our man Silco here. I can't read enough to tell if anything in that box is real words or not but he has lived forty something years of history in this world. You better believe his box would be full. Because here's the thing. It isn't about agreeing or disagreeing with his reasons. It's about recognizing that he has them. THAT is consuming this story in a way that is worthy of respect and discussion.

But this?:

Survives being lured by child's voice to building fire by Jinx that kills six other enforcers

Almost killed by Jinx on bridge where Vi is also almost killed

Taken hostage nude in her child-hood home, forced to dress in Enforcer clothing and bound and gagged while Jinx tries to convince Vi to murder Caitlyn

Spares Jinx at Vi's request

Jinx smashes Caitlyn with gun and kills Caitlyn's mother, 2 other councilors, and blows up building

Attack squad of Zaunites crashes memorial killing several including almost Caitlyn and Vi

They know Jinx has weaponized hex-tech and has proven a threat

Comes up with plan for strike team after Vi (not blaming her she was right just pointing out) tells her they have to find a way to stop the invasion of Zaun.

Survives brutal fight with Sevika, saves Vi from Isha (presumably, we don't know if Isha would have shot), and after she held the shot for Vi the first time, Vi swore she was ready to end it this time, Vi blocks her shot. (Vi was right and Caitlyn was in complete mental health spiral, just giving some perspective).

After all that an incredibly talented manipulating warmonger takes over and that's all she wrote.

And of course that is to say nothing of the fact that the people I'm irritated with completely leave out the concept of Caitlyn's grief and trauma when considering her actions and story at all. Ignoring it in your consideration I can agree to label as ignorance. Disregarding it because you think the fact that she comes from privilege means she is unaffected by extreme traumatic violence and loss, or worse undeserving of recognition and care from it, that I'm afraid is a question of humanity.

As I have stated before none of this is to say I expect anyone to agree with everything or even anything Caitlyn did. She is a complex character and her decisions in many cases are SUPPOSED to be hard/impossible to accept. The way we each connect to these characters and this world is what makes it special. But stuff like this? You can do better.

[right4you]

My dad’s best friend is the one for me.

Note: before we start this is my first fic! Ahh so exciting. I hope you enjoy!

Summary: it’s your dad’s birthday and you’re in a secret relationship with his best friend.

5.6 work count. I did write this in first person but the “main character” is you, no name is given just nickname’s (baby and baby girl)

The party downstairs grew rowdier as more people arrived for my dad’s birthday. I wouldn’t expect this many people to show up let alone like him. Okay that sounds mean, but he isn’t laid back with me at all. He was in the beginning of the summer but as work gets stressful. He lets it out on me. I never know when it’s a good time to talk to him because of his short temper. He is extremely strict and hates that I’m sneaky and private with my life, but he forced me to be.

 

There are those small moments where he’s tender and kind treating me like his sweet little girl.

 

I cherish those moments. Because he is really trying to be better.

After my mother left when I was 15 he changed completely. The divorce drained him. Making me him cold and bitter. I counted days till I left for college finally freeing myself from the misery. My mother’s absence didn’t affect me because I was daddy’s little girl. As long as I had him everything would be alright.

I was wrong.

He called me up before school ended begging me to come home for the summer. I told him I couldn’t because I had gotten a job and I needed it to pay for school. He told me that he’d take care of the fees if I just came back home.

He went on about finally fixing up the house after receiving a huge promotion for the construction company he worked.

He sounded happier.

So I came to visit in may testing it before I moved back in. It was awkward at first but he put in the effort.

We grew close again.

Once summer came around and I packed my things to go back home for the summer. I was so nervous on the way here i kept repeating everything was going to be fine and I could always turn back. I have my own apartment in Denton Tx so nothing can keep me trapped down in Austin.

After a few hours on the road I received a call from my dad apologizing that he couldn’t get out of work early because of an injury. He assured me that he’d sent a buddy to help me move in.

Every time I see the scar on my dad’s palm I remember the true beginning of it all.

 

I want to go down there, see who all came.

 

If he came.

 

But I stay on my bed waiting a bit longer.

 

A soft knock comes from outside my door, and I stand up from my bed fixing my shirt and shorts giving myself a quick look on my mirror. It’s time to make an appearance as I expect my father to be standing on the other side of my door pulling me out to meet everyone.

 

“yeah” I respond opening the door. My eyes go wide in surprise seeing Joel Miller. He quickly looks over his shoulder then pushes me back in my room closing the door behind him. “are you insane!” I yelp feeling his hands on my body as I try to push him off scared my dad could burst in at any second.

 

“baby your dad is drunk as a skunk” he laughs leaning down to kiss me, but I swerve my head smelling his beer breath.

 

“you are too” I state glaring up at him, but I couldn’t be all mad when he looks so cute in this state. Messy hair, childish smile, flushed cheeks. He just looks too good. He smiles shaking his head no at me releasing my waist then wrapping his arms around my shoulders burying me in his chest. The faint smell of his cologne makes my stomach flip inhaling more of him.

 

“why haven’t you come down? I kept waiting for youu”  he slurs the end of his sentence, and I roll my eyes playfully trying to pull away, but he tightens his hold on me “stay close you smell goood” he kisses the top of my head.

 

“I didn’t want to crash my dad’s party” I respond to his question hugging him back relaxing my body in his strong hold. I never noticed how nervous I was about tonight.

 

My dad told me to come down at any time have some food and have one drink, but I would feel at out of place being the only girl and not having anyone to mingle with. I could be around Joel; it wouldn’t be odd for me to be around my dad’s best friend. But we could run the risk of anyone finding us out. One wrong move or look could make us look suspicious. I thought it’d be best to just stay in my room and wait for my dad to call me down, but he never did.

 

“oh, baby you wouldn’t be crashing” he cooed finally releasing me, he looks down at me cupping my face in his hands “so what are you doing all alone in your room?” his voice is low and playful as he wiggles his brows looking around my bedroom then I realize this is the first time he’s ever been in my room. Yeah he helped me move in but he’s never seen it fixed up. I follow his gaze, and he stares at the TV his brows furrowing together at the half naked men dancing on the screen “what ‘re you watchin?” He questions holding in his laughter.

 

“magic mike” I reply hiding my embarrassed face on his chest.

 

“what the hell is that?” he chuckles, and I shrug.

 

“it’s a movie”

 

“are you sure it’s not a porno” he teased.

 

“no” I laugh.

 

“I wouldn’t judge if it was”

 

“oh my god it’s not” I laugh again looking up at his face and he meets my eyes. We stood still just looking at each other, my eyes trace over his freckles that peppered over his tanned skin from working all day out in the sun. He has a few more since last I saw him. I want to ask if he is putting on his sunscreen that I gave him after going over the importance of it when he asked me why I wore sunscreen everyday then he jokingly said in case I get invited to a last-minute pool party or something. He teased further bringing up the spare bikinis I have in my trunk. After joking around with me he promised to take me swimming.

 

It’s probably a habit I picked up in high school. Every time summer came around, I would carry spare clothes when I hung out with friends knowing we’d go to Andrews’s house and spend our evenings swimming.

 

“you okay baby?” he gently asked after a long beat of silence, and I got lost in my thoughts admiring Joel Miller.

 

“yeah” I whisper my eyes wondering down to observe his outfit. He kept it simple with a black polo and light blue jeans probably wearing his ‘going out’ boots. “you look nice” I compliment staring at his biceps that look huge against the tight fabric of the sleeves.

 

“thanks, wanted to impress m’ lady” I felt him lean closer to me and before I could come up with something to respond on the my lady comment, he crashes his lips on mine shutting me up.

I hesitate to kiss back.

His tongue swipes on my lips and I give in hands coming up to rest just under his jaw cupping behind his ear. His hair grazes on my skin lightly tickling my knuckles. Groaning against my mouth he rests his hands on my waist pressing me impossibly close. A soft moan escapes my lips knowing he’d lose his mind at my sounds. “Fuck baby” he rasps in between our kiss almost snapping me out of the haze.

“Just kiss me” I command not wanting to come back to my senses. We’re playing with fire committing forbidden acts, anyone could walk in. Fuck, it kind of thrills me. I hope no one catches us but that doesn’t matter.

Nobody else matters.

I guide him back to the bed the backs of his knees hitting the edge. Our breathing come irregular losing control within the kiss. Then he fucking moans. Dominance over comes me as I gather the strength to push him down on my bed. Our kiss breaks when he falls swiftly on his back and I smirk down at him climbing over his over body placing my legs on either side of him.

His brown eyes are blown wide with lust as he watches me closely. I look at his swollen lips they’re a darker pink from our heavy kiss. I bit on my lower lip placing my hands on his large chest feeling the rapid rise and fall. He greedily reaches down my body grasping me just below where the shorts cut off cupping the shape of my ass. The tips of his fingers ghost my core and I moan at the sensation wanting more.

 

“Baby I won’t be able to stop” he said reading my mind.

“Please” i whine grinding down on him moaning softly at the friction.

“So impatient” he purrs capturing my lips in a soft gentle kiss. “you should come downstairs” he said in between kisses.

 

Ruining the mood.

“No, you should go downstairs” I counter. Connecting our lips again wanting to spark up our tension getting what I want. His hands press on my shoulders lightly pushing me away.

 

“I’m being serious, come down” his voice is normal not coated in desire. I snap out of the trance.

 

“and avoid being around you” I pout tightening my thighs around his waist.

 

Joel taps my sides motioning for me loose my grip and my brows crease together looking down at him “I’m sure your dad will appreciate an appearance from his daughter” his hand comes up to my hair brushing his fingers through the curls I did.

 

“ugh no thanks, being around drunk men isn’t my forte” I roll my eyes exhaling a breath of annoyance. I sit up leaning my bum down on his thighs to support my weight on him.

 

“says the one that goes out every weekend” he retorts.

 

“that’s different, I’m with my friends” I respond defensively “if I go downstairs ill be ignored by dad then I’m gonna have to sit on the couch watching everyone get wasted”

 

“no, you won’t, and he is not going to ignore you come on. For a bit” he begs softening his brown eyes staring into mine putting on his puppy face that convinces me to do anything he asks. I sigh leaning back down to kiss him, he smiles knowing he got his way and kisses me back.

 

A loud bang is heard from down the hall startling me “Miller come back down!” my dad’s voice booms just outside the door, and I leap up away from Joel scurrying to the other side of the room. I stare at the door waiting for him to burst in. My blood runs cold in fear that he will catch us and kill Joel for putting his hands on his daughter. My hands come up to my chest feeling the fast beat of my heart thump against my rib cage. I held my breath trying to listen. I quickly look back at Joel who looked unfazed.

 

“why the fuck are you just laying around for? Hide dumbass!” I quietly whisper yell at him motioning with a quick wave towards my closet.

 

A gentle knock on my door cuts off my breathing and I held it scared to move an inch “baby girl, are you coming down?” my dad asks and my brows furrow together confused but I force out a yes. “alright come and eat” the sound of his boots trail away and I can’t help but wonder why we weren’t caught. I could have sorn this was the end, and all hell was going to break loose.

 

“What the fuck” I squeal at Joel, and he gets up from my bed groaning from his bad joints walking over to me cupping my face unfazed by it all. I on the other hand was a mess. Anxiety through the roof.

 

“Hey, it’s okay.” He makes me look at him his expression soft and calm “we’re okay, he didn’t catch us” he presses a kiss to my forehead. “will you come down?” he whispers pulling away to look down at me. Still afraid to move, I kept still not responding. His face grew worried “I’m sorry baby I didn’t mean to scare you.” He pulls me in for a hug caressing the back of my head.

 

“Fuck we could’ve been caught” I breathlessly say the beat of heart continues to quickly patter adrenaline rushing through my veins making me feel uneasy. I love being with Joel, he is the only person I want to be with. I dread the day everyone finds out about us. I wish I could keep this all to myself locked in a vault inside my head.

 

“Listen baby” he reels me back leaning down to my eye level “I told your dad I needed to use the restroom because I drank too much, that’s why he pounded on the door down the hallway. Also, he kept going on about you joining the party, he seemed really excited. But I know you and I know you weren’t coming down. probably locked up in here watching a god-awful movie” he explains teasing me a bit.

 

I blow through my nose smiling at the half naked men paused on the screen in a silly pose. Tension lifted off my shoulders when he pressed down on them shaking me slightly. “everything is okay” he pecks my lips quickly “I’ll see you downstairs" he kisses me, and I kiss back “you’re, okay?” he asks again making sure I was fine before we go back to reality.

 

“yeah” I squeak breathing out through my nose standing straight and he smiles nodding his head. His hands run down my arms stopping at the pulse feeling the rhythmic beat of my heart return normal. “I’m fine” I say looking down at our hands.

 

We’d agree to never do anything in my house, I’m surprised we did. Maybe it was the alcohol giving him the courage to cross a line. We’ll we crossed it together. I could’ve kept my hands to myself, but I can’t resist him.

 

He walks out of room leaving me alone in the middle of it. I sigh loudly walking around my room pacing if I should even go downstairs, out of spite I want to stay up here locking my door then explain to my dad later I was too tired maybe lie I had fallen asleep while reading school emails for the upcoming semester that’s in two weeks.

 

He’d believe me.

 

I repeat what he said “baby girl, are you coming down?” he called me baby girl. He rarely uses that nickname.

 

I slip on my sandals opening my door listening to the noise trying to guess how wasted everyone is, but the chatter is normal mixing with country music at medium volume. I recall Betty our next-door neighbor asking my dad to keep it low, so it won’t disturb her book club she held every Saturday evening.

 

Forcing myself down the stairs I scan the living room and kitchen trying to locate my dad. My brows rise seeing women at the party too. Why did my dad make it seem it was only his work buddies? I spot some neighbors here as well. Did my dad become a part of community since I left for college? Being busy with Joel all summer I didn’t notice how friendly my dad has become. I tsk, scolding myself not spending enough time with my old man. Some familiar faces wave and smile at me and I smile back muttering a hello, how are you. I wonder around the small crowd creasing my brows together not finding my father.

 

Or Joel.

 

I walk into the second living room where it was less crowded and quieter. At the same time Joel enters the room brushing past my shoulder, I stepped back feeling invisible “where the hell were you?” my dad arose from the couch noticing Joel first. “my restroom okay?” he laughs loudly and the two others on the couch snicker. They look at me and I only know the one with black curly hair. Tommy, Joels little brother.

 

“I drank too much and yeah it’s fine” Joel laughs crashing down on the couch next to Tommy picking up a half empty bottle. My eyes trail over all the empty bottles on the floor. I mentally roll my eyes at the sight in front of me. Did he drink all those beers? We look at each other. My face is neutral acting unfazed but his lip twitch up in a smirk as he takes a sip.

 

Reading my mind, he drops his smile but his eyes stayed on me.

 

The sound of my name makes me look away ignoring Joels stare. My dad walks over to me wrapping his arm around my shoulder turning me away in to the kitchen. “Finally, you turned up, did you say hi to everyone?” I nod “great, grab a plate” I pick up a plastic plate and he serves me. “You don't have to stay I just wanted to make sure you ate” he said kindly my eyes snapping to stare at his relaxed happy face. I strongly believe he acts a certain way and doesn’t have enough patience with me because I look a lot like my mother.

 

“okay” I respond taking my plate away from his hands “having fun?” I ask him.

 

“yeah, I am” he smiles sincerely giving the top of

my head a quick ruffle messing up my hair departing back to the second living room talking to a few people as he makes his way back.

 

His boss Greg and wife approach me, I happily greet them with side hugs and they join me at the dinning table making small talk asking about college and what I’ve been up too. When I’m done with my food, Greg takes my trash and his wife Marta who took a seat next to me continues talking to me. Their daughter who I went to school with joins us and they bring me up to speed on the local gossip.

 

Part of me is glad Joel lives half an hour away from this small town where everyone knows everything. To them he is just my dad’s coworker who comes over on the weekends. My eyes search for his tall broad frame but he hasn’t come out from the other living room.

 

Hopefully, he’s keeping his drink intake low. Worry bubbles in my belly since I’ve never seen him wasted, what if he’s a messy drunk. I cringe at the times he’s seen me drunk from always picking up each time I go out. I swallow down the feeling chasing it with an ice-cold water. Luckily for me he never complains taking the best care of me after a night out.

 

It’s the end of the party and time passed by quickly. After the cake was cut and Joel finally made an appearance. I excused myself returning to my room feeling exhausted. Most of the people have left by now. I got ready for bed changing into my sleeping shorts and a tank top. I turn on my TV for background noise scrolling in my laptop through social media.

 

My phone pings beside me and I pick it up reading the short message from Joel.

don’t go to sleep just yet.

 

I think back to earlier when Joel slipped in my room stealing a moment alone with me. Annoyance builds up in my chest at almost getting caught. He knew the risk. I knew the risk and still brought him to my bed acting like the whole town wasn’t downstairs.

 

I wanted to pretend I was asleep and thought I’ll respond tomorrow. I bit my lower lip, my fingers ghosting over the letters wanting to type okay.

 

My dad stumbles in my room obviously drunk. I look up from my phone peeking at the clock up on the wall behind him that display 2am. I gave him a pointed look waiting for him to say something. He balances himself on the door holding tight against the knob keeping him from falling face first “can you pleaseee take Joel home, poor bastard can’t walk straight”

“You can’t either” I point out the obvious watching him sway left to right. “why can’t Tommy take him?” my brows furrow together and I close the laptop putting it to the side.

 

“Tommy left; I’d take him b-“

 

“don’t worry” I sigh peeling the sheets off my body slipping into my slippers and grabbing a loose tee to wear over my pajamas. “I’ll take him. First you have to go to bed” I quickly move to him pushing him down the hall to his room. “You can get to your bed on your own?” I had to make sure he will be alright before I take Joel home.

“Yeah yeah I got this” he collapsed on his bed face down snoring almost immediately. I stay for a second longer closing the door.

I hurry down the stairs. Joel stood by the front door leaning against the wall keeping his head low and arms crossed over his chest. I was waiting for him to sway but he stood perfectly still. Could he have fallen asleep standing up?

“Hey” I said looking back at the empty house, he is the last to go.

“Hey, your dad in bed?” He releases his arms keeping them at his side. I nod my head stepping closer standing in front of him my eyes roam his face and he looks normal unlike my father who is plastered.

I grab his truck keys off the hook “come on I’m taking you home” I motion him to follow me unlocking the door. He grabs my keys with a pink fuzzy puff key chain on it. “what are you doing?” I quirk a brow and he hands them to me.

“How else are you gonna lock your house?” He steps out the door on to the porch tucking his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. The warm summer air fans my face turning away to close and lock my door.

“Please who’s going to break in?” I lead the way to his lifted black truck parked on my driveway.

“A lot of people were over baby” he said behind me. I could feel him on my heels walking closely behind me his hand coming up to my shoulder keeping me from opening my door as I push the button to unlock it. He opened the driver side helping me up and into his truck. “Put your seatbelt on” he demands voice stern.

“Yes sir” I obey pulling it over my body with a soft click. He chuckles through his nose closing my door then walking over to the passenger side.

“You could drive this thing baby?” He climbs in shutting the door and putting on his seatbelt.

“Oh yeah I drive my dads” I nod over to my dad’s work truck that was parked next to his.

“Alright” he leans back in his seat fully trusting me to drive his truck. I push start driving away from my neighborhood making my way to the small roads then getting on the highway.

A few minutes pass. The low hum of the radio fills the silence and I look over at Joel who has his eyes closed, lips parted and soft snores pour out from his lips. I smile warmly looking at him sleep then focusing back on the road. I think if he admires me the same way when he picks me up from a night out and I crash in the passenger side as he drives me to his home to spend the night.

I hope he does.

He does tell me the next morning how beautiful I looked kissing my face then asking me to join him for breakfast. I should probably cook something in the morning but I don’t know how to excuse me spending the night at my dad’s friend’s house. I mean how will I drive back home?

I guess I’ll figure it out in the morning.

I keep driving the familiar road pulling up to his small home. He sensed wearrive inhaling through his nose as he awoke from his nap. He sat straight staring at his home. I unbuckle my belt “hi” I greeted in a soft tone switching off the truck.

“We’re home” he replied in a sleepy state and my insides warm hearing him say we’re home.

He clicks off his seat belt climbing out of the truck. I didn’t wait for him to help me off. My feet land on the ground as I jump off the truck. I close the door and press to lock it when I heard him shut his. We meet at the front walking side by side to his porch. He gets in front pulling open the screen door then reaches behind his back mumbling ‘keys’ I drop them on his palm and wait for him to open the dark wooden door. He pushes it open and lets me in first.

I kick off my slippers by his work boots he leaves at the entry hallway. Joel closes and locks the door taking off his ‘going out’ boots placing them next to my fuzzy pink slippers.

Huh I was right about his shoes.

I walk into his home noticing he kept it clean. A few Sundays ago we spent the day deep cleaning then sat on his couch watching movies. I love our lazy days doing nothing just wrapped in each other arms.

There are traces of me in his home. First my slippers at the front of his home. My blanket tossed over the couch. A pink mug tucked away in his cabinet. My shampoo and conditioner in his shower. The light purple toothbrush next to his red one. A few of my clothes are folded neatly in a drawer. My favorite perfume centered on his dresser.

“Good job Miller” I praise him twisting on my heels to turn and face him. He stops just in front of me and my arms wrap over his shoulders tugging him down to kiss me.

“I’m confused” he mumbles into the kiss.

“Kept your place all clean” I answer.

“I don’t want you dating a pig” he pecks my lips placing his large hands on my hips holding me close.

I study him for a few seconds “Are you even drunk” I question.

“No, I did act it though” he confessed “I knew your dad would make you take me home or he’d let me crash but that would be risky” a devious smile spread across his face.

“Yeah like you coming into my room in the middle of a party!” I slap his chest playfully and he chuckles.

“I had a cover up baby” he tries to kiss me but I swerve my head rolling my eyes at dumb cover up.

“Still we have to be careful” I conclude wanting to put it behind me now and just enjoy our alone time.

Every moment is sacred.

“I know, I know. Let’s just go to bed” reading my mind he begins to step forward and I backwards as he moves us towards his bedroom.

The familiar scent of his room welcomes me in feeling like I made it home, this is where I belong.

His lips connect with mine, warm and soft parting slightly allowing me to slip my tongue inside. He groans pressing his hot body against mine. I could taste our shared breath feeling the thud of our combined heart beating. We fumble to take one another’s clothes off letting them fall at our feet. He picks me up wrapping my legs tight around his waist pressing my bare cunt on his lower belly. He carried me to his bed laying me down on the soft sheets he bought after I complained about the other being ‘scratchy’

I smile at the memory kissing him deeper moaning as he took in my lower lip in between his teeth letting it bounce back when he lets go. He kisses down my chin and I lift my head allowing him more skin for him to kiss and nibble on. He explored my bare body with his hands and I squirm under his light feathery touch. I hum when he finds a ticklish spot.

My hands traveled up and down his hot muscular back tugging at the ends of his hair when he found my sweet spot just behind my ear.

“Just like that” I whisper moaning as he left a mark. His free hands trails down my body playing with my nipple on my left boob lowering his head to kiss my chest. I whimper at the sensation of his hot wet tongue gracing over the right nipple licking and sucking the sensitive bud. His free hand stops at my pussy ghosting his index over my wet folds.

“So wet for me” he breathed teeth grazing my boob. His middle finger finds my clit toying with it soft circles lap over it making my body shake with pleasure. With the same finger he goes down slipping in my hole and I gasp “Perfect tight cunt” I squeezed around his thick finger grinding my hips for more.

“Please” I whine loudly clawing at his shoulders when he pumps in and out of me. His head rests on my collar bone looking down at our bodies.

“Fuck, look at you” he keeps up a good pace hitting the soft spongy spot and I arch my back pressing my chest into his face. “Keep making those sounds baby, love you like this” he looks up at me and my head goes back into the pillows. His thumb flicks and rubs my clit making it 100 times better. He keeps a steady hand repeating fast movements pumping and circling. The coil in my lower belly twist more and tight about to snap.

“I need you” I gasp he pumps in “now” demand he pumps out “fuck I’m close” in and out “Joel now!” I scream and he pulls out and I gasp at the sudden loss. I watch him coat his hard cock with a mix of his precum and my juices pumping himself as he aligns at my entrance.

I close my eyes leaning back down rising my hips slightly. He’s gentle entering me but once the head goes in, a deep groan bubbles from his chest slamming his full length inside of me giving me no time to adjust. I squeal at the feel of his thick cock stretch me out and he whimpers. Thrusting in and out, in and out.

“Fuck baby” he whines his big hands holding me at my hips to brace himself burying deep in me. “Hold on tight” he tells me and my hands wrap around his wrists that hold at the sides of my hips.

I tighten my leg around his hip to push him even closer. After a few more thrusts he releases my hips and I let go of his wrists bring them up to his shoulders tugging him down. His hands come up to the sides of my head hitting a deeper angle. Loud messy moans spill out of my lips. Our breaths fan each other cooling our blazing skin. He swallows my sounds by connecting our lips then trails down my chin and neck placing wet kisses as he kept thrusting in me. He wasn’t quiet at all groaning loudly at the sensation keeping the perfect pace pleasuring us both. My hands come up to his face tugging him up to meet my lips kissing each other messily.

“Are you feeling the way I’m feeling it?” He pulls away from my lips pressing our foreheads together as waves of pleasure wash over me coming closer to the edge.

“Ah! Yes! I feel it” I scream meeting his thrusts grinding my hips.

“You feel that baby, ah” he gasped his eyes shutting focusing on the two of us coming down together.

“Fuck yes” i am so fucking close and I could feel his orgasm approaching mine. “I love you, I love you! Joel” I quickly and breathlessly squeak hitting my peak. My vision blurs as tears prick at the sides of my eyes. My body arches off the bed moaning.

“I love you”he gasps, hips snapping as I sped up my hip movements coming down on his cock. He groaned in pleasure coming inside me feeling hot ropes of cum spill inside my hole.

Panting heavily, he shuddered pulling out of me collapsing on the bed. I close my eyes trying to catch my breath feeling completely worn out but satisfied.

I could feel him watching me in the darkness and his hand comes up to touch my cheek “you okay baby” he voice rasps and I nod not being able to verbally respond “you’re tired?” He chuckles and I nod again with a dumb smile on my face. He gathers himself leaning over to kiss me gently. Arms wrapping around me tightly pulling me to face him.

He reaches for the blanket to cover over bodies. I snuggle close to him listening to his heart beat as he strokes my hair gently.

“Get some rest baby” he presses a kiss to the top of my head and sleep takes over me.

[leslie-lyman]

Hi! I was thinking for your Stranger at my Gate series, what do you think Pero’s reaction to modern sickness and medicine would be? Maybe even getting a bit of a cold or the flu himself. And of course how would Tessa react to Pero’s “first time” being sick, or at least sick in the modern world.

(Also yes, I’m 18+)

Have a good day/night.

Oh anon, I’ve actually thought about this quite a bit! Thank you thank you thank you for finally giving me the push I needed to actually write this. I’m extremely rusty but god I missed these two so much.

Sick Day

Word count: 2.1k

Rating: T

Warnings: discussions of illness; flu symptoms (but no vomiting); anxious Pero; if I had a nickel for every time I wrote these two showering together without having sex I’d have two nickels which isn’t a lot but weird that it’s happened twice

Masterlist. | Series Masterlist. | dividers by @/saradika

This process happens in two phases.

The first is the unlearning of essentially everything Pero has ever been told about how the human body works, how diseases are spread, and how to treat them. This isn’t terribly difficult to do, it turns out; Pero’s seen enough “medicine” administered during battles and in their aftermaths in his life to know it’s not a particularly useful or reliable field. Patients were more likely to get worse and die following whatever “treatment” they received in his experience. And any religious faith he had was utterly shattered by his time in China. It gets tough to believe the Church’s teachings about anything, including in the power of prayer and faith to heal, once you fight monsters from outer space.

The second is the absorbing of a deluge of modern knowledge about medicine. This one proves tougher. It’s easy for Pero to be convinced that his era’s beliefs about bodies and health were wrong. It’s far harder for him to grasp even the basics of something like germ theory, simply because such things seem to him as equally fantastical as the body being governed by four humors.

It is in this that Tessa, perhaps more than anything else, has to ask for Pero’s trust. He may not be able to understand the mountain of knowledge that underpins why and how, for example, vaccines work and are safe. Tessa and Henry do their best to explain, but in the end, Pero’s consent to get a flu shot relies on trusting that the Walshes are telling him the truth.

That trust gets easier to give over time, not only because Pero comes to trust Tessa in all things as he grows to love her, but also because his experiences with modern medicine start to accumulate.

He slowly comes to realize he doesn’t have to suffer through aches and ailments like he used to. The first time Tessa notices he has a headache, she offers him two white tablets and a glass of water. And it works. His pain eases. He didn’t even know he could ask for something to treat it.

He cuts his hand helping Tessa make dinner one night. (He may or may not have been distracted by how attractive he found Tessa deftly wielding her own knife against an array of vegetables.) Tessa calmly walks him through cleaning the wound (modern hygiene has been its own set of important lessons for Pero), then places some ointment and a bandage on it. In his time, he would have worried about the cut festering. At the very least, he would expect to add a new pink scar to the collection that already covers his body. But instead, the cut heals far faster than he’d have anticipated, and his skin heals without a permanent mark.

As for illness, Pero has muscled his way through a fair number of them in his life. He didn’t have much of a choice. He’s not afraid of dying from illness; death was a daily possibility in his time, and he’d learned to live with that. The risk of his being sick is not that he’d fall to pieces, but rather that he’d be the silent suffering type who wouldn’t ask for help.

So what truly scares him isn’t the first time he gets sick. It’s the first time Tessa gets sick.

It happens not terribly long after he decides to stay. Winter is, after all, cold and flu season. And while Tessa no longer works in an office environment or has to take public transportation to downtown Chicago every day or interact much with other people on a daily basis, she does interact quite often with her niece and nephews.

Kids are germ magnets. It’s just the way it is. And when one of them gets sick, they all get sick. And when Molly, Toby, and Finn have to stay home from school, and neither Amie nor Thom can take a day off from work, and Uncle Henry is busy with his own patients, guess who comes over to take care of them?

Aunt Tessa.

And she’s happy to do it, don’t get her wrong! And she does her absolute best not to catch the nasty flu that’s currently going around their school and that they’ve brought home. But there’s really only so much one can do.

It’s a bad one this year. Despite getting her flu shot (and making sure Pero gets his), after three days of helping to look after three extremely contagious kids she wakes up the next morning feeling like she got hit by a truck. Fever, chills, aches, the whole shebang. It sucks, but hey, that’s how it goes. She’ll take her meds, consume a steady diet of soup and Gatorade, and watch daytime tv for a few days.

Pero, on the other hand, panics.

Fevers are not things that are easy to fight off in his time. Imagine what seeing the woman he loves struck down with what he only knows as plague would do to him. It doesn’t matter what Tessa and Henry have explained to him about modern understandings of illness and how to treat them. This is not an unfortunate but routine occurrence in his eyes. This is something that could kill Tessa.

She spends most of the first day asleep, her fever lowered but not broken by the leftover meds she had from the last time she’d gotten sick the previous winter. Despite trying to both reassure Pero and convince him to stay away lest he catch this bug too, Pero refuses to leave her side.

He steps out of their bedroom only once, to make his very first phone call.

Tessa had shown him how to use her phone to contact her family in case of an emergency, but he’s never felt a reason to use it until now. Every aspect of it is completely strange, each time the screen responds to his touch making him flinch the tiniest bit in surprise. But he manages to call Henry.

“Tess?” her brother says when he picks up.

“Henry. I - it’s - hello.” Pero stumbles over the greeting, remembering at the last second that he needs to hold the phone against his cheek to hear and be heard.

“Pero?” Henry’s voice turns sharp, concerned. “What’s wrong? Tessa okay?”

“She’s ill. The same pestilence as the children.”

“Ah. Same symptoms? Fever, chills, all that?”

“Yes. She’s been sleeping for a while. Tried to tell me she was alright, but she’s…Henry, she’s burning up.”

“She will be alright, Pero,” Henry says gently. “She just needs to take some medicine and stay hydrated, and she’ll-”

“You don’t know that!” Pero barks, fear making it come out harsher than he intends. “Henry, please, just - will you come? She’s your sister, and she is…she’s my…”

He takes a deep, shaky breath.

“Please. I don’t know how to help her. I don’t know what to do. But you do. I need you to make sure she’s okay.”

Henry is silent for a moment, and seems to grasp the larger context of Pero’s fear.

“Of course I’ll come to check on her. And I’ll bring over some things that will help. Give me an hour or so.”

“Thank you.” Relief laces Pero’s voice. Henry snorts.

“Please, she hasn’t let anyone properly take care of her while she’s been sick in years. Now I have an excuse to baby my stubborn baby sister. I should be the one thanking you.”

Henry arrives with his arms laden with soups, sports drinks, ice cream, and several boxes of meds. Tessa grumbles first at being roused from her nap, then at the sight of her brother.

“Fuck’s sake, Hank,” she groans into her pillow. “It’s just the flu.”

“Good afternoon to you too, dear sister. What a pleasure it always is to see your lovely face.”

Tessa rolls over just enough to glare at him with one glassy, fever-glazed eye.

“It’s just. The. Flu. Courtesy of those little gremlins we’re related to. It’s gonna suck for a few days but then I’ll be fine. You should be taking care of your actual patients who really do need your help.”

Henry cajoles her into sitting up a bit, then slips both his stethoscope and a thermometer from a coat pocket.

“Really, Hank, there’s no need – ”

“Tessa,” he says lowly, and the serious note in his voice makes her pay attention. “I’m here because Pero called me. He’s worried, Tee. I think you’re scaring your boyfriend a little.”

Tessa’s gaze jumps to Pero, who’s lingering in the doorway. The way her expression completely softens would make Henry roll his eyes if he weren’t so damn happy his sister had finally found someone who loved her the way Pero did.

“I’m sorry, Pero,” she croaks. He shakes his head vigorously and comes to sit on the other side of the bed.

“Do not apologize, mi amor.” He tenderly pushes her hair back from her sweaty forehead. “Just please let your brother do what he must. I will not take chances when it comes to you.”

The fight instantly goes out of her. Henry checks her vitals and makes her take another dose of medicine, letting his healing Gift soothe the worst of the body aches and calming her chills. Once she’s drifting off to sleep again he briefs Pero in the kitchen.

“Meds every four hours, check her temperature as often as she’ll allow you. Make sure she keeps drinking, and try to get her to eat something when she wakes up. If her fever doesn’t break in the next 36 hours, or suddenly spikes, call me.”

Pero nods, looking more serious than Henry has ever seen him, which is saying quite a lot about a man who essentially invented resting bitch face a thousand years before anyone else.

Henry gives the other man’s shoulder a comforting squeeze.

“I appreciate you calling me, Pero. But I promise Tessa is not in any danger. We just live with these things now; we don’t die from them.”

Pero shifts his weight from one foot to another.

“It is…difficult. After a lifetime of seeing people die from what starts as the smallest wound or barest cough…but I trust in your knowledge.”

“As I trust that you would do anything to keep my sister safe,” Henry returns warmly, gathering his things. “You better just hope that those protective instincts don’t drive you completely insane once you two have kids.”

Henry is out the door before Pero can think of a response.

Tessa sleeps fitfully that night, but Pero is even more restless, hyper aware of every time his love tosses and turns. Her fever breaks sometime in the early morning, and she wakes completely drenched in sweat. He helps her into the shower, settling her onto the bench on the far end of the glass-enclosed stall. She’s still paler than she should be, but her eyes when she looks up at him are clear.

A smile tugs at her lips as he gently washes her hair, then her body. His large hands remove evidence of her sickness from her skin, and the tight knot of anxiety in his chest loosens as he rubs a soapy cloth along each part of her.

“You know,” she says wryly, “under slightly different circumstances I’d be two seconds away from jumping your bones right now.”

Pero huffs at the unfamiliar phrase.

“If that means what I think it means, you have a few days at least before you are up for such things again, mi amor.”

He coaxes her to lean forward against his chest so he can wash her back.

“Pero?”

“Mm?”

She loops her arms around his neck, stilling his movements.

“I love you.”

The knot in his chest unravels.

“As I love you, angel.”

“Thanks for taking care of me.”

He pulls back to look at her.

“You do not have to thank me for such a thing, Tessa. I will always take care of you.”

She nuzzles back into his chest, fatigue starting to wear at her again.

“I’ll always take care of you too, Pero,” she mumbles sleepily into his skin. He feels it sink into his bones like a vow. He resumes his task, mindful of finishing before the water runs cold.

“I know, my love,” he whispers into her hair. “I know.”

[menacinmasochist]

"Come to me..come to me.." the sweet whisper came out of her mouth, I could feel it. I could feel that she wanted me..no she needed me. "I will come to you my love and I will tear you to pieces, you shall feel my undying love, hear it, feel it." I say back, into the wind. My manifestation will come to light, I will have her, my sweet vampire bride to be. I want her to experience all the pain of not having me by her side. May I continuously plague her dreams and nightmares, may she have sleepless nights until she is in my arms, feel it my sweet little bitch.

Yui's POV:

I cupped my husband's cheek, we were newly weds and it had only been a month since our lives had changed. I still remember the way he proposed to me and our beautiful wedding, it was all so lovely. I wanted to hurry and fall pregnant, children make me so happy, to enter motherhood. "my love, wake up." I whispered to him. He gently fluttered his sapphire eyes open, it was like a never ending ocean looking into them. "You look ravishing this morning.." he says to me then places a kiss upon my lips, I yearn for more, I do not break from his kissing, rather I continue it, bringing his body close to me. I always wanted him at my side. The deep kisses would come to an end as my husband realized the time. "I have to go to work, we shall continue this when I return." he said and kissed my forehead before getting up. A shadow came over me, my beloved Shu was a real estate agent, he came from a very wealthy family, but they have other children to support and Shu was a man now, he had to provide for us.

I understood this but I still did not wish for him to leave. He had to sell a manor in Germany to a very wealthy Count residing in Romania. "Please my love, why can't they send someone else to Romania..why must you go?" I pleaded with him, he finished dressing up and leaned in to kiss me once more. "believe me, I'd rather be in bed all day with you, but the sooner I leave the sooner I return..it's such a pain that its a two day trip.." he expressed then complained slightly, he wore his fur hat and coat, I gave him my Rosario as a reminder of my love for him, he went on the horse and vanished, he promised to write letters to me, and I expect him to keep his word.

I was alone in the estate, I felt extremely lonely, my thoughts turning into melancholy. I decided to go visit my dear friends, Kanato and Azusa, they were a lovely gay couple, my husband and I befriended them a few years ago. I arrived at their manor, it was always decorated lovely, Kanato had immense taste and Azusa supported all of his husband's commands. "Yui, you beautiful soul..how is marriage treating you?" Azusa asked, taking my hand and placing a kiss on it, before escorting me upstairs. "It's been wonderful of course, but Shu has left for work, I do not wish to be lonely." I tell him, he smiles at me gently. "Well you should stay with us until he returns, I'm sure Kanato will not mind.." he said, thinking about his ill-tempered husband. I simply nodded and we went upstairs, Kanato greeted me briefly, he was distracted by his children. They had two beautiful daughters whom they adopted.

Half the day went by and all I could think about was my beloved Shu, what he was up to, what he was doing..had he arrived to Romania yet, I had let the servants at our estate know that if any letters were to arrive from my husband to let them be delivered to me at Kanato and Azusa's manor. "Shall we go for a midday stroll upon the beach?" Azusa suggested, snapping me back into reality. I smiled at him and nodded, we were arm in arm walking, Kanato was with their two daughters walking ahead of us. "How are you feeling Yui?" Azusa asks me, I explain to him how I am happy to be visiting them of course but I am still very sad that Shu had left for his business trip.

"You're newly wed, it is understandable..hopefully when he comes back you will have children with him and then you will feel less lonely as he goes on his work trips." Azusa remarks, he was right about that, having children changes the entire mood. His daughters were playing tag with Kanato, Azusa ran to join them briefly, leaving me all by myself.

This loneliness felt like a hand grabbing my throat, I couldn't breathe. "I will come to you my love, my sweet bride to be, I will defile you.." I heard a voice whisper to me, the next thing I knew was that I blacked out. I woke up back in the manor in my nightgown. Kanato and Azusa were by my side, they looked very concerned. "Yui, you're up, are you okay?" Azusa asked, gently. I nod at him. "For Christ's sake Azusa tell her what she did! Tell her how unruly she was behaving." Kanato shouted, he looked at me with such disgust in his eyes. Azusa grabbed his husband and walked out of the room, they began shouting at each other, I completely zoned out from their argument and felt sleepy, I didn't feel like myself.

I knew I was sleeping, but I felt awake. I felt his touch all over me, and within me. I wanted the insufferable one. I needed him.

The next morning I awake, I notice my arms and legs are tied up.

"Why..?" I questioned looking up at Azusa.

"You were going insane last night sweet Yui, we fear your nightmares are something not of this world." he said back to me.

"I couldn't sleep at all, I'm exhausted, my eyebags are getting worse! I think you should return to your estate." Kanato barked, Azusa tried calming him down.

"The doctor is in town, we should ask him to check on you." Azusa suggested, I had no choice but to agree.

Doctor Reiji was a true man of science, he examined me, asked me many questions as well, he took my blood and induced me in a drug like state, to study my sleep episodes and why I have them. The entire time I was worried about my beloved Shu, I missed him dearly, he hasnt sent me any letters, it has been more than 2 days..what was going on..WHERE IS HE!?

Where is he..where is he...I quietly sob to myself. I would sleep so well and be happy with him next to me. Shu..I hate this feeling, please come back to me. I prayed and prayed.

"Yui, love, this is Shin, he is a specialist in this matter, he wants to examine you." Azusa ressures me.

Shin walks into the room, he has a crazed expression on his face. “Untie her at once!” He shouted, then looked at Kanato with annoyance.

“It was for her own sake, she was going insane, breaking things.” Kanato tried to defend his actions of tying me up.

Shin begins examining me, I don’t remember much of it, I passed out after a while of it.

“She’s possessed.” Shin said, chuckling a bit. “We have to find the insufferable one that has its hold on her.”

I heard him faintly say..I needed Shu I missed him so much, but it’s strange..I feel him, I feel him.

“He’s coming..! He’s coming…” I ran out of the room and dashed downstairs, I opened the front door and ran into the dark streets , and from the distance I heard a horse. “Shu..?!” I yelled at to him as I ran, there he was. He looked sickly, he needed to be warmed up by my love. I shouted for help, and help arrived, we all brought him inside. Immediately drawing him a hot bath and giving him a warm meal.

We all have him some space, he looked as if he had seen a ghost, the life was drawn from him. My sweet husband must’ve seen or felt the supernatural presence I have been yearning for.

“My love..wake up..” I heard Kanato whisper to Azusa. Azusa had fallen sick, the darkness was here, the darkness…he was here.

“I think you and your wife should leave.” Kanato said to Shu, he looked at me with resentment. Shu quietly thanked him for their hospitality and we had left.

When we arrived to our manor, I had to speak to Shu I had to tell him what has been going on, the nightmares and the random epileptic episodes.

“My beloved Shu, my life I must tell you something..while you were away I felt a strong unnatural presence…I fear I have brought a plague and sickness here.” I tell him. He looks at me with his eyes widened. I expected him to tell me I was imagining things, and for him to reassure me, but what he said next sent chills down my spine.

“I believe you…the Count I had met in Romania..Count Laito, he asked about you many times but while I was there I think he was feeding off of me..he is not of this world” Shu expressed, horrified. He then showed me his chest, he had these deep bite marks all over it.

“Why didn’t you write to me..?” I asked him, my entire demeanor changed, I felt strange again, like something was taking over me.

“I just explained to you what had happened..” he says simply.

“You left me…! I was miserable without you..yet you still just let me, do you love me? If you love me you would’ve never left..! You could never love me the way he does, you could never please me the way he does..yes he’s coming…my beloved is coming.” I blurted out to him, causing Shu to throw me onto the couch, lifting up my dresses and taking his pants off he wasted absolutely no time to insert himself deep within me, plowing me. I loved every second of it, he wasn’t being gentle at all, roughly pounding me, “kiss me!” I commanded him, he planted deep kisses onto my neck, then kissed me passionately, sloppy kissing with deep thrusting, I began laughing hysterically…I was being loved by Shu, my dear husband but all I could think of was the insufferable one..my sweet Laito, Nosferatu.

“In 3 nights, I will be there my little bitch “ a whisper came to me as I released my pleasure.

The first night, he had lost Azusa and his daughters, they had gotten the sickness. Kanato was heart broken, and angry, he blamed me.

The second night, Kanato too had fallen ill, he was found making love to his dead husbands corpse.

The third day, another funeral. More mourning. Shin and Reiji were present, they had kept me and my husband company on our way back home. It was Shins stop and I had offered to escort him back to his manor.

“Shin, I think I am the reason for this plague, is my soul as evil as the insufferable one..surely I am not like him” I tell him. He smirks at me. “You know what you must do, you must stop him and only you can.” Shin kisses my hand and assures me that he will help me save Shu.

The third night came, and he was here. In my room, I invited him in…Lord forgive me for my sins, Shu please know that I will always love you.

“Ah my sweet little bitch, you yearn for me, you desire me. And I am here to defile your soul.” His voice trickled with lust, I couldn’t help it, I wanted him but I also wanted to save my beloved husband.

I tip toed up to him, and placed a kiss on his lips, he pulled me into a deeper more sinister kiss. One thing led to the next and we were making love, until he bit my breast.

He sucked on me until the sunrises, Laito didn’t realize the sun was rising and I kept him secure on me, I saw him perish into dust before I too seized to breathe.

“Yui..?!” Was the last thing I heard before I passed, it was my sweet love, Shu.

I love you.

[thewistlingbadger]

Originally I was going to respond to someone else's reblog of this post because I thought it was a good discussion and good points were made. However I also found that it was too harsh and critical of you for my liking so I'm going to respond to your post right here without the input of others. In this post I'm going to provide additional perspectives as to why people are upset about the direction Jinx's character took.

1. Jinx canonically is mentally ill, we see her mental illness at a young age and her mental health problems only become more apparent as she gets older. Lots of fans relate to Jinx due to her mental health issues and her mental illness because they struggle with similar issues. So to have a character that provided representation to those who struggle with mental illness and mental health issues no longer struggle with those things no longer be battling an illness she was born with is incredibly disheartening. Because she was validating all these people and now suddenly the show has taken the opposite stance. Season one for a lot of people showed that you could be mentally ill and not be treated like a villain. You could be as complex as Jinx and have heroic moments like she did in s1. S2 eliminated Jinx's mental illness because in the eyes of the writers there was no way to make her a "True Hero" if she was still struggling with that stuff if she was still killing. They literally put an episode in season 2 where Jinx seemingly no longer had mental illness and everything was so good in that universe. Episode 7 gives off the impression that Powder is a better version of Jinx because she doesn't struggle with her mental health, because she's well adjusted, because she has all her family, etc. But remember, "there is beauty to imperfections" they make you who you are. Powder is an alternative version of Jinx but she is not "better" than Jinx. So one perspective is that Jinx no longer struggling is bad because it takes away representation for the mentally ill and it gives a poor message to them ("you would be better if you didn't have your illness").

2. Yes, people DID want to see Jinx get worse, and for multiple reasons. The first one I'll talk about is game accuracy. Arcane is based on the game League of Legends and in that game Jinx is an EXTREMELY unhinged character she is constantly bombing piltover with a smile on her face. She has a lot of Joker vibes in the game and because the show is based on the game people expected Jinx's character to go in a similar direction in the second season. When her character did NOT go down that path it left people feeling disappointed, ESPECIALLY since the finale of s1 suggested that Jinx's character was going to go down a darker path. People thought that with Jinx firing the weapon at the council and with Silco dying, Jinx was about to go apeshit and wreak havoc. But she didn't. Instead she got really calm.

Another reason why people would have preferred to see her go on a downward spiral is because villainy is entertaining. Jinx's character was already antagonistic in season one she was already doing bad things and it was a major reason for her popularity. What she did was wrong and incredibly tragic but it was also really fun to watch. People liked how incredibly twisted she was and wanted to see more of that side of her and they didn't get to.

3. Jinx's characterization in season 2 goes against a major message and takeaway from season one and by doing so it undermines season one. Season one discussed Jinx's inner conflict of identity and the past vs the present. At the end of the season Jinx finally decided who she was going to be. The message of the finale was ultimately that you can't change the past and you can't change who you used to be. All you can do is accept yourself and live in the present. That is a really powerful and strong message that we all need to hear and it was a lesson Jinx needed to learn. But in season two Jinx doesn't act on this lesson. She decides she's not going to be herself she's going to be who she used to be. This goes against a key theme in season one and that was incredibly frustrating to watch.

4. The direction of Jinx's character in season two was just bad writing all around. Not only did it go against who Jinx was set up to be in s1 and it went against the message of s1, it also just broke general writing rules. Character arcs are supposed to be progressive. We're supposed to see characters grow and evolve. We see Jinx go through this in season 1, she goes from "Powder" to "Jinx". But in season two Jinx's character is REGRESSIVE, it's about going back to the way things used to be. She isn't growing, she's shrinking. She's not evolving as a character she's reverting back to who she was at the start of the show. Season one ends with the promise of Jinx becoming herself and acting on her identity more confidently. This promise is immediately broken in season two, with Jinx LITERALLY saying the line "Jinx is dead." In season two Jinx acts nothing like how she acted in season one, she quickly reunites and reconciles with her original family and she even goes so far as to start answering to the name Powder again. This just feels like a complete betrayal of who she was in s1 as well as a complete betrayal of season 1 itself.

So TDLR there's many reasons why some are upset at the calmness of Jinx's character and there's many reasons why they SHOULD be upset. I think it's natural to want to see your favorite character happy but I also think it's natural to expect the story to behave organically and the direction of Jinx's character didn't feel organic.

are people seriously mad Jinx got better as the show went on? Like really? You would have been happier if she continued to be tortured in that way her whole life? Yall do realize she’s ill right? Idk i don’t get that but I like the character so 🤷🏻

[velvetvexations]

Not really related to the whole trans-med discussion you have right now, but this ordeal reminded me of something that happened a few years ago, and I wanted to talk to someone about it.

When I was around 16-17 I had an art account on a different social media platform and drew and posted mainly transmasc art. Mostly got the normal harassment trans artist typically get from transphobes that I could easily ignore, and some trans-meds here and there. But there is apparently also a group of trans people that believes "trans-med" means "any trans person who medically transitions/supports medical transition" or something and that depicting medically transitioning trans people is somehow "forcing them to medically transition" (<something I have actually been accused of over my art by multiple people. Mostly adult trans people. Really confusing. How can anyone be that insecure over their identity that they feel threatened by a piece of art? I mean. Just don’t look at it if it pisses you off that much??)

The reason I had to deactivate the account and leave social media for a while was when I made an artwork of a trans man with phalloplasty. As predicted, even more transphobes started attacking me, but I could ignore that, and I expected that. Because transphobes are predictable. Worse and much harder to ignore were the trans people who then started flooding my account and harassing me over "being a trans-med" simply because I made ONE artwork that included a phalloplasty dick.

Because apparently, the only reason people would ever want to get a phalloplasty is because they’re trans-med and believe that to be a "real man" they need a penis. Because why else would one get such an "ugly" and "disgusting" surgery? (fully ignoring that 99% of my artwork didn’t include bottom surgery, or no visible genitalia at all; not that that should change anything. Even if I drew only phallo (or meta) dick art, that doesn’t justify harassing me?)

I was accused of lying about my age, that I was a grown man trying to manipulate young trans boys into "mutilation" by making them want to "sew a rotten meat tube to their vulvas" (what a disgusting way to refer to phallo…); by trans people and transphobes alike. In the exact same phrasing. The only difference was that transphobes called them "little girls" and also talked about mastectomies in the same way, while trans people called them "young trans boys" and had mostly no problem with top-surgery. And the trans people didn’t even recognise that what they were doing was just spewing straight-up transphobic rhetoric.

Some people even sent me stuff like "congrats, you’re just a cis man now. Get out of trans spaces" or "there’s nothing special about you because you have a dick. Leave real trans people alone" because of the assumption that I had bottom surgery. Even if I did, that would still be wrong. Reducing transness to genitals is extremely fucked up. Trans men with phalloplasties aren’t any "less trans" than trans men without bottom surgery? What logic is that even?

All that while at the same time actual trans-meds were harassing me for drawing a trans man with visible breasts.

Its just... How can people go so far against trans-meds that they end up just as transphobic as they are, just hating on a different group of trans people? Or targeting a different group of trans people, rather, because they also hated me as a non-transitioning trans man solely because I… support people’s right to choose medical transition, and to not medically transition?

It’s been a while since that happened. Still confuses me a lot.

I'm very, very sorry you went through that, anon. <3

[hermanoga]

I relate to Lu Guang a bit too personally. And whether that's for better or for worse I don't really know.

For me, timeloop and timelines are metaphors for how we cope with PTSD. Lu guang's character flower is forget-me-not. It's about remembrance. Even though the object of melancholy is cheng xiaoshi, I think it's more about lu guang's perception of his personal grief that's being portrayed here.

Talking from my experience and the meagre knowledge I have about subjective perception of time, reconstructive memory is the most significant tool to negotiate with one's trauma. While coping with PTSD, we

1. Continually revisit the same traumatic memory again and again even though it's traumatic enough to immobilize us to the point of causing physical agony

2. We dissociate. Even though fundamentally our cognitive system functions in such a way that constantly blur the division between reality and imagination (meaning that none of us in any state can have a concrete sense of absolute, objective and non-fragmented reality, our sense of reality is a version of reality which we subconsciously create, hence our subjective biases are mixed with the version of reality we create), post traumatic encounters with this cognitive function feels jarring.

The multiple timelines we have seen so far may really have been the overlapping of different lines/stages of reconstructive memories Lu Guang has created so far for himself. Two poles of the spectrum of extreme grief are the death of the person grieving or the person finally being successful to manage to overcome the loop of trauma.

With some amount of needed sobriety, I can say...Cheng Xiaoshi really died. And his death is really unchangeable. Up until Yingdu episode 3, this is my most honest theory. I hate to say this but...it is a doomed love story that was doomed even before the narrative began. Or probably it was never about love at all, but about grief and reconciling with our grief? Omg Given vibes.

If the storytelling shifts in a way where I will feel : wait, the timeloop is actually happening and it's beyond lu guang's mindscape and memories and it is really fantasy and supernatural so I should change my spectacles and DIVE IN...then it's a different story (which I personally yearn for)

what should I say? Lu Guang reminds me of a phase of me I have already left behind and grown out of it for good. It will be realistic to make it a story of grief and reconciliation but...well that's just too sad. There is no other justification, it's just sad. I know good literature/art is not escape from real problems but rather poses a mirror to it but...it's just...sad...

...

was it my fault that I came here expecting an epic Achillean love story? maybe. And that will be... *sigh*. I'll think twice before choosing any media which is not 'canonically' a love story.

I came to watch link click with those expectations. Like mdzs? there are impossible perils and inhuman agony of separation but somehow...they get their deserved happy ending at the end.

The rhetoric of "probably...in the next life, we will meet each other again" is well good and fantastic but the problem is I will not be the same person in my next life writing this Tumblr meta. I am a fragile human, I only live for once. (I also dream that in my next life I will overthrow capitalism but ykw that's saved for the next life and I can't really have full authority over what my next meal will be)

Vulnerability and acknowledgement of vulnerability is central to link click and honestly it gives it the most power. Fragility of human existence, mundane or grand, is portrayed in a very poignant way. And love is just an emotion that somehow persists in remembering our deceased loved ones ...*me getting all cranky when love is not a metaphor for revolution that defies the rules of the universe*

well, honestly, ugh, I don't have much hope for Shiguang sailing. So much focus on Lu Guang's grief makes my chest heavy and tired to some extent (I am NOT criticising link click and calling it bad, NO). Love is so central to link click that if I have to reconcile with myself at the end saying : it's ok, it's a good show, great show, everything is good just don't ever think about shiguang...but HOW THE FUCK AM I NOT SUPPOSED TO THINK ABOUT SHIGUANG. Why did you make them obviously gay and so hamlet-horatio coded in love. tragic chinese time traveller boyfriends?

[inappropriatestork]

So I've been staying off Tumblr for MONTHS to avoid Good Omens season 2 spoilers because I was having a whole executive dysfunction thing and took forever to get around to watching it.

Well, today I finally did, and I realize I'm late and all, but WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT.