#i'm not sure if a good person would run for the hills in that situation

[decayingdarlings]

Trying to figure out if i'm setting healthy boundaries or just a spineless coward who runs at the first sign of hardship

[mummybear]

My Brother's Best Friend - Chapter 6 - Mystic Wolf

Words: 3523

Warnings: Swearing, Talk Of Mates And Marking, Dirty Talk, Stiles Loosing Control, Think That's All :)

Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Reader/You/Sadie McCall, Theo Raken, Scott McCall, Allison Argent, Talk Of James (OC), Alan Deaton

A/N: Sorry about the wait guys! I'm still really struggling with writers block and I've been really poorly lately which hasn't helped! Anyway< I really hope you enjoy this one! I'm also half way through writing the next one :)

Chapter 6 - Mystic Wolf

Stiles doesn’t speak another word to you, he doesn’t need to though, you can feel his anger pulsing through your bond. He quickly pulls you behind a tree and positions himself in front of you. It's strange, it's almost like the feelings you shared before have been amplified. You take a single step closer to him and wrap a hand around his wrist, trying to pull him back with you. You’re pretty sure you know that voice too and nothing good can come from an amped up werewolf Stiles going face to face with him again, not after the last time.

Stiles lets out a deep growl, one you can feel beneath your feet. Just as Theo steps out from the tree line and into view.

Theo whistles with a stupid grin on his face, “I heard that you’d had an upgrade Stilinski, but shit, even I didn’t see this coming.”

“What do you want, dipshit?” Stiles grits out from between his teeth. You move your hand so you can grab his wrist and intertwine your fingers, before plastering yourself to his back, hoping to stop him from doing anything stupid. Your heartbeat is rapid and nervous, you’re so worried about what might happen right now, and there isn’t a thing you can do to stop it.

“I was looking for Scott. I understand he had a run in with my Beta.”

You’re very confused by this version of Theo, what the hell was he trying to pull. He was like a completely different person. Calm and in control, but you’re certain the monster is lying just beneath the surface.

“Your Beta? What the hell are you talking about?” Stiles asks, irritation and impatience rolling from every word. You can feel his body shaking with tension against your own. 

Theo smirks and steps closer, “you’ve both met him. James? I understand that Sadie knows him very well.”

You can’t help your reaction, it's instantaneous, your breath catches in your throat and you tense, gripping Stiles tighter. Stiles gently squeezes your hand back trying to comfort you, but you feel his rage spike.

“Yeah, somehow that doesn’t surprise me. Keep your bitch in line and the fuck away from my mate. You two belong together. Whoever the hell trusted you to be Alpha needs their head testing. But that’s your problem to deal with, so if you and your godforsaken pack can get the hell out of Beacon hills that would be great.” Stiles’ voice is dripping with sarcasm coupled with annoyance. Even though you’re worried about your situation and how Stiles or Theo might react you can’t help but giggle a little, you’d missed Stiles’ sarcasm.  

“I made myself Alpha. Not that I expect a little runt like you to understand what real power is. We don’t plan on going anywhere. Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to speak to your Alpha.” Theo announces and as he turns to leave, Stiles lets out a warning growl, and you can’t help but whimper in response to it. To your surprise Theo turns around too, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

With a sigh he looks Stiles dead in the eyes, “yes?” 

“One more thing. Keep James the fuck away from Sadie. She’s off limits. Not only is she my mate, but she isn’t interested in his caveman act, or his shit attitude and bad breath. He doesn’t listen and I will stop him, that’s a promise.” Stiles tells him with such steadfast confidence, that you can’t help but blush. You know it shouldn’t excite you this way, but your base instincts seem to take over at your mate defending you, and a noise you didn’t know you could make comes from your mouth. You’re on your tiptoes before you can stop yourself, trying to nuzzle his neck. 

Stiles tries not to react but you feel him relax against you, and without even trying you’ve split his attention. Theo laughs, “Sure, I’ll tell him. But he won’t listen. He will come for her, so make sure you are ready to stop him. I’d say good luck, but I don’t care either way.”

Neither of you have a chance to reply, the second Theo starts to walk away Stiles snaps and picks you up and pins you against the closest tree.

“Such a little troublemaker, Minx. You already know that nobody else is allowed to hear those pretty little noises you make.” Stiles purrs, taking both of your wrists in one of his hands and pins it to the tree above you as he nuzzles your neck. 

You let out a cry of pleasure when his teeth scrape against your skin, you grip him tighter with your legs and roll your hips against him. Feeling his cock straining against his jeans, “you know what I want, Stiles,” you pant breathlessly.

“I’ve already told you, if I start, I won’t stop. As soon as I’m deep inside you, feeling your pussy dripping wet all around me, I won’t be able to stop myself from sinking my teeth into your neck and claiming you.” Even the spoken words seem to have an effect on both of you, your grip tightens on you as you shiver against him. 

He lets out a shaky sigh as he presses his lips to yours softly before pulling away, “this pull between us is getting harder to resist and I’m hanging on by a thread,” he whispers the last part dropping his head onto your chest, carefully releasing your arms. Your hands drop to his head and you softly run your fingers through his hair. He lifts his head and meets your eyes. 

“I swear, I really am doing this for you, I know that’s probably hard for you to believe, or even understand but…” you stop him pressing a finger to his lips.

“I know you are. I can see how hard this all is on you,” you can’t help but giggle at that statement hoping to lighten the mood, and luckily Stiles is unable to hold back his own smile as a blush stains his cheeks.

“Yeah, no kidding,” he laughs with a roll of his eyes.

“You’ve been so incredible, Stiles. I have no idea how you haven’t snapped yet. Frankly, I’d never blame you for that, I couldn’t. Even if I couldn’t feel it through our bond, I know all you want is what is best for me, to protect me.”

“Always,” Stiles smiles and lets out a breath. You unwrap your legs from his waist and he carefully helps you onto your feet.

“I shouldn’t have let that prick get away though, I need to text Scott.” 

“Tell him we’re going to see Deaton now if he needs us.” 

Stiles quickly does as you say, though it’s obvious he’s reluctant to even let go of you for a minute. 

“Are you sure you’re ready?” he asks, as worry pulses through the bond.

“I promise, Stiles. Nothing that he tells me will change my mind. I’ve wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember. A few obstacles or difficulties won’t change my mind, I’d have been there for you even if it was just as your friend. This just makes me more invested to make sure that you turning into a wolf hasn’t harmed you in any way.” 

“That means more than you know, especially given all this fucked up shit going on. Just don’t speak too soon, please. I can’t get my hopes up yet, it will kill me if you decide against us.” He sighs as his phone pings before you can reply, and he looks to find Scott has messaged back.

“Scott says they’re with Deaton at the clinic already. Are you ready for this?” he asks, holding out his hand for you, which you eagerly take hold of.

The entire walk to the clinic is quiet between the two of you, but it’s nice, oddly comforting. Not that you have any idea what the two of you might face, but this time together with no pressure at all makes a change. It feels like it’s been non stop pressure since Stiles first burst back into your life. You can’t quite work out how it’s been such a short time since then, less than a week ago you had been planning to move on from him for good because you couldn’t wait for him forever. Now here you both are, walking down the street hand in hand, wondering what on earth the next few hours will hold for you both. Whatever it does hold, you just hope that Stiles will be okay, because you would never tell him, but you terrified whatever type of werewolf he is might be dangerous for him. Though you’re not worried he’d ever hurt you.

Stiles gently squeezes your hand, pulling you from your thoughts.

“Hey minx, I can feel you thinking… literally. Talk to me,”

You huff out a laugh. “Sorry, I’m okay. I guess I’m just wondering what Deaton will say about us, about all of this. I’d just like to have a year where something massive and life changing doesn’t happen, I dunno. Ignore me,” you sigh, a slightly self-deprecating laugh leaving your mouth.

“Don’t do that, don’t downplay this shit. I get it. Everything with Scotty has taken years to settle down. Last year you lost your best friend in some shitty accident, then all of this with me. You have every right to feel the things you’re feeling. Just promise me, you won’t shut me out. I want to be there for you, like I said even if you decide against us going forward with our bond. I would never hold that against you, I’ll never stop being there for you. You’ll always be a part of me.” Every word he speaks settles around you like a comforting blanket, and you can’t stop the grin from breaking out on your face.

“Thank you,” you whisper, emotion clogging your throat as you blink away your tears. “I can’t believe you said all of that without any sarcasm attached. And to think I was considering moving on from my obsession with you a week before you came back.” You can’t help but laugh when he tugs you to a stop and steps in front of you with his hand over his chest.

“I should be offended by that,” he smirks, stepping closer and pulling you into his arms. “Guess I’ll just have to count myself lucky I came back in time to stop that momentary insanity huh?” 

You wrap your arms around his neck, his eyes glow purple as you lean in and softly press your lips to his. His hands settle on your hips when you pull back, “this bond packs a damn punch,” Stiles chuckles with a slight wince while resting his forehead against yours. It’s only then that you realise you’ve stopped outside the clinic. 

You swallow thickly feeling the way your body reaches for him, almost like your soul is reaching for his own. It’s actually painful when you both pull away from each other, so Stiles takes your hand once again. You walk backwards slowly in front of him, with a grin.

“You sure you don’t want to just go back home. We can finish this right now Stiles.” 

“Fire. Minx, you’re playing with fire,” he rasps, as a blush creeps up his neck and he adjusts himself in his pants and rubs at the back of his neck.

You both walk through the door and come face to face with your brother, who quickly pulls you into a big hug, you melt against him as you wrap your arms around him.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Sadie.” He lets go of you and gives Stiles a quick hug too.

“Did you guys have any trouble on your way over here?” 

You look at Stiles who lets out a huff, “yes. We should talk after… well this.” 

Before Scott can reply, Deaton walks into the room.

“Ahh, Stiles, Sadie. Good to see you both. As we discussed Scott, I think it’s best if this conversation is between the three of us. We’ll call the rest of you back soon.”

With a nod of his head Scott and the rest of the pack leave the clinic. You, Deaton and Stiles gather around the examination table. Stiles reaches out and wraps his fingers around your own, and you let out a shaky breath, “It’s okay, me too,” Stiles assures you, a barely there smile on his lips.

“Are you both sure you want to talk about this now?” Deaton asks thoughtfully, looking between you both, you’re certain your nerves are written on both of your faces.

“Kind of need to, Doc. We’ve agreed, the sooner we know what we’re up against the better,” Stiles tells him for both of you, unconsciously edging closer to you. 

“I would have to agree. Have you both been doing okay? Adjusting? I realise it’s only been two days but you seem relatively calm, all things considered.”

It feels as though your skin is itchy and you know the only thing that will stop the itch, so you do what your body wants and tuck yourself under Stiles’ arm. Blushing when both men stop to look at you, “sorry,” you whisper a little embarrassed.

“No need to apologise, it’s perfectly normal. I’m honestly surprised you lasted that long, I have to confess I’m also impressed that we’re even still able to have this conversation before you’ve fully mated with one another.”

Stiles clears his throat, “so… where should we start, Doc?”

“Well, from the little we know about the wolf you seem to have, it is a very rare kind. It’s also not known why and how people gain this particular type of wolf. However, there are a few things I can tell you. One of the main things is that we have no idea how the Mystic Werewolf occurs, only that as I say it’s extremely rare. It’s also been told that the Mystic is one of the only wolves able to resist the true Alpha’s influence, and in fact your power could rival that of Scott’s power. We also know that Wolfsbane doesn’t have an effect on you, at least, not to the extent it does on every other wolf. Once the two of you are mated, if that's the path you choose, then you’ll be able to mind link with each other, but only with each other. There is also the distinct possibility that Sadie might gain some of your powers, once mated. Although, if you choose to become a wolf, Sadie, there is a high possibility that you’ll also become a Mystic wolf. No matter who is the Alpha of your pack, your mate will consider you her Alpha, Stiles.” Deaton pauses, watching you both carefully as you both try to digest everything you’ve heard.

Stiles swallows hard and you’re sure you heard it, “okay. My first question is… is Sadie safe with me? Am I dangerous? To her, to anyone else?” 

Deaton frowns a little in confusion, “Stiles, I can see what this means to you. But I assure you, you’re only as dangerous as any other werewolf. As much as Scott is to Allison, though from the amount of restraint you’ve shown I know that your bond to one another is incredibly strong. There are some whispers that the Mystic wolf can shift into a full wolf and control the transition so they don’t lose themselves to the animal. However, that was one rumour that I couldn't confirm. But if you want my opinion, Sadie is safest when she’s with you.” 

You feel Stiles sag with relief as you press close to him, almost like his scent is stronger now you’re inside again. The rumble that leaves his chest makes you whimper and his fingers grip you tighter, pulling you closer. 

“If I make her mine, mate her, will she turn or is that a separate thing?” Stiles asks, his voice almost a growl now, you can see his wolf in his purple eyes, feel him clawing to take you.

Deaton swallows looking between you both, clearly the tension in the room has gone up quite a lot in the past ten minutes, and Deaton can sense that Stiles is barely holding it together.

“No, it’s completely separate. Marking is something that must be done while you’re mating. Changing someone is completely separate.”

“Alpha, please,” you whimper, feeling the cramps in your stomach again, but these are so much worse than anything you’ve ever felt before. 

Stiles growls and pushes you up against the closest wall. You whine a little at the pain but that’s soon forgotten when you feel him press against you. His breath is hot and fast against your mouth. His hands are fists beside your head pressed into the wall. You arch towards him and lick your lips desperate to feel his skin against yours.

“Doc? Does mountain ash work on me?” Stiles snarls, as his fists slam through the wall by your head.

“As far as I know.” Deaton responds calmly. 

“Do it, please. Stop me. I can’t do this here. We’ve waited too long, I won’t take her here, not like this.” Stiles whispers, eyes never leaving yours even when Deaton leaves the room.

You keep your eyes locked on Stiles as you begin to tug at your coat. Feeling the sweat rolling down your neck, you're unbearably hot. Stiles licks his lips as his eyes fall to your breasts, still covered by your t-shirt.

“Fuck. You want it, don’t you, my little Minx.” 

You lean in close, your breathing ragged and push up on your tiptoes and press your lips to his ear. “Told you I’d still want you. My big bad Alpha,” you purr, wishing he’d move to grab you but he keeps his hands buried in the wall.

“Stop it, Sadie. I’ll hurt you right now and I don’t want that.” 

You hum out a pleased noise as you look up at him, “Make it hurt then, baby. I wanna know, when you take me and make me beg for it, where are you gonna put your mark?” Stiles only growls low and deep in response. You tip your head to the side and bite your lip as your fingers skim the side of your neck, “here?” you ask breathy and desperate, “or here?” you whisper once more, brushing your fingers over the top of your breasts. Tipping your head back you expose your throat to him, desperation clawing at you painfully. 

Stiles finally snaps and leans forward and you feel his entire body shudder as he licks up your throat and nips at your chin. He rips one of his hands from the wall and his hand gently smoothes over your breasts with a gentle squeeze, he uses a little more pressure his hand pushes over your collar bone and comes to settle around your throat. He buries his nose in the side of your neck and inhales deeply.

“All fucking mine, taste so fucking good.” Stiles groans deeply, you squeeze your eyes shut as you feel the last of his control snap. 

However, before he can make contact a cloud of dust envelopes the pair of you and Stiles is ripped away from you. You hear a massive commotion but you can’t react. All you can do is sink to the floor, unable to hold yourself up anymore on your weak legs. You are vaguely aware of the snarls and growls just across the room, but all you can do is whimper as you collapse to the floor. The world around you goes dark as you slip into unconsciousness.

Stiles POV

I stop fighting Scott to get back to his sister the second that I hear that whimper and I watch, helpless and terrified as my mate collapses to the floor. I whimper helplessly pushing at Scott much less aggressively, desperate need and terror clawing at me. I’m unable to take my eyes from Sadies still body as Allison drops down beside her to take her pulse. I can hear her heartbeat but I allow it, what the fuck have I done. I drop to my knees as I look at her laying there in a heap, helpless and all I can think is that this is all my fault. 

Scott gets down beside me as he rests a hand on my shoulder, he meets my eyes. 

“Don’t go there, Stiles. Not your fault. You’ve both waited way longer to mate than is usually even possible. I know why you did and I’m glad you got all of the information before doing anything, we’ll all get you both back home. You both need food and rest, then go from there.” 

I give him a stiff nod as I slowly make my way towards her and carefully pull her into my arms, holding her close to my chest. I will make this all right, I’ll make everything perfect for her.

Tags: @julzdec @lettersofwrittencollective @mogaruke @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone @lilulo-12 @charmed-asylum @defenderrosetyler @emilyshurley @foxyjwls007 @mylovelydame21 @akshi8278 @peaches007 @stylesismyhubs @peachyyybabyy @fantasy-myth1 @death-unbecomes-you @coffeebooksandfandom @magssteenkamp @screamxqueenx94 @brien-odylan @riseandshinelittleblossom @ceceliaking-18 @mrs-mitch-rapp93 @missindecision @deans-number-one-fan @onethirstyunicorn @flintthegoodboyo @ilovewriting06 @sexualtensiongrowing

[inconspicious-random-thoughts]

I want to talk about this moment. I love episode 5 so much..its just have soooo many goodies in it.

So episode 4, my heart went out to Angel Dust.

Episode 5, my heart went out to Husker. We didn't witness Alastor physically abuse Husker like how Val was brutal to Angel. But Husker appeared down right more terrified than Angel was in the last episode. I'm guessing Angel just grown a little more use to it, so his reactions are not as extreme when fearing for his soul as its more a common occurrence.

But it was heart wrenching to see a level headed, sturdy rock, stoic guy just shake violently in fear. I just wanted to hold and soothe the giant winged cat.

To witness Alastor be two faced...well, that's completely unfair, we know he capable of such an act. But to turn so quickly against his own "employees" that I assume is one of his top favorites.

Husker was only trying to give a caution advice/warning to Alastor before slipping a snide remark to cause Alastor to snap.

It was really, really bad timing on Husker part. I'm not saying he deserved it but he should have seen it coming. He knows Alastor most beside possibly Rosie and Mimzy, he observant and strong ability to read people and situations he must knew that Alastor was about to snap. The situation was basically the same as putting your hand out to pet a dog and the god responded super aggressive and snarling...only for the person to stick their hand out more and got surprised the dog bit. Tho, its unstandable Husker comments was out during the heat of the moment.

Alastor was already was beyond irritated. Lucifer has officially got under Alastor skin. Then Mimsey showing up, which I'm pretty sure Alastor has suspect why she showed up, to clean up her mess. Bad timing again. Then Husker stupidly pushed Alastor last button by slipping the comment of being on a leash. Which, on top of who controls that leash, along with what went on during the 7 year absence that Lilith also had a 7 year absence (possible together)...I also wonder HOW Husker knew about that. I doubt Alastor would confide to anyone about making a deal like that. So wither Husker was present when Alastor made a deal that made him on a leash or Husker as a gambler and bartender is just that good at reading people and most situations.

Did anyone notice when Husker pulled Alastor away from the tour group, Alastor (sounded he was restraining his frustration in) "What is it?" had no radio-ness sound to his voice? AM I the only one notice that. Or am I just crazy that I somehow not hear it.?

Can we talk about that please?! Someone talk about that!

If that isn't a tell Alastor wasn't completely at the edge should had Husker run for the hills.

This episode had so many Alastor slip ups/losing composure and Im eating it up. Especially Alastor leaning down to the King of Hells face to say Fuck you. Not witty banter. Just a irritated curse out. It was delivered beautifully. It's been 3 nights and I'm still riding that high.

I really have no idea where I'm going with this post and I'm probably rambling, but I really enjoyed this episode.

[teencopandthesourwolf]

Darling one <3 my prompt word is "tummy ache" which is alarmingly fitting right now.

hope this helps, boo!

.

It's early, too early for daylight.

Derek opens his other eye and assesses the situation: puffs of air on the back of his neck, too abrupt for normal breathing. 

Beside him, Stiles doesn't so much shift as jerks a little, as if he's trying not to move any more than that small amount. 

"Hey, you doing okay?" Derek whispers.

Beacon Hills sheriff might have an inkling that Derek has been climbing though Stiles's perpetually open window for the past two years or so—in the daytime. But Derek is positive he doesn't know about the sleeping-with-his-only-son part that has been happening for the last few months. Because Derek is still alive.

So. Whispering it is.

Silence.

Then a pitiful, drawn out groan. 

"Stiles?" 

More groans. Then a croaked, "I'm dying."

Derek is on Stiles in a millisecond. "What is it? What's wrong? Stiles? What's—" and his hands are flying over every inch of the kid. 

"Shit, Der, I'm not really dying," Stiles whispers back, batting Derek away. 

Derek wouldn't need to be looking at Stiles to know the face he's pulling.

"Ugh, feels like it though. My tummy hurts so fucking bad right now. I can't get comfy, I can't get back to sleep and I hate everything and everyone and I would honestly be perfectly okay with passing over to the other side, now. Like. RIP me. Swear to God, Der, the afterlife never sounded so good." 

Derek rolls his eyes. His very human boyfriend is so very fucking dramatic. 

Boyfriend.

Thinking about him and Stiles like that still makes Derek's stomach flip like he's fourteen again. Even when he's smooshed up right next to him in bed. He wonders if that will ever change and immediately doesn't think it will. 

Derek peers down through the gloom at a pained looking Stiles, then instinctively flicks his eyes to the numbers glowing a dim blue on Stiles's alarm clock. 

4:32

Stiles is about to say something but Derek quickly silences him with a hand placed across his mouth, essentially gagging him. 

Just when Stiles looks as if might sink his teeth into Derek's fingers, there's an ominous creak on the landing, and they both simultaneously stop breathing. 

Thud. Trickle. Drip, drip, drip. Flush. Running water. Creak. 

The town's sheriff is nothing if not habitual.

After another moment, Derek removes his hand but puts a finger to Stiles's lips to tell him to stay quiet. Then he strokes Stiles's cheekbone as he shifts a bit in the bed, until he can place his other hand gently on Stiles abdomen.

Derek now focuses all of his thoughts and senses on Stiles, until there's only Stiles, everything Stiles is. Until he's aware of Stiles's pain. Until he is Stiles's pain. Derek's face twists a little with what is a really nasty, sharp feeling but looks up to thankfully see Stiles's features smoothing out as the hurt drains from his body. 

"Dude," Stiles whispers, before his eyes widen and he's slapping his own hand over his mouth—his dad could still be awake. 

Derek un-grits his teeth and cracks his neck, removing his touch from Stiles and flexing his hand a few times as the pain in his arm starts to fizzle away. 

Better? Derek asks silently with raised brows. 

Stiles grins so big it makes Derek's heart thump harder in his chest. 

Dude! Best. Boyfriend. Ever! Stiles mouths back, in such an exaggerated manner Derek's pretty sure even a person who speaks no English could tell what he said. 

Given the current hushed situation, Derek supposes he'll let the dreaded 'dude' slide.

(Realising for the first time that he's completely head-over-heels in love with this adorable idiot has absolutely nothing at all to do with it).

[dee-morris]

I Think We Moved on Too Quickly from Coffee Theory

Yeah yeah I know. But hear me out.

When I watched the season two finale the first time, I felt blindsided by it. From a narrative perspective it made sense, bc Neil Gaiman said that he needed to set up the situation that would make season three possible and okay yeah, that probably meant putting Crowley and Aziraphale in weird and different places. I got that. But from a character perspective it felt like a huge reversal from Aziraphale's behavior throughout season two, and of course that led me to look for outside factors that could have caused it.

After talking about it with Internet friends, reading lots of metas, thinking and discussing and watching the season over again, I decided that it wasn't necessary to believe that Aziraphale had been drugged. Most of what he said and did could be explained by careful study and analysis. Once you realize that Metabitch's presence in the bookshop is a veiled threat, everything else falls into place.

Nevertheless.

I definitely DO NOT Believe that Aziraphale was brainwashed or mind controlled by the coffee. His behavior during the Final Fifteen was frenetic, desperate, little bit manic. Definitely not the behavior of a mindless zombie. But nevertheless.

I still think that there was too much emphasis on the coffee for it to be a simple prop. Is it a literal macguffin or a symbolic one, that I'm not sure. I could see it either way. It might be just a symbol of the Sophie's Choice that Aziraphale had been presented with, or... There might have actually been something in the coffee.

The show makes a point of telling us that celestials can be affected by human poison. Almonds are symbolic in the Bible, and cyanide smells like almonds. Again, Aziraphale's behavior at the breakup scene was not that of a brainwashed person, but what if the Metatron TRIED something like that and it didn't completely work?

Aziraphale didn't want to follow the Metatron until after he drank the coffee. And even then he turned and looked at Crowley, and he didn't move until Crowley told him to go ahead. (Cue the Breaking Bad Walter Screaming in the Car meme) What if whatever the Metatron tried on Aziraphale only kind of worked? Just enough to make Aziraphale a bit dizzy and suggestible, but being close to Crowley mitigated the worst of it. That's why Metatrash needed to separate them.

Aziraphale is very clever, and if he knew he'd been drugged he would also know better than to let on that it hadn't worked completely. Cue the weird off-key phrases that are ALMOST in character but still pretty damn weird. "Heaven is the side of goodness, of light" my dude has NEVER said anything like that. He's said that about God, yes, but he's always held a distinction between God and heaven. Or "you're the bad guys" that's just WEIRD, that's a weird thing for him to say, and I will die on this hill. Even during their worst fights Aziraphale has made distinctions been himself and Crowley in terms of their job descriptions, but he's never made a moral judgement like that before, nor has he ever lumped Crowley in with the rest of hell. "They're the bad guys," now that would have made sense, and if it were anyone but Neil Gaiman running this shit I would think that it was a simple scripting error. But Neil doesn't make mistakes like that.

So Aziraphale plays along and tried desperately to communicate with Crowley that something IS VERY WRONG but our favorite disaster demon picks NOW to get in his feelings and ignore the clear and present danger standing outside the bookshop and staring at them. I'm pretty sure "I forgive you" is Aziraphalese for ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??

Again, I don't need my version of Coffee Theory to be real to understand what happened in the Final Fifteen, but it's just an interesting little toy to roll around in my head. There's so much emphasis on that coffee in the show and even in the episode synopsis, I still think there's something about it that we haven't been told.

[zahri-melitor]

Recent Reads: Batbooks to December 2020

Batgirl 2016: Let's run through all the writers.

Hope Larsen (#1-23): I think my most overwhelming reaction to this run was at least it's not Brendan Fletcher. I think Larsen was still struggling with writing Babs as way too young during her run, though it was at least feeling like her early-mid 20s rather than an 18 year old. In terms of direction, it felt a bit aimless at times; it was still trying to find a direction to take Babs in. The best parts of the entire run were a single issue where Babs rescues some kidnapped animals with one of the kids from her coding class and Selina, and a flashback story with Dick looking at their earlier days, that ended with something that ends up turning up a lot over 2016: Barbara's implant shorting out.

There's a constant drumbeat all the way from the end of the n52 run through the 2016 run about Barbara facing the fact that her spinal implant won't last forever, and multiple occasions damaging it. It's clearly a lot of writer time spent setting up justifications to move Babs back into a wheelchair if anyone would sign off on transitioning her back to Oracle full time.

As we all know, that still hasn't happened, but the intent is there; DC editorial just has to commit and set the style on what Barbara should and should not be allowed to do in costume.

Mairghread Scott (#25-36): best writer on Batgirl for Babs since Simone, without a doubt. She does a lot of the work towards putting Babs in a situation where she's accepted she likely only has so long left as Batgirl; she writes the most adult and mature DickBabs since probably Chuck Dixon; and she's clearly fond of pre-Crisis Babs, because she's the one that brings back the concepts of redoing both Babs' relationship with Jason Bard, but also Babs' involvement in political campaigning. It's a run that feels like the intent is to provide a modern version of Babs' past as Batgirl for when she is Oracle again, because the history that n52 gave her was so minimal.

Cecil Castellucci (#37-50): Better than Larsen, not as good as Scott. A lot of this is just continuing playing out the rewritten political history and romance with Jason Bard. Castellucci's just a noticeably weaker writer, and less aware of what's going on with her character elsewhere; Babs is fairly involved in the background of Event Leviathan, which was happening at the start of Castellucci's run, but there is absolutely no acknowledgement that she's just been deep undercover and helping to betray the organisation from the inside. Ends with Babs and Jason Bard being fairly serious about each other and the two having somewhat dealt with what the absolutely appalling events of Batman Eternal and Batgirl causing Bard's leg injury mean in terms of Bard's feelings towards Batgirl and Babs' guilt towards Bard. Ah well. I'm sure they will have a lovely breakup off panel.

Batman and the Outsiders 2019: I am also going to include Bryan Hill's 'Tec run (#983-987) which is the prequel and testing ground for this run.

I enjoyed this, but I was also surprised by this run. I guess I went in expecting for Jeff and Tatsu to be more established and confident heroes than how they were written here. My brain was importing 'these two have been teammates since the 1980s', people Bruce knows well and would trust to mentor two of his sidekicks who needed more personal attention. And yet this run was about the beginnings of that relationship with each other and with Bruce.

I think as a run it had a lot of heart, and gave more depth and rounding to both Duke and Cass' characters in the context of Rebirth. It was interesting in what threads it picked up from both of their earlier stories in particularly 'Tec and All-Star.

I also note the continuity of Shiva in this title with how she was characterised in Tynion's 'Tec. I think Ink is right that this Shiva is interested in the concept of what being Cass' mother means, in comparison to how Shiva's interest in Cass in post-Crisis was far more focused on Cass' potential as a fighter, weapon developed by David Cain, and person who could defeat her; rather than their actual biological connection.

It's interesting, as it's got echoes of how Shiva is fascinated by both Dinah and Tim in terms of she finds them interesting and compelling and she's drawn to push them to be better; and while she did have elements of that with Cass before and not just in Cass' Potential To Kill Her, it now also has overtones of what does being your mother mean to us both? This is a Shiva that I think would still be hung up on Cass even if Cass didn't have the fighting skill she does, which was not nearly as obvious in preboot.

Catwoman 2018 (Joëlle Jones): I could probably subtitle this 'Selina finally properly gets her Rebirth moment'.

I haven't read more than a few issues of the n52 Catwoman run, but I understand it to have been one that went some divergent places. Jones takes the Selina that King had been writing, and goes "well the thing is, you didn't actually ground her in terms of Which Selina Is This sufficiently for her history" and...gives her audience a Selina that is parts Mindy Newell, parts Ed Brubaker, with a sprinkling of Jim Balent and a desire to be doing her own thing and walking that tightrope of crime v crimefighting.

I don't mind Villa Hermosa, as a place to put Selina while she figured herself out after running from the idea of marriage. It was a run intended to reset and regroup, and that's exactly what it did. The occasional fills from Ram V during the period showed the promise of how the following run can be even better, as did his parts of Joker War.

Nightwing 2016 (The Ric Grayson Era): So this really has two parts to it.

There's the first part, #50-58, which goes through 4 writers, 7 artists and accomplishes exactly nothing other than establishing what to my eye looks like a set of dictates from On High: Dick must have no memories and push away his family; Dick must go by Ric; Ric's not allowed to act like Dick or be a hero.

The fact it's plotted by Scott Lobdell certainly does not help the situation, but this is the section that is clearly written with the intention that we might be stuck with this for the long haul. Zack Kaplan's writing on #57-58 works really hard to try and get Barbara (who along with Alfred has been the people really trying to reach out to Dick) to accept that the situation has changed.

And then...Dan Jurgens comes in from #59-#77, and some stability returns to the title. I tend to regard Jurgens as one of those writers who DC can just rely upon to turn his hand to anything and produce consistent house style work. But in this case, I honestly think he is the one who finally pitched "I have a way to make this story work". I don't actually think there was a plan for what was happening until Jurgens took over.

He picks up the threads he's been dealt (Dick has a wiped memory; there are four cops & firefighters running around in Nightwing costumes; Dick has helped them out in an emergency) and blows up the city a little so Dick's natural leadership qualities shine through: and then he gets underway with his actual plans. This is all the Court of Owls' fault. They're the ones who exploited the opportunity of the head injury and secretly brainwashed Dick to forget his past.

It's a cop out, and there is SO much brainwashing over the course of the next 13 issues (Dick ends up with three separate versions of his teen years in his head), but it's clear from the moment all this starts that there is a path out of here. Dick will get his memories back.

This must have been epically miserable to read while the issues were coming out, because it would have felt even more lost when you were getting it dripfed out monthly. But it does turn around from #62 onwards and become a story with an actual trajectory.

Also once the actual story starts, Jurgens manages to get a consistent artist in Ronan Cliquet to work on the title. Which also makes an incredible difference because the art style isn't ricocheting back and forth wildly anymore. I had to chart out how bad the art situation got:

Just look at the Lobdell section. This was clearly something nobody wanted to be involved in and where they were struggling to get it to print.

It's unpleasant and it's probably one of the most miserable eras of Nightwing as a title that I've read, but I have a lot of respect for Dan Jurgens after reading it. Like. That was a massive hole he had to dig the title out of.

Detective Comics (James Robinson, #988-993): This is just a really nice little Bruce Wayne, Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent story, looking at how their past working together affects their present, and setting up a bunch of back and forth about what Harvey and what Two-Face knows. I don't think it does anything particularly revolutionary, but it's just one of those stories that give you a window into how interesting he is as a villain and at causing conflict.

Detective Comics (Peter J. Tomasi, #994-1033): If I were going to particularly comment on something that stood out for me about this run, it's the ways that Tomasi's writing reminded me of Paul Dini's 'Tec run in places, particularly how he focused in on stories with a specific Rogue, and kept changing which one. It wasn't the same one-shot episodical style, but it spent a lot of time with different villains and so made a pleasant counterpart title to Batman, even if it was still very much a Bruce focused title.

I think it got bogged down for a bit too long in the Victor Fries story, and I also think there were a couple of moments where it was very clear that Tomasi was mad about what was happening elsewhere to his Special Little Boy (Damian) and tried to counteract that in the title, with accompanying return of the primacy of Damian over any of Bruce's other kids, but it was a decent run. One that you could pick up any trade in the run as a stand alone read and be able to follow along, which honestly is valuable.

Batman (James Tynion IV, #86-105): Tynion hasn't left the title yet, but I want to discuss it, particularly up to #100. The most interesting thing about this whole run is that it has been, from its very inception, a run that wasn't supposed to have happened. King was supposed to have Batman to #100 but got cut off at #85. Tynion was then a temporary fill on the title and supposed to hand it over after #100 to John Ridley for the Fox family taking over as Batman in all of the 5G storytelling. Then Didio got fired, COVID hit, everything got restructured, and Tynion had to pivot from working up to an event that had been designed to tie off a lot of storytelling and go 'so where do I want to take Bruce Wayne?'

Honestly, I've loved it. The first thing I want to point out is the very clear pivot from 'Tec: Tynion used 'Tec the way it should be used; to tell family and wider universe stories. He therefore took the opportunity with getting Batman to really focus in on Bruce; breaking him down and building him back up. He picks up the plot threads that King has left hanging (Alfred's death; the effect on the city from Bane being in control and Rogues running wild) and sets up to build an event, because Batman #100 was accompanied by anniversary issues in Nightwing #75, Batgirl #50 and Catwoman #25 all within a month. It's a situation that did deserve something big. Four of the big Rogues (Joker; Riddler; Penguin; Catwoman) are reasonably pissed about where Bane left things. Joker does want to stamp his authority on the city and betray the others. The whole run up to #100 is the set up of Joker War and then executing it, including using Alfred's death to specifically isolate Bruce and push everyone else away (because where would we be without one of the base Batman plots), and so in the aftermath, launching into a small stakes plot introducing Ghost-Maker feels like a relief.

It's just structurally really impressive work. Tynion can turn a tale and he can pace a story, which is a relief after King's run, which while it did contain a whole bunch of highs that I enjoyed, was also extraordinarily uneven and beset particularly with pacing issues.

I wasn't hugely optimistic for this run, as I knew it was going to be a lot of Joker, and it's not talked about in the same way his 'Tec run is, but I have to admit I was impressed. I think Tynion's just one of those writers who really understands how to tell stories in a shared universe in a way that tracks other titles, acknowledges past ones, and leaves stories in a good position for future writers, and we always need more of those in comics.

[hevthevoidling]

Hello fellow enjoyers of the bird lore,

I have noticed someone mentioning that Vast is significantly more interesting than Virgil in the story and as a person whose two favourite characters happen to be the paranoia birds I will now throw my brainrot about why these two are made more interesting because the other exists at all of you. I am only midly sorry.

There will be spoilers for lore as recent as 28th of July!!!

1. Magic

Now obviously all of the birds are connected to magic as it is what makes them fly, but the paranoia birds are a bit specific.

Vast has seen magic their whole life, worked with it their whole life, but has been kept away from magic actually works by her "family". To the point that they feel the need to ever know until there was an outside force.

In a very similar fashion, Virgil has seen magic his whole life. Studied it and used it, but was kept away by his family. To protect him, to make sure he was safe. It made him all the more curious, all the more burning for answers.

These two have been kept from how magic works for so long and both needed to find it from an outside source as the people around them didn't tell them, because they weren't trusted enough. Vast wasn't trusted to not defect and Virgil wasn't trusted to stay safe. And well, in the end both the Avicane and Pietro had been right in not trusting the two. (No I am not comparing Pietro to the Avicane in their ideals, I'm just saying that both had doubts about how a pranoia bird would handle a situation and they were correct)

2. Family

This brings to my next point. Both Virgil and Vast are siblings to someone, but here they are put on opposite sides. Virgil is the younger one, Vast is the older one. Vast had killed his younger sister and not only would they have killed another younger sibling, Pietro stayed silent about it. The older sibling protecting the younger to the point that everything is made worse.

Also the older sibling not listening to the younger one until it's too late is very much a plot point in both of their stories. They are just once again on the opposite sides of it.

3. Gender

I will only mention this briefly. The fact that Virgil had the time to come to terms with, who he is and be (at least I assume) comfortable with their gender compared to Vast, who has been thrown for a loop and is only starting to learn the messy soup that is gender is very neat to me. Not really as deep of a point as the other ones, but I think it's important nontheless.

4. Paranoia

Well, I do call them the paranoia birds for a reason. Virgil has been paranoid for a while now the peak of which happened around the Virgil POV ep. 10, which I believe mainly based on the fact that tge quotes at the end of the vod are suddenly ciphered. The thing is Vast has been paranoid her whole life and for a good reason, they killed people. One wrong move and she was on the run or worse killed.

Paranoia has been their whole life and in the end also the reason Vast decided to attempt to kill Virgil. I will even go as far as to say that Virgil might have been one of the first spikes of paranoia Vast has had, I believe right after Erin.

Virgil is new to paranoia, at least to the levels, which he has entered now. New to the fact that there has been an attempt at his life. Clutching a switch blade like a lifeline, just as much as Vast used to hold his sword or the crystal after a particulary gruesome mission, I'm sure.

5. Flock

I feel like their flocks are so different yet so similar and it gives me brain worms. Now neither of their flocks are fully just bird, pretty obvious when it comes to Vast and the latest lore. Obviously, Virgil's flock are mainly corvids, standart birds, but I also will say that the dust bunnies are a part of it in my book (yes, it is a hill I will die on), which is what I think is very similar.

So what is the main difference? Well, I am getting more into headcanon territory with this one, but what knowledge do the dust bunnies have? One from the books. And what about the magpies? They have their knowledge from experience.

Virgil and Vast are the difference of book smarts and street smarts. We obviously see this in other characters, like Mojave and Elwood for example where the difference is just as if not more stark. I don't think there is an another duo in which the flocks copy it so well, though.

6. Avianism

Now bare with me, this is the last one I promise.

So especially with us having confirmed that Vast in fact not a born avian there is now another interesting juxtaposition (I hope I am using this big word correctly, I might not be).

Vast is an amazing flyer, confident in the air, great landings the whole lot.

Virgil on the other hand... Not so much. He falls, takes damage, the landings are not super great and he wears the most uncomfortable looking set of boots I have seen in my life (/lh), which make it all the harder.

Vast was taught to be an avian, Virgil just is. Maybe some would call him a bad avian, because he does not fly as well, while calling Vast a very skilled one, but the joke is that she isn't an avian in the first place.

I just think that there's a great potentially for Virgil off-handedly mentioning how bad he is at flying followed up by Vast shooting back with "at least you are one". Because that's another part that came naturally for Virgil and another part of Vast that was supposed to come naturally, but might not anymore.

This is the end of this dumb little essay, if anyone wants to yell about the paranoia birds with me, feel free to! Have a nice day 🖤

[flagellant]

Hey, this is a weird and heavy question that could land you in hot water no matter which direction you answer in, so feel free to just ignore me, it's not imperative that you answer or anything. But I don't have a lot of kink-positive (or frankly sex-positive) people that I trust and you seem to have put a lot of time and work into that kind of stuff (or maybe it just comes naturally to you! Regardless, I value your opinion).

I don't know how to make my peace with age regression as a kink, or if I even need to. I've done a lot of unlearning when it comes to a sanitized, puritanical mindset that I was raised with. My general opinion now is "if no one's in danger of getting hurt just leave it be". But I can't help but see people who participate in age regression as a huge red flag- depending on their role in the situation. If I'm friends with someone and they tell me they have a "little" persona or whatever sure that makes me internally cringe but mostly I just feel bad for them because they almost always have trauma. (Baby talk makes me wanna barf but maybe that's a me problem). But when I learn that someone is into people who essentially act like a child or a baby in the bedroom, I'm gonna run for the fucking hills. That just seems like a giant red flag to me- if someone is able to get into a mindset where they can be sexual with someone who's acting like a child, I have a hard time feeling okay around that person.

I know you're no professional, and I'm not here to get validation. Like I said, I just value your insight and I'm wondering if you can introduce me to a new way of thinking about this. Am I wrong to write off someone for a sexual preference as long as it's technically between two consenting adults? Should I be challenging my thinking?

If you do take the time to answer this, know that I appreciate you so much. If you can't answer, I hope you have a good day anyways.

I feel as though relatively often there is confusion when it comes to the idea of kink positivity with regards to this sort of context. It can seem confusing or even impossible, because there are those who act as though being kink positive is the same thing as being personally anything-goes, fetishwise. It's just a matter of vocabulary--we hear "kink positive" and logically assume "we need to feel positive about this kink", right?

Except that's really not the case, no more than landback as a movement demands for creating native american ethnostates by "giving all the private property of america back". The reality is always a bit more complex.

For your specific example of age regression as a kink, it's a pretty common sentiment to just not like it and not want to engage with it. I feel that way--it isn't a matter of value or moral, it's just something that on a personal level I don't like and want nothing to do with.

But the key part of kink positivity is that I need to recognize that I can not be into something without making it a moral judgement on those who are. As you say: If the people involved are all consenting adults, it isn't my place to pass judgement or tell them how to live their lives so long as no one is getting hurt. I need to trust that as adults, they are capable of handling their own sex lives without my intervention. It is not my place to butt in and tell people that because I find their kinks gross that they need to watch out for red flags, any more than it would be anyone else's place to do the same to you.

Anon, you seem to be sort of trapped halfway. You are capable of understanding what kink positivity is supposed to be, but you're not--and forgive me if I'm wrong--really willing to seriously examine what "supposed to be" means when your personal tastes are being challenged. You're saying you're not asking me for validation, but you are asking verbatim "Am I wrong to write off someone for sexual preference as long as it's between two consentint adults?".

I don't really feel like I need to clarify the answer on that, Anon. I'll just point out that you should imagine how you would feel if someone wrote you off morally for one of your sexual preferences when it takes place between yourself and other consenting adults, and whether or not you feel the justifications you'd make against that person could be meaningfully different than the ones someone who participates in age regressions would make to you.

At the end of the day, framing it internally as "It seems like a red flag" is just a way to frame your reaction as morally superior. It is a way of saying "I'm not judging this badly because I don't personally enjoy it, I'm trying to help people. Them doing this is dangerous and I need to be involved and even be against them doing this for their own good". It is the same pearl-clutching Puritan thinking as any fundamentalist Christian would, and it leads to the same thing: Telling full-grown adults that how they have sex between themselves is fundamentally wrong and that your dislike at the very idea of them partaking in it takes priority over their ability to partake in it at all.

I'd suggest asking yourself whether or not you feel as though you'd be respected if someone approached you and told you that, yes, they understand that you're a fully grown adult consenting to sex in this manner, but they don't trust your ability to consent because it seems to them as though there's red flags involved and therefore they DO have a right to get involved in your sex life. For your own good, of course. It isn't your fault that you're into something bad like this. You're traumatized. It's just that people who want to have sex with you are actually taking advantage of you and hurting you, and you just don't know it because you're traumatized, so it's up to other people to tell you how you should and shouldn't have sex and who you shouldn't have sex with.

[shaanks]

2-24 even for Shanks 💕

Oh my goodness, thank you bby!! Y'all are gonna hear about Shanks today lmfao. Most of this is gonna be under a readmore bc I've never been able to be succinct but here we goooooo!

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

I love how careful he is about when and how he flexes all that power he has. It was meant to be very on the nose when we were introduced to him via Luffy in the very beginning of the series, but like. His little episode on Whitebeard's ship seemed like he had conqueror's haki out of control, but it was a very purposeful flex, if for nothing else than to show that he took approaching another Yonko seriously. Or the way he chose to handle Greenbull at the end of Wano. Sure it was hard to the new folks on his crew to handle exposure so suddenly, but he sent that like 50 miles out from the ship and hit that jerk in the heart with it. And never even raised his voice about it. Idk I think his restraint and how it manifests is a really interesting part of his characterization.

4. If you could put this character in any other media, be it a book, a movie, anything, what would you put them in?

it's probably on my mind bc of Bernard Hill's recent passing, but I think Shanks would do so well and have a grand old time being elusive and mysterious in Lord of the Rings lmfao. He's got that Aragorn quality of could be in his 20s could be in his 40s who knows, he and Gandalf would probably get a kick out of each other, he'd fucking love the hobbits I am telling you this. (he also, I am very afraid, has that Aragorn quality of 'doomed by the narrative just not quite yet,' but we'll see.)

6. What's something you have in common with this character?

this is hard, I think he's a much more complex and interesting person than I am for the most part, but like. I think it's safe to say he'd mostly rather diffuse a situation than have it become serious when the latter is avoidable, and I am that way too. If the situation is already serious and requires a throw down response that's a different matter, but if we can avoid a serious fight in favor of a little tussle and some drinks, that'd be the way he'd go, and I agree.

8. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

take this one with a grain of salt bc I mostly try not to yuck anyone's yum or argue about differing headcanons, but I really do not fucking like the like. scumbag/villain!Shanks thing that seems to have a semi-popular following. some of that is personal bias, as I think he is a warm, good person who is doing his best, but it also kind of feels like a betrayal of the narrative for him. which I realize is funny coming from the "everything is made up including the source material" guy but here we are. there was a period a few months ago where people were basically just writing him as OP Toji and it made me want to pull all my hair out.

10. Could you be best friends with this character?

absolutely, I adore him, I think he's right about a lot of things, our ethics tend to line up where it matters, I think he's funny and would be fun to be around, he listens well and is a warm and compassionate person. I really like him and we'd get along really well I think. (mostly probably through the lens of my OC bc I'm not like. terribly convinced of my actual in person IRL likeability but in theory, absolutely yes.)

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

I've written about it a little before, but I think the reason he let Buggy go without telling him what Roger talked to him about after the execution wasn't because he didn't want Buggy with him anymore or didn't believe he had what it took to complete that mission, but so that Buggy would have a chance to forge his own way and have his own life. Doing what Roger asked necessitated Shanks--who was widely regarded as having the potential to be the next big legend--to drop out of the running almost entirely. He picked up his crew, he made a name for himself, he became the youngest person (at the time) to gain the title of Yonko, but he also spent a decent amount of time having to like. Lay low on beaches and dick around in the East Blue and play balance keeper and chess master until the man Roger was waiting for appeared. There are more spoilery additions to this that I'll leave out for now but yeah. I think he knew Buggy had all that same potential, and wanted to give him an opportunity to strike out on his own adventure without living in that shadow or carrying their mentor's ghost around.

14. Assign a fashion aesthetic to this character.

oh take this one with a grain of salt too idk that I know any of the terms correctly lmfao but he's very like. when I picture boho in my mind that seems very him. a lot of linens a lot of light flowy breathable clothes. It's pirate!Boho obviously but like. The man is out there wearing birkenstocks as we speak js.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

same standard issue disclaimer as the fandom stuff I don't like, this isn't to yuck anyone's yum, follow your bliss what people ship isn't my business, these are just the ones I personally do not like. shankslu is at the forefront, but I don't really do shanksbenn either?? a LOT of captains and first mates in this series read that way to me but those two don't for me.

18. How about a relationship they have in canon with another character that you admire?

I actually really enjoy his dynamic with Marco. There are some interesting pieces of shared history there but overall the like. Friendly ribbing, amiable hanging out and willingness to cooperate between two of my faves is always very nice to see. c:

20. Which other character is the ideal best friend for this character, the amount of screentime they share doesn't matter?

oh please I think he'd think Sabo was a ton of fun. I know there's an age difference there that makes peership a little different than between the other mid-40s dudes he usually hangs out with, but think about it. Two very powerful people who are carrying the weight of part of this new era on their shoulders, who have a habit of just sort of fucking off out of the narrative and doing things as they please within their own personal parameters, who will just get up and obliterate a guy when that's what the situation calls for? Funny, weird, intelligent guys that love Luffy, believe in him, and want whats best for him? Even if they weren't besties, I think there's a lot of fun overlap for general friendship there.

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it comes to this character? Something you don't like?

something I like: when people recognize that all that soft puppy silly goofy guy exterior, while sincerely part of him, is something that he makes the decision to externalize every day, and is sat atop a deep well of like. sadness and responsibility. there are a lot of people doing a very good job making him a romantic dopey nightmare man without sacrificing that silliness or his intelligence and sense of personal responsibility.

something I don't like: when people start a fic with the disclaimer "Shanks is in here but I hate him lol so he's a lil ooc 🤭🤪" and then he's like. not only ooc but just someone's ex boyfriend or doflamingo or just off-screen doing heinous shit for no reason. Writing a character you hate: can be fun and compelling! I fucking hate Doflamingo, for example, but as a narrative device, as a villain? bar none one of the best and most interesting. Writing a character you hate with the intention of doing a shit job because you hate them? dumb, annoying, and a waste of everyone's time. why include someone you don't want to write about lmfao just pick a different character and be done.

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

i'm drawing a blank, I'm going to be real with you. Like, I can think of a ton of mentor characters, but they don't really remind me of him. I can think of a bunch of like. guardian of the new era characters, that still don't super remind me of him. I think again i've got LOTR on the brain rn but the like. Fellowship of the Ring Aragorn is the closest I'm coming up with and even that's mostly in terms of like. the gentle mentorship of the hobbits, the offbeat sense of humor, and that dedication to a responsibility that he might have been scared to face. IDK. Shanks is a pretty unique guy to me. I'm sure I'm gonna sit bolt upright at 3 AM with a list of 20 people that fit the bill but rn it simply isn't clicking lmfao.

And there we have it!!! My (mostly) comprehensive analysis of Shanks, for you my dear friend. Thank you so much for asking!!!

[cloudycleric]

heyy dude i’m watching ur podcast video rn and i saw some of ur posts about it can you please go more into detail about ur thoughts on this charming man and byler cus i feel like i’ve been screaming into the void about the smiths LMAO. i didn’t really get it w this charming man but i wanna see what you think 🙏

okay so im guessing youre asking for an explanation on this charming man & dont worry i have also been screaming the smiths into the void lately. okay so my thing with this charming man is like, it doesnt fit entirely into the perspective of either will or mike but there are certain parts that i think are just so fucking byler. i think mainly the admiration that the speaker has for the charming man is what really sells it for me; it is very very clear in the song that the speaker has a real deep & passionate admiration for him (& maybe even a crush but i dont think morrissey is ready for that talk yet & also, as a jewish person, he can go to hell.)

we got the first verse & ough DOGGIE this one is real byler coded. "puncture bicycle on the hill side desolate" could be a lot of things but the specific bicycle imagery sticks out to me a lot for obvious reasons i'm sure, originally thinking i was going to talk about how the lyric could parallel the swing set meeting since mike too in a way was left stranded looking for help during that moment before he went up to will,

BUT, i think it fits in even better when you consider will's absence from hawkins. "punctured bicycle on the hill side desolate" could also be imagery of will's bike, because god knows where it is now, & mike is seeing it just in complete misery.

the next line "will nature make a man of me yet?" okay when i tell you i have an interpretation for this one i MEAN IT. nature, in this line pretty obviously, refers to forces beyond one's control, & i once again think this is coming from mike's perspective (thought it could be easily applied to will's). okay hold onto your horses because this one is the wildest in the west

"will nature make a man of me yet?" – mike wheeler's internalized homophobia makes him unable to view himself as a real "man." by the forces of nature taking will away from him, perhaps he views this as a way of the universe trying to make him "man up" or whatever. i know that one makes me giggle so much. it hits harder if you think about it in terms of mike's obliviousness because ough thats so good, but it also can apply to will in the same way now that he's been separated from mike. but im sorry from mikes perspective it hits so much harder

OKAY now we're moving to will's territory. the next line i want to talk about is "why pamper life's complexity when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?" a big theme in this charming man is how the charming man is of a very higher class than the speaker, which can definitely be said about will & mike. so, this could be explaining will talking about how mike's situation is different than his, i have a deeper better explanation,

i think this line could refer to "why think about all the fucking shitty things ever when mike is so great." it's super implied in the show that mike & will always turn to each other when theyre going through a rough period, or that mike is always protective of will/wants to make sure that he's okay, so i think this may be will talking about why he should deal with the outside world, in terms of trauma or homophobia or whatever, when he can just chill out with mike & not have to worry about all that

okay, so. i don't want to talk about the "i would go out tonight" line because i don't really think it applies here & that's okay. but what i WILL go over next is the "this man said, 'it's gruesome, that someone so handsome should care,' " line because all i can think of when i see this scene is in s4 when mike & will are burying the body in the desert & will cant help himself but stare at mike. it's probably really "gruesome" (fucking AUGHHHH terrible) that someone as handsome as mike should care about him & his problems when he thinks that the probability of them getting together really sucks. even though his personality is great too, mike is a very good looking guy i will say myself & i have also thought this since i was a youngin. so the way that he is just so beautiful to will & also to anyone with eyes makes it even worse to be pining over him because god, he's just so fucking pretty?

"jumped up pantry boy, who never knew his place" once again talking about the difference in class between the speaker & the charming man. though i wouldn't go as far to describe will as a pantry boy. but guess what? will never knew his place until after he found mike.

okay finally the last two lines of the chorus but i analyze them out of order;

the "he knows so much about these things" is like OUGH that is VAN SCENE BEHAVIOR. i could 100000% see mike going "will knows so much about these problems i have & exactly how to fix them" or whatever, & in a metaphorical way you could make the argument that will is trying to communicate something along the lines of "return the ring" but trying to get a 1:1 match for that line is a bit tricky & a lot of a stretch since will is trying to convince mike to go for it, BUT what im trying to get at is that the line could parallel how will is giving love advice to mike in the same way that the charming man does to the speaker, & the speaker is as entranced with the charming man as mike is with will

I HOPE THIS ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION! i should really organize this into a manifesto or something

[theseasasleep]

Story of Kunning Palace, E05 (semi-live reaction)

Of all the ways I thought Ning would handle the proposed slander against her beloved Zhang Zhe, the way she actually handled it did not align with my imaginings in the slightest. Sometimes what plays out is really better than the fiction in your head, hee. I did not see her calling out, not the dumb fiancee but the You-daughter. Nor did I foresee her half-drowning her in a jar full of goldfish.

FIERCE

Judging by the all the clips I have gorged on, this particular love line will be quite strong and trend for a while. Sigh. A decade plus of drama watching has whittled my patience for second lead to first lead love lines to whisper-thin nub but everyone keeps commenting on how amazing Zhang Zhe is so.... I guess the wait and watch won't be too grating.

...

I'm not sure I understand.

Zhang Zhe broke or bent his principles to help her on the oath that she'd become a good person thereafter.

Sometime later, Zhang Zhe is condemned to death for this.

Did he naturally get caught? Or did she deliberately sell him out? Was it more similar to the Yan Lin situation in which her people made moves without her knowledge and when push came to shove, she didn't make the necessary moves to upend the conspiracy for the sake of remaining Empress?

Whatever the case, it's clear Ning did many terrible things - some in ignorance, some in knowledge - to accomplish everything she achieved. I think she squared most, if not all of it with herself when weighing it against the ultimate end result... until Zhang Zhe ended up on the chopping block. I don't think she would have been able to write this sin off and once one stone in her ambitious bedrock was overturned, the rest likely came apart. It's why when she knew she was going to die she wanted her death to mean something, to be a reparation of sort to the only person remaining who might accept it because he thought she was worth something, because he's that good.

...

Oh. Oh. Look at the expression on his face as he listens to the patronizing, sexist drivel:

My scrumptious proto-feminist

...

LOL, he did a dignified catwalk and every lady in the room forgot to think and breathe!

I understand, ladies, I understand.

Geez, Ning, Xie Wei had them open a window for you, and only you, so you would have fresh air and bright light, to improve your mood and chances! Not to silently accuse you of being a potential cheat!

Wow, this is all up hill climb, my guy. Get your shoes with the best tread on, Xie Wei.

I know not a drop of Chinese and even I can see that's atrocious. And what did she draw in the corner. A flower? A dancing sun? A really fat, disproportionate hand with a vestigial finger?

And she asks, did she put too much effort into [failing]? Girl. It's so obvious she'd bring out the contrarian impulses of a saint. But maybe it's worth it since we get this face:

Teacher does not approve.

What I am enjoying so much in this scene is the action and counteraction. The way they each boldly challenge the other. She sent up an exam paper so abominable as to be a mockery [of him]; he passes her. She tries to expose her "stupidity" to the rest of the class; he threatens to critique the entire class, turning everyone against her idea.

point:

Counterpoint:

Concession:

Me:

...

I'm not even touching the "dementia." Rolling my eyes and moving on.

But, but, but... How was he so spot on?! How did he guess at reincarnation?! I mean, yeah, he said he doesn't believe in the supernatural but it can't be a coincidence to the narrative that he's the first to come closest to the truth?

Xie Wei: Ning, what's your relationship with Yan Lin? I NEED TO KNOW... *whispers* for science.

Oh, your father asked me to take good care of you in the palace... Yan Lin asked me to help you... By the by, that study partner list? Yeah, another ministry generates it but ultimately it has to run by me. The moment I saw your name I marked you for the palace. After going to so much trouble, it would be stupid of me to release you from palace duties now!

Xie Wei, be like:

...

God. I Hate Ning's Mom.

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.38 Yuppies

Dad had only just celebrated his elder birthday, and was still relatively young and virile, but I remained cautiously aware of his situation changing daily. He complained about his back more and ran less. But even if his age weren't a factor, his interest in athletic pursuits was not nearly as high as mine. Still, I didn't want him to miss an opportunity and asked if he felt like jogging around the Aboretum in Gilbert Gardens. Inviting him on my excursions was weird sometimes because I didn't want to make him feel obligated, and this adventure would be a long one. I probably should have worded the question better, though, because he gave me the deepest of side eye.

"Let me get dressed," he said.

That was the exact situation he didn't want back when we were talking about me living with him. He didn't want a babysitter, and I didn't want to be one. But sometimes I felt like I had to. Hopefully, as we both got used to this transition he was going through, I could find balance.

The weather was gorgeous. It was warm, partly cloudy, and the perfect day for a run in a serene location. I had seen bits of the trail here and there and was curious about how long was the whole thing. Between not knowing and being conscious of Dad, I paced myself and made sure we took breaks. Those made perfect opportunities for us to stretch and stay hydrated.

At the end of the trail, we sat at one of the many picnic tables in the area across the street from the rec center. Dad asked if I had talked to Sophia yet, and I told him I had hung out with her yesterday.

"Oh! So that's where you were all day. Good for you. So, how do you feel?"

I felt a lot of things, heh. At some point, I'd need to talk to him about that bit of fear that wouldn't go away, but I didn't feel like it was the time or place for a deep, personal conversation.

"I can't wait to see her again."

He smiled.

"I'm happy for you."

Our neighbor Eleanor, Chi Chi's mother-in-law, spotted us and came over to say hello.

"I see you boys have discovered the best spot in San Sequoia. How are you enjoying the city so far?"

"It's great," Dad said.

"I grew up here, you know. My family had a tiny little place out in Hopewell Hills back when it was just called 'the hills.'"

She talked about how her family had helped to revitalize the area and rebrand it as a nice little suburban area to raise a family. Over time, however, the yuppies who moved to the neighborhood were better off financially, which subsequently changed the vibe and reputation, undoing everything her family had worked so hard to create.

"Do you have other children?" she asked.

"A daughter. She's living in Mt. Komorebi for now."

"Oh! A little adventurer, huh? I love taking care of children. My favorite age is when we can play together, ha ha!"

They spoke about parent stuff for a little while, and I just sat there and observed. She was a little strange to me, but as they spoke, the more I approved of this little friendship brewing. Dad never had many friends, and he definitely closed himself off after the divorce. Hopefully, living in this friendly town would change that.

[brionysea]

while steve was driving max, lucas, and dustin around during dear billy, there were some lyrics from "hard feelings" by al kerbey from the radio. lucas was looking at max and max was choosing to stare out the window instead of looking at lucas while they played, implying that it's lucas's perspective on the max situation

you talk a lot, but you don't say much in the things you do / you're always right / in all our fights

so lucas can't win arguments with max, which makes things difficult when they're all trying to keep her alive while she's being targeted by the allegorical teen suicide monster and needs to want to keep herself alive. lucas has been trying to get through to her the most, even before the curse, so the difficulty of the situation is framed from his perspective

from as far back as season 2, when lucas got girl advice from his dad after a fight with max, the rule has been "she's never wrong". max is literally always right when she's arguing with lucas, which makes that one line of the song - "you're always right" - perfect. lucas cannot win

during their argument over the party keeping secrets in season 2, the five times max dumped lucas prior to season 3, and the multiple times lucas chases after max in season 4, she usually ends up walking away from him and leaving him standing alone. max mentioned to el while giving her advice that she usually waits for lucas to "fix" whatever happened to cause their breakup, but he can't fix it. this time wasn't a simple, juvenile break up, and you can't "fix" someone's depression. especially not if they actively refuse your help, don't open up to anyone, and isolate themselves

because no one else can shut you down / or turn you around, you should see yourself

this is the part that always catches my attention. it's less specific to lucas and max's relationship, because lucas said during their conversation after max's therapy session that it's not about max being his girlfriend. he's worried about her and wants her to be okay. if someone else could get through to her while he was unable to, he wouldn't care, as long as it helped her. the perspective widens to more than just their relationship at this point of the song

so who can get through to max? the party. el, since she saved max's life and i'm pretty sure she's going to be heavily involved in getting max back in season 5. el was about equally shown in max's running up that hill montage as lucas was. but the lyrics sound more... combative, than el and max's relationship really is. they're adorable, and i love their friendship, but i can't see el getting through to max in the way the lyrics imply; with enough tough love to make her see what she's doing to herself and cut it out

you know whose relationship with max is fairly combative, though? the one person missing from the dear billy group, which is almost a perfect match for the one that went to the tunnels in season 2 (where the "getting grabbed around the ankle by a vine" parallel comes from)? mike.

in the season 4 episode, the group was literally hanging out in mike's basement. mike got two (two!) mentions by name from max. and at the same time, mike was in lenora plotting a way to get back to hawkins with will and jonathan, while will was reminding him (and the audience) that mike is an important factor in saving his friends from danger. mike's absence from hawkins is heavily emphasised, and not for the first time - dustin's reaction when he fully realised they had to deal with the upside down without mike was a lot of panicked swearing, and for good reason from the way things turned out

mike spent season 1 taking care of el, season 2 taking care of will, and then swung back to el again for season 3. he takes care of whoever is at the centre of the story - except for season 4, where he was removed from the centre of the story so that he couldn't help max, they could feasibly lose, and season 5 could be set up

max and mike are usually butting heads, but i would argue that it's always in the interest of getting through to each other, making each other the best version of themselves, and/or keeping each other safe. even when one of them's being unreasonable, like when mike was mad at max for "corrupting" el, max eventually got through to him. he apologised to el and told her he was happy she was friends with max, and they spent the end of the season as a trio. max probably would have been helpful on mike's side of things in season 4, since will was concerned about him but ultimately not all that helpful in giving mike the advice he wanted to hear - permission to break up with el and still have her in his life, basically, which max was lobbying for all throughout season 3. max has never held a grudge against mike (she doesn't hold grudges at all, really, except towards her abuser, and even there she hates herself for it), so she would have been as sympathetic as she has been before (very, for the record - i would point you towards the scene they had in the byers kitchen in season 2) towards his side of things

but back to max: mike has been shown to argue with his friends willingly putting themselves at risk, even if he's the only one in the room doing it (when el was looking for the flayed in season 3, when el and hopper went to the lab in season 2, when will got them the "close gate" message, when el sacrified herself to take down the demogorgon). during that blow up argument in season 3, mike got max on the defensive. "no one else can shut her down," except mike. when he brought up how the girls spied and broke his trust, she started making excuses and her arguments became a lot more aimless and weaker until she generally dipped out of the conversation. there was one pointed look towards mike after that, urging him to trust el's calls on her own powers, but not another word from max on the topic

mike would have been just as stubborn if he was there to see max "risking her life for no reason" instead of el - he tried to drive max away from the party to keep her away from the upside down and out of danger in the first place - and unlike lucas, he would have actually had a shot of out-stubborning her, getting through to her, and/or otherwise helping with the situation. she probably would have gotten defensive and given as good as she got, but i really fail to see how that would be a problem. they both needed that push, and no one else was really around either of them to provide it. mike was a lot of help with will's episodes in season 2, which are similar to the trances curse victims go into in season 4, so emotionally and logistically, there was a mike-shaped hole in hawkins

[dareactions]

I'm a sucker for angst and tragedy, so I'd love to see your take on how Romances would react to an Inquisitor who's become corrupted by Red Lyrium- maybe sort of like Corypheus? God-like powers at the cost of sanity... but it's fiiiine cause they're on *our* side... right?

So, I'll be honest I think a lot of them would dip if this went down, like instantly. Specifically Iron Bull and Blackwall probs? I think they'd either try to make you reach your expiration date faster or run for the hills, but like, what if they didn't.

Also this was written while suffering some real shit health issues so apologies for any spelling mistakes ;; I haven't really been able to move around a lot rip

Cassandra: She isn't one for staying silent. Cassandra watches quietly for the shortest of moments before she voices her concern over the situation, it's hard to not do so to the Inquisitor directly but Red Lyrium makes people temperamental at best. Cassandra is the first to bring up being ready, in case something ever goes wrong. In case they finally step over the threshold Corypheus did. There's something so unsettling about watching someone you know slowly crumble underneath a pressure they have no control over, watching them slowly go from a perfectly normal person to the husk of who they were. Romanced: It's worse when it's someone you love. Her eye keeps searching them for any trace of the person she loves and sometimes, just sometimes, she can see it in the edges of how they look at her but it's not the same. There's nothing to really remove the evergrowing pit in her chest, the way it aches and cracks more and more every day as they go further down a path that Cassandra can't really do much to save them from. Being the person she is, there's that obvious need to protect- but you can only do so much to protect someone from their own downfall.

Blackwall: It's really hard for Blackwall to not just instantly run off. To not tuck his tail between his legs and dash out in the dead of night because he made a promise to follow the Herald, the Inquisitor, someone who stood strong and bravely in the face of disaster- not whatever has taken their place. He does his best to spend as little time around them as possible because in a way they feel like a bigger reminder of his own failings. The inquisitor gave up what is practically themselves for the greater good, and he is well aware he could never even consider following their lead. But that doesn't change the unease, the way he can't help but feels his fingers twitch for a blade whenever they get more obviously inhuman so to speak. Romance: His heart will never recover from this. After everything, all the ups and downs and this might just be what makes Blackwall properly break. He watches their gradual change with a twisted expression of grief and knows he can do nothing. There is no talking someone out of this, once it begins it doesn't really stop. Blackwall can make as many toy horses or wooden ornaments as he'd like, it doesn't ease the stress of knowing the person he loves is slowly dying and he has no power to stop it. The worst part is even if he did, Blackwall isn't entirely sure if he would. They made this choice, a choice that cost them everything but a choice made with so much love for the world around them he isn't sure if he could take that from them.

Dorian: In some ways, it reminds him of Blood Magic. The way the Lyrium corrupts and takes whatever it gets its hands on, and he is equally uncomfortable watching this. Dorian has seen people fall for less and the idea that the Inquisitor is now walking the thin line that most have failed to walk before without tipping in either direction makes him nervous, to say the least. It's heartbreaking, really, to watch someone you cherish and in the past looked to for guidance become this and Dorian will probably never stop questioning if he could've done something. Magic can do so many things but not the thing he wants it to do. Sometimes he sees a hint of the old Inquisitor, and that's almost worse than dealing with the current corrupted personality he sees daily. Romance: Dorian never dealt well with grief, it's not quite an emotion he likes to linger on. And here he is, feeling it heavy on his heart more so than ever, watching the love of his life slowly dwindle into nothing more than a memory. He isn't really sure how to cope, if there is a right way to go around it, or if he can even do anything to help. There is one thing he knows for certain though and that is that people are far too quick to give up hope. Dorian can see his love in the small actions that nobody else seems to notice, the remaining sliver of hope shining like a beacon in the dark. The Inquisitor is slowly becoming more and more corrupted, but Dorian loves them and he isn't ready to give up hope yet and he isn't sure if he ever will be.

Iron Bull: There are some things Bull doesn't fuck with, and demons are one of them. Even if this is different, a corruption, unlike anything he has seen it is eerily familiar. He doesn't want to be on guard around the Inquisitor, they're taking one for the team- they're pushing themselves so far they're willing to become something unrepairable. And maybe that is a part of the reason he feels bad whenever his fingers twitch to reach for his axe when he holds his breath occasionally when they pass. There is a level of trust but it is far more brittle and he isn't sure how to go around it. Bull has seen more stable people do horrible things and the fact that every day the Inquisitor threads closer to something similar to Corypheus horrifies him. Romance: I can't see him not making his stance on the matter very much known instantly, if this was an accidental thing there is just heartbreak- but if the Inquisitor did it as some self-sacrifice I imagine him to be very hesitant to even let them. It's their choice, it is their sacrifice to make but Bull loves them so wholeheartedly and he wonders if there really isn't any other way. He values every little second more than ever though, the small moments have all the more importance because he knows it might be the last moment where they are themself. It is partly overshadowed by the fact that he knows that if it comes down to it, there might be a day when they're gone and there is just an empty husk in their place and he isn't sure if he will handle it.

Sera: The way Sera pulls away is instant. She doesn't fuck around with demons, and even if the Inquisitor isn't one entirely- they're all the same in her book. They're doing it for the greater good- blah blah, it doesn't matter. Because at the end of the day, she has absolutely no reassurance this won't turn around and backfire. It just shows that the inquisition is like every other political faction and organization in the world, it doesn't matter who is being torn down or hurt if it's for the cause. As long as it's for the good of the people a little damage doesn't hurt, which is fine and dandy when you're fighting rogue templars or mages- but not when you watch your friend and leader slowly turn into a less horrific version of the man you're trying to end. Romance: She has never really been one to hold back and that doesn't change even when she is in a relationship, I think there'd be an instant discussion because if Sera doesn't like something- she won't let it happen. Her words become snappier and the occasional comment becomes a daily occurrence, her distaste for the situation is obvious and she has no intention of hiding it - and if she is ignored she'll take her leave even if it breaks her heart a million times over. She isn't going to watch the person she loves break themselves down from the sidelines, she isn't the person to do that.

Solas: Oh, what has he done? Solas always edged on the feeling of remorse, pity, and regret for the fact that these are the steps he has to take to reach his goal. This wasn't in the plan. There is something so grotesque watching someone pull themselves apart at the seams because of you, because of something you put in place and orchestrated. He watches the Inquisitor lose themselves with morbid curiosity and horrified dread because it's something that in many ways is on him. This is his goal and agenda affecting the world and he gets to see it in the worst possible way. Solas keeps telling himself it is worth it, even if he feels an unsettling sense of dread settle in his stomach more and more every day. Romance: Every action, whisper, and loving word is given with a steady hand that is entirely held up by a devouring sense of guilt. Whenever he looks at them, their form and being slowly corrupting more and more with each passing day and sanity fickle- he knows it is his doing. Yet Solas selfishly loves them, he takes and gives and then takes some more because gods the way they smile at him and say his name - it's enough to make any sensible man lose their wits. But he lays away, staring at his hands as he wonders just what he is doing- what he has done. He ruined the person he loved, but it's for a cause, it's a must. A necessary sacrifice, or so he will continue to tell himself as they crumble from the ripples of his actions.

Cullen: Every time they are in the same room he feels that familiar suffocating panic that he did in the tower. There's only so much he can ignore, so much to look away from and it tears him more every day. But Cullen is no stranger to dealing with horrible conditions and accepting questionable morals to get the job down. He has no issues swallowing his doubts and concerns if it means the world becomes better, and they save people. If that means being unable to rest easy at night or holding his hands closer to his sword than he is comfortable doing, so be it. If Romanced: There isn't much that can make Cullen falter in his affections, not even this. If anything, to him this is a showing of his own failings. Damned, be this templar and his ability to turn everything into something he has done wrong or can fix. He isn't as blind as most probably think he is, Cullen sees the alarming signs of instability and they scare him- of course they do. But Cullen is just better at hiding it than some of the others, he just knows how to keep his concerns within the innermost circle, and keep the crying behind closed doors. But it's tearing him down slowly and it's just a matter of time before his love just isn't enough.

Josephine: From a work basis, she despises it. Josephine has always been quite good at separating her feelings when it comes to work, she can look past her own feelings on the matter to realize just how hard this will be to sell to the world. To make them realize the price someone is paying for their safety. But then there are obviously the personal thoughts, the ones that creep in late at night as she stares into the burning candle on her desk. The Inquisitor is a friend, a close one at that and she has to watch them slowly die practically. She isn't sure what to do about it, what she can even say or do or think to make this situation not feel like watching a person get tortured. Josephine lives every day with the anxiety that one day there might not be recognized in their eyes when they look at her. Romance: Nobody knows when Josephine will break, but mostly everyone knows she will. It's obvious in the way she seemingly cradles the fragility of her relationship with the Inquisitor in her hands. They will one day be gone and she probably won't get to do the things she wanted. Go to places they discussed, have her family meet them properly- these are all things that won't take place because they're a walking corruption. Proof of the fact that the veil keeps taking from everyone- the Inquisitor especially. One day she'll crumble into pieces and not be able to entirely pick herself up, and it'll be the day that the Inquisitor is the closest thing the world has ever seen to a god- and that will be the day they will most likely be killed, and Josephine will be defenseless to do anything.

[kellykswift]

But Daddy I love him - analysis and why I think Taylor reveals the real WB in it.

*Disclaimer: This is only my personal opinion.  I respect the Native American culture and my intend is not to offend anyone when linking Taylor to Lakota.

If you wanna skip to the part about WB, scorll to the end ;=)

Something that stood out for me was the shape / design of the lyrics of BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM

The lyrics are placed inside a triangle shape, which could represent the Lakota symbol. (it could also be a sandclock and 2 triangles but lets go with the lakota)

Its the Lakota symbol for Sun-Earth Connection. The inverted triangle on top symbolizes the stars and/or the Sun. The triangle on the bottom symbolizes earth sites. The Lakota strongly believe that there is a powerful connection between the Sun and the Earth.

It’s also believed that there are still earth and star maps, but they’re kept secret and rarely shown to others that don’t belong to the tribe. This is because these maps mark some of the Lakota people’s most sacred sites in the Black Hills.

The question is: Why Lakota, whats the connection? I get that Karlie is the sun but since when does Taylor have connections to Native American tribes? Well I googled Taylor + Lakota found something else from 2018:

Taylor Swift Denim Shorts by Madewell | POPSUGAR Fashion

Taylor wore an Elizabeth and James Lakota-T-Shirt in 2018 in London, before her REP concert.

So we got the FIRST Betty / James connection here. Karlie is Betty. Taylor is James.

This is form 2018. It’s a pride shirt. But we didnt know that Taylor was James back in 2018 .

But lets get back to the lyrics of BDILH. I think the first part is a conversation she is having with TS the brand.

I forget how the West was won

Well If you believe this is a reference to history then the answer is: a combination of exploration, settlement, conquest, and economic development (the discovery of gold for example). In conclusion: the west was won (taken) by white men. So Taylor makes it very clear in the first sentence. This is a song about power and money regarding TS the brand.

Too high a horse for a simple girl to rise above it

The phrase also implies a sense of determination or resilience, as it suggests that despite the challenges or obstacles. Taylor (the person, not the brand) is still striving to overcome them and rise above the situation.

They slammed the door on my whole world

The one thing I wanted

So white men, Sarahs and Hannahs (the heteronormative environment, also known as hetlors) forced Taylor to stay in the closet, because a queer Taylor woulnt make as much money as the straight Taylor Swift brand. Nice. I would be pissed as well.

Now I'm running with my dress unbuttoned

Running with a dress unbuttoned could symbolize feeling exposed or unprepared, as if one's defenses or usual barriers are down. I guess what she tries to say is that she never learned to speak for herself but something has changed (she met Karlie / or wanted to come out) and all of a sudden she needs to find a way.

Screaming "But Daddy I love him!"

I don’t think this has anything to do with her asking her dad for approval. I mean sure, maybe Scott didn’t accept her but I think she tried to point to Ariel – where this quote is from. The theme of love's power to overcome obstacles and the courage required to follow one's heart.

I'm having his baby

This could be a metaphor for : I am coming out

No, I'm not, but you should see your faces

Exactly what she said.

I'm telling him to floor it through the fences

But she wants to take action - maybe an agreement between her and her management?

No, I'm not coming to my senses

This is not a phase

I know he's crazy but he's the one I want

I am not gonna change. I love her.

So the next verse is interesting. I think she is having a flashback to an earlier situation, where she fell in love with a girl (maybe Emily?) and she didnt do anything because she was too young, too much of a good girl or simply scared.

Dutiful daughter, all my plans were laid Tendrils tucked into a woven braid Growing up precocious sometimes means not growing up at all He was chaos, he was revelry Bedroom eyes like a remedy Soon enough the elders had convened Down at the city hall "Stay away from her" The saboteurs protested too much Lord knows the words we never heard Just screeching tires and true love

Now she is back in the present and she is not scared anymore. So if she cant be with this person (Karlie) she will be the one who will take actions:

I'll tell you something right now I'd rather burn my whole life down Than listen to one more second of all this griping and moaning I'll tell you something about my good name It's mine alone to disgrace I don't cater to all these vipers dressed in empath's clothing

Uhh girlie is pissed about how they treated her back than. As she should! Fuck white old men.

There's a lot of people in town that I Bestow upon my fakest smiles Scandal does funny things to pride But brings lovers closer We came back when the heat died down Went to my parents and they came around All the wine moms are still holding out But it's over.

But also fuck her fans who defend her straighness like its the only thing that matters about Taylor. WTF. Anyways, she said it herself. Scandal does funny things to pride and brings lovers closer! Maybe so close, they write songs together and start a family?

Now I'm dancing in my dress in the sun and even my daddy just loves him

So the dress is not unbuttoned anymore, she is living a private live with her love (and the sun is Karlie), and eventually her team (dad) got around.

I'm his lady, and oh my God You should see your faces

Yes I wanna see those hetlor faces when she reveals that they are married with kids :P

Time, doesn't it give some perspective No, you can't come to the wedding I know he's crazy but he's the one I want

So this is basically giving hetlors the boot. They had so many chances accepting her and catching on. Instead they shipped her with men and defended her straightness.

I'll tell you something right now you ain't gotta pray for me

Oh.. and don’t forget to pray away the gay.

OKKK. so now the interesting part about WB.

Me and my wild boy and all of this wild joy

She uses wild twice. Pretty uncommon for her. But Wild boy could be WB. the real Willam Bowery.

He was chaos, he was revelry If all you want is gray for me Then it's just white noise, and it's my choice

This could be about her beards and how her fans only want her with men.

The gray part is the opposite from colors - screaming colors - rainbow colors.

But I guess she doesnt care anymore and she does whats right for her and Karlie (and their family).

anyways, I am usually not doing analysis and maybe this is 100% incorrect but I' ve tried :P

[toomanyrobins2]

Back to School

Summary: An orphan all her life, Y/N is simply too old to remain at The Bowery Home any longer. That is where an anonymous patron has swooped in to send her off to college and all he requires…a monthly letter of her academic progress.

Based off the book and musical “Daddy Long Legs”

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

last part // series masterlist // next part

Notes: I'm finally getting around to updating this fic! If you would like to catch up and get more consistent updates to this story and others I would go to by AO3!

All of August, Bruce waited and waited for a letter and one never came. He’d driven Clark crazy asking him to call on his parents and make sure that Y/N was well. Hearing that she was indeed perfectly healthy only made him want to tear his hair out more. Everyone around him was waiting for him to boil over, and yet he continued to pace.

When halfway through September when Alfred appeared at his study door with a letter in hand, Bruce nearly crawled across the desk.

28th August 

Dear Batman,

I am so sorry for forgetting to write you this month of August. It seemed that every time I sat down to write, something else would arise and draw me away. 

I was weighed yesterday on the flour scales in the general store at the Comers. I've gained nine pounds! I no longer feel like a gangly orphan, drowning in someone’s leftover dress. Let me recommend Kent Farm as a health resort.

Yours ever,

Y/N

 

September 1st

Dear Batman,

I hope this letter finds you as well as I feel. I truly believe you have delivered me to an oasis and in it, I have discovered the meaning of happiness. Being offered such freedom after a life of rigidity has revealed to me that the secret to happiness is to just enjoy this ride. To not let the journey be tainted by pride and not to mourn the past.

I plan to enjoy this life and I will not rush to the end when there is so much good to discover. I want to run through the hills and listen to the wind rush through the trees. I want to see the world and write about everything I’ve learned and I have you to thank for such a discovery. 

Happiness, it seems, unfolds when we learn to be still amid the constant motion of life.

In essence, the secret of our happiness is not elusive—it is clear, near, and here. It is a culmination of these realizations, a blend of living in the moment, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the simplicity of being. I hope my ramblings make some sense to you and I hope that you have felt even a bit of the joy that you have given me.

Wishing you all the joy,

Y/N

 

September 25th

Dear Batman,

Behold me—a Sophomore! I came up last Friday, sorry to leave Kent Farm, but glad to see the campus again. It is a pleasant sensation to come back to something familiar. I am beginning to feel at home in college, and in command of the situation; I am beginning, in fact, to feel at home in the world—as though I really belonged to it and had not just crept in on sufferance.

I don't suppose you understand in the least what I am trying to say. A person important enough to be a Trustee can't appreciate the feelings of a person unimportant enough to be a foundling.

And now, Bats, listen to this. Whom do you think I am rooming with? Barbara Gordon and Harriet Rutledge Kane. It's the truth. We have a study and three little bedrooms—voila!”

Barbara and I decided last spring that we should like to room together, and Harriet made up her mind to stay with Barbara—why, I can't imagine, for they are not a bit alike; but the Kanes are naturally conservative and inimical (fine word!) to change. Anyway, here we are. Think of Y/NAbbott, late of the Bowery Home for Orphans, rooming with a Kane. This is a democratic country.

Barbara is running for class president, and unless all signs fail, she is going to be elected. Such an atmosphere of intrigue you should see what politicians we are! Oh, I tell you, when we women get our rights, you men will have to look alive in order to keep yours. Election comes next Saturday, and we're going to have a torchlight procession in the evening, no matter who wins.

I am beginning chemistry, a most unusual study. I've never seen anything like it before. Molecules and Atoms are the materials employed, but I'll be in a position to discuss them more definitely next month.

I am also taking argumentation and logic.

Also history of the whole world.

Also plays of William Shakespeare.

Also French.

If this keeps up many years longer, I shall become quite intelligent.

I should rather have elected economics than French, but I didn't dare, because I was afraid that unless I re-elected French, the Professor would not let me pass—as it was, I just managed to squeeze through the June examination. But I will say that my high-school preparation was not very adequate.

There's one girl in the class who chatters away in French as fast as she does in English. She went abroad with her parents when she was a child, and spent three years in a convent school. You can imagine how bright she is compared with the rest of us—irregular verbs are mere playthings. I wish my parents had chucked me into a French convent when I was little instead of a foundling asylum. Oh no, I don't either! Because then maybe I should never have known you. I'd rather know you than French.

Goodbye, Batman. I must call on Harriet now, and, having discussed the chemical situation, casually drop a few thoughts on the subject of our next president.

Yours in politics,

Y/N Abbott

 

17th October

Dear Batman,

Supposing the swimming tank in the gymnasium were filled full of lemon jelly, could a person trying to swim manage to keep on top or would he sink?

We were having lemon jelly for dessert when the question came up. We discussed it heatedly for half an hour and it's still unsettled. Barbara thinks that she could swim in it, but I am perfectly sure that the best swimmer in the world would sink. Wouldn't it be funny to be drowned in lemon jelly?

Two other problems are engaging the attention of our table:

1st. What shape are the rooms in an octagon house? Some of the girls insist that they're square; but I think they'd have to be shaped like a piece of pie. Don't you?

2nd. Suppose there were a great big hollow sphere made of looking-glass and you were sitting inside. Where would it stop reflecting your face and begin reflecting your back? The more one thinks about this problem, the more puzzling it becomes. You can see “with what deep philosophical reflection we engage our leisure!

Did I ever tell you about the election? It happened three weeks ago, but so fast do we live, that three weeks is ancient history. Barbara was elected, and we had a torchlight parade with transparencies saying, 'Gordon for Ever,' and a band consisting of fourteen pieces (three mouth organs and eleven combs).

We're very important persons now in '258.' Harriet and I come in for a great deal of reflected glory. It's quite a social strain to be living in the same house with a president.

Bonne nuit, cher Bats.

Acceptez mez compliments, 

Tres respectueux,

Je suis, 

Votre Y/N

 

23rd October

Dear Bats,

I find myself once again pondering your appearance. I know you are not bald, so now I am destined to wonder what color your hair is? 

How old are you? I know you won't tell me but you can't stop me from wondering

Where are you now? How goes your day? And are your sporting silver or grey? What are you like? Who could you be? 'Cause I have imagined a kindly old man of at least ninety-two. 

On my own I can only imagine. But if we could meet It would lift my heart beause I'd know the colour of your eyes.

The silly thoughts that dance through my mind,

Yours in curiosity,

Y/N

From the desk of Mr Bruce Wayne

The dim glow of the Wayne Manor study cast long shadows as Bruce Wayne found himself unable to escape the haunting thoughts that lingered in his mind. The weight of his deception, the web of half-truths and concealed identities, weighed heavily on him, disrupting any chance of finding solace in the embrace of sleep. Frustration gnawed at him, and in the quiet of the night, he decided to confront the turmoil within by putting pen to paper.

Seated at his desk, Bruce began to write, the ink flowing from the nib of his pen as he poured out the thoughts that had plagued him for far too long.

Dear Y/N, I've been meaning to write to you for quite some time, but with no success. It felt rather dishonest writing to you as Bruce Wayne when all your letters were being written to me as Batman. So I put it off. I shouldn't have done. But I did. Your discovery of my connection to Kent Farm has made a confession all the more necessary, yet I still don't know whether to write to you as Bruce telling you I'm Batman or Batman telling you I'm Bruce. Either way, I feel I shall be a terrible disappointment to you. What can I say? What would make sense? I've made a mess of things at your expense. My little deceit is haunting me now. All I want is to tell you the truth, but I just don't know how. How can I manage to soften this blow when you know the color of my eyes? I am in agony, guessing what you might do once you find out I have thoroughly lied to you. Would you forgive me? I write this to you only because it's late and I can't get to sleep as I think of the hurt in your eyes. I feel like an idiot, knowing the color of your eyes and not revealing to you that you already have the answer to every question about my appearance. Yours in the sincerest of regrets, Batman Bruce Wayne Bruce

Folding the letter with a sense of finality, Bruce tucked it away in his desk, knowing that he couldn't send it. As dawn approached and the night's shadows slowly gave way to the light of a new day, Bruce found himself still grappling with the uncertain path that lay ahead, wondering if he could ever find a way to bridge the gap between the man behind the mask and the person he longed to reveal himself to.