#in my feels

[socialbutterfly19]

Whatever

[thoughtsofapessimistttt]

If I’m too much, go find less tf

[dr-demi-bee]

Gale's act 1 romance is just so good. The more I think about Gale the more I like it. It shows off so many parts of his character - how integral magic is to him, his love of teaching, his smugness, his appreciation for your friendship... But also his vulnerability. Before you picture something more - he looks pleased. Happy to share a moment with you as friends. (During the party he even expresses hoping that he can consider you a true friend. A self-professed rarity for him.)

At the same time he's making this face though, he moves closer to you. Whether he would acknowledge it or not, Gale clearly does seek out that intimacy.

His earnest surprise after pulls at my heart strings. He genuinely wanted to find a safe way to connect. He had no expectations of you returning his feelings (hence, embarrassment - at being perceived, or at not considering your feelings, perhaps.).

Followed by a resigned shoulder slump and a face of desperate yearning... 🥺 It's almost the same pouty face he gives you when he confesses he loves you.

Then, genuine thrill - elation - at the very idea of it! Gale has a firm grip on what he shares with us here - he's still an archmage level wizard (even nerfed), and that's a skill he would have. (It's probably why we don't ever accidentally connect tadpoles with Gale). He chooses after his initial surprise to share a feeling of not just joy but a joy with pride and optimism. He turns *towards* you - communicating not just elation but desire in his expression.

But he immediately follows this with an 'oh shit, stop thinking about it' look and a long shake of the head to clear the thought(s) away 😭 (Because trepidation here isn't about kissing you - it's about the orb.)

But he's quick to reassure you - not just because he knows you wouldn't be able to hide your thoughts from him (not an option - even picturing nothing carries a feeling with it) . "But it is a pleasant image, to be sure." And then he hits you with a confirmation of his desire and approval. "Most pleasant, in fact. Most welcome."

He hadn't considered it a possibility, but gods be damned, you've given him the first burst of hope and confidence he's had in a while. The first time in months he's felt wanted. His posture straightens with the confidence boost. He turns fully to you and clearly wants to bask in the moment - to connect with you.

But then the Weave evaporates. Whatever the reason may be, Gale didn't do it. He didn't expect it. Clearly. He posture collapses and he whimpers like it physically hurt.

The narration makes it clear how jarring the connection ending feels to us (cold and lonesome) - how must it feel for poor Gale? He hasn't had such a strong connection with someone in ages. Who knows how long since it was with another mortal (if ever)? We know from later stages of his romance and from communication with Gale that physical touch is an integral part of his expression of love and connection. And with the orb he can't have it. The loss of intimacy and connection here hurts.

"How easily things slip away from us." How easily they are lost. Anyway go hug your wizard.

[augustinewrites]

buys the ring months ahead of time, creates an elaborate proposal plan with the perfect venue, gets all your friends on it and practices what he's about to say...

only to fumble and propose to you the night before, when you're brushing your teeth side by side and playfully nudge his hip with yours

[kiitshifts]

not to be a whore but the biggest thing i'm shifting for is not having to think about anything and cuddling up to nap with my s/o and just feel perfectly at peace.

[taintedmind6669]

[eghostsofdeadchildren]

In my heals feels fr.

[futuristic-koala]

[whatev-i-guess]

Soap: What if we grow old together?

Ghost: I don't think we will live this long, Johnny.

Soap chuckling: Come on, don't be a downer. We can still dream, right?

Ghost staring at Johnny's urn: There is nothing left to dream about... All I have are nightmares.

[furywriter]

May I offer you a little Praetorian Jack in these troubling times?

[socialbutterfly19]

I could never care and I shouldn’t

[motojane]

[godshideouscreation]

It's amazing how you can be so close to somebody, be willing to do absolutely everything for that person, give them the world and they still throw that shit away.

[dgct2]

I want to believe that the dead are not lost to us. That they speak to us as part of something greater than us - greater than any alien force. And if you and I are powerless now, I want to believe that if we listen to what's speaking, it can give us the power to save ourselves.

Then we believe the same thing.

9.20 The Truth

[workingwhileidream]

As a fat person who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, I was taught to hate myself. To hate the way I looked. That I could never be loved. So you'll have to excuse me and every single person like me if we never shut up about Bridgerton season 3. I cried for a solid 20 minutes after finishing episode 4. If you need me, I'll be thinking about the carriage scene for the foreseeable future.