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rmadridcore · 6 months ago

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SFW Alphabet

Pairing: Jude Bellingham x Reader

Requested & Requested

Word Count: 3K

Author’s note: Two requests for SFW Alphabet, so here it is 💘 hope you like it @judescorem & anon! Thanks for requesting 🫂

A = Affection (how affectionate are they? how do they show affection?)

Jude’s affection levels are truly off the charts, he’s like a walking embodiment of all five love languages. Quality time with you is his priority, and despite his demanding schedule, he’s intentional about squeezing in meaningful moments whenever he can.

He’s big on acts of service, too, and he’s memorized your favorite way to drink coffee to make it for you in the mornings, gives you a massage if you’re stressed, and even attempts cooking for you (though after a few near-kitchen disasters, he might just take you out instead). If you’re too tired to lift a finger, Jude will wash your hair or tuck you in. And gift giving? He’s your go to — he’ll come home with jewelry, art, plush toys, or quirky trinkets that made him think of you.

Compliments are another daily thing; whether you’re folding laundry or about to fall asleep, he’s telling you how much he loves you and how beautiful you are. He notices every tiny change, too, like a new shade of lipstick or a fresh haircut. Physical touch is his ultimate love language, though. If you’re out, he’ll keep a hand on your thigh or fingers intertwined, but in private, Jude transforms into a human koala, pulling you close in every possible way.

B = Best friend (what would they be like as a best friend? how would the friendship start?)

As a best friend, Jude is your ride or die, incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in every step of your journey. He’s like your personal cheerleader, hyped about even the smallest wins in your life, and you can count on him to be right there to celebrate or console you. He’s an incredible listener, letting you pour your heart out and providing advice when you need it. Jude knows the importance of having someone you can trust completely, so he’s that steady rock for you, creating a judgment-free zone where you’re safe to share anything. He’s also the friend who will notice if something is even slightly off and check in with a caring heart.

C = Cuddles (do they like to cuddle? how would they cuddle?)

I said it once, I’ll say it again: this man is a koala bear who just can’t let go. If there’s one thing Jude excels at, it’s cuddling. Surprisingly, he loves to cuddle even more than he lets on, and it’s become one of his favorite ways to unwind. Usually, he’s the big spoon, wrapping his arms around you protectively, feeling like he’s keeping you safe. But his secret favorite? Being the little spoon. There’s something he finds calming about resting his head on your chest, with your hands in his hair, listening to the steady beat of your heart. It’s his ultimate version of comfort, and he’ll fall asleep within minutes if he’s lying there like that.

D = Domestic (do they want to settle down? how are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Though young and still in the prime of his career, Jude is surprisingly domestic and absolutely sees a future with you. For him, settling down together isn’t just a fantasy; it’s his end goal. Even now, he loves the cozy routines you share — grocery shopping side by side, his enthusiastic (but often chaotic) attempts at cooking, and sharing chores, even if he’s hilariously clueless about both. Conversations about the future happen effortlessly, without a hint of doubt or hesitation, and he makes you feel included in every part of his life. He’s just as comfortable blending into your family gatherings as you are with his, and it’s that natural, grounded dynamic that makes him picture a life and family with you in it someday.

E = Ending (if they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

The idea of breaking up is simply unfathomable to Jude. Even in the worst case scenario, Jude would do everything possible to mend things, believing wholeheartedly that whatever caused the break could be fixed. His willingness to put in the work is one of his most admirable traits — he’s devoted to you, even in difficult times, and he’d never let go without a fight.

F = Fiancé(e) (how do they feel about commitment? how quick would they want to get married?)

Jude may not be rushing down the aisle tomorrow, but he often catches himself imagining what your wedding day might look like. The idea of you in a wedding dress, the look on your face as you walk toward him, and the forever waiting on the other side makes his heart race. He loves being young and enjoying these years together, building memories and strengthening your relationship, but he’s made it clear he sees marriage as part of your future. Jude knows the proposal will happen when the timing feels just right, but he’s not shy about dropping hints and showing you in sweet, subtle ways that he’s already fully committed.

G = Gentle (how gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

His gentle side is one of his most beautiful qualities, even if he keeps it subtle at times. Though vulnerability didn’t come naturally to him at first, his quiet softness shines through in the way he loves you. His compassion is deeply genuine, and his tenderness radiates through both his words and his actions. Physically, he’s incredibly attentive — he’ll caress your face with a featherlight touch, rub gentle circles on the back of your hand, trace his fingers through your hair, and cover you with delicate kisses. He’s patient and kind, making every touch feel intentional and filled with warmth.

H = Hugs (do they like hugs? how often do they do it? what are their hugs like?)

Hugging you is one of his absolute favorite things. Your scent, the warmth of your arms around him, and the way you tuck your face into his neck make him feel perfectly at ease. His hugs are comforting, strong, and incredibly full of love, he hugs you like he hasn’t seen you in months, even if it’s only been a few hours. He especially loves sneaking hugs from behind; he’ll wrap his arms around you while you’re cooking, brushing your teeth, or even doing your makeup, earning himself a playful scolding but never regretting it. To him, those hugs are worth any amount of teasing because they make him feel so close to you.

I = I love you (how fast do they say the L-word?)

He took some time to fully grasp his feelings for you, but he felt from the very beginning that there was something incredibly special about you. The moment he realized the warmth he felt around you was love, he felt more certain of it than anything else. When he said “I love you” for the first time, it was spontaneous, catching both of you off guard. He whispered those three words one morning, sleep still softening his voice, his gaze filled with sincerity and love as he smiled at you. At first, you thought he was joking, but the look in his eyes erased any doubts, and when he repeated the words softly and earnestly, you knew he meant it with his whole heart.

J = Jealousy (how jealous do they get? what do they do when they’re jealous?)

Jude has a love-hate relationship with jealousy. When you get jealous, he finds it endearing, using playful teasing and silly jokes to diffuse the moment, always making sure you feel loved and reassured. But when the tables turn and he’s the one feeling jealous, it’s a different story. Although he’s confident and tries to stay rational, but the sight of anyone openly flirting with you hits him harder than he’d like. It eats at him, casting a shadow over his entire mood, and he can’t quite laugh it off. You know exactly how to calm him down, though — reassurances, soft words, and kisses all over his face melt away his worry, leaving him certain, once again, that you’re entirely his.

K = Kisses (what are their kisses like? where do they like to kiss you? where do they like to be kissed?)

Kisses are Jude’s favorite form of affection. He’s obsessed with them — quick pecks, lingering, deep kisses, and everything in between. His favorite spot to kiss is, of course, your lips, where he loves to indulge in make out sessions that leave you both breathless. He loves to take the lead in these moments, his kisses hungry and passionate, his hands gently holding you close. But he’s also a sucker for forehead kisses, finding them incredibly intimate, and he’ll linger there, pressing his lips to your forehead while he whispers sweet words just for you. And if you kiss his neck? His eyes close, his breath catches, and he’s instantly lost, eager for more.

L = Little ones (how are they around children?)

Around kids, he is a total natural. His playfulness and warmth instantly draw children to him, and he seems to know just the right way to make them laugh or keep them entertained. He’s got a knack for making them feel at ease, and kids light up around him, matching his energy and joy. Though he’s not thinking about kids just yet, he knows that when the time comes, he wants it to be with you — and he’s confident that he’ll be great at it, just as long as you’re by his side.

M = Morning (how are mornings spent with them?)

Early in the relationship, you discovered that Jude is anything but a morning person. He loves his sleep, and if he could, he’d stay under the covers all morning, cozy and content beside you. But as disciplined as he is, his career often forces him to wake up early, leaving him to grumble and pout his way out of bed. When he has an early training session, he’s practically dragging his feet, rubbing his eyes, and giving you a look that practically begs you to let him stay snuggled up.

On his mornings off, though, he becomes the laziest person alive. He’ll stay in bed as long as you let him, relishing the rare chance to wrap himself around you and relax without any hurry. When noon rolls around, you usually have to coax him out of bed, jokingly reminding him there’s a world outside the covers. He finally gives in, but he’d always rather stay in bed a little longer with you.

N = Night (how are nights spent with them?)

Nights, on the other hand, are his favorite. He cherishes those quiet, peaceful hours just before you both drift off. He loves the feel of you relaxing beside him, breathing deeply, your head on his chest as you start to fall asleep. Sometimes, before sleep takes over, you’ll end up having those late night, deep conversations that wander from lighthearted to profound. Jude’s often the one to ask those unexpected, thoughtful questions that get you talking about dreams, ambitions, and the mysteries of life. He loves these talks because they remind him of how safe and easy it feels to open up to you, and he feels so grateful to have found someone who just gets him.

O = Open (when would they start revealing things about themselves? do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

He took his time at first, careful to make sure you were the one he could share everything with. But it didn’t take long before he started to realize he could trust you completely. There was an ease between you that allowed him to open up gradually, sharing everything from his childhood memories to his career hopes to his biggest fears. Once he understood the depth of your connection, he didn’t hold anything back, feeling safe enough to share all of himself with you. He loves how you let him be vulnerable without judgment, and the sense of trust you’ve built only makes your bond stronger.

P = Patience (how easily angered are they?)

Generally, he is pretty patient and grounded, but there are times when frustration gets the better of him. If he’s facing a tough day or can’t get something right, he tends to feel the stress more than he’d like. He’s not one to lash out, though — he usually withdraws a bit to cool off and reset. His impatience doesn’t last long, and he’s quick to come back to his calm self, finding his center again, especially when he’s around you. You’re often the one bringing him back to his usual level-headed self.

Q = Quizzes (how much would they remember about you? do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

If remembering things about you were a game, Jude would be the gold medalist. He remembers the most trivial details effortlessly — your favorite snack, your go to comfort food, your shoe size, your favorite songs, the way you like your coffee. He doesn’t even try; he just loves listening to you and stores up everything you say. He’ll surprise you by remembering little things you’ve mentioned in passing, things you may not even recall saying. For him, it’s second nature, and he jokes that his brain is permanently programmed to think of you.

R = Remember (what is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Jude’s favorite memory is a quiet, seemingly insignificant moment but one that holds a lot of meaning for him. It was the first time you fell asleep on him, a night you spent watching a movie together. You were curled up beside him, claiming you weren’t tired even though your eyes were heavy and you were half-asleep by the opening credits. Eventually, you drifted off, your head nestled on his shoulder, and he couldn’t help but smile. He felt an unexpected happiness, a sense of peace, knowing you felt so at ease around him. Listening to your soft breathing and feeling your warmth, he realized that this was what he wanted for the rest of his life — moments of quiet closeness, where you were totally comfortable with each other.

S = Security (how protective are they? how would they protect you? how would they like to be protected?)

He is subtly protective, always making sure you’re comfortable and safe. He’s never overbearing, but he’s the type to always keep an eye on you in crowded places, his hand on your back or fingers intertwined with yours. If someone’s getting too close or making you uncomfortable, he’s immediately alert, his demeanor shifting as he makes it clear you’re not alone.

T = Try (how much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He is effortlessly romantic, always putting thought and care into your relationship. He loves planning surprise date nights, booking a place he knows you’d like, or making sure he has your favorite snacks ready for a cozy night in. Whether it’s an anniversary or just an average day, he goes out of his way to show you how much he cares. Small gestures texting you sweet messages, or picking up flowers for you on his way home because he saw a bunch that reminded him of you. He especially enjoys the look on your face when he shows up with them unexpectedly, and he’s secretly got a favorite flower of yours memorized. He’s thoughtful with gifts too, remembering small things you mention in passing and giving them to you “just because.” He’s a firm believer that both big and little things are equally important in showing you how much you mean to him.

U = Ugly (what would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Jude has a tendency to bottle up his emotions when he’s overwhelmed. Rather than talking it out, he sometimes withdraws, getting quiet and distant. It can be frustrating because he keeps a lot of his struggles to himself, but he’s working on opening up more. He’s aware of this habit, and he appreciates how you gently encourage him to share his feelings when he’s ready.

V = Vanity (how concerned are they with their looks?)

This man takes pride in his appearance, knowing he’s a bit of a heartthrob (and rightfully so). He’s not obsessed with his looks but enjoys looking his best, especially when he’s with you. He loves when you show him off, and he takes a certain pride in knowing that he’s someone you’re proud to be seen with. He’s confident in his style and enjoys dressing up for special occasions or just looking nice for you. When you compliment his looks, it always brings out that cheeky smile, but he’s equally invested in making sure you feel beautiful and confident too.

W = Whole (would they feel incomplete without you?)

He is independent and driven, but being with you makes him feel complete in a way that nothing else does. He feels grounded by your presence, and knowing you’re by his side gives him the confidence and peace he needs. You’re his partner, his best friend, and his safe place all rolled into one, and without you, he feels a profound emptiness. He knows he can function on his own, but life feels so much better, brighter, and more meaningful with you in it.

X = Xtra (a random headcanon for them.)

Jude has been secretly trying to learn how to cook a few dishes for you. Cooking isn’t his strong suit, but he loves the idea of one day surprising you with a home cooked meal, just the two of you. He doesn’t think you expect him to master the kitchen, but he feels there’s something incredibly intimate about cooking for someone you love. So he keeps at it, watching tutorials, asking for tips from his mom, and even taking notes when you cook together, hoping to make you a meal that you’ll love (and one he doesn’t burn).

Y = Yuck (what are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Dishonesty is something Jude just can’t tolerate. He values openness and feels a deep sense of trust in your relationship. He wants you to feel comfortable sharing anything with him, and he’s never judgmental. Knowing you’re genuine and honest with him means the world to him, so dishonesty would hurt him deeply.

Z = Zzz (what is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Jude is a cuddle magnet in his sleep. Even if you fall asleep apart, he instinctively reaches out, finding you with sleepy arms and pulling you close. When he’s stressed, he has a habit of mumbling in his sleep, something you find adorable. He usually denies it in the morning, laughing it off and insisting you must have imagined it.

#jude bellingham #jude bellingham x reader #jude bellingham x y/n #jude bellingham x you #jude bellingham fanfic #jude bellingham imagine #jude x reader #jude bellingham fluff #jude imagines #jb5 #jb5 x reader #football player x reader #football imagine #football fic #football fanfic #real madrid #rma #rmafc #imagine

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mercillery · 9 months ago

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ANDREW KREISS RELATIONSHIP OVERVIEW

WARNINGS: GENDER NOT SPECIFIED + MENTION OF ABLEISM + OOC? + NOT PROOFREAD

NOTES: Andrew mains let me put you in my pocket and take care of you. And quit your jobs too, I will provide for you all.

Being in a relationship with Andrew is an adventure in patience, understanding, and love. Sure, love is a given in any relationship, but with Andrew, it's essential to navigate his unique quirks and preferences with a touch of extra care.

For instance, Andrew dislikes sunlight, so when it comes to planning dates, be prepared for moonlit strolls and stargazing rather than sunny picnics and beach outings. If you’re a sun worshipper, it’s time to stock up on moonblock instead.

Crowds? Forget about it. Andrew thrives in the quiet corners of the world, where the population density is low and the ambiance is serene. He’s the quintessential introvert, the kind who’d rather have a cozy evening at home than a bustling night out. If you’re the life-of-the-party type, this might require some adjustment.

When you first start dating, don't be surprised if he stumbles over his words or gets flustered over the simplest things. A casual brush of your hand against his might send him into a blushing frenzy. He might awkwardly laugh at things that aren’t jokes or offer you a flower he picked up without realizing it's a bit wilted. It's all part of his charm, though.

Andrew’s awkwardness comes from a place of inexperience rather than indifference. He genuinely wants to give you all his love and affection, but he’s not quite sure how to go about it. He’s learning, slowly but surely, how to open up and let someone into his world. Please be patient with him.

The early days of your relationship might be filled with small, tentative steps. Once he’s actually comfortable around you enough, maybe he’ll invite you to the cemetery, showing you his world in a way that’s meaningful to him. Don’t be surprised if he seems more at ease there, where he’s surrounded by the familiar. It might seem unconventional, but for Andrew, it's a big step toward letting you into his life.

His awkwardness is part of what makes him so endearing. Every hesitant smile and gesture is a sign of his growing affection for you. He's new to all of this, and it feels weird to him, but in the best way possible. As he becomes more comfortable, you'll see glimpses of his true self—a kind, thoughtful person who’s just been waiting for someone to understand him.

I think it should be flat-out obvious that Andrew is not one for grand displays of affection. Don't expect sweeping romantic gestures or elaborate declarations of love. He shows his feelings through small, meaningful actions that speak volumes about his deep affection for you. You might find a single flower left on your pillow, a delicate token of his feelings. Or, during difficult moments, he'll be there, quietly holding your hand, offering comfort and support without saying much.

Andrew has a way with words, but he prefers to write them down rather than speak them. You might receive handwritten notes from him, filled with poetic descriptions of his emotions and how much you mean to him. These notes are treasures, capturing his heartfelt sentiments in a way spoken words often can't.

His love language is all about acts of service and giving thoughtful gifts. He'll go out of his way to do little things that make your life easier, whether it's fixing something around the house, cooking a meal, or simply being there when you need him. These acts, though seemingly simple, are his way of showing how much he cares.

As for gift giving, receiving gifts from Andrew is always special because they're never random. Each gift is chosen with care and has a personal significance. It could be a book he knows you'll love or something that reminds him of a special moment you shared.

Having been the victim of ableism and cruelly labeled the “white-haired monster” because of his albinism, Andrew struggles with the painful memories of his past. These experiences have left deep scars, making it difficult for him to trust and open up to others. However, he trusts you and is comfortable enough to lean on you for emotional support, finding solace in your presence.

Andrew’s past is a heavy burden he carries, and it’s not easy for him to talk about it. The wounds from being ostracized and misunderstood run deep, really deep. That being said, he’ll seem distant or reluctant to share his feelings. But with your gentle encouragement and unwavering support, he slowly begins to open up. It’s a gradual process, marked by small breakthroughs and quiet conversations where he reveals his inner turmoil. Your compassion acts as a balm for his wounded soul, helping him to heal bit by bit.

And if you reveal your own issues to him, Andrew gives you his full attention. He wants to be there for you just as you have been there for him. He may not always have the right words to say, but his presence and understanding are more than enough.

He might not be an expert in comforting others, but he genuinely tries his absolute best to make you feel better. His attempts might be awkward or clumsy, but they are always heartfelt. Whether it's sitting quietly by your side, offering a reassuring touch, or simply listening without interrupting, Andrew’s efforts show how much he cares.

He understands how much it means to have someone there during difficult times because he's been on the receiving end of your support. He wants to reciprocate that same level of care and understanding. His empathy runs deep, and even if he struggles to find the right words, his actions speak volumes. He might bring you a small token of comfort, like a warm cup of tea or a favorite book, as a way to show he's thinking of you.

In those moments when you need a shoulder to lean on, Andrew's there, providing a quiet, steady presence that offers a sense of calm and security. He knows the value of having someone who listens and understands, and he strives to be that person for you. His dedication to your well-being is evident in the way he prioritizes your needs and makes an effort to be there for you, just as you have been there for him. He wants to make you feel the same way you make him feel when he opens up about his own issues: understood, valued, and better.

If you ever want to surprise Andrew and watch him melt, gift him iris flowers. He has a special fondness for irises because someone once told him that iris will turn into a rainbow and carry kind souls to heaven.

So when you give him iris flowers, it’s not just a gift; it’s a gesture that genuinely touches his heart. The fact that these flowers come from you, the person he loves, makes the gesture even more meaningful. You’ll see his eyes light up and a smile spread across his face as he gently takes the flowers.

Andrew might hold the irises with a reverence that speaks volumes about how much this gesture means to him. He might even get a bit emotional from the simple yet profound act of receiving these flowers from you, evoking a deep sense of love and gratitude. In his quiet, heartfelt way, he’ll thank you, stumbling over his words as he tries to express just how much this means to him.

Your relationship is built on these little moments, these quiet acts of love that speak louder than any grand proclamation. It’s a partnership where both of you bring out the best in each other, healing wounds and creating a bond that’s deeply personal and profoundly touching. And if anyone asks, you can always joke that your love story started in a cemetery with a guy who’s more comfortable with the dead than the living—but who learned to cherish the living soul who loves him.

#idv x reader #idv x you #andrew kreiss x reader #andrew kreiss #idv andrew #identity v x reader #identity v x you #idv grave keeper #grave keeper idv #I mainly play for the game and not the lore #so I actually had to go to his wiki and study him I really hope this isn’t out of character :(#if you’re reading this I hope today is treating you well <3 #finding out the reason why Andrew likes iris flowers so much actually warmed my heart that’s so cute

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paper-mario-wiki · 1 year ago

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Shangri-La Frontier mid-season review

This is by far the best fake video game I've ever seen written in fiction.

Most MMO-centric isekai stories have trouble with providing accurate and realistic depictions of the complexities and minutia that give MMOs the allure they have. I've seen so much handwavey bullshit tacked onto fake-games that introduce unrealistically overlooked mechanics for reasons like giving the protag immense power just because they're the protag and the story is about them. A good example of this is another MMO Isekai airing this season, "A Playthrough of a Certain Dude's VRMMO Life", wherein the main character becomes extremely rich, powerful, and famous by episode 2 because he stumbled into a stealth archer playstyle, a build which apparently no human in that universe had ever conceived of before, and then making a fortune by selling basic potions to everyone after NPCs stopped selling them (another thing he was uniquely able to do because not a single other player had the forethought to spec into alchemy). These lesser, dime-a-dozen isekai add up to be boring fantasy strories with gaming elements clumsily put in so that the author can demonstrate how powerful the world's inhabitants are by showing their stat allocation screen instead of, say, explaining anything about what they do that's so uniquely powerful and how they figured it out. Ya know, stuff you'd hope to hear about from any competent story.

Shangri-La Frontier is a breath of fresh air for anyone who, like me, is sick of authors ignoring the things that actually make video games compelling in service of creating a stock-standard narratives in fantasy worlds because it allows them to get away with bullshit. I've always found it very convenient that many isekai narratives indulge in things like chattel slavery, because it's societally normal enough for the protag to purchase a beautiful, vulnerable girl to add to his harem (dont worry, she is always inexplicably in love with him no matter what because he's SUCH a kind master). And it never really seems to go anywhere. Because the Video Game Isekai, while an interesting premise in theory, is more often than not used exclusively as a means to simplify the structure of a world's power scaling to abide by an arbitrary set of omnipresent universal rules (e.g. what people who have never cared to look into game development think of video games). This anime, by comparison, is VERY clearly authored by someone who plays a LOT of games.

Every piece of logic used to drive the plot forward, so far, is congruent to a real-world example of video game conventions, and I'm not just talking about levelling up and selling monster parts. Story elements that I've rarely (if ever) seen explored in other isekai are ever-present and genuinely clever and amusingly introduced. My favorite example of this so far has been the way the protagonist has been able to go head to head with so many overlevelled foes in the first 9 episodes. The story of course makes note of how good of a gamer Sanraku (our hero) is, but much like in real life games, being super duper good at dodging attacks doesn't really make up for a 70 level gap in items and learned skills. For that reason, he gets his ass whooped more often than he actually outsmarts others (so far he hasn't beaten a single player in pvp). So how is he getting out of these situations without dying so frequently? Simple: he got access to a later area too early relative to his level (sequence break) and got access to a high level follower NPC that's been carrying him. This is something he acknowledges directly several times, specifically using words like "Emul has been hard-carrying me for a while." This, to me, is extraordinarily meaningful. That's something you can exploit in Skyrim, man. That's REALISTIC CHEESE STRATS. The excitement and wonder I find in this show doesn't come from watching the protag do something unexpected, but by watching him do something that I would think to do.

This knowledge the author has demonstrated regarding modern gaming culture extends further into the actual realistic nature of game design and community. The story exists in a reality where full-dive VRMMOs are the be-all-end-all of gaming, and given the prohibitively expensive nature of developing and designing expansive, immersive worlds, most games are pretty shit. It's been hinted at so far that this is due to a monopolistic megacorp which is one of the only entities rich and powerful enough to make a good game (the game in question being the one that shares the title of the anime), but so far the strife of the characters have been pretty centralized to the happenings of the game world and its politics. By the way, lets talk about the game world's player base politics, which I'm also quite pleased with. It exists in the form of guilds and clans who struggle for power not by participating in seemingly random pvp with other powerful players to see who is the most epic and badass warrior (again, like many contemporary isekai typically opt for), but by gaining actual realistic support from a fictional playerbase with realistic desires and playstyles. Some guilds are interested in lore, some gather for alliance and boss raids, some for things like animal husbandry, and (naturally) at least one is dedicated to trolling and PKing. Each of these factions, through the very little that we've seen of them so far, communicate on forums and only know as much as is reasonable for them to know. The only reason they give a shit about the protagonist at all is because he gained access to a high-level unique scenario quest that they want information on how to access, and the only reason word of that got out in the first place was because someone posted a screenshot of him with a unique NPC onto a forum, asking about it as "where can i find this pet summon, its super cute!" That's real. That's video games, baby.

I like this show a lot so far. I like that it cares about video games, but I also like its writing. I like the main character and how hes less of an ultra badass super cool guy, and more of an earnest challenge-run lets player. Like, a lot of his dialogue straight up sounds strikingly similar to Japanese youtubers. And he's naturally always quick to point out inconsistencies in the game world's logic. I ALSO really like his community of pals from a janky old fighting game, and I ADORE the girl from his school who has a crush on him and also just so happens to be an exceptionally high level player from a top clan, and how she had to spend 9 episodes working up the courage to send him a friend request. I love that so, so much, dude.

I highly recommend this show if you're into a single thing I've mentioned. The animation is great. The world is beautiful. The character design is immaculate. And I'm looking forward to watching it continue.

#text #shangri la frontier

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sankta-wraith · 10 months ago

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One thing I think is really important when it comes to understanding Daemon and Rhaenyra's relashionship is the fact that Daemon doesn't show his love through words, he does it through actions. Quite frankly I'm not sure he knows how to verbally express love. He can't support her emotionally, but he can still do other things for her.I think this is shown really well in season 1 episode 10 and season 2 episode 1.

When Rhaenyra learns of her father's death and the Green's usurpation of her throne, she goes into premature labor almost imediatly, so there is no time for her to start planning her bid for the Iron Throne. Daemon takes the liberty of starting to plan the beginings of the war, and in doing so leaves Rhaenyra to endure childbirth alone. There is a very memorable scene in which Daemon schemes with Rhaenyra's small council at the Painted Table, whilst Rhaenyra screams in the background, even calling out for him at one point. Daemon makes no move to go to her and simply continues to plan a war, at least until Jace informs him that Rhaenyra doesn't want anything done until she is able to join them. Even then he does not join her. He goes to threaten two members of the Kingsguard with Caraxes, so as to ascertain that they will remain loyal to Rhaenyra. Now, when I first watched this scene, I, and probably everyone else, assumed that Daemon was taking the opportunity provided by Rhaenyra's premature labor to seize control and have the war start on his terms. Rhaenyra also seems to believe this, as when Jace inquires about Daemon's wherabouts she says "Off planning his war." However, upon rewatching that episode, I think that think that Daemon refusing to attend Rhaenyra in her labors and instead planning a war for her, is actually his way of trying to help her. Daemon is thinking that, while he does not know how to comfort her, and hold her hand, and help her through childbirth, he does know a thing or two about war. In his mind, he's essentially saying something along the lines of "I cannot help you there, so let me remain here where I am of use to you," because, as I said above, Daemon expresses love through his actions, not his words. I think at least part of him wants to be there for Rhaenyra, but he just doesn't know what he can say or do that would help her, so he focuses on what he can do: getting the council together and starting to plan, so that when Rhaenyra comes back he can show her that he's done something of use.

Then, when the child is stillborn, Rhaenyra once again needs comfort and reassurance that Daemon just does not know how to give. There is a scene of them, standing in front of their daughter’s funeral pyre, and you can see him give her this very concerned look, and kind of glance over like he wants to say something, but he doesn't, because he just does not know what he's supposed to say. Then Ser Erryk (or maybe Arryk, I can never remember,) arrives with the crown, and Daemon is relieved because he might not be able to offer her kind words, but he can be the one to put that crown on her head. A gesture that is even more meaningful if you consider how much he wants that crown. By being the one to physically place the crown on her head, he is telling her "I'm sorry that I can't be there for you, but I love you and I will support you." Then they go back to the war council, and Rhaenyra is asking about their numbers, and Daemon is the first one to speak. He starts talking almost before Rhaenyra finishes asking, he seems almost eager (even though their numbers are nothing to be eager about,) because she's finally asking him for something he can give. This is his chance to show her that, even if he cannot be there for her emotionally, he can still do this. He can organize this war and help her win, and do damn good job of it. This is really how Daemon says "I love you."

Then fast forward to 2x01, and Luke is dead, and Rhaenyra once again needs a level of emotional support he's simply not equipped to give, only this time, there is nothing else he can do to help her. He tries to convince Rhaenys to fly to Kings Landing, but she refuses, so he can do nothing except sit around, helplessly, while Rhaenyra mourns. Then she comes back, and he tries to be supportive, by asking if she "found what she needed," but she doesn't answer him. Instead, she declares that she "wants Aemond Targaryen." In Daemon's mind, she has essentially told him that to comfort her, he must have Aemond killed. So he uses his contacts in the City Watch to arrange it. I think one of the reasons he gave Blood and Cheese such vague instructions as to what to do if they can't find Aemond, is because he needs something for Rhaenyra. He can't be helpless any more. (Note: I am in no way condoning Blood and Cheese, or saying that Daemon did the right thing. I am simply trying to understand him and his choices better. Please dont come after me.) But then it fails. Catastrophically. And not only has Daemon failed to help Rhaenyra, he has made things much worse.

So he goes to Harrenhal to get the support of the river lords. But, so far, he has achieved next to nothing. (Obviously he's been busy with the hauntings and home renovations.) But he will not admit to Rhaenyra that he's failing miserably, so he ignores her ravens and sends none of his own. (I don't believe any of the bullshit Ryan Condal is trying to spin about him betraying her.) Because he will not go back to Dragonstone empty handed. Because to Daemon, that would be like telling Rhaenyra he doesn't love her anymore.

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bronbrons · 3 months ago

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canon vs fanon (feat: Osamu Dazai)

Canon vs. Fanon: Dazai Osamu

1. Intelligence & Strategic Mind

Canon

Dazai is a genius tactician, one of the most intelligent characters in Bungou Stray Dogs. His ability to manipulate situations, people, and enemies into doing exactly what he wants is nearly unmatched. This is evident in:

• His strategic dismantling of the Port Mafia from within.

• Outsmarting Fyodor multiple times.

• Planning several steps ahead, such as preparing contingency plans even when captured.

Dazai does not flaunt his intelligence for praise; instead, he lets his results speak for themselves. His intelligence is not about being effortlessly overpowered but about careful planning, psychological manipulation, and reading people.

Fanon

Fanon Dazai is often portrayed as an omnipotent, godlike mastermind who can never be outsmarted. Many fanworks suggest that he always knows everything in advance, never faces real struggles, and can predict events with supernatural precision. This version of Dazai removes any tension or stakes from the story, making his victories feel too easy.

2. Suicidal Tendencies

Canon

Dazai’s suicidal tendencies are deeply tied to his existential crisis. He doesn’t seek death purely for comedy; rather, he desires a meaningful death that would provide an answer to his existence. His past in the Port Mafia, especially his time with Oda, made him search for a purpose beyond destruction.

• His suicide attempts often have a level of sincerity despite their dark humor.

• In Dark Era, Dazai’s depression is explicit—his apathy and longing for an escape from life are serious, not exaggerated for laughs.

• While the comedic element exists, it serves to mask his underlying issues.

Fanon

Many fan portrayals treat his suicidal tendencies purely as a joke, making it seem like he randomly attempts suicide for fun, rather than as a coping mechanism for his existential despair. Others go to the opposite extreme, portraying him as constantly on the verge of breaking down, crying, and needing to be saved. Canon Dazai does not openly express his suffering in an emotional way—he masks it with humor, charm, and misdirection.

3. Personality & Interactions with Others

Canon

Dazai is charismatic and manipulative, but not necessarily a “nice” person. He can be cold, ruthless, and indifferent when needed.

• He deliberately provokes people to test them (e.g., teasing Akutagawa mercilessly to push him).

• He has no problem using others as chess pieces (e.g., how he manipulates Chuuya, Ango, and even Atsushi in certain situations).

• He is not particularly affectionate—he rarely gives genuine praise and instead teaches through tough love.

• He does care about others (e.g., he saved Kunikida from being framed, respects Ranpo, and deeply cared for Oda), but he does not openly express his emotions.

Fanon

• Some fanon interpretations turn Dazai into a soft, affectionate caretaker who babies Atsushi, Chuuya, or Akutagawa.

• Another common fanon portrayal is “flirty playboy” Dazai, where he is overly smooth and romantic, when in reality, his flirtations are often comedic and exaggerated (not serious attempts at seduction).

• A lot of fanfiction also portrays him as highly emotional and prone to outbursts of sadness, which contradicts his actual character—he buries his emotions rather than showing them outright.

4. Relationship with Chuuya

Canon

Dazai and Chuuya share a complicated history as former Double Black partners. Their relationship is based on mutual reliance but also deep animosity.

• Dazai frequently insults Chuuya, knowing it will provoke him.

• He is well aware of Chuuya’s strengths and weaknesses and manipulates him accordingly.

• They respect each other’s abilities but do not share a traditionally affectionate bond.

• Dazai never truly expresses deep emotional care for Chuuya, nor does he show signs of romantic interest—he sees him as a useful but annoying partner.

Fanon

• Many fan interpretations exaggerate their bond into an overly affectionate or romantic relationship where Dazai secretly adores Chuuya.

• Some portray Chuuya as constantly worrying over Dazai’s well-being, which is inaccurate—Chuuya is more frustrated than concerned most of the time.

• The trope of Chuuya being the only one who understands Dazai is common in fanon but not strongly supported in canon. Dazai does not confide in Chuuya the way he did with Oda.

5. Relationship with Atsushi

Canon

Dazai sees potential in Atsushi and helps shape him into a stronger person. However, his approach is not gentle:

• He throws Atsushi into life-threatening situations to force him to grow.

• He rarely offers straightforward encouragement and instead challenges Atsushi to think for himself.

• He does care for Atsushi’s well-being but does not dote on him or treat him as a younger brother.

Fanon

• Some fanfictions depict Dazai as an overly protective, fatherly figure to Atsushi, which contradicts his actual tough-love approach.

• Others exaggerate their bond into something more personal than what is shown in canon.

Conclusion

Canon Dazai is an enigmatic, morally ambiguous strategist who hides his true self behind layers of manipulation, humor, and misdirection. He is neither an omniscient mastermind nor a helpless, emotionally fragile man who needs saving. His suicidal tendencies stem from existential despair rather than comedic effect, and his relationships are more complex and layered than fanon often depicts.

While fan interpretations are always valid in creative spaces, understanding the distinction between canon and fanon helps appreciate Dazai’s depth as a character.

#Dazai osamu #canon vs fanon #osamu dazai #bsd Dazai #bungo stray dogs #dazai

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lazycranberrydoodles · 6 months ago

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hi i don't know if i have questions specifically but want you to know i'm obsessed with your transfem hua cheng and he xuan and that it's super meaningful to me to see other people doing transfem characters and headcanons and I love to see it and love your art so much too so thank you for doing that!!!

yw!!!

hua cheng and he xuan have such interesting relationships to their bodies and powers. to me, trans headcanons not only acknowledge their complex identities within the text, but also add a layer of meaning. plus i just love drawing and writing girls.

more of my thoughts on trans & tfem huaxuan below.

⚠️warnings for: mention of transphobia, canon typical violence, tgcf spoilers⚠️

hua cheng is incredibly metaphorically trans. being born under the star of solitude with a cursed eye, he spent his childhood enduring abuse and covering up his face. (one thing that especially sticks with me for a transmasculine headcanon is that he is smaller than expected for a 10 year old, canonically due to malnutrition). still, he snuck into the army out of a sense of duty (re: tmasc hc, i believe he lied about both his age and his gender to enlist). however, to become crimson rain sought flower, instead of harming others, he wrenches the source of his pain (his eye) out of his body with his own hands. once he removes his eye, instead of dying like a weaker spirit would have, he becomes much more powerful and starts forging an identity for himself. his self-mutilation doesn't just free him from the burden of his cursed eye; he eventually claims blood as his signature. for his whole life, hua cheng has been injured and beaten, but after tong'lu, blood becomes a symbol of his power. his blood rain shows that he does not shy away from brutality and that he feels at home within violence.

this is why i'm always talking about hua cheng's DIY top surgery within the kiln. hua cheng carved up his own body in a way that massively empowered him. he reclaims violence as his own natural habitat, rather than something he has been forced to endure. i think this is very transgender; transphobic rhetoric often labels medical transition as mutilation, but to many of us, that is how we become our true selves. it is a tool to make us stronger.

hua cheng's story is about self-determination. despite his circumstances, he was able to literally brute force fate and luck into his favor with the power of his devotion. i also like to read ghost city (and hua cheng's other miscellaneous acts of good) as a metaphor for disability. to the public, it's dangerous and sinful, but in actuality it is hua cheng's way of 'saving the common people'. ghost city provides safe haven for the undead and their wares, making both the mortal and ghost realms safer. the traditional channel for serving believers is from heaven, but hua cheng forged his own path and refused to take part in its corrupt system. he has a radically different approach to executing his goals, so he is excommunicated and misunderstood outside of the vilified community that he provides a home for (the ghost city residents).

it's important to me that hua cheng is trans -- whether in hualian or hualesbians -- because her story revolves around forging her own path, turning the parts of her body that she hated into sources of power, and defining herself (SHE NAMED HERSELF FLOWER CITY!!!). as a spirit, she hangs around because she wants to be the best version of herself: not out of self-love, but because she is a means to an end (the end being xie lian's will).

beefleaf are literally genderfluid in the text. i personally read shi qingxuan as a trans woman rather than genderfluid because she is 1) more powerful as a woman and 2) does it for fun -- being a woman brings her joy. she begrudgingly turns back into a man when her brother tells her she needs to be more proper. additionally, she was raised as a girl and -- iirc -- doesn't have a problem with this.

he xuan, in addition switching back and forth between male and female forms, also has a very trans narrative. they were literally forced to live the wrong life. his power, similarly to hua cheng's, also comes from their body (eating other ghosts). however, hers is additive. she, to me, is the type of trans person that doesn't see their transition as a loss of anything, only a gain (hua cheng, on the other hand, enthusiastically lost his weakened past self). hua cheng killed the girl he used to be, while he xuan morphed into an unrecognizable, more powerful version of herself. hua cheng purposefully built his ideal self, while he xuan strayed from her AGAB more passively.

i don't think that he xuan would crossdress with shi qingxuan if she didn't want to. even if that was the case, i think their woman-sona is very developed for a guy that reportedly doesn't like it. in my headcanon, she is still in denial by the end of the novel. i think that both his love for shi qingxuan AND the unsettling feeling of gender dysphoria would keep him from dissipating. my final and silliest reason for headcanoning he xuan as nonbinary tfem is that she eats a ton because she's on estrogen and is trying to gain boob weight.

tl;dr: trans women can accumulate power by cutting out their eyes and eating ghosts and i think that's awesome

#i use she he they for he xuan #i use he and she for hua cheng #hua cheng is always trans. no matter her gender she must have always transitioned to it #q&a #ask #not art #tgcf #tgcf spoilers #tgcf meta #hua cheng #he xuan

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earthlybeam · 4 months ago

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Your writing is amazing, it makes me feel so many emotions.

How would Gil-galad, Lindir, and Haldir be as a spouse and a parent (if you think they would have any children that is)

how would the elves react to this?

↓

Gil-Galad, Haldir, Lindir Version below.

🏵️𝓖𝓲𝓵-𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓭

🜲 As a king and someone with a noble, reserved nature, Gil-galad would approach his role as a spouse and parent with utmost seriousness and dedication. His love for his family would be profound, though not necessarily expressed through grand displays of emotion. Instead, his love would be felt in the quiet, steadfast ways he cares for those he holds dear. His actions would speak louder than words, for Gil-galad is a man of deeds, not just promises. His devotion to his family would mirror his devotion to his people—deep, constant, and unwavering.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Gil-Galad As a Spouse

Gil-galad, as a husband, would be a man defined by his profound sense of duty and responsibility. His love for his spouse would be marked by a deep, enduring loyalty, but it would often be shown in actions rather than words. He is not one to express his emotions overtly, but he believes that love is a matter of providing, protecting, and standing firm. As the High King of the Noldor, his position requires constant vigilance, and his royal duties—leading his people, managing political alliances, and strategizing against the forces of darkness—would take much of his time. As a result, his presence at home may be intermittent, though when he is there, his attention is fully yours. His sense of protection is not just physical but emotional. Even if he cannot always be by your side, Gil-galad ensures that you are shielded from the world’s difficulties. His protective nature would manifest in his thoughtful decisions: whether through securing your safety in times of conflict or managing the burdens of court life so you are not overwhelmed. If there are challenges within the kingdom or the larger world, he will work tirelessly to ensure that these threats do not reach you, either through direct action or by making arrangements to keep you at ease.

The strength of Gil-galad’s affection would be seen in his consistency and reliability. His love would be like the quiet, steadfast growth of a tree—unassuming but unshakable. His devotion would be such that you would never doubt his commitment. He is a man of few words, but each action he takes is a quiet testament to how much he values and cherishes you. If you were to need support—whether in times of joy or sorrow—he would be there, steady and resolute. Though his role as king requires that he maintain an air of authority, his tenderness, when shared in private, would be unmatched. As a spouse, Gil-galad’s love is not just an emotional connection but a sense of deep partnership. He would share with you his hopes and his concerns, though he may not be the first to open up about his inner turmoil. His personal burdens, especially related to the fate of the Elves and the looming threat of Sauron, would weigh heavily on him, but he would not ask you to bear them with him. Instead, he would strive to maintain the role of protector, even as he grapples with his own fears and doubts.

When it comes to affection, Gil-galad would likely express it through the ways he takes care of you. A touch on the hand when words are unnecessary, the shared silence in moments of peaceful companionship, and the subtle but meaningful acts that show his thoughtfulness—like tending to your well-being or making sure you have everything you need. Gil-galad may not be the type to shower you with extravagant declarations of love, but his commitment and the calm presence he offers would be his most enduring form of devotion.

There might be moments, rare but precious, when his vulnerability peeks through. These would likely come during the quiet moments between him and you, when the weight of his crown and responsibilities fall away. He might take a moment to place a hand on your shoulder, or whisper soft words of affection in your ear, showing that underneath the composed exterior lies a deep, burning love. In such moments, you would see how truly committed he is, not just to his duties as king, but to you as his partner. Gil-galad’s love would be a calm and unshakeable force. It would not always be loud or obvious, but it would be steady, long-lasting, and dependable. You would always know where you stand with him—by your side, ready to face whatever the world throws at you, and always with the quiet certainty that his love will never falter. His love is not something that fades with time; rather, it is like the roots of the oldest trees in Middle-earth—quiet, strong, and enduring, no matter the storms around them.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Gil-Galad As a Parent

If Gil-galad were to have children, his approach to fatherhood would mirror the same sense of duty, discipline, and wisdom that defines his reign as king. His love for his children would be profound, but it would likely be expressed in more subtle, steadfast ways rather than in grand, emotional gestures. His primary concern would be to ensure that they grow up to be strong, capable, and honorable individuals, able to navigate the complex and often perilous world around them. Fatherhood would be an extension of his kingship, for he understands the weight of leadership and the importance of preparing the next generation to carry it with dignity and wisdom.

In raising his children, Gil-galad would emphasize values such as duty, responsibility, and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. These teachings would be woven into the very fabric of his parenting. His children would be taught not only the history of the Elves and the responsibilities that come with their heritage, but also the principles of strength, honor, and sacrifice. Gil-galad would be keen on instilling in them the importance of self-reliance, not only in terms of physical strength but also in character. He would want them to understand that true leadership is not a matter of power alone, but of compassion, wisdom, and a willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

Though Gil-galad might not be the most outwardly affectionate parent, the love he has for his children would be evident in everything he does. His affection would be displayed in the quiet guidance he offers, in the discipline he instills, and in the protection he provides. His children would know that he stands as their protector, even if his methods are more about teaching them to be strong and self-sufficient than about offering constant reassurance. He would not coddle them or shield them from the realities of the world but would instead prepare them to face it with courage and wisdom. There would be no greater mark of his love than his insistence on their readiness to take on the challenges of their world, for he understands that true love often requires tough decisions and sacrifices. Gil-galad would set high expectations for his children, not out of a desire to see them fulfill his vision of what they should be, but rather to ensure that they can stand firm in the face of whatever might come. He would likely train them in the art of leadership—teaching them the complexities of politics, strategy, and diplomacy—and guide them in the path of wisdom. However, his teachings would not be confined to the intellectual alone. He would also impart the practical skills necessary for survival in Middle-earth, instilling in them the fortitude to endure trials and the emotional intelligence to navigate the nuances of leadership and personal relationships.

In moments of danger or turmoil, Gil-galad would be unwavering in his commitment to protecting his children. His sense of duty as a father would be no different than his sense of duty as king. If ever they were threatened, he would move heaven and earth to shield them from harm, whether by physical defense or by ensuring that they are prepared to face any challenges themselves. However, rather than simply sheltering them, he would encourage them to confront adversity with courage and resilience, preparing them for the weight of the crown and the sacrifices it demands. His protection is not born of fear or weakness, but of a deep-seated desire for them to grow into their potential with the right tools. Though he may not always be present, given his endless duties as king, his love for his children would never waver. There would be moments—often rare but deeply meaningful—when he would sit with them, share stories, and offer lessons drawn from his own experiences. These moments would not always be filled with grand expressions of love, but they would be imbued with a sense of quiet strength and unspoken affection. He would want them to know that his devotion to them transcends words, that his love is a constant, unmovable force that will never abandon them, no matter the distance or the challenges of the world.

In a deeper sense, Gil-galad’s children would be an extension of his legacy. While his role as a ruler might take precedence in the wider world, at home, his legacy would be carried forward in them. His love for his spouse and children would be rooted in the belief that family is not just a private connection, but a crucial part of the greater history of the Elves and the lineage of those who have fought to preserve their people’s future. His children would be raised not as heirs to his personal affection alone, but as heirs to a much larger responsibility—the weight of the history and legacy they carry, and the obligation to live honorably and justly. Despite his occasional emotional distance, there would be no question in his children’s hearts that Gil-galad loved them deeply. His commitment to their upbringing, the lessons he imparted, and the sacrifices he made would be his way of showing love—quiet, unshakable, and steady. And in turn, they would come to understand that love is not always shown through words or acts of immediate warmth, but through a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and strength. In his role as father, Gil-galad would prepare them not only to take on the world but to carry the torch for the future of their people with the same quiet dignity, wisdom, and commitment that he himself had shown. His legacy, both as king and as father, would live on in them—through their strength, their honor, and their undying love for the world they must protect.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Challenges as a Parent

Gil-galad would likely face his own set of challenges in parenting, particularly in balancing his role as king with his duties as a father. His deep sense of responsibility toward his people would sometimes make him distant from his children, as the weight of his leadership never truly leaves him. He would struggle with the idea of letting them take risks or face the dangers of Middle-earth, especially if they show any hint of stepping outside the protection of his care. Gil-galad’s protective nature, honed through centuries of defending his realm, would clash with the desire to let his children grow into strong, independent individuals. He may have a hard time trusting them fully to navigate the world on their own, especially if they show tendencies toward adventure or curiosity about the unknown. As a result, he might hover or become overly cautious at times, though his love for them would always be at the root of his actions. Over time, though, Gil-galad would recognize their growing independence and would find pride in watching them stand on their own, even if it caused him some internal conflict.

Tender Moments Though his role as king would often keep him away from his children, Gil-galad would cherish moments of solitude with them—moments where he could drop the weight of his crown and simply be their father. He would be a father who values quiet, meaningful moments, such as sitting with them under the stars and telling them stories of the ancient days, speaking softly of Elven legends and the victories of their ancestors. In these quiet moments, Gil-galad would express a tenderness that contrasts with his usual stoic demeanor, offering them the comfort of his presence, though never in an overly indulgent or effusive way. When his children were younger, Gil-galad might spoil them in secret—giving them rare gifts from his own collection, taking them on short, private outings far away from the court, and spending time just listening to their questions and thoughts. These small gestures of affection would be his way of showing love, though he would never allow anyone to think he was openly indulgent. He would carefully balance showing them affection and ensuring they understand the weight of duty and responsibility, perhaps giving them a small token or treasure that has meaning to him or to their family history.

As his children grew, Gil-galad would continue to show his love through actions. He might teach them the sword or the ways of strategy, sharing the wisdom he has gained over centuries of leadership. Though his affection might be quieter than others, his guidance would be invaluable. There would be moments when he would let his guard down—perhaps after a long battle or an intense council meeting—and pull his child into a moment of reassurance, a rare smile or soft touch on their shoulder to let them know they are loved and valued. His love would not be demonstrated through grandiose declarations, but in the sacrifices he makes, the lessons he imparts, and the quiet gestures of care. He might, for example, arrange for something special—a secret trip to a peaceful place only he and his child know about, or a personal item passed down through the ages as a symbol of trust and love. Despite the challenges he faces as a father, Gil-galad’s commitment to his children would never waver. His legacy would be built not only upon the strength of his kingdom but also on the quiet, steadfast love he nurtures in his family. His children would grow to understand that, though their father might not always express his love overtly, his actions—his protection, his teachings, and the small, thoughtful gifts he provides—are all expressions of an unshakable, enduring love.

🏹𝓗𝓪𝓵𝓭𝓲𝓻

➳ Haldir, known for his strong sense of duty and his somewhat stern exterior, would be a different kind of partner and father, one shaped by his unyielding dedication to his role as a guardian of Lothlórien and his deep-rooted love for his family.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Haldir as a Spouse

Haldir would be a deeply devoted and attentive spouse, though his love might initially manifest in reserved and subtle ways. Known for his strong sense of duty and somewhat stern exterior, Haldir would approach marriage with the same sense of responsibility and honor that defines his role as a guardian of Lothlórien. While his emotions might not always be easy to read, his love would run deep, and his actions would speak volumes about his affection and devotion. Haldir’s protective nature would be a defining feature of your relationship. He would ensure your safety and happiness, though his overprotectiveness might sometimes lead to clashes, particularly if you have a more independent spirit. Despite these moments, he would respect your strength and individuality, ultimately finding ways to support your freedom while remaining your steadfast protector.

At first, Haldir’s affection would likely come through actions rather than flowery words—small, thoughtful gestures such as bringing you gifts from his patrols, crafting peaceful moments within Lothlórien’s golden woods, or silently watching over you as you sleep. He would create an atmosphere of quiet care and security, making you feel cherished even without grand declarations of love. Over time, as trust and intimacy deepen, he would allow himself to open up more, sharing his quiet humor, contemplative thoughts, and moments of vulnerability. Despite his stoic exterior, Haldir is a romantic at heart. He would express his love in subtle yet deeply meaningful ways—braiding flowers into your hair, teaching you Elven songs, or weaving tales of Lórien’s beauty as the two of you walk beneath the mellyrn trees. He would treasure private, intimate moments, where he could let down his guard and simply exist by your side, allowing his softer, more tender side to shine.

However, his role as a protector of Lothlórien would always remain central to who he is. There would be times when his responsibilities take him away from you, and he would carry the guilt of leaving you behind. He would work tirelessly to balance his duties with his love for you, ensuring that the time you spend together is meaningful and cherished. His loyalty would be unshakable, and you would always know you have his heart, even in his absence. Haldir might take a little while to warm up to the idea of being a deeply affectionate partner, but once he does, his love would be steadfast and enduring. He would value honesty, mutual respect, and open communication, and though difficult conversations might not come easily to him, he would never shy away from them. While he may seem distant or aloof at first, his love would be protective, physical, and rooted in his desire to keep you safe and happy. His presence would be a constant source of strength, and his devotion would make you feel like the most cherished part of his world.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Haldir as a Parent

If Haldir were to have children, he would embody both the role of a steadfast protector and a wise mentor. Fatherhood, like everything in his life, would be approached with the utmost care, seriousness, and responsibility. He would instill strong values of honor, discipline, and respect in his children, ensuring they understood the importance of their heritage and the world around them. Haldir’s natural caution and wariness of the world’s dangers would make him an incredibly protective parent, often to the point of being overbearing. Every moment spent outside the safety of Lothlórien would be filled with lessons on vigilance and self-preservation, as he would teach them how to move through the world with quiet grace, always alert to potential dangers.

In the quiet of Lothlórien, he would pass down the ancient traditions and lore of the Elves, ensuring that his children would grow up understanding the beauty of their people and the sacredness of their land. He would teach them the art of archery, of moving silently through the trees, of defending themselves with bow and blade. Each skill would be a lesson not only in survival, but in the strength of character and the responsibility they carried as part of their proud lineage. Yet, despite his focus on strength and discipline, Haldir would encourage a balance—nurturing his children’s creativity and their love of beauty. He would encourage them to sing the ancient Elven songs, to create art that reflects the world around them, and to appreciate the natural wonders that abound in Lothlórien’s golden woods.

Though Haldir might not be the most openly affectionate father, his love for his children would be felt deeply in his actions. He would not be the type to shower them with words of praise, but he would make time to listen to their concerns, offer guidance when needed, and provide comfort in times of distress. His actions would speak volumes about his devotion—whether it was offering them his sword when they needed protection, quietly watching over them as they slept, or simply standing beside them in silence during moments of uncertainty. His children would come to understand that his love was not always shown through words, but through his unwavering presence, his strength, and his constant desire to shield them from harm. They would know they could rely on him in any situation, and his steady guidance would shape them into individuals who admired his integrity and his unyielding commitment to their well-being.

As a parent Haldir would be a firm, yet loving father. His children would grow up with a deep understanding of the values he held most dear—discipline, bravery, and honor. He would be meticulous in training them in both the practical and philosophical aspects of their Elven heritage. Whether teaching them how to wield a bow, or guiding them through the lessons of Elven history, his approach would be hands-on, ensuring they learned the importance of preparation and strength. However, despite his often serious and commanding demeanor, his softer side would emerge in moments of quiet intimacy with his family.

When with his children, Haldir’s typically stoic nature would soften, and a warmth would emerge in his eyes, revealing his deep affection. His love would be seen in the way he holds them close when they are young, or how he shares moments of wonder with them as they explore the wonders of Lothlórien. His devotion to their well-being would never waver, and he would want them to be strong, resilient, and proud of their Elven heritage. In the quiet moments between lessons, he would share with them his thoughts on what it means to be an Elf and to live a life of purpose and honor. His children would grow up knowing that while their father’s love might not always be expressed in traditional ways, it was constant and unyielding, a pillar of strength they could always depend on.

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Challenges as a Parent

Haldir’s rigid adherence to tradition and his cautious nature would likely present challenges in his role as a father. His deep sense of duty and vigilance might lead him to struggle with the idea of his children stepping beyond the safety of Lothlórien’s borders or taking risks he deems unnecessary. If his children were naturally adventurous or curious about the world outside their golden woods, it could create tension between his desire to protect them and their longing for independence.

Haldir might find it difficult to let go and trust their ability to navigate danger on their own, especially if they inherited any of his protective instincts or fiery will. While his intentions would always come from a place of love, his overprotectiveness might occasionally feel stifling to his children. However, his introspective and thoughtful nature would allow him to reflect on these conflicts, and over time, he would come to respect their choices and independence, even if it caused him worry.

Tender Moments Despite his stern and reserved exterior, Haldir would have a profound soft spot for his children, especially during private moments away from the pressures of his responsibilities. As a father, he would cradle them gently when they were young, singing them lullabies in the soft, melodic tones of Sindarin, his voice carrying the wisdom and beauty of the Elves. He would recount tales of Elven bravery and wisdom, filling their minds with the wonder of their heritage and the strength of their people.

As they grew older, Haldir would become their steady and quiet confidant, offering guidance with his calm demeanor and occasional flashes of dry humor. He would treasure moments spent teaching them the skills of archery, swordsmanship, and the ways of the forest, but he would also value quiet walks through Lothlórien, showing them the hidden wonders of the golden woods. In his own way, Haldir would express his love through small, meaningful gestures—leaving flowers on their bedside, crafting a finely-carved bow for a special occasion, or simply standing watch outside their room on stormy nights. His family would come to understand that, though his words might be few, his love was deep, enduring, and unwavering.

🎻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓻

♫ As a reserved and anxious elf with a gentle heart, Lindir would approach the role of a spouse and parent with quiet devotion and tender care. His love would be understated but unwavering, shown more in his actions than grand declarations. His commitment to you would be evident in the little things—through his thoughtful attentions, his patience, and the calm presence he offers in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

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Lindir As a spouse

Lindir’s love for you would be a slow burn, like a steady fire that gently warms rather than overwhelms. He would prefer building the foundation of your relationship with trust, care, and understanding, allowing each step to come naturally. There’s no rush for him—his love is patient and reserved, so his expressions of affection, while deep, would be subtle and thoughtful. The way he looks at you, his soft touch when he brushes your hand, or the warmth in his voice when he speaks to you would all be signs of his affection. He would take his time learning all the little details that make you you—what makes you laugh, the way your eyes light up when you talk about something you love, and what soothes you when you’re upset. He’d remember even the smallest things, showing that he pays attention and cherishes you. And as he grows more confident in his affections, you’d notice that his shy gestures evolve. There might be moments when his hand lingers just a second longer when he holds yours, or when he brushes his lips softly against your cheek in a quiet but intimate display of affection.

Lindir would often leave you thoughtful notes—sometimes just a line of poetry, a verse of a song, or a quiet confession of how much he loves you. He’s the type to write you a letter just to tell you he’s thinking of you, and every word would be written with sincerity and warmth. Whether you’re in Rivendell or somewhere far away, you would always have a small piece of him with you—a reminder that he is always thinking of you, even in moments when he is not by your side. His handwriting would be neat and delicate, much like him, with each word carefully chosen. In public, Lindir would remain reserved, his love for you evident in how he quietly stands by your side, attentive to your needs, and protective in his own way. He would never draw attention to your relationship or act possessive, but you’d always feel cherished. You could catch the way his eyes soften when they meet yours across the room, or how his posture shifts in your presence, as if all his focus is on you. He would steal small moments—perhaps brushing your hand as you walk together, or glancing at you when he thinks you’re not looking, his heart full of affection but too shy to speak it out loud.

Lindir’s love would be deeply romantic, but without the grandiose gestures that other elves might be known for. Instead, he would express it through small, meaningful acts. He might surprise you with a beautiful flower, or find a quiet spot in the gardens to sit with you and talk. Even when it’s just the two of you, Lindir would enjoy the comfort of each other’s company, not feeling the need for constant conversation, just being content in the silence that surrounds you both. His idea of a perfect evening might be as simple as reading a book aloud to you or playing his instrument as you sit by the fire together, the melody filling the space between you. If you ever wanted him to sing for you, Lindir would do so without hesitation, but you’d notice a quiet nervousness in him before he starts. When he sings, it’s clear that every note is meant for you—his voice would be soft and beautiful, each melody carrying the weight of his emotions. He would sing the songs that remind him of you or that he has learned just for you, his love woven into the music itself. He would be happy to serenade you, whether in a quiet corner of Rivendell or beneath the stars on a balcony overlooking the valley, the peaceful sound of his voice floating through the air, carrying all the unspoken words he struggles to express in other ways.

Lindir is also incredibly thoughtful when it comes to the things that make you happy. If he notices you enjoy a particular dish, he might make sure to have it prepared for you, or he could offer to share his favorite books or pieces of music with you, eager to connect with you on a deeper level. In the quiet moments, he might just sit with you in the gardens of Rivendell, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the simple joy of being in each other’s presence. Lindir doesn’t need grand gestures to show his love—he shows it through every moment he spends with you, every look, every word. With Lindir, love is not a loud declaration, but a gentle, unwavering presence that comforts and supports you through everything. Every day spent with Lindir would feel like a gift, with each moment reminding you of how much he treasures you. He may be shy and anxious at times, but when it comes to you, he would never hold back in showing how much you mean to him. His love would be constant, and you would always feel that his heart beats in rhythm with yours, whether in silence or soft words, in songs or quiet laughter.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Lindir As a parent

Lindir’s approach to parenthood would be deeply thoughtful, patient, and gentle, though he might also experience moments of anxiety about getting things just right. His quiet nature would shine through in the way he interacts with his children—always with a caring touch, a listening ear, and an eagerness to help them grow. Despite his gentle demeanor, Lindir would take his role as a father very seriously, often second-guessing himself and wondering if he’s doing enough to support and nurture his children. His heart would be full of love, but his tendency to worry could sometimes make him a bit anxious about whether he’s meeting their needs perfectly. When Lindir becomes a father, the arrival of his first child would likely put him on high alert. His protective instincts would be strong, but he might also find himself overwhelmed at times, unsure if he’s doing things correctly. As a result, he would want to ensure that everything is perfect for his child, from creating a warm, safe environment to making sure they are given every opportunity to learn and grow. The smallest things would concern him—whether he is providing enough attention, making sure his child feels supported, or if his child’s needs are being met. Lindir would spend a great deal of time researching and asking others, such as Elrond or Erestor, for advice, wanting to ensure that he’s making the best decisions for his growing family.

However, there would be moments when Lindir’s anxiety could get the better of him, especially when balancing fatherhood with his responsibilities in Rivendell. His duties as Lord Elrond’s chief minstrel and as Chief of Staff would often keep him busy, leaving him exhausted and sometimes a little cranky. In these moments, he might become more irritable than usual—his nerves frayed from the pressure of juggling everything at once. Though he would never take it out on his child, Lindir would occasionally find himself snapping at others, perhaps the twins or even you, simply because he’s stretched thin. These moments of frustration would leave him feeling guilty afterward, especially because he always wants to be the perfect partner and parent. When he’s tired and worn out, his normally soft-spoken nature might give way to a short-tempered side, but it would be fleeting, and his regret would soon follow. Despite these moments, Lindir would be a constant presence in his child’s life, always striving to provide the best for them, whether it’s through teaching them songs, introducing them to music, or sharing the history of their people. As a father, he would make every effort to give his children the tools they need to navigate life, encouraging their intellectual curiosity and nurturing their creative spirits. He would be patient and kind, guiding them gently through learning experiences and making sure that they always knew they had his unwavering support, no matter what they pursued.

Lindir would adore quiet, one-on-one moments with his children, teaching them about the world through stories, music, and art. His gentle voice would be a source of comfort as he explained the wonders of nature or played soft melodies on his instrument. He would teach them the songs that have been passed down in Rivendell, perhaps even writing new ones for them to carry on in the future. Lindir would want his children to appreciate the beauty of the world, to embrace the arts, and to understand the importance of kindness, empathy, and creativity. Though Lindir may not have the same confidence in battle as some of the more martial figures in Rivendell, he would still recognize the importance of self-defense. If his children expressed an interest in learning how to defend themselves, he would feel torn. His own anxieties about their safety would make him want to protect them, but he would also know that it’s important for them to learn these skills. As a result, he would turn to others, like Glorfindel or the twins, to teach his children what they need to know. Lindir would feel some discomfort at not being able to teach them himself, but he would prioritize their safety above all else, trusting those with more experience to guide them.

With a first child, Lindir would often find himself overwhelmed by the responsibility and constantly questioning if he’s doing things right. He would lose sleep at times, feeling the weight of parenthood pressing on him as he strives to balance his duties in Rivendell with the new, precious life in his care. He would be exhausted, sometimes grumpy, and unsure of himself, but through it all, he would remain dedicated to his family. His love would be steady and unshakable, even on his most anxious days. Lindir would be a father who gives everything to his children, even if that means occasionally feeling unsure or overwhelmed. In the quiet moments when he’s finally able to hold his child close, Lindir would feel a deep sense of peace wash over him. The love he feels for his family would always overshadow his worries. And as he watches his child grow, he would realize that his soft, patient nature is exactly what they need—a steady, loving presence in their lives, always there to guide and support them. Lindir might be an anxious, shy father at times, but his love would be boundless, and he would pour everything into making sure his children feel loved, safe, and cherished.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦ ꕤ ၄၃ ꕤ ✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Challenges as a Parent

Lindir’s naturally gentle, patient nature would make him an incredibly thoughtful father, but he would also face certain challenges in his new role. His tendency to overthink and second-guess himself might make him anxious about whether he’s doing enough for his children. He would be a father who constantly strives to get everything right, worrying if he’s providing the right balance of support and independence. His first child, in particular, would leave him on high alert, making him cautious to the point of occasionally being a bit too protective. Though he would never restrict his child’s freedom, his desire to keep them safe would sometimes clash with their natural curiosity or need to experience the world on their own. Lindir might find himself hesitating when it comes to letting his child take risks, unsure if they’re ready for the world outside the comfort of Rivendell. Despite his occasional moments of self-doubt, Lindir’s dedication to being the best father he can be would always shine through. His love for his children would be patient and unshakeable, even if he occasionally struggled with feeling overwhelmed by his new responsibilities. He might find it difficult to balance his demanding duties in Rivendell with the needs of his growing family, and during times of exhaustion, he could become a little short-tempered or easily frustrated, though never to the detriment of his children. His self-doubt would be his greatest challenge, but he would learn over time to trust in his love and his instincts as a father.

Tender Moments Despite his occasional nervousness or anxiety, Lindir would have a profound tenderness toward his children. He would cherish the quiet moments spent with them, finding joy in the simple things like teaching them a new song or telling them stories of the ancient Elven kingdoms. His voice, soft and melodious, would carry the calming presence of his affection, and he would lull them to sleep with gentle songs, his melodies speaking the language of love in a way that words alone could not.

As his children grew, Lindir would be their quiet, unwavering presence—a calm and patient guide through life. He might not be the most outwardly expressive, but his affection would be felt in every little action he takes. He would take time to show them the beauty of music, teaching them how to play instruments, share his songs, and discover the joy in art. He would introduce them to the wonders of Rivendell, guiding them through its tranquil gardens and whispering to them the history and stories of their people. Lindir would always find ways to express his love through small gestures—whether it’s leaving a note with a poem or singing a song that reminds him of them. When his children needed reassurance, his soft, steady presence would be a source of comfort. He would patiently listen to their worries and offer gentle advice, always encouraging them to find their own path while knowing that his love and support would always be with them, no matter where that path leads.

When it came to teaching them, Lindir would be an exceptional tutor, never rushing his children and offering them all the time they needed to learn at their own pace. He would be there to patiently guide them through challenges, making sure they always felt safe to make mistakes and try again. His focus would be on nurturing their hearts and minds, fostering curiosity and creativity rather than pushing for perfection. In his quieter moments, Lindir would sit with his children under the stars, teaching them about the constellations and the timeless stories of the Elves. He would show them the beauty of silence, the importance of observation, and the richness of life’s simple pleasures. Through all of these tender moments, his love for his children would be undeniable, even if he didn’t always have the words to say it.

Lindir might struggle with expressing his emotions outwardly, but he would always ensure his family knows how deeply he loves them. His love would not be grandiose or dramatic, but it would be steady, unwavering, and deeply sincere. Through his music, his patience, and his quiet devotion, Lindir would build a strong, loving foundation for his children, one that would shape their hearts for generations to come. In a family where his tender touch, gentle voice, and thoughtful nature would always be present, Lindir would remain the steady heartbeat of a home filled with love, patience, and quiet joy.

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slamdunkhcs · 5 months ago

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Found some of my older essays in my google docs… you guys are very lucky. This may or may not be the last post until my winter break (depending on if i find more old essays)

love in slam dunk

Slam Dunk is best known for its intense basketball action and character-driven storytelling, but it also features some of the most pure and heartfelt depictions of love in shōnen manga. The relationships between Ryota Miyagi and Ayako, as well as Hanamichi Sakuragi and Haruko Akagi, provide a fresh perspective on romance, one that diverts from over-the-top romance tropes common in the Shonen genre, instead opting for moments of emotional authenticity among the series’s main two couples.

Ryota Miyagi’s feelings for Ayako are sometimes loud or obvious, but they are undeniably genuine. Ryota admires Ayako not just for her beauty but for her maturity, intelligence, and leadership as the team’s manager. One memorable example occurs when Ayako scolds Ryota for his brashness during practice, and instead of becoming defensive or aggressive, he listens attentively and takes her words to heart. He even scolds the others to listen to her words. This shows the respect Ryota holds for her, not as an idealized love interest but as someone who inspires him to be better.

What makes their dynamic so refreshing is Ayako’s independence and confidence. She acknowledges Ryota’s admiration without being dismissive or overly accommodating.

Throughout the series, Ayako’s support for Ryota goes beyond her role as the team manager. During games, she often singles him out with specific advice and encouragement, such as reminding him to stay calm under pressure or praising his quick decisions.

These moments may seem small, but they show Ayako’s awareness of Ryota’s struggles and it is her own way of reciprocating his feelings. Ayako doesn’t openly express romantic affection, but her actions—like cheering him on when he feels overwhelmed—speak volumes about her care for him.

Their dynamic, where love is expressed through small, caring acts rather than overt declarations/gestures, reflects a level of maturity rare in shonen manga. Their relationship thrives on mutual respect and understanding, and it shows that love doesn’t always need to be dramatic to be meaningful.

Hanamichi Sakuragi’s love for Haruko Akagi is one of the driving forces behind his decision to join the basketball team, but it is far from a typical romance. His feelings for Haruko are pure and earnest, fueled by admiration for her kindness and enthusiasm for the sport. What makes their dynamic unique is how Haruko inspires Hanamichi to grow—not by demanding it, but simply by believing in his potential.

Another thing sets their dynamic apart is how Hanamichi’s love is portrayed not as an obsessive or idealized fantasy, but as an innocent longing for connection. This innocence is most evident in Hanamichi’s fantasy of what it would mean to have a girlfriend. Unlike typical shonen protagonists, whose romantic aspirations might revolve around physical attraction or “weird” scenarios, Hanamichi’s dream is simply to walk a girl to and from school. This vision is strikingly pure and reflective of the awkward, genuine feelings of a teenager experiencing love for the first time. It is a big contrast to many shonen, which often sexualize their female characters or present romance in a way that feels transactional

Haruko, for her part, never mocks or diminishes Hanamichi’s feelings. While she is unaware of his crush, she consistently treats him with kindness and encourages his growth. A memorable example is when she praises Hanamichi for staying late to practice his shooting, showing that she values his effort and determination. Though Haruko’s heart belongs to Rukawa, her warmth and encouragement play a massive role in Hanamichi’s journey toward self discovery.

What makes Hanamichi and Haruko’s relationship so compelling is its emotional weight. Hanamichi’s crush is not rewarded with a confession or a dramatic romantic arc, but it serves as a catalyst for his personal growth. By channeling his love for Haruko into his newfound passion for basketball, Hanamichi discovers a sense of purpose and self-worth. Their relationship captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of teenage infatuation while showing how love, even unrequited, can push someone to be their best self.

In many shonen series, romantic subplots are rife with clichés. Female characters are often reduced to idealized figures or comic relief, while male protagonists are rewarded with their love interests after overcoming obstacles that have little to do with the relationship itself. In contrast, Slam Dunk grounds its romances in simple, yet authentic moments. Ryota’s admiration for Ayako and Hanamichi’s earnest crush on Haruko feel more like reflections of real human relationships than formulaic storylines.

For example, Ryota doesn’t win Ayako’s heart by performing some dramatic act; instead, his feelings are expressed through his consistent respect for her and the way he values her advice. Similarly, Hanamichi’s love for Haruko isn’t the reason he succeeds in basketball, but it serves as a gentle nudge toward discovering his own passion and discipline. These relationships are not about conquering or achieving love—they are about learning, growing, and connecting on a deeper level.

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the-fo0l · 2 years ago

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Micheal Scofield dating hcs

notes: it's criminal crazy kooky insane how little content there is for this show

warnings: gn reader, s1 lore, super soft fluff!!!! also idc if u think its out of charater let me be delulu

he's so babygirl

a very devoted boyfriend (im pretty sure i say that in all my hcs but its true!!)

just so soft and polite and gentle with you aaaaa

doesn't notice just how hard he's fallen for you until he has to be apart from you a long while

such a gentleman, his intentions towards you are always respectful

before you we're offical he had quite the crush on you

sometimes you could notice that cool, calm, witty demeanor of his becoming more bashful and jittery around you

daydreamed a lot about you and your potential future together. what it'd be like to live with you, to start the day by your side, how you'd show affection, how you'd express diffrent emotions, what you'd talk about, your niche interests and quirks— etc

slightly creepy but he did do a bit of research on you to make sure he hit it off with you as best as he could

always says good night and good morning, over text if not in person

just imagine waking up, still cuddling, but with a little distance so he can properly take in your sleepy morning face

him just gazing at you so lovingly, his gentle smile growing a little bigger seeing you open your eyes, then moving one hand from your waist to caress your cheek and murmur "good morning" with his sultry morning voice

GOOD LORDDD

he developed a new-found love for his job when you two started dating cause thanks to it he can properly provide for you

and provide he does

doesn't think you should have to work a day in your life (unless you wanted to)

he'd hate for you to stay at a job you're miserable at

super proud of you for all your accomplishments

when you have to seperate while walking to avoid something in the street, be immediately reaches back to interwine your fingers again

expresses all love languages in some way but 'acts of service' is his main one

amazing at gift giving and romantic gestures

just when you think he can't possibly out-do last year's anniversary/birthday gift he suprises you with something super elaborate and meaningful

absent-mindedly makes origami flowers for you at work. you'll also find them all over your apartment, some hidden, some in plain sight

at some point he started writing messages on them. some with the most loving praise you've ever heard and some w cheesy pickup lines

p.s. he grins ear to ear when he finds out you've got a special box for them all instead of throwing them away

when you're both still a little tired in the morning, or when either of you comes home after a long day, he peppers delicate kisses all over your face, ending with a deeper kiss to your lips

your touch just makes all the headaches of his day-to-day melt away

also takes both your hands and kisses your knuckles while looking at you with all the love and admiration in the world god lord

okay enough with the kissing!

always opens doors for you

compliments you often, and always uses words like stunning or beautiful instead of "hot

loves making you flustered with praise

he's an amazing listener, and he looooves listening to you talk

also, he's quite intense with the eye-contact

he thinks you're the most gorgeos person in the world what can i say

it might seem like he's not paying attention sometimes cause of how lost-in-your-eyes he seems but i assure you he remembers every little thing you say

nods along and hums a little to let you know he's listening

"i remember you said you liked this, so i got it for you" typa guy

you're happy = he's happy

will often sometimes call you to talk about nothing really important, more just for the sake of hearing your voice

and if you're not much of a talker that's fine too, the silent moments you share are never awkward

he's canonically super observant, so if you changed anything about your apperance or if you were in a bad mood he'd notice right away, even if you tried to hide it

great at comfort too, that silky-smooth voice of his knows exactly what to say

he's a very handsome guy (i mean cmon just look at him) so he tends to get hit-on quite a bit

he'd always brushed it off before but ever since he set his sights on you he's been very adamant on very clearly and quickly rejecting others' attempts

when he was making plans to break linc out of prison, a huge amount of his focus went to making sure you were kept safe during the whole process

having you be there from him after news broke and after linc got the death sentence already meant so much to him

so when he trusted you the broad strokes of his plan, and you supported him??? ohmygod this man fell in love with you all over again

yes, he was worried, but he had to tell you, spending days obsessing over prison schematics and getting full body tattoos is rather hard to hide from the love of your life after all

granted, he could have broken up with you and tried to rekindle after he'd escaped, but be fr he could never bring himself to dump you

you never know what may go wrong, and his love for you wasn't exactly a secret, so he took every precaution he could (as in like if someone wanted to harm you cause of your association with him)

he was still super anxious to let go of you

gave you the most passionate and desperate kiss before he went to prison

gets really really homesick for you

calls you whenever he can

would sometimes get teary-eyed from how hard he misses you before falling asleep in his bunk

would lose his mind if something didn't go according to his carefully constructed plan and put you at risk, cause there's not much he can do to control what happens outside foxriver. if t-bag ever found out about you he'd. freak. out.

he's willing to go to great lengths for the people he cares about (it's like the whole plot of the show), so you'd better not play w his beloved

on the rare occasions he has down-time in prison his thoughts always go to you and what you might be up to

he's surrounded by murderers daily and has the gall to be worried about you

sucre would pester him about his love-life a lot. insisting that he recognized yearning in michael's distant expression and saying that no single man could've helped him woo maricruz with that letter (michael writes love letters for you too)

sucre does eventually pull it out of michael and becomes just the biggest supporter of your relationship

this was kinda messy huh

#we're both infj tehehe #michael scofield x reader #michael scofield headcanons #prison break x reader #michael scofield fluff #sucre's obsessed w the romance here #i remember having a LOT of inspo for linc while watching vit now i dont rememberrrrrr

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gumbaigumbai · 8 months ago

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Grievances regarding the VIZ 310 translation

Obviously 310 spoilers ahead This is the VIZ translation from the physical copy of Volume 31

For comparison, here is the fan translation (by EverydayHeroes) that I read my first time around

To preface this, I have absolutely zero knowledge when it comes to reading Japanese, so I have no idea which translation would be "more correct," but this is a rant on my own opinion over why I think the EHscans translation is better suited for this scene.

One of the glaring differences is the exact word Ogata uses to describe himself with; a "fuckup" vs someone "defective." I believe depending on which is used, a vastly different meaning could be perceived for this moment. A fuckup implies someone who has made a mistake, and it provides a sense of depreciation. When Ogata uses it here, it means that he took the actions he believed were that of a failure. That he unconsciously thought, "this is how someone incompetent would act," and tried to imitate it. The issue with this is that, as we know, Ogata is not incompetent, and he is not a failure. Throughout the manga he consistently shows off his adequacy, and his issues never, not even once, stem from a lack of skill. His entire downfall is purely based on his mental and emotional struggle. This is why using the word "fuckup" seems inappropriate by definition. It also adds a passage of time to its meaning, a "fuckup" is someone who might have been born as a completely competent person, but has along the way made a mistake which labeled them as such. Again, this doesn't make sense when inserted into Ogata's beliefs, whose primary goal was to show how the environment and circumstances by which he was born held no effect to his psyche. Lastly, a minor issue I have is the tone; this is an extremely vital part of Ogata's arc, it's his finale, and he's going through this intense introspection, yet despite all that when choosing to describe himself he picks this lackadaisical word "fuckup," and not something more meaningful. It feels like the translators relied more on the expressive quality of an expletive than the definition itself. Now, looking at the fan translation, defective sets a much different tone, along with the wordage used around it. It implies something is flawed, or not working correctly. Similarly to "fuckup," it describes imperfection, but here it can be seen as inherent. Here, Ogata talks about how he chose to act like someone who was born lacking, how he believed he was missing something since birth (love), and therefore made decisions he thought reflected this implied lack of love. It perfectly ties into his inability to see that Yuusaku genuinely loved him, and sets the focus on what the issue is, which is his mentality. I can't stress enough how this would be impossible to derive from a word such as "fuckup," and how important that distinction is. Another issue is that "fuckup," as I've mentioned, reads as someone who has made a mistake, whereas a "defective" individual is not at fault for their impairment. When placed into the context of the story, why would Ogata consciously choose to act as someone who "fucked up", instead of someone who just wasn't born correctly. Sorry if this rant is a bit jumbled, I just needed to express my thoughts on the matter since I seriously do not like how VIZ executed this scene. Hope you enjoyed the read though, if you made it to the end! ^_^

#golden kamuy #ogata hyakunosuke #gk #ogata #much to think about #i haven't posted much in months #but i've been upset over this since the first time i saw how viz translated it #so i had to speak up #this is soooo serious to me #don't even joke lad

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immaturityofthomasastruc · 2 years ago

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#23: “The Miraculous Ladybug Movie May Give You What You Want, but My Show Gives You What You Actually Need! You Don’t Work in Television, so You Wouldn’t Understand.”

I've been running this blog for almost three years at this point, and I've seen Astruc talk trash about various things while claiming his show is better, like Winx Club, Paw Patrol, Pokemon, and Pixar as a whole. I never thought I'd see Astruc act like his show was better than a movie based on his show though.

For those who don't know (and you'd be forgiven, seeing how Astruc has barely talked about it on his Twitter), there was recently a movie that hit theaters based on Miraculous Ladybug called Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie. Supposedly, it's meant to be a retelling of how Marinette and Adrien met as civilians and as heroes. While I haven't seen it, it seems to be getting good reception, with some saying it's better than the show it's based on.

Of course, Astruc had something to say about this.

Okay, I sort of get what he's trying to say here. It's hard to compare the experience of watching an hour and a half long movie and a TV show with five seasons under its belt, but at the same time, the way Astruc phrased it still made it seem like he was trying to say the show was the better option because it “gives you what you need”. Nobody was expecting the Love Square to be resolved in a few episodes. Most people at least wanted more stories about the two to be told that don't involve constant padding. Astruc also acts like the Love Square is the only draw for the series instead of, oh, I don't know, the superhero action? You're really telling me they couldn't have tried focusing more on that after resolving the Love Square? I'm just saying, if The Office can continue after Jim and Pam got together, you can at least try to actually write other stories after the Love Square becomes canon.

One user in particular had some things to say in response to Astruc's claims, and you can guess how well Astruc took that.

Again, nobody is saying that working in television is all sunshine and rainbows, Astruc, but just because someone isn't familiar with dealing with network constraints and test audiences, it doesn't mean that they're unable to provide any meaningful criticism.

Also, Astruc is once again using a psychology term, in this case, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, to act like he's smarter than the critics. This man took psychology as an elective in college, didn't he?

But then again, this is coming from someone who doesn't think constructive criticism is a real thing.

Funny how he once again acts like anything that isn't positive feedback of his show is delusional, isn't it?

Eventually, this devolved into Astruc posting a little tangent about how fandoms have only gotten more toxic, which would have been a decent point... it if didn't come after all the things he said about fans not being able to criticize his show.

Again, there's nothing wrong with what he's trying to say here, but it feels less like a critique of how fans have become more toxic with the advent of the internet, and more like he's complaining about how mean people have been to him lately.

And, of course, this led to the usual fare of people calling out Astruc for his close mindedness, and Astruc once again saying how people aren't allowed to criticize his show in any way that isn't blind praise.

And here's the thing. We're still not done yet. This little tangent only warranted more comments about how Astruc handles criticism, only this time, it's also about calling out the people who think they can do a better job handling the show.

First, do you mind giving us an example of what kind of constraints you have to deal with, Astruc? We all know that TV executives suck, but I think we'd have more of a reason to understand your struggles if you actually explained some things that needed to be changed because of executive meddling.

Second, nobody wants a beach episode, Astruc, especially after that one issue of the comic you're choosing to ignore. We just want a more consistent story that doesn't rely on endlessly padding out the Love Square.

And finally, did you just say you have to be French if you want to rewrite Miraculous Ladybug? What does being French have to do with any of this? I remember seeing a little tweet a few years ago suggesting you would be a good choice to write a Superman story, but last time I checked, you aren't American.

Let's review in case you got lost. Someone tweeted that they thought the Miraculous Ladybug movie did a better job at the story it set out to tell than the Miraculous Ladybug TV show, Astruc tried to explain how his show is still good in its own way while justifying how long it's been going on for, he ranted and raved at fans for daring to criticize his team's writing before going on a tangent about how the internet has made people more hostile over the years, and when people still weren't happy with him, he claimed that you could only criticize or rewrite the show if you're an experienced French TV writer like him.

So just keep that in mind, fanfic writers. Unless you're French and have experience writing for television, you don't have a chance in hell to successfully write your own version of Miraculous Ladybug.

#immaturity of thomas astruc #iota #thomas astruc #thomas astruc salt #miraculous ladybug #miraculous ladybug salt

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greenbubblefactory · 3 months ago

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Matchup for 🦷

Congratulations you have a match with..

Cyno !

★Cyno at first glance, may appear to be a man of few words, someone who embodies discipline, focus, and an almost unapproachable aura of stoic strength. His serious demeanor and commanding presence suggest that he is someone who only engages in matters of utmost importance, and that frivolity or lightheartedness are not his domain. However, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself close to him, you will soon discover that this persona, while a significant part of his character, is not the entirety of who he is. Beneath this exterior lies a subtle yet undeniable sense of humor that, though understated, is equally charming and endearing.

★The beauty of Cyno’s jokes lies not in their perfection but in his unwavering confidence that they will land, even if they do so in the most unexpected way. He is unabashedly himself, and this lack of self-consciousness in the face of humor is, in its own right, quite captivating. When he delivers a line that is particularly bad, you might find yourself staring at him with an incredulous look, unsure if you should laugh at the joke or at the fact that he delivered it with such conviction. And yet, when you do allow yourself to laugh,whether at the awkwardness of the joke itself or at his endearing confidence his face lights up with an expression of quiet pride. There is a certain joy that he derives from seeing you smile, from knowing that he has shared something with you that is uniquely his own.

★While Cyno is not one for long, drawn-out conversations or unnecessary socializing, he is deeply loyal to those he holds close. He doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve, but his actions speak volumes. When it comes to someone he cares about, Cyno will always put their well-being first, even if it means going the extra mile or making sacrifices. He’s the type of person who’d go through great lengths to ensure your safety or make sure you're taken care of, even if his manner of showing affection is subtle.

★In a relationship, Cyno is unwavering in his devotion. He values quality time and meaningful conversations, but more than that, he values your comfort and growth. He’s not the type to push you to change or be something you’re not. Instead, he would quietly support you in all your endeavors, helping you grow in ways you might not even realize you needed. If you had a passion or dream, Cyno would be there to encourage you, though he might do so in a way that’s understated offering practical help or advice, rather than grand displays of affection.

★Given your spontaneous, adventurous spirit and Cyno’s composed, responsible nature, there would be a lovely balance between the two of you. Cyno would ground you when needed, offering a steady reliable presence in your life, while you would encourage him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace the joy in the little spontaneous moments. His calmness and dedication would provide a sense of security, knowing that no matter how wild or unpredictable life may get, he’s always there to support you. Meanwhile, your playful nature and infectious enthusiasm would help him see the value of living in the moment, making him more willing to enjoy the simpler, lighter aspects of life that he might usually overlook.

★When it comes to dates, Cyno would prefer something low-key, but he would cherish the moments spent with you. While you might enjoy spontaneous outings, Cyno would appreciate the quieter moments, like cozying up with a movie at home or sharing a homemade meal. He would enjoy these intimate moments, where the two of you could bond over shared experiences and simply enjoy each other’s company. Though he’s not one for extravagant gestures, he would always put thought into the small things maybe picking up a gift he knows you’d love, or surprising you with something that reminds him of you. These acts would be his way of showing affection, subtle yet meaningful.

★Together, you’d create a relationship rooted in mutual respect, intellectual connection, and lots of humor. While you might pull him into more spontaneous adventures, he’d help keep you grounded when needed. Both of you would find a sense of comfort in each other’s presence, and while your dynamic might be a little unconventional, it would work perfectly for the two of you. You’d find joy in the little moments whether it’s sharing a laugh, having a meaningful conversation, or simply being in each other’s company,making your relationship one that’s both emotionally fulfilling and full of delightful surprises.

English is not my first language so I'm sorry if there are any spelling mistakes!

#matchup #genshin impact matchups #genshin impact #cyno x you #cyno x reader #cyno genshin impact

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deesseshesca · 4 months ago

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PAC : Letter from your pregnant self (HIS POV) 18+

PILE 1 (PART 2)

Most of the time I cum with her because I had 2, spending most of the time staring at the wall behind her. While she is jumping up and down on me. Hoping for it to end quickly. Everything is different and meaningful. The way your luscious lips captivate mine while our tongues dance sensually with each other. The way we can’t seem to get enough of each other caressing and holding our body with so much passion and tenderness.The way you always grind on me so needy for the way I am going to make you feel instead of taking it for granted. The way you allow me to lead you, gasping with so much gratitude when I am thrusting in you. I love to see your face twist with pleasure and eye rolling back too stimulated to even make a proper sentence. I love the way you allow me to take care of you and let me talk about me and everything that shapes my life. Essentially with you … I exist. I matter not for everything I can offer but as everything I am. When you announced your pregnancy, it was too late. I had no shame, I know my wife knew of you. Ask for divorce paper, over joy for the opportunity given by the divine to start something with you. I know you are scared, this was unexpected. You learn very early in your life to depend on no one. Allow me to show how good a provider I can be. Allow me to be your only lover. ‘’Allow yourself to be mine’’ I asked before her raggedy ass came to your apartment and broke everything. Scarring you along the way. For the first since forever I woke from my passive trance and got mad at her. You could have lost the baby with the amount of stress she put you through. Is it ok now… I held you down in the same bed you love me, the mess still scattered everywhere. Running my hand in your hair while reassuring you and I knew since then that I would never give up on you. I know it might take some time before you come around and I don’t care. I am going to be your rock and protection against all evil. Now we are touring a mansion, hoping to find one that actually catches your eyes. My hand on your small bump. You don’t know where you stand regarding the whole situation but it is ok we are going to make it a day at the time. Maybe before you realize it, you will accept that we are meant to be together.

To my Love Only

-HIM.

#tarot #tarot reading #tarotcommunity #tarot cards #divination #18+ tarot #pac #pick a card #pick a picture #pick a pile #intuitive messages #intuitive readings #intuitive guidance #intuition #divine timing #divine guidance

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maxwell-grant · 9 months ago

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You’ll prob wait to answer this after Caped Crusader drops, but: Does making Penguin NOT a white guy drastically change the character? And if so, is that a good thing?

Anonymous asked: So... Thoughts on Oswalda from Batman: The Caped Crusader?

@jcogginsa asked: New Batman show is out, and with it is a new Penguin. Have any thoughts on Minnie Driver's take on the Penguin?

Regarding the first ask, I mean, it really ought to, right? That seems to be part of the point of doing this kind of thing, to change or recontextualize something big and important about a character in a new light. If it wasn't supposed to be some kind of big change, if it wasn't meant to at least be something new or say something slightly different, I'd ask what would be the point of doing it. Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely a thing to do just for fun / variety's sake, but it's not a choice that can just exist in a vacuum, it does matter how and why exactly you're doing it.

There's a couple of things that I'd say make or break this kind of stuff for me, besides like, you know, not removing existing meaningful elements of characters identities, like making Jewish or Romani characters generic caucasian Americans, real basic decency stuff y'know, not a lot to ask here. I think a change like this should at least bring questions to strengthen it, like: If this character is defined by certain traits or saying certain things, how is this interacting with those? Is this strengthening those existing traits and statements, is it providing new ones, or is it weakening them without offering much in return? Questions about how much can you redefine a character and still have that character be recognizable and all that, and of course the actual important questions of, Who is this for? What is being said here? Why was this decision made? And so on.

The example that comes to mind regarding that specificity, and how that can work wonders to breathe new life onto a character, is the MCU take on Namor, as Ritesh Babu elaborated on in a Patreon article

The reason I say I never truly cared for Namor is that while I thought him a great, compelling character in plenty of works I loved, I always felt a lack of emotional connection. He was enjoyable, but I didn't care about him, y'know? There was a connect. Watching Ryan Coogler's Wakanda Forever helped me bridge that disconnect. I finally realized what had been missing for me. It was Emotional Context.

Namor is historically an abrasive character. He's an angry character. He's got fury and rage, and he doesn't suffer fools. He's headstrong and unrelenting. He's an unyielding force. And he's great and fun that way, historically handled by mostly White writers (with rare exceptions, such as Greg Pak). But it was also, for me, an anger and rage and fury framed and constructed in such a way that it could be broad-strokes. It could be anything and everything from the pollution and climate ruination to perhaps some other tragic thing involving someone he cared about.

Ryan Coogler and Tenoch Huerta to me granted the character an emotional context here that clarifies everything he is, and all that shapes his thought. He's not angry at the surface world and its clownshit in abstract. It's not just the anger of a distant warrior-king of the oceans. It's the anger of the colonized, of the Othered.

What Ryan Coogler and Tenoch Huerta did is give him specificity. He's not just a broad-strokes figure in White hands, for White writers to write as an archetypal broad-strokes morally murky angry bastard guy. No, there's a specific history to this guy, there's a cultural specificity and context to his very existence.

And so Namor isn't some weird racially ambiguous/sorta white figure in largely White hands, but is instead an Indigenous Mexican hero and legend. He's a Mesoamerican figure and he's Mayan.

Coogler dispenses with the vagueries and broad-strokes thinking of the comics, and like any interesting creator should, asks good, rational questions. And that specificity, that's really what makes it for me. That's what I was missing. This is an attempt at using genre to speak to truth, to realities and real experiences, which are important to Black and Brown people. It's a far cry from some abstracted away thing to serve a primary White audience and its sensibilities or interests. - Ryan Coogler's Namor and Specificity

An example I'll give, as far as one reinvention that can make sense but I didn't find so interesting: The conception of Deadshot I like, from Suicide Squad (1987) and bits of Secret Six, is heavily informed by him being a privileged rich white man, a morally catatonic and emotionally rotten self-serving piece of shit in large part because of his privileged background and experiences, as well as a guy who's purposefully evoking the image of white western cowboys and providing commentary on their archetype. Deadshot, to me, is heavily informed by his whiteness, by his American elite background, and by his toxic masculinity, and thus the cocktail of what Deadshot is, comments on and speaks to comprises specific things that I think you'd have to approach very very differently if Floyd Lawton is a black man. I think the specificity of what that character is saying or tends to stand for is lost in adaptations that fudge those elements to make him more like the Will Smith version - you can definitely have another kind of meaningful and cool take on Deadshot, but it's a Deadshot who's gonna have to be saying different things, if he is to be saying anything at all - and most of the time, he isn't, and so to me, that context behind Deadshot is lost with not a lot gained in return. Under no circumstances does this mean you shouldn't be allowed to do it, but I feel like if you're dedicated to doing this to an existing character, there should be at least some commitment to what they are and do.

Getting back to that first question, it also really depends on what exactly are you changing. Like regarding the Penguin specifically, is it his race? His gender? His nationality? It's a very broad question to apply a single Yes or No to so I'm gonna say it's kind of both. On one hand, obviously some major aspects of his presentation and origin and defining traits would have to be altered to better correspond to that defining change. On the other hand, he is already extensively defined around his issues with his self-image and his surroundings and how people treat him, a person who is ostracized and Othered because of his looks or his background and where he stands in the city he grows up in. One of the consistent cornerstones of Oswald as a character is that he's trying extremely hard to overcompensate in wealth and class and power partially to override the ability of others to marginalize him over his weight or stature or poverty or disability and so on, in no small part that's what allowed him to take on protagonist status in recent years. If he was just a regular white guy, he'd be Rupert Thorne. Although, on the other other hand, I must stress here that treating marginalized traits as if they are equally interchangeable is how you get the X-Men school of representation, and we simply have do better than that.

I was very intrigued by the idea of turning Oswald into a woman. Fat men are very often shamed and ridiculed due to traits they are perceived to have in common with women, to be a fat man is to be dehumanized and stripped of masculinity and thus stripped of your worth of as man. To be accepted, fat men are forced to overperform masculinity just as fat women are forced to overperform femininity, and that element of overperformance is never not present in Oswald Cobblepot, who essentially lives in drag 24/7. A genderbend take on Oswald could certainly add a whole different meaning to his typical overreaction to jokes about his weight or looks, things that are commonly played as a joke. Fat women get consistently treated like absolute garbage by most people in ways that are different, more pervasive and frankly nastier than the ways fat men are also treated like garbage, and if people didn't treat him like garbage, The Penguin wouldn't be the person they are.

Penguin as a woman is a concept that could force a lot of his traits to demand renewed consideration, and in some ways you could argue he kinda already is feminized. He certainly doesn't get treated as a man the way Batman and the Joker and Bane and Gordon are. He overcompensates extremely hard in that regard, and it doesn't stick, he can act as tough and grizzled as he wants and he will never not be "the fat one", will never not get pushed around by the real man in Gotham, will never not be the unfit and bloated and squishy lesser-man hiding behind the umbrella because, why, he's not man enough to grit his teeth and hash it out with his fists. If we go back to Count Fosco from The Woman in White, we'll find this is something else they share in common:

"Fat as he is, and old as he is, his movements are astonishingly light and easy. He is as noiseless in a room as any of us women. With all his look of unmistakable mental firmness and power, he is as nervously sensitive as the weakest of us. He starts at chance noises as inveterately as Laura herself."

This passage holds the key to Marian’s complex attitude toward the Count; she is at once fascinated and threatened by him. As Marian’s description reveals, he is both alluring and dangerous, not merely because of his increasingly suspicious behavior throughout the narrative, but because he unnaturally exhibits the qualities of both sexes.

Even though Marian does not explicitly identify the Count’s androgyny as the reason for her discomfort with him, the novel’s keen preoccupation with identifying unknown figures by their sex illuminates the anxiety underlying Marian’s description of the Count. The Count complicates those binary categories, and, in true Victorian fashion, his deviance attracts simultaneous fascination and repulsion - Count Fosco and the Androgynous Mystique

He is Oswald Cobblepot, the pathetic little momma's boy, because even his personal tragedies are depicted as lesser, insignificant, not the right kind of cool cinematic masculine tragedy, and he is The Penguin, the eccentric oddly enthusiastic about worthless little things like his favorite animals and trinkets - things that the narrative deems worthless because Oswald is worthless in the literal term: he is worth less than Bruce Wayne, less than Batman, and we watch him as he fights tooth and nail to deny this, whether it's by beating Batman his own way or seeking power to avert his lot in life and stand above all the men that have put him down, or even just seeking villainy as a form of self-actualization, through that perseverance and ability to outmaneuver men so much bigger and scarier, who think they can nail the Penguin while their world is swiped from under them.

It's not for nothing that, in terms of where they stand in Batman's world nowadays, Penguin is practically sharing an apartment with Catwoman and the Riddler, the other 60s camp queens who won't leave banding together even when they can't stand each other. So, yeah, I was extremely curious as to what direction Caped Crusader was gonna lean into with the idea. Could it go wrong and be offensive garbage? Obviously, but I also thought it promised an intriguing new direction, of context that could add or rework so much about his existing traits. I didn't like the name Oswalda, no, but even besides all that I mentioned above, with The Penguin show coming out with it's new take on the character that's all about modernizing and grounding and twisting him around, I thought going big on Classic Penguin, with the top hat and monocle and sword-umbrella and existing in a Golden Age Gotham, and doing a genderflip, was a very solid idea to place opposite of it. So how did I feel about Oswalda Cobblepot?

...It sucked, guys, I'm sorry, I'm really not happy to say it. Caped Crusader's first episode was ASS, and 6 episodes in, while the rest of it has been better (not great, but tolerable, occasionally good even), that pilot was the most stone-faced I've ever been sitting through a Batman thing and frankly I don't even have anything to say about regarding Oswalda. There were tentative beginnings of a take but not actually anything that rounds out into one (and frankly I'd say this Harley Quinn also has that problem to a lesser degree, this show so far has been just really barebones across the board), and frankly I'm not asking for much, I've lived off breadcrumbs before when it comes to Penguin, I'd be good with something if there was something. She isn't remotely a threat to Batman and seems pretty damn dumb, and she gets dealt with on the pilot to make way for Rupert Thorne in a way that kinda really betrays the escalation theme they're shooting for here and it's, guys what else am I supposed to talk about here, seriously?

I don't even like the design that much, it feels like they started from Penguin's head and shoulders and then tried as hard as possible to cinch her waist and slim her down leaving a weird disproportion between her upper body and legs, it looks weird in some shots but I guess you could say that's just the animation being, uh, sub-par to be polite. I guess I like her ruthlessness and that scene where she murders one of her sons, even though that's her being really stupid not noticing the obvious snitch in the room, and it's more so because that was the only moment in the episode where something almost cool happened. I do like her being a cabaret singer, but, man she sounds way too boring for a character with such a distinct way of speaking, if she didn't look like the Penguin from the shoulders up you would never tell that's who this was supposed to be.

I'm sorry that she continues Penguin's bad streak from BTAS, man what a bummer. Still, I have been really enjoying The Batman Audio Adventures lately, it's not like I'm starved for a more classically flavored take on Penguin, so it's only a bummer. I'm open to the idea that she can come back in a later season for a better showing, and she was far from the worst thing about the episode, in fact by process of elimination she was overall the best, but she was the one part I had the most slight hopes for. Oh well.

#replies tag #dc comics #batman #penguin #the penguin #oswald cobblepot #caped crusader

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