#it has also been spoiled for me that she does in like two seasons

[thatshadowgastwhore]

Is it probably not great for my anxiety to fall asleep watching criminal minds?

Yeah sure.

But have we considered….id be anxious anyway?

[spork-supremacy]

I really wish we got more onscreen time with just Borg and Pixal, because their dynamic is just so sweet and funny to me.

it basically boils down to she’s daddy’s little girl and can get everything she wants and knows it. As well of course that they definitely are the type to spend their weekends hanging out and inventing while catching up on how they’ve been after the previous catastrophe of the week.

Who do you think is supplying her with the materials and equipment she needs to build vehicles for everyone or defences for the monastery?

Think about crystallised and the way she just asked him to help with their illegal operation to steal a highly protected weapon right after Kai said that it would be basically impossible to just call him. Literally one “Mr. Borg we need your assistance” from her and it was a done deal. Like the moment I heard it I immediately just translated it into “Dad, pretty please can we do this very illegal thing with your help.”

I’m gonna say it, the man probably spoils her every moment he can, probably always giving her the latest prototype of whatever he has invented, and dedicates a portion of his earnings into a “Pixal fund”, which is specifically dedicated to helping the ninja with whatever they need because she asked.

No, Pixal does not know it exists she just assumes that it’s a company expense. ( the expense probably listed as “stuff bought so villain of the week won’t destroy our HQ, and all of Ninjago, your welcome”)

Also you know the ninja are taking advantage her connections so hard.

Jay and Nya would beg her to get their hands on any prototype she has received so they can take it apart and study it (would you have me believe that that wouldn’t be an immediate date night?) granted Jay would probably do this more than Nya and would instead just be presenting to her what Pixal gave him and then suggest they take it apart.

Kai would pester her for the latest Borg phone or Borg watch because he needs to be up to date or will die (despite his distaste for new tech in season three he definitely grew a phone addiction and later fell down a hole he can’t dig himself out of)

Cole would ask about any new games in development to be the first to sign up for game testing (that is if Jay didn’t already do it first)

Lloyd probably actually respects the boundaries that would come with having a friend who has a tech genius and rich dad and wouldn’t bother her about it. At most he’d ask for a new car or bike because he crashed the last one. (Thriving with the Lloyd is a barely passable driver and anything he does is up to luck headcanon, there is also a betting pool for how long it takes for him to crash the next thing. Kai is a scary accurate winner)

and Zane…gonna be honest he’s probably just setting up family lunches between himself, Borg and Pixal. You can’t tell me the minute Pixal expressed feelings for Zane that Borg didn’t try his best to make him part of the family.

tangent aside I wish we had more scenes with the two interacting because the show being what it is there is very rare chance to depict a father daughter relationship. I also think Pixal getting whatever she wants without question is funny. I mean it’s not like she abuses that power or anything.

I think.

[fountainpenguin]

Riddle watches New Wish - Post #18

Operation: Birthday Takeback

Dev's birthday!! Look at him. For some reason, the fact that his drones are here in 2D is funny to me... He's a little cartoon guy. Hazel is very cute.

I have a note here that says Dev's birthday is separated from Founder's Day by 9 years, 7 months, 14 days. So, he's had Peri for 4.5 months?

-> That is not too shabby in a universe where it's rare [in the OG series] to keep godkids for a year. Nice job, Dev!

...... Do you think they'll bring back rule-free fairyversary muffins (There WAS a full movie about it), because I have a pretty good idea what he'd wish for. Smells like trouble...

Okay, let's go! ... Peri does not think his parents are cool. And Dev is SHOCKED they came over. Also, he has no idea what to do with this much attention. He's SO red.

Hm. Peri looks really unimpressed... Did he already give Dev every birthday wish he wants and now it'll be awkward when Hazel gives a gift, because what can she possibly give that Peri didn't?

-> Dev still seems delighted Hazel's here! I think her friendship is the best gift :)

-> I do not think Peri knows enough about Dev's interests to surprise him, especially since they weren't getting along in the Dimmsonian episode because Dev was frustrated Peri couldn't "make a better cupcake" and Peri was frustrated Dev couldn't figure out what flavor he wanted.

-> Peri gives me "by the book" learning vibes; he's frustrated Dev doesn't listen to him and is harder to work with than the theoretical child he had in mind, I think.

-> Okay yeah, Peri is having NONE of this. Okay, Mr. Jealous Clingy Boyfriend Vibes...

Aw, Cosmo is trying to cheer Dev up... Peri, you wanna... jump in, or...? No?

Also, I'm enjoying watching what at this moment in time seems to be a healthy friendship and/or romance develop. I'm all for tormenting children, but this is nice too.

Peri...

Also, Dev thinks Hazel is like, the coolest person ever. And Peri is SO jealous Dev would rather hang out with his human friend than with a magical fairy. That's hysterical.

Something something, Juandissimo spent 3 seasons getting fired and bounced around Fairy World because he couldn't stop crying over how much he loved and missed Remy and finally broke Da Rules to return his memories, something something, Peri came here for a good time and he is honestly feeling so attacked right now.

I don't know what I'm trying to say, but... u get it. Two spoiled bullies, two very different dynamics. It's not the kid; it's the willingness of the fairy to meet them where they are... and love unconditionally.

Local celebrity kid who spent his Spellementary School life getting fawned over never developed the social skills to make friends and doesn't know how to deal with people viewing him as a flawed three-dimensional person.

For some reason I'm getting flashbacks to the end of "School of Crock" when Poof referred to his classmates as "his friends and Foop."

Okay, I thought Dev would freak out (/negative) over seeing boots since his dad literally unveiled a statue of him kissing his beloved boots while disregarding his son, but... he likes them! Despite that emotional blow, he is a Dimmadome to his core.

-> Dev getting his very first pair of little cowboy boots with tiny spurs 'fic, please.

-> Toddler Dev trying on his dad's or grandpa's boots 'fic, please.

Dev: Why didn't YOU think of getting me [rocket boots], pickle-brain Peri? Peri: Because my job is to grant you wishes! Not to read your mind!

Yikes... It's been a long few months for them.

Also, Cosmo and Wanda choose this moment not to overstep on the parenting relationship here and that's fantastic. Sorry, Peri- You're on your own for this one.

-> Wanda's totally willing to get Peri out of here if he needs it. So... she probably did notice Dev being snippy with him, but actively chose not to step in since Peri told her not to overstep in "Lost in Fairy World." Interesting.

Hm. I wonder if Peri has an animal form? I imagine he takes the form of tech or something that wouldn't catch Dale's eye. He probably sleeps in Dev's bedroom though (and/or "Hassle in the Castle"-esque pocket space).

-> Peri in his debut: /confidence oozing from every pore

-> Peri 4.5 months later: my crops are dying. I'm crops.

I love this family.

Though I feel like... it puts a weird level of stress or professionalism on Peri and Dev. I don't really have the words for it, but something something, maybe Peri's first assignment shouldn't have been so close to his parents because they are clearly struggling to let him speak or handle things himself. It's nice he can ask advice, but I feel like if they're around too often and Peri defers to them, that blurs lines and will be really confusing for Dev.

Who do you listen to if your fairy is telling you "Yes" and his parents - who have no technical authority over you but have ambiguous semi-authority in your fairy's mind - are telling you "No?" That's workplace tension waiting to happen.

And Peri is clearly trying to set his workplace boundaries - we saw that in "Lost in Fairy World" especially - but Cosmo and Wanda keep kinda undermining him and bringing family vibes into work, and he's also grown now, so... Yikes. I love them, but that's rough, buddy.

Forget that- Is that Vicky?

?? Vicky is still young? Or is this Vicky's daughter? MARK, what did you do? I know you literally have clones of her, sir.

I mean, I guess it's not out of the question she'd look the same years later- she had the same hair when she was 5 back in "The Switch Glitch" and she clearly likes that style, but I wasn't expecting it, especially since she's probably close to Dale's age and he's clearly beefed up (and I think gotten taller). Huh. Well, all righty.

The golden cowboy boots on display with the "In honor" plaque are not doing anything to disprove my tentative theory that Doug Dimmadome has passed on and that's why Dale is so clingy towards his boots.

Pfft, the "Icky Vicky" song is still a thing.

SLKJDF, I'm amazed they carried through with Vicky being the one to put Dale to work at the lemonade stand. I'm still confused as to whether she started it at age 9 or took over from someone else.

DEV DOESN'T KNOW HER???

Dale, you are a terrible dad. How can he be so bitter about his past and tell his son horror stories about Vicky, and/or not keep constant watch for her? I can't believe he hasn't sued her into oblivion.

-> It's because he doesn't tell Dev stories unless it's to gripe about how he needs to pull his weight because "My life was so hard when I was your age," isn't it?

I like how Dev is trying to lightly call to Peri for help without attracting attention or moving his lips. Geez, man- That's gotta be so stressful when you're trying to rely on someone new to help you and they don't show up. He didn't have him in the Hocus Poconos and he can't get him out here when he needs him. This is gonna be great on his trust issues, I'm sure.

Peri looking at his dad vs. Wanda looking at her sexy husband:

Dev will hang with his friends, but he's not putting down his stuff.

This next face he makes (without words) to signal "Hey, I'm doing my best" is so funny to me. He's like. "Yeah, I don't have to say anything; she knows what's going on here."

... I'm confused. What is up with Wanda and Cosmo right now? Why are they leaving notes to Dale that out Hazel as a godkid and them as fairies (who are disguised as humans)?

I get that they're not thinking ahead and are spelling out notes while they talk to each other, but surely they should know better than to leave evidence, especially after they saw Cookie get 10k years in prison for revealing the existence of Fairies and we know Hazel could be separated from them. Peri clearly knows this is a bad idea. Utterly incomprehensible to me.

"Icky Vicky" remix!!! Also, Dev handles rocket boots way better than Kevin Crocker did.

Dev "It's not a children's party; I'm a BIG KID!" Dimmadome - Dude, you just turned 10. I mean... That is double digits and you're just a little guy, so... good job.

I'm so glad I was right and that Dev isn't allowed to drink lemonade. That's hilarious. I'm obsessed. He wants it so much...

A.J., Poof, and Crocker sure changed a lot considering Vicky looks the same.

I love Dev covering Hazel's eyes so she doesn't see the partially naked money-covered mural of his dad.

The fact that this is even in the show is hilarious; it says so much to me. Dale "Obsessed with flaunting where I am now in life" & Dev "Instantly doing damage control so my BFF doesn't feel uncomfy or think I'm weird and ditch me" Dimmadome.

....... I said BFF, but I'm pretty sure Dev said Trev was his BFF in Episode 1 and now I'm wondering why we haven't seen them together at all. Hm. I'm gonna have to circle back to Episode 1 later; I might be misremembering.

Their names are Dev and Trev... Where is this silly duo? We're bein' ROBBED!

Peri's grown out of calling Wanda "Mama"- just "Mom." Good note for me in case I want to write something in line with New Wish's canon specifically, since I've always used "Mama" in 'fics even when he's older.

Peri watching his parents make innuendo jokes:

Oh, INSTANT panic on their end at the news of Vicky in the house. More so than with Crocker!

50 years of deep-seeded trauma... This would be a fantastic title card or redraw. Maybe I'll draw it someday.

Cannot believe Peri has been whiplashed back and forth by being snarked at, coddled, reminded of his Hocus Poconos trauma, and now he's facing Vicky trauma all within a couple episodes. It's been a long 4 months.

Peri @ Vicky: "She's REAL!? I thought I imagined her as a baby!!!" is he ok.

-> This is very funny to me because it plays into my headcanon of Poof growing up to forget most of his time with Timmy, including his name, and beating himself up about it.

I don't think Peri has gone one episode without going full panic mode over something. This kid's not lasting long as a godparent. Dev's gonna crack him like a nut and then Jorgen's going to wipe the floor with him.

omg, Dev needs his godparent to stand up for him against Vicky and Peri's having a MELTDOWN and hiding behind his mom. Um???

Holy cow, I've never seen him break like this, except maybe when he gained his fear of the dark in "Lights Out." That includes his many brushes with death and when Fairy Court unraveled his existence from the timeline.

-> I cannot believe I made a joke about how I wasn't sure how things could get more traumatizing for Peri than having to face the Hocus Poconos and yet here we are. Yeah, he's gonna put in his two weeks' notice like... tomorrow.

He ditched his godkid! Peri!!! You are a grown-up now! You can't do that!!

Okay, so Vicky is as tall as Cosmo and Wanda, so she can be an adult, sure. Also, Cosmo and Wanda finally getting the chance to stand up to her <3 I don't remember her tormenting them that much but maybe it's secondhand spooks.

-> Peri's meltdown continues in the background. That is some DEEP trauma.

Even if this was a non-Vicky person, would Peri be mentally equipped to deal with it? Because he's reacting badly for a guy whose memories are so wobbly, he can't remember if they were real. He's not there for Dev and he clearly has some issues to work out.

-> I think he needs more godparent training; he is NOT ready.

(Full moon!)

Ooh, Dev feels like his dad replaced him with Hazel... Dev out here like "Wait a sec, the reason my dad's not been around in 4.5 months is because apparently he's obsessed with you?" Oh boy... Those three expressions just tell it all (The horrified realization, the despair, the anger...)

omfg, Dev just found out Hazel "wished to become friends with him" ("I wish I knew why he acted so mean") and he feels like he's not good enough to be liked without a wish and everything was a lie, and he is CRASHING and screaming. Oh, geez louise. Terrible job, everyone!!! Everybody loses!!

I really like this night city skyline. It's so pretty. I love this decompression scene. Really good storytelling move and also nice to look at. I want to write with these vibes.

Man, Hazel's comforting herself and turning to Cosmo and Wanda for support (and making plans of how to make her evening better after getting yelled at).

I bet I know who's NOT about to turn to his fairy for support~

Dev: And where tf were you!?!?

"I was calling for you; why didn't you answer me? Why is no one ever there? Why does everyone else 'matter more' than me, even the people who are supposed to look out for me?"

Peri: D':

-> I like how the poof clouds still have words in them. Also, the scribbling scene is really well-done; Dev is losing his marbles.

Oh man... Thaaat's a big mess. Welcome home, child trauma show <3

Also, fanfic timeline notes under the cut:

[Contains a small timeline spoiler for Along the Cherry Lane, which is a 'fic I won't be starting for a long time. This is already in my Timmy's Timeline notes from the sideblog, though, so if you've already seen it, it's nothing new]

Wanda said it's been a "couple decades" since her encounters with Vicky. So... is Vicky like, 36?

I could've sworn Vicky and Dale were close to the same age; he has a teen body design in "Nectar of the Odds."

His age might've been adjusted though, or at least he may have started at a very young age. He told Dev in "Stanky Danky" that "when he was his age, he was working in a factory making lemonade every Saturday" and missed all the Saturday cartoons. This is Dev's 10th birthday, so maybe the thought here is "Dale started at age 9 or 10, then stopped at age 16 or 17."

If that's true, then yes, he's Vicky's age.

So. In that case, that screenshot of distraught Dev I put up in my "Battle of the Dimmsonian" post and captioned as "This is probably how Dale used to look at Vicky and then she kicked him down the stairs" is probably age-accurate too, and that's even worse.

Let's say it's been 2 decades and Dale was 16 then, now 36. That would mean he had Dev... Let's say around age 26 or 27.

-> That would jump us from 2002 [in my 'fics] to Dev being born around 2012, with New Wish taking place more or less around 2022. I think I'm okay with that- We saw in "Fearless" that the Enrichment Academy's most recent champion win was 2019 and they win every few years, so that makes perfect sense.

I think my 'fic Along the Cherry Lane ends with Tammy and Tommy close to age 10 in 2020? Let me see...

Riddle's Cloudlands AU notes: - Timmy parts ways with Cosmo and Wanda on October 15th, 2010 - Chloe parts ways with Cosmo and Wanda the night of March 20th, 2011. - Tammy is born September 2013 & Tommy February 2016 - Tammy and Tommy receive Cosmo and Wanda as godparents in 2023 (He's 8 or 9, she's 10 or 11)

Hmm... That's riding really close to Hazel's timeline. New Wish will probably be over by the time I'm done with my current longfics and ready for Along the Cherry Lane, so I won't worry about it for now, but it'll be nice to have these notes later in case I do want to try fitting this into my canon. We'll see if we get any hints about Tammy or Tommy in future episodes. I'd love to see Hazel meet Timmy with his kids, though I doubt we'll see that.

-> I also would not be opposed to kicking "Channel Chasers" out of New Wish's canon because it's not an episode I have attachment to and, well... we don't have flying cars or robot babysitters yet.

... If I were to keep everything, I feel like I'd rather take New Wish as canon and then put "Channel Chasers" after it (even if that violates the "20 years later" label) than commit to "Channel Chasers" and kick Hazel away. I was dreading worldbuilding a society that gained flying cars and robots within 20 years anyway, so I wouldn't be mad.

-> But I'll have to decide how much New Wish I want to incorporate into my canon, seeing as I usually prioritize the OG series in Cloudlands AU above spin-off media. Hmm.

Again, I won't be finishing this 'fic for a long time, so New Wish might be over by then and I'll have more information to work with.

Thanks for reading my liveblog!

[zoe-oneesama]

From what I’ve know, the fandom mostly dislikes Andrey for reasons related to Chloe (bad mother etc.), but what are YOUR reasons for not liking her?

Cuz she's an asshole? On top of being qualified for the Top 3 Never Should've Been Parents to Begin With Award (next to Gabriel and Tomoe), she's an elitist dick waffle without any on screen talent to back it up. So she's a fashion critic. So what? What makes her qualified, have you seen her outfit? And I just have a special hate boner for people who look down on the service industry, so she already wasn't winning any awards for "firing" people left and right.

Meta-wise, I hate her because she just confuses things. "Despair Bear" makes it out that Audrey abandoned the Bourgeois when Chloe was small, though at least old enough to remember, so maybe at minimum 3 years old, though in a sensible universe, closer to 5 or 6. Yet despite being absent from Chloe's life for about a decade, if not more, we're supposed to believe Chloe is the way she is because she's emulating her mother...who isn't there to emulate? Okay. Sure Jan.

Totally unnecessary, Chloe's personality has a good foundation in the fact that her father is rich, powerful, and ready to drop everything to cater to her every petty whim. What does Audrey even add to Chloe's story as presented? Personally, I would've liked it more if Chloe deeply resented her mother and was determined to prove she was BETTER than Audrey. Then have her be frustrated and pissed off every time the two of them are accidentally in sync. Show me a love-hate relationship, at least that would've been interesting, and better yet, would've had something to say about a parent abandoning their child.

But the show just sorta soft balls it. Chloe and Audrey immediately "resolve" a lifetime of abandonment issues because another 14 year old pointed out that they both suck and the two bonded over the fact that she's...right? Audrey decides Chloe's name is worth remembering, she's worth staying in Paris for, and she's "exceptional" in less than 3 minutes because Chloe yelled at the Butler. And for the rest of the series, Audrey is just another Chloe-Patsy, doting on her like her Dad in "Malediktator", cowering under her outburst in "Sole Crusher", and acting as her enforcer when Andre ever puts up a fight. A duo made in hell, but they ARE getting along.

Which makes the leaks for how they're going to end things for the two are confusing.

I don't like Audrey because she was made to be unlikable, but I also don't like Audrey because of her effect on the story. She's used to excuse Chloe being The Worst because look! An Even Worse person! And she made Chloe sad! So you should ignore those several felonies Chloe's committed because her mommy sucks! Nevermind that Chloe and Audrey get along just fine now!

And on top of that, she's used to excuse Andre. Andre, who spoiled Chloe from the beginning, who acts as her attack dog when Chloe cries wolf, who's taught Chloe how to lie, cheat, steal, and bully her way to the top. Somehow HE is getting off scott-free now because He CaN'T bE a DirEcTor aNd fUlFiLL hiS dReAm cUz HiS wIfe'S a BiG meAnIE. Even though Chloe is mostly his fault.

Why couldn't Audrey just stay in New York so we can pretend she doesn't exist and just let Chloe's behavior make sense like it did back in Season 1?

[butterflydm]

continuing to process the new WoT trailer: analysis phase

For all that it feels like there was SO MUCH!!! in the new trailer, it actually seems like it was limited to a relatively small amount of scenes when I look at it more closely.

The main focus of the trailer is Moiraine's visions and we go back to that again and again, with only hints of what else might be happening.

So while the trailer is epic in feel, it's relatively narrow in scope, which I think is good. That spoils a lot less.

First, I'll pull out all the shots that I think are based on "Moiraine's vision" (again, that I am currently assuming will come from the orb that she ponders, but I could definitely be wrong about that!).

a. The Visions

Moiraine lying face-up in the sand; Moiraine cradling and using the Orb; Moiraine lying in the dirt and opening her eye; Moiraine standing with the rising sun; Moiraine flailing around upside down; Rand dramatically dying from a sword wound; Lanfear strangling Moiraine (in bed and in the desert); Lanfear using the Power to slice Moiraine's neck; the shadow!mains in the Ways (as the new Forsaken?) with Lanfear, hunting down maybe Moiraine; Rand in the fancy makeup may also belong here; and then Moiraine telling this to Lan

So... Moiraine touches this orb (maybe) and gets a bunch of visions of all the ways that she can die, or that Rand can die, or that Rand can potentially turn evil (thrilled that we went with the whole Main Six turning evil and joining Lanfear and Moghedien, as it lets them do a little shot of them all getting to be their most evil and hottest selves). I do suspect that we will get Moiraine yeeting herself along with Lanfear into the doorway at the end of this season, and this trailer makes me feel that way even more.

b. Rand in the Waste

We also have the Rand goes to the Waste section, which includes: standing at the cusp of Rhuidian; Lan in the desert; Rand walking through the glass columns and seeing a vision of Janduin finding Shaiel (various shots throughout); Rand and Lan training together; people walking in the Waste; Rand and Moiraine talking to the Wise Ones; the tree in Rhuidean; what is likely Rand with Couladin (someone with better eyes than me thinks that the other man with him in those shots has dragons on both his arms); Rand carrying Moiraine (out of Rhuidean, is my guess)

This is all pretty much similar to what we know about his plotline from the books except for (alas) it does seem like Mat is snipped out of the plotline, which is very heartbreaking, though it has been rumored to be the case for a while.

c. Chaos in the White Tower

We have the Probably White Tower section: The three statues of ladies; Liandrin with her BA squad; two women speaking in the Hall of Servants; Nynaeve in the White Tower; Egwene beginning her Accepted Test; Alanna and Liandrin's fight that destroys some pavement and probably gets one her Alanna's Warders killed; Galad training at the White Tower; Moghedien talking to Liandrin

This is the plotline where I most worry about time-crunch, lol. Okay, so we are likely to start with Liandrin & her fellow BAs escaping the White Tower. Alanna and her Warders try to stop them, and one of them gets killed, setting Alanna up for what she will likely pull in s4.

The Wondergirls return to the White Tower and... I guess lie their asses off. Making Siuan the one who was the threat to Rand last season really complicates the return to the White Tower for me, so I guess we'll see what happens there. I will not venture any guesses at this time.

So in that case, it seems likely that Egwene is going to meet Gawyn and Galad at the White Tower, like she does in the books. There's one shot of her with Rand in what might be the Waste but might be her visiting him in the Waste via TAR; and I couldn't spot her in any other Waste-related shots. But I can't imagine that she'll stay in the White Tower when the other girls go to Tanchico? So maybe she will go to the Waste at some point? idk, like I said, the timeline here is the one that seems most likely to be vulnerable to weird amounts of crunch because there is just so much to do and so much travel time required to bounce around to all those places.

d. Everything Else

Single shots that seem unrelated to the previous themes: Moiraine in the rain; Elayne in white and putting on a crown; Egwene and Rand potentially in the Waste together; Lanfear and Rand nuzzling at some point; Lanfear being annoyed in TAR; Rand's power explosion (I think this is pre-Waste); Blacksmithing; One shot of Min walking away; Mat in a dark place with new clothes and a neck injury; Moiraine and Siuan kissing; Perrin being kissed (by Faile?); Actually Elayne in a very different outfit than normal, so maybe Tanchico; Egwene in TAR; Perrin fighting in the Battle of the Two Rivers

Basically, we get tiny reminders that other people exist and have plotlines: Elayne exists! Egwene and Rand share some screen time! Rand is still dealing with power issues! Min exists! Mat exists (with a neck wound)! We're reminded of the Moiraine & Siuan and Rand & Lanfear romances; Perrin gets to kiss someone (almost certainly Faile) and he's gonna be in a fight. But we don't get any context for any of that like we do with the first three plotlines that the trailer touches in more detail.

[lunarqueen]

Rovickie, Vickie/Max, Byler

What confused me was that there was no sight of Vickie / Amybeth McNulty in the Season 5 teaser.

1. During the Season 4 filming the Duffers confirmed that she is going to have an important role

2. We got official confirmation that Amybeth McNulty was at the hospital set at the beginning of this year.

Yet there is no Vickie in sight in the teaser. This could mean two things: 1. She dies early on or 2. She has a storyline that is closely kept under wraps. Based on what we know, only the second option makes sense. There would have been no teaser of her playing an important role and the confirmation that she likely likes Robin back if she was just going to die.

My working theory is that she gets seriously injured, is in a similar state to Max and will share scenes mainly with Max in the mid-season. We have had no info about Max's story as well - all the BTS of her we got were just Sadie in costume.

Based on the recent and past pictures we got we know that Robin shares scenes with Mike and Will in what is likely the mid-season (we also got confirmation of Stoncy and Dustin / Lumax / El likely on her own / nothing about Jopper so they may share a storyline with each other).

Robin's worry for Vickie may be what actually leads her to clock Byler. She is not sure if her girlfriend is going to survive and she feels guilt for all the things she did not do and say and she does not want to have the circle repeat with Byler. Maya Hawke already spoiled that Robin is going to mentor one of the younger teenagers. And based on the set pictures we got today, it may very likely be Mike over Will.

[mollygiggles]

Bridgerton Siblings Headcanons ♡

A/N: Here are some headcanons about the five eldest Bridgerton siblings: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, and Eloise. Obviously, the show is not caught up to when Gregory and Hyacinth are of age and I have not read the books, so I'm not comfortable writing headcanons for them. I've also only just met Francesca in the new season, so I'll see if I feel drawn to her at a later date! If you have any other requests, Bridgerton-related or otherwise, please refer to the fandoms listed in my pinned post, and send me an ask!

Anthony:

Anthony is the eldest boy, and therefore often ruled any roughhousing with his younger siblings. He was the biggest and strongest, giving him quite the advantage.

However, once his siblings were old enough to gang up on him, he started to get a taste of his own medicine.

Tickling his siblings was a great way to entertain himself, and he took great joy in it. Whenever his younger siblings act up, he's still known to give occasional pokes and pinches to keep them in line.

He is, of course, ticklish himself. He pretends that he isn't though, because he finds it unbecoming for a man of his age and status to be dissolved to giggles by gentle fingers. His ribs and hips are his most sensitive spots. He's not particularly sensitive on his neck or below the knee.

Kate relishes in his sensitivity and exploits it often. She loves tickling him whenever the opportunity arises, taking him down a peg and making him blush. He pretends to hate it, but the act does remind him of comfort and family, plus he just enjoys Kate's touch and seeing her smile.

Benedict:

Is the most familiar with Anthony's shenanigans and the most used to his torment - so, when Colin came around, Benedict was excited to have someone to mess with!

Benedict is probably the least ticklish of the three eldest, but that doesn't mean he isn't sensitive, because he certainly is.

His stomach and sides are his worst spots, and he's been known to snort if he laughs too hard (In fact, most of the siblings do snort! Daphne's is canon, LOL).

He particularly likes to pick on Colin and Eloise, but attempting to tickle Eloise has left him injured on multiple occasions.

Of all the siblings, though, his against-the-grain attitude does give me a kinky vibe, NGL. At all those raunchy parties he attended in the first season, I don't doubt he's seen paintbrushes used in an interesting manner and considered the concept.

Colin:

Experienced a lot of tickling from his two older brothers, and never stopped being exceptionally ticklish despite it.

However, he and Benedict did often team up on Anthony, Colin was usually the one being teamed up on.

Colin is ticklish just about everywhere, but his stomach and neck are both very sensitive.

Would be incredibly embarrassed when Penelope inevitably discovers he's ticklish. Unlike Anthony, he doesn't find it something to be ashamed about, but it does bruise his ego just a little.

He would love to tickle his siblings, especially the younger ones. However, tickling Penelope fills him with such joy!

Daphne:

The first girl to join the family, and therefore quite picked on. She was both spoiled and protected, as well as teased and tormented by her brothers.

Canonically snorts when she laughs, and she is definitely quite shy about it and tries to hide it. Don't worry, her family as well as Simon tickle it out of her often.

She's ticklish in most places, but her legs and feet are very sensitive. Careful, she kicks.

She grew up experiencing rough tickling - pokes, squeezes, scratching. She knows how to grit her teeth and throw elbows to avoid such a thing, but gentle touches ruin her.

She rarely starts the tickling amongst her siblings, unless it's a quick and playful moment to the younger ones. With Simon, however, she will often attack him unprovoked, just to hear him laugh.

Eloise:

Will actively and purposefully injure anyone who tries to tickle her.

She will desperately try to avoid being tickled, and insists that she had grown out of being ticklish.

The thing is, she doesn't hate it quite as much as she lets on - she doesn't enjoy the receiving side very much, but she knows it is simply a show of familial affection and tolerates it for that reason.

Is mostly tickled by Benedict, and will really only tickle other people in revenge, because she never starts a fight unless she knows she can finish it.

Her sides and knees are her most ticklish spots, and she usually shrieks and yells rather than laughing.

[fandom-susceptible]

TDP Rewatch S1 E8: Cursed Caldera

Runaan does the intro voice! Nice, I forgot he did that. I was so spoiled for Moonfam content in season 7 that coming back to the early seasons has me missing him.

It's interesting that the Moonshadow elves still have a strong enough connection to the Moon Nexus that they keep a guardian mage there, with enough interaction that she's been married repeatedly, they have an established path back there, but Rayla didn't connect it to the Cursed Caldera from the beginning. Granted, she's never been to Katolis before and likely wouldn't know its exact location, but the other assassins also didn't bother to point it out to her on their way in.

I love how unbothered Ellis is by Rayla being an elf. She's so fundamentally kind, same as Ezran, but just also so unhinged. I wish we'd seen her interact with Aanya, those two girls would have been lethal together.

Y'all it's called the Cursed Caldera for a reason. Also Ellis literally already told you about the terrors and horrors of the mountain before.

"Is he okay?" Ellis whispers to Rayla as if she's not the most unhinged child I've ever seen in my life

watching their planning scene I'm just giggling feeling like I'm reminiscing about them being babies still figuring themselves and each other out.

I don't remember noticing before that the candles leading up to Runaan's cell door are lit with dark magic - they're purple fire. It just makes me think of LOTR, where the elves are just straight-up allergic to evil and being around fire like that would make them ill by sheer proximity. I know TDP elves don't canonically work like that, but it does evoke the vibe. It's a good animation choice.

Can we discuss that it's standard practice in Katolis that prisoners keep their clothes? We see this repeatedly later, with Soren, Claudia, Viren, Ezran, and Viren again. Runaan being shirtless and in torn pants is intentional treatment.

Oof, he winces when he sees the food Viren sets down in front of him. It's Xadian, which means someone had to go across the border to get it. Some of it's from Moonshadow Forest. So his presence here has caused an invasion of his home.

There's a bruise on his right shoulder that I hadn't noticed before, and he's developed a black eye, as well. That could just be the blow that previously only showed in his jaw showing more over time, sometimes wounds under the skin do that as they heal, but it could also be guards or Viren being cruel. We can't really say. The lighting really isn't letting me get a good evaluation of his left arm this time, though. Viren comments the hand has seen better days, so it's likely that the shadows are covering up symptoms of blood issues all the way to his fingertips at this point.

Runaan just flicking his eyes to the orange and back to Viren was a tiny gesture but conveyed the entire reaction of did you really think that would work and also would you fuck off already at the same time, and it's delightful. Bless the animators, honestly.

. . . Bless Gren, this poor sweet man. Has he been standing this entire time? I hope those chains give him enough room to at least sit down sometimes, it's been days.

anyone else remember all the old fics about Gren and Runaan breaking out together? I loved that. It's one of the things I've toyed with in an AU where Rayla actually got Runaan/the other assassins on the kids' side that night. It's in the "Runaan actually got captured covering their retreat with the princes" version that sits in my head.

why's everybody gotta deadpan Callum, "Monotony Mountain" is just as funny as any of the others.

Ava is an incredibly strong young wolf to be carrying two people on her back like that, even if they are kids.

I love how Runaan just looks vaguely annoyed when Viren comes back into his cell again. Like he's been keeping that sour resignation pretty solid but he's Extra Annoyed now, because this idiot won't just leave him alone. Mood, honestly, Runaan, I get annoyed at the sight of Viren too.

Imagine how pissed Runaan would be if he knew how Viren treated his kids. Runaan attacked his own kid once, after giving her every chance he possibly could, when she was for all intents and purposes a grown woman under his command who was fighting him, and he spent two years marinating in his own personal hell in the coin over it. What he did was completely sanctioned within his own culture's rules and it still plagued him endlessly. What Viren does to his kids isn't normal by anyone's standards, and instead of feeling bad about the harm he causes them, he frames it as their fault.

"Don't you know only humans can be bribed?" It's interesting that Runaan uses this phrasing. He doesn't say that elves don't use currency, he just says they can't be bribed - which makes no implication about the existence of currency in Xadia, but establishes that bribes of anything won't work there.

Also hot damn Jonathan Holmes (Runaan's VA) does things to me when he's growling, jesus

I love the frame by frame of Runaan examining the coins. Cold and disinterested gives way to focus, then shock, and then the fear hits. He realizes the moment he understands what's happened that he banished his friends over nothing, too, that their bodies were never found because they were taken, not because they ran.

(we never see a lotus attached to the Dragonguard, so I'm inclined to believe that's an assassin specific tradition, which explains why it was believed that Tiadrin and Lain ran and were assumed to be alive even when they were cursed)

The kids having their respective heart-to-hearts are really well-written. They're hitting me a little too much in the heart to give much commentary on them.

Wait, hang on a sec. *rewinds a few seconds*

oh I never noticed that before, holy shit

So in the first episode, when the elves first run into Markos, we get a shot of the assassins from profile after he starts running. Rayla pulls up her hood and takes off after him, and the other elves glance at her but let her go.

In Rayla's memory, Runaan turns to her and physically points her after the guard.

But he never actually did when we were seeing it from the omniscient narrator perspective!

Now, Runaan definitely shoulders the responsibility for what happened when he talks to her about it later, I'm not discounting that, but it's a super interesting storytelling thing to have her memory not match the events we saw earlier. It's such a subtle thing, but it really drives home how important Runaan's expectations and opinions are to her. Holy shit, it's awesome.

"Thanks for failing at your mission. I like being alive." is such a good moment, because yes, the dialogue is adorable, the kids are being cute, but I also think that this message wouldn't have hit Rayla as well from someone like Callum who would try to convince her it wasn't a failure. Ezran doesn't do that. He just acknowledges it's a failure but thanks her for it anyway, which breaks through her automatic defensiveness when someone tries to contradict her, and reminds her why she's doing all this. "I'm glad you're alive, Ezran." to be clear, I don't think Ezran's specifically picking and choosing his words to make her feel better, I just think he happened upon the exact perspective that was going to help her.

god, I love Jack De Sena. Occasionally his insecurities as Callum really call back to the Sokka days, and I get so nostalgic about it. This show is a blessing.

HOW FUCKING STRONG IS ELLIS, this girl yanks Ezran and the dragon egg up onto Ava's back with her all with one arm!

I love that Ellis barks with Ava, it's so cute.

Rayla's having a full on anxiety attack moment after tripping over the rock and killing the creature, and it hurts my heart. She almost didn't make it. She almost lost the boys, too. Then she's all hopped up on adrenaline and gets a swarm of little creatures crawling up her, how do you even fight that feeling, that'd be terrifying to begin with and she's already shaky from crisis. I just want someone to give her a hug and tell her it's gonna be okay.

Runaan is downright pissed now at the sound of Viren's approach, and honestly, yeah valid. I wonder what they told him about Viren's life or death status when he was resurrected in season 6, given Viren died at around the same time as Runaan came back.

Gods, I need to rewatch this episode more often just for Runaan's voice acting. The delivery of "You have succeeded." and "You have found something worse than death." just chills, every time, I love it.

I also like that this is the information he chooses to give. He's spent this long refusing to give Viren anything at all to go on, just repeating various refusals and claiming his own death. This though, he puts it forth as a warning. You're right, mage, this is worse. Don't toy with things you don't understand. This is dangerous, even to me, and I know what I'm looking at. Runaan makes choices about life and death, but this thing, this is beyond him. It's advice.

And Viren doesn't take it. He pushes farther, he's excited by this dark knowledge, so Runaan goes from this plaintive warning to spitting his final refusal, because if this foolish human is going to ignore his warnings, he can live with the consequences.

I know we all joke about Runaan calling the coins/capitalism worse than death, but he was actually talking about the mirror. The response the coins evoked was "You're a monster." He may not know what the coins even are until Viren rips his soul out to add to one himself. He may assume they're trinkets made from the death of an individual, just stealing them away and refusing to allow them to have their proper funeral rites. Which, for a culture with such a strong connection to death and the afterlife, I imagine would be a hell of a violation.

Gren's look of alarm and concern towards Runaan's cell gets me every time, too. We give the kids a lot of credit for their kindness, but Gren is also such a kind soul. He's a soldier, raised and trained to see Runaan as an enemy, but when he hears him scream, while locked in a dungeon, he still looks concerned. That says a lot about his character.

The fact that we can see Runaan moving in the coin initially is also intriguing. They seem to do away with that later, and I wonder if it was just a retcon or if the coins just slowly solidify to a specific moment.

As the credits sketch shows Corvus examining the snow elf, it makes me wonder what his thought process has been. Rayla told him the boys were following her willingly. He's not stupid - he and all the other soldiers likely saw that she wasn't holding swords on the boys until Callum said she would. She didn't fight to kill him, and she left after disarming and delaying him. The boys are still alive. Now they're in a village, and she's apparently relaxed enough to stop and make the snowman a snowelf. Word around town is that she ran off with two human children - the boys. He's likely putting the pieces together from there to realize she told him the truth, but still puzzling over why.

Ahh, the infamous credits sketch of Ethari's tears. The moment he realized Runaan was truly gone, and Rayla had really abandoned him. (I have a lot of thoughts about why Ethari reacted the way he did to this news, which I'll talk about more when they meet him later and I have other posts about, but from his perspective . . . yeah, this is really all he knows right now.) And we really didn't know his damn name for two more seasons.

[ladysophiebeckett]

I really dislike Mila rn (and the overall vibe for the new season), but I swear that the moment Mila spells out she hates her mom bc she thinks Betty loved her job more than her and left her to be raised mainly by nannies (attachment theory and all that) and/or realizes she's a spoiled brat bc of the mendozas enabling her for years, i'll stan her. Also, I never thought my hatred for marcela could grow but wow talk about being immature -no wonder she's besties with Mila!

The actress portraying Mila did warn audiences that her character wouldn't be liked at first glance. However, I think ppl are being unfair to her, (Mila). Betty herself takes blame for why their relationship is strained (as well as laying partial blame on Armando and Armando's family.)

Mila doesn't need to state anything, it's all shown in her behavior. How she talks to her parents (by first name), her preferred affection towards to Armando (bc he's spoiled her most likely to make up for his own absence), her calling Betty out on her 'abandonment' and when Betty first rejected being president again; Mila accused Betty of only thinking of herself.

It's obvious that Mila feels second place or rather not a priority. She acts like she doesn't care about things but she actually does.

In regards to Marcela, it's clear that a lot of things have been kept fm Mila, despite Mila saying that Marcela is the only one keeping her in the loop. It'll be interesting to see Mila realize that the things she thought were one way, are actually another.

I'm of the opposite opinion, I think audiences need to cut Mila some slack as she carries a lot of the same traits Armando has.

She has Armando's emotional over dramatic flair-- (Armando: Betty has fallen out of love with me!\Mila: You wanna get divorced! You wish you had never gotten married! You wish you had never had me!). (me at both of them: that's not what betty said) As well as his temper, his arrogance and ego. All traits he shows in spades in the beginning of YSBLF.

Both of them were raised in opulence so of course these traits are going to pop off. The difference between them though is that Armando loves Mila more than Roberto ever loved him. He would never make his daughter feel the way Roberto has made him feel. (like a failure).

When it comes to Betty, Mila has her laugh (which men don't understand or like, rude), she has Armando on pedestal like her mother before her, similar to Betty she refuses to ask for explanations and believes what she sees at first glance and acts out accordingly. I would go as far as saying that Mila has Betty's rebelliousness, only Mila didn't grow up in an overprotective household so she felt the freedom to express that and act on it, unlike Betty whose rebelliousness and attitude was more inward and quiet.

To immediately hate Mila based on two episodes of bratty behavior without picking up on the writing's clues as to why she's like that is unfair, imo.

[ecargmura]

My Happy Marriage Second Season Episode 5 Review - A Win For Feminism!

Miyo’s character development is glorious here. You might think that a timid, friendless girl like her would be overthinking and holding back on defending Kaoruko, right? Not for Miyo! She went in with guns in her hands to defend her new friend—no, she does not possess guns canonically, but she definitely would use one if needed. Also, I’m surprised that guy had the audacity to raise his hand at Miyo. Do the soldiers not know she’s his fiancee? Had that been Kiyoka grabbing his hand, his life would’ve been forfeit.

I really like how Miyo treats Kaoruko. Some shoujo stories would have the heroine be very awkward around a new friend, but Miyo’s being all assertive around her new friend. No shyness or awkwardness is found in her. That girl is a natural friend. I also love how she spoils Kaoruko with sweets and tea because she knows her bodyguard has her own worries with the misogyny and sexism in the military base, so having Miyo spoil her is a great way for her to feel validated.

There was a sudden revelation in that Kaoruko used to be a fiancee prospect for Kiyoka and developed genuine feelings for him when it was too late, but Miyo doesn’t let that be a rift in their relationship. Some girls would use that as a method to distance themselves from their friends, but Miyo takes it upon herself to want to keep Kaoruko in her life. Man, let these two be friends for a long time.

Not only did she learn about the truth about Kaoruko from Godou, but she also learned about the history behind Godou and Kiyoka, in that seeing Godou in bandages gets him shaken up because he still feels guilty for letting his father die a long time ago. To be honest, the whole flashback with Kiyoka and Godou’s father reminded me of Spiderman, his quote to Kiyoka was basically “With great power comes great responsibility”, but Kiyoka refused to listen to that, which only ended in Mr. Godou’s demise and Kiyoka taking up the saber to become Spiderman…err, the person he is now.

Although she learned these revelations from Godou and Kazushi, she asks Kiyoka about it too, and he tells her that if she had just asked, he’d explain everything to her. I’m glad that these two have such healthy communication and it’s because of that why Miyo is so outspoken when it comes to Kaoruko.

The plot also progresses with Miyo getting nightmares, the Emperor being kidnapped by the Gifted Communion and Naoshi barging into the military base. First off, how did he get in there so fast? I do wonder what Naoshi plans to do with Miyo. Please don’t tell me there are creepy intentions like procreating for the abilities…

I’m also surprised that Dr. Unan is related to Fuyu. No one would ever get that correct given how different they are. Dr. Unan does seem like an interesting character; I hope he shows up more later on. Anyways, what are your thoughts on this episode?

[bronx-bomber87]

Merry Christmas Eve to all who celebrate it :) We’ve reached S5. Which is unreal. It shouldn’t be since I’ve been writing these for 7 plus months now and yet ha. I remember BUZZING for this ep. Then being in shock It actually happened. This entire season felt like a gift from the writers.

The long awaited reward for the slow burn. Although I enjoyed every moment of that slow burn. Was very happy to get to this place I will say. You thought Tim’s brain was broken last ep? It’s about to be obliterated haha Once again some long gifs I’ll make to get it all in. Might be the theme for this season LOL I fit everything in that I could this ep was wall to wall moments. Let’s get going.

5x01 Double Down

We start out on a glorious high. Lucy is dreaming about kissing Tim. Making out really. Not only that but she is grinning like crazy as she does. Sure she’s had dreams like this before about him. No doubt in my mind she’s had naughty dreams about this man. (and vice versa let’s be honest) But now she had something real to dream about. A tangible moment. Didn't take long for that to take root in her subconscious ha.

Also in this dream we get another lovely angle to that kiss. It's like we got two first kisses everyone. It's glorious. They sure started this season off with spoiling us right away. He looks like he’s about to eat her face in this dream version. This is why she’s smiling so much heh I love having both angles. Real and dream version.

I like how the dream version is little spicier. Like this is her dream version of that kiss. How he’s cupping her face in this one. She wanted him to devour her like that. She would’ve been happy to be his meal for the night. Also showing Lucy has it SOO bad for him. Forgetting she has a blah BF at the moment. Chris who? Unfortunately as it gets good a knock startles her awake.

It’s Tamara waking her up. Lucy is legit jarred from her dream. We watch her struggle to come back down to earth. Her messy hair and reaction are too funny. This one of my all time fav Tamara/Lucy moments. She has to give Lucy a hard time about the kiss. Wouldn’t be her if she didn’t. It’s too cute. Lucy goes into mom mode about school. Telling her about Rosalind’s trial shutting the city down. Her normal route will be closed.

Tamara mirroring her going into protective daughter mode. Asking her if she wants her to skip class? I love her always wanting to put Lucy first. She tells her no. She will be ok and no where near Rosalind anyways. She is bound to the station with Tim anyways. Waiting for their OP to jump off. Tamara asking if it’s for the UC thing from the other night? Lucy confirms this.

Tamara’s giving her crap about the kiss. Lucy being defensive saying didn’t mean anything. Oh yes nothing. You weren’t just dreaming about it or anything…Mmhm…Then she says her legendary line. ‘Make out. Stop crime. That totally tracks.' LOL I love her so much. Lucy tells her to go to school. Tamara replies in kind telling her to have fun at work. With her boss. Who she kissed…

We then switch to Tim talking to Angela about said kiss. Now let me say how giddy it makes me he came to Angela about it. Yes she’s his best friend but he didn’t used to be this open with her. She had to pull teeth in 2x11 even when he asked for her help. This is a far more open Tim Bradford than we’ve seen before. He starts this convo then goes into full denial. Babe, you started this and she has great Chenford radar. You weren’t going to fool her. Not in the slightest. I love how she doesn’t let up the entire convo. Smirking this entire time through out it as well.

Asking how much did they practice? LOL Tim telling her it was just a kiss. No big deal. Angela’s reply is epic. ‘Then why are we talking about it?’ Boom. Mic drop. She is iconic in this scene. Sounds like he’s trying to convince himself more than anything else. Tim deflecting saying 'What if it wasn’t just a kiss for her?' Really asking 'Do you think she has feelings for me too?' Angela follows up asking if Lucy might have feelings for him? He looks so deflated when he says ‘No..’ Thinking no way Lucy could have feelings for him. Ugh break my heart Tim. When Angela gives me more logic it makes him said.

Telling him she probably saw the kiss as just as a weird work thing then. The defeated way he says ‘Right....’ Angela picks up on it immediately. Hence her next question to him. The way he says ‘No!' to her feelings question. He’s SO defensive. Not telling at all…Do you even believe yourself Timothy? His voice gets all high pitched. Just like Lucy does when she gets nervous about her feelings. He does his spiel about them both being in relationships. Being her boss. etc. Angela crushes it with some more solid logic. ‘All true. Not what I asked.’ God I love her. Also let’s note how deliciously tight Tim’s shirt is in this scene. Didn’t think I would let that slide by did you? Mmm.

We rejoin them in the interrogation room. Tim complaining how greasy his double is. How he hates it LOL Lucy comes in looking like a stunner. Notice Tim agreeing with Aaron’s assessment of how good she looks. She then mentions regretting the choice of thong idea LMAO I love her. Also you are going to be the death of him Lucy Chen haha What are you doing to this man? They received a call earlier and now waiting for a follow up to where to meet.

The phone goes off and Lucy gives the most ‘ in love’ look at him. She couldn’t adore that man standing in front of her more if she tried. Tim answers and Hajek tells them to meet his guys at an air strip. I love the silent communication between them. Always adore that about them. Lucy tries to get them more time saying they can’t just up and leave. How she looks requires lots of suitcases and precision.

Swing and miss sadly. Tells them to meet them there or end up in a coffin. Angela is scrambling because leaving the state is a whole other thing. Aaron saves them by letting them use his private jet for him and Angela to follow in. Lucy says they can follow the flight plan the pilot has to submit. Angela is relaxing a bit and decides to let them proceed. Aaron cracks me up asking about caviar selection such a goob. Says he'll just get an assortment. Ha I love him.

So begins them “pretending” to be a couple. When really it’s just them having no restrictions or boundaries on them. Getting to look, touch, flirt, and be free with one another. Under the guise of UC. It’s glorious really. I felt my brain stopped working multiple times in this episode the first time. Just like Tim. Lucy starts off STRONG explaining why they're late. Pulling Tim to her saying 'Their quickie wasn’t so quick.' Hot damn. (I can see this being a reason for them now a days too hehe)

They’re like magnets instantly drawn to each other. Gah I love it so much. I remember it being so hard to focus. Because they had their arms all wrapped around each other from the word go. The way they are all over each other in this hanger scene. It’s their normal banter but heightened. I’ll never be over her hand resting on his hip. His arms wrapped around her. The easy rhythm they quickly fall into. Almost like being a couple is the most natural thing in the world for them. I mean look at them. They are not struggling to sell this one bit.

The way they’re attached at the hip. Swaying together like they’re in their own world. Which what else is new with them? This is par for the course when they're together. They’re always in their own world when they banter. Only right now they’re allowed to touch and hold each other as much as they want to. And trust me they want to. It felt like I was dreaming as I watched this portion. Truly in a daze. I had to rewind and pay attention to the SL. More than once...

The smiles and the swaying gah they get me. They basically mirror the smiles and swaying from 5x12. Because they’re just as in love right now as they are 11 eps down the road. I love Lucy’s face when they get interrupted LOL It was the biggest scowl. Like excuse me you weren’t invited to this party.

I truly think they nailed this because it was their shot. They thought this was their only chance to be with each other without any restrictions. So they went for it as we can see. We all lapped it up like it was the last bit of water in the desert haha I’m giddy as he tells her to get on the damn plane. It's so cute. Lucy cannot keep her hands off him from the minute they start this. Tim is more than happy to oblige. Gah this is cloud 9 goodness.

The goodies continue on the plane as they head towards Vegas. I don’t know about you but first time I watched this portion I couldn’t focus. I was obsessed with her sitting on his lap basically. Leaning into him. Not only that but the start to Tim’s obsession we all love with her thighs. How he has his hand rests there naturally. Like his hand has found it's new home happily. Lastly their hands. I remember focusing so much on just their hands I missed dialogue. Had to rewind it to hear what was going on LOL

If you weren’t just as distracted by their hands and PDA you’re a lying liar who lies haha Or you don’t ship them. In that case why you reading this review right now? Ha I think they were both nervous about this being out of state. The hands weren’t necessary in the least. I think they were unconsciously grounding each other.

Finding comfort in each other’s touch. Also I think them being this way was incredibly natural for them. Just like everything else has been their entire relationship. Why the slow burn was so necessary. So when we got here it was basically a flawless crossover to this. Touching each other as much as possible and I love it.

Lucy cracks me up trying to get info on their job. Saying right now it's the world’s most boring bachelor party LOL Tim saying this is a job not a party. They finally tell them what their job is since they’re airborne. They ask them if they know who Roman Krupka is? They say nope. Apparently he imports Heroin to the Monarch cartel. Lucy mentions so the competition?

He continues on saying ‘Something like that.' That Roman is paranoid of computers. Doesn’t keep a written record anywhere. That the details of his operation exist in one place. One man called ‘The Brain .’ His name is Leonard Madris. Tim makes the comment isn’t is dangerous for one man to carry all that? They say yes and he’s usually kept under heavy guard. Never leaves the compound.

The reason they’re headed to Vegas is because of him. They’re received a solid tip he will be there this weekend. They find out their plan in this. They’re to take out the guards while he grabs Madris. Then they’re gonna torture the man for every detail. Then they’ll take over the business by doing so. Lucy is so cocky in her reply. I love it. Saying sounds like they should be getting paid more heh. Lyon tells them tough. So charming...

We rejoin them finding out Rosalind has escaped through Lyon. This is one of my fav moments of the episode. The way he immediately grabs her hand. Trying to ground her in this moment. Keeping her close to him so he can show her he’s there. Reassure her that she isn’t alone in hearing this. It’s just instinctual him doing this. Knowing this would be a massive trigger that would throw her off kilter. Trying to keep Lucy there with him. To stop her from losing focus and spiraling out.

Also the way Tim looks up at her. Checking in trying to get her to silently communicate with him. He needs to know she’s ok. Protective Tim is one of my favs. That immediate need to shield and protect her. Rosalind is a huge trauma trigger for her. He wants so badly to help her with this news. Look at how her hand is clutching his shoulder at first. He starts rubbing his thumb on her hand. Trying to get her to unclench. (Wasn't able to fit that one in but he does it.)

Tim being her calm in the raging storm she has going on right now. Her constant in this moment. Which is exactly what she needs. This man is so soft for her I’ll never be over it everyone. Tim isn’t able to get a read on her. She won’t look down at him. So he asks how long till they land? Lyon says 15 minutes. Tim tells them perfect. His cover being the mile high club. It’s his way of getting them a private moment. He needs to check in on her and he can’t do that with them around.

They head back and Lucy goes into full spiral mode. This is why he wanted to do this. She starts to be taken over by her fear and PTSD. Tim sees it taking over her. He tells her to stop in the softest way possible. Lucy takes a deep breath and little stomp but does. Telling her if she is not 100 percent in this it’s going to get her killed. Which ultimately will kill him in the process.

Lucy defends herself and says she’s got this. The news got to her at first but this is their one shot at Madris. That she is fine. I love him being protective and wanting to pull the plug just for her. The beautiful thing is he listens to her on this. Doesn’t bulldoze her and make a decision like he used to. He is trusting her in this moment. Letting her decide for herself ultimately. Which is such growth for him once again I can’t stand it.

He’s so ready to kill this OP if she’s not ok. I love that sfm. Letting her know that there is no shame if she does. He is there if she is ready to pull the ripcord. Tim is about to leave when she stops him. Tim looks so very confused once again. Lucy telling him it needs to look like they hooked up in here. Tim isn’t on the same page as her right now and it shows haha

Here comes that infamous airplane kiss. Has some similar aspects to their first kiss. Except way spicier this time around. Once again Lucy just pounces on Tim. He has to absorb the weight of her throwing her body at him. We watch him once again stumble into their kiss. Taken aback by her forcefulness. Her passion nearly knocking him off his feet. Tim isn't complaining once her lips collide with his though.

It doesn’t take long for him to adjust to it and go with this mini make out session of their's. He is adjusting much faster this time around. It’s all hands at first. His body absorbing the shock of her body slamming into his. Tim wrapping his arms around her anchoring her body to his. Lucy’s hands firmly planted on his face as she leads this kiss at first. Tim’s hands moving up her back fully enveloping her in his arms. Getting so very lost in her once again. Instantly melting into her.

I love how the kiss continues to get deeper. Sexier as well. Hot damn look at them above. Tim is the one chasing her lips as they continue this much spicier kiss. The way he’s leaning into her as they sway together. Two people in perfect tandem with each other. Not missing a beat. They were both so very thirsty in this moment. It’s all over this kiss. Tim running his hands up and down her back as he is savoring her. Lucy hands moving down his face not looking to part from him any time soon either. Tim isn't the only one getting easily lost in this.

Lucy’s hands sliding down his chest once again. This kiss getting deepened much faster this second time around. Their desire for one another is very evident. Tim can't keep his hands off her. Like I said for their kiss in 4x22. If they kept going his hands would end up on her face. He can’t keep them still and as she runs her hands down his chest. He pulls her closer to him not wanting to lose any contact with her. Eliminate any unnecessary space between them.

Her lips are quickly becoming a drug he is getting addicted to. He sure loves her upper lip. Captures it between his as he looks to further this impromptu kiss. *fans self* Look at him in that gif above. Wants her as close to him as possible. I just adore how softly he cups her face wanting to keep this kiss going. Totally forgetting about the mission and the men outside the door. All that matters right now is Lucy and her lips on his.

How Lucy has the self control to pull herself from him I don’t know. Gah it’s the grunt Tim does when she breaks off. *phew lord* That noise is doing things to me. Mmm. He was basically chasing her lips again when she broke off. Chasing that high of kissing her some more. He was very not ready for that to end. Also how glossy his lips look post kiss. She had her damn way with that man haha

He looks so dazed snd confused when she wipes his lips. Her hand shaking as she does this. I know we all joke about how “unnecessary” this kiss was. I think part of it was Lucy seeking comfort from Tim in this moment. The kiss quelling her Rosalind fueled anxiety. She needed to be connected with him for a moment before she could put it behind her or attempt to.

Tim was more than happy to oblige. Poor man has short circuited once again though. Eric once again the master of expressions comes through again. He doesn’t know how to restart. She’s like ok let’s do this and moves leaving Tim stand there in her wake. He is trying to figure out WTF just happened in the last 30 seconds.

We then get this pretty shot of them in the SUV. There is so much being said in the short time span of this shot too. We can see Lucy is still struggling with her PTSD. From the minute she heard the news Lucy has been scaling the walls emotionally. Almost like she’s back in that barrel. All her emotions threatening to drown her. Her lowering the window to get some air on her face. Cool her emotions down.

Looking at the bright lights trying to ground herself. To help her stay in character. Desperate not burn their UC covers. Tim looking over at her so much worry carried in eyes. She can feel his eyes on her and looks back at him. Their silent communication doing all the talking for them. She’s still in a panic but at least she has Tim with her. To keep her grounded and from spiraling out completely.

Tim giving the most space he’s given since this started. Not wanting to physically comfort her right now. Not because either of them want that space. It’s because he isn’t wanting to draw attention to her emotional distress. That would draw questions they can’t have right now. So they share a look and he doesn���t take his eyes off her. I love it so much.

Someone in the casino recognizes Jake. A girl. Which isn’t great. But does give us some protective Lucy which I always love. Finally getting to do that hair take down of her's. The one she threatened Stanton with back in 3x05. I love her taking charge of this moment. Getting this woman to back off. Don’t mess with Lucy Chen ya’ll lol They spot Angela and Aaron across the way after she lets this woman go. Figures this is the time to break off.

Lucy says she wants to gamble. See if they can get lucky three times in one day. Heh I love how he walks with her to them. Wish I could've fit the gif in. His hands on her shoulders from behind as they walk. Totally necessary to walk like this with her LOL I have a feeling this was possibly Eric being a goober steering her towards the table haha But either way I'm a happy girl with it. This was quite the married thing to do though regardless of why. I loved it. Also low key protecting her as they walk toward Angela and Aaron.

They update Angela on everything. Lucy’s first question is about Rosalind. Angela says she got a psycho lawyer to help break her out. We watch Lucy comprehend this. Saying 'Another Caleb....I knew it.' Then says Tamara needs protection. (No mention of Chris BTW) Her other fav human is with her. So no one else to protect from Rosalind. As they talk about this Lucy trying to keep her panic at bay but not doing the best job about it.

Angela picks up on it right away. Asking if Lucy is up for this? That she can pull out if she needs to. I adore Tim answering for her. Backing her and saying she’s solid. The look she gives Tim. My damn heart. He wasn’t gonna pull her till she told him to do so. Until then he supported and trusted her decision. The growth is astronomical in him. You see that written all over Lucy's face. It’s so damn good. You can tell she wanted to touch him as a thank you but stopped herself.

The minute they’re inside the room Lucy turns on the TV. Tim saves her from herself and turns it off. Saying they don’t know anything they don’t. Protective Tim is present through out this episode. Here for it. She is starting to spiral again and sits on the bed. She looks so tired and stressed out. Tim gives her a sweet compliment to cheer her up. He knows how down in the dumps she is about this. Wants to build her up in anyway he can. Saying how she's really good at UC. Just in awe of her once again.

The sweet smile he gives her when he says it too. Be more smitten Timothy I dare you. Lucy asks if he’s ok with her showering first? He says yeah. Then we see her break his brain once again. The door doesn’t close all the way and he gets a sneak peak of her naked back. He stumbles back to the bed trying not to look back at her. Replying 'Yeah... ok.. um fries.' LOL Lucy you have broken this man and I’m dying.

Eric once again crushes it with his facial expressions. Trying not to be turned on and needing a cold shower more than ever. What cracks me up is his sigh as he watches TV. Trying to drown out his dirty thoughts of her in the shower. She comes out saying the water pressure is epic. Wanting to steal the robes and asking if that's stealing? Tim says no it’ll just be charged to the room. She says ‘WE’ should take two then. There’s that married ‘We’ again.

You can tell Tim is antsy af to talk about their kisses. First off let me say how proud of I am of this man. This is the same man who couldn’t have a serious conversation with his current GF to save his life. He is the one to broach this topic with her. Once again making that first move. NEEDING to know if she’s feeling what he is very much feeling. Lucy is the one to bring this courage out in him. To want to talk about this.

He went far outside his comfort zone to get this convo started. Telling her it doesn’t feel like pretend to him. The look on his face as he says this. The hope in his eyes desperately trying to see if she is feeling their connection. Lucy panics and stutters in her reply. To me it’s not because she doesn’t feel the same. He has stunned her into silence. What she is worried about here is losing what they have.

To admit what’s going on between them means she now has something to risk. Something to lose if she does. Her person. The most important person in her life. Tim is far too important to her lose over them trying and possible failing. She is very aware it doesn’t feel like pretend. But isn’t willing to risk that. Ironically in a city like Vegas where one takes such risks. So she crushes Tim with her reply. Saying it’s an intimate act. It’s basic biology. You know a BS answer.

She is deflecting so she doesn’t have to risk losing him. Or confront this at all really. What she doesn’t know is the damage she just inflicted. Tim was already panicky from his convo with Angela about her not having feelings. He suddenly feels very alone in his desire for more. For feeling something. She’s basically rejected him in this moment. He is so sad with her reply.

He gives her one last chance with his ‘So you're saying it’s not a big deal? Doesn’t mean anything?’ She stumbles some more saying ‘Right?’ Wanting him to answer this question for her. She can’t possibly accept he wants her too. So she deflects once again. Tim put himself out there and she shut him down. Their convo is interrupted his cell phone. The looks she shoots his way break my heart. Knowing she’s hurt his feelings. When really she broke his heart a little.

It’s Angela with an update. He tells her he’s alone in the hotel with Lucy. Her ‘Uh oh’ always cracks me up. I love their friendship so very much. Her teasing is primo this season and it makes my heart happy. She is so shipping them and just wants her bestie to be happy. I love it. Telling him not to do anything she wouldn’t. He slams the phone shut and tosses it on bed. LOL

Lucy goes to dry her hair and there is a knock at the door. It’s the girl from earlier saying she knows he’s in there. Tim opens the door and gets hit in the face. They know he’s not Jake. Saying she told them he had a gut last time she saw him. That it was only 3 weeks ago. I mean that sucks for Sava. Means Jake was cheating on her long before 5x18.

He sends Wisco after Lucy and says he says not to kill her yet. Lucy is a BAMF and takes out most of the crew. This part is hilarious about her robe. I’m dying. 'Showed him the whole world just now.' Oh Lucy never change. Tim shakes his head so much I’m cackling. This is the woman you’ve chosen to love Timothy. So exasperated with he right now. I love how she stares down at him lovingly. But you know it’s just basic biology right Lucy?

I love love love him walking her up. That’s last bit of protectiveness being displayed. He doesn't want her to be alone. Tim saying he can’t wait to get out of these clothes. Lucy making a joke she isn’t going to miss that hairstyle. Then Tim is so cute and flirty says he kinda likes hers though. OMG he’s so damn cute. He is such a goner for her oh my word. Lucy’s smile not believing what she’s hearing. Gah this end portion was the death of me. Tim says I guess this is it as they approach her door. Saying they go back to being them tomorrow.

He almost seems sad about that fact. Lucy turning to him and sharing 'Right..everything that happened undercover they’ll leave behind'. No you won’t lol Then Tim does his dorky UC line and regrets it instantly. Scolds himself for that line. Basically saying why are you like this? LOL Cracks me up the way he shakes his head. Like why can't you be more smooth? Oh that's right because you're stupid in love with her and a nervous wreck about it. Funny pre-cursor to his 'Naked time.' line heh.

It’s then Lucy deciding to make a move here. All this talk about going back to being them stoking something inside her. Saying in a sense they’re still UC since they haven’t been debriefed. Tim not catching what she’s throwing down. Just replies 'I guess you’re right.' Lucy is eyeing him like she is ready to have him right then and there. Her ‘Mmhm.’. Trying to give him a hint as she flicks her eyes to the door. It’s then Tim starts to catch her drift. The look on his face when it hits him. Like he can't believe she feels the same way he does.

That there is something there. There is a whole lot of want and excitement in that man's eyes. Lucy has created a loophole of sorts. One where they’re still Jake and Sava. And what do Jake and Sava like to do? Have sex. Lots of hot sex. The amount of bedroom eyes Lucy is throwing at him is insane. The sultry inviting way she says ‘Do you want to come in?’ Tim falling back on his professional boundaries like he has for years. Tells her he shouldn’t…Not that he doesn’t want to. He SHOULDN’T. The song in this scene is solid too BTW. Whoever picks music for this show needs a raise.

Lucy nods and goes to open her front door. Tim looks longingly at her as she does. Lucy gives it one last go. Cranking it up on those sultry bedroom eyes of hers. Basically inviting Tim in to have his way with her. Gah Melissa killing it with the inviting stare. We watch Tim struggle outside her doorway. He has been fighting this instinct for YEARS. I’m sure whenever he had an impure thought he pushed it down. Shoved away any attraction to her. Pushed her away as well. Maintained the professional boundaries he set up years ago. (For the most part.)

Thing is he’s been slow receding those boundaries for years as well. Especially last season when that last bit of his wall collapsed. Slowly letting her into every aspect of his life. To the point that we are now here. Where Lucy is blatantly inviting him in for something very unprofessional. We see Tim have an internal battle with himself. Then basically says ‘F*ck it and comes in. His attraction and his draw to her winning out. He would be lying if he said he didn’t want this. Or hadn’t wanted it in the past before either.

Lucy asks him if he wants a drink? Can she make him one? Tim declining not wanting to waste any time in this precious loophole of theirs. Also didn’t need alcohol to have the courage to do this. He already pushed past that to even enter this apt. Not wanting to dull any senses or touch with alcohol. Wanting to be fully present with her. Lucy looks like was ready to jump his bones right then and there. The sexual tension is palpable. Their UST is off the charts with this entire scene but reaches critical levels once they’re inside.

Lucy understanding why he didn’t want that drink. Love her sweet but nervous smile as she goes to put her stuff down. It's then we see Chris there which ends up ruining everything LOL Just bleeding out on her couch. I love how Tim throws his head back when she see’s Chris is there. I’ll never forget that amount of hilarious memes Eric posted. People putting the funniest shit about him being there. I wish I could find them. They were SO funny. I’ll be honest as frustrated as I was in the moment I was glad they didn’t hook up. The UST was fantastic. Don’t get me wrong good god.

But it’s much better they got together the way they do this season. Way less mess and not worth the angst it would’ve caused for them to cheat on their SO’s. It’s the fact that they almost did that was so damn telling IMO. Phew well hot damn this was a beast to write. But I loved it. This premiere is fantastic from beginning to end. The amount of moments are unreal. Hell of a way to start out a season of non stop gifts. I haven’t watched S5 the number of times I’ve watched 1-4 so this will be fun. Excited to finish out this rewatch with you all as we count down to the S6 premiere. It’s 58 days btw...

~~~~

Side notes-Non Chenford

This isn’t something I enjoyed so much as it rubbed me the wrong way. Nolan getting a Golden Ticket. Lucy has accomplished more, done successful UC ops before and after she graduated FTO and is currently going on another UC but sure Nolan who was disgraced and held back gets one. Sure sure…it does for being Juarez in who I love so there is positives.

Tim telling Nolan he needs backup career when picking his assignment. LMFAO I LOVE THIS MAN.

Thank you thank you to this incredible fandom that has embraced these reviews. You all are amazing and I love every single like, comment and reblog I get. ❤️ shall see you all in 5x02 :)

[autumnmobile12]

I’m hoping that as Nocturne continues, that there might be some eventual parallels between Alucard and Richter.

I’ve mentioned in another post I don’t really like Richter.  I’m not going to reiterate the entire thing, but the long and short of it is I found his character unnecessarily mean-spirited.  Some of his dialogue really rubbed me the wrong way and I didn’t find his lines all that funny.  But it’s this specific line to Tera that sealed the deal with me disliking him.

“And you just happened to stumble upon it one day while you were out picking flowers?”

Um, what the fuck?  She raised you, gave you a safe place to grow up, has been a surrogate mother to you, and has shown you nothing but kindness and support, and you’re going to talk to her like that?  What an asshole.

And this is the difference between Richter and Trevor’s characters.  Trevor is an asshole, but did he ever talk to Sypha or her grandfather this way?  No.  Did he talk to Alucard this way?  Well…yeah, but also observe Alucard also woke up snarky and began insulting him from minute one, so we can argue they are delightfully matching each other’s energy with a vengeance.

But I’m not gonna lie…for the first two seasons, I also didn’t like Alucard’s character all that much and for the same reasons.  I’m a little biased as I generally don't like protagonists who are just mean for no reason.  We all know someone like that in real life, whether they’re a relative or a co-worker or a boss, so why deal with it in fiction?  Okay yeah, I get that it’s often part of a character arc and symbolism for growth and finding maturity.  I understand why storylines like this are necessary, but I’m still gonna hate the little shits for the duration they’re assholes.

So Alucard…the way he treats Trevor in the first two seasons is also pretty crappy behavior.

“I imagine one sacrifices a chicken, and divines the location of the book you want from the intestines. Maybe Belmont has a crystal ball in here you could ask. ….  Your ancestors were apparently mentally ill hoarders.  I fully expect to find family cats mummified under some of these shelves.  Unless your family preferred to eat them.”

You’re gonna talk to your comrade like that…in his own home…where his entire family was brutally slaughtered by a mob....possibly right in front of him?  Yeah, real charming, Alucard.  And this is the tone for his character in the beginning.  There is the point where Sypha calls him out and tells him to stop testing Trevor, but I think there’s another element at play.  “…and he’s a drunk and he’s self-destructive and anyone trying to hold on to him may as well be dragged down with him.”  He isn’t just testing him, he’s judging him and he’s already decided he’s a useless drunk who got lucky and happened to win a few fights.

All right, now that I’ve dragged him through the mud, I’m going to pull back and assess the wider perspective of Alucard’s full character arc.  Alucard’s growth follows the line of the spoiled brat who experienced hardship and had to grow up because of it.  I think Alucard lived a very sheltered life before his mother died, and his actions and dialogue in the Belmont Hold are the strongest indicator to this.  We clearly see he’s disgusted by the trophies and the history of murder against the vampires, and he is not shy about voicing his contempt towards the family’s entire purpose.  He’s right, though.  With the presence of the infant skull in the display case, we do get the very subtle nod that the Belmonts, for all their claims of virtue and protecting humanity, have also committed atrocities.  He does have a right to his anger against Trevor and his family.

But what’s absent from Alucard’s character here is the fact he doesn’t seem to consider the atrocities the vampires have committed against his mother’s people.  To the vampires, humans are food, livestock, and a lesser species.  Godbrand brutally murders several humans in his flashback with no clear intent on actually eating them, so he kills for sport.  Cho torments the humans in her court by amusing herself with duels to the death that only she can win.  Not a humane way to treat the vampire equivalent of livestock.  And exactly how long does Erzsebet Báthory keep those girls chained up while she drains them of blood?

Why does Alucard condone what the vampires do to humans and at the same time condemns the Belmonts for hunting the vampires?

The answer:  I don’t think he did because I don’t think he was fully aware of these scenarios.  Think about it, he had no knowledge of Dracula’s Generals and the only thing he talked about regarding his father was the tragedy of his madness and how killing him would be destroying centuries of knowledge.  I think Dracula wanted him to have a peaceful life and fed him the more rosy-colored version of their history.  Maybe he intended to tell him one day, and that day kept being put off by the sentiment,  “He’s a boy.  Let him continue to be a boy.”

Alucard lives his peaceful childhood until it comes to a screeching halt when Lisa is killed, so I honestly think there is an innocence behind his upbringing that gave him a very clear bias against the Belmonts that was completely justified in some elements and not so much in others.  There’s also the point that he keeps referencing Trevor as a drunk, which is very much condescension.  It’s not until Season 3, after he’s experienced his traumas and has fallen into his own slump of grief that his attitude towards Trevor changes.   There’s still ribbing between the pair, but it’s not the same cutting remarks that we saw back in Season 2.  Alucard walked a mile in Trevor’s shoes, and that mile was bitter.

...

So where I stand with Nocturne:  Richter has started off in a way similar to Alucard.  He lost his mother at a young age, but aside from that, he grew up safe and loved in a stable home, has a good relationship with Tera and Maria, and has otherwise led a relatively peaceful life. Even in the midst of the French Revolution, they don't seem like suffering peasants.  Like Alucard before his world truly went to hell, Richter also didn’t have a full concept of what real hardship looks like.  This is apparent when he’s all confidence and bravado, going around and yelling he’s the ‘last of the Belmonts’ and he ‘kills vampires’ and “Who’s next?”  And then Olrox shows up and he cows him right back into the scared, little boy he’s pretending he’s not.

And so not only is there a parallel between Richter and Alucard, but there is also a big one between Trevor and Annette.  Both of them have suffered through their own individual hardships, both losing their loved ones in some of the most brutal ways imaginable, but those same hardships gave them their pride and their poignant maturity and cynicism in how they see the world.  Granted, the difference between Trevor and Annette is she never lost her purpose or her will to fight despite having been dealt the worse lot of having been born a slave, but still…Trevor never ran away from his nightmares like Richter did.  Even though Annette and Trevor have their moments when they are scared, both of them stood up and said,  “Fuck it, I have a bastard to kill and if I die killing them, so be it.”  They don’t give an absolute damn.  They took their pain and they wore it like armor.

“Killing you was the point.  Living was a luxury.”

“If I let my past terrify me, I’d never be free of it.”

…

Compared to them, Richter is a spoiled brat who has yet to grow up.

And I think Alucard’s going to be right there with him saying,  “Don’t worry.  I was like you once and we’ll get there together.”

[tylejandro]

I had no idea there was a @totaldramaficrecweek until just now. To anyone who wants more recs, here's what I suggest for days 1 through 4.

Day 1 (15 July): Favourite Canon Divergence

Favorite by AyaWilliams, an Aletyler and Heatherra rewrite of TDI. I loved seeing how these two relationships could've developed in that season and I thought both were handled very well. I also liked Heather and Noah's alliance. Not to spoil anything, but I also loved the 'Mr. Coconut' equivalent AyaWilliams made for the fic and I thought it was very in character.

I also really enjoyed Slippery Slopes by courtney-deserved-better just like a whole lot of other TD fans. I'm happy it inspired many other people to make Alenoah fanworks. I even wrote about it on Fanlore along with the ship itself, both of which were super fun to make. I really liked how the fic explored Noah's family and how that's been carried over to other fics, since canon gives us so little information.

Day 2 (16 July): Favourite Canon Compliant Fic

7 Minutes in Heaven (It Feels Like 70) by elsleaze, a Tyzeke Playa Des Losers 7 Minutes in Heaven AU. Does this count as canon compliant? Probably not, but I wanted to share this one. It was interesting seeing all the eliminated characters up to Sadie interact with one another, and the actual kissing scene with Tyler and Ezekiel felt very natural. It's a very cozy fic with the steamy moments in the 7 Minutes closet, and it got me to like Ezekiel more.

New Beginnings by CerendaRoth, a Nowen AU that takes place from Greece's Pieces until Owen is eliminated during Niagara Brawls. Not exactly canon compliant, again, but I wanted to share this one. I love how Owen's thoughts in a Nowen AU were explored. It has a great sense of soul, and Team-Escope was great!

Day 3 (17 July): Favourite Alternate Universe - No Total Drama

The Perfect Resolution by Brick_bronze165, a High School AU Aletyler fic written for new years 2024. This is my go-to comfort fic. Alejandro and Tyler's relationship develops naturally and I love all the scenes in this fic, each one shows the stage of their relationship very well. They also have good characterizations, though Tyler's is stronger overall.

i don't hate you, i'm just passing the time by jasmine_sea, a High School AU Alenoah fic written for Alenoah Week 2024. This one is genuinely very well written and may be one of my top 10 favorite fics I've ever read. Seriously. Both Alejandro and Noah are characterized very well and I love the side characters. Their relationship develops naturally and it has amazing scenes. It has a great sense of groundedness, if that makes sense, and the world the characters live in is very believable without being boring.

Day 4 (18 July): Favourite Short Fic (Under 2k)

Solace by AyaWilliams, an Alecody fic where Alejandro hides Cody from Sierra when she tried to make him drink that love tea. I liked the imagery of Alejandro basically cuddling Cody under a table.

Ugly Doll by natalynsie, a solid Heather & Leshawna interaction fic that takes place just after Heather's head is shaved by Chef, but it's not all completely off yet. A very good take on both characters, and this fic also has a lot of soul to it. I once shaved my head so I related a little to Heather's pain here, even if I did it completely on my own terms.

[whatthefishh]

bloom for me

Series Masterlist

Regency Santiago Garcia x f!reader

A/N: Reader has a nickname (Wis) because I thought it flowed better with a title considering the regency times. Forgive me for historical inaccuracies it’s all fun and games here 😭🩷

Warnings: this chapter will have mentions of sex, pining, probably cringe writing, idk I just need to put this out there, be gentle pls. This has a real plot I promise lmao.

Words: 3k

He’s brooding again. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if he wasn’t so outwardly affected by his inner thoughts, whatever they may be. So now, you’re stuck standing next to the most disagreeable man at this week’s ball, patiently awaiting someone amiable to come and rescue you with a dance or two.

“Stand taller, you look like you want to leave.”

“Funny, coming from a man who needs a cane to walk before the sun starts to set.”

Sharply turning his head to cast you a withering look before anyone was the wiser, you started fanning yourself to hide the smirk you were sporting. You knew exactly how to rile him up and he hated you for it. He looked ridiculously handsome even while angrily grumbling to himself about your manners. Unfortunately for you, his outward appearance had more than fooled you into believing he was quite possibly the prettiest man you’d ever seen. His black curls slightly greying, and the tanned skin of his neck defining the muscles you were sure spread far over his whole body, the very same muscles you tried not to eye in his fitted pantaloons. Not even his desirability could make up for how he got under your skin, however, how quickly he could make your blood boil with just a few words. Besides, he was such a disagreeable man that it would be such a misfortune to be liked by him. To think, you have to spend the whole season with him for company.

Santiago Garcia was a well respected, strong willed and overall charming man of the military - well, he was an ex-lieutenant, to your father actually. A shot in the leg worsened into such a state that he could not sustain another call to fight, leaving him walking with a cane on particularly bad days. Injury in the field will bring a soldier home quicker than a woman in waiting. Not that he had one of those either. A charming man, Santiago was highly favoured by the women of the town due to his roguish good looks and silver tongue. The man could easily sway a crowd of people to follow him into the river if he so pleased.

His brave acts during his time in the British Army, although risky, yielded him high praise amongst the upper levels of society upon his return. So much so, that your newly widowed father, the Colonel, had apparently taken quite a liking to him in the times they’ve interacted. Your father had taken this liking one step further than most would, inviting Santiago into your spacious home upon his arrival. Not only does the man standing next to you sleep under the same roof as you, but has also been tasked as your personal chaperone for the marriage season. How they came to this agreement over post-dinner brandy is lost on you but regardless, you couldn’t bring yourself to be honest with your father, bile rising in your throat at the thought of crushing any friendship he found comfort in after the passing of your mother.

Your mother.

Your father spent a lot of time overseas, giving space for the love you had for your mother to grow beyond measure. He was quick to spoil you, however, finding it easier to show his affection with the latest fashion, shoes, jewellery, ribbons for your hair, chocolates from overseas, and chocolates from in town; he would give it all if only you looked at him. Your mother, however, was basically your best friend. The two of you spent hours in the family greenhouse, teaching you all about her love of botany until you were old enough to start growing your favourite flowers without her help. She tragically passed during the winter, the harsh cold taking hold of her lungs until she couldn’t bear it anymore. The nickname she gave you stuck, however, and in the months following her passing, you refused to be acknowledged by another title.

“May I request the lady’s presence to have the honour of the next dance?” a new voice pulled you out of your stupor, looking up to see a decently handsome young man extending his hand towards you.

“No, you may not, I’m afraid her dance card is already full.” Santiago answered for you, not only shutting down your new suitor, but fixing him with a stare so intense he was shaking as he quickly nodded and turned to leave. You could see him return to his support group, the other boys clapping him on the back for trying regardless of the intimidating gargoyle meant to guard you. Ironically, your dance card was not full, unless you counted Santiago’s own name on every line. Not that he ever danced with you.

You sighed heavily. Another wasted night, getting dressed up for a party in which you were just going to be rejecting any poor man who had the gall to approach and ask for a dance. This isn’t the first time he spoke for you, harshly turning someone down before you could get the words out on your own.

You suppose that’s what he thinks is his job, as your chaperone of the season. Your father trusted Santiago’s judgement of character to filter out potential suitors but as of now, it seemed, that he was just saying no for the heck of it.

“Don’t look so put out, Miss Wisteria,” Santiago murmured next to you, the nickname falling off his tongue smoothly. “This way, you leave them all wanting. Besides, I looked into most of these men. That one has debts at the racing club that he has yet to pay out.”

Even though he had a point, you couldn’t help but be envious of the girls whose mothers were at the party with them, encouraging dancing and interaction. You had gotten yourself ready with the help of your best handmaidens, taking their opinions for your outfit with zeal. You grew up without siblings, thus enjoying the friendly conversation you had with the house staff. Not that anyone outside the household knew how close you were with them, the notion of a lonesome girl without a mother, so desperate for human interaction that she reach beneath her status.

Coming downstairs in a soft lilac dress, the tulip sleeves and neckline lined with tiny sparkling beads, matching the delicate crystal necklace you donned to bring the look together. Your maid had also added some shimmering hair pins to your updo, only visible from the back of your head, which was your favourite part of your outfit. You felt rather pretty, and by the way Santiago had stared, slightly slack-jawed at you descending the staircase before collecting himself, you thought maybe he thought so, too. That was before he opened his mouth to complain about being on time and reminded you why you disliked him so.

“I was not aware of his debts. Thank you, I suppose.”

“Yes, well… that is why I am here, is it not? Your father asked me to—”

“My father asked you what exactly? Because I still don’t recall ever being told why he had to go and ask someone with the likes of you for help in this matter!” You whispered back vehemently.

“Do you truly esteem me so little?”

His soft voice betrayed his hurt, causing you to stop and look up at him in shock. This wasn’t so far off from your usual tone towards him, the two of you often bickering under your breath in the presence of others. Trying to gauge his true feelings by gazing into his espresso eyes, you concluded that maybe you were being too harsh on him. Maybe this wasn’t the ideal way he’d rather spend his time at a ball, supervising a girl’s courting experience and vetting the bachelors. No, he would probably be with the other gentlemen his age, swatting away the interested women like fleas in monsoon season.

You took a second to look at him for any tell of a lie, any sign he wasn’t as offended as you initially had thought, but the longer you looked at him the more distracted you got. Taking in the stoic man’s face, the crinkles around his eyes, the darkening shadow across his jaw as his hair was growing in, it all suited him so well that it almost had you even more angry at him for his beauty. Santiago was not that much older than you when you thought about it, probably somewhere under a decade of difference, which was not uncommon in some marriages.

Marriages? You thought with a slight panic, whipping your head to look back at the crowd, fanning yourself a little faster now. The moment had slipped from your glove-covered hands, whatever pull there was keeping your eyes trained on him you had snapped free from. In good timing, it seems, as another pathetic attempt at asking for a turn around the room was making his way towards you both. You could almost hear Santiago’s groan before the gentleman stopped in front of you, offering you a charming smile.

“Mr. Garcia,” the gentleman bowed his head to both of you after addressing you as well. “Might I have this dance?”

“Are you asking Mr. Garcia, or myself?” you ask with a short laugh, seeing as he had posed the question to your companion.

The man gave a genteel smile. “I was trying to be respectful of the present company. I know Mr. Garcia hasn’t danced all evening so this might be a chance to find him a partner.”

Your eyes flit to your companion, silently pleading with him to let at least one attempt slide past his defences.

Santiago looked at you for a moment, clearly seeing the hopefulness in your eyes before turning his eyes back on the gentleman in front of you, seemingly having come to a decision.

“Lord Miller, you make a fair judgement. I do not usually partake in such diversions, although I have been complimented on my light footedness. Miss Wisteria, if you wish to dance with Lord Miller, we shall take our leave soon after.”

The way your mother called you Wisteria oftentimes was much different to the way Santiago has been calling you that, and you tried not to think about it for too long.

Although Santiago’s words were light and jovial, you could tell from the set of his brow that he still was not entirely comfortable with the arrangement. That didn’t stop you from nearly jumping at the opportunity to dance with the handsome Lord, smiling graciously as you accepted his still-extended hand.

Making your way to the dance floor, you noticed more than a few pairs of eyes on you, probably wondering how Lord Miller made it past your sleeping dragon keeping you locked away in your proverbial tower. Keeping your chin up and not letting their eyes make you stumble, you took position for the dance.

“I will admit, Miss Wisteria, I find myself in raptures over your acceptance of this dance.”

“You flatter me, Lord Miller.”

“I cannot help it. You look exceptionally beautiful tonight. Also, if I may be so bold, I have seen how you’ve longed to dance, and thus, I took it upon myself to brave the glower of your guardian and rescue you.”

You laughed heartily at that. The conversation continued with Lord Miller discussing your shared interests in literature and past travels, and how many balls you both attended in the past two weeks alone. Lord Miller was an excellent dancer, making you feel as though you barely had to put in any effort to be gliding around the dance floor.

—

Santiago tried his best not to stare, he really did, but the way you let your head fall back in a carefree laugh at something the Lord had said to you had captured his attention unwillingly.

The thing was, you see, he was not supposed to be wanting after his ward, temporary or not. He was not supposed to watch longingly after you, walking away from him, whisked away by another more suitable potential partner, or at any other time when you weren’t watching him. He was also not supposed to jerk himself off to the thought of you in his bed, under your father’s roof, imagining how tight and wet you would be for him, how loud you would moan his name. Would you let him worship you with his hands and mouth? Would you still fight with him during the act or would you go pliant under his devoted attention?

You were a constant thorn in his side, reminding him at every chance of the magnitude of your dislike for him, your eyes meeting his angrily during your daily spats. You never gave him a chance to earn your friendship, immediately jumping to hostility once the news of him chaperoning you for the season had reached your ears. How was he to refuse your father, the generous man who offered him access to his estate as if he were a long lost son and not an old colleague? Besides, he didn’t think much of it at the time, assuming it would be an easy feat, the world of courting running its own gears for longer than he has been in the game.

Frankly, he assumed there would be at least one meddling old croon trying to pair everyone up for the season based on her predictions but she had yet to turn up to help him along.

Santiago didn’t see his attraction to you getting in the way of finding you a suitable match, but unfortunately for him, he was wading through a pool of pathetic potentials, finding a reason to reject them at every turn. It was becoming increasingly difficult to give reason for their inadequacy, not wanting to hand you off to a lesser man.

Every ball you attended together, every promenade you walked with him trailing behind you, he was doomed to watch the men flirt with you, make you laugh, share lingering glances with, and every day felt more tortuous than the last. He learned a lot about you this way, but it never felt enough. He was stuck as an observer, watching from the outside.

Was this his destiny? To fall hopelessly for his friend’s daughter and not only watch her dance with other men but be the one to hand her off to them, lying through his teeth about his feelings on the matter?

It especially did not help his case with how ethereal you looked tonight, or any night for that matter. He could not count the number of times he has thought back to that first night he stayed in your home, running into you on your way to the greenhouse at night with your white nightgown. It was basically see through, the candle you were holding sinfully illuminating your figure, nipples pebbled in the cool air. He had been on his way to the kitchen for a glass of water, being unable to sleep properly in his new chambers. You nearly dropped it when you bumped into him around the corner, his hand steadying you before you could, saving you from waking up the whole house. Santi wanted to kiss you silly every day since then.

Bringing his focus back to the present, he heard the quartet queuing up for the next song and soon saw Miller escort you back to him with your hand tucked into his arm. You were positively beaming, shifting your eyes to his with a question posed on your lips.

“Lord Miller was just telling me how he and his brother often go for boat rides on the lake near town. He has invited us to accompany him on an outing tomorrow afternoon if it is agreeable with you?”

You were blinking at him meaningfully, alerting him to the fact that they were waiting for his response on the matter. The longer he took to answer, the more stilted the silence between the three of them and the worse chance it was for you to leave the season with a suitable partner. A throat cleared, snapping Santiago out of his stupor.

“A turn about the lake sounds splendid for tomorrow! We would be delighted.” Santiago tried not to sound like he was bursting from happiness at this turn of events but he also knew that on paper, Lord Miller was of good stock and well in stature, making him a fine potential suitor for you.

“Wonderful, thank you, Mr. Garcia,” Miller bowed his head to him first before turning to you to bid you goodnight. “I am dearly looking forward to tomorrow.” He said the necessary pleasantries before leaving you two to stew in the silent aftermath.

The rest of the night passed rather normally, Santiago fetching you refreshments when your hands emptied, and before you knew it, you were finding yourself in the carriage on your way home. If you didn’t know any better, you would think he was encouraging you to drink more so as to be able to get you to use the ladies’ room more, effectively removing you from wandering eyes.

The two of you didn’t speak much out of obligatory words, you were too excited about the prospect of a turn on the lake, and he was worried with a stone in his stomach about the same idea. Escaping to your respectful chambers, you were so wrapped up in your daydreams you barely said goodnight, leaving Santiago deeply unsettled and barely able to catch a wink of sleep.

Whether he was ready for it or not, tomorrow was arriving sooner than he wanted.

[float-me-now]

I recently discovered your blog through your Yellowstone posts and can I just say it is so nice to see a fellow Jamie lover. I just recently disengaged from a couple of posts I made on Reddit about Jamie and oh boy does any criticism of Beth rankle people lol. I don't know if you are still interested in the show or if you are planning on watching the new season but I just wanted to say it was nice to see someone who also loves Jamie

Hi Anon (and fellow Jamie fan)!

Always nice to see someone giving some love to our favourite dumbass lawyer <3

The short answer is no, I am not planning on watching the last season and I haven’t even finished the first part of season 5.

This show has become too much™️ for me. I have sat through the last two disastrous seasons of The100 (my favourite show) out of sheer willpower and love for most of the characters, but Yellowstone is on a whole other level of bad writing. Other than being bad, the writing is constantly trying to force a narrative that is completely different from what we actually see onscreen. 

Some examples:

the continuous and ridiculous glorification of Beth’s character, who becomes more and more cartoonishly stupid, Karen-like and evil with every passing season, yet they insist with the “badass unstoppable woman” bs. No, sweetheart, acting randomnly mean and vicious to people does not equal being strong.

the sheer and utter nonsense they push down viewers’ throats to justify a bunch of storylines that have zero sense or coherence (the whole ‘Jamie is selfish’ shtick is a prime example of this. He’s spent his entire life serving John and the ranch and yet we’re supposed to believe he’s the selfish one lol. Kayce going berserk and killing John’s supposed assailants in the middle of the street with zero repercussions is a close second, wtf)

John being an absolute shit person, a horrible father and a disgustingly corrupted and self-serving governor, yet everyone adores him and he’s constantly depicted as a great man, saviour of the poor oppressed white landowners (LOL!)

the not-so-subtle conservative themes they slip in (protecting ‘things as they are’, John’s supposed macho charisma, adopted children not being ‘real family’, Kayce’s glorified random violence which is always somehow justified, all the Summer slander and the hate she and her ideas get onscreen just because she’s a vegan and ACTUALLY loves animals contrary to John & co and so she’s depicted as a “woke” spoiled idiot etc)

As a viewer, it really irks me when they try to manipulate my opinions and assume I have zero capacity of deciding if what I am watching makes sense. 

It’s frustrating because this series had a lot of potential and a lot of nice characters (Jamie, Kayce, the Native Americans, the bunkhouse boys and even *Beth* could have been interesting if they had actually tried to give her some depth other than “I am strong because I can be a c*nt to anyone with zero consequences”) and they chose to throw all of this away.

Forgive me for ranting, but you really touched a sore spot here hehe

With all that being said, I don’t think I’ll ever resume watching Yellowstone (it’s the FIRST show ever I am dropping! Sad) but I guess I will follow what happens through people's posts here.

I hope you will enjoy the last season if you watch it and you are super welcome to share all the good Jamie content you like here, I’ll be more than glad to reblog it :D

Thanks for your ask, it was really nice to interact with another Jamie fan :))

[your3fundamentaltruths]

so, TABE did not prepare me AT ALL for Eloise being a better friend to Penelope during their breakup than she ever was when they were bffs in the first two seasons, lol. I'm so curious about your thoughts on Peneloise and the Cressida of it all and the Eloise-Colin sibling relationship in s3, because I think we had similar thoughts about Eloise in the show post s2, such that I was SHOOK by how much more I liked her in s3.

I think I was still processing when I first saw this ask and I realize it came in after Part 1 but before Part 2, while my thoughts on Eloise in S3 and the related topics you mentioned include both parts:

I appreciated that she kept LW to herself

I was annoyed by how rude she was about Colin's thoughtful gift for her, especially when no one else in the family makes the same effort

I appreciated that she scolded Cressida for messing with Penelope at the four seasons ball

I appreciated the way Cressida called her out multiple times, including for making assumptions about her (admittedly not unreasonable ones) when Eloise's carelessness was the actual reason the gossip about Polin's lessons spread the very same night Colin confided in her ---> I do think this also served to show why it wasn't unreasonable for Pen to think she should not share her secrets with Eloise

I appreciated Colin calling her out for befriending Cressida and for spreading his and Penelope's business (for no good reason)

I appreciated that she called on Penelope to check on her after Penelope reported the story in LW but thought it rather rich of her not to admit that she had a role in the gossip getting out in the first place. Even if she didn't know it to be her own fault entirely at that point, she still was the one who broke her brother's confidence and would have been the one who enabled Cressida to spread gossip.

I did not love that she helped Cressida try and attract Dealing's interest after clearly understanding that Penelope had been looking to marry and it being clear that Debling was Penelope's only option (at that time) after the lessons debacle. (And I say that as someone who is passionately anti-Pebling.)

Also . . . did not love how she shooed Cressida away from the ballon and showed no concern for Pen. (Yes, it was narratively necessary that Pen remain in the way of the balloon, but it would have been nice to see her show a smidge of concern for Pen's physical safety even if she did not/could not do anything about it.)

I understand her being surprised and concerned, even angered, by the Polin engagement, but I was so annoyed with her at the way she handled her LW ultimatum (not only because she drove Penelope to the point of a panic attack but because she also spoiled the evening for Colin), not to mention that wild conspiratorial spiral into thinking Penelope used her to get at Colin. (I say, like a hypocrite LMAO.) That said, I'm glad she didn't pull a TABE Eloise (again, narratively necessary that she not do so, but still).

I would have appreciated some acknowledgement of the fact that she has often not been a particularly kind or caring sister to Colin in the past and this is new territory for her - and that it is to his credit that he has such concern for her and her feelings when that is not reciprocated until this season. (I also wonder if it would have been had there not been the connection to someone she was close to and an issue that had impacted her and on which she had very strong opinions.)

Honestly wanted to reach through the screen when she flippantly tells Penelope that for whatever reason Colin truly believes her loves her. Like why was that necessary?

The fact that after hounding Penelope to tell Colin the truth on her timeline, she talks Penelope out of doing so because she suddenly realizes that it would be hard to tell Colin (and likely selfishly does not want him to know that she knew and did not tell him) kills me. And what kills me even more is the fact that Penelope writing one more column to help fix the mess Eloise has made with a desperate Cressida (which Eloise could have handled so much better) is what leads to Colin discovering the truth Eloise talked her out sharing and that that is the moment (the one time Penelope asks her for help) when Eloise decides to butt out, after spending all season butting in, without at least offering anything in the way of of sympathy or apology or a moment of kindness. Like no wonder Penelope doesn't rely on her? (And isn't that exactly what she did with Cressida, who was practically begging for help and sympathy, landing them in the mess in the first place?)

Did not love that it was so easily dismissed that she befriended Cressida to hurt Pen and at the same time would have wanted to see her need to grapple with the fact that Cressida actually wasn't a bad friend to her and that she was a poor friend to Cressida in some of the ways she was a poor friend to Pen. To be honest, that is part of the growth I had hoped for out of her storyline with Cressida - a realization that Pen's actions and flaws weren't the only issue in their friendship because some of the same issues replicated themselves in her other friendship and that she needs to work on the way she treats others.

TLDR: While this wasn't clearly acknowledged, I think Eloise has a lot of growing to do and the Peneloise resolution did not feel entirely earned so I'm curious to see what they do next with her.