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whoishotteranimepolls · 5 months ago

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In Defense of Nami and Robin (Off Anon for the pics)

So, yes, Oda's way of drawing women is...not great. But they are written beautifully, and to be fair, Toei (The anime) makes the design issue even worse than it is in the manga. (Also, the way in which they ugly cry is amazing, full snot, tears, wobbly lips, red face).

Nami and Robin are some of the best written, well rounded female characters I've seen. They have similar arcs, with tragic backstories that shaped how they see the world and affects their actions and relationships to others, and they have to learn to rely on others, and ask for help and put their trust in others. They are integral to the plot, Luffy will never be able to achieve his dream of being the Pirate King without them.

So first of all, Nami

Yes, this is probably the best picture of Nami's waist in the series, at least, post-time skip

Nami is the Navigator of the Strawhat Pirates, and an officer of the grand fleet. Unfortunately, the same face syndrome does start with her, a lot of the female characters will have her face. But design aesthetics aside, she is a wonder, complex, and dynamic character.

She was adopted by a marine women and raised on a tangerine farm with her older sister. They were poor, Nami always got her sister's hand-me-downs and their mom often skipped meals to make sure her girls had enough to eat. Nami, was an average 8 year old brat who did resent not having enough money to eat, or have clothes, or to buy navigation books like she wanted. But she was loved. So, of course, pirates attacked her village. They demanded a fine from each of the families in town based on adults and children in the household, and her mom was killed because she only had enough money for the girls. The same pirate, Arlong, made a deal with Nami, she could buy back her village for 100,000 belli, but in the meantime, she had to join his crew and work for him creating maps, where he preceded to work her until her fingers bled. She also became a thief and stole money from other pirates to add to the funds to buy her village back. This is where her catch phrase "I only love money and tangerines!" comes from. She intended to betray the Strawhats, but realized that they were the only people to ever show her love and kindness, and when Arlong betrayed her, she learned how to ask for help, to ease her burdens and rely on others when she needed it. Her scene where she was trying to cut her Arlong Pirate's tattoo off before asking Luffy for help remains one of the most profound moments in anime. While she was saved from Arlong, I wouldn't say she was necessarily a damsel in distress, she tried everything in her power, and part of her arc was accepting she didn't have to be alone. Luffy also never insisted on helping her because she was a weak girl or anything, he didn't care at all about her backstory, he just wanted to hurt whoever made her cry.

Apart of Nami's character is her love of money, desire to create maps and navigate the world, and how much she loves her friends/family and is willing to sacrifice for them, as well as the amount of forgiveness and kindness she is capable of and her love for children. She forgave one of the pirates that kept her as a slave, and when his friend, Camie, was almost sold into slavery, Nami didn't hesitate to spend all the money they had to buy her freedom. She discovered children were being experimented on by a crazy scientist and nearly went scorched earth.

When Nami came face to face with an enemy she couldn't beat, despite being a coward and thinking of herself as weak, she didn't back down because she refused to dismiss her captain. She showed incredible bravery and integrity, refusing to lie and break her ideals.

But she can also hold her own as well, she doesn't always lose or need to be rescued. She fights with a Clima-Tact, a weapon that allows her to summon lightning and use weather phenomena to her advantage. She beat Kalifa, a government assassin, Miss-Double-Finger, one of the strongest assassins in Baroque Works, Hotori and Kotori, and various other pirates. She also is particularly agile and has pretty high endurance. (Bonus points, in an anime filler arc, she is the first character with on-screen confirmed kill)

She also is a very skilled navigator, thief, liar, can predict weather phenomenon, maintains the crew's money and budget, a con artist, and cartography (including sea charts which are very difficult). She loves fashion, money, shopping, and is vain. She also somehow maintains her mom's tangerine trees while on a sailing ship.

The fandom widely considered her to be a lesbian, but of course that is only coding/head canons. But she has had very close relationships to other women in the series, including Vivi, and has expressed that she "has a soft spot for strong marine women."

Nico Robin

Her introduction to the series was strong, as she is one of the strongest members of the enemy faction Baroque Works. She was a serious threat, managing to infiltrate the Strawhat's ship and steal Luffy's hat and living to tell the tale, but she was also very mysterious and compelling. Despite being an enemy, she saved Luffy's life, and expressed amusement over his antics. When she tried to commit suicide in the tombs below Alabasta, after betraying her boss, Luffy saved her life, despite her protests. In return, she snuck back onto his ship and made herself his problem.

Like Nami, she has a tragic past that cause her profound trauma, sadness, a distrust in others, but ultimately, she found hope in the Strawhat pirates, and in Luffy, learning how to rely on them, and in return, being relied on. She can ask for help from them, but they ask for help from her as well.

When she was a child, her mother left to sail the seas and become an archaeologist. She was outcasted by her aunt, and her village, but she was accepted by the scholars who lived on her island. The island's name was Ohara. Against the other archaeologists wishes, she learned how to read the mysterious poneglyphs because she wanted to learn the true history of the world. Her first friend was a giant who washed up on the island and taught her how to laugh. But the World Government outlawed the language of the poneglyphs and learning about the true history. And so, they wiped her island clean off the map in an act called a Buster Call, and every single person but Robin was died. Desperate to capture her, they placed a 79,000,000 bounty on her head when she was only 8 years old, dubbed her a "devil child" and claimed she destroyed several marine battleships. For nearly 20 years she ran from organization to organization, only for all of them to betray her and try and turn her in.

While sailing with Luffy, it was the happiest she had ever been. Despite being an enemy just weeks earlier, they accepted her. Even when she was injured by another enemy, Zoro was pissed on her behalf. SO when the World Government finally caught up with her and blackmailed her into helping them while threatening to enact a Buster Call on the Strawhats (and an innocent island) she agreed to go along with them, even trying to sacrifice her own life so that the Strawhats can escape.

Of course, Luffy declared war on the Government and made Robin admit she didn't want to die, she wanted to live.

Robin is smart, capable, caring, funny, and strong. She just wants to learn history and have a family, and she suffered for years before she was finally able to be free enough to do so. She is a strong fighter because she had to be, and she is completely willing to became a monster and protect her friends. She hasn't been in many fights, but she won all of the ones she was in. She wasn't fooled by mind games and magic of enemies in Wano, and kept a calm and collected head. She is a skilled historian, archaeologist, osteologists, assassin, espionage, linguistics, and was a popular geisha. For most of the series she held the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, highest bounties in the crew. When an enemy threatened the crew, a different enemy pointed out that, (at least, With Luffy not there) Zoro and Robin were labeled as the strongest and most threatening members of the crew, capable of killing an enemy before the rest of the crew were even aware of the threat. Oh, and she has a demon form.

Other Female Characters: Kiku/O-Kiku/Kikunojo of the Fallen Snow

A canonical transgender women who is also a samurai. She is completely accepted for who she is by everyone in the story, and is another strong and capable female character. She is shy and tries to keep a low profile (despite being 8 feet tall), but is more than willing to defend the weak and win back her home island.

The original ask mentioned healers, and there isn't a whole lot of female doctors/healers in One Piece but there is Dr. Kureha. Kureha is the oldest human character, wears crop tops in winter, and will beat Luffy with a rubber chicken and an axe for calling her old. She taught Chopper everything he knows. She is crotchety and stingy, but an amazing doctor and a professional.

Boa Hancock:

Yes she is the most beautiful woman in the world, and yes, her design leaves some to be desired. But she is also a rape victim and a former slave, she hates men, and runs an empire of female pirates. She shows kindness to Luffy once he establishes he holds no sexual desire for her and wanted so save the lives of people he just met.

Other Notable Female Designs

The first mermaid we meet is Kokoro:

Dadan is Luffy's adopted mom who raised 3 feral boys and is the leader of a band of mountain bandits:

Big Mom is one of the strongest female pirates in the series and has dozens of children:

Vice Admiral Tsuru is one of the strongest female marines:

Boa Sandersonia and Marigold, Hancock's sister with the same backstory :

Lola, one of Nami's friends:

Other Gender Stuff:

Ivankov and Inazuma who are genderfluid, and Ivankov is the Queen of an island of queer people

Bonclay who is genderqueer, refered to as both male and female

And Morley who is also transfem

Despite the character designs, One Piece has some of the best written female characters, even if at first glance they may seem like stereotypical shonen women, they hold much more complexity to them. They aren't all damsels in distress, but their strength goes beyond just being able to kick ass. They are kind and compassionate, and they kindness are rarely seen as a weakness. They are smart and experts in their fields of study, which is wide and varied, from history, cartography, science, and medicine. There are several female rulers of their countries, including Hancock, Vivi, and Big Mom. There is a variety of body types and faces, even if they are lacking in compared to male characters. All of their backstories are unique, fleshed out, and has an impact on their characters and their character arcs.

Did I spend two hours typing a 2000+ word essay on women and started to lose steam? Yes. Am I passionate about female characters in One Piece? Also yes. Can you tell I'm very gay for these characters? Probably. Am I sorry to the mod/followers for the long post? Eh, y'all asked for this lmao. Did I catch all the spelling mistakes in my frantically written essay. Maybe

For context, they are responding to this post about Nami and Robin

I don't have anything else to add other than great work

#defend your blurbo response #cat burglar nami #nami #robin #nico robin #kikunojo #boa hancock #vice admiral tsuru #one piece spoilers #one piece #spoiler poll #not a poll #bon clay #emporio ivankov #kureha #long post #fandom and media literacy

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choccy-milky · 8 months ago

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bruh i need to vent about a rude comment i got on my recent chap and also about clora, cuz its something thats been on my mind for a while now. it has spoilers to my most recent chap tho so im putting it below

so in my most recent chap clora gets hit by the killing curse but thanks to seb sacrificing himself for her, it doesn’t work/she survives. and I got a rly rude comment about how that’s super cringe and that clora is a "shoe horning of every possible manifestation of Mary-Sueism I have ever seen." theyre dropping my fic after almost 500k words bc apparently THAT’S where they draw the line and that "just somehow pulling it out the bag and surviving a killing curse from the power of love. In simpler terms, it’s absolutely cringe worthy" and "forgive me if I rolled an eye at the yet again invincible nature of Clora Clemons-the-one-eighth-Veela-extraordinaire"

BUT LIKE LMAO TELL ME U DIDN’T READ/WATCH HARRY POTTER WITHOUT TELLING ME. that’s literally what happens to harry??but its only cringe when it happens to our "mary-sue" clora? like yeah sure love magic might be a bit cringe but IM LITERALLY JUST PULLING FROM THE SOURCE MATERIAL. of all the things to take issue with in my fic and interpretations, theyre taking issue with something that’s canon BAHAHA.

and since im on the topic of clora being mary sue can I just say I hate the misogyny/internalized misogyny that i've seen some people (NOT A LOT, THANKFULLY) treat her with. like i get it, im not pale and blonde and as conventionally pretty as clora is, but even if I was, is that a reason to hate me?? and does being beautiful and well-liked = mary sue? bc as far as I know, mary sue is a chara who is just naturally amazing at everything and doesnt need to try hard and theyre just inexplicably great for no reason (like mc in the base game BAHHAA) if anything the mary sue in MY fic is seb LMAO (but hes a boy so its ok). like clora has worked hard and studied magic all her life due to being a squib and wanting to make up for not being able to DO it. she isnt good at flying, seb is still better at her than duelling, shes really short sighted when it comes to doing/thinking whats best for others and can be a huge idiot.... and like. the only guys that have even shown interest in clora on a real scale have been seb and leander (and then lawley for blackmail purposes, and also bc he hates seb) so its not like literally everyone is falling over themselves for her?? like her interactions with the main cast of boys (ominis, garreth, amit) theyre all indifferent to her LMAO but still, the fact that shes pretty and guys here and there might look at her and go o shes cute! doesnt make her a mary sue SORRy thats just called being attractive idk its just annoying that ppl automatically see a nice kind beautiful female character without any VISIBLE flaws and go SHES TOO PERFECT!! MARY SUE!! WAH IM JEALOUS! and like I get it bc when I was younger I probs would have been annoyed by clora as well due to my own insecurities and internalized misogyny but hey, how about u just realize that’s ur own problem and your own jealousy, and not a real one HAHAH anyway ive since evolved bc I used to be a ‘not like other girls’ type girl back in highschool. trying to be super tomboy-y bc I thought being feminine was cringe and too basic but now ive embraced it and love girly things and dresses and charas like clora who are still strong and showcase their strengths and weaknesses in subtler ways, and I want to smooch her and make out with her. get behind me clora ill protect you🤺🤺🤺

#choccytalky #finally using that tag #tho its more like CHOCCYRANTY holy this is so long BHAHAHA #also one more thing idk why ppl think its ok to give unsolicited criticism to fanfic writers. like these are stories we're writing for US #and for free like u dont have to rudely declare how unhappy you are with it and that youre stopping. like what do u want me to do #do u want a refund?? BYE!! JUST GO!! like. i also wouldnt want unsolicited criticism or critiques on my visual/drawn art #and ppl understand that. so whys it so hard to understand ppl ALSO dont want it on their writing? both take effort #and giving actual valid criticism is a skill (which is why it was literally a CLASS when i was in uni)#i need a drink #and by that i mean COKE ZERO BABYYYYYYY #AND MORE DRAGONS DOGMA 2

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arataka-reigen · 1 year ago

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hello!! i saw the tags on your pinned post abt how shoujo wasn't just romance and it got me curious bc i've read some nice shoujo but really dislike romance-heavy plots. are there any shoujos you like that don't have much or any romance in them? ty and i hope you have a good day! 💛

Oh, there are lots of mangas that are classified as shoujo and don't have romance!!

I am just now beginning my journey through shoujo as well, so I don't have a lot of recommendations for stuff I actually read, but the ones I did read or watch so far are:

Natsume Yuujinchou and basically anything else by its author, Yuki Midorikawa. Sometimes, her works do include romance, but the focus is almost always in the interpersonal relationships and the difficulties her characters go through in life. NatsuYuu is about an orphan boy who can see yokai, and for that reason he acts in "weird" ways and his foster families dislike him, so he keeps going from family to family. The story is about how he finds a good family who accepts and loves him, makes friends, and learns to make friends even with yokais.

There are currently 6 anime seasons out, and a 7th season is on its way, so you can either read the manga or watch the anime.

Akatsuki no Yona - i mean, this one does include romance, but i'll still put it on the list because as far as the anime went the focus is heavy on Yona's actual journey to gather the dragons of legend to be able to recover the kingdom that was stolen from her. It shows how Yona goes from a sheltered spoiled girl to a person befitting the title of dragon king.

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom - this one is the og villainess isekai and it truly deserves the hype. It is about a girl who wakes up in the child body of the villainess of her favorite otome game. She remembers that the villainess' fate in the game was always either death or exile, so she tries her hardest to change her fate. This one is classified as a reverse harem, but the main character is pretty oblivious and worries more about farming and eating sweets and generally being the best girl ever than actually worrying about romance. Aro ace queen tbh. And her harem is just happy to be with her and be dragged along for her stupid adventures. Plus, the female members of her harem are taken seriously as well, Mary is a raging lesbian and it is not subtext. I mean, it is a shoujo, so of course the female characters would be important lol.

Usagi Drop - listen to me. You will absolutely not look for anything related to this manga. If you like the premise you can watch the anime. But, please, do not look for the manga. You will only be extremely disappointed by it. That being said, I recommend the anime. It is about a man who returns home for his grandfather's funeral and then finds out his grandfather had an illegitimate daughter who has now become an orphan. He ends up having to take care of her because the rest of the family considers her a shame to the family.

Now, for the stuff I havent seen yet, I'll just write some that are on my "plan to read" list and put their genres next to their names so you can check it out if you think the genre's sound interesting:

7 Seeds (drama, horror, psychological, sci fi, survival)

Requiem of the Rose King (drama, historical, supernatural, gender identity)

Basara (drama, fantasy, adventure) (i think this one has romance, but from what i've heard, the main character's story is a lot deeper as she takes her brother's identity in order to fight against the king who killed her brother, it is pretty famous and considered a classic)

Ghost Hunt (horror, mystery, psychological, supernatural)

Helter Skelter (horror, psychological)

My Stepmother and Stepsisters aren't Wicked (comedy, historical, slice of life)

Ikoku Nikki (drama) (this one is the one i'm currently most interested on, i hear it's about a distant woman who's never had a good relationship with her sister and now has to take care of her teenage niece because her sister died)

Itsuwari no Freya (crossdressing, historical)

Limit (drama, psychological, school) (this one sounds incredible tbh, on a field trip their bus gets into an accident and only 5 girls remain, having to learn to survive and trying to assert themselves over one another because they hate each other.)

Machida-kun no sekai (school)

Mitarai-ke, Enjou suru (drama) (the main character wants to infiltrate the household of the family who blamed her mother for a fire, in order to prove her mother's innocence)

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (comedy)

Uramichi Oniisan (comedy, showbiz, workplace)

Usotoki Rhetoric (mystery, historical)

Don't Call It Mystery (mystery)

If anyone has more things to recommend I would also love to hear about it!!

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tired-hellowl · 9 months ago

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here' a comprehensive list as to every problem I have with the current *unecessary characters known as 'Glitz and Glam'

Do they expand the story/worldbuilding in any meaningful way? Do they explore a new hidden dynamic/past conjunction with a differing character and is that explored meaningfully? What was the point of having them animated when Mammon can portray the same level of humiliation/degrading/on stage lack of positive reinforcements. 😐

I'm so sorry but I view these characters as necessary garbage that caused some animators arthritis via too many patterns, not enough screen time to have meat and potatoes worth of dialogue, or really any pretense within the story whatsoever and yes this extends towards every female character on screen but let's not worry about that !!! Even if they are IMPLIED to be from the ring of envy-a color or ring we haven't seen nor meaningfully conveyed to the audience that it even is possible to go in/exists- it isn't conveyed to the audience well enough besides the visual implication of colors???? Instead of having shitty b-plots that go nowhere via Stolas and Blitz goofing off in seeing stars, Moxxie and Millie getting C-plots for no reason, or loona getting a rabies shot- all of that time could have been exploring hell, going to different rings, focusing on other characters besides the main 5, literally I would prefer a quiet episode like BoJack Horsemans 'Fish out of Water'where we can actually see the personalities of the main characters be appreciated and shown to us but that's never gonna happen :/

What I've been worried about is not even the on screen racism/out of touch 'rap/hip-hop parody' leaves a terrible taste in my mouth, if that isn't enough then the sexualization/implication of an incest type dynamic and nothing else besides fetish bait with these characters constantly grabbing one another and not really acting like siblings moreso someone who has never had siblings attempting to write sibling banter and failing terribly :/

Why do you have a problem with 'Klown Bitch' it's so catchy! Uhm, no??? I feel bad for anyone who attempts to defend helluva/hazbin as good modern musicals let me grit my teeth in silence as to the glorification over white people dominating black culture

HERES A HISTORY OF FEMALE HIPHOP ARTISTS: X

Pictured above is very old concept art about twin characters and its the same hairshape viv kept to transfer over to glitz/glam- despite clearly being over designed and way too much going on Alá vivzie style. It just goes to show she recycles even from herself and not every design is always new hot and fresh :/ AND SPEAKING OF CONCEPT ART-

Also also don't forget salems' concept designs thst got passed even though they loon toony, loony, clown enough, and definitely majorly way easier to have animated besides the mess that is the current design meta ???

Love how you can clearly see the silhouettes being so easily identifiable comparably towards the actual amalgamated mess that is their current limbs attempting to hold onto their toothpick body for their head.

All this screams to me is viv using the artists thst try to come onto helluva and they try their best with what their given, viv only picks the best bits SHE thinks is worth her time rather then thinking about the audience or animating anything else besides overglorified white people rap 🤔

Also the episode literally presents its full internalized misogyny/racism within this episode because vivzie herself literally admitted to typing into script with a full chest that

'Women just ain't funny'

. . .

why present misogyny within the series if you as a creator aren't willing to tackle the subject matter? Why write about it or present it as if you're smart over including the joke in your script when it isn't even funny because it just further pushes women out of the entertainment/comedy business which mind you IS ALREADY VERY WELL MALE DOMINATED SO PUTTING OTHER WOMEN DOWN TO PUT YOURSELF UP ISNT HELPING YOUR CASE VIV???

So then what was the point of adding female clowns if all you were going to do with them was make fun of them out of their expense and then profit off of the fact that they are incest coded????????????

?????????Are we watching the same fucking series????????

#vivziepop critical #i'll add more later #helluva critique #helluva critical #helluva boss criticism #helluva boss is homophobic #helluva boss critical #i hate it here #anti hazbin hotel #anti spindlehorse #anti helluva boss #anti vivziepop #cw inc*st #I hate glitz and glam so much

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emotionallychargedtowel · 1 year ago

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That post about Higuchi Kouhei and his cat got me thinking about some other tokusatsu-to-BL pipeline actors that are on current or recent BLs, so I thought I'd do a screenshot post about Kamen Rider Revice, a recent toku series that features two lead actors who star in current BLs, plus an actor in a smaller role who was part of a side couple in a BL series that recently completed a second season.

The main character of Revice is Igarashi Ikki, played by Maeda Kentaro, currently playing Ohara Yamato in I Can't Reach You. His siblings are very central to the story as well--by the end of the series, the story is centered around his whole family. Ikki's younger brother Daiji is played by Hyuga Wataru, currently playing Yamasuge Ryuiji in If It's With You.

Here they are having a bath in the opening credits for the show (the Igarashi family runs a public bath house).

I should say at the outset that I can't entirely recommend Revice, especially to folks who don't already have some tokusatsu-watching under their belts. It's a hot mess in a lot of ways. But it does have some really outstanding highlights. The best aspects of the series, in my book, were:

Kagerou (Daiji's demonic alter ego),

George Karizaki (my beloved),

Igarashi Sakura/Kamen Rider Jeanne (the most formidable female Rider I've seen in any series in the franchise), and

the relationship between Sakura and Natsuki Hana (a rare example of a convincing Sapphic ship in a franchise well known for "heated drama between men").

I'm not going to get into 2 and 3 here, as tempting as that would be, but I'll include as much of 4 as time/space permits.

It might seem weird that I'm not recommending a series with some of my favorite characters in the entire Kamen Rider franchise AND a relationship between girls that is a hair's breadth from being canonically queer. It's just too much of a trainwreck to endorse as a whole. But as I said, the highlights are really something.

One of the biggest issues I had with Revice was that Ikki, the protagonist, just isn't a very compelling character. As a result I don't think Maeda Kentaro really got to show the range of his acting abilities in this series. (This just makes me more curious to see him in ICRY. From the excerpts I've seen so far, it seems like he shows a really different side of himself.)

Maeda appreciators might still enjoy the many determined faces and creepy smiles he gets to dish out in this series. Here's a sampling.

It's possible they'll want to look away when he starts doing things like this, though.

Fans of both Maeda and Hyuga might enjoy some of their scenes fighting side by side, including doing their various henshin poses (the moves they do before they transform into their masked Rider forms).

Or when they do things like this bonkers flying kick.

Thankfully, Daiji is a more interesting character than Ikki, so Revice gave Hyuga some more challenging things to do. I thought Hyuga also just really made the most of every opportunity the show presented to him. He was seriously impressive. This is the reason I was sold on IIWY the moment I saw the announcement about it based solely on Hyuga's involvement.

Here's a sampling of Hyuga as Daiji.

In addition to playing Daiji, Hyuga also played Kagerou, Daiji's aforementioned demonic alter ego. Kagerou was formed from thoughts and emotions that Daiji repressed. The biggest of these was his resentment toward Ikki. But apparently Daiji had also been repressing a desire to be a somewhat gender non-conforming goth, because that's Kagerou's other raison d'etre.

In some ways, it's hard to imagine a character more different from Ryuji. If they have anything in common, it's the fact that they both place a high value on honesty.

One other thing that's worth noting about Hyuga's work on Revice is that he was only 17 when the show premiered. He showed major dramatic range in this part, not only playing two very different characters but doing everything from low-key nuanced scenes to bombastic high drama. Not to mention the stunts! Doing all of this at 17 is seriously remarkable.

Now for our bonus dude! There's a secret evil-fighting organization called Weekend that secretly keeps tabs on the Igarashi family for years before coming out of hiding to join the big central battle of the series. One of the Weekend operatives is Ushijima Hikaru.

Look familiar? Maybe not, he didn't make faces like this on his BL series.

How about now? Yep, it's Oku Tomoya, who plays Hanabusa Asuka on both seasons of Minato Shouji Coin Laundry.

Oku has some big scenes and interesting moments in Revice. He does some romantic pining, goes through big-time loss, does quite a bit of martial-arts sparring, gets seriously injured, and more. He even gets to henshin a few times. Here he is getting ready to do just that with Sakura and Hana. Those Weekend uniforms are pretty hardcore in a 70s flight attendant sort of way, but I feel like Oku really sells it here.

While we're on the subject of Sakura and Hana, I feel like I can't mention their relationship without including some moments where their story came particularly close to tipping into full-on yuri.

If you're going to do an enemies-to-lovers story, why not make them full-on superhero nemeses?

The word "date" might not technically get used by the characters, but there's no mistaking that the amusement park hangout Sakura invites Hana on--while she is still a fully-functioning bad guy, I might add--is definitely a date.

Most of the time when a Rider beats their nemesis for the final time they don't hold each other tenderly in the sunset.

By the end of the series, they're in a big tub together at the Igarashi's bath house.

There are tons more examples but you get the idea. If this isn't borderline-yuri I don't know what is.

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missacidburn928s-heathenhideaway · 2 months ago

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I've got to feel, how it feels, to be loved by you...

Summary:

Alpha!Captain Syverson x Omega!POC!Reader "Sunny" No matter the circumstances, love finds a way. It’s up to you to accept them.

Warnings:

Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha/Omega, Alpha Captain Syverson, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Mutual Pining, Mutually Unrequited, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Humor, Female Character of Color, POV Multiple

Notes:

Hello Heathens! I may have written this as a comfort fic for myself. Happy Reading! I do not own rights to any of the songs or lyrics used in this fic. I have linked them for your hearing pleasure. Please give these artists a listen. Where Are They Now?

Banner by @cafekitsune Divider by @firefly-graphics

Your brother Dante is finally coming home after a long deployment. Your childhood home is always the first place he would stop once he was stateside and allowed leave. Per your mothers request, your attendance was required for his homecoming.

You're humming along to a tune in your head as you keep busy in the kitchen where you've spent a good portion of your life. You're filling a pitcher with fresh Sun Tea, when the mouth watering scent of amber, sandalwood, leather, and a hint of redwood trees, wafts in. The same scent that's haunted your dreams since you first presented.

You allow yourself a moment to just inhale the intoxicating aroma of the Alpha you’ve been in love with since you were little. The same Alpha you believe could never be yours. He’s your brother's best friend. Which isn't so bad when you think about it, he’s not that much older than you, but you know he sees you as nothing more than little miss Sunshine, Dante’s annoying little sister.

Your damn hormones just need to knock it off. No matter how amazing he smells, he’s not yours. You’re sure he has his choice in Omegas, hell you’ve seen the types of women he takes to his bed. But I’ve never seen one stick other than Julia in high school and that ended horribly when they left for basic and she found herself another Alpha to claim her in his absence. Stupid bitch. No one deserves that kind of pain. Especially Sy. He’s the most kind hearted Alpha I’ve ever known.

A smooth southern drawl breaks you out of your thoughts. “Hey Sunshine. How’d I know I’d find you hiding in here?”

“Hey there yourself, Captain. You know me, barefoot and in the kitchen is my second favorite place to be next to curled up with a good book in the sunshine.” You look over at his large frame that is blocking the entry way. “You’re looking good. No visible wounds this time around. Impressive beard. Oh and I’m loving the fuzzy cue ball look.”

“Oh yeah.” He rubs his hand over his head. “Why’s that?”

“It just looks like a good place to run my fingers through. I’m sure it’s soft with just the right amount of prickly. Kind of like you.” You chuckle to yourself.

You watch his cerulean eyes slightly dilate, perusing your body at his leisure. He wets his lips with his tongue, smirking when he catches you following the muscles trek with your own eyes. “Feel free to give it a try anytime, Sunshine.” He winks as he moves out of the way for your mother and brother to walk in.

“Pipsqueak! It’s been too long.” Your brother pulls you in for a bear hug.

“Hey Dante. I missed you too.” You squeeze him back.

“Is that Sun Tea?” He says over your shoulder.

“You know it” You release him.

“You’re the best Pippy.” He quips as he makes his way over to pour himself a glass.

“Meh. I just know how much ya’ll miss the comforts of home when you’re gone all the time.” You shrug. “Speaking of. How long are you back for this time?”

“Well, we weren't going to say anything just yet; but that was our last tour. We have decided it’s time to come home and open up that Auto shop we always dreamed of.” Dante nonchalantly states.

“What?!” You squeak out. “You’re for serial? You’re coming home for good?”

“You heard him right, Sunshine.” Sy cuts in. “We’ve saved enough up to lay down some roots finally.”

“That is just wonderful boys.” Your mother says with tears of joy brimming her eyes. “Maybe finally someone can give me some grandkids to spoil while I’m still young enough to do so.”

“What are you relying on me for? I’ve been overseas most of the time. It’s not my fault Pippy can’t find an Alpha that can handle all her crazy.” Dante jabs.

“You wound me hermano.” You reply in jest. You know he means nothing by it, but the words still sting nonetheless. You’ve tried to find an Alpha compatible enough for you to let them claim you, but it just hasn't worked out. You can't help but instinctively compare them to Sy and let’s face it, no one compares to him. You’ve come to terms with the very real fact that you may never find someone and heat sickness will be the end of you someday.

“Aw come on Pippy. You know I’m just playing.” He gives you his most charming smile. “Sy’s not doing any better either. So don’t feel too bad.”

“Wow. Just gonna throw that out there like that.” Sy says in disbelief. “I’m team Sunshine on this one. I too am wounded.”

This gets a laugh out of you and you smile up at him. “Thank you Captain. It’s good to have someone in my corner against such disrespect.”

“Alright. Alright. Enough. You kids, no matter how old you get, are always the same. I’m over it.” Your mom pipes up. “You’re finally home for good. That’s cause for celebration. This Saturday we will have a BBQ to mark the return of my boys.” She’s beaming with joy now.

“That sounds like a great idea mama.” You turn towards Sy. “It’ll be nice having you back. Feels like something is missing whenever ya’ll are away.” You glance at the clock on the oven. “Shit! Sorry mama but I gotta get going. I promised Liv I’d watch Ro tonight so she and Cameron could go out. Just shoot me a text with whatever you need help with for the BBQ.”

“I’ll walk out with ya. I need to grab something out of the truck anyway.” Sy states.

“Sure. Night Mama. See ya later D. I’m glad you’re home.” You turn towards Sy and head towards the front door.

He places his hand on the small of your back as he guides you out the door and to your car. Butterflies erupt in your stomach from that small touch alone. He sort of crowds you in against your driver side door once you arrive, his delicious scent enveloping you. The calming breath you try and take makes it worse as your core reacts, slick beginning to dampen your panties and the tiniest involuntary whine slips out. You hope he didn't hear you, or better yet that he can't smell the arousal coming off you.

You chance a look up at his face and are met with the flare of his nostrils as he inhales, his pupils dilating with lust and a low growl emitting from his chest. Before your hormones make you do something crazy, you clear your throat and speak up. “Thanks for walking me out, Sy. I’m really happy you’re home.”

You lean up and place a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Have a good night, Captain.” You quickly open your door and climb in. He takes a step back so you can reverse out. You give him a little wave as you pull onto the street. Gazing in your rear-view you see him, still in the driveway, fingers grazing the skin you just kissed with a dopey smile on his face.

Saturday…

To say that you’ve struggled through this week, would be an understatement. Your thoughts have been inundated by a certain Alpha and your hormones can’t seem to get the memo that now is not the time to go into a heat. You’ve been feeling preheat symptoms for the last day or two, which means if you’re not careful you may start before you can safely lock yourself away at home.

Let’s just hope I can make it through this BBQ without combusting into a ball of pheromones and slick.

You’ve arrived early to help set up. What you don't expect to see upon entering the backyard is Sy moving the outdoor furniture around at your mothers command. Watching his muscles flex and move as he arranges the pieces with ease is not doing your preheat body any favors. You can already feel your temperature rising.

Shaking yourself free of the very dirty thoughts trying to flood your brain, you head over to the tables leaned up against the house to begin the process of decorating and making the food presentable. “D! Get your ass over here and set up these tables for me so I can get them up to Mama’s high standards already.”

“Watch that mouth of yours young lady. You may be grown but you ain't too grown for me to whip that ass.” She snarks as you laugh and blow her a kiss.

“Why do I have to do it? Sy’s the one moving furniture around already.” Dante complains.

“I mean if you’d prefer to look like some weak little beta bitch cus you won’t move a measly table or two while Sy shows off how much of a big strong Alpha he is, so be it.” You shrug your shoulders and begin to set a table up yourself.

Before you can even get the first leg propped out Dante is snatching the folding table away from you. “Give me that you little fucking brat. Always tearing a man down. No wonder you're still single. No one can handle all that attitude.”

“I happen to enjoy all that attitude. Who says an Omega has to be soft and sweet all the time?” Sy chimes in, taking over setting up the other table. “It’s so much more worth it when you have to work for it in my opinion.” His eyes scan your frame, taking in all the exposed skin, your flannel skirt and crop top put on display.

“Is that so?” You question. “Thrill of the chase I assume.”

“Nah Sunshine.” He places the table up right and gives you his full attention. “The chase is fun and all. Don't get me wrong. But that final surrender when they submit willingly to you is a rush like no other. When they give in to their wants and needs and just let you take control. Worth every moment of resistance.”

You swallow, trying to bring saliva to your suddenly parched mouth. Other parts of your body are clearly more than properly hydrated. In fact they are starting to make themselves known. You’re going to need a pantie change soon if he doesn't stop looking at you like that while he smells so damn delicious.

“Thanks boys. Now go be useful somewhere else, so I can work my magic.” You shoo them away.

“Still don’t get why I gotta help set up a party in my honor anyway.” Dante grumbles.

Sy slaps him upside his head. “Do you even think before you blurt out stupid shit? Don’t be an ungrateful asshole. You should be thankful you’re alive to be celebrated at all.” He growls out.

“Damn. Shit.” He rubs the back of his head. “I am, okay. Jeez. What the fuck is with you this afternoon anyway? You need to get laid already man. Relieve some of that pent up aggression.”

“Sorry D. Let me grab us some beer before we start up the grill. Might even let you man it for a bit.” He replies back.

“You most certainly will not, Captain. I would like the food to be edible. He is not to be trusted with the grill. Let him look pretty standing next to you so he can flirt with all the pretty ladies I know Ma and her friends invited. Who I know will flock to get their hands on some Alphas fresh off of deployment.” You tell him as he walks by on his way into the kitchen, through the patio door.

He stops in his tracks and tosses you a look over his shoulder. “He can have ‘em. I have my eyes on something far better than tag chasers.”

His response stuns you as he just continues on his way. What could he possibly mean? Is he dating someone? Just my luck. He was never to be mine anyways, right? Looks like I’ll be heading to Maxwells tonight after all.

Sy’s POV

The afternoon has been filled with good food, catching up with old friends and diverting all the female attention to Dante. I have my mind set on one female in particular. The same one who I’ve told myself for years I shouldn't pursue because she’s not only younger than me but she’s my best friend's little sister as well.

I’m over denying myself though. If anything, she smells even better now than when I first caught her scent after she presented. She has a recurring role in my fantasies and I’m ready to make those become reality. Not just the ones that have her writhing on my knot but the ones where she has my mark on her delicate throat, taken my last name and is round with my pup.

Don't get me started on that barefoot and in the kitchen comment she made the other night. The images that produced, had me subtly readjusting before I embarrassed myself. Almost had to do it again today when I caught a whiff of your tantalizing scent, it was definitely sweeter than usual. She could be in preheat. It would make sense why I am so close to a rut all of a sudden too.

Time to stop thinking about the woman of my dreams and actually find her. It’s been awhile since I last saw her stunning face in the crowd. Maybe Dante knows where she is.

I head on over to Dante, who’s wooing the Omegas and our childhood friends with another war story. “Hey. Have you seen Sunshine?”

“Not in a bit. No.” He replies.

“Damnit. Alright.”

“Knowing where her heads been lately, I’m sure she just ducked out and headed over to Maxwells.”

“Why would she be at Maxwells?”

“He found her singing while doing yard work for Ma one day, the summer she turned 21 actually, and begged her to come sing at the bar. Said it was a place she was always welcome to sing and drink for free. It’s where she’s been spending most of her nights since what happened to Cora. Music therapy or something, is what she said.” Dante divulges.

“You up for a drink and some entertainment?” I ask.

Dante looks over at the little omega clinging to his bicep. “What do you think sweetness? Wanna head out with this overgrown asshole.”

She nods her head. “Sure. I hear your sister puts on quite the show. I’ve never been able to catch one myself.”

“Guess we’re moving the party then.” He looks around, spotting his mother. “Hey Ma! We’re heading over to Maxwells to watch Pippy. You good with us leaving or do you want us to help clean up?”

“Go! Give my girl some extra love for me will you. She needs all that she can get. Clean up will be handled. Go have fun!” She yelled back.

“Let’s go. Meet ya there.” I can't stop the grin from spreading across my face.

Maxwell's Lounge

The atmosphere in Maxwells hasn’t changed in all the years since any of you have been able to partake in this establishment. A gritty, bit rundown, hole in the wall blues club. Dark wood and mix match tables scattered throughout. Not to mention Old Man Maxwell holding court at the end of the bar as his nephew tended to customers.

The main attraction of this place has always been the stage. Whenever someone graced its worn in wood and filled the space with soulful music, it came alive. Just like it was now. All eyes were on you, as your leaned back against the piano, Mello playing the keys, aiding you in entrancing the crowd with the hauntingly beautiful sound of your voice as you sang about being Lonely.

I'm slowly killing myself

I'm trying so hard at the back of the shelf

It's just the same every day

I'm writing these songs that will never get played

I get told what's wrong and what's right

I don't have a romantic life

And everyone's dying, so I keep on trying

To make 'em proud before they are gone

But can't someone help me?

Oh, please, someone help me

I don't care, anyone, anything

'Cause I'm so sick of being so lonely

Miss all my family

I don't care, anyone, anything

'Cause I'm so sick of being so lonely

You get so lost in the lyrics that you don't notice the newest patrons to have entered the bar. The space is filled with a mingle of scents and designations but you swear you can pick up on Sy’s very specific scent perfuming the air along with your brothers.

Opening your eyes, you scan the small crowd until it lands on your brother hugged up with some female and Sy. They’re getting settled at a table and involuntarily your heart decides to pick up its cadence. Sure they’ve heard you sing around the house, but this is different. This is where you lay everything out on the table. Where you come to release all those pesky feelings and emotions you can’t always articulate in your day to day life.

This could work in your favor though. There is that new song you’ve been working on with Carmello that would be perfect for this occasion. Blame it on preheat hormones if you must but what better time to get out how you feel about the Alpha of your dreams than safely on stage. Shoot your shot right. He’ll either get it’s about him or he won’t, no matter the result you can finally move forward in whatever direction it takes you.

As you finish the final notes of your current song, you turn towards Mello and whisper. “I’m changing things up a bit. I want to debut Loved by You next. Think you can grab your guitar and inform the girls while I do a little intro?”

He smiles that infamous cheshire cat grin at you. “Would this change to the set list have anything to do with the fact that Sy just walked in with your brother and you’re in preheat.”

“Carmello Antoni! How dare you make accurate assumptions of my motives.” You clutch your imaginary pearls in fake shock.

“Please Sunny, you’ve been in love with that man since grade school. It’s about time you do something about it. I’ve seen what his scent does to ya. The fact that you're in preheat when you're not due for one for another month right as he comes back to town.” He tilts his head to the side and smirks. “Well that’s some true mates shit if I do say so myself. So I’ll help you get your man because if I don’t, you’ll just stay stuck in your head daydreaming forever.”

“I want to be bothered by your words but unfortunately you’re speaking the truth.” You sigh. “Alright, let’s do this then.”

Sy’s POV

“Wow. Your little sister really is good.” The omega attached to Dante blurts out.

“Yeah. Who knew the little pipsqueak who used to sing along with the radio while she messed around in the kitchen or played in the yard could hold a crowd's attention like this.” Dante responds.

“I did.” Sy imparts. “Sunshine always lights up any place she’s in. It just makes sense that she would be a natural at this. I’ve never seen her so comfortable before. It’s nice. Even if the song she’s singing is technically sad.”

“I didn’t know you noticed my little sister that much Sy.” Dante nudges him. “Should I be worried?”

“Stop that.” The omega speaks up. “Sy is a great guy. And he’s known you sister her whole life. Why wouldn’t you want an Alpha like him pursuing her? I would think that makes him the best candidate. Plus, true mates are a thing. What if he’s hers? What are you going to do, shun your best friend and sister because they are meant for each other? That'd be a dick move don't you think.”

“I like her. She’s feisty. Just what your reckless ass needs.” Sy chimes in.

Dante looks down at her. “You're gonna pay for that feisty little mouth later but I guess you’re right. They are both adults and if something happens it’s really none of my business.” He turns to Sy. “Unless you hurt her. You know firsthand what I’m capable of, Captain. Best friend or not, I will always protect her.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He sincerely states. “I just want to be extremely clear here. You’re saying that if I wanted to make your sister mine, you wouldn’t stop me?”

“I’m not loving the claim implied in that, but yes, I won’t stop you going after Pippy if you so choose.” He grits out.

“I’ll drink to that.” Sy raises his glass with Dante following suit. They cheers and each take a big swig as they watch you sing the final notes of that hauntingly beautiful song and lean over to whisper something to Mello for a few moments before heading over to the mic stand.

He watches you address the bar, like you’ve done this hundreds of times before. “How’s everybody doing tonight?” You nod along to their replies. “Good. Good. That’s what I like to hear. Thank you for letting me entertain ya tonight and get some things off my chest.”

He watches as you take a deep breath before you continue on. “I recently lost someone very close to me in a horrible way and that last song was a representation of my grief. Music heals all wounds right. I hope it brought some peace to ya’ll as well.”

Mello walks back on stage with a guitar and two females who take up a place to your right behind another mic. “Now we’ve made a little change to tonight's set list. Ya see, my brother Dante and his best friend Sy just got back from their final deployment and it looks like they have escaped from the BBQ in their honor and have graced us with their presence.” You wave in their direction.

“Normally we do standard blues covers and revamps of modern songs. Tonight I’ve decided to debut something I’ve been working on for a while now. The timing just feels right. I hope ya’ll enjoy it.”

With a subtle nod from you, Mello begins to play. Your voice begins to fill the space and he can't help but be captivated by your honeyed words and sweet voice.

Bless my soul I've been alone too long Somebody without someone Is no one at all And baby all these nights I've struggled and fought my pride Scared that someone your type Couldn't see past my flaws 'Cause I've heard that heaven ain't easy to get to, ooh The closest I'll get might be right next to you, ooh For I've got to know I got to feel how it feels To be loved by you Ooh, I got to touch something real Can I feel and be loved by you Jealousy is getting the best of me Thinking about you sleep without me in town And I had no peace 'til you give me clarity I need to hear and see If I matter at all 'Cause I've heard that heaven ain't easy to get to, ooh The closest I get might be right next to you For I've got to know I got feel how it feels To be loved by you Ooh, I got to touch something real Can I feel and be loved by you? Ooh, I got to feel it (How it feels to be loved) Ooh, I got to feel it (How it feels to be loved) Ooh, I might not get another chance (how it feels to be loved) Cannot let it slip out of my hands How does it feel to be loved by you?

The whole room disappears as he locks eyes with you. He feels as if the words were meant for him and him alone. A declaration that yes, it was finally time to stake his fucking claim and make you his. No other Omega compared and after that brief talk with Dante, there really is nothing holding him back but himself.

There’s a small pause after your final note before the crowd erupts in applause. He and Dante being the loudest, rising from their chairs, whistling long and loud.

You don’t know it yet, but I’m coming home with you tonight Sunshine, and if I have my way, I’m never leaving.

They watch your smile light up the room as you address the club once more. “Thanks for letting me get that out.” You softly chuckle into the mic. “I’ve taken up enough time on this lovely stage. Now it’s time for me to pass the mic off to the talented Mr. Carmello. I leave you in good hands. Lovers and fiends alike, I wish you a magical night.” You blow a tiny kiss to the crowd and exit the stage.

He wastes no time standing up from the table and making his way towards the back hallway where he knows a small dressing room awaits. He’s going to catch you before you even think about leaving.

He just barely catches Dante shouting out to his retreating frame. “Don’t fuck it up Capatin. I’ll never let you live it down.” He shakes his head and continues on with his mission.

You're making your way down the hall to the dressing room. You just want to grab your shit and hightail it the hell out of here so you can succumb to your wanton needs in the peace of your own home. You’ve just reached the door when a large warm hand glides across your waist, pulling you back and spinning you around.

Before you know it you're caged against the wall, staring up into Sy’s cerulean blue orbs. He has this wild look in his eyes that you've never seen before. Your heart is galloping in your chest so fast, you swear he can hear it as you hold his gaze.

“Who?” Rumbles out of his chest.

“Who?” You throw back with confusion.

“The song Sunshine.” He lets out a breath that feels like he’s been holding on to. “Who were you singing that for?”

“Oh…” You bite your lip and look away, while you mull over the ramifications of confessing, preparing yourself for the worse. “Um. It was about you.” You mumble out.

“I want to make sure I heard you right, Omega. Say that again for me?” His voice is calm although his body is clearly strung tight.

You clear your throat, locking eyes with him once more as you speak with conviction. “You, Sy. Every word was for you.”

“Good.” He takes a step closer, his barrel of a chest grazing yours with each inhale.

“Good? Why is that good?” You inquire.

“Because I know you won't push me away when I do this.” Before you can respond with a sassy retort, he lifts your chin and presses his mouth to yours, kissing the breath out of you.

It’s more than just a kiss, it’s a declaration that he’s going to make you his. You surrender to it. Melting into him and wrapping your hands around his biceps. He has one hand resting against the base of your throat while the other is gripping your waist, pulling you in closer.

You finally pull apart, in desperate need of air. “Not that I’m complaining, but where did that come from?”

He laughs, placing a kiss on your forehead. “I’m done hiding how I feel about you. How your scent drives me fucking crazy.” He runs his nose along your neck, scenting you. “I know you're on the verge of your heat. You smell even more tasty than you did the night I came home and found you in your mama’s kitchen.”

“That would be your fault actually. I wasn't due a heat for another month.” You tease his beard with your fingers. “One good whiff of you and my body took over. Crying out for her Alpha.”

“Guess we’re true mates then, Sugar. I’ve been on the edge of my Rut all week after smelling you.” He nips your bottom lip. “That what you want, Omega? For me to make you mine? Am I the Alpha worthy enough to claim you?”

“Do you want to claim me, Sy?” You ask shyly. Not able to look him in the eye.

He turns your head to face him with his forefinger. “It’s all I’ve wanted for years. Since you presented, actually. I just thought I’d never get the chance because of your brother. Didn't want to ruin things for any of us.”

“I know the feeling quite well.” You admit.

“You do?” He does that cute little head tilt thing dogs do when they're confused.

“Yeah.” You nod your head, focused on his mouth instead of his eyes. “I’ve been drawn to you for as long as I can remember. I used to think it was just because you were around all the time, therefore your scent became safe and familiar. Until I presented and I found myself stealing any item of clothing you left behind or slept on to secretly hide in my nest. The amount of times I’ve attached my nose to your scent while going through a heat alone is embarrassing.”

He begins to purr. “Omega. I need you to look me in the eyes.”

Once your eyes meet his, you're lost in the black pools that have overtaken them and the sliver of blue that remains. “I’m trying to be a gentleman here but you're making it difficult to not pull you into that dressing room or out to my truck to show you just how much knowing I brought you comfort during your heats affects me.”

He pins you to the wall by his hips, allowing you to feel the hard steel trying to break free behind his zipper from your words. You grind against him and moan quietly. “Who says I need you to be a gentleman right now.” You pull him down to your mouth by his neck, almost touching your lips.

“These panties are already ruined and I would really like to ride out my heat at home. Meet me there.” You kiss him and shimmy under his arm, shuffling into the dressing room to grab your purse before you head down the hall to the exit and out to your car.

He wastes no time heading back to the table to let Dante know he’s leaving and he’ll check in with him later. Rushing to his truck, he barely catches you leaving the lot before he high tails it out of there and follows you home, hot on your heels.

As soon as you cut your engine off he is already out of his truck and pulling you free from your car and over his shoulder. Smacking your ass on the way to the front door, where he turns to allow you to unlock it. As you're making your way inside, world upside down, you notice your nosy neighbor, Carol across the street mouth agape at what's happening. You wave at her and holler goodnight just as Sy turns and kicks the door closed, sending a wink her way.

Instead of taking you straight to your bedroom, like you expected him to do with all the hormones coursing through the both of you; Sy sets you down on your feet in the living room. You give him a look of bewilderment as he takes a seat on your couch. “I thought we were headed for my room to get a head of the heat curve.” You pout.

He crooks his fingers in a come hither fashion and pats his massive thigh. “Come here Sunshine. I just wanna make sure everything is clear and we’re on the same page before we’re lost to our baser instincts. I have no plans of stopping once I start. So while we are both of sound body and mind we need to be honest in what we want out of this.”

You feel a warmth engulf your chest as you listen to him speak about making sure this is what you want before you lose yourself to the pull of a knot. It solidifies how amazing of an Alpha, Sy is. It’s making your decision to follow your instincts the best course of action. Who cares what anyone else may think. You’re an adult after all and this is your life, you're done living it alone, pining for the one Alpha you thought you couldn't have. He’s here and apparently he always has been. Torturing himself with the same pining and doubts that you’ve had. It’s time to leave that behind though and leap head first into your future together.

You casually, well as casually as your nerves will allow, walk over to him and stand between his spread legs. He is having none of that though, gripping you by your waist and depositing you on his thighs so that you are straddling him, the high slit in your skirt agape.

“That’s better.” He runs a finger along your jaw. “Now. Do you want to flat out tell me what you want? Or would you prefer I outright ask questions and you answer honestly?”

You place your hands on his abs to help balance yourself. “For fear of jumbling up my words out of nervousness I wouldn't mind answering questions. Less chance of me screwing it up.” You chuckle quietly.

He nods his head. “That’s fine by me Sunshine.” He smiles warmly at you. “First. Your heat. How do you want me involved with that? Do you just want me to take the edge off so you can ride it out alone or do you want me to stick around for the duration?”

You clear your throat. “A bit of both. I want you to take the edge off but I don't want you to leave. I’d like to go through it together as I know your rut is close and I may trigger it.”

“You’re not wrong there, Omega. I’d be honored to help you through your heat. Have you ever had an Alpha aid you before?” He places a hand on your exposed thigh, high up where if he moved his finger just so, it’d graze you slick soaked panties.

You squirm from the sensation of warmth his skin brings. “No. I’ve always ridden out my heats alone. Just me, my nest and the inflatable knot dildo, Cora gifted me.”

He squeezes your thigh before skimming his index finger along the edge of your panties and pulling them aside. “That right Omega? You’ve never taken a real knot during your heat. Did you fuck yourself on a fake knot wishing it was me instead? You poor sweet little thing.” He slowly inserts two thick digits into your weeping slit.

"Mmhmm Alpha. I was never truly satisfied with anyone. Knots didn't feel right. Thought something was wrong with me." You whimper out as your walls pulse with need around his fingers.

"There’s nothing wrong with you, Sunshine. This tight little pussy" He pulls his fingers out and licks them clean, groaning as the flavor hits his tongue. "That tastes like fucking heaven. Was made just for me. You're mine Omega and I'm going to prove it to you."

He places you on the cushion next to him and gets down on his knees. He removes your skirt and panties, before spreading your thighs wide and letting out a deep growl. “Such a good little Omega for your big bad Alpha. All slick and ready for me.”

Before you can even blink he’s diving in, feasting on your sweet ambrosia, moaning and growling as he sets out to break you apart before he puts you back together on his knot. Circling his tongue around your engorged little clit and parting your swollen folds with his thick digits. Like the expert marksman that he is, he finds that sweet spongy spot that has you seeing stars rather quickly.

In under two minutes, sooner than you could have anticipated, your crying out and coming on his tongue. Coating his beard and fingers in your honey sweet nectar as you ride out your orgasm.

You can’t help but to kiss his gorgeous face, when he lifts his head, tasting yourself on his tongue. As you move to sit back, you grab the back of his shirt, pulling it off his body, before yanking your own off. You're frantically seeking out his warmth to soothe your now aching muscles. Whimpering and whining until his exposed chest meets yours.

“I got you Omega.” He rubs your back as he holds you in his arms. “Heats starting to kick in now huh? Starting to feel achy and needed?”

You just nod against his chest. “I need your words, Omega.”

“Yes, Alpha. Want my nest.” You speak into his chest hair.

“Okay sugar. I’ll bring you to your nest. Is it already made?” He softly speaks, continuing to soothe you.

“I need to add some things for it to be perfect. It’s in my room. I started to make it on my bed before I left for the BBQ. Thought I’d have more time before it set in.” You whine.

“Shhh. Shh. It’s ok omega. We’ll go get it sorted. How about you tell me what you need and I’ll set you in your makeshift nest while I gather them up for you. That sound good?” He hugs you tighter.

“Please. I just need a couple blankets from the hall closest and your shirt.” You manage to get out.

“My shirt?” He purrs. “You want my scent in your nest Omega?”

“Please” You clutch his waist tighter.

He kisses your forehead and grabs his shirt from the floor placing it in your hands as he proceeds to scoop you up in a bridal hold and carry you to your room. He sits you in the middle of your bed, where you quickly begin rearranging things to your liking while he heads back out into the hall to grab the blankets you requested.

A naughty little idea comes to you as you get your nest to a suitable place while you wait for the rest to be brought in. With a mischievous grin on your face you turn around, arch your back and lift your hips high into the air. Presenting your glistening folds and slick thighs to the door that your Alpha will be walking through any moment now.

Sy stops in his tracks upon seeing the Omega of his dreams presenting before him in her nest. Your thick and sweet scent engulfing the room. His already hard dick thickens further in his jeans and the thin hold he had on his impending rut is obliterated.

“Omega.” He takes a step into the room, unbuckling his pants, to relieve some of the pressure before he breaks his zipper. “ Fuck you look so damn beautiful like this. Presenting so beautifully for me. An open invitation to fill you up with my knot.”

He’s made his way to the bed, pants and boxer briefs discarded along the way. Placing his large hands on your ass, he spreads your cheeks, exposing your swollen lips to the cool air of the bedroom. He can’t help but to sneak a quick lick from clit to hole, growling at the sweet taste of you on his tongue.

“Might want to grab onto something, Omega. You’ve triggered my rut. It might get rough. But I know you can take it, cus you're made for me. I’m gonna make this so good for you Sunshine, I promise.”

“Please, Alpha. Need your knot.” You try and wiggle your hips in his iron grip, seeking out some relief.

“I know, baby. I got you. Take a deep breath for me.” He requests.

You take in a lungful of air as Sy slowly sinks in to the hilt, grinding his pelvis against your ass while you adjust to his massive girth. The pleasured pain of his thick cock kissing your cervix, instantly sets you off, keening as you orgasm. Your eyes roll back in your head as you let the aftershocks take over.

“Fuck! Did you just come from me sliding in, Omega? Your Alpha’s cock feels that good to your greedy little pussy couldn't help itself?” He grits out.

You just absently nod your head and whimper. “Yes. Feels so good. More. Need more. Move please, Alpha.”

All you hear is a deep growl before his hips slide back and he begins a brutal pace. Pulling you back on to his cock by your hips while he pummels your cunt with ferality. There is sure to be bruises adorning your skin from his possessive grip and you can’t wait to admire them for the days to come.

He’s intense to say the least. Spouting out filth and vulgarity as he absolutely destroys your pussy. He has you so cock drunk that you can’t formulate anything other than guttural moans and screams, as you continue to come over and over again.

You imagine his stamina is probably great under normal circumstances. Clearly his rut takes the cake though because this stamina is of epic proportions. You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve gushed on his cock at this point. The sheets are most certainly ruined from the pool of slick that has accumulated.

Just when you feel like you might pass out before his knot pops, he swivels his hips and changes up the tempo. Sneaking a hand around to tease your engorged and over sensitive little button. His other wraps around your throat and pulls you back against his chest.

“Give me one more Omega. I can feel how close you are, baby. Wanna feel your tight little pussy choking my knot when I finally claim what’s mine. Come on. Be a good girl. Come for your Alpha.” He grunts out as his hips piston in and out of you.

As if his command was all you needed, you plunge headfirst over the edge into a mind numbing orgasm. A kaleidoscope of colors dancing before your eyes as his knot inflates and he buries himself deeper. He growls into your neck as his own orgasm takes over, bathing your walls in his cum, locking you both together. You can't help but whine and writhe as he suckles a deep hickey along your neck, where he WILL eventually leave his bite.

It’s a promise of what's to come as he courts you properly. For now he gently gathers you close and lays you both on your sides. Careful to not pull where you are currently joined until further notice. His fingers trace along your torso as he places soft kisses against your skin. Before you succumb to the pull of sleep you swear you hear him whisper out. “I can’t believe you're finally mine.”

The next three days are spent in a haze of pheromones, catering to the needs of your designations as you ride out your mutual cycles together. Your combined scents permeate your home in their thick aroma, even after your needs have died down and the real world creeps back in.

Sy has you wrapped in his strong arms in the kitchen as he prepares to head back home. Now that he’s had you he takes every opportunity to feel your skin on his in any way he can.

“Sunshine.” He looks down into your sweet eyes. “I know we just spent three days locked together but I would really like to take you out Friday night.”

“Are you asking me on a proper date Captain?” You tease.

“Damn right I am. So what do you say, Sugar? Can I take you out?”

“Yes please. I would love nothing more than to spend my Friday night with you.” You place a light kiss to his adams apple, eliciting a purr from him.

“I’m gonna get out of here and let you get ready for work before I pull you back into that comfy nest of yours.” He lifts your chin up and places a soft kiss to your lips before heading to the front door and letting himself out. “See ya Friday Sunshine.”

Friday Evening…

The date has been so sweet and simple. Just like the Alpha who organized it. You’re so glad he understood how much you really love the simpler things in life, like dinner at your favorite hole in the wall diner and a movie of your choosing with all the snacks you can dream of. It’s been a great night to say the least.

Now you're parked in your driveway in Sy’s truck, engaged in an epic goodnight kiss. You go to move onto his lap and he stops you. “That wasn't what tonight was about, Omega. I wanted to make sure you knew how serious I was about being your Alpha. There will be plenty of time to be naughty in the future. Trust me it's hard as hell but it’s worth it.” He kisses your lips once more.

He wasn't kidding when we said it was hard, if the large bulge in his jeans is anything to go by. You can’t help but lightly run your fingers along his hardon and bite your lip.

“Come on, Sunshine. You know what you do to me when you bite those delectable lips like that.” He pulls your lip free.

“Sorry. I can’t help it sometimes.” You look at him all doe eyed and innocent, as your mind is filled with nothing but all the filthy things you wish you two were doing right now. You need to get yourself out of this enclosed space with this mouthwatering scent before you beg him to come inside.

“Are you coming to my mom's for family dinner Sunday?” You ask.

He looks at you quizzically. “Of course. Why?”

“Would you like to go together? We can rip the band aid off and let them know we're a couple.”

“So, does that make me your boyfriend now, Sugar?” He smirks.

“Well you’re my Alpha aren't you? I’d say boyfriend is easily implied with that title. Well, unless one is married. Or not into labels…” You start rambling.

He laughs at your cuteness. “Sunshine, baby I get it. I’m your man. Damn proud of it too. I’ll pick you up on Sunday and we can take my truck to your mom’s together.”

You smile as wide as the Cheshire cat. “Perfect. Can’t wait. I better get inside and see if mom needs me to bring anything Sunday.” You lean over to kiss him. “Goodnight Alpha.”

He growls and swats you on the ass as you get out of the truck. “Night Omega. Be good.”

Sunday Evening...

Pulling up to your childhood home you find yourself with a sudden rush of nerves. What kind of reaction will you receive when you walk in, tucked under Sy’s arm. Ever the observant man, your Alpha catches on to the shift in your mood. He gets out of the truck and proceeds to open your door. Leaning in he gently grabs your face and places a kiss to each cheek, your forehead and finally your lips.

“I know your mind is running wild with the ‘what ifs’ and nothing I can say is going to change that.” He unbuckles you and pulls you down out onto the pavement. “So all I’m going to tell you is, no matter what happens in there, we’ll handle it together. I’m not going anywhere. I finally have you and if I have anything to do with it, I’m never letting you go.”

“Thank you.” You kiss his chin. “That’s just what I needed to hear. Let’s do this.”

You walk hand and hand up the walkway, through the screen door and into the house. Dante is sitting in the living room with an Omega you recognize from the BBQ last weekend. “Ma! Pippy and Sy are finally here. Can we please eat now!”

“Quit your hollering boy! We’ll eat when I say we eat. Did you introduce your guest to your sister?” She yells back from the kitchen.

“He most certainly did not!” You respond before turning to the pretty woman next to your idiot brother. “Hello! It’s nice to formally meet you…”

“Letti.” She says with a smile.

“Letti.” You smile back. “You can call me Sunny. The only one who calls me Pippy is this man child.”

“Nice ta see ya again Letti.” Sy tips his head in her direction.

“You know each other?” You question.

“We met last week at the BBQ. I went with them to watch you perform at Maxwells. You were amazing by the way.” She answers.

“Thank you. I really love being on that stage.”

“It shows.”

At this time your mother calls all of you into the dinning room. She’s sitting at the head of the table as you sit next to Sy on her right side, leaving Dante to sit with Letti on the other. Your mother glances at both sides of the table and quietly smirks to herself.

“Dante I’m glad you decided to bring someone other than Sy to dinner. And such a lovely one at that.”

“Ma ya act like I’ve never brought a girl home before.”

“Yeah, but they usually don't pass the front door.” You speak up as you serve yourself.

“Ok Pippy. Wanna rag on me. Fine. Wanna share why you two came in holding hands and are practically cuddled up at this table right now.” He snarks back, thinking he’s got you.

With your brother's attempt at trying to best you, your nerves from earlier have seemed to evaporate. “We’re together. He’s my Alpha and I couldn't be happier about it. We were going to officially announce it tonight anyway but thanks for speeding that process up for us.”

You glance over to the burly Alpha sitting beside you as he drapes his arm over your shoulder and pulls your chair closer to his, kissing you on the head. Your mother claps gleefully at the show of affection, having forgotten her son's faux pa.

"Finally! I thought you'd never get your heads out of your asses and give in to your instincts." She spouts. “I was worried I’d have to pull something sneaky like in those Rom Com movies to get you together before I was too old to enjoy my grandkids.”

“Wait. You wanted them together Ma? Even though he’s my best friend and is older than her.”

“They’re true mates honey. Can’t you tell that. Plus he is a wonderful man. Loyal to boot too based on how long he waited to finally go after his Omega because he didn't want to risk losing your friendship. Isn’t that right Sy?” She gives him that ‘I know all’ look that Moms have.

“Yes, Ma’am.” He beams that scruffy smile at her. “I knew coming back home for good meant that I wouldn't have an excuse to not go for it. Glad to say I’m overjoyed with the quick turnaround. Now I get to woo her and show her how worthy I am to be privileged enough to one day claim her proper.” He wink’s down at you.

“Come on man. Don’t talk about claiming my sister at the table. I’m trying to eat here.” Dante whines.

“I think it’s sweet.” Letti knocks into his shoulder. “Gives me hope there’s someone out there for everyone.”

“Don’t you worry about that sweetie.” Your mother chimes in nonchalantly. “Your next. My son may be dense but I’m not. My Sunny and Sy aren’t the only true mates at this table.” She chuckles to herself and continues eating.

You burst out in laughter at your brother's stunned face, which sets Sy off as well. Chaos ensues at the table, like it always does and you can’t help but think you wouldn't have it any other way. Well, except maybe with a few little ones added to the mix.

#poc reader #alpha captain syverson #omega reader #captain sy x reader #captain syverson smut #captain syverson fic #captain syverson x you #captain syverson x reader

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des2dream · 2 months ago

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Ranking MLP Generations!💗🦄🌈

For over 40 years, we have been exposed to colorful horses. Colorful horses who can talk....and sing....and dance....and fire mega rainbow lasers at their enemies! Colorful horses who also made their way into our collections. My Little Pony was introduced in 1982 following after the original My Pretty Pony toy that dropped in 1981 which was meant to sell toys for the young female demographic.

The rest became history! MLP grew to become a popular toy during the 80s which spawned a movie in 1986 and a TV show that came out three months later. As the years went by, MLP went through multiple changes gaining new fans for new generations. I've decided to go over each generation and rank them based on my opinions, thoughts, and overall feelings of satisfaction I have toward them. I don't necessarily hate any of the generations that will be placed lower on this list, I just don't feel as attached to them nor do I feel like having an interest in them. I also won't discuss much of the toys, but I will discuss heavily on the TV shows based on them since I've seen more of the shows than I collected the toys. We'll start with the worst, then save the best for last. Let's go, everypony!

8. My Little Pony Generation 2

The fact that I didn't even know this existed until years later doesn't help its case. The toy sales were so low that there wasn't even a cartoon to go with it. Only a video game. This generation released in 1997 before it ceased distribution in 1999 due to lackluster sales. However, it did find some success in Europe. I don't have much to say about this since I hadn't known about it. I originally thought My Little Pony Tales was Generation 2! One positive I can give is that I love the designs as they give off slightly more realistic horse-like features and it's a cool look. I didn't have any toys nor saw anything on TV with there being no series. I'm sorry, G2! Unfortunately, you hit the bottom of the barrel.

7. My Little Pony Generation 3.5

Now, this spot is interesting! The third generation of MLP dominated the 2000s with newer colorful ponies like Pinkie Pie and Minty. On top of that, multiple specials began selling in DVDs that also aired on TV. By late 2009, Hasbro decided to revamp the series twice (sort of). They gathered a group of ponies who were well known in G3 (Pinkie Pie, Starsong, Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Toola Roola, Sweetie Belle, & Scootaloo) and gave them a redesign as well as likely aging them down for younger audiences. There was a 45-minute holiday special titled, Twinkle Wish Adventure as well as a couple mini episodes and new toys that spawned from this revamp.

It eventually led to the second revamp titled, Newborn Cuties where the characters aged down to babies....you had to see it to believe it. I actually owned a G3.5 Pinkie Pie, a Newborn Cuties Pinkie, and a baby singing Starsong back in the day. These redesigns couldn't do it for me after being mesmerized by G3. I remember being upset that even Ponyville got a resign and it looked so bland compared to how the town looked early on. Newborn Cuties also looks extremely off with their pony heads and baby bodies. This generation is mostly hated by the fandom and I can see why. At least, it had more to offer than Generation 2. It was a nice distraction for young girls. It's now best to be left alone by an older me. If any of you like seeing fillies and baby ponies, this is the generation for you.

6. My Little Pony Generation 1.5/ My Little Pony Tales

Let's go back to the year, 1992! You're sitting in your room and you're watching, Disney Channel. You're watching your favorite shows like, Goof Troop, The Little Mermaid, or Raw Toonage and you come across this colorful horse show. After Generation 1's series came to a close in 1987, we are now hit with a new series for pony fans in the 90s. This is the generation I previously thought was Generation 2. That is in fact not the case! We follow a group of pony friends as they spend their days in Ponyland going to school, hanging out for milkshakes, having sleepovers, and feuding with the resident boys. Our main ponies are Starlight, Sweetheart, Melody, Bright Eyes, Patch, Clover, and Bon Bon whom we follow in their daily lives. I find this show to be.....innocent, but weird (and not in a good way). It's passable for a Saturday morning cartoon and it does have funny moments, but something was off.

Generation 1 left quite the impression on young audiences during the 80s. Ponies that not only sung and danced, but ponies that went through continuous magical adventures involving dragons, princesses, witches, evil kings, and all sorts of mythical creatures. My Little Pony Tales has talking and singing ponies, but there was an odd lack of magic with the show emphasizing more on Slice-of-Life. Not that I have any issues with that genre! It just feels odd seeing these magical horses not doing any magic and living in a modernized world. The characters also have annoying moments which is likely because the writers wanted to portray preteen behavior (since the ponies are preteens in this show), but it also falls into some cheesy 90s writing. Like I said, it is passable so I believe there's an audience for this one. It can make nice riffing material too!

5. My Little Pony Generation 4.5/ Pony Life

Here are the table scraps of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic....except, these table scraps were pretty okay. This show came onto streaming services and YouTube from November 7, 2020 until May 22, 2021. This was supposed to be a successor, spin-off, and reboot to FIM. The previous show had already ended, so I was chill with seeing the characters again in a different style. This generation was.....bonkers, to say the least! It was already kind of a struggle seeing fans adjust to the new chibi art style, but it was also a struggle keeping up with the show's new format. Pony Life was incredibly energetic as each episode was around 5 minutes (10 since they're in two-parts). There was also some crazy new quirks to the cast with Applejack breaking The Fourth Wall, Fluttershy shrinking and massively growing at will, and everyone casually drinking potions left and right. For me, it was hard to keep up with the fast pace of the show. However, I did appreciate the cast of The Mane Six reprising their roles for this show.

Season 2 introduced viewers to Lightning Flash Chill (the tiger), Sugar Snap (the peacock), and Echo (the bat). Meet The Wild Siders! They're unicorn-hybrid creatures who work at a healthy food restaurant called, Salad Bowl Junction in their home realm. I honestly enjoyed them! They give off similar vibes to The Care Bear Cousins which is fascinating because the 80s actually did a spin-off toyline with a similar premise by having other pretty animals. There have also been episodes where characters from the previous series make an appearance such as Spike, Trixie Lulamoon, and Discord. I enjoyed this more than My Little Pony Tales and the characters are still likable, but it still has issues. I'm still put off by the constant energy in almost every minute. I don't feel attached to this show, but I do see myself watching it once in a while because the episodes aren't that long and I've grown used to the art style by now with how cute everyone looks. Also, it's nice seeing The Mane Six again!

4. My Little Pony Generation 5

The year is 2021, it has been a couple years since Generation 4 ended, and this had some major horseshoes to fill! September 22 of that year presented us with a debut film on Netflix titled, A New Generation featuring stars like Vanessa Hudgens and Sofia Carson. It was actually pretty good! I instantly loved the characters, the animation, the story, and all the songs! It was a great introduction to G5. Personally, I enjoyed it much better than the early concept which was going be having The Mane Six meet each other all over again in a new Equestria. Twilight would've been an Earth Pony, Pinkie would've been a Pegasus, Fluttershy would've been a Unicorn, and Applejack was on the verge of likely getting replaced with a new character. Instead, Generation 5 is supposed to take place DECADES after the events of G4 with ponies and other creatures becoming separated from fear and prejudice. While it was shocking since G4 ended with bringing creatures together, it does make sense for history to repeat itself. The Mane Six have now become what you call, "An Old Pony's Tale" and The Magic of Friendship has been abandoned....until one pony stood up. A pony named, Sunny Starscout!

We follow her along with her friends Izzy Moonbow, Princess Zipp Storm, Princess Pipp Petals, and Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer on their mission to restore magic in Equestria and bring everyone together. After the film, we got a series on Netflix titled, Make Your Mark as well as a series of shorts on YouTube named, Tell Your Tale (I wish it was actually Tail) that took place after the events of the movie. I have mixed feelings on both series. On one hand, I enjoy the art styles, I love the songs still, and I like the characters that were introduced like Misty Brightdawn and Sparky the Dragon. On the other hand, the episodes can be messy. We get pieces of information on how magic faded from Equestria, but it still doesn't feel like we're getting the whole picture. The IDW Comics have been giving a little more than the series. I also have many questions on G5's villain, Opaline who is an ALICORN! How did she become an alicorn or was she born one?! G5 wants to be its own thing, but it also clashes with trying to be a sequel to G4. It's a mess, but it's a beautiful mess! I do want to see more.

3. My Little Pony Generation 1

Welcome to the generation that started it all! Say "thank you" to this generation for being the franchise's starting point please! Also, let's give a BIG "thank you" to My Pretty Pony for making this all possible! Before we got a full series, we got two TV specials titled, Rescue at Midnight Castle then Escape from Catrina in 1984 until we got a full-length film in 1986 many know as, My Little Pony: The Movie featuring the voices of recognizable names like Danny DeVito and Madeline Kahn. I've always found this generation to be fun to watch while having some 80's cheesy moments. There was a mixture of magic, action, adventure, and pure pony fluff that kept me sitting through multiple episodes. G1 had messy dialogue, some messy hand-drawn animation, and sometimes messy plot, but it was always charming and to the point. There were times where the pacing was very fast, but not as energetically exhausting as G4.5. This show brought a lot to the table with mystical adventures and characters. This generation gave us unicorns, pegasi, twinkle-eyed ponies, sea ponies, Spike the Dragon, witches, and dear sweet Megan Williams.

After Generation 1, there was no longer a use for any human characters in MLP (unless if we count G4's Equestria Girls) and while it is a little sad, it does make G1 a little more unique. While Megan is the bearer of The Rainbow of Light, she's always there for her pony friends whenever they're in trouble and will always be down to have fun in Ponyland. She even includes her younger siblings, Danny and Molly into the mix. Aside from having human characters, there's also a fair share of creatures like dragons, penguins, and giant crabs. We also have other familiar names in this generation like Applejack and Twilight. This show even introduced memorable villains like Tirac, The Smooze, and Grogar. I feel like we owe a lot to this generation even if it's not everyone's favorite. I wouldn't be making this list if not for this show leaving such a a huge impact and leading into future generations to come. If you're feeling nostalgic, I think you'll have a good time checking this out.

2. My Little Pony Generation 3

I know some of you are shocked....trust me, I know! Let me explain!....I can't help but love G3! I grew up with G3! I enjoyed it so much when I was little and I can't help but still like it today! Is it perfect? No! Is it messy? Yes! Did I have fun? Very much, thank you! In the year of 2003, we were presented with a lineup of new and improved MLP toys different from the previous gens and a Direct-to-Video special titled, A Charming Birthday which introduces our new ponies. As each year passed by, we got new specials and new ponies like Star Catcher, Princess Rarity of Unicornia, Wysteria, and so much more! This generation also includes Spike from G1! One thing I loved about G3 was watching all the specials and movies that came out. I'd always watch A Very Minty Christmas every time December rolled around! I thought Sky Wishes and Star Catcher's friendship was so cute to watch during Dancing In The Clouds and I absolutely adore Star Catcher's design. When Spike was reintroduced debuting in The Princess Promenade, I thought it was interesting that he was more knowledgeable and cultured rather than the sweet and innocent personality he had in G1. We were also introduced to fairy-like ponies called, Breezies. While G3 had little to no antagonists, less magical creatures than G1, and a slice-of-life feel like G1.5, there was still plenty of magical adventures to be had.

I absolutely loved the aesthetic G3 was giving to its audience at the time as I couldn't get enough of the color scheme! I've never seen so many shades pink, purple, blue, and even hints of light green since watching Barbie movies! Their hometown, Ponyville looked so beautiful with the purple/pink castle standing front and center. Even other places like Unicornia, Butterfly Island, Breezie Blossom, and Rainbow Wishes Amusement Park are fun to look at. I didn't find the characters annoying and I loved watching their adventures while learning lessons. However, this generation was given a handful of hate like G3.5 mainly because pony fans though it "doesn't reach the same standards as G4" and it made me a little sad. G3 wasn't meant to be groundbreaking or anything. It was just meant to sell toys while using movies and specials to showcase the ponies making new friends, solving problems, and having fun. The same thing can be said about all the generations, really. I get why people don't enjoy it, but I don't think it's warranted of all the hate that it gets. The stories can be too simple and the executions might not be the best, but they're charming. Okay, everypony! We're reaching the end here! Let's see what my favorite generation of My Little Pony is!

1. My Little Pony Generation 4/ Friendship Is Magic

There was no competition. There was no doubt. If anyone asked me what my favorite generation is, I would say G4 in an instant. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic really changed the game for the franchise as a whole! Lauren Faust (animator, writer, director, producer, creator of DC Superhero Girls, and married to Craig McCracken) got this show going in 2010 and it was a MASSIVE success! Toy sales were through the roof, comics were made, music albums were made, merchandise was highly recommended, and the show practically dominated the whole decade as it lasted for nine (technically ten) seasons from 2010 til 2019. Everyone fell in love with Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. We just call them, The Mane Six! This was actually a technical reboot to G3 with such familiar names in this gen. There's also familiar names from G1 that are present like Twilight, Applejack, Spike, Grogar, and Tirac (except he's renamed Tirek). I couldn't get enough of this show! I remember watching the first episode when it aired for the two-part series premier instantly wanting more when the first episode ended with, "To Be Continued...." and I was hooked! Each season gave us memorable characters, fantastic locations, exciting lore, amazing songs, and everyone's character growth throughout the series. This generation sparked a fun spinoff called, Equestria Girls where Twilight travels into a different universe where everyone is a human and Megan Williams from G1 even makes a cameo. There was even a full-length movie in 2017 featuring stars like Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana, Sia, and Taye Diggs. This series also led the way for Pony Life to be made into G4.5 and Generation 5 as its sequel series.

Of course, I can't keep going on about Generation 4 without mentioning The Brony Fandom! With Friendship Is Magic being such a successful show, it didn't only reach younger audiences. It also reached adults too....mainly targeted towards men hence where the term, bronies came from. For a whole decade this fandom has made so many fantastic projects inspired by the series. Music videos, fan songs, remixes, audio dramas, fanart, fanfics, animations, OCs, AUs, and so much more! You had to see it to believe it! I know just as many Brony songs as I do official G4 songs! This generation and its fandom changed my life! I don't know which season is my favorite because there's so many good episodes. Not every episode is perfect and maybe there are some who are put-off by the art style, but it's a really good time. Who would have thought that a show about magical animated ponies would make THAT much of an impact?! I highly recommend that you give G4 a watch if you're interested because you'll definitely have something to write home about.

Conclusion

Welp, that's my list! Thank you for sitting down and reading my thoughts. My Little Pony has been a successful franchise for up to 40 years (and still continuing)! I'll always love these colorful ponies no matter how messy each generation can be. MLP played a big part in my childhood so it was nice to look back on every generation as an adult. I'm looking forward to see what the future holds for newer generations and I hope any of you pony fans have a generation that holds a special place in your heart.🐎❤🦄💕

Images (in terms of artwork) by: KacperKrysiak, Lea Dabssi, Justasuta, Tony Fleecs, ASKometa

#mlp #mlp g1 #mlp g1.5 #mlp g2 #mlp g3 #mlp g3.5 #mlp g4 #mlp g4.5 #mlp fim #mlp g5 #my little pony

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bumblesimagines · 3 months ago

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A not so brief summary on my thoughts on House of The Dragon S2:

This finale makes me want to go outside and reconnect with nature 'cause why the hell did they make us wait so long just for a bunch of filler episodes and what was basically a trailer for season 3?

Spoilers for the show AND book which includes the deaths of characters and the arcs they had in the book.

Right off the bat, I'm just going to say that this post, this post, and this post sum up some of my thoughts. It truly feels like Ryan Condal (as well as others in production) had someone else give him a rundown of what happened in the book and just went off on that alone. I admit, I like some changes made from the book specifically with Alicent being Rhaenyra's childhood friend but at some point it just diverged from an adaptation to a fanfiction.

I know people whine and complain that it's 'nOt GoNnA bE eXaCtLy LiKe ThE bOoK' but if that's the case, stop calling it an adaptation and start saying it's based off the book. Of course, people are going to be annoyed when changes are made when they step in with the expectation/hope it'll be like the first few seasons of GoT.

Season 1 was good but rushed and had far too many timeskips that skipped needed character development. We never got to see Rhaenyra shift away from 'I don't want children' to learning of her first pregnancy. We never got to see Alicent fully turn away from Rhaenyra and stew in her resentment over being stuck in a marriage she never wanted while watching Rhaenyra be free enough to have multiple sons with a man who wasn't her husband. Laena, Laenor, and Harwin had little impact because we saw so little of them. We never got to see if Rhaenyra loved Harwin or if she saw him as a fwb.

It was rushed but the characters felt alright.

And then in comes season 2 and we can see that they were too afraid of being called out to write proper female characters. I've said this before when answering an ask but HOTD only has two types of women: rebellious, headstrong, stubborn, warrior girls and sensitive, withdrawn, submissive, rule followers. This is Arya vs Sansa all over again. Women can be multiple things at once. Not every Team Black girl has to be a fighter, not every Team Green girl has to be quiet and faithful.

Why wasn't Rhaenyra angry about Luke's death? She left S1 looking enraged and started S2 off strong in her grief but then Luke was never mentioned by name ever again. I understand burying down the grief and anger to rule but we should've seen her continue to break down in private throughout the season. Her SON was MURDERED and you're telling me she's not going to continue grieving him when she didn't even do anything for half the season? All she did was run off leaving Jace and the Council scrambling to stay together or get consistently spoken over again and again and again. And now suddenly Ryan wants her to be this calculated meticulous cult leader? Rhaenyra's downfall is descending into paranoia and letting her emotions and worries get the best of her (WHICH NETTLES WAS A BIG PART OF). She loses and flees King's Landing because of it.

Why was Alicent's plot mostly revolving around Cole? Why did they choose to have her sleeping with him while B&C happened? In the book, Alicent is essentially taken hostage because B&C knew Helaena took her children to visit their grandmother and say goodnight. She watches her daughter be forced to choose between her two sons only for the son she chose to save be killed. Instead of feeling grief for her grandson's death, she feels guilty for... having slept with Cole. No real thoughts or feelings over her GRANDCHILD being MURDERED. Look, I love the Rhaenyra x Alicent ship but it was doomed from the start. Instead of trying to make it seem like there's a chance, complicate it more! The complexities is what makes the ship good! But no, let's have Alicent, mother of the king and a big part of what started the war, mope around and fuck this dude. Hello?? Are they also setting her up to poison Aegon at the end when she spent half of season 1 saying she needed to protect her children from Rhaenyra???

Why did Helaena mourn her son for an episode and then move on? Are ya'll seeing this pattern or am I crazy? Helaena is supposed to descend into madness over her grief and guilt. She can't look her remaining son in the face because she'd chosen him to die. She's so consumed by this that she ends up impaling herself in spikes after throwing herself from a window. Are they setting her up to be murdered? To do it just because? And what do you mean 'Helaena doesn't ride. She has no taste for it'? Helaena LOVED to ride. Her love for her dragon is the reason Dreamfyre breaks free from her chains in the Dragonpit when she senses Helaena has died. But of course, Helaena is a Team Green girl and only warrior girls ride dragons, right Ryan? And she's Team Green so obviously unlike in the books, the smallfolk despise her as much as the others? They took the devastating choice of B&C and gave it to Alicent in the last episode which makes the death of Helaena's son's absolutely meaningless and unneeded as well as her own death. And also? all of a sudden Helaena can now understand her prophecies and speak them clearly? So why didn't she tell anyone of B&C? Surely a mother would try to break away from fate to save her children?

Aemond, Aegon, Cole, and even Daemon were given more complexities and plotlines than the main women, Alicent and Rhaenyra, were lmao. While the faces of the war were cast aside to be one stereotype or the other, we got to see the men be messy and chaotic and full of emotions. Aegon got to be angry and defensive over his son's death but not Rhaenyra. Cole got to be conflicted over his doings but Alicent was just meh about it. Daemon had so much unnecessary hallucinations lmao. Was it even character development if after every hallucination he still beat his chest and called himself king? He learned nothing but suddenly he sees a horribly CGI put together vision of GoT and he's fine putting away what he's been saying all season long? Come on now.

Jace, Baela, and Rhaena were massively underused. In the posts I linked, it explains my issue with Rhaena taking over Nettles. It's stupid and unneeded. We get to sympathize with Hugh and watch Daemon bang his mom but there's no need for the ONLY WOC IN THE BOOK to be seen? Not even his clear bias for Team Black will allow him to bring in Nettles and let Rhaena be one of the few Team Black girls who isn't a fighter and a Strong Female Lead? Okay.

Jace and Baela were. there. I guess. We could've cut back a lot more of Daemon to show Jace in the North winning over Cregan or even having him return mid-season. He did nothing but serve face and have a few lines of being annoyed. And, it was his idea for the dragonseeds, both highborn and lowborn. And Baela was just there to be his voice of reason. The rational girlfriend who pulls her boyfriend out of his head. She had one good scene where she wasn't just Daemon's daughter or Jace's love interest (they never even did or say anything remotely romantic. They feel like friends over two people in love) and then she just. existed to be there for Jace.

The dragons were great and I loved their designs. I loved that their dancing is based on the birds of prey death drop(?) and I clocked it instantly when I watched Rook's Nest. However, I really hope Aegon belives Sunfyre is dead because of a weakened bond and not that he's actually dead considering Sunfyre burns and eats Rhaenyra alive?? That's his whole thing??

I did not care for Tyland and the pirate chick. We had a full fledged BATTLE be offscreen but we had to see Tyland get tossed around in mud? Okay. Sure. Uh huh.

Like... what was this? It was like hours long filler episode. 'It's setting up for season three!! that's why it sucked!!' but we still had needed action and characters that were brushed over? We could've had the battle between the Blackwoods and the other idiots, we could've had Nettles taming Sheepstealer, we could've had the women feel like real people instead of being one dimensional characters, we COULD'VE HAD RHAENYS HAVE EMOTIONAL SCENES WITH HER BELOVED GRANDDAUGHTER(S) BEFORE FLYING OFF TO BATTLE.

Anyways, honestly, 4 or 5 out of 10 for this season. I was bored for most of it and it was massively underwhelming. I expected this season to end with the Gullet and Jace's death being the straw that finally broke the camals back in Rhaenyra which would've had her take King's Landing in a fit of rage and grief. I also expected Daeron to at least have some sort of appearance? He gets mentioned twice and we see Tessarion briefly but no sign of the missing TargTower son and no Maelor? Okay. Sure. Let's just call this House of The Dragon: The Poorly Written Fix It Fic Brought To Life Instead Of Being Left On AO3. No wonder GRRM isn't going to be involved anymore.

This doesn't read like an adaptation brought to life by a passionate fan. It reads like an adaptation created purely to reach Game of Thrones level of fame and popularity. GoT earned it's popularity in the first few seasons. HOTD is merely piggybacking off it's success and failing at being anything other than a boring high budget show that happens to have dragons.

#bumbletalks #house of the dragon #a rant? i guess #a show hasnt gotten me this annoyed and underwhelmed since obx season 3 and elite after s3/4

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yourstruly9489 · 5 months ago

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What is your OC passionate about?

I've seen stuff to help develop characters that's asking questions about them, eg. What do they want more than anything? What is their greatest fear? What are their dreams? etc. I've always had trouble with these for some reason. Possibly because they seem so impersonal to me, despite being directed at a person. But I discovered something the other day. I love crossover fics, and I sometimes imagine my own OCs going into a fandom I like. Because of this, and my recent interest in Ride The Cyclone, I found a way that works better for me.

Ride The Cyclone is a musical about six teens who died in a tragic roller coaster accident. A mystical fortune-telling robot, whose name is Karnak, somehow has the ability to bring one person back to life. He takes the six teens, Ocean, Constance, Ricky, Noel, Mischa, and Jane Doe, to a sort of purgatory. In this purgatory they are to decide which one of them comes back to life. Each character, excluding Karnak himself, sings a song about themselves so that they can judge amongst themselves who should be brought back to life. But they don't exactly sing about their actual lives, instead they sing about their passions. In the words of Karnak, "Tonight I wish to give them the chance to express not what they were perceived to be, but what they dreamt they were."

Ocean sings about what she's passionate about first: Wanting to be on top, first place, the best. She sings how she's better than everyone else. She sings how the world needs more of her, and less of others.

Noel is next. He sings about the art movement Romanticism, he is the most romantic boy in town after all. He sings about wanting to be a female hooker in post-war France. He sings how he wants to live a life of sin, to burn himself with cigarettes, to die in an alley. He wants to experience a tragic life, not just the good, but the bad.

The next to sing is Mischa. A boy from Ukraine who lost his mother to radiation poisoning. He starts by singing about his facade, a gangsta. He raps about how everything is awesome. How he's awesome. But then he breaks out of that character and sings about his true love. Of which is his fiance, Talia. He devotes himself to her wholly, singing with passion.

Next is Ricky. A boy who was mute and physically disabled his entire life. He was often avoided in life, with his parents and cats being the sole exceptions. He sings about an escapist fantasy. He sings about himself in a sci-fi world, sent to help the race of the cat people of Zolar. How he helps save their world from extinction, and becomes famous in history. He sings about being known and loved.

Then there's Jane Doe. The one unidentified victim of the Cyclone accident, she lost her head and no one knows who she was in life. She sings about how she doesn't understand. Why she couldn't remember her family, her friends, her name? Why can't anyone remember who she is. How she'll be eternally forgotten and how everything will eventually join her in death. She sings about not understanding why.

Finally is Constance. No one really knew her well, she was only known as nice. She sings how she used to think that her life sucked, and howit only got her down. Then she goes into how wonderful she realizes life is now that she's lost it. She sings about loving the life she used ashamed of.

All of them sing about their true passions. Without the fear of being judged, they're all dead anyways, no point in being self-conscious. Then imagining my own OCs in that situation, with no consequences for expressing themselves, really helps me deep-dive into their characters. Reframing the question "What are they passionate about?" Into what would they be like in this specific situation I'm familiar with?

So I think of my OCs and what they would sing about. For specifics, I have three OCs I've been working on recently.

Left to right they are: Henry Robinson, Victor Shelley, and Mary Robert. Their story is very much about wacky mad science and creating life where there was none. Definitely inspired by the idea/story of Frankenstein.

When I imagine what they would sing about in a situation with no consequences, just a chance to truly express themselves, I understand them far more than I would with just generic questions.

I imagine Henry would sing about his triumph in creating artificial life, he'd sing about how he's going to be known all across medical history as the man to prevent death. He'd sing about how betrayed he felt when Victor abandoned him. He'd sing about how he deserves more. Victor would sing about his grief. He would sing about how stricken he is at Henry's blatant ignorance of the laws of life and death. He'd sing mourning the lives lost in this pursuit of life. He'd sing about his care for others. Mary would sing about her lack of understanding. How she was brought into a world, not through love, but through science. How she woke up in a lab with only Henry there to help her, a man who is only using her for his own gain. How she doesn't understand why she couldn't have stayed resting in a grave. She'd sing about her confusion.

With just the question, "What are they passionate about?" I think that Henry's passionate about science, Victor's passionate about his disregard for Henry's actions, and I wouldn't even know about Mary. But with the question, "What would they do/sing about if there was no fear of consequences?" I come up with so much more.

And so, I ask you, dear reader. What would your character rant about, if only there were no fear of being judged?

(watch Ride The Cyclone, it's great)

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hadesoftheladies · 6 months ago

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FEMALE MOVIE/TV RECS (PART 9 / ADULT & FAMILY ANIMATION)

got inspired from a recommendation post so decided to make a list of movies and shows with female-centric stories/female protagonists. since i can't post all of the genres in one post, i'll split it into multiple posts and y'all can save or add to the list as you wish. (disclaimer: i have watched most of these, but i only know about the existence of others. not every movie/show on these lists will be my recommendation. my recommendations will be beneath the list with reasons. also some of these are way better than others in terms of storytelling/performance--which is why i'll list my faves separately):

Common Themes/Tropes:

-Woman/girl is OP and gets bullshit from other people for it

-Heroine tries desperately to fix the world

-Leaving home to go on adventures for the sake of a dream or doing the right thing

-Sisters are a lifeline

-Women/girls can literally do or be anything

-Violence is the only answer men will understand

-The world is so big, grand and beautiful and she wants to see more of it

-Girls being the conscience of an entire society

-Things going ham when she reaches Boss Level

-Magic (and violence) are good things, especially paired together

-A man (usually a father or guy friend) is the only conscience she has left

-F*ck marriage there's bigger problems TM

-I must save my father/sister

-Serious mommy issues

-Has an animal companion or IS the animal companion (robots also count as animal companions in terms of function imo)

-Making friends with the monster

OF WHICH ARE FOR ADULT AUDIENCES:

Pantheon

Scavenger's Reign

Blue Eye Samurai

Arcane: League of Legends

Trese

HAVEN'T WATCHED:

Pantheon

Lilo & Stitch

Fiona & Cake

Star Vs. The Forces of Evil

Trese

Princess Mononoke

Green Snake

The Breadwinner

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Violet Evergarden

Barbie in The Diamond Castle

Monsters Vs Aliens

Epic

Finding Dory

Encanto

The Incredibles II

Tinkerbell: Legend of The Neverbeast

Brave

WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

Blue Eye Samurai (10/10) (super gritty, but the perfect revenge story, puts John Wick to shame)

Scavenger's Reign (8/10) (split story, but two of the main characters are women, and one is a black lesbian! fantastic animation, though don't watch if you're intensely trypophobic, it can be sci-fi horror)

Mulan (9/10) (one of the most perfect animated Disney classics)

Turning Red (8/10) (this movie remembered the tween era)

Tinkerbell (if you crave matriarchy, sisterhood, magic and female centric society and story, then you need to watch the Tinkerbell movies)

Wolfwalkers (7.5/10) (an anti-colonial, anti patriarchal, pro-pagan fantasy movie with beautiful animation and a very touching, female-centric story)

Arcane: League of Legends (10/10) (gorgeous animation, amazing writing, incredible performances, and don't get me started on the sisters that take centre stage--also, lesbianism and gender nonconformity!)

The Legend of Korra (8/10) (good writing, a badass protagonist, a fantastic cast of characters, beautiful scoring, beautiful animation, amazing action sequences)

PERSONAL NOTES

The Mitchells Vs The Machines is basically a drama between a lesbian girl and her dad who have to figure their relationship out while they're running from robots. It was full of heart and fun and had some good jokes in there. I'd definitely recommend it.

Raya & The Last Dragon is the first Disney movie with a gender non-conforming princess! It also has some of the best action sequences in any Disney animated movie, however it doesn't hold a candle to The Incredibles II, which stars Helen Parr as the main character of the film. It's one of my favourite films of all time because of how they depict Helen and the main villain of the story (a badass genius of a woman). Really pro-female films, even for all their flaws.

Abominable has some of the most gorgeous visuals I've seen outside of a Disney animation. The texturing and coloring is so vivid it makes my mouth water. It's far better than Over The Moon, but both have their own charm. Abominable and Home have very similar plots. Also, the girl in Home is voiced by Rihanna while Beyonce voices the queen of the faeries in Epic.

One movie that shares a similar theme (kindness to animals even if we don't understand them or they scare us) with Abominable is The Sea Beast. The Sea Beast is one of the best animations with a black female girl as a lead I've ever seen. There's also a badass black woman pirate. There are some scenes that could have been written (or colored) better, but I loved it either way. I think it was the first animated film to depict shrinkage for black hair! And it didn't lighten the skin or whiten the features of the black characters!

Many people view Frozen II and Brave as "almost" masterpieces whose writers ultimately failed them, and I can say that I agree to some extent. There are many things technically wrong with the movies. Minor details that set the pacing off or take away from the immersion. However, I still love both of them. I really love daughter vs mother and sister vs sister stories (that includes Tinkerbell: The Secret of The Wings) because there's so much to explore in such relationships. They also both have some killer soundtracks, some amazing visuals and well-executed action sequences. I've truly seen way worse than these two films, and the characters are mostly loveable.

The Breadwinner is an animated film about a girl dressing up like a boy under the rule of the Taliban so she can earn some money to help feed her family. It's scored very high by critics.

I'd also recommend The Owl House (even though there's some appeal to genderism in later seasons). It's the first time I've seen a bisexual animated character and the enemies to lovers arc with Luz and Amity is unmatched in cannon magic school stories. I also really love the depiction of The Owl Lady who is treated like a male character in that she is allowed to be non-maternal, single and old (and wrinkled), arrogant and boastful, all without the show trying to punish her for it. The Boiling Isles are also fascinating as a setting.

If you like The Owl House, there's a chance you'll love She-Ra. There were many things I found annoying about She-Ra, but my experience was mostly positive. I'm not the biggest fan of Catradora, but I do appreciate the drama. I loved the world-building and magic system mainly, so the character quirks didn't get to me as much as they have others. Also, amazing antagonists in this series. It could have been more mature, but it's still entertaining.

I also definitely recommend Home on The Range. It's a whole movie with talking animals, but there's no tomboy like the main female protagonist in a Disney movie. She is one of the most tomboy characters Disney ever made. Also, I love 2D animation and this film reminds me why. Also, the idea of a feminine, micromanaging old heifer, a bull-headed, roughhouse new girl cow, and a young airhead cow that can't sing going on an adventure across the wild west to save their human's (a sweet old lady with some bark and bite) farm? And they have to compete with a hotshot, asshole male horse who is young and fast? It's like the perfect western comedy but with cows!

Anyways, if you can't tell, I love animated stuff and a lot of these are my comfort movies.

#radblr #feminism #hadesoftheladies rec list #animation #animated show #animated movie #female centric animations #female centric stories #heroines

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imagitory · 1 year ago

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Review: Wish (2023) [SPOILERS]

Evening, everyone! Tonight my mother and I went to go see Disney's most recent film, Wish, which fortunately came to theaters in my area right before its formal American release date. I'd been very curious to see how this tribute to Disney's last 100 years of filmmaking would turn out, and now that I've seen it...well, I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I want to be very clear both that I was going into this with a rather sunny outlook and that there are things I really liked in this film...but overall, it felt like a lot of the good ideas it had were only half-baked, and I found myself -- forgive me -- "wishing for something more" than what we got.

For a more comprehensive deep-dive...a cut!

The Good!

+The single best element in this film for me was Chris Pine's performance as our villain, Magnifico. There are definitely some things I can critique about Magnifico's overall storyline and "character arc" further down, but Chris was clearly having a grand old time being an egotistical, sassy jerkwad, and it totally showed. Even in his villain song This is The Thanks I Get?, which just screamed "passive-aggressive abusive parent," you can hear how much fun Chris was having in the studio, recording it. I just about always enjoyed when Magnifico was on screen, and I actually did really like the idea that a lot of his villainy is rooted in him being obsessed with control over everyone and everything. In a weird way, Magnifico's turn to the Dark Side parallels Anakin Skywalker's in the sense that he lost so much in the past that he's determined to never lose anything important to him again -- especially the power he's accrued to make himself feel strong, after having felt so powerless. I find that very interesting, and I kind of wish that aspect was really highlighted more in the story, but we'll talk about that later.

+Asha was a likable enough heroine, even if I found her to be a lot like a two-way fusion of Mulan and Anna placed in a vaguely Snow-White-ish role in her clearly Seven-Dwarf-inspired friend group. Ariana DeBose portrayed her rather well, both acting and singing-wise. I also liked the "social justice" bent to Asha's character where she wants better things not just for herself and her family, but also Rosas overall -- in the French translation of her main song "This Wish," they even push this further by having Asha wish "to see the world happy again someday." We haven't seen a heroine really express this kind of desire for a positive change in the world since Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and that's cool! Plus representation in mainstream media for previously underrepresented groups is always nice. ^.^

+As much as I don't think they all got enough focus as individuals, I liked Asha's friend group! Especially the fact that it is a friend group made up of people that are around the same age as our protagonist, which -- let's be honest -- isn't that common for Disney heroines. Often with "sidekick groups," you're more likely to have situations like Cinderella with the mice (who are more like cutesy sidekicks than equals) or Snow White with the Dwarfs (who are all quite a bit older than our heroine)...so a friend group made up of peers with their own personalities and motivations was kind of fun.

+The setting of Rosas itself could be pretty. I liked a lot of the Mediterranean-inspired architecture, especially inside Magnifico's tower.

+The combination of 3D and 2D-esque animation was also interesting! It really served to give the film its own distinctive visual style that sets it apart from other Disney projects, which I always appreciate.

+Star was...cute. Obviously just designed to sell plushies and definitely reminded me way too much of Kirby, but cute enough. I do think it's kind of cool that they're never gendered at all in the entire movie, because it'd be silly to think of a sweet little androgynous ball of stardust as being specifically male or female.

+I liked the idea of Simon "betraying" Asha, only to be turned into a pawn by Magnifico in the process, but not being treated unsympathetically by the story for it. Didn't love the full execution of the idea, but hey, that's what the negative section is for.

+The idea of everyone finding the power inside of themselves to stand up against Magnifico (because they're "all stars," and presumably all have the magic needed to make their wishes come true) was a little predictable, but still sweet. I have problems with how the film wrote it (which we'll get to), but the idea itself was wholesome and fitting.

+I like several of the songs, just on their own -- I added This Wish and Knowing What I Know Now on my ITunes as soon as I first heard them prior to the film's release, and now I've added At All Costs too: it's a really pretty duet! (Gorgeous work, Chris and Ariana!) I'll leave my praise here, though, because sadly the soundtrack is going to get a lot of discussion in the less positive section.

The Not-So-Good...

+This film being "Disney's 100th anniversary film" really got in the way of this movie telling a compelling and unique story sometimes. The whole movie really twisted itself into a pretzel trying to check off all the usual Disney tropes, and there were points that certain choices made the story seem incredibly stilted. For instance, one common Disney trope is a dead parent, so of course Asha has lost her father -- but we learn so little about him and he ends up playing such a small role in Asha's arc and story that it seems like an unnecessary detail. Asha's grandfather honestly plays more of a role in Asha's motivation throughout most of the film, so it would've made just as much sense to have Asha's grandfather be the one who believed in stars having power, rather than her father. Another example is the concept of the cute animal sidekick who's just there to make jokes -- as much as Valentino the goat didn't annoy me personally, he added just about nothing of value to the story whatsoever aside from comic relief, in contrast to other funny sidekicks like Sebastian from The Little Mermaid or Olaf from Frozen, who also serve a plot purpose and have a developed relationship with the protagonists. Then there's Asha being cut from the same "naive, awkward, wide-eyed idealist" cloth as many of our Disney Revival heroines like Anna, Rapunzel, and up to a certain point even Mirabel are; Star being in a similar vein to cutesy, innocent sidekicks like Pua, Crikee, and Baymax while Valentino is more akin to sassier, comic ones like Mushu and Sisu; her friends literally being based on the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White; our heroine getting a pretty standard "I Want" song and the villain getting his own solo number that doesn't really take any risks...oh yes, and we mustn't forget the trope of the Storybook opening, which (I'm sorry) I know was supposed to be a reference to Snow White, Cinderella, and Enchanted, but just gave me Shrek vibes the entire time. I was waiting for Shrek to rip out the page and use it for toilet paper any minute. It just felt a lot of the time like the movie was very paint-by-numbers, rather than throwing in much that was surprising or different.

+This isn't even touching all of the pointless meta references to other Disney movies. Asha wearing the Fairy Godmother's cloak and getting a wand like hers at the end -- the mushrooms crowing "we love crazy!" the way Hans did in Love is an Open Door -- Asha riding the reindeer the way Kristoff did in Frozen 2 -- Magnifico using green smoke hands a la Ursula -- the ending with those obvious Wendy and Peter Pan look-alikes, come on, really??? That was just painful.

+As much as Magnifico was an awesome idea for a character and Chris Pine's performance was beyond entertaining, the movie did not always write him as well as they could've. From the very start, we see this guy is an egotistical control freak -- obsessed with his own image, incredibly hard-to-please, arrogant, vain, desperate for attention and unwavering praise and adoration from all of his subjects, and determined to keep an iron grip on everyone else's wishes because of the power it gives him. He's ALREADY a terrible person, from the start -- and yet the film tries to introduce this dark magic book that gets no explanation or backstory whatsoever and has no real characterization or presence, so it leaves no real impact on the audience corrupting him and making him a bad person, when it didn't need to! Magnifico was already the villain this film needed! Just let him fall head-first into madness without the book prompting anything! Even if Magnifico "lost everything" in the past, that doesn't make him a good person, if he takes everyone's wishes away from them and hoards them all to himself, only to grant a few now and again when it would make him look good.

+This above point actually leads nicely into one change I really, really wish the film had been ballsy enough to make -- have Asha already be Magnifico's apprentice, not trying to become it at the start of the story. Give our villain and hero a real relationship, with history that started before the events of this film! Asha lost her father at the age of 12...how interesting would it have been -- whether to make Magnifico more of an anti-villain or show how manipulative he really is -- if he'd tried to fill that fatherly role for our main character and twist her to serve his ends? What if At All Costs was rewritten to be about Magnifico not just being determined to hold onto all of the kingdom's wishes, but also this apprentice he sees as an extension of him and his legacy, while Asha is determined to protect this Star she's accidentally summoned and the suppressed wish of hers it represents? This change would've made Asha's break with Magnifico so much more powerful for both of them -- it would've both justified Magnifico's descent into madness and given Asha more reason to feel like it was her responsibility to stop Magnifico. You even could've then played more with Asha's relationship with Queen Amaya too, in this kind of a scenario.

+Oh yeah, and on that note, Queen Amaya. OOH, this really annoyed me -- okay. So this woman is supposed to be a good guy, in this story. But as I touched on earlier, Magnifico was already a pretty awful person, hoarding people's wishes away in order to make himself powerful. Was Amaya truly so blind to that? Did she truly never question anything, ever? But no, really, she only turns on Magnifico after he starts using the dark magic book and actively threatens her. Only that makes her turn from him, and it's pretty damn immediate. Now okay, I hear you saying, it's like Amaya sings in Knowing What I Know Now, right? "The good in him, I've watched it melt // I was blinded by the love I felt"? Excuse me, lady -- but Magnifico wasn't a good person, before. He was just playing a part so as to stay powerful and adored by the masses. And if the story wants to claim otherwise, and act like that dark magic book was responsible for Magnifico going bad, then why would our Queen decide to keep him locked up in his staff's crystal forever? If the book was responsible, then Magnifico would be the Frodo or Golum to the book's One Ring -- he'd be a victim, in such a scenario: one in need of help and pity, not punishment. So either Amaya is a selfish person who only cared about her husband's mistreatment of others when it affected her, or she's a needlessly cruel person who decides to punish her husband for a vice that anyone could fall prey to. Either way, I don't want this woman ruling anyone! Make this woman a straight-up villain, same as her husband, and have the whole monarchy come crashing down after she and Magnifico both go down in flames! VIVE LA RESISTANCE! (Playing into my idea with Asha being Magnifico's apprentice all along, maybe there could even be a twist on the Evil Stepmother trope with Amaya, where she's jealous of how much Magnifico has tried to groom Asha as his apprentice, rather than spending time and/or starting a family with her or something.)

+As I touched on earlier, there wasn't even close to enough time to develop all of these characters properly. Since our heroine and friends are most similar to Snow White and her friends the Seven Dwarfs, let's compare cast size. Snow White is 83 minutes long and has a cast of ten (Snow, the Prince, the Queen, and the Dwarfs) -- Wish is 95 minutes long and has a cast of fourteen (Asha, Magnifico, Star, Valentino, Amaya, Asha's mum and grandpa, and our seven Friends). This results in us getting the vague idea that "Grumpy" role Gabo is sweet on our "Bashful" role Bazeema, but no time to develop their relationship or give it any kind of conclusion; the others saying "Sneezy" role Safi apparently loves the castle chickens with no sympathetic explanation why, to the point that he gets super excited about a chicken growing to a giant size for no real reason; "Doc" role Dahlia having a crush on Magnifico that is then dropped immediately after Asha turns against him; oldest kid and "Sleepy" role Simon feeling incomplete without the dream he gave Magnifico and "betraying" Asha as a result in an attempt to get it back, only to get stabbed in the back by Magnifico, and then have no time for a proper redemption after he's unhypnotized; Asha's grandfather turning on a dime about whether or not he wants to know what his wish was if Magnifico thought it was dangerous; Magnifico getting some justification in his backstory for his bad behavior, but Amaya's backstory being a complete black hole before she married Magnifico when you'd think it'd explain all the more why she stuck with him so long; and Asha's mum having her wish crushed to dust by Magnifico and then given back without us EVER LEARNING WHAT IT EVEN WAS IN THE FIRST PLACE, even after we see just about everyone else's wishes as soon as somebody picks it up and Asha's mum's wish gets picked up multiple times!! Come on, if you're going to set up NOT showing it, you may as well have a pay-off for it!! At least give us some moment where Asha's mum hugs her in relief and acknowledges that her daughter was her wish! That would've been a nice "aww" moment for everyone!

+Okay, I said I was going to talk about my problem with the songs, so here goes. As I said before, I listened to the soundtrack before watching the movie, and even when I did, I could immediately sense a problem: these songs did not tell me much of anything about the movie, just on their own. Welcome to Rosas, which is pretty much just an exposition dump about the kingdom and how Magnifico founded it, didn't really paint a picture of our setting or characters much at all, the way opening songs like Belle or The Family Madrigal do. This Wish, although pretty, was something I could hear just as easily on the radio -- it didn't feel as tied or necessary to understanding our heroine the way something like Part of That World does. I'm a Star, quite frankly, felt like a lot of inspirational word salad, rather than anything particularly memorable or revelatory -- why else wouldn't it even be worthy of a musical salute in the reprise, where Asha remembers that she and everyone else are stars during the climax? Even after reading summaries of the plot and spoilers from the storybook for this film, I could not figure out for the life of me how At All Costs would fit organically into such a story, being sung by our villain and hero. It wasn't until I saw the film that I saw how the filmmakers decided to fit it in and honestly...the song didn't help tell that particular scene at all. It's a really pretty song and I like it a lot -- but it lacked any of the irony or contrast that kind of a scene that introduces the difference in focus between our hero and villain required. If the scene itself is needed to understand what's supposed to be going on while the song is playing, then the song is not effectively telling the story and is therefore unnecessary. There wasn't even a particularly Spanish or Mediterranean flair to the soundtrack to help set the stage, aside from the occasional flourish of castanets -- instead it sounded very contemporary, which I guess is appropriate, since it was largely written by pop composers rather than any musical theater talent.

+There were also points where the songs felt the urge to shove in a bunch of extra words just because, rather than have the words flow well and really mean something. I'm a Star is most guilty of this, of course, but even in This is the Thanks I Get?, we hear Magnifico gripe that "I let you live here for free and I don't even charge you rent" -- mate, THAT MEANS THE SAME THING! If you live somewhere for free, then you are NOT paying rent!

+Knowing What I Know Now is a bop and I like it (aside from Amaya's stupidity), but I'm sorry, all I can think when I hear it is "This is clearly trying to be Ready as I'll Ever Be from Tangled the Animated Series, but that song blows this out of the water." However fun the song can be, it would've been so much stronger if it actually addressed the contrast between the characters and revved us up for a big final battle, instead of it just being our eight underdeveloped characters psyching each other up.

+The idea of everyone being stars was a lovely idea, but the execution of Asha remembering this fact and using it to defeat Magnifico was terribly handled. First off, there was no revelatory phrase or action that prompted Asha to remember this fact, so her suddenly saying that "they're all stars" came out of nowhere. Second, even putting aside that there'd be no way any of her friends could hear Asha from all the way up on the tower if they're stuck in the courtyard below, there's no reason I can see for Asha's friends or family to know what the hell she was even TALKING about. They weren't there when the I'm a Star number happened! And the way that number made it seem, just based on the visuals, it looked like the "star" power came from a person's dream, since it's the same glow that returns to Asha's grandfather when he gets his dream back, but most of the town's dreams have been already yanked out by Magnifico at this point! I think the idea is that since everyone is a star, even with that big piece of them and the power accompanying it taken out, they still have enough stardust inside of them to be powerful enough to chase their heart's desires...but yeah, I'm sorry, for all the word salad I'm a Star threw around, this world-building aspect was really not made clear, and because of that and the lack of a proper callback to this plot turn, the climax didn't hit as strong as it should've.

Overall, this film felt a lot like a batch of unbaked chocolate chip cookies that someone decided to throw a bunch of brightly colored sprinkles on top of, just because they could. A lot of ideas just don't feel like they were fully developed, and there was a lot tossed in that didn't contribute to the overall taste or bring the disparate elements together in a cohesive whole, instead feeling more like a distraction than anything of actual substance. That doesn't mean I couldn't eat it -- I like eating cookie dough as much as the next person -- but that doesn't mean it felt like a complete, finished product worthy of great praise. Instead I'm left looking at the wasted potential and wishing the movie had carved out its own path more, one distinctive to itself, rather than just be a mashup of previous Disney concepts and tropes. I won't act like there's nothing to like here, nor that it's completely lacking in heart: I actually would love to see fandom for this movie re-imagine it in ways that could've improved the story and characters, because there were SO many good ideas here...but for me personally, this movie left me colder than it should've and -- like Asha after meeting Magnifico -- a bit disappointed.

So I make this wish...to have Disney make a film better than this.

Overall Grade: C-

#disney #disney wish #wish (2023)#wish #wish spoilers #spoilers #review #analysis #oh boy here i go

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vermillionsails · 6 months ago

Text

THE WANDERER part 1

Cooper Howard/ The Ghoul x Reader

synopsis: The reader aka Bullseye gets run out of her family settlement to find an old friend. what will happen when they finally see each other after 6 years?

WARNINGS ⚠️: Cooper Howard/ The ghoul x female reader afab reader, DNI IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 GO ON GIT. eventual smut, adult language, fallout show, and game cannon violence. age gap reader is 22 if you're not, pretend.

I try to keep the description of the reader neutral only things that are talked about are the reader's age, teeth, smaller hands, and eventually intimate parts. I do not own the rights to Lucy or Cooper Howard or the fallout setting. the plot and town characters are the only things I made up. Time skips are in this at least this first part anyway. dream sequence as well it will be in bold so you can tell and see the difference.

A/N: I've only seen the first episode and clips, and interviews of the characters cause Freevee only has the first episode but, the brain worms are still activated for this man! 😩

Update A/N ive managed to see the rest of the show. i also wanna give thanks to my bff @oppositeoflove-isindifference for helping me edit this brain rot and make it make sense. i love you bitch, i aint never gonna stop loveing you bitch!

youtube

I know it's not from the actual Fallout soundtrack but this song fits Cooper's vibe. A couple of 'I don't know how but they found me' songs do honestly but enjoy!!

The only thing you can do is hope. you've been hoping for two days now. All you have now is your pack, everything you've scavenged in the past two days, and Shroud. Your grandma said, before the bombs dropped, Shroud would’ve been called a rottweiler. To you though, he was your best friend. You were lucky to find armor for him, so you didn’t have to worry so much about him tagging along. You were thankful for it honestly, you wouldn't doubt that Reggie would shoot him. So here you are in the wastes, with Shroud lying across your lap. You had set up camp against an old rusted-out van. You move Shroud, deciding to sleep in the van hidden away, instead of outside in the open. You put out the campfire and unroll the bed roll from your pack and lay down. Shroud splayed out next to you as your eyes start to drift closed. It couldn't have been more than a couple of hours before Shroud was lying on top of you, trying to nudge you awake, as gunfire and a creature roared outside. Grabbing the handle on his armor, you tapped his nose with your finger to signal to play dead. You listen as the gunfire continues. The sound of shouting rises above the gunfire. You could make out at least two voices, plus the creature. It lasts for about another 20 minutes before the noise dies down, and voices come down to a normal level. You can hear two people arguing as footsteps get closer to the van. Very slowly, you reach for the pistol strapped to your leathers. As your hand reaches the handle, you hear a gun cock and a man whistle.

“Figured you were following us. Smart hiding.” You look up to the voice’s owner, standing in front of the van door with him pistol aimed at Shroud's back. You recognize the voice, his drawl and cowboy hat knocking the memory of Mr. Howard forward. “Mr. Howard, it's me, Bullseye!” you shout, holding both your hands up in surrender. You silently pray that Shroud doesn't leap or make any sudden movements. He cocks his head as he looks at you, lowering his gun somewhat. “Bullseye, huh? That really you?” You swallow and nod, replying, “Yes sir, it's me. Grandma sent me out to look for you. We’re in big trouble.” He tuts, putting his gun away, seemingly disappointed he didn't get to shoot anything. “Considering you're the only person who calls me ‘Mr. Howard’, I suppose that is you, Bullseye,” he chuckled. He waits for a beat and scowls. He growls, “Well come on now, girly! We got some catching up to do, and I ain't got all night.” You give Shroud two pats, he gets off of you and sits at the van entrance, waiting. “Yes sir Mr. Howard,” you agree, scrambling to pick up your pack and bedroll. You make your way over to Howard and…a Vaultie? You've never seen one before. The blue and gold suit hurt your eyes, even in the moonlight. She smiles and waves,“Hi, I'm Lucy! Nice to meet you.” Giving an awkward wave back, you nod to her. “my actual name is y/n, but everyone calls me Bullseye” She smiles genuinely at you, a rare occurrence out here in the wastes. “That's a nice name…why do they call you Bull-”

Cooper cuts her off, “I only needed you to help me kill that fuckin’ thing. Don't make me tie you back up.” You give her a sorry half smile and turn to Cooper. “I'll make it as fast as I can Mr. Howard,” you say, ”Ray and Reggie have built up a coup against Grandma; they've already killed 5 people, and some of our Brahmin. I escaped about two days ago, and Grandma told me to come find you. I have a package she wanted me to give you, in case you needed incentive.” The ghoul sits down next to you, sharpening a knife, and purses his lips. “Smart woman, what did she send with you?” You turn to unzip your pack, spotting Lucy in the corner of your eye, She seems astonished that he’s being somewhat civil to you. You pull out the package, a small foot locker-like box. The metal dings from the objects inside rattling as you hand it to him. “Ten different chems, two large Brahmin steaks, ammo, a couple of stimpacks, and all the caps she had left,” you list, recounting everything your grandma told you. He stares down into the box, taking a long look at the top of the lid. Finally, he closes it. “I'll do it. This is a nice incentive, y'all must be in some real bad trouble darlin’.” The fluttering feeling when he calls you darlin’ quickly dissipates, as you feel your worry set in. You feel your chest tighten as you look down at the dirt and sand. “Yeah, it's bad Mr. Howard. Grandma might not….might not be alive when we go back.” He hums as he goes back to sharpening his knife. “So what are you gonna do if we go back and she isn't?” You look at him for a moment as you think. “Kill them, have someone else be mayor, and let Doe and Jericho be the new snipers,” you reply. He strikes the knife against the sharpening stone, sending sparks off to the ground. It makes the mix of sand and dirt pop and sizzle at your feet. “You don’t wanna be mayor?” You can feel the sadness wrap around your chest and squeeze again. “N-no I'm not- not as skilled as grandma. She could barter for a years worth of supplies then turn around and stop a fight in two seconds.” He chuckles, finally looking at you with a smile tugging at the right side of his lips. “Yeah, Sue was always good at calming people down,” he muses. You chuckle at his sentiment. He points at you with him knife, saying, “Now that I know the situation, think you can help me dress that deathclaw over there?” You see it splayed out in the dirt, lifeless, the horns digging into the ground. It’s at least 6ft smaller than the adults you've seen. “Is it a bounty?”

Cooper grunts and nods, “Yup, it's the last a group a nearby farmer wanted gone.” He grabs the bounty paper from his duster pocket and hands it to you. “Fuckin’ things kept eating everything, including his wife.” You look over the bounty. 500 caps rewarded for the head. You nod, “That's a pretty good bounty.” Lucy clears her throat and raises her hand, the pipboy light shining directly into your eyes. “I helped, do I get some of the caps?” Cooper raises an eyebrow ridge at her and gripes, “Put your damn arm down, your’re blinding Bullseye! And I already told you, you're getting 20 and then you’re on your own. If I see you again, it’ll be too soon and I'll shoot you.” You keep quiet, watching them argue with each other. “I used ten lock-joint syringes on that thing.” Cooper laughs, “Yeah those are cheap to make, trust me I know. You're getting 20 and I won't kill you, that's it.” You see Lucy huff and sink back down in her spot. After a couple of minutes, the ghoul looks back at you and asks, “Can you help me dress it?” You nod and grab the knife from your boot. “Yeah, I can help.” He gets up and walks over to it, his duster flowing in the breeze like in his old movies that your grandma used to tell you about. “Atta girl let's get to it.” You get up and join him. The bottom of your boots goes from crunching the dirt to thudding and squelching from the blood-soaked dirt pooling around its body. You adjust the green baker's cap on your head and kneel next to its torso. “Do you want me to start at the back of the neck or the tail?” you ask. Cooper grunts ,working to saw off the head, “Start at the tail, less tension while I do this.” Nodding, you move further down. After a few minutes of making a deep enough incision, you get the muscle and start cutting towards the head. Its skin splits into two halves as you try to keep yourself steady. It smells like dust and blood. Part of you wonders if the deathclaws think that you humans smell as strange as you think they do. Pulled from your thoughts, you hear Cooper clear his throat. You stop and look over at him. “You tune out too easily, could get you killed.” You feel your cheeks heat up in embarrassment and stammer, “Sorry Mr. Howard, I'll be better in the morning. D-Did you say something?” His eyes scan you for a moment before he speaks again. “Yeah, I did, stop when you get to it’s sides. Need to cut off its hands.” You feel his gaze on you and your cheeks burn again.“Y-yes sir.” He makes a low sound that you think may be a chuckle. It's a couple of hours after you started dressing the deathclaw together. Lucy, Shroud, and the dog that Cooper has let follow him around have all fallen asleep. You wrap up the last piece of meat when a thought occurs to you. “So Mr. Howard, where is this bounty at?”

He shoves most of the meat into his saddle bags, looking at you. “About a three days walk from here, you gonna tag along? Could use that eye of yours.” Tossing him the last piece of meat, you nod. “Yeah, it'll give me time to think of a plan.” He makes a heh sound, a smirk playing on his lips. “A plan, huh?” You raise an eyebrow, more curious than anything. “Yeah I mean, plans are good right?” He nods and stuffs the last of the meat into his saddle bag. “They're good but…have you ever made one before sweetheart?” Part of you knows the nickname is being used in a derogatory way, maybe even a bit patronizing, but it still makes your stomach flip. “Once,” you say, "we had to make a run to a Superduper Mart for supplies. I got us in and out.” You sit cross-legged on the dirt, adjusting your hat. Pulling out a cloth, you begin cleaning the gore off your knife. Cooper moves closer to start sawing off the hands. “Well,” he starts,” this is different than a Superduper Mart. How many men are on their side?” You wipe the blade as you think. “About twenty… No one else is joining them, but they’re all trained by Ray,” you say quietly, knowing he’s gonna scoff at you. On cue, he stops and laughs, “Oh, sugar, you ain't gonna make it!” You feel your cheeks and ears heat up once again and stammer out, “I–I'm not going in guns blazing if that's what you think, I-I…” He cuts you off, putting his hand up to you. You can see how the radiation burns swirl and carve into his skin, making a pattern. “The only possible way,” he says,” of you getting back in there and saving Sue is by sneaking in or…” He smiles. Your stomach flips. You can't tell if it's a good flip or not, but you have a feeling you know what he’s thinking. “Or?” Your voice is small as you ask. “I take you as hostage and barter to get you back in there. They want y'all for something, they'll come looking.” You swallow, looking at him a bit apprehensive. “You're gonna take me as a bounty aren't you?” He points his knife at you. “Bingo! Don't worry, I won't tie you up quite yet.” He shoots you a wink and goes back to sawing off the hand. You're not quite sure what to do with yourself after that. Your heart begins to beat a little faster, not sure if you like that or not. “O-okay, so we'll pretend I'm bounty and sneak in.” He whistles, finally getting the hand off. “Yup, I'll bring you in and we’ll take it from there. But first we gotta wait till they come for you. When they do, I gotta be a little rough to sell it. You understand don’t ya?”

You nod, feeling your core beating a bit as you imagine how rough he'll have to be. “Y-yeah I understand, Mr. Howard.” He hums at you answer, “Good girl. Now go get some sleep like the others. We got a long walk, starting tomorrow.” You finish wiping the knife off and put it back in its strap. “Yes, sir.” The ghoul waves you off towards the small fire Lucy had made earlier. “Night, Bullseye,” he says lowly in a gruff voice. You give him a slight smile. “Night Mr. Howard.” Reaching the fire, you unroll your bedroll again and get in. The two-day trek to find Cooper began setting into your bones as your eyes flutter shut. A dream starts to play in your mind as you drift off. Strange music plays to the beat of hooves against the ground. You see the figure of a man on a horse, riding into the red and orange of the sky as you try to move towards him. It's like you’re moving in slow motion as you try to reach out to the figure. A cloud of raised dust swirls into the sky as it begins to storm around you and the rider. His figure and the beast he's on get closer as they rush to you. Their features never clear up, staying smoke and shadow-like as they skid to a stop in front of you. His hand unfurls from the reigns and reaches out towards you. Like a switch going off, the orange and red becomes blue and purple as your stomach flips and you start to sink into the sand beneath your feet. Scrambling, you reach out to the figure's hand but it passes through him. The hand drifted and parted like fog on water after summer rain. As you sink, darkness falls over you and you feel murky and dusty blue water ripple around your waist. You watch for a moment as the water starts to ripple faster, turning into wake waves that crash into your chest, the coldness washing over you. You look up as a roar shakes the world and a mirelurk queen rises out of the deepest part of the water. You try to run, but your eyelids start to flutter open as the dream fades. Your eyesight is blurry as you sit up, kicking the blanket off of you. Shroud groans when he feels your legs move. He must have moved over to you during the night. He gives you a look over his shoulder and huffs, before laying his big head back on his paws. “Sorry buddy, morning,” you say softly, give his head a scratch. You sit up, stretching and yawning. It's quiet for a moment, before you hear Cooper's voice out of nowhere, making you jump. “Morning sleeping beauty, ‘bout time you woke up.”

You whirl to look at his smirking face, amusement in his eyes from seeing you jump. Putting a hand on your chest to soothe yourself, you mutter to yourself, a bit louder than you mean to,“God you scared me.” He chuckles, “Didn't think I could do that to you anymore darlin’, good to know.” Your heart starts to beat a little faster, no longer because of your fear. You laugh softly, trying to play it off, you look up seeing the sun just about to come up as orange and lavender painting the sky. “H-How long did I sleep for?” He kisses his teeth and purses his lips as he thinks. “About six hours, give or take, but we gotta get goin’ before it gets too damn hot. So up and at 'em.” Giving a nod, you get up and roll your bedroll back up and stuff it into your pack. You give Shroud some water and crack open a can of dog food, letting him chow down as you check and strap his armor on. You helped Lucy wake up pack up as Cooper grumbled at her. After a few more minutes,everyone is on the road. Both dogs and the 3 of you. It's hot and dry and the continuous crunch of sand and dirt under your boots quickly becomes repetetive. You can see heat waves ooze towards the sky and winds throw the sand around, dusting you and getting into your eyes. Its monotony for hours on end, sending you into a haze that almost lulls you into a walking sleep. You’ll never know how the creatures here don’t die of heat exhaustion alone. Another hour goes by as Cooper stops, raising his fist in the air to stop you and Lucy. His head cocks to the side as he listens. You stay still, waiting, trying to listen as well. You can't pick anything up, his senses are much more sensitive than yours. It takes only a few seconds before you hear something scrambling up a dune toward the three of you. The top of its head peeks up above the dune. Cooper's head snaps in its direction and he mutters, “You gotta be fuckin’ kidding me!”

#@leh2393 #@rosecentaur1916 #fanfic #reader insert #fallout tv show #fallout series #cooper howard #the ghoul #Youtube

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