#loves people and treats everyone with respect and kindness even if they don’t necessarily deserve it

[peapod20001]

Rory has been haunting my brain recently. Like, a lot

[yuikomorii]

After thinking more deeply about it, people shouldn’t get mad when seeing the majority shipping AyaYui because they are the most perfect for each other…not always in the good way. They are both obsessive weirdos that are unable to communicate properly and end up doing so much dumb shit that not only hurts them but also the ones around them.

Now I’m not saying they are the most problematic characters in the game, but they just are such menaces for whoever is connected to them. They be wondering why Yui wouldn’t make such a good couple with Subaru and Azusa but the reason is that they’re exactly too soft for her. They just want a kind and motherly girl but Yui keeps putting them in uncomfortable situations, doesn’t respect their boundaries and is unable to comprehend their introversion. Ik she was in a dangerous situation at first but that’s over after the second game, isn’t it? They started dating so if that’s what she truly wanted, she has to take responsibility for that and bring her brain to work.

Now about Mr. Yours Truly, he wasn’t irredeemably bad in the first game but he was such an asshole, let’s be frank. After the first game, Yui started treating him poorly or, again , not paying attention to whatever he was going through but I just couldn’t feel bad for him. They both fucked eachother up so bad but in an equal way so I can’t say any of them is better than the other, like some of their individual fans do. I’m not saying this about the Admin but some Yui and Ayato stans must actually hate the characters and only love their fanon version of them. Just because they forgive their abusers and are friendly doesn’t make them the kindest character anyone has ever seen. They did too many bad things to be considered the kindest and I’m not gonna follow the “they went insane” excuse because I really don’t care. All characters are insane and broken but not all of them did as much shit as they did.

I’m not justifying anything from that dick but e.g. when Karlheinz commits a genocide to make ghouls, he is said to have abused his powers and is evil but when Yui commits a genocide because her cute Ayato-kun 〜 died and kills all living things on both worlds, that’s seen as romantic? Like that’s extremely evil and selfish of her too. Or when others complain about the vampires being possessive and jealous, when Yui is the same person that stabbed Shu and threw him in the dungeon afterwards out of jealousy and she also paralysed Ayato then used him as her pleasure slave only because he drank blood from other chicks. Again, I’m not excusing them but she’s just as worse when triggered enough. All the fanwars are stupid when the game only has characters that wouldn’t be perceived as mentally sane or innocent angels in real life.

// Uuh… you kinda worded it a bit too harshly but I do get where you come from.

The thing is Yui, Ayato, Azusa, Subaru and Yuma are characters described by Rejet as either pure or kind-hearted, yet this doesn’t mean they necessarily have to be saints sent from above 24/7. Good people can react horribly under stress, pressure or shock. Yes, they can do wrong stuff and treat others badly as a result, but this doesn’t mean they have a bad soul. Trauma is not the same from person to person and everyone reacts to it differently. It can turn good people into monsters depending on the severity of the circumstances and some might never come back to their original nature. And, even if they do, this will not excuse their actions, but as long as they try to change for the better and take accountability, I believe they deserve a second chance.

Rejet makes Yui go mad in some endings and After stories to demonstrate that she is capable of doing something as awful as the Diaboys if an event hits her hard enough, just like it did to them. And, to be honest, that's realistic. Of course, not the story, but the fact that every person, no matter how strong, has a breaking point.

Speaking of the genocide committed by Yui, the reason why it’s considered romantic is not the deed itself, but the fact Yui created an Ayato ghoul after exterminating everything, only because she wanted to be killed by the man she loved. I think this was the only time Yui seriously used her brain, and the fact she was crazy when doing that, makes it hilarious.

As for the Yandere endings, Yui does that to Shu in MB, if I recall correctly but it was so unexpected because she really didn’t get any vibes throughout the route, therefore I guess it was just random writing. In Ayato’s route, the obsessive tendencies were obvious when she started looking through Ayato’s swimsuit magazines and tried measuring her boobs to the ones of those girls. I was pretty sure she would pull a possessive move on him later on, lol.

Truth be told, I don't mind that in fictional couples as long as they're both obsessed with each other and it's not one-sided. Besides, it’s funny how even Ruki called Yui “Ayato obsessed” in CL.

As a DL fan, I understand that no character is a total green flag because they all display toxic behavior in regular circumstances, no matter if intentional or not. Nonetheless, that shouldn’t stop us from loving them. Some people prefer the softer aspects of DL, while others prefer the darker, but keep in mind that those who prefer talking well about their favs don't want to be always reminded of all the bad things they did, especially if those characters regret them or weren't in the best mental state at the time.

[gojoest]

I just read a post that said satorus type is someone who hates him and it’s absolutely necessary for him to fall in love with 😭

Tbh I couldn’t disagree more... Since everyone more or less hates gojo and only gives him attention/respect for his technique and ability. If someone were to hate him I believe he would be indifferent to that since he’s so used to it, and go like “oh that’s the expected reaction”

People ignoring, dissing, and finding him annoying. For example utahime, the higher ups, yaga? etc.. is the typical norm for him and I believe he would fall for someone who would treat him kindly, understand, and see him for him like how he deserves <3

Someone who disregards his position and loves him for his kind, genuine, silly self is the type of person satoru would find comforting and would be drawn to imo and not someone who hates and utterly despises him since that’s just so cruel and sad lol

What’s your take on this ai?.. 👀 Hope you’re having a lovely day btw!! 💕💕💕

i don’t necessarily agree one hundred percent but i can see where they’re coming from, maybe? bc satoru loves a challenge and it actually makes a great enemies to lovers (my beloved) <3 like, if he tries to win you over just to prove a point that he can in fact do anything he tries his hand at — that if he tries hard enough even you will fall for his charms, but then ends up falling for you himself in the process bc the constant arguing turns him on so much and he then tries to make you even more mad just to see all of your heated sides and pissed off reactions, it gets him off ngl. i can totally see it in that kind of light :>

like even with suguru, they were often butting heads but they understood each other like nobody else. i don’t think utahime hates him, they’re just in constant playful banter with each other, or more like it’s one-sided bc satoru pokes on her a lot and she just can’t rly take it that well, hence why he keeps going at it even harder bc her reactions are so fun yk jkdhsdsk and with yaga too, he’s one of the few satoru respects and perhaps he’s the closest thing to a parent figure. i still think back at that scene where satoru lets yaga “punish him” and doesn’t turn on his ct after yuuji is revealed to be alive and….it’s like a parent scolding their child for messing around too much, it was heartwarming to me idk ;-;

for the rest you’re right, he just needs to find home in someone where it doesn’t matter how he’s dressed or what he does or what ppl think of him, someone that will shelter him and keep him warm no matter what, be a home to him 🤍

[musette22]

Just saw your answer to the anon who asked you about Sebastian speaking on body issues and saw his IG post. And it made me dive in into his instagram and wow he was so open with people. I don’t know it made me think of two things specifically, there’s a post that’s gaining some traction on twitter and it’s a video of Sebastian running to hug fans at film festival/red carpet of some sort, and the tweet says “he used to love us so much” “how did we lose so bad”, and also in the Hot Wings interview, Sean mentions something to him and Seb replied “Do I talk about this things publicly?”.

Point is that sometimes I wonder if he regrets having built that kind of closeness with fans, or being that open himself. But I also think that Sebastian never thought he would end up getting this kind of famous, you know? It just makes me sad for him in a way, but also it makes me proud to see him making the choice to take a step back and protecting his peace and quite frankly everyone around him, partner, friends and family.

Also I know it’s wrong to group people but some fans also need to accept responsibility in their actions. Because in Seb’s case, this is not only on the hater’s, everyone has some fault in it.

Hello! Thank you for your message <3 I've discussed this quite a bit in the past, and I kind of feel like I've said most of what I have to say on the subject, but since you may well not have been follow me for the previous discussions, I'll just sort of summarize my thoughts, if that's ok!

You're absolutely right that Sebastian used to be way more open with his fans (he even called them 'friends' at some point), and that in recent years he's had to take a huge step back, on account of his growing fame and some 'fans' growing entitlement/insanity. He's talked about how it affected his life and mental health, so even though I miss his social media presence, I'm really glad he's looking after himself and doing what he needs to do to keep things manageable and live a happy and content life!

I couldn't tell you whether or not he regrets being so open with his fans in earlier years, but I kind of feel like he doesn't, and probably just regrets that it turned out to be impossible to maintain that kind of closeness in later years (and that some people treated him they way they did, and still do). He seems to really enjoy interacting with nice fans, even now, after a rough few years. It's just a shame not everyone is nice, or deserving of his kindness and attention.

So I agree with most of your message, except for the last bit. Yes, it was a a combination of circumstances which led to Sebastian taking a step back, but within those circumstances, I don't think anybody was at fault for anything, except for the people who were rude, entitled and often acted borderline insane. In my opinion, Sebastian wanting to interact with fans wasn't wrong (he's just a friendly guy and he enjoys talking to people), and fans wanting to interact with Sebastian wasn't necessarily wrong either (it makes sense to be excited about your fave interacting with you). But they should have observed and respected certain obvious boundaries, and some of them didn't (and still don't) and in fact started habitually and deliberately crossing them, and that was wrong.

So yeah, those are my thoughts on the situation, roughly! In any case, as much as I miss him, I'm so glad to see he seems to be doing so well now, and I can't wait to see him again once he starts promoting his new movies this year!! <3

[freddyfazbear1]

Greetings, I’m Freddy Fazbear. In this post, I will be introducing myself and how I will treat this blog. I’m quite a simple bear, though I do expect to be treated with respect. Not only am I the name of such a popular corporation, I’m also one of the only sensible people on earth despite being a mechanical machine.

Who are you?

If you don’t know who I am, then you must be out of your mind. Are you really that underground you don’t recognize such an iconic design? I’m Freddy Fazbear and I don’t take kindly to idiocy.

What do you stand for?

Isn’t it obvious? I’m a man, or bear, of pride and strength. I stand for many different things, but I like to believe what shines out the most is my heart. I am passionate and I love passionately, not in a necessarily romantic sense. My heart defines me just as other parts of me do.

My interests, desires, dislikes, hobbies, traits, and values will always be what makes me me. Why should I have to stand for one thing? Do you think all I do is live everyday singing to children I’ll never seen again? That’s quite dull.

What’s your dream?

That one day, I can finally escape this prison that was unwillingly set for me. I think everyone deserves freedom, even if you may have been bad in the past. While there are some exceptions, being locked up and caged to a wall never released an animal of their ferocity. So, why do it to a human? Or even a robot? Or ghost, if you will.

If all humanity ever did was take and take and take, expecting that to improve the wrongs, then humanity in it’s entirety was never going to be better than that one person they’re depriving. If someone took something of value to you, whether it was your freedom or an object of some kind, would you return to them with kindness in your heart? Would you relieve yourself from your box of spite in this time apart from what made you you?

What inspires you?

A rather silly question. Nothing. When all you’ve known in life is stand, stare, perform, you never get a chance to live a life worth living. I can’t find an ounce of control in my own establishment because I am permanently stuck in this husk of a body.

That is part of the reason I’ve made this blog. To help me see more, learn more in the short time I have left.

Anything else?

I don’t appreciate being rushed. But, I stand by any and all of my beliefs and thoughts. I am not going to succumb to anyone because they may be wary of one thing or two that makes me who I am. If you can’t learn to respect, no one will ever respect you. Who says you’d even deserve it, though?

Quick Blog Rules

If you’re going to comment or reblog anything with extra comments, be sensible and logical. Idiocy is a curse that weighs many down from their potential, I don’t want to deal with mental 10 year olds.

Respect me and I will respect you. I suggest you fear me, I am not your typical person and will do anything in my power to enhance that weakness in your mind you may refer to as “strength” despite knowing you’d never even reach the first step of the ladder. If you can’t order a meal in a restaurant on your own, don’t even try arguing with me.

Don’t be anti-animatronic. Do I really need to explain?

Don’t fucking interact with my blog if you’re Phantom fucking Freddy. Goddamn son of a bitch, I’m gonna fucking find a way to suck your damn ass into a vacuum like those bitches from GhostBusters.

You don’t like my interests. Not sure how often I’ll use this blog or what it’ll be for, but if I have something to share, be. Fucking. Civil.

If you’re gonna ask me anything or PM me, don’t be a douche. I may not take idiocy well but disrespect and hatred? A much different deal, but really? Is it any different at all? Why would you waste time trying to bring someone down when you could be productive instead? Are you that pathetic or is it truly just your low intelligence making all the decisions?

Don’t try to state you’re me. It’s pretty obvious you aren’t.

Celebrate any and everything that has to do with me. You may call it narcissism, I call it self-respect. If you aren’t the one constantly cheering for yourself, who will? Learn to take pride in everything you do. Did you just finish making a cheese sandwich? Celebrate your low skills. Did you just watch a kid get beaten down by their bully and do nothing to help? Celebrate your independence.

Don’t expect anything from me. I may be open to almost everything you lot have to throw at me, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be anything predictable. If you want something from me, be patient and maybe before you die, you’ll have the chance to bask in that victory. If not, learn that not everything will go your way.

Don’t talk to me about my personal issues or “bad behaviors.” How I am and what I do is my business, it will never concern you or anyone that isn’t me. When you read the newspapers that dramatically explain how I’ve killed a night guard, will you take that knowledge as truth without confirmation? How can you believe something you weren’t there to witness? How can you truly live life if all you do is assume and believe? I may have killed a few night guards in my lifetime, but that is nothing but a hobby I partake in. So ask yourself, does having an interest make me a bad person?

Extra

I have many thoughts and will share them. If you can’t deal with that, perhaps this isn’t the blog for you. Perhaps even… the world isn’t the place for you. I couldn’t imagine going my life and avoiding others’ opinions because of one little thing. Disliking things is over.

Don’t fuck with me.

If I ever begin to act like a lunatic or simply just stupid, get onto me. Either it’s not me (Foxy fucking taking my computer) or I have finally reached a breaking point I cannot escape without proper support.

Don’t come into my blog if you’re a weirdo. I don’t use the term weirdo lightly or any of the words that fall into how I’m using it. Though I’d prefer any form of discourse off my blog, this is not what that is. These are real world issues and I would like for any of you fucking insane maniacs off my one source of comfort. That being said, pedophiles, zoophiles, racists, lgbtphobes, anti-religion, irl shippers, anti-self diagnosis, and more that fall into this category, STAY THE FUCK OFF MY PAGE.

That’s all for now. Don’t be afraid to interact, do be afraid of how I respond.

[luxeavenger]

hi!! adhd nonnie here, thank you so much for what you said it made me feel a lot better 🫶🏼

for the seasonal depression thing, we talked about it VERY briefly and I don’t really think it’s an issue (nor did she) past like, ya know normal (for me) fluctuation depression. I also live in an area where it’s already rainy and cold, and then during winter it gets dark at like. 4. so I don’t feel as if it’s really affecting me past like, normal levels? If that makes sense? also I’m in college, so everyone around me is kinda sad and anxious cause finals and what not

but yeah a diagnosis isn’t even necessarily what I need, like yeah it would be great, and it makes the most sense from what I’ve read, but in regards to medication it’s not even something that I think I need or even want. Even if I don’t have adhd, it would be nice to hear like “hey I don’t think you have this but clearly something is up, so here are some options to make it better”

idk it was all just a mess and the dr had a look on her face of like pity like “damn this girl really thought she had adhd because she’s having a little trouble focusing”

anyway, on top of that the after visit summary notes was like “she does blah, she does this, she doesn’t do this, she she she she” (I use all pronouns, but don’t really like an excessive use of she unless it’s by people I know) which like, it’s not like the dr knew or anything but it was kinda a slap in the face after the whole meeting went terrible

I’m on break rn and when I get back I’ll talk to my friend about the clinic, maybe I’ll have better luck there where someone will actually listen to me 🤠 also I’ll keep in mind the nurse practitioner! I’ve heard some good things about them

anyway sorry for ranting again, I hope I’m not too annoying. i hope you’re having a good time, I hope the holidays are treating you well 🫶🏼 omg also your pipsqueak fic I love it so much I’m gonna reread it tonight

bby don’t apologize for ranting. sometimes you just gotta. sorry it took me so long to answer. the holidays are always bad for my mental health and this one was no different

you’ve got plenty of reason to be sad/upset/confused/mad. tbh that doctor really shouldn’t be practicing medicine with a piss-poor attitude like that. idk, she may be perfectly competent, but her bedside manner blows chunks

i’m excited for you to go to this specialty clinic. because, like you said, there’s clearly *something* going on here. so it’d be really nice to have someone on your side that cares enough about you to stick with you and suss it out

at the very least it’d be nice to for you to see someone who can respect your pronouns

i would for sure let whoever you see about this next/in the future know what you’ve experienced with this doctor, and what you expect from the new doctor. that way there’s zero chance for miscommunication

bad experiences suck. HARD. but you learn from them. so it’s important to take everything you learned from THIS bad experience, and use it to help you take control of the next experience

you deserve someone who will care for you with kindness and compassion

i hope you’re well nonnie. and i hope the holidays were kind to you. i’m sending you love and lots of gentle hugs 💜💜💜

[justauthoring]

Lack of Trust

Prompt: He’s convinced himself, for so long, that you’re just pretending -- after all, how could something so sweet, love something so sinister? Requested by: no one.

A/N: Do I love Satori? Yes, I do. Does he deserve the world? Yes, yes, he does. Pairing: Tendou Satori x F!Reader

You were sickly sweet, and it wasn’t that he necessarily hated you. It was, honestly, kind of hard to hate you.

But, he didn’t trust you.

And therein lies the biggest issue of your friendship; the lack of trust. Completely just on him, because you were all smiles and laughs and you practically depended on him half of the time given just how clumsy you were. You were your most authentic self around him without ever hesitating to be.

Those quiet moments, when it was just the two of you and no one else, and the two of you would be watching some anime or another together and your head would fall on his shoulder, your eyes would slip shut, and you’d drift off blissfully unaware of Satori’s heavy gaze on your own. 

He was infatuated with you in such a way that he was positively terrified of having you turn on him like almost everyone else ever had before in his life. So, he both trusted you and didn’t, and maybe that was the real issue; his inability to just accept that it was possible for another to actually love him. Not even love him, but respect him, treat him like a human being. Not many people in his life did, and certainly not without him practically forcing himself upon them,

But you? You were different. 

You came into Satori’s life before he even knew it, and with what felt like a simple blink, you were always there; constantly.

“You can stop pretending, you know.”

And the words slip past his lips before he can actually stop himself. He regrets them almost the second he says them, but he doesn’t do anything or say anything to try and take them back. Instead, he simply just blinks down at you, his much taller stature hovering over you as you blink up at him, completely clueless and lost to what he could even possibly be talking about.

“Huh?” Your head tilts in question, and Satori absolutely hates the way it almost makes him feel guilty -- what does he have to feel guilty about? “What do you mean, Satori?”

“This,” he gestures between the two of you, “you don’t have to pretend anymore.”

You just seem even more confused, and by the second, Satori can find himself growing frustrated -- an emotion so obscure for the usual goofy and laidback boy.

“I don’t--”

He grabs you, and his grip is tighter then he means it to be, but he’s too blinded by his own self-pity to really notice. Your eyes narrow in response, wincing slightly at the soft pinch of his grasp, as you stare up at him, lips left parted in bafflement as he glares down at you.

Why was he glaring at you?

“Sat--”

“Why?” He finds himself practically screaming at you, “why are you so nice at me?”

“I-I don’t understand,” you stammer, blinking, mind racing for some kind of answer as to what’s happening. “Satori, I’m not pretending anything and--”

“It’s a joke, isn’t it? Some long strung out joke?” He continues, basically not listening to you at all, and if he is, it’s clear he doesn’t believe a simple word of what you’re trying to desperately profess to him. “Well, jokes over. It’s been long enough now, and I’m tired of it. You must be too. I mean--”

“Is that what you think this is?” You’ve seemed to make sense of it all with a simple breath, and you’re pulling from his grasp suddenly that Satori’s hands are left hanging before him in bafflement. 

You stare up at him, eyes narrowed in anger and disbelief, and your chest is rising and falling quiet rapidly in an emotion Satori’s never quite seen at you. You’re always bubbly, bright eyes and loud laughs, but right now you seem so positively pissed that Satori’s shocked into such a silence.

“You really think, after all of this, I’m just pretending to be your friend?  You yell, shaking your head at him and the guilt Satori had felt before triples when he sees the clear signs of tears in your eyes -- except, this time he thinks he deserves them. “What could I possibly gain from pretending to be nice to you? Do you really think that lowly of me that you think I’m that cruel?”

There’s a pause, your breath catching and Satori’s shaking his head, but no words leave his lips.

“You’re such... such an ass,” you hiss, wiping at your cheeks desperately, “I love you and you think I’m just pretending to be your friend.”

It takes you a single beat to realize what you’ve said. And that point, Satori’s already processed it.

“You... You love me?”

Your widened eyes slacken at his whisper, everything suddenly becoming too much in that moment as you once again wipe at your cheeks, trying without avail to hide the tears that had begun to stream down your cheeks. You’re sniffling quietly to yourself while Satori waits for you to respond, every nerve in his body feeling as if it’s ready to jump, as you try to find your words.

“Well, duh,” you huff, turning away from him to hug yourself. “I thought it was obvious. But... clearly not.”

Satori’s hands itch to reach for you, but he stays still. It occurs to him then just how wrong he’d actually been, and how much time he’d wasted guarding himself around you when you were the last person he’d ever had to do that around. And he hates himself for not realizing before, for making you feel like shit like that, and probably hurting both your feelings and completely embarrassing you.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, “I just... all my life, I never really had anyone and I was just s-scared that--”

“That I was using you too?”

“Yeah...”

“I’m not,” you whisper, finally turning to him and meeting his gaze head on. “I wish you knew that.”

“I do!” Then, he falters, shaking his head. “I do now, I mean.”

Licking your lips, you swallow thickly, taking a step towards him and closing the distance between the two of you as you hesitantly shuffle in front of him. Satori can tell in that moment that now with the heat of the argument gone, you’re probably feeling a little embarrassed and unsure from your confession.

He’s quick to remedy it.

“Y/N-chan?”

You relax slightly at the familiar nickname, “yeah?”

“I love you too.”

And you seem so completely star-struck at the confession, that you blink up at him, wide-eyed and gaped mouth -- the sight so cute that Satori can’t help but let out a chuckle at the sight.

[onesunofagun]

I shall now yell about Ingo, please stand by:

Ingo’s transformation from the underappreciated backbone of the ranch to an absolute ruff-wearing cantaloupe of a man is also pretty interesting (if you’re the kind of person who absorbs the Zelda series through your skin like a frog to live).

I’ve bolded the key points for skimmers.

Granted, the manga has it that Ingo just gets brainwashed by Twinrova into being a staunch follower of Ganondorf. That’s not canon, but it’s not informing any of this thinking, either way. 

In the beginning of OoT we meet Talon by waking him up from a nap, and we learn pretty quickly that he’s lazy and often yelled at by his daughter for slacking off like this. Ingo at the ranch confirms again that Talon doesn’t pull his weight around there, and since Malon’s still a child, it’s pretty obvious that Ingo’s settled with the bulk of the work.

Ingo is grumpy, he’s resentful, and he complains a lot. But he does do the work, and you can find him (presumably) in the process of mucking out the stables. 

Let’s examine what he does at the ranch:

Epona really liked that song... Only I could tame that horse... Even Mr. Ingo had a hard time...

Now, Epona is established in game to be a real winner of a horse. She’s fast, she’s smart, she’s got a lovely sorrel coat and white mane that seems to be quite rare or highly prized coloring. The catch is, she is notoriously wild. The only people she tolerates are Malon and Link, due in large part to being soothed by the song Malon’s mother taught her.

Ingo had to really try to crack this horse, which Malon’s observation suggests is unusual. 

Epona is very young when we first see her, so it’s never really revealed if she was caught wild, or bred at the ranch with a very headstrong temperament.

Ingo’s clearly the guy that’s breaking them in, though. The most Talon is doing is... sleeping in with the cuccos. We never see any organisation of the cuccos, in terms of egg collection or poultry farming, but nevertheless, Talon has the much less physical jobs even if he was doing them. His focus seems to be cuccos, deliveries to the castle and book keeping between naps (and to be fair it’s probably a little depression related, given the dead wife).

Malon gives us a cow later on, and she’s got the egg for the crowing cucco that wakes up Talon, so I’d like to assume for simplicity’s sake that even as a kid, Malon was up at dawn most days helping Ingo with the cows and milking them. It’s never really implied that she has amazing skill in dealing with horses, just that Epona has a special connection with her specifically. Other than that, Malon is simply kind and respectful of her animals (though I’ve got no idea how she got that cow to Link’s treehouse and that’s worth investigating). 

Later on, Ingo is also shown to be a competent rider. Enough that he has absolutely no qualms in challenging Link to races for wagers, and was quite confident of his ability to win.

The takeaway is, Ingo is usually VERY GOOD with both caring for and training horses, if not breeding them for the ranch.

That kind of lends to his grumbling, when he is referring to himself as ‘the Great Ingo’ and comparing himself to Talon, who is a ‘bum’. His claim to greatness may not be undeserved, at least in horse circles, and especially if he’s not getting particular credit for it, his bitterness and frustration (alongside envy, exhaustion, and dreams of recognition) would be quite deeply run.

So it seems that his friend and employer is clearly taking some advantage of him, especially after the death of Malon’s mother.

So now, let’s examine his feelings, and how he changes.

The feelings Ingo has about that are pretty textbook for the sort of thing ‘evil takes hold of and twists’, in the Zeldaverse.

Focussing on the game itself, Malon says this as an adult:

Since Ganondorf came, people in the Castle Town have gone, places have been ruined, and monsters are wandering everywhere. Mr. Ingo is just using the ranch to gain Ganondorf's favor... Everyone seems to be turning evil...

We do see other characters in Hyrule become influenced by the ‘darkness in their hearts’ as byproduct of Ganondorf’s reign. 

A prominent example of a character who was visibly dissatisfied with their lot, and then notably changes (while praising Ganondorf for what he’d done), is the Castle Guard who is heavily implied to have become the Poe Dealer. Even if by some slim means it’s not the same person, the Poe Dealer does still express that they could not do the work they do without Ganon as King, and that they now benefit from him being in that position and are grateful to him.

The Kakariko Carpenters seem to have given into their fantasies about living among the Gerudo women, and gone out to the Valley and gotten themselves taken prisoner. Following work near the fortress, the team chooses to act on their selfish desires and go for broke, chasing their dreams. They weren’t previously prepared to act upon these fantasies when Link was young, admittedly much milder in their still very prominent obsession, but seven years later, they’re quite happy to risk it all and piss away the stability of their careers (and nearly their lives) at the first opportunity.

Anyway, the trend is, those across Hyrule who are unhappy with their lot before Ganondorf’s coup tend to be ‘corrupted’ by seven years later, and appear to have given in to a twisted version of whatever they most wanted. 

This is noteworthy especially because the language in the game revolves around the Sacred Realm being opened and corrupted, too, by Ganondorf’s unbalanced heart and selfish goals. It is unable to be ‘sealed’ again while Link has the Master Sword. In aLttP, we know there is a mirror like effect to do with the sacred turned dark realm, in which it reflects the hearts of men. 

So it is very reasonable to say, that for OoT in particular, much of this evil influence plaguing the land and preying on the darkness an people’s hearts is a result of the corruption of the Sacred Realm. It is an indirect byproduct of Ganondorf’s acquiring of the Triforce, but not necessarily something he himself does to people on purpose, unlike the brainwashing of Nabooru.

Mr. Ingo is just using the ranch to gain Ganondorf's favor... But Dad... He was kicked out of the ranch by Mr. Ingo... If I disobey Mr. Ingo, he will treat the horses so badly...

This explains a lot of the more callous and greedy behaviour that Ingo shows later on, and why it seems to disappear when he is truly humbled by Link. 

Link’s win serves as a reminder of Ingo’s stagnating skill with horses, the very thing that made him feel so deserving of praise and recognition in the first place, in that for everything he now has control of at the ranch, he still cannot control that horse. He has become as much of a bum as Talon ever was, relegating Malon to do all the hard work while Ingo struts around uselessly. He’s even lost his touch with the Horses so much, in his arrogance, that now he has taken up mistreating them and using harsh and abusive methods (according to Malon’s concerns).

The humiliation and shame takes hold, his pride shattering with the loss of Epona-- not only as a valuable asset, but also as the horse he could never truly tame.

The dark feelings he was holding onto are let go of, as he regains a sense of humility, and the corruptive influence upon him dissipates. He even seeks out Talon to bury the hatchet and invite him back to the ranch.

Oh, I have to tell you about Mr. Ingo... He was afraid that the Evil King might find out that Epona had been taken away... It really upset him! But one day, all of a sudden, he went back to being a normal, nice person! Now my dad is coming back...I can't believe it, but peace is returning to this ranch!

But what about his obsession with Ganondorf in particular?

When the coup happened, Ingo watched the King of the Gerudo unwittingly play out a sort of grand parallel to what Ingo felt should happen on the ranch. To Ingo’s perception, I think Ganondorf was representing an ideal version of Ingo himself. 

A man of the desert, where hard work and grit are as second nature to survive the harsh conditions. A man frustrated with the King of Hyrule’s shit, and forced to swear fealty to him despite being a King himself. A man resplendent with wealth, with fine and flashy clothes and plentiful jewelry.

And perhaps the most important note of all, the Gerudo in OoT? 

They’re horse people. 

They love horses. Ganondorf’s horse is reputed to be a purebred Black Gerudo Stallion, which is obviously a specialty breed, that is fully armoured and as flashy as he is. When the Gerudo cut the bridge leading to the valley, the only way in and out is to have a skilled horse jump the gap. 

They also have a huge horseback archery range, and prowess in the sport is an incredible source of respect amongst the Gerudo, and many of the guards possess bladed polearms suitable for mounted use. From this, it can be assumed that during the recent civil war, Gerudo weapons, war tack and military tactics were probably built around mounted cavalry archers foremost, with a lesser focus on light and heavy cavalry aside (iron knuckle armour springs to mind).

Anyway, Horses are very important to the Gerudo in the era of Ocarina of Time.

So Ganondorf is also unique in the sense that he is the King of a people who value what it is that Ingo does very highly. He, of all people, stands to immediately recognise the knowledge and skill that Ingo possesses in rearing horses.

So this is a man who successfully stages a coup of Hyrule, who clearly inspires Ingo to do much the same of the ranch, and who Ingo also feels is very likely to take his side should he appeal the matter.

And Ganondorf does.

And if that’s not a great compliment to Ingo’s actual skill, I don’t know what is, because Ganondorf is not a man that suffers fools. He’s got a limited patience when it comes to shit that is beneath his notice. Clearly, he recognises that Ingo is indeed the backbone of that ranch-- and the main reason for the quality of its Horses-- and rewards this accordingly.

And for Ingo, being on decent terms with the big scary goth King is a very, very good place to be. But it’s more than that!

What a guy! Not only did he deliver on Ingo’s long due validation, he gave Ingo everything he’d ever dreamed of having to his name, and the authority to kick Talon to the curb. He gets it! Ganondorf, this great eight foot beacon of freshly sought divine power and topaz-encrusted glory, this absolute unit of a man, this great underdog horse-lover after Ingo’s own heart; he really understands how great Ingo is. Ganondorf is paving the way for people like them! Oh, to rub shoulders wiht such greatness when the rest of Hyrule is scorned. 

Ingo feels seen. The Great Ganondorf made all that thankless time spent shovelling horse shit while Talon slept mean something. The Gerudo appreciate Ingo’s talents.

And all Ingo has to do is keep turning out really good horses, and promise to present the King with his finest.

So Ingo knows he’s in deep shit when he gets cocky and loses Epona to a wager, who at this point, he’s prepared pretty well and sunk a lot of money into on the idea that she’s going to Ganondorf. 

Who he’s probably bragged to about how fast she is.

He lost her to some jerk in tights who’d barely ridden before, too. And then when Ingo tried to cheat him out of the win, the kid jumped the damned fence an in ass-bustingly cool move that really just drove home how excellent and rare Epona was.

One does not promise the King of the Gerudo a fast horse and then fail to deliver, let alone for such a stupid reason.

Honestly, by the end, the man’s just happy to be alive.

Also I’d like to think he and Talon had a much fairer delegation of work and forgave each other, each really learning to appreciate what they have and what’s really important.

how the fuck did the Kokiri leave the forest for this scene anyway, they don’t even have their faries???

[queeresthellhound]

Some friendly reminders for ya’ll from a dude with schizoaffective disorder

1) Schizophrenia (and schizoaffective disorder) are Spectrum Disorders just like autism! This means that it may present very differently for different people!

2) Schizophrenia is not the only psychotic disorder! In fact disorders like bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder can also cause psychosis! Psychosis can also be substance induced or even sleep deprivation induced

3) For me, and many others, living with psychosis medications do not get rid of symptoms completely. I personally have more moderate-severe schizoaffective so the primary goal of my treatment is to reduce distress and keep me safe

4) Comparing psychosis or schizophrenia to a permanent acid trip or any other kind of hallucinogenic drug trip is rude. Would some people be okay with the comparison? Obviously because everyone is different. But in general it is rude and may minimize the symptoms this person is going through (also as someone who did plenty of acid prior to developing schizoaffectve trust me they are not comparable and my experience is far closer to acid that most because of how often I did it)

5) People with psychotic disorders often face intense discrimination and dehumanization, especially if they have other mental illnesses as well, both inside mental health care and from the outside world. Please be kind with them if they “overreact” to things you don’t think are “that rude”

6) Originally I had a point here about how not all psychosis needs immediate hospitalization however I realized that’s actually an incredibly nuanced point that didn’t fit this list and likely would have detracted from the outreach and/or intended message of this post. I do plan to make a full post on this topic so I can explain it better and so this post maintains it’s original message of sharing things that I think are important for people to know and remember about psychosis in all it’s forms. I’ve replaced the original point with this message as I want people to understand that you can have a misstep and correct it without necessarily being wrong. It wasn’t a bad point, it just didn’t fit the list and was too nuanced to be a simple bullet point. Moving on!

And finally!! Most Importantly!!

7) Psychotic people are still people. They deserve to be treated with the same love, respect, care, and kindness as anyone else with an illness. Be mindful that our brains are sick, be compassionate but don’t infantalize us. Many many many of us can lead “normal, productive” lives with little to no assistance and those that do need assistance are not children, our normal is just different than yours.

[donald4spiderman]

The City

masterlist

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Summary: Reader is thinking about moving to California. Spencer’s determined to get her to stay.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x BAU!Fem!Reader

Warnings: none

Category: Fluff (angst if you squint)

**Inspired by Ben’s poetic confession in Parks and Recreations, S3E14**

Here’s a draft i forgot to post

-

**not edited yet**

Spencer’s POV

As a profiler, I’ve mastered the observation and analysis of behavior— we all have.

Picking the minds of serial killers is second nature— so why is it so hard for me to figure out why (Y/N) is behaving so strangely?

In the recent months, her witty and charming energy has dwindled into a lethargic imitation. Whether she’d admit it or not— (Y/N) can be extremely enthusiastic about certain things— especially our job.

So, when I watch her drag her feet, inch by inch, into the BAU each morning, It’s hard to contain my concern.

I know Morgan has noticed, and I’m sure everyone else has too. They’re probably just too scared to say anything. (Y/N) doesn’t enjoy people prying into her private life, so we all stay a comfortable distance away.

I watch her a lot... more than I’d like to admit. It’s hard to be unaware of her nervous behaviors— the nail biting, hair twisting, skin picking— I practically have enough data to make a correlation graph. I can tell when she’s upset, and it’s happening more than usual.

(Y/N) has always been kind to me. Even when I was at the peak of my stammering, slicked-back hair phase, she treated me with more respect than I deserved. I can only imagine how awkward I must’ve been (or, still am), and I thank her for not belittling me.

I guess I’m validating the Benjamin Franklin Effect when I say this— but I feel like I owe it to her to ask what’s wrong. Over the years I’ve built up (arguably) the closest friendship with her, so it only makes sense for me to bite the bullet for the team.

It’s partially due to the fact that I’ve developed a slight (if not major) crush over time, but who wouldn’t? A gorgeous, intelligent, quick-witted women is kryptonite for any person. Our conversations are always stimulating, she gives the best advice, and she’s always there to comfort a team member.

So, it pains me to see her struggle through a paperwork day. I wish she would reach out to anyone for help, but it’s not in her nature.

��H-Hi.” I smile as I approach her desk. Her tired eyes look up at me, and she smiles back.

“Hey, Reid. What’s up?

I rub the back of my neck nervously. Out of the corner of my eye I can see Morgan and Emily watching me struggle to form a sentence. They giggle as they watch.

“I-I was... um. D-do you want to get coffee with m-me? Not now! I mean— after work!” Morgan stumbles out of the bullpen, barely containing his laugh. I must sound pathetic.

(Y/N) nods hesitantly, “S-sure. I don’t know why you want to get coffee with me, but I’m free.”

“Really?” My surprise shocks her. “T-that’s gr-great! I can drive you!”

She chuckled, “I think I’d rather drive us. I’m pretty sure you can’t drive a mile without hitting a curb.”

I nod fervently. “Sounds good.”

As I make my way back to my desk, I send a glare in Emily’s direction as she continues to smirk at me.

-

(Y/N) grabs an empty table in the café, and we sit down, huddling close to our warm drinks. She orders a cinnamon latte, I order a black coffee with an unhealthy amount of sugar.

I place the drinks down. “Did you know that cinnamon is shown to reduce systolic blood pressure. It’s commonly used in South Asia and works by dilating blood vessel.”

She nods, “Surprisingly, I did know that. You’re gonna have to teach me something else, Doc.” I laugh in response, enjoying the relaxation that radiates off of her.

“I feel like we don’t get to, um, t-talk as much as I would like to.” My words get caught in my throat and she gives me a lopsided smile.

“Well, we don’t exactly have the most leisurely job.” She states, sipping her drink.

I bite my lip, she looks down. I convince myself that my mind is playing tricks on me, because there’s no way (Y/N) would glance down to watch me pull my bottom lip between my teeth.

“I know... but you used to talk more.”

“I’ve been busy lately. Tired too.” She mumbles.

I mean forward slightly, my voice is a hushed whisper. “A-are you... okay?” I’m anticipating an defensive response, but all she does is sigh.

“I’m alright. I just... I’m getting tired of being here— in D.C.”

My eyes widen and my brows knit together. “W-What! Why?”

(Y/N) shrugs, “I don’t know. I just expected to feel... really, really attached to D.C when I first moved here. I love my job, and I love you guys— but nothing’s keeping me here.”

My face drops. My disappointment is adamant because she scrambles to reassure me.

“It’s not that I don’t absolutely love working with you guys. You’re my best friend, Spencer. But... I came to D.C to... I don’t know... settle down.” It comes out as more of a question rather a statement. “It’s sounds weird, right? Me, settling down?” She laughs. “I-I don’t mean a husband and a family necessarily. I moved here because I wanted to belong somewhere.”

“You don’t feel like you belong?”

“I feel... I feel like everything I have right now is temporary. It’s not the feeling I expected to have. I just want to have something permanent in my life for once.”

I remain silent, lacking the proper response.

“Please don’t tell anyone!” She pleaded.

I smile solemnly, “I won’t. I promise.”

In that moment, I make another promise. Not just to (Y/N), but to myself. I’m going to show her how many things she has here for her in D.C.

I’m going to prove how much I believe she belongs.

-

I started by bringing her coffee each morning— a cinnamon latte from the same café we went to.

The first time she seemed pleasantly surprised. I sped through the doors of the bullpen, my coat and slacks absolutely soaked due to the rainy D.C weather. She giggled at the sight of my hair plastered to my forehead. I was certain that I looked like a wet dog.

“Morning!” I greeted, placing down both cups of coffee on her desk so I could fix my hair. “I-uh-I got you coffee. A cinnamon latte, of course.”

(Y/N) smiles brightly, “You’re the best. Thanks, Reid. I definitely needed this.”

Hotch and Rossi are watching me curiously, pretending not to look up from their files. At this moment, I could care less.

“It’s n-nothing.” Suddenly I’m blushing furiously under the weight of her stare.

“Thanks, again.” She clears her throat, “Y-you’re a really good friend.”

She smiles. And I smile.

-

In the next three weeks, (Y/N) and I grow closer at a rate faster then ever. I try to do something small for her everyday. Finishing up a file for her; Bringing her coffee or water; Sitting next to her on the jet. It appears to be working— she looks much more relaxed and happy. Her sarcastic humor is back and she engages more with the team.

We’ve decided to hang out after today. I find myself enjoying every minute with her, even if all we do is talk, eat, and walk around aimlessly. I’m sure she’s tired of me, but my infatuation with her only grows.

Tonight, we’re sitting at the park, watching people on their late night jogs, dog walkers, babysitters. We finished eating Indian food at a local restaurant. Turns out we’re both regulars at the same place, it’s a shame we haven’t run into each other.

She’s sitting criss-cross on the bench, her elbow rested on top of her knee. “You know,” She starts, “D.C is pretty great. I don’t think I’ve felt this... content in a while.”

I smile, even if it’s too dark for her to see. “Th-thanks. D.C is a great place, despite averaging 39 inches of rain annually.”

She means her head back against the bench. “I still don’t know. I feel like I’m just waiting for something. I don’t even know what that something is... a sign maybe?”

“A sign?” I laugh.

“Y-yeah... a sign. I’d usually make a pros and cons list and research the differences between the two places but... this decision feels too personal to look at it as just statistics.”

In this very moment, I decide to toss all my concerns, questions, what if’s, into the wind. This is my final move; my last resort; my Hail Mary.

My hands are trembling, and it takes me seconds to force the words out of my throat.

“W-well, besides the higher cost of living and considerably gloomy weather, D.C can be a p-pretty great place to reside. It has a busy political culture and is one of the most diverse states in the country.” I pause for a little longer than necessary.

“But, besides statistics and facts, if w-we look past objectivity, to me: D.C is where my friends are, and my friends are my family. Um... I like The City because it’s home to so many great people. A-and I know it’s hard to see the good in things considering how much violence we see on a daily basis, but certain people make me believe that things aren’t all that bad.”

(Y/N)‘a listening attentively, making me even more nervous than I thought possible. “D.C— The City— is beautiful. It’s charming. It’s a warm, cinnamon latte on a rainy day, o-or a late night walk in the park. To me, it’s home.” I catch her smirking a little bit, and I can only hope that she understands what I’m trying to say.

“Plus, The City is really good at her job. The City’s an excellent profiler. But, the city’s an even better friend, and an even better person. It doesn’t hurt that The City has great hair, and gorgeous eyes, and a perfect smile. And, she does this cute thing where she twists the ends of her hair, even if I keep telling her to stop. The City’s beautiful and definitely out of my league. She probably wants nothing to with me now, but I don’t care. I really like The City. And, even if she doesn’t like me back, she should stay, because there are so many people that like and love The City. ‘Cause who wouldn’t.”

(Y/N) is full on grinning right now, and it’s hard to stay patient when so much is on the line.

“Wow.” She giggles. “You really like The City.”

I chuckled awkwardly, “Y-yeah. I really do.”

“I mean, if you think The City’s so great, maybe I should stay. Plus, I’m sure The City likes you too.”

I feign confusion, “Really? I don’t know... The City can be kind of closed off sometimes.”

“Trust me— The City definitely likes you back. And I don’t think The City appreciates you saying that about her”

“Oh really?” I gasp. “Let’s ask her.”

I turn my head around, then proceed to look back at (Y/N) in the most dramatic fashion.

“Hey.” I laugh.

“Oh, Hi Dr. Reid!” She feigns surprise to match my frivolousness.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, b-but I really like you. And, a little birdy told me that you like me back.”

She laughs heartily, “Well, that little birdy is a pretty reliable source.”

Soon, her head is resting on my shoulder. My body’s stiff and the air is caught in my lungs, but I feel more content than I have in years. Somehow the weather is warmer, and the sun is brighter, and things just seem... better.

“This is a great city.” She mumbles, peering up at me in the most adorable fashion.

“Yeah,” I smile, “It really is.”

-

“Pawnee’s a really special town, I love living there. And, I look forward to the moments in my day where I get to hang out with the town, and talk to the town about stuff. The town has really nice blonde hair too. And, it’s read a shocking number of political biographies for a town, which I like.” - Ben Wyatt

[lovee-infected]

Part 2!

Kalim al asim

Giving: Gifts

What would you wish for? Doesn’t matter! As long Kalim has got it doesn’t matter he doesn’t not care how worthy, rare or expensive it is. If it’s what his darling is asking for, he no longer cares; if he’s got what it takes to make you happy he won’t resist the urge to give it up for you.

No one ever matters to him like you do. You’re the one and only, his dearest being and the worthiest treasure he could’ve ever asked for. It’s only by love that one can realize all the money and wealth worthless if you’ve got no one by your side. Someone to talk to, someone to laughs with, someone to cry with, someone that cannot be bought by money.

Those whom you care for are and are cared for by are man’s greatest property, which he is willing to protect. He doesn’t want to ever lose or see you sad, you deserve nothing but all the best. You’re the brightness of his life, and happiness of his days. At this point anything and everyone but you seem to be pretty worthless. He’s ready to give up on his everything for his darling, and he’s just asking for one thing in return: you.

Giving and receiving: Quality time

It’s pretty rare of him to be spending time with anyone else than you while he doesn’t have to; if he ever has a choice you’ll be the decision. He understands that you two can’t be sticking to each other 24/7 but would appreciate it if you could’ve been together more than you already can; he tries to set his schedule based on your and switches classes to match your plans so when you’re free he won’t have anything to do either.

He’d love it if he could be classmates too but that doesn’t seem really easy to approach, therefore he should get used to it. First thing he needs after a tiring day and sometimes sad is his darling; your beautiful smile on its own would surely brighten his day no matter how tired he is.

Though sometimes it’s the other way, you might not be as energetic as usual. If you ask him to leave you alone, he’d respect your opinion even as it breaks his hard. And if you don’t ask him to leave, he’d stay. If silence is what you need he won’t say a word, and if you need a listener he’d be all ears. He understands that you could’ve treated him like anyone else out there, like a normal friend or even a stranger passing by. Yet you let him of all people in and trusted him with your feelings, he feels so special. He’s thankful that you’re there for him and wishes to be always there for you in return.

Jamil Viper

Giving: Acts of service

He often tells you that he always hated having to babysit Kalim around. He didn’t ever like the feeling of being a servant, made him feel so empty and worthless. Yet he doesn’t seem to be thinking so when it comes to you, in contrast to Kalim he doesn’t really seem to mind helping you out even if it’s too much sometimes.

Of course he’d like his darling to have a rather strong personality so he’ll love you even more if you’re the type to handle yourself on your own, but if you ever need help with something, he’d be the first person to realize and will br surprisingly eager to help you out. He would be in serious trouble if anything happens to Kalim, but he’d be a lot worse if anything happens to you.

Growing up with Kalim has indirectly increased his protectiveness towards ones he cares for, sometimes to the point of doing everything he does for Kalim for you as well; you can say that it’s lowkey became part of his nature now. He doesn’t see it as overworking though, your troubles aren’t much and are rather taken care of easily. That’s nothing for him. In fact he just seeks his darling’s safety and wealth and with the way he serves you on it, you seem to be nothing lower than a Queen/King to him.

Receiving: Words of affirmation

It’s sometimes hard to understand what he truly needs; he mostly talks about him wishing to be left on his own for some time or being able to travel around the word alone. It’s okay to assume that he prefers to be on his own when he needs to but in reality, there are ways to make him enjoy being with another one when he’s feeling bitter as well.

Main reason of him asking to be left alone is that no one really makes him feel better when he needs to, they just seem to be a pain… repeatedly asking him to talk about what’s bothering him. He feels so misunderstood. He doesn’t need someone to question him over the details, all he needs is to feel better, to be understood. You’ve seen his pain and sorrow better than anyone else has, so no one can ever help him better than you can. He hates speaking about his problems therefore his darling needs to be wise enough to realize what’s wrong through his behaviors.

Tell him that you know what’s bothering him, that you understand his frustration and pain. Let him know that he won’t be judged for getting off his chest; doesn’t matter if it’s about the unfairness of his terms with Kalim for the hundredth time or a new student that has been getting on his nerves lately, all that matters is him feeling safe to talk.When he needs to hear you, phrase him. Make him feel almighty and important, he enjoys the feeling. He’s not a sadistic and power thirsty monster wanting to be respected and worshiped by the whole world, he’s just a young boy who deserves more attention and respect after all he’s been going through for so long.

Vil Schoenheit

Giving: Acts of service

As your partner he’s responsible toward you and your act, your problmes are also his, he shall not let you go through them all on your own. Know that he’s always there to support you no matter what and of course, Vil Schoenheit is the type of guy to step on anyone getting on his, or his darling’s way like a roach.

This isn’t all he’s up to though, helping you deal with such random problems is pretty simple compared to all the things he’d willingly do for you. He knows what he’s doing, so you’d better listen. While he can be quite protective over the way you look, what you eat, how much you sleep and what kind of skincare routines you follow, know that your beauty and health is all he cares for.

Of course he’s got other standards as well. He tends to lead his darling into having their appearance alongside with theirmanners improved; he genuinely supports them into developing a better personality. Manners and behaviors are greatly important.Doesn’t matter if you’re totally new to his strict dos and don'ts or not, he’s got the patience and enthusiasm to teach you everything step by step, never in a hurry. While he might take it hard on you so you’ll slowly learn to get used to the routine, he doesn’t mean it to bring you pain and frustration under his rules, therefore he’s always careful not to go too far. Beside that, he’s really into spoiling you.

He doesn’t mind spending hours applying your makeup or helping you get dressed. Time seems to be pretty worthless at this point. You’ll all that matters so when he says that he cares for nobody like he cares for you, know that he means it.

Receiving: Quality time

He does really enjoy being phrased and told that ‘how stunning he looks’ all the time; appreciation isn’t something you should deny, after all. Though he really loves it when you as well are fond of his beauty and tell him how breathtaking he is, he still prefers to actually spend time with you rather than just hearing words. He’s already aware that many are around him are just trying to take advantage; thinking that Vil is one to be easily fooled by just being worshiped by a bunch of dogs like them. Also: He doesn’t need anyone to tell him how gorgeous he is, he already knows it anyway.

While Vil enjoys leaving others breathless by his outstanding elegance and beauty, he isn’t gullible at all; he’d easily find out if someone truly cares for him or is just faking it. Vil wants you to spend more time with him; he doesn’t insist on you doing anything special or trying to make a big deal out of it. As long as you’re doing fine and he gets to see you everyday it’s fine. He just wants to make sure that you enjoy spending time with him just as he does, he does care if his darling still loves him or not.

To add to that, he loves spending time with you as well. Sometimes it’s also an opportunity for him to get flirty, or even soft. He likes to leave small braids on your hair when you two aren’t doing anything special, just sitting together and enjoying the quiet pace.

Rook Hunt

Giving: Words of affirmation

Probably the most romantic guy within this list, isn’t he? Being in a love relationship with Rook has got a fairytale aesthetic which is pretty rare to be seen these days. He wants to show you the love you’ve read through stories; to him at least, tales of eternal lovers who sing of each other’s love are way more than simple stories.

He finds words quiet powerful and strong, sometimes sharper an arrow’s blade. Words can kill, words can heal. And he’d make sure to have his words chosen rightly therefore his darling would never stop loving him back. Not a single soul dislikes being phrased, the only point is finding the right way of doing it.

Telling you how much he loves you everyday? Of course. Taking his time to recite you love poems which will probably have you weak? Why not. Writing you love letters and leaving them on your bed before you return home? Sure then.

You are beautiful and absolutely lovely, you surely deserve to be loved and cherished like he does. Better know French, because he’s planning to convert his secret love massages in french, though he’d enjoy it more if you end up having to look up the words in dictionary and suddenly melt as you realize what Rook has told in French. Oh god, just how much he loves it when his words leave you all blushy and flustered. So adorable, so cute.

Receiving: Quality time

He obviously appreciates each and every of his seconds spent beside you, talking, walking, sleeping and even nothing more than him silently following you, which you won’t necessarily be aware of. He lives the life of a hunter and has spent most of his time silently watching, doesn’t matter if it’s a poor prey or just another ordinary human being passing by, he enjoys it anyway.

And just what may more entertaining than watching you, his favorite person of all people? It can sound both romantic creepy and romantic at the same time, but his darling should know better; Rook can be obsessed and his obsessions aren’t necessarily the safest.

There’s a pretty low chance of it, but he’d definitely love it if you, his darling, have got the same unhealthy tastes as him, even in lower terms. He clearly enjoys stalking on people and wouldn’t mind having his darling as a partner, you’ll be a perfect due indeed. May sound mad, but he can’t help but to find it dreamy. Wouldn’t it be so romantic?

Epel Felmier

Giving: Gifts

He isn’t the best at usuing words, and his fragile body on the other hand often holds him back from helping you with chores as much as he’s willing to, which lowkey frustrates him. Best he can do for his darling is to show his love and affection through gifts; something that doesn’t need a masculine body to be afforded and is also a great way for you to remember him.

If he’s got a chance, he’d go for something expensive and luxurious such as perfumes, jeweleries, shoes and if possible, something huge like a car or motorcycle. He can have a pretty imagination about what he wants to give you but reality often bounds him to small, simple gifts he can actually afford.

It makes him feel really bad that he can’t give you the gift you deserve but still doesn’t feel to come up with something that shakes your heart. He’d mostly go with making matching bracelets for both of you to wear or baking homemade apple pies using his family recipes. If possible he leaves another small gift or a love letter too when he hands his gifts to you, shyly asking you to accept them with a pink blush all over his face. His gifts may not be perfect, but they’re surely cute and sweet. Just like Epel himself.

Receiving: Words of affirmation

He often tries to hide it but it’s pretty obvious; Epel is an affectionate boy. While he hates getting go be called soft and being open about his feelings with most of the people around him, he doesn’t you babysitting him at all.

People around him often make him feel insecure and dumb, especially as they look down on him because of his appearance and sensitive attitude; perhaps this explains some of his aggressive behaviors at the time.

He doesn’t mind being open about his fears and pain around you because you don’t humiliate him like many did, you never even called him weak. He doesn’t feel like a helpless baby around you. Having you around, he realizes that he’s really got a lot he needs to get off his chest. For so long, Epel has needed someone to be there for him when needs to, someone to share his tears and laughters with.

Sometimes all he needs is a warm embrace and being told that everything’s going to be fine, and the only one Epel wants to hear these words coming from is you.

Idia Shroud

Giving: Quality time

He wants to be left alone, everyone knows it. He would’ve immediately asked anyone in his room to leave if it wasn’t you. You’re an exception. Calling you into his room might seem to be no big deal since it’s just the two of you in a room, but know that you’re one of the very few people who’d ever gotten to be this close to him.

He does chitchat but isn’t really good at long conversations. He still needs to have his social skills improved but yet he wants to take advantage since he feels comfortable around you. He may just ask you over to watch him while he plays video games in silence, but it’s not a bother.

The point is him wanting to spend his time with you instead of just locking himself as usual. You’ve got to be so very special to him to get this close without him holding you back. Know that letting people around him is the hardest thing Idia can ever do, yet he still lets you and only you into his safe zone.

Receiving: Physical touch

Why would anyone ever want to touch him anyway? He is isolated, cold and socially awkward. People on the other hand either call him dumb or find him creepy. Social media was the only solution to overcome his lack of communication, a way to be somehow accepted as a independent being but- Physical touch isn’t something you can get online.

He may not realized it but he wants it so bad: He needs it. He needs to be hugged, he needs to be kissed, he needs to be touched. But not everyone can be trusted with it, it’s too hard for him to let someone in after locking himself away from the whole world all this time.

If he lets you in, know that you’re the only one who can give him the love he seeks. Hold him tight, make him touch you back and feel you, it’s all new to him so be the teacher who learns him how it should be. He needs time getting used to it, even with simplest of stuff like holding hands.He needs to take baby steps in love so make sure to take it slow with him. Let him get used to being touched and touching you back, let him embrace the pleasure of having you close, to feel that he loves someone who loves him back.

Malleus Draconia

Giving and receiving: Gifts

Malleus isn’t one to easily fall in love but if once ne does, he’d to do anything they can to make his darling person happy and to immerse themselves into these feelings. He’s totally acceptive toward anything his darling wants; ask him and he’d shower you in roses and diamonds.

His gifts ore always delicate and unique; when he decides on giving you jeweleries, for example, know that it’s going to be extremely glamorous and charming, no need to mention that it will be no cheap either. No one’s willing to bring happiness and wealth to your life like he does; he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make his darling smile, anything for you.

While he’s quite dedicated in serving you like his beloved prince/princess when he gives you a gift, he’s pretty affectionate and soft toward simple gifts which many may find silly. His attachment to his small tamagotchi can be a good example of it; it isn’t just him being hooked with his childhood interests after leaving for decades, but it’s rather a sign of how much a single gift can mean to him.

Whatever you give him, even as it’s something as simple as a paper flower or friendship bracelet, he’d make sure to take his best care of it, he may even put magical spells on them so they won’t be easily destroyed or ruined. If possible, he’d be always holding your gift as a lucky charm in his pocket. Doesn’t matter how silly the gift is, it’s still something from you, his dearest ever. To add to that, it’s also a sign of you thinking about him, which is enough for the Fae to be satisfied.

Receiving: Quality time

It still fascinates him to see that you aren’t scared of him. Do you really fail to see the monster he hides within? Would you still love him even as you know that deep inside, he’s nothing but pure evil?

You were such a mystery, ever since you stepped into Malleus’s life. The moment he saw you, he knew that there was something different about you; something that separated you from the rest of the world though he didn’t know what. Perhaps this was how he took his first interest in you, which ended with you being his new habit, sometimes to be called obsession.

Just after a short while talking pending time with you turned into one of his daily priorities, to the point of him having special hour saved to be spent with you and only you, no one else matters. He doesn’t want to be a bother therefore he’s much of a listener than a speaker in your normal conversations. He wouldn’t mind listening to you for hours but, know that he’d be really amazed if you get him into talking. Ask him questions:What are some of his favorite childhood memories? What does he enjoy doing the most? What was the wildest dream he’s ever had?

He may be quite confused at your questions at first since he isn’t really one to talk, but once he gets used to it, you can see that he truly enjoys sharing ideas. Is spite of his seemingly cold and unapproachable aurora, he can be quite expressive and chill. The main reason of him being silent most of the time is that no one else really cares to talk to him. Most of the people he’s got around either hate him or are too scared to say a word; most of the people except you. Spending time with you has made Malleus experience things he wasn’t ever expecting to go through, the feeling of loving someone and to be loved back is just one of them.

Lilia Vanrouge

Giving: Physical touch

He would measure his limits based on how comfortable you are with this; but it won’t ever go to the point of him not doing this at all. It can be ranged from cuddles to deep sensual touches not many would go through, depends.

He sees no point in other ways of showing love: Gifts are nothing but money wasted on normal man-made creations , words can be easily faked, you can’t say if someone considers spending time with you as ‘quality time’ or just 'wasting time’, and acts of service? It’s something Lilia has already given to many for free over the yesrs, so it’ll be no big deal.

He wants to give you the best he can ever give a special one, and that’d be directly showing love to you. Not that he’d always go wild with it, it might just be you sleeping on his lap after a long day or kissing you on the forehead when you tell him how much you love him. The question is, how wild do you want him to be?

Receiving: Words of affirmation

He can’t deny the fact that he finds pleasure in being phrased again after all these years. It’s rare for him to be judged as anything else than weirdo or sassy grandpa these days; so if you are going to be the one doing otherwise he’d make sure to take the opportunity.

He wants to bahave as he wishes to, anything he enjoys doing even when others consider him a weirdo because of them. So he doesn’t really mind others shallowing his wise sides because of his late wild habits.

If you can still get to see his hidden strength and intelligence, you’re surely something. Lilia would love their darling to try not to judge them based on appearance but rather personality; to be able to see his true brilliance. Phrasing might somehow end up in being worshiped but he doesn’t mind it at all, keep going. The more you say , the more he likes. But, don’t let it get to the point of him taking advantage of you, giving him -too much- power isn’t always a good idea.

Silver

Giving: Acts of service

That’s what he’s got to do, protecting you at all cost. You mean the world to him and he’s ready to give up on his all for you. Doesn’t matter what you’re having a problem with, he must help you with it and make sure to make a progress through it.

He might sometimes be overly protective due to his concerns, but don’t hold him back when he is. He just means to help you. He’d normally escort you to the classes and back to your dorm whenever he’s free, even if you insist on that being unnecessary since you can take care of yourself, but he isn’t hearing a word of it. One can never be too prepared.

His will to protect you cannot be measured by words , and his own self be the first he’d hate if anything bad ever happens to you.

Receiving: Quality time

He often decides to keep it in, but he does need someone to at least talk with.

He’s been raised by a fae and spent most of his life with far-from-humantity creatures; he didn’t ever get to have a real friend of his own specie, someone who wouldn’t judge or look down to him for being a human.

His darling would probably be someone who can make up for the pain and loneliness he’s been feeling over the years by giving him the love and attention he deserves. He isn’t asking for much , just having you around whenever he needs to will do. It’ll often end up with him falling asleep in your embrace but know that it’s going to be a peaceful sleep; nothing calms his busy mind down like you and your sweet words would do.

Sebek Zigvolt

Giving: Acts of service

He is doing his best; for his people, for Malleus, for you . He’s ready to kill or die whenever he needs to, he’s ready to lose it all because of you . He doesn’t care of hard it would be, he must protect and help you at all cost, all of you.

He might sound a bit dramatic over it but he does mean it when he says that doesn’t want to be alive without you. His existence is bound to yours , because he lives for you. He worships you. Even as his darling ends up being a bit toxic he can’t help but to obey like a good puppy.

He often goes to far with it but there’s no way of you changing this about him; it’s his nature to put those he truly cares for before himself. To him, the best way to show love is to prove your loyalty and reliability to your beloved, therefore they can trust you as their lover and ally.

Receiving: Words of affirmation

He is always working his hardest, yet the fear of not being enough keeps on hauting him. He may look rough on the outside, but he’s no more than a little anxious puppy on the inside.

A very single compliment from you is enough to make him drown in happiness and pride, knowing that you’re satisfied with how he’s doing as you motivate him to continue to get stronger. Let him know that you don’t want him to over work himself to the point of losing it; tell him that you love him as he is.

He tries not to show how your words make his heart melt but would always fail to. He doesn’t shout it out loud, but that’s in fact what he really wants : To be accepted, and loved.

[tsukibraun]

Pragma Love; Jean Kirschtein x reader

genre: angst, hurt/comfort, fluff

type: series, blurb

summary: you and jean slowly develop feelings for each other over time, but you both quickly learn that love isn’t as easy as you thought

warnings: feelings of worthlessness (you get better in the end tho cause you’re a legend, obviously)

listen to: Crush- Yuna, Usher

part 1/2

read part 2 here!

Self-worth is a tricky thing. You have to know when to be humble and when to humble others. You have to be able to determine what’s just a small flaw in someone’s personality and what’s them trying to walk all over you. You have to have enough love and respect for yourself without becoming a complete narcissist. You have to know what type love you deserve and how to reject the love you don’t like. And when someone tries to challenge your worth, you have to be ready to honestly defend yourself.

This is something you’d struggled with for a long time. It wasn’t easy being able to discern people’s intentions or to come up with a reason for why they treated you the way they did. Yeah, sure, this person could just be a total jerk, or you could’ve done something to deserve the harsh treatment. Maybe you really hurt them without realizing; maybe they’re just reacting that way to defend themselves. They could be a bad person, but what if it was the other way around? You never wanted to assume anything about anyone, but in recent years you’ve learned that sometimes that’s what you have to do.

That was the first thing you noticed about Jean. You witnessed the fight he’d had with Eren in the lunchroom one night. They both retaliated back at each other, but there was something different about the way he was doing it. Eren was clearly angry and wouldn’t let someone challenge his opinions, but Jean- Jean was beyond confident. He wasn’t threatened at all by Eren or his opinions; in fact, it seemed Jean knew he was right, at least in his head, and didn’t mind letting someone know that. He was confident in himself, like he knew he’d come out as the victor; but even if he didn’t, you had a feeling he wouldn’t be too bothered by it. He seemed like the type to just be proud of making his point.

At that time, you couldn’t imagine getting into an argument like that with someone. If they disagreed with you, even if you were clearly right, you would just let it go. ‘There’s no reason to put up a fight’, you’d say, ‘they have a valid reason to think what they think’. Even if they persisted after you clearly would not retaliate, you’d either end up agreeing with them to get them off your back or just sit and take it. Confrontation wasn’t an option and must be avoided at all costs, even if you weren’t the one that started it.

That was the first thing Jean noticed about you.

You were very quiet and laid-back; you often didn’t say much when you guys were in groups. You would just sit back and listen, quietly laughing at jokes from time to time. You weren’t quiet forever, though. After a couple of months you started to open up more; not too much, but it was progress. Little by little you would start to engage in group discussion, agreeing with someone, cracking a joke, or adding to the conversation in general. He thought it was so weird. You clearly had a lot more to say but you just...didn’t. You always bit your tongue and let someone else say it, or just let the idea disappear entirely. He didn’t pester you at first, though. He wanted to see how you would come out on your own.

There was one night, though, where he was really irked by your shyness.

It was late the night before an expedition. You guys were supposed to be asleep by then, but the night before a mission is always a restless one. While some scouts were responsible enough to get some shut eye, you, Jean, Berdolt, Reiner, Mikasa, Eren, Sasha, Krista, and Ymir had other plans. All of you sat in the lunchroom, making casual conversation. It was simple things, like games you would play as kids, things you hated, funny stories from before you became scouts. Eventually, though, you began to discuss your current reality. At first it began with the EDM gear, talking about improvements, how hard it was to use, what you liked about it, etc. Then you came to the topic of Titans. Many different things were talked about here, but there was one question that made everyone tense up: If you could only save your family or fellow cadet, who should you pick?

Ymir asked this question, of course, smirking at the change in atmosphere. This was a very sensitive question for many reasons, but you didn’t think too much of it. Everyone is different with their own experiences and reasons for why or why they wouldn’t do certain things. Eren was the first to answer. “What kind of question is that? You’d save your family, obviously.” No one answered for a while, each person contemplating their answer. “Do you guys seriously have to think about this?” Eren pestered. Finally, Jean answered. “As much as I can’t stand you, Eren, I’ll have to agree with you on this one.”

Everyone else began to give their answers and it started a small debate, but you were still thinking. Jean wondered if you were just gonna sit this one out again, and honestly the idea irritated him. But to his surprise (and everyone else’s) you gave an answer. “I’d save the cadet.” Everyone went quiet and stared at you, somewhat because they were shocked you answered, and somewhat shocked of your answer. Eren in particular didn’t like it. “Are you serious? You’d pick a soldier over your own family?” The tone in his voice made you anxious, but you still decided to explain yourself.

“Well, it’s not like I don’t love my family or anything but...in most cases, the cadet is more important...in practical ways at least. I’d obviously try to save my family afterwards but-“

“How heartless are you?” He interrupted. You felt a lump form in your throat as you predicted the confrontation that was about to ensue. “How could you say that? A soldier is more important than your mother, then? Sister? Father?” You gulped, trying your best not to freak out in front of everyone. You took a couple seconds to make sure he was done before speaking again. “Well...I don’t really view you all as just soldiers,” you trailed off looking at your feet, “I do care about all of you. I don’t hold the people I care about one against the other. I care for each of them all the same.”

“So, in this certain scenario, although I would never want my family to die, saving the soldier is more practical. They’re an extra set of hands, skill, thinking ability- we all know how devastating it is to lose a soldier. Everything becomes incessantly harder. What if they were really needed for future fights? What if they were an important asset? And, if I were able to save them, they could help me possibly save my family.” You finally looked up for a second, seeing everyone’s reaction to your words. You immediately looked somewhere else so you could finish your point.

“Saving a cadet isn’t just saving them, it’s also saving the rest of us. If I were to go after my family, what other things would I miss? More Titans coming? A retreat?A change of plan? And even if I did save them, it’s another liability.” You finally looked Eren in the eyes, seeing his clenched fist and strong glare. “Unfortunately, in this world, we can’t always go after what we want. Sometimes we have to go after what we need, even if that means losing something we want. Our decisions don’t just affect us- they affect everyone.”

A long silence followed the end of your tangent. This was the most you’d ever said in one go, and they didn’t quite know how to take it. They didn’t know you had such detailed thinking, either. They shared glances with each other before some began to speak again. “You know,” Berdolt said rubbing his chin, “when you put it like that, I can see your point.”

“Yeah,” Krista agreed, “I’m not sure I would do the same thing, but I can see where you’re coming from.” Eren scoffed. “You guys are delusional. The only reason you’re agreeing with her is because you pity her.” You straightened up, palms sweating. He could be right; you saw the looks on their faces when you were done. They could just be trying to keep you from feeling dumb. Before you could say anything else, Jean came to your defense. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” He asked, cocking his head to the side and leaning forward.

“You know exactly what I mean,” Eren continued, “the girl never says anything!”

“And so what if she doesn’t,” Jean asked, “she’s not bothering you. Why do you care so much?”

“I don’t-“

“Then leave her alone,” he interrupted, “She’s allowed to have her own opinion just like the rest of us. If you’re gonna get that pissed about it, maybe you should go to sleep.” Eren quickly stood up, ready to fight with Jean again, but Mikasa quickly stopped him. You looked between the two of them not quite sure of what to do; you decided not to say anything more to Eren since you had clearly made him upset. Instead, you quietly tapped Jean’s arm and gave a quiet “Thank you.” He gave you a small smile. “Don’t mention it. You know, though,” he said leaning closer to you, “you really need to learn to stick up for yourself. You can’t be so quiet all the time or else stuff like this is gonna keep happening.” He was so close you swore he could hear your unsteady heart rate; still, you returned his word with a small smile and nod.

Ever since then, you two were close.

It wasn’t necessarily a closeness that was outwardly established between you two, it was just there. If he saw you getting anxious, depending on the situation, he would invite you over to where he was. If not, he would give you a certain look, similarly to asking if you were okay or telling you everything was okay. You sat close to each other during meals; if one of you had a smaller portion than the other, you would give a piece of your meal without saying anything. You made sure you were in eyeshot of each other, whether that be on an expedition or simple training. It wasn’t an obsessive thing, just comforting.

Being around Jean made you open up more. Slowly, you began to be okay with showing others who you were. You began to talk louder, laugh more, speak your mind (with tact, of course), and stand your ground. It wasn’t to Jean’s level, but it was there. You noticed other small differences, too. If you needed help with something, you weren’t afraid to ask for it. You could come into a conversation without overthinking it. You began to speak to other people first instead of waiting for them to speak to you. You could walk up to a group of people without feeling like you were intruding. You were able to really live, now. And it was with his help.

The more you came out of your shell, the more Jean absolutely adored you. Sometimes he would be the one to sit back and observe; he would watch you talk and laugh with everyone and be completely infatuated with you. Your laugh, your smile, your humor, your kindness, your little mannerisms; the more and more he was with you, the more he realized he was in love with you. Completely in love with you. So much so it actually started to hurt.

Although he loved being around you, knowing that any of the cadets could have a chance of sweeping you off your feet frustrated him. Since you came out, everyone noticed your charm. The boys had complimented you a couple times, to which Jean told them all to shut up. He wanted to tell you how he felt, and he eventually would, but he had no idea when. He had to use tact like you did so you wouldn’t be too shocked and reject him, but he wasn’t quite sure how. Although you two were close, he had no idea what you wanted in a guy, especially not how you’d want to be confessed to. You didn’t seem to want much from anyone, but there was a part of you he didn’t know yet; the romantic part- that part of you with anyone was completely closed off. He didn’t want to ask you, either, because it was clearly something you weren’t too comfortable talking about.

He had no idea what to do, which was a pretty rare occurrence, at least when it came to women. Either way, he was going to tell you. He just had to figure out when.

Meanwhile, you were completely ignoring your feelings for Jean. Although you were a lot more open with everyone, there were certain parts you kept from them, even from yourself. You noticed the butterflies in your stomach, a different type of longing for his presence, him popping up in your head at random times. You knew how you felt about him, but you continued to lie to yourself. “It’s nothing,” you’d say, “I’m just overthinking it.”

You’d noticed him staring at you with a certain look in his eyes; the way he’d smile at you, the way he’d purposely brush your hands together when walking by, him being more protective and watchful of you- it was little stuff, but clearly different than what it’d been before.

And you absolutely loved it.

You didn’t notice, but you began to do the same thing. Smiling at him if you saw him sleep, fussing at him if he ever got hurt, making sure he had everything he needed at all times, fixing his collar or hair when it was a mess; everyone else saw it except you.

One day you’d have to come to terms with how you felt, but until then, you’d deny the feelings every change you got.

***

uh...hi!! this is something pretty different from what i normally do 😅 i’m not too comfortable writing stuff like this but i’m trying my best! hopefully this was a nice introduction to this series. anyways, if you read all of it, thank you sm!! i can’t tell you how much i appreciate it. take care and stay safe!<333

[sage-nebula]

I saw a few people in the tags mention that the fandom at large seems to have latched onto Rindo (and Rinshoka) far more than Neku (and Neshiki), and seeing those people wonder at the potential reasons for that and why it is made me think about it, too. To be honest, I was also surprised at how many people seem to like Rinshoka (albeit pleasantly surprised, because I like it too), but I also found myself surprised at how many people seem attached to Rindo as a character when it’s a bit of the opposite for me. I don’t dislike Rindo, but I’m also kind of neutral on him as well, and found myself far, far more attached to Neku (as he was in the first game, at least; he’s OoC and has the personality of bleached cardboard in Neo). In thinking about it, I’ve come up with a working theory, so here are my thoughts. (Note: This is going to focus on the characters of Neku and Rindo, and not so much their respective ships. Any reference to the ships will only be made in passing.)

Essentially, I think it all comes down to character relatability.

In The World Ends With You, Neku starts off as a character who, by and large, is unlikable. That isn’t to say that no players liked him, or that it’s impossible to like him, but rather that he’s meant to be seen at the beginning as someone who, to be honest, is not a great person, at least when it comes to how it treats others. Neku doesn’t just shut people out, he does so aggressively; he tells them to shut up, to screw off, he refuses to listen to anything others have to say and will flat out leave in the middle of someone talking to him. Although he’s not happy with the idea of murdering someone, he’s willing to do so if it means protecting his own life. And if Neku only behaved this way toward characters that the player also didn’t like or trust, that would be one thing, but he doesn’t. Neku treats Shiki, Beat, and (to a lesser extent) Rhyme like garbage at the beginning of Week 1. He expresses disdain and dislike of NPCs that the player probably likes and finds cool, like 777. He’s written in such a way that the player is meant to look at him and say, “God, this guy needs an attitude adjustment and I hope he gets one soon.”

What I mean to say is: To the vast majority of the audience, Neku is not relatable, and therefore he is not an audience surrogate.

Yes, we learn about the Game at the same time that Neku does, because he has Game-induced amnesia and doesn’t remember anything beside his own name. But although his amnesia is a convenient device to teach the player about the Game, Neku has such a strong personality and such strong characterization that the average player cannot self-insert into him to any degree. The Prince calls Neku a “spicy tuna roll” because of the way he dresses, but in truth that descriptor does fit Neku in the sense that his personality straight up kicks you in the teeth because of how strong it is. Even as he develops and becomes less of a jerkass to everyone he meets over the course of the game (to the point where no, he’s no longer willing to murder to protect his own life at the end), it’s still impossible to implant yourself or random characteristics onto him because his characterization still comes through so strong. He’s more patient with Beat, but he still doesn’t hesitate to say that Beat sneezes like an elephant to the point of blocking out Uzuki’s instructions, or to scream “WHAT THE HELL” when he wakes up in the Scramble Crossing yet again at the end of the game. He is still undeniably, unashamedly Neku. And while that is fantastic from a writing standpoint, it can be hard for the average player to relate to, and certainly impossible to self-insert into.

But with Rindo, it’s a different story. Don’t misunderstand, Rindo does have a personality of his own. But while he has his own moments of sarcasm, his personality is, on the whole, much milder than Neku’s. Rindo, for instance, never acts aggressively toward characters that the average player wouldn’t want him to. The closest he gets to doing so is when he acts aggressively toward Shoka in Week 2, but even then, she’s a Reaper and there’s a good chance the average player would be on his side even if they like her as an antagonist. He also mistrusts Kanon, but he does so at a stage in the Game where the other team leaders have betrayed the Wicked Twisters, and he doesn’t act overtly hostile toward her either, unlike how Neku acted toward Shiki and Beat in Week 1. Rindo’s display of mistrust toward Kanon and Shoka is something the average player might relate to, versus be put-off by.

Whereas the Neku that players first meet in The World Ends With You is someone that they would hope gets an attitude adjustment posthaste, Rindo doesn’t incite that reaction. Rindo’s biggest issue is the indecision caused by his anxiety disorder, and not only is that a relatable problem for far more people than trauma-induced hostility is, but the biggest impact that it has on the game is inducing the Replay function when something has inevitably gone wrong. Rindo is nice enough to most people upon meeting them, even though he keeps his distance (while still staying close enough to remain in the conversation). He’s quiet. He’s indecisive, but very amenable to other people’s suggestions. He’s nerdy, in that he likes mobile games, and his best friend is someone he knows wholly through online interactions (Swallow). If Neku is a spicy tuna roll, then Rindo is a California roll: still tasty, but far more mild, and a little sweet. Goes down far more easily and is far more tasty to a wider range of people. Rindo’s characterization is there, but mild and relatable enough so that he can function as an audience surrogate, and does so.

What all of this means is that while Neku is a character that might put-off a good chunk of the audience before his development due to how strong of a personality he is, Rindo is a character that would instead draw those audience members in because they can relate to him, and thus feel his struggles as their own. The surge of popularity that Rinshoka has experienced could potentially also be a result of this: people love Shoka, and they relate to Rindo, and so they want Rindo to date Shoka because they want to date Shoka. (In a non-creepy way for older fans, I would hope.) Whereas with Neshiki, people are far less likely to relate to Neku to the same extent, and so who he ends up with is of less of a consequence to them because they don’t have that same attachment. Even if they like Shiki, they’re just as likely to ship ShikiEri or some other Shiki ship, because Neku isn’t necessarily the common denominator here.

Of course, all of this is speaking generally and doesn’t apply to everyone who likes Rindo and/or Rinshoka. I mean, I like Rinshoka, and I don’t have any bias toward Rindo at all. If anything, I like Rinshoka because it would make Shoka happy, and I feel she deserves all the happiness, haha. But I do think that Rindo’s comparative mildness and easy of audience surrogacy in comparison to Neku’s absolutely plays a factor in the wider audience latching onto him so quickly. He’s meant to be latched onto. He’s not meant to make the player go “what is this guy’s problem” like Neku is meant to in the beginning of The World Ends With You. And this makes sense, because Neo doesn’t actually hinge on Rindo’s ability to get his shit together. Although his final decision to go back and attempt to save his friends along with Shibuya is what wins the day, it is far and away not the only thing that wins the day, versus Neku’s growth being what makes Joshua decide not to erase Shibuya after all. Neo was far less character-driven than the original game was, and as a result, the central character didn’t need to be as dynamic as he was the first time around, and audience reactions have adjusted accordingly. Or at the very least, that’s my take on it.

[tommybaholland]

complicated  

featuring: shinso 

this has been sitting in the drafts for a minute but since he’s reappeared in the anime, this seemed like the perfect time to finish writing it. this is a bit of an expansion on what i wrote for shinso in “what they’re insecure about in the relationship.” it’s not much but i think it’s an interesting concept and i hope you enjoy it!

“wow! you can really make people do whatever you want!”

“there’s a lot of villainous things you could do with that!”

“don’t brainwash us, okay?” 

he’s heard it all before. every person he meets, without a doubt, have something to say about his quirk. he’s used to it by now but that doesn’t mean he’s not bothered by it. frankly, shinso didn’t want to know what they thought. on the other hand, he was cynical. what could one say about it that didn’t sound like a backhanded compliment?  

he figured if people really thought his quirk was powerful, then he could train to be a hero and show that he can use it to help people. prove everyone wrong, especially those with more physical quirks who think he shouldn’t train in the hero course. 

there were only two people who seemed to want to fight for his dream. 

this first being mr. aizawa. of all people, the teacher of class 1A of the hero course wanted to help him. the teacher didn’t sugarcoat shinso’s performance at the sports festival. rather, he commented on shinso’s potential in the hero course, given that he could relate to the lack of a ‘flashy’ combat quirk. shinso had been training hard to use the capture weapon, his mind flashing back to what mr. aizawa said when he first received it. 

“using support items doesn’t make you helpless or handicapped. just like those who have physical quirks use them as extensions of their own bodies, you have to think of it as your own extension.”  

that was probably one of the only real compliments he had received. 

then there was you. 

he met you back when he started at ua in the general studies course. he never looked forward to starting somewhere new, especially in a course that he didn’t apply for in the first place. meeting new people was just one part of it. 

it’s not that you were different. you knew how to respect boundaries. you didn’t say anything about his quirk but even then, it didn’t really matter because this wasn’t the hero course. people still asked. he didn’t see the point. 

you paid him attention in other ways. you were just as observant as him and it had him wondering if that was part of your own quirk. even if he didn’t know you had noticed what he was doing, you always had something to say about it. something that wasn’t a backhanded compliment, like how he could make things or fix things easily or in creative ways.

that made him really start to think the world of you. yet he still so lucky that you were dating him. you made him believe that his destiny wasn’t set and it wasn’t too late to become a hero. the day he told you he was going to try to move into the hero course, you couldn’t be happier for him. 

“i was hoping you’d do that!” 

“yeah. it’s kinda crazy that it’s all happening.”

“that’s great, toshi. i’m so proud of you.” 

he felt warm from all your kindness and support. however, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling about you truly trusting him. he had been pretty transparent at this point about how he felt about other people and how he had been treated in the past. he was never looking for your sympathy but having you there to listen to him helped immensely. on the other hand, feeling this close to someone scared him. sometimes he wondered what would happen if he couldn’t control his quirk or something happens that compels him to do something bad to you or someone else. could he brainwash himself?

he sometimes wishes his feelings weren’t so complicated. 

“you trust me, right?” he asked, looking away. he knew the answer but he wanted to hear you say it.

“of course,” you replied without hesitation. “do you...think that i don’t?” 

“no, no. i just-- sometimes i feel like-- i don’t know.” he struggled to put it into words. or maybe he was just afraid of what would happen if he said it.

“what? what do you feel?”

he sighed. “i guess i just don’t trust myself very much and therefore i feel like you shouldn’t trust me even though you say you do.” 

“why shouldn’t i trust you?”

“i don’t know. i’ve just been thinking about training to be a hero and what if my quirk-- and it-- and something happens to you?” 

you nod in understanding. “i need you to do something that may help.”

“hm?”

“i want you to brainwash me, hitoshi.”

he looks over to you, incredulity written all over his face. 

“no. i can’t do that.”

he’s never used his quirk on any of his loved ones, the few that he has anyway. you were especially someone who he’d never want to control. it didn’t feel right to him. 

“that’s why i’m not asking you,” you reply bluntly. “i think you need to see how much i trust you but more importantly how much you trust yourself.” 

he was still in disbelief. “how do you know that this will help? what if it just causes more problems?”

“we’ll just have to see. but i know you wouldn’t do anything you’d regret.”

was this really something he had to do? this seemed so complicated. it was just another reason why he wonders how he was given this quirk. but you were right. it was already causing him doubt and mental block. something had to be done if he was planning to be a hero one day. 

he lets out one final sigh and nods. “okay.”

you grinned at him. “ready whenever you are.”

he heeds your words as the condition is met. in a split second your eyes go blank, leaving nothing but a vacant expression on your face, signaling that his quirk had you successfully in his mental hold. you sat there silently, waiting for a command. you were also very still, which surprised him a little. 

obviously, if he were using it on an unexpecting target, they’d be trying to fight it. even though you were voluntarily wanting to be brainwashed, he can’t imagine that it’s the most comfortable feeling in the world. he sat in silence with you for a few moments before speaking, his quirk still activated. 

“you can still hear me under my control but you can’t respond.”

another beat of silence as if he were expecting you to answer or nod. 

“come here.”

still under his control, you move closer to sit right next to him. he looks at your blank face, brushing some hair off your forehead before releasing you from his quirk. the beautiful color of your eyes returns, a slight gasp leaving your lips as you regain control of your own head. 

you grab the hand that’s caressing the side of your head looking down at it before your eyes meet curious purple ones. 

“are you okay?”

you nodded, the familiar grin returning on your face. 

“are you?” you returned as you leaned closer to him, your arms wrapping around his neck. 

he mimicked your response and nodded as his gaze shifted from your eyes to your lips. his arms wrapped around you as your lips connected in a slow, passionate kiss. 

it was emotional for you. hearing that he’s been hurt by all these thoughts and hoping that he would accept himself. you wondered if it was enough.

he brushed your cheek when you pulled away. your glossy eyes looked back into his, smiling at his presence. he returned the smile, something that you were hoping you would see. 

“you’re a good guy, toshi. you deserve to know that and everyone deserves to see that when you become a great hero.” 

that was the second time he had heard a genuine compliment. it wasn’t necessarily about his quirk but to him it was. 

“thank you, kitten,” he replied, hugging you tightly. he felt warm again but it felt like it was filling him to the brim. 

“i think i love you. a lot.” 

that was when your tears finally fell. 

out of everything in his life, you were the most uncomplicated. he had tangible feelings for you and they were something worth fighting for. he’s heard before that unconditional love is hard to come by. he can finally relax when he realizes he doesn’t need conditions to love you.

time for another bnha night! shinso says send requests here..

[samdotdocx]

A very long-winded essay about why I love Night in the Woods and The Ramayana makes me Big Mad ft. Lets Talk About Mental Illness™

So I was in this class called 'The Ecology of Language". Excellent class, 10/10 would recommend - and especially relevant in the Indian context in particular, but that's a topic for another day.

One of the things we talked about was the concept of 'relatibality' in media, which, I'm sure we can all agree is a large component of contemporary character or story-line development. Considering the context of modern readers, what that sometimes ends up looking like (in our society that is built on constantly being told we are lacking, and the subsequent need to satisfy manufactured desires), is some wonderfully nuanced characters in stories stories that are three-dimensional, well rounded, and well developed and written. It's pretty great. And sometimes, what that means is that we have excellent characters that don't conform to the standard 'protagonist' stereotype. They might not even be 'good' (this is NOT a villain-apologist post). In fact, they might be complete idiots. They might be the people in stories who make all the wrong choices.

One such relatable character is Mae, and it's because she's an unmitigated train-wreck.

Anyone who knows the game probably knows what I'm talking about when I say the illustration style and character designs are gorgeous. Anyone who's ever dissociated probably knows what I'm talking about when I say that illustration style and character design were excellently used to create the sort of subliminal, surreal state of Mae's mind. And as you play the game, you see how that state of mind plays with the other characters, and - spoiler - it isn't great.

This is the first of the relatable aspects of Mae’s character; there are people around her who love her and are worried about her, but at the same time, are angry and irritated about her behaviour. At what point does it become too much to ask of those around you to forgive all your continuous and repetitive mistakes? Even if you have a good reason for it, mental illness is not an excuse for being exploitative, even if it is unintentional. Mae is not trying to hurt the people around her, but she constantly needs emotional labour from them – it’s exhausting, and people’s patience is going to run out eventually, as is their right.

Another aspect of this behaviour is the lack of reciprocity, an example of this being when Bea’s mother died of cancer – and Mae didn’t even notice.

There are several instances of Mae’s thoughtless behaviour throughout the game; she gets completely wasted and makes a scene at the party, gets jealous of of Greg and Angus because they’re leaving the town without her, and ends up destroying the radiator Bea was supposed to fix, getting her in trouble.

The thing is though, that Mae is given the opportunity to fix her mistakes.

A large part of relatability is the want so see yourself in a character. Mae is relatable to me because there are several circumstances and events in our lives that match up, but more than that; the game is an interactive visualization of her healing process. Her nine steps, if you will. She is given a second chance – and that chance is hard won, particularly in the context of the game.

Mae talks about feeling like she’s falling behind, of knowing that she is, in a way, wasting an opportunity that was a privilege in the first place, especially considering her family’s financial situation – but at the same time, being literally unable to help herself. And the aspects of the gameplay that hint at the supernatural elements of the story possibly being a figment of Mae’s imagination – well. All us depressed losers know what it's like to not be able to trust your own judgement and point of view. She talks about why she dropped out of college, and her description of the dissociation, and the mental and emotional deadening that it causes is spot on and so well represented.

It underscores the point that the logical brain knows that mental illness is an illness like any other – but the emotional brain doesn’t care.

The game does a brilliant job of laying bare the realities of middle class life, and makes painfully clear the fact that, at that level, it doesn’t matter how difficult things are for you. The world isn’t going to wait for you to get back on your feet.

Mae’s mental state and the limitations it imposes on her cultivates a state of extreme frustration. Again, relatable. It’s an understated aspect of illness of any kind; the anger at yourself, and how that anger carries over into a lot of things in your day to day life. After a point, it becomes a habit. Mae does this too; she's belligerent, and instigative, and unrepentant of consequences, because anger blinds you.

It's not how things will always be. I have the privilege of hindsight, so I can say that with authority. But, this isn’t the kind of thing that ever fully leaves you, either. If you break a kneecap, it’s going to bother you for the rest of your life, and similarly, mental illness has a ‘no return, no refund’ policy. So you grow up, and you try to adapt those habits and impulses into a more positive context. Recycling, right? Maybe you set your sights on things that actually deserve your anger, and you go from there. You find people who, for their own reasons, perhaps or perhaps not related to your own, are angry.

And you don’t understand the people who are not.

A large part of the anger and frustration surrounding mental illness is due to the stigma surrounding it. It’s frustrating to be so powerless and dependent, but this is exacerbated by the attitude of ‘it can’t be that bad’, which makes it so difficult to reach out, to be able to say, ‘I need a break’ – and actually get one. This is an attitude that carries over to a lot of other issues as well, and the worst part is – we are surrounded by people who are okay with it, who believe in and support that mentality.

The myth of Sita, for example. She is a strong female figure in Indian mythology, who overcomes her circumstances to live a ‘good’ life, and for all intents and purposes, is a hell of a role model.

But that’s the thing; her life wasn’t good, was it? She was supposed be a goddess reincarnated, she should have been powerful, and respected, but instead she is reduced to ‘wife’ – and everyone today is fine with it.

I respect her immensely for the choices she made; marrying for love was her choice, going into exile with her husband was her choice. She was the paragon of virtue, of 'wifeliness', of kindness – she chose her husband over everyone and everything else, including herself, as was expected of her. But yet – she couldn't win his trust or respect. It should not even have needed to be won.

It’s commendable the way she takes it all in stride, but why did she? She was kidnapped and held captive for years, entirely against her will, and her husband's response to that is to force her to walk through fire to prove her ‘purity’ – and she does it. And she stays with him after, and I cannot understand the depths of her patience and forgiveness, because I would have been livid, and I want her to be so too. I’m furious for her, because Ram was not just her husband, he was also the king, and his later verdict to exile her, alone, while heavily pregnant, his readiness to condemn her based on speculation and public sentiment, was not just a verdict against her, it was against every woman in his kingdom who had ever been victimised.

Sita became a martyr to the modern feminist movement – if she could not be angry on her own behalf, we will do it for her. But at the same time, she is still relatable, because we are held to a slightly lesser degree of the same expectations. There are always going to be aspects of things that you relate to. ‘Big Mood’ culture is a strong indicator of the human ability to empathise, especially with characters that you like, or respect.

Sita’s world, I imagine, was run by the expectations her society and community had of her, and maybe she didn’t even have the liberty to be angry. Who is responsible for portraying her in passive acceptance of her fate? Is that representation reliable? Would the story have been different had it been written by a woman?

I can't remember a time when I was not angry, especially about things like this. I am always ready to fight, and I think the same goes for so many other people today, sometimes to our detriment. I cannot imagine a world where that was not at the very least an option. Not necessarily the best option, - but Sita’s world was very different to ours. Even with centuries between us, we’ve just gotten over angry and depressed women being labelled as ‘hysterical’ and subsequently being locked away. What is it like, to have to be calm and careful in response to being treated like this? This care in response may not be an overt requirement anymore – though the fact remains that society will not take you seriously if you become hysterical - but shouldn't you, at the very least, be able to rely on the support of other people in the same boat?

That is the main difference in these stories, and another main point of relatability to me; Mae, like myself, had a support system. Sita did not. Mae was selfish and demanding in so many ways, and required a lot of time and patience and healing before she was able to give back, but she got there eventually because she was able to put herself first. She fought for herself, and when she couldn’t, she had other people to fight for her. Night in the Woods represents the intersection of oppressed minorities and community with their portrayal of Mae, Greg, and Angus in particular, and the importance of community support – and, the difference between geographical community, and communities formed through camaraderie and actual unity. And so does the Ramayana - except, where was Sita’s community? Where were her sisters, or her parents, when she was abandoned in the woods, and later when she committed suicide? We are well aware, in the modern day, of the state of mind that causes people to kill themselves, and yet that is a part of the story that we never talk about. Where were her people then?

What would have happened if she had been more like Mae, and put herself first instead of bleeding herself dry for people who never respected her, and would never do the same for her?

People relate to personalities. They relate to choices, and circumstances, and habits, and it is neither a good nor a bad thing, to be relatable or not. Sita will be highly relatable to people who, like her, were governed by their circumstances, and were screwed over despite their best efforts. People who felt they couldn’t, or shouldn’t exercise their power and agency. Sita’s death was at odds with her strong personality, and so was her deference to her fate on many occasions, but there are a lot of people out there who will relate to the feeling of simply wanting things to be over. Mae on the other hand; she’s a steamroller, and she doesn’t stop. There’s a reason her character is a cat, and jokingly referred to as feral in the game. She is persistent, she is growing.

[1] In Defence of Kaikeyi and Draupadi: a Note – by Fritz Blackwellhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/23334398?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents [2] https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/10/emergency-room-wait-times-sexism/410515/

[nightingaelic]

POODLES IN THE WASTELAND

i jest I jest

But 👀

What about pets? Either ones companions would have or a very uncommon one that someone wouldn’t think was a good pet, BUT IS. Deathclaws you can ride like a pony, mole rats that want belly rubs, cazadore’s as cattier pigeons! What are your thoughts?

Or like, Danse or Piper or Fawkes with something hilarious Idek ignore me

Oooookay, here’s my comprehensive list of companions - ALL companions, across Fallouts 3, 4, New Vegas and 76 - and their (headcanon) choices in wasteland pets. I’ll give a little explanation for each - particularly as many of these companions are transients and don’t have the luxury of owning a home to keep pets at. Also, I feel like most of the companions, while they might not necessarily like pets, would be somewhat fond or at least respectful of the pets of the Lone Wanderer/Courier/Sole Survivor/Vault Dweller, like Dogmeat and Rex. 

Bighorners

Lily Bowen: Everyone’s favorite super mutant grandma is already an experienced shepherdess in Jacobstown, and she’s more than willing to tear some night stalkers apart to keep her herd safe. If that’s not love beyond the norm for wasteland livestock, I don’t know what is. She’s probably given all of her bighorners names after the characters in the television reruns she used to watch on holotape in Vault 17, like Grace and Audrey and Lucille. 

Brahmin

Raul Tejada: Actually spent a decent part of his pre-war life living on a ranch, so he knows that most brahmin don’t deserve being labeled “irritable” just because people don’t know how to read their body language. I think he’d follow wild brahmin herds around a bit on a whim and keep them from coming to any harm, especially the little ones. He gives them names like the cattle he grew up with, Corazon and Gordo and Blanca. 

Rose of Sharon Cassidy: Doesn’t truck with the wild herds, but she knows that part of the success of a caravan lies with how well they treat their pack animals. All of her caravan’s brahmin have names - Penny, Magic and Sprinkles - and she’s careful to pair them up with drivers who are patient and work well with their various personalities. 

Cats

Butch DeLoria: While Butch ultimately decided to leave Vault 101 behind, I don’t think he would ever truly lose his fear of radroaches after what they did to his mom. Having a little friend to warm his bunk in Rivet City and pounce on intruders would probably set his mind at ease, maybe a black tomcat with one ear named Pepper. He might even gift his mom a kitten when he next comes to visit. 

Star Paladin Cross: I don’t think Cross much sees the use of an animal that doesn’t contribute to the community it lives in, like most of the Brotherhood of Steel. Cats, however, are excellent at pest control, even if the rats are bigger nowadays. I think she’d give the resident cats at the Citadel some pets in passing, and she’d smile when she has to extract playful kittens from inside her power armor frame. She’s especially fond of the cat colony’s matriarch, a scarred old tabby named Gemma. 

Curie: Upon her transition into a synth body, Curie is overjoyed with most animals and their new willingness to approach her for attention. She especially loves cats because she can pick them up and better feel their fur and purring. Her favorite cat is an orange stray in Diamond City that she calls Claude. 

Piper Wright: A companion for Nat when she’s out adventuring, an unbiased friend to bounce the latest opinion piece off of before going to print, and a lap-warmer for when you’re typing up the latest article about the exploits of the Minutemen - what’s not to like? The Wright family cat is a slippery, elegant calico named Sugar Bomb. 

Preston Garvey: While the Minutemen forts and settlements definitely lean more toward keeping dogs around for security purposes, I think Preston likes his pets quieter and less likely to bowl you over in excitement. The one most likely to sleep with him in his bunk at Sanctuary is a grumpy gray gentleman named Anchovy. 

Deathclaws

Veronica Santangelo: If anyone is crazy enough to swipe a deathclaw egg from a nest and try to hatch, rear and train a personal killing machine named Izzy, it’s Veronica. This will probably just alienate her from her Brotherhood chapter even more, but I’m sure she would take special care to make sure that her usual Mojave Wasteland haunts take a peek through a scope to see if the approaching deathclaw has a human on its back before taking a shot. 

Dogs

Clover: I don’t think Clover gets out beyond Paradise Falls much, so the only animals she’s used to are the dogs the raiders bring around when passing through. She probably has favorites among the usual visitors and enjoys tossing them bits of meat when she’s allowed to get away from Eulogy and Crimson. If liberated, she’d probably get at least three of her own dogs to watch over her while she sleeps: One small dog to carry with her, a Pekingese or Pomeranian descendant named Coco, and two large dogs to follow through on intimidation and protection, a mastiff named Rock and a Doberman descendant named Roll. 

Jericho: Jericho doesn’t deserve a dog but he’d probably have one around anyway to sniff out caps caches and hidden loot after he’s shot everyone in the vicinity. Some slinky beagle mix named Dewey, probably. 

Fawkes: I don’t think Fawkes would be picky at all about what kind of dog he’d have. He strikes me as the type who would adopt any half-friendly mutt he ran across. I do think he would have a bit of a soft spot for friendlier mutant hounds, though, and maybe view their mutated circumstances as similar to his own. He’d also be absolutely amazing at playing fetch. Just imagine how far he could lob a stick or ball. All of his dogs would have literary names too, like Byron and Agatha and Edgar. 

Craig Boone: Though he’s a bit of a prodigy at sniping, Boone knows his limitations when it comes to spotting hidden enemies on the horizon. I can see him having a hound dog at his side to find the more elusive ones and help him get rid of them faster. Maybe a bloodhound mutt named Bravo. 

Cait: Doesn’t like people, but she adores dogs. Having had the life where she’s been abused, exploited and forced into slavery, she’s keenly aware that those like the ones who took advantage of her treat dogs much the same. She’s very protective of any dog she encounters and is very likely to punch you in the face if you so much as look at one wrong. She’d probably name any pup she adopted Lucky. 

Hancock: Honestly, he’s just a fan of any animal that is happy to hang out with you whether you’re drunk, high, fighting raiders or patrolling downtown Boston. The Goodneighbor strays know him as the guy who always has mirelurk jerky in his pockets. His favorite is a rough-and-tumble, black-and-white spotted cattle dog descendant that he cheekily calls King George. 

Robert MacCready: He’s not quick to trust dogs, but once he’s sure they’re not a threat, they’re one of the few critters around which he’ll relax completely. He’s still a little wary of them around Duncan, but any dog that’s a part of his family is more or less his son’s permanent babysitter. 

Nick Valentine: Dogmeat is also basically his dog. The two have a history of working cases together, with Dogmeat just turning up whenever a trail goes cold and leading Nick to the evidence he needs to reopen his investigation. Nick doesn’t know how or why Dogmeat does it, but he’s not about to ruin a good thing. 

Strong: I don’t think he would turn down a ferocious mutant hound as a friend. He’d probably feed it mole rats and call it something like Killer. 

Foxes

Beckett: This former raider has a love-hate relationship with a fox that keeps going through his trash. He affectionately calls him Lil’ Bastard. 

Sofia Daguerre: Having crashed back to an earth she doesn’t recognize, I think Sofia would be tickled that the foxes of Appalachia have basically stayed the same despite the bombs. I can see her leaving dinner scraps out on her porch for one that she sometimes spots in the foliage, and slowly coaxing the critter to come into the light. She names her Scarlett once she finally convinces her to eat out of her hand. 

Mega sloths

Settler forager: I would not be at all surprised if this man ran into a mega sloth in the Mire and decided to try befriending it. The creature, probably surprised at this old guy’s nerve, decided to accept the handful of leaves he offered and grew slowly more fond of the guy’s persistence. It doesn’t know its name is Fergus but it does know that if a human is wearing overalls, it’s probably not a threat. 

Mole rats

Deacon: Alright, hear me out. Deacon has a fondness for underdogs, and mole rats are about as underdog as they come. I think Deacon thinks these little guys are cute despite their wrinkles and buck teeth, and I think he sees the value in having a tunneling pet that likes to collect shiny things. One of his deep cover hideouts is in an old tunnel system in the northern Commonwealth, where he hangs out with a young mole rat named Henry. 

Owls

Raider punk: This radio operator got wind of an abandoned nest of owlets in Appalachia early on in his career and, being the nearest to the report, decided to rescue the little guys. Now he has three owls that occasionally drop in at his camp to hoot and accept handouts: Nona, Decima and Morta. While he’s still fond of them, he’s usually disappointed that they aren’t the Mothman coming to visit. 

Rad chickens

Yasmin Chowdhury: Ever the opportunistic cook, she picked up the practice of raising chickens from the settlers at Foundation and has four hens of her own: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The “ladies,” as she refers to them, give her a constant stream of eggs for omelets. 

Ravens

Settler wanderer: This gal has an affinity with birds, who are always on the move like her. She admires their ability to be untethered and let the wind take them far and wide. Nevertheless, she likes to scatter corn when they come close to her on the road, and formed a sort of friendship with a particularly handsome specimen that she calls Tornado. 

Wolves

Old Longfellow: This guy is the epitome of the meme about dads not wanting pets and then instantly falling in love with whatever animal enters their life. He probably found an injured wolf pup in his travels around the island and took pity on it, nursing it back to health in his cabin. It’s still got a bit of a twisted paw, but follows him around and listens like any other dog and answers to the name Lamoine. 

Yao guai

Porter Gage: I bet this guy adopted an orphaned bear cub and raised it by hand. Now it’s so big that even if Gage thinks he’s an easy target for other raiders due to his age, he’s much less likely to get singled out than he thinks because he has a yao guai following him around like a puppy. The bear’s name is Fuzzy Wuzzy. It has no hair. 

No pets, thanks

Charon: Too likely to accidentally wind up in the line of fire. 

Sergeant RL-3: Too easily corrupted by Communist influences. 

Arcade Gannon: Too much time spent getting in your way. 

Codsworth: Too likely to make messes. 

Paladin Danse: Too many wasted resources. 

X6-88: Too much of a liability. 

Ada: Too easy to lose when on the move. 

Solomon Hardy: Too unsanitary.