#miri is my kind of woman

[thegamingcatmom]

That scene though-

My brain melts every time I think about the fact this was Mother Miranda the whole time. From the moment the game starts.

LIKE-

I wanna know her thoughts here so badly. I mean, she could´ve just offed Ethan right when she took over the Winters household, but, instead, she chose to play the part of the innocent housewife for quite a while I think (a week, give or take?). Part of me believes this was maybe due to the fact she didn´t wanna draw attention to herself until she knew for certain Rose was the perfect vessel. But then I´m thinking MM is probs the most powerful being in the Resi universe, right? I dunno if her full power is restricted to the village (probs not, seeing how she was able to uphold this charade for quite), but still:

I doubt she would´ve had much trouble dealing with whatever if she had decided to off Ethan right away. So...why wait? Could it be that Miranda enjoyed being there? (At least until she remembered why she was there in the first place...)

Like, yknow what I (wanna) think? Miranda had a blast. And not just because, deep down, her dead heart was filled to the brim with joy every time Rose smiled at her. I just can’t imagine someone like Miranda, who loves so deeply and fiercely that not even death is an obstacle, wouldn´t be affected by just about any baby. She´s a mother, through and through.

However, it wasn´t just Rose that made her day. Nope.

Yall can´t tell me Miranda wasn´t dying with laughter on the inside whenever she had to deal with her clueless "husband". Like, parading as the good little housewife while (probs) plotting said hubby´s demise and the kidnapping of his daughter is exactly the kind of thing that has Miri cackling like a hyena. I mean-

JUST LOOK AT MIA!MIRANDA HERE. That´s a face that clearly says:

"lol, enjoy ur dinner hon cause it gonna be ur last lolol lmao rofl"

YKNOW??? 😭

That woman is mental and thinking about it makes me feral. 🫠

ETHAN & "MIA" WINTERS resident evil village, 2021

[takaraphoenix]

Ooh.. so now I’m curious. I’ve never given it much thought but do you have a family tree for stiles that you use or do you just change up his family when you want to make something work for a story? I’ve never thought about his family outside of the sheriff to be honest.

I do not change it up!! Hate changing things up. Once I decide on it, it is set. But Stiles' family tree is something that's still a work in progress in a way. I have the closer family established in my head, but since he is of Polish ancestry, there needs to be bigger family because I have it on good authority that family's very important in Poland too - something I highly relate too - so I kinda want there to be great-grandaunt and her family too, the side of the family that still lives in Poland. Haven't had a plot that features them yet though so they are just a vague concept.

Noah's side of the family is less fleshed out though. I only got his parents, Eliasz and Janina Zieliński, aka Elias and Jane Stilinski, who changed their names to appeal better to American palates and didn't argue when their last name was misspelled upon entering the country (because Stilinski isn't an actual Polish surname and a nonsense word so I needed to justify that somehow and Americans making up surnames for immigrants because they don't care is... not a new concept. So I picked one that phonetically would be close enough to maybe be a misheard and then misspelled.)

We know grandpa Stilinski sucked, but I think grandma Stilinski was a nice and kind woman, very soft spoken though so she never stood up to her husband.

Claudia's side of the family I have more fleshed out though.

Mieczysław Gajos, aka the only one who has a canon name and thus technically actually exists in canon, was a strict and stern man. He absolutely hated that Claudia married a man so fully removed from his Polish roots (my headcanon that John never learned the language, or culture, because his parents were so set on Americanizing themselves). But he loved his daughter and grandson very, very fiercely and was incredibly proud that she named her kid after him. In canon main timeline, I do headcanon him to be dead but I do have a fic planned where he's very importantly alive (and where I will most likely also get to explore the extended family more).

His wife, Małgorzata Gajos, known as Granny Gosia, was much more forgiving and the member of the Gajos family who was the most welcoming toward Noah, however I headcanon that she died even before Claudia, so when Claudia died, Noah had no one left who was on his side.

In my mind, Claudia has a younger brother named Stanisław, who usually just goes by Stan. I first mentioned him and his kids in Delivery Upon Death and had him turn his back on Stiles and his dad.

I'm kind of ping-ponging between uncle Stan's family cutting ties with Noah after Claudia's death, or, the more painful headcanon I used in Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy), where they actually took Stiles in and raised him for a stint as a kid after Claudia's death, after Noah became an alcoholic.

That something happened that got CPS on the map, personal favorite that Stiles accidentally set the kitchen on fire trying to cook dinner because he was an eight year old child who shouldn't have to cook. And then Stiles spent some time under uncle Stan and aunt Carol's care.

Carol is a Texan country gal, big and loving and she doted on Stiles a lot while he was under their care.

They got two daughters, Maggie and Miri, who Stiles grew up close with and grew even closer to when he lived with them. Maggie is roughly Stiles' age, while Miri is a few years younger than them but loves to trail them. He learned riding with them. Yes, Stiles can now ride in any of my universes because I like the idea of him and horses (which is mildly hilarious to me, because I do not like horses).

I'll get around to making a proper family tree for Stiles once I ironed out the extended family, plus I'm still smoothing out the edges of the Hale family tree because I haven't fully settled on all angles there.

[mixedup-sideblog]

Let’s talk about this scene…

I’ve seen some really unfair takes on this so far and I can only conclude it’s because some people either want completely flawless characters or cannot use a little bit of critical thinking…

First the one thing we should all agree on - this is not ok, this is misogynistic, this is unsympathetic and this is unfair.

However, it is also realistic, there are a few reasons for this:

1. His Trauma

It’s absolutely not a coincidence that we learn Kazuki never knew/met his own parents before we see this scene, it’s also not a coincidence that we know from previous episodes that he was almost a father but that horrifically his pregnant wife and unborn child were k*lled before he had the chance to even get a flavour of what it felt like to have a family.

He is being faced with a woman who has a living child, who has had the chance at family he has never been able to have and she’s rejecting it. Now I’m not saying it’s right but it’s understandable that his anger pours out here, he has these unrealistic ideals thoughts about motherhood/parenthood because he hasn’t lived them but he has so so desperately wanted to, has had that taken away from him and of course it really f*ckin hurts. Yes he disregards her reasoning, yes he’s never been a woman but if you think this traumatised man with absolutely no baseline for family values is going to say the exact right thing (or not the completely wrong thing) in a heightened emotional confrontation about family then you need to have a re-think, this was never going to be a pleasant healing encounter.

2. Miri

Something people also seem to be forgetting, he’s there to return her daughter. The little girl he is already besotted with/devoted to, the little girl he doesn’t want to give back (set up nicely in the episode by Rei repeatedly calling him a lousy liar). He’s faced with her mother saying she always wanted to hit her, no matter who you are do not tell me in the heat of the moment you wouldn’t be getting up and yelling about how they should be a better parent, his reaction is defensive, his words are lofty and that line is unfair but his empathy in the moment is not for this stranger who’s saying she wants to hit her (his) daughter, it’s for Miri, the little girl he fed breakfast and chanted ‘bananya’ with in the kitchen that morning.

I think Miri’s mother is written in a way that we are supposed to feel some empathy for her, and I do 100%, but I also think that empathy needs to be extended to Kazuki’s character here too. At the end of the day these are two flawed and deeply traumatised characters having an argument - what comes out of their mouths isn’t always going to be pretty.

This turned out way longer than I thought it would but I needed to get it off my chest! Yes it’s a bad take, but it hasn’t come from nothing. I think it’s likely a bit of a set up so we can see him move from these kind of ideals to a more realistic outlook.

[mrs-snape5984]

“I'll be there to comfort you. I build my world of dreams around you. I'm so glad that I found you…”

“I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love that respects you. Just call my name, and I'll be there…” (“I’ll be there” by Mariah Carey feat. Trey Lorenz)

21 years of my life, I was seeking for comfort in my love for Severus Snape. From the very first moment, when I’ve found this bitter and sarcastic dungeon bat in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone”, it felt like embracing the love of my life. All I wanted, was to care for him…to be there for him. In all my fictions and imaginations, I only tried to make Severus feel loved and cared for by my OC Jules. I devoted my heart and soul to him, no matter how much mockery and disbelief I experienced from others for my dedication.

In these past 21 years of my existence, I had to endure some hardships, which only moulded my character even further into the woman, I am today. Yes, I must admit…on the one hand, I’m a bitter and sarcastic bitch person with suicidal tendencies (well, thank you, ME/CFS, you cruel disease!) and a dark and twisted humour. But on the other hand, I’m still a very caring and loving person with a pathetically weak black little heart. I’m literally the combination of my interpretation of Severus and my OC Jules…with all their flaws and vulnerabilities.

Since I’m struggling with the torturous symptoms of ME/CFS, I’m dependent on other people’s help…which is probably the most challenging thing for me. I’m imprisoned in myself, solely surrounded by darkness and solitude in my room. Suddenly, there are people, who are helping me with my children and my household. There’s my best friend Miri, who’s either forcing me to eat and drink something from time to time…or who’s helping me to wash my hair. She’s also the person in my life, who will always listen to my pathetic complaints about my misery or the latest episode of the “Sevy & Jules Show” in my head. 😅 And straight off the wide universe of the internet, two other idiots lovely human beings slithered into my life…enlightening at least my inner gloominess with their wit, their chaotic energy - which will drive me into madness sooner or later - and their loving presence.

Miri, Magda (@vulnus-sanare) and Richie (@preciousthelmadonna), you are the kindest, most compassionate and undeniably most beautiful souls, I’ve ever met. Without you all, I would have gone insane, already! I’m thanking the universe every single day for allowing me to be your friend…even though I wished, I could repay you for everything tenfold by being a better companion to all of you. Please, believe me, when I’m telling you, that I love you. 🖤🖤🖤

This mesmerising artwork of my OC Jules, who’s taking care of her sleepy husband Severus, was made by the incredibly talented and kind @severus-snaps. My dear, it was a pleasure to witness the process of creating this masterpiece and I enjoyed our nocturnal conversations immensely. I’m glad, that I dared to reach out to you after seeing your work on your blog….and I’m looking forward for our next project, which is already in the making. Thank you for everything! 🥹

🖤Severus & Julia🖤

🖤Sevy & Jules🖤

[thegamingcatmom]

Do you think Mother Miranda likes swimming?

Additionally, what kinda swimwear would she have?

I love that one. 🤭

Right so, I did mention in one post that she likes bird baths. But swimming? I actually don't think so. Not particularly. It's just so...wet, lol. A different kind of wet than the nice, warm baths she takes then and now.

The only occasion where I could see her taking a quick dive is when her wings require some extra attention. But, even then, it's more of a *flaps her wings aggressively* to make sure the water reaches every nook and cranny. It can hardly be called "swimming".

Much like this. :3

(Crows suck at swimming btw. I looked it up, lol.)

As for her swimwear-

The first thing that came to mind was black and short, lel.

The black fits, but I'm not sure how much skin she'd be willing to show. Probs a lot more with her s/o, but in an open space for everyone to see? I think she's someone who views those things as sacred, also because of the time period she comes from.

Which-

(Source: https://www.visualmood.com/blogs/blog/the-history-of-women-s-bathing-suits-a-journey-through-time?srsltid=AfmBOoo9dOWwAS6SVGe4TMAyEoqkgor2scRiaMANvQRObG4n15MRu-bt)

Ofc I looked that one up too, and it´s really quite interesting.

(I love history.)

Miranda was born sometime in the late 19th century (around 1870 to 1899, probs closer to 1900 though), which means she likely would´ve gone for something that covers most of the body. Just like the Mad Priestess we know and thirst for today.

(She´s so damn fine.)

The only things exposed are her hands and face sadly. Granted, that´s quite the norm for a priestess outfit and doesn´t necessarily tell us anything about her personal preferences, but I still think her swimwear would be of similar design (meaning: full body).

Why? Well, she chose to parade as The Priestess. It wasn´t something that was given to her or decided by the people. She did it because it allowed her to take full control over the village and its inhabitants, ensuring that nobody would question her or her methods.

And why would nobody question her or her methods? Because, back when the village was just a village, the belief in divine beings was strong. There was no technology or modern medicine to rely on, so people resorted to praying in times of hardship (sickness, poverty, crop failure etc). It gave them hope and stability, and Miranda took full advantage of that.

In fact, I wouldn´t put it past Miri to be the one responsible for sudden outbreaks of sickness or the cattle perishing of some mysterious illness. She´d then swoop in as The Priestess, telling them a sacrifice was due (aka: a new specimen to work on), and, SURPRISE-

Mysteriously cured.

BUT, I digress-

It all comes down to her time period, basically. I´d like to think Miranda is a woman who values and clings to the old ways (except when it comes to medicine) and, back then, it was all about modesty. Something we see reflected in pretty much every village woman - they´re covered head to toe.

...And she´s also possessive af, let´s not forget that. I doubt she´d much like if her s/o ran around half-naked. Some things are meant for her eyes only, and vice versa. 🤭

(Miri got high standards that she expects her s/o to follow. I don´t make the rules. 🤷🏻‍♀️)

With that said, I could see her going for something like this:

(Source: https://h5.lazada.com.my/products/women-swimwear-for-girls-one-piece-swimsuit-with-chest-pads-long-sleeve-bathing-surfing-swimming-suit-i2966475023.html)

...She´s mayhaps making a compromise with the legs here.

(And she will deny those puppy eyes having anything to do with that down to her very last breath.)

.

.

.

...Not me being unable to get Miri in a diving suit out of my head now though. 😭🫠

Thanks a lot for your ask! 💋

[strugglingfloralclerk]

🤍White Day❤️

Summary: With Class 2-A taking bets on Todoroki Shoto's love life (again) a certain teleporter keeps her distance.

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If last year taught Taika Miri anything, more confessions of love and adoration were coming Todoroki Shoto's way for White Day. She never thought of Valentines Day as a brutal holiday until she saw how calmly Todoroki rejected his admirers. Not until she witnessed multiple girls walk away with wet faces and broken hearts. The memories of February fourteenth replayed in the background of her mind.

The first confession came from a young woman named Yoshino Kaiya, a third-year student in financial studies. She confessed to Todoroki in the brisk, foggy, morning. She was curvy and tall and radiated confidence. Yoshino presented Todoroki with a beautifully wrapped assortment of teas and mochi. Taika thought Yoshino spoke so eloquently too.

"I think you're amazing Todoroki-kun." Yoshino told him earnestly. "I would love to go on a date with you, if you're willing."

Todoroki bowed his head out of politeness, "Thank you, I am flattered but I am not interested in going out with anyone right now." Yoshino bowed her head back at Todoroki, then quietly walked away with a glum expression as a group of girls rushed out to offer her various words of kindness and support. Taika nearly found herself amongst the girls who offered Yoshino comfort.

There was also a cute, bubbly, blue haired first year by the name of Asakura Rin. Taika thought this first year was the bravest, since Asakura marched right up whilst Todoroki was deep in conversation with Bakugo and Midoriya.

Asakura held out a handmade Valentine's Day card, complete with red and white glitter and delicate, pink lace. She smiled brightly at Todoroki, deaf to Bakugo's insults for interrupting their conversation. "Todoroki-senpai," Asakura began, "I think you and I would be a good match, please go out with me."

Todoroki's expression was calm, he seemed civil but rather unamused. "Thank you for thinking of me, but I am unable to go out with you."

Asakura straightened her posture, thanked Todoroki for his time, then left. Her painted, manicured hands held unto the paper heart with melancholy and tenderness. Taika wondered how much time and effort Asakura put into the cutely homemade card for Todoroki.

After Asakura, there was a fellow second year student from the support course. Sugihara Kimiko had beautiful long, feathery eyelashes and delicate, swan-like features. Taika remembered Sugihara the most because of her blushing face and sweet demeanor. Sugihara approached Todoroki right as Aizawa dismissed the class from training. Her hands trembled slightly as she offered up a basket of baked cookies and chocolates to the fire and ice user. "T-these are for you, Todoroki-sama, I made them from scratch. I've had feelings for you for a while now a-and I hope you can accept my affection."

Todoroki rubbed the back of neck as his eyes shifted from the basket back to Sugihara. "You're very kind, but I am not looking for a relationship. Anyone else would be lucky to have you."

Sugihara nodded sadly at the rejection and as she retreated from Todoroki, Taika saw the tears that trailed down Sugihara's face.

Those three girls were not the only ones who worked up the nerve to confess to Todoroki Shoto either. There were more young ladies coming from every corner of the university campus to declare their affections for him. Yet, Todoroki rejected each one of them.

The sound of Mina practically sprinting down the stairs pulled Taika out of her thoughts.

"Place your bets, ladies." Mina quipped as she skipped energetically into the common area. "How many confessions will the Prince of UA get today?"

Taika quietly listened in on the guesses; her hands clammy as she sipped her first and last cup of coffee for the day.

"At most, ten." Tsu slapped down a ten-dollar bill into an empty jar that sat in the middle of the kitchen table.

Toru giggled and dropped a plump but small coin purse into the jar. "I say sixteen."

Denki placed a crumpled bill into the jar next, "I say twenty!"

The coffee in Taika's mouth suddenly tasted bitter at the thought of twenty more girls being rejected by Todoroki. Did he even remember Yoshino, Asakura, and Sugihara and their confessions? She wondered. These gentle, impeccably dressed, polite and bright girls seemed perfect to Taika. They seemed sweet and ultimately perfect for Todoroki, and yet he still dismissed their gifts and feelings.

If girls like that didn't have a chance with him, Taika was sure she didn't.

Momo leaned over to whisper to Taika, curiosity clouded her eyes. "Miri, did Todoroki mention-."

An invisible hand swiftly popped both Momo and Miri atop their heads with way too much vigor so early in the day. "No getting insider information from best friends!" Toru lightly scolded Momo and Miri with her typical amount mirth in the morning.

Even the universe was letting Taika know that's all she would amount to Todoroki. Truly, Taika was foolish for harboring deeper feelings for the young man. They were too different to make sense romantically; friendship was the only realistic outcome.

"I didn't even say anything though," Taika muttered into her coffee as she took another sip. "Also," She added once the caffeine hit her soul, "You guys know Todoroki doesn't feel comfortable about us making bets on his love life."

"I'm sure you can write that into your 'best man' speech when icy spice gets married." Bakugo gruffly teased with an ugly grin. "Huh, eggplant? Nice sentiments and whatever the fuck."

Yeah, the universe was making it explicitly clear of how stupid Taika was for her feelings.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Todoroki quickened his pace as he cut through the crowded campus. The wind whipped around him as the sun hid behind grey clouds. Rain began to trickle from the sky. She was right within his reach when he decided to slow down.

"Taika," He called out to the purple haired girl. He instinctively took the umbrella from the teleporter and propped it right above them. The first time he tried to just hold the umbrella for her, Taika nearly punched him. She thought he was some random guy rushing at her. Todoroki learned to call out for the feisty beauty ever since then.

What he didn't realize was Yaoyorozu and Jiro also walked along side Taika before he rushed to her side. Whatever they were speaking about came to a sudden halt. Todoroki took a few seconds to study the teleporter's face to clue into the situation. His head titled to the right in curiosity.

"Well!" Jiro exclaimed as she grabbed Momo's arm and began to speed up, "Thanks for your notes, Miri! Talk later!"

Momo smiled warmly at Todoroki and Taika as she followed Jiro. "See you two at training."

The way Taika rolled her eyes was not lost on Todoroki. Jiro and Yaoyorozu wanted to gossip, and they wanted Taika to gossip with them.

"What was that about?" Todoroki was fairly certain he already knew what it was about. However, Taika seemed a little more guarded lately and he didn't know what was going on in her head. Her expressions, behaviors, and sometimes her words felt slightly off to him. Taika seemed vaguer. It almost felt like she was distancing herself from him, or like she was hiding something from him. Their text messages lessened in frequency since February; she skipped out on the last two movie nights with Sero and him; and she turned down his offers to help with kanji. Kanji, okay?

"Your love life." Taika looked over to the handsome young man holding her umbrella; her heart skipped a beat in her chest at the sight of him. Why was he so naturally chivalrous? She added, rather stiffly, "They were wondering how many confessions you've gotten so far."

Todoroki felt an odd, unknown feeling pool in the pit of his stomach. He didn't want to talk about other girls when he was with Taika. It was already weird to have young women approach him with declarations of love when he didn't know them. Not to mention, there was the even weirder feeling of guilt that would gnaw at Todoroki when these girls confessed to him in Taika's presence. He felt insulted on his and her behalf. Todoroki couldn’t tell anyone why he took it as an insult on their behalf, but he did.

Quite frankly, this White Day was more aggravating than Valentines Day because the confessions prevented Todoroki from spending his time the way he wanted to. Again. He hadn't even gotten the chance to get Taika a gift for White Day yet. Sure, he handed out everyone else's gifts early, but he wanted more time to get something a little different for her.

He sighed in defeat. "Why does it matter if I don't accept their affections? Shouldn't it matter more if I do accept their confession? Shouldn't it matter if I like them back?" The falling rain softly tapped against the umbrella as the wind picked up with a vengeance.

Taika sensed Todoroki's frustration over the situation as she caught how he suddenly gripped the umbrella handle harder. "You're right." Taika told him firmly. "The number of confessions isn't important at all if the feelings aren't genuine or reciprocated." Concern wrinkled Taika's face as she smelled the scent of warm plastic. She went to grab the umbrella from Todoroki's hand, only for him to evade her touch.

"I can hold it for you." Todoroki told her as he fought against his body's natural urge to blush at her words. He liked that she understood him, even more, he was relieved that she backed up his feelings. Reassuring as ever, he thought as he adjusted the umbrella closer to Taika.

"Todoroki-kun." A new voice called out to the two hero program students.

Taika and Todoroki both tensed, but for different reasons.

"Sorry," Taika shot an apologetic look to the enchantingly stunning woman who stood before them with desire in her eyes and a box of chocolates in her hands. Taika didn't need to witness another heartfelt and gut-wrenching declaration of love. "I'll see you later, Todoroki." Taika announced as her eyes sought out shelter from the rain.

"But your umbrella-." Todoroki was met with the teleporter's sudden absence. Gone was Taika, gone was his sense of comfort and ease as this new girl began her confession. 

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"None of them?" Sero asked with a dumbfounded look slapped on his face. "Not even one of them?" He repeated with more intrigue as a bead of sweat trickled down his face.

"Are we surprised though?" Kirishima asked thoughtfully as he unzipped his training uniform. He'd have to text Mina later, even if there was nothing to report. The fire and ice user didn't state how many confessions he got today. "It's not like 'Roki is interested."

Todoroki's shoulders visibly dropped, and his already aching muscles contracted tighter. Mina, Toru, and Jiro had been teasing and prying for some kind of information during this training session. Their questions echoed in his mind: 'So, how many confessions today?'; 'Do we know any of the girls?'; 'Do you think you'll get more confessions later tonight?'; 'There are so many girls walking up to you and you don't want to date any of them?'

"Because I'm not interested." Todoroki expressed with an edge in his voice. If Kirishima or Sero experienced just how time consuming and tedious the situation was, Todoroki was sure they'd feel the same way he did. Inconvenienced.

Mineta decided to invite himself into the conversation; a feral look in his eyes as he imagined all the possibilities. "I'd have a date with a different girl every night. Monday for bookish girls, Tuesday for the tough girls, Wednesdays for the girly girls, Thursdays for the sexy ones, and Fridays for the goth girls-."

"No lady in her right mind would ever put themselves in a situation where they'd have to date you," Iida calmly informed Mineta before any more details were shared.

Midoriya's eyes fixated on the contents of his journal; the pages smudged with ink, pencil, sweat, and tears. He wrote a storm down onto the newest page. "You did reject a lot of gorgeous faces, Todoroki." He paled slightly as he recalled some of the pretty crying faces at Todoroki's rejection. "It was...something."

Kaminari nodded at Midoriya's words. The energetic young man let out a low whistle as he recalled one particularly pleasing face. "Sakamoto Mai."

Sero's jaw dropped; Kirishima's eyes widened; and Midoriya dropped his pencil. All three hyper focused on Todoroki now; surprise and confusion in their expressions.

"Pick your jaws up from the ground." Todoroki scolded as he gathered his toiletries. He wasn't even sure which face belonged to Sakamoto; they all blurred and blended after a while. However, since they were on the topic of beauty, Todoroki found beauty was curls of long, purple hair, glowing brown skin, cocoa-colored eyes, and a dimple adorned smile.

"Besides, what's the point if I don't like the person back?" Todoroki challenged, a pensive look on his face. "Taika said-."

Bakugo barked in an aggravated manner. He rolled his eyes at the stupid half and half boy. "Jesus. Fuck. We get it, you put a lot of stock into Taika's opinions. Fast forward to how many confessions you got."

Todoroki's eyes narrowed in defiance. "No." He didn't want to talk about this anymore. He also did not like the tone Bakugo took when he uttered Taika's name. "As far as you know, I've gotten no confessions." Todoroki decided then and there that if he did not accept the young women's gestures of affection, then their declaration of love did not count at all.

"Well, as far as you know," Bakugo bit back with a smug grin, "A little froggy told me that you're up to eight confessions so far."

The door to the men's locker room swung open; a disgruntled Shinso complete with a soft grimace and tired eyes trudged into the room. He pointed out toward the hallways of the training arena, "Hey, Todoroki, there's a girl looking for you again."

Irritation and impatience shot through Todoroki as he placed his items down and begrudgingly walked out to the hallway to get another confession over and done with. 

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

In hindsight, Taika should not have indulged her curiosity. She should have been her 'no-nonsense' self and told the other girls of class 2-A that they were being collectively weird about this. But no. She was so morbidly intrigued that she didn't have the strength to resist looking at insta profiles of certain girls who approached Todoroki. She couldn't tear her eyes away as they all viewed one profile after the next.

"There!" Tsu pointed at Toru's screen. "Her! That Chihiro!" Torinaga Chihiro was an English lit major with silver hair styled into a pixie cut and pastel pink eyes. Her hobbies included flower arrangements, going to cat cafes, and practicing the piano. She and Todoroki would have gotten along great due in part to their likeness for cat cafes, Taika thought with a shallow sigh as they looked at Torinaga's page.

"She's so pretty," Ochako commented as she looked over Toru's shoulder to get a good look of the new face on the screen.

"She's pretty and she's been rejected." Mina chimed in quickly as she smoothed a berry scented lotion methodically across her pink skin. "Next girl, go."

Koyama Akiko's Instagram was filled with pictures of her judo trophies, ribbons, medals, and self-help books recommendations. There were also some tasteful pictures of Koyama in lingerie for a sponsorship promo. According to Momo, Koyama came from old money and from the finest stalk of the Japanese aristocracy too. Taika's head spun hard at that fact.

"Maybe that's enough," Taika said as she averted her gaze away from Toru's phone screen. Her insecurity was on red, high alert and it had been such a long time since she felt small and inadequate…All because she stupidly allowed herself to like some boy.

"Just one more!" Toru squealed as she typed in another name into the search bar. Her legs kicked out excitedly as she bounced on the locker-room bench. "Training's done and we have thirty more minutes before they close the building."

That's when Sakamoto Mai's profile page loaded up. Sakamoto was perhaps one of the most beautiful women Taika had seen. Wavy, red, silken hair, a long, elegant neck, and eyes of pure jade. Sakamoto posted a lot of pictures of her family's tea shop (Momo and Ochako highly recommended stopping by one day as their tea is delightful). There were posts about Sakamoto's beloved orange cat; her favorite books (some of which Tsu noticed were also Todoroki's favorite); and Sakamoto shared her love for creating new ramen and soba recipes too.

In Sakamoto, Taika saw someone kind and patient and bright. If Todoroki saw Sakamoto, he'd probably think the same thing. Sakamoto was literally his dream girl; Taika was sure of it. No way did he turn down someone as ethereal as Sakamoto. Taika could handle being around Sakamoto if Todoroki brought her around. Taika's heart felt heavy at the thought of Todoroki dating, but Sakamoto seemed like a good fit for him. If Todoroki was off dating and courting Sakamoto, then Taika could take her feelings, pack them away, and completely focus on her grades and scholarship and her family.

With her heart sinking like lead down into the depts of her body, Taika put on a brave face. "Sakamoto would be a good-." Mina interrupted Taika with a bored and calm tone of voice. The pinkette was now focused on her nails. "Todoroki already rejected her."

Taika wanted to take Toru's phone and throw it across the locker room. The most perfect girl for him, out of the already impeccable line up of other perfect girls, already got rejected by him. Maybe Taika didn't understand him at all. Maybe she wasn't as close to Todoroki as she believed.

Momo leaned over to whisper into Mina ears, Toru and Ochako were already typing a new name into the search bar. The other girls also waited in anticipation to see the next profile load up.

"This is ridiculous," Taika pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. Why the hell was she putting herself through this? She was being an even bigger fool by scrolling through strangers' profiles. Did she enjoy feeling like shit about this? Was that why she kept comparing herself to random people?

"I'm going back to the dorms for dinner," Taika announced like an impatient child over the new chatter about a new, gorgeous face. She had enough self-inflicted emotional trauma; her body was sore from pushing past its comfort zone today; and she was getting tired.

"Uh-huh," Mina nodded along as Momo whispered something into her ear. "Bye, Taika-babe." Taika didn't know if she needed to roll her eyes or laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Rain fell harder under the cover of dusk and clouds of dark grey and the wind gave an unholy, shrill howl.

"Well...shit." She took in her surroundings and promptly realized that there were no free, abandoned umbrellas she could take now. There was also a lack of campus newspapers Taika could have used as a makeshift shield from the rain. The wind spoke abruptly, its scream caused chills to break over Taika's skin. The cold spring rain of Japan could never compare to lukewarm spring rain of Retesuwa. No way was she running all the way back to the dorms.

"Fancy meeting you here." A familiar and friendly voice approached her as a lazy grin broke across his face. A large part of Todoroki was extremely relieved to run into Taika. For a second, he was worried Taika was someone else. He was happy for a moment alone, a small encounter that felt much like a serendipitous event since he still had something that belonged to her. Taika’s heart jumped into her throat from her chest.

Todoroki's lazy grin had her smiling back softly in response. "Hey, Todoroki."

Todoroki looked out at the heavy rain and dark skies, "Would you like me to walk with you?" His eyes glued on Taika and her pretty lips. He could count on one hand how many times Taika's lips alone distracted him during training. He quickly opened the umbrella and gestured for Taika to stand on his left side.

Taika chuckled at him, "I mean, it is my umbrella you're holding."

Embarrassment nipped at Todoroki as their arms brushed against each other. Still, with their physical closeness, Todoroki felt that Taika wasn't being forthcoming about something. He sensed it in the way Taika's gaze didn't fully meet his. His stomach churned uncomfortably as he briefly wondered if Valentines Day and White Day had Taika feeling lonely. Maybe that was the cause of her changed behavior? He read somewhere that young ladies sometimes felt sadder during the so-called season of romance.

Was that Taika though? She never struck him as the type to feel strongly about Valentines Day or White Day. Todoroki gently pushed his elbow into Taika's side, his stomach burned with a fuzzy sensation. He yearned to know what changed. "Are you okay? You feel distant."

Taika frowned as self-shame radiated from her head down to her heels. "I've been busy with training and our assignments." The lie was so glaringly obvious, it would be a miracle if Todoroki didn't see right through her.

"Well, there's busy and there's being absent." Hurt evident in Todoroki's voice. Was training and homework so much more interesting than him?

Taika inwardly winced at his words. She was making herself absent, scarce, and unavailable...but she never meant to hurt Todoroki. Truth be told, Taika thought Todoroki would just immediately latch onto Sero or Midoriya and not even question her absence. She just wanted to not feel like a foolish, lovesick girl. Even now, with them huddled close together from the rain, she had the faintest hope that maybe this meant more.

Taika refused to entertain her silly, little fantasies. She needed to get a grip and get over herself. She was needlessly hurting Todoroki over feelings she'd never have the balls to confess.... No matter how much she liked Todoroki, the cost of their friendship wasn't worth it. That was crystal clear to her now.

"Grades are important, but there's more to life than that." Todoroki sounded like he was scolding her, not in a playful manner, but more so in the traditional sense of the word. "I'd still make time for you, Taika, even with training and extra assignments."

No truer words had ever been spoken in that moment. Todoroki ignored an agency obligation in favor of spending time with Taika, and Taika alone. To say Endeavor was displeased over that would be more than an understatement.

"I-." Taika felt like she was going break under Todoroki's intense gaze. She didn't like lying to him, but she wasn't going to tell him the truth. "I was reviewing future chapters for our quirk theories and applications class."

Todoroki halted; his face wrinkled subtly in concern. That didn't sound like Taika at all, or at least to him, it didn't.

"You?" He emphasized pointedly, "You needed to review quirk theories and applications?"

Taika shrugged uncomfortably. "I'm trying to stay on top of our class assignments."

Anxiety cut right through Todoroki the way the cold wind cut through the tree branches that shook above their heads. "Is it your scholarship? Are you at risk of losing it?" If Taika left...No, he didn't want to think about that.

"I'm in good academic standing, Todoroki." Taika admitted with her eyes focused on ahead. "I just don't want my grades to slip. Aizawa did say our lessons would get more rigorous throughout the year."

Todoroki looked pensively at Taika. He knew something was up with her from the way her eyes averted his, a glum expression on her features, and the way her lips fixed into a frown. She never lied to him before-or at least-Todoroki didn't think so...Taika was a lot of things, but he didn't believe her to be a liar. Closed off and guarded, yeah, but his Taika wasn't one to lie. The rain quieted down, the wind came to stop, and Todoroki's mind jumped to the absolute worst-case scenario next.

"Are Auntie and Uncle sick?" Todoroki wondered out loud. "Or did something else break in the house that's thousands of dollars to fix?"

A dry, short chuckle escaped her. Please, no more broken water heaters and faulty breaker boxes-Taika prayed to whichever god who cared enough to listen. Her bank account just barely recovered. "No. Everything's good back in Retesuwa." Taika could see the vague outline of their dorm building from where they stood on the pathway.

If everything was good in Retesuwa, why did he still feel like his friend wasn't being truthful? "Then what's wrong, Taika?" His concern bordered too close to panic. Taika spent less time with him, they weren't texting as much anymore, and Todoroki could sense Taika's distance the way he could sense a change in temperature. "What's going on with you?" His voice earnest and his heart pounded loudly as he awaited her reply.

I like you-that's what's wrong, Taika thought. I like you and I know.... I know this wouldn't work out. Taika steeled her nerves and mentally prepared to tell Todoroki more lies in order to protect their friendship.

"I'm exhausted," Taika breathed out. "I feel like I have a ton of responsibilities on my plate, and I am exhausted." Now, she could add sick to her list of symptoms as the guilt of lying to Todoroki blossomed inside of her.

 "Only exhausted?" He leaned in much closer toward the teleporter, and the tempting but faint scent of honeysuckle nearly pulled his body even closer toward hers than necessary. Where exactly did that new urge come from, Todoroki blanked momentarily.

"I'm exhausted and overwhelmed, and-." Her heart urged her to be open, her mind urged her to focus on what needed to be done. "I'm exhausted and overwhelmed and I really just need to take a nap before I go crazy."

Todoroki purposefully narrowed his eyes at her, one eyebrow arched inquisitively, and there was an ever so faint frown on the corners of his lips.

'Is that all?'-a pair of mismatched eyes asked as they investigated pools of rich brown. 

Taika merely nodded 'yes’; her features twisted into an apologetic pout. Her face warm as Todoroki looked down at her intently. She was glad the embarrassment and shame that boiled within her spirit didn't fester in a blush on her skin. Those little, white lies would catch up to her, she was sure of it. However, on the chance that the lies stayed safely hidden, Taika would be completely fine with that too.

The half hot, half cold student's gaze softened with sympathy and warmth for the teleporter. He wasn't completely convinced that Taika was merely exhausted, but he didn't want to press on and bicker about nothing. However, he did miss her presence in the days that passed, and it was only fair they spend some time together tonight. To make up for such an inconvenient, bothersome day- Todoroki rationalized.

"I'll ask Fuyumi if she still has some of that relaxation tea blend you like." He told Taika in a hushed, gentle tone. The scent of honeysuckle momentarily paralyzed his inhibitions; his left arm settled comfortably along her shoulders. "I'll get you some medicine too, in case you may be getting sick."

Taika allowed herself to lean into the pull, her body thankful for the extra heat. Always a gentleman, Taika thought as the wind picked back up. She appreciated Todoroki's offer, but based principal alone, she knew she couldn't lie to him and then turn around and accept his kindness. She was raised up poor and rough, but that didn't mean she had zero morals.

"That's not necessary," The purple haired beauty commented sternly; her heart burned in secret adoration for Todoroki. Her eyes aglow with a subtle glint of dejection. "I wouldn't want you to go out of your way for me."

Todoroki was equally as determined and stubborn as the teleporter. "Well, good thing I'm not doing what you want, Taika." He informed her with a charming yet smug half-grin. "Besides, I insist." The mental map of his errand run was complete, so he was set. Todoroki would get Taika the relaxation tea blend, some medicine, those sour strawberry and raspberry gummi worms she liked, and coconut water on the chance she wouldn't want tea later.

Taika disagreed and it seemed so did the weather as the rain began to pour again. They both walked a little faster to get out of the rain, both huddled a little closer too even as they reached the porch and walked through the common area. 

"Todoroki, I don't-." Taika didn't get any other words out beyond that 'don't'. Todoroki interrupted his friend with an assertive edge in his voice.

"Taika, I am going to do this for you. I'll meet you at your dorm room later." Taika's heart slammed hard against chest; she felt warm all over and momentarily speechless to her core at the tone of his voice.

It is only when she reached the comfort of her dorm room, does a surprised laugh escape out from her lips at his sudden and unexpected boldness. With Todoroki's decision set in stone, who was Taika to disagree with their plans for the night?

[ruanbaijie]

☁️ art

[x] gabimaru by @xhanisai 

[x] tgcf collage piece by @crimson-chains 

[x] howl’s moving castle by @crimson-chains 

[x] mingye in dunhuang style by @duyeqing 

[x] okumura rin by @beandogg

[x] flight by @no1rubbish

[x] the god pleasing prince by @janellelawrence 

[x] all my love is yours by @misspaperjoker

[x] wei wuxian by @cloudy-recesses 

[x] timid by @kishibe 

[x] terrarium for tail by @yuumei-art 

[x] he xuan by @retiredpeach

[x] kon by @pearlygrey 

[x] the iconic foot receive by @mistyspecs 

[x] gojou satoru by @barabim

[x] hua cheng by @vwwitch 

[x] tristamp as vintage sci-fi movie posters by @yuyu-finale 

[x] honkai star rail by @mirshroom 

[x] arbiter hall v2 by @electroslag 

[x] four great calamities by @eileenwdj 

[x] four famous tales by @eileenwdj 

☁️ edits

[x] vice versa top 11 talay outfits by @oswlld

[x] the tragedy of hayakawa aki by @hayakaws

[x] chainsaw man - denji by @dicennio 

[x] vice versa by @talays-portkey 

[x] gundam by @kanamesengoku

[x] favourite spring 2023 animanga by @tanchirou 

☁️ gifsets

[x] the forgers by @mx-sinisters

[x] jjk favourite funny scene by @mx-sinisters 

[x] star wars day by @cal-kestis 

[x] beyond evil every friend group by @thoresque

[x] kinnporsche favourite antagonist/ villain by @thoresque 

[x] jedi: fallen order + songs from my cal kestis playlist by @seaoftr

[x] star wars prequels by @padme-amidala 

[x] unasaka miri by @crimsonrosee 

[x] kinnporsche favourite locations by @spicyvampire 

[x] be kind, please rewind by @spicyvampire 

[x] kinnporsche favourite tropes by @spicyvampire 

[x] star wars day by @starfighters 

[x] haikyuu by @blckjckls 

[x] kinnporsche favourite antagonist/ villain | music by @chinzhilla 

[x] julia louis-dreyfus as selina meyer in veep by @jamietarrt 

[x] katerina petrova by @witcherz 

[x] fruity four + high school alignments by @yenvengerberg

[x] cersei lannister by @bi-alinaoretsev

[x] iu by @xinxiaojie 

[x] buddie + music by @georgefans 

[x] yellowjackets by @melodramas 

[x] daenerys targaryen’s transformation from frightened girl to powerful woman by @asoiafdaenerysdaily​ 

[x] morgana and emrys by @ughmerlin 

[kyraxyrespace]

What if 'Gundam SEED' was told from Flay's point of view? How would they approach it? Would it have been better?

I don't know about better, but the Western audience probably wouldn't have cheered the death of a troubled fourteen year old if she was given a bit more focus. If we're going strictly on the beat-by-beat of Gundam Seed, then all that'd change is that we'd be following her and probably getting the audience to see things from her side.

Now if you're letting me completely change Gundam SEED with Flay being a more prominent character, then buckle in.

I'd probably feature her experience at Heliopolis and capitalize on her terror. Then probably on the episode where her dad arrives, show a flashback of a little Flay and her dad to really hone in how much she loves her dad and follows in his footsteps. It won't explain away her racist feelings toward Coordinators, but how many teenagers don't think like their parents on political views? Also, if I remember, I don't think her sentiment was completely in the minority? Still wrong, but the way the Western audience treats her it's like she's the ONLY ONE EVER to have this thought. She'd also still try to kill Lacus because she's desperate to save her father.

She'd still blame Kira and hatch her plan to kill him and have him kill the other Coordinators because hell hasth no fury like a woman scorned. She'll still stay on the Archangel as in the original as a way to keep Kira there and in the fight too, but I'm going to go one step extra and have Flay become a pilot when they get their hands on the Strike Rouge. I recall that Flay was supposed to pilot this Gundam, and I think that'd be a fun addition. I don't know when/where'd they'd get the Strike Rouge, but at some point before they touchdown on Earth they get it and Flay begins to pilot it to further incentivize Kira to die in battle for her but to also personally kill the enemy for killing her father. It's through this and Kira's loving feelings that start to sway Flay away from the dark side. She'll see the fighting is rough and takes a toll and further she doesn't get that same satisfaction as she thought she'd get.

She still keeps Kira away, but this is kind of also on the friends who are just bogged down in work, and the adults who are just okay with kids just not being watched. Plus, as a fellow pilot, she really gets what Kira is going through and keeps up her "my thoughts will protect you."

I don't think I'll have them break up before getting to Alaska. It may be the Kira/Flay gal in me, but I think it'd be better if they were still dating when Kira is "killed" in action in Alaska. It'll bring her more anguish as she realizes, in that moment, she genuinely loved him from the bottom of her heart and she never got to apologize for her actions. She won't seek comfort from Sai and Mira like she had in the original just because she'll have become too distraught and collapsed in on herself. Somehow she'll still find her way into the medical wing where Dearka is being confronted by Miri (maybe Flay had an emotional/psychotic breakdown that she wound up there and was sleeping) and she'll still pull the gun on him because how dare he get to live and breathe while Kira had to die? The original tried to paint it as her still having anti-Coordinator hatred, and while I'm sure she did at that point, it always felt like an excuse for her still reeling from Kira's death. So I'd present it as her being furious that one of Kira's enemies is alive and he'd dead and she'll fix that.

As fun as it'd be to keep her on the Archangel, I'll send her off like in the original. They stated in the original show that her plea to stay on the Archangel the first time around was compelling, so they wanted her to do it again, thus making her their poster child. Since she's now a pilot, this will be even more appealing to everyone. She'll of course be against this and when the base is under attack try to return to the Archangel only to get nabbed by Rau.

From here, things will play out pretty normally like from the show, though we get some more time to see her under ZAFT's hands. She'll be apprehensive at first considering her role as a pilot that engaged battle with them one too many times, but they don't hold it against her, treat her civilly, and Flay starts to not only see that she was wrong about Coordinators, but also begins to desire peace.

Now at this point I've gone back and forth in my head on whether or not she goes to the Dominion, but as a Kira/Flay gal, I'm going to say no. Since she's a pilot, she's familiar with the radio system, so unlike her original self who was hitting whatever button in the hope of reaching the Archangel, Flay is able to open the appropriate channel. Kira will of course hear her voice and be overcome since he had been distraught to learn she'd been transferred out while he was MIA. He'll rescue her, and the opposing side will only realize too late that they'd rescued a pod.

Kira and Flay will get their reunion in a fashion similar to when Kira had rescued Flay in the life pod, except this time they kiss. She'll make amends with her friends, show no hostility to the likes of Athrun and Lacus (she'll even apologize Lacus and Cagalli for the way she treated them) and take up her place as the Rouge pilot. Also any romance between Lacus and Kira is ended here because of Flay's return. This is nothing against Lacus who is a great girl. It's just that in this what if scenario I'm canonizing Kira/Flay, so his flirting/affections with Lacus has to be pinned at some point.

There can be two ways to end the series: killing Flay or not. While her death does spur Kira to unlock his seed and go ultimate, I'd much rather go for a 'perceived' dead. He thinks she died, but she actually didn't and maybe even helps him towards the end of the final battle. Then the two recover from the war and go to live a peaceful life until SEED DESTINY starts up.

I haven't seen Gundam SEED in years, so most of this is just what I can remember from the show. I don't think this would be better than the original, I just find this one fun. As for keeping Kira/Flay the main couple instead of canon Kira/Lacus is that I like their storyline more. Flay was HORRIBLE to Kira, there is no question of that. But the beauty of their love is that his pure love for her changed her. Love made her a better person.

So hopefully that answered your question.

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies interview with Morikawa Toshiyuki

Interview with Morikawa Toshiyuki (voice actor for Kugi Kyutaro)

Interviewer: When you first saw the character design, description, and other information about Kugi Kyutaro, what impression did you have?

Morikawa: When I saw the character design, I thought, "He looks kind of like me, huh." (laughs) From the pictures, I got the impression that he was calm and quiet, and had a level head on his shoulders. He didn't seem like the easily-swayed sort. I figured he might fill the role of the mature adult in the story.

Interviewer: Now that you've actually acted as Kyutaro, what do you think makes him appealing and interesting?

Morikawa: I had a lot of fun playing the role according to my first impression. Part of his appeal is his duality; he puts on a gentle and calm face as the owner of Mistletoe Cafe, but as the go-between for the organisation, he's a professional through and through - a cool-headed and emotionless man. He has those two sides to him, and getting to perform both those personas is a real dream come true, as an actor.

Interviewer: He has both that gentle and friendly side, and that businesslike side when he's acting as the go-between... When portraying Kyutaro's two-faced nature, was there anything you kept in mind?

Morikawa: Striking that balance, I'd say. Basically, since I was playing the go-between for an illegal operation, I also had to be careful to put on an ordinary facade at the drop of a hat. In other words, I was playing Kyutaro, who was himself playing the role of a regular cafe owner. I was conscious of those overlapping layers of performance.

Interviewer: Please tell us your impressions of Kurusu Kazuki, Suwa Rei, and Unasaka Miri, and what you find appealing about that parent-child trio.

Morikawa: I settled in to enjoy the show as pure entertainment, but in fact, it turned out to have plenty of heart-pounding suspense. Rather than a parent-child trio, they seem more like a trio of children... a trio of siblings, really. In this drama, each of them is tasked with their own assignment of sorts - their respective themes they have to grapple with and overcome, in order to grow. It's a very human drama.

Interviewer: From the episodes that have aired so far, are there any scenes that left an impression on you, or that you're especially fond of?

Morikawa: Of course all the scenes at Mistletoe Cafe are my favourite. Babysitting Miri was fun, and so was the scene of using the voice changer to impersonate that woman. I also enjoyed the sheer realism of Kazuki and Rei scrambling to enrol Miri in daycare.

Interviewer: Please tell us what you think are the selling points of this series "Buddy Daddies".

Morikawa: I think the selling point is probably its hybrid nature; it's an anime which combines both family drama and the action genre. There's a stark contrast between the flashy pop opening and the dark, grim world we also see beneath. The plot unfolds at a good pace, which keeps you from getting bored. Watching it is bound to bring a smile to your face. 

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to everyone who is enjoying this series.

Morikawa: Please be good to Kyu-chan! And if you have a spare moment, you're always welcome to drop by Mistletoe Cafe for a cup of tea!

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Hi Lauren! 🌅 (sunrise), 🍁 (maple leaf) and ✴️ (eight-pointed star) for Lucy?🤍

Thank you for the ask, Reb! 🖤

Doing these again for THG!Lucy. (Who for those who don't know is my Peaky Blinders OC who will be featured in my upcoming THG!Series! She is also featured in my current series, Love Me Where I'm Most Ruined).

🌅 (sunrise) - What does your oc look forward to every day? Do they have something to look forward to in the first place? What makes them wake up in the morning? Why do they want to be alive?

Prior to the games, she didn't have much to look forward to at all, except sometimes causing mischief with her brother, Teddy after work or working on a new wood whittling project if she had the extra time.

After the games, she looks forward to little things: going horseback riding, spending time with Tommy, being able to have a quiet day to herself to read, that sort of thing. She suffers from sometimes severe bouts of depression, however, and her motivation to remain alive dwindles some days.

🍁 (maple leaf) - What brings your character joy? Do they find happiness in the small things? Does it take a lot to cheer them up?

It's the little things, mostly, like beating Tommy at a round of cards or chess, playing with Trouble, being able to be certain that her family will have enough food for the week, or being able to help others in the district. She also discovers later in life that she has a knack for helping others who have suffered from trauma, and she finds it to be very rewarding.

✴️ (eight-pointed star) - Is there anyone your oc admires or looks up to? What qualities of this person does your oc admire? Do they want to be like this person one day?

She admires her mother, but doesn't necessarily want to be like her. Genevieve is a strong, kind woman, but her life and the one Lucy wants couldn't be more different (THG!Lucy is actively against having children due to the games being A Thing). She also admires her aunt, Miri and her cousin, Mercy. Both are firecrackers and tough as nails, and Lucy learns a lot of her survival skills including knife throwing from them.

Orange Emoji OC Asks

Send me an ask

[finitefantasy]

someone i follow is indirecting you about calling this episode of buddy daddies filler, saying you just sound like a mad gay person about a straight plotline

truly do not want buddy daddies drama of all things but that really was just a joke post that wasn't... that serious?

i'm not ~upset about him being with women (as a bisexual i can recognize bisexuality is real and always viewed him as a fellow bisexual). i just think in general this backstory does... very little for his character? or rather what it does for his character isn't worth fridging a woman over.

it's a very tired and tried trope and speeedrunning it in a single episode after teasing it multiple times kind of demonstrates... how little value it truly adds to his story and his arc. if you're going to make him a 28 year old widower with a dead child, you have to rEALLY commit to that plot. i enjoyed the mystery of figuring out who the money was going to (was it her family? was she in a coma and this was for medical expenses? did the child survive? etc) and i enjoyed the angst potential but ultimately... this was heavily underexplored.

and ended up just feeling kinda generic. and rote.

using about... 5-10 minutes of a 13 episode season to have him be confronted about his past AND overcome it is not satisfying storytelling. for him to avoid karin for FIVE YEARS and have her just go "my sister would want you to be happy" in ~1 day and suddenly he's like... okay with the guilt of moving on... is... not... compelling? especially when so little of the guilt was explored.

especially when the guilt was only really explored via the money he left for karin (which is something that had AMPLE room for relevance, like when they couldn't get work and were going broke, he should've been stressed about payments) and... in tandem when he was experiencing generalized caretaker burn out, where you're then meant to understand that "actually, it's not so bad, he was just feeling guilty for moving on and projecting that guilt onto rei being a fail-husband and miri acting like a kid." like... that was really it. they needed to intersperse that guilt more heavily into the text.

if you can do an episode where you jump from playground to DOG SHOT THROUGH HEAD to playground, you can mix in more 'my wife is dead, my child is dead, and here i am playing house with my bestie and this child's whose dad i killed' a bit more.

this felt... cheap. the fact that he 'killed' his wife by her... randomly being next to a truck that exploded was cheap. and just soooo overdone in general.

and when it's that cheap, the value really just boils down to 'forced sad heterosexual backstory' and 'we haven't reminded you that kazuki sleeps with women/hangs with FEMALE sex workers to cope' in a while.

which isn't all bad. like there was PLENTY of room to play around with that and give kazuki more layers as a character and more edge.

but... it didn't work here for me. and i say this as someone who thinks ultimately this show does FAIRLY amazing character work, handle subtleties INFINITELY better than expected, and has handling the gay implications of its plot incredibly.

it's just... all of the leg work of this episode could have been done by exploring him being abandoned by his parents and an orphan. tie in complicated feelings about adoption into how he adopted this girl. make it feel like he gave up on idk reconnecting with his bio family and how he doesnt' want to move on. let him have resentment and guilt. or maybe tie this into how he MURDERED MIRI'S FATHER and how it feels wrong raising her.

there's sooo much room for like Angsty Exploration of Kazuki's Feelings and it felt like this is the most gneric path they could've taken. i have seen sooo many women fridged and this exact storyline play out so many times.

if you're gonna do it again, do it better than this.

i also feel weird about this entire plot happening with like... zero rei relevanec? and this isn't even a ship thing. it's just like... if you guys are dads together, matter to each other, it's... weird that kazuki's entire hang up about his DEAD WIFE is something that... never matters in his friendship with rei?

this plot is SO fucking isolated from the rest of the story, it feels unnecessary.

kyu is the middle man and has like... very little involvement.

if you remove this storyline, the show is ultimately the same minus a few good heartfelt scenes.

(and, yes, karin's speech and his connection with her WERE good and heartfelt!)

i'm allowed to complain about weak this exploration was without being written off as someone who is just mad about straight shit in my gay show or whatever.

[docholligay]

Our Wives Under the Sea

The pitch:  Gaslight, gatekeep me, and with dueling narrators baby! weird, gothic underwater horror story, as an exploration of the depths of love and grief at the heart of a marriage. (with much, is this happening, or is this HAPPENING??) -

 "The deep sea is a haunted house: a place in which things that ought not to exist move about in the darkness. 'Unstill' is the word Leah uses..." Leah is changed. 

Months earlier, she left for a routine expedition, only this time her submarine sank to the sea floor. When she finally surfaces and returns home, her wife Miri knows that something is wrong. Barely eating and lost in her thoughts, Leah rotates between rooms in their apartment, running the taps morning and night. As Miri searches for answers, desperate to understand what happened below the water, she must face the possibility that the woman she loves is slipping from her grasp. -- 

made me say "ouch" and "oof" at different parts of the book wrt to the hit to the feels. also no spoilers but apparently the different zones of the ocean depths are named in the most dramatic way possible and I live for it

Nonspoilery: I could see at least three different lines of thinking about what this book is “about” and I fucking live for that.It’s a good book that makes you close in on the inevitable, without letting you emotionally back away from it. 

spoilery: This is a story about someone going away. I think that’s the most straightforward way of talking about it, and I could see someone reading this as the story of a breakdown of a marriage, it absolutely could be that. I read it as being about grief and letting go, which I think it also reads very very easily as. There’s actually two ways to read that, as well, which I’ll get into below. 

From the time Leah comes back, she is going away. The journey under the sea, where something SAW her, 

Now, I read this as what it is to watch someone die, to know that every day they get further and further away from you, and at the end all you can do is help them let go, release them, but ALSO the frustration of someone who can do less and less, someone you barely even recognize as they retreat into themselves. Knowing that you can’t go out, that you should be grateful they are still with you, but ARE they? 

This is so interesting read against Miri’s experience of her mother’s death by what I am 98% sure is meant to be Huntington’s. The way she talked about how she sent her regards and visited less than was kind and let her go before she was ever dead. (at this moment in the book, I was like, “Oh yeah exactly this is what I’ve written Lena as being so afraid of because this is geuniely a thing that happens all the time”) But Leah she isn’t ready to let go, though of course she must. She has to return to that same place she was when she let go of her mother, with someone else who understands, to let Leah drift away. 

NOW, onto another, competing but equal thought to me: Is Leah already dead, and is this about Miri working through her grief and admitting Leah is gone? Things I like about this are the strange fantasy of what happened to Leah under the sea, how Leah slowly disappears into water (though that goes with my first take too), the way the book is titled to reflect the Husbands in Space, the way Miri talks about reading a board for people who have gone missing and that it writes that the worst thing is when someone is just missing, you realize YOU ARE THE ONE THAT HAS TO KILL THEM. You have to MAKE them dead. I screamed. Amazing. Painful. 

And that’s honestly this whole book, it’s so hard to write this shit without my computer and this has already taken me hours, but this whole book is about the unique pain of letting go of someone you love, whatever the means. Absolutely up my fucking alley. 

Great pick @moonlight-frittata

[mrs-snape5984]

„I hope, I’ll always have you in my mind, so that I know to find you every time.“

„Put your head on my chest, that’s your safe place. We‘ll fall deeper in love every day. From life unto life and for always.“ („Soul Mate“ by Flora Cash)

There’s something in my current life, that came hand in hand with my disease ME/CFS…slowly creeping into my fibres…infecting my mind with sadness. It’s loneliness, that I’m talking about. Overwhelming, crushing, suffocating loneliness.

Before this cruel bitch of a disease put a stopper in my life, as I knew it from before, I haven’t been healthy, either. But neither my severe Colitis Ulcerosa, nor the other few sicknesses and disabilities had achieved to break me the way, ME/CFS broke me!

What’s left, is only a shell of myself…a sad shadow of the woman, I’ve been prior to today. Where did the intelligent, sassy, witty and caring person go to, when she disappeared so insidiously from my personality? On some days, I still get a little glimpse of her, when I’m talking to my beloved friends @vulnus-sanare, @preciousthelmadonna or my bestie Miri, who often just “enjoys” sitting beside me in my dark room…embraced by silence and darkness. These tiny jiffies, when I’m recognising my previous character…my true nature, even though it’s only for a brief time, I’m feeling a little less anxious…a little less worthless.

But sadly, these moments become more rare with each new PEM crash of my disease (PEM = Post-exertional malaise = worsening of symptoms after certain activities). It feels as if I’m fading away from life…I’m fading away from other people’s lives as well as from my own.

Since I can’t leave my dark room - and most of the time even my bed - I’m not capable of joining social gatherings anymore. It’s impossible for me to endure listening to more than one person at once, so even my three kids have to “visit” me one after the other in my chamber. There are days, when I can’t even reply to messages from others, just because screen time is killing me.

All the more, I’m grateful for these few friends, who stay with me, no matter how silent I am, because they make me feel worthier and loved. And yet, I’m afraid of not being able to give them the same amount of support in return…due to the restrictions of my cruel reality, which are confining me.

So, there are many days, which I’m spending in total gloominess and silence with nothing but solitude surrounding me. And even if I’d be capable of sending text or audio messages (since I can’t type them out properly sometimes), I often hold myself back from reaching out to these understanding friends…only because I don’t want to be a burden to them.

I commissioned the lovely artist @hannisimp for this beautiful piece of art. Lin, you gave me exactly, what I needed with this tender artwork of yours. You gave me the feeling of being less alone. Severus accompanies me for 21 years now. He’s the safe haven, the comfort blanket, which I’m clinging to so desperately! My dear, I can’t stress enough, how grateful I am for your fine art. You made the love and the trust between Severus and my - oh, so self-inserted - OC Jules become palpable. There are no words to express my gratitude, so I just stay with these: Thank you for everything, my friend! Thank you for your talent, your kindness and each of your messages. I won’t ever take these things for granted.

🖤Severus & Julia🖤

🖤Sevy & Jules🖤

[thegamingcatmom]

Hey its the anon who got intrigued about miranda

Slowly making way through watching RE7

(Also dived in head first to just reading fanfiction, not sure if that's the right call)

(Still know very little besides like second hand info from fanfics/fan content)

Thoughts/questions on Miri the tired studhorse that came to mind randomly:

Now that MM is locked on to MC

Will she stop seeing the village girls in her chase for MC? Or with how MC is with wanting to very much nope the heck out of there, will she continue on with the village girls but still pursue MC for her use?

(Like in the off chance that MC doesn't work she's still gonna continue on doing what she do)

God it kinda gives fuckboy falls in love with one girl who knows Fboy's reputation and doesn't want any part of it

But instead it's Miri has found her perfect vessel in MC who would rather not be anywhere near her.

And then thoughts went:

MM finally has chance with MC, potential seed had taken place

MM learned how to talk/flirt with MC (made MC feel like the one or whatever)

MC falls for MM (idk if MC would fall for MM but if she does)

And then it turned sad:

But MC hears words out of context, or finds out MM still using the other Village girls (could be MM stopped after a bit cause idk genuine feelings she won't acknowledge for MC, idk if this is a MM falls for MC type thought)

(or literally village girl comes to door, MC sees from a distance the girl flirting and MM doesn't do anything so assumptions are made)

MC gets heartbroken

Somehow escapes

MC was the successful vessel for Eva but since she ran well idk Eva grows up far away and MM tries finding MC

Or

Sad

MM still tries with villagers unknown to her, her daughter who's back

(Again idk if MC could even escape or if possible)

So yeah, now my brain is kind of stuck on what ifs for miri the tired studhorse

Hey there!

Are you now? We love to hear it!

Marguerite sure does. 🕷️

How are you liking it so far? ^^

As for going straight to fanfiction: absolutely valid. I mean, there isn´t exactly a "right" or "wrong" here, really. As long as you´re having a good time, that´s all that matters. Besides, there´s lots to learn from fanfics as well when you´re looking to dive deeper into the lore of it all.

.

Now...

(I fucking love that shot of her, can yall tell?)

To say I am most pleased about this recent development (as in: Miri the Tired Studhorse seemingly haunting your waking hours) would be a severe understatement. Mission accomplished.

OKAY LISTEN-

I love your thoughts. Also because I´ve been thinking about the exact same thing. And, yknow, I think Miranda would defo continue her...affairs with those village girls. At least until she´s worked her charm so thoroughly that MC´s gonna spread those legs at the mere sight of her-

...Which means she´s gonna continue banging the village girls for quite a while, LMAO. And not necessarily because she´s trying to create Eva 2.0. No...

Listen, that woman is frustrated. AF. Like, imagine finally finding that perfect vessel, you´re SO sure of it that just being near them makes you struggle. You wanna jump their bones so badly cause you just know it´s gonna work this time, it´s meant to be. Like, Miranda firmly believes MC showing up in her village is fate or some shit, it´s gotta be, right?? MC was meant for her and only her, so that she may be filled with divine purpose that will bring forth divinity in return-

...In other words: Those village girls go from being her specimens to being her outlet cause MC wants no part of whatever-the-fuck is wrong with that village and its residents. Our girl´s gonna drive Miri nuts and someone has to pay the price. (I have a feeling it will be paid rather willingly though, thirsty bunch that they are, lmao. They´re all of us, basically.)

Miranda has to work for that one and that´s something our Birb Momma just...it just doesn´t make sense to her, yknow?? Because she is quite used to them ladies spreading their legs at the mere sight of her, tyvm.

So, to answer this part here:

...will she continue on with the village girls but still pursue MC for her use?

(Like in the off chance that MC doesn't work she's still gonna continue on doing what she do)

Yes, to all of that. But it´s more that MM´s entirely convinced MC´s the one, so the village ladies will serve as a...distraction until MC comes around basically. (I almost feel a tad bit sorry for Birb Mama. Almost.)

.

God it kinda gives fuckboy falls in love with one girl who knows Fboy's reputation and doesn't want any part of it

That´s maybe kinda perhaps exactly what this is, lmao.

(And, honestly? It sounds sexy af.)

LISTEN-

Like I said, Miri isn´t used to someone like MC. Meaning: Someone who rejects her. Like-

Excuse?

Perhaps that´s exactly why Miranda believes it´s meant to be, lol. Cause, yknow, Miranda´s a woman who seeks answers. If she doesn´t have them, she´s gonna work herself to death until she does. (I mean, have you seen that woman´s lab? There´s papers and jars scattered everywhere. She´s a messy nerd and that´s so damn sexy.)

...OR: She just goes ahead and puts her own spin on it (which sounds very likely cause bish is crazy af). Miranda seeks an explanation for MC´s sudden appearance in the village, so she promptly decides that, yes-

Surely, this must be it. Her perfect vessel. Why else should an outsider make it into the village in the first place? Why would her power (aka her charms, lol) decide to leave her right when this...innnteresting specimen enters her village? How can Miranda not see it as a sign she´s meant to pursue this newcomer? It is meant to be-

...This gif makes about as much sense here as Miranda´s train of thought, so that should tell you quite a bit about her, lel.

.

As for everything else you´ve said:

Right off the bat: If MM doesn´t want someone to leave the village, they won´t. She´ll find ways to prevent it, I´m sure...

With that said: I really like your thoughts on that, but MC leaving the village only for her/their daughter to come back and meet Miranda is highly unlikely to me. There´s no way Miranda would ever let MC leave if she believes there´s even the slightest bit of a chance to get her Eva back. So, once MC´s in, she´s not gonna get out again. Period.

...At least not until the bun´s out of the oven, if yknow what I mean. After that? Hm...we´ll see. 😏

.

.

I can defo see Miranda trying to make MC believe she harbors actual feelings for her, similar to how she made the village girls believe they´re serving a "divine purpose". (I mean, it´s not entirely a lie, if one was to ask Miranda...) Whether that´s gonna work out for her remains to be seen...

(I have my doubts, lol.)

The scenario with one of the village girls coming at Miranda like "Sooo...you wanna yknow what orrr...? *wink wink*" is also something I can defo see happening. It´s actually kinda hilarious to imagine because, in my head, MC´s probs gonna be either

pissed af and she´ll just straight up slap Miranda across the face before storming away all huffy and puffy, OR-

MC just...doesn´t care. At all.

Both cases include a Miranda who´s just this mix of "you DARE" and "wait what". Like, that woman´s not used to ANY of it - whether it´s getting slapped or being ignored.

In fact, Miranda isn´t quite sure which of those two she finds more insulting. 😤

.

As for MM falling for MC: That´s kinda the plan...I think, yes. Much, much, much further down the line.

But, seeing how it´s Mother Miranda we´re talking about, you can bet your ass nothing about that "plan" will be even remotely sane, lel. When that woman commits herself to something (or someone), she´ll do it in the most dramatic and obsessive of ways. She'll let it consume her to the point where it overshadows everything else. Anyone who crosses her path better prove their worth (likely by becoming Miri´s eyes and ears when it comes to MC), or they´ll get crushed beneath her foot like the ant she believes them to be.

...On the plus side:

Miranda is nothing if not devoted. ;3

.

.

.

FINALLY some spotlight for our fav Birb Momma! Miri deserves a lot more attention and recognition than she´s getting. Honestly, how´s there not...more? Just more?? 😤

(I think Lady D might be to blame for that, lol. She did always strive to become the favorite...)

Thanks a lot for your ask! 💋

[ohsocyanide]

unrequited // buddy daddies

There’s nothing for it.

Rei sucks on his sixth cigarette of the hour and stares at his own reflection in the mirror: the ghost-white canvas of purple-green bruising dappling his forearms and biceps from grappling practice, the spare lines of his waist, the concave flatness of his chest.

He looks at himself and he thinks of Kazuki, and he knows he is everything the other man doesn’t want.

There’s nothing for it, he thinks again.

He is not soft. He is not kind. He cannot soothe with a touch, calm with his words, and he thinks that Kazuki looks for that sort of airheaded tranquility in a partner. Deserves it too, someone better at comforting than he could ever be. He wonders if the woman Kazuki is bedding tonight is anything like that, if she’ll last longer than it takes for him to bury his cock inside her body.

Somehow, he doubts it.

A knock at the bathroom door has him cursing beneath his breath, Miri’s little voice muffled against the crack of the jamb as she says, “Uncle Rei?”

He tamps out the cigarette in the sink and leaves it there. Shoves his head through a nightshirt, shuffles his way into a pair of baggy sweats as he calls, “Just a minute, Miri.”

One day, maybe, he’ll quit enabling Kazuki’s lifestyle long enough to force him to find someone he can take the kid around. Someone good, someone patient, someone with better instincts than his. He is designed to kill, to take down — never to build up or boost.

That’s what the child needs.

He flicks on the vent and opens the bathroom door a crack to slip out so the smell of smoke doesn’t cling to her clothes.

Big eyes peer up at him balefully, waterline wet with tears and her nose dripping snot. He sighs and doubles back for the bathroom, tears off a strip of toilet paper and scrubs at her face with it.

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t find Papa,” she says. Her gaze skitters away from his face and back; she shuffles closer, small hands gripping at the leg of his sweats. She wants up, wants to be held, and he doesn’t want to do it.

He picks her up anyways.

He’d love to track Kazuki down — easy enough to do by scent alone; he’d poured on more cologne than was necessary before finger-gunning his way out the front door. He won’t, though.

Rei will stay here, because regardless of how irresponsible Kazuki may think he is, he’s moreso than he receives credit for.

“Obviously,” he sighs. “What do you need him for? You’re supposed to be in bed.”

She rests her cheek against his shoulder, and his heart does not grow three sizes at how sweet the motion is. She tugs at a piece of his hair and sniffles. “Papa didn’t tell me a bedtime story tonight.”

Another flash of irritation, and Rei grinds his teeth hard enough his molars ache. This is Kazuki’s mess, Kazuki’s kid. Not even Kazuki’s house; the fucking freeloader’s been crashing for near six months and hasn’t so much as offered a dime towards rent.

No, he’s just… cooked and cleaned and jokingly told Rei have a good day, honey, stupid little apron cinched around a sinful waist like some sort of stacked housewife.

“Right,” he says instead of the myriad of curses he’d like to say. “Well. You’re not getting a bedtime story from me.”

Her head pops up from his shoulder. “You have to.”

“Says who?”

“Says me,” she responds. “Says—says Papa.”

“Your papa isn’t my boss, kid,” he tells her. He swipes at her nose again and stuffs the used tissue into his pocket.

“Since when? You do everything Papa wants.”

Rei is thankful for the relative darkness of the hallway. It masks the burning of his ears, the rush of blood to his cheeks. Does he? Is he that obvious in his desire to please Kazuki, unrequited as it is?

“Not true,” he argues, and then quickly realizes that arguing with a four year old is stupid. He’s an adult.

“Uh-huh,” she says, nodding. “Papa told his friend you were spanked, ‘cause you do what he wants.”

“Spanked,” Rei repeats, nonplussed. “You—you mean whipped?”

“Yeah!” she kicks her legs happily, and he muffles a grunt when her foot slams directly into his liver. “That thing that happens to kids who are bad.”

“I’m not whipped,” he says, and he carts her down the hall to the living room. He’s annoyed now, whatever wash of sadness he’d felt in the bathroom replaced by the knowledge that Kazuki has some grasp of how down bad Rei is for him. He knows and he uses it, manipulates it, and Rei lets him.

It takes one of those sweet, goofy smiles, a wink, and he’ll do whatever Kazuki wants.

Well, fuck.

He turns on the television and drops onto the couch, Miri still in his lap.

She twists to watch as he opens a streaming app and flicks through the options under the anime category.

“I’m not allowed to watch tv this late,” she says slowly. She turns back to face him, chin tipped up so she’s peering into his face. “I’ll get in trouble.”

“It’s not tv, it’s a bedtime story,” Rei tells her. “About a girl who finds a magical cat who tasks her with saving the world from evil.”

She considers that, blinks her big eyes up at him as she takes in the information and likely memorizes it for later use against Kazuki. Finally she relaxes, gives a nod and allows him to reposition her so they’re stretched horizontally across the couch.

Rei clicks the first suitable option he finds and proprs a pillow beneath his head. Despite her initial reluctance, Miri snuggles against him, head tucked securely beneath his chin as lights flash across the screen.

There’s nothing for it, he reminds himself as the intro for Sailor Moon starts up.

He’s here. And he’ll be here, until Kazuki finds someone new or gets sick of Rei hanging around like some lovesick little schoolgirl.

He doesn’t want to think about which of those will happen first.

[cosmiclion]

From the news I read I’m surprised they’ll welcome Miri’s mom return in future episodes. I guess it isn’t that much of a stretch considering that Miri would eventually want to see her mother again. Though I’m interested to see how it will go. Her mom made it clear she doesn’t want to continue caring for her. Miri will be crushed of course. If that happens I just hope she remembers she has a new family now and her support network is larger then before. Miri’s mom doesn’t seem as horrible as other abusive anime parents. I mean Miri wouldn’t be as cheerful and energetic as she should if her mother at least took care of her enough to not realize her growing hatred. I could tell from her first appearance she’s a very broken woman, trying to live her dreams singing in a shady bar in the red light district, loving a man who shows blatant abuse towards her. It was for the best that Miri left her and stayed in the care of adults who will look after her needs with no regrets. Otherwise she’ll be faced with abuse and regret should Miri continue living with her.

Hi! Uh... first of all I'd like to offer my sincerest apologies for taking ages to answer this, I've been a little too busy with school and general chores plus I really didn't know how to put my thoughts into words 😭 I know it's pretty pointless to answer your specific ask by now since the show has already progressed and ended but I still didn't want to leave this ignored, and if you don't mind I'll take the opportunity to offer some thoughts.

Now that the show has ended I see why they made the choices they made and they make a lot of sense given the context of the story. I personally don’t have any complaints about the writing but I think Misaki deserved better. I'm sad she died but I understand why it happened, I suppose with her arc going that route it wouldn't have made sense for her to survive in a show where nobody's safe from violent criminals who are willing to murder women and children to get them out of their way. Still, I don't think she needed a big change of heart, I think she was already a great character as she was (it also rubs me the wrong way that some people started viewing her as a good person only once she started making an effort to do things right but I digress).

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the "unwilling parent learns to love their kid and learns to be a good parent so that they can finally be a happy family" narrative. It just doesn’t sit right with me, maybe I’m reading too much into it but the message I get from these kind of stories is that anyone can be a good parent/caretaker with enough help and resources and in the right place mentally and emotionally (ESPECIALLY because that's an argument people use in real life for why they think everyone should have kids, or hell, even as an anti abortion argument; like that's not an exaggeration, I've seen them saying pretty much the exact same thing), when the sad reality is that sometimes kids are just unwanted. I sincerely wish the show had acknowledged that some people just don’t want to be parents even when they already are, I know it’s not pretty but these things need to be talked about in fiction.

I also think it would’ve fit the story perfectly: we would’ve had an example of horrible abusive parents (Rei’s father), amazing loving parents (Rei and Kazuki themselves) and parents who do their best but would still rather be doing anything else (Misaki; as you said, Miri wouldn’t be as cheerful if her mother hadn't kept her unhappiness to herself). Maybe I’m biased, I don’t know, but I’m really starved for this kind of content. As a friend of mine as well as a few other people have said, we need more situations like in Matilda, where the bio parents admit they aren't fit for the role and happily sign away their parental rights.

(Granted that if Misaki hadn't popped back into Miri's life she wouldn't have died like that, as she got targeted precisely because she was with Miri, that's why I say I understand why the writers made the choices they made).

I also wish they hadn't given her cancer if they were going to kill her off anyway, give the poor woman a break lol.

If you (not you the asker but you as in anyone reading this) disagree with me that's perfectly okay, and let me reiterate that I do NOT think this is bad writing, I'm just tired of seeing this trope over and over again; but any angry asks or comments will be ignored and deleted.

(Edited to add some more thoughts).