#no but he's moody because he is 14. but he grows!!!

[eliounora]

my oc dara drawn at lightning speed!

[sunshinereddie]

going a little insane thinking of a non-pennywise au there the losers never separate and they do grow up together but richie and eddie never get together because eddie is never able to accept his own sexuality and richie never acts on his feelings because "i have a crush on you, but i don’t want to tell you that, so i’m going to push you away. but man, if he made the first move, that’d be the best thing ever" (bill hader i'll kill you myself) and so they grow up as best friends who love each other in more than a best friend's way and never knew that the feeling is mutual.

and so they grow up and live as adults and one day eddie tells the losers all about his new girlfriend, myra, and richie dies a little on the inside, but he plays the part of supportive friend and tries to pretend that he doesn't hate myra from the moment he meets her.

but then a few years go by and now they're engaged. richie is of course invited to the wedding and of course part of the wedding party, even though in these past few years richie and eddie have grown a little apart. something about eddie thinking that richie had changed, he always seemed a little standoffish these days, but eddie never connected the dots that he only acted that way when myra was brought along. he never connected the dots that richie only acted that way because he didn't know how to handle the fact that the love of his life was in love with someone else. but eddie was getting married- this was supposed to be the best day of his life, of course he wanted richie there, even though myra didn't.

even when richie is acting weird at the wedding, eddie shrugs it off. god knows he has more important things to worry about than richie being moody in the corner. for example, he has to make sure that each and every table centrepiece is placed perfectly, god forbid a tulip is out of place or myra would have a meltdown. he has to double and triple make sure that the catering company is making the correct menu, because god forbid myra doesn't get her gluten-free, low carb, zero-sugar dinner.

and he has to try his best to ignore the feelings of doubt burning in his stomach. a feeling of... should i be doing this? he's sure it's just normal wedding nerves.

until richie finds him in his dressing room. they begin to chat, and as richie starts to ramble on about their childhood, reminiscing on the "good old days" and talking about how he can't believe they're both grown up now, eddie can smell the alcohol on his breath. he also realizes that this is the first time they have been alone in a while, and eddie finds it almost... awkward. he had spent a majority of his life loving richie, and even more time trying to pretend that he didn't. he wasn't even sure that he had stopped loving richie, just that he had done a very good job at pretending. but he loved myra now, and besides, him and richie never would have worked out.

that is, until richie lets out a laugh that sounds more dejected than joyful, and eddie's heart sinks as richie says, "i can't believe you're actually getting married. you know, i've never told anyone before, but i actually had a crush on you when we were kids."

eddie's frozen. surely richie didn't just say that, he must be hearing things wrong, but he can't muster anything up except a weak "what?"

richie shrugs casually, as if he hadn't just dropped the biggest bombshell of eddie's life and repeats, "yeah, man, we were probably 13, 14. i had a little crush on you. you know, just one of those little kid crushes. it wasn't a big deal. anyways, it's crazy that you're getting married now."

oh, except it was. richie said something more, but eddie wasn't listening, not when richie let out a tipsy laugh or clapped him on the shoulder or when he left the room. all eddie could think about were those words:

i had a crush on you.

from those words, all eddie could hear was he liked me. he liked me back. it wasn't one-sided. i wasn't crazy for thinking maybe he could like me too. but it's too late. it's too late. it's too late.

eddie looks at himself in the mirror. he's wearing the suit he had specifically bought to get married in. he's wearing the tie that myra had picked out for him. he's wearing a boutonniere of the same flower from the bouquet that his soon-to-be wife would be walking down the aisle with.

and all he can think about is richie tozier. all he can think about is how the person he had loved his entire life, had had feelings for him too. and maybe, just maybe, if eddie had acted on his own feelings fifteen years ago, that things could have been different.

the door opens. it's bill, his best man, letting him know that it was time. "you ready?" bill asks. eddie isn't, but he nods.

because it's too late. it's too late.

[targaryenluvs]

Over you’re post about the crows x child!reader. And I was thinking of the same for a while! But I wanted to ask you about the crows with a moody teen. Like she’s maybe grown up, she’s like still bad ass but she’s going through teen age eyes. Like maybe like 13-14. Sorry, I just think it would be so funny like the guardians of the galaxy and teen age groot. She can have like a attitude problem with kaz.

Teenage Scare

six of crows x teen!reader, kaz brekker x teen!reader

Mean.

That’s how most people would describe you.

No matter what a discussion was about you always had something to say. When you were younger you were new to the Crow Club. Despite your rough life you were kind and sweet.

That part of you was snacking on waffles deep inside, because with your teenage years came change. And you didn’t like change. First came with your height, you were still short for your age but you could see you were growing faster than usual. Then came your face, where it was usually smooth came bumps and rough patches, not noticeable but to you? This was an attack on your face.

Then your chest, which was the worst. From 12 to 14 it grew and grew and you had no clue if it would stop. You’d caught the eye of local boys when you didn’t want to. Which lead to a few catcalls to you, and a few broken noses for them. You didn’t want to be treated differently for something so vain, so natural.

But it would happen either way, not only did boys notice but men did too. Although they always bit their tongue since the first (and last) man to say something ended up with all his money fit snuggly in your pockets and his teeth in a bin.

It made you angry and bitter.

You had to get new clothes every few months since it didn’t fit here or there and so on. After a big job the Crows had pulled off which you played a huge role in you were definitely more than able to afford it but you didn’t want to waste all your money on clothes.

So you took up sewing in secret.

You didn’t feel like being bullied for doing something so girlish whilst you condemned the Ladies of richer houses for being shackled to a birthing bed or cooking and cleaning.

But the thing was you liked it. It brung a sense of calm, using different colours of thread and different needles giving various outcomes. And there was nothing you could make that had been made before. There was so much freedom when it came to it.

Everyone else noticed the calm of the storm that was you, pretty quickly.

“What on Ketterdam just happened.” Wylan said to Jesper as he sat down with his breakfast. “What do you mean?” He looked up at him and cleared his throat, “I’m sorry I should’ve been clearer.” Jesper laughed, “What did I say about apologising for how you speak?” Jesper smiled timidly, “Not to. I remember, just a slip. It’s just, when I went into the Kitchen, Y/n was in there.”

Jesper tilted his head, encouraging him to continue, “Cooking. She hasn’t cooked since she was twelve.” Jesper brung his hand to his forehead and faked shock, “Oh my Saints, the world is off its axis.”

Wylan smacked his chest and frowned, “It’s not funny! She hasn’t cooked in so long, she says it’s boring and we have people for it so what’s the point?” Jesper wraps his arm around him, “I’m sorry love, you’re right it is odd. But maybe the beast is about to go into a deep slumber and we get the normal Y/n back. You know how the younger teenage years are.”

“We’re all in our 20s, we may not fully remember but it was awkward and weird. Everything was changing and we were adapting. Let her adapt.” He finished as Wylan nodded in agreement, what he didn’t notice was Jespers hand sneaking towards his toast.

“Hey! Drop it!” Wylan shouted as Jesper took a big bite out of the corner, “You love me, let me eat.” Wylan huffed in annoyance before getting up to leave but Jesper promptly wrapped his arm around his waist and brought him back down, “Oh no you don’t.” Jesper laughed as Wylan did too.

“Please stop giggling like school girls, you’re making me want to vomit.” Y/n said as she sat down with her food in front of them. “Don’t make any sudden movements, we don’t want to scare the animal.” Jesper ‘whispered’ as Y/n laughed sarcastically, “For a second I was wondering why I never sit with you two in the mornings anymore, now I remember why.”

“Oh it was just a joke Y/n, please sit, I feel like I never see you anymore.” Wylan spoke as he took a sip of his juice. “Maybe open your eyes up babe, I live with you.” Wylan smiled, “Yeah but I uhm, I missed talking to you.”

“Thanks. I’d miss me too.”

Jesper snickered as Wylan hit him again.

That was one of the moments you realised how much you’d changed. Whilst fearing over things being different you’d pushed away the Crows, your family. You’d begun spending more time in your room, or with other friends your age and while having friends your age was okay, you spent more time with them than at the Slat or Crow Club.

You’d let your fear take over. Not wanting to eat with them in the mornings to hear their questions and teasings of, “Are you okay?” “Is it that time of the month?” “New clothes?”

What you’d seen as annoying were actually just genuine questions of concern. From that day on you’d ease back into your life. Eating with them in the mornings, actually attending meetings rather than hearing the summary from Inej.

You’d go shopping with Nina for food, or have your daily reading sessions in Kaz’s office. You’d shop for hats and ingredients with Wylan and Jesper and laugh when Jesper touched the wrong thing and would get told off.

You’d be home again.

The meeting was at seven pm and this time you planned on showing up.

You were there twenty minutes early, grabbing your favourite book of tales you’d obtained from East Ravka. “You’re here for once?” Kaz asked as he walked into the room. You nodded, the realisation that you hadn’t talked to him in weeks.

Kaz noticed your change first. No longer did he receive sweet notes in the morning that had him smiling at himself, no longer did he hear your humming as you read in his office, something he claimed to loathe but he’d grown familiar to the sound, like a white noise.

When he worked to hard he’d always be so engrossed in whatever he was doing he’d sometimes not notice you bringing him dinner, lunch or breakfast.

Before every meeting you’d be the first to come along, not for the sake of punctuality, but so Kaz could silently hand over his plan, and have you fix anything that seemed out of place.

Once you’d become a teenager, you grew distant and indifferent to Kaz most of all. You didn’t want him to see you as an adult. Someone he could treat the same as others he worked with. You liked how it was, him always asking you if you’d slept, him telling you off when you became cheeky, when you ate like a girl starved. (Which you never were), when he’d let you, little by little break away his barriers.

With a pat on the back, a comment of praise, a loving look etc. What you both missed most of all was your night talks. Where you’d talk about anyone or thing. Nothing was off limits, it was in these talks that you found out about Kaz’s past.

His change of scenery from his fathers farm to the bustling streets of Ketterdam, the con played by one Jakob Hertzoon on two unknowing boys. How they were cheated out of their inheritance, Jordie’s death and the eventual reasoning behind Kaz and his fear of touch.

You vowed with him to bring Pekka down.

The words which he uttered, ‘Brick by Brick’ held new meaning in your eyes. And you and Kaz held them dear, you would do anything to bring the ‘King’ of the Barrel to his knees.

After such a monumental breakthrough, even if Kaz wouldn’t admit it, you drifted and it stung.

“Early as always.”

“What else do you expect from me?”

“For you to run away, play with your little friends rather than do your job.”

You lifted your head from your book, “I know I’ve been gone a bit, but I always get the job done. I’m always there.”

“I know you are. But as a Crow you’re supposed to be at every meeting, every briefing. Just because you’re a child it does not give you a free pass to skip out on anything.”

“I’m not a child.”

“No? You run away from your responsibilities, the plan is as important as the mission. You should know the ins and outs, the layout of the area rather than running around aimlessly before finally finding a window to go through.”

“That’s was one time!”

“It’s not good enough. You’re not good enough.”

You slammed the book down on the table and rose from your seat, “I’m sorry if I’m not fucking perfect Kaz. But I’m human. We all make mistakes and you know that. There’s a reason you always make me go over every plan. You’re not subtle, having Inej bring me plans as ‘potential opportunities’ and asking for my opinion. I know she relays all the information to you. I’m fourteen not stupid.”

“It’s been a while since I heard that phrase.”

“Oh fuck you.”

“Y/n.”

You stopped in your tracks, you knew that tone, you’d heard it on countless heists and with it you knew not to mess around. You turned slowly and crossed your arms, “What?”

“Brick by Brick.”

You sighed, the words had been lost to you, having not said them in forever.

“Brick by Brick.”

“Those words are close to me. I do not take them lightly, they’re a promise, it will happen. Don’t make me regret telling you of my past if you’re slacking. If you’re slipping, if you can’t handle yourself you can’t handle this life. If you’d rather be an ordinary girl I can organise a wealthy family to adopt you. It wouldn’t be hard, you’re well educated, mannered even if you’ve shown a lack of them in the past few years. But if you want to continue, continue with the Crows then let me know right now. I cannot have someone lacking in focus and effort because they’re moping about change.”

“I want to be here, I do. And the phrase, means a lot to you I know. I know how hard it was for you to share your past with me and i’m grateful you did. It showed me so much more to you. You built all of this from the ground and as much as you’d never admit it, it means a lot to you. The Crows do. I’d never want to jeopardise all you’ve done. I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting and I promise to get my act together. I don’t remember much from my years before here. And I don’t want to. This is my life, I was made for this.”

“That’s the Y/n I know. Now, go over the plan before everyone arrives.”

You sat back down, “Brick by Brick.”

You looked up and grinned, “Brick by Brick.”

[niko-jpeg]

Originally, Shadow 05 was not going to be in this au. But then I came up with the funniest possible way to include it in the story, and I couldn’t help myself. So you know how Camp Green Hill is set up like an animated series, with seasons and episodes and such? Well, I present to you Camp Green HIll: Shadow the Hedgehog, a post canon movie spinoff featuring our beloved moody hedgie and his adventure of accidental self discovery. The details are a little in the air right now, since I’m still finishing the base plot of CGH itself, so doodle explanations under the cut <3

Title Drop: First doodle of the batch I made, featuring Shadow and Rouge. They still work together under GUN post canon, and are cool and badass and etc. Slight design changes to Rouge because I wanted to, and Shadow rocks the button up and suit jacket combo. And yes, of course, he still has a gun.

I Can’t Draw Omega: I tried. And it did not go well, I’m so sorry Omega truthers. 

Weird Way to Meet Your Dead Beat Dad: I saw this scene vividly. After the opening sequence, Rouge and Shadow are going back to the apartment, only to be met by Shadow’s alien dad, who he does not remember. 

In the Lab, All Alone: This one’s more of a stretch, a vibe doodle if you will. I wanted to draw him in emotional distress, so I stuck him back on the Ark in the classic shitty hospital gown while he tries not to cry tears of frustration. Why? Because I said so. I don’t think it’ll make the final cut, but I had fun drawing it anyway. 

Sonic and Tails: As I said, this au takes place post canon! Now Sonic is 18, and Tails is 14! Shadow is 19 himself. However, because of just how many times Sonic has gone super, he’s begun to physically change a little. While coming down from being super has its emotional fallouts, he’s done it so many times he’s begun to grow electric yellow fur on his ears, hands, feet, and around his eyes. It also seems to be on his quills, strangely. Tails is as nerdy as ever, clearly.

Super Shadow: Unfortunately, Shadow goes super every once in a blue moon too, and it too is beginning to manifest. While at the moment the third eye is just a temporary thing while super, there's no saying if it may stick around if he does it again. A note on that as well: the only Hedgie that doesn’t go Super more than once is Silver. This is intentional, on his part, as while he was super, he found it quite a challenge to keep himself under control and has avoided it since. Who knows what his manifestations may end up looking like. 

Expressions: A surprised (though not unhappy) Shadow, contrasted with a visibly aggressive Shadow. 

Cuddle Pile: Request from the stream. Coming down from being super has its downsides, and a pretty rough mental fallout. Being a god for an hour doesn’t leave a guy unscathed, y’know. While Silver resists it initially (for various plot reasons), eventually the two are able to convince him to join the emotional recovery party Sonic’s closer friends throw him when he goes super. This usually includes blanket time, as seen here. 

Post Credits Shenanigans: I have this very vivid scene in my brain that would take place after the events of the story. Earlier, Sonic gushes about how cool he thinks Shadow actually is, under all the bitey rough exterior. Rouge, naturally, gets a recording and after everything is said and done plays it for him. This obviously flusters him. Please excuse the poorly edited blush, I realized I forgot to turn that layer back on only after I had saved the file. Oops. 

Remember, asks are open for the characters themselves, or about the au <3

[inazumaeleven-headcanon-space]

Hello!

In this part of this "series," I suppose I will show you their history.

In sections.

First meeting

Misaki Kazemaru and Kouta Sakuma met when they were 5 in elementary school. Despite coming from very different worlds, they became very close friends, which their family's didn't really care about. They were very close until a sad accident struck in Misaki life. When she was 14, her father died because of a drunk driver, and she was left alone with her mother. She started being moody and just stopped going out and pushed Kouta out of her life.

Later life of Misaki

Misaki's early adult life was a mix of challenges and perseverance. She gave birth to Kazemaru when she was young and deeply in love with her fiance. However, as life became tougher and money grew scarce, her fiance abandoned them, leaving her to fend for herself and her son. Misaki worked tirelessly, finishing her studies to become a certified nurse while juggling odd jobs to make ends meet. She lived a modest, almost impoverished life but always ensured Kazemaru had food, clothing, and love. She vowed never to let her son feel the sting of abandonment again, even if it meant working herself to exhaustion. At this point, Kazemaru is a shy, reserved boy who loves being active.

Later Life of Kouta

Kouta Sakuma’s early life was marked by privilege and talent. Coming from a wealthy family, he pursued his passion for music, graduating from one of the most prestigious music schools in the country. However, his family arranged a marriage for him, seeing it as a way to strengthen ties with another influential family. The marriage was strained from the beginning, as Kouta and his wife had little in common and barely spoke. Despite this, they had a son, Sakuma, whom Kouta adored. When his wife passed away unexpectedly, Kouta felt relief more than grief, though he was heartbroken for Sakuma, who was left without a mother. He focused on raising his son while maintaining his flourishing career as a composer.

Meeting again

Misaki and Kouta met again in a park when Misaki recognised him. They started to talk and they started to meet again "accidently" in the park. Kouta and Misaki became friends again and he hired her for a short time as his mannager when she was struggling to find a nursing job. Eventually, Kouta invited Misaki as a first date to a recital, introducing her to his world. Misaki was hesitant, fearing judgment from Kouta's peers, but Kouta's unwavering support reassured her. Over time, what started as a friendship blossomed into love, though they kept their relationship private to protect their sons.

First Years of Dating in Secret

During their early years of dating, Sakuma and Kazemaru became close playmates. Sakuma, despite his occasional arrogance, showed a protective side when he stood up for Kazemaru against rude, privileged children who mocked him for his modest background (have i took this from plot point from Mufasa? Yes). Kazemaru admired Sakuma’s bravery, and their bond grew. However, Sakuma initially feared Misaki, unsure of how to interact with someone so kind yet strict. Similarly, Kazemaru was wary of Kouta, intimidated by his wealth and sophistication. Despite their differences, the boys found solace in their growing friendship, while Kouta and Misaki worked hard to ensure the children felt secure and loved.

Getting Married

When Kouta and Misaki decided to marry, it wasn’t an easy transition for their children. Sakuma feared being replaced by Kazemaru, while Kazemaru harbored the same fears about Sakuma. Both boys struggled with the idea of sharing their parents, feeling as though their unique bonds might be diluted. Kouta and Misaki addressed their fears openly, constantly reassuring them of their love. Misaki made a point to spend one-on-one time with Sakuma, while Kouta did the same with Kazemaru. Over time, the boys realized they weren’t losing their parents but gaining a stronger family. By the time of the wedding, Sakuma and Kazemaru had grown closer, standing side by side as their parents exchanged vows, symbolizing the unity of their new family. Sakuma still didn't call Misaki's mom, however. For Kazemaru, it was way easier to call Kouta dad and after a deep talk he started calling him that.

I WILL POST ANOTHER POST LIKE THIS TODAY CAUSE I REALIZED ITS A LITLLE TO LONG

[goldenseresinretriever]

You Catch More Bees With Honey: Chapter 14

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: Bradley Bradshaw, blindsided by a team he trusted like family has been traded to the San Diego Dogfighters. Across the country from the place he calls home, Bradley feels lost and betrayed. Not to mention the familiar faces and ghosts from his past that he now has to face every day at work. Bradley’s caught between wanting to show his former team the mistake they made in double-crossing him and wondering if it’s time to hang up his skates after one final season. You’re living your dream as the PR representative for the Dogfighters. When Coach Maverick made a bid to bring his godson to the team, you hadn’t batted an eye. Bradley was a good teammate, and a good player. Unfortunately, the Bradley that shows up in San Diego is nothing like your research suggested. He’s moody, irritable, aggressive, and angry, throwing a wrench in all your careful planning. What’s caused such a drastic change in him? And can you figure out how to help him before he makes a mistake you can’t fix?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, dead parents, drunkenness, alcohol consumption, violence, sports violence, blood probably, angst, fluff, eventual smut, age gap (28 and 38), enemies to lovers, suggestive language, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 4.4k

A/N: This is a repost of my completed series, You Catch More Bees With Honey. It was originally posted in November-March 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

You stretch as you sit up in your seat as the plane starts to descend for landing. You’ve spent the last few hours with your head tucked on Bradley’s shoulder. You lean the other way now, staring out the window at the city of Philadelphia. It’s not your first time in Pennsylvania but you’ve never been to Philly. You turn to see Bradley watching you, a fond look in his eyes that makes your cheeks heat. You reach for his hand, threading his fingers with yours. “You ready?” You whisper and you watch emotions swirl in his eyes as he looks past you out the window. For over a decade, this was his home, and he had been unfairly ripped from it just a few months ago. You know the wound is still fresh and aching and while you’re excited to see the city he loves so much, you can’t help the way your heart aches for him. You wish you could just go back home and wrap him in your arms, chasing away his demons with the strength of your feelings for him.

Home. It’s weird how natural it feels, to call Bradley’s apartment your home. Since the other day, you’ve been spending more and more time there. Feet swinging as you perch on the counter while Bradley cooks for the two of you. Curled under soft blankets on the couch, wrapped in his arms. You hadn’t spent the night again, though. Not for any particular reason, at least that’s what you tell yourself. It definitely has nothing to do with the sheer strength of your feelings for Bradley. They’re growing every day, at a rate that threatens to overwhelm you. You know you made a choice that day, asking Bradley to kiss you in the kitchen, where it had become clear that he was clearly as desperate for you as you were for him. That knowledge is the only thing keeping you from spontaneously combusting at the size of your feelings. You love him. You know you should tell him, let him in all the way, but you’re terrified because you’re not sure you’ve ever loved anyone this way. Sure, you’ve said the words before, to other men a lifetime ago, but you were a different person then. One that didn’t yet know loss and perhaps didn’t even know love. Not the romantic kind, at least. You’d always known love. Your mom made sure of that, and your dad too. And then Mickey, showing you love in little ways until you broke apart and let him show it to you in bigger ways. And now Bradley, showing you love in the quiet.

You squeeze his hand gently when he doesn’t answer immediately. His gaze shifts to you and you smile softly at him. “Where’d you go, Bear?” He shakes his head, bringing your clasped hands to his lips, brushing them across your knuckles.

“Nowhere, Honey. I’m right here.” You know he’s lying but he’ll come to you when he’s ready. The two of you are similar in that way.

***

You glance down at your keycard, trying not to frown. Cyclone had eased up on his insistence on you babysitting Bradley since he stopped causing trouble during games and as a result, you’ve no longer been assigned to share a room with him. Technically, you’re sharing with Dragon but she’s sleeping in Mickey and Bob’s room and Mickey’s now your roommate. “Ready, roomie?” Mickey chirps excitedly as he slings an arm around your shoulder. You force a smile onto your lips, trying to disguise your disappointment. Mickey’s not a bad roommate by any means, you lived with him for two and a half years after all. There are far worse people you could be stuck rooming with than your best friend but you can’t help but consider the alternative. Mickey skips off to chat with Bob about something and you drop the smile as a chuckle sounds in your ear.

“Someone looks disappointed.” You turn to scowl at Javy who’s grinning mischievously at you. You’re about to tell him you’re not in the mood for his teasing when he dangles a keycard in front of your nose, a smirk twisting his lips as your eyes widen in surprise. “I’ll handle Mickey, go get your man.” You can’t help how your face lights up instantly and you can’t even find it in you to be mad as Javy laughs at your transparency. He hands you his keycard and takes yours with a wink. “Don’t forget to use protection.” You roll your eyes but can’t help the giggle that spills from your lips as you turn to track down Bradley in the crowded lobby. “I think he already headed upstairs, sweetheart,” Javy informs you and you turn back to him, full-on grinning now.

“Thank you, Javy.” It’s his turn to roll his eyes and he waves you off.

“Just go, before Garcia realizes you’re gone.” You nod and check around to make sure no one’s paying attention to the two of you before you make your way to the elevator. You can’t help the way you fidget as the elevator climbs the floors and you can’t help but think of a different elevator you’d stood in with Bradley, the night everything changed between the two of you. You can’t help the way your thighs clench at the memory of Bradley growling in your ear, his brazen hands squeezing you close. The elevator reaches your floor and you collect your things, lugging your suitcase and garment bag after you as you search for the room listed on the cardholder. You hesitate, considering knocking, but Javy gave you the key after all and so you simply pass it over the reader, turning the handle when the green light flashes and the door lock clicks open. You push open the door, awkwardly as you struggle between your luggage and the heavy door, one hand still gripping the keycard. You manage to shuffle in, loudly clattering down the sort hallway that opens into the bedroom. Bradley’s sitting on the bed by the window, socked feet up on the covers when he turns, brow furrowed. “Machado, could you please try to be at least a little quieter-” the words dying on his lips as he takes in your slightly disheveled appearance, laden with your luggage. “Honey?” The question is instantly in a softer tone, one you’ve realized is reserved for you and Dare.

“Hi,” you manage before starting to move again, and then your suitcase’s wheel spins roguely and slams into your ankle and you let out a squawk of pain as your balance is thrown off and you throw your full hands in front of you in an attemp0t to avoid faceplanting onto the carpeted floor. You brace for the impact, squeezing your eyes shut but it never comes. You carefully ease your eyes open to look up at Bradley who’s got his hands wrapped around your waist, holding you against him.

“Honey,” his voice is concerned and exasperated as he chides you gently. You give him a rueful smile as he helps you stand, taking items out of your full hands. “What are you doing here?” He asks, raising an amused eyebrow and you feel your cheeks heat as you show him the keycard.

“Javy told me to, and I quote, ‘go get your man.’” Bradley's eyes brighten and he chuckles as he bumps your nose with his.

“You man, hmm? I wonder who that is? He’s a lucky man.” You giggle and rub your nose against his.

“Is he now?” You whisper and he gazes down at you with a fondness that makes your knees weak.

“He is,” Bradley affirms before stepping away and you try not to whimper at the loss. He hangs your garment bag in the closet, and you place your suitcase in there as well as he places your purse on the desk. You lean against the empty bed that would have been Javy’s, suddenly shy as Bradley comes over to you, gently pulling you with him as he backs up towards his bed. He raises an eyebrow in question when the backs of his legs bump the bed and before you can answer, your phones chime, reminding the two of you that you’re expected back downstairs ASAP after freshening up and changing. The boys have a full evening of practice at the Flyer’s rink.

“We should get ready to go,” you remind Bradley and he lets out a groan, leaning his forehead against yours. You nuzzle his nose with yours. “You ready for this?” You whisper. He lets out a heavy sigh and you feel his body press harder into yours as he leans against you. You reach up to wrap your arms around his neck, gently, threading your fingers into the curls at the base of his neck. You feel him relax into your embrace. “I’m here for you, remember that. If you need me, I’ll be right there. And if you need me to kick anyone’s ass, I can do that too.” He chuckles at that and you smile at the sound. “I’m also pretty good at blackmail if that’s the route you want to take,” you continue and Bradley pulls you close, swinging you off the ground as you squeal, tightening your grip around his neck. “Bradley!” You yelp as he chuckles, easing your head back to look at him. There’s still uncertainty swimming in his eyes but you can tell that the smile on his face is genuine.

“And if I want to burn it all down to the ground?” He whispers, his voice a low rumble.

“Then I’ll bring the matches,” you assure him and before you can stop yourself, you lean forward, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips that he returns. A banging at the door makes you both jump.

“Hurry up, lovebirds, we’re going to be late!” Javy’s voice calls from the hallway and you scowl at the door as Bradley growls. He reluctantly places you back down and excuses himself to the bathroom to change into gym clothes for practice while you touch up your makeup in the full-length mirror.

When he comes back, you can feel his eyes on you, watching as he ties his shoes. You turn to him, fidgeting with your hands slightly. “Do I look okay?”

“You look beautiful,” he says before you can even finish the sentence. “You always do.” He reassures you and you feel your cheeks warm at the compliments.

“Anything I should know about the Flyer’s PR rep?” You ask as you collect the things you’ll need for the rest of the day. He shakes his head.

“Maria’s nice, you shouldn’t have any problems with her.” You’ve spoken with her before, of course, when negotiating Bradley’s trade but that was before you knew Bradley and how his team had stabbed him in the back. You’re nervous about the next few days, to say the least. Bradley’s clearly on edge and you can tell that Mav and Dare are too which isn’t helping things at all. This city holds painful memories for all three of them and you can only hope that they can escape without adding more wounds to their tally. “Shall we go?” Bradley asks then and you nod, slipping your hand into his as the two of you make your way out.

***

“BRADSHAW!” An elated voice calls out as the Dogfighters enter the rink. They’d gotten situated in the visiting locker room and suited up for practice. The Flyer’s PR rep had been called out of the office on a last-minute errand so you’re observing practice until she returns. One of the Flyer’s players is waving excitedly from the ice. You watch the man skate over, leaning over the boards so far he almost topples over and throwing his arms around Bradley. Shaggy dirty blonde hair pokes out from under his helmet and frames an angular face that’s stretched into a huge grin. “Welcome home, brother!” He’s missing a tooth and it makes him look even more boyish, causing you to smile.

To your surprise, Bradley returns the enthusiastic embrace, hugging the man close before pulling back to examine him. “Lucas, good to see you.” He’s smiling in a way that you’ve only ever seen him do around you and even then it’s been rare. You feel your smile tug wider as Lucas looks him over.

“You look like you’ve aged ten years, man, sure you didn’t retire to Florida instead of San Diego?” Bradley rolls his eyes and shoves Lucas’s shoulder in a gesture that you can tell is riddled with affection. Javy howls a laugh at that and pushes himself in between the two to introduce himself to Lucas. Dare decides to get along with practice then, and Lucas skates off back to his team.

***

After spending a long afternoon with Maria, setting things up for the game tomorrow, you’re looking for Bradley. You know better than to barge into the locker room, so you’re waiting outside when Javy comes out. He grins at you before nodding back up the tunnel towards the rink. “Loverboy is still out there. Quite the little social butterfly, who would have thought?” He smirks and you roll your eyes, thanking him and hurrying up the tunnel.

Bradley’s sitting on the bench, a couple of Flyer’s players either leaving up against the boards or sitting beside him in various states of sweaty disarray. They’ve discarded their helmets and gloves and their hair is plastered to their foreheads with sweat from the hours of practice. You smile at the scene as Bradley chats with the guys until Lucas notices you standing there and smiles, nodding in your direction. “Hey Bradshaw, I think there’s someone looking for you.” Bradley turns at that and smiles as he takes you in and you smile back shyly, he waves you over and you push through the tiny door that leads to the bench.

“Hey Honey, how was your day?” He asks and you balk at the casual term of endearment he’s tossing out in front of his old teammates. You’re instantly shy and he reaches out a hand to you that you take, trying to ignore the fact that every one of the other guys’ eyes is on you as Bradley scoots over to make room for you to sit next to him on the bench. He kicks at the guy next to him. “Scoot, Torp,” and the dark-haired man rolls his eyes before scooting over so there’s room for you to sit down.

“Who’s this beaut?” Lucas asks and you can hear the humor in his voice as your cheeks heat.

“Guys this is my girlfriend, Zam.” He introduces you and you give a shy wave. “She’s our PR rep.”

Lucas whistles at that, “Damn Bradshaw, you’re just full of surprises aren’t you.” He grins at you then, holding out a hand to you. “Lucas Bailey, nice to meet you Zam, that’s an interesting name.”

“Oh, it’s a nickname, short for Zamboni.” You explain, embarrassed and you feel the man to your left shift in surprise.

“Zamboni? Did you go to the University of Wisconsin?” You turn to face the man, surprised. He’s got short black hair and piercing gray eyes dancing with curiosity. You nod, confused as his eyes widen.

“No way! One of my buddies from back when I played in Toronto used to talk about you all the time. He said you saved one of his friends’ careers, he was super grateful for what you did. Neil Jackson, you know him?”

“You know Jacks?” You ask, surprised as he nods enthusiastically.

“Man would sing your praises from dawn to dusk.”

“Well, how about that, small world,” Lucas remarks with a grin. “What’d you do for him?” He asks and you sigh. You remember Neil Jackson plenty.

“Jacks was one of my best friend’s teammates. I used to hang out with the hockey team a lot because of him and so I got to know the whole team pretty well. My friend, Mickey, who plays for the Dogfighters now actually, got into it with a rival team’s player and the guy didn’t take it well. He tried to frame Mickey for drug possession and use.” Bradley stiffens next to you. “I wasn’t in the best place mentally at the time…” You hesitate, shaking your head before you can get lost in your own thoughts, “but I couldn’t watch him lose everything that he had worked for so I got involved, found a way to prove it was the other player. It was a whole mess but Mickey got off clean and the other guy got off with a slap on the wrist.” You clench a fist tightly in your lap. “It’s actually what got me interested in PR, and it’s the reason I have this job.” You shrug, trying to downplay it and alleviate the now-tense atmosphere. “How��s Jacks doing?” You smile at the dark-haired man who’s studying you carefully.

He nods slowly, “He’s good. He’ll be over the moon to hear you’re doing well.” He smiles then, holding out a hand to you, “Alex Torp.” You smile back and shake his hand.

“So I know we’re all trying to be nice and all, but what on earth are you doing dating this old man, Zam?” The guy on the other side of Bradley says with a grin at the two of you and Bradley jostles his shoulder with a look of faux irritation mixed with fondness. He’s the youngest of the group and his white-blonde hair is sticking up in every direction from his helmet. His features are boyish and they match the grin spread across his face that lets you know he’s just teasing.

You shrug, a soft smile gracing your features as you bump Bradley’s shoulder gently. “Someone’s got to look out for him, and he’s not too bad at looking after me too.” You reach for Bradley’s hand then, feeling braver and lacing your fingers with his. He squeezes your hand and smiles back at you. The blonde man gags at that and you laugh.

“Whenever you get tired of the vintage model, you can always give me a call,” he says without an ounce of seriousness in his voice. “I’m Wyatt, Wyatt Eaton.”

“Not a chance in hell, Wyatt.” Bradley cuts in, frowning at him and Wyatt just shrugs.

“Fine, but I’m just as excited to get a mom,” he says and Lucas howls at that as Alex snorts. You blink surprised as Bradley groans.

“Wy, cut it out, I’m serious.” Wyatt just grins.

“Mom, you’re definitely joining us for dinner, right?” Your cheeks heat in embarrassment as Alex joins Lucas laughing as Bradley lunges at Wyatt and he scrambles up to his feet, backing up from the much-larger defenseman. He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, hey, ease up Dad, save it for the ice tomorrow.” He grins over Bradley's shoulder at you.

“Bradley,” you say firmly, suddenly concerned that Bradley might actually smack the younger man. He doesn’t however, swinging an arm around his neck in a loose headlock, ruffling his hair roughly.

“You better show your mom some respect.” He admonishes him and Wyatt grins as Bradley grins back as your jaw drops. He releases Wyatt who plops down next to you where Bradley had been sitting.

“He’s not actually my dad,” he unnecessarily reassures you. When I joined the team, I lived with him because I was straight out of college and had no idea what the fuck I was doing. He showed me the ropes and raised me in a way, so I call him Dad.” Your heart warms at that and you see a piece of the Bradley that you know now.

“Well,” you straighten up, squaring your shoulders before fixing him with your most intimidating glare. “You heard your dad, you better show me some respect.” You stick your chin out a little for dramatic effect and Wyatt gapes at you before grinning.

“Ma’am, yes ma’am.” You fight the urge to roll your eyes as you fight to keep the firm look on your face.

“Okay, all you sweaty boys need to get cleaned up or else dinner is off the table” and the boys crowd past you heading for the locker rooms, Bradley hanging back to place a sweet kiss on your cheek.

“You handled them pretty well,” he praises and you shrug.

“Handling idiot hockey boys is my job,” you remind him and he chuckles.

“And you’re damn good at it too.” You smile at the compliment before he excuses himself to go get cleaned up.

***

After getting cleaned up, the Dogfighters headed back to the hotel. You showered and changed into more casual clothes that you’d remembered to bring this time. Now you’re walking hand and hand with Bradley through Franklin Square, wrapped in the coat he bought you back in D.C. It’s chilly in the early December air as the sun sinks below the horizon and you stay close to him. He’s been showing you all around the city where he spent the last twelve tears and you can tell how much he loves it. It shows in the way he talks about the restaurants that he tells you about, describing the good food, and the way Wyatt got them all permanently banned from one of them. He shows you the apartments he lived in when he first moved to the city and even takes you out to the suburbs to show you the house he spent most of his time in. After his third year in Philly, he’d felt the urge to put down roots so he’d bought the house and that’s where Wyatt had eventually moved into the guest bedroom and made the place a home that at least one or two other teammates, usually Lucas and Alex, would be hanging around.

“It’s always made me feel closer to him,” Bradley explains as the two of you pause in front of the fountain that’s actually turned on today, not quite cold enough to worry about the water freezing in midair. “My dad, I mean. This was the last place he lived, the last team he played for.” You nod, squeezing his hand gently. “Have you ever been to Yale? To see the places she used to go?” He asks. Once the question would have sent you spinning off your axis but now you just shake your head.

“She never took me, I think maybe she was afraid of running into Cyclone. Or maybe she just wanted that part of her life to remain just the way she always told me about them, like a fairytale. Too good to be true.” He nods, quietly. “Are you okay?” You ask after a long beat. “Is this too much for you?” He shakes his head.

“I thought it would be, you know? That I’d miss it more, but I don’t think I do, not anymore.”

“Why not?” You ask, tentatively.

“You,” he says and his raw honesty takes your breath away. “This isn’t home anymore, because it doesn’t have you, San Diego does.” You feel tears well up behind your eyes and you squeeze his hand tightly, three words on your tongue that you’re desperate to let break free.

“Bradley,” your voice breaks on his name and he pulls you close.

“Thank you,” he whispers into your hair and you can hear the emotion laced in the words. “Thank you for bringing me home.”

“Thank you for being my home,” you whisper back and when his arms tighten, pulling you even closer, you want nothing more than to skip dinner and take him back to the hotel, to never have to leave the safety and security that his arms bring you and you can tell he’s feeling similarly.

“We could skip dinner,” he suggests and you roll your eyes, the suggestion sounding ridiculous now that he’s the one saying it.

“And miss out on hearing all the embarrassing stories I’ve been looking forward to all evening? Not a chance.” You giggle as he scowls when you pull away enough to study his face. His expression softens as he takes in the sight of your tear-stained cheeks and he leans forward to kiss away your tears until you’re smiling against him.

“Honey?” he asks when he’s finished and simply leaning against your forehead, relishing the closeness and you hum your answer. “Can I kiss you?” Your lashes flutter as you open your eyes to see the waves of emotions in his brown ones and you nod, unable to deny him such a simple request when you want this as badly as he does.

“Please,” the words have barely passed your lips when he leans forward and connects his lips to yours, the kiss sweet yet deep and full of all the unspoken words between the two of you.” You’re not sure how long the two of you stay that way, simply enjoying each other’s company until a text from Lucas asking what time you’re all meeting and Bradley pulls away from you begrudgingly leading you out of the park off towards the pizza place the other boys had selected for dinner.

***

You let out another laugh, tears tracking down your cheeks as Bradley rolls his eyes for the thousandth time as Wyatt regales you with yet another story from his time as Bradley’s roommate. You’re warm and full of pizza, leaning comfortably against Bradley in the round booth with Lucas on your other side. You’re glad you’d insisted on not ditching your dinner plans because you’d loved every second of this. You’re seeing a side of Bradley that you’d never seen before and it’s so special. Here he wasn’t a lone wolf who kept to himself but rather poked fun at his friends of over a decade, teasing and comfortable in their presence. It makes your heart ache at what he’s lost but gives you hope for what could be once he gets more comfortable with the Dogfighters. You’re also immensely thankful that he’s willing to share this part of his life with you. He trusts you, and you trust him, even more so after your conversation in the park. You can see a future with him, you realize, and slowly, but surely, it brings you more comfort than fear.

[relatableblorbopoll]

Round 1 of preliminaries, group 14

The first two places get a place on the bracket

Little reminder: there will be 2 more rounds of preliminaries, the losing blorbos of this poll still have 2 chances of getting in the official bracket

Propaganda under the cut

Oz Vessalius (Pandora Hearts)

"Struggles with self-worth, adores books, ADHD (though that’s not canon—but he fits the diagnostic criteria), his strongest/most important relationships are platonic"

Sound (My School President)

"Lonely gay teenager who tries to be cool and sauve but gets adopted against his will by a group of losers and then falls for one of the losers who gets on his nerves a lot because he was nice to him once and then he gets all awkward and flustered around the boy and tries to avoid him and antagonize him but the boy sees through it and they eventually end up together and he becomes the most annoying person in love ever"

Luz Noceda (The Owl House)

"adhd. possibly some autism too. a weird girl who got outcasted by being herself and sure has some WACK coping mechanisms to deal with it. self worth is IN THE DRAIN. gnc and not straight. writes fanfic. artist. goes through a depression era when at her moms house. loves her mom also. this is canon stuff i'm saying"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA she is so ASDHSUJD. Okay I started watching the owl house because I knew there was a WLW couple, so obviously I had to check it out. But upon watching the show, I got so emotionally connected to it, or moreso the protagonist, Luz, that it could go beyond some people's understandings... I remember that almost any scene showing her neurodivergent traits would hit SO. CLOSE. HOME. It would be unbelievable. I literally rewatched the show more than seventeen times one summer. She is just so goshdarn relatable man. She's the weird kid, has no friends, loves making anime edits, is OBSESSED with a book series, loves witches and magic and stuff, has ADHD, an attention span that is so high when she's engaging with something she likes doing and so low when she's bored. She's just so lovely. I know a lot of people found her annoying in season one but she hit close home to me. Season two was amazing as well and she started getting even MORE relatable!! She started showing her people pleasing, how much she blames herself, it was so sad but I was glad to see a character I could relate to so much on screen. I mean i personally didn't experience the loss of my father and I personally do have one friend whom I'm able to share my life with, but she's still super relatable. She can be so silly and so cool. And her impulsivity and the way she realized she doesn't know what she wants to do when she grows up also hit close home. Mwah"

Gundham Tanaka (Super Danganronpa 2)

"Goth autistic theater kid"

Saiki Kusuo (Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan/The Disastrous Life of Saiki K)

"He's very dead inside, especially in the English Dub, and introverted. But even so, he cares a lot for his friends, even if he never says it to them and he finds them annoying most of the times. He also be nosey and just insert himself into others' situations that don't involve him (obviously, he makes it so that nobody knows he's there and, obviously, he's also complaining about this all the time). He's canonically aroace, or at least aroace spec He's canonically trans. He was born as a girl but he didn't like it so he immediately turned himself into a boy with his psychic powers. An argument could be made about him being on the autism spectrum."

Drew (The Music Freaks)

"I don't like him actually I hate him and love him st the same time in fact but. This man is so real and such a horrible jerkwad to everyone around him. I mean I can't relate to THAT but I should mention he also gets jelous easily, he is in love with his best friend who does not like him back, he's all moody and grouchy and bratty. And so am I and I hate it lol."

[jonsnowunemploymentera]

One of the things that sticks out to me about Jon is just how active and readily available his kindness is. And it’s funny because the fandom at large considers Jon to be someone with a good heart, but he usually isn’t specifically linked to kindness as a key character trait even though he should be. Because every now and then, we have moments where Jon is just so proactive in how good he is to people. Not like it’s a performance, but it’s just something that comes to him naturally. And it doesn’t have to be big things either because sometimes, it’s really the little things that matter. Take this interaction with Tyrion for example:

“Boy,” a voice called out to him. Jon turned.

Tyrion Lannister was sitting on the ledge above the door to the Great Hall, looking for all the world like a gargoyle. The dwarf grinned down at him. “Is that animal a wolf?”

“A direwolf,” Jon said. “His name is Ghost.” He stared up at the little man, his disappointment suddenly forgotten. “What are you doing up there? Why aren’t you at the feast?”

“Too hot, too noisy, and I’d drunk too much wine,” the dwarf told him. “I learned long ago that it is considered rude to vomit on your brother. Might I have a closer look at your wolf?”

Jon hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Can you climb down, or shall I bring a ladder?”

- Jon I, AGOT

First, it’s quite adorable how readily he strikes up conversation with Tyrion, a man he’s just met. The hint of curiosity mixed with concern when he asks Tyrion why he isn’t at the feast is cute.

But it’s the last line that stands out to me. “Shall I bring a ladder?” Because he could’ve just said “shall I call for a ladder?” but he didn’t. The latter suggests that someone else will do the brunt of the work. It’s still kind, because he’d still be looking out for Tyrion, but it puts him in a passive role. Instead, he means to get the ladder himself. He will look for it, bring it, and position it for Tyrion to use. So now his kindness is very much active. His empathy is on full display here as well because he acknowledges that Tyrion may need assistance and takes the initiate to provide it.

This seems like such a silly thing to get hung up on but I love this small moment because it provides a lot of depth to a character who is meant to serve as the series’ traditional hero - a role that is often times “good” by default without exploring how or why. Anyone who’s read Jon I knows that he has spent the chapter being a raging jerk. But GRRM uses this moment to remind us that despite being a moody, asshole-ish, 14 yr old boy, Jon is a really good kid at the end of the day. He’s is kind and he’s so active in how he practices his kindness. Even to people he doesn’t know and has no obligations to.

Because we’ve had a bit of whiplash so far. Bran I established Jon as a sweet and empathetic, self-sacrificial brother. But the first part of Jon I makes us question that when we see his pettiness and immaturity on full display. It almost seems like a case of unreliable narration from Bran, until we get to this last part when Jon gets a small moment to redeem himself. Which he does ~ and it’s done beautifully because it later links to some of the larger themes in Jon’s storyline. That he is one who actively looks out for the “cripples and bastards and broken things”. It’s not just looking out for Bran when they found the direwolf pups, but looking out for Tyrion in this chapter, and then for Arya and Bran again in Jon II, and then for Grenn in the last part of Jon III, and for Sam in Jon IV, and so forth and so forth. It’s a pattern that’s established through big and small moments all throughout AGOT where Jon still has a lot of growing up to do. But these moments, at large, serve as an anchor to remind us why we ought to care for this hero’s journey.

[1-420-666-6969]

@hunnybeemp3 posted a 9 albums that got you through 2024 and I thought it would be fun to do. Warning, I used to review music and I can yap, so sorry in advance. Used Topsters because my last fm is just going to say I listened to Gorguts and Queens of the Stone Age which was true, but there's nothing to talk about there.

Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins - I first listened to this album in 2022 and it really wowed me. But as I listened to more of this album here in 2024, I started to obsess over the album - what meanings the songs mean, what emotion was Elizabeth Fraser trying to convey. I can't say for certain anything, but listening to this album really makes me feel emotional every time. Favorite song: "Frou Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails - Since 2023, I wasn't doing great mentally. I started making more money than I ever did before, but also entered a new era of debt that felt crippling. In 2023, I was working 40 hours at my main job and 10 hours at a side job. Downward Spiral just clicked for a feeling of going to hell and back and trying to find positivity out of that negativity. And let me tell you, Trent Reznor got that feeling. When you're at your lowest and all you can think about is ending it all, but the primal need to exist, to thrive, to lash out, to love, to lust, to fuck. That's what Downward Spiral is about - loathing, but yearning; loving while losing; existing despite it all. Favorite song: "I Do Not Want This"

Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale by Tyler the Creator - A Tyler album that was just trying to be fun for most of the album with the message of just because you can buy everything doesn't mean you have everything, especially love. The Estate Sale included a bunch of B-Side tracks and throwaway tracks, but it also includes the most important song he's ever made, "Sorry not Sorry". I get why it didn't make the album. The rest of the joyous parts of the album are very joyous and feel good and even the deeper emotional songs don't lose that vibe. Favorite song: "Sorry Not Sorry"

Chromokopia by Tyler the Creator - This album felt like the exact opposite of Call Me if You Get Lost. This album is a personal song after personal song. It really just expresses emotion, and the time it came out was just right for that kind of album. Favorite song: "Judge Judy"

Sins of the Flesh by Sister Machine Gun - Religious trauma and sex. That's it that's the album. I love it. Nothing else to say. 7/10 I can listen to it on repeat. Favorite song: "Not My God"

Grace by Jeff Buckley - The fact that I didn't listen to Jeff Buckley before this year is insanity. I listened to this album randomly on a cold morning in February and cried on the shuttle to my job site. Something so raw about the simple lyricism. It's just emotion on display. I knew Buckley died before this and that death only started affecting me after hearing this and realizing what a talented musician he was. Favorite song: "Grace"

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective - From the time I first heard this album in 2010, it's become a feel-good crutch of sorts. Whenever I feel bad or moody, I listen to it. Songs about growing up, about love, about endless joy - it really is just that kind of feel good album. It's considered by some to be the beginning of the end for Animal Collective because it's so much more pop than psych. Yet I don't care. It's seen playtime for 14 years and it will probably continue forever. Favorite song: "Guys Eyes"

GOLD by Age Factory - I don't have much to say about this album. I found out about Age Factory in 2020 with the promotion of their album EVERYNIGHT and the numeral track on that album, "Close Eye". I thought that was what I would be getting into, but no they're a punk band agnostic to any subgenre. GOLD, their previous album, is the culmination of that. A song about yearning for love, "See you in my dream" to the very next song being a lash out against the world "World is Mine" which affirms everyone deserves to live and everyone has value. I don't speak Japanese, but I can feel their emotion, song by song. Favorite song: "See you in my dream"

everything is alive by Slowdive - I love this album. I was supposed to see Slowdive in November but my family got me sick when I was supposed to go. I don't think there was a moment I listened to this album without my mind drifting somewhere else. There's just so much here. Shanty, Kisses, Skin in the Game. Every song gives a different feeling and vibe. Maximalist in sound, minimalist in lyrics - it all just works for it. Favorite song: "Kisses"

I'm not tagging anyone. Hell I don't think anyone is gonna read this since I don't have the audience for music anymore, but I wanted to do it to just talk about some of what I liked. If you want to share your musical interests, please do. Even if it's not in my wheelhouse, I love hearing what people think about art

[walkergirlsposts]

//A few episodes of S1 and S2 that was Sam focused does not mean the whole 15 years of Supernatural was about “Sam’s story”//

Anon needs to reevaluate what "A few episodes of S1 and S2" means. Lol.

Season 1-5 - Are literally Sam's hero arc. Of course Dean has stuff going on too, but Sam's story leads to him sacrificing himself to save the entire world (with Dean's support).

Season 6-8 - Are the consequences to Sam's heroic action, another hero arc, and breaking him down into desperation, partly because of Dean's constantly shitting on him or making him feel guilty for having something wrong with him.

Seasons 9-11 - Are Dean's Consequences for betraying Sam, Sam doing anything to save his brother, and Dean stopping the end of the world (by talking up sibling love to Amara) because he and Sam are finally secure in their love and understanding each other

Seasons 12-14 - are about Sam becoming a leader and a father figure, while Dean becomes increasingly sullen, moody and bitchy, but still finds acceptance with his life with Sam.

Season 15 - is a hot mess, but it’s about Sam not giving into the story written for them and giving Dean the inspiration to keep fighting, and ends with him getting his goal from Season 1, a normal life, only now it’s bittersweet.

AAs and hellers confuse screen time with who the story is actually about, and that’s the character who grows and changes and adapts. That’s Sam. Dean is always shades of the same character, but Sam at the end is miles apart from Sam at the start.

Also, let’s not forget that the Seasons that have more Dean screen time, with him constantly bitching and tantroming on screen, are worse written and more boring than when they gave the Sam plots more development and focus.

They hate the show. Lol

[13keithxpidge13]

I got around to creating my Lucemond love children on Artbreeder! I hope you guys like them! This isn't exactly how all of them are supposed to look like but it's pretty close to what I imagined them to be like! Enjoy!

First up; Renaela Targaryen

She's the firstborn daughter of Lucerys and Aemond almost five or so years later after the events of Forest Fire. Next in line for the Driftwood Throne, Renaela is headstrong, very outgoing, and practically the leader of all of Aemond and Luke's little band of ducklings. She is now sixteen going on seventeen in the main story.

Age: 16

_

Vaenyx Targaryen

Secondborn daughter and first twin to come out Lucerys, Vaenyx is a bit mischievous and pulls her twin brother along in her games. She likes to fool around and dress up in the prettiest dresses. She's somewhat of a diva, definitely spoiled, but loves her family and her twin brother more than anything.

Age: 14

_

Vaenys Targaryen

Firstborn son of Lucerys and Aemond and second born twin out of the two, Vaenys was originally named this because Aemond thought that he was born the girl and Vaenyx was born the boy due to how much hair he was born with. In reality, it was the opposite but Aemond and Lucerys kept their names as they were. He's somewhat quiet, somber, but has a deep love and affection for his family. He loves his twin sister more than anything else and would protect her no matter what.

Age: 14

_

Aenelys Targaryen

Firstborn of the second pair of twins that Lucerys and Aemond have, Aenelys is quiet, ill-tempered, and a little troubled. She has always felt different than her siblings, having to get used to whispers and stares throughout court in Kings Landing whenever their family visits, and it makes her quite bitter growing up. Even so, she has a strong love and devotion to her family-her twin sister especially.

Age: 12

_

Rhaenerys Targaryen

Secondborn out of the twins, Rhaenerys is named for her grandmother; Rhaenyra Targaryen. But, no one could have predicated how much alike the two of them really would be. She is a confident, happy, sunshiny little girl who loves pretty dresses, jewelry, and cake. Out of all of Aemond and Luke's children, she's definitely the one who cares about her looks and status the most. Quite spoiled, she is, but still attempts to be very humbled in the presence of others. She holds a strong love for her twins sister and spends most of her time by her side.

Age: 12

_

Visenys Targaryen

Firstborn triplet. Out of all the siblings, Visenys is most like Aemond. He is a brash, moody child that prefers to be left alone and tries hard to earn his father's approval, even at such a young age. He wishes to be Renaela's personal guard when he's older and tries very hard to please her. As expected, he's very much a people pleaser but very harsh mannered. If he does not know you, he will not make any conversation or make any attempt to get to know you.

Age: 9

_

Visenya III Targaryen

Secondborn triplet, Visenya couldn't be more different than her namesake. She's a spoiled, happy-go-lucky little girl that has no interest in battle nor training. She prefers to dress in extravagant, over the top dresses, and loves to be the center of attention. She's the darling of the Court in Driftmark and claims to be Luke's favorite child (he has none, he loves them all equally, haha). But, she very much looks up to her parents and her older siblings and works hard to earn their approval and feels great shame in disappointing those she holds in high regard.

Age: 9

_

Visenyx Targaryen

The third born triplet, Visenyx is a very well-mannered and happy little boy. He holds a love for books and tries to sneak out to ride his dragon almost everyday. Very much like Aemond, he holds a fascination for dragons and lords and ladies in court whisper how they think he is more dragon than human. He has no interest in training to be a knight but merely wishes to travel across the Narrow Sea and see the great wonders of the world when he grows old enough.

Age: 9

_

Jacaerys II Targaryen

Jacaerys is the firstborn twin and the last of Luke and Aemond's sets of twins. He is a loud, obnoxious child and has a somewhat unhealthy attachment to Lucerys. He doesn't have much of a personality that is truly his own yet but instead follows in the footsteps of his older siblings and does what they do. But, Lucerys is sure he'll grow into a fine knight and dragon rider one day.

Age: 5

_

Dacaerys Targaryen

Final born twin, Dacaerys is practically mute but is incredibly smart for his age. He loves to read and loves it when Aemond reads to him. He's mostly attached to his father more than Lucerys but, does find peace with both of his parents. Jacaerys and he don't have the strongest bond yet but, surely one day, that will change.

Age: 5

_

Aemma II Targaryen

The last child of Lucerys and Aemond, Aemma is named for her great-great grandmother in remembrance of Lucerys' mother's most treasured person as a child. She's quite the smiley girl and loves to be with her grandmother; Rhaenyra. She's as beautiful as a Targaryen is expected to be and finds joy in watching dragons fly and dance in the sky.

AAAAA That's all of them! I hope you guys like them! I had so much fun making these little guys! I hope you enjoy my little gremlins and I hope to get to writing little stories about them soon!

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 1 Pt. 14 (Big City, Biggest Pumpkin)

When Spencer returned from Selvadorada, Everett visited her at home. Spencer was none the wiser to Heather and Everett's kiss, and she and her boyfriend lost their virginity to each other in her family’s animal shed. When Heather found out, she plastered on a smile for her friends, but Holly knew she was devastated. She suggested the family return to the city for another day trip to take her mind off her drama, this time to the Arts Quarter near the waterfront.

San Myshuno was hosting a flea market, but the kids played on the playground nearby while Neal and Heather played basketball. Daisy and Holly, meanwhile, spent hours fishing beneath the San Myshuno Bridge, catching fish they’d never find in the River Bagley back home. It was a wonderful bonding experience for them, and Holly started to muse about life catching fish in the Simlandia Sea, working in big ocean trawlers docked at the mouth of San Myshuno Bay.

Holly was a petite girl who loved makeup, so this revelation was a bit of a surprise to Daisy, but it was the thought of her growing up and leaving Henford that filled her mother with the most dread. Luckily, Holly was still far too young, and even though Daisy’s new job kept her away from home more than ever, she cherished every minute with her family. When it got too dark to fish, they rejoined the others at a karaoke bar, where they’d stumbled on a contest which River won. His energy doing Sinatra-style jazz won the crowd over several accomplished singers – San Myshuno was a paradise for aspiring entertainers.

Daisy and Neal were surprised to run into Abby Goldbloom and Hayes Harms but thrilled to catch up and hear how love had beaten the odds with them. The lonely creature keeper had finally been brought from his shell by the outgoing grocer. After the birth of their son, Elliot, she sold her grocery, and he sold his cottage in the Bramblewood; Neal and Daisy hadn’t seen them since they’d moved to Brindleton Bay and adopted an Australian Shepherd. For her part, Heather hated hearing about their happily ever after, but she kept her tortured feelings to herself.

(NOTE: After I took all the Henford NPCs and made them playable, the game generated replacements for the grocer, delivery person, creature keeper, and mayor. I use MCCC cheats to alter relationships, like making Kim Goldbloom the daughter of Ian and Derek Moody-McMillan, and I made Agnes and Agatha an old married couple and set Agatha as Bob Pancakes' mother. The game generated clones of Agatha and Agnes in their place, but Abby and Hayes were the new grocer and creature keeper so I played out the in-game creature keeper/grocer lore a little as a side plot, and used MCCC again to make Abby pregnant with Hayes' kid before I made them both playable and moved them to their own lot.)

The family worked together to grow two oversized pumpkins and an enormous watermelon for Finchwick’s Oversized Crop Fair. River got to put his name on the biggest, juiciest pumpkin because he’d helped his parents the most with weeding, so River won the first-place ribbon. Only the third first prize the Nesbitts had ever won from the Finchwick Fair, Heather’s smaller pumpkin placed second and Neal’s watermelon placed third, solely because it was more of a summer plant than a fall one. Now Daisy’s prizes for her chocolate pie and garden crops had to share space on the walls of their home. In all the fair was a great day, and the townsfolk thought it fitting an astrobiologist would be able to grow the best and biggest produce Henford had ever seen.

With Harvestfest around the corner, would the Nesbitts' fresh produce grace their holiday table? And would Daisy ever find a UFO fruit? ->

<- Previous Chapter | From the Beginning

[wromwood]

Sorry for moody musings, but I've been thinking about this a lot lately (not for any specific reason; sometimes the thoughts just come to the surface):

I wonder if anyone has ever invented a word or term for the moment you stop getting unconditional support from your parents.

When you're a kid, your parents (hopefully) most likely give you unconditional support for your "realistic" goals. Whatever job you say you want to be (an astronaut, a firefighter, the president, etc.) or whatever big and ambitious college program you want to attend, they'll say, "Wow! Well, I bet if you work hard and take it seriously, it could happen."

Of course, there are always exceptions. Not everyone's parents are so supportive, and not all goals will be similarly "realistic" to people depending on various factors of life. But I think you know what I'm trying to get at. These goals aren't easy to achieve, but they're feasible. A child could grow up to achieve these goals, and you most likely want them to achieve these goals, but they can only come at the cost of hard work and diligence. So parents typically provide that unconditional support, even if they know the odds are slim, sometimes even if they don't believe their kid will keep these goals, because they know that it's more important for the kid to realize what they truly want for the future and to form their own sense of self-worth.

But then something happens. A certain age is reached, or a certain goal is aimed for, and then that support just... stops. And it never really comes back.

When I was about 1.5 years old, I made a promise to my grandfather that I would attend Princeton University. That was my dream for basically the next 13-14 years. Hell, it technically didn't end, but more on that later. And for all that time, my family always supported that idea, even though Princeton has a slim acceptance rate and I didn't know what path I wanted to follow once I got in. I even began to realize how relatively unlikely my potential acceptance actually was, but because of the support I got, I fully believed that if I was rejected, it would be because of a numbers thing. There are just so many applicants; of course, there's a chance I wouldn't be chosen. I never doubted my chances because of my own abilities. I was taught there was no harm in trying, because what if I succeeded?

But then in my junior year of high school, I applied and was accepted to an early college program. This school was much more aligned with the creative arts path I wanted to take, and I could literally leave high school a year early to begin my college education. I wouldn't have a high school diploma, but I'd on my way to a Bachelors degree a year before my classmates. How could I pass it up?

That's when my mother made her feelings on the matter known. And while I was sad she fought back at all, there were reasons that even I could understand about her disapproval. In a nutshell, she'd had negative experiences in her own past trying, and failing, to get credits counted from the college programs in her home country. She'd had to redo years of school in America for no good reason. And here I was, not finishing high school and giving up the chance of having an official high school diploma? It makes sense that she'd worry about that screwing things up later on in my life, even after I got a college degree (it didn't).

... but that's not the only way she worded it. What stuck with me more was when she said (with misgendering removed for personal comfort):

"What happens if he can't make it there? Going into college so early could be too much for him and he'll flunk out and then he won't be able to go back to high school. He'll be ruining his life for no reason!"

And when I heard that, I froze. Because... wait. I could fail? She, the person who assured me that I was smart enough to do anything if I worked hard for it, actually thought I could flunk out of college?

I couldn't stop thinking about the ramifications of that. It was only a year of high school that I'd be skipping, and everyone else at the early college program would be skipping those last 1-2 years of high school. Did she think I'd know less than everyone else? That I wouldn't be good enough for any college? After all, Princeton wasn't a cake walk. If I had chosen to wait and apply to Princeton, did my mom think I could flunk out and fail my grandfather's wish?

And it wasn't like there was "proof" that I could flunk out that she could point to. One of the reasons the support for my Princeton dreams continued into my teen years was because I got good grades. I wasn't a straight A student, but I was a solid A-/B+/B student. I'd overcome my hurdles of school getting a lot harder, powered through the dips in my grades that occurred when those hurdles tripped me. I knew my limits, but I also knew my strengths. I'm good in academia, even in the areas that I loathe. That's partly why I never thought of considering failure after getting accepted into a college program. I'd just keep trucking along like I always could, adapting and working harder when the schoolwork changed, just like always. But now, maybe I couldn't. One of those pillars of support had broken, and I was flailing wildly to stay balanced.

I felt guilty about my obsessing over this. I knew dropping out of college happened. My father dropped out of college a couple times in his life. I knew it didn't/doesn't make people a failure. I also knew that plenty of great people never get the chance to go to college at all. Sometimes people have different paths that are better for them.

It was only later on in life that I could put that guilt aside. I wasn't offended at the idea that I could be a future drop-out, as if that was such a bad thing. I felt betrayed that one of the people I expected nothing from support from ("You can succeed!") suddenly showed me that the words were hollow and could easily be taken away when it was a feasible goal she disagreed with ("You could easily fail.")

I wish I knew why I'm thinking about this today. Maybe typing it out will help me let go of the thoughts before I carry on.

[san-fics]

Felinette Prompts p.19

(part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5) (part 6) (part 7) (part 8) (part 9) (part 10) (part 11) (part 12) (part 13) (part 14) (part 15) (part 16) (part 17) (part 18)

(Ao3)

Akuma Shenanigans

Soulmates Akuma

Akuma that makes your soulmate’s face appear over your head hits Marinette. To her horror, the worst thing is not even that now her classmates will find out that she is in love with a different blond from the one everyone thought, but that by transforming into Ladybug, she risks revealing her identity to those who recognize the face above her head. And she can’t even ask Alya to replace her, because the journalist also wears her soulmate’s face over her head...

Aging Akuma

An Akuma that makes people grow up 20 years is wandering around Paris, drastically increasing the average age of the city’s population. And although this Akuma’s hit only helped Marinette become stronger, making her body more skilled, her mind sharper and her emotions more balanced, she soon finds that seeing how some of her acquaintances will look and act as they mature will make her reconsider her attitude toward them, including romantic...

Comic Akuma

Parisians, accustomed to the fact that the streets of the city periodically turn out to be destroyed, flooded or burned, still weren’t ready for them to be flooded with dozens of superheroes and supervillains, among which even that Akuma, that turns people into their favorite comic book characters with real superpowers, would be lost. But for Ladybug, the most surprising thing is that her Lucky Charm hints that the only one who can help her deal with this chaos is the current owner of the Miraculous of Emotions, if the red with black spots brooch in her hands is an indication…

*

Romcom Cliche

Amnesia, an unplanned wedding and waking up in the same bed

Marinette and Felix wake up in the same bed with no memory of how they got there, only to find out that they’re also married. Together they will have to figure out what happened yesterday, restoring the events of the evening and calculating how they ended up where they ended up, and most importantly — why. And while neither of them is ready to come to terms with the situation they’re in, while working together to reverse it, they may begin to realize that they don’t really want to get divorced...

All Girls Want Bad Boys

Felix irritates her. He annoys her. His behavior infuriates her. Moody, anti-social and bad-tempered, he frustrates her to the limit. But what irritates her most of all is that she is attracted to his impudence and his damn perfect face with a cheeky self-satisfied smirk that she wants to wipe from his lips… with her own...

Romantic Vacation

Marinette left her earrings to Alya for her first two-week vacation outside of Paris in a long time. The sea, the beautiful hotel on the beach, the absence of Akumas and a single person who knows her — should have been a great change of scenery after the constant mess in which she lives, torn between her superhero life and an attempt to build a career in the fashion world. All her plans to relax are ruined when Marinette finds Felix Fathom living in the next room of her hotel.

*

Epistolary Genre

Reading your diary

Felix finds a diary forgotten by someone in a cafe, and a couple of phrases snatched from a page opened at random fascinates him, so instead of giving it to the waiter in case the owner returns, he takes it for himself. Reading the diary of an unfamiliar girl, he becomes drawn into her experiences and the events of her life so much that he wants to know her better, especially when from another entry it becomes clear to him that either the girl has a rich imagination, or this is really Ladybug’s diary.

Dear Ladybug, Love Ladybug

Marinette starts receiving letters that don’t have her address on them. They aren’t brought by the postman, but just appear on her desk at difficult moments in her life. These letters seem to be written in another era, and their author turns to the next Ladybug, telling the story of her love with a man who has been her enemy for a long time. In her predecessor, Marinette recognizes herself in many ways and realizes feelings that she wasn’t even aware of — for someone she also considers her enemy. Maybe she is ready to accept another Ladybug’s wisdom in order to improve her own life.

Valentine’s Letters

A month before Valentine’s Day, Marinette starts finding envelopes with love messages on her desk. Instead of the standard declarations of love, her secret admirer writes letters to her with a great understanding of her nature and the problems she faces, promising to reveal his name on Valentine’s Day. Marinette is looking forward to meeting him, especially after her secret admirer makes it clear in one of his messages that he knows her secret...

Felinette Tag list (ask me to join)

@mochegato

@thepapillonnoir

@snow-leopard-777

@loves-books

@turiankitty

@toodaloo-kangaroo

@readingismyoxygen

@aespades

@starlightshield

@jessigurl-design

@trippingovermyfeet

@apasponsor

@avs17

@fangirlingfanatic

@psychicdelusionwerewolf

@ur-beautiful-when-u-smile

@spicemallow

@kking13

@frieddonutsweets

@miraculous-panic

@ateneagirasol

@its-maemain

@unoriginalmess

@achaoticmess1

@starfire21

@peachayim

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@iloontjeboontje

@jennifer-rose123

@a-slytherinish-gryffindor

@wegetitethan

@jacimari

@hammalammadamdam

@rosewood1sedona

@rosesandsailboats

@soap-lady

@queens1234

@cafedeagua

@lizslibrary

@jdcarmelo

[soullessjack]

Please tell us more about Kripke Era Jack (in my opinion given the era he would be born a 13-14 year old instead of a 17-19 year old because that's like... The start of autonomy and the show would have more time for him to grow into the adult we know and love. Early teen Jack my beloved)

ooh i like your idea, but I personally havent made his age any different lol. the baseline of it was really just “he starts off as a moody angsty bitchy teenager so what if he had an emo phase,” which then became ‘what if he was in the kripke era of the show with the early 2000’s gritty americana horror/fashion/music/aesthetics’ and i just kept adding on from there! it’s not a time-travel au or really any kind of au….it’s more just a general concept exploration of his personality? if that makes any sense?

like, i take a LOT from him in 13x02/03 (sarcastic, dry-humored, impatient, bitchy, moody, angsty, the whole shebang) and a few miscellaneous habits he has in canon (holing up in his room when he’s depressed, getting upset about how nobody understands him) along with other of the more negative traits he’s shown to have, like his temper or impulsive violent streak, (or any of the volatility he showed when he was soulless) — all of the things that typically get swept under the rug by his whole precious baby / Cheery Sunshine mask, which is actually another ‘core’ of the concept!

i won’t go into the full meat of how he’s masking bc that could be its own post But i will shorten it & say that jack has this very specific image of himself that he maintains and gives out to others to be considered more likable/acceptable/palatable/safe/Good; the swept back hair, the optimistic outlook, etc. a lot of his volatility does tend to stem from Lucifer, after all. kripke era jack is basically, “what if he stopped caring about maintaining this image?” “what if he stopped caring about being palatable,” etc etc, you get the idea.

(he’s also waayyy more freaky, because kripke era was on fucking meth with the religious horror / angelic brutality aesthetic. if he’s the antichrist he should be fucking blood-spattered and murderous like it!! he deserves to be more morally gray than the show lets him be!! #let jack be a little freak 2K24).

i don’t draw him enough as i should for how often i think about him and continuously flesh him out (auDHD brain working overtime), but if you wanna look at the drawings i do have up they’re under #cal scribbles, #kripke era jack and #my art to search!!

i hope this made sense bc i am a chronic rambler lol, and i would Love to see your version too if you ever draw him!!!! 🫶🫶

[kob131]

RWBY WA here. Turns out that volume 5 got me...

So, I really loved Qrow, especially episode 1

The Belladonna family's arc was great, although I'm not sure what animal the father is exactly (I guess some kind of feline anyway. Maybe lion?)

Sun was still great.

I loved seeing Yang's development with Raven. It was really great and I hope that when the series end, we get to see her healing her inner child by being an amazing mom.

Speaking of Raven, I was like that all season: "I'm sure the Fall Maiden is Raven. Oh, the way they talk about it, probably not. Ah, I see, it's the woman from the opening. It probably won't end well so I guess that Raven will be transferred the power. Oh oh... I KNEW IT!"

(Turns out that this info never stuck to my brain, so I was half surprised by it but now that I'm thinking about it, I must have read somewhere that she was the Maiden)

I'm happy to see Weiss growing her power like that, along with how Jaune found his semblance. I also kind of wished I didn't know who are still alive by volume 9 because there was no tension for when Weiss got hit by Cinder... (and I'm also not worried about Cinder's fate for example...)

Strangely, I feel like there haven't really been a lot in this volume. It didn't feel like 14 episodes but more like... 8. It was a nice volume, and I'm still highly enjoying the show.

Will see when I start volume 6, but I'm confident that that after 5 volumes, I cannot be disappointed.

Well, I'm glad you liked it. Volume 5 is the roughest spot in the whole show due to the higher ups, one guy in particular, being dicks which exasperated RWBY's issues. So that's a big sticking point.

Once again- Qrow is great. He's a very versatile character who can act as the cool mentor, the cynical professional, the overly jaded broken man and the powerhouse of the team.

I actually really do like the Belladonnas. They're loving parents to Blake even after she ran away, which kind of shows why she's so ashamed to come back: she kind of spat in their faces when they were kind of right all along. Kali's great acting as the subtle jokester to Ghira's very serious and somewhat awkward demeanor, especially when she pushed for them to talk in Volume 4. Kind of reflects what Sun did. And Ghira's an upstanding, moral guy who actually shows were Blake got her personality from...and it logically leads to them being very awkward around each other until they finally have an understanding.

Yeah, Sun's great once again. He's a fucking great contrast with Blake with his louder vocal delivery, jokester personality and little to no knowledge about the WF. A better contrast (specifically) than Yang whose a little more soft spoken, moody and just isn't connected to the WF though is more connected to Adam than Sun is. I love that: the two characters contrasting Blake do so in subtly different ways.

So fun fact: I'm not a big fan of Raven. Granted, this is partially because her fanbase loved to bash on Taiyang during V4-5's run but I'm just not a fan of her cowardice, hypocrisy or her utter use of her family (Qrow and Yang) as bait.

Though don't get me wrong- she's not badly written. Raven is MEANT to be cowardly and hypocritical. Those are intentional character flaws that catch up to her in the finale, as her hypocrisy is due to her just doing whatever benefits her. Meaning she has no reason to think things through, like taking a Relic Salem wants to get out of the conflict. Or how her cowardice leads her to being unable to stand with her own daughter and brother, leaving her to run away to the only place she has left- Patch. And even that probably didn't give her solace, given Tai's look. And it does make sense that she cares about Yang with the context of her watching over Yang for a long time now alongside her Semblance so she is set up for a redemption. But-

I just like the heroes in RWBY better than the villains. I like about two villains and one of them was a former hero.

I'm not surprised you may have heard that- The fanbase FLIPPED when Raven revealed it. Because the writers did a REALLY good job using misdirection and common narrative build up to convince us Vernal was the Spring Maiden. So you likely caught some of that from the aftermath of that big flip out.

All I can add is- Jaune's Semblence fits his arc perfectly in recognizing that he ISN'T the big, proud hero and...yeah, spoilers can suck.

Really now? I guess I can see that- the episodes do flow together very well so it may have made it a breeze.

Before you go to V6 though, make sure to check the Adam Character Short before you do. It's important supplementary material.

P.S. I'm surprised there's no talk of Illa. Because I think she's still one of the best written characters in the show. She demonstrates why someone would join the WF, how their pain and the slow progress of equality would lead someone to radicalism and how even her feelings for Blake gave her a mirror image to Adam and how it really drives home that Adam could have been good once upon a time...but he choose to be malicious and petty.