#now let's talk about racism and xenophobia huh

[persistent-wallflower]

Few things I feel more icky about than queer people from rich western countries condemning all people from places with less progressive societies as irredeemably backwards 🤨😒

[faroreswinds]

("How does his side show more racism than Dimitri and Duscur’s story does? Honestly? People don’t even know Claude is half Almyran. He doesn’t even tell them.") Because Claude's personality and perspective is heavily rooted in the persecution that he's seen or been faced with in Fodlan and Almyra due to being seen as an outsider. His supports with Byleth and other characters revolve around that. His story revolves around that even if the characters don't know. And his ultimate goal is resolving the xenophobic issue. Dimitri's personality and perspective is heavily rooted in survivor's guilt and that's what many of Dimitri's supports as well as story revolve around in Houses. The Duscur story touches on some racial angles but Azure Moon isn't about Duscur, it's about redeeming Dimitri. Claude actually makes racism the focus of his story and tells it to his class that that's his ambition. Dimitri does not, it's a side-goal for Dimitri. Duscur is mostly on the backburner until the epilogue of AM provided you get the right epilogues. Claude enacted a plan to combat racism in the actual story of Verdant Wind which is trying to unify Fodlan and takeover for himself or someone he trusts and break open the walls to let new values overtake the land. ("Honestly, how does the Central Church make people more narrow-minded? I’m asking honestly. Please show me where in the game the doctrine makes people hate foreigners.") Rhea doesn't want Fodlan to have too much contact with the outside world due to her own fears. There being little contact has lead to an extreme rise of xenophobia toward outsiders and from other countries toward Fodlan. Hence:

Claude: When this fight is over, I plan to see all of my dreams come to fruition, and yours as well. Byleth: What are your dreams, Claude? Claude: Well, for example...to bust open Fódlan's Throat. There's a massive fortress there, which is responsible for protecting the eastern border of the Alliance. I like to think of it as a lid on a bottle. The people of Fódlan only know a small part of the world. Their prejudices are born because they don't know what lies beyond their borders. And the opposite is true too. Those outside of Fódlan don't know about this place. Ignorance breeds discrimination. Whether you look inside the bottle or outside of it... If you really look, all you'll find are people who you can get along with, if you only try. That's why I wanna bust open that lid, which is keeping us locked inside. Or destroy the bottle entirely. Byleth: Are you going to tell our allies about this?

Claude: I'll find the right time to bring it up. Even if I talked about it now, it doesn't seem realistic, does it? First we need to defeat the Empire and restore peace to... Huh?

-----------------

Claude: But as far as Fódlan goes, I do wonder what a world without Rhea would look like.

Byleth: A world without Rhea?

Claude: The majority of people in Fódlan believe in the Seiros faith that Rhea preaches. That's why they accept the noble system as if it were the only option, and refuse to associate with those who believe in anything else. That closed-minded philosophy is the reason why Fódlan's Throat is locked tight. But if you remove the archbishop who strictly advocates that doctrine, that world view is no longer an absolute. There's room for free thought. The leadership of the church would undoubtedly fall to you, and you would hold the power to change the shape of the faith. Of the world. Then, for the first time, people would truly be free to think for themselves. To decide what's right, and what's wrong. Honestly, I believe Edelgard is probably hoping to achieve something very similar.

-----------

Claude(to the Golden Deer): "There's a big, wide world outside of Fódlan, and it's overflowing with different places and cultures. You think interacting with outsiders is odd, but isn't avoiding contact with the outside world far more unnatural?" and Marianne:If we can win this war, then Claude will be the king of Fódlan, and… Maybe he'll tear down the wall that separates Fódlan from the outside world. Lorenz: I was taught from a young age to believe that the creed of Seiros was just the way of the world. To question it never even occurred to me. But Claude and Edelgard are different. They challenge the common wisdom. Even defy it. It is uncomfortable to discard familiar assumptions. But that is an essential quality of the visionary. Indeed, true greatness must lie beyond common sense. Hmm, that's good. I should write that down. Constance: Destroying the walls that separate Fódlan from the outside world strikes me as a bold step. I've spent so long struggling to reclaim the past that Claude's vision of the future casts me in a poor light. ------

Claude: Do you remember what I said, about the first thing we need to accomplish in this war?

Balthus: That bit about busting open the lid that keeps the people of Fódlan from the rest of the world?

Claude: That's right. I'd like to know your thoughts on the matter.

Balthus: Um, 'K. Well, everyone seemed to eat it up, so I'm fine with it too. Certainly, no against it. In a world like that, my mom wouldn't have to fear what others think of her. But it all hinges on if you can shape reality into the vision you have in mind. That's no small task.

Claude: Hm, I had a feeling you'd say something like that. Please, go on.

Balthus: I'm all for mixing up different ways of life and bloodlines, but who knows what it'll really mean for Fódlan? We'll be free from things that previously bound us. Wall wills crumble. Things will change...drasically. At the same time, the world we've defended for years could easily become unrecognizable. Everything we've built up until now could fall to ash. Hard to say how it'll all shake out. All we can do is wait and see. Maybe all will end well. Or maybe not.

Claude: All I want is for everyone to accept each other. That's the ideal I'm striving for. It's deceptively simple, when you think about it.

----------------- Claude's S support: Claude: You're the successor Rhea appointed, aren't you? And now you're also the hero who saved Fódlan. All those weak people who have nothing to cling to but their goddess... They'll rely on you just like they used to rely on Rhea. You'll be a leader all who are struggling to survive in war-torn lands can look up to. And I... I want a ruler who can lay down a new set of values for the people. Values that don't exclude anyone for being different. I know it's a lot to ask. But you're the only one who can do it.

------

Hapi's S support: Hapi: OK, what's going on? You're making a weird face. It's freaking me out.

-(Crimson Flower)

-(Azure Moon) You're going to be the new archbishop, right? Let's talk about that.

-(Verdant Wind / Silver Snow) You're going to rule over all of Fódlan, right? Let's talk about that.

Byleth: Yes, but...

Hapi: This is a chance to replace the old, hollow Church of Seiros with something new - something better. In your new position, you can make that happen.

Byleth: I can certainly try.

Hapi: Then do it! Those hypocrites preached about love and decency while shoving folks like me into the shadows. That's a pretty shoddy religion in my book. You can reshape it into something that actually helps people. Not that I need any help, mind you. I can help myself just fine. ------- I think too many super fans of Dimitri or Rhea give too much leeway to the church when the game wants them portrayed as an institution that does plenty of bad and good.

("It’s true he is affected in a different way and the experiences are not the same. But neither GW or VW are really about Claude’s issues growing up half Almyran. VW is about learning the truth of Foldan and GW is about destroying the Church.") The writers said this is what Claude's theme is about for Verdant Wind: Kusakihara : "The theme of Claude’s story is him learning how to fight against xenophobic mindsets, and his original motivation for that lies in his homeland. " At best, you could make a case that it's what you said and what Kusakihara said and destroying the Church is part of Claude's fight against xenophobia in GW. They chose this description for GW: "Having the ambition to change the current values that reject heretics, Claude makes schemes in the war that involves all of Fodlan, planning to fulfill his ambition." ("I would LOVE a POC lord’s perspective but frankly he talks very little in his route about those experiences. You know who suffered more and talked about it more?") Claude's actions, desires and personality are a manifestation of those experiences. As a POC myself, I'm good with just hearing about those experiences. I don't need to see people actively being racist toward Claude. I know they would be based on how they talk about brown people. And I know that people have been racist toward him based on what he's said and how he acts. Just like I don't need to see the act of someone being traumatized in another way to know they've been traumatized if they show all signs and talk about what they've been through.

You probably won't even see this response because I took so long to answer it. And since this is an anon ask, I don't think you will get a notification of a response either.

Oh well. Maybe you will see it. Still worth answering!

Claude actually makes racism the focus of his story and tells it to his class that that's his ambition.

I'm not sure we played the same game, because in neither Hopes or Houses is this the biggest part of his story.

It's his main drive but honestly, in Hopes he cares more about increasing Alliance influence and talks very little about the racism part.

I mean, on paper you are right, anon. Claude's story is supposed to be about ending racism. But in practice, other characters execute this theme better than he does.

Part of that is because the devs simply couldn't actually write him a route that didn't rip off SS or CF.

Rhea doesn't want Fodlan to have too much contact with the outside world due to her own fears. There being little contact has lead to an extreme rise of xenophobia toward outsiders and from other countries toward Fodlan. Hence:

I don't really recall Rhea ever saying she doesn't want Foldan to contact the outside world.

I don't recall any Church doctrines or tenants saying to not contact the outside world.

Actively, all three Nations trade or have relations with countries outside Foldan.

And furthermore, Foldan's Locket was built by the Alliance, the Empire, and the Kingdom a hundred years ago, after the largest Almyran invasion Foldan had ever seen.

The Church had no part in building that Fortress.

The Almyrans literally invaded Foldan, and it was so big that it took all three Nations working together to stop them.

I wouldn't call that a uncalled for action. I wouldn't want aggressive neighbors in my home either.

As for the comment this quote:

Claude: But as far as Fódlan goes, I do wonder what a world without Rhea would look like.

Byleth: A world without Rhea?

Later, Claude has this to say:

.....

Ok, so, I had written up this whole thing that continues to answer you thoughtfully and fully.

Apparently, control Z deletes EVERYTHING in tumblr.

I'm so fucking mad it did it to me AGAIN.

So, tlr, I only defend Rhea because what the characters say she does versus what the world actually shows us does not add up, and I only want it to add up.

Claude's story never actually tackles racism. No one is ever racist towards him and he doesn't attempt to stop racism in his supports or interactions with others.

That's it, fuck tumblr and destroying all the hard work I put into this ask

[ponett]

hi i watched the new my little pony movie and it was... pretty good! it was very cute, i like the new cast a lot, there were some nice heartfelt moments that had some surprising depth, all the locations were really pretty to look at, the poppy musical numbers were fun, the character animation is really lively. it's a solid little fantasy adventure flick for kids. i do have mixed feelings about the story though. here are some casual-ish thoughts. (i posted some of this on twitter last night but i have even more thoughts now. i'm sorry. i'm so sorry)

spoilers below the cut

okay so, i liked it a lot when it was just letting the new characters play off each other, but unfortunately my fears came true and almost the entire movie is laser focused on the oversimplified extremely on-the-nose trump era racism allegory plot. i do have to cut it some slack for their good intentions, and this is a 90 minute animated movie for 5-year-olds, so there's only so much they can do. it did also have a bit more nuance than i expected at points. (it's more nuanced than zootopia, for what it's worth. not that that's hard.) and hell, friendship is magic also screwed up its attempts at similar topics, and y'all know how much i still love that show. so it's not like i hate this movie. but it has such an oversimplified "we should all be friends!" take on real issues, and it frustrates me that it completely dominates the film, being the main focus of almost every single scene

there's some interesting stuff where they show how those in power are stoking peoples' fears to maintain their own power. like the big factory in the earth pony town is essentially an arms manufacturer capitalizing on the fear of outsiders, the cops mainly exist to uphold the laws segregating the ponies, the pegasus royal family pretends they still have the ability to fly and this lie seems to be the only reason they're in power (the queen literally gets arrested the second the truth comes out lol). but then they all just kind of... see the error of their ways shortly after meeting other types of pony, and there are no repercussions? not saying this toy commercial cartoon for little girls needs to fuckin kill the bad guys or throw them in jail or whatever, but we don't even get like a "they made them turn the arms factory into something else" type resolution, and no one even really acknowledges that these characters did anything wrong. no one is considered an oppressor, the movie takes for granted that these people in power who derive their power from bigotry were just misguided, and that they'll totally change their beliefs as soon as they're presented with new information. society is fundamentally unjust, but none of the individuals maintaining that unjust status quo are at fault for doing so

i also don't know if it's a good or bad thing that there's no explanation for why the ponies hate each other now. like on the one hand at least there's no historical backstory that inadvertently justifies the prejudices (like zootopia and its story about how the predators used to eat the prey). but on the other hand... how the hell did they get from g4 to here in the intervening centuries? at my most uncharitable it feels like this whole story about how equestria used to be this land where everyone got along and now everyone is divided is a heavy-handed metaphor for The Sudden Division Of America In The Trump Era as it's perceived by a lot of liberals. history didn't logically lead us to this point, no one is really at fault, everyone just arbitrarily started hating each other at some point and we just all need to put that aside and get along again. it's almost the FiM episode about how the cowboys and the natives should just learn to share all over again. (again: i will admit this is an uncharitable read of the film)

(sidebar with BIG SPOILERS: the very end also really bugged me, but that's more just a personal taste thing. in the leadup to g5 i was excited to see them make an earth pony the protagonist. i thought that was a nice change of pace after nine seasons of twilight. but then in the end of the movie, after sunny delivers the moral, she's magically turned into an alicorn... like oh we're just doing that again huh. okay. it also doesn't really gel with this story where the different types of pony are being used for a racism/xenophobia allegory)

i feel a little bad hyper-focusing on the way the allegory falls apart like this, but like. the allegory is the entire fucking movie lol. they are constantly talking about it in every scene, the first song mentions "building a wall," the main antagonist (who may or may not be intended to evoke trump???) manipulates the earth ponies' prejudices to make them all go full fascist, etc. it is not subtle. of course, this story isn't ALL bad - the adventures along the way were fun, i was relieved when everyone realized that the macguffin wouldn't magically make everyone get along again (although realizing this DOES make the macguffin restore everyone's magic which seems to mostly fix everything, so... lol), and a message about looking past stereotypes and misinformation to befriend people who are different from you definitely isn't a bad one for a kids' film. and obviously a story with this target demographic is ALWAYS going to have to simplify reality a bit. it's just extremely obvious that they wanted to go for a nuanced topical political story that would surprise the parents in the audience and maybe teach kids a thing or two, and it turned out messy

but again, i liked the characters. it was nice to look at. it was cute. i'll gladly watch a new show with these characters. i hope the inevitable show focuses less on this political allegory though lol

anyway there's a shot of fluttershy and rainbow dash in the opening scene so 10/10

[thecorteztwins]

I love how you care so much about obscure characters. Who is your favorite underrated female X-men character

Awww thank you! I love bringing them love, so it makes me really happy for you to say that! My absolute fave is Haven, but I read “faves” as plural so I wrote down a bunch...my faves can bounce around a bit but here’s a list of some of them! It’s under a cut because it’s long, I really like to explain who these gals are and why I like them so much! Warning, there is some description of pretty horrendous sexism and racism for some of these, since nothing makes me latch on to a woman harder than wanting to defend her from the SHITTY THINGS WRITERS DID TO HER! I kinda wrote novels for Haven and Madelyne, then I did links to previous things I’ve written about others. This is a LOT, I’m so sorry, I just love sharing!! Thank you for asking!!

THE BIG ONES Basically my consistent mega-faves I’m always ready to talk about! RADHA “HAVEN” DASTOOR - This lady has been at the top of my list for over five years and counting! She just really resonated with me on a deep level. She’s this mysterious woman who turns up in X-Factor for seven issues, and though she’s very benevolent towards them (even when they attack her) she is technically a villain, as she’s trying to destroy 3/4 of the world to bring about the Mahapralaya, a sort of Hindu apocalypse that will bring about an age of peace and end to suffering. So, her motives are very compassionate, and as it turns out, the horrible things she’s trying to do aren’t actually her fault. She’s being posessed by the Adversary, a demon of the highest order and an entity of cosmic evil. Or more specifically, her unborn child is. See, Haven was a really, really good woman. She was not a mutant, but she was sensitive to the pain and suffering of others from an early age, and she devoted her life to helping the poor and needy. She’s incredibly rich, so she could have helped just from afar, but instead she not only used her wealth to help others, she herself went out in the streets to attend to the poor and sick with her own hands. She bathed lepers, cradled dying babies, everything. She actually GOT the name “Haven” from a children’s hospital that she renovated, the kids started calling HER that instead. What a villain, huh? It all goes super wrong when she fell in love with a guy. After he took her virginity, he took off, leaving her pregnant. This was in 1970s India, and she was a very a religious woman, she felt INTENSE shame and horrible guilt and sunk into a deep depression, now living on the streets herself she was so broken. And then...then her fetus started talking to her. Yeah, see, technically she wasn’t posessed by the Adversary, her unborn child was. It incubated in her for twenty years, corrupting her mind, making her its pawn, all basically for its own amusement til it could be reborn into the world, killing her. And the guy who knocked her up? Got off scott-free. Basically she had sex ONE time and she had to be punished for it by being stripped of her agency, forced to betray everything she loved and believed, and then finally killed in the mud while a Marvel deity stood over and told her how she brought this on herself. It’s a slut-shaming Victorian morality tale of how no matter how good a person you are, you’re tainted forever if you violate purity culture just once, and we’re expected to AGREE with this narrative as readers. It’s sick. It gets even worse in how X-Factor treats her. She first appears RESCUING Polaris from government agents who are trying to kill her, because despite WORKING for the government at this time (X-Factor was a government team during this period) Polaris’s energy signature matched Magneto’s. Haven is the one who saved Polaris by teleporting her away. Polaris was distrustful and threatened Haven. Haven tried to talk her down, but also opened her arms and said that if Polaris truly did not believe her, then she would not resist. Polaris decided to “give trust a try” but I also truly believe that if Lorna had attacked her, Haven indeed would have let her. Haven is a human but the Adversary gave her INCREDIBLE power, she could WIPE PEOPLE FROM EXISTENCE by THINKING ABOUT IT, but she was a pacifist every step of the way, even as a villain. X-Factor would REPEATEDLY attack her later...she NEVER retaliated. The worst thing she did was, once they kept on attacking her, she just kinda put them in her pocket dimension as a time-out, but didn’t hurt them any. I really don’t think she COULD, possessed or not. Anyway, after meeting Lorna, she ‘ports Lorna back to safety and leaves her be. She is interested in recruiting Lorna and the rest of X-Factor to her cause, but she’s very moral about it, and never uses situations like these as leverage; for instance, when she heals Rahne of the Genoshan bonding process and gives her back her free will and her ability to resume her fully human form, Rahne is ECSTATIC and ready to do ANYTHING for her. And rather than exploit this, Haven just hugs her and tells her that her joy is thanks enough. Again, what a villain! Anyway, it turns out this Haven lady is also an activist! She’s big on promoting peace between warring groups (which I think makes it very significant that she’s an Indian character from Mumbai, then Bombay, who was created in 1992, the same year when Hindu/Muslim tensions in India resulted in the Bombay Bombings and subsequent riots, and she indeed mentions Hindu/Muslim tensions in her pro-peace speeches) and she emphasizes accepting MUTANTS in particular. It is very rare we see humans who are pro-mutant, though they had happened before, but this is the first time we see a human who is pro-mutant WITHOUT any affiliation or friendship with the X-men, and who is a public figure who seems to have some real social power---she’s a best-selling author, lecturer, and apparently her being a very wealthy woman has made some very wealthy people listen to her. She is basically the perfect ally for mutants if you take out the demon-possessed part, and I always found this super interesting and wish more had been done with it. So, she’s speaking at Brahma Hall (Brahma, notably, is the Hindu creator god) and...THIS happens. It’s...it’s really distressing. I’m sure it’s bad enough in its own time, but reading it NOW, in a post-9/11 world, a world where POC are routinely slaughtered by law enforcement (they always were but social media has made us more aware) it’s chilling. And we, the reader, are supposed to see X-Factor as JUSTIFIED in how they treat this unarmed, non-threatening, apparently-human-for-all-they-know woman who is promoting peace. Because no matter how nice she is, the US government says she’s an evil terrorist, and the US government turns out to be right! Yay, America! This might be a good time to mention Haven was the first Hindu character in X-Men comics, and the philosophy that the Adversary is manipulating her with comes directly from Hindu cosmology, and that is WAY IFFY to say THE LEAST. Holy xenophobia, Batman! And in an X-MEN comic of ALL PLACES! Oh yeah, and our good guys also describe her beliefs as “New Age psychobabble” and make fun of her temple decor as "very 60s" when BOTH ARE FROM HINDUISM, WHITE USA HIPPIES DID NOT INVENT IT, YOU IGNORANT SHITS So anyway, Haven’s very interesting to me as someone who is so deeply pacifistic and compassionate, that even when she’s being steered by a literal demon that has been talking in her womb for 20 years, she’s still someone who is perpetually polite, who won’t hurt the HEROES even when they want to hurt her, who SURRENDERS during a FIGHT in order to HEAL ONE OF THEM, and...who ends up with an abruptly aborted arc where she’s killed by her own “child” and victim-blamed in her last moments by Roma, the Omniversal Guardian Goddess and foe/counterpart of the Adversary. It’s made all the more tragic by the fact that Haven’s last pleas to Roma weren’t for herself, but for Roma to stop the Adversary, as she had realized now what her “child” really was. Even in her final moments, Haven was thinking of others, of the world. It’s just....awful to me that a character as interesting and unique as she was was thrown away like that, and that she was treated in such a sexist, racist, xenophobic way by both the HEROES and the story itself. I stan Haven 4 life. MADELYNE PRYOR- She’s maybe not “obscure” per se, I think most X-Men readers have a basic understanding of who she is, but the problem is that “basic” is not enough. What most people know is ”she’s Jean Grey’s evil clone” and some might know that “she was married to Scott Summers and went evil when he ditched her for Jean”. But that’s so far from the whole story, and it really does Madelyne a disservice, and canon has done her ENOUGH disservice already. Madelyne was originally created by Chris Claremont to truly be just a human woman who looked just like the dead Jean, with whom Scott would settle down and have a kid, and leave the X-Men. It’s a pretty nonsensical notion, the idea that this woman just happens to look exactly like Jean and meet Scott and fall in love, but this was his plan, he has confirmed it. And like...that’s pretty sexist from the start, in that she’s very literally created as a replacement for Jean on a narrative level, there’s NO REASON that she should have to look exactly like Scott’s dead ex besides as a way for Scott to still “get” Jean in a way. But Maddie rises above that swiftly by being a super strong, super cool character in her own right. She’s a pilot, she’s fearless, she’s adventurous, she’s got a mean right hook, and she’s got a tragic backstory when she crashed her plane and cost the lives of over three hundred passengers. She gets involved with Scott and by extension the X-Men, and she holds her own despite having no powers. Weird fact, this means that some of the X-Men, like Rogue, met Madelyne before they ever met Jean. She also gets a cool story where she gained healing powers, and the reason her powers specifically took the form of healing is because they were what she wanted them to be. She’s a good person, and also a total badass. Then, Jean came back, and the Powers That Be wanted her back together with Scott. But Scott was married to Madelyne. Rather than have them get a divorce or something, it was decided Madelyne had to be very literally demonized and then murdered, because we can’t just have two women co-exist, no, they must be divided into a “good” woman and a “bad” woman and fight over a man. Actual quote from Chris Claremont: “ Then, unfortunately, Jean was resurrected, Scott dumps his wife and kid and goes back to the old girlfriend. So it not only destroys Scott's character as a hero and as a decent human being it creates an untenable structural situation: what do we do with Madelyne and the kid? ... So ultimately the resolution was: turn her into the Goblin Queen and kill her off.” So, after something like EIGHT YEARS of being a character unto herself, Madelyne gets retconned as actually having been Jean’s clone all along! Which, okay, does make sense, certainly more sense than ‘this woman just happens to look EXACTLY like Jean and hook up with Jean’s ex” but then the REASON that Sinister cloned her...is nothing to do with Maddie or Jean themselves. Madelyne’s creation isn’t ABOUT her the way so many other clone/created-in-a-lab type stories are, like Laura Kinney. She wasn’t important. She was made literally just to have a baby with Scott, the BABY is what’s important. She is REPEATEDLY called a “brood mare” in fact (a female horse used specifically for breeding) So basically, her only value, her only REASON for existing, is her reproductive capacity. A lot of people think that Madelyne either found out she was a clone and went crazy-evil, or she went crazy-evil when Scott went back to Jean. That’s not what happened. Madelyne goes through a long, long series of arduous tragedies that piece by piece dehumanize and violate and traumatize her, and even then she doesn’t become evil until she’s TRICKED into being infected with demonic energy. Being “evil” was NEVER her choice, and everyone forgets that. See, first Scott walked out on her and the baby. Then, the Marauders attacked her, nearly killed her, and stole her baby and left her for dead in a coma for months. When she woke up, her baby was still missing, and she rejoined the X-Men to help them while they also helped search for her son. She sacrificed her LIFE alongside them to defeat the Adversary (yes, the same one Haven was pregnant with!) and then was resurrected with them too by Roma (yes, same Roma). She continued to work with the X-Men, despite the fact Scott had left her, and used her tech expertise to be the X-Men’s computer gal in Australia. When she saw X-Factor on one of the news monitors, including Scott with Jean, she realized why he’d abandoned her. She punched the screen and the explosion knocked her unconscious. While she was knocked out and dreaming, the demon Sym invaded her mind showed her a few different reflections of things she could be, one of which was a demonic reflection of herself. She chose that one, saying “What the heck, it’s only a dream.” And then Sym infected her with demonic energy. So she literally JUST found out her husband left her and their now-missing son for another woman, and she thinks she’s dreaming so yeah she picks the idea of being a demon IN THE CONTEXT OF A DREAM, A FUCKING FANTASY, WHEN SHE’S GOT EVERY RIGHT TO BE PISSED and oh well now you’re gonna be evil for real honey you don’t get a choice. Serves you right for being angry even for a moment, woman! But even then, she didn’t instantly turn evil. Horrible shit had already happened to her, but she still held out…so of course, more shit happened to her. While she and the X-Men were trying to help an escapee from Genosha (which was still enslaving mutants at that point) she ended up captured herself, and since their readings indicated she was not quite human (though what exactly she was, they didn’t know) they tried to put her through the “mutate bonding process” that would enslave her too. As a result, her latent psychic powers finally manifest, and she telekinetically explodes the place. From there, we start seeing big hints that something is going really wrong with Maddie, she seduces Havok and she’s entered into a secret bargain with the demon N’astrih, who promised to help her find her still-missing son (whom she still wanted to find and save at that point because she was still mostly herself) and of course, that bargain transformed her into the Goblyn Queen. After this transformation, though, she STILL had not gone past the point of no return. That didn’t happen until she met Sinister and she found out the truth of her origins—-not only was she a clone of Jean Grey physically, the few memories that she had also came from Jean, and her emotions from Scott had been PROGRAMMED into her (meaning she never had a choice at all in the man she loved) and it was all to be a brood mare, to produce a child with him. Only then did she go off the deep end completely, and agreed to N’astrih’s plan to sacrifice her own son (who he now found and gave to her, as this was his plan all along) because it was the absolute BIGGEST fuck you she could give to Sinister and to Cyclops. And like, yes, that’s evil, but given at that point she was not only magically infected/corrupted with demon energy AND insane with trauma that had been building up for months if not YEARS of development…she basically had a better excuse than ANYONE in all this who was also corrupted by Inferno. Yet she’s the one who doesn’t get a break. The unfairness is just…staggering, really. Even her death isn’t without indignity, violation, and depersonalization---she tries to commit a murder suicide, linking her mind with Jean’s and killing herself so that Jean will be dragged down into death with her. Jean, who really is the kindest to Maddie, urges Maddie to live instead, but Maddie’s last words are “not in the same world as you”. Jean survives. Maddie does not. And then...Jean takes Maddie’s memories and psyche into herself. It’s meant as beautiful, but to me it’s a heinous violation. Maddie wanted nothing more than be APART from Jean, so much so she KILLED HERSELF, and now Jean has made her a part of her forever, and we’re meant to applaud this? It’s DISGUSTING. Madelyne gets resurrected in the 1990s by Nate Grey, but it turns out that was an accident on his part, his mind was subconsciously seeking...Jean Grey, of course. And we he finds out he’s the one who brought her back to life, HE TRIES TO KILL HER. Jean stops him, but it’s no wonder to me that poor Maddie runs to the arms of Sebastian Shaw...who, of all people, actually treats her as an individual from the get-go and ends up being a pretty good boyfriend to her. Never even tries to use her in any evil schemes, it’s crazy. Madelyne has come back and died again and come back a few times since then, but she’s never really been “Maddie” again, whether it was brave adventurous Badass Normal pilot Maddie who just wanted to help people, or the bitter, conflicted, morally grey Maddie of the 90s. No, she’s just....she’s not even Goblyn Queen anymore, she lacks the pathos, she’s just this sexy evil misogynist caricature of herself and I hate it. I really love Madelyne Pryor. She came into this crazy world as a normal human, and when she got pulled into superhero shenanigans she held her own. She was a badass, she was a spitfire, she had a huge heart. She deserves a lot better than just being a gross Sexy Evil Lady with no personality, especially since she no longer has the whole “demonically possessed” issue going on. It’s just stupid and sexist at this point. I personally love original 80s Maddie, and also 90s Maddie where like...this shit has happened to her and she’s darker for it now, and understandably so, but she’s also still HER. Like, she leaves Sebastian Shaw not because he ever treated her badly, which he did not, but because he was doing things that could hurt OTHER PEOPLE, and that was where she drew the line. She was an enemy to the X-Men now or at least really hated them, she killed Threnody for bringing up her past as being “bred to breed”, but she also wasn’t about to be with a man who would risk the lives of millions of innocent people with his schemes, no matter how well he treated her, no matter if he was the one man who ever saw her for HER. Real Maddie is INTERESTING and Real Maddie is GOOD and I want Real Maddie back so she can call everyone on their shit and then go off and live her best life instead of being eternally dragged back into pointless villainy by authors who can’t think of anything better! MEGGAN PUCEANU - As with Madelyne, she’s maybe not UNKNOWN per se, I mean she’s one of the lead characters of Excalibur, but I also don’t think she’s an A-lister at all either. I’ve written about her HERE and HERE and her relationship dynamics with Brian Braddock/Captain Britain HERE so I feel like those links will probably be better than another novel like I did for Haven and Maddie! CATSEYE AKA SHARON SMITH - The deaths of all the Hellions were a tragedy, but Catseye is the one I found most interesting and with the most potential! I’ve written about her HERE and the Hellions in general HERE with a segment on her. She’s just so cute and innocent and INTERESTING, I want to know so much more about how she behaves, how she perceives the world and interact with others, how she gets on with her teammates, how she reacts this and that, I just love her! MINDMELD - Appears for only one issue, is arguably the first transgender mutant in Marvel, and also a total badass who I think is really sexy. I write more about her HERE and HERE. HONORABLE MENTIONS I’m not freaking out over these girls AS MUCH or AS CONSISTENTLY but they all have a place in my heart!! Really all it takes is someone MENTIONING them to get me revved up all over again!

THRENODY AKA MELODY JACOBS- Another Marvel gal who can’t catch a break, when she’s remembered by anyone at all. I wrote about her HERE prior to her most recent return in Deadpool, then HERE about said return. I just really, really want Threnody to be happy. She’s suffered enough. Admittedly, that could be said for most women on this list, maybe all of them. GOSAMYR- Wrote about her HERE! Most people who know of her at all typically hate her but I find her extremely interesting. She’s like everything people HATE about women, every stereotype of “toxic femininity”, but then this is explained as part of her culture and biology, and this is, to her, what is normal, and how is she to KNOW that everyone acts nuts around her when she has no basis for knowing how they act when she’s NOT around? She interests me in the questions and dilemmas she raises, and I just kinda have a thing for women we’re supposed to hate because of their feminine traits. KWANNON- The Japanese woman whose body Betsy Braddock had for years. I was very excited when she was brought back to life and given her own series, I wanted for her at last to be a CHARACTER with her own PERSONALITY and LIFE that wasn’t just an excuse to give a white woman a ninja makeover, and then I got...Fallen Angels. And she’s just...she’s literally just 90s Psylocke. I was very disappointed. But I still like Kwannon HERSELF in terms of potential, and now that she’s back maybe she’ll become a real person sooner or later. SATURNYNE AND SAT-YR-9: Wrote about them HERE! I really like Sat-Yr-9 as a villain (I especially enjoyed her short stint in the Hellfire Club as White Queen with Viper as her lieutenant and not-so-subtle girlfriend) and I like Saturnyne as a sort of celestial bureaucrat, someone who isn’t a force of good or evil but a force of ORDER, like the opposite of “embodiment of chaos” type characters. MURMUR AKA ARLETTE TRUFFEAU: I have not written about her before but HERE IS HER WIKI ARTICLE. As with Gossamyr, she seems like the “sexy shallow slut we’re supposed to dislike” type, so of course I like her. BIANCA LANEIGE- A Generation X villain who bore a grudge against Emma Frost from her days in the Hellfire Club, I wrote about her HERE. She’s pretty comedic as a bad guy, but that’s not a bad thing! I’d like to see her around again one day, either as silly as ever or made more serious. LIFEGUARD: Wrote about here HERE. She was in the first X-Men graphic novel that I bought and I’ve always had a soft spot for her since. I really liked that she didn’t give a shit when she found out who her bio-father was, it’s such a refreshing reaction compared to the usual “what if I’m just like my father/I can’t believe I’m adopted/etc” angst. Comparatively, she’s super upset about her Shi’ar lineage, because that actually altered her INTERNAL self when it manifested, she started seeing everyone around her as PREY and I reckon that’s pretty distressing for someone like her. Always wanted to see her come back; she’s in the background at a Krakoa party! SILHOUETTE CHORD: Wrote about her HERE and HERE. I just like her I guess! She’s maybe not obscure per se since she’s a main cast member of The New Warriors, but I’ve never really seen her get any attention. BLACK MAMBA AKA TANYA SEALY: Wrote about her HERE! THE ASP AKA CLEOPATRA NEFERTITI: Wrote about her HERE! SKEIN AKA SYBIL DVORAK: Wrote about her HERE and HERE! She was on the “Woman Warriors” team with Black Mamba and Asp, and I like the idea they just hang out as friends a lot!! ANACONDA AKA BLANCHE “BLONDIE” SITZINSKI: Wrote about her HERE! I just want her to hug me...really, really hard :) SHARADA DARTHRI: A minor villain that shows up during the “all female X-Men” team era in...2013, I think? Wrote about her HERE. DRAGONFLY AKA VERONICA DULTRY: Wrote about her HERE MANTIS : Despite the fact that she’s very well-known for her film version in Guardians of the Galaxy, most people don’t seem to know much at all about her comics version even though she’s been an Avengers member since the 70s. Wrote about her HERE and HERE and HERE, someone else writes about her HERE PENDING These are characters that I have not had the chance to personally read up on myself yet, but I want to! Their names link to their Marvel wiki articles! TOPAZ FIREBIRD SNOWBIRD SILVERCLAW There are honestly countless others I’m probably not remembering but this is a good handful I think! Oh, yeah, and also...COOTER. Because her name is COOTER oh my god.

[missameliep]

Second Chances: Chapter Five - London Calling

Book: Desire and Decorum – Modern AU

Notes: * Mentions to racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia. * English is not my first language. * All characters belong to Pixelberry. Except OC (Renata).

Word count: 4.972

Tagging: @fairydustandsarcasm @frugalchoicer @pixieferry @itsbrindleybinch @dianalend @lou-who-writes @queen-kamilah-sayeed @averysheart-raleighsdick @tinypenguincheesemachine @princess-geek @cora-nova

If you want to be added or removed of the tag list, please let me know.

Elizabeth crossed her arms and pulled the blouse over her head and threw it at the bed, where clothes were piling up. Hopping to the wardrobe, she shuffled through the hangers and huffed. At last, a long-sleeved white top was picked from a drawer.  

The reflection in the mirror caused her face to contort in a grimace and she pulled her long hair up in a bun. Droplets of sweat emerging above her upper lip, even though the day was mild.

The beep sound drew her attention to the mobile on the desk. Fingers drumming at the rhythm of the song playing as she read the text.

After a few moments, the face of her friend Renata popped on the screen of the notebook and they both greeted each other in Portuguese. The other girl’s cheerful tone louder than the soft ballad playing on the mobile.

“Is everything okay, Liz? I got your text and I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon!”

“Yeah… Sorry about that. I know you're in class –”

“Hey, I’m not complaining. I’ll take any excuse to avoid another discussion on Wittgenstein...” She smiled, “Now, spill.”

“I kinda have a fashion emergency. Got time?”

“Sure! I live for those!”

“Thank God! I'm panicking a bit here.”

“Why? What’s the occasion?”

“Well… I’m meeting this guy and –”

“What?” Renata’s voice echoed in the room, “You already met a guy, Liz?”

“Shhh...” Elizabeth hissed and waved her hands.

“Chill.  It’s not like anybody understands what I’m saying anyway...”

Elizabeth’s head whipped back and she glanced at the door, before turning the volume down.

“When did you meet a guy?” she whispered.

“Yesterday.”

“Yesterday? Oh, my God!” she exclaimed, and her voice raised again, “I can’t believe you! We talked for an hour!”

“I know... Sorry.”

“Where did you meet him?”

“It’s kinda embarrassing...”

“Oh, embarrassing story? You’ve gotta tell me.”

“I don’t want to...”

“Then I’m going back to the torture session... Bye-bye, Liz.”

“Wait!” she squealed, “Your brother is right. You’re really a pain!”

“Just tell me already!”

“Alright, he almost ran me over. Well, not him. The car he was in… Then he offered me a ride home to apologise. Even though, I was the one to blame...”  

“Oh! So chivalrous!”

“He’s really nice.”

“Is he cute?” Renata rolled her eyes. “What am I saying? Of course, he is, or you wouldn't be like that. How cute is he?”

Elizabeth just smiled, leaning back on the armchair.

“That cute, huh?”

“He's handsome. Like so handsome I cannot look him in the eye or my brain shuts down.”

“Can your brain do that?” Renata giggled.

“I’m as surprised as you,” Elizabeth said, “But it’s not just his looks. I know we’ve only met, but he’s so funny and smart. And he’s super flirty, but not in a creepy way. You know?”

“I really don’t...”

“It seemed he could anticipate what he could say... He’d make me blush but not feel uncomfortable. Like a flirty Jedi1! And when he kissed my hand... it was so… it’s hard to explain.”

“He kissed your hand? How old is this Jedi guy?” teased Renata, “Are we talking Obi-wan Kenobi2 in The Phantom Menace or A New Hope?”

“Shut up!” she squealed, “It was sweet...” The memory of his warm lips on her skin and their eyes locked made her blush, and her hands covered her cheeks.

“Whoa! You never talked like that about anyone before, not even about Léo... Characters from books and movies, yes. Real guys, never,” Renata said, “And that look... The closest I saw was whenever we shared a piece of Agatha's carrot cake.”

“Aw! I miss that cake already,” Elizabeth sighed.

“What has England done to you, dude?”

“Stop looking at me as if I’ve grown a second head or something, Re! I’m allowed to think a guy is handsome.”

“Sure, but –”

“Let's focus. I need help! I’m physically and mentally unable to pick my own clothes. I am freaking out! Help me, please! He’ll be here in half an hour!”

“Turn off the drama queen mode, Liz! We've got plenty of time. Where are you going?”

“I don’t know... How am I supposed to know if I’m overdressed? Or underdressed? I've already tried five outfits. I even tried one of the ensembles grandma’s got me and I was looking just like a younger version of her minus the hair and –”

“Breathe, honey,” Renata interrupted her blabbering, “Just show me what you've got on.”

Rising to her feet, Elizabeth took a few steps back and lifted her arms.

“Cute top. But the jeans are boring. How about the black pleated skirt?”

Smiling, she marched to the bed and tugged at the skirt at the bottom of the pile. In no time, the pants joined the rejects pile and she spun once in front of the camera.

“Much better! You always look cute with that. And loose the flats. You need something sexier.”

“Don’t even say heels! We’re walking.”

“If Beyoncé can dance on heels, you can walk.”

“I'm using these sneakers.” She produced a white pair from the wardrobe.

“Whatever. But you must let your hair down. Both literally and metaphorically. And put on some make up.” She tilted her head and hummed. “It's a perfect occasion for one of the lipsticks I got you.”

“They're all so bright or red... I don't know...”

“You need colour. The red one would look great on you, with the bonus that Jedi guy won’t be able to stop looking at your lips and – Hey! What’s his name?”

“Hamid,” Elizabeth answered as she tied the lace on the sneakers.

“Take a selfie with Hamid. I wanna see the face of the guy who’s got you smitten.” She winked. “Also need access to his Pictagram. For investigative purposes.”

“I’ve already googled him.”

“You did? Aw, my little Padawan3 is growing up. I’m so proud!” she exclaimed, “But I’ll check too anyway. Just to be sure.”

“I can send a picture of him now,” Elizabeth said and started typing on the mobile.

“You already have pictures of him?” she gawked.

“The internet does.”

“What a snack!” Renata whistled, “I still can't believe we talked last night and you didn't bother mentioning him! Just for the record, that's the kind of thing you tell your best friend! You tell her right away!”

“Sorry. I was embarrassed and he could change his mind about this... and I...” she mumbled, “But we texted last night. And this morning. Since he didn't cancel on me...”

“He would be an idiot to cancel on you. And you don’t need another idiotic guy,” she scoffed, “If you texted this much already, why are you scared?”

“I don't get tongue tied texting. And I can be funny online. I use emojis. But in person...”

“You can be funny offline, if you relax.”

“What about this bag?”

“You need a much smaller one. You’re not taking any book. What about the round one?”

“What if I can't talk to him?”

“Listen, honey. You’ve texted, you clearly enjoyed it and he wants to see you. Those are good signs.”

“I guess,” she said holding the bag.

“Perfect. Fits all you'll need to carry and won't get in the way when you're kissing him.”

“There will be no kissing! I just met him!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened and her cheeks suddenly were coloured in a darker pink hue.

“Sure, honey. If anyone could really predict that kind of thing...” she snorted, “And judging by the way you’re talking about him you better take at least one of the condoms.”

“What? No! What –”

“Relax. I’m just kidding,” she paused, and her index finger rubbed against her lips, “How’s the weather?”

“It’s fine now. But the forecast says the temperature will drop to sixteen later in the afternoon and then lower... I’m taking a coat.”

“Take a scarf and the jean jacket. It’s cute, you won’t freeze, but you can still tell him you’re feeling cold...” She winked.

“Why would I... Oh! You really think about everything.” They chuckled. “Thank you, honey. You’re a life saviour.”

“Please use the red lipstick and don’t marry Hamid before I get to know him, Liz.”

“Shut up! Bye!”

*****

Elizabeth hopped down the stairs. Skipping the last two steps, she landed with a light thump on the carpet.

“Elizabeth, mind your manners!”

The young woman stopped shortly, and her head whipped back in the direction of her grandmother’s voice.

“Are you already on your way out?”

“I am, grandma; my friend is waiting for me.”

“How unfortunate! There was someone here I wished to introduce you.”

“Sorry, grandma...”

“It’s alright,” she waved her hands dismissively, “Before I forget, I scheduled Renée to style your hair for the dinner Saturday. She’ll be here at three o’clock. Be ready.”

“Isn’t it too early?”

“Your hair must be challenging to her,” she said examining it and her fingers touched one of the curls, “You are lovely, my dear, but you'll need to look polished.”

The words hit her like a punch. As she usually does, Elizabeth refrained from retorting and instead her lips were pursed in the thinnest line.

“She’ll do your makeup. And I’ll ask for a manicure as well.” Holding the young woman’s hands, she took a hard look before sighing. “Try not biting your nails until then. There’s already too little to work with.”

“I’ll do my best, grandma.”

“You may go. Enjoy yourself, my dear, and be careful.”

*****

Hamid was standing outside in an elegant navy suit, light blue shirt and a navy tie with small silver dots. A hand on his trousers’ pockets and the other holding the mobile as he looked at the screen. The sight causing her heart to pound even faster.

The click of the door closing brought his eyes to Elizabeth. His lips pulled into a large smile and revealed the whiteness of his teeth and dimples on his cheeks.

“Hi!”

“Hello, Elizabeth!”

“Are we going somewhere fancy, Hamid? Should I change?” She asked and wiped her moist hands as she smoothed the fabric of the skirt.

“You look absolutely breath-taking,” he said grinning, his eyes lingering on her cherry lips before wandering from her face all the way down to her feet, “Are those shoes comfortable?”

She nodded.

“Then, you’re perfect to go.” He clapped his hands and asked her to follow him.

Walking side by side, Hamid talked about the main buildings on their way and pointed details on the red brick facades, sharing curious tales of past residents. Elizabeth listened carefully and her eyes tried to take it all in. Although, from time to time, whenever he wasn’t looking, her gaze returned to its preferred spot: her companion’s face.

“So, no driver today?” she asked once they reached the end of the street and waited by the crossing line.

“I usually don't take the embassy cars. London’s traffic is a nightmare. Yesterday was a very fortunate exception.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I only took the car, because I had two boxes of old reports to return. Why?”

“What a strange coincidence,” she pointed out, “The driver was supposed to pick me up at the airport, but there was some ‘misunderstanding’ – and by misunderstanding, I mean Henrietta pulled her strings and he ended up in the wrong airport... So, I took the underground.”

“I don't believe it was a coincidence. I think Allah planned that we meet.” He winked and a shy smile curled her lips.

Elizabeth casted a glance at him before looking away. In silence, she mulled over his words as they resumed walking. For the first time – and possibly the last one –, she should be thankful for Henrietta’s impersonation of a fairy-tale stepmother.

“Did it make you nervous?”

“Sorry?”

“The mention to Allah. The fact I’m a Muslim,” he said in a low tone and met her eyes. A small crease between his eyebrows.

“No, of course not,” she uttered, “Why would it make me nervous?”

“Well, you were too quiet all of a sudden and there’s the common assumption about us being fanatics and terrorists, so...”

“Oh, no! That’s just stupid prejudice!” she exclaimed, a steady voice replacing her lower timid tone, “Categorizing millions of people like that is the same as saying every single Christian is a murderous because of the Inquisition or basically the whole America’s colonization process. Or the Crusades. The list can go on and on...”

Hamid’s jaw dropped a bit contemplating the changing in her demeanour, and he blinked a few times before words left his mouth again.

“I've seen its face time and again to know the logic of prejudice is not based on facts or rationality, but mostly on fear. And when the fear is constantly directed towards a specific group or community, for years, you can imagine the consequences,” he sighed.

“I’m sorry to hear it, Hamid. It’s unfair people would mistreat you because of your beliefs... Or anything else, for that matter.” She pondered about how trying it must’ve been to him. Racism and prejudice are not unfamiliar subjects to her. “I can only imagine how hurtful it must be.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth. You’re as kind as your father. But I don’t let it define me.” He touched her arm. “This way.”

“Excuse me if it’s rude to say this, but you don’t exactly fit the stereotype... and there’s so much diversity in London...” she said wringing her hands, “Is it easier here?”

“Sometimes it seems easier to forget about it in a big city like London, if you’re not sporting a beard and using a turban, but I’ve learned quickly it’s as present as anywhere else… Every time there’s an attack, the fear and hate increase. And if you carry a double stigma of being both Muslim and foreign… I’m aware of people’s first thoughts when I speak Turkish or Arab in public. Some are particularly enthusiastic to share them out loud...”

“London seems to be such a cosmopolitan city with so much diversity and yet…” She shook her head slowly. “In Brazil we have this idea of Europe being so civilized and progressive...”

“It is in some aspects. But in others...” he trailed off and she caught the hint of sadness in his unsmiling face.

Refraining the urge to grab his hand, she fidgeted with a metal button of her jacket instead.

“I wish things were different,” Elizabeth said softly.

“So do I. But I try not to let this change me or make me unkind,” he shrugged, and the smile returned to his lips, “I offer kindness in return. Some might think it’s a weakness. But I believe we can only offer what we have in store...”

In silence they crossed another street and she mulled over his words.

“We’re almost there,” he said and caught her staring at him, which made him grin and her to look away immediately. “I thought about taking you to the National Gallery or to the Tate, but I wasn’t sure where you stand on visiting museums... And I would be a bad tour guide if I bored you to death on our first outing.”

“I enjoy going to museums,” she said returning his smile and thinking how improbable for someone to be bored by him.

“Good to know. I can take you to one of them next time.”

Whenever he expressed the wish to see her again, dozens of butterflies fluttered in Elizabeth’s stomach. The corners of her lips turned upwards and she held tighter at the strap of the purse.

“That’s Oxford Street. There is a tube station on the right.”

Beneath the Marble Arch, he beamed and lifted both arms facing her.

“And this is our first stop: Hyde Park. I thought we could enjoy the sun with a stroll. Then we’ll do some sightseeing and finish the tour at my favourite coffee shop.”

“Sounds good,” she said, “How do you know this area so well?”

“The flat I live in is just a few minutes down Oxford Street. And the Embassy is over there,” he said swivelling his torso to point to the opposite direction, “Sometimes I walk through the park to get to work. Inside we can almost forget we’re in such a busy city.”

“You’re definitely the perfect guide to show me around.”

“I am. And as you can see, I’m also a very short walk away from you in either direction, if you ever need me...” He winked.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said softly and stared at her hands with fingers intertwined as they walked inside the park.

The indistinct sound of voices caught Elizabeth’s attention and her gaze fell on a group around a man over a stool. There were other men addressing the passers-by too.

“We’re at Speaker’s Corner. It’s a place where one can come and give a speech.”

“I’ve heard about it.” She observed one of the man over a folding chair. “They’re talking about Brexit, aren’t they?”

“There’s a lot of anticipation due to today’s session. And an increasing tension as well,” he said, touching her back, “This way.”

His hand lingered there and they walked closer for a while in comfortable silence, just enjoying the breeze and the sound of birds once they distanced from the buzzing of the crowd.

Elizabeth couldn’t choose the best scent, if it was the smell of the trees or Hamid’s perfume, the same fresh fragrance from the day before.

As soon as his hand left her back to describe a statue and he stepped aside, she missed his touch and the closeness. But she dared not say a word about it as he resumed telling another tale.

“It's such a weird sight,” she confided in a low voice, “These people well-dressed, with their suits sitting on the grass. Having lunch at a park. You'll never see that in Rio.”

“There’s no endless summer here. Thus, people take every opportunity to enjoy it while it lasts. Soon it’ll be fall, the days become greyer and shorter... Sunlight will become scarce.”

“I'll have to get used to it... I only came to England during summer.”

“I assume you lived in Rio.”

“Yeah, I did.”

Hamid started singing and she recognized the first verses of Girl from Ipanema and the corners of her lips turned up.

“You have a beautiful voice, Hamid,” she said softly, stealing a sideways glance at him.

“Thank you.”

“I actually lived very close to Ipanema beach. I could see it from my bedroom window and I used to go there all the time...”

“A true girl from Ipanema.”

“I already miss the view and riding my bike... And I’ll definitely miss bathing during summertime at the end of the day, enjoying the warm waters and seeing the sun go down...”

“Sounds perfect.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” She frowned. “I’m romanticizing it… Rio was not nearly a perfect city, that's for sure...”

“Even imperfect cities have aspects we love. Like people. And it’s normal to miss both.”

“I guess so... What about Istanbul? How's it over there?”

“Incomparably beautiful and busy and also imperfect.”

“Do you miss it?”

“The city? Not so much. I miss my family, though. I visit them as often as I can. And I certainly miss the food,” he let a contented sigh, “I recently went there during Eid and ate so much I thought I would re-enact the restaurant scene from The meaning of life.”

She chuckled and he casted a surprised look at her.

“Have you seen this movie?”

“I have. Dad loves Monty Python,” she giggled, “I must confess I know very little about Istanbul or Turkey, but Hagia Sophia is on my list of places to visit.”

“Really? Then perhaps we could go together someday. I'd love to show you not only Hagia Sophia but all around the historical city.”

As Hamid described the beauties of Istanbul and enumerated the places he treasures, Elizabeth’s mind raced. On her stomach hundreds of butterflies trying to fly through her mouth at once.

He can’t be serious, can he? It’s too soon to say things like that! Isn’t it? And why do I want him to mean it?

“This park is so beautiful!” she exclaimed, changing the subject, “I think it’ll be perfect for cycling.”

“You can rent a bike outside. It’s very practical,” Hamid said, and his hand brushed hers not entirely by accident, “If you ever need company...”

“I’ll let you know,” she said shyly and let him hook his little finger with hers.

“I've told you a lot about myself and I still don’t know much about you besides you being a beautiful heiress...” As intended, she blushed.

“What do you want to know?” she said tucking a few curls behind her ear.

“From what I’ve researched online, I assume you’re not an artist as your mother.”

“Oh, you assumed correctly. I’m too shy to be on the stage,” she said, “I’m a law undergrad. I was on my fifth semester of college in Brazil, but I transferred to King's College, which will delay my studies a little. Well, actually a lot.”

“Your father studied Business and your mother is an opera singer. Why Law?”

“You’ll think I'm silly and laugh…”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” He tilted his head looking her in the eyes.

She considered his friendly expression for a moment and drew in a deep breath.

“To help people. You obviously heard about Brazil’s inequality and the many human rights violations, right?”

He nodded and they resumed walking.

“Since before I started college, I knew I wanted to aid people in need of legal assistance who couldn’t afford an attorney. There are so many violations against women and children, perpetrated by abusive partners, by the State, you name it… That’s why I became an intern at the Public Defender’s Office.”

“Then I assume you’re not going into corporate Law or taking over your father’s businesses one day.”

“Not if I’m given the choice.”

“Why? You know the business world needs people with ethics and social responsibility too.”

“I know, but I’m not cut out for this. Besides Edmund is doing a good job. Why change this?”

“It’s good you have a choice then.”

“It is and most people aren’t as lucky. And that’s awful and I wish things were different.” Her mind drifted for a moment to the many stories heard from plaintiffs at the Public Defender’s Office. “That’s why I hope to be a human rights attorney someday and advocate for bigger changes. The work of people like Amal Alamuddin inspires me...”

“Nothing you said was silly... People might call you an idealist and this shouldn’t offend you, because idealism fuel the changes in the world,” he said softly, “Besides you may hold much more power to transform things than you realise.”

“How come?” asked Elizabeth, with a confused expression.

“You have your family’s seat in the Parliament. One day, it could be you there advocating for what you believe.”

“Not likely. I’m not a politician like my father is and how Harry was being trained to be! I... well... I can barely speak with you, Hamid... I’m shy and awkward. I stutter when I’m nervous... Can you image the disaster of me addressing the Houses? Or... Or trying to convince people and... Oh, God... It'd be horrible!” Her hand touched her chest, where her heart was pounding fast, and she took a deep breath.

His hand brushed her arm and he said softly, “You can learn how to do all of that, if you wish. You spoke with such confidence and you didn’t stutter. Not even once. Not until you started doubting yourself.” He gave her a meaningful look. “But doing this or not, should be your choice. Not somebody else’s.”

“Alright. I believe I’ve talked too much already.”

“I enjoy learning about you... There’s too little online to fulfil my curiosity... I haven’t even found your Pictagram or Twitter accounts.”

“As my grandmother says: a lady must keep an air of mystery,” she said with a small smirk and pointed to a kiosk, “Do you want an ice-cream, Hamid? My treat.”

“Sure.”

From the bench where they sat, both watched people walking and cycling by them. Between licks of his hazelnut ice-cream, Hamid entertained her with stories and curiosities about the park.

“You know so much about the city... I bet most Londoners don’t know half the things you’re telling me.”

“I’m curious and eager to learn as much as I can of any new place I visit or live in.”

“That’s why you’ve chosen to become a diplomat?”

“That’s one of the reasons,” he replied, “My family has a long tradition serving our country. There were envoys since the Ottoman Empire. My father being a diplomat himself had a huge impact on me. When it was the time to choose, it felt like a natural choice.”

“You're pursuing a master’s degree. Aren’t you interested in an academic career?”

“No. At least not in the immediate future. A life experiencing new cultures is more appealing to me.”

“So you don’t like staying in the same place…”

“If I were to be at the same place, I’d have roots as a tree. Since I clearly don’t,” he chuckled, his hand pointing to his feet, “I move around.”

An insincere closed-lip smile to try to conceal the moment the butterflies became rocks on her stomach. An unexpected sadness tightened her throat, while he spoke about a few places he’s eager to visit next.

Once his teeth chewed on the cone, she asked to placate the voice screaming inside her head, “And where do you see yourself in five years?”

“Is this a job interview?” he chuckled and turned on the bench to face her.

“Can’t I be interested in learning more about you?” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

“You can,” he said with a grin, “Five years? Let me see... Hopefully I’d be at the position I’m dreaming about. Maybe I’d be pursuing a Doctoral degree. Humm… It’s possible. I have a few ideas for a thesis.”

“Where would be this position?” she dared ask.

“China.”

“Really? Not London or Paris?” she gapped.

“The position I aspire in European capitals is occupied by senior diplomats. Five years is not nearly enough to become one of them. I’m overqualified to my post here but I have little chance to be promoted anytime soon.”

“Then you plan on leaving anytime now?”

“Not immediately, but I must leave Europe at some point. I already applied for positions in Hong Kong and Mumbai. Both are below the post I desire, but I could progress faster and gain more experience there. Staying here means being stuck at the same position for years or eventually accept my father’s interference… Which I don’t want to.”

“You want to advance with your own efforts. That’s impressive, considering your father is the Minister and you could have it much easier…”

“My father truly believes in my potential and thinks I’m wasting my time. Though he means well, I wish to fly with my own wings.” he smiled mischievously, “And I must confess that I love the idea of exploring a new country from time to time.”

The ice-cream didn’t make it easier to swallow the lump on her throat as he spoke about his plans.

“So that’s why you’re learning Mandarin.”

“And I also want to get my food orders right.” He winked and she remained silent.

Whoa! That’s exactly the opposite of how I imagined this would go. He seems like a nice guy, but long-distance relationships don’t work. And I don’t want one. I had those with my father. And with Harry. How could I have some else I loved across the world? Besides, someone like him would find a new lover in the blink of an eye... For a moment, I thought this date was actually going great – Oh! Maybe it’s not even a date! Perhaps he’s just being nice because he knows dad... Or needs something from him… Or…”

“Are you done with your ice-cream, Elizabeth?” He pointed to the half-eaten cone where the mint cream had melted. And her teeth bitten it with crunching sounds until its last piece.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

“Oh! I was just…” she wiped her mouth with a napkin, “I was thinking that... uhm... You've got your future planned. It’s good. I’m still figuring things out,” she rose to her feet at once, “Is that a lake over there?”

Hamid trailed behind observing her black skirt swaying from side to side with her quick steps and her long curls bouncing as she distanced from him.

“It's so beautiful here,” she said, when his shadow projected on the ground besides hers.

“Didn’t I tell you my favourite spots would become yours too?” Hamid said softly and his arm brushed hers, and she felt goosebumps upon her skin.

Peeking at his watch, he invited her to follow him and soon they were out of the park and back on the streets, where he indicated cafes, buildings and stores that could interest her

His voice was enchanting, and he was a delightful company, but she couldn’t help but feel an unfamiliar kind of disappointment. The recurring thought this would be their first and last date caused an even bigger lump to form on her throat.

The man grabbed her hand stopping her in front of an eclectic building. A neoclassic facade with colonnade sided by a glass structure that unveiled the interior.

“This building is amazing. What is it?”

“It's the Royal Opera House.”

“Seriously? My mom used to sing here!” she exclaimed, her mouth ajar.

“I know! I arranged a special guided tour for us,” Hamid said with an ear-to-ear smile.

___________ Notes: 1. Jedi - a member of the mystical knightly order in the Star Wars films, who had some special mental powers; 2. Obi-wan Kenobi - one of the Jedi knights in the Star Wars films, played by Ewan McGreggor and Alec Guiness; 3. Padawan - A Jedi pupil or student, or broadly used as anyone that is an apprentice.

[setepenre-set]

@elf-kid2 requested chapter 3 of Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue for the dvd commentary meme.

By the time Friday comes, Roxanne has worked herself up into a bit of a state. God, what was she thinking, asking Megamind to pretend to be her boyfriend for a week?

He is a supervillain and this is insanity. And now he’s coming to her apartment so they can talk, and should she make snacks? Drinks? What is she supposed to wear?

This isn’t a date, she tells herself sharply, get a grip.

She’s already thinking about it like a date, though. She hasn’t realized, yet, that she wants to date him, but she definitely does.

Good lord, she is really out of practice, if a not-even-a-fake-date planning session with Megamind is causing her this much anxiety.

She changes her clothes three times before finally settling defiantly on the same outfit she wore to work.

(She doesn’t want to look like she’s trying too hard.)

Definitely thinking about it like a date.

Megamind comes wearing what he usually wears, of course. After he knocks on her balcony door (madness, this is madness) and she lets him in (madness!) Roxanne blurts out—

“We should go shopping tomorrow.”

Megamind blinks at her.

“Shopping,” he says, as though it’s an utterly foreign concept.

“Clothes, for you,” Roxanne says, “and also I need to get gifts.”

She’s ready to have to argue, but—

“Ah; of course, I’ll—shopping, yes.”

Roxanne closes her mouth. Huh. That was—easier than expected. She’s had real boyfriends who were much less cooperative than this. Maybe this is actually going to work out okay.

Roxanne hasn’t had very good romantic experiences. Which is a part of why she went with fake dating Wayne for so long. And Wayne wasn’t very cooperative as far as fake boyfriends go, either--he had a way of refusing to do things that were simply things she needed, rather than both of them needed, or just he needed.

Megamind, of course, is very much invested in making Roxanne happy. He approaches the fake dating the way he would approach actually dating her.

“I’ve brought the holographic watch, Miss Ritchi; how do you wish me to program it? Skin color—hair color—I’m afraid I can’t adjust the eye color; you’re stuck with green, but everything else—height—build—what sort of boyfriend do you desire, Miss Ritchi?”

“Can’t you just make it look like you, except, you know, human?” Roxanne asks.

OF COURSE THAT’S WHAT SHE ASKS FOR. (Roxanne, seriously, you like him so much.)

Megamind goes still.

Roxanne feels her face go warm, though she’s not sure why; possibly it has something to do with the way Megamind is staring at her as if she’s crazy.

Or possibly her subconscious has realized that she essentially told Megamind that she would like to date him.

“Like me,” he says blankly.

“Yeah,” Roxanne says, wondering what his problem is. “Human, but you. It’s gonna be too weird if you look too much like somebody else.”

“Right!” Megamind says, his face contorting into an odd expression. “Right—yes. Of—of course. I can. Definitely do that; human version of myself, that’s the first thing that I—designed…”

Megamind accepts her reasoning at face value--the odd expression is him mentally beating himself up for hoping for even a moment that she meant she actually thinks he’s attractive. He knows what she means about feeling like it would be weird to have him look too different from himself; it feels weird to him, too, when he wears disguises very different from his own appearance. That’s why the first thing he designed was a human version of himself.

And it is Megamind, unmistakably Megamind, in spite of the hologram. His head is smaller, of course, but he’s still bald. His skin is brown now, instead of blue, and, although he’s still small and slight, the watch seems to have made some sort of subtle change to the proportions of his body; he’s shaped just a little bit differently now, more human. But his facial features are the same—the color of his eyes and the shape of his nose and the high cheekbones and the line of his facial hair over his sharp chin.

The human version of Megamind is black; the xenophobia/racism he faces in the film definitely dictates that, I think. 

“So,” Megamind says, and god, that’s weird, his voice coming out of a face that is almost familiar and yet definitely not him, “does—does this—meet with your approval, Miss Ritchi?”

“Yeah,” Roxanne says, “yeah, you look—that’s—this is good.”

Megamind looks slightly relieved, and then he glances away from her, gloved hands plucking at the edge of his cape.

He’s so nervous about all of this.

“You should stop calling me Miss Ritchi,” she says.

“Right,” Megamind says.

She waits for a moment.

And he is not very good at understanding social cues, especially when he’s nervous.

“So you should call me Roxanne,” she prompts.

Megamind’s eyes go wide. He hesitates, and Roxanne gestures for him to say it.

“—Roxanne,” he says.

Oh. That is—odd, hearing Megamind say her name; it gives Roxanne a strange, swooping sort of feeling in the pit of her stomach, like she’s wavering on the edge of somewhere high, like the moment before she starts to fall.

That would be because you’re on the precipice of realizing your feelings for him, Roxanne.

“—now say sweetheart,” she tells him.

Roxanne. Roxanne you clearly have a thing for him. Your first thought upon hearing him call you by your first name is “I want to hear him call me endearments now”. Also she starts with “sweetheart”, which is the endearment I generally write her using, herself--so it’s the most meaningful endearment for her.

“…sweetheart,” Megamind repeats, lips shaping the word awkwardly.

“Darling.”

“Darling,” Megamind says, not looking any more comfortable.

“Baby,” Roxanne says.

“—baby,” Megamind says, and outright makes a face at that. “Miss Ritchi, I really don’t think—”

Poor Megamind feels so awkward here; he’s not even close to used to being allowed to use Roxanne’s first name, and now she’s having him call her “baby”?! How?? is he supposed to deal with this???

Roxanne laughs.

“Okay, yeah, those really aren’t working for you, are they?” She shakes her head ruefully. “Honestly, I’ll be happy if you can just manage to remember Roxanne.”

“Roxanne,” Megamind says.

“There you go,” she says. “So what do you want me to call you? Also, take off the disguise; it’s weirding me out; I want to see your real face when we’re talking.”

Again, a big indication that she really likes Megamind--it would be much more logical to have him wear the disguise as much as possible, so she can get used to it. But she doesn’t actually want to get used to it, because she doesn’t actually want him to be in disguise.

Megamind stares at her, more than slightly like a small animal caught in the lights of an incoming car. When he doesn’t move to take off the disguise watch, Roxanne reaches out to unbuckle it from his wrist herself.

He flinches backwards, jerking away from her.

Megamind is all kinds of shocked at hearing her say “I want to see your real face when we’re talking”. Why would she want that; why would she ever want to see him? And he isn’t used to being touched, which, along with the shock from the comment, causes him to flinch reflexively.

“Whoa,” Roxanne says, “uh?”

“—sorry!” he says, taking the watch from his wrist and putting it down, his real features flickering back into visibility, “sorry, ah, not—not used to—” he waves a hand.

“Okay,” Roxanne says, watching him.

Roxanne doesn’t want to freak him out or make him uncomfortable, which is why she’s watching him so closely, to make sure he’s telling the truth about his reaction just being because he’s not used to being touched, rather than him not wanting to be touched.

He flushes, pink lighting up the blue of his cheekbones, burning bright on the slightly pointed tips of his ears.

“Anything you like,” he says.

Roxanne tears her eyes away from the tips of his ears, blinking.

“—sorry, what?” she says.

Distracted by his blushing; she is so attracted to him.

“You—asked what you could call me,” Megamind says, “you can—call me anything you like.”

“Okay,” she says, hesitating only a moment before adding, “sweetheart.”

Like I said, “sweetheart” is the endearment she uses when she actually means it. And she wasn’t even talking about endearments--she was asking about his fake name. But she still takes the opportunity to call him sweetheart.

“Michael Niebieski,” he says, giving her a name that he already has documentation for. He’ll have to give up that particular alias after this, of course, but it’s a small price to pay.

“Michael,” Roxanne says, making a thoughtful moue with her mouth. “Mike. Mickey.”

“Must you?” Megamind says, making a face.

Mickey, for the love of Lovecraft.

“Mi?”

“Mi is—acceptable,”

I really love the movie National Velvet, which is about a young girl who convinces a young guy who’s kind of a criminal to help her train a horse. People treat him badly because he’s poor/lower class, they’re convinced that he’s “bad”. He tries to convince himself multiple times to just steal her money and leave, but he can’t ever bring himself to do it, because he knows that she trusts him. Also, he hates himself. (Do I have a type? Why yes. Yes, I do.) The guy’s name is Mi.

“Mi is—acceptable,” Megamind says begrudgingly. “Do you want me to call you—Roxy?”

“Ugh, no,” Roxanne says. “I hate that.”

“Oh, good; so do I,” Megamind says.

Megamind feels like nicknaming Roxanne is--verbally diminishing her? Names are a big deal for Megamind; that’s part of the reason the Miss Ritchi vs. Roxanne thing is such a major thing in his mind.

They begin making up a backstory for their relationship--and Roxanne grabs his hand and starts playing it out like they’re really explaining this to someone. Notice that she still doesn’t tell him to turn on the disguise, though. 

She says they should stick close to the truth, and she says she always liked him better than Metro Man--she does, in fact, mean that. She means it when she says that they’re friends, too. It’s a weird friendship, but it is a friendship in her mind. That’s why she felt able to ask to schedule a kidnapping, originally.

“Well—after you—broke up with Metro Man, I—finally got the nerve to ask you out,” he says.

Roxanne snorts.

“Please, sweetheart,” she says, “I think we both know that I’m the one who asked you.”

This, interestingly, is also fairly close to the truth for her. He told her about the disguise watch, but he didn’t ever actually ask her if she wanted him to wear it and go to the wedding with her, just implied it was a possibility. It was Roxanne who said “what are you doing this weekend?”

“—okay, yes, fair,” Megamind says, and Roxanne laughs (god, her laugh; he wants to make her laugh again.) “But!” he says, holding up the finger of the hand that isn’t still holding Roxanne’s, “But! I totally intended to to ask you and definitely would have done so if you hadn’t beaten me to it!”

Roxanne laughs again—ha! he wins!

He really loves making her laugh; he really wants to make her happy.

“Riiight,” she says, still snickering. “You totally would have done it. Not like you had seven years worth of opportunity or anything.”

“I was working up to it!” Megamind protests.

“For seven years?”

“You had a boyfriend! And you didn’t like me.”

Roxanne rolls her eyes and bumps her shoulder against his (Megamind’s breath catches).

“Yes, I did,” she says. “I’ve always liked you. Idiot.”

Megamind’s breath catches again. God, this is torture, hearing her say that and knowing that she’s lying.

She’s definitely not lying.

“—where did we go on our first date?” Roxanne asks.

“…the library?” Megamind offers.

Is that a thing people do for dates? He doesn’t actually know how this is supposed to work.

“The library? For a date?” Roxanne asks.

(shit; that’s evidently not a thing people do)

She laughs.

“I knew there was a reason I liked you,” she says.

(so the library thing is…good? weird but good?)

The two of them are a compatible kind of weird.

Roxanne tips her head, frowning slightly.

“—do you actually like libraries?” she asks. “The Metro Library hasn’t ever been damaged by one of your plots—”

(…does she really want to know this about him? Does she—does she care—? Well, Roxanne has a lot of curiosity; it’s one of the things he lov—likes—ah, fuck it; he’s allowed to think it in the privacy of his own head: it’s one of the things he loves about her. One of the many things.)

“I love the library,” Megamind says, and then, because he is an idiot who cannot deal with the way Roxanne is looking at him (like he might actually be interesting), he babbles, “I actually lived there for a while, when I was—” homeless, he stops himself from saying just in time, “—a teenager.”

“What?” Roxanne says, “Seriously?”

“Er. Yes?” Megamind says, “this—this was pre-Lair, of course; we always knew it was temporary.” He shrugs. “But it was—nice. I liked it. I—still go there sometimes, after hours.”

He doesn’t say ‘homeless’ because he doesn’t want her to feel sorry for him. Roxanne is really interested in him, too, although he’s worried that she’s not.

Fuck. He shouldn’t have told her that.

He still isn’t thinking this is an interaction different from their usual interactions--he’s used to having to try to keep him from telling her too much.

“You’ll have to take me sometime,” Roxanne says.

Megamind frowns, looking at her, confused.

“But—I never do evil plots in the library,” he points out.

There’s a half a beat of silence.

“Yeah, I—I meant,” Roxanne says, and then looks away from him, taking her hand from his, “never mind.”

Roxanne’s brain slipped into ‘actually dating’ mode, there. She’d stopped pretending at the point where she said he should take her there sometime. Megamind has no idea that’s what she was thinking.

A loud knock on the apartment door makes both of them jump.

Whoever is outside pauses, waits for a moment—Megamind hopes they’re leaving—and then knocks again, louder, more insistent.

“Hey, Roxy,” Metro Man’s voice comes through the door, booming in the silent apartment, “You ready to go? My mother’s party starts in a little bit.”

The arrival of Wayne! Awkward and unfortunate timing, and extremely presumptuous on his part.

[thirstyfortom]

Would you mind writing about the RFA(V , S) with a foreign MC whose parents are racist and don't allow her to be with them because they are Asian? But she dates them anyways because she loves them? (My grammar is $h*t I know)

This is so interesting. But it’s so touchy, I’m so afraid this can backfire and I’ll end up offending someone. Please let me know if this isn’t good, I’ll shut it down immediately (of course this is directed to my asian followers, couldn’t care less about white people’s feelings, including my own). Thank you all!

RFA + Saeran and V dealling with MC’s racist family

TRIGGER WARNING: Racism (obviously), misoginy, xenophobia (so sorry I forgot about this before, ugh... hope I didn’t do too much damage. I apologize if someone felt triggered expecting to get something else from this.

Zen

Youintroduced him to your father through Skype and he is…confused.

So…he’s an albino? And an oriental? How does that work?

Oh,and he’s an actor? Like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee? Did he ever play a karatefighter in some movie? Oh god…

“I’m pretty sure Jackie Chan is from HongKong, sir. And Bruce Lee was… Chinese, babe?” “I think he was born in America,and had a Chinese descendance…”

“And karate is a Japanese martial art, sir.They’re not all… oriental…” he says the word in disgust, ughhh… hearing thisword in 21st century is awful!

“Oh,it’s all sort of the same thing, isn’t it?” Ohhhh… you’re so embarrassed, youwant to turn it off immediately and scold your father for being… racist.

“No,it’s not, sir. Please don’t use a word that put hundreds of people fromdifferent cultures and countries in one tiny box. Please, get more sensitiveabout these issues now that your daughter is dating a KOREAN guy who will marryher someday. Have a nice day, sir.” And he turns it off.

“Oh,babe, I can’t believe I talked to your father like this, I’m so so…” “Don’t youdare apologizing for doing the right thing!”

“Well,yeah… but you know… this isn’t his fault. You know, asian actors play a lot ofsimilar roles on American movies and TV series, so…” “Yeah, and this isn’t yourfault either, my father isn’t dumb, he should see through stereotypes, we allshould, you know?”

Youwere right. Zen kept thinking of this after you two went to bed. He couldn’tstop thinking of what he could do to change things.

Andit hit him, the problem isn’t the asian actors, they just roll with the rolesthey can get, the problem is we don’t have enough asian people working onproducing and writing jobs in entertainment, at least outside of asiancountries, of course.

Sonow he’s thinking how he needs to expand his career in order to be a producerin USA or in Europe one day…

Hismanager sleeping beside him will help him through on this.

Yoosung

Yoursister was in town and he was so excited to meet her.

Shewas excited as well, maybe too much throwing words like kawaii and calling himYoosung-kun, you know, Japanese words.

“MC,she knows she’s in Korea and we speak Korean, right?” you’re too busy doing thefacepalm to even answer.

Andshe keeps throwing Japanese terms totally out of context, for that matter. AndYoosung isn’t getting anything, he’s just scared of the way you’re glaring ather.

“Sis,shut up! You’re making a fool of yourself!” “What? I’m just showing support onyou dating a jap guy.” “I’m not ‘jap’, I’m Korean. We… we are in Korea.” Hesays in a very kind way.

“Well,whatever, it’s all the same.” Oh god… oh no…

“No,we´re… we’re not.” He says assertively. Both you and your sister look at him,surprised.

“Jeez,calm down, cutie. I’m just trying to be nice and supportive. I’m super coolwith my sister dating an asian guy and…” “But why do you have to be cool withit? There’s nothing to be cool about it, it’s just… you know what I’m trying tosay? When you keep saying you’re cool and bringing my race and my country oforigin everytime, I’m sorry… but I don’t think you’re cool with this at all.And that’s not…”

“Cool.”You complete for him and he smiles sweetly at you. “And please study a little,Japanese and korean have this historical feud, we don’t like being compared.”Oh wow, looks like he’s been studying too.

Yoursister is so mad, she just stomps out of there telling she’ll never be back tothis hellhole of a country and shit like that. Yoosung doesn’t understand howtwo people coming from the same environment can be so different like you two.

 “MC,are you really ok with your sister not really approving us?” “You mean if I’mokay with my sister being a xenophobic racist brat? Not really…”

“Oh…yeah, she was being kinda racist, right?” you nod. “Well, uhm… she seems tomean well, at least. That’s a start on us to teaching her.” “Yoosung, honey…you really don’t have to.” “I know, but I want to. She’s gonna be my family oneday too, right?”

Andthat was the first time he made you blush in the ame way you’re used to makinghim.

Jaehee

Youwarned her about your brother being a little… nonsense. You know the guy whodated a black girl on high school and think he’s such a hero for it? That guy…

Sohe’s super excited to meet your asian girlfriend. Yeah, he emphasized “asian” alot.

“Whoa,you’re tall. I thought you Asians were all tiny and cute…” hum, okay…

“And you are a blackbelt in judo? Whoa, dragonlady, am I right?” wtf, dude?

Andhe keeps throwing totally out of line comments about her body and how she’snothing like he was expecting from an Asian girl, since all the asian girls heknows are completely different.

“Thegirls he saw on porn, that is.” You whisper to her, and she giggles, but deepinside she knows this is so wrong!

Andsince he won’t stop, she’s starting to get really angry. She needs to put astop to this before he does THAT question about asian girls having sidewaysvaginas, because he seems douchy enough to make it.

“Iknow you mean well, but please stop before you say something really racist… andsexist as well.

“Sexist?And… racist? Ah, come on! I’m not racist, I’ve even dated a black girl on highschool and…” See? I told you he was that guy.

“Hum…and I can’t even imagine why she isn’t dating you anymore…  if you used her race as a fetish like you’redoing to mine right now, we probably have an answer.” “What are you evensaying, girl? You should feel lucky that MC has a supportive brother whodoesn’t mind her dating another girl, an asian girl.”

“Oh,racist, mysoginistic and homophobic. You’re the triple threat, huh, bro? Iwon’t feel lucky for you doing nothing but your obligation, especially whenyou’re doing it wrong!” “What’s gotten to you, MC? I’m your family, you can’ttalk to me like that!” “You can’t talk to me and to my girlfriend like thiseither, if you’re family, educate yourself before acting like an asshole!”Well,she’s not happy on being the cause of a fight between brother and sister… no,forget that, his racism was the cause of this. And she’s so happy you two areon the same page of this.

Jumin

Hemade sure to pay for bringing your dad to Korea so they could finally meet. Despiteof your protests of this being a bad investment.

Hedidn’t get it at first, but as soon as he met him, he understood.

Becauseyour dad wasn’t even inclined to a handshake. He was a very serious cold man.

Juminis worried if this has anything to do with those three days, did you mentionthe cage or something? Well, he wouldn’t be exactly pleased if someone trappedhis daughter like he did to you…

Hetells you that as an apology when your father goes to his bedroom to unpack,and you feel so bad. “Jumin, honey… you’re not the problem here at all…”

“Whatdo you mean, MC?” “Well, I… have I told you my father used to work in the U.S.  forces, right?”

Hehas a solid knowledge in politics, so he knows your father is probably thinkingabout North Korea and the constant fear of the possibility of a war starting atany moment…

But…he’s south Korean, what does this have anything to do with North and USA?“Well, you know how ignorance works, especially when it’s related tonationalism…”

Rightyou are, but still… this is such a touchy subject, that shouldn’t interfere inyour relationship. And… well, if his race is the problem, then your father isbeing racist, it doesn’t matter if politics are involved.

“Plus,if this war happens. USA and South will likely be allies, as it happened before,so no need for you to dislike me, sir.” Well, you don’t like the idea behindhis point, but… he’s sort of right? “We are not all the same, sir. Pleaseunderstand this and respect your daughter’s wishes of staying with me. I’m surein the end you’re just thinking what’s best for her, and believe me, I’m doingthe best I can in order to fulfill this position.”

Yourfather looks at him head to toes. “You’re smart and reasonable, I like thatyou’re different from the gooks I met in Vietnam.” And he offers his hand forthat handshake, which… Jumin doesn’t take it,

Theman is still racist and xenophobic after all. And you know this isn’t evenclose to an end…

Saeyoung

He’sreally excited to meet your sister

Thenyou introduce them two and they’re both nice to each other and all.

Atleast that’s what he thought before overhearing you talking in the guest room.

“He’sadorable, MC, and he doesn’t look that asian.” Hum… what is that supposed tomean?

“Whatdo you even mean?” “I mean, he’s… redhead, and has this cool outfit, where’sthe nerd kid with slicky hair that’s really good at math or something?”

“Heis really good at math, but you’re just repeating stereotypes, come on!” “Well,there’s a lot of truth in stereotypes, y’ know?” “There’s also a lot ofprejudice.” Slaaay MC, slaaaay.

 “Ugh,MC, ever since when did you become so prudish? Jeez, people are so touchy thesedays…”  even though he knows heshouldn’t,  he speaks up:  “I know, right? People can’t even be racistanymore without being called out, that’s awful!”

“I…I’m not racist! I am super happy for my sister dating a guy regardless of hisrace and…” “Regardless? Oh my God!” you and Saeyoung  say at the same time.

“No,honey. Of course you’re not a racist, you’re just saying that your sister issome kind of angel for being able to see a normal person behind these slanteyes of mine, and she not minding my race is a favor she’s doing…”

“MC,are you really letting him talk to me like this?” “I guess I will, since I’m noangel. And you brought this on yourself.”

Ofcourse he didn’t want to be mean to your sister, but he totally went for itwhen you told him he could.

Buton a more serious note, he wants your sister to be educated at some point, it’snot good living in ignorance, and he wouldn’t that for someone so close to you,neither would you.

Soyou two will try to be patient and show there’s much more than that portrayalof the nerd asian boy.

Saeran

Hewouldn’t say it loud, but he is excited about meeting your mother.

Butyou keep changing the subject and backing away on this.

Andhe doesn’t know what to think, why wouldn’t him to meet the woman who raisedyou? Oh… wait, he knows what this is about…

You’reembarrassed about him, ain’t you? Because he’s a freak and would definitelyscrew things up, of course!

Heconfronts you, and you feel so bad, especially because now you have to tell thetruth: “I’m not embarrassed of you, I’m embarrassed of her…” the fuck?

“W-why?”“Well, she can be a little… odd.” Odd? How?

Doesn’tcare, he wants to meet her, I mean, haven’t you heard about his mother? Whatcould be worse than that?

Andthough maybe it’s not worse, is still pretty bad. “I’m not a racist, but Ithink pure genes are really important on a child’s brain development, so Iwould rather seeing my daughter with a white young man.” Oh my god…

He…doesn’t really know what to say, he kinda expected your mother would hate him,but because he is weird, not because of something he was born like and hasnothing to do with his personality.

“Mom,that’s so… racist.” Hmmm, yeah, that’s the word he was looking for. “No,sweetie, I’m just thinking what’s best for you.”

“Soare you saying you think your daughter would be happier with, say, a white guywho beats her up than with someone who likes her and respects her just becausehe’s not white? That makes no sense”.

“No,of course not… I… I just…” “Mom, trust me, just end this conversation herewhile you didn’t mess up completely.”

He’sso happy to know you have his back, and this is not only about his race.

V

He’sthrilled and slightly nervous about meeting your brother.

You’renervous too, but for very different reasons.

Youknow those people who don’t consider themselves right-winged or left-winged,his political stand is moving forward? Thatguy…

AndV was having very interesting conversations with the guy when he says this: “Mysister is just like me, we don’t see race, we just see people.”

“Well,that’s nice, but it’s very easy for a white person to say that, you know? Sincerace doesn’t really play a role on their accomplishments and, most important,obstacles.”

“Whatdo you mean? That white people don’t put effort enough to get things?” “No, I’mjust saying that you get to face obstacles, but your race is not playing a parton this. I mean…  MC is white, but she’sa woman, so she won’t get the same wage as you in the same job, it’s the samething with race, white people earn more for the same job in a lot of cases.”

“Nowyou’re just generalizing, don’t you think you’re doing…”  wait for it… “reverse racism?” Oh no…

“I…don’t believe such a thing exists.” “It does, look it up.”

“Iwill, then you look up on racial inequality in labor market, how does thatsound?” “You don’t have to be condescending, you know?”

“I’mnot, I’m just giving you a reality check you’re refusing to face. But I get it,it’s hard giving up on your white privileges.” “There you are being racistagain.”

“Dude,even I know that is not a thing, just stop, you’re embarrassing yourself.” “Yesgive up on your male privileges too and listen to the woman at least for once.”

Yourbrother scoffs “You two are such a postmodern couple.” “And you’re pedantic.”“Not to mention a little racist?” you and V say.

Well,this was a very clever conversation, and your brother seems smart, V can’t waitto educate him in a more proper way.