#overanalyzing wrestling

[mjfass]

Part of the plan was holding Yuta back because they knew he would have never let them hurt Bryan. They knew he was going to fight back with all his strength.

[paladinnether]

ya know, at first i was hesitant to get on board with the mjf/ospreay feud because it's just the millionth "american patriot vs foreigner" type thing, but i actually kinda love it. they turned it on its head and made it unique

mjf is "an american hero" and "a patriot" but talks shit on america at the same time, insulting the crowd and all that. like he has no idea what the american dream is, just his own twisted version of it. the american is actually the heel for once

will and kyle understand it so much more than mjf does because they're foreigners, they dreamed of coming to america. and they're the good guys, they will fight for those ideals.

god these matches are gonna cook.

[comediakaidanovsky]

sometimes i think about how punk wrote his livejournal of shitty jokes and young people melodrama and how he doesn’t wash off the blood after a match because it’s romantic and how him and bryan have the same taste in bathroom etiquette and men and how he’s just left it up all of these years, and i think about how you can just scroll back through mjf’s instagram as the posts get more and more genuine until it’s just a kid following his dream to become a wrestler, and i’m so fascinated by the history keeping, about how they keep every iteration of themselves alive

[felikatze]

while i'm talking abt sonic x the s1 finale actually kinda fucks. i actually really liked chris' writing in this bcuz yeah sure he and knuckles fell for eggman's same old trick but that is SPECIFICALLY because chris feels so guilty that he wants sonic to stay, that he just throws himself as much as he can into helping sonic get home so he can feel less terrible about himself

there's def the audience insert aspect to chris w the target demographic and the message of "sonic can be YOUR friend too!" but it's also that chris is introduced to us as a Pretty Lonely Kid

largely absent parents doesn't seem that close to his school friends etc and all that changes for him when sonic comes crashing in bcuz suddenly chris has friends around the clock and he always gets to tag along to all this new stuff. and sonic snarks a lot w his other friends but he's always kind and understanding to kids, which he does seem to view and treat chris as. always w compassion and understanding and surprising patience he doesn't show to anyone else

so like yeah duh chris doesnt want sonic to go. and there is most definitely a spice to that that chris will only admit this when it's actually the moment of truth

also like chris just grabbing all the emeralds even as they burn up his hands and throwing himself into the ocean to get them to sonic is cool as fuck. it is. and here chris saying "I won't let anyone else have them" is yknow obviously also "I won't let anyone else have him" because chris is lonely and 12 and he thinks that if sonic goes back then everything will be the exact same as it started out

and like. there is meta to that?? that sonic is your friend but also you have to let him go and stand on your own two feet eventually. and the s3 timeskip actually adds to that?? that even as an adult you can be sonic's friend and go on an adventure again but you gotta go back to your own life eventually. there's meta to it it's a positive message to kids about escapism while also not putting down their feelings yknow?? yknow????

the other part i also think abt in the finale is Eggman. bcuz eggman actually Feels Bad about trashing sonic w his robot and the six emeralds that he actually tells it to take it easy on sonic. and you can also tell (....not so much in the dub) that eggman feels bad for making chris cry.

when chris is just sobbing his heart out eggman and his two sidekicks get incredibly uncomfortable and just take it even easier on sonic. it's like grand conquest is fine for eggman but the tangible emotional impact he has on others is Too Much.

and add to that that decoe mentions he shut off the power to the emeralds when chris grabbed them. because if he didn't do that, chris would've been fried alive. and eggman does accept this as the right decision for decoe to have made. to, yknow, spare chris' life, and thereby shut off the power source for the whole mech, and cause it to go haywire, and guarantee eggman's loss.

it's that. it's how idw also does eggman, that he needs to win the Right way, and overwhelming force just aint it. it doesn't feel right. it feels bad and icky to have his opponent helpless and to hold a crying kid hostage. it's fine to rough everyone up a bit and throw chris out the hovercraft when tails is there to catch him, but it's not right to just kill a child

it needs to be right and fair or else it's not fun. AND ADD TO THAT like. in the sub. 90% of the meta humor comes from eggman which in a weird way makes eggman just very aware of what his Role is. so through that meta aspect, eggman Knows he's supposed to be lighthearted and silly.

anyways yeah i think the sonic x anime is actually p good. watching the sub and there is actually a TON of solid jokes, i love the stupid sidecast ("I get married quickly, but I also get divorced quickly." - Sam Speed). It loses the plot and switches to being basically just episodic in the backhalf of s1 which can get kinda Meh (the worst offender is i think ep17 or whichever the one on "nature continent" is because it's a nothingburger and my sister and i have branded it "the sacrifice of the animation budget" because it looks scuffed even when compared to other sonic x episodes specifically) but after two that are meh the rest of the episodic ones are just extremely silly and fun and funny and i enjoyed them a lot

tldr yeah watching it w company + nostalgia probably improves my opinion of it but it's also just good

[cyberclouddream]

Your Secret Self in the 12th House

Aries in the 12th House - Taurus Rising

They tend to keep secrets about their inner daredevil. While they play it cool and collected, there’s a wild side itching to burst free—think sneaking off for a spontaneous road trip or trying extreme sports in secret. They might also hide their competitiveness, pretending they don’t care while actually keeping score of who’s winning in life. Plus, they could be harboring some guilty pleasures, like indulging in reckless online shopping binges when no one’s watching.

Taurus in the 12th House - Gemini Rising

They often hide secrets about their love for comfort while secretly fantasizing about radical change. Underneath that cozy facade, they might daydream about ditching their 9-to-5 for a nomadic lifestyle, craving the thrill of the unknown. They could also be keeping a stash of self-care products—think expensive face creams or luxury candles—while downplaying their indulgent side. Additionally, they might harbor feelings of envy toward friends who seem to live carefree, all while maintaining a chill, easy-going persona.

Gemini in the 12th House - Cancer Rising

They tend to keep secrets about their inner chatterbox, often drowning in thoughts they don’t dare voice. Beneath their friendly demeanor, they might be hiding a tendency to overanalyze every interaction, worrying that they’ll be misunderstood. They could also be engaging in secretive communication—like using anonymous accounts to share their opinions or seek validation without risking their reputation. Plus, they may hold back on expressing their true feelings, fearing that doing so will lead to vulnerability that they’re not ready for.

Cancer in the 12th House - Leo Rising

They often hide secrets about their emotional turmoil, presenting a bold front while wrestling with intense feelings. While they come off as confident and social, they might be quietly harboring past heartbreaks or family drama that they don’t want to share. They could also fantasize about a life where they can escape their responsibilities and be free to express their emotions without judgment. Plus, they might keep a hidden stash of sentimental items—like letters or mementos—that remind them of their deeper feelings and past experiences.

Leo in the 12th House - Virgo Rising

They tend to keep secrets about their inner critic, often hiding their doubts behind a confident mask. While they seem to thrive in the spotlight, they might be grappling with imposter syndrome, fearing they don’t deserve the accolades. They could also be secretly nurturing creative dreams that they feel too shy to pursue, fearing they won’t be taken seriously. Plus, they may keep their desire for admiration under wraps, needing validation from others yet afraid to admit it out loud.

Virgo in the 12th House - Libra Rising

They often hide secrets about their perfectionism, presenting a calm demeanor while battling internal chaos. Beneath their organized facade, they might have a tendency to obsess over minor details, worrying that they won’t measure up to expectations. They could also be secretly struggling with feelings of inadequacy, wondering if anyone really sees their worth. Plus, they might hide a stash of self-help materials—books, podcasts, or videos—that they consume in hopes of bettering themselves while keeping their struggles out of sight.

Libra in the 12th House - Scorpio Rising

They tend to keep secrets about their relationship fears, often projecting charm while grappling with deep-rooted insecurities. While they come across as easy-going, they might be wrestling with jealousy or fear of abandonment, not wanting to reveal how much it affects them. They could also be hiding their true opinions about people they love, not wanting to rock the boat. Plus, they may secretly yearn for independence but struggle with the idea of going against their people-pleasing nature.

Scorpio in the 12th House - Sagittarius Rising

They often hide secrets about their emotional intensity, putting on a brave face while feeling deeply vulnerable inside. They might be nurturing secret desires that feel taboo, such as unconventional fantasies or interests that they fear might alienate others. They could also be battling a fear of being truly known, preferring to keep their deeper emotions hidden from view. Plus, they might keep a journal filled with dark thoughts or musings, using it as a safe space to explore what they can’t express out loud.

Sagittarius in the 12th House - Capricorn Rising

They tend to have hidden secrets about their thirst for freedom, often masking it behind a façade of responsibility. While they appear grounded, they might be dreaming of a life filled with adventure and spontaneity, yearning to break free from their daily grind. They could also be keeping their more radical beliefs hidden, fearing that their unconventional ideas won’t be well-received. Plus, they might harbor a fear of commitment that they keep to themselves, worrying that settling down will stifle their free spirit.

Capricorn in the 12th House - Aquarius Rising

They often keep secrets about their vulnerability, appearing stoic while struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Beneath their ambitious exterior, they might harbor a fear of failure that they keep locked away, wanting to project an image of control. They could also be concealing a rebellious streak, secretly longing to break the rules they’ve set for themselves. Plus, they may be hiding a desire for emotional connection, fearing that showing their true selves will weaken their carefully constructed facade.

Aquarius in the 12th House - Pisces Rising

They tend to have hidden secrets about their sense of alienation, projecting an air of confidence while feeling isolated underneath. They might conceal their unique beliefs and perspectives, worried that others won’t understand or accept them. Additionally, they could be struggling with a sense of belonging, hiding their insecurities about friendships despite being surrounded by people. Plus, they might have secret dreams of making a radical change in their lives, wanting to embrace their individuality but unsure of how to do so.

Pisces in the 12th House - Aries Rising

They often keep secrets about their vivid imagination, masking their emotional depth behind a confident persona. While they may project an image of strength, they could be escaping into daydreams or creative pursuits to avoid facing reality. They might be nurturing artistic talents that they fear won’t be recognized, keeping their creations hidden from the world. Plus, they might also be wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, wanting to shine but struggling to believe they can.

[preciouspatriots]

“When you say I’m gonna get smashed by The Tribal Chief…do you mean The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns? Or The Tribal Chief Jey Uso? ….Because I’m seeing double! And I can’t tell the difference.”

“I’ve been battling this my whole life. You’ve been number one, uce. You’ve been on top. There goes The Big Dog. There goes Roman Reigns. There goes Mr. Main Event, Mr. Wrestlemania. You know what they say when they see me, uce? Which one are you?”

[riveracheron]

hey guys have my wild magnus protocol theory that stemmed from me just overanalyzing the little bits of content we have

i think lena is a homunculus.

(spoilers for the pilot and jonny + alex’s post pilot discussion under the cut)

basically this stems from. a lot of places w small amounts of information so some of this might be stretches. But

1. a lot of marketing around protocol mentions the theme of “what does it mean to be a person?” which. leads me to believe there’s gonna be a plot around a protag being Not Human but has the heart or whatever the fuck. standard pinnochio or wizard of oz story. sure youre not human but ur a person bc of xyz free will or whatever

2. lena’s behavior in the pilot is So odd and almost inhuman in its extremely dull corporate jargon way. she literally uses things like “you can file a complaint” or “here at the oiar we….” (advertiser shit) , in genuine conversation. she doesn’t leave the building, either and has a Generic office party.

im genuinely thinking bureaucracy and the weird eldritch stuff of the oiar is Literally all she knows, not that shes being manipulative and evil in the trailer like elias; she doesn’t or maybe cannot question the whole. asking sam about the eldritch trauma thing, something something cant understand human emotions and why that might be troubling.

also “people like chocolate cake.” that sounds weird and something someone with only base knowledge of humanity would say.

she’s described as “an odd one” by jonny and that we will “get her soon”. im under the full belief that shes the non-human character of the bunch thatll yknow. have the Real Boy plot

3. homunculus specifically comes from all the alchemy shit around protocol, and homunculi are some of the most famous alchemical creations in popular culture, and i think she’s not. an entity creation. lenas too much of an important character to just be like. tied to An Entity, as a main character extremely tied to the OIAR, that entity would have to be the basis of like the entire plot of protocol; which i doubt theyd do.

the eye is so important to archives because the themes of archives was the consequences of knowledge- the entire plot was engineered around the Eye as the Main Character Entity and the Eye was written to be that in turn, sorta similarly to how Griffindor is the Main Character House (TM) of HP with its themes of bravery. i doooont think the oiar is tied to the stranger or flesh or any other simulacrum creating entities.

all that to say i think lena is a different kind of artificial human, one that’s manmade rather than entity made yknow?

we get glances of the people above her in status, theres mentions of an ephemeral “he” in the pilot, so. heres what i think

the He in question is an alchemist whose in charge of the OIAR (and maybe other branches but lets focus w the oiar). He created Lena the homunculus to be the middle manager of the branch in his stead; “programming” her to be as dull and corporate as possible to keep the employees in line or whatever. something something shes got a plot wrestling with that and her inherent lack of persondom

EDIT: totally forgot this part

adding that the first statement’s plot was about an abomination of corpses given a humanlike shape and coming back wrong which is. exactly what frankenstein’s monster is, and frankenstein’s monster is considered a homunculus.

with the anglerfish’s importance to season 3 of archives i definitely think the Arthur monster will come up again in some form, but maybe instead of Actually being In Podcast maybe its a parallel to the main characters’ story in the same way that many s4 statements were used to give us more information on how jon is working through it all. the zombie statement when he just wakes up comes to mind especially. maybe it’s a hint and echo of what a Character in podcast (lena) is

[ask-lighty-ii]

hi lightbulb!!

[ currently wrestling alternate reality (?) LB away from the phone. she misses painty :,] ]

-💼⚛️

HIYA!!!!!!!!!!!! i didn't know there was another ME out there, but lemme ask test tube! and painty, too, i'll get 'em to say hi!!

Hello? Hi, okay, this is Test Tube speaking. Or typing. Hello, anonymous suitcase emoji atom emoji Tumblr user! Lightbulb asked me to talk to you.

Feel free to share any information you have regarding any realities alternate from the one generated by MeLife. I've been conducting as many experiments as I can in the last month regarding the "real world," but the most successful one by far has been this... blog Lightbulb managed to set up on her own.

To the alternate Lightbulb without a Paintbrush... I'm very sorry. It's obvious how close the two are, and I can't imagine how much it would hurt for them to lose one another. I'm sure everyone in Hotel HOOT knows that their relationship is veryymkl./cv';'/.''''''''''''''''''

l;'';'//OKAY Hi that's enough thank you Test Tube this is Paintbrush now. Test Tube overanalyzes a lot okay

Anyway, uh, yeah, sorry, other Lightbulb. My Lightbulb seemed pretty bummed without me, and I guess I was also sad-ISH when she got. Y'know. And I missed her and she missed me and all. So, uh. Sucks to be you! Condolences and whatnot. And hi.

Hello!

hiya! WHY HASNT ANY1 TALKED 2 ME YET </3

HIYA!!!!! HI FAN !!! AND TEST TUBE AND PAINTBRUSH AND ANON!!!!!!

[mobiblackout]

As much as wrestling Tumblr likes to "overanalyze" and "meta" this medium, they oddly think Adam Cole is void of depth or story besides being a jerk and pretty.

[fantasyismyonlyrealescape]

I agree with you! But, I just saw a shirt that said “Original Tribal Chief”, so I think that’s the angle they are going with unfortunately. I overanalyze too, hence the post. There’s too much there not to!

Okay, real talk. I kind of wish “OTC” would have been “Only Tribal Chief” instead of “Original Tribal Chief”. I only say that because, if it’s “only” instead of “original”, it’s discrediting Solo completely. It’s discrediting his claim that he was a Tribal Chief at all. With “original” it’s acknowledging (no pun intended) that he was a Tribal Chief but not the OG. “Only” would have acknowledged Roman as being the one and only Tribal Chief which I feel like would have made more sense and reinforced Roman’s power.

[naiadsmystery]

💜 Match made in heaven: Sailor Moon x BNHA Pro!Heroes 💜

A match made in heaven or Kiki is playing Cupid: Which Sailor Warrior suits which pro hero? Please let me know if you agree or disagree! Also, I am excluding Sailor Moon because she belongs to Mamoru, as well as Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune since they are already a perfect couple and there is nothing Cupid Kiki can do! 💖

Important Note: I am aware that the Sailor Warriors are all between 12 and 19 years old (I think Sailor Pluto is the only one who is not a minor). The age differences between them and the Pro Heroes are in some cases huge (and minors+adults being in a relationship is not okay) and with this note, I just want to emphasize that I was just purely looking at the Sailor Warriors’ personalities and imagined them as adults for this headcanon to match their counterparts. But, if you feel uncomfortable reading this, please let me know because I want this page to be a safe space! Thank you! 💖

Eraserhead x Sailor Mars

hear me out on this one: You probably thought I was going to put our flame girl Rei with our flame dad Enji but let’s face it they would probably just fight all the time. She doesn’t have a high opinion of men because of her father (again a reason to not put her with dad Enji) that’s why she needs someone who can face her sassy comments and her temper which is usually pretty calm except when she is around Usagi. She hides her warm heart and kindness behind a wall of ice and we all know one hero who is a little bit cold on the outside but a big caring softie on the inside. I can see both of them having the best conversations! Also, despite her anger when it comes to Usagi, she is a very patient and gentle person who is also loyal af. If Aizawa gets in trouble she will have his ass covered. If Rei is in trouble, he will come and support her. I think that their relationship would be a very balanced and calm one.

Present Mic x Sailor Mercury

Hizashi, Present Mic, loud boy who needs lots of love and attention. He is 100% an extrovert that’s why he needs someone who is 100% an introvert. Ami is a very shy person at first but as soon as you get to know her, you will meet her sweet, gentle and caring side. She is a quiet girl with a loud soul and because of her calming demeanor, she is the perfect fit for Hizashi. He lives life to its fullest, la dolce vita is his slogan and this is something Ami needs to learn: to stop overanalyzing everything and to just dare and Hizashi will help her to experience life and to take more risks. On the contrary, when his life gets a little bit too loud he has a safe and quiet place he can go back to which is Ami.

All Might x Sailor Venus

It doesn’t matter if you think of Big!Might or Small!Might both are a perfect fit for Minako. There is a reason why she is Sailor Venus, the Goddess of Love since her whole personality is made to fall in love with her. She is friendly, clever, can be a goofball and seconds later she is the most serious person you have ever known. Minako is exactly the kind of girl that would sweep Toshinori off of his feet. He feels down and needs someone to talk to? No problem, Minako will listen patiently and give him a warm hug afterwards. He had a stressful day and just wants to relax? No problem, Minako will first crack a joke to make him laugh, before she prepares the most luxurious bath he has ever been into. Small!Might is dealing with low self-esteem? Minako will shower him with honest compliments while covering him in kisses. Big!Might on the other hand has to deal with a Minako that always wants to do arm wrestling. She has a pretty athletic physique but all her strength is in her arms that's why she always wants to challenge Toshi. He, of course, would break her arm if he would use all his muscle power that's why he just lets her win (most of the time). To sum everything up: The things that Minako give are the things she receives from Toshi. The answer to her kindness will be more kindness. Her happiness is his happiness and both of them would die for each other.

Fatgum x Sailor Saturn

Again, another: “Hear me out on this one!”. Taishiro and Hotaru are THE MOST PERFECT MATCH FROM ALL OF THESE MATCHES OKAY!?!? Fatgum is what you would call a good boy! He is kind and his top priority are always the people around him, whereas he always puts himself last. Even though he can come off as serious, he is a very extroverted, funny and playful person who just loves to laugh (and to eat). He is a pure ray of sunshine that will always make your day brighter. Hotaru however is a beam of moonshine: She is extremely shy, can be at times socially awkward and has a hard time making friends. But when she opens up to someone she is the most kind-hearted person you will ever know! She is quiet on the outside but on the inside, she is soft, caring and a complete romantic! Why do I think Taishiro and Hotaru are the most perfect couple? Because they are so different they balance each other out perfectly! He will talk when she is too shy. She will give him the most romantic surprises you can think of and in return, he will make her laugh until her tummy hurts. Both of them would fight and die for each other because their love is the purest of them all (I’m going to cry). Extra Note: Hotarus is the one who has the brains in the relationship and you can’t change my mind.

Hawks x Sailor Jupiter

(not gonna lie he and Usagi would be a great pair too cough)

My little precious babies who only deserve the best! Makoto lost her parents when she was very young which meant that she had to learn how to take care of herself from a young age. She is very independent and sometimes she has a hard time relying on others. Despite being on her own most of her life she is a very outgoing person who loves to live life to its fullest! Because of her loud personality and her tall-looking appearance, she comes off as a tomboy but luckily she does not care what others think of her, EXCEPT her senpai from high school. She was once in love with a boy at her school who sadly rejected her and for a long time, she couldn’t get over her broken heart. She tried to find a new partner that was similar to her high school senpai but she ran out of luck. The reason why the universe didn’t want to see her with her senpai was because she was meant to be with Keigo. Keigo had a troublesome childhood himself and even though he is a very optimistic person, he has a hard time openly talking about his feelings. He always casts his emotions aside because he sees them as a weakness and as a pro hero he can’t be distracted by something so trivial. But his carefree and friendly character is what caught Makotos’ attention. Both of them just want to live life but they are also very loyal to the ones they love and look up to. Every second they spend together is full of laughter and none of them are too shy to show how much they love each other. They are a perfect match because he can learn from her how to feel his emotions deeply and how to align with them, whereas Makoto finally learns that there is no shame in relying on others.

Gang Orca x Sailor Pluto

I will not lie, this couple is a wild one and something neither You nor I might have expected! BUT these two have something very trivial in common: They both look like villains but are the sweetest people you will ever meet. Kugo is undoubtedly a big softie with the biggest heart ever. He loves everyone even though he pretends not to be. His caring nature and his loyalty are two traits that others appreciate about him. He might be the No. 12 hero but is probably the No. 1 hero that you can rely on and this is something our outer senshi girl Setsuna needs. She carries a cold and distant facade, which is a result of her responsibility as the Guardian of Time and Space. She has this huge task on her shoulders and one mistake would have fatal consequences. Despite the loneliness she feels inside, she never lost her loving heart and the motivation to turn the world into a better place. She is like a mother to her friends and all those she loves and will always take care of the needs of others. It is like a personal mantra to her: To serve others before thinking of yourself. She is selfless, wise and has the most beautiful smile. Kugo adores everything about her and if he could he would take away the burden she has to carry.

BONUS: Endeavor x Sailor Neptune

At first, I wasn’t sure if both of them would fit together but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Enji is a very straightforward but also complex character: He did many things wrong in his past and his abusive behaviour towards his wife and children should not be excused. Still, he kind of got his redemption arc and you could tell that his demeanour was changing, that’s why I believe he deserves a second chance in love as well. Behind his wall of confidence, stubbornness and coldness lies a man who is insecure and just needs to be truly loved. He has a gentle side that he never had a chance to explore before but now that he is trying to reconcile with his children and himself, a perfect woman is waiting for him to make him a better man: Sailor Neptune aka Michiru. She is what you would call a princess: She is intelligent, well-mannered, kind and confident. At first, she might come off as distant and arrogant but she has a heart of gold and would sacrifice herself before the people she loves get hurt. She is a perfect match for Enji because she will cool him down when he gets hot-tempered. She is not obedient and openly communicates when she is hurt or thinks that Enji is getting out of control. And because she can talk back and think and fight for herself she is his perfect counterpart.

[mjfass]

Claudio was the one who attacked him because Bryan would have never expected that from him... never.

[serpentarius]

update on "You're A Little Bit Just Like Me"...

HI guess what I have actually NOT forgotten about this Vianton fic 💕 the last chapter is very much in my drafts and I've been working on it over the last year and I will eventually get it up, I promise! I even had the chance to visit Aotearoa in 2024 (not Wellington sadly, but still!) and it inspired me so damn much and I thought about Vianton the entire time.

if any of you who've read this fic are still interested in seeing how it all ends, I just wanted y'all to know that it's coming. slowly, but surely. I've had various creative blocks with this story, especially as my hyperfixations have jumped around to different fandoms over the last year. but I can feel my focus returning to it and... yeah, it's way past time.

Here's a little snippet to show you that I'm serious ❤️️

——

Anton is deliriously happy.

After showering all the sand and seawater off, he immediately fell into bed, determined to go to sleep, but instead started texting with Viago and has now stayed up much later than intended. 

It's crazy, really. It's a lot to take in. The last few days have been an absolute whirlwind, but everything... everything with Viago has turned out so much better than he thought it was going to.  

And for once, his restless mind—the same one that’s been overthinking, overanalyzing since he was ten years old and first overheard his parents arguing about their divorce—seems to have finally quieted. Instead of spiralling into what-ifs or catastrophizing every potential bad outcome, he lets himself bask in the rare triumph of simply... being. And recognizing that sometimes, life really does work out exactly as it should.

Hey, one of his texts to Viago starts. I’ve got an idea for our date tomorrow. 

rly? he gets back immediately. what iz it?

Not telling. 

another surprise :p

Get used to it ;) 

ja ok. now get sum slp u silly wolf

Thought I was a “handsome” wolf. 

U r. i wud give many compliments 2 u. but it wud b 2 long 

You flatter me Vi. 

By the way, I meant to tell you that YOU are a very handsome vampire ;) 

In fact, you’re a very handsome guy in general. Vampire or not. But the whole vampire thing does suit you. 

!!! now I m the 1 who iz flattered

Again… get used to it ;) 

ok :)

now go 2 slp

Chur mate. See you tomorrow. Sleep well, when you get to it  

U too. i m excited 2 c u again. gute nacht 

Anton has the urge to send a little heart emoji back, but that’s - no, maybe not yet. It’s too loaded, too soon, no matter how perfectly it might capture the deep, happy feeling warming his limbs right now. Still, he can’t shake the suspicion that Viago’s wrestling with the same urge on the other end.

They’ll get there someday.

For now, he sets his phone down, only just noticing how dark the room feels without its glow, and settles into the euphoria, letting his mind drift in its cloud of contentment as he finally, finally drifts off to sleep.

[sleepis4theweak]

Y'know, if you want to take about Raph and control, I for one would love to listen (people analyzing raph always gets my attention)

OKAY SO- I HAD TO REALLY GATHER MY THOUGHTS FOR THIS ONE OKAY

Also disclaimer: I would like to state beforehand that while usually I analyze characters using facts I know from psych or observations from the show, this one I am more using what I observe with kids. So it is probably not 100% accurate. Also I am about to overanalyze the crap out of this guy.

This is long as hell so heres a cut:

-----

One of the biggest things that kids lack in early stages of life is control. As a kid, most decisions are made for you as you are not quite trusted to do things on your own yet.

When you are truly little, it's things like your parents picking out your outfit, or having to eat your dinner. These things are done with the assumptions that you can't do them yourself (you can't plan for weather yet, and you don't yet understand the merit of veggies).

It's for this reason that when I work/interact with kids I like to give them small choices. For example, when they ask for a pencil I give them the jar of pencils to pick one rather than picking for them or let them do tasks by themselves.

Those are some of the small examples of freedom or control that kids get. And by the time you get to being a teenager, you are allowed a little more control over your life. However, you are still not fully in control yet. You are expected to take care of yourself, yet your still not allowed the control of an adult. You are expected to act like an adult while still being treated like a child.

That, I feel, is where a lot of that "teenage rebellion" comes from. It's not that the teen is trying to be mean or acting with malice, they are simple trying to wrestle back control of their own life. No one who is happy with the state of their life, with the amount of control they have, rebels.

I see that reflected a lot in Raph.

The TMNT boys in general (I'm now talking specifically about TMNT 2012) have always had very little control over their own life. In the beginning of the show they are, quite literally, locked away underground. They aren't allowed to go out, or choose who to be friends with, or what food to eat. Nothing.

Splinter 2012 is also very strict. You can argue on whether or not he is a good father or not (again, many feelings about him) but you cannot argue the fact that he is a very strict mentor/father. I feel that he is especially strict when it comes to Raph.

Kids tend to lash out in an attempt to get control of some kind. Anger, at the end of the day, is often rooted in fear. And what's more scary then a lack of control?

(You can kind of see this in that one scene where Raph is separated from Splinter by a grate. He wants to get through the bars but can't, he can't control the situation and is scared for his father. He immediately turns to anger.)

Then, with their birthday, they are allowed a bit of freedom. This is the first time that they have been out of the sewers, and away from their father.

IN ENTERS LEO!

Leo is basically like a second father to the turtles (rip, poor guy). He has to watch out for them, and feels that as a leader, he has to control them in some way. (Fear based parenting, just like Splinter... yikes).

He thinks that if they don't listen to him, they could get hurt (is he wrong? No, no not really).

So Raph and Leo have this kind of battle of control. Leo needs control, is scared of what might come from a lack of control. Raph on the other hand, already lacks control and has turned that fear into anger. They can't find a way for both to have control, so they are always locked in this struggle. It is what defines their relationship in a lot of ways. (Not to say they don't love each other, or have their moments where both kind of share the power).

Now, another way (in theory) for Raph to not have that anger would be for someone to notice and acknowledge that fear behind the anger. Kind of like how Mikey did in that scene I mentioned earlier.

BUT THEY DON'T!

They famously nag Raph and mock his anger. They have that whole episode where the idea is to control Raph's anger. The whole episode is also just about trying to control Raph.

Again, back to that idea of control. They try to kind of get him to stuff that anger down. To be calmer, and quieter and overall express his emotions less. Are they doing it from a place of love? I think so. Are they doing it in the wrong way? Definitely.

Raph is the picture perfect example of a rebellious child, and everything that society thinks rebellious teens are. He's angry at the world, at himself, at others. He sneaks out. He makes questionable friends. He falls in love and then gets hurt (shout out to Mona Lisa I love you).

And it's very easy to end there. It's very easy to just say he's "the rebellious child" and leave it at that. BUT HE'S MORE THAN THAT!

He's (like all of the brothers) very unsupported at times. His families have got his back in a battle, but don't really understand him.

---

I'm gonna stop talking now because this is crazy long, but know that I have many feelings, and many feelings about how Rise perfectly parallels this lol.

[erinsreadings]

Hello Erin👋🏻 I jux saw ur latest post about the new game cupid arrow and would love to participate. The color of the arrow I choose is Sangria. My plans for Valentine's day is tbh just staying at home and keeping myself warm and cozy at home💕(it's getting colder in my country so yup) My intials are AM and pronouns are she/her. I hope this helps and thank you❤

💗 Hi there lovely! Thank you for participating in my game, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Sending much love on your journey and take care. Remember, this is just the present energy, and energy is always changing. You are the master of your fate.

sangria - random things channeled about your next lover include physical apperance, personality, quirks, their love language, your dynamic, etc.

your next lover carries the energy of someone who has built themselves from the ground up—someone who values stability, success, and material security but may struggle with emotional vulnerability. physically, they exude quiet confidence, the type of person who doesn’t have to try hard to command attention. they may have a strong, grounded presence, possibly broad shoulders or a sturdy build, with features that feel familiar and comforting rather than conventionally striking. their style leans more toward classic and refined rather than trendy—quality over excess. their eyes carry a weight to them, as if they’ve seen and felt more than they let on, but there’s also a hint of guardedness, a subtle distance that makes them hard to read at times.

their personality is complex—outwardly, they seem like someone who has it all together, responsible, structured, even traditional in some ways. yet beneath the surface, they wrestle with their own doubts, insecurities, and fears of failure. they don’t open up easily, and when they do, it’s in pieces, revealing themselves only to those they feel have earnedtheir trust. they may have been betrayed or disappointed in the past, which makes them approach love cautiously, sometimes overanalyzing instead of letting things flow. they want deep, meaningful love, but they also fear the vulnerability that comes with it. they may have a habit of retreating into work, routine, or their ambitions as a way to avoid emotional discomfort.

quirks-wise, they may have small habits that give away their true feelings without them realizing it. they might adjust their watch or jewelry when nervous, maintain a strict morning routine, or instinctively position themselves in ways that make them feel in control of their environment. they are observant, catching small details about you that others overlook, and they have a dry or understated sense of humor, making you laugh when you least expect it. they can be incredibly stubborn, but there’s a sweetness to them that only reveals itself in private, in moments when they finally let their guard down.

their love language is acts of service and quality time. they show love by doing things rather than saying them—making sure you’re comfortable, remembering the little details that make you feel special, fixing things for you without being asked. they might not always be openly affectionate in public, but their love is felt in the way they take care of you, how they make space for you in their world. they value loyalty and commitment, and even if they take a while to fully open up, once they do, they are all in.

[rookinthecrownest]

The Hermit: When Rook is alone with their thoughts, what do they think about? Is solitude a blessing or a curse for them?

The Hanged Man: What does Rook do when their hard work doesn't pay off? How do they cope with failure?

Thank you for the ask!!

I already answered these for Madeleina, so I'll copy her answers below and add Pompeiia's as a bonus hehehehe

The Hermit: When Rook is alone with their thoughts, what do they think about? Is solitude a blessing or a curse for them?

Madeleina

I think solitude is most definitely a curse for her. Madeleina wants friends and to be surrounded by those she loves. She idolized her parent's marriage and has always dreamed of a similar kind of love. She grew up an only child but desperate for a sibling to play with. When she was in the Minrathous Circle she tried making friends, but so many of the Altus-class mages looked down on Laetan mages and didn't really care to be friends with her/found her extroverted and bubbly/jokey personality quite annoying so she just ended up doing her own thing until she joined the Shadow Dragons.

I think when she's alone, assuming she doesn't have her nose buried in a book, she's reminiscing on the good parts of her childhood (while trying very hard not to examine/ignore the trauma that came from losing her parents and her village at a young age), or worrying over her friends and how they're doing. I think the way the quests are set up in Veilguard, where you have to spend a lot of time getting to know the companions and going through their personal quests, is very much how she'd behave even if the game wasn't set up like that. Mads would definitely be like 'okay y and z is going on with X i need to FIX it like NOW' and go insane unless she does. Selfishly, it's also a way she distracts herself from dealing with her own problems and trauma.

Pompeiia

I think being alone is both a blessing and a curse. When she's alone, she feels like she can relax from the constraints her family has put on her and from her 'socialite' facade. At the same time, she dedicates so much of her mental energy to keeping up said facade and spying on them that she feels this deep pit of... emptiness when she's not 'acting' for a crowd. Some days she doesn't know if she actually likes all these material things she thinks she's supposed to like. Does she actually like spending a lot of time on her appearance? Does she like all these clothes and jewels she decorates herself with? Or does she just do them because she needs to? I think these are the things she wrestles with when she's alone.

The Hanged Man: What does Rook do when their hard work doesn't pay off? How do they cope with failure?

Madeleina

She's a fairly introspective person and tends to be highly critical of herself. Growing up with a military family, mistakes/shortcomings were analyzed down to a fault. Her adopted father was a person who expected perfection, and was highly disciplined. And he wanted her to be the same way, to have those perfectionistic tendencies so she could be 'the best version of herself'. That's sort of bled into her adult life, where there's always a voice in the back of her head like 'how could you make a mistake like that?', 'why didn't you do better?'. She'll withdraw and overanalyze the situation to a ridiculous degree and beat herself up over it and agonize it, until someone (either Neve, Varric (while he's alive), or Lucanis) snaps her out of it. It becomes an endless spiral of being extremely self-critical and anxious otherwise lol.

Pompeiia

She's the opposite. She'll often ascribe the failings of a situation to anyone other than herself. Pompeiia's had to fight for every scrap of attention and recognition she could get, and as a result has sort of developed this protective ego to shield herself from criticism and failure. 'It's not me it's THEIR fault'. I think she does it so she doesn't have to look harder at herself, because her family already nitpicks quite literally everything about her (her looks, her personality, etc.) - everything gets examined under a microscope on how she's not measuring up to some sort of arbitrary ideal. So, if she has to critically examine herself and why her plan/work fell short, she'll explode.

Pompeiia distracts herself from failure with material things, because it's all she really knows. Shoes, jewelry, clothes, makeup, etc. A good glass of expensive wine. Again, anything so she doesn't have to examine herself and can keep playing pretend.