#priority on some orientations over others

[elysiansparadise]

Aspects of Saturn in the composite chart

🩶Saturn conjunct Sun: There can be a very strong feeling of commitment, it is a very serious bond with the possibility of being long-lasting and stable. There may be an age difference or one of the parties may have more experience in relationships. They provide each other with a sense of security and help each other through practical and constant support. They can spend a lot of time together and see each other in the long term. There may be some friction at the beginning or the feeling that one of the parties is unapproachable, this is solved with communication. 

🩶Saturn conjunct Moon: In this relationship, trust, perseverance, stability and the enormous commitment that both feel towards it stand out. They take care of and attend to all areas of the relationship and both will give the best of themselves to make this relationship something comfortable, calm and loving for the other. They will learn to open up emotionally and at the same time take the relationship as seriously as it should. There will be a lot of devotion between you, loyalty will be a value that you will share and you will always prefer to tell each other the truth rather than lie and delude the other. Both will grow a lot in this relationship and will be a huge support in each other's lives.

🩶Saturn conjunct Mercury: The relationship may help them clearly establish their priorities, they will learn to think long-term with each other. Communication that will grow gradually and can be very constant. They will become more responsible with each other, they will learn to keep their promises or turn their words into actions with the other. They will trust each other a lot and find in each other a confidant. They will feel that they can talk about serious topics with each other without problems, they will take each other seriously and will also take into real consideration what they have to say. They will calm each other's nerves and that tendency to overthink.

🩶Saturn conjunct Venus: This is a relationship that promises to be long-lasting, in which there will be a lot of mutual support and a high level of commitment. Both can take the relationship very seriously from the beginning. This relationship may have taken time to come together, whether due to individual or external obstacles. Both of them focus on building a solid and secure foundation, and may be more oriented toward stability and security than excitement and adventure. This relationship will teach them to be more perseverant, responsible, sensible and to take things more seriously. It is likely that there will be problems expressing themselves at first, but it is something that can be worked on over time.

🩶Saturn conjunct Mars: This is a strong and very long-lasting relationship, both are able to overcome life's obstacles and provide strength to the other to not let them collapse. They both work hard to make the relationship work. They plan a lot for the long term and are very dedicated regarding the relationship. The attraction grows over time and may not be very clear at the beginning. They try to make decisions together and never assume or act 'for the other', as they respect their individuality. The relationship may take a while to build although that will only cause it to become stronger over time. As a couple they can enjoy dominance roles and, although they may look calm on the outside, they can be deeply passionate people when in private.

🩶Saturn conjunct Jupiter: Here we find a strong couple, who will constantly seek to grow together, understand each other better and progress together, hand in hand with each other. There is a deep desire to do things well, to give others support and perseverance. This couple will set long-term goals and, with enthusiasm and dedication, they will go after them. They will want to go far together, last a long time by each other's side and achieve many things next to each other. There is a strong desire to see others well, to see them fulfilled and happy. A very mature and stable couple who will be able to overcome obstacles.

🩶Saturn conjunct Uranus: This couple goes through many moments in which they are forced to change, adapt and grow together. They can learn to not be so changeable and feel more secure with the idea of ​​working on having a safer and stronger relationship. They will learn to make wise and necessary changes to grow individually and to improve the dynamics of their relationship. They can bring order to the other's life and ironically be that shake for the other to open their eyes regarding other areas of their life. They will help each other get rid of negative patterns in their lives and can be a kind of awakening for each other.

🩶Saturn conjunct Neptune: Both learn not to avoid problems, to face fears and insecurities hand in hand with each other. They can be a great support for others in situations of uncertainty, as well as being the reality check when they are being very irrational or when instead of focusing on the facts, they let their imagination fly. Strong support and devotion between both can give a lot of themselves to the relationship. They can help each other find ways to make their ideas a reality. Both will learn to see reality for what it is without idealizing or demonizing much.

🩶Saturn conjunct Pluto: This is a serious relationship, one where you both feel like you have to constantly put in effort and where you both have to focus your energy and time. Both feel this desire or the certainty of wanting this in the long term, and the difficulties along the way are hardly a deterrent for either party. There is a desire to form a relationship in which both feel better about themselves, powerful, capable and do not hesitate to give that same thing to their partner. Unwavering support, strong loyalty towards each other, especially in the emotional field. They speak clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Throughout their relationship, both can face their fears and insecurities alongside their partner, who in the best of cases will show them strong support.

🩶Saturn trine Sun: It promises to be a long-lasting relationship in which there will be a lot of support and stability. They are both people determined to want to commit fully to this relationship and see themselves together in the long term. This relationship will make them grow a lot. They’ll have common goals and want very similar things in the relationship. No matter what situation you face as a couple, you’ll be there to support each other and you’ll get through it together.

🩶Saturn trine Moon: It predicts a long-lasting relationship full of unconditional support. They will see each other as reliable, stable people who give them that feeling of calm and comfort simultaneously. They will give structure to each other's lives, likewise, they will feel good talking about those more serious emotions that they do not share with anyone. They will protect each other a lot and will always seek to guide and be by each other's side in difficult times.

🩶Saturn trine Mercury: They find in each other a voice of experience that gives them new perspectives. They are likely to complement the other in that sense, helping each other with things that the other finds difficult. Great, positive lessons will be taught throughout the relationship. They feel that the other person takes them seriously and truly values ​​what they have to say. They’ll enjoy advising each other and will always seek to be there to support the other. Constant communication.

🩶Saturn trine Venus: Both can enjoy a mature, long-lasting relationship, full of affection and stability. They will not hesitate to work together to overcome challenges and maintain long-term happiness and comfort. A committed relationship, full of affection and sweetness in which both will be reliable and trustworthy for the other. They will respect each other and will lovingly show each other that they are more than their insecurities. Support, understanding and deep love.

🩶Saturn trine Mars: Being by each other's side is likely to feel that there is nothing they can't against, they support each other and will guide without hesitation. This is a relationship that promises to be lasting, both are trustworthy and put in a lot of effort and work to make the relationship work. They can achieve a lot of individual success after starting the relationship. They like the idea of ​​conquering each other little by little and may prefer slower, more sensual sex. 

🩶Saturn trine Jupiter: Here there is a perfect mix of energies, this relationship alternates between the seriousness and commitment that both feel, and the joy that they evoke in the other. Growing deep and unconditional support and true admiration for each other. Stability and reliability, both will work hard to make the relationship an enjoyable journey for both. They see themselves together in the long term.

🩶Saturn trine Uranus: Both can help the other change things in their lives, from bringing greater stability to prompting them to make necessary and beneficial changes. They will be a stable relationship that will be able to adapt to changes and situations. Despite being different, they contribute positively to each other's lives. This relationship will hardly fall into monotony and will not be boring, since they will always have something going on or plans.

🩶Saturn trine Neptune: They are likely to have a long-lasting relationship where stability, trust and mutual adoration are mixed. Both can admire each other deeply and will want to be there to support the other in making their dreams a reality. They may feel that the other is a dream come true or what they once asked for as a partner or friend. Mutual support, respect and empathy towards each other.

🩶Saturn trine Pluto: Here we find a relationship that is strong and consistent with the passage of time not only stabilizes more, but makes both of us become closer. They naturally trust each other, there is a strong devotion towards the other and the relationship. There are no power struggles, rather they mutually empower and support each other. They help each other recognize their capabilities and feel stronger next to each other.

🩶Saturn sextile Sun: There is constant support in this relationship, a long-lasting quality and a mix between a committed and lighthearted attitude. This relationship can help them feel more stable and feel more calm in their lives, likewise both will be constant with the energy and time they dedicate to the relationship. They will spend a lot of time together and value every second with each other. 

🩶Saturn sextile Moon: There is a lot of security and constancy in affection in this relationship. They will seek to make the other feel that they are wanted, loved and remembered. They help each other let their guard down and allow themselves to have healthy, lasting love. They will be patient and attentive with each other, respect boundaries and honor the emotions and needs of the other person.

🩶Saturn sextile Mercury: They communicate in a responsible and structured manner. In addition, they have the ability to plan and organize together. They think long term with each other. They both notice the small details about each other that might go unnoticed by other people. There is frankness between them while maintaining tact. They will feel that this relationship helps them grow and mature both in attitude and intellectually.

🩶Saturn sextile Venus: Loyalty will be a main element in this relationship. They will respect and honor each other's presence in their lives. The displays of affection will be constant and they will be more open and loving with each other. They will show each other unconditional support, feel deep adoration for each other, and seek to mutually satisfy each other's needs in the relationship. From the beginning they feel that with each other they can aspire to a serious relationship.

🩶Saturn sextile Mars: Both of you will not only plan a future side by side, but you will act to create that future together. They like to visualize themselves next to each other, celebrating victories, supporting each other through hard times and having a relationship for the long run. They take the relationship seriously, allowing themselves to have fun together occasionally. It is likely that one is more outgoing than the other and helps them relax.

🩶Saturn sextile Jupiter: Not only will you want a future together, but you will feel from a deep part of your heart that this is the right person. A desire to grow together, to be there for each other and to achieve many things. Long-term plans that are easily carried out. They feel each other's support when they share their goals and give each other that feeling of companionship and commitment.

🩶Saturn sextile Uranus: There will be a strong balance between new experiences together and the stability and security of the relationship. They can help each other relax when the other is taking things too seriously, likewise, they can provide stable support and reassurance when there is anxiety or fear of the future. They will break old patterns that hurt or limit the other and encourage each other to be more independent.

🩶Saturn sextile Neptune: In this relationship there will be a healthy amount of devotion, a deep desire to support each other and be there for each other. Both will want the other to achieve what they want most and will not be an obstacle to it. Loyalty, affection and reliability can bring clarity to each other's lives. Together you will be able to build everything you once dreamed of having in a relationship.

🩶Saturn sextile Pluto: Much growth and positive transformation in their lives. The other went on to have a great impact on his partner's life. They have the willingness to work together on the relationship and strengthen it. Mutual support, loyalty and perseverance. They both focus on creating a safe, helpful and stable relationship. Ease to overcome conflicts or any adversity they go through.

🩶Saturn opposition Sun: Both can develop a lot of maturity thanks to the relationship, as well as they can feel that thanks to it they have a balance. The loyalty they have for each other is very strong and they take their relationship very seriously. One of the parties [in some cases both] may find it difficult to express their most vulnerable side.

🩶Saturn opposition Moon: It is likely that one of you is more emotional than the other, you will help each other complement each other a lot. They will give more order to each other's lives, but also a constant and dependable company. There will be some shyness at first, but they will be very patient and understanding with each other.

🩶Saturn opposition Mercury: Maturity difference. Important lessons can be taught to the other from individual experiences. They will always try to give the other down-to-earth opinions and will try to be very realistic with the other, sometimes too much. Conversation takes time to flow but they can rely on their partner's prudence and reserved nature.

🩶Saturn opposition Venus: Both will be very dedicated to the relationship, since this aspect does not take away the level of commitment and loyalty. However, it is likely that either both of them or one of them have a fear of rejection or insecurities that make them not express their feelings so freely at first. They can be very patient to help the other feel more comfortable.

🩶Saturn opposition Mars: You both may have a different approach to relationships and how they come about in the first place, but you can contribute a lot to yours. One of you will bring the energy, passion and adventure, and the other the stability and reliability. At first one or both of you may be closed to the idea of ​​having a relationship due to past experiences.

🩶Saturn opposition Jupiter: There is strong support for each other and many times they will tend to place the other's feet on the ground. One of you may be more serious while the other is more easygoing. These differences can be a problem if you don't keep an open mind, but they can contribute a lot positively to each other's lives.

🩶Saturn opposition Uranus: In this relationship, both will learn to get out of their comfort zone. Both stand out for being very rational, but one of the parties may be more premeditated while the other is more spontaneous. Understanding and accepting your differences is crucial to enjoying a good relationship.

🩶Saturn opposition Neptune: One party may be more realistic or have more experience in relationships, while another may be more idealistic in this regard. They may idealize the other a lot. Both will learn to deal with possible issues that arise and will encourage each other not to run away from the most serious conversations or issues in the relationship.

🩶Saturn opposition Pluto: Both can have very high barriers, be distrustful of people and be hyper alert to people's actions and possible motives. They may have a deep conviction to do things right in this relationship, to not play tricks on the other and to always be honest even if the truth hurts. They can take a while to loosen up.

🩶Saturn square Sun: It is very likely that there is a large age or maturity difference between you. They can feel a lot of devotion to each other. One party [or both in some cases] may have a hard time expressing their needs or emotions, which can create some friction.They take the other into consideration when making important decisions.

🩶Saturn square Moon: It is likely that it was difficult for them to open up at the beginning, they saw the other as out of their league in some way. They are always willing to support each other but may have difficulty asking for that help. Long-lasting and stable relationship. It will not be superficial or lighthearted.

🩶Saturn square Mercury: The communication may not arise so fluidly, it is likely that they were stopped at the beginning either by shyness or pessimism of not being reciprocated. It is necessary that you seek to better understand each other's hobbies and interests. They have problems asking others for help for fear of being judged or other issues. Learn to rely on each other if necessary.

🩶Saturn square Venus: They may feel that for the relationship to happen they had to go through many obstacles, both internal and external. Long-term relationship. An age difference is possible. Difficulties finding a balance between the need for love and their responsibilities. They need to work on building a foundation of trust and security.

🩶Saturn square Mars: One of you probably wants to go faster, while the other feels like you need to take your time. Both can sense how the other breaks their self-control in sexual terms, it is an aspect that can make it difficult to resist temptation. Both will need a lot of patience and understanding to find a rhythm together for the relationship to progress.

🩶Saturn square Jupiter: They may have a different way of acting when it comes to their plans as a couple, one may be more idealistic and the other more practical and slow. It is necessary that they establish a balance and adapt to each other occasionally. The other may still feel admiration, because despite being different, they perceive each other as mature and wise on many occasions.

🩶Saturn square Uranus: For both parties it is important that there is commitment in the relationship without feeling suffocated or pressured. It is crucial that both of them have an open mind, as there can be many differences between the two. They can bring many changes to each other's lives and unexpectedly completely change their routines.

🩶Saturn square Neptune: Both may be more focused on living in the moment that at times they may feel that the relationship is directionless or feel confused about the future with each other. It is necessary for both parties to have strong emotional maturity and be very clear with what they want and expect from the relationship.

🩶Saturn square Pluto: Throughout this relationship, both people may have to face fears and insecurities, and may have issues opening up to their partner about them. It is necessary that both make an effort to understand each other. Both will decide to support the other during times of crisis.

[yourlocaltreesimp]

I would like your opinion on something! So for the chain by themselves, we know at least some of them (cough cough Time and Twilight cough cough) are family oriented and want to have their own with kids, right? And even more so for yandere chain. Because a baby would just bind you guys together even more, right? But like… what if darling can’t/wont have kids?

I was writing when that thought occurred to me. I was trying my hand at yandere stuff myself. My OC has severe trauma related to pregnancy that ended in the death of her only child. So she turned off her ability to conceive (magic~) and made the decision to never have another child. (I’d like to say that she’s an amazing aunt/godmother tho.)

So yeah, from the yandere Chains pov… how would they react to their darling not wanting/can’t have children? Especially if it was trauma related?

AHHH OMG TOTALLY!! This is actually a really cool concept and I got almost a little too into it with the whole yandere dynamic. It’s been so long since i’ve made any yan! content, so I hope it’s good by you :]

Synopsis: Yan!Chain’s darling doesn’t want kids and they all deal with this in their own varying *totally* normal ways.

warnings n’ such: Cringe links, Yandere, mentions of murder, light baby trapping, use of trauma as ammo, potentially disturbing content

You see, the best thing about Yanderes is that their top priority is and always will be their darling. You want steak for dinner? He’ll kill the cattle. You want a house? He’ll fell the trees, cut the lumber, build you a house that they know all the hiding spots. You want a family? You’ll have however many kiddos you want running around, giggling as they weave through your feet.

Of course, naturally, the family life is what most Yanderes want because it gives them control. It gives them an opportunity to show how good they are. To flaunt their happy family to the world, to obsess over being the perfect lover and parent, to show you just how good they are.

And You can’t exactly leave (at least not easily) once you have a family. And especially not when everyone knows you’re the lucky spouse to the hero.

So flipping this dynamic to where this isn’t the case definitely complicates things a little. I see things splitting in a few ways depending on what their darling is comfortable with… at least with some varying degrees (given that some yan!links are bound to be more controlling than others) Still, at the end of the cycle, it’s your word that they hang onto as gospel

Pseudo adoption

(Twilight, Sky, Time, Legend, Warriors, Courage, Koridai, Mayybe Four)

This would ideally be in the situation where their lover is either healed from their trauma to the point they’re comfortable being close with children. This is either being the village babysitters, or just flat out picking up a child off the side of the road to, *ahem*, “foster” until they find a home. (Yeah that child is not leaving.)

The whole idea behind this one is more for the yandere’s own self assurance that he is of service to and close to you. He is the image of a doting husband and father, waiting at your beck and call, hand and foot, every syllable of every word, to make sure that you are content and not leaving. It’s more for himself and for the perception of being your one and only rather than actual care for whatever it is you’re looking after.

Maybe, in some fucked up way, he doesn’t care as much because the kiddos aren’t his, and doesn’t have that same weight tying you down. But that’s depending on just how dark we’re making our yanderes.

I’m really extreme, fixated cases, I can imagine them going off the rails and flat out killing the parents of some child you felt close with so he could swoop in and have a perfect happy family. I only really see this for Twilight and Time, though, and maybe Sky if he’s at his limit.

Fur babies

(Wild, Legend, Sky, Time, Twilight, Maybe Hyrule)

As the name implies, you are now the owner of several dogs/cats/birds/snakes/lizards/horsies/ordonian goats. Slightly different than lightly kidnapping children, this one is a little more involved than simply babysitting. Where the last solution focuses more on the yandere’s own need to prove his worth to you and the perceived family to others— this is more in alignment with him trying to actually foster a family relationship in some sort of way.

He can’t raise a child, but you both to love and care for some amount and form of animal, and you bet your ASS that pet will be the best cared for. Pampered. Best food, brushed daily, best bedding, all the pets, you name it. Vicariously, that pet will become the closest thing to a child you can effectively think of to fill any voids left behind in his heart.

He’s also not naïve to the fact that a pet is something you’re emotionally attached to, and thus has value.

It makes you happy, it keeps you around, and it makes you a team.

An animal makes it harder for you to leave.

And on top of that, the idea that it’s valuable because of your attachment to it opens the door to the idea which that pet also doesn’t matter to the yandere in question. He only keeps it around because it amuses you, even if he doesn’t see why. Afterall, he only loves his Darling.

But again, that’s darker au and stuff you take as you please.

Perfectly happy having you to themselves

(Hyrule, Legend, Wild, Four, Warriors, Courage, Koridai, Maybe Time)

I personally left this to the most possessive of the yanderes or the ones who I would imagine wouldn’t want kids to begin with. This has varying levels of toxicity.

On one hand, he’s perfectly happy keeping you to himself. Sure, some kids for the sake of convenience or closeness wouldn’t hurt, but this is fine too. You probably won’t be able to work through the trauma (if there’s trauma, there doesn’t have to be) that led you to no longer wanting children, as your obsessive doting husband gushes about how glad he is that it’s just you and him. Guilt is the name of the game. He wants you to himself. And he sure as hell ain’t sharing if he doesn’t have to.

(Hyrule, Four, Courage, Koridai)

And for those who didn’t really want kids to begin with, things are certainly much tamer. You might actually have a chance to work though your trauma (if any). And if, later down the line, you decide that maybe you want kiddos, congratulations, he’ll probably do a full 180 on the no kids.

The only real risk with this is that the longer and less careful you are with him, the more likely he is to switch to possessive type. And in THAT case, i’m sorry. I truly am. If you confided in him your trauma, that is absolutely ammo. And he will 100% bring up the ‘dream’ you’d built together of growing old just the two of you.

Basically, there’s a chance he’ll become the former, just so much worse and so much more overbearing.

(Legend, Warriors, Wild, Four)

[baby-tini]

Mikey brain rot. So i was thinking about toman mikey bring reader to the meeting because last time some other gang found out about reader and tried to hurt her to get back at mikey so now he isn't leaving her alone at all (im not good at explaining sorry😭) anyway feel free to ignore if you want!

Don't worry you explained it perfectly, sorry it's so late 😭 Also this happens while Mikey is in Toman, but he's 18 and also Baji is alive in this because HE DIDN'T DESERVE TOO DIE, I'M STILL PISSED ABOUT THAT. TW- violence, implied violence

When Takemichi had interrupted a Toman meeting, by rushing up the stairs and shoving his phone in Mikeys face, Mikey and Draken were pretty pissed, until Takemichi had told Miley you were in trouble. Showing Mikey the text messages, Mikey, Draken and his division captions had rushed to the location you gave Takemichi. Their motorcycles speeding down the high-way as they weaved through cars. Mikey leading, naturally gets to you first, and the others follow in-suite. He's with you in seconds as he knocks one of the guys on their ass with a kick to their stomach. The guy, toppling over and falling backwards as the vice commander and division captions approached, Mikey handing you over to Takemichi as he told him too leave and take you somewhere safe. Mikey never did like you seeing him fight, your gorgeous eyes should never see something so.. brutal. From that point on, you were never allowed out of Mikeys sight. If he had too attend something urgent and genuinely couldn't be with you, he'd have Draken or one of his captions with you. More often then not, you're usually with Draken or Baji. Funnily enough, he'd rarely leave you with Takemichi, because Mikey acknowledges that Takemichi can't fight, and therefore can't protect you. You're safety comes before everything and everyone else. Everyone knows and understands that, they respect him for it, Mikeys first priority is always the people he holds close, but because Mikey holds you the closest, you're always priority number one for everyone. If you're ever in trouble and Mikey can't come, which has never happened before. Mikey has verbally stated that he expects everyone too drop everything and protect you. Because you are with, The Manjiro Sano, everyone sees you as an extension of him, and Toman will treat you how they treat him. With the same amount of respect, loyalty and they hold you too the highest of priorities, as expected of the loyal followers of Toman. That's why you always stand next to Mikey on the stairs of the Musashi Shrine, never an inch below. As I've stated, he's with you constantly, so he's with you at your house, you're at his house a lot. He doesn't go to class, so he'll just sit in your class, he dares the teacher too scold him or call a principal, because he'll beat them both up and just take you away. Manjiro was already pretty clingy but since... that happened, you're always with him and his friends. Even if you're with your friends, Mikey will be there, and of course he has too drag Draken along, sometimes Takemichi, but that's rare. He doesn't really care if your family does family night, he will barge in. Because, his thought process is, that you're his significant other, so obviously he should be invited. Plus, he plans too marry you anyway, so why not start a little early? He's also a very family-oriented person, so getting along with your family means a lot, unless, your family is shitty, then he genuinely doesn't give a FUCK. Although, he would be with you whether they accept him or not, but he would very much rather they accept him but more importantly the relationship he shares with you. You are the most important person in his life and he doesn't mean too come off as over-bearing but he needs constant update from either his friends, your friends or more importantly you, yourself.

[unsolicited-opinions]

Signal > Noise

Gentle, short introductions to media literacy and information literacy

(I keep kvetching about the absence of media literacy and information literacy...and kvetching is useless.

Signal > Noise will be the tag I use for short, digestible intros to concepts in both media literacy and information literacy.

Asks are open if there are specific topics you want covered.)

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2025-06-18

[Topic: Bias vs Lying]

Our discourse has gotten so ridiculous that we've mostly lost the ability to disagree constructively, think critically, or benefit from the work of smart people with whom we disagree.

We're so fractured and polarized that we routinely say stupid things like:

That source is biased, so it's not valid and nothing it says is true.

If everything is dismissed as bias, and bias is treated as dishonesty, then truth has nowhere to live - leaving us well and truly fucked.

Confusing bias with lying makes us cynical instead of smart. It turns healthy skepticism into hopeless nihilism

"All media is corrupt" isn't enlightenment - it's intellectual surrender and cowardice.

Bias ≠ Lying

A perspective does not prevent a piece of information from being true or useful.

What Bias Is

Bias is all but inevitable and unavoidable, even for those operating at the highest levels of journalistic integrity and discipline. It's baked into how we work.

Below are two paintings of Daniel in the Lion's Den. Same subject, radically different paintings. Is one of them more true? Is one of them less biased?

Maybe photography provides a better analogy. The angle, lighting, composition, saturation, brightness, contrast, and cropping all affect the final image. But the photo is still of a real object, isn't it? Is one of these six photos of the same man in the same room more valid than the other 5?

That's how all media works.

All media selects, frames, and focuses utilizing both conscious and unconscious biases.

That's not inherently deceptive - it's how all storytelling functions. Our brains are wired for narrative, it's how our minds work.

Bias can emerge from:

Cultural worldview (like Western vs. Eastern framing)

Political orientation (like left vs. right vs. authoritarian)

Institutional interest (like corporate vs. activist vs. governmental)

Professional constraints (like time limits, editorial priorities, sensationalism for clicks)

A liberal news outlet might cover climate change in terms of justice and inequality. A conservative outlet might instead focus on economic cost and individual freedoms.

Both might be factually accurate. Both are biased. Both have value.

More examples:

A conservative media outlet may emphasize crime statistics.

A progressive media outlet may focus on police accountability.

A US media outlet might frame a Middle Eastern conflict through geopolitics

A local media outlet might highlight the conflict through individual suffering.

All may very well be reporting true facts, but they frame those facts differently.

If you see journalism without bias, let me know - because that's what I'll read when I need to be put to sleep without learning a single thing.

Lying is a completely different animal.

What a Lie Is

Lying goes well beyond having a perspective. Lying is a choice to mislead - an intentional, deliberate falsehood.

Humans can lie with all media: words, pictures, headlines, graphs, statistics...even silence can deceive.

The key ingredient is always intent. Lies are designed to obscure the truth.

Types of Lies in Media:

Outright falsehoods: "Vaccines contain microchips."

Deceptive omissions: Leaving out exculpatory evidence to frame someone unfairly.

Fake sources or data: Citing studies that don’t exist, or misrepresenting real ones.

Image manipulation: Using photos or videos out of context, or editing them deceptively.

A biased report might emphasize some facts over others, but a deceptive one tries to convince you of something the producer of that media knows to be false.

Framing = Bias ≠ Lying

Framing is one of the most common and most misunderstood forms of media bias.

It's not lying - It's the rhetorical and narrative choices that shape how every story is told.

Examples of framing in headlines:

"Unarmed man shot by police" vs. "Suspect neutralized in police operation"

"Protesters clash with police" vs. "Police attack peaceful demonstrators"

"Israel retaliates after attack" vs. "Israeli airstrikes kill civilians"

The facts might not be in dispute. Someone was shot, a protest occurred, airstrikes happened, etc - but how those facts are framed shapes how we interpret them.

Framing isn't necessarily dishonest. It reflects the values and assumptions of the writer or publication. Understanding framing is essential for media literacy. When you learn to spot frames, you can wring an additional layer of information from the story.

Since it's Unavoidable, Make Bias Work for You

Expecting media to be perfectly neutral is like expecting food to be completely flavorless. It's neither realistic nor desirable. Without a perspective and a framing, a story ceases to be storytelling and our brains...mostly stop processing it.

Every outlet has an editorial mission, an audience, a funding model, a history - so bias is always baked in. That doesn't mean you discard the source. It means you read it strategically, looking for and identifying those biases.

Instead of asking, "Is this source biased?" know in advance that it definitely is.

Instead of asking yourself "should I read this news outlet and regard everything it presents as objective truth"...know that it definitely doesn't, you definitely shouldn't.

Instead, ask yourself questions like:

What kinds of stories does this outlet consistently choose to tell?

Who does the outlet consider trustworthy or quotable?

What kind of loaded language does this outlet use for different groups or events?

Who funds this outlet? Who is its audience? What agenda are they likely to have based on that funding model and target audience?

Bias isn't a disqualifier. It's a clue which tells you more about what you're reading.

Use Biased Sources Without Getting Played

You don't need to trust a source completely to learn something from it. In fact, the most valuable sources are often obviously biased.

1. Identify the Bias

Before even reading, know what kind of outlet you're dealing with. Look at its about page, ownership, funding/revenue model, recurring columnists, and core audience. Does it lean left? Right? Is it globalist? Nationalist? Religious? Secular?

Knowing this lets you anticipate the angle and spot distortions more easily. The more you do it, the easier it gets. After a little practice, you'll see clearly (for example) the huge right wing bias of the Jerusalem Post, the huge left wing bias of Ha'aretz, and how The Times of Israel is mostly pretty disciplined (in their news gathering and framing) about minimizing left/right political biases.

None of these three is perfect, but seeing their usual, institutional biases lets you read them against each other.

2. Use It for Contrast

Biased outlets often highlight stories others avoid or ignore. Fox News may underplay climate change but overplay immigration crime. Al Jazeera will underplay Hamas human rights abuses but spotlight in depth the most embarrassing moments in Israeli politics. The Jerusalem Post will underplay corruption charges against Netanyahu and spotlight the most depraved behaviors committed in the name of Hamas.

Use this to your advantage. Compare coverage across ideological lines. The contrast tells you volumes about outfit AND audience.

3. Look for Hard Facts

Don't quote the adjectives. Quote the data. What happened? When? Where? Who said it? What did the video actually show?

Stop taking an analyst's word as truth - see it as a lens to try on at look at the facts through. If the lens helps it make sense, put it in your back pocket for later use.

Strip away the spin, extract the structure.

4. Cross-Reference Across Angles

Treat each biased source as one side of a triangle. To understand the shape of a thing, you need multiple sides. Balance a left-wing story with a right-wing one. Add an international perspective. Compare them.

Over time, you start seeing the shape of the event instead of the biases of each outfit.

(If you're anything like me, you never want to see or hear another advertisement for Ground News...but still use it sometimes to do exactly this.)

When Bias Becomes Lying

Bias turns into lying when it refuses to admit its own existence or crosses into manipulation. You're dealing with deceptive bias when:

It claims neutrality while advancing a clear agenda

It actively suppresses or distorts opposing views

It refuses to promptly issue corrections or acknowledge errors

It flattens complexity into false binaries like good guys vs. bad guys

It consistently omits key information that would challenge its narrative

It's part of a disinformation campaign (state media, bad actors, bots)

Ask yourself these questions:

Does the outlet ever challenge its own side?

Does it interview or quote those it disagrees with...without distortion?

Does it foster critical thinking or does it push tribal loyalty?

Thesl answers will let you see lying much more quickly.

When evaluating a media claim, ask:

Is this verifiable?

Does this trigger a strong emotional reaction? Was that the goal?

What's missing?

Does this match the tone of propaganda? (overly simplified, emotionally charged, black-and-white framing?)

Is this story meant to inform...or to rally?

And perhaps most importantly:

Do I want this to be true because it confirms something I already believe?

Recognizing your own bias is more critical than spotting it in others. We are all vulnerable to confirmation bias, and most of us seek out what feels good while avoiding what challenges us.

Practice pausing. Breathe a few times between the click and the share. (Confirmation bias will be the topic of a future Signal > Noise.)

Vary Your Media Diet

To understand a complex world, you need inputs from multiple angles.

If you only get your information from one side, you're not informed - you're enlisted.

Real media literacy is not about being neutral. It's about navigating bias with awareness, curiosity, and courage.

That means reading:

Across ideological lines

Across national borders

Across formats (print, visual, audio)

It's not always fun, it takes some time, but it's essential and cwn dramatically reduce your susceptibility to propaganda -

...so go read smart, articulate people you disagree with!

Instead of avoiding bias, learn to read it. Recognize it. Use it. Balance it. Counter it. Triangulate past it.

And when you find actual deception? Name it and reject it.

That's media literacy.

[thistlerock]

eughhhhh okay i'm caving i'm giving in this is it this is the qpr fabriz post i can no longer pretend that im normal abt them. This is just vaguely connected string of thoughts ft arospec headcanons. And very personal, I also often enjoy other people's more explicitly romantic interpretations of them but hey this is mine.

I've been fond of Fabriz ever since Riz offered to tear someone's eye out for Fabian because he was on a violent high and I jokingly said "woah that's romantic" but then it suddenly occurred to me that Fabian Aramais Seacaster, Son of Bill Seacaster the greatest pirate to have ever lived should actually think so too (even if he's like "what the fuck??" in the moment because Riz is ultimately, funnily enough, consistently more hardcore and violent than Fabian ((and honestly the rest of the party too 98% of the time))). There's something about "oh this guy took your eye? Want me to bite his out of his corpse for you?" that shows undeniable devotion and deep affection, be it because they're best friends or more.

After the second season it for me personally warped into more oh okay aroace king. (Oriented aroace. Because of Baron.) This isn't romantic it's just a deep emotional connection on a level that doesn't really fit into conventional terms but they're very important to each other and enjoy existing in the same space together but that's still Fabriz, just a different flavour, so y'know.

I think Fabian dates people and Riz stays at his side all the same. I think that if in the far future he and Mazey weren't together anymore because idk, Highschool romances don't often last forever, he would still be like hello potential romantic partner this is Riz The Ball Gukgak he is very important to me and my emotional support and also impulse control and whether you and I work out or not Riz will always occupy the space closest to me, it's about whether you're willing to share the space or not. He definitely is.

Riz doesn't have any romantic feelings but he's happy to be important enough to his dearest friend to be a priority even when relationships are involved. I think he's fine "sharing" affections because he's learned to feel secure in the fact he won't be abandoned. And he has his other friends who love him too (though not in the same way Fabian does, of course. And that's okay, he wouldn't want to occupy the role he occupies in Fabian's life in theirs. It's different) and he loves them and life is good, sometimes. He kind of just wants to be together forever without the implications or obligations a typical romantic relationship would bring? And there's a point where he's like "hey Fabian am I ruining dating people for you?" and he's. Worried. About that. But Fabian would assure him that it's fine, he's probably not all that compatible with people who are uncomfortable sharing anyway. I think a strictly monogamous partner wouldn't be all that happy with him, regardless of whether Riz is involved or not.

Fabian has a lot of love in his heart and feels it very strongly and it's kind of impossible to limit it to only one person? Polyamarous king. This is where I note that I do read Fabian as being aro-spec (allosexual though) but on a completely different level than Riz is. Fabian adores people so quickly and so strongly, and I think at some point he isn't able to differentiate whether that adoration is platonic or romantic or something in between? And that's a struggle at first, it'd be a struggle for any teenager, but I think as he'd get older he'd stop caring as much. No sense trying to label something that's so all over the place, he just goes with the flow? He calls it love and that's that, and he'll indulge in it.

Fabian says "I love you" a lot, Riz says it back. It doesn't necessarily mean the same thing, but it doesn't have to, that's fine. I think Fabian's love language is literally all of them (though giving gifts above all, maybe?) and Riz's is just quality time (acts of service is a close second), so a lot of their relationship is just hanging out like they would with other friends as well (and Fabian paying for as much stuff as he can get away with). I think Riz isn't opposed to physical affection but he's not a fan of pda, and while he likes sharing a blanket in the winter or sitting way too close in the back of the hangvan or pressing his face into Fabian's back when they're riding the hangman he'd probably not be that into hand holding. Its fine but it's probably more pleasant to maintain physical closeness in other ways with the height difference? And the claws, idk. There's also kissing. Riz would be cool with like, cheek or forehead kisses probably? (Unless he's having a day where he really doesn't want anyone to touch him period. Which I do think happens. Something something autism I don't think I can word this properly in detail) And Fabian would grab his face and smother him in those for fun. Or get dramatic and kiss his hand and act suave only to eat shit ten seconds later. I think being kissed on the mouth is a different story and kind of a fifty-fifty, depends on how touchy Riz is feeling that day. But in concept he's fine with it as long as it's just like, a peck on the lips, because he sees it as an expression of intimacy and affection and hey he doesn't have a problem with that that's cool. I definitely don't think he'd initiate them, though. It's more a "oh hey my partner likes this and I don't mind doing it for him" thing.

Oh speaking of the word partner that's the word they'd use, I think. Not boyfriends, just partners, and they're not dating but they're together. It's not, like, a thing they're particular about it's just the words I think they'd feel inclined to use. They probably don't talk about any of this stuff in that much depth, Fabian isn't that introspective anyway. It's kind of just a state of being. And what's a nicer state to exist in than close to your best friend?

Idk, I don't usually get involved with fandoms where a character seems so aromantic in a way I can relate to or a pairing feels so queerplatonic to me, but these two sure do and that's so delightful that I think about them all the time.

[jacarandaaaas]

Mirabel Madrigal: A Character Analysis

Today I’m here to discuss all the attributes that make Mirabel Madrigal such a fantastical and magical character despite not having any magic herself. it’s all in her charm! I truly believe that Mirabel is one of the best protagonists! Shes such an endearing, sensitive, and strong character so I’m here to offer her some appreciation.

Right from the beginning of the story, one of the first things we learn about our protagonist is her mantra “make your family proud”. This phrase is Mirabel's driving motivation for the entire film and from what we can assume, her entire life. Mirabel makes it no secret that she is family orientated and she is full of pride for them, wanting to be like them and live up to the madrigal name. She introduces us to her family in a fun song praising each member. To her they are a “perfect constellation”. They are always her number one priority throughout the story as we see how she supports her sisters and encourages them to be themselves. One moment I feel truly highlights her love for her family is at the climax of the movie, whilst she consistently has shown what lengths she's willing to go to for her family this moment stood out the most to me. After her intense argument with alma casita starts to fall apart, at this moment everyone is yelling at mirabel to get out of the collapsing house but mirabel isnt thinking about herself. She's thinking about her family and getting the candle for them. What really stands out to me is Mirabel was willing to sacrifice her own life for her family, an eerie parallel to what Pedro did for them all those years ago.

Something that we learn about Mirabel immediately is that she's a go-getter, she's determined and persistent. What we also come to realize is that sometimes Mirabel doesn't realize when she's being overly persistent to the point of coming off as pushy to others. Both Julieta and Isabela point out that Mirabel has a tendency to “over do it”. We see how she wants to be useful in any way and she's taken up a variety of hobbies to prove this. Mirabel's incredibly creative doing everything from embroidery and sewing to playing the accordion. It's no secret she's talented but she always feels like she needs to do more. Upon overhearing Alma talking about the cracks Mirabel decides in that moment “I will save the miracle”. Instead of rushing in without a plan Mirabel knows Dolores would have intel due to her gift therefore she would know the most about the magic. It's also important to note that Mirabel decides to save the miracle before she even knows anything about the prophecy, she took it upon herself to do that! At breakfast when trying to get information from Dolores Mirabel decides to try complimenting her into it, showing early on how unintentionally pushy she can be. After breakfast she's no better, Mirabel is so determined to get answers that even when Luisa is working, she's pestering her. Mirabel is so overly focused on her mission that she can’t see Luisa gradually becoming more frustrated. “Luisa will you just tell me what it is!”, she’s frustrated that Luisa isn't giving her any information but she also seems hurt that Luisa doesn't trust her enough to tell her. Showing how Mirabel desperately wants a better relationship with her sisters.

Mirabel is so persistent in getting information about the magic that she causes luisa to snap at her. When climbing Bruno's tower Mirabel perseveres, as she forces herself up an unusually long flight of stairs and is exhausted by the end of it. Yet Mirabel persists because “I need to do this, for you for abuela”. She's so determined in fact to find this vision that she almost dies, twice. Mirabel doesn't care about the risks, she's aware of them but it doesn't deter her. She's willing to look at the situation about Bruno from a different angle than everyone else, questioning “what if you didn't understand what he saw?”. Mirabel's entire verse in “we don't talk about bruno” is just her pressing for the truth, she wants the whole story not just one perspective and she's driven to discover it. We've already established by now that Mirabel's persistence can be dangerous and this holds true once again as she chases Bruno through the walls and almost falls into a chasm, in pursuit of answers. Bruno tries to leave but she still pursues him, no way she's leaving without an answer or multiple answers to her many questions, she also cleverly pieces together here that it was actually Bruno who's been patching the cracks all along.

Pushy Mirabel is back in full force when she gets the idea for Bruno to have another vision to which he’s not enthusiastic about and tells her no. But Mirabel’s no quitter and her sole focus in the moment is her mission, to save the miracle. So when Bruno tells her he doesn't do visions anymore, Mirabel casually replies “but ya could!”, another instance of her being too focused on her goal that she doesn't take into consideration how Bruno would feel about this. She has no bad intentions and like with Luisa earlier Mirabel is unaware how she sounds. She tells Bruno “our family needs help and you need to get outta here” and as she realizes how broken the family truly is, she's more determined than ever to help them. Even when bruno tries to give up during the vision Mirabel encourages him to keep going to find another perspective “something we’re not seeing?” she ends up inspiring Bruno with this viewpoint. Before she goes to confront Isabela Mirabel tells Bruno “after I save the miracle I’m bringing you home” showing how that's now become part of her mission. As Isabela reveals a massive secret Mirabel instead keeps pressing for that hug she assumes will solve all their problems, once again she's so focused on her mission she isn't paying attention to Isabela’s revelation. Mirabel's determination and persistence is admirable but it's also a character flaw for her as we see she often takes it too far unintentionally.

One of Mirabel's most noticeable traits is her optimistic outlook. She's full of energy as she dances through the town singing about her family and whilst we know she's insecure, her enthusiasm towards her family and home is completely genuine. Mirabel is a true extrovert as we see how much she loves interacting with her community and wanting to help in any way she can. We see how she's always trying to see the bright side. Mirabel is optimistic and bright but even she has her limits and can't be optimistic all the time, as her song tells us she's truly not fine. However despite all her pain she still chooses to be optimistic, to be loving and to be hopeful.

Arguably the two scenes I believe emphasize her optimistic nature the most are when she helps Bruno through the vision and the final song of the movie. During the vision Bruno is deflated, he doesn't believe in the idea and Mirabel simply offers him some words of encouragement “you can do this”, she's already showing Bruno that she has faith in him, something Bruno isn't used to. When he fails to see anything other than what was shown in his last vision Mirabel begs him to keep trying, she's always looking for a brightside and she ends up finding it. As for the final scene, when returning from the river Casita is still a pile of rubble in front of them, Mirabel however sees this as an opportunity. To rebuild casita with better, stronger foundations and a chance for the family to build stronger foundations too, “look at this home we need a new foundation”. Mirabel really grows into herself as she leads the rebuilding efforts with her persistence and optimism, inspiring the whole family to view things from a different perspective.

An underrated trait for Mirabel is her humor. No seriously she's hilarious! humor is shown continuously to be one of her coping mechanisms along with her optimism. Whilst she is funny Mirabel is also incredibly snarky particularly towards her older sister Isabela, she can come off as slightly judgemental at times, very teenage of her. Her jealousy peeks through during the opening song, but towards the end of it when she runs into Mariano she not so subtly disses Isabela (as Isabela is walking by) “between you and me she's kinda a primadonna”. Unlike the better disguised insults at the beginning mirabel is not even trying to hide her disdain towards isabela this time. This continues directly after the song as she goes back to casita, Isabela gracefully descends on her vines and Mirabel’s expression is hilariously unimpressed. When Isabela notices her she tells her to stop trying so hard, we see Mirabel actually seems upset by that comment but as soon as Isabela looks back at her she masks that sadness as she bites back “actually Isa this is called helping and i'm not in the way you are”. We also see her mock Isabela as previously mentioned, unable to hide her disdain towards her. Mirabel's humor as a coping mechanism is emphasized when she's climbing Bruno's tower, giving us a half assed reprise of “the family madrigal” and of course one of her most iconic lines “BRUNO YOUR ROOM IS THE WORST!!”. Mirabel is also incredibly petty, my favorite example of this is not only her rolling her eyes during Isabela’s solo verse of “we don't talk about bruno” but also how Isabela tells her during that “hey sis I want not a sound out of you” and Mirabel who was silent until this point starts singing immediately out of spite.

She's also slightly judgemental when she first encounters resident wall man Bruno Madrigal. She's weirded out by him and her face does not hide this, “how long have you been back here?” with that concerned tone also didn't help her case. Although in this case who could blame her for that reaction? It's not everyday you find your estranged uncle in the walls of your house. Mirabel is not thrilled when the vision reveals she has to hug Isabela, so much so that she begins ranting about how she hates her and gives us a line nothing short of pure gold. “She's the one with flowers coming outta her-'' Bruno had to remind her to keep it pg! Even when mirabel is meant to apologize to Isa she can’t resist making a snarky comment about her older sister “I’m sorry that your life is soooo great!” this ends up spawning an argument between the two in which Mirabel unceremoniously yells out “some of us have bigger problems YOU SELFISH ENTITLED PRINCESS!” which is quite a humorous moment but also really shows Mirabel’s jealousy towards Isabela. As Isabela admits a very huge secret Mirabel’s reaction is one of complete sarcasm “that is a very serious confession” despite empathy being Mirabel’s strongest trait somehow her hatred for isabela overpowers it.

Mirabel as a person is incredibly selfless, this is both good and bad in her case. Whilst caring about others so much is admirable like how mentioned previously Mirabel can go too far, putting her life on the line multiple times! In one movie! One of the first examples of her selflessness is shown during Antonios gift ceremony. Antonio is incredibly nervous and calls out to her saying “I need you”, it's already a hard night for mirabel in general as people have been reminding her “last gift ceremony was a bummer”. However despite already finding it hard she knows Antonio needs her and she walks him to his door taking a deep breath, pushing through her own traumatic memories to support her favorite cousin. This scene is incredibly admirable to me as it takes a lot of courage to force yourself to relive the worst night of your life for the sake of supporting someone else. Here it's an example of mirabels selflessness being a positive trait and not a dangerous one.

Hey you know what's a great combination with being selfless? Being reckless!! Unfortunately for mirabel we can also add stubborn to the mix. Which makes for an ultra combination of self sacrificing nature and putting her life in danger! Brunos room is a scene that truly highlights these traits, especially recklessness. Mirabel throws herself across a giant chasm using rope from the fencing around her and whilst her resourcefulness is impressive it's still incredibly risky. Which ties into her selflessness! Mirabel has very little regard for her own safety and is willing to die in that vision cave if it means she helps the family. Almost suffocating to death in sand just while trying to get the vision shards. Mirabel also throws herself across a chasm twice, the second time isn't as dangerous but initially it looks very dangerous. Mirabel knows it's dangerous and still recklessly persists. Once again revealing how little regard she has for her own safety.

Arguably the biggest case of Mirabel's selflessness is when she tries to save the candle as the house is crumbling around her. This was also her most reckless act of the whole movie as she ignores everyone yelling at her to save herself, she covers the candle and not her head when the debris is crashing down on her. Really highlighting just how little she cares about what happened to her in that moment, valuing a candle over her own life. As selfless as Mirabel is, there are also times she like anyone else, can be selfish. Mirabel herself is aware of this as she says to herself, “for you, for abuela… maybe a little for me” she sounds almost embarrassed by the fact part of her motivation for saving the miracle is proving herself, even if it's only a tiny part. Other moments she can come off as selfish is when she's pestering Luisa about the magic and being dismissive, as well as when she dismisses Isabelas revelation in favor of getting a miracle saving hug. Whilst technically Mirabel isn't being selfish here as she's doing everything for saving the miracle, to others she seems selfish. Another trait Mirabel has is stubbornness and this is really highlighted when Isabela is around. Possibly Mirabel's most stubborn moment of the entire movie, is when Isabela asks her to apologize. Even though Mirabel knows that doing this will help her save the miracle she can't bring herself to give a sincere apology.

I think something that is less talked about than it should be is Mirabel's guilt and tendency to blame herself. A scene that I feel truly highlights her guilt is when Bruno tells her that he left to protect her. Mirabels responds to this saying “you left to protect me?” and she almost sounds in disbelief at this realization. The look on her face here is also one of deep concern, whilst she appreciates that he would sacrifice so much for it also reinforces a thought that had always been on her mind. That she was the cause of all this, that Bruno left due to her own failure, whilst we know this is untrue I strongly feel Mirabel believes this. After all, Bruno did disappear the same night as her gift ceremony. She feels guilty that Bruno left because of her even if he tells her it was for good reason.

A smaller example of Mirabels tendency to blame herself is when she tells Bruno “I ruined her proposal”, whilst mirabel had part in ruining it she was also trying to prevent disaster and ultimately she played the smallest role in ruining Isas night, yet Mirabel still believes it was entirely her fault. The biggest moment for Mirabel's guilt is right after Casita falls, the candle goes out after Mirabel almost gives her life to save it. Believing it's entirely her fault she runs off when nobody is watching.

Mirabel's rock bottom moment is when she's by the river crying, feeling like she's ruined everything and doesn’t know what to do other than to let out all of her bottled emotions. It's important to note that whilst there’s many points she comes close to crying, this is the only time we actually see her let the tears fall. When Alma discovers her Mirabel's reaction is to apologize, “I'm sorry I didn't wanna hurt us, I just wanted to be something I'm not”, again placing all of the blame on herself when the entire family is at fault for casitas collapse. I find this reaction interesting as during the climax Mirabel blames Alma in her anger but when her attempts to save the miracle fail she believes it’s her and her only to blame. This is also incredibly sad as it just shows how riddled by insecurity Mirabel is.

Throughout this story Mirabel is a person ruled by her insecurities, she lacks self esteem and confidence in general. However she's great at faking it and a prime example of this is the opening song, “the family madrigal”. A fun, upbeat tune but the entire song happens because of Mirabel's insecurity. As the children are asking her questions about her gift Mirabel responds with “I can't just talk about myself” and deflects into talking about her family instead. Her love for her family is entirely genuine but she puts on a facade to hide her own insecurities from everyone else, overcompensating to make up for what she lacks. Hidden in the lyrics of the song are her real feelings of worthlessness and jealousy, this especially shows in lines that refer to her two older sisters. When telling the kids about Isabela she sings “grows a flower the town goes wild'', there's a clear sarcastic tone to her voice. This instantly introduces us to Mirabel's envy of her oldest sister and the strained relationship between the two. Her envy is strongest when she sings “she's the perfect golden child” with such longing, illustrating how she actually seems to admire her sister as well as resent her. When she's describing both sisters she sings “the beauty and the brawn do no wrong” implying that she unlike them does do wrong. As the kids pester her more and more her insecurities only grow stronger and she's desperately trying to avoid the question, “I never meant this to get autobiographical”. She stays true to her word and successfully avoids talking about herself for the entire song. At the end she's so desperate to get out of the situation and hide the fact she has no gift that she sings “my family's amazing and i'm in my family so”, trying to convince herself more than anyone else that she's amazing by association.

There's little instances where her insecurity comes out such as when Osvaldo points out multiple times how un-special she is, he turns away for a brief moment and mirabel's painfully strained smile drops before she slips back into her act effortlessly. She also tries to act like this insecurity doesn’t affect her, a great example is when Alma tells her to step aside and nods in response but her expression is pained. Mirabel is hiding her problems from everyone else, even lying to herself. We see just how deep her insecurities go as Alma only tells her to step aside from the decorations but Mirabel interprets this as to stay away for the whole night, so when the whole family is out in the crowd she hides behind the curtain. When Alma tells Antonio that he got “a gift just as special as you” it forces Mirabel to remember when those very same words were said to her, and her smile fades away, her insecurities coming out. Most obviously, her insecurities are on full display during her solo number, “waiting on a miracle”, if you’re interested in more about that song I have a waiting on a miracle analysis !

The song starts with Mirabel pushing down her feelings as usual telling herself she's fine and she shouldn't be upset because the night isn't about her. In the song Mirabel refers to her pain as “unspoken” and “invisible”, displaying how she's not only been lying to everyone around her feelings but also to herself. When Mirabel tries to explain the cracks, Julieta doesn't seem to believe her and Mirabel believes it's because she “might not be super strong like Luisa or effortlessly perfect like senorita perfecta Isabela”. Whilst she's coming from a place of envy she's also speaking from insecurity here, believing that the only reason she isn't being taken seriously is because of her lack of a gift. When Julieta still doesn't believe her Mirabel appears to be hurt by this refusing to open up to her mother. Until she meets Bruno, Mirabel has actively been repressing all her insecurities and focusing solely on her mission. However when she realizes how similar she and Bruno really are, she's comfortable enough to fully open up about her insecurities for the first time. She admits her greatest fear and gets emotional about it, proving just how repressed those feelings are. When it's revealed in the vision she has to hug Isabela Mirabel starts ranting about how Isa hates her and seems like she has no faith in herself that she's able to do this.

One moment that truly highlights her insecurity is when Alma blames her for everything and she finally admits in front of the family that she feels she will “never be good enough for you”. A sharp contrast to Mirabel's denial at the beginning of the movie. In this moment, Mirabel has the courage to stand up not only for herself but for the entire family. Whilst we seen in previous scenes she can defend herself “I’m not doing anything! It’s Bruno’s vision”, here she fully commits to calling alma out in front of everyone. Whilst it’s painful for Mirabel to do, we see her come to the realization that this conversation is necessary. “He loves this family, I love this family we all LOVE this family!”. After this argument Mirabel is heartbroken and so insecure to the point of running to risk her own life just to prove something, anything to her abuela. Her character arc comes full circle at the ending of “all of you” when she looks at the doorknob and finally acknowledges herself for who she is, no longer a person controlled by her insecurities but one who's willing to challenge them.

Empathy & emotional intelligence are what I believe to be Mirabel's biggest strengths as a character. They’re often traits I see people try to argue make her weak, but I heavily disagree, I believe these traits are what make Mirabel such a resilient character. One of my favorite scenes in the whole movie is one where Mirabel's empathy truly shines, when she finds Antonio under her bed. This scene happening so early in the movie yet being so intimate and gentle instantly made me love Mirabel as a character. Her demeanor in this scene is so warm and loving. She knows Antonio is nervous about turning out like her yet she pushes her own feelings aside to support him, “you're gonna open that door and it's gonna be the coolest ever I know it”. This also showcases another strong trait of Mirabels, her emotional intelligence. She's able to gauge that Antonio is scared and needs comfort and she's willing to offer that to him. Antonio is still doubtful, questioning if it doesn't work and once again Mirabel reassures him, referring to the scenario as “impossible”. It's a very cute scene that sets up Mirabel and Antonios relationship. Mirabel's empathy shines here as there were many moments she could have made this about herself but she chooses not to. Other instances of Mirabel's recurring empathy are when she hugs Luisa offering her comfort ,some of her interactions with Bruno as well as when she empathizes with Isabela during their song. During “what else can I do”, Mirabel is able to admit she was wrong about her sister saying she barely knew her but Isa “changed” her mind, realizing that she finally understands Isabelas perspective.

A key scene for me that demonstrates both Mirabel's empathy and emotional intelligence is the “dos oruguitas” scene. After Alma shares her tragic past with Mirabel, despite Mirabel being upset, her reaction to Alma's story is an empathetic one. She tells her abuela “I can finally see” showcasing how similar to isabela, Mirabel finally sees her grandmother's perspective. Her emotional intelligence shines here as upon realizing the truth behind Alma's actions, she changes the words she spat so venomously during their argument. Stating that they were saved because of Alma and given a miracle because of her, she also tells her abuela that “nothing could ever be broken that we can't fix together” highlighting Mirabel’s growth and emotional maturity over the course of the film. Once again, as mentioned in the scene with Antonio, Mirabel had every opportunity to make this moment about her own suffering but she instead acknowledges Alma's feelings and offers her a chance to rebuild their relationship. Perhaps even the chance for forgiveness in the future.

These traits display for me what makes Mirabel such a well rounded and memorable character. Despite her flaws I adore how mirabel has always had her family's best interest at heart. She learns and grows a lot throughout this story and to me her flaws are what make her more interesting to follow and her flaws dont take away from her many positive traits. She's not a perfect protagonist, she's just a good person trying to help her family any way she can. She’s unapologetically loving and empathetic and willing to do anything for her family. To quote Stephanie Beatriz herself: “ I think one of the greatest things about this story is that she dares herself to go on that journey. I think that is so special because its telling an audience many of them impressionable young people, that by daring yourself to believe in yourself, you could possibly become the hero of your own story.”

[parkaplayboy]

75% || Chapter 8

stylenny x gender neutral reader

You're a senior in college during your final semester, but you find out that you're dangerously close to failing a class that you need to graduate. Lucky for you (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) you get paired up with a tutor.

words: 1.2K

FIRST | PREVIOUS | NEXT

Wednesday at 2:41 PM

The front of the South Park animal shelter looked like any other small-town building— aged brick, sun-faded posters in the window, and a crooked “VOLUNTEERS WELCOME” sign hanging just off-center on the door. You stood just outside it, hoodie sleeved pulled over you hands and a knot of nerves coiled under your ribs. You were five seconds away from texting Stan some excuse—class, headache, alien abduction—when the shelter door swung open.

“There you are!” Stan’s voice was warm, familiar, and easy. “Thought we lost you to the void.” You gave a sheepish smile. “My uber had to circle the block twice. I couldn’t tell if I was about to walk into a shelter or someone's weird taxidermy side hustle.” Stan barked a laugh. “I mean, it depends on the day. Come on, you’re not late.”

The lobby was small but cozy, the walls covered in cork boards pinned with Polaroids of adopted pets and photos of volunteers holding everything from kittens to goats. Before you could look too closely, a large golden blur barreled down the hallway and launched itself at Stan’s legs. “Oh god, Toast is loose again,” Stan muttered, bracing himself as the golden retriever planted its paws on his thighs and began panting excitedly. You blinked. “Toast?” 

Stan pointed to the name tag clipped to the dog's collar. “Resident sweetheart. Also a himbo. Zero thoughts, all vibes.” 

“Kind of like Kenny,” you mused, only half joking. A voice behind you replied. “Excuse you, Toast has way more emotional depth than I do.” You turned around to see Kenny leaning against the doorframe, hair messy under a beanie, volunteer badge already clipped to his shirt. He had a smug little grin like he’d been waiting for the right moment to make an entrance.

 “Kenny,” Stan warned, scratching behind Toast’s ears. “Don’t scare off the new recruits.” 

“I’m not scared,” you said, hands on hips. “Just cautiously optimistic.” 

“About the shelter or about us?” Kenny’s grin widened, and your heart promptly tripped over itself. 

“...Both.”

Kenny mock-swooned. “God, they flirt back. I knew I liked you for a reason.” You rolled your eyes, biting back a smile as Stan handed you a clipboard with the orientation checklist. “We’re starting you easy today,” he said. “Mostly dog-walking and feeding, maybe some light kennel cleanup. No scooping anything horrifying. Yet.” 

“Cool, cool. So like… no angry racoons?”

Kenny pointed at you. “See, this is why we need them around more. Finally, someone with priorities.” 

The three of you spent the first part of the afternoon walking dogs around the small field behind the shelter. You got paired with a pit mix named Moose who decided he loved you more than life itself approximately thirty seconds into the walk. He tugged so hard on the leash when he saw Kenny across the gross that you practically stumbled into him. 

“Hey now,” Kenny said, catching your elbow instinctively. “If you wanted to fall for me, I’d at least make it romantic.” You snorted, trying not to think too hard about how steady his hand felt on your arm. “Blame Moose. He’s the one pulling all the moves.” Stan walked past just then, grinning. “Jealous?” Kenny shrugged, still looking at you. “A little. Moose works fast.”

 After a while, the sun started sliding lower and the sky shifted to the soft, golden color that made everything look like a scene from an inside movie. You found yourself back inside the shelter in the cat room— aka Bean’s Domain— with Stan on the floor beside you and Kenny lounging dramatically in a beanbag chair that had definitely seen better days.

 You sat cross-legged with a chubby tuxedo sprawled out in your lap, purring like a motorboat. “This is Bean?” 

“That’s Bean,” Stan confirmed. “Bean has trust issues and a superiority complex. Which means he’s Kenny’s soulmate.” 

“I’m right here,” Kenny said, flicking a cat toy in your direction without looking. “You can insult me to my face.” 

“I am insulting you to your face,” Stan replied. 

You looked between them, laughing softly. It was strange how comfortable you felt in that room, with these two, surrounded by warm fur and sunbeams filtering in through a dusty window. Something in your chest has loosened in the past hour. You hadn’t even noticed how tightly it had been wound.

 “Hey,” Kenny said suddenly, peeking at his phone. “Ky’s on his way. Said he’s bringing snacks.” You perked up slightly. “Kyle’s coming?” 

“Yeah,” Stan said, smiling over at you. “He wanted to come earlier but had a meeting with his thesis advisor. He said—and I quote— ‘I’m not letting Y/N volunteer for the first time without at least one slightly neurotic red-head present.’” 

You laughed. “That sounds like him.”

“Right?” Kenny grinned. “He’s also probably going to bring enough food for, like, nine people. He stress orders.”

Twenty minutes later, the door opened and Kyle stepped in, slightly flushed from the walk, curls a bit wind-tossed. He was balancing two iced coffees, a tote bag, and a brown paper sack that definitely smelled like fries. “Apologies for the delay,” he said, walking in like a man on a mission. “I got stuck on the phone with my professor about the statistical modeling for— okay, nevermind, that’s not important. I bought snacks.”

You blinked up at him from your seat on the floor. “Are you secretly trying to bribe me into continuing to volunteer?” Kyle handed you a coffee with an exaggerated shrug. “Is it working?”

You took a sip. He’d gotten your order right. “Maybe.” 

Kenny stretched out on the beanbag, arms behind his head. “What’s the verdict, Y/N? Do you hate us yet?” You pretended to consider it. “The cats are cool. Stan’s chill. Kyle brought food. You’re still on probation.”

“Ouch,” Kenny clutched his heart. “Wounded. Utterly.” Kyle handed out the rest of the food, sitting beside you cross-legged, his shoulder brushing yours. He glanced over, voice quieter than before. “Really, though… you doing okay?” You turned to look at him. His eyes were sharp, watching your expression carefully.  You nodded. “I actually… yeah. I think I needed this.” His smile came slow but genuine. “Good.”

 The four of you ended up staying after the shelter technically closed, helping sort some last-minute donations. Someone found an entire box of dog sweaters that Stan tried—and failed— not to model on Moose. Kenny took three selfies with Bean sleeping on his chest and insisted you join him for a fourth, your face half-hidden in your borrowed hoodie and laughter crinkling your eyes.

As you walked outside into the early evening air, Kyle reached for the car keys from his coat pocket. “You want me to drive you home?” he asked. “Stan drove Kenny here earlier, and I’ve got room.” You hesitated, glancing at the other two. “I’m coming too,” Stan added quickly. “We figured we’d all grab dinner afterward, if you’re up for it.” You nodded, heart doing that familiar skip again. “I’m in.” 

“Cool,” Kyle said, unlocking the car. “Also, random, but—” Stan cut in, grinning. “We were gonna volunteer again Saturday. We usually do a morning shift. Wanna come?” You looked between them—Kyle, brushing curls from his forehead and trying not to seem too eager; Stan, leaning against the car with that lazy-casual confidence; Kenny, bouncing on his heels, jacket already halfway zipped. 

It wasn’t even a hard question. 

“Yeah,” you said. “I’d like that”

[atinystraynstay]

Bittersweet - Jeon Wonwoo & Kim Mingyu

Synopsis: One let you go. You ended up going into the arm's of another, specifically his best friend.. Now, he was regretting every moment that you weren't by his side.

Inspiration: Bittersweet (feat. LeeHi) - Wonwoo & Mingyu

Pairing: Frat Boy!Jeon Wonwoo x fem reader x Frat President!Kim Mingyu

Angst - ex-lovers seeing each other for the first time in a long time, angst, jealous, friends to lovers, complicated love triangle

Word Count: 3.2k

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Mingyu was standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom. He was fixing his tie. He wasn't sure who he was dressing to impress tonight. Truth be told, he found a random date for tonight's winter formal from another brother. Something about how his date didn't want to be the only one in attendance? He asked some girl from the same sorority.

Looking at his reflection, he let out a puff of air. It all felt wrong. He was supposed to go with you. You were his girlfriend for the past year and half, dammit. How could he be so careless to let you slip through his fingers?

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

You were walking across campus from your lecture. Every Wednesday night, you found yourself at the frat house. It has been routine for you since getting together with Mingyu. Thursday nights were reserved for chapter meetings, while Fridays and Saturdays were for parties, mixers, and other social obligations. Wednesdays were reserved for you before the chaos and the other days for recovery with you. Sometimes cleaning up larger messes.

The two of you met during orientation week. Not during your freshman year. The two of you were tabled next to each other, trying to entice the new students into joining your respective organizations.

Mingyu accidentally hip-checked your table. It caused the photo display to fall over and flyers to scatter throughout the quad. He quickly apologized before chasing around the papers getting blown in the wind for you. You thought he was the most adorable person you met.

A year and a half later, you guys have been going steady. Both of you lived very busy lives but always seemed to find time for one another. He always made you a priority. That was one of the reasons why Mingyu gave you a key to the fraternity house. All the brothers not only respected you but they loved having you around. They also were happy to see their president happy.

You unlocked the front door with the key. Once the door was unlocked, you pushed it open. You glanced towards the coat rack, seeing Mingyu's leather jacket hung up. You smiled now you got confirmation he was home. You noticed the array of shoes thrown around. A few you recognized, but there were a few you didn't. Maybe one of the guys has a girl over or something?

You decided to go see for your golden retriever boyfriend. You were sure wherever you and Mingyu were heading to, you would end up coming back here at the end of the night. Seeing that Mingyu wasn't anywhere in sight downstairs, he was either upstairs or down in the makeshift gym.

Quietly, you ascended upstairs towards Mingyu's room. On the way up, you passed by Wonwoo's room who had the door slightly open. You glanced by, seeing he had his headphones on and was playing a video game. He was always so quiet around you but so gentle. You were grateful for friends like him for Mingyu.

Standing outside of Mingyu's door at the end of the hall, you didn't hear much. Maybe he was taking a nap?

You knocked three times on the door. Something you always did to identify yourself behind a closed door. When you got no response, you figured he was actually asleep or maybe had headphones on as he studied. The fraternity house and its brothers could get rather rowdy.

When you didn't get an answer, you twisted the doorknob and pushed it open. The room was dark. The light from out in the hallway provided enough for you to see what was going on.

God, do you wish you never ventured upstairs.

The further you ventured into the room, the more you could see what was in front of you. A woman with long blonde hair was lying in bed. Her back was towards you, topless. Mingyu had his arms wrapped around her. Both of them were asleep.

Your heart shattered in two.

Instead of making a large scene, you decided to step out of the room completely. You closed the door gently, not wanting to disturb the two. All you wanted in that moment was to get out of this house as quickly as possible.

______________________________________________________________

Mingyu had no idea you even saw him. He knew what he did was wrong, he was ashamed of himself. Even disgusted. Later that afternoon, he woke up to texts from you.

You could have at least told me you wanted to see other people rather than me finding you in bed with another woman. We're done. Key is on the kitchen table.

He wanted to run after you that day, but he just couldn't. He hurt you. Mingyu had no right to come begging for forgiveness. All he could do was acknowledge the hurt he caused and move on with his life.

Little did he know, you had turned into the arms of his best friend, Jeon Wonwoo.

Now, Wonwoo didn't like to eavesdrop. It was never his intention. He always had his gaming headphones on standby the moment you entered the room next door. He heard the squeaking of the floor as you walked past, instantly recognizing your light footsteps compared to the stomps of his housemates.

Wonwoo's always had a little crush on you. The two of you met when Mingyu decided to introduce you to everyone. Unlike girls Mingyu has been with before, there was something different about you. You took the time to introduce yourself to each member, which Wonwoo was impressed by. Usually, most girls keep quiet and let Mingyu do the talking. He was brought in by your warm personality.

He also quickly learned why Mingyu had fallen for you. You were someone that always liked to lend a helping out, so your kindness was genuine. It was not just a way to charm people upon first interactions. You were always willing to lend a hand out around the fraternity house, something you were never obligated to do. Yet, you always wanted to make it known how grateful you were for the boys for hosting and wanting to return the favor.

You were also breathtaking. You could be so angelic yet the ideas that Wonwoo had in his mind were a bit darker. It didn't help that some nights he did in fact hear you over his headphones. He sometimes found himself eyeing your lips, wondering what it would be like to be against his, to feel them on him. Your smile made him smile, even on the days he wanted to crawl to his room and isolate himself. You were the sunshine of his life.

God, he envious of Mingyu.

He was anticipating to hear you move into the interior of Mingyu's room but for a while, it was silent. The hinges on Mingyu's bedroom door sounded but they didn't close. He didn't hear either your voice or his best friend's. Deciding to investigate, he saw you slowly close the door. One hand resting on the door itself while you pulled, as if you didn't want to disturb him. That's weird. Maybe Mingyu was sleeping, but why is she leaving? She always stayed.

Slowly, Wonwoo eased out of the room to evaluate what was going on. Maybe he could keep you company until Mingyu comes back from class?

Once you turned towards him, he was at full attention. You jumped, not expecting to see anyone in the house since it was the middle of the day. Let alone you weren't expecting to run into Mingyu's best friend. Wonwoo noticed the tears starting to fill your hypnotic eyes. His urge to protect, to take care of you taking over. "He's cheating on me, Wonwoo," you whispered. You were almost in disbelief yourself. Sure, you've had the occasion lover's spat, but didn't every couple? You always believed Mingyu was too good to be true. Looks like you were right.

Just hearing your statement caused Wonwoo's heart to break for you but his anger also to boil. How could Mingyu be so stupid? Any best friend might jump to the defense of their friend, but Wonwoo couldn't. Not when it looked like you were falling apart. His priority was you.

Without thinking about it, Wonwoo's arms opened up to you. You were a bit hesitant at first, not knowing if there would be ramifications for seeking comfort in the arms of your now-ex boyfriend's best friend, one of his fraternity brothers. Yet, Wonwoo has always been extremely kind to you. You instantly went into his arms, your face burying into his shoulder where you finally let your tears fall. You hated to cry in front of people, not wanting to be seen as weak.

"Come on, let's get you out of here."

That afternoon turned into a whole night with Wonwoo. He spent as much time as you wanted with him. To Wonwoo, he would spend all day every day with you if allowed. You guys went out for a drive first, sensing you just needed the space to breathe and feel your emotions. Staying in the fraternity house was not an option especially since you were trying to make your great escape.

Wonwoo drove you two around for about an hour. That was when you began to confide in Wonwoo what happened. Maybe you felt comforted by the fact Wonwoo had to stay focus on driving, so you could let more tears fall without him watching you. Maybe it was the fact it was Wonwoo, someone who was a great listener that allowed you to speak freely.

One thing for sure though, Wonwoo was grateful you two weren't at the fraternity house. Mingyu would definitely be in the hospital now for the distress he caused you.

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

It's been now 3 months since Mingyu had see any sign of you.

"So, who are you even bringing for tonight? I know you're not the type to steal someone's date," Mingyu overheard Seungcheol ask Wonwoo.

Ever since you left his world, Mingyu has felt blue. And it was his own wrongdoing. What made matters worse is that he felt his friendship with Wonwoo, his friend since Day 1, start to dissolve. He couldn't put his finger on why.

"Oh trust me, I've only got eyes for one thing and that's making sure my date is having the best night."

All the guys gathered in the foyer of the house cheered and whistled at Wonwoo's response. Mingyu was stood at the top of the staircase, keeping his presence unknown for now. His eyebrows furrowed together as he let the commotion downstairs sink in. Wonwoo was interested in someone? Since when? He felt like he didn't even know his best friend anymore.

Everyone was waiting for their dates to appear as the party bus would be taking everyone to the formal. Seungcheol's date already arrived for the evening, as well as Vernon's. Mingyu's date said that she would be running late.

Ding dong.

Mingyu's head picked up towards the door. Maybe she was here already? Mingyu fixed the blazer he was wearing as he began to walk down the stairs but he froze when he saw movement from his peripheral. He noticed Wonwoo appear and head towards the door, opening it was ease. I mean, it could have been Wonwoo's date after all? He was intrigued to know who this mystery girl could be.

"You know, you still should have let me come pick you up," Wonwoo laughed. He sounded happy which made Mingyu feel good. But he couldn't quite make out who he was speaking to, both being unable to hear and see due to Wonwoo's structure. It was clear that his date was shorter.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, honey," Wonwoo said. Maybe his date was more than just a date? "Thank you, baby," the feminine voice said.

Yet, it sounded so familiar to Mingyu. Was it someone fro class? One of the sorority girls that often mixed with? Mingyu tried is best to know everyone he interacted with, always wanting to be polite. He was getting more impatient by the second that passed without a reveal.

Wonwoo's arm wrapped around you, leading you inside. Once Wonwoo turned around, Mingyu's world came crumbling down. The guys gathered gasp once Wonwoo led you inside and out of the cold.

Y/n. Y/n is Wonwoo's date?

Mingyu felt his blood run cold. How could this be happening? Since when were you talking to Wonwoo? Since when did Wonwoo ever have any interest in you? Was this the reason why Wonwoo was no longer speaking to him?

All the guys seemed overjoyed both see Wonwoo happy but also to see you. Often, whispers of how the guys missed seeing you around filled the halls of the house. It drove Mingyu furious knowing he was at fault for your disappearance. He couldn't blame you for no longer wanting to show face around the fraternity. But his brothers also missing you served as a reminder how badly he messed up. "Y/n, you're radiating!" "Wonwoo, how the fuck did you manage to get y/n?" "It's so good to see you again! Are you and Wonwoo official? Are you the girl he's been sneaking off to?"

You giggled as you glanced up at Wonwoo, a smile on your lips. Mingyu shattered as he saw you rest your hand on his chest, running it up and down. Just like you used to do for him. Wonwoo wore the widest grin before pushing his glasses up the bridge of his noise, making sure to keep his arm around you. You guys were so in love. God, I think I'm going to be sick.

Mingyu didn't dare want to hear the response Wonwoo was about to say. He tried moving back upstairs, but the squeak of the wooden staircase gave him away. Damn this old house! The conversation stopped and all eyes immediately went towards him, following the sound of the noise.

He slowly looked over from his position on the staircase. Mingyu wanted to be angry at Wonwoo for getting close to you, for filling in his space in your life. He saw the way you stuck to Wonwoo's side, almost hiding yourself from Mingyu.

Buzz buzz.

Mingyu's phone vibrated from his pants pocket. He couldn't even address everyone as he used his phone going off to distract him. At least he could think of the right things to say.

"Hey Gyu, I'm so sorry to do this last minute. I gotta cancel.. came down with the stomach bug. I'll make it up to you"

Fucking great.

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

The whole ride to the formal was tortuous for Mingyu. He sat on one end of the party bus while you and Wonwoo occupied another section. Several bodies were in between the two of you, but Mingyu still had a good view of you.

Everyone was chatting, catching up and getting to know each other. Especially the girls in attendance, as for many this was the first time meeting. Most people were enjoying the drinks provided by the bus company. Music was playing which drowned out most of the conversations happening except for those immediately to your side.

Wonwoo was to your left side, your body leaning into his a bit. Not once during the whole ride, unless someone spoke directly to Wonwoo, did his eyes leave you. He looked at you like you were his whole world. And he gets it. To Mingyu, you are just as precious. He just never thought he'd witness this love tragedy of his best friend falling for his girl.

You wore wearing a dark blue dress that stopped short at your thighs. You crossed your legs, so your right thigh was resting on top of your left. It caused your dress to hike up, exposing more of your leg. Mingyu swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in his throat. Absolute torture.

Someone cleared the their throat beside Mingyu before a sharp jab to the ribs.

Mingyu let out a small groan before eyes went blazing to the person next to him. Seungcheol put his arms in defense. "Dude, I'm just looking out for you. You're staring."

With a raised eyebrow, Mingyu looked back over to you. But instead of your eyes, he was met with Wonwoo giving him a death stare. You had your head turned, speaking to Vernon's date while Wonwoo looked like he was ready to rip off Mingyu's head. Oh fuck.

Wonwoo's gaze eased up as he kissed your head lingeringly. He untangled his arm from your hold just so he could slip his jacket off of himself, placing it on your lap to cover your exposed legs. His head ducked down to whisper into your ear. Mingyu clenched his jaw, wondering what on Earth could be spewing out of his best friend's mouth. Whatever it was, it pleased you as you pecked his lips.

That seemed to snap Mingyu back into reality. Were you guys actually dating? Did he lose you forever? While he's been enjoying the view of you, it was quickly ripped away coming to realize that you might actually be Wonwoo's girl, not just the date for the evening.

I have to win her back.

The music died down as the party bus came to a stop. The doors slowly opened, showing that we arrived at our destination. People began to filter out. Wonwoo helped you ease up, taking his jacket from your lap to wrap it around your shoulders. His hands quickly made sure your dress covered your completely. His eyes glanced back at Mingyu. Wonwoo was seeing red. And Mingyu knew that.

Mingyu waited for everyone to leave the party bus before disembarking himself. Maybe he was waiting for his death sentence from Wonwoo, sensing that he was becoming public enemy #1 in the eyes of his former his best friend.

He couldn't help but wonder how you saw him. Did you believe you two could get back together? Did you also see him as the devil? Or did Mingyu have a chance at winning you back?

After getting enough courage, Mingyu began to make his way out of the party bus. He thanked the bus driver before slipping a tip to him. He jogged down the steps just to see Wonwoo with you. Your body was half hidden behind Wonwoo who was staring him down.

"I don't know what the fuck your deal is, Mingyu, but knock it off." "I'm not the one who got together with their best friend's girl." "And I'm not the one who cheated on her. It's not my fault you're just now coming to your senses after not trying to even apologize. Just stay away from us."

All Mingyu could do was nod. Or else he would have punched Wonwoo right in the face. And seeing that this was a fraternity event, he was not about to let his anger get the best of him.

Satisfied, Wonwoo turned back towards you. His hand rested on your lower back as he began leading you into the venue.

What took Mingyu by surprise was when you looked back at him. He couldn't quite read your expression. You were at least acknowledging him as you looked back over your shoulder at your ex lover, just as your new lover was escorting you away.

This was going to be an interesting evening.

[vasito-de-leche]

Do you have any specific queer headcannons of r1999 characters if so which ones and why?

I wrote a bunch of stuff for this post but then tumblr fucked me up and reloaded without saving it so here we are..... rewriting it all over again ... OAUGH. usually I default to seeing everyone as Vaguely Bisexual and Not Cis until stated otherwise, but you asked for specifics so here we go!

6 is aromantic or demiromantic.

On one hand, it's because I love projecting on my faves. On the other hand, it's because he genuinely doesn't feel like the type of person to be interested in relationships. But this isn't something that's tied to any potential disgust, repulsion or even trauma related to his Revelation and struggle against fate -- to me, 6 just doesn't feel romantic attraction. At the very least, nothing strong enough to consider pursuing. It's not in his priorities. I really dislike this specific thing that fandoms do in which every single character who is introverted, or who happens to be alone/isolated (either by chance or by choice) is secretly lonely, touch starved, pining and desperate for attention and romantic love. It feels like such a huge disrespect for their equally important platonic or familial relationships. 6 already holds a lot of love for his own community and his childhood friends, a type of affection that is shown in his subtle and unique ways. I like it when his character focuses on those aspects instead!

Mesmer Jr. is aromantic and asexual.

In her case, she's the opposite of 6. Mesmer Jr.'s trauma and OCD is much too intense for her to even consider the idea of an emotional or physical bond with anyone. She's disgusted at the idea of touching others so casually, and she's afraid at the possibility of allowing a person (someone she logically cannot have any control over) into her life because what if they throw her off her schedule? What if they mess every meticulous thing she's planned for herself and her mental stability? What if she loses her grip? Yes, it's plausible that she may find a partner who works perfectly with the way she needs things to be, and yes, you can headcanon that she heals and her OCD becomes "manageable" enough to have a stable relationship, but personally? I just like it when characters don't get to have stereotypical happy endings in which everything gets better through love and friendship and support -- like, yeah everyone loves to see their faves happy and all but eh... It's a bit of projection on my part! Some people don't get to heal and do all the things their disabilities prevented them from doing, even if we're given all this support and love. Some of us just have to find ways around these things, anything that works for us that makes our lives easier.

Sweetheart is queer but has a complex relationship with love. In a somewhat similar vein, Blonney has gone through every single letter of the LGTBQ+ community.

I tried my best to explain my thoughts on Sweetheart but at this point she deserves her own post because it's honestly a LOT, this single part was just too long so I cut it out entirely. Just trust me when I say she's queer and has a very complex relationship with love. In Blonney's case, we discussed the possibility of her being written as comphet and it got me to think a little about her. I see Blonney as the type of girl who presents as a straight bimbo, following the themes of her character and all, but who has constant crisis after crisis in the privacy of her bedroom, the only place she's allowed to be more than just a blondie. This constant journey questioning her orientations and gender happens entirely in her head and in private. I like to think that she just has these long monologues in her head. Sure, she's identified as straight her whole life, but maybe bisexual works better because there was that one girl she kept meeting under the bleachers. Oh, but maybe she's a lesbian, since all her boyfriends are just huge disappointments and none of them ever make her truly happy. Oh, but maybe that's just because she has bad taste in men, there was that one guy in class who keeps making her laugh after all. Ahh, this would be so much easier if she were a guy, her femininity is mostly performative after all. Ah, but she actually really loves pink and fashion... Nonbinary then? No, she's not the type to pick something so vague, it's one or the other. Oh, how about both? Genderfluid! Etc etc. If you ask her about how she identifies, she'll simply brush you off with a "What's it to you? That's none of your business, creep!" and move on, but this is something very personal to her. So far, she knows she likes being femme presenting and that she likes Jessica!

Eagle is a trans girl.

Have you guys seen those posts going around tumblr about how important it is that trans women exist because they fight for their own womanhood and girlhood in a world that constantly looks down upon feminine things and all women as a whole? Yeah. Yeah. Eagle being a scout that fights so hard to prove herself, the feelings of not belonging into the Boy Scouts and seeing how the Girl Scouts are created eventually, a space for her. The fact that she visits her father's grave so that he can see her grow up.

Kaalaa Baunaa, Oliver Fog, Medicine Pocket and Melania are probably bisexual, but they're super busy with work so they don't have time to address that.

Self-explanatory <3 I do like to think that Kaalaa and Medpoc are more chill about it, Kaalaa because she's a grown ass woman who is very mature, and Medpoc because they genuinely give no fucking shits about dating in general, so who cares about confirming whether they're bisexual or not. Oliver Fog is a little more flustered at the idea of exploring his orientation and whatnot, but it's tolerable. BUT MELANIA? I LOVE to think that she's FULLY aware that the MOMENT she acknowledges her bisexuality, she will have a crisis and then what will she do? She has 3 papers due next week and a heist this weekend, she can't possibly sit there wondering about liking girls! She's got things to do!

And here's the extra round of HCs that don't require that much text to explain or that lean towards being more silly!

Eternity has literally outlived the concept of gender. She/They royalty.

37 has QRPs instead. It Just Works. No one but herself and her partners understand the dynamics, though. As god intended <3

APPLe is a raging bisexual and has been spotted in many gay bars. Regulus is also bisexual.

The world would've been a better place if Bette was a butch lesbian.

Balloon Party and An-An Lee play with gender like its playdough.

Baby Blue is Not Cis and she's Not Straight either because none of that shit matters to her anymore, since she's been disconnected from reality and society for so long. She also doesn't care about labelling herself.

Diggers is trans, but no one can figure out which way exactly. It doesn't help that he refuses to clarify either. The same thing happens with John Titor, except she's very vocal about being a transwoman.

Bunny Bunny is bisexual but she hasn't realized this yet. In similar fashion, Horropedia is bisexual but he just forgets about it sometimes.

Druvis III as a trans woman goes hand in hand with Forget Me Not as a gay man. This is why they're both super divorced.

Leilani is pansexual because she prefers the colors of that specific flag over the bisexual one. Spathodea is pansexual because the personal distinction between pansexuality and bisexuality matters to her.

Tennant is bisexual because she can scam and seduce more people that way.

The Fool is nonbinary. Mf should've been born in the 2020's, I just KNOW he would've loved mirrorgender.

Zima is in the closet not out of shame but out of safety. Just in case.

Sotheby assumes that every girl in the world likes girls. So far no one has been able to prove her wrong because all she does is interact with other sapphic girls.

Pavia is nonbinary out of spite. But I also love transguy Pavia HCs so so so much, give that guy boobs, he would never get top surgery <3

Vertin is nonbinary too but she doesn't care about people knowing about it. She does, however, make the effort to be a little androgynous, as a treat for herself.

Madam Z and Katz absolutely had a Situationship going on during university. Katz was bicurious and Madam Z helped her experiment. Now the Situationship is between Madam Z and Constantine, the latter using Madam Z as a rebound after fumbling her relationship with Vertin's mother <- the machinations in my brain will astonish you.

TTT is genderfluid by virtue of being a picture on a TV, so I like to think she can just shift her appearance. In similar fashion, gender means nothing to Alien T and Voyager because they're aliens.

I specifically love the idea of all of the 1.2 gang joking about how Tooth Fairy is their token straight adult figure -- she's actually bi and asexual, but likes to keep that to herself so the kids can make their little jokes and have fun.

Enigma is gay and homophobic because his self-loathing is just that strong.

Turns out that the push Click needed to explore his own sexuality was getting killed on the battlefield, so now he's free to be gay. perhaps bicurious.

[b1acksh33p999]

December Horoscopes🎄✨:

🔥Aries: This month is going to bring forth massive transformation for Aries! With the North Node still transiting in conjunction with your Sun sign, and starting the month off in the family oriented 4°; this will bring up a lot of changes in terms of family values, and redefine what family means to you. As the North node continues to retrograde throughout the month, Aries will go through a total of 4 phases; redefining family values, communicating these changes, implementing changes that align with new values, and finally all of these changes being undeniably on the surface. My advice to you this month is to listen to your heart, and follow your intuition. This combination will help ensure you end up exactly where you feel most guided to be, and ensure you become the person you’re supposed to be to help you navigate the hard waters found within the new year. It’s time to take on the challenge!

⛰️Taurus: This month is going to start off with massive epiphanies! With Uranus still in conjunction with your Sun sign and starting off in the intuitive 24°, this will bring forth a knowing so accurate that it will rival any intuition you’ve had prior. Some themes to keep an eye out for are changes in children’s behaviors, acts of rebellion that a lesser evolved version of you can relate to, opportunities to increase monetary income by enhancing your knowledge in a certain area, and mental health changes in the people closest to you. My advice to you this month is to be of service to others, and use this enhancement in knowledge and knack for intuition to help those who may not see what is clearly in front of them. Once you find yourself helping those around you, then you will find these same people being of service to you by mid-late 2025. What goes around, comes around!

🌬️Gemini: This month your luck is going to change! With a huge month for emotional shifts, paired with Jupiter’s expansive energy - this month is going to change everything for Gemini, especially when it comes to what they are expected to feel and attain moving forward. This final month is going to set up Gemini for a very different year in 2025, with the most change being in the area of love and relationships. My advice to you this month is to start finding more love within yourself and realigning your priorities with what you’re ready to attain instead of focusing your energy on what has been lost over the years prior. With Pluto’s shift into Aquarius, you’re entering an era unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Any love lost, and any hearts broken in the past will prove to be stepping stones to get you to where you will be by the end of 2025. This month is simply beginning that cycle, so get ready to experience a love like you’ve never experienced before!

🌊Cancer: This month is going to push you to finally set the boundaries you’ve needed to get the life you’ve always wanted! With many planetary oppositions aspecting your Sun sign this month, you may feel like the world around you is changing so quickly and drastically; leaving you feeling left behind. This energetic change is happening now to prepare you for what’s yet to come in 2025, which is a complete shift in priorities, and massive changes in daily life! My advice to you this month is to use the new moon in Capricorn on the 31st to lay down the law on what you are willing to sacrifice for and what’s not a priority for you. Cancer’s have been in a self sacrificial period for far too long, and the plutonic shift into Aquarius is going to help jumpstart one of the luckiest periods for you. Let others cater to you for once - because once we hit the new year, the changes in 2025 will make your current lifestyle completely unsustainable. Set the boundaries now and keep to your word!

🔥Leo: This month is going to come with massive physical changes, and some possible financial mishaps! With Pluto’s opposition to your Sun sign, and Mars starting her retrograde in conjunction with your sun sign; tempers will be running high, and you may have a few financial oversights that come back to bite you. Don’t fixate on this too much however, since 2025 has so many changes in store for Leo that will help put you ahead in these areas in terms of long-term sustainability. My advice to you this month is to try and be understanding to others emotional upsets, instead of putting yourself in the focus. This self-sacrificial energy will not be something Leo can maintain, however it will help Leos understand any mishaps happening around them. Come the new year, 2025 will bring many changes and upgrades in areas of finances, and friendships. So, don’t worry about any drama brought on this month. It’s only temporary!

⛰️Virgo: This month is going to be huge in terms of family changes for Virgo! With both Saturn and Neptune in opposition to your Sun sign, the changes happening this month are both karmic and something you will have been able to see coming. Nothing will come by surprise! My advice to you this month is to keep to yourself if you don’t feel that your energy or influence is being appreciated. The best plan of action for Virgo this month is to put all of their energy back into themselves and create the life they always wanted for themselves. Now is not the time to sacrifice yourself for others, or to put yourself out there for family who may not want you around. Take these lessons and find a way to better yourself and your personal situation so you can grow from the hardships you’ve experienced in 2024. In 2025, many changes will be coming for Virgo and can sometimes feel like it’s challenging an already difficult situation. This energy is not meant to end your luck, instead it’s meant to help you rediscover power within yourself you thought was long lost. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for!

🌬️Libra: This month is going to help rebalance lost harmony within your life! With the asteroid Vesta in conjunction with your sun sign - this is going to enhance your softer side, making you less likely to put up with drama or people who have already betrayed you in the past. By the end of the month you will have fully embraced this new balancing act of finding a middle ground between being cold and people pleasing. These changes will only enhance over the next 18 years of Pluto transiting in fellow air sign, Aquarius. My advice to you this month is to prioritize the people and things that matter the most to maintain your personal peace, and leave the rest in the past where it belongs. If it’s meant for you, it will come to you without conditions!

🌊Scorpio: This month is going to switch up what you thought you knew, which may have you feeling nostalgic about the past. Let me be clear from the beginning, this nostalgia is not due to missing the past lifestyle you had, instead it’s more of missing the person you were before losing hope in the bigger picture of a better world in the future. The best advice I can give you this month is to remind you that these fears are simply feelings, and not an undeniable fact. For Scorpio in 2025, huge changes in understanding personal power are inevitable. So, that means in a way the best is still yet to come! Whether it may feel that way right now or not. By the new moon in Capricorn on the 31st you will start to feel an increase in anxiety of what’s coming for the collective in the new year. My advice to you is to understand that it’s not your job to save everyone, only yourself. Make sure you have solid goals for the new year and vocalize them to those you trust before the year’s end. This will help you feel understood moving forward, and give you faith in what’s yet to come. Keep your head clear, and your eyes peeled as we move into the new year!

🔥Sagittarius: This month is going to open your eyes to what you’ve been overlooking in both your own behavior and the people you’ve been surrounding yourself with. With the month starting off with a new moon in Sagittarius, then ending on the 31st with a new moon in Capricorn; this month is going to be the eye opener you’ve needed all year! My best advice to you is to be true to yourself and try to stay as grounded to reality as you possibly can. This will help you coast through any possible drama that could arise around you this month. With the Mars retrograde starting this month in a trine to your sun sign, this will increase your need for freedom and laughter, away from any possible drama. My advice to you this month is to keep your eyes open to those who are seemingly bringing drama into your life, without reason. These people are meant to be left in 2024, not brought into the new year. In 2025, many changes will come, which will enhance your need for loving and trustworthy relationships full of understanding. Any self-centered people, fueled by drama, will only bring you trouble. Allow yourself to move into a new era of your life without the need for gossip or drama. You will thank yourself for cutting ties with those loose ends now, instead of waiting until they end up turning on you in 2025!

⛰️Capricorn: This month is going to open your eyes to a whole new lifestyle! With Pluto officially moving into Aquarius, and the end of the month falling into a new moon in Capricorn - the last two weeks of the month will be a great example of what changes may come for your lifestyle in 2025. My advice to you this month is to spend New Year’s Eve reevaluating your priorities, and cutting down time at work where you deserve a break. It’s not your job to take care of everyone around you financially. In fact, you may come to an epiphany that you’ve been doing more than you’ve really wanted to do out of love. In 2025, it will be time for you to officially shift into the slower pace you’ve desired for so long. Any financial burdens that may arise during this slow down can be worked through logically, as long as those around you are willing to work with these adjustments. Anyone unwilling to give you the slower pace you’ve desired is abusing your kindness. 2025 will bring some much needed vacation time and the slower pace at work you’ve always deserved, so enjoy!

🌬️Aquarius: This month is going to increase your sense of urgency for repairing what is wrong with the world, while increasing your desire to help repair the collective! With Pluto’s shift underway in conjunction with your Sun sign, while Venus joins in this energy on the full moon on the 15th; the urgency you’re feeling now for change is only a small portion of what you will feel over the next 18 years. My advice to you is to use this energy to get more involved in giving back to others. Any work with charities, or selfless behaviors, will only act as an outlet for this excess of energy. As we move into 2025, this energy will amplify and can easily be used to build a more sustainable way of giving back to the collective. Any work that involves giving back, will only help amplify your social status and level of self worth now!

🌊Pisces: This month will have you being the reaper of karma and intuitive wake-up calls for those around you now! With Neptune and Saturn both still in conjunction with your sun sign, this will help put the ball in your court when it comes to watching those who’ve wronged you get what’s coming to them. On the 15th during the full moon, you will receive some sort of information that will help you understand the themes coming to you in the new year. My advice to you is to use this knowledge to empathize with those less fortunate now, instead of simply saying “I told you so”. This energy will help align you with your higher self and show you what your most powerful ability really is: your empathy. In 2025, you can expect changes in residence and travel while maintaining your strong intuitive ability to guide you to exactly where you’re meant to be now. Don’t look back, because the only direction you’re going is forward!

[toomanyf4ndoms7]

Batgirls game concept.

Premise: Moving to a new neighbourhood, it was only a matter of time before trouble showed up. With The calculator assembling force of costumed foes to finally crack the mystery of Oracle, It's up to the three Batgirls plus Oracle to catch the crooks and give a new hope to their new home.

@dchuntress

@spoilerqlert

Playable characters: Batgirl/Cassandra Cain, Spoiler/Stephanie Brown, and Misfit/Charlie Gage Radcliffe. There would be a mission where you play as Oracle defending her clock-tower able to give orders to the three Batgirls and trigger defences.

Gameplay:

Imagine a combination of the freeflow Arkham combat and some of Gotham Knights Momentum abilities.

Batgirl/Cassandra Cain: The most similar to a traditional Arkham style gameplay. Swift and skilled combat.

Base Momentum ability: One Who Is All: Activates a one hit knock-out for up to three enemies, use this in conjunction with instant takedown for lore accurate gameplay.

Spoiler/Stephanie Brown: A bit of a gadget priority character with elemental gadgets that can be quick-fired during combat encounters.

Base Momentum Ability: Taser suit: Taking damage will shock-stun enemies as well, useful in big fights for breathing room.

Misfit/Charlie Gage Radcliffe: Close range fighter who says quips at the end of every fight. Can switch targets in combat with her 'bounce' teleports, rather than simply rocketing over to them like Cass or Steph.

Base Momentum Ability: DARK VENGEANCE!!!: A trio of teleport strikes that does good damage on bosses and does a typical knockout on basic enemies.

Side missions:

Each of the BG's have one personal side mission.

Change: Cassandra Cain runs into one of her training assassins from her time with David Cain and tries to get them to turn over a new leaf. Mainly combat oriented, with a detective vignette in a bar.

Spoil Your Fun: Stephanie, out on patrol, notices an orange envelope, styled in her father's Cluemaster identity. Imagine Riddler trophies, where you can collect flavour text items. Collect enough and complete the Clue Challenges (Puzzles or combat arenas.) and You're given the coordinates for a boss fight with Cluemaster's former henchman, The Baffler, who is on his own quest to be a Big Shot.

Misfit down the rabbit hole: Black Alice has appeared in Charlie's school, but with their history, Misfit finds it important to investigate. (Mainly detective work, ends with a boss fight in an arcade for the sake of atmosphere.)

Collectibles:

Audio Diary: Learn the story before the end of the game, start with Barbara Gordon making an audio recording before the police masquerade, and end with her detailing the move to the new neighbourhood.

Comic covers: By searching for and picking up little batarangs, you can unlock certain comic covers for your viewing pleasure, along with the issue synopsis.

Extra Content:

Christmas Crusader (DLC): On Christmas Day, Barbara tells a story from one of her more... exciting Batgirl escapades. Play As Barbara during her time as Batgirl, on a mission to take down Calendar King and make it home in time before the clock strikes Christmas Day.

Early Days: Small mini-stories for each of the trio, set during early times in their vigilante career. Think like the Arkham Episodes from Knight.

Challenge trials:

Stealth Tests: Take out enemies without getting spotted in varying locations:

Clocktower.

Calculator Headquarters.

Moth-Cave.

Batburger.

Others...

Mall.

Rematch: Face against past bosses at varying difficulties, including:

Killer Moth.

Spellbinder.

Black Alice.

Baffler.

Shrike.

Ventriloquist. (Shauna Belzer and Ferdie.)

Calculator Mech.

Calendar King.

Other Details:

You know how Insomniac Spider-Man had a social media function in the menu? That's here too. For Fun.

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

I've had this idea in my head for months, so I hope this came across accurately.

[impossiblesuitcase]

Cinder’s fashion:

While I do see her still occasionally wearing her go-to mechanic girl fit even after becoming queen and empress, I love the idea that she starts adding to her style now that she has bank. Like come on, just because she’s a mechanic doesn’t mean she’s wearing the same thing 24/7 like a cartoon character — Especially after re-entering the royal life.

We all know that Cinder wears utilitarian clothing (ie. cargo pants, boots) in the series, mainly because she’s a mechanic and/or in combat on the run. That, and the fact that she had negative funds to buy any nice clothes.

When it comes to royal attire for events, I envision her wearing oriental/cultural gowns and such, as well as elegant, one of a kind, designer dresses that were made just for her to wear (ie. Aelin’s dragon dress). Maybe a slit on her left leg, fitted sleeves, etc. No matter what kind of dress it is, I definitely think it would contain very intricate detailing of her Lunar roots, like crescents, moons, and stars in the embroidery or lacing - sort of like an easter egg. All of this, of course, paired with complementary jewelry, accessories, and a beautiful hairdo. Nothing is ever too much that it looks like the poor girl was thrown head first into a royal closet. Every outfit she wears, especially these fancy ones, becomes iconic and the media goes crazy over them.

When it comes to work related things, I can see her wearing those office-siren type outfits, pin-striped fitted pants, a cute button up top/blouse, and some little heels. With her hair, she’d look gorgeous with a blowout. She wants her hair up? No problem. Give her one of those blowout + claw clip up dos and she’s an absolute girl boss and she stands on business. Because she’s a young lady, and a rather normal one at that, I don’t see Iko constantly having her wear blazers and that typical business formal attire because to me that screams middle-aged politician (no hate).

On a more casual, outing type of occasion, I think the almost 90’s/2000s sort of outfits would suit her quite well actually. 

Because of her slim figure, those low-rise ish jeans and a cute top and leather jacket would look like she came right out of a 2000s fashion magazine. Definitely giving the emperor’s hot girlfriend. Paired with the blowout hair from earlier, the paparazzi and media eat it up. Iko & her stylists take advantage of her tall figure and have essentially turned her into a model icon, although Cinder remains semi-oblivious to her fashion impact, but nonetheless acknowledges that Iko & the stylists have her looking good no matter the event.

Of course, we ALL know Ms Cinder is the coolest baddie, so going back to the 90’s style, she’d absolutely ROCK an outfit with jeans, a baggy jersey top, perfectly curated gold jewelry, and maybe other accessories like a bandana in her hair. I love this style and am so glad it’s since made a comeback, and it’s only suiting that the coolest empress would have the coolest style.

Additionally, these street fashion-y looks will include her iconic cargo pants (which are also back in fashion), and I definitely see her starting a fashion trend among many others. Her original outfit style will now be UPGRADED to have her cargo pants/mechanic vibe but now with more of that cyborg/cyberpunky sci fi style (ie. bomber jacket, cool headphones like she has on the Cinder cover)

When it comes to being in the garage, I still see wearing her usual mechanic/comfortable/utilitarian clothes, just NEW, better quality versions, instead of her old clothes — although I can see her not caring much about holes and stains because “I’m a mechanic. I get dirty”

I am secretly Iko

I also agree on the 90s/00s grunge streetwear for her casual looks. While Cinder would probably become a bit more experimental in her looks, comfort is still a high priority, so I think her casual looks would feature baggy jumpers/jackets and comfortable jeans, but spruced up a bit with nice jewellery. In summer I think she would go for lighter clothes, like short-sleeved collared shirts with low-rise jeans which show off her midriff.

I do think her office-wear would be classy and stylish, but when I look up office siren online a lot of it looks quite revealing which doesn't seem like something Cinder would want to wear. So yes, still chic, but modest and practical. She's in a work environment after all, not a vogue mag. In addition, her work activities would vary. For public appearances and meetings with diplomats, she would be dressed by her stylist. But when she's working all day in the office doing paperwork, I think she would opt for simple, comfortable yet professional, especially since she would be picking it out herself. Probably just slacks and a blouse with some jewellery. I also love the idea of Kai picking out outfits for her <3

Cinder says that her hair "would never hold a curl", and it is described to be somewhat thin and limp, so I can't imagine her with a blowout all the time. Maybe for special occasions when Iko is styling it, but probably not on a daily basis since it doesn't seem like it would hold very long. And we know she loves a ponytail, so I could honestly see that remaining her go-to for causal/business looks.

Anyway I love all your ideas!! Honestly it would be so fun to assemble a mood board of some outfits we could imagine her wearing!

[whisperwritingstuff]

Oh! I realized I do have a question - throughout the main series fics it seemed like Scar in particular was less interested in sex than the others, and most notably there was the scene in find yourself, let me find you where Cub firmly asserts that boundary while Scar's in subspace. Is that due to asexuality/greysexuality, just a personal lack of interest in certain situations/when already overstimulated, or something else?

(And if you have any other sexuality/romantic orientation/gender details, I'd also be interested! Even if it's less about having a Single Solid Identity Picked Out, and moreso vague character tendencies/thoughts)

i do sometimes think about the sexuality/romance stuff of the main beasts trio yea, even though not a single one of them thinks or cares about labels for themselves like. at all. even a little. and a lot of this stuff only makes it to the main fic in implications and inferences

for main beasts scar, he enthusiastically likes being involved in intimate activities with his partners, of all kinds. but when it comes to being on the receiving end, he has a strong preference for sensual activities over activities that are actively orgasm-seeking. which is a messy kind of thing to put a label on? because he's fine with sex and all that, enjoys doing sex acts with partners and friends when the situation arises, but he doesn't place any priority on actually cumming himself (isn't that exciting/showstopping/worthwhile for him) during those activities (and yeah, Cub gets protective about their bedroom partners being WeirdBad about Scar's preferences there, especially when scar's subspacey or otherwise unable to advocate for himself)

main beasts scar does very much enjoy any excuse to put his mouth on his partners tho, double especially if it makes them feel good

my thoughts on main beasts sexuality for grian and cub are a little more nebulous

i tend to think of beasts grian as low-sex-drive allo, in that he's pretty open/interested about most sex stuff but he just doesn't get the urge to do it too terribly often, and hasn't really figured out a lot of his own kinks yet, mostly stumbling into them when someone else he's with happens to involve him in it rather than seeking any of it out in the first place. down for a good time when the opportunity presents itself though.

main beasts cub likes edging, and playing around with overwhelm/overstimulation. and he does get a little horny about the power dynamics/mind control stuff. a man who likes pushing stuff to extremes in general, and that also applies to his sex life.

him and scar have tried out a Lot of stuff by now, b/c Cub gets curious a lot and scar is basically always up for a new experience with cub. so cub has a lot of very solid ideas about what he likes, all across the spectrum from vanilla stuff to stuff that would make seasoned kinksters go 'whoa maybe you should slow down a sec'.

i suppose for the romance stuff, i do keep calling it the sprawling hermitcraft demiromantic polycule, with the general idea that in beasts verse that most hermits have the potential to develop some sort of intimate feelings for just about any another hermit, if they spend enough time together interacting during a season/plotline/life game, and they tend to retain some amount of that bond going forward once it forms. which is mostly me being very self-indulgent.

[feniksido]

For some reason my post about the Heist in the Hells has been getting some traction recently so I thought maybe it's time to talk about my actual thoughts on what I would like to see in the hypothetical Heist in the Hells DLC (my personal hell)

I was trying to figure out a whole bunch of stuff about Mephistopheles and the 8th layer of the hells! First, the vaults are in Mephistar, a citadel on top of a Glacier named Nargus, which is piloted by Mephisto all over Cania constantly on the move. Mephisto has his slowly melting throne at the very center of the glacier, and the rest of the city is like a mini-hell with 3 terraced levels where the lowest level is with “lowly least devils” and mid tier for mid devils i guess and then hellfire masters and nobles and the wizards on the third higher levels. It’s heated on the inside of Mephistar! It has baths and scented fires (not sure what they smell like but I assume something other than fire?)

The rest of Cania is just like barren wasteland full of just the weirdest left over arcane energy cus of Mephisto’s experimentation, its cold as fuck and it has constant surveillance against spies, mostly spies sent by Dispater, mr THE Arms Dealer of all the planes, so you know that motherfucker mephistopheles is very used to these types of people showing up and trying to go into the vaults and such

NOW Helsik very specifically used the words “I punched a portal into the Archdevil’s dusty vaults”, so I assume it was directly into the vaults that they fell into. I'm not sure how this is even possible but i'm not one to ask questions that i will never understand the answers to (lying, im seething) 

However, regardless of the fact that I don't know how Helsik the queen that she is did that, she did do it. I imagine the vaults are huge and incredibly elaborate and probably several stories? Layers? Deep. The items and scrolls and information must all be neatly cataloged and kept track of in the most particular way because Mephistopheles is nothing if not obsessively controlling of all his knowledge and information

However the whereabouts of the actual physical objects must be like.. Constantly changing or magically protected so that those with no authorization cannot find their way through the vaults

Mephistopheles’s filing system is… insane but i do think he would keep track. Or make someone else keep track. He’s very busy. He typically hands down experiments he ran out of time to deal with in his busy schedule to his lessers so I wouldn't put it past him to have someone else also take care of the cataloging. The Crown of Karsus is NOT high on his priority list so i understand how this was potentially feasible to Gortash and The Dark Urge

Actually Talking about the heist itself now: 

I imagine that if a whole heist dlc (don't think we’re getting one but a man can dream) did happen it would start with a bit of exposition. Probably explaining a little bit of the Letters between Durge and Gortash. Specifically these ones:

Then we cut to a scene where they’re already at Helsik’s place. They’ve discussed the plans in depth, they’ve been doing test runs for this in the House of Hope and now it’s time for the real deal. 

Helsik “punches” the portal into the Vaults and they jump in. The portal closes behind them, Helsik will not allow herself to be implicated in anything. They take in their surroundings; they have to be quick, although it is heated inside of Mephistar the frigidness of Cania cuts deeper than anything Baldur’s Gate could ever manage. I imagine that they, having never been here before, look for something that can help them navigate/orient themselves in the vaults. Perhaps that whole cataloging system I talked about earlier. You can choose to ignore it and just go straight forwards checking every room making it substantially harder and less efficient which makes Gortash a little pissy at you for not taking his advice and helping him look for that or you can look around for one but the actual system for cataloging is encrypted 

Maybe a mini puzzle game can take place here, like the one with the brain in Moonrise Towers 

The thingy would then lead deeper into vaults where they would fight Gelugons (the main residents of the 8th layer also known as ice devils) and other assorted devils including pit fiends and pain devils. Maybe a couple dire polar bears also who knows who Mephisto but on his security team

At one point i want to come across an ice devil that much like Yurgir in the house of hope in act 3, can be convinced to side with you and become a temporary ally (perhaps it holds resentment towards Hutijin, mephistopheles’ second in command, and just got sick and tired of the monotony and wants to stick it to the man, i just want a devil in my party even for a second) 

If you manage to successfully persuade this devil to join you, Gortash might be impressed and tell you about how tricking a devil is no easy feat, you can ask him to elaborate on that and he might tell you a bit about his time in the house of hope as Raphael’s unwilling guest Who knows

Moving on, I’d like several more puzzles to delve deeper into the vaults, some that lead nowhere some that lead exactly where you need to go, if you did the earlier puzzle Gortash will be able to guide you and say which ones lead nowhere and which ones are the ones you need to do 

Eventually I want a mechanically engineered door to be the next hurdle which Gortash takes upon himself to solve on his own since he’s more well suited towards this kind of thing, during this, rounds and rounds of incoming security swarm around you both, and Durge has to defend Gortash while he works on getting the door open. Much like the quest for Halsin looking for Thaniel in the Shadowfell, you gotta keep the portal open but instead of “keep the portal open” its “keep Gortash alive and not distracted”

When the rounds of enemies are done you get a little cutscene where you see Durge being overwhelmed by the many devils and it cuts to Gortash who has just opened the door and he takes less than a second’s pause before he decides that instead of going through the door and escaping to relative safety on his own, leaving durge to die he helps durge and they are both able to get through the door sealing it behind them, now in relative safety, they both take a second to breathe 

You as durge now can talk to Gortash and have the dialogue options to say Thank you, scold him for dragging you away from the bloody slaughter, or question his decision to come back for you

I THINK IN MY MIND that the response for all these options would basically be the same, because Gortash is a well practiced speaker and knows exactly what to say but his body language would sort of give him away for the way he’s feeling about the option you choose 

Thanking him would lead to a more defensive “pushing away” way of saying “I still require your assistance, we’re not done. Don’t expect it to happen again.” tsundere ass but like imagine that but better written 

Scolding him would get a sorta like “I cant fucking believe this” as if he expected durge to be a little more practical about things and not lose focus in the madness that was that slaughter and rampage, like i said still the same but just “Argh! I still require your assistance! We are NOT done. DO NOT expect it to happen again if you intend to act this way.” He needs you to focus, not lose yourself in blood

Questioning and challenging his decision but not outright saying you disapprove would probably be playing right into the whole “equals who challenge each other” thing that he likes to do so it’d probably make him slow down, talk slower, make him really think about why he did it and do the thing where while talking he can't look at Durge in the eyes so he looks off to the side or down at the floor “I still need your help. We’re nowhere near done. Let’s not expect this to happen again, yes?” Like acknowledging that yes that was in fact weakness that neither of their masters tolerate (because obviously the correct thing a baneite would have done is let the bhaalspawn die so that he alone already so close to the crown could take it for himself) and almost regretful that he didn't have a better excuse

You continue forward and finally come into the room with the Crown of Karsus and the portfolio labeled “Accelerated Grand Design”, there they encounter a boss fight, probably not mephisto himself cus they’d be dead tbh but maybe a simulacrum or something idk here things get a bit dicey for me cus what the fuck! How do they get out? I thought maybe they do the fight and once they grab everything they need or want they maybe have an enhanced cloak of dimension door or maybe a scroll of teleportation or something to get them out of the deep deep VAULTS themselves and into a place where they can “safely” create another circle on this side with the components and specific instructions Helsik gave them 

They’d arrive home back in Baldur’s Gate and celebrate their victory briefly and bada bing bada boom the dlc is over. If i had it my way at the end right there those two idiot geniuses would get so horny from the powerrush and bloodlust they just experienced that they end the dlc with durgetash fucking nasty 

[verbenaa]

oc tag game

thank you @xxnashiraxx @inkymoonbunny and @khywren for tagging me. i will always stan my girls ❤️🌹

screenshot and art both from my love @xxnashiraxx 🥹 ilysm

general

💎 name: Rin (last name unknown)

💎 alias: other than perhaps being dubbed 'an annoyance' or 'vexing little terror' by Astarion, she has none

💎 gender: female

💎 age: 34

💎 spoken language: common

💎 sexual orientation: pan

💎 occupation: mediocre/failure of a bard, occasional contract member of the guild, petty crime enthusiast (when necessary)

post-game

post-game, Rin leads a rather domestic life with Astarion and she's quite happy with it. After a life of no domesticity, she settles in just fine to having the comfort of money and the privilege of leisure. Eventually, when Astarion opens up an atelier, Rin likes to help out where she can, whether by just keeping him company or by charming customers into buying more. They also like to travel and have the occasional adventure for the fun of it :) she also knows nothing of the large, anonymous donations that seem to come in rather frequently that are supposed to be allotted to the many orphans/street children of Baldur's Gate...

pre-game

pre-game Rin was wild, for lack of a better word. She drank too much. Indulged in a variety of illicit and dangerous substances. Slept around. Was a liar and a thief and just all around a bit of a nuisance. She did what she needed to in order to get by, and while she wasn't out sowing chaos on a large scale, she certainly didn't make things easy. She spent most of her time alone and preferred to be a more distant with those she did know and kept things at surface-level.

favorite

💎 color: turquoise blue-green, or more specifically, the 'deep, turquoise blue-green of the Chionthar on a clear day at noontime' iykyk

💎 entertainment: writing, anything music related, and playing card games! also just drinking 🍷

💎 pastime: truly the same as her preferred forms of entertainment

💎 food: some good cheese or a nice baked treat (she secretly has a sweet tooth shh)

💎 drink: wine, wine, and more wine. also a fan of tea for when it is not wine time

have they...

💎 passed university: lol no. nor would she likely ever get accepted.

💎 had sex: absolutely.

💎 had sex in public: also absolutely. probably more than she’s had in private up until meeting Astarion, honestly, just due to the sheer convenience of an alleyway to get the job done and then leave quickly afterwards

💎 gotten tattoos: no, surprisingly! tattoos cost money and money is for ALCOHOL. she's not against them though, they just were never a priority for her.

💎 gotten piercings: currently she has just one in each ear, however I do believe she would be interested in getting more simply so she can have more jewelry to decorate herself with post-game.

💎 gotten scarred: indeed. no major scars initially, but a myriad of small ones from over the years, knicks and cuts that have long faded to near invisible. She does gain a number of new ones along the journey though, like the one beneath her collar bone that she obtained via stupidity/lack of self-preservation.

are they...

💎 a cuddler: miss touch-starved is absolutely a cuddler she just doesn’t realize it yet because she’s never been cuddled. she's got no idea what she's in for

💎 scared easily: perhaps not easily, necessarily, but she does get scared and feels that fear very keenly. She's talented at not showing it, though.

💎 jealous easily: yes and no? This one is difficult because I find Rin to be more envious than jealous, however she’s not above petty jealousy perhaps where Astarion is concerned.

💎 trustworthy: to the people she cares about, yes! To anyone else? Probably not lol

family

💎 sibling(s): none

💎 parents: she doesn't know her father (and he presumably doesn't know of her) and was abandoned by her mother when she was a child

💎 children: children are not directly featured in any part of her overall life plan (however minimal said plan may be) and so any children that may happen are purely accidental in nature and likely a number of years down the line. never say never, though

I'm sure most people have already been tagged to complete this since I'm doing this super late but tagging @elinorbard @vividiana @eraserspiral @preciouslittlebhaalbae @badbloodwitch @justabiteofspite to do this if you want to 💕

[ndostairlyrium]

OC Tag Game (part two)

I was tagged thrice, so maybe there will be three parts? lol nobody can't stop me from oversharing about my children

As for tagging: @melisusthewee @sparatus and @arcandoria 💛

Name: Ellero Cloris Ingellvar

Alias: Rook, Ellie, "Oh, no"

Gender: Cis male

Age: Mid twenties during Veilguard

Place of Birth: Unknown, but he will say he's risen from the grave if you ask - which technically is true

Spoken Languages: Other than Nevarran (mother tongue), he's fluent in Trade and he can read Orlesian and Tevene decently. Besides, he can recognize terms involving magic in other languages due to his studies. I imagine that the Mourn Watch has an extensive library with tomes written in different languages so there could be tools available, like vademecums on basic grammar. ALSO! I wouldn't call the MW cypher you can find in the Necropolis a proper language, with a grammar foundation and such, but it is a way to communicate among watchers so I guess that should be considered a language as well?

Sexual Orientation: He doesn't like labels and I don't even know what shape I'd give to his umbrella or what I'd put below. He just isn't straight, that's for sure :'D

Occupation: Mourn Watcher, and even if he can't watch over the Necropolis full time, he runs back home swiftly when summoned. I'd say "former" but a Mourn Watch never really leaves <3 Former Veilguard, when the Gods are defeated he helps rebuilding what's to be rebuilded by offering to escort people and move materials swiftly through the Crossroads. He would lend his expertise but he's not that much of an expert on anything except necromancy :'

FAVORITE:

Color: Sage green, royal purple, but also anything phthalo or metallic

Entertainment: Back at the Necropolis he would help fetch bones and "dress them up" with paint and jewels according to some wisps preferences. It wouldn't be really allowed by his superiors due to the fact that it could be considered disrespectful for the dead, but according to him, wisps like compliments and he's a great fashion designer

Food: He has extreme tastes, like cavity inducing sweet or extra sour aliments for example. He's partial to spices as well

Drink: Mint tea, sweet berry juices (like elderberry), mulled wine, and as of late: steamy hot chocolate with whipped cream and hazelnut syrup as a topping. He turns into a pumpkin spice latte girlie in Umbralis

Books: Anything the book club suggests him for the month, but he usually picks up manuals and essays for himself, along with newspapers. Not really a fan of fiction. Don't tell Varric, but he finds his books very long and very dispersive with a scandalous lack of pictures

HAVE THEY:

Passed University: Since the MW are an elite, I'd say the minimum requirement for having access to them is a solid academic preparation. So yeah, 110 cum laude and a pat on his back - with thesis discussion on degenerative stages of haunting and the sociologic correlation with the environment the spirit operates in. No phantoms were harmed in the process, but someone in the audience has fainted

Had Sex: Yes

Had Public Sex: Yes, and he says that sex inside caskets is not as cool as it sounds especially if you're bottoming

Gotten Tattoos: So many! He acquired the one on his back when he got his first salary

Gotten Piercings: Lobes only, but I would love to give him more :'

Had a Broken Heart: Romantically, just once in his teenage years, but the person he was with didn't have their priorities straight and hurt everyone in the process. Platonically, many times, because he tends to trust people on the get go

Been in Love: Yes, he's been in love multiple times, with Harding being the perfect match for him because love is not alone, there is more to their relationship

ARE THEY:

A Cuddler: Yes, he loves to just lay on people like an oversize cat until they give up whatever they're doing and pay attention to him <3

Scared Easily: No, but he pretends to be with spirits, so they can have fun at his expenses and be playful around him

Jealous Easily: Romantically, not really, but he can get real pissed when someones he's with doesn't respect his romantic boundaries. But! He gets comically jealous when his pets prefer other prople, there is that

Trustworthy: He tries his best, and please do trust him! He's just clumsy and sometimes lacks the spoons to act like a person but his heart is in the right place

FAMILY:

Siblings / Parents: The Watchers, basically. They gave him an education, food, and shelter. It's more than enough to call them family

Children: One, Hrildan "Hilda" Davrin. She's shaped like a Star Trek villain and has the energy of a cat when the 3am zoomies hit

Pets: Many cats and many chicken stolen from the Cullavellans but the main threat is what Cullen calls "EEEK" and it's just an undead skeletal cat with a cute lil bell on its neck - and an appetite for souls

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Blank Template:

GENERAL

Name: Alias(es): Gender: Age: Place of birth: Spoken languages: Sexual orientation: Occupation:

FAVOURITE

Colour: Entertainment: Pastime: Food: Drink: Books:

HAVE THEY

Passed university: Had sex: Had sex in public: Gotten tattoos: Gotten piercings: Had a broken heart: Been in love:

ARE THEY

A cuddler: Scared easily: Jealous easily: Trustworthy:

FAMILY

Sibling(s): Parents: Children: Pets: