#so anyway my thoughts are that. there are valid reasons to make those headcanons. you can make them.

[helloidkwhatimdoing-0]

Mmmmmmm i am thinking

[prince-liest]

Saw a post recently that rhetorically asked why authors and show writers leaving character sexuality up to interpretation is disappointing when fifteen years ago getting a statement that things were up to interpretation (as opposed to "Definitely NOT gay, you freaks!") was a blessing, and I make a point of never discoursing on the bird app, but wanted to share some thoughts on the subject here - particularly because Alastor is kind of a hot topic on this subject and I think he actually makes for a great example for my thoughts on this.

Honestly, as someone who did live through the "if you think my characters are gay then you're stupid and should die" era, I think it left me with the perspective that even if there is canon sexuality, then no matter what it is, you're free to then do whatever you want in fandom. People might call you a dick for it if you go about it in certain ways, but you're free to do it.

That said... that's not really what wanting canon confirmation is about. It's about having canon representation, especially for identities that we often don't see representation of. For example: Alastor being aromantic is "up for interpretation," and that specifically feels bad when it's explicitly been framed that way as a cop out to appease shippers (per Viv), especially when in canon you can see he's intended to be aroace based off of how Rosie talks about him.

Yes, things are better now than they were 15 years ago... but standards are higher now, too!

And in particular I think that while in 2008 or so, "It's up to interpretation!" basically meant "Yeah, they might be gay but I can't say it," nowadays the meaning has shifted. I see a lot of people chiming into any mention of aroace Alastor with this attitude of "Um, actually, he's NOT aromantic because it wasn't confirmed by Viv (even though he wasn't confirmed to NOT be aro either)," rather than the spirit of "Oh, yeah, he might be aro, that's a valid interpretation!" It actually feels very similar to seeing people go "Well, X is OBVIOUSLY straight (the default) because he wasn't confirmed to like men!"

...in 2008, haha.

Anyway, fandom always feels to me like a 'do whatever you want' zone, but I think just based off of the sheer volume and depth of genuine and heartfelt reactions people have had to Alastor as a character and his portrayal as aroace... having canon representation and seeing yourself in media you enjoy matters a great deal to many people.

I had a really emotional moment when I read my preorder of House of Hades from the Percy Jackson series back in middle school and realized that Nico di Angelo was an actual gay character in an actual real, physical book that I was holding in my hands, not "just" a headcanon from my nebulously safe online fandom spaces, for the first time ever. Similarly, people have been headcanoning various characters as ace for a long, long time, but to me it's never had the same punch to it as it being official when it comes to those kinds of feelings re: representation.

So leaving that kind of thing "up to interpretation" specifically as an alternative to providing representation to a group of people who rarely sees it is disappointing, but it's not for shipping reasons.

[blacknedsoul-blog]

A detailed explanation from my headcanon that Annabel has ADHD

So I had this six fucking hour trip. On a bus. Alone. And I was bored out of my mind, because sitting around being bored is as close to mental torture as it gets for me.

Fortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel: I was inspired. Away from the burnout I have with fanfics, I remembered that I've mentioned this headcanon several times on Nevermore's Discord and just thought, what better time to talk about ADHD than when I'm having a pretty ADHD moment?

But before I start, there are a few little things that need to be pretty clear on the table:

I'm being a bit hypocritical here: in general, I'm deeply against diagnosing fictional characters for two reasons: first, it's an impossible task to distinguish between character traits and symptoms to such an extent that you can go around forever without coming to a real conclusion unless the author of the work confirms it, and second, even if you have the disorder you're talking about, you can fall into the trap of perpetuating stereotypes or generalizing, thereby invalidating other experiences. So even if the tone of this review sounds very assertive, it is because of my writing style. I am in no way diagnosing Annabel; this is an analysis of her character through the lens of a possible disorder.

In relation to the above, where I point out an event in the comic that can be read as a symptom, I am not reducing it to "this only happens because she has ADHD". You CAN'T reduce a person's personality to "they has a disorder," and when I point out these examples, I'm not doing so with the intention of denying the background behind it, but rather pointing out how, under the magnifying glass of having it, it might exacerbate that behavior.

I am NOT a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a neurologist: I am a woman with ADHD. One who has done a lot of research on the subject, been in therapy with a psychologist who specializes in the disorder, and talked extensively about it both with friends who also have it and with professionals. But I don't have a career in mental health, I don't pretend to, and everything you'll read below is a mixture of research and personal experience.

You're going to see a lot of "we" or "those of us with ADHD" because, as I said, I have it too, but this is all a generalization made for the sake of flow. The symptoms of this disorder can be expressed in many different ways, and not everyone has all of them (for example, there are some that I don't have, but it would be strange to change the voice of the text just because of that, it makes it harder to read). If you have ADHD and read a symptom and think "hey, I don't get that", that's perfectly normal. Your experience is valid and I don't want to pass it on. But it would be exhausting for me and for the reader to use tentative phrases all the time.

If this text resonates too much with you, I strongly recommend that you see a professional, if you're able, and not self-diagnose: ADHD has many symptoms in common with autism and other neuro divergences, don't risk misdiagnosis.

If you have a different opinion than mine on this subject and want to share it with me, I'll be happy to read it, if I don't answer it's because I forgot (forgive me?). But you can be sure that I will read it.

Anyway, let's get started.

What is ADHD?

According to the NIH (National Institute of Mental Health) website, this is the definition of ADHD:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:

Inattention means a person may have difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.

Hyperactivity means a person may seem to move about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, hyperactivity may mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.

Impulsivity means a person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may interrupt others or make important decisions without considering long-term consequences.

Here is an impression that needs to be clarified: ADHD is more about an inability to regulate attention than a lack of it. A neurotypical person may choose to focus on a task to get it done, we may procrastinate to death because even if we want to, we can't focus on it, or stand there absorbed in it ad infinitum until the house falls down around us (and we may still have trouble noticing). This is understood, Understanding all this, here is the list of Annabel's behaviors that could be interpreted as symptoms.

Hyperactivity

One thing that not everyone knows is that hyperactivity is not about running around like an uncontrolled animal. It can manifest itself in many ways, and there are many types: physical, mental, and even emotional.

In Annabel's case, she seems to be the first two types.

Perhaps due to her difficulty in expressing emotions, it is quite obvious at this point in the comic that her moods are made explicit through gestures: playing with her rings when she is happy or nervous, touching the ribbon around her neck in moments of anxiety, or playing with her hair almost as a default state.

Annabel.

Doesn't.

Sit.

Still.

Never.

It is also clear that Annabel is always planning something. Always.

This can be read into the logic of mental hyperactivity: when you have it, your brain just doesn't stop. Ever. And that's something that resonates with this lady.

Emotional Dysregulation

The part of the brain that regulates our moods works…erratically. Not to say it doesn't work at all.

This leads to a painfully common problem in women with ADHD: lack of emotional regulation is seen as drama, and instead of being taught tools to deal with it, we are taught to repress and bottle up emotions.

Annabel has highly internalized this as a defense mechanism. But here's the thing: if repressing emotions instead of learning how to deal with them in a healthy way is harmful, being biologically unable to regulate them can be even worse.

It touches the right nerves, and if you catch us flying low, it can cause explosive outbursts.

Possibly violent reactions to feeling offended or uncomfortable.

Or completely over-the-top reactions that we can't control.

And it's not just anger that's affected, it's the whole emotional spectrum. Another emotion that is very noticeable is fear. If we don't develop tools to help us calm down, we don't get scared, we panic.

If this happens too often, we can become prone to developing severe anxiety or frequent attacks.

We may also have great difficulty dealing with frustration. Our brains love rewards, and feeling that we're not getting them because of our own inability to do something can be downright annoying. And if we don't have the tools to express our frustration appropriately, we can have quite childish reactions, ranging from temper tantrums to…pouting.

I find it funny how several of these pouts are caused by Lenore, a bit like "Oh, come on, honey, what are we talking about?"

Another important thing to note here is that one of the most fucked up and notorious symptoms of this lack of emotional regulation is RSD, short for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, defined as "a problem that interferes with your ability to regulate your emotional responses to feelings of failure and rejection. While rejection is almost always unpleasant, people with RSD experience overwhelming levels of emotional pain. This can lead to long-term mental health problems, fear of failure, and behavioral changes that negatively affect them throughout their lives."

Rejection and fear of failure are a problem for us. So much so that we may seek strategies to avoid it as much as possible, even when it causes us problems (such as not completing a task for fear of doing it wrong). This is an issue that can tear us apart emotionally.

Annabel is terrified of being rejected or despised. Her whole life has been built around appearances and getting the right people interested in her. If she can't do that, what good is she?

And that's something that comes up a lot in her relationship with Lenore. Repeatedly, in fact, but my favorite has to be this one:

Annabel thought it would be the smart thing to do to break that bond because she knows they're never going to see each other again. But the look on her face when Lenore calls her a "damn liar" is just painful to watch. I think ripping her heart out with a rusty spoon would have hurt less.

Finally, on the subject of things that aren't so funny: that thing Annabel does about biting her fingers when she's in a critical situation is something I used to do, too (only I'd bite my knuckles or palms).

My psychologist explained to me that when you feel like you're losing control, you immediately look for something to ground you, and unfortunately, physical pain is often a quick (if damaging) way to do that.

Codependency

Okay, here's a thing: it's not that we have a tendency as such to codependency, but this is a situation that can occur due to bad practices within a relationship. Especially a couple one.

As it stands out, people with ADHD can have a lot of problems with micromanaging ourselves, remembering things, dealing with our emotions, etc, etc, etc. And it is natural for close friends, family or our partner to help in those processes.

The problem arises when that help starts to become a parentification process where the partner who is providing support starts to do this on behalf of the other person, infantilizing them in the process.

This is a cocktail for resentment on both sides: the party calling the shots can easily feel that the other is putting a huge burden on their shoulders and not trying hard enough, while, on the other side, no one likes to feel like they are being treated like a child. Let alone that the person doing it is your partner.

But at the other end of resentment, there's codependency.

The constant feeling that you are a burden, insufficient or even disposable.

And that means you have a lot to make up for. On a regular basis. So much that you put yourself in a situation where you have to make horrible decisions so that someone else doesn't have to because somehow you owe it to them, who hasn't had that happen?

What I mean is that yes, Annabel feels like she owes this to Lenore because she only remembers the part where Lenore came kicking in doors to save her from a marriage she didn't want. And if she can't do this for her, she doesn't deserve a relationship.

Feeling inadequate, that your partner is doing you some kind of favor by tolerating you and ending up idealizing their in the process is obviously not unique to the neurodivergent experience.

But we try, we try really hard and, like anyone else, we like to feel that the effort we put in is seen and valued.

If we are not careful about that, we do indeed fall into the risk of becoming codependent. The desire to feel loved or valued becomes a constant hunger for validation from which it is difficult to escape because we are aware that our brain will never function in a different way. And if that is mixed with RSD, it can become an even bigger problem.

Novelty, games, challenges, and rewards

Producing dopamine on a normal basis is one thing our brains aren't very good at (one of the reasons we can be prone to depression, for example), but you know what they love? Challenges and rewards.

New things feed our endless curiosity, but for some reason unknown to me, our brains really love challenges and dares. They give us dopamine like we're on a high.

So much so that some people use it as a tactic to perform tasks they don't like: "How many dishes can I wash before my dinner is ready?", "If I can finish this in less than 30 minutes, I can go get chocolate."

One medium we may like very much for this reason is games. Board games, card games, or virtual games. It doesn't matter. Games provide a very good balance of challenge and reward.

If you see that Annabel seems overly interested in how this works, it's because there may be a part of her that thinks "aside from the deadly situation we're in…this is like the most hardcore escape room ever" and inevitably there's something here that stirs her bug.

It may be something she loves about Lenore. As a good hypocrite, Annabel despises the rules she knows so well, so when Lenore comes along with this gimmick and completely changes the paradigm of what she knows, there is inevitably something that appeals to her. Others who are good at the game look down on Lenore's disdain for the rules, to Annabel it is fucking appealing because it offers a range of unexplored possibilities that she fucking loves.

Erratic Communication

When our brains are running at full speed, communication can become a challenge, and we tend to exhibit erratic patterns.

One of these is info-dumping. Touch a topic we know about or are interested in and it's like stepping on a landmine: we explode talking about it. Non-stop. You'll have to hit us to shut us up.

Another thing is that we can have a bad habit of interrupting. A lot. It's not malicious, it's just that we're really into the conversation and want to participate as much as possible.

That said, even if we're extroverts, it can be a nightmare to withhold information or participate in a conversation if it doesn't grab our attention. It's not that we want to be disrespectful or anything, it's just that, again, we have no control over our ability to pay attention and we're swimming against the tide to hold on to whatever it is you're telling us.

This scene is something I've seen in friends with ADHD and have been told I do: stare at people while doing your best to do the hamster run to remember what they're telling you because you know it's important, even though your brain is putting it together with junk information because it's not engaging your attention in the right way.

Ignore the murderous stare part, it's not that common - at least I hope not.

Drinks that are like a pill

Our brains are not designed to produce certain hormones naturally or, in some cases, they produce them under other circumstances. For things like that, we can take pills, develop strategies to help our brains produce hormones.

And drink coffee. Lots of coffee.

Caffeine can be extremely relaxing for us because it can actually help our brains keep functioning, you know that stereotype of the highly coded ADHD character who drinks coffee like it's his life? Well, that's because.

You know what other beverage has a similar effect? Tea. Theine is also a natural activator, perhaps less aggressive than coffee, but it can have a similar effect.

If you're interested in describing this topic in fanfic or touching on it in fanart, tea should have a relaxing effect on Annabel and even help her concentrate.

Boredom

We get bored. A lot. And we get painfully bored. Here's what happens: boredom is caused by a lack of stimulation, and our brains aren't stimulated just because we can't regulate our attention to seek out that stimulation.

Add to that the fact that when we are bored, without dopamine hitting our receptors, our executive functions diminish and we function like shit.

Boredom

Is

Fucking

Murder

Because our brain starts desperately asking for dopamine and we can fall into really unhealthy behaviors like fighting, being chronically online, or eating because we can't find anything better to do. This also contributes -again- to our depression or anxiety.

Conclusions (and if I don't make the joke, I'll die)

In the book ADHD After Dark (a study of ADHD, relationships, and physical intimacy), Ari Tuckman draws some interesting conclusions, one of which is that on a statistical level, people with ADHD seem to be more likely to have what he calls "sexual eagerness": kinks, fetishes, a tendency to be adventurous in bed, and the like. Again, our brains love play, and both intimacy and flirtation can involve a lot of it.

So…

Um…

…well, I think Lenore will be happy. Good for her.

Anyway, this has been a seriously long explanation. Thanks for reading this far.

[souji-upseta]

yo my name is nyx, it's my birthday today (2/3). my birthdays have sucked SHIT the past few years for reasons that are depressing—

—cringe is also dead, i killed her myself, and i'm still grieving her loss. its been very hard for me—

—since i am the protagonist of Me and can do st abt this, this year i turn 31, and i will at some point turn 31.4, with all of this in mind, what do i want for my birthday? i'll tell you:

to talk about homestuck.

i'll do that, anyways, but you'd be doing me a gift by giving me a prompt to follow, and to feel slightly more validated in my inability to shut up about my hyperfixation.

so i'm asking YOU to talk about homestuck with me.

talk to me abt homestuck? ask me my headcanons. my thoughts. my relationship to the work. tell me yours. expect nothing that's profound, and plenty that's stupid.

i'm even turning anon on, for the first time in 6 fucking years. where making this happen.

this never expires btw. today is my birthday, but, for story purposes, let's say that it's still my birthday after it isn't, bc i will still want and, if i am honest, NEED you to talk to me about homestuck for years onward. i'm very metatextual like that.

i get the feeling it's going to be a long day.

>Nyx: Be the other guy.

You are now the other guy! What will you do?

>Web Tumblr User: Inbox Tumblr user souji-upseta?

>Mobile App Tumblr User: Do that, but hyperlink is unavailable?

=(n×∞)>

FOURTH WALL BREAK!

you are now nyx again, and i am now me, and i need to exposit some lore.

as in, some starting points to get u going, since "homestuck" is a very broad subject:

•i'm a massive massive slut for the epilogues and post canon content/hsbc. pesterquest is too good for this gay earth.

•dirk is my fav, ALL of the dirks, all of them, and it isn't even close. my fav relationship is the canon platonic/familial one between dirk and dave. i fucking love the striders. dave is my 1.5th fav.

•im more invested in dave's relationship to corndogs (and corn dogs) than you even know.

•mspa reader is my second fav after the striders, bc they are a good thembo friendsimp and also bc they are me and they are You. i might be biased. i love You. i love me. i love us. we're fucking gr8.

•im pretty canon-compliant, so my fav ship is dirkjake as exes (for now), and my fav ship as not-exes is panquadrant (canon) davekat.

i'm also really fascinated by rosemary and would welcome more opportunities to learn abt and talk about them but if homestuck makes a statement about anything it's to let the women and the sapphic characters tell their story (thats a joke, talk to me abt them too)

•june eg(g)bert real.

•i'm fascinated by classpects and the applications of paradox space's classpecting and extended zodiac system when applied to real life, since our only experience of those fictional systems is in linear dimensions of spacetime, and our only experience of astrology is as a species that in-universe cannot experience the sign caste system the same way the fictional aliens that created our species in their own image do. skaia knows, but we sure as fuck don't.

•i'm a former prince of heart (2012-2020) and a current knight of space, and my aspect is light. that is a thing that actually makes perfect sense for the reasons i just said.

don't ask me about vriska serket or (vriska) serket. not bc i'm not willing to discuss dark or problematic characters (hello, lanque bombyx) but bc:

for one, she can speak for her damn self, and has, tyvm.

for two, talking at length about a problematic character in any positive capacity marks you as an enemy of the state if that character is a woman, and being an enemy of the state is way too much fucking pressure for me for reasons i already explained as soon as i told you i'm a knignt of space. i wouldnt make a very good enemy of the state. it'd be an unhealthy blackrom relationship to the detriment of us all.

for three, i can just give you all my opinions/headcanons on vriska that matter:

•JOHN HUGGING VRISKA IN HSBC YESSSSSSSSSS

•she's greasy and gross and unkept af but not unclean or unsanitary, like, she bathes, she smells fine, she changes her clothes, but she's got the troll crust punk aesthetic absolutely on LOCK. she doesn't comb her hair.

•it would have been funny if she did even more bad things

•aradia did nothing wrong. vriska did but the meme is funny even if someone needs to take that meme out back and shoot it for the good of humanity.

•she should beat up ultimate dirk, and my reasoning for that is bc that would, also, be really fucking funny if she did

•john has both punched her in the face and hugged her, and now that john has punched aranea in the face, all that's left is for june—i assume she will have come out of her egg(bert) by then—to hug aranea and complete the circle of stupidity.

•she is trans yeah but she doesn't wanna get into it, she doesn't have to, and neither do i.

•vrisrezi most important relationship in homestuck.

there. you already got me to talk about vriska at length, and you didn't have to try. moot issue.

[sotwk]

Hi! What character do you think most people get wrong? Or what’s a character that you see differently than most other fans?

Hi Elleth! What a great question--and the kind of topic I'm amazed anyone wants to hear my opinion on!

I'm of the belief that there is no wrong way to write fanfiction or headcanons. I support creative freedom in all fandoms, even in one so "classic" and "high literature" as Tolkien's work. We all have a right to our own takes, interpretations, and AUs, as long as it's all done for fun and love of the original content!

Some takes on characters are more popular, some are less popular, and that's all there is.

I'm one of those writers who tend to be more canon-compliant and less "out-of-the-box" creative, whether in Tolkien or any other fandom. I guess my Type-A mind likes having a structure and "rules" to work with! I like to tweak things here and there to please myself, usually by "saving" doomed characters, but for the most part, I tend to run with what Professor Tolkien wrote and fill in the blanks as best as I could.

What do I see differently from most other fans?

I'm probably in the minority regarding Thranduil's "once in an immortal lifetime" love for his wife, his Elvenqueen, the mother of his children.

The "Eldar marry only once" custom, as described in the "Laws and Customs of the Eldar", is one that I personally subscribe to for my Elven characters, but perhaps even the most for Thranduil.

Not only does Thranduil have zero desire to marry again after the death of his wife, but he never takes interest in anyone else romantically, passionately, or sexually, ever again. Most writers enjoy giving him a second chance at love by having him fall for and/or marry someone else, and that's totally valid, but I personally don't envision that for his character.

In my mind, Thranduil in his youth was disinterested in romance, and perfectly content with staying unmarried for his immortal life. But then he met Maereth, who changed almost everything he believed about his own purpose and destiny. He saw her as his life partner, someone meant to exist alongside him and he beside her, forever, whether on Middle-earth or Aman. That's how he explained the deep affinity and immutable love he felt for this lady, anyway. She was simply irreplaceable.

Thranduil is arrogant, self-assured, and supremely confident in his attractiveness, and combining this with this extroverted, mischievous nature means he tends to be a playful flirt. But he views love as the most serious of matters, and the giving of one's heart as nothing to be trifled with.

Another unpopular take of mine is that Thranduil is not lustful or easily sexually attracted to others. He did not even feel that desire for Maereth until he had already known her for a few centuries. While their marriage included a healthy sex life that begot many children by Elven standards, without Maereth, Thranduil's interest in sex disappears entirely (again aligning with what was written in LACE).

Although I wholeheartedly agree that Thranduil is a sexy character, I suppose I just don't view his character as actually being very sexual. (Hopefully that makes sense?) There is more than enough to preoccupy him with his many duties: standing guard against The Enemy, serving his people as a good king, caring for his wife, and raising his children and grandchildren well.

SotWK Fancast: Jennifer Connelly as Elvenqueen Maereth

I could certainly write countless essays about how much Thranduil loved Maereth, but goodness, I really need to actually write STORIES about it! Part of my writer's block is probably intimidation, since I feel I have to justify Thranduil's eternal devotion to this one special person. What a lady she must be! He certainly must have had many good reasons to love her so dearly!

Receiving Asks certainly helps motivate me, so thank you again for this great question and giving me a chance to share my thoughts!

Elves HC Tag List: @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @achromaticerebus @aduialel @asianbutnotjapanese @auttumnsayshi @blueberryrock @conversacomsmaug @elan-ho-detto-elan-15 @entishramblings @fizzyxcustard @freshalmondpandadonut @friendofthefellowshipsnerdblog @glassgulls @heilith @heranintomyknife23times @ladyweaslette @laneynoir @lathalea @lemonivall @LiliDurin @quickslvxrr @ratsys @scyllas-revenge @stormchaser819 @talkdifferently6 @tamryniel @tamurilofrivendell

For more Thranduil/Mirkwood headcanons: SotWK HC Masterlist

Other useful links:

Introduction to SotWK

Fanfiction Masterlist

Fanfiction Request Guidelines

[eff-plays]

(re: hiraeth's reaction to astarion's confession) i'm glad i'm not the only one whose character was hurt by astarion's confession, especially since i haven't seen a lot of the fandom talk about it (or maybe i've missed it, idk). i understand it's an important thing for astarion to let out and i stood by him regardless but my tav did not take the news like sunshine and rainbows. if it's okay to ask how did hiraeth handle the confession in particular? were they open about their displeasure or did they just keep it internally?

Aah, I'm sorry Nonny, I think you possibly misunderstood the post, sorry for not making it clearer!

Their reaction was more in the sense of them regretting not turning him down? Because they have a lot of trauma related to being deeply devoted to someone who ended up betraying them in a very cruel away, so they basically swore off "real" relationships. They expected Astarion to betray them eventually and this "sorry I manipulated you" is that initial betrayal, so when he says it, they're almost relieved, because they saw it coming and it feels bittersweet to have it confirmed. It's weirdly comforting to them.

They assumed Astarion was up to something from the start and that he had no real feelings for them, it was just sort of a friends (?) with benefits thing to them for the longest time. And though they did start to catch feelings early on (around the mirror scene), they're very adept at ignoring those feelings anyway, so it wasn't a huge deal to them when they found out he was trying to manipulate them. The reason they went for him over anyone else is because he's so obviously shady and selfish that they assumed they'd know what to expect from him. Cruel people are predictable, etc etc. The guy who betrayed them in the past was literally the most perfect little prince and he ended up being a huge jackass, so picking the most fucked up weirdo was basically a safeguard against being hurt. They basically chose him on the assumption it'd go to hell, and when it seems like it does initially, they're like "Phew. I thought this'd be a lot worse, actually. I kinda saw this coming tbh."

Obviously they're hurt that he did it, because they'd hoped at least the attraction and chemistry had been mutual (and it is, but they don't know that and don't bother asking), but on some level they're like "Yeah, no, makes sense." They're sorta ready to bury it and move on, because tbh they've been through worse and they've also been on the deceiving end (ha) of this type of deal.

So when he admits he has feelings for them, that's what sets them off. Because now they're in danger of being betrayed, truly betrayed again. In a way they can't predict or protect themself against. Because if they agree to becoming "more" with him, that means it'll hurt all the worse when it goes to shit. Way worse than just being manipulated through sex. Because now their heart is on the line again. So I think they were less hurt by his confession and more upset that they accepted it/reciprocated at all?

So I'm really sorry I can't commiserate, Nonny! I think the main reason nobody brings it up is because he admits his plan failed and that he has real feelings for them, so people go easier on him for it. I do think it's 100% valid and deliciously angsty if Tav does get upset at his confession, though. He fully expects them to be upset and that's what makes it brave that he confesses at all. And if your Tav had real feelings for him and their encounters up until that point meant something to them, I think them getting hurt over it is absolutely justified and could lead to a lot of interesting headcanons and interactions. Like, a lot of Tavs, mine included, suspect something is up, and that lessens the blow a lot. So when your Tav is truly in love with him, his manipulation worked on someone he grew to actually care for. He actually hurt them a lot worse than a Tav who saw it coming. That's a really interesting angle and I'm sorry nobody else is vibing with you on that :/

I defo am even though 💖 Even if it's different for Hira.

[destinygoldenstar]

Disventure Camp Character Impressions *Compilation* (Part 5)

<< Part 4

***

"What the hell was that bullshit in the elimination?!"

OMG THANK YOU

THANK YOU

GRETT CALLS IT OUT. OMG THANK YOU.

I FEEL VALIDATED.

"You mean the way we were exposed?"

...oh.

No I was talking about your choice on voting.

Nope. I'm not validated.

"Golden, that's the thing with us villains. We don't need your permission to slay. We do it anyway."

"What experience can a six year old have?!"

"Well let's see, my parents abandoned me in the woods. Clearly they hate me."

"...I know she's right, but it still hurts to hear."

Oh.

So she's just kinda accepted that she's awful.

"The adults in my life think I'm a demon with no redeeming qualities, so that must be true. Might as well live off that."

Does that imply that Fiore was an accidental pregnancy...?

I mean I'm not a mother, but I know that's something that can happen if you don't, you know, control yourself.

Oh not these two again.

YOU'VE BEEN FIGHTING THE PAST THREE EPISODES. GET OVER IT.

"Hey Tom, I know I said this a dozen times, but I really am sowwy. Can you forgive me?" (Jake)

"Jake I just learned I have cancer. And for some reason I'm gonna say that's your fault. Get out of my life." (Tom)

"You don't have to apologize."

"It's all me. It's always my fault. I'm the one who always has to take the blame for things like this."

"Maybe they're making up."

Up or out?

GOD I JUST SAID I WAS GLAD THEY WERE JUST FRIENDS, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!

"For some reason, Golden is whispering in my hear and urging me to kiss the boy."

"Maybe I was wrong to think badly of these young-ins."

"Except Fiore. She's just as bad as I thought."

"What happened to the sky?"

"It's covered in grapes and strawberries, and idk why that is-also why is part of the forest blocked off? Why can't we get out?" (Fiore)

"Fiore I don't think you're supposed to be playing those games." (Alec)

I still headcanon Fiore is a Mortal Combat fangirl.

"Alright gang, grab every weapon in this place you can find and start SMASHING!!!"

"Fiore, I think I know what's happening."

"Don't freak out... but a bear is gonna pop out in a minute and force us to kill each other."

"It's the only explanation. Don't tell anyone."

"Uh, we are right here and in hearing range."

"Did you hear that?!"

"Sounded like gunshots!"

"Don't worry guys! It's just Tom killing a man! It's fine!" (Ellie)

"I KISSSED A SERIAL KILLER?!?!" (Jake)

XD

"I don't care if he's a serial killer! HE'S MY LOVE! WE'RE LETTING HIM IN. WHAT'S THE WORSE THAT COULD HAPPEN?!"

"What's going on?!"

"Ellie why do you have ketchup splashed all over your face?"

"They looked like people, but they're not!"

"I would never kill a man! I swear!!" (Tom)

"What if it was a woman?" (Ellie)

"...shit!!" (Tom)

"I think we... have to... cut off your arm."

NO I WAS JUST JOKING, YOU'RE ACTUALLY GONNA DO IT?!?!?!?!?

"GOLDEN IS OUR OVERLORD AND SHE TOLD ME TO SAVE YOU BY CUTTING OFF YOUR ARM!!!"

"Wow Miriam, how'd you learn to do that?"

"Back in my day, I was secretly a serial killer!"

"Tom! Are you okay?"

"No worries. I got a body count in the double digits now. Cool, huh?"

"You want to ask if I think they're alive? Well I got bad news."

"They're in Mexico right now."

NO GODDAMMIT

FIORE WHYYYYYYYY

“Hey guys! I got another trick I wanna show you. It’s called: ‘BURY YOUR GAYS’”

A six year old is celebrating among her victims.

"WHOO HOOO!!! I KILLED EVERYBODY!!!!"

WHY IS TOM IN THE FAMILY GUY POSE?!?!?!?!?

"See that's my secret Golden. My mask protects me from getting killed, so I'm just faking my death."

"...oh wait I'm not wearing my mask anymore. SHIT-"

"Oh my gosh, my arm! I have my arm!"

"Oh my gosh, I've been in a coma for a MONTH! Cause I died on the first day!"

"I'm just glad I have both my arms again."

Ellie's just done.

"Yeah TOM! Don't cut a woman's arm off! I'M VOTING YOU TONIGHT."

"You'll be distorted for a few more hours, adjusting back to our time, getting back to your body, all that kind of stuff."

"And you'll probably need YEARS of therapy."

(I did impressions A LOT this episode...)

Continued On Part 6 >>

[overgrownmoon]

iterators headcanon thoughts while waiting for my car to warm up. under the cut in case of spoilers

i personally don’t see any way that the iterators could have a concept of biological sex or gender. they’re computers. they can’t reproduce. why would the ancients give them any sort of primary or secondary sex characteristics besides aesthetics? we don’t even see any aesthetic features in game, at least, not anything obvious. the issue is that we know jack and shit about Ancient society, what their gender roles look like, their biological reproductive systems, or really anything that could give us a clue. We have that one tapestry depicting lust and we can’t exactly see a dong. We do know they have nipples or mammary glands of some sort, but for all we know those could be anything. They could just be fat reserves. Without any info, we’re kinda free to headcanon the iterators as whatever we want. The info we do get is their preferred pronouns and words they use for themselves.

Moon actively describes herself as feminine, using she/her and her username Big Sister Moon. Pebbles uses he/him, and while I don’t actively remember him using gendered language for himself like Moon does, he is consistent on using masculine pronouns for himself.

Maybe gender is just a performance for the iterators. Maybe a “cis” iterator has no sex, no gender, and no concept of gender roles in society. But, because they live with a gendered society with presumably roles and ideas of how to preform masculinity and femininity, they adopted that language and attitude. They choose how they want to preform and identify as. In that way, could we presume all iterators who actively choose and preform a gender as trans? Suns, who we know is non-binary, must have made the choice to identify that way, and it’s not like transness is a binary anyway. Maybe the iterators don’t give a shit anyway.

Honestly I think it’s more likely that they don’t give a shit and have bigger problems. Which is fair and valid. If my body was actively decaying and my friends were dying I would probably not be concerned about my gender and sexuality either.

Wait. iterators have no reproductive organs. Are all iterators asexual? It would kinda make sense, if they don’t have any reason to be horny in the first place. Can iterators experience romantic attraction? If you believe the shippers, they can. I personally see Moons and Sig having a close, perhaps romantic relationship. Maybe they learned about those feelings from the Ancients too? We know the iterators are fully capable of emotion, so who knows.

Okay my car is warm enough now i’ll post more of my bullshit later cya nerds

[thebahwrites]

OOOO OOO OOOO tell me your thoughts about that silly rabbit hangman

i love u sm thank u for validating me and my need to rant 🤝❤️

an ask game ft niche questions i don’t see v often (send me a character)

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin (More under the cut so I don't bother anyone <3)

a song that reminds me of them Gonna pick one that isn't on Powell's list cause come on: Bad Guy - Billie Eilish I'm that bad type Make your mama sad type Make your girlfriend mad tight Might seduce your dad type I'm the bad guy, duh I just think it's funny to think about how both fanon/canon makes Hangman the main antag/the "villain" and he kinda does it himself as a character but mostly cause he's an asshole.

what they smell like Expensive. My mans be using Dior's Sauvage body wash and cologne (kinda pine-y/fresh) and/or Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille, also of cigarettes, bourbon & jet fuel. Do you know how much jet fuel STICKS to things? Hangman strikes me as the kind of bitch who has a couple scents he sticks by, they're good and expensive and also signature for him. Also yes I am very, very anal about scents so have this.

an otp If I answer Hangster is anyone gonna be surprised? No? Good. I just think it's the same appeal as Iceman/Maverick, okay, they're rivals, they're enemies, they're bitter but still in love exes, don't come for meeeee.

a notp Hannix, look, I don't ship-shame or anything, it just reads comphet to me, doesn't do it for me, I'm SORRY. I think they'd be great frenemies tho.

favorite platonic/familial relationships Coyote/Hangman is also one of my ships so this is hard because they can also be the best bros ever and it's #1 in my heart but also even though we have a total of zero (0) canon interactions I know in my heart of hearts Ice and Jake would've been great together in this essay--

a headcanon that is popular in the fandom but that i disagree with (concern emoji.jpg) Please no one come at me for this but the general fanon that Hangman is actually uhhhhh 'soft' inside? How do I explain this but basically this notion that whatever traumas/hidden reasonings he has needs to be broken down and he's actually, like, nice? I don't vibe with it. And that's coming from the author of give your heart a break lol I just think there's space to 'there can be real depth to this character' to coexist with 'he's also a huge bitch'. 'Bitch™️ as a personality trait' if you get what I mean? I say this with the utmost love, I am a huge bitch and I don't think I am a bad person, an asshole at times but not a bad person and that's how I personally see the character. ANYWAYS, THAT'S MY PERSONAL TAKE, NO ONE @ ME. (another smaller one is that he's not a good/decent team player because canonically that's disproven he has a point in the things he's done BUT I DIGRESS I'll ramble if I start, goodbye!)

the position they sleep in Weird ones, you know when you look at someone and goes 'that can't possibly be comfortable?', those. And he drools.

a crossover au i’d love to see them in PACIFIC RIM WHEN. MY PACIFIC RIM AU WITH MY SPECIFIC HEADCANONS WHEN-- I'm kidding... mostly. But also 'In The Flesh' which is probably something only I wanna see.

my favorite outfit they’ve ever worn Listen, he looks good in the flight suit, what can I say, I like a man in uniform. I'm not immune to [Hangman] in his [flight suit].

[dextixer]

RWBY is not overhated, the weird conflation of criticism with hate and the "The show just did not fit critics expectations" argument in the fandom

Duo to a few reasons i could not really access Reddit for the last 3 days, but there have been many threads i really wanted to participate in or make responses to. One of the threads that caught my eye was this(Link removed because Tumblr seems to hide posts with links).

I would recommend people to familiarize themselves with the thread and its comments if they have not already.

Anyways, what i noticed, both from the OP and a few other comments is a very   uncharitable opinions and logic that have existed in the fandom for a long time, and crop up from time to time. Things like criticisms that are disagreed upon being conflated with hate, criticism being dismised because its subjective and because "it just did not meet your expectations"  and of course the prevailing opinion that RWBY is somehow uniquelly "overhated".

I would like to offer push-back to these opinions and narratives personally, since i could not have done so before.

Expectations

Most people understand that criticism is an incredibly subjective and opinion based field of interest. Many things influence how a work can or will be criticized and whether or not those criticisms are thought to be "valid" or not. Ones personal life experiences, media consumed and things like personal philosophy and political leanings can influence the criticisms they have on a work. And while people and groups of people sometimes agree and form based on shared criticisms, more often than not there can be MANY such groups with criticism that differs and is even contradictory to one another.

What often confuses me is this idea that criticism can be dismissed because "Well, you just dont like the direction that the show took" or "The show just didnt meet your expectations". Well, these are true statements. But that is what confuses me about their usage. Because in the comments of the thread i am responding to people use these arguments to dismiss criticism.

When these statements about expectations are the CORE of how criticism is formed. Let us say i order a chocolate cake, i EXPECT a chocolate cake, and if i get a vanilla cake my expectations are not meant, and thus i can criticize the making of the cake. Expectations not being met is the core of forming criticism, it is the FIRST step on a road of making criticism, so to use it to dismiss criticism just feels silly.

Now, of course, with shows like RWBY, we the audience do not order anything. We do not pay money so that something would be made specifically for us. We engage with an existing work and then depending on how it goes, what it implies, theories on what the future can bring, we form expectations of the show, and then when they are not met or they are met, we express our opinions.

That is completely normal. That is the core of subjectivity. To make fun of that just feels like a complete and utter misunderstanding of subjectivity as a concept, of consumption of products in general.

Almost all, if not all criticism is subjective.

But that subjectivity should not be used to dismiss criticism.

If i believe that RWBY could be better, or could have been better. That is an expectation. And if the show does not meet my expectation i can criticize it on various aspects of it that in my opinion werent done well.

As a note, you can replace the whole "expectation" word with "headcanon" in most of this section, because sometimes the statement takes the form of "people are mad their headcanons did not come true" which is basically the same dismissive statement as with expectations.

Criticism is not hate

Hate, hate, hate, hate. Its a pretty strong word, is it not? A word that carries a LOT of meaning in general. It can be applied to certain parts of RWBY communities, certainly. For example, people who do not even watch the new volumes and still shit-talk RWBY. People who make statements such as "I just want to see this show burn" and the like. I mean, that is obvious hate or spite, one cannot deny that. And of course, such people find their way into critic communities.

First of all, they are not critics. A person who HOPES that the show fails is very much not a critic in my eyes any more. At the same time, the only way to get rid of such people is for the community to tell them to piss off. But enough about that...

What i am trying to say is that people who hate the show, can be very clearly seen, they do not try to hide their intentions. And yet, it is very often that one can notice how criticism can often be conflated with hate. The OP of the thread i posted certainly did so at the start. The title of the thread is about hate, and yet, in the thread itself they are talking about criticisms, poor and maybe without details criticisms, but criticisms nonetheless.

And the OP is not unique in that manner. I myself have recently been accused of hating the show, because i am not writing positive threads about it, that we critics "hide" our hate behind criticisms. That could not be further from the truth.

Criticism is simply how we choose to engage with the community and spread our ideas and opinions, that is all. It is no different from me writing a review of a game on Steam or anything of the sort. We live in a world of information, and with it, us and our opinions can be noticed. We can discuss upon them and the like. Criticism is no lesser way to interact in the community than saying how great RWBY is.

Criticism often takes a good amount of time. To form, to be formulated into a coherent argument that people can understand. People put in effort into doing so. Even if you might disagree with a criticism, it doesn't mean that it is hateful.

If you think the show is amazing? Great for you. That does not mean that the other person has to think so. Even if you think that their criticism is wrong. It does not make it hate. Or "lies" as some people even refer them to. Its all opinion.

"Ironwood was writen well" and "Ironwood was writen badly", both of these are true at the same time... For different people... And while people can disagree and argue upon these statements, these are all just opinions.

RWBY is NOT overhated

It is often that i browse r/RWBY subreddit and various other RWBY communities and notice something strange. There is almost, if not a culture, then at least a sentiment of victimhood in parts of the fandom. Both on the part of the show, but also, personal.

Many people in the fandom seem to believe that RWBY as a show is somehow uniquely hated, that the criticisms it receives are too much, that people care too much and the like. It seems to be paired with beliefs that other communities don't have such often talked about criticisms.

And that is... Well... Wrong. RWBY as a show does not receive more or less criticism than any other serialized work. The MHA fandom is very critical of the show. The SAO fandom is critical of their show. I can take almost any Anime with a sizeable fanbase and find MANY critics or critical threads of the show. It is all part of the natural cycle of fanbases, no work is perfect.

And yet this perception persists. Arguably, because parts of the fandom want it to persist. I have mentioned it many times but most criticism of the show has gone into different communities. It is rare for it to appear what are considered to be "fandom spaces", it can be avoided very easily in most moderated sites. Some argue that RWBY is "overhated" because of how the Youtube algorithm offers up videos of RWBY being bad.

But i think thats a poor point to make. The reason why those videos exist is because RWBY is a niche work. When bigger creators noticed it and made their videos. Those videos are not going to leave, because they make a video and forget about RWBY in general. Most biggest videos were made 1-2 years ago if not more. It does not mean that RWBY is hated on youtube or the like. Its just that there is no video to replace them. And why should we care what outsiders care of RWBY? Those videos are popular not because people care about RWBY. People just like seeing criticism, even of works they have not consumed.

People do not hate or overhate RWBY. They are either mostly fans of it. Or dont care about it. Its just that simple.

RWBY community created its own boogeyman

What i think many people in the RWBY community dont realize, is that parts of the fandom have created their own boogeyman. The so called "hatedom". This is very much related to the whole "victimhood" thing i talked about and how people perceive RWBY as being overhated.

It eventually resulted in people being labeled as HTDM. And it did not take much to be labeled as such. And people then truly believed that the HTDM is a "thing", that its a huge community out to destroy RWBY. When in reality, most people assigned that label were just critics.

This even comes to personal stuff too. So many people, way too many people in the RWBY community have seemingly tied parts of themselves to RWBY. I cant even tell you how many times i have seen people take my arguments as personal insults.

People have taken me saying "You are wrong" as outright personal attacks. Disagreeing with their opinions or offering my own personal criticism as something that was "meant" to stop them from watching the show.

Most of it is self-made.

What is HTDM? Who belongs to it? Nobody knows. Because its such a shapeless and formless concept. Its just a label to demonize people, whose existance is then used for parts of the community to claim that RWBY is hated. Because of a label that the community itself created for "undesireables".

Ending Word

Anyways, that is all i have got to say for now. I know that some people might get tired of me speaking more about the community and the fandom rather than the show, but i cannot help myself when i see certain arguments being presented in the fandom. Especially since i have an opportunity to push-back or correct some, in my opinion, erroneous opinions.

Though i do have to say, if anyone wishes to suggest me a topic that they would like to see me talk about, that i have not recently talked about, such requests would be very much appreciated for my hyperactive and unfocused brain.

Opinions, disagreements and anything else of the sort are of course welcome, as always.

[ruthlesslistener]

Can we please have more thoughts about Hollow having a strong maternal instinct? Because it’s smth I absolutely agree on. Smth about their patience and being that gentle giant characters screams “good with kids” for me.

I also think some of it is just leftover good memories of baby hornet. It might just be the projection but having a baby sibling at some point really nails in a positive association with kids for me, that I really think they’d have too. Happy memories of bby hornet zooming down the halls without a care def plays into why they would like and tolerate kids so much. They saw first hand a lot of key moments with hornet and I think that does really shape them, esp when their other internalized experiences almost entirely consist of “git gud to contain an angry god. Also you’re not a person.”

Side note: I once read a fic where Midwife teaches Hollow how to be a midwife/grub sitter for the post infection kingdom and I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it but it really opened my eyes to maternal Hollow.

That fic is Broken Open Revealing Hollowness and Vibrance!! It's written by my friend @vivifrage and is honestly my favorite fic in the fandom, so I'm always gonna plug it when I can :3

But lol yeah you can blame that fic as well for giving me the hcs for maternal Hollow, because I think that it just fits really well with them. They never really had a choice to become the Hollow Knight, but they did seem to want very badly to be truly hollow, and I've always interpreted that as them having a naturally protective/nurturing nature due to the presumed benefit of their sacrifice. We know that the Pale King cared for his civilians very very deeply, enough that he would ruin his entire family for their benefit, so I can easily see Hollow picking up on that as well, especially since their sacrifice working means that the death of their other siblings wouldn't have been in vain. So even if they failed in that end, them guarding whatever nurseries might be around in a slowly-rebuilding Hallownest would allow them to extend that protective instinct to the few remaining survivors that exist, and to show it in a manner that's a lot softer and gentler than fighting fang and claw.

And then, like you said, there's all the good memories they had with Hornet when she was small! Which likely opened their mind to being a gentler protector anyways, and gave them a soft spot for looking after the little ones. That, paired with the headcanon that the Void is more social than PK or WL on account of the vessels all being born from blood of a dead god, and you have someone who's primed to look after any grubs or nymphs that need watching- a young god who failed in their task of caring for the mortals under their wings, and is still somewhat incapable of fighting due to their scars, but can certainly curl up around a nest and make sure nobody gets near it while the parents are out hunting. They're terrifying enough that any adult bug would give pause before approaching, and Hollow's big enough to be a jungle gym for the babies that don't understand what makes a bug or not just yet. The lanky nightmare void creature that was made to kill gods and was sired from the union of three Higher Beings is, in the eyes of a child, just as valid for climbing as any other piece of furniture around them. And Hollow loves them for it!

(also lmao I'm the opposite the entire reason why I can't stand children is because I have two younger siblings. I don't hate kids, not in the slightest, but when you're someone who gets socially drained by merely sharing a room with one person, can't stand loud noises, eye contact, and don't understand irrational behaviors, being around children is hell. Which is why I prefer to write about them instead of be around them, lol, and appreciate maternal/paternal people like Hollow- their patience and tolerance for all the crisises little people have to go through is nigh-godly in my eyes. Much love to those who can manage children!)

[rosemarytrash]

do you like the "god tier transitions you" headcanon or do you prefer the trans headcanons remain amab/afab after god tier. i think both are valid but i just wonder which you like more

oh hey cool ask anon! thank you for that. excuse me while i ramble!

i recall when i was younger being really, really fond of the idea of god tiering simultaneously transitioning a character. i'm still fond of that headcanon, i definitely don't oppose it in anyway, but now that i'm older it's not quite as attractive to me. i think in part because in my youth i really wanted to escape my agab and the idea that at least these fictional characters in this fantastical universe could do that was really cool to me lol.

as i've gotten older though i lean more towards the idea of god tiering not really playing a part in that. which is something only this ask made me realize haha, i haven't thought about this headcanon in years but it's brought back a lot of nostalgia for me in an odd way!

it makes me think about june egbert in particular and why i'm so fond of her. i really like the idea of our protagonist not really coming to reckon with her identity until she's older, for a lot of reasons. it makes for better characterization in part because it's so much more relatable, to myself and others i'd reckon. i realized i was trans when i was pretty young, i think like twelve or so, but it wasn't until... like the last two years? that i've really fleshed out my own relationship with my gender and my body and y'know all that stuff. so the idea that june, for example, god tier'd and went on to experience like, the whole story, and then didn't have any gender revelations until on earth c? uhhh idk it appeals to me. i'm not sure how cohesive i'm being it's bedtime haha.

in any case that's my longwinded way of saying i lean more towards the idea of god tiering not affecting a characters gender/transition/body/ect ect. i think it makes for better characterization and storytelling in its own right, but that's just with my own perception of those things. i definitely see the validity in both headcanons and when it truly comes down to it i don't have any hard feelings one way or another, save for what was heretofore expressed :)

thank you again anon this was a fun one, got me thinking and remembering and rambling

[yjwhatif]

Hey!! I'm the anon who sent the thing about Jaime and Bart + added on to the other post! Don't worry, it was just a mistake! I put two separate asks cause my ask was getting pretty long if that's okay with you. Again, I was just rambling so I'm so sorry this is so long.

I was thinking that they have more of a sibling relationship because Bart was thirteen and Jaime was sixteen when they met (cause I do like the idea of bluepulse but I feel like everyone was trying to make it the next birdflash. which just didn’t work with Jaime and Bart) Like they give off annoying little brother and tired older brother energy. I love the idea of Bart getting into all these shenanigans with cassie and gar and Jamie's like “Bart, no." Jaime would lowkey be overprotective of him (he has a little sister, ofc he would be overprotective)

If Jaime would ever be upset over something, Bart would instantly cheer him up (like Jaime was doing college apps while being a superhero and he didn't leave the life like Wally and Artemis. so during rejection letters and stuff, you know Bart would be trying to cheer him up) They always make each other laugh and I saw this headcanon floating around that because of the trauma from the reach, Bart has such fucked up humor and it kinda rubs off Jaime (I think @kidflashimpulse talked about it in one of their fanfics) Bart gave Traci the shovel talk and Jaime did the same thing to Ed. If Bart ever has a nightmare and he knows Ed is stressed with the center or on vacation, he’ll run to texas to see Jaime. If Traci's not around then he’ll go to Bart's place after a nightmare. Anyway, those are just my thoughts, I would love to hear yours!!

First off, thank you for resending this Anon - I really appreciate it, your thoughts are so cool and I don't care how long the post gets, I always love reading them! Second, sorry for the delay in responding - I’m having serious WiFi trouble at the moment that seems to just keep getting worse… it's been an absolute nightmare!

Anyway, I am totally with you in feeling Bart and Jaime have a younger/older siblings vibe - Bart has that chaotic kid bother energy while Jaime is definitely the reluctant authoritative figure who never asks for the responsibility but always winds up with it. In no way am I saying Jaime is like Bart’s babysitter/keeper or anything - dude is definitely capable of getting into his own shenanigans that require a little (or a lot) of assistance from Bart at times - but I think Jaime is just better at exercising caution and considering the consequences of doing something totally reckless… plus he has scarab in his ear who is either listing all the facts on how things could go very wrong for them, or just straight up suggesting the most destructive and life-threatening action possible… With that sort of ‘guidance’, Jaime has to have some major responsibility and good judgment skills in order to ensure things don't end in absolute disaster. Bart, on the other hand, is either too impulsive to ever even consider caution, or, he does consider it, but once he factors in his accelerated healing he just disregards it and whatever consequences he thinks of in favour of doing the thing he wants to do… Jaime has to activate his overprotective older sibling mode sometimes - for Bart’s literal safety and his own sanity… just because you can heal fast is not a valid enough reason to do stupid shit Bart! 

Another thing I like about the two is that Bart is usually found front and center when in group situations - eager to get straight to business - whereas, Jaime will usually be found towards the back, just taking in the information and situation in front of him - he's a listener who’s always ready to act when needed. It's when they're not found in these positions that you know there's trouble… 

Like, if Jaime is front and center it's because he means business and isn't taking no nonsense from anyone… off the top of my head, i feel like we don't see him do this too often in the show - though as i said before, I haven't had internet, so I haven't been able to refresh my memory on stuff (specifically s2) the way I wanted to… so he might not do this - but I like to think he does… he's always ready for action. i now have the image of Jaime being absolutely pissed about something that's happened - maybe someone's been seriously hurt or captured on a mission or anything and he is just totally set on whatever needs to be done, taking charge and not stopping for anything until the job is done. Jaime and the scarab are such a formidable force of power that we really haven't seen much of since s2 and it would be so cool to see him use that power in a full-on fight against an enemy - especially now he's older with more experience and control over what he's capable of… it would be really great!

And finally, I made a post back when s3 ended which went into how Bart seemed to retreat into the background more after the xpit fiasco as a means of isolating himself from others, I imagine he does this a lot when he's struggling with something, or when he's just not in the mood for socialising with others but doesn't want to worry people with his absence. He's there but he's not really there there. Not too many are aware he does this - or specifically why he does this when he does - but for those who do, namely Jaime and ed, they know it's best to just give him the space he wants and keep an eye on him until they can talk about it later when it's just them… Sometimes they will talk about it, sometimes they won't and will just play video games or watch a movie or do something of a distraction instead. Bart and Jaime have gotten really good at knowing how to be there for each other without pushing beyond their comfort levels when they really don't want to go into things. 

They have such a strong bond and I’d really love it if we could see more of that again. I think there's a great opportunity to see some non-outsiders/mission-based interactions between them after Bart's little s4 escapade with the legion - I really want to see Bart face some genuine consequences after what he did and to see Jaime be there to help him through it… we've seen Bart help Jaime through his troubles - it's time to see Jaime help Bart through his.

Wow… this response got way too long… oops. Anyway, those are some of the thoughts I currently have on the bluepulse boys, thanks again for (re)sending me yours anon - I love them! (And I will apologise again because I still feel bad for having lost your original message. So sorry.) Also, you have reminded me that I still really really need to read @kidflashimpulse‘s yj fics - it's been on my to-do list for ages… along with all the other Ed/Bart fics i have still yet to read on AO3… I'm just constantly behind on everything I tell myself I need to do…

Ok... now I'm definitely gonna stop talking. 👍

LB

[likeabxrdinflight]

Hi! I just read your post on Azula and diagnosing her and/or other fictional characters with mental illness. I really appreciated the read.

As a person who has struggled with mental illness and a neurodivergency called NVLD (similar to ASD and ADHD, but neither), I find it very important to be careful with mental health headcanons and avoid ableism. I really enjoy researching many different things related to psychology, primarily using peer reviewed articles and print sources. I did develop a headcanon that Azula would be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after the age of eighteen, based on the research I did and on personal experiences I have had with people I knew with the disorder. I can see why people would disagree with this headcanon and that’s valid. I want to make sure I’m not being careless in any way, shape, or form.

Ableism is something that has impacted me very, very negatively in my own life. I’ve had very distressing and stressful experiences due to people fundamentally misunderstanding neurodivergency and mental illness. I often struggle too because I can “pass” as neurotypical and without mental illness, so people tend to assume the worst when I miss social cues or act out when I’m stressed. One of the many things that drew me to Azula as a character is that I could relate to her inner conflicts, traumas, and emotions and feeling like I had to prove myself to people in order to be valued. And…the last thing I’d want to do is extend any ableism towards Azula in my writing of her in my fics. She is twenty when she is diagnosed with BPD in a modern setting with a trained psychologist. But I want to still be careful.

Sorry this is a long, rambly ask. My question would be: am I going about this in a healthy and respectful way or is there something I need to do differently?

I hope you have a great day! 😊

Hi! I totally respect wanting to be careful with mental illness/neurodiverse headcanons, but I definitely want to make it clear that the point of that post wasn't to tell people to never headcanon Azula as having some type of mental illness- especially mentally ill/neurodiverse people themselves. To me it sounds like you've really thought about this and have done far more research than most people would- looking at peer reviewed articles is already impressive for someone not in an academic field!

BPD Is a tough diagnosis, not because the disorder is some big bad scary thing, but because it's gotten a really bad rap over the years. I've had a lot of experience working with BPD clients since making that post, and it's always a hard diagnosis to give because there's so much stigma around it. I've spent many an hour now with patients just explaining the disorder and how I personally think about it in context of the individual person's life experiences/trauma history/early attachment relationships. And it overlaps with complex trauma a lot. So much so that the woman who first conceptualized C-PTSD (Judith Herman, absolute queen) acknowledges that many C-PTSD patients also meet criteria for BPD.

(C-PTSD is still not a formally recognized diagnosis so a lot of those patients end up with a BPD diagnosis anyway cuz that's what's in the book...)

Anyways, it sounds to me like you're doing the work to treat this diagnosis and Azula's character as respectfully as possible. I don't think there's any reason Azula couldn't, in theory, develop BPD, especially in a modern AU setting where I'm assuming fighting in the war isn't part of the story. BPD is a much more likely outcome to child abuse than a psychotic disorder for sure (though both are possible.) It's certainly far more likely than the other personality disorders fandom likes to give her. So I think keep doing what you're doing and you'll be just fine.

[multiplefandomsblog]

Hajime x reader x Nagito NSFW and SFW headcanons

request; omg could you please (of course, only if it isn’t a bother) do the polyamorous SFW and NSFW headcanons like you did for kokichi and Shuichi with Hajime and nagito? gn! or fem! reader, please 🛐

Warnings; unedited, minor spoilers, long af, polyamory, anggggsssst, fluff, the timeline is bullshit, voyeurism, praise kink, degradation kink, orgasm denial/edging, cock warming, BDSM, gn!reader, I tried making the reader’s parts gender-neutral, anal, fingering, hair pulling, cum eating, mentions of choking

Note; I feel like I made this more different compared to the Shuichi and kokichi one, but I still hope you enjoyed it nonetheless, thank you for requesting! (i also had so many more things to add, but it was becoming quite long so I had to hold back a bit qwq)

- mod chia

•SFW•

◊ TSUNDERE HAJIME AHHH- I’m so sorry, I just had to.

◊ But yes, Hajime is absolutely the cutest tsundere ever.

◊ It’s especially amusing when you and Nagito both gang up on him, kissing or cuddling him randomly just to see him flustered. You’d both randomly start being super affectionate towards him, turning him red. A thing you and Nagito would do is lean on both sides of his shoulders at the same time, or hug him from the back and front. Maybe some cheek kisses from both sides, he loves those but he won’t tell you that.

◊ I headcanon Hajime to be a protective boyfriend. If he ever found out someone had been rude to you or Nagito, he would throw hands. He is willing to beat up anyone for the two of you, you can’t talk him out of it.

◊ Hajime would get jealous easily, as a result of his insecurity about his talentlessness. If he ever saw an ultimate putting the moves on either of you, he’d probably get uncomfortable and try to pull you away or be extra affectionate.

◊ He gets kind of upset and envious of the ultimates Nagito praises, it makes him wonder if you and Nagito preferred someone else that had talent. So please assure him that he’s everything you both want and more, he needs the confidence and comfort.

◊ If he felt particularly insecure one day, you’d both sandwich him in a cuddle and tell him how important he meant to the both of you. He would refuse at first, saying that he was alright and all, but you two don’t fall for it.

◊ As you two are always there for him, he’s always there for you too.

◊ If he’s ever stressed during a class trial and you or Nagito’s stadium was next to his, he’d instinctually hold hands with either of you, feeling his nerves calm down a bit at the reassuring squeeze. 

◊ He has a sense for when you two are feeling upset, he always knows when something is up because he has a ton of experience himself. So he can recognize all the symptoms because he’s seen them in himself.

◊ Hajime somehow always knows the right thing to say and the best stuff to give to you when you’re feeling down in the dumps. He always reassures you that no matter what, your feelings are valid and that you can always come to him or Nagito when you aren’t feeling like yourself. 

◊ I headcanon that Nagito has some trouble detecting when something is wrong, I feel like he’d be too blinded by how amazing you two were that he’d overlook some symptoms of something wrong, brushing it off. He wouldn’t really think about the fact that you two could have issues in the first place, as a result of him viewing you so highly.

◊ Nagito is a great listener if you ever want to talk, and he will provide the warmest cuddles if you need them. He isn’t great at comforting you or advice, but he will whisper the sweetest things in your ear when you’re feeling insecure. 

◊ Nagito is a pretty thoughtful boyfriend, he remembers everything about the two of you(i.e. Favourite food, flowers, colour, material, etc.) though he can’t even remember to take care of himself. 

◊ He remembers all of the things his loves enjoy, and getting them for you two makes him extremely happy. He spoils you both rotten even though Hajime insists he doesn’t have to, but he does anyway.

◊ Nagito sometimes thinks he intrudes between the relationship with you and Hajime, he has thoughts of leaving the both of you because he thinks your relationship would be better without him. He’d see you two being adorable with each other, and think of how lucky he is to have you two.

◊ Almost too lucky. He worries that his presence in the relationship will somehow harm both of you, he’s convinced that something terrible will happen. So he’s constantly paranoid around the both of you. With everything good that occurs, something terrible follows; That’s his ultimate.

◊ In the early stages of your relationship with him, he’s pretty distant, always trying to edge himself out so you two could be happier together. But you two would notice his behaviour, asking him what was wrong. 

◊ As he explained, your hearts broke from his reason as you both smothered him with love. Hajime would aggressively love him, telling him he shouldn’t think that and that you both would be extremely upset if he had left. 

◊ He’d cry from the affection he’d receive from the two of you, feeling incredibly grateful for the both of you. After that, he’d stop being distant, realizing that he was just being selfish and hurting his loves. He’d realize that he had been doing the opposite of making you guys happy, and all he wants is for you two to be happy.

◊ I headcanon that Hajime and Nagito both have a teensy bit of trouble initiating kisses or contact, you’d have to initiate most of it. Hajime being too awkward and a tad shy, whereas Nagito doesn’t feel worthy of your touch.

◊ Buuuut, Hajime can and will initiate affection if you tease him to the point where he just wants to shut you guys up with his lips. He’d kabedon you guys and everything.

◊ Nagito’s favourite thing to do to you both is cooking and giving gifts. He loves acts of service because it makes him happy to know that he’s making you two happy from what he’s doing. If you let him cook or do anything for you, he’d be extremely happy. All he wants to do is to please the both of you.

◊ It’s cute seeing him dance around in his little apron while he cooks, it leads to one of those rare moments where Hajime initiates a back-hug. You’d join shortly after, not wanting to miss out on the cuddles. Nagito would be pretty surprised, but he’d let you two cling onto him as he kept on cooking with a wide smile on his face.

◊ A thing Hajime unconsciously does is hold your guys’ hands, he doesn’t want you two to wander off and him to lose you. It’s kind of a mom’s instinct.

◊ A thing you like to do is steal both of their clothes, wearing them around the house as if they were yours. The boys love seeing you in their clothes, their hearts just melt from how adorable you look. Hajime would flush and then question you for it,

◊ “Why are you wearing my clothes?” You clenched your hands around his material, bringing it tighter around your body. “Because it smells like you.” Hajime rolled his eyes but didn’t tell you to take it off, “Y-you’re such a perv.” He walked away, “But I’m your perv, right? Right, Hajime??” 

◊ Nagito would question you for it, but for different reasons. “Ah yes, of course, you still look stunning in my garbage hoodie. Speaking of, why are you wearing my trash clothing? I can buy you your own hoodie, you know.” He walked up to you, tugging at the hem of his hoodie you were wearing, “Do you want me to take it off?” You teasingly pouted as Nagito panicked, “N-no! I mean… If you’d like to, it’s your choice. But if you decide to keep it on, I wouldn’t be upset- Hell! I’d never be upse-” You shut him up with a bear hug, “Don’t worry, I’m not even wearing anything underneath this in the first place.” “Oh. Haha, wait wha-”

•NSFW•

◊ I think Hajime secretly loves cockwarming but would never suggest it because he’s afraid you two might think it’s weird. During movies where one of you decide to sit on his lap, all he’s thinking of is sinking his dick inside either of you, walls squeezing around him comfortably.

◊ I headcanon Hajime to be a switch, it depends on his mood if he’d rather be a top or bottom. He goes along with you two are more comfortable with.

◊ I can imagine Hajime tied to the bedpost as you sink down on him, Nagito watching you both with his cock in his hand. Nagito joins after a while, Hajime looked so vulnerable, it’s alright if he’s selfish just this once right? He’d slip himself underneath Hajime, his dick sliding in Hajime’s ass as he cried out pleas and moans. 

◊ Hajime’s eyes would be rolling in the back of his head as you both bounced on and thrusted into him, the pleasure mind-numbing. He’d be drooling from the intense pleasure he received from the both of you, Nagito whispering praises on how good he felt around him whilst you lost your mind writhing and grinding against his dick. 

◊ I headcanon that Hajime wouldn’t really enjoy hardcore degradation, maybe some small stuff to make him submit, but any personal degrading turns him off.

◊ Now, I don’t think this is a popular opinion but, I can see Nagito getting off on degradation. You or Hajime could call him a slut, and he’d be cumming from words alone. He doesn’t really think about whether you truly feel that way about him, he goes into that mindset and he kind of forgets all of it, focusing solely on the pleasure he was giving to you two.

◊ Hajime likes being told he’s making you feel good, it reassures him that you’re actually enjoying it and it’ll get him to go harder and faster.

◊ When Hajime tops, I think Hajime wouldn’t really be a soft or hard dom, he’d just be in the sweet middle spot. He’d never go too far but he wouldn’t be too gentle with either of you. Ultimately, it depends on his mood. For example. If you both had provoked him beforehand to the point he was done, he would go feral and hard dom the shit out of you both, not even giving you a chance to breathe.

◊ It’s kind of hot when you see his face turn red and his neck pop a vein, but it’s even better when he starts releasing all that sexual frustration into you both.

◊ He’d have Nagito on his dick while Nagito sucked the life out of you. Nagito wouldn’t even have enough time to protest, Hajime would already have his tip teasing Nagito’s rim with Nagito’s head pushed down in between your thighs.

◊ He wouldn’t stop thrusting until he came, using you both for his pleasure and his pleasure only(kinda hot ngl). Even when he did feel either of you reach your high, he’ll pull away when you could practically taste it.

◊ He loves edging, the distress on your faces when he pulls away at that last moment gets him off in a sadistic way. 

◊ Though, he would never let you two go without an orgasm unless you or Nagito acted bratty even after the many punishments. He punishes the both of you until you two finally break and submit completely to the point where you had no brat left in you.

◊ Nagito’s praise kink is more giving than receiving, though he will never complain if you did praise him. It makes his heart full when you tell him how good he is, he’s glad he’s making you feel good. You two always make Nagito feel good, so he always makes sure to let you know how good you make him feel.

◊ It’s kind of hot when you see his face turn red and his neck pop a vein, but it’s even hotter when he comes back to release his frustrations into the both of you.

◊ Nagito definitely puts the pleasure of his loves first, he always makes sure you two cum before him. 

◊ Nagito wouldn’t insert his dick in either of you unless you begged for it, he doesn’t think he deserves the pleasure, he prioritizes both of your orgasms first.

◊ Nagito as a bottom would always ask before he could cum, he wants to be good for the two of you and never wants to disappoint you. He doesn’t even think he is worthy of an orgasm himself, so if you said yes, he would hysterically thank you as he gasped and whined from the intense pleasure his orgasm brought him.

◊ Nagito is very vocal during sex, and god bless because I think we all know that Nagito has the breathiest, sexiest moans.

◊ I headcanon Nagito to be the softest dom, I cannot imagine this man degrading or hurting you two in any way. He loves you two too much to hurt you, even if it’s for sexual purposes. Though he may sometimes accidentally(?) overstimulate you at times, losing himself in the moment. 

◊ Nagito as a bottom enjoys any humiliation, degradation, choking or pain you put him through, he loves it all. His sexual reactions are definitely the best, he makes the prettiest moans as you or Hajime insert kanye west loves fingers in his ass, drool trailing down his chin as he arched his back. 

◊ Hajime loves pulling hair as much as Nagito loves having his hair pulled. 

◊ Nagito mostly gets off by watching the two of you fuck, pleasuring himself as he watches the both of you with dilated pupils. You two often have to beckon him to join, eventually resorting to ordering him after his many refusals that you didn’t have to.

◊ A thing Nagito does after sex is licking up every single drop of cum you two had given him, not letting a tiny bit go to waste. He thinks your cum is ‘hopeful’ and it’s precious to him, so he doesn’t want to seem unthankful for the cum you gave him. He makes sure to lap you both up clean, maintaining eye contact as his tongue slides up your guys’ skin.

◊ Hajime’s hard dom demeanour changes completely after sex, however tired he may be, he always makes sure the both of you are alright after the rough treatment he had given the both of you before he passes out. 

◊ Nagito would praise the both of you after sex, holding both of you close as he let you doze off in his arms.

[thenovelartist]

ABC Fluff Headcanons - Vyn Richter - Tears of Themis

A = Admiration (what do they absolutely adore about you?)

If this was a fairytale, it would be Beauty and the Beast. Except he was simply the Beast and you were his magic rose he got to watch bloom. But instead of watching you under glass, he preferred it to be removed, even if it shredded your innocence in the process, but oh, watching you grow anyways, both blooming beautifully while growing fierce thorns to warn anyone before they touch, just to spite the adversity you were faced with was his truest pleasure. Your fortitude; that was what he truly admired about you.

B = Body (what is their favorite part of your body?)

You’d think it’s your eyes, being the windows to the soul and all. But you’d be wrong; it’s your hands. Specifically, your tender touch. It’s gentle, warm, and safe. Being able to hold your hand feels intimate for him, and he actually enjoys when you tap his arm to get his attention, then let your hand linger when he gives it. It’s like a reward and a comfort all in one.

C = Cuddling (how do they like to cuddle?)

He does enjoy a good cuddle, but hugging you from behind might be his favorite. Whether sitting together on the couch with you on his lap or spooning you in bed, he likes when he can nuzzle the side of your head or rest his chin on your shoulder.

D = Dates (what does their ideal date with you look like?)

He will have planned this to a T because he’s not much for spontaneity. And it would involve a walk together, flowers, and he will either have made you a dessert or the two of you will make something together. It’s something quiet and intimate for you to enjoy time together, talking about anything and nothing while the date is riddled with affectionate touches and some kisses.

E = Emotions (how do they express emotion around you?)

Good grief, this man’s emotions are… complicated. He’s very logical, but he’s not ignorant to his emotions. It doesn’t seem like it, but he frequently tempers them, only to bring them up again in full when he records his diary so that he’s able to manage them.

But you have ruined him. His carefully kept emotional balance has been thrown to the wind. You make him feel intensely and strongly, to the point it almost trumps his logic, which makes him uncomfortable. His diaries have been getting longer as his inner turmoil increases, and that’s all your fault. It’s something you notice, too, watching his even temperament waver more and more frequently around you as the emotion inside him wars with his rationality. You will have to give this man time. Time to open up and be honest with himself, and you, about his emotions. Be prepared to validate his emotions in his moments of weakness. It’s the only way he’ll get better about honestly expressing them to you.

F = Family (do they want one? If they do, when?)

He wouldn’t be opposed to staying childless. He also wouldn’t be opposed to having a child, and you could probably talk him into two if the first goes well. Little humans would be fascinating studies, after all. (“Dear, do not psycho-analyze the children.”)

G = Gifts (how do they feel about gift giving? What are their habits when it comes to this?)

He does not care for trinkets. Nor does he care about giving you them. Gifts should be practical.

At least… that’s what he likes to think. His one exception to this is when he gives you something to wear. It’s his way of marking you and wearing it will spark a possessive streak in him.

H = Holding Hands (when/how do they like to hold hands?)

He likes—no, needs to be either touching or holding your hand in quiet, private moments. And he wants to hold your hand when he’s jealous. Especially when he’s jealous. And you know when he is because he holds tight as though reminding you that you’re his while also sending passive-aggressive signals to the cause of his jealousy. When you’re just out walking, he will sometimes hold your hand, but he also likes when you loop your hands over his elbow and he can escort you like a proper gentleman. (It also causes you to pull yourself in close to him, so he actually quite enjoys when you do that.)

I = Injury (how would they act if you got hurt?)

Depends. Minor cuts or burns are treated with care and, occasionally, a kiss. Get into an accident, and he gets shockingly worried about you. However, if you end up hurt because of a reason to do with NXX, he’ll be sick with emotions. Guilt, fear, anger; all of them brew for a deadly concoction. He will not rest, even to the point of abusing his own body, until he finds the person who hurt you and sees to it they are paying dearly for their crime.

J = Jokes (do they like to joke around with or prank you? how?)

He doesn’t always joke around, but when he does… this man is a wicked tease. Don’t expect to get off the hook easily. You better learn how to tease back, or he’ll use words and puzzles to twist you exactly where he wants you, which normally is you as a blushing, stuttering mess.

K = Kisses (how do they like to kiss you?)

Sweet kisses off-the-cuff are quite nice, and so are the passionate ones, but the ones he likes best are the slow, lingering ones that take place hidden away in your own world. They convey so much with no words. There’s no frantic holding or clinginess. Rather, it feels like a moment of security, coming together and staying. He likes the comfort they provide him and the way they actually settle his heart.

L = Love Confession (how do they confess?)

He actually was super nervous to confess. He’ll have practiced and planned this confession before it happens. Which you never would have guessed because it was in such a smooth conversation during one of your outings that he admitted he held feelings of a romantic nature for you.

M = Marriage (What does the wedding look like?)

He wants it small, intimate, and preferably outdoors in a garden. He wants it nice but not overly fancy. He won’t fuss over the smaller details. Besides, he doesn’t realize it yet, but he will barely remember anything beyond how utterly stunning you look in your wedding dress, anyway.

N = Nightmare (what is their worst fear?)

He hates being a failure, but if he’s everput in a position where he fails you, he will never forgive himself.

O = Oddity (what is one quirk they have?)

This man has literal decks of cards of only one kind of card. You want a 52 card deck with all ace of hearts? He has that. Ten of spades? He has that too. Four of clubs? Yup. You don’t know why he has them, and he won’t tell you, but you think it’s literally just because he’s highly amused the way you wrack your brain over it.

P = Pet Names (what do they like to call you?)

He’s classic. Love, Dear, Darling, Sweetheart. But he’s half-German (At least, that is my best speculation considering he was called “Vilhelm” and is canonly mixed-race), so “Liebling” is also an endearment he calls you, and my guess is he saves that one strictly for the sweetest, most tender moments you share.

Q = Quality Time (how do they like to spend time with you?)

Calm setting, electronics put away, and preferably some form of physical contact with you. This could be working together in the garden, side by side, or going out to walk around town together, but those are not his favorite. Baking with you is one of his top ones, though. Expect him to tap some sort of batter or frosting on your nose. His other favorite is lounging together on the couch, your back leaning against his chest, and just talking. Communication is important to any relationship, and he finds it a joy to communicate with you.

R = Romance (how do they show their love and affection?)

He’s the kind that shows his affection by giving you his time and attention. He’ll show it in the little touches exchanged back and forth and in the way he’s attentive to your well-being, particularly your mental well-being.

He’ll also show he loves you by playing mind games on you until you’re a blushy, stuttering mess. He’s usually forgiven with a kiss and “I love you”. You know you’re too soft on him, but whattcha gonna do?

S = Secrets (how open are they with you?)

He is an onion you have to peel back layer by layer to get to open up to you. And like an onion, there’s likely going to be some tears shed as you do that. Time will determine how many secrets he’s willing to share with you, and it’s likely going to take years for him to fully open up to you. But keep at it. You will be rewarded with his innermost thoughts and feelings and the discovery of how insecure this seemingly unflappable man is.

T = Time (how long did it take you to get together?)

This man doesn’t believe in love at first sight, but falling hard and fast for you? That he did. One of his biggest hurdles he had to get over was logically evaluating his feelings and what he thought your feelings for him were as well as coming to terms with the way he’s been treated in past relationships (And not just romantic ones. He has an… interesting way of creating carefully crafted ties to people.) So it might take a little time for him to get comfortable enough to ask you out. And throughout the relationship, he’ll probably still be working with his past demons, so be prepared for that.

U = Upset (how do they act when you’re upset?)

He’ll comfort you the best way he can if you’re a sad upset. A mad upset, and he’ll probably give you a little space to work yourself out while offering his guidance. And upset at him? This is where a good chunk of your arguments happen, to be honest. So then you both have to calm down before coming together again and talking it out. But you always do and are stronger for it.

V = Vaunt (what are they proud of? Do they like to show you off?)

He’ll never admit it, but he loveswhen he can leave you impressed. It thrills him if he can show off a trick or his general intelligence and have you praise him for it. Occasionally, he’ll search for ways to impress you just because he wants that attention. But never will he admit it.

W = Warrior (how do they feel about you fighting? Would they fight for you, beside you, etc?)

Well…he’s all okay with fighting as long as it’s not physical fighting. If you’re going to verbally spar with someone, he’s more than happy to let you go, and he takes pride in the fact you usually wipe the floor with your opponent. But the moment it’s going to turn into a physical altercation, he’s your shield. Part of him thinks that in times he is unfortunately not around, it might be good to have some self-defense under your belt, but at the same time, he’d rather you just flee instead of fight. Because he knows you well enough that if you had the ability, you’d probably knock someone’s lights out if they came at you.

X = X-Ray (how well are they able to read you?)

He’s a psychologist; he can already read you well. But on top of that, you are his favorite study, and he will catalogue everything he learns about you away to pull out for future reference. So while he already reads you well early on into your relationship, give it a few years and you have basically no secrets from this man.

Y = Yes (how would they propose to you?)

He will never forget the “surprise over romance” opinion on proposals you shared with him. So, determined to give you the best, he sets up an elaborate puzzle for you, getting all the important people in your life to get in on it. Together, the two of you will trapeze the town hunting down little clues—in places, that you only realize later, hold significance to both of you—before he’ll “conveniently” take his leave so you can finish out the last leg, which ultimately ends up leading you to his office, the place you first met. And there he is, sitting behind a house of cards sits made solely from the Ace of Hearts with a ring in the middle of the top tier which was made from two different cards: the king and queen. Only once you realize that and he revels in your joy and tears will he properly get on one knee and ask you to marry him.

Z = Zen (what makes them feel calm?)

When everything is “right” in his world. His patients are doing well, he’s got no massive cases on his plate, nothing requires his immediate attention, and you are close by, doing well in your own right.