#they'd be better and healthier for each other and in their lives as just great friends

[thy-lovelylionheart]

One of the most interesting aspects of season 4 to me is that so much of the focus is on El desperately wanting Mike to tell her, "I love you"

But what gets so easily glossed over by the general audience is how desperately Mike wants El to say, "I need you," to him

Both of them have something they desperately want/need to hear from the other, in order for their romantic relationship to survive. And Mike wanting to be needed is not something he needs to get over. It's just the way he wants to be loved. He wants to feel useful, necessary –

He wants to know why he is loved.

El has been saying, "I love you," but that's all she's been saying. She hasn't been saying why she loves Mike, how he makes her feel, anything deeper than those three words. In fact, the closest we get in season 4 is "You think I'm a monster too." and "You were scared of me." So, Mike has (unintentionally) made her feel like a monster and someone to be feared.

Do you know who has said how Mike makes him feel? Do you know who has said why he loves Mike? Do you know who has said that he needs Mike? Of course you do.

You're guiding the whole party, inspiring us. | Without Heart, we'd all fall apart. But you make her me feel like she's I'm not a mistake at all. Like she's I'm better for being different. And that gives her me the courage to fight on. | El I need you, Mike. And she I always will.”

[lolasimms]

a lots gonna change pt.18

Summary: Married life isn’t great, infidelity ensues, and things change.

next chapter

3 years later

"Levi, no." You hear Lila yell loudly from the dining room. You pause what you're doing, placing the wooden spoon on the counter and turning the stove off.

"Dina, I'll call you back. These kids are driving me nuts." You end the call, placing your phone down and enter the dining, where the commotion was taking place.

"What's going on in here?" You huff, both hands resting on your hips as you look at the two children questioningly.

"Levi's throwing his food on the floor again and he won't stop." Lila grumbles, the seven year old still growing accustomed to having a sibling.

You roll your eyes, you had things to do and dealing with this at the moment wasn't one of them. You walk away from the dining and into the living room, in search of back up.

"Your son is throwing food on the floor again." You arms are crossed as you address her and she pauses the tv, following after you into the dining room.

"Levi, why are we throwing food on the floor, buddy?" Abby reaches over to the baby, pulling him out of his high chair and playfully scolds him. He lets out a high pitched scream/giggle, you couldn't tell the difference.

"If you joke around with him he'll keep on doing it Abs." You say, knowing she'd rather have him continue to throw food on the floor than ever scold her little boy.

-

Both the children knew that she was the fun mom, she never yelled unless she had to and she never gave them rules to follow. which most of the times set you off. She loved to play with them, and whenever they played they really played. They both adored her and it made your heart soar.

You'd made your choice and that was Abby. It hurt you to part with Ellie, being it that she was the first person you'd ever loved. But you knew sometimes it was best that you let things go, for better or for worse. Abby had done nothing but prove to you that she was the best partner you could ever ask for and to this day she'd remained loyal and loving.

After Ellie recovered, you broke the news to her, that you forgave her but couldn't forget what she had done. It was hard for the both of you but it needed to happen. Your co-parenting relationship was healthier than ever and both her and Abby managed to stay civil with each other.

You married Abby during the winter, it was simple and intimate. Her dad, your parents, Nara, Dina and the boys, Joel and Ellie. You assured your ex that if she wasn't comfortable then she didn't have to come, but she insisted that she wanted to be there, that she was happy you were happy.

A year later you and Abby had secretly started IVF treatments, knowing you didn’t want to get everyone's hopes up if you were unsuccessful. Thankfully by month four your doctor had assured you the baby was completely healthy and that you could announce it to your families.

Everyone was excited to know another Lila would be coming into the world, but even more when they'd found out it was a boy. You and Abby had no preferences, just happy to have another little one around the house. Lila on the other hand was not amused when she'd found out about her new sibling. It was after school and Abby had picked her up when the announcement was made.

You were having the second trimester symptoms and could not for the life of you do anything extravagant. So you planned a simple reveal of the child to Lila. I'n an envelope you put a photo of your sons ultrasound and wrote a small "Hi big sister" in black sharpie.

"What does it mean by, “Hi big sister?" Lila had asked looking at the ultrasound.

"It means mommy's pregnant, we're having a baby"

Abby announced, joy on her face. The two of you anticipating a shout or cheer from Lila but you got nothing.

"You're going to be a big sister baby, your having a brother!" You tried sounding excited, thinking it would make her feel the same but she just stared at the two of you.

"I don't want a brother. I don't want a baby. Can you get rid of it mommy?" Both you and Abby let out gasps of surprise.

Long story short is that after a few days of icing you out and trying to get you to "give the baby back" Lila had finally come around to the idea of a sibling. Fast forward 2 years later, and the two of them loved each other despite the fact that Lila sometimes grew irritated by her brothers antics.

-

"I know baby but I just can't say no to this cute face." Abby squishes Levi's cheeks and Lila huffs irritatedly.

"Mommy, Abby has to clean it up since she's letting him off the hook." The seven year old announces, grabbing her plate and heading to the kitchen to wash it.

"She's got a point." You smile, patting Abby's shoulder and then pinching the baby who was sat in her arms, smiling with his gummy teeth.

You made your way into the fridge, checking to see that the cake had been untouched, knowing your daughter loved sweets. To your surprise it still sat in its clear box, fresh as ever. You waltzed into the living area, coaxing Lila to get showered and dressed, and then headed into your room to ready yourself.

"Y/N?" You hear Abby's voice call out to you from the room as you're towelling off  inside the ensuite. You exit the room with your towel wrapped around yourself, to see her stood with a sleeping Levi in her arms.

"I was just in the shower, Lev sleeping already?" You ask, walking over to your vanity and grabbing a bottle of lotion. She nods, placing him on the bed and then creating a barrier of pillows to prevent him from falling.

"Is Shay here yet?"

"She's on her way, I should probably get ready as well."

"Good idea baby, I'm gonna get dressed and go check on Lila."

-

After what felt like hours of doing your hair and makeup, doing Lila's hair, finding Abby an appropriate outfit and waiting for the babysitter to arrive. The three of you were finally out of the house with a gift and the box of cake in your lap.

"Hey, you made it." Ellie smiles, opening the door to let you guys in.

"Hi momma" Lila walks over to Ellie and gives her a hug. "Hey baby, is that for me?" Ellie asks referring to the gift bag Lila was holding. "Yes, but you can't open it till after cake" Lila asserts, managing to always find someone to boss around. It was a consequence that came with being a big sister, she thought she could boss her entire family around.

"Hey, thanks for coming and thanks for the cake."Ellie smiles at you and Abby as she motions for you to enter.

"No problem and happy birthday Els." You smile, giving her a friendly hug.

"Happy Birthday Ellie." Abby says, they exchange a civil handshake.

-

You looked around the room and immediately a smile was brought to your face. Sure life had thrown you obstacles that made you believe happiness was far out of reach, but finally you were happy. Your unorthodox family stood around the table singing happy birthday to Ellie.

Lila sitting in her mothers lap, laughing as she sang along to the song. Tommy and Maria and their kids, Joel grumpily singing along, Abby who was new to this but fit right in. You couldn’t complain about all the hurt, the change, the pain , because finally it felt worth it. You were happy.

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[panlight]

I know that Meyer intends Bella's depression in NM to be mystical and supernatural because her love with Edward is Just That Special. But what if it wasn't? What if Bella went to therapy? How do you think that would affect the story? Would she take Edward back if he returned (without the NM plot contrivances)? If she DID take him back, how would therapy help her (and Edward!) create healthy boundaries and/or life choices?

It would do her some good, I think, even if it only helped her with her self-esteem issues.

Obviously she couldn't be completely honest with a therapist, but even vague descriptions of her situation could be worked through. For example if she says that she feels like the whole life, the whole family, the whole future she had chosen was taken away from her, and the therapist helps her realize like, "you're barely 18, you were dating that guy for six months, his family was nice to you but there was no proposal or engagement or definite plans for the future other than in your own mind" that might give her a different perspective. No one knows what the future holds; very few people get the future they imagine for themselves, let alone the future they dreamed of as teens.

I do think an emotionally healthier Bella wouldn't take Edward back right away. I think they'd get back together eventually but she might be like "It's great to see you, but I need time. I was really hurt by what you did and now I found out you lied about your reasons I just . . . I need time." etc. Then she works through the sense of betrayal and being lied to and probably comes to the conclusion he was trying to protect her from the vampire world (how'd that work out?) and they have a much-needed talk about trust and boundaries and all that.

I don't know if it would change much with the vampire stuff. If she's "born to be a vampire" then I guess therapy isn't going to change her mind there. Maybe she's less likely to rush into it, though? But then there's still the Volturi threat and it is pretty unfair to make the whole coven live under this death threat because Edward doesn't want Bella to become a vampire. She still has her martyr streak so she still might insist on doing it soon for that reason.

She might be better at setting boundaries with Alice, too, after some therapy. "We can go clothes shopping if we also go to the bookstore and look at the tidepools on the beach." " . . . okay. But that means I get to help you pick out a swimsuit." "Fine." Like if they're friends then they both need to make compromises and support each other's interests.

(Although I still kind of think SM/Bella WANTS all the things Alice 'forces' on Bella and she made Bella not want it to seem humble. She's said she'd love a sister/friend like Alice so while some of us introverts cringe, it's part of the ~fantasy)

[ducklingdraws]

My Idea for a Scooby-Doo! Reboot

So a while back, after noticing that Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated was on Spectrum On Demand, I decided, "Hey, I'm gonna rewatch this show." I don't know why I did it, because I rarely ever rewatch shows. I'll watch reruns, but never have I actually decided to rewatch a television series. But, I did it for Scooby-Doo.

And frankly, I had forgotten how good the show was. It's honestly really dark, while also being absolutely hilarious; and in its humor, the show actually does really unique things with the Scooby-Doo gang, with the biggest example being this show's version of Fred Jones. It's wild. But in my opinion, the thing that really makes this show what it is...

...is its story. I feel like the story and characters are fuel for this show in a way that feels different from other shows, somehow. I don't really get it, but that's the way I see it.

So, seeing as there's all these serialized cartoon series nowadays, and Scooby-Doo is always getting rebooted in one way or another, I figured... what if I rebooted Scooby? If I had the opportunity to reboot Scooby-Doo and the only Warner Bros requirement was "just make it," what would I do with it?

Without further ado, this is To the Future, Scooby-Doo!

First up: The Premise

To kick things off, I'll discuss how the show is set up. This version of Scooby-Doo is set in the future. Technology has become more holographic and stuff like in the movies, but fashion hasn't evolved to be nothing but latex bodysuits yet. Flying cars are real but not very widely used, and clothes can tell the time.

On the biological side of things, prosthetics are holographic as well, and incredibly easy to attach. It's almost like having your original limb. Food is healthier while also being more environmentally friendly, and animals have been genetically modified for a very long time. They have been allowed to mate, which has eventually lead to many domesticated animals being able to speak!

The main setting is a large port town known as Port Intrigue, where all sorts of goods are traded, and many people lead peaceful lives. It's a nice place, and a lot of the economy is structured around it. There are other important trade cities like it, but Port Intrigue may be the most powerful.

It's also probably the weirdest, because in true Scooby-Doo fashion, no one can just "be a criminal." Heck no! Where's the fun in that?? If you're gonna try and get money through illegal fear tactics, you've gotta do it in style!!

And for some reason or another, the police get a little help with solving a lot of the more, uh... colorful mysteries. Help from a group of kids attending Intrigue High...

Next up: The Scooby Gang!

So here's the big part! All of my redesigns of the classic gang! Let's kick it off with:

FRED JONES

So this version of Fred is definitely toned back from various recent versions of Scooby-Doo, particularly the DVD movies and Mystery Incorporated. He's a lot more laid back, and has a sort of "cool guy" persona.

One day a long time ago, his parents, 2 great scientists, didn't pick him up from school, and apparently they mysteriously disappeared. So since then he's been living with Shaggy. At Intrigue High, he is in the theater program as a Tech, so he's good with pulleys and ropes and other various behind-the-scenes theater things, which makes him really good at making weird Rube Goldbergs - and traps, whenever the need arises. But when would Fred ever need to build a trap?

NORVILLE "SHAGGY" ROGERS

...Y'all can excuse the scribbles in the lower corner, right?

Anyway, this version of Shaggy is just as uptight as he always is, but instead of that only being attributed to mystery solving and creepy ghoulies, it's evolved into some much, much greater!!!

He's the mom friend now.

Y'know, telling everyone to watch their eating habits and be careful of opening soda cans because so help me if you scratch yourself...!

Long time ago he lost his arm so now he has one of those cool prosthetics. The trauma of losing it though has made him extra cautious, and a bit of a scaredy cat. Of course, he's willing to do whatever it takes for his friends, just like the Shaggy we all know!

He still likes to eat and is a bit of an amateur chef, participating in the culinary club at Intrigue High.

VELMA DINKLEY

This is my rendition of Velma Dinkley. She's still the smartest one of the group, and good at technology, but is also a boxer! She's not just strong, but also strong willed!

The Dinkley's have a long, long history of scientific endeavors, and Velma's father is a great scientist as well! Though really, it's more of a hobby for him.

Velma lives with her younger sister Madelyn (who some of you might remember from Abracadabra-Doo) and her father, Victor.

This Velma is snarky, yet quirky. She's got a real go-getter mentality, which everyone can't help but to respect.

DAPHNE BLAKE

Daphne Blake is a bit of a softie. She was never very forward with making friends, but developed a clique of her own with Fred, Shaggy, Scooby and Velma.

Her house used to be the gang's main hang out spot, but after the kids moved on to high school, they haven't been over to her house at all.

Daphne likes to draw, and really wants to be a fashion designer. In fact, she's a part of Intrigue High's costume design team for the theater program!

SCOOBY-DOO

Scooby-Doo has been part of the Rogers family ever since he was a puppy, and Shaggy was a little kid. The two have been basically inseparable their whole lives, with Scooby even attending school with everyone else.

He likes belly rubs, scratches behind the ear, and food. So in other words, he's the same Scooby we all know and love! Still fearful, but dedicated to his friends, including...

MEASLES

Shaggy and Scooby may have been buds since they were little kids, but before Shaggy, Scooby had Measles.

Since they're both GMO animals, they both have the ability to speak human language, which they would use to try and get food. Eventually, Measles was able to get Scooby into a good home with the Rogers family. Unfortunately, Mr and Mrs Rogers couldn't afford to take care of Shaggy, Fred, a dog, and a cat, but Measles promised to visit Scooby whenever she could, or that they'd at least see each other around. And she's kept that promise! Even to this day, the gang will sometimes find her in random locations, like... the Theater Program's costume box?

Measles has a lackadaisical, yet somewhat snarky personality, but definitely cares for her friends. It just may take a while to show it.

Last up: Everything Else

Uh, hm. I guess this is the generalization of the show.

Well, it's a giant celebration of Scooby-Doo. The gang wears different outfits, rarely wearing the same one in consecutive episodes. And each outfit would be pulled from a previous Scooby series (yes, including *shivers*... Get a Clue).

Also, other characters from previous series and Scooby media are not only in the show, but play decently sized rolls. For example, I already mentioned Madelyn Dinkley, but there's also Red Herring from A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, or Mayor Nettles and Sherriff Bronson Stone from Mystery Incorporated (they're married from the start this time!). Even the dreaded Scrappy Doo makes his return at (what I imagine to be) the start of Season 2, hopefully to redeem himself and not be relegated to a tired joke about "lol Scrappee sux XD"

Flim-Flam is back too, but is rebranded as Frida McScam, the fast talking troublemaking free spirited girl who takes everybody's crap and spins it in her favor (and also might be psychic).

Scooby's family tree is mentioned, and his parents even have a major role in Season 1.

Just a whole lot of Scooby-Doo trivia and stuff. Stuff that I imagine the people working on the show would be way, way better at remembering and putting to use than I am!

As for the overarching plot?

Well, what futuristic setting would be complete without aliens? I imagine the aliens would be a race of owl creatures known as the Willawaw (another Scooby reference because I hope this show is FULL OF THEM). Basically, these aliens are the bad guys, both in the show proper, and in a lot of the show's backstory. They're like myth villains, or greater scope villains, or something.

I was even thinking like, when the gang ends up running, rather than using a recyclable run cycle from a side view, everyone could have brand new running animations, like to distinguish them all as unique. Although I guess that's what the running cycles were... but the chase scenes are a lot like Mystery Inc, where they were a lot more action packed. It could be great! And of course, everyone would use the classic running style at some point throughout the show, because that seems to be tradition for Scooby-Doo.

This was a really big post! But if you read all of it, thanks a million! I hope you liked the small amount of art within, or just the idea in general! Maybe I'll even draw my reimagined takes on the other characters some day. But for now, I'll leave at this.