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softlypaintedseafoam · 21 hours ago

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the summer moon was born from the waves to be loved pt 2

synopsis. you got pregnant and satoru has to put together the pieces five years later.

pairing. gojou satoru x f!reader (afab)

word count. 7k | masterlist

content warning. 18+ (smut with feelings), college au, friends to friends with benefits to co-parents to lovers (what a pipeline), mild angst with a happy ending, use of y/n

reblogs & interactions appreciated.

and finally, part 2 is here! if you'd like to read part 1, click here if you already haven't since you will need the context to build off this one. this series is very near and dear to my heart and it's nice to have it here on this blog as well. fun fact this originally had a co-parent only ending but after writing satoru's pov, i felt so bad i couldn't commit. sorry nanami, better luck next time

o. buoy

If Satoru was forced to use some sort of ocean-related terminology to describe you, he’d say you’re a buoy.

You were the marine biology major. (What was the difference between that and oceanography? Satoru had no idea. You explained it to him at least twice though). Because of that, Satoru heard his fair share of marine terminology from you.

Buoys were those floating things at sea, the ones from Finding Nemo that had all the seagulls on it. You said they were guiding posts, gave heads up for reefs or they could be warnings for hazardous zones.

To Satoru, you were like an anchorless buoy that ー no matter how far he sailed ー he could never reach.

i. halocline

You’ve never felt permanent; not to Satoru.

You sooner felt like one of those quickly formed friendships you thought would last forever only for it to dwindle out as fast as it started. Then that person was just a forgotten name in your contacts list until you’re scrolling down and going ‘Who the hell is this? Delete’ without a second thought.

It was strange.

An oxymoron of the highest degree.

How did someone who was such a constant in his life from the moment you set foot in it simultaneously feel as impermanent as foam on the waves? One minute you were there, the next you weren’t. Satoru wasn’t sure when the fear of you disappearing entirely crept in.

When those looks started appearing on your face.

All he knew was that it started long before he started sleeping with you and it started long before you left.

One moment you’re hanging out ー undoubtedly doing something stupid. Singing the wrong lyrics to a song on the radio, putting Suguru’s hair in pigtails, watching María la del Barrio with Utahime who took one Spanish class and made telenovelas her entire personality for a month ー then you’d grow quiet and this far away look would be in your eyes. Satoru never knew where you went in those moments, but it wasn’t there.

So he’d do something to anchor you back to land. It didn’t have to be much.

A poke to the cheek,

a tickle to your side,

calling out to you,

sometimes he’d even play with your fingers.

It didn’t matter what he did as long as you’d blink and grin and go “what’s up?” and everything would feel right in the world.

It never would feel right long enough though; the look always came back and the feeling would persist.

When you sang songs in the car.

(“I can do it fast or slow, it really doesn’t matter, though. ‘Cause I’m a pro, what you say? You wanna take me toe to toe? Uh no, dude, I think so,” you’d rap Kel’s verse flawlessly like you’d rehearsed it for hours. “My style is phat and Immature’s got my back on this funky trackー” you pointed at Satoru enthusiastically.

“You want fries with that?” Satoru would point back with way too much passion for a line that went way too hard for what he was actually saying. “Coo coo ca-choo whatcha gonna do?”

Shoko would roll her eyes but she’d still be smiling when Suguru softly brought in the chorus with rhythmic bumps of his head, “watch me do my thing, I like to do my thing, watch me do my thing, everybody sayー”

Your head continued to bump along but you stopped singing along and looked out the window. Satoru remembered he threw his arm around your shoulders loudly belting the rest of the lyrics until you laughed and joined back in.)

When you indulged Utahime’s telenovela personality change.

(“[First], quit zoning out. I’m bored.”

“Hey, unlike you, I’m actually paying attention.”

“Oh yeah, then what’s been going on?”

“Soraya Montenegro is gasping in Spanish right now.”

“Can you both shut u- OH MY GODー”

“IS NO ONE GONNA STOP THIS BITCH?”)

And at parties.

(Satoru always knew you were about to leave when you made that face. Things could start perfectly at the beginning of the night. You’d finally skulk out of your cave like you were Gollum from Lord of the Rings and wave him over. The next moment? You were in deep thought while your friends made joke after joke, rip after rip.

“Sorry gang, but my lips don’t touch anything but Don Equis and Asahi,” you’d say with an air of regality not suited for a party of college students. “Maybe Corona if there’s nothing else. I’m not drinking… whatever this is. So I’m gonna head out, there’s a 24 hour liquor store around here somewhere.”

“You coming back?” Satoru didn’t know why he asked, he already knew what your answer would be.

“Nah, I think I’m done for the night. I’ll catch you guys later though.”

“I’ll walk you back to your place then.”)

He doesn’t know why he looked at your lips that night at the park.

You were friends, he liked being your friend. That’s all there was to it. It had always annoyed him up until that point when Suguru and Shoko joked the two of you were more like a couple than anything else. That he chased after you like a lovesick puppy, the pathetic but funny kind. He wasn’t sure why it annoyed him so much.

Maybe it was because it felt like it reduced everything about his friendship with you into that shit take that the opposite sex couldn’t just be friends.

Maybe it was something else entirely. He doesn’t know.

You weren’t permanent.

Not while you sat beside him in a park at who knows when in the morning and not even when you reassured him his life would work out the way he wanted and you touched him like he was something precious to you.

“Be careful I don’t disappear for months, spirited away by the sea folk on my Children of the Sea shit. I’ll come back to shore occasionally, mysterious as the sea itself.” You already were as mysterious as the sea itself.

“Even if you got spirited away, I’d just go and bring you right back.” Satoru meant it. Even if, more than anything, it felt more like he was making that promise to reassure himself. It didn’t matter how far off to the sea you went as long as Satoru could bring you back to the shore. “You’ve doomed yourself.” More specifically you said that to him. Maybe he should have taken it more of a warning than a light-hearted nudge.

“You said it first, remember?” You did. He remembered it as clear as day. He’d stumbled onto an unstable boat and you were a buoy far off in the distance.

“There’s no ditching me now, not even at sea.” So stay. That’s all Satoru needed you to do.

The sprinklers that decided to join in on the moment must have been a sign that he was in the middle of a prophecy that was going to be fulfilled whether he wanted it to or not. That’s why he kissed you first in the doorway of your bathroom when you just came to ask if he wanted tea.

Buoys are supposed to have anchors, right?

Maybe he could be yours.

When Satoru woke up the day after the first time you slept together, he woke up alone.

It wasn’t until he reached out an arm lazily to your side of the bed and he patted the mattress several times that he realized no one was there. The bed had long since gone cold so you had to have been gone for a while. Yes, you called five minutes later from McDonald’s cheerily going “Yooo, Satoru, I’m at Mickey D’s, what do you want?” Still it cemented your impermanence and that was only the first of many times he woke up by himself.

You could be out the house or in; Satoru preferred when you were in. Sometimes you’d be in the kitchen humming some unknown tune, other times you’d be watching TV on the couch. Either way, he could drape himself over you with a tired ‘morning’ and hold you close.

(“What are you wa- is that the new episode of Love is Blind?”

“Um… I only just started it two minutes ago?”

“[First], what the hell!? While I was asleep?!”)

From then on when Satoru saw those far away looks, he’d kiss you since it was on the table now. Satoru put everything into those kisses and you’d kiss him back just as hard.

Don’t go anywhere. He’d thread one hand into your hair and the other would pull your waist closer to his. Satoru didn’t want or need anything else. Stay.

You kissed him like you would.

It’s crazy how easily you could just slip away from everything like a ghost that hadn’t been there at all. It was shockingly apparent that impromptu trip you took to the beach in the middle of the semester.

Everyone had been together in awe of the bioluminescent dots in the sea and it donned on him you hadn’t said anything in a while. You were gone.

He’d painted his panic in his usual bravadoー nonchalant and grinning, claiming he was gonna go bother you for a bit.

It was a relief when he found you.

It was dreadful when he found you.

Satoru couldn’t see your face clearly but he could tell your look was intent on the sea and how it shined with the glow of a billion bright lights. If there was a ghost ship calling you out to the depths, Satoru knew you’d leave in a heartbeat.

You slowly became more noticeably distant from your group of mutual friends after that trip. It didn’t start immediately, you’d acted the same as usual at first. You still sang songs in the car, Utahime had grown out of her novela phase in favor of all of you losing your shit at the editing of Indian serial dramas and in between those moments Satoru found himself in your bed again.

It was around that time you started kissing his forehead; when the kisses started, that’s when you started drifting away from his orbit. You said it was homework, your profs telepathically communicating to increase your workload.

You alright?

What kind of sadists are your professors if you’re this busy?

Just let me know if you need me to come over some kind of distraction. Sorry for coming over earlier unannounced, I shouldn’t have assumed. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.

“Do you think she thinks I’m being clingy?” Satoru mumbled as he stared at your text that you were fine just dying from homework. You definitely thought he’s being clingy. He’d always been a bit clingy with his friends. He was probably more overbearing than usual though.

“Yes,” Kenjaku replied without missing a beat. “You’re gonna get dumped if you keep this up.”

God what does Suguru see in this guy? He’s like a fucking parasite. “I wasn’t asking you,” Satoru glared. “And she isn’t my girlfriend.”

Suguru snorted, running his hands through his boyfriend’s hair, “play nice both of you,” he said lightly and Satoru rolled his eyes. “But if [First] is saying she’s fine, then just trust that she’s fine. She’ll come back around when her workload decreases.”

Satoru glared with a pout, “you’re worried too, don’t act like it’s just me.”

“I never said it was, it’s just that between the two of us I’m handling it better. I sent her a surprise uber eats delivery yesterday.” Asshole, that was a brilliant idea. Satoru wished he thought of it first. Instead he asked Shoko to check on you; maybe you’d be more receptive if it wasn’t him bothering you for the tenth text in a row.

Shoko went to check on you. Apparently you were fine and Satoru was worrying for nothing. She even said that you would come and hang out with them soon. Some people might say it’s a bit petty to celebrate the failures of others. In another universe, Satoru might even agree with them. But in this universe, Satoru was a hater first and foremost. So if he and his friends wanted to go out to eat to celebrate the fact Zenin Naoya was bitching about a failing grade on an essay, he and his friends were going to go out and eat to celebrate Zenin Naoya failing his essay.

Apparently, you were all haters.

It was also just nice seeing you again. If Satoru was more poetic, he’d probably add a bunch of other things to that statement. It was just nice to have you back.

“Karma is probably gonna come back to clap us in the ass for celebrating someone getting a bad grade,” you snickered.

“Sounds like a problem for future us,” Suguru grinned with a twinkle in his eyes.

“We go to school with the Japanese version of Ben Shapiro,” Satoru choked on his strawberry smoothie when Shoko said that. “I think we’re covered on karma.”

“Y’all are terrible people,” Satoru clicked his tongue, shaking his head in disbelief and shame.

“Hey, good neighbor, this dinner was your idea,” you nudged him with a dry tone and a smile.

Satoru nudged back with a grin of his own.

Dinner was fun, lots of drinks and jokes. It was a non-alcoholic beverage sort of night. Shoko said it was because they’d clearly been drinking too much if Satoru of all people had gotten better with holding his liquor. Her point was fair but rude nonetheless yet when Satoru turned to whine for you to come to his defense, the distant glaze was over your eyes and your smile was smaller than it had been the last time he looked at it.

“[First],” your motion to close your apartment door stopped and you hummed with a raised eyebrow. Satoru felt more dread than usual that night. Something about the air had been different. The face you made felt different than it normally did. It was always distant, you were always far away, but tonight was the worst it had ever been. “We’re good, right?”

You look at him like he grew an extra four eyes. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Satoru couldn’t meet your eyes as he shrugged wordlessly. You’d probably say he was being ridiculous and clingy if he mentioned anything but he couldn’t find anything else to say to make himself seem unbothered either.

You rolled your eyes with a grin before stretching your arms out wide. “You’re being overdramatic, you big baby. Come here, big guy,” Satoru pulled you in close, burying his nose in the corner of his neck. Despite welcoming your embrace, it did nothing to soothe Satoru’s anxieties.

“I’ll see you later, yeah?” Satoru asked without pulling away from you completely.

The way you smiled at him was warm but it still somehow felt unreadable. Satoru knew all of your smiles. Your happy ones,

the sad ones,

the one you made when Sora finally got into Smash.

The ones you made when you were mad that he was successfully charming his way out of you being mad at him.

Satoru didn’t know this one.

Despite that fact, Satoru let you cup his face in your hands and he let you stand on the tip of your toes to place a kiss on his forehead. “See you, Satoru.“

ii. undertow

Sleep didn’t come to Satoru after he laid in bed.

His head was too full as he kept running back through what you told him after he took you home.

You didn’t say you’d see him later.

You’re just being overdramatic, Satoru forced his eyes to close. You’re always overdramatic. It’s my best trait 30% of the time.

No one else said anything that night, it was just him who felt like this, right? It was always just him. If everyone else felt like something was off all night, someone would have mentioned it by now. With that, Satoru forced his eyes closed for all of five minutes before he decided to send, at the very least, a dumb meme. Something that’d make you laugh when you saw it and would make you reply “I’m wheezing” or “that’s so us!”

A quick stroll through his photos was all it took to find something suitable. He can’t remember exactly what it was, only that it was stupid.

It was stupid and didn’t go through to your phone.

A disconnect and reconnect dance to his wifi later and it still didn’t go through.

Satoru’s feet was on the pavement before not even a heartbeat after he calmly made sure his apartment was locked.

He just had to be sure you were okay. It was just him being an overdramatic, big baby. Your phone died or something and that’s why nothing was going through. Or maybe this was like the time you put your phone in airplane mode to narrowly avoid sending Shoko the wrong meme and then forgot to switch it back off.

You don’t answer the door when he knocks and he goes back and forth between knocking and trying to reach you on your other socials.

Twitter? Blocked.

He can’t find you anywhere else.

Instagram.

LINE.

Discord.

It’s like you were never there, gone from all the group chats and servers you once shared.

Satoru stayed outside of your apartment for the better part of an hour before one of your neighbors opened her door tired and annoyed.

“Dude, do you know what time it is?” Your neighbor asked groggily. She’s a nice girl, the reason rent was low enough in the area you could afford an apartment on your own. Apparently she wrecked shit in the neighborhood on the low to keep the rent down. Even better was the fact she was the landlord’s daughter. Not all heroes wore capes.

“Sorry,” Satoru knew he must look like a maniac with his messy hair and wide eyes. “have you seen [First]? I’m having a hard time reaching her.”

The neighbor gave him a funny look, “she moved out tonight,” she told him like that was the fifth time she told him that her favorite color was orange. “I thought it was weird you didn’t help with moving her stuff out a few days ago. She gave me the key to give it to my dad tomorrow. Didn’t she tell you she was leaving?”

iii. la niña

Satoru didn’t know which was worse sometimesー the fact Shoko kept the fact he had a daughter a secret for five years or how he found out.

It wasn’t like Shoko approached him one gloomy night when memories of the most prominent ghost in his life began bubbling to the surface. She didn’t grimly say that she needed to tell him something and he should sit down for it. She didn’t start off with apologies, saying she felt she had no choice or that if things had gone different she would have told him.

None of that happened.

Satoru found out by accident.

Accident.

All because Shoko didn’t hear him approach her when she was on her phone scrolling through instagram. She was so focused on whatever she was looking at, she didn’t even notice how Satoru quietly snickered to himself and snuck behind her to give her spook. He was just about to say something, ready for swears and ‘you’re so annoying, what are you 12?!’s when he took an instinctual glance at her phone and he saw you.

Thoughts of scaring Shoko went out the window in a matter of milliseconds. He didn’t even feel his body move when he snatched her phone out of her hand.

“Heyー” Shoko started with an offended hiss but when she looked over her shoulder, she looked like she saw an impending storm and her jaw clamped shut.

Satoru took in the photo like it was the last thing he’d ever see. You were dressed in a blue t-shirt and cream colored shorts, some aquarium’s logo stitched into your clothes. You were holding a kid, hugging her tightly and kissing her cheek while the girl was caught mid-giggle. And when Satoru looked at the little girl in your arms, it was his eyes that looked back.

“I- she told me not to say anything,” Shoko murmured, brown eyes looking anywhere but at him. Then the secrets came rolling out one after the other.

“If I didn’t see this picture,” Satoru’s grip tightened on Shoko’s phone to ground himself to the present. “Were you still going to keep this a secret from me?”

Her answer was silence.

iv. el niño

“I have to be honest,” from the corner of your eye, you see Satoru chasing after Itsuki, Nanako and Mimiko. Suguru is watching next to you on the bench, your respective care bags for accidents and playground injuries at the ready between you. “I thought I’d be more surprised you’re a dad now. But it kinda just makes sense. You always had ‘single mom’ energy in school.”

Brown eyes flash with recognition, “you had a dream about me adopting kids once, right?”

“No, I had a dream where you were off a perk and calling people without powers ‘monkeys’,” you correct your old friend petulantly. As if he should have remembered after all these years without contact. “You just happened to adopt children in the process of all that.”

Suguru snorts, “my apologies for getting the details wrong. So you had a dream that I adopted kids once and that I was off a perk.”

“Exactly, thank you.”

A silence somewhere between comfortable and awkward settles over the two of you, save for the squeals of little girls and Satoru’s manic laughter as the evil sorcerer king.

Suguru looks nice.

He’s still rocking the man bun but he’s opted to let some of his hair hang loose and he’s a couple hundred pounds down a shitty, parasitic boyfriend. Suguru and Kenjaku broke up halfway through the semester after you transferred. “Before you ask, yes, we had dinner to celebrate,” Suguru told you when you saw him for the first time in years a few days ago.

You’ve had your fair share of private updates on the lives of your old friends you didn’t keep in contact with. Shoko kept you up to date on everything. A surprising number of your old friends had gone into the field of educationー Utahime, Suguru and Satoru. You wonder how Satoru’s parents reacted to that information. You have yet to ask; it seemed like too much of a mood killer when Satoru happily recounted stories about his students a few weeks ago.

When Itsuki almost trips you make to stand but Satoru catches her before you can blink.

“He’s pretty good with her,” Suguru says like he’s a mind reader. “There was this kid we used to babysit, Riko, when we were younger. He said he hated it but he’s always been pretty good with kids.”

You can believe it. There’s plenty of things you remember Satoru complaining about despite his inherent talents in them. It makes you want to cry sometimes seeing how good he is with Itsuki. Your daughter is smart enough to play neutral when he asks but you’re pretty sure your daughter has a favorite parent. Adorable little traitor, you laugh softly to yourself. You’d think five years would give someone an edge.

Five years.

“Are you… mad?” You look at your old friend from the corner of your eye.

Suguru takes his time answering, mulling over unknown thoughts in his head. Playful as you remember Suguru being, he’s always been introspective. He thinks before he acts, lets things slowly come to a boil before turning off the stovetop. “I was more worried than mad to start,” he finally speaks. “It’s not everyday an entire group of people gets ghosted. I’m a little mad you didn’t open up though.”

Your smile is small and your eyebrows knit apologetically.

“But at the end of the day, this is nothing compared to what went down between Satoru and me in high school. So I guess I can forgive you.” You never did get the story about Satoru and Suguru’s mysterious high school turning point. The itch to know all the details is minor compared to the way your shoulders relax when Suguru shoots you a familiar smile. I missed you too. “Just don’t do anymore disappearing acts.” Smooth as they come, Suguru raises a closed fist just above your care bags.

Smile a bit more grand, you bump the side of your fist to his. “I can happily vouch that it won’t be happening again.”

“Good. It’s nice to have you back.”

“It’s nice being back.”

v. sea state

“Did you get an undercut?”

“Yeah, a while ago,” Satoru grins. “I look nice, right?”

“Please accept the compliment normally so your arrogance doesn’t rub off on our daughter,” you shake your head but a good-natured grin is plastered on your face. “Itsuki, make sure Daddy behaves. You’re in charge as the honorary aquarist.”

Itsuki’s eyes fill with delight at the duty bestowed upon her. “I will,” she promises, chest puffed with as much pride as a five year old can produce. It’s a rare day off in the middle of the week for Satoru. Normally he’s confined to his school during these hours, but thanks to some school holiday you scheduled in advance for him to take Itsuki around your aquarium. It isn’t the first time Itsuki’s been, you’d taken her there before she could even walk. It might as well be her first visit though from how she’s beaming. “Daddy, you have to be good so Mommy doesn’t get mad.”

“As you command, general,” Satoru salutes playfully, picking Itsuki up in his arms. “Now then, if you excuse us, this father-daughter duo is gonna enjoy the aquarium while you work.”

“Bup bup bup,” you tut before the man can take off. “At least let me get my goodbye kiss before you run off to have fun without me,” you peck Itsuki’s cheek once, twice before blowing a raspberry and she squeals. “Alright,” you place your hands on your hips. “You two go have fun. Tell Daddy all the names you gave the whale sharks, okay?”

You think that’s that until Itsuki innocently asks, “where’s Daddy’s kiss, Mommy?” You blink once. Maybe you misheard- “You’re supposed to give both of us goodbye kisses, aren’t you?” Apparently you haven’t.

“I think Daddy’s too old for goodbye kisses, Itsuki.”

Itsuki squints, unsatisfied with your answer, “but Grandma always kisses Granny and they’re ancient.”

Why do your parents have to have a long lasting and fulfilling love life?

You and Satoru share an awkward smile as you both wonder what either of you can do to get out of this situation. Kissing Satoru used to be as easy as breathing. He’s always been the more affectionate of the two of you and it rubbed off on you some time during your university days. But you’re not in university anymore and your relationship has most definitely changed since then.

Still with bated breath, you gesture for Satoru to bring his head low enough for you to kiss his forehead, “there. Now both of you go have fun.”

If you think you see Satoru’s expression dim, he’s all smiles the moment you blink. “Try not to be jealous when you see us feeding the stingrays, [First].” He’s gone before you can tease you’re the one of the employees that help with that.

Once a maelstrom, always a maelstrom.

You love your place of work, it always has a familiar noisy sort of peaceful bathed in the light of blue decorated in corals, pinks and purples. Aquariums have a special magic to them. You fell in love with the sea when you were young and never fell out. The magic somehow is renewed every time you clock in, even on the most trying days.

How can you not when you see the dozens of people that stop by with the same love?

How can you not when you see dozens of people that stop by and fall in love with it for the first time?

“Hi, Mommy!” You hear Itsuki call from a distance. You wonder how she can even see you when you look up and see she’s on Satoru’s shoulders. It’s so natural, the two of them together. She’s wearing his sunglasses, if you can really say that. They keep sliding off her face but she holds onto them resolutely and Satoru is smiling widely in front of the tank full of black tip reef sharks, whale sharks and dozens of other fish in between.

You don’t know how your heart can fill with even more affection than you thought possible but it does. “Hi, baby,” you wave back. “I love you!”

“I love you too!” I have to enjoy that before she gets old enough to start thinking she’s too cool to tell her mom I love you. You know Satoru should too when you see her lean over to plant her father an awkward kiss on his head. You can’t hear what she tells him but you can guess she must be saying she loves him. Even from his profile, you can tell Satoru is saying he loves her back from how adoringly he looks up at her.

You see Itsuki giggling and saying something else you can’t hear, looking down at her father in earnest.

Whatever it is she says, Satoru looks over at you with eyes that are wide and somehow reflect all of the blue from tank lights. Despite how it makes your heart twist, you give him another small wave. When he doesn’t wave back, you wonder what it is your daughter could have said that had him in such a stupor.

Whatever he says to Itsuki, his eyes stay on you while he says it.

vi. nearshore

“Do you still like the same brand of honey or no?” You call over your shoulder from the kitchen.

It’s unusually quiet in your apartment since Itsuki is at your parents’ house for the weekend. You only realized you’d forgotten to tell your co-parent when he showed up at your house with sweets in hand. “What Itsuki doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” you told him with a snicker when you invited him inside to eat them.

“Satoru?” You call out again.

No response.

You turn off the eye your kettle is on and look out into the living room. He’s right where you left him. “Hey,” you sit on the ottoman in front of him. He blinks in surprise when he sees your hand waving in front of face. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Satoru smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Let me rephrase that question,” you start anew. “What’s wrong? Come on now,” you grin crookedly. “You’ve always sucked at pretending to be okay in front of me.”

Satoru’s smile falters for a heartbeat, “yeah?”

“Yes, Mr. Bravado,” Satoru might have been an expert at fooling others, but you know him. He was the guy who never took notes but passed every test because he worked his ass off in the background. The type who’d act oblivious but you realize halfway through a meal that the reason he took you is because he noticed you’d been feeling down lately. It’s one of the things you love about him. “So come out with it, fess up.”

One, two, three seconds pass before Satoru finally cracks.

“I’m mad. More at myself than anything.” Before you can reply, Satoru opens his mouth again but it feels more like he’s talking to himself. “I shouldn’t be upset anymore, right? We made up.” Satoru runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. “We made up,” he says again. “I shouldn’t still be mad about anything. Things have been going great.”

Satoru finally falls silent and he looks tired. You hate you’re the reason for it. “It’s okay to still be mad about Itsuki. I’m sorry,” you whisper. “I… I’d take it back if I could. I know that doesn’t mean anything after five years but I mean it. Even if I was scared I should have told you. I just- I don’t know, it had gotten into me. I was thinking how you couldn’t commitー”

“You thought I was non-committal?” Satoru raises an eyebrow and he looks hurt by your revelation.

“Satoru, you have never been in a relationship with anyone throughout the time I’ve known you,” you rub your finger and thumb together nervously. Five years later is as good as any time to have a conversation you should have had long ago. “You were scared when I asked what our relationship was, remember?”

“I didn’t know what the right answer was,” Satoru argues with his hands raised. “I thought you were tired of our friends always talking about us being a couple.”

“You were relieved when I said that-” you stammer over your words thoughts going much faster than your mouth could. You remember the tormented days of unrequited affection quite clearly. If there was someone who avoided romantic relationships like the plague, it was Satoru. He was a flirt, relished in the attention he received for his well-known good looks. Regardless, he’d never committed to anyone. “You said fucking someone else was a non-issue! For all I knew you were sleeping with someone else, it wasn’t like we were-”

“It was a non-issue if it meant you weren’t going to take off and start avoiding me!” Satoru snaps like you’ve grown a second head. Maybe you did judging by how he looks at you incredulously. Your mouth closes, unsure what to say next and Satoru looks away with a scoff. “It’s the other way around,” he mutters so soft you almost didn’t catch it. “you were the non-committal one.”

“Excuse me?” It’s your turn to look at Satoru like his body has magically sprung additional body parts. When he doesn’t immediately say anything, you double down. “Satoru, you don’t get to say that and then turn around and not elaborate on it.”

“You know, the first day we met, Suguru told me that I acted like the sun shined out of your ass,” Satoru says much to your confusion. But he went on, lost in his memories, “it might as well have, I thought you were so cool. I wanted you in my life so bad from pretty much the moment you said I doomed myself. I didn’t care what happened next in my life as long as you were there for it.

“But you left me,” Satoru croaks with a smile, crystal blue eyes dark and empty. “You left me.” The way he says it breaks your heart. “I’m so gone for you. I’ve always been gone for you. I just didn’t want to see it. Somehow I always knew you’d leave.” He laughs, cold and humorless and completely lost. “And you did.

“You could be right there with me and then suddenly be so far away. It always felt like you would just up and leave one day. You and Utahime always talked about intuition and trusting it. I guess mine was saying from early on ‘this girl is gonna break your heart one day, don’t fall in love with her.’”

“I knew it when you got those far away looks in your eyes. I knew it when I woke up that first morning alone. I knew it when you didn’t say you’d see me later. And just like that you were gone on that ghost ship. You left and didn’t even tell me you were going. Do you know how much that fucking hurt? I wait outside for hours and your neighbor’s the one who tells me you’re gone. I may have purposely lied to myself about how I felt but I never slept with anyone else. I didn’t want anyone else. I was the one who kept reaching out, you never reached back.

Itsuki’s the second tier on the cake and the rest of the frosting. You’ve been gone on that ghost ship for five years and when I finally catch up, I still feel like I’m drowning.”

“… I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I didn’t know.”

“I know. That’s almost the worst part. Guess I didn’t wear my heart on my sleeve as much as you thought.”

“It was the week after our second year midterms,” you recall when you were six years younger and the biggest problem you had in life was a professor was out to get you. Midterms had finally passed and you were on a victorious emotional high after finishing your last exam. At least until some asshole who should have covered their mouth coughed and you were coughing by the end of the day. “I got a cold and just so I could breathe better when I slept, you let me lay on you on the couch the whole time even though you ended up getting sick afterwards.”

You’d felt so bad, coughing all the while but Satoru hadn’t let you budge an inch, proudly claiming ‘I don’t get sick, I’m built different so cough away.’ When he got sick days later, he said over coughs, ‘This has nothing to do with when you were sick. This is from Suguru.’ “That was when I realized that I’d been stupidly in love with you ever since I met you.”

Gojou Satoru has been called many things throughout your years of knowing him. But for you, the fall child has always been easy to love. He was made for it. “You were a pain in the ass but you were my pain in the ass. I never wanted it any other way.”

“Stop being mean to me,” Satoru leans forward to rest his head on your shoulder just as you wrap your arms around his back. “Don’t you know who you’re being mean to when you’re being an ass?”

You laugh weakly, “the guy I’m still gone for?” When you hear a sniffle in the corner of your neck, you tighten your grip.

“Don’t go away this time,” Satoru hugs back.

vii. ocean deep, seafoam soft

Satoru finds himself in your bed again for the first time in years.

“I confess my love to you and you try to kill me, I’m hurt.”

“Oh don’t be such a baby, I didn’t even know it was there,” you chuckle fondly after the two of you stumble into your bed after nearly tripping on a stray toy on your floor. Satoru loves that laugh. He loves how you look up at him with all the adoration in the world. “Remember that time we forgot that textbook was on your bed?”

“Please don’t remind me, my back hurts just remembering it,” Satoru whines but laughter escapes him despite his apparent trauma. It wasn’t one of your best moments during your shared years of sexual escapades in college. You pull him down kiss his lips tenderly and he practically moans, relishing the feeling. No more forehead kisses, he wants to tell you. You did that a lot before you left.

“I love you,” Satoru whispers in awe at the words falling out of his own mouth. In awe at the fact you’re even there with him at that moment. “I love you.”

Your hands cup his face like he’s something precious and you thumbs away the tears pooling in his eyes despite the ones in your own, “I love you too.”

Satoru’s had sex with you more times than he can count.

He memorized everything, refused to forget a single detail. It feels like the first time all over again.

The way one set of your fingernails dig into his back while he envelopes your other hand with one of his own. How your fingers intertwined tightly. How amazing you feel squeezing around him tightly. The speed of your pulse as he peppers your throat with kisses and soft nips. The ache between his legs as he rolls his hips into you gently yet persistently, chasing his high but wanting it to last long beyond the confines of this singular moment.

It’s not just this one moment anymore though. “[First],” Satoru squeezes your hand tighter. “[First].”

I love you.

Don’t leave me this time, Satoru gasps like a man starved for air before kissing you again desperately. Stay.

(When Satoru wakes up the next morning to you in his arms and playing with his hair at the base of his neck, he feels like could cry. He nestles into your chest with a tired grin, “morning.”)

viii. anchor

Gojou Itsuki, that’s the name staring back at him.

Satoru loves when it’s his birthday. Until Itsuki was born it was arguably the best day in the universe. The importance of birthdays tends to titter on the rope of priorities, but it’s the one day of the year when the people important to him would pop up to say ‘hi’. Even people from the past. An old teacher he used to drive crazy but always said he thought Satoru had a lot of potential.

His mom still sent him a birthday text even if most of their exchanges are dry the rest of the year.

Even his students will tip in to get him a card and some sort of celebratory gift on December 7th.

December 7th lost a bit of its shine when you exited from his life. With you and Itsuki both in it, it shines tenfold.

It’s just the light is too blinding when Satoru takes out his last present of a plain envelope and he sees Gojou Itsuki written in bold and clear text.

Gojou Itsuki

Father: Gojou Satoru

v. sea state private ver.

"Daddy, do you love Mommy too?”

“Yeah. Daddy loves Mommy.”

#romance dawn ー 🌅#jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojou x reader #gojo satoru x reader #gojou satoru x reader #gojo x black!reader #jjk x black!reader

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happyk44 · 10 hours ago

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[ID: 1. Tweet from tatum @/planetgraves dated May 19th 2023: It's so awkward when you meet somebody that you really really like. Like yeah I'd do just about anything to keep our connection alive. So what. Do you wanna go eat or

2. Tags reading: #I want to know everything about you but instead I have to act cool in front of your friends and not text you a million times a day

3. Tags reading: #*says something beautiful & true* *2 seconds pass* did i make it weird with my earnest nature.

4. Tags reading: #i DO want to go eat.

5. Tags reading: #LOUD CENSOR BEEP

6. Tags reading: #i'm in this post and i want to bash my head against a brick

7. Tags reading: #FEELING THIS DEEPLY #like can we best friends already or

8. Tags reading: #me with anyone #if you see me being awkward and trying to make conversation with you. yeah this is why i'm so sorry

9. Tags reading: #IT'S SOOOOOO STUPID #life could be a fucking dream.

10. Tags reading: #and then #is this a crush #is this a 'this is a cool person' crush that will fade pretty fast or like a proper crush #or do i just not know how to be normal around people i think are cool?

11. Tags reading: #feeling this way about one particular person right now #like hiiiii do you like me and also can we hang out most days for the next 30 years :3

12. Tags reading: #how do you fucking talk to people #especially people you like #i am quaking in my boots

13. Tags reading: #how do you fucking talk to people #especially people you like #i am quaking in my boots

14. Tags reading: #i am incapable of acting cool and unbothered

15. Tags reading: #undescribed #what i say: wanna hang outside of [context] sometimes? #what i mean: please talk to me i want to be your friend soooo bad please let me be part of your life if only for a little please please ple

16. Tags reading: #ON GOD

17. Tags reading: #me. me me me me me. #i got that "omg please don't leave" swag

18. Tags reading: #me with my cousin's girlfriend #we met at a family event and i really liked her and then she texted me to hang out and i went insane #literally diagnosed as bipolar 2 weeks later

19. Tags reading: #yeah awful feeling. like do you want to um. idk. #eat dinner and watch youtube videos with me or um.

20. Tags reading: #feelings are embarrassing #miss me with that

21. Tags reading: #much like liz meon i just want to fast forward any relationship to 12 years in like we know we're friends then

22: Tags reading: #the pain of meeting someone super cool i wanna be friends with and have lots in common with but being too freakish to make good convo is the worst

23: Tags reading: #so embarrassing. sorry i think you're cool i don't have feelings though that's lame

/end ID]

#pics #described images #reblogged #junebug #to tag a character

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onyxbird · 17 hours ago

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I've seen a lot of posts encouraging people to call their Congressional representatives about... you know, everything, and that sounded like a nightmare to me. My area has all Republican representatives, and I hate 1) calling strangers on the phone, 2) trying to make an argument about things I don't feel I fully understand, especially to a hostile audience, and 3) situations where I don't know what to expect in general.

So, FYI for others who hate not knowing what to expect, my experience with calling my reps was:

The local (in-state) office numbers, during regular work hours, were answered by a person. The person was only there to take a message--I didn't have to have any kind of back-and-forth discussion.

They had a rote "thank you for calling __'s office" type intro, which was kind of mumbled (couldn't readily recognize the name they said, but I had triple-checked the number, so whatever).

I led with my name and that I was a constituent from [zip code] and had my talking points ready to go written down in front of me.

At some point in each call, I was asked for my phone number. They never asked for me to repeat or spell my name or for any other identifying information, so I'm guessing they either somehow cross-reference with the phone number or they don't really care about getting an identifiable name.

They said they would pass the message along, but asked no questions except whether I had anything else to add. It was a live human, but they were just taking a message.

They never asked me to repeat anything, so either they got everything the first time or (I suspect) they are only noting down the basic gist.

They sounded deeply tired and uninterested. (It's gotta be a shitty job answering the phone taking down messages from upset constituents.) So I'm guessing if your call is less than polished, they probably could not care less as long as they are able to note down whatever they're supposed to log.

The Washington, D.C., office numbers, I got voicemail even during a normal workday:

One of my senators had a full voicemail when I called.

Voicemail message for the other asked for a name, phone number, and brief message; I actually just ran out of time with what I wanted to say, but the system gave the option to hit a specific key to re-record.

#us politics #calling representatives

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liviingmemory · 1 day ago

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Recent Dinaurians of varying quickness

#could not post this in a way where that first one doesnt get her head chopped off by the cropping. sorry girl #my art #Fossil Fighters #fossil fighters oc #dinaurian oc #1 was made shortly before vday. she is the one im referencing when i say I'm putting emo hair on a parasaurolophus #2 was a design i got in a trade. made a quick redesign/update for during a very stressful ttrpg game yaaayyy #3 are AU designs for me and my girlfriends main personas. just for fun idk yayayay #my own personal Dinaurian design “guide:” yeah so theyre almost always cool colors or a majority cool colors. very rare to not have that #me: whatever go my red Dinaurians

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merrybandofmurderers · 3 days ago

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in light of one of my tranquil posts getting notes, i want to elaborate on WHY i find their portrayal so distressing and why i dislike how they're often handled in fandom

i know bioware dumbed down some of the nuance of tranquility, but in origins you can have a full conversation with owain. he experiences the world differently but still argues his autonomy. maddox similarly acts on his own desires of repaying samson. helisma will tell you she's invested in animal research becuz of her prior memories of liking animals. in redcliffe, clemence approaches you becuz he wishes to still be of use instead of just sit around waiting for alexius to get rid of him

so many fan creations are about a character looking at their tranquil'ed friend as an empty shell and its like, no! they are not actually dead, there's still a person you can interact with in there, even if it's different than before. you are 1) falling for bioware's propaganda and 2) revealing your own ableist preconceptions of real life ppl who are mentally disabled and/or of diminished capacity

and that's the heart of what really gets to me, is the real life analogues. no a tranquil person isn't necessarily equal to someone with, say, dementia or brain damage, but the REACTIONS are similar. the TREATMENT is similar

ppl act like you're a ghost of your old self, they dismiss you, disregard your experiences, know you struggle with asserting autonomy and use that to abuse you. you're still in there, you still want connection, but no one sees you as a full person anymore; ppl see you as a burden at best and at worst think your death would be a mercy

in this light, the mass murder of the tranquil and complete downplaying of it feels very eugenics-y to me. "yes, we killed off our most vulnerable, abused minority but death is preferable to the lives they were living anyway, so we don't need to think too hard about it." and then fandom just goes along with treating tranquil characters as a tragedy for OTHER characters. the tranquil character's personhood has been erased in their mind

tranquility is a fate worse than death, to the point that ppl act like they are actually dead and not still a living breathing person who can think and make connections and needs care and support. and even by the people who care for them (minaeve), they are infantilized and not seen as equal persons

it's tragic not just becuz of in-world reasons and the fucked up handling of it by the writers, but how it mirrors our own world and the way we see and treat people who we might view as "tranquil"

#dragon age #tranquil #tranquility #dragon age inquisition #da blabs #da fandom #criticism

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casscainmainly · 3 days ago

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Hi, I'm here to ask for your expertise :) I saw a post that implied Duke and Tim like each other a lot and view each other as brothers. You're a person I trust has enough knowledge and good judgment to tell me if that's correct. Because, truth be told, I believed they're more like coworkers. They're fine with each other, but they'd never go out for lunch just the two of them. They'd save the other's life, but if Tim is moving he wouldn't call Duke for help – he'd call Cass and she'd show up with Duke in tow because they planned to hang out that day and didn't want to reschedule. Or something. Am I way off?

Tim and Duke are a bit hard to argue about because they don't interact much, but I am completely on your side. I just think of all the Robins - and arguably the whole Batfam - Tim is the person Duke has the least interest in.

I made a post about how they are basically opposites, with Duke's 'Robin doesn't need a Batman' inverting Tim's 'Batman needs a Robin'; I think these philosophical oppositions would make them not eager to be that close. Besides that, Duke would have no interest in being close to Dick's number 1 fan, just like Tim would have no interest in hanging out with one of Jason's favs. The only person they have in common is Cass, and I do not think she would be able to hang out with both of them at once - she is nowhere near a good enough mediator. So I think Tim and Duke would just avoid each other outside of missions.

Of course they do respect each other, and they can work well together (see Tim's cute 'we are Robin' in Urban Legends #9). Essentially they're coworkers who trust each other not to eat their food in the fridge, but once they clock out they are not thinking of each other at all. I just don't see the basis for an interesting relationship with them, though that could change with time.

(Also Duke knew the weird N52 Tim first, then Tim dies while Duke is being inducted into the Batfam, so all around Tim and Duke have had very little time to know each other. One of Duke's first experiences of Tim is him being KO'd by Damian in one punch so there's that too.)

#duke thomas #tim drake #ask #btw them being coworkers does not necessarily preclude them from considering each other brothers #but since i'm anti bruce is duke's dad i am also anti duke is everyone's sibling #(i don't mind people saying he's their brother tho because it's to include him in the fam and i appreciate it!!)#but in my head duke considers himself a brother to cass and damian only. jason is a maybe depending on how you interpret their interactions #duke and dick is a complex mess that cannot be boiled down to 'brotherhood' and duke himself would resist the term #and then with tim duke would just be like 'oh yeah he. exists.'#tim's the same tho and it's funny that tim consistently picks other we are robin members over duke #he selects dre in robin war then darcy in tim drake: robin (and it's implied he trained darcy too)#then do duke and tim ever talk about we are robin??? that would be so interesting

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bridoesotherjunk · 2 days ago

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why do people even like the sonic movies? they're not even good, people probably just like the feeling of having cyberbullied a movie studio into compliance.

the movies completely mischaracterize sonic, turning him from a confident, somewhat rebellious, independent cool-kid figure to a weird lonely outcast who spouts a hundred cringey pop-culture references a minute and befriends a *cop* of all people. that's like the last person sonic would associate with. he's against the establishment and for freedom.

jim carrey isn't even recognizable as dr. eggman, he's just 90s jim carrey, tails is the "friend in distress", knuckles has a very unfitting voice that just sounds really weird and borderline racist because 'haha indigenous-coded character is the dumb one' and shadow is just some kind of fancast to appease the 'oOoOo kEaNu' fans. aside from tails all the voices are celebrities who sound nothing like the character, they couldn't even be bothered to give the original voices like jason griffith back as much as possible. the third movie in particular was literally just a worse version of sonic adventure 2, you're better off just playing the game again because the movie felt like yet another overly-hyped nostalgia cash-grab.

This is going to be such a hugely nerdy response, I love Sonic. I've played a bunch of the games, I've watched a bunch of the shows- I genuinely love the Sonic franchise. So I apologize to anyone who follows me that doesn't care about Sonic.

Look, you can have your own opinions on the Sonic movies, I know I have mine and i CERTAINLY have opinions on fucking Paramount, but I Completely disagree on the over-hyped nostalgia cash grab comment. The director of these movies literally has been working on the Sonic games since the early 2000s. (Shadow 2005 my beloved) He very clearly LOVES these characters and clearly puts a lot of love and care into these movies. I've seen videos from Sonic youtubers pointing out all of the little things he's added to these movies from games HE WORKED ON. The man has posted online about Sonic statues and figurines he's bought. The writers and the many animators/animation studios also all have worked with Sonic for YEARS. Several of them help animate the games on a regular fucking basis. The only person who genuinely has not seemed to be a massive Sonic fan has been the composer.

Putting the rest of this under a read more because it got real long real fast

----

""""the third movie in particular was literally just a worse version of sonic adventure 2, you're better off just playing the game again"""" --- not everything needs to be perfectly lore accurate, dude. reLAX. Sonic's got such insane lore, I honestly never expected them to make ANY of the movies 1 to 1 with the games. When I saw the second movie I was shocked they even did the Chaos Emeralds! Sonic's lore is WEIRD. It's not simple to try and translate into movie form.

Take this from the perspective of someone who is very very fucking white, but dude.. your comment on Knuckles completely took me the fuck out - borderline racist- Knuckles has been supposed to be black since the very beginning. from his very first game. His character has been a questionably racist issue for YEARS. - they originally had him Jamaican in the old games. He was supposed to have an accent and everything. ((The old games and their manuals were probably way more fucking racist than anything they've done with him recently, but I digress. His name was going to be fucking "Dreads" for crying out loud. Just... yikes, Sega.)) ALSO Knuckles is probably smarter than he's been IN A WHILE, in the movies, too. In the shows and games he had become an absolute shell of who he used to be. Like, sorry but you're just straight wrong about him being dumb in the movies. Yeah he's not as intelligent as Tails, but he's not stupid. I'd argue that he's smarter in the movies than he's been in fucking years in the games and shows.

Tails is the "friend in distress" - Sonic Forces would like a word, my guy. Nothing will ever be worse than that shit.

Jim Carrey... Literally with Jim Carrey as Eggman - the fucking VA for Eggman in the games is also a piece of shit, so there is no winning with this one. Both of them suck. Who else would you have picked to play him, though, honestly? Like, I wouldn't even picture Jim Carrey, but I genuinely have no idea who the hell I would pick to play Eggman. He's not really a character I've ever pictured in live action before.

And I'm sorry, again, your opinion on the movies is your own- but they really did not mischaracterize Sonic as far as being cringe - he's always been fucking cringe. He's always made references to current pop culture shit. (Some mediums are worse for it than others, but whatever.)

Now I WILL give you --- Him being friends with a cop- yeah, that one is absolute dogshit. Sonic would fucking never. That's ass.

I have no strong opinions on Keanu, like... at all, so I dunno. I would have absolutely preferred Jason come back, but Hollywood's gonna Hollywood now. When I first heard they kept Tails's VA from the games I was honestly shocked as hell. Hollywood does not do that anymore. It's ALL fucking celebrities. (((But you really can't say shit about Ben not sounding 'like Sonic' because Sonic's voice has varied WIDELY from the games and the shows and shit. Sonic's voice has really not been consistent. NONE of the characters's voices have. Ryan and all the cast that have been working since Sonic Boom have been doing it the longest, so I mean, they're the closest to a standard we're gonna get.)))

#ask #sonic #sonic the hedgehog #sonic fandom #sonic movie 3 #sth #answer #long answer #sorry #it's wordy #shadow the hedgehog

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jjmaybankssurfergf · 3 days ago

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Ok, so apparently Rudy caused all the drama. Now let’s fact check the dumbass and prove them wrong. Bro is about to educated.

So there have been multiple people who have come out to us on here saying Madison Bailey was a literally bully and that she did bully rudy on set. One person told us that they were an extra and literally watched Madison mock and belittle rudy when they filmed the turtle hatch. More proof I have of her being a bully is from fans and from people that knew her in Highschool. One fan was on TikTok made a post about meeting her and rated it. She said she was very annoyed, and uninterested. Now you said that her fans definitely deserve to be treated like trash because what they do to her. What do they do to her? All I see if people support her, now if you’re talking about people like me, no don’t even call me a fucking fan. Because if I got tickets or if I got awarded a prize and I would get to see her I wouldn’t go at all because she’s a little bitch. All we’re doing is calling her out for her bs since y’all wanna drag the rest of the cast and Rudy.

you wanted proof you got it bitch. This will be a Part 1 of the many things I am bashing you for. To my fans please stick around for part two!

#stfu zigsss #Part 1 MB Stan #anti madison #madison bailey

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a-continuous-cutting-motion · 2 days ago

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Context: I asked in the comments if @ms-demeanor would like advice from someone else in the industry, and she said yes - my response turned into something too long for a comment, so I am reblogging instead.

Okay!

So, background on me - I managed a help desk for a while and had to take it from "broken" to "fixed" (and mostly succeeded!). Presently I am a consultant with some juniors under me that tell me they like how I lead them. I also just usually am viewed as someone who gets a lot done with minimal friction at my job and manage to not get stressed out at MSPs, so hopefully this is useful.

I am not gonna cover every topic you mentioned in your post - I think most of it you solved for youself through the power of posting. Two things stand out to me that might be helpful to cover - the small problem of the way the ticketing system is configured, and the large problem of being the designated "bag holder" at your organization.

First, let's talk about the ticketing system - you might know this already, but tickets are often divided into one of three categories: 1) event, 2) problem, and 3) service request. Events are 'something happened!', Problems are 'something keeps happening!', and Service Requests are "Nothing happened, but I need someone to do something anyways."

Your ticket seems to be treating everyhing as Events, which are generally small issues that can be addressed one-by-one, and very often are going to be the same stuff you've seen 100 times before. (80/20 Rule) This happens a lot, because ticketing systems are usually meant to facilitate Tier 1/2 activities first and foremost.

You seem to be handling a combination of Problems and Service Requests. Problems are persistent issues that keep cropping up and are hard to resolve. They naturally are long running tasks with limited options for resolution. They often do not move fast, because they are the kind of thing that requires a lot of pondering and false starts to work through. Service Requests are likewise generally not urgent, and are either open-ended solution-seeking or rote tasks done in anticipation of some coming event (such as a new employee starting).

You should be able to request the ticketing software manager (please tell me it's not you!) implement two new ticket categories with different SLAs and notification profiles that are more in line with the needs of the types of tasks you seem to be saddled with. What, exactly, those settings might be is going to depend on the nature of the Problems you see come across you desk, but you can probably figure out what's actually useful on your own.

Okay, that's one problem talked to death! Onto the bigger problem - Delegation and escalation! This is much less self-contained of a problem, so this may be a bit less cut and dry advice:

So, delegation and escalation are both hard, and leaving things on your plate when you can't just work through them right away is hard too. You are, to put it a certain way, the person left "holding the bag", and it is full of your organization's technical debt. The first thing I would do is remind yourself of that frequently. When I was in your position in last jobs, I got a lot of mileage out of "if they truly wanted it done faster that I can do it, they'd hire two of me!"

First, lets tackle delegation - the first thing to know is that there are two kinds of tasks. There are tasks you can fuck up, and tasks you can't. Tasks you can fuck up include researching, note taking, drafting, and so on - things where if the person doing them turns out to be a complete fucking moron, all you've wasted is a complete fucking moron's time. Tasks you can't fuck up are things like proof-reading, data entry, configuration and implementation, etc. Things where it will cause Problems if you don't get it right the first time. You can delegate both, but it's better to delgate the tasks you can fuck up first, before you trust people with getting their hands dirty.

The second thing to know is that there's always another junior. It's good to give juniors opportunities to develop their skills and learn more, but if they don't work out, you can probably find someone else for less effort than it would take to do all the necessary work to turn them into a competent resource who understands what you want. People don't have to be perfect right away, but if it just doesn't click for them on some level, don't bother exhausting yourself trying to get their style to suit yours. They're better off finding their own area of expertise. (If you don't have juniors available, express the need to your boss, and refer back to the "I am all they got and I am trying my best and doing a good job at it." mantra from above. One person can only do so much.)

This a good segue in escalation! First - it is really hard! You are arguing uphill against an entire organization's worth of inertia, and if your boss was aligned with what your needs were, they would already be met! You have to do all the corporate bullshit of "speaking their language" when you do it - your boss can best advocate for your intiatives if she is already given the argument she needs to use to HER boss. You might understand that something is truly fucking over the company, but if you can't turn that argument into dollars and cents/business strategic goals/'efficencies and synergies', it won't get traction above a VP, and if it requires organizational change it MUST have that buy-in. You're dead in the water if you need to change how other business units function and you can't justify the time and energy spent doing so. (This is where good juniors come in handy - if you have a couple juniors who understand your vision and can make a decent powerpoint, THEY can write the argument for you and you can send it up the chain.)

This leaves us with the things that you know need doing, but you simply don't have the time/resources/spoons to do. This is where you throw them all on a projects board and assign priority to them and prod at the high priority stuff as you have time. Again - they can support you better if they want more than that, and if they don't want to do it, then it must not be very important.

Okay, that's my post! let me know if that is helpful! I am worried it will be stuff you already know or isn't really relevant, but eh… it was fun to write and might help someone else in this stupid industry.

"Every day I get emails" but not in the funny ha ha work sucks I know way more in the ADHD horror story this is legitimately causing problems for me at work way.

#what the fuck do i even tag this #consulting #business processes #i would have been SO GOOD at picking berries and instead i use my brain for this horseshit

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debilsposts · 22 hours ago

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Dumb long-ass hc time because my writer's block blocks me from writing

Jaytim, but no one really knows what their relationship status is anymore BECAUSE they act differently around each other every time depending on whether they’re wearing masks or not.

1. Red Robin & Red Hood: Professional Rivals (and a disaster duo)

When RR and RH are together, the volume automatically goes up. They argue in briefings, in the middle of fights, over comms. Those two show up all suited up and everyone knows that it will take one tiny shove from RH or a comment from RR to start it. Or none of that – when someone is dumb enough to ask if they can act civil around each other.

RH calls RR a “detective” in the most mocking tone ever. RR says that RH is clearly better fed than taught.

When they’re on a mission together, it’s a competition – Who takes down more guys? Who gets the last word? Who can piss off Batman faster?

RH threatens to kill RR at least once a week. RR dares him to try.

2. Tim Drake & Jason Todd in Public: Pretending to be Normal (they are not normal, in fact!)

In public, Jason will hold the door open for Tim, but close it right in his face, too. Tim will bring Jason tea exactly how he likes it but take a sip first and dramatically gag. They insult each other constantly, but sometimes something too genuine slips out, and they both pretend not to notice.

Tim complains that Jason never comes to see him when he works, so Jason starts dropping by WE unannounced and sitting silently in Tim’s office, making eye contact but refusing to speak. Tim hates it. Jason loves it.

Bruce’s galas are a nightmare, even Dick’s acrobatics can’t make it more embarrassing for the big Bat. They are too flirty and no one knows what it means.

At some point, a clueless socialite always asks Tim, “Do you know that Jason Todd man?”

Tim: “Oh, we’ve met.”

Jason, walking by: “Barely. But yeah, we know each other.”

Tim: “Intimately.”

Jason chokes on his drink.

Jason waits until Tim has his own drink in hand, then deliberately bumps his elbow, making Tim spill it.

Tim subtly badmouths Jason to the rich snobs, saying things like, “He doesn’t even own a yacht. Can you believe that? I plan to give him one for his birthday, poor thing.”

SugarDaddyTim vibes

They kick each other on the shins under the table, but at the same time, they grin and tell stupid jokes. Bruce invites them less and less.

3. Red Robin & Jason Todd (Civilian): Red Robin has a Jason problem

Tim is a little feral about Jason when he’s in costume. It’s not professionalism. It’s personal.

Jason will take one step in Crime Alley, and Red Robin will be there like a demon summoned by bad life choices. AT THE SAME TIME Red Robin refuses to acknowledge Jason Todd as a vigilante. He acts like Jason is just a guy off the street who keeps showing up in his crime scenes. Oftentimes Jason is his primary suspect, and even Bruce is tired of it.

Jason will be walking home with groceries when Red Robin lands dramatically in front of him.

Jason: “Unless you’re offering to carry my bags, move.”

RR: “Where were you an hour ago?”

Jason: “Buying milk???”

RR: “That’s what they all say.”

Jason: “I literally have the receipt???”

RR: “That proves nothing.”

Jason tweets that Red Robin fights like a girl. Next day, Spoiler, Oracle, Black Bat and Batwoman are waiting for him to have a little talk.

4. Red Hood & Tim Drake (Civilian): The World’s Most Deranged Thirst Posting (Tim is also the most frequently kidnapped man alive)

Tim has made it his life’s mission to objectify Red Hood online

“Red Hood could snap me in half like a glowstick, and I’d say thank you.”

“I would let Red Hood throw me off a building. No hesitation.”

“You guys don’t understand. He’s so big. His thighs are so thick I want them to crush me. He’s so–”

Tim will also randomly start talking shit on Red Hood from his burner account. He’d post something like “Red Hood’s helmet is actually pink, I tried it on his photos. If you take an eyedropper and read the colors, it’s actually closer to pinky-orange than it is to red.” RH naturally answers him by telling to stfu because he’s being picky, and Tim writes back that this is how eyedropper actually works.

Tim posts blurry, unflattering photos of Red Hood mid-fight.

“Caught in 4K looking stupid.”

Jason hates it. He keeps trying to smash Tim’s phone.

Tim also loves spreading misinformation on purpose.

“Red Hood listens to MCR. I have no proof, but I have no doubts.”

Red Hood will kidnap Tim in the middle of any event chosen by Tim. He just has to text Hood in advance. RH will keep him for a few hours and return him slightly bruised, hair messy, clothes disheveled. Poor Tim must have been tortured, since his eyes are glossy as if he was crying, his neck and shoulders are covered in bruises, and his face is awfully red.

When someone asks, he says that Red Hood is lame, and he could take him anytime (in a fight, right???)

EXTRA:

5. Tim Drake & Jason Todd when they’re alone: The Part That Matters

In private, Jason clings to Tim like a drowning man holding onto something solid. He buries his face in Tim’s throat, breathing in like he’s afraid of forgetting what he smells like. Tim doesn’t say anything, just cards his fingers through Jason’s hair, steady and slow, letting Jason take what he needs. He reads him a Jason’s books of choice sometimes.

Jason puts his head on Tim’s chest when they cuddle, sometimes even holds his wrist – fingers pressing against his pulse, reassuring himself: Here. Alive. Breathing.

There’s no bark. No fighting. No masks, no Red Hood, no Red Robin.

Just Jason and Tim. Just the things they don’t have to show to the world.

#jaytim #tim drake x jason todd #headcanon #my headcanons #someone write this for me #I'm a yapper if you give me a chance

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getthembees · 1 day ago

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Ok, follow up to my ‘who of the batkids have died’ question. Because the answers to that combined with a Death List Masterpost made by @avayarising have made me ponder another question: what needs to be included in a death to make it significant enough to carry through canon, or what makes it significant enough for you to count it as a death.

Because as I’ve noticed in the Masterpost, a lot of characters have died many times—but a lot of those deaths consist of the character dying very briefly and being resuscitated mere minutes later. And there are other deaths that people in the comments, who otherwise gave me niche examples, ignored or didn’t recall, which leads me to believe they are narratively insignificant.

Comics in general have a habit of killing off their characters as a way to raise stakes and then quickly reviving them, it can often read as cheap drama but it is just as likely to be genuine character work.

My personal opinion is that what a death needs for me to actually internalize it as canon is:

1. character impact (either the impact on other’s development or the character who’s died development)

2. narrative significance

3. continual reference.

It doesn’t have to contain all three but I feel like at least two is pretty vital.

For example: Jason’s first death impacted Bruce’s characterization for decades afterward. He haunted the narrative for years, was referenced in numerous runs, and now that he has been revived his death and revival are core parts of his character. It is impossible to separate Jason from this death. However, I have since learned he has died short deaths after this, which were so insignificant i had never even heard of them. So I wouldn’t really internalize them as canon because they had such little impact

Cass’s death against Shiva was the conclusion of one of her main internal character struggles (her death wish) and spanned nearly half her first solo, it resulted in significant character development for her, and has also since been referenced in other runs (batgirl 2024). Her death against Mad Dog was also imo great character work (she dies but she still doesn’t ‘lose’ because she gets Alpha to understand the heart of her no killing philosophy). It also forces Shiva to revive her which I find notable enough for their relationship and subsequent dynamic. Iirc it also gets referenced in Spirit World.

Steph’s death in War Games was a part of a major story arc, and is incredibly narratively significant to that entire storyline. I have not yet read all of War Games (mostly because i know it’s Bad) so I can’t get into the gnitty gritty about its effect on character development but it’s a major part of the latter half of Batgirl 2000. On the other hand, I don’t find her death in Batgirls 2021 to be at all narratively significant so i hesitate to canonize it in my brain.

Tim is an interesting one because ive never seen anyone talking about his !three! deaths. even in my initial post people were saying he had only been presumed dead! and, according to the death master list, even Robin War Tim says he’s never died. All of the deaths in the master list seem like very quick deaths, so i think that combined with them being non consequential makes people forget them. I’ve never read a Tim comic though, so i’m interested to see what people who are fans of him think.

On that note, i don’t know enough about the batboys specifically to actually give an opinion on their multitudes of deaths and whether they’re considered ‘canon’ (or, more accurately, important enough to retain canonical status). So any tim/dick/jason/damian fans who are crazy and insane about them the way i am for the girls please chime in! I want to know everyone’s thoughts on this.

#batfam #batman #jason todd #tim drake #cassandra cain #stephanie brown #damian wayne #dick grayson #dc #mostly just me yapping but it’s interesting which deaths have also stuck in the fanon sphere of things #like most of the important ones get involved for characters who actually get written for #flantalks

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vi-is-badass · 3 days ago

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Hey I don't know if you remember me. You probably interact with a lot of people on here, but you responded to my thoughts about the idea taht Vi's role in the finale was a subversion of the typical big damn heroes moment and linked this post, so I came over to read it and wanted to possibly start a conversation on this post because I think you voiced a lot of the things I've been thinking since the finale aired.

For one, I want to add a few thoughts to the idea that Vi doesn't have an arc in regards to Jinx because this is inherently my biggest issue with the finale and the final scene between the two sisters.

A big part of this issue is that I don't think the second season really backed up the claims that "Vi always chose Jinx to her own detriment" and that "Vi never would have let Jinx go".

Vi would always choose Jinx to her own detriment.

If this was after season 1 I would agree with this statement but season 2 constantly counters this idea because every time Vi chooses Jinx in season 2 it's framed as the right thing to do: Vi stops Caitlyn from taking the shot, everything in episode 5, Vi freeing Jinx from prison. They all lead to better outcomes and in the case of Vi freeing Jinx from prison, you can argue it's that decision that ultimately led to the world being saved. Not directly clearly but in an indirect way.

Vi simply doesn't choose Jinx to her own detriment in season 2.

2. Vi would never let Jinx go.

This one frustrates me the most because... the show literally has a whole section of the plot dedicated to Vi realizing her sister is her own person with her own life.

They have a whole scene in episode 5 that builds to Vi admitting that Jinx hasn't needed her in a long time. Vi understands by this point that Jinx is her own person and is capable of making her own decisions.

Plus, the scene in the prison cell is meant to be Vi realizing that she's been constantly living for other people and choosing happiness instead. She notably doesn't chase after Jinx and chooses to stay and accept Caitlyn's love instead. She is literally meant to be letting Jinx go in this scene. (This isn't my interpretation. This is literally what Amanda said in an interview)

Now I have a few issues with the framing of this scene because... what exactly was the choice here? Vi thinks she's alone. She thinks Jinx has betrayed her and won't return. What was her other option? Go back to her shitty apartment in the undercity and return to pitfighting? Curl up in the prison cell and give up? There simply isn't a choice between duty and personal happiness which Vi has always been torn between. Like you said, "Do these things really feel like part of her arc or just Vi reacting to circumstances?"

And it's these two big things being what the final decision hinges on that makes the fact that the sisters' final scene was written before they wrote the rest of season 2 incredibly obvious because, with the way they had Vi progress, this ending doesn't make sense for her (to me).

Based on how the second season played out I believe that Vi should have seen Jinx after her "death" to confirm to her and the audience that Jinx is in fact alive and been told by Jinx that she's going to leave Piltover. Vi is left with a choice: she can stay in Piltover and be with Caitlyn or leave with Jinx. In this moment she chooses to let Jinx go.

They both get the ending they need, Jinx is confirmed alive (something I think needed to happen considering her suicidal ideation), and Vi gets an actual moment of growth and completes her arc with her sister.

Vi's arc is about accepting and moving on from the past this would have provided a satisfying conclusion to that arc. She would have gotten an actual choice between the responsibility and happiness that was the intent behind the jail cell scene and fully completed that part of her arc.

Jinx completed her arc, but deserves a chance to live her life and I think having Jinx choose to live after trying to die all season would be more powerful than the tragedy the ambiguity brings to the story.

I kind of want to be positive for a moment because I feel like that sounded really negative and I don't want anyone to think I dislike Arcane. I like the final scene between the sisters when looking at it from the perspective of Jinx's arc.

I feel like the ending on its face is good for Jinx. She finally succeeds in protecting her family, her sister who she loves more than anything, and gets to willingly leave Piltover and the violence it wrought in her life behind to start a new chapter.

Jinx feels like she is a literal curse in the lives of the people she loves. She accidentally killed Mylo, Claggor, and Silco and believes she's the reason Vander and Isha are dead. Yet all she's ever wanted to do was protect them. There's a reason she looks so glad when she's falling. She's happy that she protected her sister and can give her a chance at a future. (that legitimately makes me incredibly emotional)

This is genuinely beautiful in its intent and how it bookends Jinx's arc. Now the framing is again something I have an issue with because of reasons I've already stated above, but the moment when viewed through the lens that Jinx lived is impactful.

For two, I completely agree with the criticism that Warwick felt like barely a goon. The fact that Vi and Jinx's fight with Warwick held no sway over the outcome of the final battle is a genuine criticism. Vi and Jinx could both die in this battle or they could win and it wouldn't change the outcome of the conflict at all.

This is an issue when you have a final battle. This is the last time these characters will have a chance to effect the outcome of the story and the world and yet their conflict ultimately doesn't effect the outcome of said story. You could very literally remove Vi from this conflict and it wouldn't effect the outcome of the conflict or story at all. She's another soldier on the battlefield. One we care about, but not unique in her contributions at all. If she wasn't there the outcome still would have been the same and that's an issue from a writing standpoint, especially for a character that was framed as the protagonist in season 1.

This addition sounds pretty negative but that's because this is centered around the part of the story I felt the writers dropped the ball on the worst. I'm a lot more forgiving about pretty much every other part of the finale. I love Jinx and Ekko's roles in the finale. I genuinely like the resolution to Jayce and Viktor's conflict. And, while I had issues with the execution of Caitlyn and Mel's arcs in the season, I do like their role in the finale.

Whereas with Vi I felt like a lot was dropped with her in the final act even without her lack of impact on the final battle. There were so many threads and arcs that the show set up for her that were left feeling incomplete.

In season one and the first two acts of season 2 Vi is struggling to find her place between the cities of Piltover and Zaun. She doesn't quite fit into either one. In the first season she's alienated from Zaun because she's just gotten out of prison after 7 years and Zaun has changed without her so she doesn't recognize the city or its people. She struggles to find the community she once held dear in a Zaun morphed by the man that killed her family. In the second it's due to her choice to join the strike team. Even if it was with good intentions she still joined their oppressor and became a "traitor". And she doesn't fit into Piltover because of the prejudice held towards Zaunites even though her only real tether after getting out of prison is Caitlyn-- a piltovan.

Unless you want to believe that the answer is simply "by Cailtyn's side" that thread isn't resolved. At least not in a direct way.

She also doesn't know her place in the world. She was never allowed to be an adult and discover what she wants to do or what she wants to be. League lore dictates that it's eventually to be an enforcer, which I guess we can infer she became off-screen either between the meeting and the final battle or between the final battle and the epilogue, but the fact that it's not really addressed and doesn't happen onscreen makes it so I don't really count that.

They don't really allow Vi to move past her guilt and responsibility. She feels responsible for what she did to Powder as a child, she feels responsible for what happened to Mylo and Claggor and Vander at that warehouse, she feels responsible for what happened to Caitlyn and her mother. She feels immense guilt and responsibility due to her parentification as a child and what she perceives to be her failures as a big sister to Jinx. I am a little confused at to how the last act allowed Vi to move past any of this. Maybe I missed something the writer’s implied or something, but I didn’t see what moment or beat was meant to be Vi moving out from under the weight. I get that Jinx tells her that she isn’t Vi’s responsibility (absolving Vi in a sense of the responsibility she feels for her and what Jinx went on to do) but if that’s the conclusion (plus her getting together with Caitlyn) it felt half baked to me.

Why would Vi move past her guilt after all that? Wouldn't the way that Jinx "died" (Jinx isn't dead but Vi believes that Jinx is) just add more guilt onto her shoulders? Wouldn't she view this as another failure on her part? She "made the wrong choice" and Jinx had to sacrifice herself for her as a result. (I don't view it this way but Vi likely does unless she worked through it off-screen)

I know I already posed a solution to this problem earlier in this addition, but I wanted to reiterate that the lack of a choice on Vi's part is ultimately a problem for her character arc.

I've already talked about why having Vi have no impact on the finale doesn't work for me as a subversion of expectations in greater depth here, but my points boil down to 2 things: If it was meant to be a subversion you have to set up the expectation that Vi would be the big damn hero of the finale which the season didn't do because it was constantly pulling the rug out from under her so to speak. And the subversion would need to play a key role in wrapping up her character arc which it also doesn't do.

My issues with the way the show handled Vi in the 3rd act really bother me because *gestures at entire blog* I am very clearly a huge Vi fan. Her character arc in season 1 hit way too close to home and the impact the character had on me very literally changed the course of my life (that is a story for another day haha).

So even though I love the writing for her in the first 2 acts (seriously, I will go to bat for the writing for her in those acts, especially her writing in act 2, which I think is underrated for how well it actually explores her character in fandom discussions) I can't help but feel ultimately let down by her handling in season 2 because I don't think they stuck the landing.

I am interested to hear what you think about this. I genuinely would like to know if you're willing and able to answer. I think you are good at expressing your viewpoint and bringing up a lot of good points that I hadn't necessarily considered.

Vi got robbed by the finale

First, a few words on where I'm coming from. I really enjoyed Vi and felt for her in season 1. I'm a Cait/Vi enjoyer and was looking forward to their resolution. I do not have fundamental objections to Vi becoming an enforcer. I don't have a problem with Caitlyn and Vi having sex in the Jinx cell and I actually think it is one of the better scenes of her arc.

IMO she was great, tragic POV heroine and lead in season 1.

Her status changed in season 2, which is reflected in the screntime distribution (ie both Jinx and Caitlyn having more screentime). This does not have to be a bad thing. You can have good arcs and emotionally resonant stories even as a supporting character.

But the more and more I think about the finale and Act 3, the more I think Vi really got treated badly. And the core is really this:

I've joked that I thought about switching my ship allegiance to Mel/Cait after the finale. I'm not actually serious about it. But it got me to think.

And I came up with the following thesis:

1.) Vi is really, really unimportant and useless in the final fight 2.) That matters because they went with an an action finale

On to a long post discussing Vi's role in the finale and Vi's arcs in Act 1 and 2 and her lack of meaningful arc in Act 3.

Within the finale there's really a clear hierarchy of conflicts.

1.) Viktor is the biggest threat and the most emotionally emphasized climax. Jayce is the action and emotional hero of this threat, Ekko is the supporting cool action hero of this threat.

2.) Ambessa is the second most scary threat. She's not a universe threatening as Viktor, but she's still badass and interesting and she gets a cool and very lengthy action scene associated with her. Mel is the emotional core of this conflict. Cait gets the badass action part of this conflict. Mel and Cait also directly coordinate, increasing the badassery.

3.) Warwick by comparison is barely a goon. He feels like an afterthought. Not like a major threat. Vi and Jinx are "assigned" to him. Jinx is the hero of this already fairly unimportant conflict and I would argue she even gets the bigger emotional punch, even though Vi is clearly affected as well.

I find it striking how different Vi's role in the battle feels to Caitlyn. Caitlyn it feels gets two badass action sequences. First in the smoke, really getting to show of her sharp shooting:

While at the same time, Vi gets her shit kicked in by regular Noxian soldiers and is busy... trying to hold a door? Babysitting the shooting of a rocket?

I've been thinking about it. On paper, there isn't that much of a difference between Cait's sharp shooter sequence and Vi's sequence at the tower.

Both show several people dying around them (though Cait acts calm and professional about it while Vi reacts emotionally). Both have bit player characters stepping in to help execute what they are doing (Steb placing the bomb, Jhin tease guy shooting the rocket). Both have missions that kind of fail (Cait's bomb doesn't go off, the rocket shoots the empty egg thing).

But it still feels like Caitlyn just gets way more glory shots. While Vi gets pushed to the floor, gets rescued by Jinx and Ekko riding to her rescue.

Her big glory shot

In theory should be great. She is punching Warwick to rescue Jinx. But it's shot so far away and turns around so fast into Warwick choking her, we don't feel the impact of her punch at all, even though on paper it is Vi using her gauntlets in a really cool innovative way.

If I compare how the Cait/Ambessa fight goes, yes Cait also gets hurt and thrown to the ground.

But Cait's fight just feels way more badass and Cait like a fundamental part of that conflict. Cait and Mel fight like a well coordinated team while Vi, Jinx and Ekko feel a lot more erratic. Cait is the one who initiates the fight in the first place, Cait is the one who makes a badass sacrifice to open up an essential tactical weakness. Yes, Mel gets the last shot and the emotional payoff, but it still feels very much like Caitlyn's fight too.

Yes in theory, Vi and Jinx go back and forth with saving each other, but it's just much faster and erratic, and *busier*, it just never has the same impact to hit. (I would be very interested in seeing a numbers breakdown, how much screentime is spent on the various different fights but also who has longer scenes before the next cut is)

It just feels like this finale is filled with scene after scene after scene with Vi being shellshocked and helpless and not really being super effective enough to compensate for that. Neither her glory moments, not her emotional moments really get the time to breathe the way this moment does with slo-mo and a song.

Compare Vi hurtling herself at Warwick to save Jinx, versus Jinx hurtling herself at Warwick to save Vi.

Okay, so is this just a dick measuring contest over who gets to be the most badass?

No. It's not a crime for Vi not to be the most effective fighter in the finale. But let's take a step back.

Act 1: Vi is a supporting character, but she has a clear role

I have said before I feel a major difference to season 1 is that rather than Vi being the main driving character, the show switched. Cait is the main character of Act 1, Jinx of Act 2.

Vi has lost her spot as main character, but her role in the story is still very clear. She is there as Cait's partner, her heart, her conscience. She witnesses Cait's distress. She tries to reach out to her. When they have an action scene, they work together and coordinate.

Arcane has action roots. Characters express themselves through their action scenes. That's why it's important who gets what action scene.

Also, while Cait's grief and hate and decisions drive the events of Act 1, Vi has her own arc of having hardened towards Jinx (agreeing Cait should take the shot) and then having that challenged by the end and of course getting an emotionally charged poignant moment when Cait dumps her when Vi takes a stand for Isha (= Vi making a choice).

Act 2: Vi is a supporting character, but she has a clear emotional arc

IMO Jinx is the clear lead character of act 2. She has a clear arc with Isha, befriending Isha, rescuing Isha, losing Isha.

Jinx is also the driving force of the Warwick arc. She encounters Warwick first. She is the one Warwick recognizes first. She puts 2+2 together. She seeks out Vi. She initiates their trip to the mines. She gives Vi the important hint about correctly handling Warwick. Warwick jumps into action ("Don't touch my daughter") to save her. His "death" in this arc is linked to Jinx and Isha.

But Vi still has a nice and satisfying enough arc in Act 2 anyway. She starts at rock bottom and grieving, she gets roped in by Jinx, she is initially suspicious of Jinx, she starts to trust Jinx more, her reunion with Warwick is emotional, they all go and try to help him, Jinx and Vi think about their mother.

Vi also goes from grieving Cait, to fixing her own life a little bit, to re-encountering Cait and teaming up with her again.

The big theme of Vi's arc is trust. She has to get over her fears and trust Jinx's advice on Warwick, just like she has to trust Caitlyn about letting Cait tie her up and play fake prisoner.

Act 3: Jinx has an arc about Vi, but Vi has no arc about Jinx

Jinx's in arc in Act 3 is about deciding to leave Vi. Everything in this arc is to prepare us for it.

Vi is not at all in the first episode. Even though the trigger of that episode was according to Amanda Overton what would happen if Vi had died in the original explosion, and the episode is absolutely respectful of Vi, with much grief and praise about it, in the end the portrayal isn't really about how life is impossible for these characters without Vi.

We get told what's going to happen to Jinx and get emotionally prepared for it, even though we don't know it. Sometimes leaping a step forward means leaving a few things behind. We get prepared for the idea that leaving things behind doesn't have to be a bad thing.

In the next episode, again we are getting prepared for what Jinx wants to do through her vision of Silco. She's going to heroically break the cycle of violence. Also, codes and commitments (like Vi's to Jinx) can be the bars we lock outselves in with. Identities (like the Jinx identity) are the cells we want to break out of.

Jinx then makes her decision. She's going to leave Vi. Vi never giving up on her is perceived to be something negative by her. She sets Vi free, telling her to stop caring about Jinx, telling her to be happy with Cait instead.

In the last episode, Ekko talks her out of killing herself. But Jinx still is determined to leave Vi. She says her goodbye to Vi. She assures Vi that it's not a problem because they will always be close anyway.

She then cuts the ties, lets go of Vi's hand and tumbles down with Warwick (and by most people's logic, fakes her own death and leaves the city).

Jinx has made a decision about Vi, which she executes. But Vi has no say in this decision. That's why she has no arc. She doesn't get to make a decision about her future really.

Even sneaking out to try and save Jinx we find out was prepared for by Caitlyn (and of course we find out that Caitlyn is the one who understands what Jinx did while Vi is still outside of this decision). And yes, she chooses to sleep with Caitlyn and she chooses to live with Caitlyn. But do these things really feel like part of her arc or just Vi reacting to circumstances?

IMO Vi wasn't ready to let Jinx go, that's why Jinx had to do it against Vi's will. That's why Vi doesn't make a real decision in Act 3.

Amanda said they wanted to explore who Vi would be if she didn't have anybody she had to protect and that is a valid and cool idea. But how much time with that did we really get?

And yes I genuinely think that if Vi had gotten a better action role within the finale it would have made a real difference in not making her feel so aimless.

Don't get me wrong. I get why they split it like that. The story required for Vi and Jinx to be paired up, so they can execute the conclusion of their sisters story. And unfortunately, compared to the other threats going on in the finale that story didn't really get the attention and gravitas and time and focus it deserved. (also Vi doesn't have a meaningful enough relationship with Ambessa for it to work for her to be in the Ambessa confrontation)

The problem is also that Vi doesn't really have much of a say in the conclusion of the sisters story. And her future is with Caitlyn.

So if they had found a way to sneak in some Vi and Caitlyn also doing action together or even just have Vi react to Caitlyn's duel or have Caitlyn react to Vi being under attack from Warwick, I think it would have felt more satisfying vis a vis the relationship they are going to have.

Alternatively. I love Ekko. I love that he got a badass fighting moment against Viktor. But in the moment where Jayce flies past Vi, for a moment I thought Vi would switch battlefields and Jayce and Vi would team up again, like they've done a couple of times already. If Vi's identity within the final battle was to be a big damn hero, that would also have imo left us more assured about what her identity is moving forward. Rather than the only thing we have is her being fairly weak in battle, being left out of information loops/not being smart enough to recognize them and being Cait's sweet live in girlfriend.

I don't hate Vi. I don't hate CaitVi. And I actually have some hope that maybe there is a chance that CaitVi as a pair will get to show off their stuff in some other form after all. But yeah, that's why imo season 2 and particularly Act 3 really did Vi a disservice.

(I'm not even suggesting things like Vi's decision to fight for Piltover and seeing so many Zaunites die being given gravitas or her reacting to Sevika being on the council, because I think the writers just have no interest in this topic at all)

#sorry for writing an essay in response to you #I just have a lot of Vi act 3 thoughts #like a lot a lot #I thought this was a fascinating read #feel free to disagree with literally anything I wrote here #I don't pretend to be the only perspective that matters #or the only perspective that's valid #I could have missed something #or you could simply have a perspective on something #I hadn't thought of

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abyss-seer · 1 day ago

Text

Disclaimer: All content in this reading, including interpretations, messages, and images used for picking a pile, belongs to me. It should not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without my permission. Unauthorized use of any part of this reading is strictly prohibited.

The Background image used is "Ukiyo-e Tale: The Creative Circle" by Nicolas Castell. The images for pick a pile reads, are mine

Pick A Picture Reading

How can you embrace some of your inevitable life experiences and see it from a higher perspective?

Pile 1 - The Table and Chair

Pile 2 - The Lamp post

Pile 3 - The Bench or a Swing

Welcome to today’s tarot reading! I always find tarot readings enjoyable, like reading chapters from a fascinating book. Before we dive in, let's set the scene and align with today's reading. Remember, this is a timeless read, so the messages can apply whenever you come across this post.

To start, take a moment to meditate on the question, and then choose the picture that draws you in. It could be a random object in the image or just an inner nudge guiding you to a particular pile. Feel free to choose more than one pile.

Today's question is inspired by some metal art shops I passed by: "How can you embrace the scars you experienced in your life and see how they shape you in a positive way?" Just as metal can be shaped under pressure into something beautiful, our experiences mold us, often in ways we don't realize at first.

Life can be tough, and we may come to dislike our scars because of the pain they represent. This reading aims to help you embrace those scars, transform them into symbols of victory, and find a positive outlook on life.

Remember, when life happens to you, you’re not a victim but a survivor. Warriors survive battlefields, and kings rule with confidence only after healing their wounds. This reading is about healing those scars fate has carved on you and seeing how they shape you into a beautiful, stronger version of yourself.

Enjoy the journey, and have a wonderful day! 😊

Trigger Warning

This reading has focused on the scars you could have got due to inevitable things you had to experience in your life. This reading aims to be a healing experience rather than a reminder of past hurts. If you're not ready to confront these aspects, but you appreciate the concept of this reading, feel free to save it for later.

Remember, this is a general reading, so take only the messages that resonate with you and leave the rest. A tarot reading offers insight or answers to your subconscious questions. It's important not to force yourself into any interpretation that doesn't feel right; readings are meant to be more about entertainment and reflection than precision.

Be mindful of not taking things personally. This is a collective reading, and while some aspects might resonate with you, others may resonate with someone else. My readings tend to be comprehensive and detailed, which some may find lengthy or time-consuming. Please take your time with this reading. These messages are intended to awaken and provide insights, so I hope you find value in them. Enjoy the journey through these reads.

With Love

Abyss Seer - Tarot Readings 🫶🏾

Pile 1

How to Embrace the Scars You've Got in Life**

**Pile 1**: You might tend to give up when responsibilities and burdens pile up. You could have a scar related to staying committed to something that eventually dies out, leading to FOMO (fear of missing out) due to feeling stuck. You might often jump into new things when the current endeavor gets tough. These constant changes can make you feel overwhelmed, sometimes leading to explosive anger when things don't go your way.

Instead of suppressing your anger and letting it explode, find a creative outlet. Many in this pile might use relationships or intimate activities to channel negative emotions rather than facing them. Sitting with your emotions might remind you of times you were taken advantage of, causing frustration.

Rather than getting caught in your mind and shaming yourself for taking time to decide, embrace your role as a catalyst for change. People might see you as moving at the speed of light, like a hurricane that changes too fast and crushes whatever stands in the way.

To embrace these changes, meditate when making big decisions, especially if you're considering a new venture due to feeling overworked. Take risks and make informed decisions instead of overthinking. Slow down and reflect before making any changes. Consider others' perspectives and be mindful not to crush their hard work. Give space to others and their plans while you pursue your goals.

**How to See These Scars from a Higher Perspective**

These scars teach you to let go and heal from past imbalances and unequal exchanges. They help you become more mindful about investing and spending resources to achieve your goals. You're learning to move on from disappointments and regrets involving selfish people. Now, you invest in trusted individuals who share your vision and walk away from situations that don't work for you.

You’re becoming more aware of your intuition and avoiding disasters before they happen. You’re learning to express yourself fully and not squeeze into places you don't belong. By letting go of what doesn't serve you, you embrace change and become your most authentic self, no longer hiding behind corners. Don't think too much and take action.

These references could hold some significance or some extra messages for you

Manjhi - The Mountain Man movie

Seeing repeating 22

Travel by train

Ludhiana

Someone with some body deformity

Table of Manifestation : An altar

A collaborative project

Pile 2

*How to Embrace This Scar**

There might be some kind of coalition in your community or workplace. Pile 2, you could be dealing with financial loss, lack of progress, or unresolved arguments with colleagues, leaving you more confused. These arguments might drag on for weeks. You need to strike a balance in your work life and set boundaries.

If you're facing intense pressure from the market or conflicts with colleagues, tread carefully. Currently, with Mars in Taurus and the South Node in Libra, you might find it hard to feel at ease. Use your intelligence to gain an advantage in these situations.

If you've been wounded at work, embrace these scars by focusing on your tasks, showcasing your talents to your higher-ups, multitasking, and mastering your skills. You might have lost some work confidence due to these conflicts. Don't waste time dwelling on these issues; focus on your work.

There might be sadness from wasted time or potential, but it's time to work hard. Don't let this opportunity slip by. Your scar might be feeling unable to express yourself and being misunderstood. Remember, the louder you shout, the more likely you are to be

ignored.

How to See These Scars from a Higher Perspective**

Some of you might feel like you chose the wrong company, relationship, or community, leading to some kind of loss. You are being called to cleanse and nourish yourself. This Summer Solstice, like Maa Kamakhya, close your doors to unwanted situations and take yourself on a self-care retreat to experience your inner sacred workings. Forgive yourself and let go of the pain others have caused you.

Pile 2, you might feel distracted, waiting for things to happen, and dependent on others for your finances. You're being asked to socialize and heal, taking a break from work to come back rejuvenated. Stay grounded and socialize with people around you to maintain harmony. Don't show weakness in family, friendship, and relationships. You are learning to develop a strong boundary to avoid being taken advantage of.

Be careful, Pile 2; you might feel stagnant and stuck due to giving your energy to people who don't deserve it. If this has already happened, you are learning the art of facing your enemies and staying calm despite life's challenges. This situation might have left an invisible scar that not many can see. Stand strong against adversity and don't let unnecessary involvement of others extend your problems. You are learning to weed out unnecessary people from your matters and socialize only as needed.

Learn your lessons with grace and call your energy back to yourself for self-nourishment. See these scars as past mistakes and learn how to not overshare and keep people out of your business.

These references could hold some significance or some extra messages for you

Seeing repeating 8's and 7's, or 88's and 77's

Cleansing or Purification

Proficiency in English language

Coalition in workplace settings

The song Choti Choti Ratein from movie Tum bin

Someone or Something's name could be Donna

Oh Mehrama by Darshan Raval

Pile 3

Are you trying to embrace the scars that you got in your life amidst ongoing feuds about your future or your destined inheritance? Some of you could be from Pile 1.**

**How can you embrace this scar?**

First, commit to the work you are doing. You might feel a lack of inspiration to move towards your goals and dreams. Are you boldly pursuing your desires or just waiting for a miracle? Are you taking practical steps to achieve your dreams, or are you stuck in old stories, taking leftovers because you've lost hope?

You see big dreams and new opportunities, but are you too scared or uninspired to reach them? In today’s world, people often turn to social media to feel better, getting lost in information. You know what to do and which advice to take, but are you making that bold move? Your scar might be this void of success, leaving you uninspired and holding on to past achievements, ideas, or relationships that no longer serve you.

Express gratitude to those who helped you and let go. Embrace your scars and move boldly towards achieving your dreams, Pile 3.

**How to look at this scar from a higher perspective?**

Once you boldly commit to your goals and reignite your hope, you'll have a reason to celebrate. There might be something unique you want to do but are unsure about. From a higher perspective, one day you'll reap the rewards of your sincere efforts. This unique dream could turn into a legacy. Your scars were meant to make

you strong.Some of you might have lost a parent or experienced childhood neglect or abuse. I'm deeply sorry for your pain. Sending all of you my deepest condolences. 💗

"All I can say is 'Show me how it gets better' by Sah D Simone. Show the world how people with experiences like yours shine with their own light. Only you can show the world how it gets better, Pile 3.

Stop wasting time numbing your emotions. Turn your life experiences into motivation. Show the world how someone like you can make it better despite all these scars. Fully concentrate your energy on what you want to do in life and let go of what doesn't serve your purpose."

These references could hold some significance or some extra messages for you

Scarpetta, maybe you don't like wasting an inch of your food

You might go for travel soon

The song Oh Nanhe se Farishte

Barbie and 12 dancing princess

Khamoshiyan

Seeing repeating 2's and repeating 4's,

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