#thread / tiff.

[lxvenderhxzehv]

Where: Nicks place Who: Tiffany and Nick (@endlessreruns)

"This is a bad idea..." She stood at their door step, she could feel herself shaking. She had performed in front of millions and yet coming face to face with her younger sibling was the scariest thing Tiff had ever done. Except now she looked more like her old self. Daisy, a name she hadn't heard in nearly 15 years. She wanted them to realize who she was. She was being vulnerable. Stripped of what ever ounce of fame she had. She wasn't here to show off, she was here to reconnect. Hoped that they would forgive her. She tired but it was always wrong place at the wrong time. She went to knock on the door.

[crimsonrainsoughtstrawberry]

y’all we’re like 🤏🏽 this close to seeing Qi Rong’s little sociopathic, goofy ass on screen 🤭

[bloody-ugly]

TAG DUMP BRRRAHH.

THREADS ⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆ TIFF && MUSE [URL] .

DYNAMIC ⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆ TIFF && MUSE [URL] .

[eyeofprovidence]

yeah, this is about the expected reaction! even the pines with an ordinary amount of fingers are freaks regardless of the dimension, and it doesn't take a genius to notice that! still, they may be weirdos, but they're not as utterly unassuming and entirely useless as tiff seems to think.

his clone dissipates as his single form teleports behind tiffany - then in front, hand tapping on his chin, "THE JOURNALS, HUH?" that's the first useful thing blondie has told him all night - and, shit, he might just have to torture himself by listening to pine tree's podcast. on three times speed. but if dipper really has his hands on sixer's journals... well, it only makes sense that fordsy would have put some notes that could help him out with the damned portals in one of his not-so-secret codes.

"I HATE TO SAY IT, I REALLY DO - BUT THERE'S SOME SENSE TO HIS NONSENSE!" and, of course, an unhealthy amount of paranoia on top of that, but even a being like him knows dipper can't entirely be ignored. "AND SURE, LET ME KNOW WHAT MR. MAYOR IS UP TO - BUT I PROMISE, HE'S NOT AS IMPORTANT AS YOU THINK. NOT EVEN HADES! HA, IF THEY WERE, THEY WOULD'VE MADE PROGRESS TO GETTING US OUT OF THIS PLACE BY NOW!"

"LOOK BLONDIE," another snap, and a trio of journals manifests in the air: crimson coated with that six fingered hand inlaid in gold on the cover - 1, 2, 3. of course, he doesn't know if pine tree has the full trio, but if he does... "THESE 'STUPID JOURNALS' HAVE SOME INFO INSIDE THAT YOU AND PINE TREE COULDN'T EVEN IMAGINE THE POWER OF. I NEED THEM." a slight exaggeration, sure, as he isn't even positive exactly all that lies within them, but... "HELP ME GET MY HANDS ON THEM, AND ALL THAT POWER YOU WANT IS SECURED! GIVE ME SOME TIME, AND I'LL EVEN MAKE SURE YOU AREN'T LIMITED TO THE BORDERS OF THIS HICK TOWN!"

at the mention of old pals, tiffany's brows furrowed. perhaps bill was one of the few that remembered his life from outside this place; the rumor mill was constantly turning, and as the girl who had eyes and ears everywhere, tiffany was no stranger to the concept of people NOT being from here and the weird relationships they had with the memories of their pasts. given how bill was literally capable of manifesting himself into her dreams — tiff figured there were bigger questions to ask in regards to him and what he knew. she went to comment further but at the snap of his fingers; the answer was presented and.... fuck, if she had questions before, they had only multiplied TENFOLD now.

❛ — the PINES twins ?? ❜ tiffany scoffed in upmost disbelief, turning to look at each of them with a contorted expression of both disgust and disbelief. ceruleans worked from one face to the other, nose scrunching at just the sight of them, two individuals she had never met in person but had heard enough about to have.... well, her blog encompassed her opinion of them pretty well. ❛ you can't be serious... they're NOBODIES.❜ this was who bill wanted information on ?? made a deal with her for ?? it was almost humorous.... two of the most irrelevant people were this all-powerful beings targets ?? she stared at them, confusion clear in her face, until they began to do creepy shit and her expression once more faltered. she looked at dipper; his eyes bright and golden, pupils thin and narrow, resembling that of a cat eye but... not quite. her mouth went dry, backing away from him, turning only to see mabel mirroring his expression. if the twins didn't freak her out before, they certainly did now.

when they shifted back into copies of bill, tiffany swallowed thickly, rolling her eyes at the theatrics now and pressing a palm against her forehead. ❛ i don't feel one way or the other they just... they're just kinda THERE. i get gossip about them and i respond. it's not like anyone really cares about them anyways. don't you want information on like, someone important ?? like hades or... fuck, even the mayor or something ?? ❜ there was a lot the blonde was trying to wrap her head around, but this was proving itself to be the most challenging of them all. ❛ pine tree ?? you- you mean dipper ?? i... i don't have any history with him besides shit-talking him on my blog. i've never even spoken to the kid. i just know he's always carrying around this backpack and these stupid journals and... talking nonsense about this town. i think he has a podcast, too but... i don't pay attention to him enough to know what it's even about.❜

[ofmdrecaps]

09/06-07/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Ruibo Qian; Vico Ortiz; Kristian Nairn; Anapela Polataivao; Erroll Shand; Andrew DeYoung; Kay Buchanen; RoseCityComicCon OFMD Panel; Tell Tale Voting Reminder; Another Call To Action; Help Matt Maher go to ECCC!; Love Notes; Daily Darby / Today's Taika;

Hey Crew, I'm working on reaching out to folks to get permission to post more Rose City Comic Con pictures! Hope to have more up tomorrow.

== David Jenkins ==

David and Kinga got married! So happy for you Chaos Dad!

Source: David and Kinga's Instagram

== Rhys Darby ==

SO MUCH RHYS today! He was out doing comedy at Largo LA!

Source: LargoLosAngelos More Comedy with Rhys, 9/10/24 at 8 PM in LA! Learn more!

Guess who's substack is up!?

Source: Rhys Darby's Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

The Toronto International Film Festival is on! Indigenous.tv is reminding you to keep an eye out for Taika!

Source: Indigenous TV

== Ruibo Qian ==

Ruibo is in Shanghai!

Source: Ruibo Qian's Instagram

== Vico Ortiz ==

Vico and Ane are cosplaying Crowley and Aziraphale at Rose City Comic Con!

Vico will also be part of the Drag Pac's Youth Town Hall on Sept 14, 2024 at the Plaza De La Raza LA! Wanna check it out? Visit their site!

Source: Vico's Instagram

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian Djing "Hold the Decks" for us!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kristian Nairn (@kristiannairn)

Source: Kristian Nairn's Instagram

== Anapela Polataivao ==

Our beloved Auntie's movie TINĀ (MOTHER) will be premiering at the Hawaii Film Festival this year in October!

"HIFF44 opens at the Consolidated Theatres Kahala with the World Premiere and directorial feature debut of Miki Magasiva’s nuanced drama from New Zealand/Aotearoa. Samoan actor Anapela Polata’ivao (ONE THOUSAND ROPES, OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH, SHORTLAND STREET) portrays Mareta, a well-respected and gifted vocal coach in her community, who finds herself at a crossroads, needing to find work after the tragic death of her daughter, a death she is still processing. Mareta goes out of her comfort zone to become a substitute teacher at an elite, all-white private school and forms a choir that begins her healing as a matriarch and caregiver. Director Miki Magasiva and actress Anapela Polata’ivao are scheduled to attend HIFF44 Opening Night."

New Zealand/Aotearoa 2024 | English, Samoan w/English Subtitles | 124M

Source: HIFF Instagram and Website

== Erroll Shand ==

Everyone's sending love to Erroll for his role in The Twelve! Really hoping it'll be available outside of NZ soon!

Source: Jodie Rimmer Instagram

== Andrew Deyoung ==

One of our writers had their new movie premiered at the TIFF!

Source: FilmAndy Instagram

== Kay Buchanan ==

Our fabulous leather worker-- Kay Buchanan has a new movie coming out that she worked on props for! Grafted, a AoNZ horror film will be released in AoNZ on Sept 12! Check out the trailer on her IG!

Source: Kay Buchanan's Instagram

== Rose City Comic Con ==

Our crewmates over at @adoptourcrew were kind enough to share updates from the Cast Panel at Rose City ComicCon this weekend! If you have twitter, you can check it out over at Adopt Our Crew Thread. If not, you can see them below!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Tell Tale Voting Reminders! ==

Only a few more days to vote for Stede and Ed in Tell Tale TV's Battle of the Ships! Please vote here when you get a chance!

Source: Tell Tale TV's Instagram

== Another Call to Action! ==

Sounds like there's going to be another anniversary trailer happening on 09/15! Several crewmates are asking to QRT David's Tweet here with the text "Because The Night Belongs To Lovers #OurFlagMeansDeath" and something a little extra to help keep from being flagged as spam! Let's get ofmd trending again that day!

Source: Lucy's Twitter

== Help Matt Maher go to ECCC! ==

Looks like a few of our crewmates talked to Matthew Maher (Black Pete) and he really wants to go to Seattle! Let's help him get to Emerald City Comic Con, if you have a moment, please put in a request to have him as a guest at their next con! Thank you to Mira (@/havethisonelife on twitter) and @/Callousnstrange for trying to help Matt!

Source: CallousnStrange / Mira (HaveThisOneLife)

== Fan Spotlight ==

= The Gay Pirate News Hour =

The inaugural episode of Gay Pirate News Hour is out now covering a month's worth of OFMD fandom news and speculation including David Jenkins getting married, Rose City Comic Con, and reasons to clown about season 3. GPNH will be live on youtube once a month!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram/Youtube

== Loves Notes ==

Hey there lovelies! I've been sitting with my Dad in the hospital for a few days, and it's given me a lot to think about. Today especially was particularly hard, and I wanted to send out a couple reminders I think are important.

It's okay to be scared. Things don't always go as we plan, and scary things DO happen, and you are absolutely valid in feeling fear in the unknown.

It's okay to ask for help. Sometimes, even if you are the proudest person in the entire world, you need help, and it's okay to ask for that help. Even if you're estranged, or have difficult relationships, ask for help, the worst that can happen is someone says no. Better to know for sure then not ask.

You're absolutely wonderful lovelies. You. When you're scared, when you're happy, when you're sad, you're beautiful, and you're wonderful, and you deserve love and help just like anyone else. Please ask for it if you need it <3 Rest well, I'm rooting for you.

Source: MichellCClark Instagram

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

Today's theme is hair, gifs courtesy of these wonderful folks, @piratesleeves and @unaragazzadelnord

[armageddon-generation]

The Bear Season 3 is a bridge season that feels weird on purpose, but also has some big problems: A review/ramble

Season 3 is clearly a bridge season, and suffers from having been written & shot alongside season 4. As a result, unlike the seasons 1 & 2, it doesn’t feel like a distinctive or complete chapter of the restaurant’s life. Just half of one.

This is partly because there’s no ‘end-goal’ like in S2, or clear progression/visible improvement to the restaraunt like in S1. Season 3 is about stagnation. Most of its storylines are left unresolved- the review, Sydney’s job offer, Tiff & Frank’s wedding, Marcus being inspired by his mother’s death, Tina and the dying farmer’s market, Carmy’s conflicts with both Claire and Ritchie. All these threads will roll into Season 4, and Season 3 suffers from that.

PACING, FLASHBACKS AND TONE: FORM REFLECTING FUNCTION

HOWEVER. This being a ‘bridge’, character-focused season isn’t inherently bad. Individual episodes of The Bear still tear when they want to. Episodes 1, 2, & 3 are a very strong setup for the season and establish good momentum. Episodes 6 & 8 are fantastic character pieces, and 8 in particular made me bawl. Even the finale, though bogged down by masturbatory celebrity chef cameos, was a strong episode.

The problem is all the stuff in-between. The actual day-to-day running of the restaurant feels hollow and empty now. There’s a distance between the characters and it feels like they don’t interact as a group anywhere near as much.

Part of this is absolutely deliberate. People joke about S3 'method acting' its way into bad reviews to reflect the restaraunt, but losing steam and the connections between characters is genuinely a formal reflection of the kitchen crew's moods, as the day-to-day grind of running the restaurant wears them down.

The use of flashbacks in 3x1 is excellent, but Season 3 quickly becomes way over-reliant on them (episode 9 especially, oh my god). Again, this feels like a conscious choice to reflect Carmy’s state of inertia/the fact he’s perpetually trapped in the past. It makes sense, but that doesn’t give the show a pass for being boring, and 3x9 was the first time I’ve ever felt genuinely bored by this show.  

FUCK THE FAKS & NEGLECTING POC CHARACTERS

My other problems are much more clearly the fault of the show; I do not give a flying fuck about the Faks. Neil is cute in small doses. The brothers are great as soundboards for other characters; Theo getting Sweeps to talk about his backstory in baseball, the brothers comforting Donna at the end of 3x8 Ice Chips, or the haunting argument finally forcing Carmy to talk about Claire.

But on their own? When they’re just bouncing off each-other? These guys aren't half as funny as the show seems to think they are. And their scenes drag on so long. For example, the B-plot of 3x5 Computer wastes half of an otherwise strong episode with pointless fucking around, propped up by a pointless celebrity cameo. I do not Give. A. Fuck about haunting, Mr. Cena, why the fuck are you here.

The aggravating time-wasting is made worse by The Bear continuing to neglect and underuse its POC characters. This is the second season in a row where I’ve felt Syd only got the bullet-points of an arc. She is the LEADING LADY. Ayo is now the show’s biggest breakout star. USE HER.

I really enjoyed Tina's focus episode, but unlike Forks and Honeydew last season it doesn't move the plot forward, and unlike Fishes the flashbacks don't contextualize Tina''s actions in the present because she's barely doing anything in the present, despite the show setting up her struggles in the kitchen early in the season.

Meanwhile, Ebra got crumbs again and Sweeps got a single scene, which is tragically at least better than he had last year.

Marcus’ arc this year is a fascinating microcosm for the show’s themes, but it barely gets a second to breathe because we have to cram in another five minutes of the Fak brothers arguing about that time Neil got taped into a cardboard box. It’s ridiculous. And then they showcase Nat being all protective of Marcus in an episode he’s barely in, when she barely interacts with him. It feels unearned & disingenuous, using Marcus as a prop for a Hell Yeah gotcha moment.

I liked Josh Harnett though, that casting had purpose, and both Chef Terry and Luca were used excellently.

CAMEOS

The surprise celebrity cameos this year felt distracting and indulgent in a way last year’s didn’t. In Fishes the slew of cameos were a dramatic tool meant to disorient the viewer. This year, John Cena is here to distract you from how pointless this B-plot is, and we've brought in a bunch of famous chefs to tell you direct-to-camera why cooking and the service industry are so important.

The chefs in particular are bizzare after season 1 spent most of its time telling us how evil and toxic the fine dining industry is. But now it's actually just the fault of a few bad apples, and these guys are really rad actually?

CLAIRE

Much has been said about how Claire was an underwritten archetype for Carmy to project onto. Now, I don’t much give a fuck about shipping in this show, but it’s clear Claire & Carmy’s romance didn’t connect with most people. It felt hollow. At the time, I thought this was deliberate, like the tone and flashbacks this season; Claire’s writing reflected Carmy’s perception of her as a saintlike childhood daydream who could deliver him from all the stresses of his life.

But this season, not only does the show refuse to let Claire go, it doubles down on objectifying her as a prop for Carmy’s self-loathing, trapped in his memory.

Again, this might work thematically if I knew Claire as a person, or was at all invested in their romance, but I don't and I’m not. As it stands, the multiple extended flashbacks with Claire feel like futile attempts to plug the holes in Season 2's weakest storyline, and drag their episodes down. If we’re supposed to root for Carmy to find happiness outside the kitchen, this is having the opposite effect, and it’s made worse by it all being left unresolved by the finale.

Either do something with this character or move on, because right now every time Claire appears I clock out emotionally, and that’s not her fault, it’s the way the show treats her.

CARMY THE ASSHOLE

All this contributes to an overriding problem that I again think is deliberate, but risky; Carmy isn’t likeable this season. He causes his conflicts with Ritchie and Syd, to whom he has passed down his generational trauma. Carmy's menu is the biggest thing dragging the Bear into bankruptcy. Carmy has stopped working to resolve his familial trauma like in seasons 1 & 2, just as Nat starts making headway. He functionally doesn’t exist outside the kitchen, entirely preoccupied with the past & a girl the audience doesn’t care about.

Unlike previous seasons, the few times Carmy is called out for his bad behaviour he doesn’t make much effort to listen or improve. Again, I get that this is the point. Carmy is on a low, self-destructive ebb, and hopefully when things start resolving in season 4 he’ll snap out of it. But him dragging the show down with him has consequences.

EPISODE COUNT & FINAL THOUGHTS

A lot of people are saying that S3 only had enough plot for 2-3 episodes, and while I think that’s disingenuous- The Bear has always been a character-focused, vibes-first show- I do think it should've returned to the 8-episode count of season 1. You can consolidate the same amount of ‘plot development’ into fewer episodes while maintaining the deliberate sense of inertia. Cut back on the Faks and flashbacks to give more time to the kitchen crew, and many of the complaints would disappear.

Anyway, all this to say that The Bear season 3 is not Bad like some are saying, but it is a step down from its first two seasons. It feels like it’s got lost in its own head and lost a part of itself along the way, and while a lot of that is deliberate- formally reflecting Carmy’s internal conflict- it exacerbates existing problems (underwritten POC, Claire) and creates several new ones (celeb cameos, overusing flashbacks, unresolved plotlines) previous seasons were able to sidestep.

[crimsonrainsoughtstrawberry]

having a really shitty mental health week. I just don’t understand why my mind convinces me that no one likes me and I sit here wanting to cry at my desk. Don’t love this for me 🤦🏽‍♀️

[nelithic]

it was not a confirmation for which she required acknowledgement; the future had long ago already made itself clear in this regard. the fell dragon simply lets the silence stretch comfortably between them, the exchange having reached its natural end and her attentions refocused on their task.

and in the back of her mind, on the new glimpses she had received of the little emperor's mind. the emblems had always been mere spirits only — powerful in their own right, but nonetheless facsimilies of distant heroes summoned through wish and yearning. none had ever been fully clear on the connection between them and their true namesakes, and nel can assume that none of them had ever thought they would encounter their origins to have such curiosity satisfied.

her thoughts are interrupted by edelgard once more as she straightens from plucking yet another restorative vial out of the wreckage.

roll: 1, no progress.

narrow eyes continue scanning the debris with half a mind. tell her about rafal. there could be fewer simpler requests, but she finds it difficult to answer all the same. it occurs to her then that she has seldom ever had to explain her twin to one who did not already know him.

perhaps that would be her start.

"he is my twin, rafal." the pronged tail head swivels again, extending to move aside several more large boulders, though each of these reveal nothing more promising than rubble, and bare tracks of earth beneath some. "in our world, fell dragons are born as twins, and from birth, they are destined to fight one another to the death, consuming the other's power as their own. only one of each pair will reach maturity. it is a custom as old as time itself, perhaps even instinct."

"rafal was born weak, without the ability to transform or the strength to fight. in gradlon, such a child is seen as a failure, and they do not have long to live. our siblings made countless attempts on his life. in the end, after many centuries, our only option was to flee our home."

the finer details, those centuries of bloodshed, were old tales now: stains of cracked scarlet beneath her talons.

distantly, the sound of commotion signifies that the atmosphere of the city has begun to shift. she spots the darting shapes of several others making their way in the direction of block C.

dark wings spread again. "it appears the others have returned. we should offer them what we have found."

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　₊　here and now　┃┃┃　end.

— here and now

Block B // Supply Search

[coopigeoncoo]

Meat Cute, Chapter 5

Chapter Links: First, Previous <- Chapter 5 ->Next

Pairing: Alastor x Fem!Reader

Rating: Mature (rating may change)

Tags: Canon-typical violence, Cannibalism, Reader is a cannibal, Fake/pretend relationship, Puns, Raccoon Reader, Tags may change, Swearing

---

In a bid to appear more approachable to the denizens of the Hazbin Hotel, Alastor enlists the help of his favorite butcher to step into the roll of an (after)lifetime: pretending to be his paramour!

---

“You can't deny we have so much in common,” Alastor's grinned, his smile somehow, impossibly, widening even farther as he leaned down on the counter on a single elbow; his nose nearly touching yours as you stood frozen in place. “I'm somewhat of a Butcher myself, you know.”

–--

A story where one thing is certain: the steaks are never bigger than when love is on the line.

---

Continue reading below, or follow the link to A03!

Most days, Charlie's incessant prattling amused Alastor.  It was one of the few traits they both shared after all; the ability to pick up the threads of dropped conversations and weave them into something new.  Usually a pithy quip on his part while Charlie would provide some long-winded tirade about friendship and optimism; nonsensical sorts of things that Alastor didn’t spare much thought towards. 

Generally, it was an effortless feat for Alastor to redirect Charlie's attention and energy onto something or someone else; goodness knows that the residents of their hotel could generously be described as an absolute mess most of the time.  There was always some sort of disaster brewing that the little Princess couldn't help but insert herself into.  A lovers tiff here, a genocide there, another new guest with an uninspired tale of woe that required comfort and a supportive embrace or two.

But there was a stubborn streak in Charlie today that kept her focus fully on the Overlord.  And while he usually never shied away from being the center of attention, Alastor had to admit that he was beginning to grow increasingly weary of her present line of questioning.

“-so what do you think?  Are you willing to give it a shot?”  Charlie asked, her entire body practically quivering in anticipation for his answer.  

“Hmm?  I'm sorry, I must have drifted off for a moment there. What were you saying?” Alastor apologized, his eyes alight with false sincerity.  

“Oh, come on!  There was no way you tuned out that entire musical number!” Charlie groaned in frustration.  “I hit like, three super high notes!  There was confetti-”

“I was dancin’,” a passing sanitation worker interjected, unceremoniously dumping a bin full of used hypodermic needles into the back of an idling trash truck.  

“-the garbageman was dancing, Alastor!”

“I’m sure it was a most spectacular sight!” Alastor assured him.

“Damn right it was,” the garbage man grumbled under his breath as he hefted a heavily stained mattress into his arms.  

“Okay, just- ugh!” Charlie sighed, dragging a hand down her face in exasperation. “Forget the song-”

“Way ahead of you, my dear!” Alastor grinned, spinning his staff merrily as he set off down the sidewalk, Charlie quickly catching up despite his longer stride.  

“I'm just worried, Alastor.  You haven't really made any effort to open up to anyone at the hotel.”

“Haven't you ever heard the saying about mixing business and pleasure?  I'm merely maintaining a professional demeanor.  I would hate for the sterling reputation of our fine establishment to be tarnished by unprofessionalism!” Alastor explained, wiggling his fingers at a passing sinner who cowered under the oppressive weight of Alastor's fleeting glance.

“See, this is exactly what I mean!” Charlie shouted, frantically waving at all the pedestrians ducking down alleys and darting recklessly into oncoming traffic to avoid having to cross paths with the Radio Demon.  “People are afraid of you, Alastor.”

“As well they should be!  I am an Overlord after all, my dear.  Being terrifying is part of the job description.”

“Yes, I know that!  But the problem is that everyone is afraid of you.”

“Are they now?  I guess most people must be smarter than they look!” Alastor laughed in delight as Charlie's consternation grew. 

“I'm being serious here!�� Even the people at the hotel are still…uncomfortable with you,” Charlie offered diplomatically.  “Which isn't what the hotel is supposed to be about.  It's supposed to be a place of friendship and comradery- where people can feel safe enough to open up and be vulnerable.”

Charlie paused in her explanation to gesture to the palpable air of malevolence that radiated from her hotelier.

“And you come off as everything but safe.”

“Oh, stop it!  You're making me blush!” Alastor cooed, lifting a coy hand to cradle his pale cheek.  

“Alastor,” Charlie sighed, quickly shuffling around him on the sidewalk so she could place herself directly in his path, forcing him to come to an abrupt halt and look into her pleading eyes.  “Please.  I need the hotel to be a success.  And I think that's what you want, too.  For whatever reason.”

Alastor was quiet as he examined the determined jut of Charlie's chin, his head tilting slightly to the side in consideration.  “What exactly is it that you require of me?”

“To be friendly.  To honestly try and connect with someone.”

“Shall I braid your hair then?  Gossip with the Effeminate Fellow about boys?”

“Those are both great ideas!  But they…don't really seem like your thing,” Charlie hesitantly admitted.  “Why don't you start out with something you're good at?”

“Torture?” 

“Talking.”

“If you insist,” Alastor sighed.  “But my suggestion would be considerably more entertaining.”

“Hey, you never know where a good conversation might lead!  Just look at me and Vaggie!,” the Princess chirped excitedly, her eyes sparkling in delight at the mere thought of her taciturn partner. “She would barely say two words to me when we met and now we tell each other everything!”

“Ahhh,” Alastor narrowed his eyes in suspicion.  “Is that your angle?  To find me a partner?  A paramour?  To try to soften me up with affection?”

“What?  No, that's not it at all!” Charlie rushed to assure him, her hands flapping wildly in front of her body as though she could physically waft away the misunderstanding.  “I mean, it would be great if you could find someone like that, you know, if- if you wanted to!  It's nice to have someone to care about- to care about you , in that way.”

“Please, do elaborate,” Alastor said, gesturing in front of himself with an exaggerated wave of his hand, encouraging Charlie to continue down the hopelessly cracked and pitted sidewalk towards Cannibal Town. 

“Oh- uhhh,” Charlie sputtered, stumbling over her own legs slightly as she moved to fall into step beside Alastor, her fingers nervously twiddling around each other as she struggled to find the words to explain herself.  “Partners are, well- it's sort of like being friends, but more?  Better, I guess?  You talk with them and spend time with them like friends, but they just-”

Charlie paused, heaving in a deep sigh as she imagined her girlfriend in her mind's eye, and tried to verbalize all the wonderful feelings that Vaggie cultivated in her heart.

“When you see someone you love, your day just instantly brightens.  You get excited thinking about the next time you see them- it feels like a bunch of moths are fluttering around inside of your belly.”

Alastor's upper lip curled up in revulsion.  “And that's a desirable feeling?  Intestinal insects?”

“Well, not when you put it that way,” Charlie huffed, crossing her arms across her chest in frustration.  “It's something you can't really explain unless you've experienced it.”

Alastor was unusually quiet, the ambient humming that surrounded him barely audible as they continued on their way.  For a moment, Charlie worried that she had maybe gone too far; that she had drawn an exclusive circle around herself and her experiences that painted Alastor as even more of an outsider than he already was.  An apology sat perched on her tongue, ready to assure him that it was okay to never have felt these things, when Alastor spoke up.  

“It doesn’t feel like fluttering,” Alastor drawled, his free hand pressed against his abdomen pensively.  “It’s more akin to a gnawing sensation.”  

“Wait-,” Charlie gasped, quickly sucking in a lungful of the humid Hellish air.  “Alastor, is there- is there someone you have feelings for?”

“Upon reflection I do believe there might be, based on your exceptionally vivid description of the experience,” Alastor informed her with an excited grin, pushing open the reinforced glass door of a building and ushering Charlie over the threshold ahead of him with a courteous incline of his head.  

“Ooooohhhhh, Alastor!” Charlie squealed, bouncing on her toes in barely suppressed jubilation as she queued up in the short line in front of the register.  “Who is it?  How long have you known them? Can I meet them?  Do you think they like you back?  Wait- that's too many questions!  I'm sorry!  But I'm just so excited for you!”

“It's fine, my dear!  Perfectly understandable,” Alastor reassured her with an indulgent laugh.  “And of course you can meet them, if that's what you'd like.”

“YES!” Charlie yelled, only realizing how loud she was once all the numerous eyes of both the customers and the walls of the store quickly shifted their focus onto her.  She coughed into her fist and straightened her lapels in embarrassment as she waited for the other customers to lose interest and turn away. “I mean- that is to say, it would be lovely to meet them at your earliest convenience.”

“But of course!” Alastor agreed readily as he stepped with Charlie to the front of the line.  “Here she comes now!”

“Now?” Charlie squawked, spinning around frantically in quick circles to try and catch a glimpse of who in the store Alastor might be referring to.

“Here you are, Alastor, Sir,” you announced with a nervous grin, sliding a large, paper-wrapped parcel across the counter.  “One whole venison round, as requested.”

“Thank you, my dear!” Alastor said as he took hold of the meat, vanishing it to locations unknown with a quick snap of his fingers.  “I was wondering if I might trouble you for a moment longer, though?”

Sweat immediately began to gather at your hairline as you tried to swallow down the bile creeping up your throat.  “Is- is there a problem with your order?”

“No, no, nothing like that!” Alastor assured you with a sharp grin that did little to settle your nerves.  “It has recently been brought to my attention that I am enamored with you.”

All sounds inside the butcher shop abruptly halted, like the entire store had been sucked into a vacuum; customer's jaws hanging slack in shock at the unexpected confession. 

“You're what?” You squeak in obvious distress, casting pleading glances at your coworkers who were quietly peeking in  through a slim crack through the backroom door, eager to spy on the unfolding drama.

“Enamored, my dear!  Beguiled!  Infatuated!  Smitten, if you will.”

“You… like me?” You muttered dumbly as your brain struggled to process the bizarre scene you had found yourself thrust into the middle of.  

“Apparently!” Alastor laughed, reaching behind himself to tug his companion to his side.  “See, I was chatting with my associate here, Charlie, the Princess of Hell-”

“Your Grace,” you croak dryly, dropping into what was hopefully a passable curtsy.

“Hey, uh- nice to meet you!” Charlie greeted with a stiff wave and an even stiffer smile. 

“-and she made me realize what my true feelings for you were!  How you make my day better, how I look forward to the next time I see you, how you make my stomach rumble,” Alastor growled lowly, his already towering form seeming to elongate as he loomed over you.

“...It ah- it sounds like maybe you're just… hungry whenever you see me?”

“Perhaps!” Alastor cackled, his staticy laugh even more distorted up close.  “But one man's passion is another man's hunger, as they say!”

“Do they say that?  Is that a thing people say?!” You whispered manically towards Charlie, her shoulders jumping up towards her ears in a helpless shrug.

“Gastrointestinal palpitations aside, you can't deny we have so much in common,” Alastor's grinned, his smile somehow, impossibly, widening even farther as he leaned down on the counter on a single elbow, his nose nearly touching yours as you stood frozen in place; afraid that any sudden movement might somehow cause him to pounce. “I'm somewhat of a Butcher myself, you know.”

“RIGHT, okay!” Charlie interrupted with a nervous laugh, slamming a handful of bills down onto the counter as she managed to mercifully push herself between the Radio Demon and the meat counter.  “So sorry, but we have to go- there's important hotel business we need to get back to!  It was lovely meeting you, have a nice day, BYE!”

You were still staring at the door minutes after Charlie had frantically pulled Alastor out of the store, only snapping out of your daze when your manager shuffled up beside you, nose buried in the employee handbook.  

“I've triple checked and experiencing sudden romantic overtones isn't grounds for taking personal leave,” he explained, pointing to the exact passage in the well-worn guide.  “You're gonna’ have to finish out your shift.”

“Of course,” you replied distantly, unable to meaningfully focus on anything other than your racing thoughts and the strange, muffled ringing in your ears.  “What about if I pass out?”

“Says here you'll get a fifteen minute break and a strong cup of tea.”

“Better put the kettle on then,” you mumbled as your knees buckled, vision going black as you plummeted towards the floor.  Your manager looked down at your crumpled body and sighed, nudging you out of the way with his foot and stepping up to the register.  

“Next in line!”

[nugulover69]

@sunshinemoonrx's sentai suits and skirts thread got me pondering the geki suits again (I agree that the main trio should all be skirted or all not-skirted, for uniformity sake), specifically the Violet and Chopper suits

I just really like how the animal theming of both suits reflect their respective character's relationship to the kitty cat triangle

Gou being a wolf/dog, an animal that isn't a feline but is often thought of in tandem with cats works bc he has an existing connection with the trio (Retsu's dearest stacked niisan). Hence his suit following a similar body plan to the triangle (the lack of a belt and a very similar helmet shape) but with added details to indicate his different fighting style (protective cuffs and elbow/kneepads)

Meanwhile Ken is...a rhino? Which for the longest time bothered me bc well that's not close to a feline nor a canine. It's a mammal yeah but not a fuzzy sharp-toothed critter. Why not make him a fox, I'd often think to myself, he's sly and mischievous like a fox (or the idea of one at least)

But I've come around to this seemingly random theming bc consider how foreign Ken was to the main trio. Just like Gou, he also practices a style of Beast Fist unique to him, but he's not related to any of the trio like Gou, biological or otherwise. like how rhinos have hardly any relation to cats and dogs

Gou and Ken are similar in that their integrations into the team are not the smoothest (Ken arguably starting worse off than Gou bc his reasoning for attacking one of the triangle was a tiff over a pork cutlet rather than being in a werewolf fugue state like Gou)

Gou's rough start is mainly due to internal struggles, being distant bc he doesn't want to ruin the team's perfect triangle. He's too scared of losing control and failing like he did once before against Leo (still not calling him Rio you can't make me). Noble coldness, respectable brooding badboyisms

And this tension is quickly smoothed over by Jan anyways, literally calling him too kind for his own good

Ken, on the other hand, is never not causing problems or shenanigans throughout the rest of the show (selling the Virtuous Beast Sword for money, being a creep to Ran and just generally being bull headed and combative). He's a boorish vortex of mayhem, kinda like the cartoonish idea of a rhino. Basically, him having a rhino theme nicely encapsulates his personality and his outsider status

This all adds up to a suit that is thematically satisfying. The helmet again fits his outsider theme, having a whole different visor and mouth design from the other four, as well as being the only suit with a belt/clear division of the torso and legs (appropriate for the ranger who practices the oldest, karate-like style of Beast Fist)

It also just looks rad as fuck. Dare I call it sexy. My favorite sentai suit hands down no contest

Idk how to end this post, this was a lotta word salad to simply say I think the two-man eldest brother coalition are neat

[ofmdrecaps]

10/02-03/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Samba Schutte; Kristian Nairn; Rachel House; Vico Ortiz; Anapela Polatavaio & David Fane; Lindsey Cantrell; Dominic Burgess; OFMD Rewind/Lube As a Crew; Fan Spotlight: Never Left Podcast; Gay Pirate News Hour; Love Notes;

Hey crew! It's gonna be another day of catching up because wow- lots happened, and lots of life has happened to! Will do my best to get 10/04 up with catch up stuff as well tonight!

== David Jenkins ==

David is promoting Kristian's book! Simone is helping!

Source: David's Instagram

== Rhys Darby ==

Although these are from last year, they were just posted by Gabe Ross, so here they are!

Source: Gabeross42 instagram

More pics to come from the Largo Los Angeles "Rhys Darby Saying Funny Things Society" show that happened on the 10/01! You can actually see some extra stuff from the show on Rhys' Substack!

Source: Largo Los Angelos Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Wanna see a video of Taika participating in the Haka World Record? Check it out over on tiktok!

Source: Cristalmkt on Tiktok

Taika posted the new trailer for the latest season of WWDITS!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taika Waititi (@taikawaititi)

Source: Taika's Instagram

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian was out at Forbidden Planet doing signings! Did you get a chance to go?

Source: Kristian Nairn's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba is going to be joining the team of Legend of Vox Machina for season 3!

Source: Samba's Instagram Oh and remember Best Life? It won 3 Awards of Merit from the Best Shorts Competition!

Source: Valerie Chaney's Instagram

Heyy! Good news, Advanced Chemistry is coming out on 10/8 on digital!

Source: Samba's Instagram Stories

== Anapela Polataivao & David Fane ==

Anapela's new movie Tina premiered in Hawai'i on 10/03/2024! Lots of pics of the cast at the premier!

Source: Tina The Film Instagram / David Fane's Instagram Stories

== Vico Ortiz ==

Vico participated in the ActNOW's September Scene Study class (Justice for my Sister Fellowship) and helped the next generation of folks learn about "inclusive and trauma informed filmmaking for radical, authentic storytelling"!

Source: Instagram

Vico's voiced a new Audio book thats available now! Jasmine is Haunted is available at your local library and anywhere Audiobooks are sold!

"Jasmine Garza has a problem... and it’s not just the ghost that’s been haunting her for years! 👻 Perfect for any young listener who loves Ghostbusters, this queer, #LatinX paranormal fantasy is a fun and thrilling ghost hunting adventure perfect for spooky season. Available now everywhere #audiobooks are sold and at your local library with @hoopla.digital and @libbyapp! ✨🎧"

Source: Dreamscape Media Instagram

== Dominic Burgess ==

Dominic knows all too well how to get my attention. More Cat content.

Source: Dominic Burgess Twitter

== Rachel House ==

Rachel's film Te Maunga (The Mountain) was awarded the CIFEJ Award at the Schlingel Film Festival! Oh - and Correction, The Mountain movie was available 10/02/24 on digital in AoNZ and AUS. It's not available yet int the US. Sorry about the confusion!

Source: Rachel's Instagram

Another shot of Rachel at Tiff!

Source: birdrunningh2o Instagram

== Lindsey Cantrell ==

Our dear Set Designer Linds Cantrell shared some shots of a bakery in Auckland. Now-- is she clearing out her phone, or is there more to it? You decide :)

Source: Linds Cantrell Instagram

== OFMD Rewind ==

Our friends over at @adoptourcrew and @astroglideofficial kept the OFMD Rewind Watch Party going on the 3rd, and got it trending! Wanna see the tweet thread and have access to twitter? Visit them here! If you don't have access to twitter and want to see it, visit the Renewal Repo!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Never Left Podcast =

Some fun news from the Never Left Podcast team! They interviewed Etana Jacobson & Alec Moore, Director & Writer of Advanced Chemistry! Keep an eye out for it on October 8th!

Source: Never Left Podcast Instagram

= Gay Pirate News Hour =

Another episode of Gay Pirate News Hour is back Oct 5, 2024 1pm Pacific, 4PM Eastern on Youtube! Hosted by Our Flag Means Fanfiction, and joining are @ringasunn and IreneAdler. So excited for the next episode! (One of these days my life will calm down and I might get to join them). Check it out on OFMFF Youtube!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction

== Love Notes ==

Happy Friday Lovelies! I realize this recap is for weds and thursday but I'm gonna roll with it! I hope the rest of the week was kinder to you than the previous parts of the week. Please know we're thinking of you crew, it's okay if you're keeping low on the radar of fandom at the moment. It's also great if you're out honking your nose off! Whatever you're doing is what you need to do, and don't let anyone tell you any different. I know sometimes it seems like things just keep getting worse, lovelies, the world is a chaotic place, and it's okay to sit with your feelings and feel that. Just remember you're loved and it can and will get better one day. There will always be high points and low points in this life, that's just how it goes, but how you cope with those points changes for the better each and every time they pass. Remember you are wonderful, and you are strong, and you're gonna get through whatever you're dealing with, okay? Sending love and hugs, and all the good vibes into your weekend <3

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by bailey ☻ (@anxiety.positive)

Source: Anxiety.Positive Instagram

[keikakudori]

❝ Humbleness is not an appellation I would ever pair with you, Kurotsuchi-taichou, given your own grandiosity in your work. I never said our ideas of science were the same, merely that we are both men of science. Don't misconstrue my wording. Not all understand contextual nuance, that is true, but we are scientists both. You decry that I venture into places I do not belong, but I am no less a scientist for it. I seek to learn and to better my understanding of everything that this world has to offer; the more one learns, the less they know. Surely you understand not resting on one's own laurels. ❞

Oh, he doubted that there would ever be a day when this man would bow to him. They were simply too disparate in their worldviews to likely ever consider cooperative learning, Aizen suspected.

❝ My superiority is not artificial either; every ounce of my confidence has been earned through hard work. You cannot deny that hard work is its own reward and to learn something in the process is even better. Do you not pursue science to better things? Or is it only the goal of discovery and to adapt from failure that drives you? ❞

"I'll humbly sit by -- as idle as can be -- and listen to you prattle on and on about our similarities, our differences... however, I cannot abide your insistence that our ideas of "science" are one of the same. I'm sure you understand why-- it would spark quite the debate, wouldn't it, if others were listening in and, simply put, were incapable of absorbing the proper context. I am a thing of science, and you? You're a man that dips his toes in places where you do not belong." A dip of head, slouching of shoulders, and a bend at waist. What should've been a bow was, actually, nothing more but an observational quip. "How much longer of your artificial superiority must I be made to endure? Is it that much of a festering wound that I understand what it means to survive, that way I can continue whatever I desire-- I would much rather face minor hindrance than to walk, head held high, into the flames of Hell itself."

[laurenairay]

hi lauren! congrats on your milestone! may I request “shy kiss” with andrei svechnikov? 🥹🫶🏼

Shy Kiss – Andrei Svechnikov

Words: 606

Thank you for requesting this one for Svech, Tiff! I had a lot of fun writing it.

~

“So this is me.”

You stopped walking, pausing out of your apartment door, smiling up at the guy in front of you. This was your third date with Andrei Svechnikov, and after an amazing dinner date, he’d insisting on walking you safely home, almost making you swoon at his gentlemanly nature. The two of you had walked hand in hand, Andrei looking bashful almost as he threaded your fingers together, and as you walked, the conversation continued to flow as it had all night.

But now you were home, and the night had to end, as much as you didn’t want it to.

“I had a really good night. Thank you for letting me take you out again,” Andrei said sweetly, shifting his hold on your hand so that your fingers were twisted now that you were facing each other.

“Thank you for asking me out again. I had a really good time too,” you replied, feeling heat dance across your cheeks.

It felt like some kind of dream, or an old romantic movie, the way he acted around you and the way he treated you like you were something precious. You’d never dated anyone like this, that was for sure.

“Maybe we can do this again, yes?” he suggested.

Like you would’ve said no.

“I’d like that,” you nodded, not needing to think about it in the slightest.

His small sweet smile spread into a wide happy grin, making butterflies erupt in your stomach. How can one guy be this cute?

Then his grin turned into something a little nervous, a little hopeful, and he took both of your hands in his and squeezed gently.

“Could I, maybe uh, could I kiss you?”

Your heart felt like it skipped a beat as his shy question rushed through you, but you didn’t hesitate in nodding, the relief spreading through his face. Did he really think you were going to say no? Why would you say no?

Andrei leaned down slowly, clearly giving you chance to stop him, until his nose bumped yours and he shot upright, a frantic blush racing across his face.

“That was not…I didn’t mean…I, um…”

He trailed off, groaning in embarrassment, and you couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. He was usually so smooth and charming – what was throwing him off now? Of all the things to be nervous about, you hadn’t thought that kissing you would be at the top of his list. But somehow it was endearing – this big strong guy who regularly threw his body around for his job was nervous about a goodnight kiss?

“Do you want to try again?” you asked, trying not to tease.

“I get a second chance?” he asked, astounded yet still hopeful.

You just nodded, trying not to seem too eager, and this time Andrei released one of your hand to cup your face, guiding himself to kiss you properly. This time, his lips lightly touched yours, and you found yourself inhaling sharply, leaning into his touch as he continued the shy embrace, keeping his kisses short and soft and sweet. Sweet, just like him. Eventually, just as your head started to spin, Andrei pulled away, eyes wide and cheeks flushed as he stood upright once more.

“Wow,” he said happily, still seemingly in a bit of a trance, making you giggle.

“Goodnight, Andrei. Call me when you get home?” you asked.

“I will. Goodnight solnyshko,” he said, smile shy all over again.

He squeezed your hand one last time before he dropped it and started walking away, leaving you to smile like a giddy schoolgirl as you opened your front door.

[whenmemorydies]

My meta/commentary shortcuts*

*putting all of this in one spot so its easier for me to find shit. feel free to like/reblog if this is helpful for you too. posts are in reverse chronological order by tv show/film.

The Bear (TV) - writings

Sydney won't take Shapiro up on his offer

She has no time for disloyalty, smudges or snakes.

Are the shades of my family's old sandwich shop to be thus polluted?

Donna Berzatto is Lady Catherine de Bourgh and she might propel Carmy to confess his love to Sydney, despite her efforts to drive them apart.

What happened with Chi Chi, Chuckie and Richie?

No but really, what happened between these guys?

Chicken Piccata: a succession of inspiration

Follow this dish as it inspires a few folks involved in The Bear.

That's something

Prediction that the show will end with Pearl Jam's State of Love and Trust (+ some The Bear/Cameron Crowe meta for good measure).

On that season 4 teaser

My first prediction for season 4.

Another Storer/Calo musical deep cut

Eddie Vedder has another connection to The Bear, in addition to his heavy presence in the show's soundtrack.

Restitching scenes and dialogue to set up 1x01's meet cute

Or, why the usual gooey, mushy bullshit is not bailing us out in this romantic dramedy.

Chaos and Consistency

Consistency is the antidote to chaos and Carmy needs to figure out what Sydney and Marcus already know: making something consistent is not the same as being consistent.

You love taking care of people: Fine Dining in the Time of Late Stage Capitalism

How the fine dining industry helped create season 3 Chef Carmy and how it’s on its way out. A submission to #sydcarmyweek 2024

Carmy's sketches of Syd

Carmy sketches his soulmate a found family member while another found family member gives him shit for it. A submission to #sydcarmyweek 2024

Carmen, Natalie, and the Berzattos

A closer look, through the lens of intergenerational trauma, at the Berzattos and their impact on Carmy in season 3.

The Claw, The Scrunchie and The Prayer Card: Part 2 (Timing)

A deduction as to why we see the hair claw in 3x01 and not in 3x09 with the scrunchie and prayer card in Carmy's apartment.

Breakdown of a racist microaggression in Ice Chips 3x08

Analysis of one of the more uncomfortable moments during Natalie's labour. Includes @vacationship's reblog with excellent meta re: Donna's POV.

See this? Carmy trying that shit with Tina

In which Carmy reverts from ally to a regret.

Reply to @mitocamdria on Sublimation and Shame

Theorising on sources of Carmy's shame.

The Claw, The Scrunchie and The Prayer Card

Carmy's mementos as breadcrumbs back to his loves.

This needs to get good or go away.

Trauma-informed analysis of 1x07 The Review in light of seasons 1-3 of The Bear.

The things you learn...

Where Sydney learns some things about her spouse platonic business partner while dining with him.

Reply to @vacationship on Christopher Storer's cameo(s)

Storer makes an appearance in 3x06 Napkins but has he shown up at other times as well?

The legerdemain of racism: demands for season 4 of The Bear

Can The Bear rise to the challenge put forward by Toni Morrison?

Mikey's ghost and Claire as a reverse-engineered haunt

Reblog thread discussing the concept of "the haunt" in season 3 and how it likely relates to Claire - with @vacationship, @thoughtfulchaos773, @espumado, @kdbleu

Claire Dunlap = Clear [as] Mud

Reblog thread discussing the meaning behind Claire's name - with @currymanganese, @vacationship, @moodyeucalyptus, @ago0112

Richie and the viewer

Querying some 4th wall breaking by Tiff and Richie. With analysis in reblog by @currymanganese of Richie as Chris Storer's author avatar in the show.

Alone

Analysis of the use and editing of "Together" by Nine Inch Nails in 3x01 Tomorrow to convey elements of Carmy's trauma response.

Ancestors and The Bear

Analysis of culinary ancestry and legacy as they relate to Carm and Syd.

3x01 Tomorrow

Brief look at how the first episode of season 3 has been crafted through the lens of a traumatic episode. Also a remembering of my Ammamma.

Liveblog of my first watch of Season 3

Or don’t binge season 3 whilst in a feverish fugue state.

Lessons from a mentor: every second counts

Analysis of the parallels between Chef Terry and Sydney and what "every second counts" means to various characters in The Bear.

90s alternative rock, masculinity and The Bear

Analysis of the use of 90s alternative rock, including grunge, in The Bear's soundtrack, and its use to further the show's take up of masculinity.

3x06 Napkins

Predictions for the sixth episode of season 3. CW: discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation as it relates to Mikey; also contains discussion of the 'Napkins' scene in 1x08 Braciole and how its 2nd out of my top 3 tender scenes in The Bear.

2x06 Fishes (Copenhagen/Pantry scene)

Analysis of the Copenhagen/Pantry scene in 2x06 Fishes between Carmy and Mikey/ 3rd out of my top 3 tender scenes in The Bear.

Quit? And where you gonna go Ritchie?

Short analysis of Richie and Tina's relationship.

Reply to @sydcarmyfan on the story between Syd and Carm's clothes.

I mend clothes in my spare time and so does Syd.

2x09 Bolognese and Richie’s apology to Nat

Short analysis of Richie and Nat's relationship, based on a personal theory that Richie and Nat previously dated.

Reply to @hwere on if Syd was a white character

I wouldn't be watching the show, lmao.

Reply to @mod-doodles on what will happen when Syd finally lets her guard down with Carmen

Lucky ass man is not now nor will he ever be ready lol

Reply to @yannaryartside on gaslighting showrunners (lol)

The maths is mathing and all signs point to Sydcarmy endgame

Sydney is Carmen's best friend

Analysis of 2x03 Sundae and when Carm tells us that Syd is his best friend.

1x03 Brigade alley scene as a balm

A balm for the anxiety I felt when Season 3's episode list was released LOL.

Reply to @thoughtfulchaos773 on 1x03 Brigade alley scene

Thoughts on why the alley scene in 1x03 Brigade is my favourite Sydcarmy scene in The Bear (thus far).

Preliminary thoughts on The Bear, race, power and privilege

Analysis of The Bear and its approach to the white gaze (hint: it dgaf about it), power and privilege.

The Bear (TV) - image-based meta/snark

Sydney x Carmy - Mirroring

A non-exhaustive journey of some serious soulmatism through gifs.

Beautiful people do not just happen.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross summarises the premise of The Bear (with the help of a few gifs)

Blood ties and lineage

Charting the creative journey of an ingredient and a dish through Carmy and Syd's culinary ancestry.

Offerings

Love is a language and language is nothing if not pattern recognition. A look at Carmy's patterns.

Warm/Cold Light

Just gifs to make an unsubtle point (re: Sydcarmy & Clairmy)

Lunch or Dinner

Lyric/GIF set to Lunch or Dinner by Sunshine Anderson

Wet T-shirt Contest (Bridgerton vs The Bear edition)

Some of us get lakes in a garden, some of us get the Fak-ed toilet.

You're the most excellent CDC at the most ex...cel...le....

A journey to the end of Sydney's hero worship.

Coming Back

Lyric/GIF set to Coming Back by James Blake feat. SZA

Head Tilt (The Bear vs Bridgerton edition)

Sydney, don't do anything Anthony wouldn't do!

Syd and Carm making eye contact

Thats it.

Under the Bridge (TV)

Reply to @cairhienin on Under the Bridge and the actual murder of Reena Virk

Discussion of Reena Virk's murder and the absence of race in analysis of the case, then and now.

Monkey Man (Film)

Violence and Love in Monkey Man

Analysis of Monkey Man in the context of state violence and resistance. CW for mention of rape, murder and forced displacement.

Immediate reaction to Monkey Man

My immediate thoughts after watching Monkey Man in cinema.

[lynpheas]

i have a paper to write but. i cannot stop thinking about musa and stella. their dynamic is SO underrated…

they both have such strong personalities except musa is a lot more understated and subtle while stella is more exuberant and outgoing!! but in a subversion of expectations, stella is so down to support musa being in the spotlight — like in their s2 red fountain performance where stella did backup vocals/dancing while musa sang her heart out.

they both have familial issues & come from very different backgrounds, which simultaneously threads them together through a commonality and then sets them apart. for example, they both understand somewhat unconventional family dynamics and the absence of a parent, their mothers. stella’s parents were so busy arguing and just generally being unhappy in their relationship that they overlooked stella and how they made her feel and how their actions affected her. the loss of stella’s mother in her life is something we can infer that stella has had very little room to openly discuss with her parents, and so she has all of these internalized and idealized hopes for a future that we know will never come to pass. but she’s navigating these feelings without proper support from luna and radius. similarly, after musa’s mother’s passing, musa’s father reacted to his grief without taking into account how these events affected musa. ho-boe blamed music for matlin’s passing and so he rejected it completely, imposing that will upon musa and straining their relationship because of it. musa’s only avenue of feeling close with her mother is through music, but her feelings are disregarded and so she has to navigate this relationship with music and also her late mother all on her own.

however, for stella, she is a princess and her parents are merely divorced; so, although she rarely sees her mom and her parents don’t get along, she still has the option to go see her. i think you could say, on top of needing to be charismatic and charming as a leader, stella’s exuberant personality might’ve developed as a result of her wanting more of her parents’ attention, to be seen and understood by them. i think the 4kids dub may say otherwise, but i think it’s fairly clear that musa comes from a more modest background. and contrastingly to stella, musa has completely lost her mother and so their connection is almost…spiritual? and introspective. without her father’s guidance and understanding, musa would more have to retreat into herself. still, both of them are individuals with strong senses of self—their specific familial situations have simply informed their coping strategies and the personalities they’ve developed.

with or without that background in mind, i also just love the way stella and musa’s personalities play off of each other! because of their strong personalities, they’re prone to disagreement and small clashes. musa’s more sensitive, while stella is—although well-intentioned—more thoughtless with her words. i find musa to be more measured, but perhaps equally as blunt at times. these personality differences might result in small but realistic bumps and tiffs within their friendship, but they also have a shared understanding of one another that gives their relationship a strong foundation. and again, despite musa seeming more chill and stella seeming more prone to wanting the spotlight, stella is absolutely musa’s cheerleader!

[bloody-ugly]

“ ah, well, heather, nice to see a new face, ” australian twang starts to blend into esses and hisses as the first few fluid ounces of alcohol begin to metabolize. yet, tiffany knocks back half a glass of   …   something. lurid, possibly poison, but somehow trumping every ‘way better bar.’ tiff finishes with a big, bucked-tooth smile, lined in neon red, tingling from a fresh dab to the gums. a giggle, coupled with a friendly touch on heather’s arm : “ you’re away from those people now. they can’t harsh your mellow anymore. you’re safe. ” nerves pinch, muscles ache                   stomping in platforms for hours comes with a cost, one that tiffany is fully willing to pay, but still, she scoots up onto a barstool and leans towards heather. it’s almost as if she’s wagging her tail : new friend! new friend! she’s giggly and smiling, the result of a lethal mix of fruity drinks and pure gregarious persona. hand retracts from heather’s arm and stretches out for a shake : “ i’m tiff, by the way. ”

          The club is always where she feels most comfortable — the throb of the base in her chest makes her feel alive. Perfectly manicured hands snatch up the offered martini with a reverence not unlike a starving animal accepts food scraps. It’s her first drink of many for the night and she’s grinning from ear to ear. 

          “ — Can’t say I’ve been here before. Feeling adventurous, ”     Heather makes herself comfortable on a bar seat, fighting to keep her skirt down as she settles. Stiff and territorial has never frightened her off before and it sure as hell isn’t about to now,     “ — also got kicked out of my favorite club this week for getting too drunk and taking my shirt off. Thought that place was cool but… apparently not. ”

A roll of her eyes, and a smile. Her lips leave black around the rim of her glass as she takes a sip,     “ I’m Heather. ”