#time could be an appealing basis on which to form a relationship

[camgoloud]

it says you’re probably kind of maladjusted unfortunately. next

[reasonsforhope]

do you have any good queer news? I'm a queer person and hearing all the shit thats happening across the world is making me bummed out

I do! All of this is from LGBTQ Nation's excellent good news tag

^Article date: July 6, 2023

"Only two months after its formation, the “No SB 180” initiative had succeeded at making the city of Lawrence, Kansas a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people. Last week, in a unanimous vote, Lawrence became the first city in the state to declare itself as such.

Ordinance 9999 bans the city and all of its employees from collecting or releasing information on a person’s “biological sex, either male or female, at birth” and from helping with any investigation, detention, arrest, or surveillance “conducted by a jurisdiction with the authority to enforce Senate Bill 180, as enacted.”"

^Article date: July 28, 2023

"A federal judge has told a group of anti-trans parents to mind their own business after the group filed a lawsuit challenging an Ohio school district’s bathroom policy.

The attempts to meddle do not “pass legal muster,” he wrote in his ruling, saying that the group has no reason to sue.

“Not every contentious debate concerning matters of public importance presents a cognizable federal lawsuit,” Judge Michael Newman wrote, denying their petition to stop the Bethel Local School District’s policy that allows a single transgender middle school student to use the restroom that aligns with her gender identity."

^Article date: August 8, 2023

"The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the independent federal agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance, has released its first-ever “LGBTQI+-inclusive” policy since its founding in 1961.

The four-point policy is meant to serve as a blueprint for USAID staff and partners around the world to champion LGBTQ+ and intersex development and the human rights of all queer people through the agency’s work, said Jay Gilliam, USAID’s senior LGBTQI+ coordinator, in a video explaining the policy...

In simpler terms, the U.S. will try to improve diplomatic relationships with other countries by investing in locally-led LGBTQ+-inclusive programs that are shown to positively impact communities in need."

^Article date: August 3, 2023

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has ruled in favor of three transgender students who were forbidden by their schools from using bathrooms matching their gender identities. The circuit court upheld a lower court’s preliminary injunction that said the schools have to let trans students use facilities associated with their genders...

The case involves three trans boys in Martinsville, Indiana and Terre Haute, Indiana, who need access to the boys’ room at their middle and high schools...

The court took into account the fact that Title IX bans discrimination on the basis of sex in schools that receive federal money, which is most of them. Citing the 2020 Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton Co. that found that job discrimination against LGBTQ+ people necessarily takes sex into account and is therefore prohibited under Title VII, the appeals court ruled that the trans boys are likely to succeed in their case and that preventing them from using the correct bathroom while the case works its way through the court system could cause irreparable harm.

^Article date: August 2, 2023

^Article date: June 21, 2023

"A federal judge has ruled on the side of trans rights after a conservative group tried to overturn an Ohio school district’s anti-bullying policy.

The national conservative group Parents Defending Education (PDE) tried to get a preliminary injunction passed on the Olentangy Local School District’s prohibition on misgendering trans students. The policy includes students, teachers, and parents and it applies to out-of-school hours and social media as well."

^Article date: August 2, 2023

There's literally a bunch more I wanted to include, by the way! Tumblr just stopped being able to load them. Going back to add a few more in the reblogs now.

I know it feels like everything is against us right now. But I promise you: that is not true. The bigots and bastards may usually be the ones moving faster (in large part because they suck and don't care about democracy or due process at all),

But in the end, we are going to win. I promise.

[yuissamidare]

I saw a lot of people questioning the appeal of lukahyuna/hyuluka, and I think that’s quite understandable. here are my two cents no one asked for! for me, other than the fact that they’re the perfect example of interpersonal horror, at least a big part of the attraction comes from my interpretation of the characters—both being people who struggle with control and autonomy.

Luka is someone who is controlled in every aspect of his life, from his daily training, to his health (canonly having heart problems and other congenital issues), and he was paraded around since he was young for his appearance and constantly made to be a spectacle — there is nothing that is fully his expect his emotions, to which he hangs onto hyuna with his love; then there is hyuna, who was completely aware of the encasement she was in and could still live freely, happily chaining herself to the parental role she placed herself in for her younger brother and later on, refuses to live anything but freely but except for being trapped by her feelings and memories of luka and her brother.

It’s a case of someone who has no independence finding a sense of sovereignty and control in regards to the feelings he has with another person versus someone who will carve a path of freedom and control for herself but constantly losing her footing as the only thing she has no control over are her feelings, and that contrast makes it very appealing for me.

Luka and hyuna were made with each other in mind, hyuna being stated to be a ‘YOLO!’ kind of girl while luka is the opposite and is careful—this is shown in their official merch stands as well, hyuna being a lunar eclipse that interferes with the path of the moon (luka) and luka being a solar eclipse that blocks the path of the sun (hyuna). They are complimentary opposed forces, however that does not mean that at one point they were not mutually attracted to each other, regardless of the intent of the attraction—in the prologue and old supplemental art, Hyuna and Luka are seen side by side while rehearsing and also spending their free time together (though Luka is glaring at Hyunwoo who is offscreen), and in all in as well, they’re shown to spend time together while Hyunwoo is not around, and Hyuna also allows him to encroach on time spent with her brother. (In this particular part of All-In, luka shows traits such as sucking on his sleeves which are associated with poorly socialized or developed children, which is something he seems to stop when Hyuna touches him for a sufficient amount of time)

— Anakt Garden Initially, i had thought what luka felt for Hyuna was not traditional ‘love’ or a properly developed crush but possession and desire to have hyuna act as a readily available and constant companion in a convenient social tie—something to have which a special relationship no one else can touch, having something that is truly his regardless of what he felt being considered as ‘love’—, which, while not completely untrue, had shifted when their supplemental comic came out and showed that he had genuine value in her thoughts and opinions (while making sure she had stopped looking at hyunwoo), and in a recent doodle, showed that he had genuinely sought her affection and validation (via picking fights with Hyunwoo and using that as a way to see her take his side over his, which is the second time she is shown to prioritize him over her brother, who calls for her and only her attention in the supplemental comic who she seems to put off for a moment in favor of acknowledging luka’s clinginess towards her and calling him cute).

While the form changed, the one constant of luka —> hyuna has always been: ‘this is mine, I want a relationship with her that gives me a level of exclusivity and control over her that others can’t have, one that includes priority over hyunwoo’

Luka is shown to value her opinions and use it as a basis for his own, as seen in a supplemental comic. he finds worth in her viewpoints considering and there’s a sense of mutuality there that makes him comfortable enough to share and talk about opinions with her and to use her as either a building block for his own ideals due to not having any strong feelings of his own, or to compare and contrast their ways of thinking and finding worth in the perspective that she has brought.

this comic is my second favorite piece of media involving them, with my first being the in the storyboards for all in…! (which i can’t talk about since it’s patreon content, but, you know) and it directly correlates to his character inspiration in which he finds value and a reason to be on stage due to the experiences he spent with hyuna, just like how his character inspiration finds value in their story of origin through experiences spent with others.

Singing makes Hyuna feel free, and through Hyuna, Luka attempts to find freedom and independence through singing as well, though the results are debatable as it seems he doesn’t inherently enjoy singing, but the feeling of closeness it allows him to feel for Hyuna and the privilege it brings him.

hyuna’s feelings for him at this point is hard to succinctly place on tenterhooks, as she was a character kept private and secret for much of the run, but i do think that she had fledging affection for him for several of the reasons i mentioned (re: the purposeful and conscious spent with him over others; the decision to spend time with both luka and hyunwoo and seemingly split her attention between them as they seem to fight when she’s not around, as in the supplementary comic hyunwoo only calls for Hyuna’s attention rather than calling for them both; once again taking Luka’s side when luka provokes others; the memory that sparks her panic is one of them being close—her playing with his hair while he looks at her.)

It is difficult for me to talk about hyuna’s feelings when there is so little about her known, I do feel like much of it will be my interpretation so please forgive the conjecture.

Personally, I believe that Hyuna viewed her love of others through her love for hyunwoo. She took on a maternal role for her brother which spreads through her interactions with others even if she acts like a wild auntie nowadays. I believe she took Luka’s side over Hyunwoo’s because she thought Hyunwoo should treat Luka more carefully since she had expected him to be more responsible to a child that seemed weak and delicate in comparison to Hyunwoo. I believed she split her attention between them both as Hyunwoo seemed to rely on her for her attention as much as luka did (re: only calling for her when he wanted to show off the space beetle.) and had acted as a bridge between them, despite them seemingly not having the best relationship—she could have always cut luka off when hyunwoo had grown frustrated with him, but again, she divided her time between them and had spend moments with them both apart and together because she had cared deeply for them both.

Since she viewed her relationships through her love of hyunwoo, she could not differentiate her feelings for luka being different or starting to develop as something different because she did not treat that as a possibility with her stubbornly placing herself in that motherly role—which is why things like Luka’s possessive statements had the red flags ignored then seemingly encouraged with petting and praise due to being flattered by his close attention.

And since luka is implied to have been artificially created, hyunas nature was something he found soothing and comforting (see: no longer self soothing after she had touched him) before the nature of his feelings changed as well, though his feelings changed sooner than hers did.

— Season 49 and present day: regardless of how hyunwoo died*, it is possible hyuna’s misery and potential feelings of guilt and regret give him a modicum of control over her—even after hyunwoo is dead, she’s going to need to live with luka all the way until season 49 starts and she escapes. she’s still going to have years and years of staying with him and having him cling to her or remind her what happened and she has been affected as a result (her looking so muted and sad when depicted prior to her escape, or having less vibrant expressions compared to all in; her potentially starting to smoke to deal with stress). he has, essentially, ruined her so thoroughly they’ll find his face carved into the darkest part of her heart and that’s sign of her thinking of him, and there’s ownership in that as well. i think the part in sweet dream where they show up and she’s hovering a knife over him while he’s holding her hip implies that he’d genuinely be delighted if she tried to kill or hurt him back, because that’s more proof that she’s still under his control. *While it is normally agreed that Luka’s actions caused Hyunwoos death, there is still contention as to what happen or led up to it, as some people from the start believe when Hyuna had pulled them apart, Hyunwoo hit his head (while originally theorized on the all in YT comments, it gained traction with the doodle comic as additional evidence for later on, but it’s been theorized since all in came out [while I have screenshots, I do not have the source for the original YT comment, magratbastard on Twitter has a great thread on it) or that Hyunwoo had just landed badly when luka pushed him off. Therefore I am using vague phrasing here as what happened is not agreed on in a unified manner as we lack context.

At this point in time hyuna is actively haunted by thoughts of hyunwoo, but seems that she’s conflicted about luka and battles her unhappiness, disgust, and past positive feelings under a vein of apathy, but seemingly falters (sweet dream) due to lingering attachment or being unable to truly know what happened that day, which leads to her passively allowing him near her despite her distaste. she needs to live with him and remember that he was involved in her brothers death, and that he is attached to her for some reason, and that displays itself in a way that could be taken as romantic.

In supplemental art where he is giving her a massage, unlike fighting or squirming away like till does with ivan, hyuna seems to reluctantly acquiesce to his touch despite seeming awkward about it (for many reasons). it seems to resemble parts of all in, and sweet dream—haunted by him, but is determined to shut out her feelings and move past him in order to benefit others (re: singing at the club; her surrounded by robots and his image, only moving forward and away from them in awe when mizi fights for her) seems to have settled into a more uncharitable view of him but still trips up when confronted with thoughts of him and actively fights his memory and positive association with him because she still can’t truly push him and thoughts of him away.

Note: as children in the garden are indoctrinated to think that singing while dying allows you to go to the in universe equivalent of a heaven, her feelings of being haunted by hyunwoo may be exacerbated by that indoctrination, even if she doesn’t believe in it anymore. May possibly be reluctant to kill luka due to three things: this, past affection for him, or feeling the value of other humans for the sake that they are human, despite not wanting him in her life. — present day: Romh, all in, love and peace, sweet dream cover:

ROMH: ruler of my heart is a song that was created prior to season 50 and is implied to have been written about Hyuna. I wrote my thoughts on it here: https://x.com/8bitdetective/status/1745091500789076201

SWEET DREAM: sweet dream generally parallels the luka and Hyuna’s story lyric wise, as luka and sua are diametrically opposed contrasts in their approaches to love and ‘self(ish/ness)’.

I made a rough comparison here: https://x.com/8bitdetective/status/1745110121108168870

hyuna and mizi are mirrors in how they live their lives, similar, I believe sua and luka mirror each other as well.

hyuna and mizi are both people who have experienced love prior to meeting their respective others and having happy experiences with their family—mizi was loved by her owners, who had gifted her toys and sent her off in tears, and in return she loved them as well—mizisua is a video about the people mizi has loved, who have ‘abandoned’ her, and I believe this was also her realization that her family left her alone to participate in a death game, the same way sua had consciously sacrificed herself despite not knowing what may happen in the future.

hyuna had also been given and received familial love in the form of hyunwoo, and that had been her everything. these are both people who had been secure in their love and therefore had love to share, and both luka and sua were addicted to that healthy affection—however luka seemingly refused to let anyone but hyuna in and has never willing spent time with anyone but hyuna, focusing all his feelings on hyuna and ‘the person who is intruding on his time with hyuna’ that he was jealous of—luka, being older than hyuna, was probably set in his ways and didn’t see a need to change, as such change would lead to detrimental effects on his life elsewhere. he did not change, nor did he want to—why would he have to, when hyuna would seemingly always take his side and put him before even her brother? instead, he selfishly wanted hyuna to have her world narrowed to only him, he wanted to own her and I believe wanted her to choose to ‘own’ him as well.

meanwhile sua was willing to spend time with others and talk to them, while mizi was her most important person, mizi wasn’t the only person in the world and mizi had allowed the universe to expand around them, and such varied experiences of being around people had allowed sua to develop a healthier relationship and way of thinking—even if she had become childish and jealous of till at points, she did not try and steal mizis from his company and allowed her to have her own friends, and then was allowed to make her own connections with ivan (as contentious as it may be at time) and had become a person who was more socially conscious and well adjusted compared to luka.

LOVE & PEACE: depending how you look at it, LOVE&PEACE can reference both luka and hyunwoo at the same time, or either/or. For this, I’ll mainly talk about how it can possibly apply to Luka.

if you consider sweet dream to also be applicable to his character, luka says the morning (hyuna, who is compared to the sun) won’t come for him, but to hyuna even if time marches on and she can find the sun (new experiences) it still feels like she’s fumbling in the night (Luka) after everything, because luka is always associated with the night and darkness and hyuna being his brightness, feeling trapped by lukas influence even if she’s mentally aware she’s not under his thumb anymore, because he always pops into her mind.

while luka was her friend, hyunwoo was the other half of her heart—no matter what luka did, it doesn’t change that hyunwoo is apart of her, that he’s still inside her as her blood, and that’s something luka can never take away. That’s the interpretation I got from the cover art, at least. every time she bleeds, he’ll be split on her skin and that is something she will always have to live with, and something she always has to acknowledge being stolen from her.

This also contrasts their ways of loving: luka wants hyuna for herself and lives for the sake of having her, but hyuna lives in order to express her love for hyunwoo by rebelling against the system that has taken her brother away from her, and to keep loving hyunwoo and for that sincerity to reach him someday—to live on for the part of her that couldn’t, despite seemingly not taking good care of her body by drinking, smoking, and getting hurt on her rebel mission. She’s a character that claims to live for herself while taking care of others (again, contrasting with luka who lives for others while taking care of his own self preservation.)

Because Hyuna is a character that constantly thinks of others, she can’t forgive herself when she thinks of Luka fondly, or that she still has memories of them being affectionate after everything, even as she confesses in LOVE&PEACE that she didn’t think the ‘night’, the peace and safety she felt in the garden in the times spent with him, would be stolen from her and would have her reevaluate everything about him.

— re: the kiss

luka is a character with no control or autonomy in his life, he is chronically ill and he is consistently put in high stress situations that he doesn’t enjoy being in. luka is a character who is meant to be subservient and obedient to his owners and ‘betters’ while being treated like a showdog for a majority of his life for his own appearance, in an interview, he mentions ‘being made to sing in a variety of situations to be made sure that he can sing perfectly at any time’ and is someone who is meant to control his own heartbeat consistently and manually. He’s always hunched in and doing things like sucking on his sleeve are traits of neurodivergence and abused/highly stressed children (to which he only stops when hyuna pets him long enough) which reads as him being poorly or under socialized.

I believe he thought that hyuna wouldnt have reacted badly as she had always reacted positively to other things he has done (openly claiming ownership of her or when she takes his side, earnestly as seeing his questions and giving him physical affection) and had showed that she had prioritized him over everyone else. Luka is a character who is calculative and doesn’t do anything unless the move works in his favor, he’s made to be hyunas diametric opposite in that way, which is why he picks on hyunas brother to get him to lash out, to see if she will put him first.

I do not believe* have made a move if he didnt think there was an investment there, because that would risk losing her, and luka has always been someone who has ‘known his place’ and what he has to gain and lose. Even if there was not ‘love’ there, he had probably expected some positive reciprocal action.

*on the case that lukas actions were out of impulse, i think it would be spurred by insecurity and envy. while luka and hyuna hold mutual respect for one another, he does get annoyed when she calls him cute and reminds her that he’s older, despite always going to her when hyunwoo hits him back for her defense. if this wasn’t a gesture that was calculated, it was most likely one used to have her categorized as as something other than something to just be taken care of as the nature of his feelings started to change.

i believe the collar is used to track—rather than negative emotion—level of emotional intensity or dysregulation, which may correlate with heartrate but wouldn't always? for example, there’s supplementary art of mizi and sua that shows sua getting flustered at the sight of mizi’s body, which usually wouldnt indicate discomfort but rather suggests a sudden fluctuation in emotional state, if that makes sense, meanwhile since till is often shown with a green collar around mizi despite being shown heavily flustered when thinking about her, since he’s a very intense person that kind of status would be normal on him, however since sua is a very low intensity person, her red light signals an abnormality.

I think Hyuna’s light changed because she was startled, this was something that was new to her and an out of character action for luka. I do not think she expected him to kiss her as these things would not be on her mind as she has always given priority to others.

In the days that followed it is likely that hyuna had decided to put space between them and luka had ached for her attention again after startling her, and probably decided to get it again in a way that seemed to work over and over again probably provoking hyunwoo (either seeking him out or letting him come to luka and seeing a chance) and getting into a fight with him in hopes that hyuna would defend him, knowing that he was weak and sickly, however hyunwoo had died in the process and that had driven the rift further, if that makes sense?

Luka also purposely provokes Mizi in ROMH, leading to him being protected by a stronger force who will protect him while playing victim—this potentially stemmed from repetition of Hyuna’s defensive behavior when he was young, and had continued using this technique until the present day.

Tldr: I don’t think luka understood that he came off as too aggressive at this point, regardless of what led up to the kiss, and that hyuna was startled being approached in a blatantly romantic way as, while she always liked him, she could not differentiate what made her feelings for him different from anyone else and it had shocked her

—comparing and contrasting ivan, sua, and lukas affection and actions:

luka, ivan and sua all start exhibiting quiet and subdued demeanors, characterized by introversion and a sense of resignation. they all appear passive and reserved in their interactions and behaviors which makes a contrast with the seemingly more assertive nature of the rest of the cast.

ivan, sua, and luka are all self(less/ish) in different ways, they all show different aspects of the weight of being saved by love and ‘marking’ their respective interests in different ways. — sua quietly plans her end and goes out with a smile, fulfilling mizis dream of singing with her while knowingly sabotaging herself with the hopes that mizi will live and remember her, even if she’s not there; ivan forcing himself onto till and choking him in order to lose and make sure till survives, despite having sneered at sua for the same thing; though luka, without a doubt, is the most selfish, as he has nothing but his feelings for hyuna and the stage that hyuna claimed made her feel free. their object of affections affect them by changing their perspectives and motivations in the future, and as a result they’ve been changed and they changed the person who became their object of affection.

all three start the same their respective apathy for life until meeting their assigned partner, but while the former two set aside their lives for love, luka cannot let her go because that is probably his only proof of ‘self’.

first we have sua, who appears to have given up on life, living a subservient existence without expectations of a better chance at life or ever breaking the norm, full of resignation and apathy but the moment Mizi enters the scene, it's like her life is something worth living, like the colors, smells and all of her senses suddenly come to life, she starts becoming more open and expressive infatuated by Mizi's carefree existence—she becomes envious and emotional, she starts to smile brightly, and due to these experiences sua believes she's lived what she thought was worth living, and now what's truly important was preserving Mizi's existence, as life was not worth even being in without her god and the person who had made everything animated. Sua was only able to enjoy ‘living’ with her company, though she had still ‘selfishly’ marked mizi in a way where she’d never forget her.

then we have Ivan, who possibly attempted to unsuccessfully escape his caretaker as he was shortly captured back up again leading to him having a very similar sense of resignation but with a glimpse of mundane contempt. life isn't necessarily worth living but it's also not worth losing, it is comfortable enough even if just as lifeless as it had always been. however this changes when till makes a scene and not just once but multiple times- making him infatuated by the constant refusal of the conformity he had deeply fallen into. this sparked interest and curiosity in ivan who had until then, had nothing to ‘live’ rather than to ‘survive’ for until he met someone with the qualities he lacked—and those are qualities he wanted to have preserved as well, even if he had to hurt till by forcing a kiss on him as a tool for assured survival, and die in front of him, ‘inflicting’ his emotions onto him. Luka’s emotions come from a desire to have and to own due to being taken care of conditionally (due to his looks and talent) and seemingly being treated like a toy. there seems to have been a mental separation between him and other children that excluded Hyuna because she either was able to nurture him in a genuine way that he lacked the support of elsewhere AND she was able to catch his attention in ways that other people could not—whether it was due to her singing talents, her natural charisma that seemed to make her suitable to be a rebel leader, or, similarly to ivan, he was curious after spending close proximity to her due to the time he was forced to spend with other kids that brought him to her and had become curious about someone who seemed to be his diametric opposite, but still had the maturity to realize that she was a prisoner under anakt; however, unlike ivan, luka was not content just watching and provoking reactions out of hyuna, he wanted to own them as well and keep them all to himself- and once again, harming the object of his affection by forcing intimate proximity, and then leading to hyunwoos death.

if ROMH is written about hyuna (which it likely is) then all three share the sentiment of ‘I want the person i love to live’, though lukas sentiment has the caveat of *‘with me’. ivan was always aware that his feelings were not reciprocal, and had contented himself by watching and being in his presence. sua had mizi’s love and affection, and then was willing to be ‘let go’ and die loved. luka can not be happy just observing hyuna, nor does he want to let go or be let go—theyre all very different aspects of love being displayed, and i believe luka and hyuna have a lot of complexities and depth to them that make them appealing even outside of what’s on the surface! theyre all very different aspects of love being displayed!! its really interesting! It’s a really fascinating and intricate dynamic… tldr its neat!

[techniver]

What is the process for developing a content plan as an inbound marketer? How do you determine what type of content to produce (blog, video, etc.)?

To develop a content plan as an inbound marketer, you need to follow these steps:

Define your goals: What do you want to achieve with your content marketing? Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or drive sales? Once you know your goals, you can tailor your content plan accordingly.

Identify your target audience: Who are you creating content for? What are their needs and interests? Once you understand your target audience, you can create content that is relevant and engaging to them.

Research your competitors: What type of content are your competitors producing? What is working well for them? What could they be doing better? By researching your competitors, you can identify opportunities to create content that is more informative, valuable, and unique.

Brainstorm content ideas: Based on your goals, target audience, and competitor research, brainstorm a list of content ideas. This could include blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, e-books, and more.

Choose your content formats: Not all content formats are created equal. Some formats are better suited for certain goals and audiences than others. For example, if you want to generate leads, you might want to focus on creating gated content, such as e-books or white papers.

Create a content calendar: A content calendar will help you plan and schedule your content in advance. This will ensure that you are publishing new content on a regular basis.

Promote your content: Once you have created your content, you need to promote it so that people can find it. You can do this through social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.

To determine what type of content to produce, you need to consider your goals, target audience, and budget. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular content formats:

Blog posts: Blog posts are a great way to share your expertise and build relationships with your audience. They are also relatively easy and inexpensive to produce.

Videos: Videos are a highly engaging and informative content format. However, they can be more expensive and time-consuming to produce than blog posts.

Infographics: Infographics are a visually appealing way to present complex information in a digestible way.

E-books: E-books are longer-form content assets that can be used to generate leads or educate your audience about a particular topic.

White papers: White papers are in-depth research documents that are designed to position your company as a thought leader in your industry.

You can also mix and match different content formats to create a more engaging and diverse content experience for your audience. For example, you could write a blog post about a new topic, and then create a video to supplement the post with more in-depth information.

Ultimately, the best way to determine what type of content to produce is to experiment and see what works best for your audience. You can use analytics tools to track your content performance and identify which formats and topics are resonating with your readers.

Here are some additional tips for developing a content plan as an inbound marketer:

Focus on quality over quantity. It's better to publish one high-quality piece of content per week than three low-quality pieces of content.

Be consistent. Publish new content on a regular schedule so that your audience knows when to expect new content from you.

Promote your content. Once you have created your content, don't just sit back and wait for people to find it. Promote your content through social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.

Measure your results. Use analytics tools to track your content performance and identify what's working and what's not. This information will help you refine your content plan over time.

[justactchennai]

TIME & COST BENEFITS OF ARBITRATION & MEDIATION

Although the traditional court system is associated primarily with the dispensation of justice, methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution are beginning to be seen as viable correlatives in different industries that see a heavy volume of civil and commercial disputes. The overwhelming technicalities inherent in the practice of law, procedural complexities, inordinate delays and obscure language make the legal terrain challenging to navigate. It is in this context that ADR is gaining ground and the time and cost benefits of ADR are being foregrounded as among the better alternatives to the difficulties created by the court system.

This article will be divided into two segments and each segment will deal with the cost and time benefits inherent in the Alternative Dispute Resolution ecosystem, with a specific focus on arbitration and mediation.

Arbitration

The costs of arbitration relate to certain heads such as fees of the lawyers apart from the expenses involved in the proceedings. Therefore, the contents of the arbitration clause and the procedure as agreed upon in the agreement or under the provisions of the applicable laws would determine the extent of the costs involved. The time and cost benefits of using arbitration are as follows:

1. Less interference by the courts

Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, arbitral awards are not subject to appeal. The Court may set aside arbitral awards under the grounds mentioned under Section 34 but this is not an appellate power to review the decisions made by arbitral tribunals. The 1996 Act was enacted in consonance with the UNCITRAL Model Law which sought to make arbitrations cost and time-effective by reducing the interference of the courts.

2. Expedited procedure

The Act, 1996 under Section 29B allows the parties to an arbitration agreement to resolve their dispute by fast-track procedure. This procedure provides that the arbitral tribunal shall decide the dispute on the basis of written pleadings, documents and submissions filed by the parties without any oral hearing. The award under this section shall be made within a period of six months from the date that the arbitral tribunal enters upon the reference. This is helpful for parties looking for speedy and effective resolution.

3. Greater level of expertise

Arbitrators are generally professionals with specialized domain expertise and hence, would provide better quality justice in shorter time periods because of their familiarity with the subject matter. This would also boost confidence in the quality of the proceedings and the resultant arbitral awards. The proceedings would be shorter compared to court hearings, less expensive and subject to the availability of the parties and arbitrators involved.

Mediation

Mediation allows parties to explore practicable and interest-based solutions in a private, person-centric, confidential space in order to ensure the continuance of business and personal relationships. This ensures that precious time and resources are saved by not taking recourse to the court system which could prolong disputes and bring strife into interpersonal and professional relationships. The time and cost benefits of using mediation are as follows:

1. Amount of preparation

The costs and length of IPR litigation in some European nations was captured by WIPO studies which show that litigation continues to be a time and cost-intensive process, which leads to narrower outcomes. However, it takes significantly less effort to bring parties to mediation. The mediator does not need to depend on voluminous evidence and statements in order to bring the parties to resolution.

2. Rapid settlements

Mediation provides a useful opportunity to the parties to identify the terms of the dispute with precision. The parties have the power to decide the scope of the mediation. This forms the basis for direct negotiation between the parties (in the presence of a neutral) without cumbersome delays. It allows the parties to identify only those issues that are significant to the dispute as also to reach quicker settlements that could be decided at any stage of the resolution process thus saving time and money.

3. Flexibility

There are no fixed methods in mediation; it is widely understood that different mediators adopt differing styles. This allows for a flexible tailored approach in keeping with the specific needs of the parties thus reducing time and miscellaneous costs. The parties also reserve the right to exit when they find the process unsuitable as a method of resolving their dispute.

4. Procedural costs

Since the presence of lawyers in mediation is not mandatory, this helps in saving costs in regard to payments made to legal professionals. There are also no procedural fees involved, unlike in litigation.

It is therefore, apparent that the costs of litigation far outweigh the costs of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods and the latter should be preferred in order to facilitate speedier and more effective resolution. The time spent by litigants in a labyrinthine legal system could be saved by taking recourse to other options that allow for more control and success in the resolution of disputes thus underscoring the time and cost benefits of using online arbitration and mediation.

[lossie92]

I don't think I actually like enemies to lovers as much as I thought I did. Or rather I'm okay with lovers as in "characters being sexual partners", but not lovers as in "being/falling in love".

The more I think about it, the more I realise that I personally just don't find this dynamic in any relationship realistic. Just one of those things that to me works in theory and in fandom only, because in fiction and hypothetical scenarios everything is possible. Relationships that start on the basis of two people hating each other, trying to kill each other, hurting each other etc. just don't appeal to me that much outside of very specific scenarios, not anymore. Maybe it's because I could never see myself being with a person who deliberately hurt me and would never be able to trust them, maybe because of something else entirely. Who knows. I just don't really like it, is all.

What I find myself preferring is strangers to lovers/in love.

The stories about characters who know virtually nothing about each other and, if they do, it's either mostly gossip or disjointed pieces of information, neither of which allows them to form a well-informed opinion of the other. Characters who could be on the opposite sides of a conflict, but never interacted and so their feelings for each other are lukewarm at best, if not non-existent. Characters who may mistrust each other, but that's usually the extent of their negative feelings towards the other person. Characters who may have mutual friends and who could have been friends or even enemies themselves, but have never gotten close enough.

The idea of these characters slowly learning more about each other and eventually getting together is much more my vibe nowadays.

Also, that's the kind of dynamic I would see happening between mdtb in those AUs where they could have a healthy loving relationship. It also happens to be the type of relationship I write for them most of the time (they are only technically enemies, but in truth the only thing they are before they become involved is strangers).

Also also, I think a lot of fics for this ship that are tagged as enemies to lovers or in which this dynamic is implied, are actually strangers to lovers instead.

Btw as always this is just my opinion and these are just my thoughts. We can all agree to disagree, guys.

[6blackfilin9]

you've unlocked a rothbart crush from my childhood i completely forgot i had... thank you... and odette/rothbart is so INCREDIBLE, FASCINATING, NOVEL! precious to me. i tried to look thru ur tags but did not find like, a synopsis of how u envision that happening? so how do u envision that happening? if u dont mind me asking :3c

I hoped to draw some of the key scenes to give you the insight, but it seems that my schedule isn’t currently fit for this. Sadly.

So, there is a very short answer: it took a lot of work, time and dead nervous cells. The latter goes mostly for Odette.

For as long as they were on the Lake they could not have formed a proper romantic relationship, this is absolutely impossible due to the circumstances. But they could still make some personal bond, even though slightly twisted and antagonistic, the “frenemy” kind of thing, and therefore create the ground for forming a normal relationship afterwards, when they’re married and have matching interests.

In my opinion this is very much possible, taken how these characters are written. I mean, Odette is a sweet, endearing, soft and gentle pain in the ass that can flip your world up and down for how keen she is in getting what she wants. And Rothbart is both a dark bloody disaster and the Einstein in the fields of magic and running things, wether it’s a kingdom or a fanfare show. Both are ironic and sarcastic clots of energy integrated into their overall calm demeanor but revealed if need be. Perfect.

Furthermore, as egotistical and stark his actions and character may appear, they don’t make him the ultimate evil, only for William’s supporters and family, maybe. The only  thing that distinguishes Rothbart from any other noble people is him knowing magic

So maybe, maybe, with time, they’d manage to make good relationship and family, but only with time, and only when the circumstances change from that they’ve been like on the Lake

I mean, initially Rothbart had zero interest in her as a person, she was naught but a tool for him to get what he wants with impunity, so he couldn’t have been genuinely sympathetic or caring when it’d come to picking on her.

And initially for Odette he was naught but an enemy. I mean the mortal enemy kind of thing

She didn’t see her father die, but it’d be perfectly clear for her that did die. It’d be perfectly clear what kind of role she played in the coup.

Key and minor at the same time

Actually i have an intention to somewhen discuss the issue of the movie not following the rules it itself had set in its beginning, and what it could have been once it followed these rules. But for now, to clarify myself I’d like to point out just that the writers were trying to sit both on the chair of realism and the chair of a fairy tale

And, appealing to the realistic one, I’d like to say that Rothbart wouldn’t have laid all his hopes on Odette’s will

He was not just an aristocrat coming from the kingdom he wishes to take, but the chancellor, which not only gives him access to the court and all his old acquaintances and connections, but provides him impressive amount of experience as a politician, economist and diplomat. Even being banished, he still would have kept some of them, and, most importantly, used them

So, by the time he kidnapped Odette, he’d have comparably firm basis of support in the kingdom, which would allow him to both wait long enough and keep the situation hanging in the air in one case, and to go in and take the power right away in another

The only reason the first option is much, much more appealing is that in feudal order you better do stick to the linage. Common people viewed the monarch as a viceroy of god on earth, and therefore the only legitimate ruler is the heir to the currently royal house. So if you don’t by blood belong to this linage, your position is.. quite shaky. Maybe there will be a riot. Or maybe not and it will go fine and dandy. Or there may be a major bloodshed

But once you marry the legitimate heir, you can avoid slaughtering your taxpayers people

They both understand this. They both know that the only thing that would change depending on her decision is the the number of complications Rothbart would face with proving the legitimacy of him taking the throne. But most importantly, the risk of bloodshed, which considerably decreases once Odette accepts the proposal

But there’s the thing, responsibility

Once she accepts right away, she commits the betrayal. She’d betray the memory of her father, her family, her pride, her kingdom, which is both the legacy of her father and her responsibility as an heir.

But the longer she declines, the weaker Rothbart’s control over the situation becomes

I believe it’s clear that he is not the only one drooling over the opportunity to take the empty throne and make their house the reigning one, to set it above all others. His alliances may be firm, but people don’t really fancy hanged up situations and loss of opportunities. And once he does lose control, the bloodshed is inevitable. The only issue is wether it will be within the walls of the palace only

Odette knows it as well as he does. That life won’t wait for her to make up her mind

Which makes her torn apart between her personal good and her country’ good. Which is, in fact, enough of a reason for her to accept Rothbart’s proposal even without him pushing. Initially she’d, indeed, be seeking for the ways to free herself, either by trying to physically get away or to fool Rothbart, maybe trying to haggle with him at some point, but in the end of the day, she’d still have to make the choice and take responsibility for any of the two decisions.

And here is the second thing, time

Rothbart, being the wise and very patient old asshole he is, knows it’s just a matter of time and he just has to wait for it. So there is literally no need to push her. And he would not even really wish to push her, for it would only worsen her antagonistic attitude. I mean he wouldn’t like to get a knife under his ribs in his sleep after a wedding night, right?

Again, initially he didn’t care for her at all

But the desire to at least try to get things done quicker (and enjoy his revenge just a tiny bit) would drive him into interacting with her. Mostly in the way of picking on her and toying with her

Odette does make an impression though. There are certain things to respect her for, certain things to like, certain things to be curious about. It’s unwise to speak of true romantic interest on his side at this point, but there may be some sympathy for her, which would lead him to pay her more and more attention. As much as her own attitude towards him would allow

With Odette being all alone, having nothing to do, sooner or later she will get used to his monologues, and there will be a point when she’d start piping up just to try piss him off. Which would give him room to make a pause in this routine and give her a few days to enjoy her space, and, as a little bonus, realise how he really makes her days by just letting her have a daily intellectual acid-filled badass banters. There will be moments for him to provide her some more things to make her feel better, such as books or a few games maybe. I bet he plays cards magnificently

But no matter how possibly comfortable she can get around him, and no matter what he does for her to feel so, for as long as she is his prisoner there is no way their relationship can be deprived of antagonism. There is no way she’d trust him, or genuinely sympathise with him. She might be suffering being deprived of social interactions, but she remembers who’s to blame for it, you know. She will come to respect him, greatly, both as a person and as a foe, but respect doesn’t really have that much to do with sympathy. It only serves as a basis for it.

At that point there is no way he can get to her through personal connection.

But, there’s the third thing, experience gap

Once he’s careful enough with that tiny little bit of sympathy Odette will have for him, he still could do so through the sexual one. Keeping in mind that plenty of time has passed, all the passions has settled down in a complacent stubborn slumber, and that for Rothbart her liking of him at that point is naught but an additional bonus, even though very flattering and pleasant, he will be damn patient and careful

And he does have the ground there

With everything in her life now depending on him, with him being the second key-importance figure for her now, (read: all her thoughts and intentions are somehow linked to him), all he needs to do is just to draw some of these thoughts this way. Being mature, experienced and quite charismatic, charming man... Rothbart can do that. Even though It might take even longer than making that tiny first step of at least getting used to each other

For Odette it will be catharsis though

Now not just she’s torn between what she desperately doesn’t want to do and what she is ought to do, but also facing the fact that she feels attracted to a man who killed her father

And it can very possibly lead to uh

Pretty harsh things

And thoughtless actions

Which can possibly send both Rothbart and Odile rue the day he’s come up with that ingenious kidnapping plan of his

You know, actually, she could have avoided such situation, and keep the feeling at bay, not let it grow and bloom from all attention paid to it, if not prevent it from appearing at all

But there’s the fourth thing, maturity

Even being both emotionally and intellectually smart, Odette doesn’t really have the sense of responsibility but only the picture of it (that’s what the exposition of the movie suggests, basing both on fairy tale canons and on how the character acts like. I mean openly speaking of ruining the medieval arranged marriage AKA state contract in front of many people, worst of all from an ally country with which this contract was made, and therefore disgrace your medieval dad AKA your sovereign by showing everyone how poorly you were brought up by him is beyond irresponsible. Wars got started for even lesser flaws back then)

The whole thing is literally about growing up as a person, both Derek and Odette. Of taking responsibilities and obtaining control over themselves. Back at the day, she is indeed just a few steps from doing so, yet still is not there

Though I don’t really think that Rothbart’d heat things up to the point where they get laid, but he’d certainly give her a glimpse of what he is like in this guise. Maybe not once. Or not really subtly, either. What i do think is that around this time of directing things into the intimate field is when he’d start to develop something for her, to start liking her not only as a person but as a young woman

There are plenty of things to like there, let’s say. Odette is not only intelligent but also smart, keen, witty. Over all the time spent on the Lake she’d also become very inventive and calculating, forged in cat-mouse games with him and Odile, and patient, thanks to all the banters with him. I guess I don’t have to mention that she is very beautiful, also

And she has an overall endearing image

If Odile is pure evil of a devil with mind and heart of a martyr, Odette is a delightful, sweet little angel with an impish drive and rebelliousness

The one that corresponds with the one of his, really, even though his is that of a more mature one

They both are latent daredevils (or not so latent). Overall they have plenty in common

So yeah, he’d form some sort of infatuation for her. And at this point he’d be god damn interested in it becoming something more as they get married

And it rather would than not, why I’ve typed a lot above. Whether they do get married or not.. I don’t know, as well as how complicated this would be. Because Derek is still in the picture, no matter how useful it’d be to just forget about him. Whether Odette accidentally finds him on one of her desperate tries to escape while he roams the right forest in it's right part in the right season in the right month, week, day and hour, I don’t know still. Depends on the plot, as fell as the events that followed their meeting. What I can say is... that would be real awkward for her. I mean real awkward.

But, back to the marriage, sadly there would still be consequences, inevitably.

Odette may forgive him for imprisoning her, for it was only for the matters of the coup and not his personal joy. She, if gets to know of the details, after some long-long time may even close her eyes on the connection between his little bonus-revenge, on that “everything you own and love will be mine” thing, and the marriage with him quite literally owning her. But for killing her father? I doubt it

Even if we imagine that she would, would he, now that he cares for her feelings? Making the cause of your loved one’s suffering is hell of a burden, and doing this mindfully makes it dreadful, even though done prior to getting close with each other

And while Odette will get over what happened with time, live her life serving her people and put some of the remaining pain aside in a dark corner of her mind, leaving the place for the better future instead, Rothbart until the end of his days will be stuck with this shit. It won’t crush him, for he is rather wise and he won’t get fixated on the past, especially when his actions weren’t some kind of mistake, he’d rather concentrate on being a good king, husband and father.

But the knowing of what exactly he has done will never leave him, and haunt him, at times. At times like, for example, William’s birthday, it would be exceedingly palpable

To sum up

It’s a thing with an extremely rocky start and an outcome with the firm union of the two snarky daredevil dumbasses, the one cute and subtle and the other harsh and sardonic, which has a very bittersweet and kind of heartbreaking connotation to it

[bleachhaven]

Soutaicho’s Secret Admirer (Shunsui x Reader) — Part 5/6

Author’s Note:

It should be noted that this story is almost coming to a close...I’m sad to stop writing about Shunsui but it’s time to wrap this one up. So there’s maybe 1 or 2 more parts left.

Warning: A bit of smut ahead. One can only be seduced endlessly for so long without something happening about it.

–

Read Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3  and Part 4 first!

Uncharacteristically, Shunsui was late to arrive at the office. It was almost ten in the morning when he finally strolled in. Nanao would have admonished him without a thought but the dark circles beneath his eyes revealed he had already had a terrible night. She didn’t want to make it a terrible morning as well.

Shunsui didn’t have the excuse of drunken debauchery at some late night party for his tardiness. The last party he’d been to had been Lisa-chan’s Valentine’s Day celebration and that was over two weeks ago.

It was more or less about how his loneliness and melancholy had kept him up late into the night. Something he definitely didn’t want to burden sweet Nanao-chan about.

He had found himself strolling randomly in seireitei at around three in the goddamn morning because simply staying in his bed staring at his ceiling felt impossible. He didn’t have these kind of difficult nights too often but when he did have them, they were quite terrible.

Sure, he missed Juu. But his loneliness was a bit more than that this time.

It has been over two weeks since he had received anything from his beloved Secret Admirer. Fourteen whole days of complete silence from her was quite unusual, and he felt it acutely. Where was she?

The darkest of thoughts had plagued him at night. What if she was sent on a dangerous mission? What if she had been injured? He hated to think it...but what if she was never coming back? Hadn’t he honestly lost enough? 

The thoughts spiraled as the evening progressed into the wee hours of the morning, growing darker and more melancholy.

He knew he was not the greatest catch in the Soul Society. That title fell to Byakuya, uncontested. Shunsui was older than everyone in seireitei - a thousand years too old, he’d say. He was nobility too but he wasn’t one to truly fit into that mould, which deterred most noblewomen from considering him. 

He wasn’t what one would call conventionally handsome either. He knew he wasn’t ugly...but he wasn’t exactly...whole. Not anymore. Maybe once he would have held some appeal and he had many lovers who thought him handsome enough to have a tumble with him... but the eyepatch never failed to remind him that he was never going to be good looking, by anyone’s standards, with a goddamn hole in his face.

Most days, none of this would honestly bother him. But last night it did.

His beloved Secret Admirer probably came to the conclusion that he wasn’t worth all the trouble after all. Surely, there had to be a reason why he had never been able to have a long term relationship. He blamed it on his job but...was that all it was? Maybe he was just not meant to have a happily ever after with someone.

As romantic as he was, he didn’t really believe in the concept of happily ever after. He knew relationships were work. It was a commitment between two people who cared about each other to work on staying together through whatever. With time, he had put any thoughts of a relationship on the back burner. With his duty to the Gotei 13, and his responsibilities as well as the added burden of maintaining his reputation as the Soutaicho...it was a practical choice. 

But his Secret Admirer had made him want. Had made him yearn for a happily ever after for himself in a way he never had before.

He wanted to be loved and cherished as much as he wanted to love and cherish that one special person in his life. But did he really deserve it?

He knew it was her silence that had his latent insecurities rising to the surface keeping him up at night.

So as sleep deprived as he was, he came to the office with a plan. He couldn’t bear her silence anymore so he was not going to. With everything that had come up in the office, he hadn’t been able to finish up the letter he had started to write to her. At that time, it had felt futile considering there was no way to send it to her. 

But he had a brilliant idea. He would have it published in the next installment of the Seireitei Communication including just enough information so that she would know it’s him while withholding enough details to still keep it anonymous. He could trust Hisagi-kun to be discreet.

He had a plan, and it could actually work!

If only he could actually find that bit of lavender paper he had left on his desk.

“Nanao-chan, did you remove anything from my desk by any chance?” he asked, opening up drawers and bending down to check under the desk.

Nanao looked up from the training schedule she was working on. “Nothing more than the usual paperwork. Why what have you lost now?” she asked with an overexaggerated sigh.

“My, my, Nanao-chan. You make it sound like I lose things on a daily basis.”

“The only thing lost on a daily basis around here is my sanity,” she said, rolling her eyes. Still she relented. A distressed Taicho always meant a distressed Nanao. “Fine. Describe it to me and I will tell you if I saw it anywhere.”

“It was nothing official. Just a bit of lavender paper I had been writing on…” he trailed off seeing the look on her face. “What? Did you see it?”

“You lost the letter you were writing to you Secret Admirer?” she asked.

“Nanao-chan! How did you…?”

“You forget, Taicho,” she said quite matter of factly. “There’s nothing that goes on here I don’t know about. But I haven’t seen it. Maybe it got mixed up in some paperwork and got sent to another division. I don’t think anyone would recognize your flowery handwriting which you reserve for your personal correspondence anyway. So nothing to worry about.”

Shunsui simply stared at her. He has known his little fuktaicho for too long to not notice that something was off. All this time, he thought she was just laughing at his expense because he was mooning over someone he didn’t even know. But now...that look...the way she said it without even having to think about it...it all felt fishy somehow. Nanao-chan was up to something.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she huffed, correcting the papers on her desk that didn’t need correcting. A nervous habit that always gave her away. “If you don’t have any serious work, I have a pile of forms…”

“You know perfectly well who it is, don’t you, Nanao-chan?” he interrupted her attempts to distract him.

“I don’t know what you’re…”

“Please, Nanao-chan. It’s perfectly obvious you know exactly what I am talking about. Just...tell me…” he said.

He was so serious and intent. Nanao had only ever seen him like that in the heat of the worst kind of battle. She dropped her pretenses as well.

“She and I have both left enough breadcrumbs for you as it is. So if you’re so desperate to know who she is, why don’t you do the work to actually find out?” she asked him. “Clearly the girl cares about you but is terrified to approach you. Who wouldn’t be considering who you are and the position you hold. She is a nice girl, Taicho. But as things stand, she wouldn’t be the one to approach you so maybe you should find out for yourself who she is and do the approaching.”

So Nanao did indeed know who his Secret Admirer was. He understood her reasons why she couldn’t tell him. It wasn’t really her secret to divulge. Shunsui had to respect that despite his desperation.

“Is my sweet Nanao-chan giving her taicho dating advice?” he teased instead.

“Yes, I am,” she declared with a raised brow. “For even I can see how far you’ve fallen that you need advice from me to get yourself a date!”

Shunsui gasped, buying into the friendly teasing. “Nanao-chan is so mean to her taicho!”

Finally, they both got back to work, but Shunsui’s mind was still thinking about what Nanao had said. Apparently breadcrumbs were laid out and he hadn’t even noticed! He clearly had to pay more attention.

He tried to outline the facts in his mind. 

The letters were always lemon scented. It could be a shampoo or some kind of scented cream...but it smelled fresh, almost as if unintentional. Something to further ponder upon. 

The gifts were always elaborate but simple and he hadn’t been able to trace it through any vendor. The chocolates were handmade so his little Secret Admirer was probably very good with cooking and baking. 

The handwriting was very distinctive as well. Especially the way she looped all her Ls and Bs with a distinctive flowy curve. 

So far, the facts didn’t fit well into place to identify her as anyone he knew...but somehow, it felt like it was just barely within reach now. As if it’s only missing one final puzzle piece for the whole thing to come together.

__

That night, sleep evaded him once more. He couldn’t deny it. He missed her! He couldn’t help but wishing that she was right next to him, romancing him with more than just her words. He wished he could cherish her in all the ways he desperately yearned to.

 He took the letters he kept at hand in the drawer of his bedside table. He found that he liked to read them sometimes, and no matter how many times he read her words, they still managed to make him feel things. The shape of her words, the texture of the paper...it comforted him.

However, the sensual seductive ones were his downfall.

With all the time he has been alive, and all the experience he’s had, one would think he would be able to resist the temptation. But he often couldn’t.

Reading those letters, describing how she wanted to make love under the moonlight or how she yearned to taste him...it had him imagining soft feminine hands touching him. His hand would unconsciously reach into his hakama of its own volition and grasp his manhood, wondering what it would feel like to be touched by someone who ardently wanted to please him.

It wouldn’t take him too long at all. He would cum, gasping into the empty bedroom, wishing he had a name he could moan. Wishing she was here for him to hold.

Sated, he’d finally fall asleep. Yet though his body was satisfied, his mind wasn’t. He couldn’t help but feel alone on this big empty bed.

__

That coveted final piece of the puzzle arrived as, of all things, more paperwork. He was mindlessly flipping through some reports after lunch the next day when it popped out at him like well-lit beacon.

It wasn’t anything special. Just a request for more funds to be allocated for a better training ground for the 13th division. Except it was filled out by his beloved Secret Admirer. The handwriting screamed her identity at him, looping Ls and Bs and all.

“_____-san,” he whispered to himself, wondering how he could have missed it.

Suddenly, everything was perfectly crystal clear. 

Everyone knew that while Kuchiki Rukia settled in enough to pick her own fuktaicho, the 3rd seat of the 13th was acting in that role in an unofficial capacity, putting her in-charge of all the paperwork coming and going from that division. A reason why she was always showing up at the 1st...giving her ample opportunities to learn his habits well enough to leave behind those delightful missives without ever getting caught.

The lemon scent was from all the lemonade he knew she made for her division and for some special occasions in the seireitei. It was her specialty, a way of creating comfort and homeliness for her subordinates. He had tasted her chocolates twice - once at the Valentine’s Day party itself and then when she gifted them to him specifically. Both facts which had been pointed out by Nanao-chan while _____-san stood right next to him. No wonder she had flushed red then. It hadn’t been out of embarrassment but possibly from thinking she might get caught. The little minx.

He couldn’t help but remember every encounter he had with her in the recent past. Her cute blushes...the way she gasped out “Soutaicho!” Come to think of it, every time he saw her, he felt like she almost called him Shunsui out of habit only to change it to his official title at the last minute. He even recalled the twinkle in her eyes every time she looked up at him.

He couldn’t believe it. He finally knew who his Secret Admirer was and she’d been right before his eyes, had he only known where to look. He couldn’t help smiling, thinking about all the ways he would get back at her for running him around in circles. He would torture her so, so deliciously…

“You have that dopey smile on your face. Should I be worried?” Nanao asked, breaking him out of his thoughts.

“Hmm…? Of course not, Nanao-chan,” he said, not really reassuring her at all. “I am heading out. Be back soon!” 

“Taicho!” she called out but he was already gone.

__

...to be continued.

__

Tags: @seawater-aurelia-writing  @xerneussenpai​ @yakuzussian-3rd @94z-93 @anywaffle @flower98child @sadhoewinter @mindyourbaynay

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[kpopstanships]

This is a synastry ship request for one of our lovely Anons. (Hopefully, you find this ship alright). Here you go.

Anon and Haechan Compatibility

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Good Aspects:

Mars trine Uranus: Helpful

An adventuresome bent is the focus between you two. The energy you create when you're together excites you both, and keeps you both tuned in to each other, wanting more. For some couples, this kind of influence could just be unsettling, but you two thrive on it, and you're able to create a comfortable, yet exciting stability between you.

Venus trine Neptune: Good

The sextile and trine between Venus and Neptune in synastry implies a real tolerance between the two. Venus, in particular, is willing to overlook Neptune’s faults, and Neptune is generally very pleased to be loved in such a tolerant manner. This is a dreamy and romantic combination in which the two individuals feel like their partner enhances their lives spiritually.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter: Very Strong

This is a relationship in which learning and sharing information, and perhaps traveling and business, forms a strong basis for your bond.

Sun trine Pluto: Helpful

Your sexual attraction to one another has only been strengthened by this aspect, because it also intensifies the emotional bond between you, which runs quite deep. You have both experienced this depth of feeling from the beginning as a sensation of being very well understood. Your bond probably even felt effortless from the start, as did communicating in a physical way.

Venus conjunct Saturn: Good

This union could be favorable and lasting if Venus is really looking for a mature person to be with. There can be a certain level of self-consciousness together that is always present, no matter how long you are together. There is a lot of loyalty between you, and a feeling of responsibility for one another. Commitment, loyalty, and responsibility are vital defining factors of this relationship.

Venus conjunct Mars: Very Strong

This is a union that is particularly based on physical understanding, and passionate love. There is a lot of affection, and the need to express it physically. The romantic and sexual attraction between you is almost irresistible. The intensity of your feelings for one another is unlikely to fade over time, and you find much fulfillment in your love for each other.

Mercury conjunct Lunar Node: Helpful

Favorable union, intellectual understanding, similar tastes and interests.

Mars conjunct Pluto: Good

The sexual attraction between you is intense and insistent. You want to be around each other as much as possible. Your sexual relationship evolves with time, instead of dissolves.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Neutral/Mid Aspects:

Sun conjunct Saturn

You have an overall stable relationship. You will lead your life together quietly, with friendship slowly replacing love. Saturn will dominate the Sun but the Sun might find this difficult to accept. You must make room for lightness and play, or you both will feel burdened by the tone that is set between you.

Jupiter square Uranus

Although your different goals and approach to life can be appealing and intriguing at first, over time, there can be some difficulty finding things in common.

Venus opposition Mars

A love that is particularly based on physical understanding. A passionate love but possibly with all its negative sides: possessiveness, jealousy, aggressiveness. Your passion and desire for one another will always remain alive. If either of you is prone to possessiveness or jealousy, then you may find yourself feeling very uncomfortable by even subtle indications that you are competing with other suitors. If such a union lasts, there can be a lot of hurt feelings and stormy confrontations.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Negative Aspects:

Sun opposition Mars: Semi Challenging

A couple that may have frequent disputes, as they may find it difficult to speak calmly. They might too frequently adopt an aggressive, defensive, or offensive stance with one another. There is an energy of “I can do things better than you” or “This is the way things should really be done” in your relationship. There is physical attraction between the two of you, no doubt, but sometimes you waste your time getting on each other’s cases. You are also prone to stepping on one another’s toes because your cycles of activity are not in sync.

Saturn square Uranus: Challenging

Challenging in terms of perspectives. There can be distinct times when you argue about restrictions on freedom.

Sun opposition Neptune: Semi Challenging

There may be deceptions, lies, or promises of a fantastic future that only exists in the imagination, or more likely, an inability to see one another clearly and projection of wonderful qualities onto the partner. The bond between you is certainly strong but is complicated by projections you both make on each other

Moon opposition Venus: Semi Challenging

You are attracted to one another and take pleasure in being together, but conflicts could arise because of suspected unfaithfulness or some basic lack of trust. When one is in a romantic mood, the other is in an intellectual mood. There can be quite a bit of dependency in this relationship, and at times, you may encourage one another's bad habits or indulgences.

Moon opposition Neptune: Semi Challenging

This union could be full of illusions and disappointments. You could find it difficult to understand each other, or you might feel you totally understand when you don't. Unfaithfulness and lies can be on the agenda in some cases, but if you aim to be very clear and to clear up misunderstandings quickly, you can get around this tendency.

Sun opposition Pluto: Semi Challenging

A great attraction might unite the couple, but this relationship is unlikely to be entirely healthy. The Pluto person tries to change the Sun person, which is not at all appreciated, and this leads to conflict.

Venus opposition Pluto: Semi Challenging

A very strong passion but destructive at times. Jealousy, possessiveness, and resentment are very possible. If the relationship ends, it is difficult to remain friends, as one person feels burned.

Saturn opposition Pluto: Challenging

The relationship can be difficult or destructive at times. Avoid pushing one another.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Houses:

Sun (Haechan) in 3rd House (Anon)

This is a mentally stimulating placement, where the couple has an understanding of the way the other thinks. They may enjoy communicating often and sharing ideas with each other. One may remind the other of a sibling, but this is not always the case.

Moon (Haechan) in 5th House (Anon)

This is a fun, loving and playful placement for the moon. You both will spark the playful and romantic side in one another. If other aspects allow this can be a highly romantic relationship.

Mercury (Haechan) in 4th House (Anon)

This couple can easily talk about home and family matters together even rather early in their meeting. They might share similarities or early childhood similarities, or familiar people within there families. The Mercury person will have many ideas about their idea of family and home. There may be something familiar about the way the mercury person speaks, thinks or communicates which makes the house person feel at home with them.

Venus (Haechan) in 3rd House (Anon)

You will respond to each other with grace and concern. In relationships communicating the most important part in a long-lasting one and this position allows you to work out your problems via communicating for the most part with a sensitivity and compassion for the way each other feels. This position can make you uncomfortable with verbal arguments and, therefore, you tend to gloss over any issues which are both good and bad.

Mars (Haechan) in 3rd House (Anon)

The Mars person will likely stimulate the house persons mind. This is a very talkative or chatty position for Mars so depending on how both people relate will depict how this truly plays out. It is possible that the house person may find the Mars person to aggressive when communicating, over talking or talking more than listening. However, if both people are conscious or mindful then this can be a very stimulating aspect.

Sun (Anon) in 11th House (Haechan)

This makes for a fun and friendly companionship. You will both share many of the same hopes and wishes or at least be very supportive of one another in reaching theirs.

Moon (Anon) in 3rd House (Haechan)

The Moon person will intuit what the house person is thinking and they will share many interests. This is an indication of similar ways of thinking and sharing ideas.

Mercury (Anon) in 11th House (Haechan)

Conversation will be open and come with ease. You both think alike and share many of the same hopes and wishes, or ideals. This is the best friend that you can talk to about everything and feel that you are understood, or they just get you.

Venus (Anon) in 10th House (Haechan)

The house person is enamored with the Venus person and will find that the Venus person adds a bit of glamour to the relationship, they both appreciate the way in which others respond to them in public. There is much respect for each other, and even admiration.

Mars (Anon) in 4th House (Haechan)

Both people might have similarities in the way they were both raised or there may be strikingly similar things about one another that reminds them of home, early childhood or a family member. You will likely want to have a house together early on.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Overall:

While your overall compatibility rating would suggest the potential for a very strong bond you have to be careful. You have a strong bond and the chance to communicate over shared interests but there will be a looming feeling of potential distrust or the need to change or dominate one another. You guys will be prone to jealousy and lack of trust or the desire to change your partner which could lead to a destructive relationship. In order for this relationship to benefit you will need to analyze how you handle arguments and view each other to limit the damage from these negative aspects. Be patient and understanding with each other and you can have a very passionate and lasting relationship.

Note: Synastry ships are completed with references to cafe astrology and astrologyreadings. 

We hope you enjoy your ship! And thank you for your patience. Of course feel free to request more ships.

This current batch of synastry ships is full. The next batch will open when this one is 50% completed. Any synastry requests sent in before will be put on a waitlist.

You can find the guide for the ships we offer here!

I hope you are having a great day/night

~Angel ♫

[wordsnstuff]

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing About Mental Illness

Patreon || Ko-Fi || Masterlist || Work In Progress

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Reinforcing Stereotypes

This goes without saying, but neurodivergent people (and characters) each experience and cope with their mental illnesses differently. Schizophrenia is not simply hallucinations. Depression is not simply feeling suicidal. Anxiety is not simply consistent fear or unease. Your character, depending on what causes/triggers their symptoms, will present their mental illnesses differently, both on the inside and outside. A person’s experience of mental illness is affected by their environment, their background, their priorities, their personality, and their other struggles. Reflect this in their story, rather than reading a long list of general symptoms and checking them off in your draft. 

1 Symptom Sally

Mental illness affects every aspect of an individual’s life. It’s more complicated and far-reaching than simply “having a harder time than everyone else”. Depression, for instance, is frequently portrayed with an acute emphasis on the symptoms of fatigue, lack of motivation, and sadness. However, depression has a lot of symptoms that many aren’t aware are connected to the illness, such as executive dysfunction, irritability, and sickness. Even those with a general diagnosis of a mental illness aren’t going to have that diagnosis just because they feel sad a lot of the time. There must be more, and it must be shown.  

Romanticizing Suicide

There’s a delicate balance between depicting the reality and gravity of suicidal thoughts/ideation and making it sound appealing. If you’re reading a story, narrated by a character who has suicidal tendencies, it’s inevitable that their thought process will justify or rationalize those thoughts. Approach this with care, and remember that as a writer, you have influence over your readers (whether intentionally or not), and you should prioritize the responsibility you have to avoid romanticizing suicide over the task of portraying it accurately. Some things simply hurt more than they help. 

Generalizing Experiences

Mental illness is inconsistent. Some people display two or three symptoms that are easily recognized, but some experience symptoms most don’t even associate with those illnesses at all. For example, generalized anxiety disorder can present in individuals with a more physically debilitating set of effects, rather than primarily manifesting in feelings of fear or unease. Yes, anxiety is the state of being anxious, but it can also be sensory overload, executive dysfunction, flu-like illness, and fatigue. Every mental illness is unique to the individual who struggles with it, so be aware that your characters should be representing that reality as well. 

Ignoring Coping Mechanisms

Most people who have a mental illness that has progressed to the point of seeking a diagnosis and perhaps treatment have established various levels of coping mechanisms. These can be things like substance abuse or self harm, but they can also be more subtle, like hyper-fixation on media they like or excessive reliance on friends or family. If you’re going to write a character with a mental illness, you should know what they have to do to get through the day. What exercises have they adopted to adapt to their situation? What effect have these mechanisms had on their lifestyle and relationships?

Illnesses Having No Effect On Relationships

Mental illness, especially after having struggled with them for a long period, affects who we are, how we behave and interact, and changes our priorities and thought process. It’s inevitable that it will impact our relationships with other people. In order to accurately depict this experience, you have to also know the characters on the other side, who are maintaining a relationship with your neurodivergent character. What are their thoughts on mental health? How well do they understand what your character is experiencing? Are they more likely to want to be there for or distance themselves from the character because of their mental illness? Strain on relationships can be a very distinct part of a neurodivergent person’s experience with mental illness, and it’s important to represent that. The stigma is still very real and shows up regularly, even in little ways, and in a more accommodating world.

Extreme Cases Only

Some people experience mental illness on a chronic level, others do not. There’s Seasonal Affective Disorder, which tends to only present symptoms in certain periods of the year for various reasons, for example. It could be classified as a “less severe” form of depression, and it’s very common. Not all depression is the same, and it doesn’t always result in severe cases of suicidal ideation or self harm. If you only depict characters in the most extreme cases, who experience their symptoms at the highest level at all times, you may be reinforcing stereotypes about neurodivergence that have taken decades to dismantle. Not everyone with mental illness has an extreme case, and pretending they do can reinforce the idea that all neurodivergent people are “crazy”. 

Good Days vs. Bad Days

Neurodivergent individuals usually experience their symptoms on a wide spectrum of severity. There are good and bad days, and everything in between. Sure, some days, one may experience virtually no symptoms and be very happy and productive, and be totally unable to maintain their composure on others. However, the majority of the time is occupied by a middle ground. Days where a person isn’t constantly on the verge of a panic attack, but they struggle to accomplish their typical agenda, and they feel a variety of symptoms at noticeable, but more manageable level. Symptoms can also intensify steadily and endure for variable periods of time. 

Curing Mental Illness With Romance

Let me say this clearly, and insist you don’t argue: mental illness cannot be cured by a relationship. I admit that new relationships or positive attention can offset symptoms, but if a character’s mental illness (such as depression or anxiety) miraculously resolves because a new partner comes into their life, they either weren’t mentally ill in the first place, or you have misunderstood mental illness. There can be months or even years where someone can go without experiencing their symptoms at a noticeable level, but they will always be neurodivergent, and a new partner isn’t going to change that. That portrayal minimizes the experience of mental illness and trivializes symptoms people suffer with every single day. Do not do this. Please. Just don’t. You can say your character has prolonged period of sadness, but you cannot slap the word “depression” on them, then have all their symptoms disappear because they’ve got a hot date.

Not Every Illness Is Caused By Trauma

This is simply a point of knowledge more writers should have a grasp of. Mental illness can be caused by genetics, chemical imbalances, deficiencies, severe and prolonged stress, longterm health conditions, social isolation or loneliness, etc. It’s natural that in a fictional story where mental illness may be an important aspect, that trauma is one of the more sensational causes to apply to your character, but if you have a cast with diverse experiences of neurodivergence, it’s unlikely that all of them will have a basis in trauma. Neurodivergence is not a one-size-fits-all. 

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[thevindicativevordan]

On Kong Kenan/Super-Man

It should've been him. He should've been the Superman of 5G/Future State/right now not Jon, and he should be the one getting an HBO Max series not Val. Hell he should be getting a movie!

God this dude is literally the best legacy character Superman has ever gotten, wholly his own person with his own lore and status quo while still building on the idea of "Superman". I am so pissed at DC for essentially just dropping him after his ongoing ended, what the hell Lee? You keep trying to make the Wildstorm characters happen, I need you to get my man Yang another Kenan book.

Have to admit I was a bit nervous at first about whether or not Kenan would be a worthwhile character. Yang's New 52 Superman run had been a disappointment to me overall, with only the the arc where Superman has underground wrestling matches against forgotten gods really sticking with me. Now he was introducing a brand new Superman? Didn't feel like he had "earned" that yet. But from the first issue I was hooked on this new character.

Kenan was unlike any other member of the Superfamily. He wasn't kind or sweet, he was an asshole! He was a bully! He was fantastic! Right from the start Kenan was set up to undergo a very different kind of character journey than the other members of the Superfamily. Empathy, humility, respect for people weaker than himself, these are all traits most heroes wearing the S-shield already posses by the time they first don the crest, but not Kenan.

Like all bullies he was even a bit of a coward himself at first, trying to bail on the experiment meant to give him Superman's powers right as it begins. After "saving" Lixin (the kid he bullies and steals lunch from every day) from Blue Condor he demands all the money Lixin has on him as payment. He's not courageous or selfless either at the start, Kenan is as much of an opposite of Superman as you can get short of being Bizarro. Learning the appeal of these traits formed the basis for his growth over the course of his series.

Seeing Yang bring in a lot of recognizable "Superman" elements in the series, but with a twist, was also great. Kenan is the one who bullies "Luo Lixin" rather than the traditional Clark/Lex friendship of Pre-Crisis and Birthright. Initially Kenan develops a crush on intrepid reporter for Primetime Shanghai, Laney Lan, but she dismisses him as too young and Kenan eventually ends up pursuing Avery Ho (Flash) instead. Baxi the Bat-Man of China has a similar relationship with Kenan as the traditional Superman/Batman in terms of being vitriolic best buds, however Baxi is the one who has the most respect for authority while Kenan is the rebel. Kenan is a part of the "Justice League of China" which does not meet with the approval of the already established Chinese superheroes, the Great Ten. That contrasts nicely with the good relationship the Justice Society and Justice League have, as well as seeing Yang lampshade the "Chinese copy" trope and incorporate that into his storytelling.

One of the funniest differences is how Kenan chooses to immediately reveal his identity as Super-Man to the world by taking off the compliance visor he was forced to wear, contrasting with Clark's choice to hide his identity. He was so eager to impress people that he never gave any thought to the danger he could put himself or his family in by revealing his identity until it was too late, something Clark is well aware of and has taken great pains to keep his identity secret. Was a missed opportunity for DC to have Kenan comment on Clark copying him for once when he outed himself under Bendis.

But one of the most poignant differences between Clark and Kenan is the gulf in separation between their relationship with their parents. Clark has a loving relationship with Ma and Pa Kent, trying to live up to their lessons as best he can. In contrast Kenan's mom was believed to have died in an airplane crash when he was just a child, and he never really knew her. His father was distant from him after that and the two weren't really close despite Kenan's attempts to impress him. So Kenan lacks that strong connection while still clearly loving both of them.

Pa Kent's death is one of the most tragic examples of Clark's love for his parents, and I've always been a fan of takes where Clark promises his father to fight for the powerless on Pa's deathbed. Kenan gets a similar scene at the start of his career, his dad "dies" (after being exposed as Flying General Dragon, a pro-democracy "supervillain" from the Chinese authorities perspective) and wants Kenan to promise he'll fight for Truth, Justice, and Democracy. But because Kenan's dad never really bonded with him, Kenan doesn't know what those mean, and can only promise that he never wants to see people die, something his father takes comfort in at least. In classic comic book fashion it's revealed that Dr. Omen, Kenan's "boss" and the one who gave him his powers, saved Kenan's father, because she is Kenan's mother! Kenan's relationship with his parents forms a lot of the crux of his character arc, and seeing how Yang utilizes the classic Superman concept of family kept the storytelling exciting.

Yang's brilliant exploration of the concept of "Superman" through the prism of Chinese culture was a great way to differentiate Kenan as well.

I absolutely freaking love how he tied to the concept of Qi to the S-shield in particular. Connecting the shape of the shield with the way Kenan has acquired his powers along the path of the Bagua (eight trigrams used in Taoism that represent the fundamental principles of reality), with his octagon S-shield outline representing all eight principles together, was mindblowing! So was the idea of restricting Kenan's access to his powers unless he was actually acting in a Superman manner, that tied his character growth to his power growth in an entertaining manner. There were so many characters and concepts that meshed Chinese and DC lore together, like how Emperor Super-Man was Kenan's "Doomsday", they even recreated that iconic dual kill shot! The Chinese Wonder Woman Peng Deilan, being based on the Chinese Legend of the White Snake! There was even some Korean mythology referenced with the Aqua-Man member of the JLC "Dragonson".

Yang also managed to do a Superman Blue/Superman Red story with Super-Man Yin/Super-Man Yang!

Shameful that it took me a while to realize what Gene Yang was doing but once I caught on I was touched. You can tell how much Yang loved Superman and his mythology, and how he was excited to incorporate as much from Clark as he could, while still using it in a way that was solidly Kenan's. And not just Superman's mythology, but the history and lore of the entire DC Universe. I-Ching got to be brought in, fleshed out, and used as Kenan's mentor! The "Yellow Peril" villain from Detective Comics #1, the comic DC gets its name from was brought in and revamped as I-Ching's twin brother All-Yang! Hats off to Yang for taking a racist caricature and attempting to make him into something more.

This series was a beautiful attempt by Gene Yang to build a space for Asian heroes and villains where they could be more than stereotypes, Kenan himself being a defiant mold-breaker in every regard as the complete opposite of most Asian characters in Western media (a jock, a bully, loves his dad but not on great terms with him, a powerhouse as a hero, etc). So much thought and hard work was poured into this by Yang and his team of artist collaborators.

Especially the costumes, man Kenan had so many great looks. From his starting outfit (which is my favorite Superman variant not worn by Clark himself), to the one with the Yin/Yang shield he acquired later on, to his Super-Man Yin & Super-Man Yang outfits, Kenan looked damn cool. Part of me is bummed they didn't go with the Chinese character shield they toyed around with, but I loved how Yang used the "s-shield" as a plot point, so I'm not too broken up over it.

All that great work Yang did to build that space up has been more or less forgotten sadly. It was nice to see Kenan in the DC Asian Month Celebration issue. Avery is going to be in Justice Incarnate at least (unsurprising considering she was created by Williamson). So fucking bummed that Superman Family Adventures cartoon didn't happen, they were going to have Kenan and John Henry Irons in it! Would've been a dream come true for me to see Irons in animation again, and Kenan making the jump to outside media! Maybe that would've encouraged DC to let Yang keep writing New Super-Man, or at least encouraged them to use him elsewhere instead of allowing him fall into Limbo.

Unfortunately I'm not sure what the future holds for Kenan. Jon is being pushed as Clark's replacement in the comics, with DC keeping all the other contenders such as Kon benched. Calvin is leading the Justice Incarnate team likely due to the upcoming Coates reboot that will make Clark black. Val will probably get something once Taylor leaves Jon's book or once they officially announce the HBO Max show is happening. So where does that leave Kenan, my new favorite PoC legacy hero? Currently my only hope is that Yang is working on something for DC involving him. Yang left Batman/Superman, where I was hoping to see a Baxi/Kenan team up, to go work on "exciting other opportunities" per his Twitter. So fingers crossed that there's something in the works for Kenan!

One day I hope he gets his day in the sun again.

[kanmom51]

It's amazing when Jimin and Jungkook make unambiguous, loud and dgaf statements, such as including the hickey in the DVD to name one of the latest. This kind of content consciously shows, or wishes to make it appear as if, Jikook are more than platonic friends/are an actual couple. It walks the line between transparency vs. deniability. To expect any declaration beyond this would be to misunderstand the complexities of institutional and cultural homophobia in SK as well as fan culture at large, which includes global fans.

Jimin and Jungkook are likely aware of the speculation, the edits,the analysis, the homophobia etc. Anyone's guess what their psychological relationships with these elements of the fandom are. On the one hand, their status as a couple, which they seem to flaunt at times, is validated, which as a former closeted person myself, I get the appeal of. On the other hand, some of the speculation might feel strange. Maybe there is somd pressure from some corporate or other entities to hide. Who knows?

Not to sound like a tkkr but sometimes I think Jkk make choices to step back. I've noticed sometimes Jungkook especially seems uncomfortable or conscious of the camera (such as when Jikook held hands in that gum commercial behind the scenes), NOT uncomfortable with Jimin, but with the presence of CAMERAs. Do you think exposure has made them more self conscious at times? Is there a push and pull between bold and hidden, with hidden =ing protection? At this point, fans aren't just reading the performances. They are paying attention to car rides, units, and the dreaded birthday tweets.

(Then there are the "whatever they have" people. I will say the whole maybe they are friends with weird/no boundaries thing doesn't fly with me because if they are that, they have still been presented in unambiguously gay ways in content and these smart people know how fandom works. The hickey thing, which was not necessary but still kept in there for a reason, was the last straw before that could have flown).

The birthday tweets seem like a source of stress right about now. Personally I have never wished my wife happy birthday on any form of social media. I just see her and say it. But with Jikook, all the meaning read into birthday posts can become this uncomfortable thing where the glass closeted relationship gets judged on an unfairly public basis in my humble opinion.

If Jungkook doesn't post on Jimin's birthday, thousands of people will judge, blame and shame him. There will be a countdown starting midnight, Korea time and people will be waiting. We all know it. If it turns out he drew Jhope, shared a photo of Yoongi but then does nothing public for Jimin, it will be WW3. Notice I said, nothing public, not nothing. Strangers who know nothing about Jimin and Jungkook's irl day that day will be in tears if nothing is presented for public consumption. Hope becomes expectation at some point. Lots of people who love seeing Jimin and Jungkook's relationship validated as a romantic one have a lot of emotions riding on this one silly thing (see, car rides). I don't think that is a fair burden to place on any person, public or private; out or closeted.

I love your blog Kanmom and have always been a lurker. This is the first time I've commented and I know it is too long. Just some thoughts and feelings I thought I would share as a gay woman who came of age in a time where the gay was far from ok. I am just not looking forward to precious Jimin's birthday knowing what could happen, you know?

Your blog is supportive and full of positivity, you do such a great job with it.

Oh, anon, thank you so so much for your kind words. I'm just here writing what I believe in, and hoping that maybe, just maybe, my words can have some kind of impact. It's for those that think they are alone to know that they aren't, that there are those out there that will see them as they are, accept them as they are, and it's for those that might think differently, and maybe, just maybe my words can help them see life a bit differently, idk, here's hoping.

Jikook, oh what a couple they are. This push and pull we have had these couple of years, more so since 2019 than ever before. 2 steps forward then one step back. Pushing the boundaries, then pulling back a little. They want us to know. They want us to see them for who they are. They want to be accepted for their true self. But they also know that there will be many that won't accept them for who they are, won't accept their love, will deem it as 'wrong', 'sinful'. They want to take off the mask, but also know that by taking it off they can be seen as 'ugly', as 'a monster', and that could have a dire effect on their safety, their careers. But not only their own careers, also their band mates, also their families.

...You know that I can’t Show you me Give you me I can’t show you a ruined part of myself Once again I put a mask on and go to see you But I still want you...

Bloomed in a garden of loneliness A flower that resembles you I wanted to give it to you After I take off this foolish mask But I know I can't do that forever I have to hide Because I'm a monster I am afraid I am shattered I’m so afraid That you will leave me again in the end Once again I put on a mask and go to see you...

I think that is why TTU is so important to them, the changes they made to those last performances in their Seoul concerts in 2019, heart clenching. I've heard JK refer more than once to that mask he feels he has to wear, the fear of showing his true self and if he would be accepted if he showed his true self. And I think that JM struggles with the same issues, maybe even more so, as I think others perception of him, what people think of him, is more important to him.

So there is an inner struggle. Wanting to be yourself and for others to see you as you are and accept you as you are, a defiance, while dealing with that understandable fear of being rejected by those others if you do show them yourself, your true self.

You want to be true to yourself, but then fear others won't accept that person, the real you. I think every single one of us deals with this issue one time or another in their lives, but when it comes to sexuality it's heightened by tenfold, especially so when you are living in a society that doesn't accept LGBTQ+.

I believe that since 2018, since BTS renewed their contracts changes were made by JK & JM. They were not only given more freedom, but I do believe that BH with them are consciously pushing the boundaries time and time again.

Showing them as a couple, painting them as an inseparable unit, showcasing some of their couplie behaviour. We saw it with the RB ear suck that found it's way into official content in 4K, we saw it in memories 2019, we saw it with the MMA 2020 Black swan dance, with the Dynamite holiday performance (stood aside matching clothes, just like a couple, and we certainly moved on from that JM move during that performance).

We have Run episodes that are finding Jikook paired up more often than before. We got memories 2020, omg, and when we thought that was the pinnacle, that's when we got the MOTS ON:E dvd, god help us.

The crème de la crème, hickey-gate.

This was no coincidence or mistake. This was all by design. No one was even aware of this hickey that happened a year ago, and unless they wouldn't have brought attention to it, we wouldn't even know about it. That clearly this was a conscious decision both by BH and Jikook, to add this footage to the dvd. JK was filmed arriving that day with the hickey. Both JM & JK addressed the hickey that day. All three of those clips could have been left out, disappeared, and we would have been non the wiser. We all know that they had plenty of more footage that could have been shared instead. No. This was a clear decision to show us this. Show us, yet again, how different JK&JM's relationship is.

Now, if we, by any chance, thought this wasn't by design, which we would have to be pretty dense to see considering all of the above, well JK & JM's consecutive selfies on the day of the release, while hickey and Jikook are trending, that says it all to me.

I look at these as official content, edited content, differently than I judge lives. And in this official edited content we are getting Jikook clearer and louder.

But then we have the pull backs. You are totally right here, I've seen them too. It's JK intertwining fingers with JM only to pull back when he notices the camera. It's JK to harmonize with JM only to stop when he notices the camera. It's JM pulling back from JK in front of the camera. I've seen this happen in the past 7 months or so, and I asked myself why this is happening.

I think this is a combination of the panic mode, questioning if they went too far this time, and perhaps other issues they were going through (I personally think that the uncertainty of the looming military service had something to do with the toning down too, but that's me maybe overthinking here, although memories and hickey-gate came after they already knew of the ambassador appointments, so maybe it did have something to do with it).

So, after the Feb 2021 live there was a bit of a pull back, but we did still get Jikook moments. It's not like they stopped being them, they just toned it down just a little (it's not like we didn't get JK kind of grunt and call JM sexy now, did we?).

Saying that the content we are seeing now is the professional content. Interviews, photoshoots, concerts/performances. No fan cams, no fan meets or fan signs, almost no behind the scenes, no music awards, no red carpets. So, it's only natural we will see it less. So, this could also be us seeing them in real time trying to be more professional, and in memories 2021 they will once again be in our faces, loud and proud.

As for the car rides, I talked about if this is happening (at least in front of the cameras) why it is happening (privacy issues).

Now as to the birthday tweets. JM posted for JK every single year since 2013. JK posted 2013-2019 but not 2020. These posts are for the fans, period. This is about what they want to show the fans. They have nothing to do with how they feel about each other or what they give each other or how they wish each other for their birthdays. I've been married for almost 30 years and I never wished my husband for his birthday on social media. It's not about showing others how I feel about him, it's about showing him. So it's a personal card, a personal message, which at the end of the day, and call me old fashioned or stupid, but I think means so much more than posting a message on social media for everyone to see. So, would it be cute to see JK post for JM? Hell yeah. Should we expect it of him? No sir. Does it mean he doesn’t love JM or that they have parted ways? Of course it doesn’t.

We have a lot to look forward to. ITS season 2 is coming up very soon. Then we have the newly announced concerts (damn, I'm jealous of the LA fans). That means travel & hotel room Vlives & fan cams.

[cardentist]

I haven’t been in the star trek fandom for very long (I’ve only just started binging the series in the last couple months), so it’s been pretty surprising to find out just how negative the perception of the reboot movies are.

this isn’t coming from the perspective of someone who grew up with the series, so it hit different for me than it might for people with a different relationship to TOS, but I thought it was genuinely clever and Respectful with how it was handled.

To quote leonard nimoy: “Well the alternative timeline gives them license to escape from canon concerns. I can’t see people saying ‘they shouldn’t do that because…’ or ‘that doesn’t tie in to such and such’ because it is a different time and place. Am I right about that?” [Link]

the entire Premise is that the original series happened as it was presented in TOS, but an event late in Spock’s life caused the creation of a parallel universe in which everyone’s lives were significantly altered through two key changes to the timeline. this gives them the freedom to Both revel in fanservice And explore different facets of the characters and their relationships. 

the destruction of vulcan Vastly impacts the characters and the plot moving forward, and its a detail that a lot of people take issue with. but the emotional impact of sarek admitting Directly to spock that there is value in his humanity, that his feelings Aren’t wrong, that sarek married amanda because he Loved her cannot be understated. you can read all of these things into sarek as he was in the original series, but he Never had an open conversation about these things with spock. this creates a Believable and Rewarding change in their relationship, where we get to see a different facet of them Because of the changes made. and that’s exactly the appeal. showing us pieces of these characters that we never got in TOS that are nevertheless undeniably Them.

everyone is Different yes, but they’re also fundamentally the same people at their core and that matters.

kirk’s personality obviously takes the biggest change, with him experiencing trauma at a young age, losing his father, and having an implied abusive father figure after that point. he has a harsher personality in reaction to harsher conditions, he’s spikier and harder to love. but he’s also still fundamentally a Good person whose willing to risk everything to help people. he still has what made kirk prime a good captain and a good friend.

I’m not gonna say that it’s the most nuanced story in the world, but it explores a version of kirk that was born from even Less fortunate circumstances than kirk prime, exploring a kirk brimming with potential who learned to bite back after he was kicked down. exploring those themes of trauma and loss, of insecurity and growth, and coming to the conclusion that Fundamentally He Is Capable Of Good isn’t a Bad thing. you don’t have to like it, but his growth into a better person is The Point. they deepened his flaws (all of which were present in a less exaggerated form in TOS) To Show That Growth.

and then of course there’s his relationship with spock.

people are totally justified in not liking that they had a rough start to their relationship, I usually don’t like to see that kind of thing in reboots or hollywood adaptations either, but the way people talk about it is just unfair.

Yes kirk and spock and bones have a very strong relationship in TOS, they also already know each other by the time the show starts. to look at them having to learn to get to know and trust each other when they first meet and say that it’s Bad because they were already full on ride or die for each other in the og series is silly. TOS kirk and spock had to meet and fall in love with each other too, it didn’t just happen over night kings.

secondly, the entire point of the first movie is that Even With reality itself being altered to pull them apart they are fundamentally compatible people that are Bound to each other. they meet each other on bad terms because of circumstances outside of their control, and yet they’re still pulled into each other’s orbit and find the other slotting into place next to them as if they always belonged. one of the first things that spock prime says in the movie is “I am and always will be your friend,” spock and jim are Meant for each other and the movie goes out of its way to explain that. which is what makes it so Weird to see people complaining about how they don’t like each other.

it’s a Different relationship, but it’s absolutely no less steeped in yearning or queer subtext. 

speaking of queer subtext ! some people are Very unhappy with spock’s relationship with uhura.

first thing I wanna say is that making the argument that they’re doing anything that the original series hasn’t done is just, completely untrue. kirk has fallen in love with more girls in the og series than he knew what to do with, leonard nimoy was a heartthrob in his time (and he deserves it, awooga) and spock reflects that ! Spock usually turns the women who come onto him down (or when he doesn’t it’s because a plant has literally altered his mind), but there are exceptions to even that. all of three of the main boys have plenty of romance subplots, it happens. if that takes the possibility of them being queer off the table for you (which it shouldn’t, m-spec people exist) then I’m sorry to say that TOS is not exempt.

now, I can understand why Specifically This Relationship could rub people the wrong way or being disappointed that they didn’t outright depict kirk and spock as having a relationship (if not in the first movie then in the following ones after they’ve gotten to know each other), but even in that context the way I’ve seen people talk about it comes off as insensitive.

no, the relationship did not come out of nowhere. they considered having spock and uhura date each other in the original show (and you can see signs of this in the earlier episodes, where uhura very obviously flirts with him and they spend time together in their down time) before they decided against it, and spock was originally going to kiss uhura until shatner insisted that he wanted to do it (because it was the first interracial kiss on tv). [Link 1, Link 2, Link 3]

nichelle nichols was asked about this exact thing (spock and uhura’s relationship in the movie), you can read the interview in full here [Link] but I’d like to highlight this paragraph in particular:

“Now, go back to my participation in Star Trek as Uhura and Leonard (Nimoy) as Spock. There was always a connection between Uhura and Spock. It was the early 60’s, so you couldn’t do what you can do now, but if you will remember, Uhura related to Spock. When she saw the captain lost in space out there in her mirror, it was Spock who consoled her when she went screaming out of her room. When Spock needed an expert to help save the ship, you remember that Uhura put something together and related back to him the famous words, “I don’t know if I can do this. I’m afraid.” And Uhura was the only one who could do a spoof on Spock. Remember the song (in “Charlie X”)? Those were the hints, as far as I’m concerned.”

the film makers looked at the fact there were Hints for uhura and spock, that they were Interested in exploring an interracial couple for the first time (both before and immediately after interracial couples won the right to legally get married) but Couldn’t because of the circumstances of the times and decided to Make that depiction. you don’t have to Like their relationship just because of that fact, but it’s Incredibly reductive to play down it’s significance as just a No Homo cop out. explicitly queer relationships are not the only progressive or culturally important relationships in fiction.

moreover, if you can’t imagine polyamory in the communist utopian future that’s on you.

moreover, this perception that this was a soulless cash grab is just, unfounded.

leonard nimoy returned to the role as spock for the first time in 16 years (since 1991) and this was Entirely because of the respect they had for nimoy, spock as a character, and the franchise as a whole. 

Lets look at some quotes from nimoy in interviews regarding the film:

Leonard Nimoy: When I first read the script (...) I immediately contacted J.J. and said “I think it is terrific…I think you guys have done a wonderful job. There is still work to be done, but it is very clear that you and your writers know what you are doing and you know how to do this movie and know what it should be about….and I am very interested.” Then as time went by we worked things out with Paramount, but the most important things were J.J. and the script. (...) I am very pleased about that and I am very comfortable with where this is going. I think the writers have done a terrific job. They have a real sense of the characters and the heart of Star Trek and what it is really all about.

(...)

TrekMovie.com: Now in the case of the new movie you have been retired from acting for years. What was it about this one that made you want to act again and go through the make up again? What was it that made you say ‘I really want to do this?’

Leonard Nimoy: You are right, this is a special situation. First it is Star Trek and so I have to pay attention. I owe that to Star Trek. Second place is that it is J.J. Abrams who I think very highly of, he is a very talented guy. Then came the script and it was very clear that I could make a contribution here. The Spock character that I am playing, the original Spock character, is essential and important to the script. So on the basis of those three elements it was easy to make the decision. So those three things: Star Trek, J.J. Abrams, and an interesting Spock role.

[Link]

Praising the cast playing younger versions of characters from the original 1960s TV series, he [Leonard Nimoy] said: “Let me take the opportunity to say this. Everybody at this table [the cast] are very, very talented and intelligent people.”

“They found their own way to bring that talent and intelligence to this movie, and I think it shows. (...)  When Karl Urban introduced himself as Leonard McCoy and shook hands with Chris Pine, I burst into tears. That performance of his is so moving, so touching and so powerful as Doctor McCoy, that I think D. Kelley would be smiling, and maybe in tears as well.”

“The makers of this film reawakened the passion in me that I had when we made the original film and series. I was put back in touch with what I cared about and liked about Star Trek, and why I enjoyed being involved with Star Trek. So, it was an easy way to come on home.”

“[In this Star Trek] they said things and showed me things, and demonstrated the sensibility that I felt very comfortable with, and I think that shows in the movie. I like it.”

[Link 1, Link 2]

again, you don’t have to like it just because leonard nimoy did, you don’t have to Agree. but the idea that nobody working on the film Cared is provably false. near everyone working on the project was already a fan of the series or were excited to be involved and did their homework. it’s genuinely a Miracle just how much of a labor of love this was, and in my opinion you can feel that through the movie itself. I’d highly recommend looking into interviews and behind the scenes details about the movies. they had a respect not just for the source material, but for leonard nimoy as a person.

there’s definitely more I Could say about this, but it’s 4 am now so I’m gonna shelve it jklfdsa

that said! it’s Fine to not like the movie, not everything is going to be suited to everyone’s taste, but the specific criticisms I’ve seen feel very off base

[vampirae]

Hope your day is nice. Um i saw some of your posts and you seem cool. https://i.ibb.co/FHgPPM9/astro-2gw-darren-marquardt-24316-116785.png I was wondering if you could take a look at my chart and answer a few questions? It would mean alot. If you have seen my chart before its possible I forgot and do apologize.

Which are my main dominant planets in order of strength? Is Jupiter in the 8th or 9th? Does my chart show placements for sex appeal or magnetism? Can you tell me which female zodiac combos that could work best with me like sun, moon and rising? Thank you so much.

Well, well, aren't you the guy who's spamming the astrology community with your chart and same questions?? Anyway, today I'm in a good mood so I'll reply to your questions.

Your dominant planet by far is the Moon, followed by Saturn and a stressful Jupiter.

In the 9th, at least you could relate idealistically and emotionally to it more, though on daily basis and significant moments of your life, particularly when forming some interpersonal relationships it would act more like an 8th house Jupiter. In the sense, you may feel lost in life, bored or a strong wanderlust, and a need for adventures and something to belief in, but this feeling and need borns from the fact that you may be surrounded by a "negative" atmosphere, kinda grey or kinda hopeless sometimes, and worry about finances, maybe even feelings of envy for others success and happiness.

Yes, Venus trine Mars for a genuine sex appeal and charm. Venus trine ASC for charm. Moon trine MC, charm, innocence and popularity. (Though this indicates talents, and as every talent it should be cultivated with work and dedication, you can excel and use this qualities at your benefit but only if you're willing to master them)

Definitely women that have Leo and Pisces in their big 3, funny, loyal, not bossy but neither too submissive, would support your ideas and plans. Maybe even Scorpio and Aquarius, though you have to work hard and invest in your relationship, to show her, you're worthy her time. More business/family oriented as choice.

You're welcome.

[traincat]

I feel like I've read a ton, but I'm honestly still pretty new to comics rn. That being said... What is one more day? Ik we don't like it and it happened a while ago, but that's about it [,=

Time for Spider-Man History With Traincat: Highly Controversial Storylines! And that feeling is totally normal with comics with huge canons -- you can read a ton and still have some fairly big blindspots in your understanding of the total picture. That being said, this is kind of a big one, both in terms of Spider-Man history/canon and in terms of how Spider-Man fandom functions. I would say probably no other storyline has had quite as much impact on how the fandom views and interacts with the source material as One More Day/Brand New Day. It's been the Wild West out here ever since it happened. (Which was in 2007, so like, yes, fairly long ago, especially when you look at how Spider-Man canon has evolved since, but in the grand scheme of things, also kind of recent. One More Day is not old enough to rent a car.)

So when people talk about Spider-Man's One More Day, they're usually actually talking about two related arcs: One More Day and Brand New Day. For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to be covering both. For the sake of transparency, I am going to admit that I think One More Day, as a self-contained story, is good, actually. This is controversial! I admit that! But I stand by my stupid opinions on this blog, for some reason. I think One More Day when you examine it on its own, by which I mean you ignore the decade and a half worth of canon that came after it, as a Spider-Man story and as a PeterMJ-centric story holds up under scrutiny and that people who don't like it don't like complicated love stories and might actually throw their own mothers under buses. No offense to the OMD haters. Little bit of offense to the OMD haters. Brand New Day, which is the continuation of One More Day, on the other hand -- largely bad. Very largely bad.

But let's backtrack. One More Day is a four issue crossover storyline that takes place directly after Civil War, during which Iron Man and Captain America got divorced and divvied up the superhero community and Spider-Man made some startlingly bad decisions and made a fugitive out of himself and his family in a manner that got Aunt May shot, and Spider-Man: Back in Black (Amazing Spider-Man #539–543) which examines Peter's actions immediately after Aunt May is shot and ends with him humiliating the Kingpin in front of an entire prison. One More Day consists of Amazing Spider-Man #544 -> Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24 -> Sensational Spider-Man v2 #41 -> Amazing Spider-Man #545. In One More Day, Aunt May is dying, all of Peter's efforts to save her have thus far failed, and, consumed by guilt, he is rapidly running out of time. Approached by Mephisto, a literal demon from hell, Peter is offered a deal: Aunt May will live -- and Peter's identity, which was previously revealed to the world at large during Civil War, will once again be hidden from the memories of all but a select few -- if Peter trades him his marriage to Mary Jane. Peter and Mary Jane struggle with this, but eventually both agree to the deal. The clock strikes twelve, the deal is done, and Peter and Mary Jane's marriage fades into history.

(ASM #545) A reasonably simple premise for a story that caused so many problems -- most, I would argue, not actually the original story's fault. So obviously, this was an unpopular move -- Peter and Mary Jane had for a long time been a fan favorite Marvel couple, and in a fictional universe where most relationships are doomed as soon as they begin, the enduring Spider-Marriage was sacred ground. And then, with a snap of its fingers, it was gone: Peter wakes up in Aunt May's house, no longer married, with Mary Jane out of the picture. (She would not return to the book on any sort of consistent basis for over 50 issues.) In the wake of One More Day began Brand New Day, which is basically what it sounds like: a promised "brand new day" of "exciting" Spider-Man content and a publishing schedule where Amazing Spider-Man came out three times a month. (Which sounds good on paper but I think in practice caused more problems than it created good storylines.) Peter, newly single again, had new love interests! And also Harry Osborn was alive again for some reason! I generally like Harry's post-BND stories so that part's fine with me.

But overall? Brand New Day is a mess. It knows it wants to tread new and exciting ground with Peter -- tell new stories! ensnare new readers! make them fork out for a book three times a month. -- but it doesn't know what those stories should be. Readers who were invested in Peter and Mary Jane's relationship -- a major facet of Spider-Man comics for decades at that point -- felt rightfully betrayed that the marriage could be so easily traded in and that Mary Jane herself, perhaps the second most important figure in Spider-Man comics after Peter, could be tossed aside. From a personal point of view, I think Brand New Day fails in large part because it abandons what has always made Spider-Man such a compelling series, and that's the mix of Peter's personal life with his vigilante life. BND sees Peter with new friends, new jobs, new love interests, etc -- it is very much a brand new day! But it isn't a better day compared to the stories that came before it. I do like some post-BND stories, especially American Son (ASM #595-599) and Grim Hunt (ASM #634-637), but compared to pre-BND where I think the majority of canon is good, it's a very lacking body of work that is hurt by the way it divorced itself from the PeterMJ marriage as Spider-Man's central relationship.

"But Traincat, I thought you said you liked One More Day?" Yeaaaaah. I do. This is why I keep saying I like One More Day on its own merits, and not on the merits of the stories it opened the doors for. I like a good romantic tragedy in fiction, and the way Peter and Mary Jane's final scene in One More Day plays out is beautiful. I like the idea of Peter caught in this impossible situation, being asked to choose between two women he loves more than his own life. A really common criticism I see leveled against One More Day is that Peter should have chosen his relationship with Mary Jane over May's life, which is -- okay, I think it's weird that people keep insisting on this, not in the least because by asking Peter to sacrifice his aunt's life they're essentially demanding he commit a callous, out of character act in order to further his own interests. It's also weird because the thing is, Peter already chose Mary Jane over May -- that's what gets them into this situation. It's literally in the scene where May is shot:

(ASM #538) When the gun goes off, Peter's spider-sense kicks in, and he covers Mary Jane, leaving May in the path of the bullet. He does choose Mary Jane over May, regardless of whether he realized what he was doing. And that's why he can't make that choice a second time. His actions in One More Day do make sense for him as a character, whether or not any individual reader likes them, and Mary Jane's actions make sense, too -- after all, she's the one who ultimately tells Mephisto that they agree to the deal when Peter can't bring himself to voice it.

A lot of people also like to nitpick One More Day by going, well, why could (x) or (y) with life saving powers save Aunt May which is like -- yeah, I guess, but if we're going to ask that about this specific comic book near death setup, you kind of have to do it with every single one, and I'm not going to stake every single moment of comic book drama on whether or not that gold kid from the X-Men was busy at the time. Comics are soap operas in flimsy paper form: serialized longform storytelling that relies heavily on melodrama. Sometimes you have to go with things. Sometimes you sell your marriage to the devil. Stuff happens. That in and of itself doesn't make One More Day a bad story -- and while some people blame the Spider-Marriage's dissolution entirely on One More Day, I think that's a little shortsighted when you look at the history of Spider-Man since the turn of the century. It's clear -- and Marvel themselves have been perhaps a little too open about this -- that Marvel in the past few decades has had trouble with the direction they want to take Spider-Man. They WANTED Spider-Man to appeal to a distinctly youthful audience that they didn't think they were actually reaching -- understandable, considering that Marvel nearly went bankrupt around 2000 and was saved by Ultimate Spider-Man, an out of main continuity series which retold Spider-Man from the beginning and focused heavily on Peter as a teen -- but the problem was Spider-Man in the main continuity was at that point in canon a happily married man who was pushing the dreaded 30 whether or not they wanted to admit that. This is also why Marvel has continually pivoted away from Spider-Man having kids, because they feared that making him a dad would age him too much and make him unrelatable to their coveted audience of Teens. (This is also why almost every new Spider-Man property, especially the live action movies, perpetually stick him back into high school, despite that occupying a very small slice of 616 canon.) So around the year 2000, they started trying things in relation to the Spider-Marriage, which was viewed as a major problem -- after all, what's more adult than being married and liking your wife. First, they had Mary Jane presumed dead. Then, they had Mary Jane and Peter separate. Then, when Mary Jane and Peter had only recently gotten back together, One More Day struck. If One More Day specifically hadn't gone the way it had, it's pretty clear that the Spider-Marriage was going to go one way or another -- it's a little bit of a shame it happened when it did, because OMD is the end of J Michael Straczynski's run, and JMS wrote a really beautiful Peter and MJ relationship. But Marvel as a company and especially editor in chief at the time Joe Quesada viewed Peter and Mary Jane's relationship as a major problem in how they wanted to portray Spider-Man and thought that striking the relationship from the books would allow them more freedom in their portrayal of him as younger and more relatable to their Desired Audience of people who I guess really wanted to see Peter sleep with characters who weren't Mary Jane.

(ASM #546. Younger! Fresher! Less attached! Kissing random women in the club!)

The problem with One More Day has always been in the follow through -- from the content of Brand New Day to the pacing of events to the fact that Marvel withheld key information for such a long time that it allowed misinformation to thrive. After all, what does it MEAN to trade Peter and Mary Jane's marriage to the devil? It altered the events of canon in Peter and the majority of other characters' memories so that the marriage didn't exist, but it left people wondering -- did the relationship as they remembered it existed? How much of Spider-Man canon was altered? And the answers didn't come for over 100 issues of Amazing Spider-Man. One Moment In Time or OMIT (Amazing Spider-Man #638-641), which revealed that while Peter and Mary Jane never got married in the altered canon they did continue their long committed relationship up until just after Civil War, was published in 2010, so essentially readers were hung out to dry without answers for three years. That's a long time to string people along, but not as long as it took Marvel to confirm that the popular fan theory that Mary Jane retained her memories of the original timeline as part of her own deal with Mephisto was also true, which happened this year. I would say, at least from my perspective, a lot of the frustration doesn't come from the individual One More Day storyline so much as how Marvel has continually dragged out the aftermath, using the promise of a Spider-Marriage return to keep fans on the hook. Which is why One More Day continually comes up in discussion of current Spider-Man, because Spencer's run has relied very heavily on imagery from that period with a serious question of whether or not there actually was going to be payoff, something which is still up in the air.

This has been Spider-Man History With Traincat, brought to you by anonymice like you.

[contorted-curruptions]

*~Hello, Rabbit~*~Yandere Mirio X Tamaki.~*~Part 1~*

Note: Hello, hello it’s Sunday and time for my post, this week was a little hectic for me so there will be another post on Monday because yet again I got carried away with how long the story is, so first part no smut, second part more than likely smut, but in the mean time feel free to enjoy the story~

This is a yandere naga god Mirio Togata X Elven priest Tamaki Amajiki and a request by my bestie~  

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Warning: Mentions of death, Yandere behavior, and almost dead inside Tamaki ahead my dudes, so proceed with caution.

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Tamaki lays here in the forest shrine cave on some warm and comfortable animal pelts, those pelts lay on top of some heavy foliage and luscious plant life he’s curling up tightly in that spot. Tamaki is laying there almost lifeless in this place he’s been confined to for quite a long time now.  The sun is peeking into the cave from the opening above and shining down on him keeping him very warm. The sun feels nice despite how depressed he’s feeling currently numb and lifeless, lacking in much hope or happiness. Tamaki isn’t too far into the cave shrine’s depths, he’s laying not so far from the entrance of the cave waiting for the snake god who he now resides with to return. The cave shine in this forest is very deep and like a maze, with so many entrances and traps within. Tamaki didn’t use to get trusted to remain in this part of the cave while Mirio was away, but ever since Mirio realized that Tamaki wasn’t going to run he always wants him to wait for his return here. Mirio will leave Tamaki in this lovely little area to get the sun he needs to stay healthy, and the plus side for him is Tamaki will be there to greet him right away when he comes through the entrance. Not to mention The area has berries nearby and a small pond in the cave so if Tamaki ever is hungry or thirsty while Mirio is away he can partake in those little luxuries. Mirio thinks this is the best place for Tamaki to rest while he’s away and he only wants the best for his rabbit or that is what Tamaki will constantly hear from Mirio when he explains why he is there and Tamaki’s been here for quite some time now.  It seems that he’ll never know another home again besides this shrine. Tamaki will never know the comfort of his old village or the pleasure of being with others of his kind. No, Not after everything that has happened and is currently happening, all he’ll get to know is Mirio now. Tamaki will only ever get to have the company of the snake god, he’s not allowed to see anyone else. Though Tamaki so badly misses his village and those who he knew from it, Tamaki never had many connections there but even so, there are a few that he is missing now. Tamaki’s family and one or two other Elven friends from the village, even with how shy he is, there were a few people who had always been nice to him, a few people he desperately wanted to see again. Tamaki wonders how they are doing back home, wonders if they even miss him or if they are happy he is gone since the village is safer with him not being there. Tears well up in his dull eyes for a moment as he thinks back to how things used to be. Even with the luxuries of this shine, even with the affection and protection from the God that lives here, even with the solitude, he thought he had wanted he feels so alone, scared, and desperately misses his life back home. Sill finds it hard to believe that his fellow villagers sacrificed him to Mirio, then again he can guess it isn’t that surprising either, it is his fault. Tamaki invited the newly formed Snake god into his company a long time ago when he was a mere child, and it’s too late to turn back now. 

Tamaki shivers but it’s not because he is cold, with the sun he, of course, is very warm but in thinking of the past, he is remembering a few rather unpleasant things from it which in turn makes him shiver in slight fear and repulsion. Really Tamaki never fathomed the thought that his affections for the naga Mirio would lead to something like this. From the very start, Mirio had seemed so innocent. For a great amount of time, there were no problems with Mirio and nothing terrible happened, nothing seemed like it would happen either. However that all changed quite a number of months ago, or had it been a year now? He can’t remember as he mostly hasn’t had much sense of time being he for long portions of his time here had been stuck in the darkness of the deeper parts of the cave, that is until just recently. But regardless here he is now living away from his village never to see his loved ones again, he is here stuck with the powerful naga god that is Mirio. Honestly, How could he have known that things would lead to him here kidnapped and being forced to live with Mirio as his lover. Though can you really call it a kidnapping with how things transpired? The fact of the matter is he was given to Mirio in hopes no more destruction would come to the village in which he resided. Tamaki was a sacrificial lamb to the god in question. A mere Elven priest who would save the lives of the many by simply appealing to the naga god who had caused quite the uproar over something so simple.

Nonetheless Even with all the terrible things Mirio has done and might even continue to do Tamaki does still find he has a care for Mirio but his feelings are confusing and quite a mess, they are always fluctuating back and forth. One day he’s terrified and wishes he never met Mirio and other days he is in love with him and happy to have at least one person who will keep him by their side. Mirio will never betray him, not like his fellow villagers, that left him to possibly die with Mirio. Did he always feel that way? Tamaki can swear there had been a time where he thought that the villagers had no other choice and understood why they did this. However, with all of Mirio’s talk about how vile those he used to live with are, well it really starts to mess with his way of thinking, it’s hard to keep focused when Mirio is smothering him with affection and those sweet words of praise, those words that leave him to believe that Mirio is the only one who will ever love him truly. With all that talk lines and thoughts begin to blur, Tamaki doesn’t remember the last time things actually have made sense to him or were all too clear for him either. All Tamaki really knows is currently he’s been here for too long in a constant battle with his emotions. 

Tamaki’s days now are spent merely laying here seemingly completely dead inside, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t move, he barely reacts to anything. Sometimes it’s better not to react to Mirio, it can lead to things he doesn’t like, then again laying here like a lifeless doll does seem to have its negative effects too. It’s a game of roulette when it comes to Mirio and how he will react on a day-to-day basis. Tamaki though, for this long time has been trying his best to keep Mirio content and happy for his old village, the village he had to leave behind because of the naga he used to call a friend. Tamaki’s and Mirio’s friendship started so innocently, Tamaki was only about five years old when Mirio found him. Back then he didn’t know he was a new god, and of course, he didn’t know the damage Mirio could cause. It hadn’t been till many years into his relationship with Mirio that Tamaki would come to find just how sinister the naga actually can be. Tamaki realized not but perhaps a year ago that Mirio is in fact an obsessive murdering monster. Though sometimes it is hard to see him for just what he is. Sometimes Tamaki felt harsh for calling him a monster, sometimes he will wonder if he is just misunderstood, another conflict in his head. 

Back before he’d even met Mirio others in his village told him from the start that there are monsters and horrifying creatures in the forest and almost all of them were not to be trusted. He was always advised not to play or linger too long in the forest. That was how his village saw things, only wander into the forest when necessary and be careful when you do. Children really weren’t supposed to play in there, however Tamaki as a child had been allowed into the forest but only when the village would perform their rituals to appease the gods, they would have festivals in the forest on occasion, even with the danger the village was very respectful of the gods and even the creatures in the wild there. Tamaki supposes why back then with the way of thinking he was less warry of the warnings those from the village had given him. Besides the forest had always been the place he called home when he needed a place to escape, which happened to happen quite a lot when growing up. He just wanted to relax and get away from everyone sometimes and the forest was the place he went to. Being his family ran the shrine and live close to the forest made things easier.

Tamaki can remember clearly when he met Mirio in the forest, back then he couldn’t have pictured him being evil, he was so sweet. From the very start Mirio has always been so sweet to him, so understanding, even now he can be. Even Now Mirio makes his heart flutter when he knows that he should hate the naga after everything he’s done. Tamaki just can’t bring himself to hate Mirio, not fully anyway. Tamaki Loves Mirio, yet Tamaki is scared of Mirio, and wishes he never met Mirio, then at the same time he can never hope to live without him now. They are stuck together, he is here so Mirio is kept under watch, so Mirio doesn’t hurt anyone else. 

Continuing on his thinking back before he wound up here as the others in the village would when little Tamaki’s parents would always tell him not to wander into the forest alone, well at least his father would. Tamaki’s mother would encourage Tamaki to enjoy the splendors of the forest. While his father would tell him not to consort with the monsters that call the wilds their home, his mother would tell him the opposite. Tamaki’s mother would tell him the forest and it’s creatures were magical and wondrous not to be feared. Tamaki’s mother was the priests of the forest Shrine before his father came into the picture and before his father would also spend nearly all her time in the forest. With his mother’s words and his own desires he could never bring himself to stay away from the forest. Tamaki never had been the most social and honestly he still wasn’t, but back then he really needed to get away from the pressures and the kids who bullied him for not moving forward fast enough with his Elven magics. Out of all the other kids in his village, Tamaki struggled so hard to not only to socialize but to hone his magical skill. It was tough for him, So every evening just before the sunset he would run to the forest where it was quiet and tranquil, he was so young so naïve, and never realized he was watched every time until he came face to face with that boy. 

“Hello Rabbit~”

Those were the first words Mirio would bestow upon him, and back then it had startled him. Tamaki had been so damn scared he was shaking but when turning to meet the gaze of the other his fear had wavered, a bright and overly warming smile on a boy who seemed to be his age who he didn’t recognize, he would blink curiously at the boy who had stood in the bushes and among the heavy brush, well back then he thought he was stood, his tail was covered by the bushes and brush so he had originally thought he was a normal Elven boy like himself.

“W-Who A-ar-”

Tamaki would stutter out but not get to finish his sentence for the other was answering him right away before he could get the full question out of his mouth, Tamaki felt like a mess before the new face he was never good at meeting new people, and alone no less, he much preferred when he had friends or his family with him when meeting new people.

“A friend. My name is Mirio. What’s yours?”

Tamaki of course still hadn’t been at ease even after he had heard what the boy said and most of that hand been the fact that he really wasn’t good at talking to people, he would shuffle in place and hide behind his hair his hands clutched at the hem of the bottom of his shirt, he pulled it slightly down. Tamaki would kick at the dirt before replying.

“T-Tamaki…”

Tamaki only managed to get his name out from his mouth, but even then him giving Mirio his name only earned a smile from Mirio and a loud laugh. That had been their first meeting when he was only five and from there he would come to find out that Mirio wasn’t just another Elf as he had assumed at first but a naga. Tamaki only realized that after Mirio would come out from the bushes to hug him. He had wrapped around Tamaki and coiled around his lower half. Mirio has always had problem respecting boundaries, even still he does. Regardless of all that their first meeting would start their friendship even if Tamaki had found it terrifying back then. Over time Tamaki came to no longer fear Mirio with prolonged exposure. Mirio quickly became Tamaki’s first friend and they even grew up together, they did almost everything together when in the forest. Mirio was his open ear and comfort from those who live in his village. Even if Tamaki had originally went to the forest to escape and be alone, over time he wouldn’t mind sharing that time with Mirio. 

For many years things went smoothly between the two, things were normal, they were nothing but happy awkward unexpected friends. Tamaki, Mirio’s little rabbit. Things change though, things had changed after the villagers and his family found out that Tamaki made friends with Mirio. When the villagers had found out they were all very warry for Tamaki at this point had come into his magic and was much better with it, Tamaki was also now the aspiring priest to care for the shrine in the forest and be the mediator between the gods and their village like his mother had been for so many years. They didn’t want to lose Tamaki for they saw him as an important part of their village. At this time the villagers had no idea that Mirio was the new god of the shrine taking over for the old one, they thought he was just a random naga. For who would have suspected that the new god would already show himself to the aspiring priest he was. The village would vote to keep Tamaki under constant watch and to not let him leave the village and go into the forest, even with Tamaki’s slight protest they wouldn’t listen to him. His mother would be the only one to speak up for him however even though she was the current holy priestess they would still be uncertain, she did have quite the sway with the villagers however so did his father and he was highly against it which lead to the decision staying in place and Tamaki would be kept from wandering in and even too close to the forest. It was almost like being under house arrest. It only took two short weeks for people to start going missing after that, anyone who would wander into the forest after that two weeks usually wouldn’t return. The village had gone into a panic and fear over those incidents, people were prohibited from leaving the village for a while but that would take a toll on everything for you needed to leave the village and enter the forest for certain things. Not to mention the crops would start to suffer along with beasts of the forest starting to invade the village from time to time, people would continue to die.

It wouldn’t be until a full two months after that Tamaki’s own mother would go missing, she wouldn’t be missing for a whole day but she was nowhere to be found for hours, it wasn’t until later someone would mention that it had been coming around the time the priestess would need to go clean the shrine, they hope she hadn’t left to do so with the danger. Tamaki’s father was worried so he led a team into the forest to find her. When they returned only half of them were left and his father walked forward weekly carrying his mother’s body into the village. Her body was covered in snake bites and scratches, her clothes tattered and torn. Clearly, she didn’t move nor did she seem to breathe, Tamaki remembers that he broke free of the other villagers to run to his father who had a bite in his shoulder. He sweated profusely and his breath was haggard. Tamaki cried so hard that day, his father would collapse and Tamaki would try to heal him with his own magic but he would still die. Though the others would inform the rest of the village what happened and the worst part was it had all been Mirio’s doing, it was that day they discovered he was in fact the new god. Mirio made his demands of the village clear, he wanted Tamaki to be his and live with him in the shrine in the forest. He would demand once they gave him over they would leave them alone but still make offerings to the shrine, and only if these demands were met would the killings stop and everything would go back to normal. Though at this point Tamaki didn’t want to go back, he didn’t want to go to Mirio who had killed his parents and fellow villagers even if he was upset over him. Even with Tamaki not wanting to go back the Village almost unanimously decided to hand Tamaki over, he was the priest of the shrine now with his parents gone. His friends had protested, and certain others but it didn’t matter enough of them wanted to do what needed to be done and Tamaki was sent into the forest to be with Mirio.

“Hello rabbit, I’m home Tama-chan~ Did you miss me~?”

Tamaki’s Flashbacks to the past break off with Mirio’s entrance That chirp leads to the slithering and Mirio coming back to the cave, he is here to once more curl around him and talk about his day. Mirio is here to cuddle up with him and tell him of all the things he is missing out on while being in this cave but Tamaki really didn’t want to hear about any of it. Mirio can talk about the birds, the bees, and the flowers filling to the brim with pollen and nectar but Tamaki a long time ago gave up on wanting anything to do with anything. Honestly, right now all he wants is to lay there and try to forget about his own existence. Mirio ever since coming into possession of him has been trying to get that life back in his eyes but nothing seems to be changing the dull lifeless look in them. Tamaki Though will wonder what Mirio will come to tell him to try and get him to perk up this time, he can only imagine.