#to be clear not disagreeing with you at all

[unsolicited-opinions]

I think that statements like this are idealistic and optimistic. They come from a good place.

They're also counterfactual and detached from reality.

I offer this counterpoint as a disagreement, hopefully as an argument for the sake of heaven, and I hope you'll take it in that spirit.

I think staying here in reality and dealing with facts is important.

I still believe that the only path to liberation for Jews or Palestinians is one that lies together.

Jews have liberation. We've had it since 1948.

The Palestinians have spent decades expending their energy and resources to taking that away rather than using the same resources to seek their own liberation.

These liberations are only entertwined because Palestinians want to take it from Jews more than they want to build it for themselves.

If they choose liberation, they'll have it. It's that simple. It's always been that simple.

I still believe that us fighting only hurts ourselves, and only helps the people who drove us to fight.

Sincere question: What third party do you think drove us to fight? Who are "the people who drove us to fight"?

Because, from here, looking over the history of the region for the last hundred years, it seems the Arabs of the Levant have only ever given Israel two choices: fight or be slaughtered.

I don't think this is propoganda or hyper-Nationalism. I think this is a clear reading of history and I don't think Hamas would disagree with this reading.

Does fighting hurt us? Yes.

The alternative, however, is to be slaughtered. That's no choice at all. Calling for Israel to stop fighting is calling for Israel to commit suicide and I don't have patience for that any more.

Pretending that Israel has some other choice available without a massive cultural shift taking among Palestinians is a denial of reality and a rejection of facts.

I still believe that it is possible for us to have a future in which everyone, everyone, is allowed to live.

Yes! Of course! It has always been possible!

All the Palestinians ever had to do was chose to accept Israel's existence instead of choosing to seek its destruction.

The Palestinian options are:

1. Accept Israel's existence and build a nation in peace.

or

2. Continue basing a national identity on the desire to destroy Israel and continue to face the consequences to which that inevitably leads.

The Israeli options are:

1. Continue to defend Jewish lives.

or

2. Lay down and die.

Go ahead and criticize the Israeli government. Criticize its many bad choices and its many shitty politicians. Criticize reactionary, revenge-driven policy but please stop with this implied false equivalence?

Peace can happen only if the Palestinians decide to seek it. Nobody can save them from themselves and the world must stop pretending Israel owns any part of the responsibility for Palestinian self-destruction because it refuses to lay down and be slaughtered.

Peace between Israel and the Palestians will be possible only when the Palestinians choose to build a national identity and a national future on something other than Jewish corpses.

I still believe that the only path to liberation for Jews or Palestinians is one that lies together.

I still believe that us fighting only hurts ourselves, and only helps the people who drove us to fight.

I still believe that it is possible for us to have a future in which everyone, everyone, is allowed to live.

I must.

[saoirseyun]

Something about having to take care of Chuuya after corruption.

POLL RESULTS.

—Especially during aftermaths are the most peaceful people could've ever been... Sample being right now; you and this injured lover of yours lie defeat on that lap, Chuuya. Earlier who was dropped off with his subordinates attached clear drawn scars that tattooed around all over the mafioso's weak body. A weak body that, you so generously and with affectionate to love took care of in those kind and home hands. Rubbed alcohol and stain of covered bandages to massage after. Wipe off the scratches then blood marks used ice packs. He stuffs a groan, amazed of the work put into healing, "..Y'er just never intimidated, huh?"

"I mean, well, it's beautiful. That kind of beauty... Would never ever scared me."

He snorts. "Corruption... Beautiful? I have no control on what'll I do. For worst case scenario, I could've hurt you, dammit! It's one of my worst moments... Always."

Is what you disagree. "Chuuya, please, love, look at me. Don't worry!" You issued a sweet smile. To heal that perplexed look on his face full of nothing but doubt and low self worth. Held together hands, "Our worst moments don't make us monsters."

[magic-shop-stories]

BTS as fathers pt.2 - YOONGI

other members JIN

pt.2 - YOONGI

Yoongi’s parenting style would be quiet piano melodies at 2 AM, handwritten notes tucked into lunchboxes, and a love so steady it feels like a heartbeat. He’s the dad who says little but sees everything.

💖 Emotional Side & Feelings

quietly devoted

actions > grand gestures

late-night tea talks

fixes broken toys/stuff without asking

introspective journaling

fears of emotional distance

love language: quality time & acts of service

all-night school project help

concert drives

soft at heart = tearing up at milestones, hidden behind a grumpy mask

Yoongi would express his deep love through subtle, consistent actions. He may appear reserved, yet every late-night conversation and gentle fix is a testament to his devotion. Though he worries about repeating his father’s emotional distance, he'd work hard to be fully present for his kids, even if it means muttering “Allergies” while wiping a stray tear at a piano recital.

👨‍👧‍👦 What He Does With His Kids

Music lessons: Home studio piano basics

“Finger placement matters. No, not like that...here.”

Quiet adventures: Indie bookstores, vinyl shops, late-night drives with lo-fi beats

Cooking: Simple meals like kimchi jjigae with extra tofu

“Eat. It’ll make you taller.”

EXTRA:

Vinyl Listening & Music Appreciation Nights: He has a deep love for analog music and storytelling through sound. On weekend nights, he'd sit in the studio or living room, with his kids dims the lights, and plays vinyl records, explaining what makes each song special

“Listen to this bassline—pure genius.”

sometimes, they take turns picking albums, and he lets them explain why they love certain songs.

he'd teach them how to handle vinyl properly

“No fingerprints. Treat it with respect.”

occasionally, he'd play them unreleased songs or rough demos, letting them hear his creative process

becomes a bonding ritual = music as a shared language between them

From teaching piano in his intimate studio to taking quiet midnight drives, Yoongi’s time with his kids would be filled with understated moments that nurture creativity and resilience. Whether whipping up a simple meal or listeninh to music together, every moment would be carefully crafted to make his children feel seen and supported.

📚 What He Teaches Them

Resilience

“Life’s not fair. But you’re tougher than you think.”

Creativity

“There’s no wrong way to create.”

Financial sense

“Save your allowance. That Dior hoodie isn’t worth it.” (Though earned, rewards follow)

Self-advocacy

“Speak up. Even if your voice shakes.”

Yoongi’s lessons would be straightforward and heartfelt. He'd emphasize bouncing back from setbacks, finding beauty in creative expression, and developing financial wisdom, often blending tough love with gentle encouragement to help his children forge their own paths.

💎 His Beliefs & Values

Mental health matters: open about anxiety

Work hard, rest harder: mandatory “lazy Sundays”

Privacy is sacred

shields from media, no paparazzi

With a balanced perspective shaped by his own challenges, Yoongi would instill values of self-care and privacy. He believes that mental health is as important as any achievement and ensures that his family has a sanctuary away from the public eye.

🚫 What He’s Strict About

Respect

“You can disagree without being cruel.” - then sits them in the studio to write down the sharpest punchlines together

Honesty

“Disappointing me is worse than making a mistake.”

Screen time: Limits social media; promotes creative hobbies

Alcohol: you might think he'd be chill about it but he'd be strict about underage drinking, but also teaches responsible choices when older

Firm and fair, Yoongi sets clear boundaries. He demands respect and honesty in every interaction and enforces sensible limits on screen time. Notably, he is resolute about alcohol—prohibiting it for underage kids while gradually educating them on responsibility as they grow.

🤒 Handling Tough Situations

When sick: methodical care (thermometer, homemade ginger tea, Studio Ghibli DVDs)

“Rest. I’ll handle the rest.”

Misbehavior: calm discussion

“Let’s talk about why you did that.”

logical consequences (e.g. volunteering if careless with a pet)

Heartbreak: shares personal tales of teenage angst over hot chocolate

“First love’s like a song—beautiful, but not always meant to last.”

Whether it’s a fever or a broken heart, Yoongi would handle crises with a steady, thoughtful approach. He'd create a healing environment, be it with a carefully measured dose of ginger tea or a quiet chat that puts life’s disappointments into perspective.

🎁 Typical Gifts

Vinyl records: rare pressings

(e.g., signed vinyl for 16th birthday)

“Don’t scratch it.”

Music gear: vintage guitar or MIDI controller

“Make something honest.”

Luxury staples: subtle Valentino accessories

“Take care of yourself. It’s not vanity, it’s self-respect.”

Every gift from Yoongi meticulously chosen to reflect his children’s passions and his own refined taste. From rare vinyl to quality music instruments and understated luxury items, his presents would be both meaningful and practical.

👧👦 Parenting Differences: Daughter and Son

For His Daughter:

fiercely protective yet promotes independence

“You don’t need anyone’s permission to take up space.”

admires her boldness

secretly preserves her protest art

encourages pursuit of STEM or music, whatever she loves

For His Son:

focuses on emotional intelligence

“Crying doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.”

bonds over basketball games (even if Yoongi is hopeless against his own son - YES! - believe me, he is good but his son would be better)

teaches practical skills: cooking, cleaning, money management

Yoongi would tailor his approach with care: nurturing his daughter’s independence and creative spirit while guiding his son to embrace vulnerability and practical life skills. His method would be to celebrate each child’s uniqueness while providing a consistent foundation of love and discipline.

💬 Typical Things He Says

“Think before you act. But don’t overthink.” “You’re allowed to be angry. Just don’t let it control you.” “If you’re going to fail, fail forward.” “Want a snack? I’ve got ...”

🌟 Family Rituals

Midnight snack sessions: 1 AM ramyeon under soft kitchen lights, life talks

Studio Saturdays: Home studio hangouts with doodles and songwriting

Annual hiking trips: Nature detoxes

“Fresh air fixes everything.”

Family time with Yoongi defined by unique rituals that blend creativity and calm. From spontaneous late-night snacks to relaxed studio sessions and refreshing hikes, these traditions cement the deep bonds they share.

🌍 Balancing Fame & Family

compartmentalizes work and home, home is sacred

occasional low-key studio sessions

no exploitation of their image

advocates for mental health resources for teens, inspired by his kids

Yoongi would masterfully separate his demanding career from his cherished family life. He'd ensure that his children are shielded from the limelight while still sharing bits of his world in a controlled, nurturing way.

💭 His Worries & Efforts

fears of emotional distance

schedules weekly “How’s your heart?” check-ins

overthinks birthday gifts to ensure they feel truly seen

quietly donates to youth art programs, promoting a kinder, less judgmental world

Haunted by the possibility of inheriting his father’s detachment, Yoongi would constantly strive to connect more deeply with his children. His careful efforts, both big and small, reveal a dad who is always learning, always loving, and always trying to create a better world for his kids.

[postcardsfromheapside]

Seeing the post again about the dialogue you can get if you bring Neve to the final battle, I really appreciate the nuance VG adds to difficult situations.

You can care about someone deeply, even love them - platonically, familially, romantically - and profoundly disagree with what they are doing to the point of thinking drastic actions need to be taken.

You can acknowledge that someone has committed crimes against you, your friends, or entire populations, and still believe they deserve a chance to try again.

You can recognize the trauma that you experienced in your past, that changed you utterly, and decide (in the limited scope of a video game) how to honor it and move forward.

You can be diametrically opposed with someone on multiple fronts (as Solas and Neve are), and recognize that you share some important values, and that they are not enough.

You make alliances with factions with whom you might not share most, or even some, of your values - some you might even find reprehensible - because your overarching problem is so important that you have to put your differences aside until the emergency is dealt with.

There have been more articulate posts around a few of these points, but what I want to drive at is that Veilguard refuses to fall into purity traps or “good vs evil” storytelling.

Character interpretation recently on social media (in general, not limited to DA) often runs along the lines of: "I am a good person, and I wouldn't like a bad character, therefore if I find myself attracted to a 'bad' character, they must secretly be good." And Veilguard refuses to play this game. Those baddies did it all, and they weren't sorry for it. Whether you can stomach their reasons is up to you.

I think it's why people get confused by the Crows. Are they supposed to be good? Or bad? It's not that simple, and the game is NOT holding your hand and telling you which one.

We like black & white answers, and Veilguard gives us none. That's true to life. There often - maybe usually - aren't clear answers. I love the very open-ended epilogue, where we're free to imagine how Thedas moves forward (there's a great post here detailing possibilities and the current state of things).

That liminality is where growth happens.

[kingcrossbones]

The first couple of days Brock was a ball of tense twisted nerves, lashing out at anyone who disagreed with him even in the slightest, picking out fights and frustrated when they all bowed their heads, that was not satisfying either. He didn't know what he wanted anymore but as the days passed and with some select few that were there for him no matter what, namely the two people he'd leave his life in their hands, he slowly remembered what it was like, how things should be and why he loved what he did. After all, it was all for the greater good. He reminded himself that he was doing it for those that were not so fortunate to take a stance, like his mother that even though he hated her, he knew she was just a symptom of a much bigger problem. It wasn't hard to lose his temper when an ignorant god that knew nothing of the life of people at the bottom of the pile. These people didn't have a choice and Brock started to understand that a god never would know what true powerlessness was like.

When Pierce called him in his office, he already had an idea of what's it gonna be about but the Brock that he was 2 weeks ago, wanting to do his best at helping Loki, was not the same one as todays'. He did appreciate director Pierce, even though he was creepy as fuck and the way he handled the Asset was, in Brock's opinion, uncalled for, the man did know how to run and manage things. As he listened, Brock sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, his lips pursing as he was biting back his words, but he knew that Pierce was right. He was much too hopeful and blinded by the Asgardian's potential to see the truth. That the Aesir was nothing but a stubborn God, too alien and ignorant to understand. He noticed the disappointment in Pierce's eyes and he didn't comment. He was right. Brock was dumb to think that in a few weeks he could have an ally. It was his wish to cause as little harm as possible that was his biggest mistake.

Before the director opened the door where he assumed Loki was kept, he reached out a hand to halt Pierce for a moment. "Sir, I wanna acknowledge that I've made mistakes, and thank you for giving me the time to process this. I know you didn't have to, which is what makes it more valuable to me. Just wanna make it clear that I do understand now." and with a short head tilt, showing respect to the man that taught him so much, he stepped aside.

He took in the Aesir's state without any sympathy. He felt as hollow as if he was presented a blank wall. Looking back at Pierce after he explained the situation, Brock nodded in acknowledgement and watched him leave, the door clanking shut with a resounding metal noise that echoed though the eerily quiet room. Brock walked closer to the Asset, a small sneer of disgust on his face as he grabbed at the other's jaw, looking into each of his eyes, squeezing his cheeks, the fingers digging into the flesh and felt the flesh beneath his fingers moving over his teeth and prying open Loki's mouth. Brock spat in his mouth and shoved him snarling, "Yer welcome, you fuckin piece of trash!"

"They don't know you're awake yet. Stay down."

Loki had briefly started to sit up, but the harshly growled whisper to stay down kept him in his place. He was all for keeping himself alive and safe and if this man's tone was anything to go off of, it would serve him well to listen. His green eyes were focused intensely on the man next to him, "Who is 'they' and why are you helping me?" He asked, voice barely above a whisper to avoid arousing the attention of the other people in the room.

@kingcrossbones

[sirfrogsworth]

i figure you're probably getting a lot of angry and hurtful messages and comments about your empathy for evil people post, so i just wanted to say i really admire your integrity. it's hard to feel that way towards these people, but i think you're right. it doesn't excuse their actions but it does help us understand them, which can help us fight them while also identifying and not giving in to our own evil impulses. i also admire how you've responded to these comments, by treating them with empathy and gentleness too. it's clear you've treated empathy like a discipline, and i truly respect that.

i just wanted to send you some support. you're not alone in this corner, and i think it is important work. not for everyone to deal with directly, but you're good at it, and i'm glad you're challenging others to try

I appreciate that. Thank you. And thank you to all the others who have expressed the same sentiment.

Honestly the reception has been mostly positive. And a lot of great conversations are happening in the notes of that post. And I'm seeing a lot of additions that have helped me clarify and understand what I'm feeling. So overall I'm glad I vented those thoughts out in the middle of the night when I was tired and not concentrating well. Those foggy thoughts turned into something positive.

The negative stuff is always louder. And I wish I had a way to focus on the good in proportion to the bad. But the hurtful things just stick with me a lot more. Personally I deal with it by responding and hoping some of my words are absorbed. It is a technique that has helped me find closure throughout the years. Some prefer to block. Some prefer to ignore. But I need to respond at least once and attempt to find an understanding and rebut the things I disagree with. I have changed a few minds over the years. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

And, in this case, we are essentially on the same side. So I don't feel like I'm talking to a wall like with MAGA folks.

One thing I never used to do was tell people they hurt me. I would act like it all bounced off me. But I just don't have the energy or will to pretend anymore. So I now let people know upfront. I say, "This hurt me. Your words caused me harm." And I think with my normal civil responses that I've been doing for years, that little change has helped me process the hurt and move on much faster.

I also recognize how scared people are. And I get the feeling a lot of these folks are much younger than me. And a lot of them are queer. Society made it seem like that was more okay than ever. And a lot of people decided to be themselves very publicly and it seemed safe. It seemed like progress had been made.

And that progress undid itself very quickly.

And now this thing that felt so freeing feels like they unknowingly put a giant fucking target on themselves.

Anger, fear, anxiety... I recognize it in the people giving me a hard time. I disagree with them about empathy and humanization. But I understand how they probably got to that mindset. I have similar thoughts when I am at the height of fear and anger. And that's where my empathy helps temper them.

Their first instinct is always to dig in and double down. I know it takes a lot of willpower to resist that initial instinct. I've had years of practice resisting that. But I know how hard it used to be to admit I was wrong and change my perspective.

But I do hope my words and the words of all of the people contributing amazing thoughts to that post will get through eventually. I ask that people give them a little grace in the hopes that may happen.

[numberoneredriotfan]

Tw: Mentions of child abuse and sa

Mitsuki Bakugou is such an interesting character to me... I know everyone is always quick to either defend or accuse her (of abuse), but honestly, I don't think her treatment of Bakugou is a black and white topic.

First point, I know the show frames Bakugou's violent nature as something that's been apart of him since he was a kid. Like, he was just born like that of course!

It is somewhat pictured this way in team up missions. But let's be honest, children grow up following their parents as an example. I don't like the whole excuse that the only reason Mitsuki is violent towards Bakugou bc Bakugou is violent towards her. Why is he violent towards her?? It's completely plausible that Mitsuki was violent and aggressive even before Bakugou was born, and Bakugou somewhat led by her example. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, you know?

This scene in particular is interesting. People who defend Mitsuki are often quick to say that, well, he was yelling at her, so of course she hit him!

First off... your child lashing at you should not be an excuse to hit them. Bakugou was just yelling here, he didn't make any violent threat or action towards he. And, it's also good to note that before this, she had hit Bakugou for literally no reason...

Like... we can see here that Bakugou was just sitting there quietly. He even looks a little dejected (understandable considering what he had just gone through). This slap was completely unprovoked??? Of course, this is played off for laughs, but it really gives you an insight on their dynamic. And just after Mitsuki hit him, Bakugou even exclaimed "that hurt!" (In the english dub) ....prompting her to hit him again, as I showed above. This is obviously concerning. And yes, you can argue that dealing with Bakugou's violent and aggressive nature simply wore her out to this point, but again, where do we draw the line with using physical violence against your child?? Does being bratty excuse it?? Does having good intentions excuse it?? What excuses it?? It becomes really hard to justify it when you ask yourself those questions.

Bakugou also makes these comments when they're trying to win over the Masegaki kids... confirming that Mitsuki used violence towards him even as a young child.

Furthermore, Mitsuki isn't painted in the best light even outside of Bakugou... some people may disagree, but Masaru and Mitsuki don't seem to have a healthy marriage. At all. In fact, it seems to be almost abusive to an extent.

This seems to be the normal dynamic in the Bakugou household. Which um. Isn't healthy in the slightest. It's ALSO implied that Mitsuki forced herself on him...

"So you couldn't refuse her." Hello?

I will address that Masaru is blushing in that panel, so it could be seen that Masaru was reciprocating with Mitsuki's "flirtations" but still, "pounced" is an interesting choice of words. This is also played off for comedy because we all know how well shounen treats male sa victims.

She also goes as far to say-

Mitsuki is blatantly victim blaming here. Even if she wasn't being serious, or putting on a front for the teachers, this is a horrible things to say to your son who just went through something traumatizing. It's often ignored because of his brash nature, that Bakugou is still a kid. He was only fifeteen or sixteen at the time he was kidnapped. He has to live with the burden of feeling like he was the reason for his idol's fall. That is a LOT of turmoil for a kid to go through. Imagine you're in the midst of dealing with all that, and your mom insinuates that it's YOUR fault. That's awful. Even if Mitsuki was putting on a front, how was Bakugou supposed to know that??

So, it's pretty obvious that the way Mitsuki treats Bakugou is abuse. But, does mean that Mitsuki doesn't care about Bakugou?? No. Of course not. She loves her son, and it's clear she does. To us, at least.

We see her affectionately looking at her son's photo album.

She admits that she was worried about him while loving ruffling his hair.

She absentmindedly thinks about how he isn't a fan of rain when he's away.

Mitsuki loves Bakugou. There's no doubt about that. But unfortunately, kids will only ever see how their parents present themselves towards them. We can see that Bakugou was present when Mitsuki admitted that she was worried about him, but that was still after she had hit him and victim blamed him. And Bakugou in that panel... almost looked used to it. Used to receiving hits and used to having her do a motherly gesture every now and then, giving him mixed signals. That must be a very stressful way to grow up.

Yes, we can blame Bakugou's quirk, how everyone hyped him up for his current behavior... but if we dig a bit deeper, are those really the only reasons he was so violent towards others?? Or is it possible that he was subconsciously mimicking his mother's behavior?? This does NOT excuse Bakugou's behavior, but it does help put things into perspective.

I think that while Mitsuki loves her son, Bakugou will always have conflicting feelings towards her, and that may end up with their relationship being strained as he reaches adulthood.

Honestly, it's concerning how when dealing with the Todoroki family, Horikoshi portrayed Endeavor's abuse in a serious light, showing how it impacted Todoroki and the family. But Mitsuki, her abuse towards her son is consistently plays off for laughs. As a gag of sorts. That's the common pattern when we see Mitsuki act that way towards Bakugou, it's always framed in a comedic light. Why is that when it's a conventionally attractive woman doing the abuse it's funny?

I have thoughts on Masaru too, but that's a whole other post... so for now, I'll say that Masaru is also complicit in Mitsuki's treatment towards Bakugou, but also a victim of his wife.

You are feel free to have a different take on Mitsuki, but this is how I read her character.

[youareinlove]

the only problem that i have with jason is that he doesn’t seem to respect the boundaries travis is clearly drawing. i do think he has good intentions but he talks too much sometimes

i think he's just not totally picking up what's being put down, but it comes from a good place, and i really think this is a problem that could be solved with a conversation or some time. they're clearly very close still and i doubt that's changing anytime soon (also the fact that a conversation hasn't happened makes me think it's less of an issue day-to-day than it seems like it is to us)

[labyrinthiancrossroads]

For anyone wanting more here is a sneak peak for chapter two! (no editing done yet so excuse any mistakes)

“Just ‘cause Aeron Bracken is such a pretty boy doesn’t mean I have to be.” He grumbled at himself in the mirror, frowning deeply, he continued to adjust his shirt.

“Are you talking to yourself now?” Benjicot yelled from the other side of the door. “Dude can you have your breakdown or whatever somewhere else? I gotta piss!” Having his little cousin rush the same fraternity as him had seemed kind of fun, at first. His little cousin was now his little brother under fraternity rules and they’d always gotten along, only two years apart, growing up in houses next to each other. But now the little fucker had grown to be a goddamn nuisance to Davos. Benji had always been on the shyer side, he was more withdrawn and thoughtful than Davos ever was, but with those he was close with he was a cunning irritating little mischief maker. Benji was now plenty close with the Kappa Tau boys and didn’t shy away from being a pain in Davos�� ass whenever the opportunity presented itself. “Dude! Unlock the door.” The boy downright whined.

Davos practically ripped open the door to glare at his cousin. “You couldn’t piss downstairs? Or outside for all I care.”

“Ew. No. Move.” Benjicot shoved in past Davos, ignoring that he had not actually been let in. 

“I wasn’t done. Asshat.” He grumbled, moving to put away the hair products that were scattered across the counter, those in the house who actually used any product mostly just shared, taking turns buying what they needed.

“Why are you being so weird anyway?” Benji asked, already unzipping his pants without a care.

“I’m not.” Davos turned the things he’d thrown off, stuffing jewelry in his pockets and draping his shirts and pants over his forearm. 

“Yeah, you are. We’ve known each other for too long for you to pull one over on me, mate. You meeting someone?”

Davos cleared his throat, shrugged one shoulder. “Something like that.” He mumbled, finally leaving the bathroom.

------

“I was just thinking and looking in your general direction! It’s not that deep, Davos.” Truthfully Aeron had been thinking that he hadn’t seen the other boy look so…put together, in his own way.

Davos rolled his eyes, ashing his cigarette. “Fine, whatever, but keeping things from your boyfriend is a bad look.” When he smiled at Aeron it looked sharp and like it was all teeth, it made a shiver run through him. The way Davos said the word ‘boyfriend’ made Aeron’s stomach flip weirdly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He sassed back, trying not to seem affected. “Can we figure out this arrangement so I can go back to living my life?”

“Hey, I’m the one doing you a favor here.” Davos reminded him with a sneer.

“Right, well, we should probably get into that. That is why we’re here.”

“Yeah.” He agreed, sitting up in his chair and leaning forward, blowing smoke out of one side of his mouth. “So what is the set up for this? Want to invite me to the Bracken family dinner to piss off the old cunts?” 

“Can you maybe be a little less- harsh? They’re still my family, not all of them are horrible.”

“Agree to disagree.” He snarked back, but cut Aeron off before he could respond to that. “But fine, I’ll try and reign myself in - for now.”

“Thanks.” Aeron grumbled. “So, it’s…well our original idea is a bit more involved than that.” He admitted. “If that’s okay with you, that is. We can scale it back if you want.”

Davos wore an amused smirk. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“Well, my cousin Erwin is getting married in a couple months. It’s this whole big thing, of course, a big destination wedding.”

“Ohh, I see.”

“Yeah, Aly and I-” Aeron felt the need to bring up that another person had thought this was a good idea and he hadn’t cooked it up on his own. Which probably didn’t bode well for the plan overall; Aeron was choosing to ignore those danger signs. “-thought it would be pretty…- funny? Great? Eye-opening? - to sort of ‘trap’ my homophobic family members with my boyfriend as their guest. The Bracken’s are very proud and we value hospitality, especially for guests. But we also value how people see us and, of course, we value our faith.”

“It would be pitting all their principles against each other, all at once, constantly.”

I Know I'm Just a Phase Chapter One: The Deal

Fandom: House of The Dragon

Pairing: Davos Blackwood x Aeron Bracken

Rating: Mature+

Tags/Tropes: Fake/Pretend Dating, Modern Setting, College/University, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Pining, Angst, Vaction, Frat Boy Davos, Teasing, Banter, The Lads (Fire & Blood), Meeting the Parents

Summary: “What would I be getting out of it?” “Ah, yeah, that…well, I figured you might have fun wreaking havoc on the Bracken family and, uh, I honestly couldn’t think of something else you’d need from me so I thought you could tell me what you want in return?” “Like an ‘I owe you’ situation.” “Yeah, next time you need a favor you know I’ll get you, no matter what.” Davos hummed thoughtfully, “How about we go over the terms of this little arrangement and then I’ll tell you if I’m signing up for this nonsense."

---

or Aeron wants to get back at his family for not accepting him being gay so he decides to date someone who would piss them off for more than just being a boy - Davos Blackwood.

[buddieism]

tommy's character, bucktommy's inherent flaws, tommy & eddie as mirrors and buddie endgame; a (lengthy) meta analysis

honestly, what's really confirmed my feelings about tommy (and the imminent bucktommy bones -> buddie pipeline) is that there have now been multiple opportunities for the writers to actually make tommy a likeable/serious love interest for buck and they just…haven’t. because while fans are naturally going to overanalyse every little thing, the vast majority of the show's audience are regular viewers who consume the show at face value and don't think twice about it -- so if tommy was intended to be buck's endgame or anything remotely close to it, they'd absolutely want to make the most of his (very limited) screen time to present him in the best light they could. think about karen, the only non-main LI, and how she was introduced to us -- despite hen's cheating, we can see how dedicated karen and hen are to each other and how karen is a complex character in her own right who is immediately easy to root for and love.

comparatively, when we look at tommy's s7 appearances and specifically his interactions with buck, it becomes abundantly clear that there isn't really much depth to their relationship at all. which is fine! it's just... you know. fine. let's get into it.

following the cruise arc, we watch tommy through buck's eyes in 7x04 where he's basically wining and dining eddie -- flying him to vegas, getting them front row tickets to a fight, sparring with him in muay thai, playing pick up basketball with him -- tommy and eddie are so similar (which we'll come back to later), and we even get that line from eddie about how well they "click." as the audience, we are being subconsciously told to align tommy and eddie together -- and furthermore, we are told that tommy can easily make grand gestures when he wants to. now let's compare that to the bucktommy moments of the season.

bucktommy's first date: tommy makes a shady comment that would have outed buck if eddie or marisol caught onto it and then proceeds to abandon him on the sidewalk because he thinks buck isn't "ready" for a relationship with a man

i'll be objective here -- i understand in a show like 911 there's always going to be "unnecessary" relationship conflict for the sake of drama and i can also see how buck trying to play off their date as platonic to eddie might have put a bad taste in tommy's mouth. but we hear from tommy himself that he struggled with being open about his sexuality when he was at the 118 so he could have absolutely extended some sympathy towards buck for not wanting to come out on the spot to his best friend -- especially when tommy fully knows how important of a role eddie plays in buck's life. at the very least, he didn't have to leave buck alone on the curb. this isn't me trying to woobify buck because yeah, he's a grown man, he's fine -- but that doesn't mean it still isn't a bit of an asshole move.

the bachelor party: tommy doesn't dress up for the theme and dismisses buck when he's clearly disappointed about him doing so

tommy showing zero interest for the bachelor party buck planned is practically the writers waving a massive red flag in front of the camera -- him having to leave because he's on call is an understandable 'conflict' plot point but why not have him show up in an 80s themed outfit? it wouldn't have changed anything except that he and buck would have had a positive interaction; buck would have been happy that tommy cared enough to make that small gesture and it could have been a cute way to establish their relationship as one built on mutual effort. (btw, the bucktommy hospital kiss could be seen as a big gesture, sure -- but from a more practical viewpoint knowing how rushed this season had to be, it was also just an easy way for buck to "come out" to the rest of the 118 without having to spend too much episode airtime on it.)

the medal ceremony: tommy says 'enjoy it while it lasts' (which, LOL) and also is not shown reacting to buck receiving his medal. he also has a conversation with henren in a deleted scene.

again, i'm going to try to give tommy the benefit of the doubt -- i'm not saying he has to be sunshine and rainbows all the time and i have no issue with a character having a snarky/sarcastic side. but when his screentime is so minimal, every line of dialogue matters. and it's pretty damning that the writers aren't taking those few chances to give us something to appreciate about him. with buck, tommy makes a dismissive comment for literally zero reason, and with hen and karen, who are rightfully looking out for their friend, tommy refuses to take them seriously at all.

bucktommy's dinner in the finale: buck displays some vulnerability about losing bobby, and tommy... really doesn't seem to care.

honestly i refuse to rewatch this part of the ep because it really icks me out on another level but iirc: buck says he's glad bobby's okay because bobby is like the father he never had -> tommy says "your father's alive" -> something something joke about daddy issues. ignoring #that joke entirely, it's really insane to me that they have tommy even acknowledge the nuclear bomb that is buck's relationship with his parents. yes, we had a bit of a ham-fisted 'redemption arc' in s6 but that doesn't negate the buckley parents being absolutely heinous and the fact that buck verbalises how bobby played the role of the father figure because philip didn't -- all for tommy to basically deny that to his face -- is absurd. tommy has expressed on multiple occasions that he's jealous of the 118 family bond, so this line is just... very interesting to me.

now, let's recap all these events and bring eddie back into the mix!

post-bucktommy's first date, buck is more torn up about the fact that he lied to eddie than the actual date to the point that he has to vent to maddie about it. he then comes out to eddie, who is incredibly supportive (and oliver and ryan make some very curious acting choices indeed). eddie is reiterated as one of buck's most significant relationships.

pre-bachelor party, eddie is the one to suggest he and buck dress in matching (queer-coded) costumes. he then stays by buck's side at the party when everyone else leaves and although we'll never get to see it (tim minear i'm inside your walls👹), they sing an absurdly romantic karaoke song together. eddie is reiterated as one of buck's most significant relationships.

during the medal ceremony, when the camera pans to each member of the 118's love interest/family, it is eddie we are shown smiling at buck, not tommy. this is especially interesting considering we get buck reacting to tommy. i honestly can't get over how a reciprocated tommy reaction would have been an easy yet significant moment to cement bucktommy as a relationship, but they gave us eddie's instead (with chris in the background and marisol conveniently obscured, mind you). eddie is reiterated as one of buck's most significant relationships.

in the final episode, when eddie is experiencing his personal worst nightmare, buck is the one at eddie's side every step of the way. buck talks to christopher, buck reassures eddie (without judgement), and it's made clear that buck will be there for eddie, whatever he needs.

at every possible opportunity, we the audience are being implicitly told that eddie is buck's person. he is his place of support (buck having his more vulnerable coming out scene with eddie rather than his sister); he has buck's back (the bachelor party); he is his family (medal ceremony reaction), and ultimately, this goes both ways (finale).

some other things worth noting: when buck has his coming out scene with maddie, she tells him he's confused about his feelings in a way that seems to indicate she's talking about his feelings towards eddie ("if you there's something you need to tell eddie, you will"). in bobby's conversation with buck in the firehouse, he's verbally supportive of tommy and even asks if buck is going to see him, but buck goes to eddie's house instead. these were deliberate choices made by the writers; eddie has been consistently intertwined in bucktommy's relationship both overtly and subtextually throughout the entirety of s7. and let's not even get into the whole 'evan' thing, because that could be a whole other post in itself.

from the first moment we start to learn about tommy's character (beyond his... coloured past), we find out that he and eddie are practically mirrors. why not make tommy and buck share similar interests? why not give them something to bond over? why present tommy and eddie as almost identical in every way? because tommy is a placeholder for eddie. buck's initial bisexuality journey can't happen with eddie when eddie still hasn't come to terms with his own feelings. so, in the meantime, tommy is the "safe" choice in buck's mind because buck has nothing to lose with tommy whereas he's got everything to lose with eddie. buck can't confront what he truly wants yet because the risk factor is far greater and it's been repeatedly asserted that buck has an issue with people in his life leaving -- he would never do anything to jeopardise his relationship with eddie.

but ultimately (and in my opinion, fairly soon), we are going to get that moment where it "clicks" for buck and he realises that it is eddie he has feelings for. and when that happens, there's basically only one way it can go. we know buck can't keep secrets from eddie; we know eddie is going into s8 feeling "isolated"; we know tim loves making his characters suffer before they can be happy. in my mind, the narrative is going to go something like this: buck feelings realisation -> pining buck era -> eddie healing journey and a reevaluation of what buck means to him -> some insane life-threatening situation that really doubles down on how buck and eddie care more about each other than anyone else because it is 9-1-1 at the end of the day -> love confession induced by their dramatic near-death experience -> #BUDDIE_CANON !

when we factor in how there was a possibility of eddie having the sexuality arc this season instead, how tim has said buddie is one of his favourite dynamics of the show, and how supportive both oliver and ryan are of the ship, i really can't see how everything isn't building to buddie endgame. every other main pairing of the show has had seasons of development, of conflict, of bonding moments. buck and eddie have gone through that with each other time and time over (tsunami/lawsuit/shooting arc etc), which is why every other random love interest that's introduced for either of them falls flat in comparison. they quite literally are exactly what the other person needs; buck wants the stability of a home, a family, and unconditional love; eddie wants someone he can trust, a caretaker for his son but also a partner. buddie is the ship the audience wants to root for, because we know they work! now that we have canonically bisexual buck and eddie finally having to face his complicated feelings about losing shannon, buddie isn't just the logical conclusion -- it's the inevitable one.

[olisephaa]

The leaks abt the new Viktor VGU confirming they're replacing all of his old skins and designs with the Arcane version is.... So so disappointing. I want to cry in frustration. Old Lore Viktor is self made, he and Jayce clashed over a difference in morals that were still understandable and grounded in reality. Viktor left, created his new body HIMSELF and used his ingenuity to help the people of Zaun. To replace all that with a sleek iPad version where he just gets possessed by an infected magic orb and ascends to godhood or whatever is SUCH a let down.

[pastryjay]

I know some OFMD fans have become more biased against Izzy content, Izzy fans, and Con himself due to two years of discourse, and I get it, but that is not an excuse for this. Some people have to be more careful/ respectful of the way they talk about Con O'Neill.

Context: he streamed a workshop about creative insults titled 'How To f*ck off with Con O'Neill'. This was explicitly stated to be for people 18+ only. At one point, he was seen briefly wearing only boxer shorts and a t-shirt in his own home. This was in a non-sexual context - he was just sitting down. Now, he's being called out for sexual harrassment and indecent exposure because of that.

Firstly, i'd like to say that anybody loudly offended by this 'incident' has made it clear that they didn't attend the workshop, and those who did attend are fine with it. The Venn diagram of people who wanted to attend that event and people who love Con's cheeky humour is a circle. Con knows his audience and his audience know him. You, random person who doesn't like Con much anyway, don't have to like it but it making you uncomfortable doesn't mean it is morally wrong.

It's important to note that Con O'Neill is open about being queer and proud about that. He is not shy about his sexuality or willing to censor his queerness e.g. he's not afraid to make suggestive (but not overly explicit) jokes or show his support for queer fanart. That is a good thing! It reeks of homophobia seeing him getting accused of being perverted just for existing as himself. It's not the first time either. In the past, OFMD fans have called him gross, a freak and creepy for sharing suggestive fanart to his Instagram.

It's wild to see all the focus on a cheeky, harmless moment when there are so, so many real issues in the world. Countless people are out there committing real sexual harrassment daily. Focusing on this queer man over nothing is dangerous. Accusing queer people of preying on those around them just by existing is literally right-wing rhetoric. Especially as there is a bigger push than ever from right-wing politicians to paint queer people as dangerous predators. Censorship, homophobia and puritanism is not welcome in the fandom for a show about queer joy.

Lastly, To the people mad about this: Why are you fine with anybody posting thirst traps online or people existing in swimwear in public, but you cry about 'not consenting' to seeing a queer man in boxer shorts and a shirt? Why are you upset about Con doing this, but love it when Rhys Darby posts shirtless photos to his Insta stories for fans? Why is it okay for most people to be comfortable in their sexuality/ their own body... but not Con?

I know the kind of people who need to see this probably won't take any of it on board, but it is really uncomfortable to see the way some people are talking. If many people like myself (I have been very critical of some Izzy fans and mostly avoid Izzy content) disagree with you, maybe you should re-think what you are saying.

[faggling]

ive decided im singlehandedly going to bring mr robot back from the dead because if any show deserves to have a revival in popularity it does

like.

can you fucking imagine the discourse??? the possibilities are endless

[wouldtheybecomeafearavatar]

Can I ask—what’s the difference between “by coercion” and “unawareness/conditioning”?

Yeah, sometimes I wonder if the wording is a bit confusing. As it's put in the intro post:

Yes, by coercion: they would go through with it, but only if threatened with a loved one's life or something along those lines.

Yes, by unawareness or conditioning: they wouldn't realize until it's too late or would be raised to be an avatar, unaware their way of existence is not normal.

To explain a bit further (spoilers for several character arcs in TMA):

Coercion means the character would be forced or manipulated into it by someone or something. It requires a degree of awareness of what is happening (otherwise they'd go under unawareness).

Robert Montauk being forced to work for The People's Church of the Divine Host to get his wife back could be an example, though I'm not sure he ever achieved full Dark avatar status.

Basira would have ended up in this category if she'd continued to work for the institute long enough to become an Eye avatar, as Elias forced her to sign the contract under threat of Daisy's life.

I'd probably put Martin in the coercion category too, since he was going along with Peter Lukas and The Lonely to potentially save Jon.

Conditioning means that the character was groomed into it by someone from a young age, or born to be an avatar. It should be noted that this only applies to people or beings who under other circumstances could have made a different choice. A being that came into existence as an expression of a Fear would be manifestation instead.

Agnes Montague is kind of the defining example of this category, though members of the Lukas family being raised into it also count.

I think Gerry Keay could be another example of this. Eye avatarhood specifically wasn't a foregone conclusion for him, but he never really had a chance at a normal life. Willingly may be more accurate; he didn't choose to get involved with the Fears, but he did choose The Eye.

Unawareness is pretty self-explanatory, though I would point out this doesn't mean that the character never realises they are transforming. That (strictly speaking) wouldn't actually work, since becoming an avatar does require an active choice at some point. In this case it's more that the character doesn't realise until they're at the point of no return and the choice they are making is between death or becoming an avatar. If they refuse once they realise it'd be "go along but stop before transformation".

Jon is an example. Coercion could also be argued, given that Elias was definitely pushing him to go further and further using the (false) threat of the Unknowing, but I think Jon was too unaware of how he was being manipulated to go in coercion.

I think Michael Shelley would also go into this category. He was manipulated into it by Gertrude, but he had no idea what was going to happen. His case is a bit of a strange one in general though, I'm not sure he even had any affinity for The Distortion to start with.

At the end of the day, these are just my opinions and you can vote however you want, but I hope this helps answer your question! (Sorry for the essay)

[soliloquics]

at   the   end   of   the   day,   his   family   was   both   bound   to   find   out   eventually   and   deserved   to   hear   of   changes   in   his   life   that   beckoned   further   adjustments;   they   had   already   spoken   about   marriage,   after   all,   and   he   had,   in   a   moment   of   weakness,   agreed   that   boothill   would   be   permitted   to   meet   his   parents,   at   least.   vesta   could,   of   course,   not   be   excluded,   and   he   would   not   wish   her   to   be,   either.   preparing   some   sort   of   speech   first   would   be   pointless,   too;   lamenting   timing   would   only   hold   true   if   he   actually   needed   it   to   get   his   thoughts   in   order.

❛    is   it   truly   a   wise   choice   to   disagree   with   erudition   itself   ?   ❜   he   mused   aloud,   though   the   question,   and   his   tone,   carried   a   spark   of   mockery.   thankfully,   that   particular   topic   was   cut   short   as   his   sister   cleared   his   desk,   though   he   scowled   at   her   along   the   way.   ❛    i   know   well   enough   you   were   taught   to   behave   better   than   that,   ❜   he   scolded,   first.   ❛    a   boyfriend,   to   simplify   it   for   you.   ❜

If she was being honest, she would have been decorating his room even if he hadn't given her express permission to do so if only to punish him for leaving for so long. "I don't truly believe in such a thing as a genius." She comments. Of course she freezes when he so casually admits to having a partner like one would when saying the weather or telling time.

Slowly does she turn to him and stares, acknowledging his reluctance to look at her. So, she scoops everything off of the desk, placing it to the side and then returns.

"A what?"

[blueteller]

Cale and Impostor Syndrome

From discord, sent by @Jalffy22's dad, who apparently used Chatgpt… to diagnose Cale with Impostor Syndrome?? As well as my own thoughts on analysis on it.

Cale Henituse is a character from the popular Korean web novel series "Trash of the Count's Family" written by Yoo Ryeo Han. Impostor syndrome can be explained in the context of Cale Henituse and his journey within the story. Cale Henituse, as a character, experiences various aspects of Impostor Syndrome: Comparing Himself to Others: Throughout the story, Cale Henituse often finds himself comparing his abilities to those of other characters, especially his closest allies and mentors. This self-comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially when he believes he falls short in comparison to powerful figures like Alberu Crossman or Raon Miru. Downplaying His Achievements: Despite his significant accomplishments, Cale often downplays his own achievements. He might attribute his successes to luck or the help of others, rather than acknowledging his own talents and efforts. Fear of Being Unmasked: Cale's reluctance to reveal his true identity as the "Trash of the Count's Family" can be seen as a manifestation of impostor syndrome. He fears being exposed as a fraud, even though he consistently takes on important roles and responsibilities within the story. Reluctance to Seek Help: Cale often hesitates to seek assistance or advice from others, even when he faces challenging situations. This hesitancy may stem from a belief that he should be able to handle everything on his own, contributing to his impostor syndrome. Setting Unrealistic Standards: Cale frequently sets high and often unrealistic standards for himself, striving for perfection in his decisions and actions. This tendency can lead to stress and burnout as he constantly pushes himself to be better. In the context of Cale Henituse and his experiences, here's how you can relate impostor syndrome to your passion for "Trash of the Count's Family" or to your own experiences: Recognize Your Achievements: Just as Cale should acknowledge his accomplishments, you should recognize and celebrate your own successes and contributions in your passion. Understand that your engagement and dedication are valuable. Embrace Learning: Accept that it's okay not to know everything about the story or the characters. "Trash of the Count's Family" is filled with intricate plotlines and characters, and it's natural to learn and grow along the way. Seek Support: Connect with other fans of the series who share your passion. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts can help you gain a deeper understanding of the story and characters, and it can provide valuable support. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. It's perfectly normal to have limitations and areas where you may not have all the answers or insights. Self-compassion can go a long way in alleviating feelings of impostor syndrome. Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable goals within your passion that align with your knowledge and interests. This will help you enjoy your journey while gradually building your expertise. Remember that impostor syndrome can affect anyone, even fictional characters like Cale Henituse. By recognizing your own worth and embracing your passion for "Trash of the Count's Family," you can overcome impostor syndrome and fully enjoy your involvement in the fandom.

***

Now, with the AI stuff out of the way… (Man it really feels like reading a medical textbook doesn't it? You can tell it was written by an AI…) Let's discuss what our dear AI told us about Impostor Syndrome, and how Cale is overcoming it throughout the story.

That aspect can be easily overlooked, even though Cale clearly experiences character growth as time goes on. Sure, it's snail-paced and it can be frustrating at times – but you can blame it all on the trauma. A 36-year-old man with a list of traumas long enough to fill a restaurant menu sure deserves to be given some slack for being a bit slow on the "healing" process.

Comparing Himself to Others vs Embracing Learning

Unlike what AI stated, Cale really doesn't compare himself to others all that much – at least not directly.

Cale is not the type to say, "I am a much worse person than Choi Han." Cale is the type to say, "My past is nothing interesting to talk about, really. Now Choi Han, he's such an admirable guy. He managed to stay a good guy despite all the hardships he suffered through. Might have been that good family influence he got in his childhood." Now, unless we know the information that Cale is ommitting here – the abuse at the hands of his uncle and a terrible childhood overall – we wouldn't know that by all this, Cale is actually saying "Choi Han is a better person than me, might have been because he was raised right and I wasn't." Thing is, I don't believe even Cale himself realizes that's what he's doing. He would probably deny it, if someone tried to confront him about him.

It is true, however, that Cale often insults himself, while praising others at the same time, in quite the hypocritical fashion. If Cale saves someone, he's doing it "because of self-serving reasons". If someone else saves someone, in his eyes, they're a good person. You can clearly see the pattern here.

However, the "embracing learning" comes in where Cale starts raising children, and they pick up his mannerisms and behaviour. Most of the time, Cale stays completely oblivious to his own influence. "Where did they learn that?" he asks, hilariously, while it's extremely obvious to the readers exactly where they learned it: YOU, CALE!!!

But Cale learns. He watches his children grow, he watches his allies grow, and he feels proud. He's accepting his role in their life as someone they deeply care about. Someone they wish to protect. He starts avoiding injuries for their sake. And sure, he still has those dumb moments of "Well I didn't even cough blood this time, do I really deserves this reward?", it doesn't change the fact that he's getting better at this. At being appreciated. …Worshipped? Heck no, he'll run as fast as he can in the opposite way. Appreciated by his family? He's getting better. Where he used to deny the kids head pats in the beginning, now he pets them all the time. He eats Raon's apple pie not just out of hunger, but because it's from his son, and it makes him feel better because of the connection. Slowly, he's leaving self-deprecation behind and embrances his family. It's incredibly heartwarming and sweet to watch 💖

Downplaying His Achievements vs Recognizing His Achievements

Yet another snail-paced progress we can observe, but it does exist nonetheless. Cale downplays his achievements mostly as a self-defense machenism. Taking that much responsibility on himself is SCARY. He said so himself right at the start of the novel: "Kim Rok Soo knew that the responsiblity for the lives of people is a very scary thing". …Funny how he keeps taking the initiative then, isn't it?? But despite all his denial, Cale isn't stupid. He knows exactly how much his actions changed the world; the scale of it is frightening. Nevertheless, he dismisses it all for the sake of his dream – becoming a slacker. He does not want the fame of a hero who saved everyone. He wants to rest!!! But, yet again, his family enters the picture here. Cale doesn't need to be the hero for them to love him. They are grateful for all he has done for them, but it's not a fanatical worship; it's love, thankfulness, appreciation. By the end of Part 1, Cale admits to Alberu and Eruhaben's faces that "he finally starts considering his own life a bit precious". That is a very big moment! It might seem like the lightest of concessions, but it's a huge step for someone like Cale!! See, he's growing!!! 👏

Fear of Being Unmasked vs Practicing Self-Compassion

Best example I can think of is when Cale's identity as Kim Rok Soo is revealed to Choi Han, and later on Raon and even Alberu. Cale did fear his identity being exposed, and for a good reason. You'd think that Choi Han being Korean himself would make things easier – but actually, it would only make things harder. Choi Han doesn't come from the same Korea as Kim Rok Soo. A lot has changed since he was on Earth. Cale revealing the monster apocalypse would involve a lot of vunerability. He also valued Choi Han's good opinion greaty, I think. Cale read the story of him and concluded that Choi Han was a "good guy". He respects him. No matter what he claims, Cale doesn't want Choi Han to think badly of him. In the Indignity Test, there was a moment where Cale reflected how much he did not want to get by the younger Choi Han or Raon – not because of the physical pain, but because of the emotional pain involved. He would feel incredibly shamed if Choi Han or Raon hated him. Because he cares about them both. So. Much.

And then, there's the Alberu reveal. It's surprisingly sincere. Alberu offers Cale the chance to explain himself, and promises to listen to everything without judgement. Cale is visibly shaken by the promise, but he believes him. It was such a precious scene!! That's where the self-compassion comes in. Cale is learning to be a bit kinder on himself than in the past. He's starting to trust his allies with vulnerability. When Cale uses Instant, he tells Raon how he's someone who can never forget and asks him to "not be like him". Because Cale's life is full of sacrifice and suffering, and he doesn't WANT others to be like him. But after that incident, he promises Raon to avoid hurting himself as much as possible when he captures the White Star with Embrace. His self-care is directly linked to his compassion towards his family, but it's there! It exists! Way to go, Cale!! 👏 (…Just don't stab yourself again, lol. I get that it was special circumstances, but still.)

Reluctance to Seek Help vs Seeking Support

Cale is such a paradox in this aspect. On one hand, he's a strategist – asking for help is his JOB. He wouldn't be able to achieve all he has if he never requested help. He asks people to do tasks for him all the time. On the other hand… whenever things go wrong, he's the one to handle the repercussions. Cale is the one to make the sacrifice whenever something unexpected happens.

For Cale, this is such a delicate balance. He wants to make sure everyone is always safe. He never allows them to face mortal danger without making a plan to let them all survive it. The time in the Empire, when the White Star used the Sky Attribute for the first time, Cale yells at everyone to run while he himself rushes towards danger. While it's very hypocritical, it's directily linked to his sense of responsibility for others. On the other hand, once everyone refuses to leave, we can see how excellent their teamwork is. And who taught them that?? Cale, of course!

It isn't that Cale doesn't ask for help. It's that whenever the scales tip and his group is in danger, he will do anything to light up their weight by taking it on his own shoulders. And like I said – it's an extremely delicate balance to walk. Like spider silk thin rope. One wrong step, and Cale could fall. Still… I think Cale is gaining experience in this as well, and so are his allies. They get stronger, and they understand Cale better. They're able to handle dangers without him being involved. It's a positive direction to grow for all of them, even if Cale is constantly unlucky enough to get himself into trouble like this… over and over and over 😅

Setting Unrealistic Standards vs Realistic Goals

Cale has one of the most simple, yet the most unrealistic dream ever imaginable. "To be a slacker". Which, if taken literally, would be the easiest thing. Just sit around, enjoy your wealth and do no work. Simple, right?

…Except, Cale's version of "slacker life" involves making sure the ENTIRE FREAKING UNIVERSE IS AT PEACE. 🤣🤣🤣 "So that no one bothers him or his family." That's… a bit difficult, isn't it??

So, Cale's dream is completely unrealistic, yet with the speed he's going at it, he might actually achieve it. Way to go, you madlad. Respect!!

However, with the help of Lee Soo Hyuk, aka. Sui Khan, Cale has another goal. Which is much more down-to-earth. Creating a farm in the Forest of Darkness. And tending to it with his family. That's… such a sweet ambition. I really hope they can make it. No – I'm sure they will, eventually. One of the "glimpses of the future" we got in the story was the fact that On and Hong's red mist would sometimes linger around the Forest of Darkness, as a sign of the Molan family's legacy. So the kittens will definitely live there in the future, and naturally, so will Cale. Personally, I can't wait 😁

…So yeah, that's all I got to say about Cale's Impostor Syndrome. Got any more thoughts on it? Let me know!