#tomboy bride

[speedl00ver]

Bricc bride

-commission-

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[liquidstar]

maybe im overthinking, but do you ever think abt how in episode 1, utena justifies wearing the boys uniform by saying its not against the rules? while this was clearly a "gotcha" moment against that stuffy teacher, i feel like it also shows how shes still functioning within the parameters of the ohtori system. like, yeah, shes being rebellious, but its a form of rebellion that isnt actually revolutionary- shes still following the rules propagating the structure built around the patriarchal prince, shes just doing it in the "opposite" way of whats expected, but shes not actually fighting it. though, of course, even this much deviance still tries to get corrected... its still not against the rules. i feel like from the beginning we're told aspiring to princedom isn't a noble goal, and that utena is still part of the system as long as she pursues it

[beasts-flesh]

“Lemme tell you something, Big Blue-”🦇 Is that little bat pony shit talking or flirting with him? Both are the same to him either ways…

Ponysona for bf n I 💪

[phillycheesesteakcore]

So there's this famous quote from Trevor Noah:

“The way my mother always explained it, the traditional man wants a woman to be subservient, but he never falls in love with subservient women. He's attracted to independent women. "He's like an exotic bird collector," she said. "He only wants a woman who is free because his dream is to put her in a cage.”

And if that isn't Trucker Trout to a T.

Trudy was studying physical education, she wanted to start women's sports teams. That is not a traditional woman, especially for the time. By their standards she was probably very much a tomboy, maybe even to the extent of being described as mannish. But that's the woman Tucker decided he wanted, the woman he had have, to own. To beat (figuratively, as far as we know) into submission and mold into the perfect housewife. Why? Well to prove he could I suppose.

And when she left him, oh that had to hurt. The woman that he had so meticulously chained to his side deciding he wasn't worth being with and having the nerve to do something about it. Even the son he gave her, the son that, according to her (or at least the part of her that is Rosie), was her crowing achievement, wasn't enough to keep her with him.

She leaves him, and she shouldn't survive. A single woman all on her own with no friends or family to speak of in the 1950's? She should've come crawling back to him within days, throwing herself at his mercy, begging him to take her back. But she doesn't — she flourishes. She makes her way to California, gets a job, starts a relationship, makes a life for herself, leaves him in the dust.

Tucker could have just counted his losses, made the best of the situation and moved on. He's a strong man, strong enough to carry a robot in his arms up a hiking path and into a mine. He's incredibly intelligent and has a steady government job. He's a catch. He could easily find himself a new woman eager to fulfill the role of doting wife and stepmother. But he doesn't want just any woman, he wants Trudy.

So he tracks her down, gets all the way to California. He lures her back to his hotel, not even for him, but with the promise of info on the son she left behind, likely another blow to his ego. And he kidnaps her. Drags her all the way back to Peachyville. Takes her apart. Literally molds her into his perfect bride. Less of a modern day Prometheus and more of a modern day Pygmalion with his Galatea. She is made of steel rather marble, and he calls on science rather than the goddess Aphrodite to bring her to life. But it's the same idea, isn't it?

He didn't need to do that, did he? We've seen Lil' Tuck and Tiffany, he can clearly create near-perfect facsimiles of life. He could have just as easily made himself a new Trudy from scratch, without all the messiness of kidnapping the original and actually using her brain. He could have made a version of her that would never truly gain sentience, never disobey, never step out of line, always love and care and nurture. If anything, he'd at last never have to risk anything as potentially scandalous as being seen dropping his wife down a mineshaft.

But it wouldn't be the same, would it? It wouldn't be the woman he once conquered, the woman he caged, the woman bested him and did in the end manage to escape. She got the last laugh.

And Tucker Trout strikes me as a sore loser.

[silmarillaure]

What you're favorite female Targ says about you

(For simplicities sake, I'll only mention the ones who have the last name Targaryen but I'll be skipping out on ones we don't know enough about from Daenerys of Dorne to Egg's daughters.)

Daenys - You hyperfixate on long dead characters who did 1 important thing that changed the history of the world.

Visenya - You want to bed her AND you want to be her at the same time. You heard "dark, sensual, unforgiving" and found it the sexiest description ever. You almost see her as a goddess rather than a person, you practically worship her.

Queen Rhaenys - You love a women with duality. You respect House Targaryen's matriarch for having hobbies, having fun with pretty boys, & burning entire armies. You also hate the Dornish.

Rhaena the Black Bride - Fat chance you aren't straight. You think she should have been Queen regnant (you'd be 100% right) & you're a Maegor & Jaehaerys's anti. You have a soft spot for sexy sad women

Alysanne - You love a girlboss who can manage motherhood & a 9 to 5 job. You also appreciate how she's the only Targaryen who fought for SEVERAL WOMEN's rights, not just her own.

Aerea - You're a rebellious teen who had a rough upbringing. Her death broke you because you know she deserved so much better.

Septa Rhaella - Are you sure your favorite character isn't just Rhaena?

Alyssa - You also want to ride 2 dragons (Meleys & Baelon).

Maegelle - You love a good nun.

Daella - You're want someone to take care of you for your whole life, except unlike Daella, you're not scared, you're just lazy.

Saera - You love a girl who serves cvnt (quite literally). You're the biggest Jaehaerys hater.

Viserra - You're incredibly pretty and incredibly petty. You know how the world hates to see pretty girls winning.

Gael - You probably have a helicopter parent.

Rhaenys the Queen who Never Was - You're a feminist & you love girlbosses. You 100% hate Jaehaerys and you have 0 love for Viserys I who you think she should have been Queen instead of.

Rhaenyra - You're a feminist & you were 100% the favorite child growing up. If you have a step-parent or half-siblings, you definitely hate them.

Helaena - You're probably a show enjoyer first & foremost. You probably simp for Aemond who you ship her with.

Baela - You might be a tomboy but not the "not like other girls" type of tomboy. You probably like at least 1 sport though & you're definitely a girl's girl.

Rhaena of Pentos - You love pretty aesthetics & Barbie was probably you're favorite movie of 2023.

Jaehaera - You hyperfixate on tragic minor characters. Bonus points if you're neurodivergent.

Naerys - You're either a sad catholic girl or you hyperfixate on tragic female chracters.

Daena - You love baddies who don't take anyone's shit. You might have grown up in a toxically religious household.

Septa Rhaena - You think Baelor the Blessed was the best Targ King.

Elaena - You like a woman with a brain.

Queen Rhaella - You hyperfixate on tragic female characters.

Daenerys - You love a bad bitch (affectionate) and you will not apologize. You also genuinely have good taste & hated GoT season 8.

[ride-thedragon]

Nettles, Rhaenyra, Laena, Mysaria, and the Prize that is DAEMON TARGARYEN

Now, I'm not going to sit here and police shipping. I'm also not going to act as though better writers and thinkers long before me haven't talked about the same phenomenon of centring men in women's narratives as a way to value the women. However, as a person in this fandom, I do want to apply this thought to the shipping discourse of Daemon Targaryen because it has become exhausted.

We treat this man as though he's the prize to gain when these women are in relationships with him. In the sense that when Daemon picks these women to have a relationship with they gain a value and devalue the women he leaves behind. We see this with him going:

from Rhea and Mysaria to Laena.

He finally has a Valyrian bride who matches his spirit and can give him Valyrian children. They get along and are of equal standing.

From Laena to Rhaenyra.

He moves on, finds real happiness, finds his true family, becomes the Targaryen he was destined to be with his Targaryen bride at his side, and their Targaryen children with his real family

From Rhaenyra to Mysaria .

Rhaenyra became mournful and wasn't as she once was. Him and Mysaria just have this connection, and Rhaenyra approves.

From Rhaenyra and Mysaria to Nettles.

Daemon finally found someone he could look past himself for. The singers say they end up together. He does all of this and leaves the Rhaenyra to her death because Nettles left. He's finally ready to settle down and grow old. She saved him.

All of this is an overgeneralised hyperbole of conversations I've seen, but they always centre Daemon choosing these women to be in a relationship with as their biggest accomplishment in the narrative. Him at their side is the biggest deal, and when he leaves them, they are discarded and replaced by his new love interest.

The issue with this

Prioritising a man, this man, as the main factor in these relationships, discredit the women who exist outside of him and make it seem as though he's the only thing that adds value to them. The language being used, in short, dismisses their personhood and equates them to something he can own, discard and replace at whim, and he alone adds value to them. It's icky language especially with his game card.

Lady Rhea: wasn't even her choice. She hated him and refused to give him an heir to inherit Runestone. In the show, she makes sure he returns and kills her by insulting his sexual prowess.

Mysaria: is complicit and involved in his worst action but always ensures she pulls herself up with it. Being his courtesan made her wealthy, almost made her his wife. Then she's complicit in blood and cheese and gets herself promoted to the Lady of Whispers to the Queen, eventually putting an end to him.

Laena: CLAIMED THE LARGEST DRAGON IN THE WORLD AS A TEEN. Is quite literally the mother of the girls that survived the Dance. Her blood inherits her house's seat.

Rhaenyra: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Had men avenge her death, and her son sat on the iron throne after her.

Nettles: created the religion that forged the most dangerous tribe in the Vale of Arryn. Claimed a wild dragon and committed alleged treason and escaped.

I'm not saying Daemon isn't important. I'm not saying he doesn't play a part. I'm saying that when we have these conversations about him and these women and the progression of his relationships with them, I hope we can reach a place where the idea that he leaves them isn't a jab or joke against one woman for the sake of the one he chooses. It's getting strange.

Women don't lose value because of a man. Ever.

This also applies to Baela and her adaptation in the show. She isn't uninteresting because she isn't a tomboy or like Daemon. They make her a political girl in the show and like Laena. That's not a loss. She's modelled after Rhaenys as well. She's just reflective of the women in her life. I'm sure she'll have a relationship to Daemon as well, but she's the Ward of Driftmark. That's quite interesting. We also have tomboys like Alysanne and Sabitha, so we aren't in a deficit by any means.

[lesbianutena]

one thing i am so grateful for in utena is that it refuses to demonize gender nonconformity or butchness… so many stories with a character like utena would present her wearing the rose bride gown at the end as a Positive Good because “Let Women Be Feminine!!!! and wear dresses and makeup and skirts!!!!!! #girlboss!!! 👛👗🎀🛍💄”

it is rare to find media that includes masculine women/gnc people to begin with, but it feels like stories which present our existence with any nuance beyond “just a phase” or “toxic masculinity” or “man hater” are all but nonexistent.

and yet the first arc culminates in utena trying to conform, trying to be normal, trying to be feminine — not because some teacher dress-coded her with a written rulebook, not because she realized that her gender-nonconformity was ~a phase~, but because she was manipulated in a much subtler and damaging way. she was told over and over again that she could never be good enough as a “prince”, that she could never have agency or fall in love with a woman or try to protect the people she cares about, because she’s a “girl”. and that arc resolves thanks so much to the love of other queer women: wakaba loves her enough to call her out when in any other story she would be giving her the “makeover”. juri gives utena her sword from one gnc person to another when in any other story she’d be the mean bullying lesbian who’s #notlikeothergirls. and instead of becoming the image of a good straight gender conforming woman, utena uses that queer love to reclaim her true self.

i love utena because she’s not a good, palatable gnc person. she’s not the palatable tomboy that’s gender-conforming in every way that matters and especially not a Gross Yucky Lesbian. she presents masculine. she acts in ways that are scolded (and admired!) for being too “boyish”. utena self-refers using masculine pronouns. she’s called “girl-boy” in a way that felt very true to my own experience growing up. she wants to be a prince, not a princess, and eventually she abandons those gender roles completely. she falls in love with a woman and loves her enough choose her, and enough for her to save herself. i just love utena.

[bethanydelleman]

Wow, I really enjoyed your Darcy list. Can you do a Lizzy list too?

If I must. Darcy List.

To be honest, I think Elizabeth has been portrayed a bit better than Mr. Darcy. I find that different adaptations play up different but often not incorrect aspects of her character. However, unsurprisingly, my favourite is:

#1. Celia Bannerman, 1967 BBC miniseries. The thing that totally sold me on her is when she says the line about understanding Bingley perfectly, she does this very cute wink. I think they really captured the playfullness of her manners. She was also 23 years old, which is very close to Elizabeth's real age.

#2. Elizabeth Garvie, 1980 BBC miniseries. This one also struck my with Elizabeth's joyfulness. Also, she's less hot than Jane, which is very important to me.

#3. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bride & Prejudice film. I love the way she's not afraid of Darcy, the way she supports Jane, she also seems joyful, and her embarrassment with her family is also good. I think they might play up a kind of activist rage that isn't so much in line with Book!Elizabeth but it makes sense in a modern context.

#4. Greer Garson in the 1940 film. The way the women float in this adaptation! We do not walk like that anymore! This adaptation played up the witty banter aspect and Elizabeth's ability to make very subtle insults. She was also so graceful.

#5. Jennifer Ehle, 1995 BBC miniseries. I find her too serious for the role to be honest, but I think they capture her thoughtfulness well. I don't get that "easy playfullness" from her which is, in my opinion, Elizabeth's most captivating feature.

#6. Keira Knightley 2005 film. This adaptation also plays up Elizabeth's rage, though she does have some fun light moments, but the biggest problem is her styling as a tomboy. This is not accurate at all. Also, Elizabeth Bennet would never wander randomly through Pemberley and peek through doorways, she felt so awkward being there in the first place!

Honourable Mention: Lily James in Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, look, whatever else you want to say about this Elizabeth, she should be able to sword fight Darcy during his horrible proposal. I thank the movie that gave us that.

(The Lost in Austen idiot doesn't count as Elizabeth, so she's not included.)

[alicentsultana]

Omfg I was scrolling down this hell site and there is this annon and user talking about how

"Alicent wasn't a victim of marital rape".

There is a scene of her fucking dissociating while he once again makes her pregnant.

She is a child bride.

She is a child taking care of child.

You don't have to scream, complain, struggle against the act for it to be considered rape. The same way women in real life still don't do it because they are being threatened, are suffering of paralyzing fear and/or are trapped in a system that if they say anything or act against their aggressors they would be killed.

Don't get me started on the tiktok trend (idk if it really is a trend, I don't use tiktok, but there was enough videos of it so I believe it is a trend) about women simulating conversations they had with aunts/mother/grandmas about how they were persecuted by current husbands, how they didn't want to marry or have children, how they father's didn't protect and practically sold them to the guy following them after work/school, how they have to have sex with only a short period after birth etc.

You liking Alicent or not, you're denying something that happened to her, fiction or not, would you deny it in real life too?

And we have to talk about Aegon and the girl he raped in the series.

She did what she could have done for that girl at that time period - tell her it wasn't her fault, support her in some way that was sensible, because nothing would put be a proper punishment for her son, the same way it wouldn't punish her husband, Daemon or any other powerful men in the series. But even she acknowledged what happened, that girl was a servant, if she says no or any other thing she would lose her job or die.

Alicent did it, while no one would acknowledge what happened to her.

Like Alyssa, mother of Viserys and Daemon, a tomboy, whose mother influenced her in some way to accept since early she would marry her brother, whose Maesters claim she loved being pregnant and go through birth, her, a tomboy who acted more like a man than a woman, it's literally like Arya Stark would love to be pregnant as stated by @greenbloods.

Wake up girls, w a k e u p.

[fangsforiris]

I was thinking of this for a while, We know canonically that Yui is actually perceived as a tomboy in japanese standards but what about Subaru? He was conditioned to believe he was a monster, but before Yui there was brides right? What would other brides think about Subaru if he didn’t have that image of himself? Is Subaru even considered attractive to japanese standards?

Iris: Ahhh I'm excited about this one!! THANK YOU NAT <33

Mirrors & Mothers; How Christa’s narrative haunts Subaru’s psyche.

Subaru, as introduced within the Diabolik Lovers franchise, is a temperamental tsundere with a lot of self-loathing and self-esteem issues. He is considered to be the ‘gentler’ and ‘nicer’ one of all the 6 evils we are introduced to at first, whilst still having his own level of fear factor to consider.

Due to the complications and bias surrounding his birth, he was constantly conditioned and fed a certain narrative by those around him that he was nothing, and simply a waste of a life. Many of the routes with him and Yui/MC/Player are built with one thing in mind, for Yui to act as a saviour towards Subaru and to see the ‘good.’

To start, I’d say that Subaru’s unhealthy, self-loathing, and overall suicidal mindset is a direct by product of what his mother, Christa, unintentionally forced down. Without her large involvement towards Subaru’s established mistrust in females, self-loathing behaviours, and borderline suicidal tendencies, he most likely would’ve only been seen as ‘gentle and kind Subaru.’

Let me explain. Christa’s role in Subaru’s life served as a direct catalyst for all his emotional turmoil and inner traumas that he tends to pin and overwhelm Yui/MC/Player with. Due to what Karlheinz did to Christa (assaulting her, which resulted in Subaru’s birth,) it set the framework for how her mental state would deteriorate over the years, especially in care of her child.

She canonically wasn’t allowed to attend most events after giving birth to her assaulters child, as she found herself going mad beyond comprehension. Even during the pregnancy, it’s hinted that she was already having mental breakdowns, and small fits surrounding the actuality of her child [Subaru.]

So from going to someone who was once (or still is) very revered and beloved by all, someone who’s sweet as sugar and everything nice, to a fragile, nervous, and almost borderline hysterical woman, is a large change for someone to cope with. Most likely, if not entirely, it changed Christa’s views on herself. Which would later on effect how she’d be able to find control within herself and how she’d conduct herself in a larger area, especially around others of high nobility class.

With that being said, when Subaru was around, mainly during his youth (5-8, perhaps even older,) he’d take the initiative to ensure that his mother was kept out of trouble and in ‘good graces’ with all that she interacted with. Truth be told, to deal with a ticking time bomb for a mother was proved to be a lot of stress and constant worry for Subaru. So much so, that he’d take it out on himself for being so powerless as to not offer any good or substantial aid to his own mother.

Christa and Cordelia would normally get into arguments at these large events, where Christa’s momentary sweet demeanour would change into that of a venomous viper. The topic of their arguments? The love for Karlheinz.

Christa’s entire ‘bipolar mood’ or instability comes from a split of love/care and hatred/loathing for a being, none other than her assaulter, Karlheinz, the king of vampires and her first cousin. Christa saw Karlheinz as an older brother figure if anything, so after he had manipulated, coerced, and assaulted Christa, her mind started to slowly shatter due to not being able to distinguish a select role for Karl.

It’s hard to bear with something as life ruining and petrifying as such an assault, but from someone you trusted, cared for, and possibly even looked up to? That’s another thing on its own. Which would lead to Christa and her select moods. Perhaps as a way to cope, would Christa still at times see Karl as her ‘older brother figure’ and call on him as ‘Nii-Sama’ (Brother.) And at other times, completely lash out at him or anyone else [Subaru] that looks even remotely similar to Karlheinz, lest she’s attacked once more or even reminded slightly of what had happened.

She often corrected herself as ‘pure’ and in a sense ‘holy,’ mainly due to her reputation within vampiric society as the ‘Fairest of them all’ and ‘The White Rose.’ Named for her unremarkable beauty, it would become Christa’s staple for a pure, almost haunting look. All of it would change, however, when the vampire king would lay hands on her. That would send her, someone who was known for their vanity and ethereal beauty, into a complete state of ruin as she could no longer consider herself as ‘pure.’ Instead, restoring to stating that the child inside of her is the reason for her ‘impurity’ and thus, shall be subjected to the cruelest of punishments for ruining her so badly.

That’s where a lot of Subaru’s mental health issues, especially regarding self-esteem and self-worth would stem from. From the moment he was born, he was subjugated to Christa’s double sided personalities. At one end, she’d call him ‘gentle, pure’ and an overall ‘sweet beautiful boy.’ On the other, she’d remind him of how much of a hideous monster he was, someone who’d been the exact epitome of impurity to walk the planet.

This was all occurring due to Subaru’s looks. As Christa heavily claimed that Subaru looked almost identical to how Karlheinz looks as of current. Which would be a further drive to her instability within the future. This would even go as far as Christa begging Subaru to kill her, putting her out of her own misery. And when he’d rejet, she’d instead, attempt to murder him, claiming that he’s a disgusting creature that should be killed for his sins.

Subaru would be conditioned to agree with the bad, choosing to reinforce the horrible feelings within him and isolate himself from the world as a result, lest he hurts his mother or anyone else even more.

His looks played a big role in how his mother chose to perceive him, as at times she’d mistake Subaru for Karlheinz, whilst others she’d state that Subaru looked so much like her.

For someone who valued looks as much as Christa, it’s no wonder why she lost her mind after the attack. She had major trouble in differentiating the two, which only added on to Subaru’s equally fragile psyche.

The Big Question…

Has any sacrificial bride found Subaru to be attractive, even with his overbearing mental distress? And is he even considered to be attractive, despite his attitudes and pre-established reservations?

In terms of who Subaru is as a character, he comes off as a loner, shut in, and somewhat angsty classic teenager. He’s known to drift towards alternative fashion, mainly dressing in black and in a ‘I don’t care about the rules’ punk kind of look. I wouldn’t say emo, however his closet heavily relies on black to show the trope of a boy defying the set authority and regulations set in place. Basically a ‘bad boy.’

Without his personality taking over, along with his short temper occurring due to small sparks of subtle humiliation directed at him, just based off of looks we can make these main assumptions.

A) His broad shoulders, and sharp features are mainly glamourized by Westeners instead of the continent of Asia.

B) In Japan, someone like Ayato, who had the dual of a baby-face and the subtle sharper, more masculine features, is the ideal standard for men.

But for Japanese Beauty Standards, Subaru fits into these select ones:

Facial Features:

Clear Skin: Smooth, clear skin is highly valued. Subaru is seen to have clear skin, any headcanons depicting otherwise are just that, headcanons. ☑️

Sharp Jawline: A defined jawline is often considered attractive. Subaru does have a sharper jawline in comparison to the other boys, curtesy of Karlheinz. ☑️

Double Eyelids: While not universally desired, double eyelids are often preferred. Subaru's eyes are double eyelids, so it aligns. ☑️

Symmetry: Symmetrical facial features are seen as a sign of beauty. Subaru's face does seem/come across as symmetrical enough, despite his hair. ☑️

Body Type:

Slim and Fit: A lean, well-toned physique is generally preferred over overly muscular builds. He is lean, and does have a toned physique. ☑️

Height: Taller stature can be considered attractive. Subaru is 5'10, which is considered to be tall. ☑️

Hair:

Stylish Haircuts: Well-groomed, styled hair is important. Trends often include natural, slightly tousled looks or more polished styles. Subaru wears his hair with one side covering one eye, and it's sometimes tousled. I'd like to say that his hair is a bit unconventional for everyday. ❌

Natural Colors: While hair dye is common, natural hair colors are often preferred. His hair is white, for the fantasy element, but Japanese fans seem to enjoy it. ☑️

Fashion Sense:

Trendy Clothing: Keeping up with fashion trends and having a good sense of style is important. Subaru's clothing is made for functionality, whilst staying with neutral colours, which is heavily appreciated. I'll give it a checkmark, despite his ripped and trashed shirts, only due to the main colour pallet in general and his overall simple style. ☑️

Attention to Detail: Accessories and well-fitted clothing are key components of a stylish appearance. He does have some accessories, such as his bracelet, his white boots, and his key necklace. They are more alternative if anything, in terms of taste. So we'll give him a checkmark, only on that basis. ☑️

Grooming:

Minimal Facial Hair: Clean-shaven or well-maintained facial hair is typically preferred. He doesn't have facial hair, so it works. ☑️

Neat and Clean Appearance: Overall grooming, including trimmed nails and good hygiene, is crucial. Despite his ripped up clothing and whatnot, he keeps his room and personal affairs clean enough. ☑️

Personality and Mannerisms:

Politeness and Humility: Being well-mannered and humble is highly regarded. He'll be polite when he can and cordial, however if he finds himself quickly embarrassed or in a situation that upsets him then he will stray from it quickly. His anger does seem to take up a lot of who he is at times, so for that reason, no checkmark. ❌

Soft-Spoken and Considerate: Gentle, kind, and considerate behavior is often appreciated. Subaru can come off as gentle and kind once he lets down his walls and breaks through his self-inflicted unhealthy persona. ☑️

In terms of anyone finding him attractive?

Since it’s been established that the Sakamaki’s and Mukami’s have their own harem of fan girls/boys (?) within the school, mainly the Sakamaki’s, it wouldn’t be so far off to have some individuals take Subaru as their preferred boy of choice.

Seeing how every boy has their set profile, and some people will drift towards whatever aesthetic or feeling suits them best. It really comes down to ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’

However the type of crowd Subaru tends to attract in terms of ‘fans’ or potential love interests, are those invested in the ‘bad boy’ image and loners who keep to themselves. In their heads, having someone who’s quiet, and sometimes known to be around shadier things, can be a marker. Since a lot of people do enjoy that certain trope.

I’d like to think that out of all the boys, he may have a moderate standing. But due to his own insecurities, he’d think otherwise or would find it awkward— especially with the constant comparison towards his older, more established, and almost genius at their own craft, half brothers.

Some sacrificial brides may have chosen Subaru in the past, based on the premise that he seemed the least harmful, but could have died due to his own excess of strength. (Mainly him not knowing how strong he accidentally is, and lashing out.)

[animebw]

I’m gonna be honest, I thought going into Winter 2023 that this was gonna be a bit of a dump season. One of those seasons where anime just kinda sits around farting and we all wait patiently for the actual Good Shit to start coming out again while pretending to catch up on our backlogs.

That... has not been the case.

Bofuri Season 2: Seriously, how does this show get so many incredible action cuts?

Buddy Daddies: Look, it’s probably not gonna be gay, but Spy x Family meets Tiger and Bunny is something we all need in our lives, okay?

Campfire Cooking in Another World: Couldn’t even last a full episode of this one before my eyes glazed over. Dropped.

Endo and Kobayashi Live: Now this is pretty charming! Pity the animation’s such garbage, though.

Giant Beasts of Ars: It’s a damn good season for fantasy anime, y’all.

Handyman Saitou in Another World: Could actually end up a halfway decent isekai SOL if it stops being so goddamn terrible at structure.

High Card: This is exactly my brand of Anime Bullshit(tm) and I am so on board.

Ippon Again: An actually great female-led sports anime? With major A Place Further Than the Universe vibes? Do not sleep on this one, y’all.

Kaina of the Great Snow Sea: Damn. Good. Season. For. Fantasy. Anime.

Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible: As far as Takagi-san knock-offs go, this one is pleasant enough.

The Magical Revolution of the Oh Fuck It These LN Titles are Impossible to Remember Just Call it “MagiRevo”: Buckle up, folks, we might just have another Actually Good Isekai on our hands.

Malevolent Spirits Mononogatari: It’s Noragami but shit. Dropped at 1 episode.

Nagatoro-san Season 2: Yeah, turns out I’m still not above the occasional well made trash.

Nier Automata: Genuine question, is this gonna be an acceptable substitute for the game or will I just be spoiling the experience for myself?

Onimai: I fucking hate the Mushoku Tensei studio so much and I hate myself even more for deciding to stick with this one.

Reborn to Master the Blade: This one might be soon for the chopping block, but I’m holding out hope that its story can overcome its middling production values. We’ll have to wait and see.

Revenger: GEN UROBUCHI’S BACK BABY YEEEEEEHAW

Sugar Apple Fairy Tale: Take notes, Every Isekai: this is how you explore slavery in a fantasy setting.

The Tale of Outcasts: Feels like a 13-year-old’sedgy  Ancient Magus Bride fanfiction. Honestly, though? I kind of really dig it.

Tomo-Chan is a Girl: LET. TOMBOYS. BE. TOMBOYS. WITHOUT. SHAMING. THEM. FOR. IT. Dropped at episode 2.

Tokyo Revengers Season 2: At this point, I’m just watching out of morbid curiosity of how bad the manga’s ending supposedly was.

Trails of Cold Steel: The Northern War: Easily the weakest fantasy anime of the lot. Giving it one more episode to impress me, otherwise it gets the drop.

Trigun Stampede: Y’all are buggin, the CG here is incredible.

Tsurune Season 2: Good god, the glow-up from season one is nuts. KyoAni just does not miss.

Vinland Saga Season 2: Okay, manga readers, let’s see if watching a bunch of sad men farm is as incredible as you say.

[dianels]

Willow 2022 In Memoriam (for now)

Willow 2022 is no longer available for legal viewing in any format, anywhere. We hope it will be resurrected at some point, somehow, but TPTB at Disney have given us no concrete reason or timeline to expect its return. (Jon Kasdan, the show runner, has tweeted cryptic messages but is not in a position to make key decisions, nor to share details.)

First and foremost, I grieve for kids who now will not have the chance to stumble upon this wonderful show with a diverse/queer cast on a platform with the reach of Disney+. I can’t express in words how much I appreciated being able to watch this show with my enby 11-yo kid. Of course I also regret losing the opportunity to build the fandom over time with new viewers, as the Princess Bride did after a lackluster box-office opening in 1987, and I feel so angry on behalf of the creatives who poured their efforts and craft into this project. But I grieve even more the potentially life-saving representation that young people might have benefited from, and I fear for the chilling effect Disney’s decision might have on greenlighting queer/diverse projects aimed at younger audiences in the foreseeable future.

On a personal note: Actor Erin Kellyman has mentioned in interviews that playing the role of Jade Claymore helped her work on childhood issues, and I feel similarly about what watching the show has done for me. I was raised in central Kansas in the 1970s and 80s, a gender-non-normative “tomboy” lacking any mainstream queer representation. I don’t recall even learning the words “gay” and “lesbian” in the queer context until high school, and of course when I did, they were corrupted by ridicule and shame. Fortunately, I had a very strong sense of self and managed to survive and to thrive as a lesbian as soon as I went elsewhere for college.

I grew up as a fan of all the Lucasfilm franchises (including the original movie Willow, released in 1988). While I identified with both Leia and Han to a degree (and shipped them), something always felt off. There was something lacking in that magical Lucasfilm world. It was not just overt queer and diverse representation; it’s also the case, for example, that the entire original Star Wars trilogy does not pass the Bechdel-Wallace test. The original Indiana Jones trilogy barely does. (Criteria: there must be at least two named women who talk to each another about something besides a man.) Willow 1988 is the rare exception in early Lucasfilm that satisfies the Bechdel-Wallace test without our having to squint. As a fan of the original Willow, I found that Willow 2022 matched its spirit brilliantly and expanded its potential in such interesting directions.

I can’t begin to say how much it would have meant to me growing up to have had Willow 2022 within the Lucasfilm universe, for all these reasons. I really believe that a series like this would have changed the whole trajectory of my life - I am turning 50 soon - even when I count myself so very lucky to have had a supportive family and a strong sense of self. I am grateful that the first season of Willow 2022 exists at all, and it truly has propelled me to do a lot of important healing work around the childhood trauma of growing up queer at a time and place that was totally lacking in positive mainstream representation.

But it’s not enough: Willow 2022 should be made available for legal viewing in some form as soon as possible to keep saving lives and changing lives for the better.

[yanderecrazysie]

How was your day? I hope it was great! 😊

A quote help inspire this brainrot and that is “Always the bridesmaid never the bride”.

Now I recently re-read your Unrequited story and got an idea. What if yandere Atsumu miya x best friend reader where Reader has a huge crush on him but Atsumu is a major playboy who don’t see Reader as a woman and thought she was tomboy. Like Reader and Atsumu are best friends and rivals since childhood as Reader is the Star player of the female volleyball. The reader is more on the muscular side and cut her hair short due to it getting in the way of her games. Like reader can keep up with the Male Volleyball team and even competes with the miya twins during practice. Even if reader acts tomboy-ish, she is still straight and actually a romantic at heart and wants to date but because of her general muscular appearance and gruff attitude boys are intimidated by her. Others boys don’t even see her as a woman and the general school thought that she was boy due to her looking like a boy similar to Haru from Ouran HighSchool host club. But the reader has huge crush of Atsumu since they were little but Atsumu is busy playing around with more feminine girls. Atsumu unintentionally ignores Reader’s confession thinking that she’s just joking around and gets into a fling with a girl that is opposite of reader: gentle, slim and beautiful. The reader heartbroken by Atsumu still wishes him a happy relationship and goes to cry for a little while but to her surprise Osamu comforts her and allows her to vent about her feelings and insecurities about her body and how she feels like boys don’t perceive her as woman. After some time, Reader and Osamu began to fall in love due to Osamu being there for reader and treating her the way she wants to be treated but when reader during a victory party gets drunk she unintentionally revealed her old feelings to Atsumu and with tears in her eyes said that she always supported him and wanted to him to see her as a woman but its too late and osamu just picks up the reader to avoid making a scene . How would Atsumu take this and what would he feel seeing that he lost the reader forever and to his own twin brother no less.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Oooooh this is some good brainrot right here. Atsumu would totally be exactly like this too.

I feel like this turned out really stiff-sounding somehow.

Title: Overlook

Pairings: Miya Atsumu x Reader; non-yandere Miya Osamu x Reader

WARNINGS: Yandere themes, masculine female reader, drunk reader

Summary: Atsumu only sees you as one of the boys.

overlook

/verb/

fail to notice (something)

The ball slammed against the floor, shooting back up into the air as the girls’ team cheers. The scoreboard was flipped, showing the numbers 25 to 20.

“Thank you for the game!” the two teams told each other a moment later before breaking up to mingle among each other. 

“Congratulations on the final point,” Osamu cheered, clapping you on the back. You’re glad your childhood friend isn’t a sore loser.

“Girls versus boys, and the girls win- how unfair,” Atsumu, another childhood friend, was less charitable, a defined pout on his face.

“That sounds pretty sexist,” you warned teasingly, “Assuming the boys will win and all.”

Atsumu responded back with an even bigger pout. You laughed, trying to hide the blush from your cheeks as you looked at him. 

A dark-haired boy walked over to stand next to Atsumu. He gave you a bored look for a moment before saying, “I thought you were a boy at first. You know, because of the short hair and muscles.”

A flush spread across your face. You knew that was how most people saw you, but it hurt hearing it directly from someone.

“That’s not very nice, Suna,” Osamu said coldly. You silently thanked him, giving a timid little nod.

Everyone thought you were a boy when they first saw you. It didn’t matter that you were somewhat girly, other than liking sports, it didn’t matter if you wore the girls’ uniform or had a romantic worldview- you weren’t seen as a woman at all.

You supposed it couldn’t be helped too much- your hairstyle was very typical of a boy’s and your figure was not very feminine. You were tall, muscular, and flat-chested.

The coaches of each team blew their whistles and you gathered with your team to hear the critiques from the practice match. You could tell that your coach was proud of you all for winning against the boys and you beamed whenever she praised your strength.

You were the one randomly chosen to stay behind and clean the gym. You didn’t mind at all, it always gave you time to think.

The boys left the gym, all except for Atsumu. Your heart skipped a beat as you realized he must’ve been chosen to stay and clean too! The blush that spread across your face was massive, touching even the tips of your ears, and you couldn’t keep the smile off your face.

Not a minute later and the two of you were alone together, running around, picking up balls and things that had been left behind. Once you had finished with that, the two of you headed for the janitorial closet to get the brooms.

“Hey, Atsumu,” your heart was pounding in your ears, but you knew this was the time to ask, when you were completely alone for once and not around each other’s teammates.

“What’s up, (Y/n)?” Atsumu asked, grabbing a large broom.

“I… I like you…” You blurted out, “Like… a lot.”

Atsumu immediately laughed, “Same, yer one of my closest friends, I’m almost as close to ya as Osamu.”

“No, that’s not what I mean,” you said frantically, “I mean-”

“Come on, I want to get this over with,” Atsumu whined, slipping past you and placing the broom on the floor, “Stop joking around.”

Your heart sank and tears leapt to your eyes. A strangled “okay” left your lips but you were anything but okay.

You shouldn’t have come to this party. Not if you wanted to keep your sanity.

Nearly the first sight you’d been greeted with was Atsumu making out with some random girl on the couch. The worst part had to be how the girl looked- skinny, feminine, large-breasted, and short. The complete opposite of you was clearly Atsumu’s type.

When Atsumu walked up to you with her on his arm, it’s all you could do to wish them a congratulations. You’re tearful the moment they turn away.

“Are you okay?” A soft voice asked you. You looked over to the source and were surprised to see Osamu standing next to you.

“I’m fine,” the minute the words leave your mouth, you burst into tears. 

Osamu gently led you over to one of the open private rooms and rubbed your back as you sob into your hands. You’re thankful for the comforting motions.

“What’s the matter?” Osamu asked you.

The words spill out of your mouth before you can even think about keeping quiet, “No one sees me as a woman, Osamu. I look like a guy and that’s all everyone thinks of me.”

“I see ya as a woman,” Osamu said quietly, “I always have.”

Before you know it, he’s closing the gap between you both. You allow it to happen, surprised by how soft his lips are as they meet your own. You melt into the kiss as though it were the only thing that mattered.

Three months later, another party rolls around. It’s a celebration for the team going to nationals and you’re there to support Osamu. You’ve drowned at least four drinks by now, and they’re nowhere near light on the alcohol.

You’re stumbling around, nearly blackout drunk at this point, when you run into Atsumu. Your feelings for him have long since faded, replaced by a fondness for his twin, but you can’t stop the words from coming. The alcohol has obliterated your filter.

“You know, I used to have a crush on you,” you giggle drunkenly, “All I wanted was for you to see me as a woman but noooo.”

You sway a little as a hiccup leaves your mouth, and you continue, “But it’s all for the best, right? Now I’ve got someone else, someone better.” A smile spreads across your face as you look across the crowded room to Osamu, who sends a grin back your way. You give a little wave, which almost sends you off-balance in your drunken state.

“I’ve found happiness elsewhere.”

Atsumu stares at you, mind working a mile a minute.

You’d had a crush on him? How hadn’t he noticed? How hadn’t he seen you? 

You looked every bit the part of a woman, decked out in a pretty dress for the party and a little bit of makeup. Yet, Atsumu had never bothered to look at you that way.

Maybe his feelings for you were sparked from the jealousy that his brother had something he didn’t. How dare ‘Samu take you away when you’d liked him first?

Maybe it was the rejection of your previous feelings, the knowledge that you’d moved on, even without him ever knowing you’d liked him in the first place.

As Atsumu watches you nuzzle up to his twin, giving him a peck on the lips, he feels white-hot jealousy course through his veins.

He wonders if he can get you to feel that way about him again.

Even if it hurts his brother in the process.

[darkscorpiox]

Utena - Analysis on the opening

I don’t know if someone has already done it, but here’s my interpretation of the opening.

Warning: very, VERY long post and mention of scenes from the show, enough to be considered spoilers (sorry 😅)

Edit: I’ve made an analysis on the first ending as well

Let’s live heroically, let’s live with style. (Just a long, long time.)

The opening starts with our two main characters naked and in a fetal position, indicating their status of “newborn” in the story. Then, they are clad in the garbs of their respective roles. Interestingly, despite facing and leaning toward each other, their eyes remain close. In the case of Utena, it symbolizes her inability to see beyond her own narrative of the heroic prince saving the princess. As for Anthy, it’s her resignation to not see anything beyond her role of Rose Bride which she has played for decades/centuries, hence the long, long time.

Even if the two of us are torn apart… (Let go of me…) …take my revolution.

In the next sequence, not only are they not looking at each other, but they are also back-to-back, another indication that they are positioned to be at odds with each other, whether they want to or not. Still, despite the obstacles thrown at them, despite Anthy’s attempts to make Utena give up on her (“Let go of me…”), the latter doesn’t stop telling her to take her hand (revolution) and that’s what she did.

In the sunlit garden, we both joined out hands.

Miki’s sunlit garden is an idealized memory, so it makes sense to compare Utena’s goal of becoming a prince to the former. Also, the tower, where her journey is supposed to end with her heteronormative “happily ever after”, is where she and Anthy join hands and the latter’s revolution begins.

The sequence where Utena walks with the male students has a “one of the boys” kind of vibe and that might have been the intent. The tomboy character may appear progressive by refusing to conform to traditionally feminine gender norms, but that’s instead a sexist concept because it implies that Utena’s gender, her femininity (and by association, anything branded as “girly”), is the one thing that makes her less than her fellow male schoolmates. Also, she looks over her shoulder, something or someone (Anthy?) catching her attention which stops her from blindly following the other boys’ lead.

Drawing close for comfort, we both swore…

In Anthy’s case, due to her hair and skin color, the vibe she emanates as she walks with her fellow female schoolmates is “not like other girls”, another trope which hurts women by marginalizing the few “different/special ones” from the “normal/average ones” or vice versa. However, the reason she turned around (Utena? Her perspicacity?) is what helps her preserve the part of her identity which is still deep within her. So being different isn’t a bad thing as long as every person, especially girls, are given the same courtesy.

If you read the Japanese lyrics, you would know chikai (from chikau, meaning “to swear/vow”) is at the beginning of Anthy’s sequence, when we see the gates of Ohtori, where she swears to find Utena again.

(Also, did you notice that their respective sequences begin with a shot of where their story in Ohtori ends?)

…never again would we ever fall in love. (Every time.)

This line is sung as our two protagonists stand face to face in Anthy’s cage-like greenhouse, where the cycle of the quest for revolution always (re)starts. That vow of never falling in love again, along with that Every time, makes me wonder about how many games had taken place before Utena. How many times had Anthy been engaged to a “chosen one”? How many of those “chosen ones” did she grow to love, yet still choose to betray? How many times did she swore to never love another again only to do so despite said promise to herself? Utena, by ending the cycle, makes the vow mentioned before much sweeter: she and Anthy choose to never fall in love again because they have pledged their love for each other till death do them part (like a married couple 🥰🤵🏻‍♀️👰🏾‍♀️🥰).

I see that photo of us standing cheek to cheek… …and place a bit of my loneliness in our smiles. (Revolution!)

At this moment, the past represented by Utena and Anthy lying down, facing each other, and the future represented by the lyrics paralleled each other.

Past: a (naively) smiling Utena and a (falsely) smiling Anthy -> Anthy gives the white rose, the symbol of the Prince and by association, patriarchy, the source of her eternal pain, to Utena who is unaware of the dark history connected to it -> (failed) Revolution by dueling (transition to the dueling arena)

Future: the photo at the end of Episode 39 -> Anthy’s longing for Utena -> (successful) Revolution by leaving Akio

Even if I dream, even if I cry, even if I get hurt… …reality keeps on coming recklessly.

This sequence is about the Duelists.

Utena being the one who dreams is self-explanatory.

Saionji, if you pause at the right time, is seen with tears in his eyes. Behind his arrogant attitude is nothing but a mentally weak and insecure boy who throws violent tantrums when things don’t go his way.

Juri is no doubt the one most hurt in the series, not only because of her gender, but also because of her sexual orientation (I’ve made a post about it).

Miki and Nanami being the ones hit by reality makes sense due to the knowledge they idealize the relationship they shared with their respective siblings when they were children.

But what about Touga? Maybe it’s the confidence that he could get the power to revolutionize the (his) world if he emulates the system which had hurt him only to realize that such way of doing things won’t get him closer to his goal. Or, since he’s the first antagonist of the show, giving us a taste of what Akio, another male character whose inside is the opposite of his princely front, could do to girls, maybe he represents the reality/truth of the (imperfect) world.

All these Duelists, these teenagers, fight each other for a purpose and that later turns out to be futile after they find out that the rules they play by are a cover for a much more sinister plot.

I wanna find my own place, the value of being…

The first half, we focus on Utena who raises her sword with a determined look as the blue sky turned golden and the dueling arena crumbled. Utena rejects the narrative Akio wants for her and in the process, breaks the world he has created (and kept Anthy in).

While we zoom in on Utena, symbolizing her will to move forward, it’s the opposite with Anthy. Expression blank, she put some distance between her and Utena/the viewer(s), letting herself (her true self) disappear with Akio’s self-made world.

This sequence foreshadows what will happen in Episode 38.

…the person I’ve been until now…

But as it is shown in Episode 39, Anthy didn’t disappear in the fall of Akio’s world and stood up against her brother (riding a horse), mirroring Utena.

Also, we see Dios opens his eyes as the dueling arena crumbles to dust.

In Episode 13, Akio is conversing with a “sealed” Dios who “glare[s] at” him for wanting to bring the Prince back into the world. Dios had been “sealed away” because playing Prince had been killing him. Anthy had become the world’s sole target of their hatred so that he would no longer carry that great burden on his shoulders ever again. Dios is angry at Akio for not only trying to turn her sacrifice into a fruitless endeavor, but for also taking part in her eternal torment by making her an accomplice in his scheme.

Akio has internalized the teachings of patriarchy. He now idealizes the Prince, forgetting that his current self isn’t the result of Anthy sealing the latter’s power away. He had, of his own volition, casted away his “nobility” and enjoyed the privileges of his gender. He was free of the duties expected from the Prince yet chose to not use that freedom to search for a way to save his sister without taking on that mantle again. Protected by a patriarchal system, Akio is in fact afraid of carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders again despite his desire to return to his “glory days”. He wants to be the Prince again (regression), but also doesn’t want to give up his life of privilege. There is no step toward self-improvement. And that’s why his quest for revolution is nothing but a pretext to play people like a fiddle, especially the vulnerable ones like children and women. I think he subconsciously knows he’s maintaining a perpetual cycle meant to end in failure, but he’s too lost in his self-centeredness to take a third option, to destroy the limits of his coffin. In other words, Akio must let patriarchy (manifested through the game and the dueling arena) disappear in order to regain the lost part of him that is Dios, because what the latter really wants is to live in a better world, one where Princes aren’t needed anymore.

Let’s find the strength to throw it all away. Strip down to nothing all.

Utena having the strength to throw everything away references her decision to give up on the heteronormative “happy ending” given to her at the cost of Anthy’s well-being.

Anthy being stripped of everything references her true (naked) self within her coffin.

Become like rose petals, blowing free!

Honestly, that part was a bit difficult to interpret. We do see petals blown in the wind when Utena beats boys at basketball, but the only time I saw them concerning Anthy (and by association, the duels) was when the Duelist gets “deflowered”, and I didn’t get a feeling of freedom from it. Or so I thought at first. Knowing that the duels are part of Akio’s plot which is nothing but a wild goose chase, it makes sense in the context that losing means some time away from Akio’s control and thus, a chance to reflect and for self-improvement. Also, if the dueling arena is like a groomed flower, then its rubble is the petals. This might be foreshadowed in Episode 9, when Anthy falls with rose petals scattered everywhere as Utena tries to catch her.

Even if the two of us are torn apart… …I swear that I will change the world.

We have a return of Even if the two of us are torn apart… (Let go of me…) / …take my revolution. This time, there’s no request to let go of the other party and Utena is taking the next step toward (self-)improvement. If you pause at the right time, you can see she is not in a fetal position like at the beginning of the opening. Now, it looks like she is opening herself to the real world.

Anthy is not present, but that’s because she hasn’t reunited with Utena yet. Until that day comes, the latter will keep fighting for the world both deserve to live in.

In conclusion, the opening is a summary of the entire series and foreshadows how it would end.

[writingfool001]

Tomboy Dressed Up (Part 2)

Author’s Note: Vil's part has been finished, had to remember and add somethings to it since my stupid doc didn't want me to have all of the fic.

Request: Yes by anon

 Remember that fic about a tomboyish fem s/o dolling up? May I request that but with Cater, Rook, and Vil?

Pairing: Cater, Rook, & Vil x Female S/O

Warning: Implied female, Pronouns You/Your, cliche stairway entrance,

Cater 

He was fixing his tie and smoothed out his jacket, looking at his appearance in the mirror. He fixed any small creases that he knew his sisters would badger him about. He kept an eye on the time before walking out of your shared bedroom and sat down on the couch. Hearing the chime of this phone, he answered it to see it was a text from his mom double checking that he knew where the wedding was happening.  

One of his sisters was getting married and of course, he was invited and asked if you wanted to be his plus one, which you agreed to. You’ve met his family a handful of times considering you both were busy with your life together. One day, you both were having an at home date before he got a call from his sister.  After greeting his sister and asking if you were available. Cater glanced at you, fully absorbed in watching the movie, and said you were busy, yet he spoke loud enough for you to hear whatever his sister was going to ask you. His sister asked if you would come or maybe be a bridesmaid, and he repeated the question, directly asking if you were interested in being his sister’s bridesmaid. Cater knew you weren’t a big fan of dresses and didn’t want you to have to suffer under his sister’s wraith, but it was your decision. Looking at you, waiting for an answer, and saw you shake your head before telling her that he would run it by you, even though he was going to text her later that you weren’t interested, but would attend the wedding with him. 

Later, you both got your invitations and saw what the color scheme was as well as the dress code was. Nothing that would outshine the groom or bride. Cater decided that he was going to wear a simple yet stylish suit and when he asked about what you were wearing, you showed him what you were going to wear. 

Hearing the bedroom door open, he looked up to see you step out and did a double take to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. You were in a beautiful dress and he stared at you with an astonished expression. When you asked if this was alright, he didn’t answer you and only kept staring. This was different from what you would usually wear, and he wasn't complaining. It wasn't until he felt your hand under his chin and looked up to see you smiling. He smiled and stood up before asking for a twirl then cheered you on. He wrapped his arms around you and showered you in kisses, causing you to laugh. You had to pry his arms off of you so you both could make the ceremony before you both got in trouble. Throughout the entire time, he would whisper cheesy compliments to you, something he would do throughout the day. 

“I might have asthma because every time I look at you,” He smiled brightly, as you both danced at the reception, and kissed your cheek lovingly.  

“What am I going to do with you?” You let out a small dramatic sigh and kept dancing with him. 

“Love me forever?”   

Rook 

He happily chatted with other guests and told them a story causing them to laugh as Rook took the opportunity to look around the hall, taking in the scenery. It was filled to the brim of dressed guests socializing and dancing.  

It was a party at the museum that Rook was working for, he asked if you would come, which you agreed to. Revealing that it was a formal event, he reassured you that you didn’t have to wear pants before you told him that you would take care of it. Even when you both went shopping, he would suggest combinations of shirts and pants as well as footwear as he looked for both of you.  

When the day of the party came, Rook called to tell you at work that he wouldn’t be able to pick you up before the party and was apologizing as he was on his lunch break, heading home to pick up his suit. You reassured him that you could catch a ride with one of his coworkers, a close friend of you both, and meet him there. 

When he went back to your shared place, he decided to be nosy and look at the outfit you had set aside. He smiled at the simple suit that complimented his before leaving behind a piece of your preferred jewelry with a sweet note then left to head back to the museum. 

Sipping the champagne provided, he looked around again before noticing your familiar face and the smile on his face turned to an awestruck as you walked down the stairs, looking around for him. He took in the beautiful sight of your dress and your appearance, he felt he was falling in love with you all over again, and had a small blush spread across his face when you winked at him after spotting him in the crowd. He set the champagne glass down on a passing waiter’s tray before slipping through the crowd to meet you at the bottom of the stairs. 

Once you both met in the middle, he kissed your hand before giving you a gentle kiss, not messing up the small bit of makeup you had on and showered you with compliments. He asked where the dress came from and listened as you told him that you went out by yourself to buy it and kept it at a friend’s house, to not ruin your little surprise. He rewards you with his hearty laugh and another kiss before complimenting you for getting past the hunter. He offered his arm to you before escorting you through the crowd and headed towards a group of friends. 

“No set of jewels could compare to you, my love.” 

Vil 

Vil watched as the crowd of familiar and unfamiliar faces interacted with each other before moving his gaze to his father, laughing, while surrounded by some old friends of his. Vil sipped his drink as he checked his phone to see if you texted him yet.  

His father tended to have two different birthdays each year, one with all his old friends and one that he spends with Vil. This year, he decided to have a bigger party with his friends and asked for both Vil and you to be there if you both were available. You’ve met him a couple times while dating Vil, a very loving man and someone Vil looked up to. You would occasionally spend time with him while Vil had to take a call or answer some work stuff while you two were visiting him.  

When Vil heard about the semi formal dress code, he wanted to help figure out what you were going to wear to elevate your gorgeous appearance. You both would have scope through both your closets to come up with an outfit or an idea. You both came up with a compromise on both parties, Vil didn’t want to force you into wearing something that you would feel uncomfortable in. You both went shopping, mainly to figure out what to get his dad, and you both would go separate ways to do your own thing. He browsed around for some potential gifts for his father before you met up with him to eventually come to a final decision.   

The week of the party, you both went a couple days early to spend time with him as well as to help if you could. You both stayed at his house because he didn’t want either of you to waste money on a hotel when you could just stay at his house. On the day of the party, he was woken up to hear his phone ringing and begrudgingly answered it to hear his agent apologizing for bothering him on his time off. She told him about a photoshoot needing a replacement for Neige and it was nearby his father's house. Vil debated about it before sighing and told her to send him the address. His conditions were to only be there for a couple of hours before hanging up. He let out a tired sigh before glancing at you, sleeping peacefully while wrapped up in the comfy sheets. He kissed your head before getting out of bed to get ready then gave you one more kiss before leaving the room. He informed his father of a last-minute gig and he would be back in time for the party.

By the time he came back, he immediately went upstairs to change and put on some makeup before joining the part. He was greeted by some of his father's old friends and talked to them for a while. He looked around for you, but you were nowhere in sight. He asked his father if he had seen you, only to be told that you went on a quick errand to grab some extra supplies. Vil was tempted to go find you, but decided to wait. instead.

As he listened to someone telling a story, he overheard your laughter and turned his head to see you, entering the party with a box of wine. What made him do a second look was the outfit you were wearing. A formal dress with some jewelry, something different from what he thought you were going to wear. He excused himself before making his way over to you, noticing someone was getting too friendly with you, and quickened his steps towards the open bar.

Once he enters your peripheral vision, you smiled and greeted him, causing him to smile and give you a kiss on the lips, silently showing this person that you were taken. He apologized for leaving you this morning and leaving you alone. You reassured him that it was fine before he asked where you found this dress. He was surprised to hear that you found it while you both went gift shopping and had it shipped here so he wouldn't see it beforehand. Such a sneaky sweet potato. He gave you another kiss before you both heard his father calling both of your names, to see him surrounded by some of his old friends. Vil offered his arm to you before carefully leading you towards him and reassured you that you would be alright.

"Promise not to drop me?" You asked, as you walked in heels.

"Only a fool would drop a woman like you, dear." he reassured you.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Asmodeus - Day 47

Race: Tyrant

Alignment: Dark-Chaos

June 4th, 2024

When one thinks about traditional demonic names, among the 'star'-studded ranks of Belial, Beelzebub, or Mammon, one other stands out among the rest- a demon representing lust and one of the seven princes of hell, Asmodeus. Despite appearing in only a few stories of Abrahamic faith, Asmodeus is a well known demon whose popularity cannot go understated- whether it be adult animated TV shows or demonic dating games, Asmodeus is a prevalent demon in pop culture. But why is this the case? Why does Asmodeus rise above his peers? And why did he try to take Isabeau as a bride? I can answer two of those questions, but Jury's out on the bride one. I think he just likes tomboys. Let's try this demonic jailer in the court of Law and Chaos!

As with many demons in Abrahamic religions, Asmodeus first appears in relation to, who else, but everyone's favorite historical demon summoner, King Solomon. Primarily appearing in several stories throughout the Talmud, but also appearing in the Quran and a few stories in the Book of Tobit, a Christian book of dubious canonicity (typically only in a second canon, not the primary one,) Asmodeus is one of the 7 Kings of Demons, representing the deadly sin of Lust. Interestingly, this title wasn't given in many of his stories- in fact, there's reason to believe he initially represented the sin of Wrath before Satan came around and swooped it away. Asmodeus's name originates from 'Asmodai,' which has been stipulated to originally be "aēšma-daēva (𐬀𐬉𐬴𐬨𐬀𐬛𐬀𐬉𐬎𐬎𐬀)" which roughly translates to 'Wrath-Daēva.' As a result of this, in Zoroastrianism, their equivalent to Asmodeus, Aēsma, is a daēva whose domain is that of wrath.

Now, Asmodeus himself has a collection of different retellings of one primary story himself- for the most part, this demon appears in the Book of Tobit as the primary antagonist throughout, working to sabotage the protagonist Sarah in her attempts to get a child. Sarah, daughter of Raguel, a character who is... less a character, and more of a general name given to several figures? Thanks for making my job easy, Christianity. Anyway, Sarah had been trying for a baby for a while, but after 7 consecutive husbands went conspicuously missing almost immediately post marriage, she began to grow suspicious. (Why didn't she just try to have sex before marriage? Uh, Christianity, I guess?) However, an eighth husband would show himself- a young man by the name of Tobit! And thankfully, he has a plan, courtesy of an attendant angel, Raphael.

Somehow, by placing a fish's heart on burning coals, a smoke emerges that is so powerful it scares the encroaching Asmodeus all the way into Egypt. Once in Egypt, the demon is bound and sealed away. It's believed that the reasoning for Asmodeus preying on the suitors of Sarah is due to them marrying her simply to pursue their lustful desires, while Tobit outwits him due to being pure of mind. This legend, and corresponding idea, is also where the general consensus of Asmodeus being the demon of Lust originates. Not him being horny.

As opposed to his role in the Book of Tobit, Asmodeus appears as a far more jovial character in the Talmud, starring in stories which depict him less as outright evil and more as just a guy doing his god-damned job, as a lighthearted and good-natured man who just so happens to be a demon. The myriad of stories involving Asmodeus in the Talmud can actually tend to be rather humorous in nature, such as one in which Solomon ends up tricking the demon into helping build his temple and another in which, likely as revenge, Asmodeus ends up launching the king a long way from his kingdom and takes over for a year until Solomon returned, wherein the Demon did a fine job ruling until he fled upon learning of the return of the king. These sets of stories combined with his role in the Book of Tobit eventually placed him as a king of hell in a rather prevalent demonic compendium, though maybe not the one you were expecting.

As opposed to the Ars Goetia, Asmodeus actually appears in the Malleus Maleficarum, wherein he is considered the demon of lust and assigned an adversary in the form of St. John. It's in this compendium that he is also given the title as one of the kings of hell, wherein he overrules the gambling holes of hell. It's worth remembering that the deadly sin of Lust doesn't necessarily mean sexual gratification- it can mean a strong and intense desire for anything, including money. Yes, that gives it some overlap with Greed, but Lust differentiates itself by being a desire so overwhelming it's impossible to escape from, instead of Greed being a desire wherein one wants more and more.

However. He does appear in the Ars Goetia!!! CHEERING CHEERING YIPPEE!!!!!!!! Appearing as the demon Asmoday, he is depicted as the 32nd demon in the text, governing 72 legions of demons and being an incredibly powerful demon with the appearance of a man with three heads- one of a bull, another of a man, and the third being a goat. Unfortunately, the text doesn't delve that deep into this demon, simply bearing a powerful spear and an infernal dragon he rides upon.

So! How is he depicted in the series? Unfortunately, Asmodeus, in spite of how common he is in other demonic compendiums, makes only scant appearances throughout the series. Being a major boss in II and IV, as well as being Kamoshida's boss form in Persona 5, he mostly appears as a powerful demon in one form or another. Being a boss fight and being Asmodeus go hand in hand in the series, basically. Every design of this demon is different from the last, and, well, none of them are too accurate to every common depiction, but I can't blame the artists. This is a very, very hard design to make look good, so a majority of the time, they don't really bother.

The closest they get is his design in SMT II, but even then it differs greatly from each major depiction of Asmodeus. Again, though, I can't really blame them. As a powerful boss monster in most of the series, they work hard to make this demon actually intimidating, and I gotta give them props. My personal favorite design of Asmodeus has to be in IV, however, just due to it looking cool as hell.

This lustful king of hell gets a B+. Still don't know why he tried to take Isabeau as his bride though.