#viktor already transitioned here

[arcanegifs]

Here's more comparisons of Arcane Gifs before and after I color and sharpen em!

[lowkeyrobin]

UMBRELLA! BEN ; a million timelines

summary ; you'll always end up with one certain face in every universe and timeline

warnings ; language

disclaimers ; ben isn't dead, umbrella! ben in fact bc I love that dork sm, viktor is already transitioned the whole way through, random word vomit

track ; not a lot, just forever, adrianne lenker

word count ; 1.1k

masterlist

It seemed in every timeline, you'd be semy straight back to Ben's side.

You were intertwined, sewn together, in fact.

In 2019, you were reunited with him after Sir Reginald Hargreeves' death. You hadn't seen each other since you were kids, it'd been years.

You didn't have any special powers like the Hargreeves' did, you were just their normal friend who lived next door above the laundromat. You came back to town for other reasons, but when you heard the news, you had to go see them.

Your eyes first landed on Viktor, his short hair completely different from his old, long, luscious locks. You immediately smiled, wrapping him in a solemn hug, congratulating him yet showing remorse and compassion over his dad's timely demise.

You went through the rest of the siblings, other than Five, as he'd gone missing all those years ago.

Then up came Ben.

You could feel the soft look on his face as he looked at you, finally being reunited after all this time. He was by far your favorite of the academy, holding a special spot in your heart.

It wasn't just that his cool tentacle shit that drew you to him. He was a total dork, and you adored it. He always found a way to make you smile, he noticed the smallest of things, he was so sweet and compassionate. He could light up a room like a flashlight in the dark.

He wrapped you in a hug, spinning you around in joy.

"Oh my God, Y/n!"

"Ben!"

Your smiles were unmatched, the other siblings watching with little smiles, nostalgia crashing against their mental shores. They loved you too, but they also loved seeing their two favorite people together again.

"God, why are you here?"

"Came back for some stuff, but also for you guys. Sorry about your dad"

"It was coming-"

"He was murdered"

"Luther!"

You softly chuckle, hiding your face in his shoulder, enjoying the sweet dopamine rush infecting your brain.

You were stuck to Ben by the hip, almost literally, as you landed on cold, wet concrete on April 28th, 1960. You share a panicked look, calling for any of the other Hargreeves' before eventually giving in to failure.

At least you still had each other.

You spent the next three years thinking the others were dead and that you were permanently trapped in the sixties. You worked in a bar, and he worked right beside you. You both didn't understand that without degrees, you were hired, but it was much better than nothing.

Then you were reunited with Klaus, then Five, then the others.

But of course, some weird fuck up in the space time continuum forced the world to attempt to kill itself, again.

And once again, you stood behind Ben as he unleashed the tentacles from his internal organs to protect you and his family.

Good God, what did you do to get wrapped up in all this?

That lead you all astray again back in 2019, thankfully, but some other superpowered people had taken the Umbrella Academy's place. The Sparrow Academy.

But once again, you were right by Ben's side.

You were at his side during the first Kugelblitz, travelling with Five and Klaus to meet Klaus' already deceased mom, and at the end-of-the-world wedding between Luther and Sloane.

You now sit at the bar at the Hotel Obisidian, sipping on mocktails as you watch Luther and Sloane break it down on the dance floor. A tune calls your name, screaming for you and Ben to jump out there.

Just Like Heaven by The Cure.

"Oh my God, we loved The Cure when we were little!" You giggle, only a buzz directing the slight slur in your words.

Ben smiles, "We did"

"Come on" You quickly set your glass down on the counter, looking over at Ben, who hasn't moved, giving you a raised eyebrow. "C'mon, Ben"

He looks over at Five who rolls his eyes, sipping on some sort of champagne. Ben gives into your pleads, setting his glass down to go with you.

You join Luther and Sloane, and Klaus and Viktor, on the dance floor, allowing the song to consume you inside out. You jump about, singing along to the lyrics as you hold each other's hands.

Colorful lights splash upon your faces, blinding you for milliseconds as they pass you by.

Five, now accompanied by Diego and Lila, watches you two from afar. He lightly smiles, enjoying the smiles on your faces as you await to be disintegrated into dust as the world crumbles around you.

"Even in every jump across the space time continuum and in every alternate timeline that will somehow find a way to end, they're always at the end together" Five observes, glancing over at the couple, elbows rested against the bar behind him.

Lila gives him a cringed look, not understanding a word of the gibberish he'd just spoken. Diego sighs and shakes his head, taking a bite out of a bologna sandwich he made for himself.

"It's cute," Five clarifies.

"Why don't you get out there?" Diego asks Five, "The world is about to end. Enjoy it, Ebenezer Scrooge McDuck"

Five chuckles. "Yeah, let me go enjoy the world fading into dust at every touch." He sets his glass down on the bar, deciding to go join the enthusiastic group of mentally dead Hargreeves' plus you.

You and Ben, even as the song switches, continue to dance together, creating a little circle with Klaus and Viktor so Sloane and Luther could have their little alone time. Eventually, the whole family is on the dance floor, enjoying their final hours on Earth.

After a while, you crash on the floor beneath the couch, mindlessly listening to Luther, Five, Diego, Klaus, and Viktor drunkenly sing along to Seal's Kiss From A Rose. Allison, Sloane, and Lila enjoy the show, singing along from the couch.

Five, noticing you two were slumped over, half dead, calls out to you. "Hey, lovebirds! Get up here!"

You and Ben immediately look down toward each other, your feet touching one another's, giggling like little kids as you realize what Five had called you. You crawl up to your hands and knees, then rise to your feet, joining the brothers up on the little karaoke stage.

"Now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the grey!"

It was true, in the end of each timeline, in each version of the world ending, you and Ben would end up side by side. Nothing, not even theories and paradoxes, and jumps across the fabric of the universe could separate you.

[evieelyzabethh]

Oh oh! I think I’d be so cute in streamer au if, after a while, Viktor is okay to come on stream here and there, though, mostly being off to the side where he isn’t seen and just talks. However, one day, he’s comfortable to be in camera once, though with mask (and maybe sunglasses on) to more or so keep anonymous, and so they do a baking stream and couple qna when the oven is being used

i'm still having streamerau!Viktor thoughts, so i'm using this to drop part 2...hope no one minds 🎀

oh! also, thanks to @lillycore for the thirst trap idea, your brain is humongous

streamerau!Viktor who fights the urge to crash the fuck out every time Jayce sends him an edit of you. Jayce, being a good friend of both of yours, shows his support of your channel through his secret editing account (he's a velocity warrior). This is made even funnier because Jayce himself is a streamer!!! Surprisingly, he starts out as a more traditional dude bro gamer, playing a lot of COD, Fortnight, PUBG, and then eventually transitions into DND because he sucked ass and got tired of 12-year-olds yelling at him in lobbies. streamerau! Jayce also sends you edits to annoy you. You try to send some back, but they really don't bother him at all.

streamerau!Viktor who, once introduced to the world of edits, absolutely despises the amount of thirst you get. You have a primarily female audience, so outrageous thirst comments aren't something that happen often in your chat, and when it is, it's incredibly confusing to decipher. He spent ten minutes trying to figure out what "I'm (s)creaming" meant. It was just so stupid to him he couldn't wrap his head around it

streamerau!Viktor whose voice is introduced into the streams before his face. He starts sitting in your recording room while you stream, where he'll crack a few jokes or give you some of his notorious "pro-tips". While the demand for him is still high but he's not ready to show his face on camera, you'll do couples Q&A's in your living room or kitchen, pulling from a bunch of commonly asked questions from your comment section, Twitter, or Insta. It's a shame he wears a mask the whole time because he has a very expressive face to match some of the insane questions you receive. Usually these Q&A's happen while you make some sort of sweet treat, the stream ending after the goods are finished and you feed them to him off camera, signing of with Viktor giving a thumbs up to the camera signaling the "Grim Stamp of Approval".

streamerau!Viktor who makes a guest appearance on your Halloween live stream, though hiding behind some shades, a plague doctor mask, and one of his suits. You pleaded with him to be a plague doctor since he already had the physique of a sickly Victorian child. He originally was gonna be a sheet ghost and call it a day but noooooo you said he had to put in a little effort to sit on your couch and play the Halloween DLC of some stupid FNAF game

He refuses to touch the controller and simply sits on the side with his arms crossed over his chest, his legs spread a little, his cane to the side, judging every move you make while everyone collectively loses their shit in the chat. Don't let him have some gloves on either, the girlies are salivating (someone draw some fanart of PlagueDoctor!Viktor and my life is yours). He doesn't get it. It doesn't help that when he notices, his immediate reaction is to degrade your chat for "being some dirty perverts" and that sets them off even more.

streamerau!Viktor who finally does his face reveal during a collab with you and streamerau!Jayce for a DND game. It's highly anticipated, they even make a very cinematic trailer for it. They set the scene dramatically, the dungeon master flickering the lights, whoever's behind the camera doing the close up of the doorknob jiggling, the door eventually swinging open to reveal a cloaked and masked Viktor, the camera cutting just as he begins to take it off. Needless to say, Twitter explodes when the stream finally airs and they finally get to see the masked mystery man.

streamerau!Viktor who after his big reveal becomes a regular feature in your content. You eventually shift to different types of streams, movie reviews, a cooking series, rating tv shows or albums that came out that year. Cooking with Viktor specifically got very popular, something about that accent and the camera close ups on his hands really got the people going. Your dynamic also adds fuel to the fire. You both have a very flirtatious relationship, often spending most of your streams dropping dirty jokes trying to see who would crack first. Every time things get too hard, he jokes that you could just cut the stream, and he eats you instead. He stops making that joke after you say you don't have to cut the stream, and people wouldn't stop begging for an OnlyFans drop for months.

streamerau!Viktor who eventually becomes a part of your new Minecraft series. It may just be one of the only games he's good at, though he is the first to admit it's harder than it looks. He blinks and you already have a full set of iron gear and are trying to get him to go cave hunting with you and he's barely cut down a tree. He's far more of a builder than a miner, often opting to stay "home" whilst you go out and get building materials for the both of you. He has never been more than a hundred blocks from your very gorgeous blocky house but most definitely has a full set of enchanted diamond armor

streamerau!Viktor who also introduces the New Years tradition to your channel where you spend New Years on stream while slowly getting drunker throughout the night. This stream is usually one of the much longer ones, inviting your friends as guest stars. Obviously, Jayce, but also Mel who joins in on the initial DND session which eventually devolves into drunk baking and an even drunker never-ending match of Monopoly. The only reason things stay even minutely contained is because you bribe Ekko to babysit. He does get in on the fun, just without the alcohol (he took a quarter of an edible at like 6 and cross fading is very not good)

[witchinatree]

i have posted a LOT about the issues i had with season 4 of TUA but i'm going to say everything i've been thinking right here right now. i cannot get this shit out of my head.

i think a lot of it ties back to the flaws i noticed in season 3, they tried to take on too much and abandoned the previous storylines that were waiting for them (viktor's traumatic relationship with leonard, five's trauma in general, lila's parents dying because of five, DAVE, etc etc) and we were all expecting them to tie it all together in season 4

instead they just.. added more..???? jennifer and abigail were thrown in late season 3 and were just suddenly supposed to be super important to us (they were not.) the subway that takes you to other timelines (objectively cool as fuck, why is this only introduced in the last season of The Timeline Show)

and i'm still really upset that reginald is an alien because it makes no fucking sense. i always assumed he created the mystery 43 babies (why else would he seek them out and already have a plan for them) but the alien route was.. ill-fitting. i think it would've worked better if he fell in love with abigail, who was an alien and created marigold, and then his hubris and curiosity was what unleashed it into the world and doomed the timeline. "sure this mystery chemical destroyed the planet my wife is from but i'm reginald hargreeves so that won't happen to me!" [happens to him] also i wish abigail was not just used as "see! abuser not so bad! abuser have wife! he love wife :]" because. what. and then her weird complaints about reginald in episode 6 that came out of nowhere confused me. they just should've written her entirely different if they were gonna have her at all

AAALSO i hated that they regressed all of the characters back to how they were in season 1 (or worse??). luther was living in the old umbrella academy building because apparently he will never leave it?? after everything?? diego's life was different but he was still doing this weird job shit (discount batman and mail carrier are the same thing) and he was miserable with his loving wife and kids (who ARE you.). allison's husband left her again (what the hell raymond) and she was still the neglectful single mother of claire?? after EVERYTHING I KNOW I ALREADY SAID THAT BUT GOD. klaus actually had something going for him, if only his recovery wasn't made into a joke, and then he relapsed and got kidnapped and was just very.. season 1 klaus.. but with no ghost ben anymore. five.. eugh. he was not season 1 five he was just NotFive. crazy how they had a magnus archives crossover and just brought in NotThem to take five am i right guys. ben's also different because it's not the same ben from season 1 but they just made him really fucking mean. like worse than season 3 because there wasn't that underlying "please i just want to be loved" thing. crypto bro ben was funny as fuck though. and VIKTOR just fucked off by himself after working so hard to be part of the family again. glad he got to transition and become canada's #1 manslut but jesus, just abandoned everything you did to be part of the family huh.

my vision for the ending of TUA would go something like this

ending of season 3, pretty much the same but they all have their powers and reginald's head getting sliced in half did not reveal him to be some alien freak. also at some point abigail would have been introduced. i don't feel like rewriting season 3 too okay i'm cutting corners.

luther finds sloane when he goes back to where the umbrella academy building used to be, but it's now a very lovely apartment that the two of them live in together. they host all of the family gatherings for sentimental and space reasons. i think luther would explore the stripper idea but decide not to follow it because of sloane. sloane would be fine with it but luther would still get worried.

diego and lila live in the same house somewhat nearby. lila's family (they do get to be alive but lila does have to overcome the trauma of losing them while simultaneously getting them back) are their neighbors, it was the compromise they came to because diego wanted their house to be their space but lila wanted her family close. they have three kids who are each loved and names get to be in the fucking show. (looking at you mystery twin. grace and coco (?) didn't really get much attention either). they have a big backyard that the kids all play in together when they're visiting

allison and ray are still together and they have claire (maybe another kid...) they also live somewhat nearby the rest of the umbrella family because i refuse to let them separate. i don't have much to say about them other than RAY DID NOT WALK OUT ON HER.

klaus and dave live in allison and ray's neighborhood. maybe they adopted a kid? maybe they didn't? i think their family would be really cute either way. klaus is still overcoming his addiction and dave supports him through it. it's not made into a joke and actually gives klaus a lot of depth and emotional moments. also just in general dave meeting the rest of the family would be really really sweet

five gets to retire. he lives with viktor in my mind. full circle on viktor being the person who always waited for him and offered him a place to stay after he got home in season 1. five would not actually be getting a retirement pay because he has never had a real job so he's just vik's roommate now. he could have a romance plotline with a woman working at the department store down the street named delores. she looks familiar.

ben lives alone and works at a tech company? honestly i don't know what i would do with him in the pre-plot but it would not be put him in jail?? me personally. i think he would probably move further away than everyone else but stay close enough so he could visit sloane sometimes. he still feels like an outsider but doesn't know how to tell the umbrellas he wants to be their brother now

and viktor lives with sissy harlan and five (previously mentioned). his transition gets to actually be explored (PLEASE.), harlan is in therapy, and sissy is a strong working woman!! again i don't really know what to do with him pre-plot. just know he's the happiest he's ever been!!!

and just in general, a lot of this happiness from all of them comes from their powers and that they can finally be one big happy family together (whether ben likes it or not). setting up the inherent tragedy that comes with perfection

episode 1 opens by showing everything i just explained, the tragedy of getting everything you want or whatever the title was. their powers are still integral to their lives. they're either tied to their careers (luther would probably be like a wrestler or something again, diego could try police work again because i want that to be explored) or other aspects of their existence (allison still finds herself doubting how much of her life is real, klaus' relapses are always caused by his trauma surrounding ghosts, five sometimes space jumps when he wants to be alone [also i think he could feel some sort of shame/guilt because he lives with viktor and can't really contribute much without the commission. not really his fault though because of his insanely fucked timeline], ben uses the squid to carry things or grab things that are far away, and viktor plays the violin to help him remind himself that he is in control of his power now, and he won't end the world again)

the main conflict starts when ben meets a new woman named jennifer and shakes her hand when introducing himself (starting the marigold/durango reaction that builds very slowly throughout the season.) it could be romantic but i think it's just devestating. they're slowly realizing they're losing everything they worked so hard for because of something they can't control

yadda yadda yadda figuring shit out while also having conflicts in their life from the earlier seasons and it culminates in the old umbrella academy building, viktor is the only person who can remove the durango and marigold from ben and jennifer and save the world. he finally gets to be the hero, be the one to stop the end of the world instead of cause it, but he needs to take the marigold from each of the siblings in order to balance the amount of durango jennifer had (no idk why he would let the other like 30 something marigold kids keep theirs i really don't know how to fix that. why would they do this to me)

each of the siblings have to give up part of their lives, part of their identities, and it's hard for them!!! they struggle a lot to agree to do it!!! and it's also harder for them because they don't know if viktor will survive doing this. but he's the only one who can? is his life more important than the existence of everything and everyone? ultimately, they all give up their marigold, and viktor takes all of it and the durango to save everyone. it cancels itself out and stops the cleanse reaction, and i think it would kill viktor (but it doesn't have to). we see that same clip of the 'perfect world' but they get to be in it. they were never the problem. lila and diego play in the park with their kids. allison ray and claire are walking together. klaus and dave are talking on a bench. luther and sloane are carrying a large basket of food. ben and five are helping them set up the picnic. harlan is sitting in the grass with sissy next to him. each of the adults have a small violin tattoo on their wrists. their lives will never be as perfect as they were before, but they can finally just rest and move on. because it was never their fault.

also reginald dies. fuck that guy

[another-delta-lover]

show me ur tf2 fan designs!!!! i want to see em :]

HELLOOOO SORRY I HAVEN'T REPLIED THIS IN SO LOOONGGGG, I'VE BEEN PROCASTINATING A LOTTT

HERE THEY ARE!! SORRY FOR ANSWERING LATE.. THE PROCASTINATION DEMONS.... ANYWAY. These are mostly based on lil pootis blu designs. not the RED ones bc they already exist. INFO ABOUT EM:

Blu Scout:

His name is jeremy

he's RED scout's twin, both are bio children of RED spy

he makes out with BLU sniper

out of the closet, BLU medic made his TRANS sugeries

BLU soldier:

his name is John Doe

he's traumatized. The war.

RED Soldier is his clone

Makes out with RED demo, but still in the closet

BLU pyro:

sad bc she can't light stuff on fire (he lives with the other BLU mercs IN A PLACE WITH SNOW!!1[lil pootis changed me as a person])

She's RED Pyro's clone

likes the BLU Spy's style teehee.

has shown their face to the team

BLU demo:

I forgot what name I gave her aughh

He's RED demo's clone

even tho she's mtf, she doesn't want to transition and still uses he pronouns, WHICH IS TOTALLY VALID.

Beautiful hair

WEARS A SCOTTISH SKIRT

BLU Heavy:

His name is Nikolai<3 sighhh...

he's the most perfect man you could ever meet. He's soso nice... 💕

he has daddy issues. He lived with like 10 brothers, he was the middle one. He wasn't treated right 😔😔😔

he would be the best dad ever AUGHHH

He's secretaly married to BLU medic teehee

BLU engie:

His name is dave :)

He's red engie's clone

he's taller than RED engie, they also like to spend time together even tho they're the same person

BLU medic:

His name is Frank (REFERENCE TO MY FAV BOOK)

His fav dove is called Viktor (ALSO REFERENCE TO MY FAV BOOK)

He's RED heavy's ex 😶we don talk about that tho.

He makes out hard with BLU heavy. He likes his organs. In taste, I mean. He a lil insane. but he'll be fine (<- me when I lie)

RED medic is his clone. He's terrified of him. He's the one that created the clones of all the mercs that have clones. He regrets it.

BLU sniper:

I forgot his name too aughh

He's BLU scout's partner

She's RED Sniper's clone

THEY HATE IT HERE. THEY HATE COLD. TAKE THEIR AUSTRALIAN ASS OUT OF THERE!!!

He has inmense beef with RED spy bc she's making out with his son XDD

BLU spy:

The salesman and the hooker.

she's RED spy's clone

they have the MOST PRONOUNS BC THEY WOKE🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

she likes to be annoying towards RED spy, RED sniper and RED engie.

he's a CUNT

IF U HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT EM I'LL GLADLY ANSWER EM ALL!! SORRY FOR YAPPIN TOO MUCH BTW

[yolatirra]

Some Thoughts about Arcane Season 2, Especially Relating to Potential Time Travel

Pt 1: Isha

I think Isha has something to do with Ekko and time travel.

Something that keeps nagging at me about Isha is that we don't actually know anything about her. She showed up in S2E2 running from some guys and then literally dropped into Jinx's lap. We still don't know why she was running from them. We don't know where she came from. We have no idea who she is.

One analysis videos I watched, which I've now sadly lost track of, pointed out that there are a TON of Firelights symbols in that scene.

With this in mind, I combed through the entire six episodes of Acts 1 & 2, looking for any other green hourglasses. I didn't find them anywhere else. To be fair, I combed through the season pretty quickly, so I may have missed them. If I did, please point them out to me! But if I'm right that this is the only place we see them, that's VERY WEIRD and VERY INTENTIONAL.

Someone in a different analysis video also pointed out that Isha has some oddly fancy aspects to her outfit.

This could definitely be nothing, but something about that pattern on her vest seems out of place. Almost more like something you'd seen in Piltover than in Zaun.

My theory is that Isha was sent to this point in time by Ekko and we're going to see what led up to this moment in Act 3. Isha might be dead (I'm still sobbing about it), but we're going to learn more about her.

Will she stay dead? Honestly yeah, I think so.

I think that the version of events we're seeing is the version where time has already been changed, and I'm going to get into that more later.

Pt 2: The Letter

Actually I lied above about not finding any other green hourglasses in season 2. I found one more, in the scene where Jinx is reading Vander's letter to Silco in S2E5.

Note that this ISN'T the Firelights symbol. But it is definitely a green hourglass. Also note the gear in the center, which has been a recurring symbol this season that seems to have something to do with time.

This has to mean something, right? But I don't know what.

Pt 3: Gears-As-Clocks

There is one really notable instance of this. I really wish I had a GIF of this scene, but I don't know how to make GIFs and I don't feel like learning just for this, but here's a sequence of screenshots that hopefully show you what I mean.

Jinx turns clockwise, which transitions into the gear on Jayce's hammer also turning clockwise. Like a clock. The gear is a clock. Going forward in time.

And what shot do we get immediately after this?

Jayce is going forward in time.

I suspect there might be other instances of gears turning clockwise to symbolize a clock, but I've already spent too long on this post so if anyone finds another example, please share. Still, even if this is the only instance, it recontextualizes all gears in this season to be time-related.

Pt 4: Fortune Cookie

I kept wondering why Jinx calls Viktor a fortune cookie. I do think there are multiple parts to this and I'm missing some of it. Something about a cookie being sweet and Viktor being sweet? I dunno, I'm missing part of what this comparison means.

HOWEVER. Why a FORTUNE cookie, and not just any cookie?

Fortune cookies predict the future, but in silly, little ways that don't really mean anything. Maybe Viktor can see the future, but only glimpses. Tiny things that don't actually allow him to do anything about it.

Fortune cookies also hide their fortune inside a bland, mildly sweet cookie, and you have to break the cookie to get the fortune out...

OKAY WAIT I was gonna say I don't know what that means, but uh... you have to break the cookie to get the fortune.

You have to break Viktor to find the future.

Pt 5: Fate

I've rewatched Viktor's scenes several times, and I kept wondering why Viktor asks Singed whether he believes in fate. It seems to come out of nowhere.

My theory at this point in that Viktor knows something is manipulating events, but he can't see specifics. He just knows there is some invisible force guiding events, and maybe, he's wondering if Singed knows about it.

Pt 6: Singed's Plan

What is Singed's plan in Act 2?

He goes to the undercity rally and clearly wants to be arrested. He comes prepared with a knife and slits his hand, so he will leave a blood trail. He wants to be taken to prison, and he wants Warwick to follow him there.

When we see Singed in the prison, in the scene where Jinx finds Isha, he has the door to his cell partially open.

He could have left before that, but he wants to be there. Then the lights start flickering and he closes the door again, to protect him from Warwick.

When Caitlyn walks through the prison in S2E5, he's STILL THERE. The door is unlocked. He could have left after Warwick did. But he stayed.

He stays so he can talk to Ambessa. When Ambessa comes to see him alone in prison, the first thing he says is "I've been expecting you."

He wanted to show Ambessa what he was capable of (Warwick) so that Ambessa would hire him. And that's exactly what she does.

And what does he do? He convinces Ambessa they can use Warwick, and then tracks Warwick to Viktor's commune.

Now, there are some things worth mentioning. First, Singed likely didn't expect Jinx to be at the prison, and didn't expect Jinx to awaken Vander within Warwick. However, Jinx's presence didn't disrupt his plan to get Ambessa's attention. His plan remained intact.

Second, he wouldn't have had any way of predicting that Warwick would up in Victor's commune, but I suspect this is a happy coincidence for him. I'm guessing he wanted to use Ambessa to recapture Warwick, and then was planning to convince her that Viktor would also be useful.

We know from the scene early on in S2E4 where Ambessa is conducting hextec experiements that she wished she had captured the "scientists" aka Jayce and Viktor. Singed likely knew about Viktor's commune, just because word about it had been spreading around Zaun, and even to Piltover (Lest mentions Viktor to Salo), and we know Singed suspected that the Herald was Viktor.

Ambessa would have wanted to invade the commune to capture Viktor, even if Warwick hadn't been there.

But, it turns out, he is, so that allows Singed and Ambessa to capture two experimental subjects with one invasion. Singed wants to get in there, capture both Warwick and Viktor, and combine them into a perfect being. This is his ultimate goal on the path to "curing death".

Which leads us to my final topic.

Pt 7: Jayce

What is the thing no one expects in Act 2?

Jayce killing Viktor. This was not a part of Singed's plan. Jayce kills Viktor before Singed can get to him, and THAT is why killing Viktor was necessary.

So, I have a couple of theories of where things go from here regarding Viktor.

Option 1: While this didn't prevent Singed from getting ahold of Viktor, it did damage Viktor in some way that prevents him from being used the way Singed intended. Whatever Singed would have done with Viktor is now impossible, and the future isn't as bad as the one Jayce saw.

Option 2: Viktor is actually, fully dead, and the hints of him we see in the Act 3 preview are actually scenes from the future that Jayce saw and has now prevented. Viktor could still come back in some way in the main timeline, but... I honestly do think there's a chance that he's actually just dead, and we'll only see alternate timeline versions of him in Act 3.

Okay, I think that's everything. Sorry to end on a depressing note but uh... Arcane, right? It's good. It's really good.

I do hope Viktor isn't dead though, even if he comes back even more wrong than before.

[sam-blackbird]

An analyse of Umbrella Academy s4's posters (beware of s3 spoilers, ofc)

Hi! Today, the official Umbrella Academy Instagram account published season 4 posters, and since I'm very excited about this, I'm gonna try to analyse the posters, or what I can tell about them.

It's going to be long so grab a snack if you want / can, put on a cool playlist, and let's dive down! I'm going to do it poster by poster, in the order it was posted, from the oldest post to the newest (so not in numeral order).

We can notice that the characters are cut in two, the Portal way.

Anyway. First of all: Viktor !

Ngl, I had a moment when I saw he had the masculine uniform.

But past my joyful moment, my mind went racing so fast I couldn't keep it down, I had to share my thoughts (even if there may be only one person reading me, but whatever).

First thing first, it's interesting that the first one isn't Luther but Viktor, who is, the main character of the show (or at least, that's how I see it). Or a least the most important one. (if the last scene is Viktor ending his reading of his new book, about his siblings, not only would it be a fucking good epanadiplosis but it would make me cry the hell out of me)

After all, the show open with him, following him. And nothing would happen if it wasn't for him. He's the one trying to get the family stick together, and (unwillingly) starting apocalypse (twice or thrice, shit happens).

Let's focus on the poster now. On the left, we have a clothing reminding us of the Umbrella Academy days, or rather the "how it was before the show", except they are adult, and Viktor is here shown post-transition (and not pre-, as he was in the first two seasons). What does that mean? Fuck if I know. That being said, I think it have its importance (if they wanted to put children instead, they would have, wouldn't they?). However, we can note that he is not wearing neither the boy shorts (nor girl's skirt, for obvious reasons), but some secretly third option, aka a grey pant (is it the sport pant?). He is standing out himself, as a trans man (not wearing a skirt, yet not wearing the boy uniform either, as if he wasn't fully in that category somehow? idk).

Viktor's posture is straight (lol), and I associate it with being calm, obedient (he listen to everything Reginald says (ex: take these pills), and since Reginald is perceived as a father figure, it makes sense that Viktor wants to obey him, maybe hoping he (Viktor) will be loved and recognized as valuable). And also with being like a puppet. Or a muppet. The point is: He's not free of his movement, he doesn't have free will.

His face doesn't look happy. Nor sad. Just... neutral. He's just... there.

On the right, we can't see his face, yet his posture seems way more relaxed! He's wearing casual clothes, more modern ones, adapted to the world without powers they're now seems to live at the end of season 3.

His looks reminds me of the one of Tyler Ronan from Tell Me Why, a game by the studio Don't Nod (I fucking love that game). Both characters are trans man.

(These are pictures of Tyler)

Anyway. Casual clothes. Blue, like the uniform. I won't analyse that, this post is already long enough.

Tbh, I haven't saw again the last episode of season 3, so I don't remember if it was the clothes they were wearing or new ones.

Also, Viktor is holding an umbrella in his right hand, probably a reference to the Umbrella days. Like, it's a part of him, he can't leave it behind, he physically have it with him (even if he doesn't have the power).

And the Umbrella is closed, unlike the ones from the previous seasons's posters.

Like, season 2's were opened (and full), and season 3's were opened and damaged (and they were hiding the protagonists' faces, showing implicitly the influence of the academy on them).

Next one, Luther !

We almost can see his face on the right!

But anyway, let's start by the left. Luther is walking, straight, in what could be either a military walk or a relaxed one (? don't quote me on this please, I can't explain). His posture screams "confidence" and "I'm number one, I'm a leader, follow me!". Or something like that, I'm no posture reader, just someone who watched way too much police and detective shows. He's wearing the Umbrella uniform (and it's so fucking weird to see it on a grown ass man!). His hair are cut short.

On the right, he's wearing a more casual look. There's something going one with his arm muscles, but I can't be bother to search what. His hair are longer than on the left. He is wearing gloves and an umbrella, and walking shoes. His umbrella is cutting his name (does it have some symbolism? Maybe.)

He's still wearing blue (like Viktor), even if it's a different kind of blue (and it kinda fit him).

Nothing more to add. (yes, I have my favorites, and despite liking Luther, I won't kill my eyesight anymore than necessary for details).

Next! Diego!

Let me preface this by saying that it's so fucking weird to see him in that uniform. On the left, he's walking like a good little soldier, following the leader.

On the right, he's the embodiment of a relax guy who can (and will) definitely yeet you out of the picture if needed. He's not wearing anything casual. It's more like a killer / soldier clothes, with his precious knifes.

DOES HE HAVE A MUSTACHE????

He's holding the Umbrella on the shoulder, as if he can't be bothered with it (and/ or he's gonna use it as a weapon).

Next! Not number 3, but the one who's linked to Diego! Lila!

Love that she's officially "Lila Hargreeves".

The left outfit is like the one she had in season 2 when she was with the Handler and stuff about her past was revealed (so interesting and meaningful choice of outfit). Her heels are thin, as if she wasn't stable (with her life situation and all).

Yet, on the right, her heels are thicker, more stable to move (she's more free to go).

Her clothes are modern and the flowers fit her really well, I might say. Her hair are put up, like the active badass woman she is. They're brown again, and not white/ blond anymore, it's more natural.

She overall looks like a business woman, with a casual chic.

She too, is holding an umbrella, which make her fully part of the family. She hold it casually.

Next, another girl: Allison.

Ngl, I'm no big fan of hers, so this will be short.

On the left, she's confidently wearing her UA (Umbrella Academy) uniform. Her hand move don't really feel natural (saying this as someone who sometimes draws human beings). Her hair are like the one from season 1.

On the right, she looks like a business woman and a mom. Her posture looks aslo determined, while relaxed. She have business to do, and no one will stop/ prevent her from doing so!

Girl power and all that.

(I'm trying, I really can't stand how her character was wrote during season 3)

Neeeeext! Let's go with one of my fav, Klaus!

I have to say, it is criminal that a) his hair are short on th right side (loved his long hair) and b) where's the skirt?! He slayed in it! Anyway.

On the left, his walking looks very mechanical, as if he was a machine, a robot (lol) (I won't do any joke about Grace). Yet, his posture his not natural (no one walks naturally torso in one way and legs in another, if that makes some sense).

His eyes are closed. Why are his eyes closed? Idk. Maybe he closing his eyes on what happened during the UA days. Maybe it’s symbolizing his absence of choice. His face is still, resigned, accepting his fate. Maybe to show he’s kinda dead inside?

Klaus had always been closed to death, more or less metaphorically speaking, as he can see ghosts (= dead people, or what remains of them).

His hair is all over the place, reminding the crazy days he had to get fucking blasted to avoid said ghosts.

Right side is colorful. He's beauty, he's grace, WHERE ARE HIS HAIR?! No but more seriously, cutting one's own hair symbolise change in many culture, and more specifically letting go of the past, embracing new beginnings, and/ or undergoing spiritual or personal transformations. I have no idea how to interpret that.

He seems to float, to ascend (plz don't kill him). He is bare foot (bare feet? idk) (fun fact: in the comics, he could only use his power when sober and with bare feet) (I won't go down the rabbit hole of barefoot symbolism and its link with death, I'm not mentally well enough to do that).

He his wearing a yellow coat with flowers (flowers, like Lila!). Yellow is associated with joy, fest, sun (and Klaus is a comic relief, a feel good sunshine character), and flower, life. (again, plz don't kill him)

What reinforce that idea of tragedy is that the umbrella he's wearing is the only one who isn't black: it's the umbrella he was holding during Reggie's funeral in s1. Plus, he's holding it with three fingers out. What's the meaning of three? Idk. Maybe it’s for Allison? Maybe it has a link with God (the Christian one)? Yk, Holy Trinity and all that. After all, doesn't Klaus met God (the little girl in the afterlife) regularly?

Does that look good or bad for Klaus? No idea.

Speaking about looking good, Ben is back, alive. I won' t go far enough to say "well", but he's alive.

On the left, he's standing straight, walking in a unnatural posture. Following only.

On the right, he is bend (idk why tho) forward (his hips are forward his shoulders, curbing like a closing bracket). His clothes are casual (and looking alike the one Viktor had been wearing during s3). His umbrella also cut his name (like Luther's). He's a Vans' boy!

(please, no mustache for him)

We can't see if he's wearing glasses or not.

Last of the Hargreeves kids (if you count Lila as one, and if not, last one of the power-gifted Hargreeves): Five.

On the left, his posture is haughty. His hands are in his pants pockets. He know what he wants, he is very sure of himself, maybe because he thinks he is better than everyone (he can think that, given what happened) (some might even say he have a bratty attitude, but I'll answer, well have you seen him during season 1???)

(my personal theory is that he is bend forward to be smaller on the left than on the right, because he appears to be)

On the right, he left the UA uniform for a more formal suit (some call it 'the grandpa / old man suit'). His hair are longer.

He's walking down like he had no shit to give anymore (he doesn't) and he's ready to throw hands (he totally his).

HOLY (S)HIT HE'S HOLDING THE UMBRELLA IN HIS RIGHT HAND! Why? Why is he te only one wearing the umbrella on the other hand? Is it to accentuate his difference with his siblings (+ Lila)? Is it to show how differently he see his time at the UA an how differenlty he uses his powers? I mean, given he didn't spend as much time in the UA as the rest of them, ofc his vision and perception of the UA is different. Even his vision of time is different.

Or he’s just left-handed.

And now, BEWARE! THE REGINALD JUMPSCARE! (or is it scare jump? Anyway, I've been working on this post for more than an hour and a half, plz be indulgent, it's late and the day had been long)

On the left, we see the whole umbrella for the firs time on these posters. Said umbrella is closed but not entirely (it could be open anytime).

Reggie is wearing a lilac/ purple suit, which is a color hard to dye (so it costed a lot and was reserved for royalty / rich ppl before industrialization and the use of chemical products for clothes dye; and we know Reggie arrived/ was on Earth on 19th c., so during the industrialization). He is ��young” looking (like he was in the 60s), and seems well assorted (who tf have two jacket pockets on the same side tho?)

On the right, he's old and wearing a brown suit. Brown can symbolize the Earth, which can provide: ppl are depend on it to eat and therefore survive. In a way, he was a Earth for his children, as they were dependent on him (does that makes him a good father? Absolutely not!). (that thought, of Reggie being a Earth, is funny given he is an alien / an extraterrestrial being)

And if you put them all in order, you get :

(notice how Klaus's picture / posture melt greatly in Five's?)

And that's it! Damn, that was long. Don't hesitate to let me know what you think about all of that in the comment!

[fanonical]

I see your point about June (and June is my favorite too). And I've definitely seen people headcanoning trans boy John out of really blatant spite, and complaining about June in a way that felt extremely pointed, like her mere existence is an insult and a source of hurt.

Buuuut on the other hand, many people loved transfem Roxy for a long time before the Epilogues, and I think it's fine and fair for them (... okay, us) to feel fleetingly disappointed that Roxy is transmasc in the Epilogues. I also think it's fine and fair to continue headcanoning Roxy as transfem, because the Epilogues were very explicitly in-text framed as one possible continuation out of many. I won't lie, I just love that t4t f/f Roxygen.

So my line of thinking is, it's probably still fine and fair to also love trans guy John, if people are inclined that way. It's more about the way that they do it? If you're finding yourself framing June as some kind of invasion on your holy safe space by the mean and terrible new writers of Homestuck, you need to take a step back and reexamine the transmisogynist bias there, and most importantly you need to stop being so goddamn rude to the people making art that just isn't for you. But on the other hand, I think simply ignoring the Epilogues and doing your own thing with trans boy John and his shaving cream trauma, that to me is perfectly in line with - and in fact respectful of - the spirit of the Epilogues.

(Similarly, I don't think it'd be bad to do a reading of the TUA comics where Vanya is a trans girl; I don't even think it'd be bad to write an AU genderswap of the TUA show universe where Viktor is a trans girl, though I'd greatly prefer if other characters' gender was changed too in that case.) (For example, I'd enjoy a full swap where A and V Hargreeves were the only "boys" growing up, and then V transitions and A is left all alone with his masculinity and he lets it steep into resentment. Also, sometimes you want trans girls with violins blowing up the world.)

Right, I hear what you’re saying but I think there’s a couple of key differences here

First of all, we know for a fact that Roxy being transmasc was prompted by a transmasc writer who was repeatedly & horribly transmisogynistic about transfem headcanons, so I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to assume that he really did specifically hate transfem Roxy headcanons out of spite so much that he made it an impossible reading in both timelines. But even then — I do think that if somebody specifically just decided Roxy is transfem and everything else from the Epilogues is the same (or magically headcanoned away as making sense somehow) then they would be intentionally misunderstanding & rejecting the text too. Like, that’s ok, that’s literally what a large part of fandom is, but the reasons for doing this are not neutral, and they reflect hegemonies & wider values.

In the case of transfem Roxy the point is to pointedly reject something we think is transmisogynistic — we have been teased with transfem Roxy for years, it’s an obvious & clear reading of her relationship to Callie in Act 6, and so I think it’s a legitimate criticism of the Epilogues. Meanwhile, there straight has not been years of hints for transmasc John, in fact, to headcanon June as transmasc you have to pointedly ignore her already extant queer narrative.

I also think you either misunderstand or are intentionally misunderstanding how alternate realities work in The Homestuck Epilogues & Homestuck Beyond Canon. They are not just one continuation out of many — there is only the two as far as I’m aware. I’m not up to date with HSBC but it’s my understanding that reality was cleft in two.

i agree with you on the Umbrella Academy! because this is something that has been like rebooted to switch things up, those characters are gonna get remixed. i’d love to see a transfem Vanya somewhere down the line. but if i only blogged about the tv show and i was constantly & loudly explaining how i prefer transfem Vanya and how she should be transfem in the show then I think that would obviously be in poor taste.

i think what bothers me is the boldness of so many men to be like “idk i just prefer this as a man character” right in the replies of posts where transfems are gushing about/sharing their transfem headcanons. I can’t even talk about June being trans without a few people saying that, and that’s actually confirmed as 100% happening, so it’s even more impossible to escape with like transfem Link headcanons etc.

i think all in all, transmascs, trans boys & trans men should try and leave more space for their sisters in the community. it is not subversive to wish every character was a man. just misogynistic. leave room for transfems, trans girls & trans women in fandom and beyond, folks.

[triptychgrip]

Fic Rec: Transmasc Viktor Character Study

I finished reading born of the ice by ao3 user anirondack this past Monday, but the story has been lingering in my head ever since so I felt compelled to come on here and post about it.

I've been on a gender exploration kick in my fanfic pursuits, and when I came across this robust fic -- 57K, so it definitely took me awhile -- I was delighted to see 1) that it is almost entirely transphobia free, which, frankly, felt quite healing, and 2) it begins charting Viktor's journey towards transitioning all the way from his childhood (6 years old).

There was something so gripping in reading about a pre-transition Viktor dominating the skating world as Victoriya Dmitriyevna in the Women's Singles division, and then making the choice at the height of his fame/success to come out as his true self. While it is not meant to be an accurate depiction of what a transmasc Russian athlete would have had to deal with in actuality, the emotion and stakes depicted felt extremely authentic, and make you root for Viktor to find his happiness. Best of all, while it touches heavily on his gender identity journey, it's about far more than that, as well. I was particularly appreciative of the scenes that capture Viktor's melancholy closer to when we know canon starts (which takes place well after he gets top surgery and starts taking testosterone).

It was really hard to pick an excerpt from this fic to share because there are so many captivating/poignant moments, but I've settled on a scene between Yakov and Viktor, taking place around the time that Yakov is confirming registrations for Russian Nationals.

This takes place shortly after Yakov learns of Viktor's gender dysphoria, and begins when he asks him to decide which division -- men's or women's -- he will compete in.

----

“You can’t switch back and forth between the two, either. You have to pick one and stick with it.”

“I know.”

Yakov nods. He looks a little gentler than usual, which means he only looks partly inflated. He holds out his hand and Victor hands the form back. Yakov returns it to the pile and covers it with another form for someone else - hers is already filled out, with her full name and everything. Victor feels a soft pang of jealously and swallows it. “That’s all. Back to practice. Your step sequence is looking choppy. You’d better not be binding again. You know I won’t hesitate to withdraw you from the Grand Prix. I don’t care how well you did in Budapest.”

“I’m not, I promise.” Victor stands up and ties his hair back, then walks inelegantly out of the office and back to the rink, his blade covers making loud thunking noises on the rubber mats.

He thinks about it as he practices his step sequences, which do not get any less choppy. He thinks about it as he walks back to his apartment in the commons with his skates slung over his shoulder. He thinks about it as he showers and drags himself through the same dinner as always - protein and salad and more protein - and does his stretches and lifts weights and watches TV on his new TV set. He goes into the bathroom and stares at his naked body in the mirror and covers his chest with his hands and turns from side to side. It would be very difficult for him to blend into the men’s figure skating crowd, but he already doesn’t belong in the women’s division either. He faces his reflection head-on and looks at his hips - slim, but wider than is ideal for his jumps. Victor likes his hips now. They’re somewhere between masculine and feminine and he likes the androgyny of them, and how they don’t ache as much as some of the girls on the Russian team who have wide hips and knee and back pain.

Victor draws himself into his free program’s starting position, back curved forward and to the right, one arm across his face, and peeks at himself from under his elbow. It’s a very hidden position. It distorts him, makes his body look different. Featureless. The curve of his chest is only distinguished because there’s no spandex covering it. Victor sighs and drops his arms, then leans against the sink and runs the tap. He washes his face with cold water and rests his elbows on the porcelaine. He thinks.

One option is a huge challenge, the other unbearable. One will wear down his body faster, and one will wear down his mind. Neither feel like particularly good options, but Victor meets his own gaze and he knows what he’s going to do.

You can read the full story here

[goodoldfashionedengineer]

Here is my 6k word Umbrella Academy analysis on Season 1 Episode 1 "We Only See Each Other At Weddings And Funerals"

Hope you enjoy!

(Disclaimer: Spoilers for Season 1, 2 and 3. Some points will come off as a bit judgemental towards certain characters, but I truly like all of the siblings, this is simply my observation. You may not agree with everything, these are just my interpretations)

Episode 1: We Only See Each Other At Weddings And Funerals:

It is really sweet how the other women at the swimming pool are comforting Tatiana while and after she gave birth, bringing towels, petting her hair, holding her hand

It has been pointed out many times but I still love the foreshadowing to Viktor’s powers when Reginald is about to purchase him

I never thought about it but Viktor really practiced alone in the Theatre here. Wonder why. The lights were still on so maybe he just saw it as a good opportunity

Reginald dies late at night, Luther’s clock shows 23:28

When I watched this the first time, I immediately picked up on Luther's body hair growth, like with the wound, how he’s trying to cover it and later when he’s alone so I thought in retrospective that the trash bags are partially filled with hair

The weatherman says “little bit of rain potentially later in the week” and it does rain at Reginald’s funeral, which is only a few days after this! (As he dies on 21st March but Five comes back right before the funeral on 24th March) Great detail!

Diego really just snapped that guys neck

Allison's press photo shoot is apparently for Love on Loan 3, with the logo on the wall!

Allison never covers her umbrella tattoo, it is really visible

Allison looking really forced happy, right before a journalist says “Oh! You’re perfect!”

The poster “Recovery is not short and sweet, it is a lifelong process”

Klaus introduction scene and he already wears his headphones

He is immediately established as charming, people are laughing at his jokes, another off-screen person says goodbye to him. He seems well liked

No matter how many times I watch it I get said when the receptionist says “We’ll see you soon, Klaus”

Klaus-kisses-something count: 1. Object in question: the 30 day coin

Luther's chair on the moon, where the light hits the surface and making it look beautiful. Great hint at a later scene where Allison asks him about the moon!

Diego has no idea what normal is for a family. He throws the robbers against family photos, real family photos, not the annual paintings of the Academy. He throws knives, picks them up and they’re covered in blood. No clue that he looks just like the robbers, how is this family supposed to feel safe?

The transition from Allison leaving the press and looking over her shoulder to look at them one last time to Klaus looking over his shoulder as a police car with siren drives past as he makes his way to a dealer

Klaus-kisses-something count: 2. Object in question: drugs

Viktor looking at the news as Reginald’s death is pronounced. He says “Dad” and the photo on the news showing Reginald shows one of the Umbrella Academy group pictures after their Eiffel Tower mission. Watching that hurt, my heart aches for Viktor here

After the Eiffel Tower picture it shows another Academy picture, but this time with only five kids, hinting at Five’s disappearance

Reginald having lizard taxidermies and skulls

I never could quite make sense of the Academy emblem. An umbrella, a lighting bolt, a skull and a domino mask. And the motto is “Ut Malum Pluvia”, apparently translating to “When Evil rains”?

Shot to the sleep observation notebook. During my first watch, I didn't pick up that the numbers were representing the children, I assumed it were experiment numbers. I don't know what he wrote about Allison, but Klaus’s says “no activity for tonight”. So yay, probably means good sleep for him. I’m sure that line either hints at nightmares, OR, more likely, ghosts, that Klaus sees/hears in his dreams, which we get to see in later scenes. Ben’s says ‘seems to be crying in sleep’ which is just so sad, I want to hug him. And Viktor’s says “activity!!!” can't really make out the rest, but there are other posts transcripting the pages, but here’s another clue that Viktor has powers.

The Academy paintings. On the first one, they look a bit uncomfortable, but mostly okay. In the next, when Five is gone, they look so much more tense. In the next one it shows they hate this and they don't want to be here. They look really strained and depressed and angry at the last painting when Ben died

Diego comes out of the room where Grace is sitting, great hint for when it is revealed that he found the monocle on her

Allison didn't seem to be sure that Viktor would come “You’re actually here”. It is sweet how she welcomes him and says “forget about him” when Diego tells him “What are you doing here? You don't belong here, not after what you did.”

So far, Diego and Allison know that Viktor is there

Viktor says “Hey, Allison” while Allison says “Hey, sis”. Sis, our first nickname in this family

Allison can sure shoot one back, quite snarky and can be quite defensive of others, but in a good way. Shows by criticizing Diego’s outfit/leather harness underhandedly

Viktor really seems to be about to leave after Diego’s comment :( Good that Allison reassured him

So now Diego knows that Allison is there, Viktor and now Luther as well. “What's your secret? Protein shakes? Low carbs?” Diego seems well knowledged in health and fitness, later eating a raw egg and criticizing Klaus for using drugs “My body is a temple”. That's surely one way to cope. That is in complete contrast to what they did as children, with Five pointing out they used to snuck out to Griddy’s and Klaus saying they used to huff paint in the basement in season 3. That fact about Diego already shows here with this simple comment

Diego was the first to know Luther was there (beside Pogo, as Luther talked to him already and was told the monocle was missing. Already hinting that Pogo was involved in Reginald’s whole plan). And of course the first room Luther would go to was Reginald’s bedroom. But then again, it was Diego’s first goal too, with him already having checked it out

Diego pulling away the coroner’s report right as Luther was about to grab it because Diego was holding it out to him. Classic sibling behavior. From this moment I knew that any comment about “They’re not really a family, they’re strangers” is a blatant lie

Diego broke into the coroner’s office before this. He IS shocked that it is just heart failure but he accepted it. Luther, not so much

Diego says this about Reginald: “A sad old man in a big empty house, just like he deserved.” Now he is the one being told by Luther to leave.

Diego says to Luther “Whatever you say, brother.” Brother being so more distanced than sis

Reginald really had everything. Comics up top, a bit below that, a newspaper article but also a framed teen magazine cover

Viktor meets Pogo up next and they hug. Viktor got two hugs in one day, the other being from Allison

Grace calls Reginald “sir” in the flashback

In the flashback, Allison stands perfectly straight in the middle, in the left front we have Ben who is straightening his shirt and halfway already in the office. On the right front we have Klaus who is crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe. In the left back we have Luther, who stands behind his siblings and in the exact same spot as in all the Academy paintings. Next to him is Diego, who has to stretch himself a bit to be able to look past Allison and at Reginald. In the left back is Five and behind him Viktor. When they are urged to leave, Viktor immediately makes his way back, Diego and Klaus follow suit and walk next to each other, next it Five and Luther puts his hand on Ben’s shoulder as they walk back. Allison has to be urged by Grace. She wants attention and it becomes apparent why she would become a movie star

Klaus meets Allison first, she’s the first to know he’s there, in Reginald’s office

Klaus really hasn't seen Allison in a long time it seems, but Allison is really happy to see him as she smiles at his antics. I really believe that Klaus is the “mascot” when it comes to dysfunctional family dynamics and for Allison, it really worked. For those that don't know what the mascot is: “This is the child who learns very early that laughter reduces tension and eases stress, and she or he responds to discord in the family by trying to lighten the mood through humor.”

Klaus immediately goes for the hug. Now Allison got two hugs too! The first she gave Viktor, the second she got from Klaus

Klaus really can lie quickly. He wasn't prepared to meet her there, it didn't sound like he had anything planned when he said that he wanted to meet her anyway, but that “I wanted to get your autograph” really came so quickly after that short pause. He could pawn it and says it in a flattering way.

He is so quick to divert from a question. Instead of answering Allison's question about what he’s doing, he goes for the “oh, we haven't seen each other in so long!”

But Allison points out the rehab wristband. She notices shit

Allison really seems concerned when Klaus says “I’m done with all that”, context being rehab

Klaus saying he only came here to convince himself that their dad is dead and Allison giving him a “really?” look. She didn't believe it for a second

When Klaus clasps “And he is! He’s dead! Yeees!” Allison shakes her head and grins. That was the moment she thought “Yep, he hasn't changed one bit, alright. Klaus is still Klaus.”

Klaus really changes in tone fast, from being cheerful and making jokes about Reginald’s death to angry about how they wouldn't be allowed to be in that room if he’d still be alive

Klaus puts his feet in the desk

Reginald has a photo of himself framed on a shelf, not just the painting behind him

“Get out of his chair” are the first words Luther tells Klaus after seeing each other again. Klaus has meet two people, Allison and Luther and Luther met Pogo, Diego and now Allison and Klaus in Reginald’s office

Interesting that Klaus wants to leave when Luther enters the room.

“Save the lecture” Oh, Klaus is so used to getting lectured

“You guys can talk amongst yourselves * chuckles softly*” He is so hinting at their teenage romance with each other

Luther knows Klaus took something, he isn't fooled by Klaus playing dumb

And Klaus looks around again if anyone is there before he pulls out the box. Don't let appearances fool you, he knows how to stay secretive

Klaus-kisses-something count: 3. Object in question: pearl-inlaid box

Luther is the one to say “Klaus is still Klaus” and Allison is the one to say she finds it comforting. Her life has changed so much, she has started to see that her actions have consequences and to see that some things from the past haven't changed? Yes, I can see her seeing it as a source of comfort. Luther does not give a response, instead redirecting to Diego. So he seems to be less comforted by Klaus’s lack of change

The bit about Diego wearing the leather harness in the shower will never not be funny

Luther AND Allison weren't sure if she’d come to the funeral. She really distanced herself from her past, huh

Luther says shit when Allison tells him that Patrick got custody. He knows how much Claire meant to Allison. Also, Luther swears. I see you, “Luther saying ‘Language!’” writers, but it’s not canon

Luther is quick to suggest Allison should use her power, but he is apprehensive at saying it out loud, indicating that he does know that it is not exactly good

Family meeting! Luther sits on the left couch, Diego on the left armchair, Allison on the right armchair and Viktor on the right couch. Luther seems the most comfortable, as if this were truly his home, Diego sits rather relaxed too, Allison sits straight, hands folded in her lap, Viktor wants to be comfortable but body language indicates that he isn't, he makes himself look really small

Allison has a drink

“None of you ever did that?” When Luther tells that he used to sit with Reginald by the oak tree. Diego looks away, probably thinking “Classic Luther”. At first I thought that Diego thinks that Luther is the favorite, but then I remembered that Diego later tells Luther he SHOULD be angry at Reginald for what he did to Luther, so I think he realizes “So he still thinks Reginald is good and doesn't realize how messed up it all was.” Also, Klaus immediately chimes in “Will there be any refreshments?” Before any of his siblings could answer that “None of you ever did that?” Question, which would just stir up all sorts of emotions. Robert Sheehan said in an interview once that Klaus is rather conflict avoidant and it shows. And again, another point towards him being the “mascot”

So Klaus has a drink, a cigarette and also a trophy?

Luther only points out the smoking, not the drinking. Because “Dad didn't allow smoking in here”. When did he establish that rule? I so want to know the history behind it

Allison seems to be so much more at ease after Klaus’s interruption

Diego knew Luther would still believe that it was murder. Viktor does speak up, using logic that the coroner would know. Allison also finds Luther’s suggestion ludicrous, she sees in that moment how Luther can't live without a mission anymore

“Quelle surprise” Klaus is the most likely out of all of them to use non-English words. French, German, Spanish is what I remember on the spot, I'll look out if he speaks any other languages

Also, Reginald communicated with Luther while on the moon

“Look, I know you don't like to do it but I need you to talk to Dad”. Everyone was aware that Klaus does not like using his power. Klaus even looks shocked at the suggestion, his expression saying “Me?”. Allison scoffs as if she knew “Yeah, not going to happen” or couldn't believe that Luther would bring it up, especially in the context that she thinks that Luther is out of his mind with suggesting it was murder

Resentment slips through when Klaus says “Hey did could you stop playing tennis with Hitler for a while and take a quick call”

Luther doesn't even think about the possibility that Klaus wouldn't be able to do it. “That's his thing”. Luther does NOT know why Klaus started using drugs,for which we’ll get even more evidence for in episode 7 when he says he wants to be Number Four because he seems so carefree. Also Diego looks away when Luther says it, maybe because Luther still puts so much focus on their powers, just like Reginald

Everyone except Diego is so shocked and surprised when it’s revealed that Luther thinks one of them killed Reginald. There was definitely some baseline trust in each other

“Way to lead” Diego rubbing salt into the wound because he knows Luther thinks himself the leader of the group. It definitely strikes Luther, so it worked

All of them work out without another word, except Klaus who tells Luther he’s crazy. Even Allison, whose glass is now empty

Flashback to 17 years ago. They were 12 here and it’s 2002. Five disappeared about 16 years and 5 months ago, so he was only in the public for about 7 months

News Reporter is Jim Hellerman from the news station Channel 2 News

A S.W.A.T team is already at the bank robbery

Bank is Capital West bank at Main at Sixth

The Umbrella Academy only made their entrance at this bank robbery roughly three hours after it started

I love this scene so much. Allison so confidently walking up to the robber, Luther running on the roof and people believing it’s law enforcement, jumping in through a window from the ceiling, immediately hitting a guy and throwing him out of the bank through another window. That's a lot of windows they’re destroying. Diego’s knives land straight in that guy's chest

What did Jim Hellerman do to have been in many hostage situations? Is The City just like that? Is it like Gotham, where crime is just that rapant?

The robber from the beginning is standing on top of the counter, pointing his gun at the kids and calling them freaks. Diego, Allison AND Klaus are standing in front of him. I have never noticed that Klaus was standing there too before this rewatch. Luther is standing by the hostages in front of the vault.

The kids are trolling that guy. Diego saying “Be careful up there, buddy” Allison responding “Wouldn't want you to get hurt.” Five also has this humor with “That's one badass stapler.” He is so youthful here

“Do we really have to do this?” Ben, I want to hug you. He does not want to do this. He first looks at Luther (remember when Luther was the one to guide him away from Reginald’s office?) and then at Klaus.

“*Sighs* I didn't sign up for this” Did I say I want to give Ben a hug?

Five seems intrigued by Ben’s… tentacle massacre and then looks at Klaus, maybe because of the possibility that new ghosts could appear?

“*Sighs* *breathes shakily* Can we go home now?” Voice trembling, covered in blood, I am calling CPS, nothing will stop me, I will enter this TV show just to pull Ben out of this

They come out and are already posing, they trained for this moment. Luther is holding a hand up, Diego is showing off a knife, Allison is standing straight, Klaus is leaning on Five, Five is als standing straight, hand behind his back. Ben is covered in blood and looking down

They were so sheltered and given so little free time, so little time to discover who they are, this bank robbery mission for which a S.W.A.T team was called and ended in Ben being covered in blood made Viktor say “Why can't I go PLAY with the others?”

Reginald comes into the picture and Luther is again at his exact same position as always, at the top left.

Some other news stations: WURG, CNR, Channel 9 News

Interesting how they wear their scarves. Luther, Five and Ben all seemingly wear their scarves tucked into their coats, Allison wears hears pretty fashionable with one side hanging out to the front, Klaus’s hangs off to the side on one end while the other falls off over his shoulder behind his back and Diego literally just put it around his shoulders, didn't even wrap it around his neck. No wonder that guy later refuses to use an umbrella during the funeral.

End of flashback, back to Klaus trying to conjure Reginald. Looks like he just took off his shoes. Klaus seems to focus so much on the point that they weren’t related. Earlier with him that Reginald wasn’t their real father so they couldn't inherit his cold dead eyes, now with “[...] my sons, adoptedt(!) sons”. It really makes sense that he wants to seek out his birth mother in season 3, he already puts a lot of focus on it in season 1.

“Big angry ghost lecture” again with the lecture, Klaus is used to getting lectured.

"Eternal peace is probably overrated” they kept that in season 3 when he talks with Rachel, his mom, in The Void. Klaus is so interesting, he has seemingly no long term goals, lives fully in the present moment, but is haunted by his past and also thinks the future is shit (as shown when Five reappears and tells them about the future “Called it!”)

Klaus calls Reginald “Reggie”

Diego and Klaus think very similarly of Reginald. Diego uses “paranoid”, “sad old man”, “monster” as words to describe him, Klaus says “stubborn bastard” and “sadistic prick”. No wonder they get along so well

Allison truly is a girlies girl, they recreated that early 2000s girls room PERFECTLY. That little thing to hang up jewelry, the bright colored nail polish, another container for other accessories, teen magazines, posters, kitchy notebooks and decor, those pencils that aren’t even sharpened yet, the one with the thin plastic wrapping that gets everywhere once you do sharpen them and with the cutesy eraser on top which more destroys your paper and smears the writing all over it instead of erasing it. Huuuh, the 2000s

Klaus is now in the basement kitchen. This is where Leonard and Viktor will enter from at a later point (I’m pointing this out because whenever I watched that scene I never knew how they were suddenly in the house, I assumed it was a shop because it didn't look like the house, now I know). There is a table football and a couch and an e-guitar, which Klaus will later hold right when Diego will announce that he’ll leave

Klaus has another drink. And just took drugs, three to be precise. He seems to be not doing okay. “Three? Okay” to which he laughs but right after taking them he seems very sunken

Diego is a knuckle cracker and fidgets with his knives

I think it’s really sweet how Luther wants to make them all feel connected and cheer them up after ruining the mood. Maybe he already realized here he was too harsh. He did turn up the volume to max, he knew what he was doing with putting on the vinyl here. And he is already feeling the music, moving his hands and head

Luther is a record enjoyer, Klaus is most often seen with his tape player (though he also has a record player in his room. I assume that tapes are just more mobile and he can listen to them anywhere).

This dance scene was what made me fall in love with the show

Diego closes the door before he pulls off his A+ performance.

Allison springs onto and off beds

Five begins to reappear, metal things get pulled away. Reginald’s urn almost falls off the table before Klaus catches it. Klaus also says “Daddy?” Sure, we know that ghosts don't manifest like this. But Klaus has been trying to conjure Reginald, his abuser, so it is reasonable why he’d think that Reginald might appear after all, especially when he isn't fully sober and already not doing that good mentally

Luther is the first to put some scientific reasons on the big blue ball in the sky

Diego calls Luther “Paul Bunyan”

When the electricity intensifies, Luther and Diego are quick to pull Klaus behind them. Luther says “Everyone get behind me”, he clearly sees himself as their protector. Diego says “Yeah, get behind us” he sees himself also as their protector, he has some respect for Luther in the sense he looks up to him, wants to be equals rather than Number Two

“I vote for running” Klaus showing conflict-avoidance again. Or self-preservation instincts depending on the viewer

I like how Klaus is the one to say “Does anyone else see little Number Five or is that just me?” With him already seeing things that no one else does. Also, Klaus uses Five’s full name, Number Five instead of just Five

Klaus is rubbing his show and mouth a lot. Could be a nervous tick or could be experiencing dry mouth from the drugs

Viktor and Five used to be close, Viktor being the one to give Five the date and Five remained rather calm when he just said the day when he asked for the exact date instead. He has a lot more patience for Viktor

Five did that a lot, walking towards someone only to blink with Luther saying “Haven't missed that”

Five has seen a lot. He says that the future is shit so resigned. He says he should have listened to “the old man”, putting the blame on himself

“That makes no sense” “It would if you were smarter” Diego immediately stands up, Luther immediately holds Diego back. He will later do this again when Diego is angry at Five when Patch was killed. Luther is all about preserving the peace between them, that's also why he put on the record

“Nice to know Dad didn't forget me” Five does not seem to see the harm Reginald has done to them but based on that line, I believe that in the apocalypse he thought often about how their dad would probably see him as a failure now, since he did what he was told not to do and couldn't even go back. All of them still call Reginald “Dad”

I’m just imagining old Five saying “ballsy”

Viktor full on believes his whole family hates him

Five responds with that there could be worse things. Worse things being that they’re all dead like what he had to go through, already implicating that he doesn't care what his family thinks of him and his actions just as long as they’re safe

Klaus is smoking another cigarette

Pogo says “dear boy” to Luther

Klaus grimaces when Luther pours out the ashes. Could be interpreted in a number of ways. “Oh that wasn't great.” “The old man will not like that.” to throw out a few

Diego’s anger continues to brew as his face twists and and looks up away from Pogo when he asks who wants to speak. The words are already forming for him

Klaus is keeping his feelings about Reginald bottled up, going straight back to his cigarette

Diego begins to look over again when Pogo says “[Reginald] was my master”. Strengthening his feelings about how they weren't children to Reginald, how he saw himself as above everyone

Allison looks down and seems annoyed when Diego says “My name is Number Two” in response to her calling him out. She probably thinks back to Ben’s funeral, where he wasn't all that different. “Classic Diego”

Viktor also cares about Mom. When he first entered the Academy, he said “Mom?” As soon as he saw her, here he says “No, it’s okay, Mom” when she asks if they’d like something to eat. He also thanks her in a later flashback when she compliments his music and is against shutting her down

Allison already notices that something is not right with Mom “Is Mom alright?”, Which explains why she would be pro powering her off

Diego really out here pulling the string cards with calling Luther “Number One”. Luther probably saw it as an offense towards him, but I think Diego said it more as to “Look, he didn't even gave us names! He gave us numbers”

Luther does no go down to that level, still calling Diego “Diego” but he is the one to start the physical fight

Diego calls Luther “big boy” in the fight. Twice

This time, Klaus is all for the fight, chanting “Hit him!”. He did laugh at Diego’s proclamations about their father

Allison seems so disappointed and also resigned in those two when they destroyed Ben’s statue in the “They never know when to stop” sense

This time, Viktor does not back down when Diego says “Got enough material for your sequel yet?” He does not let Diego get to him

Klaus really makes sure that everyone is gone before he says his words to Reginald.

Putting out your cigarette in your abusers ashes in the ultimate “Fuck you” move and nothing will ever top it

Reginald’s quote in the flashback to one of their training days basically boils down to “You are stronger together than on your own.” In the bank robbery flashback he says in response to if he cares about their well being “Of course. As I am for the fate of the world.” I think he knew that an apocalypse would happen but I don't believe he knew the cause. In a later flashback with Luther and Allison in the greenhouse, he isn't angry about them spending time together, he’s angry that they do it outside of their schedule

This is where Diego’s fear of needles comes from, getting their tattoos

Klaus and Allison already got their tattoos, Diego is currently getting his done, so they’re out of order. I thought maybe the last one got theirs first, the first one to make it to the top gets theirs last but Diego was right behind Five on the staircase race. But maybe Luther and Ben managed to overtake him?

I just think it’s really sweet how Klaus is holding Allison in his arms as she’s sobbing while he is also still distressed and in pain from his own one. He cares

Diego doesn't even let himself be comforted by Mom

Luther also seems so agitated about being next, he tries to hide the fear but isn't successful

Ben tries to calm himself down but he’s pretty nervous and as is Five

None of them had any fun here

Reginald raises them by the rule “You are stronger together than alone”. But completely excludes Viktor from all of this. Of course he’d feel isolated. But it also means he sees these terrible things happen to his siblings, like the bank robbery mission and tattoos, and sees it as a game, as a group activity that he is left out of. I do believe he’d take the pain if it’d meant he’d be one of them

It is so freaking creepy how Reginald will just sit on their beds while they sleep and put on the electrodes.

I first thought everyone had their own color for the cables, but some are clearly used twice. Luther has blue, Allison yellow, Viktor’s is white which is a great hint as his comic code name “The White Violin”, Klaus is black (shocking for the guy whose powers revolve around death), Five is red since it’s coming from the staircase leading up top but no idea which colors Ben and Diego are

Luther sleeps on his side, Allison sleeps half on her back, half on her side, Five sleeps on his stomach, Viktor sleeps on his back

I think this is the first time we see Viktor use the pills? Could have sworn it was earlier but I don't think so

Viktor takes his pills and goes back to his earlier mind set, when he did think Diego was right, he shouldn't have come

Viktor really cares about others. He cares about Mom, he tells Pogo to take care of himself, he later compliments Helen

“Dad hated caffeine” “He hated children too and he had plenty of us *laughs* *immediately stops and grows serious*” Again, a sudden mood change from Klaus when talking about their father. Also, it’s really sad how Klaus is telling the truth here, because Reginald literally says in season 2 "I have a deep dislike of children. I do not have them, nor do I intend to have them". So Klaus seems to have a good idea about how Reginald truly was. Rehab did seem to have some effect

Klaus peaks up when Five says he’ll get in the car. Like he knows that Five is in a 13 year old body, so he isn't legally allowed to drive. But he is also so curious.

Klaus is also barefoot. Good reference to his comic version, where he can only use his psychic powers when he isn't wearing shoes

I love that Diego’s and Allison’s love language for each other is roasting. “See you guys in, what, 10 years when Pogo dies” “Not if you die first.” “Yeah, love you too, sis. Good luck on your next film”. We got our first “love you”! Aaand it was 100% sarcastic. Also, Diego calls Allison “sis”!

That “Hope it turns out better than your marriage” comment hit hard for Allison, she immediately left after it

Even though Diego is a pretty health and fitness focused guy, he still takes out one mini marshmallow from the bag that Five left out earlier when he made his sandwich

Diego’s face when he’s in the car and Klaus enters. That screams “Not this again let me have one second in peace”. Diego is used to Klaus but not to his antics. But he doesn't throw him out

So, Viktor left, Klaus knew about it, Five and Allison where in the room when he announced it, Five left with Klaus and Allison still in the room, Diego entered, Allison left, Diego left, Klaus left, Luther saw Klaus and Diego leaving in the car

I love Grace, great character. Often robots in fiction are said to have their own agency, but this show really questions that narrative. Does she? Or is it her programming. But here when she looks at the paintings she mimics that woman in the painting, looking at her with longing and awe. It looks like she wants to be that free, go see the places in those paintings which she never got to do under Reginald

Five’s forced smile at Agnes reminds me of his comic version

Five could have gone anywhere to get a coffee but he chose Griddy’s. A place with memories. Good memories. With siblings he cares so much about. Siblings which he saw dead. “Simpler times”. I think Five thought a lot about them in the apocalypse. Regretted some of his actions. “Shouldn't have done this” “should have done something” “should have said something” “should have told them”. All those should have’s.

On the side of Griddy’s is a sign with “Dunfield Plaza” and next to it is another sign with other shop names. Those being “Dry cleaning”, “Astro Typewriter” and “Grand Mutual” and under it is another LED sign with “Warton’s convenience 24h”

Five’s fighting speaks for itself

Five didn't finish his coffee

Diego is holding the monocle above the water, thinking about Luther’s words. He is conflicted about clearing Grace’s innocence with dropping it. He knows something is up with it. But he also wants to protect her

First time Klaus is referring to himself as “we”, with we meaning Ben and him

Here we have the scene that led to fanfic authors making Klaus obsessed with waffles. Despite “You like waffles?” “Of course you do, everyone likes waffles” and Ben even nodding. But that’s the curse of a character mentioning liking a food once

Diego had the police radio on his car hood so he’d here if something came up

Klaus does drum rolls

Klaus knows about Diego’s vigilante activity “breaking bones and cracking skulls?” which does sound rather negative. He doesn't seem to be in favor of it. Comes with them being raised to kill and him seeing corpses that have broken bones, pieces of them missing, etc.

Diego responds with “Saving lives, baby”

“I guess it’s frozen waffles again” I hope you don't eat them frozen /j

“I could do egg and bacon but I’m trying to cut down on my pig products.” I am leaning myself out of the window and throw a wild suggestion out: Could be interpreted as a hint towards Dave. Dave is Jewish and pork is not kosher

Diego is putting on the mask in the car

“You are so weird” Viktor to Five. Another peak sibling behavior, love it. You have each other back not even a day but you are already back to being siblings

So Viktor knows Five was attacked and that the world will end

“I’ll put on a pot of coffee” Miniscule detail, but he couldn't have known that Five wanted coffee since he already left when Five was searching for coffee in the Academy which led to him driving to Griddy's. I guess the usual person would say “I need a drink” when they find out “The world will end in 8 days” BUT Viktor takes medication, so coffee is probably the next best thing, especially since the day has already been exhausting

And there we go! First episode over!

[itmeblog]

Debate thoughts. I'm doing it for me. I have until the hour is up before I have to get back to work. I stop where I stop.

I'm gonna start where I never thought to start before: What's the point of a debate? Who is it for? What is it for?

A debate, this debate, in particular tends to be for undecided voters. If you've been paying attention to what's been going on nothing any of the candidates said... almost nothing the candidates said on 9.10 was any sort of surprise. For many undecided voters this is the first time they've been introduced to Harris and her policies.

Her goal (which she was nice enough to tell us): Introduce herself and her policies, provide an overview of her vision, goad Trump.

Trump's goal: To embarrass Harris, and connect her with Biden's presidency, uhhh something something (the man doesn't really plan)

Connecting Harris with Biden isn't a bad idea, in concept. Biden's ratings are relatively low, he's been painted as incompetent and the Afghanistan pull out is a heavy chain (I will point out that what happened in Afghanistan is as much Trump's fault as it is Biden's, Trump struck the deal and decreased the troops and gave the pull out date, Biden got a bad hand and decided he'd prefer to write apologies overseas than sacrifice the lives he was charged with. I'm going to refrain from assigning a morality to events that occurred.) The raised princes the troubled economy, the housing crisis are similarly connected to Trump's policies but were not felt until Biden was in office.) Connecting Harris to that, to the feeling of things, might have eaten a bit at her lead.

However, one must be able to articulate such ideas for them to work. Shouting "She is Biden" without context will likely only serve to baffle viewers. Particularly if they have already been trained to question what you've been saying.

Trump's problems start early. There is no plan.

The plan is, effectively, Project 2025 (including fun things like defunding the Dept of Education, and NOAA [weather authority] and banning porn, and proposing a national abortion ban. It's wildly unpopular) but it's not his plan, and he can't claim it. He must distance himself from it because Project 2025 is so unpopular he's been losing voters.

But there's literally nothing to replace it. Trump talks a big game (when he's coherent) but he has very little to back it up. In short, he's a con man. He takes any shape he thinks will benefit him. So he cannot answer a question by focusing on policy because there is no policy. He has two moves, denigrate Harris and point out the flaws with Biden's presidency (Which, once again, needs him to successfully chain Harris to it in order for people to care)

His second big problem: He's too online

Yes, yes, I know we always talk about how being chronically online frays the mind and gives you brain worms. Tumblr is actually an amazing example because there's a number of in jokes here that simply don't translate well to real world conversation. But I'm betting most of us here know our audiences well enough to recognize what will hold and what will not, and even if a faux pas occurs, will likely know how to eke out a fix.

Trump does not. He isn't thinking about undecided voters because he caters to his base, the already initiated. Those who follow him on Truth Social! If you listen to the debate, and you, like myself, are uninitiated to deep right wing circles there will be times when you have no idea what the man is talking about. He uses slang J6 (january 6th) and name drops people who have bigger swing in heavily right wing circles Viktor Orban (who I had to google, he is a Hungarian Leader who has been flattering and possibly insulting Trump in equal amount). He nearly lists all the Fox news reporters who I only vaguely recognize. A lot of things he says are thus somewhat indecipherable even when he does have a point.

The illegal immigrants being subjected to forced transitioning in jail on American Tax payer dollars (or whatever the fuck he said) has a real point (for transphobes) in that Kamala indicated in 2019 that she would not be averse to letting those who were already getting government provided healthcare have access to gender affirming care in prison. But he says it so nonsensically that it comes out as more conspiracy theories.

And then there's Kamala who is goading him. And I can tell you with reasonable certainty that being controlled by a woman is an emasculating experience for men like Trump. And it starts at the goddamn handshake.

And Harris is fucking clever about it (though I don't think she imagined it'd work quite this well) but on questions where Trump did have a leg to stand on , the increased border crossing during the Biden Admin and her failure to stem the flow of immigrants would make a decent talking point for more conservative voters. Which is why she chooses that moment to not only discredit him but also bring up his crowd size.

And goddamn if he doesn't fucking go off.

DAVID MUIR: Vice President Harris, thank you. President Trump, on that point I want to get your response. FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I would like to respond. DAVID MUIR: Let me just ask, though, why did you try to kill that bill and successfully so? That would have put thousands of additional agents and officers on the border. FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: First let me respond as to the rallies. She said people start leaving. People don't go to her rallies. There's no reason to go. And the people that do go, she's busing them in and paying them to be there. And then showing them in a different light. So, she can't talk about that. People don't leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics. That's because people want to take their country back. Our country is being lost.

And he just can't regain control he goes further and further off the rails and dips into the QAnon bullshit which isn't appealing to people uninitiated to his particular... brand

We're a failing nation. And it happened three and a half years ago. And what, what's going on here, you're going to end up in World War 3, just to go into another subject. What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country. And look at what's happening to the towns all over the United States. And a lot of towns don't want to talk -- not going to be Aurora or Springfield. A lot of towns don't want to talk about it because they're so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The people that came in. They're eating the cats. They're eating -- they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country. And it's a shame. As far as rallies are concerned, as far -- the reason they go is they like what I say. They want to bring our country back. They want to make America great again. It's a very simple phrase. Make America great again. She's destroying this country. And if she becomes president, this country doesn't have a chance of success. Not only success. We'll end up being Venezuela on steroids.

...this is as far as I got.

[queervenusian]

random theory on pisces & acting ♓ 🎬 🎭 by queervenusian

almost every time i watch a show or movie and i'm like

"oh that character is a pisces FOR SURE"

well...the actor who plays the character in question turns out to be a pisces in real life. to put it differently, i feel like pisces actors seem to be the most likely to play characters who display characteristics of their sun sign.

to cite a few examples:

viktor hargreeves from the umbrella academy or jodie holmes from beyond two souls / elliott page

melinda gordon from ghost whisperer / jennifer love hewitt

nick nelson from heartstopper / kit connor

...and i think i have just the theory for that.

first of all, pisces people are reputed to be deeply empathic🫂 so i think that when a pisces actor decides whether or not they wanna play a role, the character has to also be empathic and caring to some extent. they want a character they can properly convey deep feelings through, or a character they can sort of grow with and care for. their characters are often the mediators who want everyone to get along, the ones who just want to help. they seem to be drawn to emotional stories, as well as anything that has to do with the supernatural (spirits, psychic abilities, super powers etc.).

on the other hand, as you may already know, pisces' modern ruler is neptune. neptune is all about the collective unconscious, illusions, the unreal, idealization of things and people, and even the (unhealthy) idolization/worship aspect that often comes with fame. for that reason, neptune is said to rule movies, acting, the film industry in general (films are nothing but an entertaining illusion, when you think about it).

I just typed "neptune" in the gif search bar and look at what comes up lol. it's no coincidence !!!

so i believe that pisces actors may naturally be skilled at acting for all the reasons above, but that they may also have a hard time telling fiction from reality. it may be hard to draw the line between the characters they play and their actual identity, because they just lose themselves in it and also tend to incorporate personal elements into their acting.

the best example i have here is viktor hargreeves. the fact that elliott page's transition was actually included in the plot was beautiful. i honestly felt like he didn't even need to act for most the last season. his emotions felt very real, knowing he was having the same experience in real life. he was actually just being himself, finally free. and as viktor hargreeves, he was the one always going great lenghts to try and fix their broken siblings relationships. and let's not forget how a lot of his roles deal with the supernatural !

that's big fish energy right there ✨

[elvenbeard]

Tell me more about Identity 😳👁️👁️😳

Thanks so much for asking!!! :D This is the chapter after "Teenagers", still June 10th 2067, and the first time Vince meets Viktor! "Identity" refers to a few things that happen. For example, Vince introduces himself as "V" for the first time, and the purpose of his visit to Viktor is obscuring his real identity to cut ties with his family properly and prevent them from tracking him down. Also, Viktor sets him up with some chrome to support him on his transition:

“That’s good tech, Arasaka,” Viktor said as he noticed Vincent lingering on the piece, “Can’t find a brand that’s more reliable when it comes to cyberware. Should be compatible with what you’ve got going already, has biomonitor-connectivity, too. Notifies you of hormone levels in real time, whenever and if maintenance is needed, and so forth. Also comes in a less flashy version that’s a bit older. But it’s up to you – and your wallet.” Indeed. Vincent hesitated, but deep down he knew he’d already made up his mind. 4,000 eddies though… he knew for a fact he didn’t have that much. Jackie had started to approach them, peering over Vincent’s shoulder at the screen. “Hey, if money’s the only issue here,” he said, making the others’ heads turn. “No, Jackie, I couldn’t accept that…” Vincent said quickly. “I mean, couldn’t extend you the full amount anyway,” Jackie winked, “But hey Vik, I mean, if I vouch for V, could you work out something with instalments maybe?” Viktor scoffed but kept his easy-going demeanor. “Jackie, I like ya and your friend, but I’m not social services. I got bills to pay, too.” “But don’t you have like…” Jackie gestured around, “Dunno, some kinda duty of care, as a doctor and all?” “You mean the Hippocratic oath?” Viktor laughed, “That’s something else entirely.” “No, no, I mean, as a member of the community! Looking out for each other and all, having each other covered!” Jackie insisted, “You’re giving hope to so many people, and for so many more you’re their last resort!” Viktor let out a long sigh. Then he turned back to Vincent. “How much do you have with ya? Cash?” he asked. “Um, yes,” Vincent said, fumbling with his wallet, “600.” “Alright, 100 for the chip, 500 as downpayment for the implant. The rest we’ll figure out once I see you here next time.” “Wait… what?” Vincent once again couldn’t believe he was understanding him right. “Arasaka tech isn’t the easiest to come by at the moment. It’ll take me a few weeks to get this here without raising eyebrows in the wrong places,” Viktor explained, “Until then you’ll have figured out how to pay the rest. We’ll get you set up right for your new life, okay, kid?”

Viktor just is too pure of heart to not help the lost kids in his neighborhood. Also, at this point Misty doesn't have her store yet, and Vik's clinic at that time is elsewhere and a little more dubious even xD But still Vik is the only doctor Vince ever felt somewhat comfortable around, and that means a lot.

[zontiky]

ok i watched tua4 episode 1 here are my thoughts

man what the hell

i did like how this episode paralleled a lot of s1e1. very nice. id have to check but just going off memory im pretty sure not only did the beats parallel a lot, but specific shots too. eating it up

another cult plot? ok. whatever

10/10 for everyone being joyless and washed up

klaus and claire being close was cute! my dad thought klaus being paranoid about death now that he's lost his powers was cool

seeing viktor/elliot page's transition was. really fucking awesome. his voice especially was really great to hear. happy for him + secondhand euphoria i guess

luther putting on the helmet -> strip club was hysterical unfortunately i was watching the episode with my parents. but it was so good

idk i think the new villains could be interesting but my dad's already watched the whole season and based on his reviews my hopes aren't high

swag. happy that this show is finally wrapping up and i'll be free of it forever

[devintrinidad]

Episode four here we go:

Right away, I think this is the best opening of season four. I have always had a soft spot for the Hargreeves as their young child selves. It was something that I wished we had more screentime of back in season one and season two. (Like, all the past flashbacks are my favorites). That said, this was pretty good and I love how they solidified that Ben and Viktor were somewhat close in the past, at least close enough that Viktor could be in Ben's room and try on his mask.

I'm not sure if they totally retconned Ben's meek/nice self or maybe he became jaded when he was in late teen years and became "wholesome" again when we see him again at the start of Season One. I mean, I can give his snarkiness a pass since he is a teen and maybe being dead changed his personality a bit. Or maybe Klaus' ghost powers somewhat influenced Ben???? I'm not sure, but hey, I'm just speculating.

Anyway, I talked about how yesterday that there was another creative umbrella opening and today was so good! I loved how Ben and Jennifer together formed the umbrella. I also liked how the clothes mirrored each other like a yin/yang symbol! That's so cool! Kind of like how durango and marigold are opposites of each other???

Another thing that I like to mention, I love the interactions among the children. Luther taking point, Diego eager to prove himself, Allison trying to help Klaus, Klaus being Klaus, it's all great.

Wish we could have seen more from the child actors and I'm happy that they got someone great for Ben. I have no idea if these are the original child actors from season one, but if they are, that's awesome.

As for the rest of the plot... I'm still iffy on Reginald's wife. Why is she??? Like tht??? She's too good to be true. It's kind of interesting that she's his complete opposite, but Reginald totally adores her. However, it becomes all the more grating when there's no contrast coming from her. She's too nice and too good. She appeals to Reginald, but like... Why? We get from Reginald that he thinks himself superior, so what about Abigail? I think it would make her all the more interesting if she thought herself better as well and only see their children as helpless and weak. I don't know. I need more to her character.

Viktor really went off this season.

But, I feel like this was a rehash from season one? Like, didn't he already make his point? About wanting to be part of the team? About wanting to be seen? I thought this was already resolved in Season Two and he was already pretty much part of the team in season three. Why again? I get he wanted to be at peace, but??? Wasn't he already at peace???

That said, I love how there's a continuation of Viktor being a mediator, always coming up with a plan. I wonder if it will come to fruition, though.

Also, there was this analysis way back from season one and how it commented that Reginald respected his children enough in some ways. Kind of like how he allowed Allison to have her natural hair, which is cool. Here, he calls Viktor a boy and like. Good for him, he basically was decent enough to respect Viktor's transition.

I feel like Luther and Diego were given a bone just so that they would have something to do. Luther isn't a himbo anymore, he's just... flanderized at this point? His one redeeming quality is that when Diego tells him that he needs to have something like the CIA< Luther noticeably relents and lets his little brother do his thing. That was cute. I respect it.

Klaus. Ummm... Gosh... Please, save him. I'm glad that he isn't drugged up, but what happened to him is on the same par of horrible. He should not have been put in that situation and I think the writers wanted to get rid of him just like they wanted to get rid of Luther and Diego. Done done done done done dirty.

Allison knowing rigor mortis because of a tv show and her accurate aim was amazing. No notes. She also clearly cares about Klaus. However... I don't think Klaus was always reaching out to her??? Like, I don't think I saw any one of that in season one??? (I don't deny that I could be wrong, though). Klaus was always alone and Allison had moved across the country. I get that there was a flashback earlier in the episode, but I feel like that was only to cement Allison's comment about Klaus always turning to her and hoping the audience doesn't rewatch season one or something.

Claire is using therapy buzz words and she's a teenager. There could have been a more appropriate way of saying those things, but I guess I could give it a pass? I don't know that much about Claire as a character and she seems mature for her own age.

Lila and Five going off on another adventure again. Yay. Lila really needs to confront the fact that if her marriage is having problems she shouldn't always be running away from talking to Diego. At least Diego is putting in the effort to actually confront her and talk to her. Lila's using Five as an escape and I feel like Five knows??? But enables her??? Or maybe he's confused and is trying his best to help in his own way? I mean, he's also trying to prevent another apocalypse, but still. It should look fishy on his end and I feel like Five from previous seasons would have wisened up and told Diego point blank what Lila is doing because, he should, care more about his brother and used bluntness as a tactic to make sure his brother knew.

One good thing about Lila and Five's trips to alternate timelines was the Phoenix Academy??? I wonder how Reginald came up with the names! Like, why umbrella? Why sparrow? And I love how the different uniforms reflect the different timelines lol. It's interesting that Klaus was included in the Phoenix Academy, but I wonder if that has something to do with his powers.

Ben and Jennifer... I now understand why people are saying Ben is a yandere lol. I would question why Ben and Jennifer are suddenly so interested in each other, but I suppose that marigold and durango interacting are why. I wish there was something more, but I feel like these essences or chemicals or whatever is the sole reason.

Also, Ben being somewhat romantic when he says that he has tentacles and Jennifer was inside a squid means that they were meant to be??? Just kill me, omg

Also, quick question, if there were multiple children of marigold... what about durango? Or does the idea of opposites also include durango? Like children of marigold is multiple, but durango can only happen to one person.

What are the odds that Jennifer happened to be in the vicinity of someone with marigold??? With the odds of billions of people on the planet, there should have been a near zero percent chance of the apocalypse happening in the first place. If you think about, it was Reginald's fault that he kept Jennifer in close proximity to the Umbrella Academy in this universe. He could have easily sent her to another country and that would have been it.

Also, was it ever explained why Jennifer from the original timeline was in a shipping container? if she was so easy to kill, why couldn't Reginald kill her himself? If this was a test, then everyone failed, but still. If this was such a dangerous thing to happen, he should have just gotten the job done himself.

Also, I know it's not going to happen, but it would have been so cool that when Viktor was using his powers on Reginald, Reginald actually turned into his alien form. I think that would have been great to reveal him as the monster he is when he's at his most vulnerable.

Anyway... episode five tomrrow?

Not gonna lie, I just watched the first episode the new TUA season. It doesn't seem bad. Yet.

I thought it was pretty fun and entertaining, if a bit mean spirited and took the characters in vastly different directions than I thought.

(They gotta stop dunking on Diego and Luther. They're himbos, but that doesn't mean you get to insult Diego's appearance and make Luther the butt of every single joke).

That said, knowing what I know about how the season will develop... I did get a sinking feeling when I saw Lila and Five having fun after the Keepers meeting and saw that Diego was watching. That little sideplot could have easily been played off for laughs and would have served as more fodder for siblings who like to tease each other... but I know what's going to happen, but I'm prepared for it.

Really, what stood out to me was that Five and Viktor sat together when they were at the Hibachi grill. I don't care anything else in this episode (though I am glad that Klaus is sober and seeks control in his life and Ben is... Ben is being very conniving and I wonder why he didn't take all the marigold for himself). Anywhoozles my 2019 Fiveya heart is smiling with joy, especially considering how close Five and Viktor once were.

(It's a long shot, but I hope there's a few more Fiktor moments here and there).

[seconds-not-decades]

A Story Never More Woe {Five Hargreeves x Sparrow!Fem!Reader}

Summary: You were best friends with all the Sparrow Academy members and quite often they brought you into the Academy to hang out. One night, Sloane invites you as a guest of honor to their annual masquerade benefit gala honoring the Academy. You look forward to a night full of fanciful fun, but an accidental run in with a masked Umbrella Academy member just might make your evening a little more magical.

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Sparrow!Fem!Reader

Author's Note: What do you get when you combine Romeo and Juliet, The Umbrella Academy, and a chance meeting with a handsome stranger at a masquerade ball? This. You get this. Five is aged up to eighteen, because we're all adults here. Also Klaus gives Mercutio vibes and Sparrow Ben gives Tybalt vibes, fight me otherwise. I went a bit overboard with this word count wise obviously. *Please note that I set this after Viktor's transition.*

Edit: We've made 180 NOTES!!! Thank you so much!

Word Count: 3261, oopsies.

Warnings: Cursing.

Requested By: N/A

Taglist: @shadowisbored, @m4nd0l0r, @magicalxdaydream, @superbreadsoul, @2pmlover, @madlixxxx, @wifeofcamillamacaulay, @inksplattersblog, and @omgsuperstarg {Please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed}

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Romeo and Juliet {The Young Juliet, Dance Of The Knights, Juliet's Variation, Madrigal, and Tybalt Recognizes Romeo}

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*Edit below is mine, please give me credit if you use it*

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You couldn't believe it. A masquerade ball held by the Sparrow Academy! You had to reread the smooth, dark red invitation over twice to make sure you were reading things right. You never thought they would host such a formal event. In all honesty, you figured they were always too busy helping the city.

You first met them when your house was broken into and they swiftly came to the rescue like any good crime fighting superheroes. Out of gratitude, you invited them over for dinner. Well, more like they begged Sir Reginald to let them visit you, because they clung onto every bit of normalcy they could. And, to your shock, he allowed it. You instantly got along with them and from then on, became good friends. Though, you were closest with Sloane. You admired her sweet, dreamer personality.

You recognized her handwriting on the back of the invitation, wanting you to come to her room so she can help you get ready. She informed you that she had a dress and everything all ready for you.

You swept up your backpack, wondering what exactly she had planned for you as you quickly made your way to the Academy. You were relieved you didn't have to shelf out any of your old, awful prom dresses. None of them would probably look good enough for the event.

Then you wondered where everyone would go. The Academy was big, but was it that big?

You went around the back, going to Sloane's room tucked in the corner near a fire escape. You saw her silhouette hustling around busily and smiled upon seeing the window open.

"Sloane!" you loudly whispered near the window, hoping she heard you.

She went over and moved the curtain, beaming when she saw you. "Y/N! Come in! You're right on time!"

Very carefully, she levitated you up to her window and helped you climb inside.

"Hey! You look amazing!" you hugged her, noticing her already done hair and makeup.

Sloane beamed. "Thank you! Come on, let's get you ready!"

You sat down at her vanity, seeing there was makeup already laid out with hair products and accessories.

"You are going to love your outfit by the way," Sloane told you as she began doing your hair.

"I can't wait! What color is it?" you wanted to know.

"You'll see!"

"Oh, come on! You can't just say that and then not tell me."

She laughed, beginning to braid two sections of your hair. "I know, I know."

You smiled, watching her sweep your hair up into an elegant hair style and drape the braids over it. She decorated your hair with little pearl pins and then moved onto the makeup. A knock came from the door.

"Yes?" Sloane called towards it.

"The party starts soon," Jayme announced from the other side.

"Ooh, great! We are almost done!" Sloane returned.

"We? Who's we?"

"Y/N, of course. I'm helping her get ready."

The door slightly opened and Jayme poked her head in. "Hey."

"Hi. Ooh, what happened to your forehead?" you winced upon seeing the cut.

Jayme rolled her eyes, slipping inside. "We got into a fight yesterday. With the self proclaimed, Umbrella Academy."

"Who or what is the Umbrella Academy?" you frowned.

"Apparently, they are another group of powerful people. Dad said they claimed to be his kids and he met them when he was in Dallas in 1963," she explained, plopping down on Sloane's bed.

"To me, they seemed to be confused," Sloane commented airily.

"We sent them packing though," Jayme grinned. "We totally beat their asses."

"Jayme," you chided. "What did they want? Did you all find out?"

"No," Sloane eyed her sister. "And we didn't exactly beat them. We all got into a huge fight, but Marcus kicked them out."

"Yeah, because that one member nearly sent the Academy to its knees. He blasted us with a huge wave of energy or something," Jayme remarked.

"The Umbrella Academy sounds dangerous," you admitted.

"They won't be as long as you stay away from them," Ben suddenly appeared at the door.

"Why is everyone crowded around my room when you all should be getting ready, too?" Sloane was slightly exasperated.

"Is that Y/N?" Alphonso peeked out from behind Ben.

Christopher was floating above him and he warbled.

"Hi Alphonso, hi Chris!" you waved.

"Oh, great. I was hoping you'd come. That way you can help me escape them if or when needed," Alphonso grinned.

Ben rolled his eyes. "No. I'll be keeping an eye out on her."

"Why? Did those other Academy members get invited?" you frowned some, feeling Sloane switch out your earrings and slip a sparkling necklace around your neck.

"I don't know. Dad sent invitations to everyone in the city," Marcus spoke up, standing by Alphonso.

"They better not show up, especially with the shit they pulled yesterday!" Ben spat out.

"Ben, be nice. This is supposed to be a happy occasion!" you went over to him.

He sighed and shook his head in disgust. "It won't be if they decide to show up."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous. Think of it things this way: they're a bunch of wasps. Sure, they can be annoying and you don't like them. However, don't mess with them and they won't mess with you," you pointed out.

Christopher warbled some and you nodded in agreement.

That made Sloane laugh. "They've got a point."

"Yeah, yeah. Hurry up, everyone. The party will be starting soon and you know Dad won't like it if we're late. Plus, Y/N is our guest of honor, so, he'll be expecting her as well," Ben left on that note.

"Agreed! We need to get you dressed now," Sloane shooed the rest of her family out.

"Oh, good. If needed, I have a bunch of cloaks to finish your outfit with," Fei put in before she closed the door behind her.

"Please?" you looked at Sloane. To be fair, Fei was a fashion icon in your eyes.

"Sure. I think she probably has one to match this," Sloane held up a lovely red dress with a velvet bodice and a fluffy skirt. She had a pair of satin red heels in her other.

"Ooh, how gorgeous," you lit up at the sight of it.

"Well, come on! It'll look breathtaking on you."

She turned around to let you get changed. Once you were in the dress, she laced up the back of it.

"And here is this for added sparkle," Sloane added a gold brooch with a ruby in the middle to the pinched neckline. She also handed you an elaborate burgundy and gold mask with flowers and jewels adorning it.

"Wow," you looked at your reflection in amazement once she positioned you in front of her mirror.

"You look absolutely stunning! Red is so your color!" Sloane squealed and clapped.

"Thank you, Sloane! You are amazing!" you hugged her happily.

A knock came from the door and Fei poked her head in.

"Y/N, you look very nice," she complimented.

"So do you," you acknowledged her gown.

"Thank you. Did I hear something about needing to borrow a cloak?"

"Do you happen to have one to match this?"

"Oh, I have one to match every outfit imaginable," Fei smiled and sent out one of her birds to retrieve it.

"You're all so sweet. Thank you," you blushed.

"Of course! You're like a sister to us," Sloane hugged you and so did Fei.

Soon her bird came flying back in with a lovely velvet cloak. Fei hooked it on, letting it drape down your back.

"You look like Juliet if she were a princess," Sloane complimented.

"Very regal," Fei agreed.

"Okay, let me get changed really quickly and then we can all go together."

"Dad, Ben, and Marcus are already at the party," Fei informed as you two stepped out of Sloane's room.

"So who were the Umbrella Academy members? I mean, did you get a good look at any of them?" you were curious.

Fei sighed. "One male was very tall and blond. Another male had long brown hair and kept flipping knives. A third male was wearing a cowboy hat. And of course there's the powerful male. There's one female and they also have a boy that looks to be your age."

"Oh. There's six of them?"

"Yes. Except one is extremely powerful."

"The one with the energy blasts," you muttered, biting your bottom lip.

"Precisely."

"They didn't severely injure any of you, did they?"

"No, luckily. Just cuts and bruises. The normal."

"Okay, good."

Sloane stepped out in a pretty light pink dress with her pink and silver mask in hand. "Are we ready to go have some fun?"

"Absolutely!" you grinned.

You set off for the party with the others. You felt your nerves flutter some. It's been a while since you've been to an event like this. More or less something so formal.

When you arrived, the party was in full swing. Music swept through the air as indistinct chatter from the guests overlapped. You looked at all the dressed up people around you, smiling at them when they passed by. All these people here to celebrate the Sparrow Academy. You felt proud of your friends. And you were so glad tonight was all about them. They deserved the recognition for all their hard work.

"Ah, Y/N! There you are," Ben took your arm.

"Ben. You look nice," you complimented, frowning when he led you away from Sloane and Fei.

"Don't torture her, Ben!" Sloane called in your wake.

"To where precisely are we going?" you asked Ben.

"There is a young man currently talking my ear off."

You laughed at that and he rolled his eyes in partial amusement. In the distance you saw a young man around your age talking to Marcus. He looked like a bubbly ball of energy.

"Nick? This is Y/N. Y/N, meet Nick," Ben nudged you to him.

"Hello there!" Nick greeted, taking your hand and giving it a shake.

"Hi," you laughed from his energy.

"Um…would you like to dance with me?" he requested bashfully.

You smiled shyly. "Sure."

Nick excitedly led you out onto the floor. You laughed from his enthusiasm, assuming position. He gently began to guide you around.

"You're very light on your feet," you were rather impressed.

He smiled. "Thank you."

"So, tell me a little bit about yourself, if you don't mind."

"Well, I have three other siblings. Two brothers and a sister, to be more precise."

"Aw, really? Are they here?"

"No. They didn't want to come, so I did."

"I'm glad you are."

"Thanks. What about you?" Nick spun you around.

"I'm an only child."

"Sounds like your household would be way more peaceful," he commented, making you laugh.

"It can be, yes," you smiled.

"So…with the way Ben introduced you earlier…I'm guessing you're good friends with them?" Nick glanced over at said Sparrow, who was watching you two intently. "Jeez, he's so intimidating."

"Oh, he's not so bad when you get to know him," you winked at Nick, giving Ben a look.

Ben slightly cracked a smirk and rolled his eyes.

"I see," Nick wasn't so sure.

"You'll have to excuse him," you blushed slightly.

"Of course."

You smiled some, letting him twirl you around again. The end of the song soon came and you gave him a curtsey.

"Thank you for the dance," you smiled and then turned.

You suddenly came face to face with a tragically handsome dark haired boy. His piercing green eyes behind his navy mask met yours and he looked just as speechless as you. You felt as if the world around you faded away. He was dressed in a very dashing three piece black suit, which you thought looked incredibly good on him.

"Ma'am," he gently took your hand, kissing it formally.

"Sir," you rather breathlessly returned, absolutely enamored.

Blushing, you shyly slipped your hand out of his grasp.

"Excuse me for a moment," you felt your face burning as you quickly rushed off.

You made a beeline for the refreshments, fixing yourself a glass of water. You felt Sloane join your side.

"Did I just see you flirting with Five Hargreeves?" she whispered.

"Who?" you gulped down the water almost desperately.

"The boy who just kissed your hand. That's Five. From the Umbrella Academy!"

You choked. "I thought they weren't invited!"

"Well, I'm not sure about that."

"Besides, how can you be so sure it was him?"

"I can tell. Masks only disguise so much. I don't think the others know yet."

"Are you going to tell them?" you felt your heart pounding. You didn't want to get in trouble for being fascinated by the boy.

Sloane gave you a sympathetic, pitiful look. "No. It's not worth it. I want to have fun tonight. Umbrella Academy party crashers or not. You should, too. Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay. I'm going to go get some fresh air really quickly."

"Have fun," Sloane hugged you and winked.

You downed the rest of your water before slowly making your way out of the ballroom. You instantly felt better. It was quieter and cooler out here. Plus you felt like you could breathe. You took a deep breath, wandering further away. Your heels clicked upon the floor, echoing through the air. You softly hummed to yourself, strolling down the corridor towards Grace's art gallery. You liked sitting there and reading sometimes. It was a very serene, ambient atmosphere.

You were about to sit down when a suddenly flash of light made you scream and you barely dodged a punch.

"Hey!" you stomped on their foot.

"Shit!" a young man's voice cried out in pain.

"Oh!" you gasped when you saw it was the young man from earlier.

Five Hargreeves, to be more precise.

"I am so sorry, are you okay?" you checked over him, embarrassed.

"What the hell is wrong with…" Five trailed off when he looked up at you. "You…" his voice faltered.

"Yes. Me," you replied simply and internally you smacked yourself.

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to. I just thought…well…" he flinched.

"I was someone else?"

"Yes. This is really embarrassing, I am so sorry. Are you all right, love?"

"I'm fine, but, are you okay? Oh, your poor foot!" you felt awful, but your heart fluttered.

"No, it's fine. I deserved it, honestly."

"You know, this is terrible. Usually I'm way better at first impressions than this," you admitted.

"I think you're very charming," Five smiled.

You smiled back, but it melted some. "What were you doing out here?" you wanted to know.

"I lost something, and I can't seem to find it. I thought it'd be somewhere around here, but it's not. Guess I will have to look somewhere else," he sighed.

"Oh?" you were curious now.

He glanced at you. "It's a…long story."

"We've got time. I'm not necessarily needed at the party anyway."

"Did you come with someone?"

"Well, not exactly? I'm best friends with the Sparrows," you flinched, remembering the rivalry.

"You are?" Five pulled back from you a bit.

You felt your heart shatter. "Wait, no. Please don't go. I'm not one of them. I have no powers. And I'm not an Academy member. I'm just…I'm just little ol' me." You hadn't realized you grabbed his hand until you glanced down, feeling the warmth of his hand melt into yours.

"You don't have any powers?"

"No. I met them after my house got broke into and they came to the rescue. Honestly, they're not as bad as you'd think. To me, anyways."

"And what do you know about us?" Five had a slightly guarded tone.

You winced. "Honestly, not much. I just know you all arrived here the other day and had a huge fight with the Sparrows."

"That's all?"

You nodded, glancing down. However, Five gently lifted your chin up to meet his softened gaze.

"May I change your perspective a little bit and help you get to know who the Umbrella Academy really is?"

"I'd like that very much," you smiled.

Five offered his arm for you, leading you out to the courtyard. The breeze was nice and cool. You softly thanked Five when he draped his jacket over your shoulders. The two of you walked around and you listened to him tell you all about his family. How he was adopted, time traveled into the future, tried to stop two apocalypses, and came back to this new timeline. When he was done, you were astounded and speechless. You thought the Sparrow Academy dealt with insanity? Never mind.

"Oh…my…" was all you could say.

"It's a lot, I know," Five returned, glancing down.

"So, you were trying to find the briefcase?" you were unsure.

He nodded. "I thought the party would be a good enough of a distraction to keep the Sparrows away long enough."

"Oh. Then I came along, I'm so sorry," you flinched.

"No, don't be sorry. Please."

"Have you ever had any time to relax?"

Five laughed from that. "I wish. But not yet."

"How unfortunate…"

"Maybe soon I will. I don't know," he sighed.

"If you did get the briefcase, what would happen or what would you do?" you glanced at him curiously.

Five bit his lip, unsure. "I…don't know. Actually. So far, besides the Sparrow Academy, this seems like a perfectly acceptable timeline. In my opinion. Everything looks to be alive and well."

You nodded, hoping it would stay like that. Soon, you heard footsteps from behind and you gasped.

"Oh gosh. You need to go before someone sees us out here together! To our luck, Fei might have sent a bird after me," you got to your feet, hastily giving Five's jacket back to him.

"Be careful," he wished you and blinked out.

"Y/N! There you are," Jayme said.

"Hey! Sorry, I just needed some fresh air," you returned.

She slowly nodded. "Okay. Great. Cool. There's a brawl going on inside right now." She rolled her eyes.

"What? Oh God!" you gasped and followed her back to the ballroom.

Marcus and Ben were arguing with a couple of people you could only assume were the other Umbrella Academy members. You just deduced it since you saw Five with them.

"So, I am ordering you one last time: get the hell out of our house!" Ben snarled.

"Ben! Ben, stop, you're making a scene," you warned him. "Why can't you just let them be? They're not doing anything."

"I saw them poking around in the corners. They're trying to take something from us, Y/N."

"Like what?" you frowned, eyeing Five.

"We just need the briefcase. Then we'll be gone forever," the female, you guessed to be Allison, returned.

"Yeah, I don't believe you. Just get out!" Ben ordered harshly.

"Stand down," Marcus said to him.

"Please, just leave. We don't want anyone getting hurt again," Sloane spoke up calmly.

The Umbrella Academy members exchanged a glance as you gazed at Five again. He gave a small nod.

"Come on. Let's get out of here. It's not worth it," he told his siblings.

They grumbled some and you watched them leave, wishing you had more time with Five. Before he disappeared, he locked eyes with you again and you offered him a soft smile. Then he blinked out.

You sighed, deciding you had enough partying for one night. You went up with Sloane to get changed into something comfier to relax in.

~ * ~