#what if we bond over our mutual need for both our parent's attention and approval

[spacebubblehomebase]

"I promise you, my dearest brother, never again will we be lonely. Never again will we be without a home. We have each other now and I'll always be here. As you were there for me."

I am not ashamed to admit that I repeatedly daydream about how, to a much younger Tim, having a baby brother is an actual wish come true! These two would grow well in each other's care as they would be able to rely on the other, if given the chance. They'd be quite the fun team! I am also still proud of my essay about why these two birdies have so much in common and ya'll should read it. >=D (It's really old though. Somewhere in the pits of Tumblr hell, it's been cooking. Dare I even say, boiling.) They are my baby boys and these boys are brothers, your honor!

-Bubbly💙

[simp-for-spencer-reid]

Sugar with a Side of Coffee Ch. 10- Trivia Night

Chapter 10: Trivia Night

Series Masterlist

The team could deduce that Spencer and Cate had made up; he began to show up with his hot coffee and a fresh baked good in the morning again. JJ tried to talk with him about his and Cate’s relationship, but he insisted they were just friends. Emily suggested having another night out, but Spencer wasn’t keen on that idea. 

Especially after seeing how easily someone could get to her through him, like the photographs made clear, he wanted to keep her at an arm’s distance. He would rather have her safe than to be the reason she got hurt. 

Derek and Penelope had grown impatient waiting for Spencer to introduce them to her officially. Sure, Derek had met her briefly at the bar, but the team as a whole wanted to get to know her, maybe give their stamp of approval. They all knew how much Spencer deserved a ray of sunshine in his life. They also wanted to see what had Spencer so captivated by her. 

Luckily, they had schemed up a little plan to not force, but encourage an introduction. Penelope had seen a flyer on her way into work about a Trivia Night being held at the bar on 18th that they frequented. The team as a whole was due for a night out anyhow, so they could play it off as a coincidence. Derek was one step ahead of Penelope, he had stopped into The Empty Mug to talk to Marta about their plan. He had assumed that since Cate typically worked the cart, that Marta would be inside the shop. And like the profiler he was, he was right. 

Marta recognized him right away. She quickly got through the line to take care of his order.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” Marta smirked at him. Derek laughed her off.

“I have a plan to get our Pretty Boy and your friend together.”

It took little convincing to get Marta on board of he and Penelope’s plan. Even Marta was tired of the pining and wanted to help them finally get together. Spencer and Cate were painfully obvious to anyone else about their feelings, but to each other, they kept them hidden.

Marta could see how Cate’s spirits were lifted when she came in from a shift after seeing Spencer. And on the nights when he walked her home, Marta could see Cate’s face light up. Marta was also a witness to the mutual blushing between them. She could see the stolen glances and the way the two teetered on the edge of friends or more. 

When Cate came in after her shift on the cart, she was smiling and had a bit of a bounce to her step. Marta could only assume she and Spencer had seen each other this morning. As soon as Cate reappeared from the back, Marta was hot on her trail.

“So,” Marta started, already putting on her begging face. “I was thinking that it’s been a while since we last went to the bar on 18th and we both could use a night out! I’ll even drive!” Marta had her hands placed on Cate’s shoulders, slightly shaking her as she pleaded.

“Uh, yeah I don’t have any plans, I just have to run home and feed Shrimp and I’ll meet you back here?” Cate had told Spencer she was free tonight when she saw him this morning, but she’d have to update him later. Marta was doing a small celebratory series of jumps. Just as soon as she had ran up to Cate, she was shooing her out the door to move her along to go get ready. 

“Perfect, I’ll expect you back here by five thirty, I want to be there by six.” Marta watched as Cate walked to her apartment, the two of them laughing to themselves.

Cate’s apartment felt different since the leak. She no longer kept her books out on shelves or anywhere they could be damaged. She traded them out for little figurines and pictures in frames. It made Cate’s place feel less like her, but she never wanted to risk her books until she found a more reliable place. 

Shrimp batted a little golden pom pom with wings around Cate’s living room floor. She was busy in her room, pulling clothes out for a cute outfit. Her bedroom door was open, allowing for Shrimp to walk in and jump on her bed to watch what she was doing. She turned when she heard his bell and held up a hanger with an olive green shirt on it. 

“Which do you prefer?” Cate asked the orange cat as she swapped between the green shirt and a mustard yellow one. Shrimp just closed his eyes and curled up to sleep. “Thanks for the help.” Cate smiled and decided on the yellow shirt. She paired it with dark blue jeans and some tan heels. 

After putting the other clothes back where they belonged and taking a quick shower and changing, Cate walked to her kitchen, enjoying the sound of her heels clicking on the floor. She filled Shrimp’s bowl and gave him fresh water. Taking her phone out of her back pocket, she lifted it to her mouth to record a voice message for Spencer.

“Hey Spence, I know I said I was free tonight, but Marta wanted to go out, so I can’t hangout- if that’s what you wanted to do!” She had rushed the last part, mentally scolding herself for making assumptions.

Spencer would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little disappointed that Cate had managed to come up with plans that didn’t involve him. As he sat at his desk, He was tempted to ask where she was going, but he didn’t want to pry. As he set his phone down, Penelope approached his desk. She wore her smile as well as she sported her colorful clothing and accessories.

“Good evening, Boy Wonder! I come bearing some fun times. Tonight, we- as in Morgan, Prentiss, JJ and I are going to a trivia night! Would you like to come?” Penelope held a pink papered flyer in her hand. 

“Wouldn’t it be cheating considering my eidetic memory?” Spencer furrowed his brows at her. 

“Well, yes we would have an advantage, but it will be fun winning and we can celebrate with drinks or something. Consider it team bonding time!” Spencer wondered how much bonding the team could really have. Since he and Cate were not going to see each other, he might as well fill his night with fun with his team. 

He didn’t bother going home after work, he rode with Emily, and JJ to the bar on 18th. They parked around back, Derek and Penelope pulling in front of them. The air was cooling down as they exited their cars. Derek finished up a quick phone call as they were parking. The group made their way to the entrance, walking to the right side of the trivia section, picking a table that would fit their team of five. 

Cate had made it back to The Empty Mug shortly before Marta had wanted her to arrive. Of course, Marta was running a little late, and hadn’t even gotten dressed yet. Cate went up the stairs and greeted Marta’s parents having dinner. Marta was in her room, still in a towel as she dried her curly hair. 

By the time they got to the bar on 18th, it was a little after six. Marta and Cate took a tall table on the left side of the trivia table. On the table there was a menu of appetizers that were half price for the duration of the trivia night and a list of rules for trivia night. 

“Wow that looks fun, should we try our hand at a giftcard for this place?” Marta referred to the grand prize: a thirty dollar gift card to the bar. Cate scoffed.

“You know we might as well. It beats paying full price for some food.” Cate glanced over the menu, deciding what sort of greasy food would hit the spot. 

The host for trivia spoke into the mic, checking it to see if it was on. They welcomed everybody and went over the rules for the game. Some general rules: teams must consist of 2-6 players. One player must present their answer to the host per team. The game will consist of ten questions. If needed, a tie breaker will be introduced to the game at the end of the night.

“Alright, everyone, I am going to spin the wheel to decide our first category and question.” The host announced. They gave a large wheel with different colored pie slices and pictures representing categories a spin. “Our first category is Math, get your pencils ready.” 

What is the top number of a fraction called?

Marta flew out of her seat and made a run for the host’s table. One the way, she saw that Derek had beat her to the table. She groaned, dramatically throwing her head back. 

“Nice to see you, too.” Derek sauntered over to Marta after giving his team’s answer to the host. “Cate is with you?” Marta nodded and confirmed their table’s whereabouts. “Perfect. We can’t see you from our table. We’ll send Reid to the host for the tenth question.” After keeping it short and brief, Derek walked back to their table. Marta walked back to her and Cate’s table. Marta had to tell Cate that she wasn’t fast enough. 

The host called everyone’s attention to confirm the correct answer was given. They spun the wheel again, the next category was Music. 

How many black keys on a piano?

“Out of 88 keys on a piano, 52 are white and 36 are black.” Spencer recited from memory. Penelope scribbled the number down and made a break for the host. She spotted a brunette low ponytail with her back to her. Penelope recognized Cate. Penelope turned on her heel, and walked back to the table of agents.

It would seem that Cate and Marta held their own against other teams who consisted of more than two people, especially the team of agents across the section. They had been neck and neck for first place. Right now, the agents were in the lead. 

The trivia host spun the wheel to decide the category. The wheel seemed to spin forever as it slowed. Finally landing on Science, the host plucked an index card that held the question and answer from a rotating filing system for index cards.

Which scientist is credited for the modern study of genetics?

Cate launched from her seat. Her and Marta were one point from tying with the team in first place. Cate had gotten quite invested in this silly game of trivia. Her competitive side was coming out, and her need for the win was strong. As she was reaching the host’s table she caught sight of a familiar face. She shook her head to keep focused, and gave the host her slip with the answer. Instead of walking back towards her table, she continued to the right of the host, towards Spencer.

“What are you doing here?” Cate stopped in front of him. Spencer held his team’s slip in his long fingers, folding it over nervously. 

“Some of my team from the BAU wanted some ‘team bonding’” Spencer told her. It was clicking in his head; Garcia’s persistence, Cate’s last minute change of plans, Derek’s phone call. They had been set up. Cate nodded at him.

“Sounds fun! I’ll catch you later then.” She turned to go back to her table. The host called that there were only two questions left. Cate’s answer was announced as correct, putting her team and Spencer’s team in a tie. The next two points were taken by other teams, but Spencer and Cate’s teams were tied for first. It was the final, tie breaking question for the two teams in first. The wheel spun and landed on pop culture. 

Give the five digit code used to access the Ministry of Magic from the red phone booth in Harry Potter.

Cate was ecstatic that her extensive knowledge of the Wizarding World was coming in handy. Marta shoved her in excitement and Cate bounded through tables to get to the host’s booth. Spencer had taken longer than he liked to rifle through his first readthrough of the series. He was glad his long legs allowed him to take long strides. He looked for Cate in the aisle in front of the host’s table. She was on the floor, gripping her ankle. Because there were no other teams to worry about, he moved to go see if she was alright. 

Her hair was in her face, and he couldn’t see her face well enough to read her expression. He hadn’t noticed the heels she was wearing. He hadn’t known her to wear heels in all the times they’d hung out. He bent down, putting a hand on her shoulder. 

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yeah, I think I mis-stepped and rolled my ankle on something.” Cate looked around the floor around her, for what she could’ve stepped on. Spencer held a hand out, ready to help her up. Cate had other plans, though and pulled herself up, pushing him behind her to throw her paper at the host, who was shaking his head laughing.

“That’s cheating!” Spencer looked at her, mouth agape. 

“And having a certifiable genius on your team isn’t?” Cate smiled back. With the announcement of Cate and Marta’s win, both teams walked to their partners.

“Well played, Cate.” Derek said as he approached. JJ and Emily introduced themselves to the girls. Cate looked to Penelope. With a smile she extended her hand.

“Nice glasses.” Penelope was wearing the red frames again, Cate remembered Penelope from the coffee cart. Her first taste of the coffee order of Spencer Reid.

“Spencer has definitely met his match with you.” Emily spoke to Cate, the two glancing at Spencer after she said it. A blush was creeping up the back of his neck.

“He definitely didn’t mention how pretty you are!” JJ said. Spencer’s blush made its way to his ears. “No wonder he stops for coffee every morning.” Everyone turned to Marta. “And the coffee is amazing, thank your parents for delivering to the Bureau.” The whole team was loving the change in coffee. It was a definite upgrade from the cheap stuff they used to buy. The team and Marta and Cate pulled chairs over at the agents’ table to converse a little while longer without being in the way of any servers.

Spencer and Cate walked together out the door of the bar, his team had not to subtly been shooting him looks of approval. If Cate had said anything to prove she was remotely compatible with Spencer, they would look at him- wide eyed and raised brows. Spencer had tried not to make eye contact with any other agent at the table. 

“6-2-4-4-2.” Spencer spoke first. Cate smiled. “I did know the answer, for the record.”

“Magic.” she replied. “You never cease to amaze me, Spence.” Cate looked up at him, smiling. He just shoved his hands into his cardigan.

Spencer walked her to Marta’s car, Marta already inside waiting for her. He opened the door for her to get in. She smiled a thanks at him. If she smiled like that again at him, Spencer swore he might combust. 

In Emily’s car, JJ and Emily were waiting for Spencer to come back. As soon as he shut the door, they were squealing with excitement. The entire ride back to the bureau, they spoke highly of Cate, and pinpointed exactly what qualities they thought balanced Spencer out and how she was his perfect match. Spencer didn’t deny any of their words; he just smiled and thought about Cate. He wasn’t so sure he could keep up being just friends anymore.

[jokertrap-ran]

[Stand My Heroes] 挽夏のミステリーブライド (Late summer Mystery Bride) Event Story: Part　① Translations

*Sutamai Master-list *MC name is retained default Izumi Rei *Scenario Writer: @eno_bara (榎戸乃ばら)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Special Stages

--Back when I was alive… I thought that I’d lose everything, once the spark of life snuffed out.

Affections. Loneliness. Happiness, sadness…--All of it.

Asagiri: But I was mistaken. Everything still resides within me, as vivid as ever.

Asagiri: Affections, loneliness, happiness, sadness…--Therefore,

Asagiri: I wish to stay by you.

Asagiri: I cannot stand being alone any longer.

Rei: A-Asagiri-san…?

Asagiri: If I’m unable to stay by you, then I’d much rather I--…

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

--Mid-August.

⋆⋅☆ Investigation Planning Division ☆⋅⋆

Asagiri: …Huh? A trip together with the Kujo Family?

Rei: Yup. This year’s Obon Holidays spans an entire week so,

Rei: After returning to our Family Home, paying our respects and maybe doing a big clean-up of the rooms or something,

Rei: We’d still have quite some time left to spare before our Holidays come to an end, so they extended an invitation to us while we were on the topic.

We had just finished and successfully closed a case today. It was a pretty nasty one that netted us to carry out a Joint Investigation with MPD’s Investigation Division One.

We toasted with bitter coffee, to our satisfactory triumph over successfully curtailing and prosecuting the suspect during our investigations. A toast, and chatter, about the upcoming Obon Holidays.

Imaoji: Well, it’s basically a trip where all parties involved and related to STAND can gather and bond together as friends.

Rei: That’s right. Shion-kun’s coming too, apparently. And Seki-san has given his official stamp of approval about it as well.

Asagiri: I see.

Yui: Izumi, if anyone looks like they’re trying to pull some funky business, don’t hesitate to use the Special Crime-prevention Spray.

Rei: Ahaha…Yes, I do have that packed.

Asagiri: It’s the Obon Holidays, so it’s going to be packed everywhere. Where is the intended destination?

Rei: It’s…

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Inside the Car ☆⋅⋆

Kirishima: La-la-la, an old castle♪ Kujo♪ Old castle-san and Kujo-san♪ Hm-hm-hm-hmmm~♪

Hinata & Kaname: …………

Kirishima: I’m going on a Trip to an Old Castle with family today♪ Kujo-san who plays in the Old Castle♪ How cool of ya’~ Kujo-san♪

Kujo & Miyase: …………

Kirishima: Kujo and an Old Castle, I’m so hyped up♪ I’m in such a good mood~♪

Shindo: ……

Kirishima: Come on Rei, you continue!

Rei: EHHH!?

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Inside the Car ☆⋅⋆

Rei: Hold up! I’ve been totally out of it till you called me out-

Kirishima: You just have to go along the flow with this kinda’ thing. Just try singing about how you feel to come on a trip to an Old Castle with the Kujo Family!

Rei: Try singing…?

Kaname: (That’s asking for the impossible…)

All the attention in the car centred on me, sitting on one of the Passenger Seats. A long-awaited Trip. Kirishima, who’s in a Godly-jolly Mood.

Rei: (…Right. I can’t let the mood die like this!)

Rei: A-An Old Castle♪…Kids♪ Elephant-san and Kujo-san…♪

Kirishima: Kids…

Kaname: Elephant…

Rei: Argh~ I’m so sorry! Kirishima-san added Rhymes to his tune, so I thought that I’d do the same too.

Shindo: Did you forget to pack a Travel Bag for your senses too?

Rei: Your jibes are as sharp as ever!

Kujo: --Pft.

Miyase: Heh. Seems like you grew a tail in Izumi-san’s song, Kujo-san.

Kujo: …No, I’m not making fun of it at all. It’s a brilliant improvised song.

Rei: It’s okay. I’d actually feel much better about this embarrassment of one if you laughed.

Kujo: I apologise…Pft-

Kirishima: Haha. Ain’t it great!? You’ve come up with a song that made even that Kujo-san laugh!

Kirishima: Rei, you’ve really got a good musical sense in ya!

Rei: I still can’t beat yours though!

Kirishima: Well, my version of the “Kujo-san and the Old Castle Song” came out pretty well too!

Shindo: Is the word twist in your dictionary?

Miyase: It’s a brilliant Song Name.

Kujo-san and—The “Old Castle”-san. The subject of Kirishima’s Original Song, was none other then the destination we were headed to with him behind the wheel.

Our destination was an “Old Castle Converted Hotel” that one of Kujo’s acquaintances owned. The Old Historic Castle had been renovated to become accommodatable and we were all invited to stay in it before it opened its doors to accept guests. Call it a Trial Run, of sorts.

Hinata: Mmngh…

Kaname: Oh, you’re awake.

Hinata: Mm…Have we already reached our lodgings?

Kirishima: The GPS says that we’ve got another 3 Minutes left.

Miyase: --Oh, isn’t that the Castle’s Rooftop we’re seeing over there?

Looking out of the Car’s Windshield, I could see green-tiled roofs that were pointing sky-ward.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Old Castle: Corridor ☆⋅⋆

Rei: Whoa…This is amazing. It’s really a Castle!

Hinata: The air in here’s really cool.

Kujo: I heard that Air-Conditioning was also installed during the renovations.

Miyase: Ohh, so that’s why it feels as cool as a cooler in here!

Hinata: It’s easier to sleep with so I think it’s a boon.

Kaname: Aren’t there any staff in here?

Kujo: Apparently, one of the pre-requisites of this place was to “Have no outsiders”.

Kujo: But I’ve got consent to use this facility however we wish during our stay here.

Kaname: Hmm. So we’re the only ones within this castle right now.

Rei: It’s a little exciting, when you think about it.

Kirishima: …………

Miyase: …Kirishima-san? What’s wrong?

Kirishima: Huh?

Miyase: You must be tired from driving. I apologise for leaving the wheel to you.

Kirishima: No, I’m not the least bit tired at all. Plus, I love driving!

Miyase: Then I suppose it’s fine.

Kirishima: You bet’cha! Well, we’ve definitely gotta explore this place first. Let’s see what this Castle has to offer!

Hinata: I’ll look for a good napping spot.

Kujo: Don’t you all want to know more about this Castle before you wander off exploring?

Kirishima: I wanna know!

Miyase: I shall prepare tea then. I hear that there’s a kitchen in here accessible to the Tenants.

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Old Castle: Study ☆⋅⋆

Kujo explained that the Lounge open to the VIP Guests had actually been the former Land-lord’s Study.

Hinata: The number of books in here is astounding. The collections in here have been beautifully preserved.

Miyase: I’m amazed by this and the Vintage Tea Sets that’s been carefully maintained.

Kujo: I hear that a Young Noble lived here in the past, alone.

Kujo: And that a caretaker was appointed to take care of the Castle after his death, according to his Will.

Rei: Alone?

Kirishima: In such a huge Castle?

Kujo: Yes. His parents died early-on in his life and it seems like he, himself, died young, having taken his own life.

Kaname: What…?

Silence descended upon us at the revelation.

Kirishima: …Did he die in this room?

Kujo: How’d you guess that?

Rei: Uwa…

Kirishima: No, I just…had a feeling.

I suddenly became acutely aware of this place, now that I knew that “Someone had died here”. That there was someone else here, present, as we casually sipped at our tea.

Rei: (I’ve been to sites where lives were lost during my Investigation. But this…this is a little different.)

Kirishima: Please continue; tell us more.

Kujo: Apparently, the only thing he had written in his Suicide Note was “I’m bored”.

Hinata & Kaname: ……

─────────────────────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

⋆⋅☆ Old Castle: Study ☆⋅⋆

The young man that lived here had put on a honey-sweet facade and was popular within the society’s circles.

Every night, without fail, he’d bring woman upon woman into this Castle of his. He never grew tired of it, despite having perpetually filled entire wings of them. However, despite the copious number of women he had invited in, it seemed like not one of them had managed to move his heart.

Kujo: For it he already had someone he had been enraptured with.

Shindo: But he had to let go of her— Was she the Wife of another?

Kujo: Indeed.

Kujo: He was never satisfied, no matter how much he repeated this cycle of mutual agreement between both parties. For he longed for someone he could never obtain.

Kujo: Thus, conceding to death alone, in the end.

Hinata: The person that held his interests might be the girl reflected in this Photo Album here.

Rei: Huh?

Shion had retrieved a thick and large tome from the bookshelf sometime during the explanation.   He showed it to us as he returned back to his seat on the sofa.

Hinata: It’s all photos of the same girl.

Miyase: Wow, she’s pretty dazzling.

Rei: (She’s really gorgeous…She has her back straight and her entire being exudes coolness in every picture.)

Kujo: She bears some resemblance to you.

Rei: What?

Kaname: Maybe. Rather than how she looks, I suppose it’s the aura she has around her?

Kirishima: Oh…Now that you mention it.

Kirishima: Like how she’s so at ease despite having a photo taken, as if she doesn’t give a shit at all. Or maybe the part where her expressions change every second?

Hinata: It’s only natural-looking because they were all taken in secret.

Kirishima: Huh? How’d ya’ know that?

Hinata: There isn’t a single picture in here where she’s looking straight at the camera. And the flash function wasn’t activated even when the photos were taken at night.

Shindo: I see. All so that the person being snapped photos of doesn’t notice.

Kirishima: Ain’t that just like…Tokusatsu?

Hinata: The Sentai Hero?

Kaname: You meant Voyeurism, don’t you?

Kirishima: That’s the one!

Shindo: It’s a little ironic that someone wealthy enough to own a Castle like this has to lower themselves down to the likes of a stalker who stockpiles photos of his target.

Kirishima: Oh, speaking of Stalkers. –Miyase.

Miyase: Yes?

Kirishima: The Toaster that you had written off as broken; I managed to make it work by giving it a little smack this morning.

Miyase: Ahh, thank you so much for fixing it. I see, so all that Toaster needed was a simple smack from you.

Kujo: I’ll purchase a new Toaster.

Shindo: What are you talking about…?

Kirishima’s unique train of thought softened the tense atmosphere in the room. But right at that moment—

Rei: Eek!

Kirishima: Rei!?

The Teacup that had previously been seated atop the table fell with a clang and shattered into smithereens

There goes my top, brilliantly stained by the tea that had spilt forth.

Miyase: Are you alright!? Did you get scalded!?

Rei: I’m fine. The tea had already cooled anyway.

Rei: Rather than that, what just happened just now?

Hinata: The Teacup moved on its own accord…?

Kujo & Shindo: --

???: (…Ah-ah~ How boring.)

???: (I’m about to go crazy from boredom.)

???: (Who would’ve known that boredom would follow me even in death.)

???: (I wouldn’t have chosen to die in such a boring place like this if I knew that I wouldn’t be able to leave this place after I died.)

???: (Hm…? I can hear an approaching vehicle. Is it that stuffy and uptight constriction lot again?)

Kirishima: YEAH! IT’S THE OLD CASTLE!! WE’VE FINALLY ARRIVED!!

???: (Seems like it’s a different group…but well, I suppose anyone will do.)

???: (Anyone; save me from this never-ending boredom--)

───⋅𝕿𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖓𝖊𝖝𝖙 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊…⋆⋅☆

[kingofthewilderwest]

Now that you've seen all episodes of race to the edge, what are your thoughts on Snotlout in the 6th season? Thanks!

For me, what’s big about Snotlout in S6 is the manifestation of subtle growth. Once we look back to how Snotlout acted in the start of the series, we realize how far he’s come. Snotlout has grown hoards by the end of RTTE, and S6 is where we get that treated to us in full.

Snotlout starts the series putting too much stock in his father’s advice. During “Race to Fireworm Island,” Snotlout believes Spitelout over the rest of the dragon riders. The rest of the riders believe that Hookfang needs rest, but Snotlout thinks so highly of his father’s opinion that he doesn’t listen.

Snotlout: Hookfang doesn’t need rest. He’s a warrior. And we warriors live for the thrill of battle. It’s like my Dad always says…

Snotlout wants to be a warrior, obviously holds his father’s statement in good regard, and thus thinks that Hookfang doesn’t need rest. The way that Snotlout talks about his father is with the belief that Spitelout’s words are good to listen to, and that his father’s words are always something to respect.

Snotlout also starts the series constantly trying to impress his father. In ROB, DOB, and the start of RTTE, we constantly see Snotlout attempting to garner his father’s approval. Oftentimes, this is met with disappointment, and Snotlout continues to receive less respect than deserved from his parent.

Snotlout ends the series knowing when his father is in the wrong and thinking about his own achievements regardless of his father’s approval. Snotlout isn’t trying to mold himself to his father’s image of a stout, manly Viking. Snotlout’s more willing to emotionally express himself, more capable of thinking for himself, and smart enough to realize that not everything Spitelout demands is healthy.

While he does gain some respect from Spitelout by “King of Dragons Part 2,” there’s something to be said that this isn’t why Snotlout finds peace. Snotlout says some powerful things before Spitelout gives him respect in S6… showing he’s grown beyond the shadow of his father’s approval. By S4… and certainly by S6 beyond that… Snotlout is able to enjoy his father’s company when it’s wholesome, but also intelligently understand when it’s better and healthier to forge a separate path.

Snotlout starts the series with poor understanding and respect of Astrid. He makes misogynistic remarks. He constantly flirts with her despite the obvious annoyance it gives her. There’s a reason Astrid is always irritated with him.

By the end of RTTE, Snotlout has grown to demonstrate obvious respect to Astrid. He’s learned more how to treat her as he should. Astrid, on her own end, has noticed, and gained her own share of respect for him.

This positive exchange from S6 E9 never would have happened in ROB times:

He still annoys her time-to-time. It’s not like he’s completely outgrown his old habits. He has, however, improved. And that’s cool to see.

Snotlout starts the series constantly butting heads with his dragon. There’s a lot of dysfunction between Snotlout and his dragon - it’s difficult to even ride the dragon sometimes without messing up. Snotlout’s inability to ride Hookfang stems from his inability to treat his dragon and himself as a fully interdependent team. It’s not that Snotlout dislikes Hookfang - he loves his dragon - but he does always demand things from his dragon. Hookfang, meanwhile, turns away from Snotlout whenever he receives those unthoughtful demands. That issue, combined with other things like Snotlout trying to overwork Hookfang, shows how much Snotlout needs to learn about working with a team. He needs to learn to think more about Hookfang’s perspective.

Snotlout ends the series with great respect for Hookfang. Instead of overworking the dragon or demanding Hookfang follow his commands, Snotlout is a lot more lovingly attentive to his dragon. Their bond has hugely grown and become more mutually productive and understanding. Just consider Snotlout’s lines at the end of S6 E11 “Guardians of Vanaheim.” This shows both his grown spoken trust and support of Hiccup and his attention to his dragon. 

Snotlout’s no longer forcing his dragon to overwork. He’s not demanding his dragon come and do what he wants. Instead, he’s looking after what his dragon needs and wants and is perfectly happy doing so. That’s what’s become his heart and instinct and natural response: caring after Hookfang.

Snotlout starts the series defiant of Hiccup and openly rude to Hiccup’s ideas. While we know from “Defiant One” that Snotlout holds jealousy for Hiccup’s heroics and abilities, this doesn’t stop Snotlout from constantly butting heads with the other rider rudely. His lack of respect for Hiccup’s leadership is a main source of tension throughout especially ROB and DOB. Snotlout even in early RTTE times speaks of his doubt in what Hiccup can do. His comments are divisive to the team. His actions can be rebellious or lack thoughtfulness of teamwork.

Snotlout ends the series stoutly supporting Hiccup. 

Sure, Snotlout doesn’t lack his moments of bite or analytical questioning, even in S6. To give just one example, in “Guardians of Vanaheim” he complains, “You know, I’m sure you’ll make a great chief one day, Hiccup. Just know that I will not be living on your island!” But these sorts of complaints or criticisms (usually) are no longer intended venom or ways of dismantling Hiccup’s leadership - they’ve become banter, smart questionings of strategy, and other actions that aren’t debilitating. They’re a part of the friendship. 

We can see that Snotlout has instead firmly taken to Hiccup’s side. Instead of telling Hiccup that his ideas are ridiculous, Snotlout says in S5 “Sandbusted” that Hiccup’s ideas are always right. Not to mention, if someone even so much as suggests Hiccup gets abandoned, Snotlout has something strong to say about it.

He’s such a strong supporter of Hiccup that I could imagine him - years down the road - becoming our chief’s number two.

Snotlout ends the series as someone who can act as a rolemodel for other growing youths. Snotlout shows Gustav Larson what true courage is on Berserker Island. And in S6, Snotlout also has grown enough to be able to give people advice. He’s able to take his past experiences, which we’ve seen him struggle through, and now apply it to life lessons - for himself in his own growth, and for others and their needed growths, too. 

Snotlout didn’t always say the right thing with Minden, but when he did, he said it good. REALLY good.

Would ROB or DOB or even RTTE S1 Snotlout been able to say THIS?

Snotlout takes all his past experiences, all his mistakes, all his flaws, all his moments of not-quite-glory... and uses them to speak heart-to-heart with Minden. He’s able to advise her and encourage her at the same time. It’s a very mature way of handling his emotions, admitting them, and handling someone else’s struggles. He’s manifesting hoards of growth here. He’s not just admitting he’s struggled. He’s talking about how his vulnerabilities have been mistakes. He’s talking about how to overcome those vulnerabilities. He’s showing how to maturely handle them and become someone great.

Does Snotlout still have a lot of character flaws to handle? Helheim yeah. I’m not highlighting those areas of imperfection in my commentary here, but it’s obvious he still has to grow. 

But has he improved a lot by RTTE S6? 

ALSO Helheim yeah.

We’ve seen Snotlout growing throughout RTTE and there are some cool moments in S4 and S5. But S6 was also a real treat for showing the growth of who Snotlout has become.