#why are we surprised he doesn't respect consent

[just-another-nerd-blog]

Okay, so we all know that Rory Sucks and doesn't actually care about Lydia. So I am going to use his behavior with Lydia to prove just how much Betelgeuse actually cares about and respects her, in comparison. Because he really does love her, and all of his actions in the movie show that.

First, let's talk about kisses. Rory kisses/embraces Lydia on three notable occasions. Betelgeuse kisses her once, and it is perhaps one of the more memorable scenes in the movie for all the Beetlebabes fans. Obviously, one of the big differences between the Rory kisses and the BJ kiss is the fact that Rory's are all on the mouth, while BJ's is to the back of her hand. But another big difference I noticed is the force with which Lydia is kissed.

Analysis with photo evidence under the cut!

The first time we see Rory kiss Lydia is after her anxious break during her show taping. In the moment, she is vulnerable and shaken, but Rory grabs her for a kiss anyway. It's a bit aggressive, he's holding her tightly, and Lydia looks a bit stiff when he pulls her in. It's not a great moment for a kiss like this, and doesn't seem to be the most welcome either.

The second notable time we see Rory kiss Lydia is when he proposes to her and she finally and unenthusiastically agrees. As we can see in the first screencap, he is practically yanking her in. Lydia looks shocked and perhaps a bit afraid or nervous. When Rory finally kisses her, it looks as if her head is somewhat turned away, and her shoulders are even stiffer than the first time. Once again, this seems semi-unwelcome, but mostly it seems needlessly aggressive.

The third Rory kiss/embrace I want to talk about is when Lydia finally gets to the church for their wedding. Once again, her head is turned away, and this time, in addition to looking stiff, she is leaning away, with Rory following her for the embrace. He's holding her tightly, but her hand isn't even fully resting on him, least of all holding or grabbing him. Once again, this is a situation of him seeing her when she's nervous or anxious and using force to pull her into a kiss or embrace. It's a little rough, and doesn't seem entirely pleasant.

Now let's compare those to the one time Betelgeuse kisses her. By the time this scene comes up, he's already gone through pretty much the whole wedding scene with her, not doing much more than just dancing with her and singing to her. And, notably, he kisses her on the back of the hand.

Look how gentle he is with her. He's holding her hand and has an arm around her back, but he isn't gripping her the way we see Rory do. He carefully brings her hand to his mouth to kiss it, and it only lasts for a brief second. Again, compare that to Rory's kisses, which all go on for what seems like a little too long. Lydia's a bit stiff here too, and I can't blame her, but she moves with Betelgeuse's lead much easier than she does with Rory's. She's not trying to get away, she lets him spin her, she lets him kiss her hand. Her expression is also a bit questioning, but not really afraid or even surprised.

Even when you look at the still of this scene, she mostly just looks confused and perhaps a bit curious, as if she's not sure why he's doing this. It's because he's in love with her but I digress. BJ's kiss is slow and deliberate. He gives her a chance to pull her hand away if she were to want to, he kisses her in perhaps the most respectful place he could kiss her without prior consent, and he doesn't draw it out.

Ultimately, Betelgeuse's one kiss to Lydia's hand is worlds more romantic and worlds more respectful than any of Rory's kisses to her mouth. Every time Rory kisses her, it's aggressive and forceful, and he never really takes a chance to see how she feels about it. He just kisses her because he wants to, regardless of Lydia's anxiety or uncertainty. Obviously BJ wanted to kiss her too, but his eyes are watching her the whole time. He's searching her expression and body language to make sure she's okay. He is so beyond gentle and careful with her. He doesn't draw it out.

Rory kisses in a way that makes it seem like he's trying to prove to anyone watching that he loves Lydia. He's putting on a show. But Betelgeuse, ever the showman, is only doing this for Lydia. The rest of the people in the church are frozen in time, no one is watching. Most importantly, the tenderness with which he brings her hand up and kisses her makes it seem like he's only trying to prove himself to her. No one else's thoughts matter, not as long as Lydia knows how he feels, how genuinely and tenderly he actually loves her.

When Rory kisses her, he only thinks about himself. When Betelgeuse kisses her, he's only thinking about Lydia.

[bvckbiter]

"Good boy" for war prize al. Swm perhaps 👉👈

for the request game

cw for alcohol, suggestive themes (they get a little handsy lol), and uh al's dubious capacity to consent and make good decisions i guess

Her boys stumble into their bedchambers just as Annabeth finishes fixing the scarf upon her head for the night. Alabaster is just barely swaying onwards by the tips of his toes, his weight hoisted up on Percy's shoulders. The front of Alabaster's pants are stained burgundy, and a similar hue decorates the part of Percy's chest left visible by the open strings of his shirt, down to its hem.

"He threw wine on me," Percy hisses, somehow managing to wrangle off their stained clothes. "This is one of my favorite shirts... Gods, I feel terrible for the maid who's going to be cleaning this."

"Iz' their job 'nyway," Alabaster grunts heavily. As soon as his leg's been pulled through the pant hole, he shoves Percy away with surprising strength, only to tip backwards into Annabeth's arms in a comical twirl. "Hello, beautiful."

Annabeth's mouth twitches in laughter. Alabaster looks so earnest like this, head tilted up at her like a devotee gazing up at their god. "Hello yourself, jewel."

Percy is nowhere near as amused as her. "I thought I told you to stop letting him indulge at parties. Why do you keep doing this?" he says.

"It was one goblet," Annabeth defends herself, "and it was after dinner. That's a respectable enough time."

"Don't play dumb with me." Percy has to stop and take a deep breath, the fury in his eyes making them glint like tidal waves thrashing a ship. "You know once he gets started, he can't stop."

"Did you have fun, jewel?" Annabeth falters as Alabaster suddenly decides to kick out his leg at Percy.

But inebriated as he is, the move goes awry. Percy doesn't even get hit, not by a wide margin. Annabeth and Alabaster both fall over, Alabaster's drunken giggles ghosting over her lips.

When he clumsily kisses her, Annabeth swears the wine on his tongue is sweeter than it had been earlier tonight in the palace's brass goblets.

Their kiss breaks as Alabaster suddenly remembers to answer and rapidly bobs his head. "They think... They think we have a secret kid. Scandalous." He laughs so hard he sways again at the motion, face-planting into Annabeth's neck.

Not that it bothers him, because he just noses up the length of it and blindly continues what he'd been doing with his mouth before.

Annabeth's laugh threads thinner, breathier, and she weaves her hand into the hair at the back of his head. Alabaster was normally so reticent; but drink teased out of him enthusiasm he hid deep down.

Sometimes, Alabaster's inebriation was for a purpose. Few courtiers could tear their eyes away from a spectacle if it was in front of them, and a living royal trophy rambling the most outrageous things made excellent misdirection from certain movements Annabeth wanted to go unnoticed.

Other times... She just wanted to indulge in the fact that she now had Alabaster in her arms—had both the men she loved in her arms—after having been alone for so long, even if the circumstances were less than ideal. She—They were just making the best of it.

It was for their own good. And if she was having fun while at it, who could blame her?

Percy's gaze remains fixed on them, the storms clouding the green of his eyes now churning with something other than anger. "Huh. I get it," he says to the air.

"Get what?" Annabeth asks, words pitching as Alabaster starts working at her dress.

He doesn't answer her, not straightforwardly, anyway. "Who do you think he'll listen to?"

Between Percy's vagueness and Alabaster's efforts, Annabeth is starting to get a little lightheaded. She stays in place, Alabaster still on her, as Percy approaches.

"Get up, Alabaster," Percy says, low and rough.

Annabeth tsks. "Keep going, jewel," she croons.

Her husband only raises an eyebrow before outright ripping away Alabaster, who despite his state, immediately puts up a fight. But he's unable to stop Percy from dragging him by the waist to the foot of the bed.

"Let g'f me!" he shouts. Just as he seemingly breaks free of Percy's hold, Alabaster finds himself gripped by the back of his neck.

"Down, Your Highness," Percy commands, squeezing hard enough to hurt. "This will be easier for you if you obey."

Whether the last of Alabaster's energy had been sapped, or the force cows him, he goes. There's a thud when the rug meets Alabaster's knees, moonlight painting the lean surface of his bare legs like the stone he'd been named after.

Jewel, indeed.

Percy heaves a sigh of relief, sitting on the bed. "There. Good boy." Alabaster instinctively seeks out his touch, pressing a flushed cheek against the prince's thigh and humming contentedly as his eyes slide shut.

Annabeth has risen to her feet, trying to look composed amidst the situation. She brushes some invisible dust off her nightgown. "I suppose this means you win."

"We both win when he's compliant, no?" Percy's smile is both of triumph and warning. "No more drinks next time."

*

god this prompt... 😏

this got a little long.. wahahahhahuehuehuehue i love al being a raggedy doll i fear... he also loves being one it's part of the reason why he drinks

anyway there was a part that i deleted for length about how p&a came to love each other as equals during the war (since they were a renowned fighter & a chief strategist, respectively, and worked together a lot; they lost focus and had a consensual workplace relationship JASJDSJKJFDS) which is why they're so drawn to their relationships with alabaster - percy having a match for his darkness and annabeth basically feeling possessive of everyone she's ever loved lol. definitely working on exploring those in ysc so im excited WHEEEE

thank you for the req, i hope you enjoyed! <3

[sherlokiness]

Isn't RLJ a false marriage? Won't jon still be a bastard then?

Elia and Rhaegar had healthy children, legit kids so won't Ned respect that marriage like any northern one? Also elia's marriage was not under any coercion or dubious consent like Lyanna's supposed one was. And valyrian polygamy was outlawed for years, so ned should never see it as a real marriage.

(thanks for ur earlier answer by the way)

Hi, anon. Thanks for the ask! It was no biggie.

I would like you to read the comment from Ygrain in this thread. The biggest proof of RLJ marriage is the presence of the Kingsguard at the ToJ. I'll post a shorter version of it down below.

"I looked for you on the Trident,” Ned said to them.

“We were not there,” Ser Gerold answered.

“Woe to the Usurper if we had been,” said Ser Oswell.

The KG consider Robert a usurper.

When King's Landing fell, Ser Jaime slew your king with a golden sword, and I wondered where you were.”

“Far away,” Ser Gerold said, “or Aerys would yet sit the Iron Throne, and our false brother would burn in seven hells.”

So the KG knew that Aerys is dead and denounces Jaime as a KG. We could also infer that they weren't with Aerys when Jaime killed his king.

“I came down on Storm's End to lift the siege,” Ned told them, and the Lords Tyrell and Redwyne dipped their banners, and all their knights bent the knee to pledge us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.”

Ned tells them the remaining Targ forces have bent the knees and was surprised they weren't there.

“Our knees do not bend easily,” said Ser Arthur Dayne.

To which Arthur replied that their knees do not bend easily yet when Ned approached earlier, Oswell Whent was on his knee. Taken together, it's a clue that they have already bent the knee to someone.

“Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you might have sailed with him.”

Why aren't the KG with Viserys the supposed king if they're really so honorable? Their duties would demand them to get him to safety.

“Ser Willem is a good man and true,” said Ser Oswell.

They've ignored the insult of Viserys being called a prince and admits he doesn't have a KG.

“But not of the Kingsguard,” Ser Gerold pointed out. “The Kingsguard does not flee.”

So Willem is a good man and it's okay to be with the prince but not them because they're the KG. And what is the primary duty of the KG? To protect and defend the King.

“Then or now,” said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm.

So the KG does not flee and they would have defended the king then(Aerys) and that's what they're doing now(Jon).

“We swore a vow,” explained old Ser Gerold.

Below are the exact points from the thread:

The Lord Commander is citing the Kingsguard’s vow as the reason that they must stay. He has decided that all three would remain, and we must presume that the reason is to protect the king. Several things contribute to this conclusion:

The White Bull, as Ser Gerold is known, is quite the stickler when it comes to the comport of Kingsguard duties.

Ser Gerold does not have a friendship with Rhaegar that would favor this decision.

Ser Gerold has already stated that he would slay Jaime to protect Aerys.

Ser Gerold’s decision to keep Arthur and Oswell with him only protects the king (the primary purpose of the Kingsguard) if the king is present at the tower.

Ned knows that these men were honoring their Kingsguard vow. There is no other vow that Ned is ever aware of. He thinks of these three as the epitome of honor and skill. A shining example for the world.

Also, all the jokes about bastards and princes GRRM does with Joffrey and Jon won't work if they're both bastards.

[zvtara-was-never-canon]

https://www.tumblr.com/allnewalldifferentwildspider/748862622231838720/the-reason-im-so-vulgar-in-regards-to-aangs

What a bunch of bullshit.

"He makes no effort to get to know or understand her" they're literally traveling the whole world together - and their original reason for doing that was because he wanted to help her go to the North Pole to learn waterbending, something which means a lot to her. Just because the writers didn't think the audience was stupid and needed a scene of them sitting down and telling each other a list of their flaws, qualities and motivations, doesn't mean their relationship was shallow.

"We get the MALE GAZE from him" Wow, he thinks a pretty girl is pretty. What a crime.

"He doesn't try to find out what happened to her mom" he didn't have to, she fucking told him basically right away. Complaining about that is like complaining he never asked if Sokka was her brother, even though one of the first things Sokka ever said to Aang was "And this is Katara, my flying sister"

"He always gets surprised when she's mad about something" Aang, the naturally cheery person, is pretty much ALWAYS surprised whenever ANYONE is angry, because that's not an emotionl he usually experiences much. Doesn't mean he doesn't get her - and I say this as a very grumpy person.

And ya know who else gets surprised at Katara's anger all the time? Zuko. The guy that sent an assassin after her group because Katara had to bring Aang back to life after Azula killed him - which only happened because Zuko helped her when Aang and Katara had her cornered.

Funny how things are only bad when Aang does it, but totally okay when Zuko does them in VERY different contexts that obviously paint him in a negative light for good reason.

"He hates the food and culture that she loves so much" Disliking a culture's food is not the same as hating said culture. We only see him talk shit about the Water Tribe's hunting culture once: in the Bato episode, in his friends are accidentally shutting him out of the conversation because they're too excited about being reunited with someone that is basically family. A 12-year-old throwing a tantrum is not the same as him being openly racist. Ya know what IS racist though? Zuko supporting his nation's attempt to genocide the water tribes.

"He doesn't respect her boundaries and kisses her twice without her consent" ONE poorly timed kiss is not the same as him forcefully holding her in place and kissing her, or even asking first then going for it anyway after she said an explicit no. And Katara visibly enjoyed the kiss during the eclipse episode, and was basically cuddlying with him on Appa afterwards.

"He keeps trying to talk for her when she's angry" You mean literally the same thing Zuko did in Southern Raiders?

"He expects her to do the work for their relationship... but he also makes wild assumptions about them being an item already... but he also wanted to talk things out with her to make sure he got it right..." I don't even need to tear these apart, the OP did it for me by making their arguments contradict each other. How kind of them.

"Aang wants the beautiful image of Katara. He wants that pretty face, those big blue eyes, that body, those long legs, those hips, the chest, and the hair that is just so manageable" While Aang is attracted to her, he NEVER mentioned a single one of those things, ever. The hair thing was literally MENG being insecure about her own hair. If you wanna simp for Katara, go ahead and do it, there's nothing wrong with it, but don't act like Aang only sees her a piece of meat.

"He has no interest in the complex, strong, hurt, angry, and caring person that Katara actually is" Ah yes, that's why he doesn't cheer her on when she's fighting Pakku, or helps her with the Painted Lady thing because he admires her compassion, or tells her she gives him hope, or calls her sifu, or accepts that she won't kill Yon Rah but also won't forgive... oh wait, he did do all those things.

"I'm calling it like I see it" Too bad you need glasses and refuse to wear them.

"Aang doesn't actually like Katara; he's just really horny for her" Considering your random description of why she's so hot in a post that has nothing to do it, all while ignoring her agency that used to choose Aang, I'd say that's more likely to be an accurate description of YOU than of our protagonist. Sorry, just calling it like I see it.

[kimtaegis]

I'm going to try to explain this as coherently as I can. I want Jungkook to do his thing, but at the same time, it is bothering me so much that his thing seems to be basic, crass songs about sex. Like, brother in Christ, there is a nuanced, fun, genuinely sexy way to do explicit songs that doesn't read thoughtless, fuckboi nonsense. Hello, "My Time," get off the floor, my love?! I hated Seven, but 3D is making me feel like I was harsh on her. At least Latto has flow and brings energy. WHY, for the love of all things holy, did anyone green light Jack Harlow rapping about AGB????!!!! I was LIVID because have we not had enough of white men fetishizing Asian women. And there weren't even any Asian women in the MV!!! And then the optics of the women being lined up beside him one by one. WHO OKAYED THIS???? The members as a group and in their solo work have dabbled with explicit lyrics, sex, etc. But it has never felt like this "fuck it to hell, I wanna be famous and I'll do it in the easiest way possible, lemme talk about champagne confetti." Are you serious??? This man gave us "Still With You." And I do hold Jungkook responsible for a fair amount of it. He's 26 and obviously gets final say on the final product. I get that he wants to be seen as a grown up, but all I'm seeing is the equivalent of the Nickelodeon/ Disney kids going ham to break the image. This ain't it, okay? And if the rumours I'm hearing about his EP are true, it's going to be a hard pass for me. I have never recoiled from a song that came from BTS or a member the way I have with Jungkook's singles so far. I'm aghast at his potential (which he has showcased so much in past) being squandered on this run-of-mill, brainless, nonsense. Sure, he'll get the numbers, it's going straight to radio and this fandom is bleeting in unison like sheep possessed. But he's lost a lot of my respect for him.

you expressed yourself well and I can sympathise with your negative feelings and where they’re coming from… I honestly am just as shocked about harlow’s rap being greenlit both from the team behind but also from jungkook himself. it makes me wonder once again how much he was actually involved in everything simply because I hate the thought of him being aware of the lyrics and letting them through on the nod… you can very much make a light, fun, sexy song without putting problematic phrases and innuendos in it. again, it all comes back to nuance in pretty much all aspects of this whole song discussion. wanting to be seen as mature/ as a grown-up also means taking responsibility for everything that’s put out in your name (with your consent ofc). we could probably talk about this for hours on end though and unfortunately it doesn’t change much cause as you said at the end, there’re enough people who simply do not care about all of this, blindly support their fave artist and want to vibe. I saw that 3D (edit: the version with JH) is currently number three on spotify global right after Seven, so yeah. numbers equal success, success means the support and demand is there, and so the chances are high that he will keep going in this direction, I’m afraid. but let’s wait for his album, he’s been full of surprises, maybe he’ll surprise once more, and this time in a more positive way, again

[ur-friendly-nbhd-cardassian]

For the ask game:

Tav/Halsin and number 33 (forcefully).

Might be a bit mean with the king of consent but I'm curious how you would do it.

If it's too difficult, you can pick any other you like :)

Have fun!

Thank you bestie <3

Hmmm.... *rubs chin* I can't see Halsin being forceful, unless it's like, in the heat of the moment when he's totally blitzed out of his brain with lust... but no one says it must be Halsin >.>

"—all this stupid CRAP, I never thought I'd hate a place more than I hate the Hells, but here I am, in the stupid Shadowlands and it SUCKS—"

Tav stomps the ground like an angry toddler, trying to shake the off the itch crawling up her legs from stepping into some shadow-cursed equivalent of tall grass.

"Tav, please, we shouldn't make so much noise. Shadows will find us."

Halsin watches her struggle with a sort of helpless compassion, unable to assist, but feeling her pain.

Somehow, it just makes it worse.

"Ohh, you'd just love that, wouldn't you, having me behave like a good girl and help you fix all this shit with a smile on my face," she seethes. "Well, I'm not you, Halsin. I have limits to how much of my comfort and feelings I'm able to ignore and push down before they blow up in my face!"

"Tav..."

Halsin sighs and tilts his head, broad shoulders drooping. It seems like her words hurt him, but she's past caring.

"No," she hisses. "I've had enough. I can't watch that selfless face of yours anymore. It's killing me, okay?"

"I'm sorry," Halsin snaps, tone finally coloring with anger. Tav didn't think she would live to see the day, but hearing that roughness in his voice feels satisfying. "You're right. I did sacrifice a lot to get here. Some might say I sacrificed almost everything. And it's still not enough. No guarantee that it was worth it. Do you understand how that feels, Tav? If not, why are you here?"

"Oh, you know, Halsin, you're so wise and based and zen—but sometimes you're being plain dumb!" Tav raises her arms to the black sky as if invoking ancient gods to witness her anguish. "Do you really not know why I do this?"

"Why don't you enlighten me?" Halsin sighs. Beside some mocking ringing in his words, his temper seems to be cooling again.

Tav stares at him, half fuming, half desperate. Does he really not see? She thought she was so obvious it hurt.

But no. Not to this man. A man who never assumes things about others because he's so damn respectful all the time.

It enrages her. And fuels her desire at the same time. She's almost sure he feels the same draw, the same irresistible pull. His eyes often travel across her body. His sight seeks her out across the campfire. She keeps catching his wistful glances every time she looks his way. But he doesn't act.

Alright. Okay. Then maybe it's time to act for him.

Tav stumps off the last of the poisonous bits of dried grass and takes a deep breath. She will only get one chance. And Hells know which way this goes... It might be the end of her every hope. But at least it will free up her chest for some other feelings than hopeless pining.

Halsin isn't looking at her: in his annoyance he's studying the surrounding area, as if the very sight of her was upsetting at the moment. He doesn't see it coming.

In the next second Tav's arms wrap around his neck as she resolutely pulls him low and close. She can only see the surprise on his face for a tiny moment before she presses her lips to his. She doesn't hold back. Knowing she's violating Halsin's own admirable code of consent, the urge to be persuasive is strong.

She can feel him resist, his lips locked tight, arms rigid—but he doesn't pull away, he doesn't push her. He's probably in shock, Tav thinks. If she lets go now, there will be no second kiss.

So she puts everything into it. Opens her mouth and glides the tip of her tongue across his lips. Her hands tangle in his hair and massage his scalp. Her torso presses to his chest, her breasts flush with his.

"Tav," he manages to breathe out a weak protest, but that just means his mouth is open, too. She doesn't hesitate to claim it—and he lets her.

His arms slowly snake around her body and pull her closer. She can hear little moans resonate in his throat. His body, hot on the coldest of days, seems to nearly burn now.

It takes every ounce of self-control for her to let go of him, but she manages. They're both breathless. Halsin's face is a mix of wild emotions—she's sure she recognizes regret among them.

"I'm sorry," she exhales, wiping her mouth. "I just needed you to know what you're doing to me."

He covers his face with a broad palm.

"I... I had no idea, Tav. I didn't mean to make you suffer. But the Shadow Curse—"

"I know," she sighs, but her irritation is only mild now. "I know. I respect your wishes, Halsin, I just... It's been a long few weeks and I've spent most of them thinking about you."

His arms drops and he's looking at her like a lost puppy.

"Me too," he whispers.

Tav smiles half-heartedly. "Good to know. That should keep me going until the Curse is lifted. Then... I hope we can pick up where we left off...?"

He chuckles and even in the dim, sickly light she can see the blush spreading across his weathered cheeks.

"That's a promise."

Okay, this was WILD xD I thank you very much for the prompt again, because I had fun coming up with this. Naturally it turned out muuuuch longer than I planned, but that's me, lol.

Hope you like it ;)

[g1r-ap0ca1yps3]

A question I get asked quite a bit as a trans person is if my parents support and I feel like people don't understand how complicated this question is for a lot of trans people including myself.

Neither of my parents I would say aren't necessarily supportive but they aren't necessarily rude about it. Neither use the correct name or pronouns. I don't correct them as I'm just really tired but they do know what I prefer and have known for a long time. My mom uses they/them pronouns for me and my deadname and she avoids saying gendered terms and refers to me as gender neutral terms. This does bother me a lot because she's outwardly a trans ally and is very education on trans topics but I had to try an understanding her position and now I'm a bit less bothered by it. My father is a different it was not a surprise to me that my dad completely ignored me coming out multiple times while my mom tried her best to understand and have conversations with me. He's always been slightly transphobic to the point even before I came out I would have agreements with him over trans rights and such so I wasn't expecting much in the first place. But he literally forgot my name and my 10 year old little sister came into my room and told me that when she called me Conan he asked who that was and she had to say my deadname to which he responded in an annoyed tone "I don't get why we have to switch names" he also stated to my brother when He told him I was trans (with my consent) "this is too soon" (I havent been cis since I was 9 but my dad isn't very present so He doesn't know that) He also calls me girl, baby girl, ma'am, gal, and other very feminine terms.

So in summary yeah it's extremely complicated they're not kicking me out or arguing with me about it but neither really respect me.

[bigmouthlass]

Title:  The Three'o'Clock Slump

Series: Vices and Indulgences

Author:  BJ

Fandom:  The Boys

Rating:  Explicit

Pairing:  Solider Boy/Original Female Character,

Synopsis: A new member of the Vought America leadership team gets a surprise at her first semiannual board meeting.

Tags:  Solider Boy, Original Female Character, Early 80s Period Piece, Dubious Consent,

AN:  All your porns are belong to us. All recognizable intellectual properties are owned by their respective creators and holders of any trademarks or copyrights. This is a not-for-profit work of fan art and is protected by Fair Use.

---

Context in life is basically everything, Prof. Andrews would say over and over when he'd give his lectures on symbolism and figurative language. To understand a thing's purpose, one must place it within the correct context.

Which is why my brain's flapping around like a car with a blown tire right now. The correct context for the man sitting next to me is . . . not here. His proper context is out in the big scary world being bigger and stronger than everything, making the problems he solves seem both too big to handle and too trivial to bother with, saving the world through sheer American . . . American-ness. He doesn't belong here. In the same room as me. Next to me. Close enough to feel his heat and smell his cologne. It's got me all flustered and twitterpated and all that jazz.

Doing my absolute best to ignore the superhero sitting next to me, I face front. Mr. DeSousa's launching into his presentation on Vought South America's aggressive property acquisition push in Brazil. It's got nothing to do with my end of the business, and in no time I'm so bored I'm rigored. The buzzing from the lights is giving me a headache and I skipped lunch so I wouldn't have to use the bathroom at an awkward moment. I'm sweating under my second best suit and the stale air's making me feel smothered and claustrophobic. In the back of my mind I can feel the cost of my presence here mounting in terms of jobs back home that aren't getting done. Ever since Vought's Western division split I've been pulling eighty hour workweeks getting the new Seattle offices off the ground. Like the wise man said, war is hell but expansion is worse.

Oh and did I mention that Soldier Boy is sitting right here beside me? Bumping my left elbow as I try to catch up on this month's budgets? Who is currently wearing a nice but unremarkable double-breasted suit, a watch chain gleaming gold at his waist. Nothing to hint that he's outside his proper context except no way would anybody with eyes think he belongs in this crowd. He's a leopard in a den of hyenas.

God's night jars he even brought a briefcase, dark green leather with brass clasps.

"Psst!" I start so hard I almost drop my pen. It takes everything I got to not squeal like a five-year-old. I've met Supes before. They're a good-slash-service that we sell. Close to, they're human like the rest of us. But with Solider Boy, the illusion's not collapsing. It's just getting new dimensions. For instance, did you know he has freckles? Itty-bitty ones, scattered across the bridge of his nose. "Have you got a light, miss?”

Words in language using vocabulary I was taught at some point-- my brain seizes up solid.

"Light?"

"Oh! Uh . . ." I hand him my little black Ronson and he lights a cigarette, patrician lips clutching the filter end and mouth working around the smoke.

"Much obliged," he looks at the lighter barrel, "Ace?"

Alice Corina Espersen, that's me.

"So if someone would please get the lights--"

"Let me." DeSousa turns pale as Solider Boy uncoils himself from his chair and reaches to flip the switch. The light from the slide projector and the odd glow of a cigarette ember are the only illumination as we're treated to click after click of tropical-looking wildernesses and charts showing developmental timetables.

Click and Solider Boy's handing me my lighter back, trailing his fingers over my hand in a light incidental caress that makes every hair on my body stand on end.

Click and he's slouched to the side, pressing his arm firmly against my shoulder. Thick as a tree branch; if he pumped his bicep his sleeve would pop open.

Click and he's leaning close to speak softly in my ear, asking me what the ACE stands for, making a small pleased noise when I introduce myself.

Click and he's inhaling softly, smelling my hair and my perfume. I blush so red my head hurts when I realize he can also smell my sweat.

Click and I feel a touch on my leg under the table. Just a light little pet on the top of my thigh, warm through my stocking.

Click and his hand’s fitted just above the cap of my knee, big and hard.

Click and his thumb’s rubbing a funnybone.

Click and he’s pushing up the hem of my skirt, one torturous fraction of an inch at a time.

Click and he’s touching the meaty inside of my leg.

Click. Click. Click.

The lights come back on and Soldier Boy’s sitting with his hands folded on the table in front of him, face as open and innocent as an angel. Mr. DeSousa calls a break, making some lame seventh-inning-stretch joke I barely hear. "Thank you for your attention. Reconvene in thirty."

Forgetful of my dignity, I make my quick way to the ladies’ room. God I’m a sight, flushed tomato red and my makeup caked up by sweat. From being pawed by . . . by . . .

Bonk context, I got up in the mirror universe this morning. One where the greatest hero to ever live just spent over an hour feeling me up and one where I’d trade my immortal soul if only he'd do it some more. I stuff my emergency rock candy in my mouth and lean over the sink to splash water on my face. The cool wetness is blessed relief.

I straighten up and in the mirror-- the shriek of surprise gets shoved back down my throat as a big hand covers my mouth. “Shh,” Solider Boy says. “Easy Ace.” His free hand covers my ribs and pulls me into his body. I’m decked out in every authority symbol I can manage to compensate for the tiny body the good Lord done gave me; dark framed glasses, black suit, understated makeup. Against Soldier Boy, none of it works. He's just so big, powerful, there's so much of him. His body eclipses mine, his presence extinguishes me. I melt back into the heat of his embrace. “The door’s locked, and we only have twenty minutes.”

I defy any red-blooded American female to look into those eyes and say no thank you sir I’d rather not get fucked in the bathroom like some back-alley floozy. Solider Boy shoves my skirt up and grunts in approval when he feels the snaps of my garter belt and the lacy tops of my stockings. My underwear vanishes with a snap of failed elastic. Thanks to his work from earlier, I’m all humid down there. He makes quick work of the buttons on my blouse, sighing in appreciation as he eyes my bra. The pads of his fingers brush my button, soft and gentle.

"Shh," Solider Boy whispers as I try and suck back my whimpers. "Don’t want anyone to guess what we’re up to, hmm?" I shut my eyes, torn right down the middle between mounting horror and mounting lust. Some seconds pass in silence, then a hard voice in my ear orders, "Open your eyes Alice. I want you to see this."

This can't be me, this slut looking back at me with her skirt up and her bosoms hanging out, Soldier Boy's face hanging over my shoulder and his fingers coaxing something clawed and merciless out of my center. He takes off my glasses, studies them a moment, and flings them into a corner. My hair falls down everywhere as he pulls out the pin. "There we go. It’s always you professional girls who pop like firecrackers."

Professional. That’s me, no room in my life for anything like what he’s making me feel. To be taken seriously in a man’s world a woman’s gotta be ten times the man of everyone around her-- in control but never dominant, supportive but never motherly, attractive but never sexual. Soldier Boy’s yanking me out of my context and making me feel grateful for it right alongside the shame.

“Oh, good girl,” he tells me in a voice of pure intoxication as I reach up and link my hands behind his neck. My chest rises as my body stretches, lifting my bosoms and exposing my throat. Soldier Boy’s fingertips keep pressing, caressing, his touch light and sure and turning my whole body into a building thundercloud. His free hand covers my mouth and I sob out a strangled wheezing moan as I seize up in the hardest brightest climax I’ve ever had in my life.

I stumble forward and catch myself by my hands on the sink counter, panting and shaking. My hair hangs down in strings over my eyes. Chuckling to himself, Solider Boy steps back. I hear the clack of a lock. "Better hurry. You've only got five minutes."

Trembling like a newborn fawn, I readjust my clothes, do what I can for my hair and powder my nose. I look . . . like a hooker halfway through a long hard night on the streets but it's going to have to do. My bare crotch feels slimy and disgusting and without underwear I just have to hope my slip and skirt lining can hold the line against a wet spot bleeding through.

"Dammit Ben--" I hear someone say as I hurry out of the restroom. I'm the last one in as Security locks the doors. The VP of talent management's taken my seat and I'm stuck having to excuse myself to the only empty chair. I can hear the end of my career in the stony silence, see it in everyone's disgusted glare. Dear Lord strike me dead. Hell can't be much worse than this.

And yet, I can feel the weight of Solider Boy's stare on the back of my neck. My sex burns and throbs, weeping a tiny trickle of nectar and making my slip stick to me. God help me but if he wanted to throw me on the floor down in front of everyone, I'd let him. Hell, I'd thank him.

Finally, mercifully, it's over. I've got a redeye back to Seattle and a long weekend of head-clearing drudgery ahead of me in the privacy of my own home. Doing my best to ignore the lecherous smirks, I make a show of packing up my attaché case as the room clears. I'll feel better after a nice big room service supper, a hot shower, and a few hours of sleep.

As I'm following the pack towards the bank of elevators, a long arm snatches me into a hallway I didn't notice before and before I can say Jack Robinson I'm being whisked into an empty elevator. Strong arms lift me out of my shoes and guide my legs in a monkey wrap. My head goes light and swimmy as lips clamp over mine and a broad tongue licks its way into my mouth. I'm weightless, underwater, drowning. My body doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to him.

"Sweet like candy," Solider Boy mumbles between kisses.

"I've got to catch a plane--" I squeak.

"No. You don't." The elevator door beeps open and Solider Boy carries me to my fate. --- AN2: Soldier Boy strikes me as the type of sexual predator who lives in that dubcon twilight zone of But They Really Wanted To and refuses to entertain the idea that consent under duress is invalid.

[junowritings]

Can I request a match up for Baldur's Gate 3 please?

My preferred pronouns: she/her

My partner preferences : Male except Raphael, Emperor, Cazador, Thorm, and the Withers!

My personality : I'm shy, timid, quiet & polite to strangers. With people I'm comfortable with, I'm loud, outgoing, playful, mature, responsible, motherly(to naughty friends), childlike(to mature friends/family) and sarcastic (unintentionally).

I'm kinda tomboyish as I wear over-sized t-shirts, baggy pants, sneakers but don't play sports or video games. I'm a slow learner, not smart, not strong, and not talented.

I'm pretty dense, straightforward, oblivious, and naive too.I get confused or misunderstand what people meant easily so it's best if you tell me straight to my face so I can't be mistaken. I'm also touch starved as I love giving & receiving affection but I only can hug one person and even then, I do my best to not overdo it.

I'm a hopeless romantic, dense, sensitive, forgetful, unreliable, & overthink often. I work as hard as I can & try my best & be careful as I can to everything I do, as I'm pretty clumsy & makes mistakes more often than most people. I try to help my family and friends as they've helped me & cared for me dearly.

I try to communicate properly & ask for their consent first before doing anything because I misunderstood that I had their permission before. I do my best to give people the benefit of doubt but I do have my limits. I don't really get angry often that even my family & friends are surprised when it happens once in a blue moon.

I don't believe in compliments I get occasionally or why my family & friends care for me because I don't see good things in myself only bad things.I'm kinda perverted which contrasts my innocent & baby face. I keep it to myself though. I always need to let the cinema employees check my identity card to verify my age whenever I watch a R-rated movie.

Although a kind stranger realises I'm older than I looked when we talked about how I didn't lashed out in anger at someone who didn't do anything wrong to me because I know how it felt to be in that position

Hobbies : drawing, reading manga, listening to music, fanfics especially reader inserts, and watching anime, movies, & cartoons. My favourite genre is romance but I love comedy, mystery, action, sci-fi, fantasy, and historical too! My favourite music genre is pop, but I also love ballads, & alternative rock!

Likes : music, fanfiction, manga, anime, cartoons, books (If I find it interesting), family, friends, potato chips, chocolate, cakes, bread, anyone who is kind, patient, supportive, helpful, tries at least, trustworthy, responsible, fair in general, respectful, flexible, honest, open-minded, humble, sincere, accepting, thoughtful, encouraging, forgiving, careful, understanding, wise, mature, cooperative, caring, etc. That's more but that's all I could think of

Dislikes : anyone who's rude, disrespectful, doesn't listen to others, refuse to admit mistakes, blames others for their mistakes, ignores people yet demands attention from them, demanding, won't acknowledge what you said, hypocritical, biased, irresponsible, careless, disloyal, inconsiderate, insensitive, inflexible, petty, hostile, untrustworthy, immature, uncooperative, unforgiving, judgemental, narrow-minded, self-centred, unethical, self-righteous, etc. That's more but that's all I could think of

Please & thank you!

Of course you can hun! Hell yeah first match up for BG3! Thank you so much for the request and I do hope that you're doing well!

Now without further ado, I match you with...

Hun you deserve a whole lot of love, and no one is more willing to provide it than Dammon! 

Dammon has an affable personality - warm and easygoing to everyone he’s crossed paths with. It makes even some of the most hardened hearts melt like metal over a forge fire, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself warming up to him faster than you’d expect. 

The first few times that the pair of you meet it’s understandable to be shy and quiet. He’ll respect that you may not be the most outgoing around someone you haven’t gotten the time to know. He’s happy to be the mediator for you; he’ll fill in the gaps with idle chatter as he works, prodding with the occasional curious question about yourself or your day if your comfortable. Honestly he’s content to simply exist in your space until those short, polite responses of yours begin to ease into something more genuine - something a little more you.

He admittedly feels proud when you begin to open up around him, since it’s a sign that you’re feeling more comfortable around him. It’s exciting seeing you acting more carefree and loud! The playfulness and sarcasm is a pleasant surprise for him. Dammon can sometimes be downright wicked, so if you’re in any playful kind of mood? You guys go together like a match and oil, much to the detriment of any friends in the vicinity. Plus, even if you don’t notice you’re being sarcastic, the snort and poorly concealed chuckle from the tiefling wherever he is becomes enough of an indication - he can’t help but get a little kick out of the confused look you give him till you clock onto why he’s so easily amused.

You say you’re untalented and not smart, but Dammon will be firm in insisting otherwise! The look on his face the first time you’d said it, so casually as though it were the truth - it genuinely left him speechless. He’d stop whatever he’s doing to move over to your side, taking your hands in his and tugging you so close like his touch will somehow convince you that he means it when he tells you that couldn’t be further from the truth. There's no missing the way you view yourself with a critical eye, so he delegates himself to professional encourager to balance that out - actually called himself that once and will actively do it again if it so much as gets a smile out of you. Not to mention it’s a wonderful excuse to shower you in praise every chance he gets; which with his penchant for encouraging words and teasing means you better get used to being on the receiving end of his endless affections. 

Dammon’s a quick learner. Once he notices that you struggle with misunderstandings he tries to keep in mind to be a little more straightforward in conversation. If he notices in conversations with others that whoever’s talking has lost you with what they’re doing or saying, Dammon doesn’t think twice about subtly leaning in to fill you in on the blanks. He wants you to feel included and doesn’t want you feeling left out - he’s a considerate guy!

Say goodbye to being touch starved because this man is HERE. Dammon gets fidgety when he’s got nothing to work on; he’s so used to working with the heft of tools in his hands that they feel a little emptier without them. Before you two became a thing he’d bring some of his tinier passion projects to tinker with outside the forge, eager to tell you all about them since he doesn’t want you to mistakenly think he’s uninterested. After that though things are still the same, just that these projects have now been replaced by you. Honestly if he had his way he’d always want to be touching you in some way - and if you’re comfortable he will! His hands will always seek out yours for comfort, giving reassuring squeezes when he catches you overthinking. 

Soft touches to your arms, along your back, wherever this tiefling can reach he’s there - there’s just so much of you to love! And when his hands are occupied his tail is right there, circling around your wrist or curling round your hip to keep you in his space. Be sure to give him plenty of love too! Communication comes into play a lot here - Dammon will reassure you every time that he wants whatever affection you’re comfortable to give, but he appreciates that you check in beforehand; it’s a sweet gesture.

Let him listen to your music! He’s got a tendency to get any kind of music stuck in his head even after the first listen; Alfira’s tunes back at the Grove always had him tapping out the notes with clawed fingers along his workspace. Cutest thing is he doesn’t even know he’s doing it - please point out that he’s tapping out a tune or humming along to one of the songs you’d shown him under his breath; he goes copper up to his ears whenever you mention it.

Enjoys hearing about all of your interests, but the pair of you really hit it off over the books. On the road there wasn’t much time or luxury to expand on his reading aside from the few things Dammon brought with him; and books that could be carried on the move were hard to come by. Now that he’s settled in Baldur’s gate he’s set on spending more time doing stuff he enjoys - he’s more than earned the rest at least. And what better way to spend that time than being cuddled up into your side, content to read either alongside you or while you’re enjoying your other hobbies. Dammon’s a sucker for any kind of domestic intimacy like this, and he’ll share the books that he has with you if you’ll do the same. 

That being said, there's no way he’s giving up that one book in his room easily, at least not until you two have been together for a while. Though, that resolve lasts about as long as it takes for you to kiss the guy till he can’t think straight. 

Needless to say, Dammon’s certainly smitten with you.

[nanimonai05]

GTO Review

Great Teacher Onizuka is a beloved and iconic series and in this post I'll talk about both the things I absolutely adored about it and my frustrations.

So, right off the bat I'm gonna mention that I don't often laugh hysterically while watching anime (or anything really) but somehow GTO managed to have a buncha moments so ridiculous that my only possible reaction was pretty much set in stone...

The humour and character writing are both plain genius!! I could never for the life of me predict what Onizuka's next move would be. His recklessness and luck, as well as his gullible and kind nature added a lot to his complexity as a character.

In the artistic department, we got the banger openings and EDs, the on-point animation and variation in facial expressions. In terms of voice acting, every VA fit well and every character's lines were delivered perfectly, tho my personal faves were undeniably Urumi and Miyabi. Kotono Mitsuishi's vocal range and her accurate French pronunciation were a pleasant surprise but I also liked the bite and seriousness Miyabi's voice had, while it was also laced with uncertainty and her screams in that parking lot were simply harrowing ngl, I was 🤏 this close to crying during that scene.

And now, about my frustrations that gave me mixed feelings on the series despite how much I enjoyed every episode, except for the Yoshikawa/Anko part in those last few episodes during the Okinawa arc. It was just unpleasant to watch, honestly. I think Yoshikawa's random personality change and his attitude towards Anko felt out of place, even though it can be ruled out as his pure kindness.

And either way, Giving Mukai and Yoshikawa romantic interests in order to call them "men" as if it's manly to...chase after a girl that's come to terms with the fact that you don't like her and save the one who's made your life living hell from certain death, respectively, just to ditch the subplots altogether and create loose ends kinda sucked tbh. It made me anticipate a lot of stuff that just didn't happen. GTO being a comedy manga (mostly) doesn't really excuse that, as some other series managed pull off some sorta closure to their subplots. My main example is Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou. Unlike with Mukai and Kujirakawa, who only get 1 singular episode together and their relationship never ever sees the light of day, "Literary girl" becomes a running gag in Danshi Koukousei.

Admittedly, I wanted and expected Fuyumi and Onizuka to get together because they're 2 consenting adults which at least kinda have chemistry but I'm convinced that Tooru Fujisawa either:

intended Onizuka to have commitment issues and despite him dealing with other people's problems he never gets his resolved, presumably because he keeps running away from them

struggles to write romantic relationships or doesn't know how to.

Onizuka's struggle to commit to romantic relationships (which is evident in both his relationship with Misato and the one with Fuyutsuki) never gets any closure, from what I've gathered.

The sexism was another thing that occasionally bothered me. While at times the perverted jokes were genuinely well-timed and maybe even funny, other times they felt very awkward, out of place, uncomfortable,, well you get it.

Some things aged poorly, simply put.

especially the ganguro stuff

On another note, the anime's ending kinda left me with a mild sour aftertaste. It felt like an Onizuka thing to do, but at the same time...how and why. Like FYM he's teaching in America now. Dude can't even speak English properly.

It also felt like the ending didn't allow for anything afterwards even tho the manga continues and ngl I'm personally not willing to read it becuz of the ending, Urumi and a few more things that didn't really get resolved.

Either way! It was overall a really fun watch, it gets a 7.8/10 from me

Toodles

[mydysfunctionalvampirefamily]

The recap made me realise, none of the coterie are together. That is not good! They're strongest together.

So wait there werent assassins after Neil? It was his sire??

Neil wanting to please his sire like you want to an abusive parent. 😭😭

What does he want? I don't trust it.

No stop! How dare you make Neil doubt his place in the coterie!!! That is illegal!!

Uhoh daddy is mad! I don't like Neil's sire.

Britta did not reject Neil! Stop talking with your stupid face.

No. NOOOOOOOOOO We cannot go from that directly to Britta. I cannot handle this!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I AM SORRY BUT NO! THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW! And if it's not it should be. "I've decided I want you. Come in." like bitch no! Please go to Ashville so Dan can lecture you over fucking consent my dude!

Noooooo and now we are going back to Neil! And he's thinking about when he killed Marcos!

Wait he runs??? What does that mean??? It's almost light?!!

And back to Britta???. Akskfjdjsj I'm getting whiplash.

Okay so wait. I know this is totally random but anyone know of vampires can produce come? What's the deal there? Elinqyiring minds need to know.

Stop! I can't. 😂 Lex describing Pendragon's body and mentioning the V and his amazing muscles.

STOPPPP 😂😂😂 I cannot handle this!!! He's a better guy than Upton because he isn't bloodbonding?? He summoned her twice, threatened to kill her multiple times, spied on her, stockholmed her??? But oh no bloodbond so it's all good?!?

Goddamnit why is he so fucking charming???

Biting her lower lip?! Thank god Britta is trying to talk to him.

Okay guys let's press pauze here for a second. And let me point out that in this scene, which is obviously very tense as characters, but must also be as players. Lex instead of deciding whether Britta still had the towel gave control of this back to Rebecca so she could decide what she wanted for this scene. That is an amazing storyteller. Okay on with the all caps.

From toxic masculinity to toxic by Britney Spears is just *chef's kiss*

Britta needs to be wrapped in a blanket, a soft toy, and the blood equivalent of hot chocolate and a cuddle pile with the rest of the coterie.

Not him getting rejected and disguising it by going on washing himself. 😂😂😂

Mother bitch, do I have to respect this guy now because he said the right thing consentwise? Yeah I guess I do, at least a little.

lmao so all Pendragon had to do is not even reject her but give the illusion of rejection for her to kind of want him.

Wait what's going on? Tremere? Councilor? Ira??? Rob is talking!?! What's happening???? Noooooo Neil ran this is he ran away???? 😭😭

"the coterie can be kind of dramatic" she doesn't even know the half of it! 😂

Jessica hugging Johnny and Johnny just freezing for a second before hugging her back and crying! 😭

Not Johnny wishing Neil was there, not knowing Neil ran away and they might never see him again.

Neil!!!! NEIL?!? Don't ay with my emotions like this!!

Okay so clearly I was wrong, we do see Neil again, we're seeing him right now. And he is gone again??? Noooooo

It's nice we still are getting a little bit of jokes in all of this.

What if Johnny or his daughter die before they can talk again? That would be so bad. 😈

"to see if he [Miles] isn't dead in the gutter because what else would he need him for?" what is going on??? That is not true Wynn!!!

Jesus. I don't like the coterie being seperated, it feels very lonely and not good.

Can we point out that Miles said our domain and not mine. I know it's the barest of the bare here but I'm desperate!

I get it now surprising people who do not want it with an appointment at court is Miles's love language!

It makes me sad that we get classic Miles and Wynn banter and all the while Wynn thinks Miles doesn't give a fuck about her.

What what what???? No Wynn!!!

Reiss isn't around? I hope that doesn't mean the coterie won't get the chance to kill him.

Part of me is kind of relieved I can go back to Ashville, I mean there is stress there too but this was insane.

[malepresentingleg]

A little late after the episode but I do have some (over 1k worth) thoughts on BMF and how they handled the whole sex thing that I need to let out before I even go into the tag.

I'll say this show has been very pleasantly surprising the last few episodes, and I was quite impressed with how they handled and addressed very real queer experiences - if it's Pisaeng's beautiful journey with the gay bar, his mom's "acceptance", and the beautiful beautiful rally with the wonderful speakers discussing queer struggles and more.

That's why I had a tiny bit of hope for an asexual Kawi following his comments about sex (can two people who date never have sex? YEAH!), but I wasn't holding on to it very much because I'm a realistic not delusional leg :') So as much as I LOVE this idea and think it could have been very interesting and important and a great opportunity to explore asexuality and relationships - I will write here under the assumption that Kawi is allo and is meant to be sexually attracted to Pisaeng.

One of my least favorite tropes in bl is "the blushing maiden"- where one character really pushes the other into intimacy and the other is avoiding it. If two characters are in a relationship- let them both be interested in each other!!! (uwma and between us are two of my least favorite bls from those I watched bc of that. Bad Buddy is probably my favorite because they show the mutuality of the relationship very well). Some examples for it being done well are MSP - they're BOTH shy and both do want it, they're just kids. When Tinn asks for kisses Gun is flustered and Tinn does it in a teasing way, and very much respects Gun's wishes. Not to mention, he ends up being even more shy.

I think the most similar to what BMF seems to be trying to show would be The Eclipse. Akk is extremely repressed. He's full of self-loathing and internalized homophobia and every time Aye pushes it's to help him be able to do what he wants without needing to admit it. Credit is definitely due to First's superb acting skills because he's effortlessly able to show the audience how much he's torn inside, how much he's very much into Aye, how he WANTS to touch him and be intimate with him, but he's scared and has a lot holding him back. Of course it's not perfect but it didn't give me the ick as much as uwma did, and not as much as BMF did too.

Which brings me to Kawi and Pisaeng.

Pisaeng made this beautiful journey for self-acceptance and embracing his queerness. We as the audience also know how easily things could have turned different and he would marry Pear without even coming out! So we know how much of a struggle it was, and it's reasonable to think- still is, for him to accept his attraction to men. I think that is part of what makes this dynamic between them so jarring - I want to celebrate Pisaeng's confidence, he's being sweet and romantic and giving his bf positive attention in an unapologetic queer way - but then the way Kawi reacts to it makes me also wants to hate it, to feel like Pisaeng is pressuring him and being predatory, demanding without consent.

But it's not what happens. Because of everything I mentioned about Pisaeng, and because he's charming and cute and has been through all that, I find myself "rooting for him" (why are there sides to be rooting for???) and thinking man Kawi is annoying! Didn't he say he's into Pisaeng?? Why can't he show it too, make him feel loved and wanted like he deserves? But that's a mindset I don't want to fall into.

But what I'm missing to feel more sympathetic towards Kawi is what I found in MSP and in The Eclipse - show me he does want it but he's scared, he's not ready, he's shy, anything! But now what I'm getting from him is that he doesn't actually like Pisaeng at all, and all that changed was their official status.

I was very excited for the chat he had with Max (a little bit because he really did sound like an asexual there and I had hope), because up until now he had very good advice and gave great queer insight.

I loved how he talked about his experiences, and said that yes, sex is an essential part of his relationships but - I was so sure he was gonna say it's different for everyone, that Kawi shouldn't do anything he's not ready for and that he should talk to Pisaeng about it.

Instead, when Kawi said he doesn't find sex to be that important in a relationship (ace Kawi! ace Kawi!!), Max kinda shamed him with "well you're a virgin so you don't know", and basically told him "you're gonna do it eventually so might as well now, you're lucky it's with someone you love". Which is kind of a horrible advice IMO. Another approach they could take is tackle why it is that Kawi is so reluctant, discuss his internalized homophobia that still makes him perceive gay sex as wrong and how he can get over it and embrace this part of himself. But the reasoning for him to do it being "just do it" ugh. No thanks.

Another direction I thought it might take and I would have been happy with is Pisaeng maybe apologizing for pushing and expressing hid sadness that Kawi doesn't want him or isn't into him or something like that, and Kawi would then explain and express how much he DOES want him but he's just not ready. ANYTHING. to make me believe Kawi is into Pisaeng and not just forcing himself because he's told he needs to.

The amusement park analogy was a bit on the nose - if you don't try the rollercoaster it's like you haven't really been here = if we don't have sex our relationship doesn't count. Which, ouch. But yeah "it's ok if you're scared, I'll be with you and hold your hand the whole time".

I was a bit surprised they ended up not going, and then again at the car with the roof, but after further thought I realized it was - Kawi saw Pisaeng respects his wishes and doesn't actually cross his boundaries and so he trusts him enough by the end of the episode. Still, the fact they had sex felt... wrong. After Kawi spent the whole episode being scandalized by anything touch related, his conversation with Max, him being scared shitless to find lube, the theme park and then the dinner - the transition to having sex felt lacking. Them just having sex without any sort of discussion about Kawi's reluctance, talking about how it's actually both of their first times (I assume? at least with a man), how it's ok to take it slow.. Idk, Kawi couldn't bear KISSING Pisaeng up until this point, so now they're having sex? It made it feels like he's forcing himself which is the last thing I want for their relationship. I want to see them both wanting each other :')

There were some great highlights like Kawi staring at Pisaeng in bed or calling his mom but for me it wasn't enough to make me feel like their relationship is built on mutual attraction.

[mysticdreamcafe]

Tarot, Oracle, Organized Religion

In my pinned post you'll see a link to the Mystic Tarot Cafe. I do a daily single card draw, unless I need to do a spread because I have a specific question, and will try to remember to do an Oracle spread once a week. Daily for those I feel is over kill. If interested check it out.

I had a post planned but it started to become to broad and religious. I know what I believe and honestly, I don't care what you believe. As long as you don't shove it in my face or hurt people.

To me religion is like nutritional intake, sexual preference, hobbies, etc. It doesn't affect me so I don't care. Gay? I don't care. The only thing I care about is if a lady asks me out and I say no they need to respect that. Just like if a man asked me out and was turned down. If you are vegan and we go to lunch. I won't say nasty things about your food if you don't mine. I'm scared of heights so if you want to jump out of a plane feel free. Just don't try to bully me into joining you.

Makes sense and pretty easy isn't it. What anyone else believes, wears, eats, or does is pretty much ok as long as it doesn't affect my life and wellbeing or those of others without their consent.

It took me years to understand why I felt the way I did and knew the things I did. I'd get a feeling about something and push it aside. Most times I should have listened.

I hid tarot cards and crystals from everyone but my family, and a friend that's a witch who helped me pick a deck and understand the cards, because of the backlash they can still bring. If someone is highly into their religion then I'm playing with Satan and demons or just crazy and in need of conversion.

It's been a year or two since I've opened myself to trusting my inner voice and using the cards when I'm uncertain or curious. What amazes me is how accurate they are. Even when I don't understand how a daily card I pulled blends into my life it becomes apparent on it's own throughout the day or I text my friend and ask for help.

It always seems to come together. I know the "if you look for something you'll find it" but around 2 years ago, a few months after I got my first deck we got a puppy. She was a beautiful Australian shepherd that drove my nervous system crazy because she wouldn't slow down or stop. Seriously, the 10 week old puppy wouldn't nap during the day unless I crated her. I should mention we aren't crate people but with her we were at the start.

Each day I did a spread asking "Should we take her back" or something along those lines. She had me so wrecked that I wanted to rehome her though she was a great and beautiful, overly energetic puppy. I've had working dogs and high strung dogs but she made my head swim.

Sometimes I did 2-3 spreads a day asking, in various ways, if she should stay with us. Each time I basically got a suck it up she's here to stay, you got what you asked for so shut up, etc. The cards told me in no uncertain terms she was staying. I tried to get the cards to say he should rehome her or take her back to the farm we got her from but they kept shutting the idea down.

I'll just say my daughter laughed her ass off, she adored Mika, with each read I did and told everyone she could that I couldn't get the cards to say what I wanted them to. She doesn't even believe in Tarot.

Mika was hit by a car shortly after she turned 1 yr old. It was heart breaking and devastated all of us. I was surprised how much I cried for that dog considering how hard I tried to move her on. But she was ours and we loved her, even me, for the energetic goofball she is.

The cards have always been honest with me even when I don't want to hear it. Sometimes, they don't say anything at all. At least it seems that way at first. That's why I do my draws and readings in the morning. I don't want to be influenced by what has happened. I want to see how the card plays out that day. Sometimes it can be surprising.

[m00nlight-ramblings]

(2/2) I try to communicate properly & ask for their consent first before doing anything because I misunderstood that I had their permission before. I do my best to give people the benefit of doubt but I do have my limits. I don't really get angry often that even my family & friends are surprised when it happens once in a blue moon.

I don't believe in compliments I get occasionally or why my family & friends care for me because I don't see good things in myself only bad things. I'm insecure about still being a bit underweight.

Facts about myself : I'm kinda perverted which contrasts my innocent & baby face. I keep it to myself though. I always need to let the cinema employees check my identity card to verify my age whenever I watch a R-rated movie.

Although a kind stranger realises I'm older than I looked when we talked about how I didn't lashed out in anger at someone who didn't do anything wrong to me because I know how it felt to be in that position.

Hobbies : drawing, reading manga, listening to music, fanfics especially reader inserts, and watching anime, movies, & cartoons. My favourite genre is romance but I love comedy, mystery, action, sci-fi, fantasy, and historical too! My favourite music genre is pop, but I also love ballads, & alternative rock!

Likes : music, fanfiction, manga, anime, cartoons, books (If I find it interesting), family, friends, potato chips, chocolate, cakes, bread, anyone who is kind, patient, supportive, helpful, tries at least, trustworthy, responsible, fair in general, respectful, flexible, honest, open-minded, humble, sincere, accepting, thoughtful, encouraging, forgiving, careful, understanding, wise, mature, cooperative, caring, etc. That's more but that's all I could think of.

Dislikes : anyone who's rude, disrespectful, doesn't listen to others, refuse to admit mistakes, blames others for their mistakes, ignores people yet demands attention from them, demanding, won't acknowledge what you said, hypocritical, biased, irresponsible, careless, disloyal, inconsiderate, insensitive, inflexible, petty, hostile, untrustworthy, immature, uncooperative, unforgiving, judgemental, narrow-minded, self-centred, unethical, self-righteous, etc. That's more but that's all I could think of.

Please and thank you!

I'd pair you with Gale!

Gale, out of all the companions, is probably the most gentle, forgiving, and kind. He understands people have layers, and because you have so many, he loves to discover them, as well as support you and see you for who you truly are. He's incredibly respectful and listens to you whenever you need it, as well as has your full trust and is incredibly respectful. He is a constant for you - you never have to second guess how he feels, or what he's thinking, because he's incredible honest and loves you so much! Seeing you be yourself, and seeing you happy, makes him happy.

Because you don't believe in compliments, Gale knows to not shower you with flowery words (though he's good at it!) Instead, he factually can discuss how and why he loves you, and your best attributes, to make sure that you know how special you are to him in the way that makes YOU feel loved and cherished.

Your favorite memories together are nights at home, reading in the sitting room as he cooks, music playing and chatting. Your life with Gale is calm, steadfast, and easy - you both see each other for who you are - good and bad - and appreciate and love each other immensely. It is a mature relationship, with no games or lies, and full of mutual respect and understanding.

[donnerpartyofone]

People can surprise you with how mature they seem in some ways, and how held back they are in others. This can be kind of charming if it isn't a big problem. Last night we ran into the rich crazy finance guy at the brewery; he's always so loud and hyper and anxious to say something that it can be hard to finish a sentence around him, and it drives us all nuts, but he also seems sort of naive, so we tolerate him. But anyway, at some point I started talking about my tinnitus, and how it makes my depression and anxiety way worse, while at the same time all medications make my ear ring so much louder that there's no point in taking them--and while I was talking about this, he listened to me, and calmly asked me questions in a normal tone of voice, and waited for the answers, and didn't make assumptions or give unsolicited advice, and was being totally sympathetic and respectful, it really impressed me.

On the other side of things, there was a guy there who I relate to more directly just because we're closer in age and class and everything, and I think of him as decent and educated, but I started realizing that he's one of these "why doesn't she just leave" dudes who doesn't understand anything about intimate partner abuse or any of the degrees of sexual violence that lie below the level of like full-on forcing yourself on someone. I saw this as a big opportunity to explain how these kinds of relationships work psychologically, how sexual violence is rarely just some random surprise, it often comes out of a systematic attack on your self-esteem, along with this programming that says you have to prove that you love your partner by enduring any terrible thing they do to you, because if you don't then you're a liar and you're abandoning them and like YOU'RE the abusive one somehow. In the end you're convinced that not only do you deserve to be abused, but it is your solemn duty to let them do it (is the somewhat simplistic, reductive explainer I gave this guy in public in 5 minutes). He seemed to get that, but he still had questions about relationships where violence is consented to--basically he appeared to be conflating domestic violence with BDSM, because he just doesn't have any point of reference for either of those things in his own life. And like I knew I wasn't going to be able to clarify consensual sadomasochism for this person, but he goes,

"Like, you know, uh...what are those movies? You know, um, the ones where the two people beat each other up or something?"

"...Are you talking about FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY?"

"Yeah, those ones!"

And while I think those movies show a dangerously immature and dysfunctional version of "the lifestyle" and shouldn't be viewed as documentary material of some kind, I still found this extremely funny. The movies where the two people beat each other up, yes, perfect.

[jayy-day-library]

REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Review

I am not the smartest person when it comes to biological science, so a lot of whatever the hell hey were talking about really went over my head while reading this book. Aside from that, this story really did capture my heart despite it being from the infamous Book Tok. Though, this book wasn't exactly as it was marketed to be from readers. When many talked about spice, it sounded like this entire story was meant to be erotica. The reality is that there was really only one sex chapter, which given the traits of our beloved heroin, Olive, it makes sense.

The prologue drew me in immediately. I'm a sucker for a good laugh especially if it's relatable. I've learned my lesson from wearing expired contacts myself! Immediately after reading the prologue, I knew we had our hero. Then suddenly two years and eleven months later we find Olive kissing some guy who is none other than our hero himself, Adam Carlson.

One thing that irks me about the beginning of the book is the first chapter where it is described that Olive had kissed Adam without his consent. At the beginning of the story, the two of them are the perfect strangers who stand at very different levels in their careers - Adam is a professor, Olive is a student which isn't exactly the power dynamic I usually go for in contemporary romance novels. While I love a good plot in STEM, specifically women in STEM, I find that the relationship could've been represented better with a more preferable age gap that does not make it seem too inappropriate. However, they do end up making it work as they start becoming more comfortable with each other, so I guess that works.

"I'm starting to wonder if this is what being in love us. Being okay with ripping yourself into shreds, so the other person can stay whole."

Both Adam and Olive have admirable goals in their careers; Olive's pancreatic cancer project and Adam's fight for his research fund while under suspicion that he may be moving to another university. This story is very much character driven with not much character development. But, if you're looking for that grumpy x sunshine fake dating trope, well then this book is perfect for you. I noticed that this story did not focus much on the flaws of the characters which added to the lack of character development, aside from them being more comfortable with each other as the story progressed. The more we got introduced to new characters, the more I started to realize that each character lacked diversity. It seemed that they each had either the same or a similar personality. Which while entertaining for certain character interactions, it all seemed repetitive in the end.

"Olive had felt that he was on her side. Over and over, and in ways that could never have been anticipated, he had made her feel unjudged. Less alone."

Conclusion

All in all, I feel that while the relationship was cute and had great development, the story could've used more personal character development for the individual characters. One thing that I did enjoy that I tend to joke about quite a bit is the fact that even though they had no "one bed trope," they ended up making their own anyways and I thought that was funny. The best takeaway from this book is that it surrounds the difficulties of women in STEM and the fact that Adam became her biggest protector in the end made my heart flip. Nothing is sexier than a man who will do anything for his woman even if it means pinning a man against the wall and threatening to kill him. Hopefully you find this book enjoyable as much a I did despite it's many flaws and it's redeeming qualities that balanced it out.

"If you say another word about the woman I love, if you look at her, if you even think about her - I'm going to fucking kill you."