#I could do a longer post explaining the logical explanation I have for backing up that statement

[john-jonathy-jonathan-the-3rd]

You,

as in, the person currently reading this, wherever, whenever, and whatever you are, are lovable

Now,

as in this VERY SECOND. Wheter you're in the bathroom, on your room, or elsewhere. The person currently reading this, whoever you are and whatever you've done, is lovable.

If even H*tler had friends, then what can you do?

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR NEWLY OUT TRANS GIRLS

If anybody tries to isolate you, cut you off from other friends, or convince you that they are the only person you can trust or who can be capable of loving you, run extremely far away in the other direction

While transition is a process that takes place over time, it is so important that you love yourself for who you are in the present. You are lovable now; there's only harm in believing otherwise or deferring your happiness until you feel like you've "earned" it

You can perform a double jump to reach high places by pressing the jump button while in the air

[lailau7904]

So y'all have seen the Williams F1 Logo before, yeah?

well get ready, becaues I am about to ruin your day!

where does one even begin with this. i am sorry in advance. -just a poor learning graphic design student, who simply tried to enjoy their saturday evening

The Logo

For anyone that doesn't know, here's the Williams F1 Logo. Entirely unedited, copied straight from Wikipedia:

Now like many fans, I actually quite enjoy this logo. I like the modern, sharp edges of it and it's simple yet intriguiging design. It's memorable, while also easily recognizable as a W. I also really enjoy the colour choice (this, however, is entirely a personal preference.)

(entire rant under the cut. please keep reading this took years off my life span.)

How did we even get here?

Let's start at the beginning. How did we even get here? Well I, a poor poor learning graphic designer, was watching this lovely video from Mr. V's Garage about bad F1 Logo's over the past 35 or so seasons. Very interesting, I can only recommend it (but you don't need to watch the video to understand this post)!

Now, to cleanse the palette at the end of the video, Mr. V included a top 10 GOOD logos from this time span, it was very kind of him.

On P4 of this "Good List," Mr. V placed the current Williams F1 Logo, as pictured above. At first I vaguely agreed with this, believing that he probably simply hadn't noticed one of the things that's been bothering me about that Logo since the first time I saw it up close.

The first sign of Trouble

So, what is this mystery issue, you might ask?

It's simple really. You don't necessarily notice it at a first glance, but something about that logo seems off. Taking a second longer, you may notice it yourself.

No, I mean it, take a minute and go look at the logo. It looks wonky as hell, doesn't it?

Well I can tell you the first thing that I personally noticed. The arms of the W aren't in line with the bottom half, see:

(Graphic by @girlrussell who was so kind to let me use it, as it is way prettier than the one I made)

It's a crooked W. There is no good explanation for this. The rest of the font is perfectly fine, geometrical shapes.

Anyway, the good person that I am I went to point this out to my partner ( @leftneb ) who proceeded to inform me that he, infact, was not aware about this and was, quote, "never going to unsee that."

Now, the good FRIEND that I am, I, of course, proceeded to rush into our broader F1 friendgroup to make them suffer for eternity.

What's the logical next step to take? Of course, fix the logo in Adobe Photoshop, you know, as a joke.

(Disclaimer at this point, I am not necessarily the biggest fan of Williams Management Team. I enjoy ALL their drivers this season. I do NOT enjoy James Vowels. Be warned.)(Also I am aware that he probably did not have an influence on the logo)

Trying to fix it. Oh god, I was so innocent back then

Trying to fix the logo in Photoshop is the worst mistake I could've made. THE worst path to take. I could've just giggled about making my friends suffer (which I succeeded in, by the way) and moved on. Instead I ruined a perfectly good Saturday evening, and for what? I don't know anymore.

Anyway, how was I gonna go about fixing the logo in the simplest way possible? Simplest way I could come up with: slap the thing in Photoshop and put two, mirrored boxes at each side to make the sides line up. Small issue, how do I make the thing actually even? Fix: line them up at the intersecting point with the bottom tips of the W.

Here's the result:

Hey, anyone care to explain to me why in THE LORDS NAME the arms are different sized? I mean, surely they weren't before. Surely, certainly, I must've messed up.

I double, I tripple checked. I made sure everything was lined up and made sense. But no.

It just couldn't be. Something was uneven in this logo, something even deeper. Something I could not have predicted when first taking a closer look. It was at this point I realized I had messed up. What rabbit hole had I stumbled across? Certainly, it couldn't get much worse.

And that's when I noticed.

(pictured above; my genuine reaction)

There's MORE? (oh god, the top isn't lined up)

I couldn't believe my eyes. This is the PINNACLE of the sport, and THIS was the logo of one of the competing teams? I mean, yeah, we have a Visa Cash App RB or a Kick Sauber or even a MoneyGram Haas which are all terrible logos, but at least they're CLEAN. (this has not been checked. If anyone wishes to ruin a nice Saturday evening, feel free to check them and tell me how wrong I was in the previous statement!)

But you can see that there is no end in sight for this post. I'm sure you're as scared as I was at this point. By now we were sitting in VC, discussing the horribleness of this logo. I had long informed my irl's about this, who take said design classes with me. And it was one of them who pointed out the next thing that had been bothering me, but I had not been able to put a finger on up to this point.

thE DISTANCE, HOW DID THEY FUCK IT?

I'm afraid I have to confirm your fears.

Yes, those lines are the same length. According to Photoshop, they're on the same level as well, so no flunking with angles.

The gaps of the arms to the main W are not the same. They're differently sized gaps.

It was clear to us, this logo is inherintely flawed. They're subtle issues, but once you pay attention you start to notice things. It all looks slightly wonky and off centre. And eventually, you get paranoid, and start comparing other angles and sizes. And you will keep finding things. This has ruined my life.

HOOOOOW

Honestly, I don't even know what to say. Yes, yes sadly those lines, too, are the same length. Just copied over from one side to the other and layed over on the same height. I admit, they're not layed over perfectly. I was honestly holding back tears at this point. But the point still stands, you can clearly see a difference in width.

Honestly, the only way I can explain it is that at some point there was a mess up of distance or proportions and whoever was designing the logo couldn't pin it down and tried to restore the visual balance by making manual adjustments. And in all honesty? They kinda did a good job, if that's what's happened. I mean, you notice the crookedness of the arms, and then maybe the difference in height, but the rest you probably will not notice if you don't spend too much time staring at it. (like some of us) And even those issues clearly aren't noticeable to the vast majority, considering I had to go point it out to a group chat for my friends at least to notice.

what the fuck is THAT?

Now, the thing about doing this investigative work of prooving a team you dislike is worse in more aspects than you previously thought, is that you do a lot of zooming in. And zooming in means you might notice bits that yours eyes simply overlooked before, because they were too small.

Here you can witness the top of the middle point, that, for whatever reason, really wants to touch the top border of the Logo. I'm relatively certain that's the highest few pixel in the entire graphic, considering earlier chapter "There's MORE?" I have no idea why it looks like that or why they thought it was necessary for it to not end in a clean point.

I just actually have no idea how to even describe what is going on on the top of the left arm. That left hand side, again, touches the side and is therefore the most-left-pixel in the graphic. I, once again, have no idea the purpose of this. However the RIGHT hand side also makes no sense, as it is the most prominent corner in the whole logo. There's pointed corners, and rounded OF corners, but nothing that is trying to form it's own colony in a distant land that hopefully isn't this god awful logo. I hope that blob gets away. I really do. You go king.

i'm loosing my mind

Anyway, the only reason I could come UP with those weird "reachy-outy-bits" was to establish the dimensions of the logo? But if that was the case, I don't understand why they managed to keep all the other potentially border touching corners clean?

Like, look. Those are clean, sharp corners with some clearance off the borders. I have no clue why they managed it here but not with the others.

guys. please.

Backtrackig a little bit, going back to the positioning of the arms.

Do I need to mention that those lines are both the same length and the same (mirrored) angle? I really hope I don't, because I don't think I could be making this shit up. Like, once you roughly know what you need to look for it just kinda becomes easy to find.

As said before, I genuinely do think that most of these issues happened in a chain-reaction. For example, the distances between the main part and the W wouldn't be as noticeable (and they do get noticeable once you start looking at it) if the angle wasn't fucked. And guess what, there's more fucked angles here! Which ALSO influence this specific area of the logo!

this is just embarrasing for you.

something something same line copied over and mirrored etc etc

It's not as visible but the angles defintely don't line up here as well. As mentioned before, these issues for the most part all influence each other. It doesn't really excuse the issues, in my opinion as a designer, because a big company like this shouldn't have these sort of issues in their logo.

So let's review;

to sum it up,

i cannot even BEGIN to explain to you how big of a fucking JOKE this FUCKING logo is. because, i thought to myself, to round the post out, hey, why not show ALL the issues i pointed out in one picture? that would round it out quite nicely, wouldn't it?

Yeah well, this logo sent STRAIGHT FROM HELL just could NOT let me rest. I had only done the lines visualizing the crooked arms in PAINT up until this point, i.e. I had only pulled both up individually. To make a nice "rounding out" picture I still had to add them into PHOTOSHOP. so i did. i pulled up the line. i mirrored the line.

THE ANGLE IS FUCKING DIFFERENT

none. and i mean NONE of my friends had noticed this before. i need you to understand that we looked at this thing with FIVE pair of eyes, and NONE of us noticed that until i thought to myself "Oh I still need to add these specific lines to have ALL the issues I pointed out in my SILLY TUMBLR POST in ONE image" and i get THAT FUCKING SURPRISE

I was PLANNING to round the post out with a statement on how obviously this isn't a serious post. Here, I even had it all written out already because I accidentally started writing it in the last paragraph:

Of course, this is nitpicking, and it's not that serious. I'm aware of that. AS MENTIONED most of these would not be noticeable if we hadn't gone specifically looking for them.

yeah, well, fuck that. i just spent two hours seething about this logo. i'm ending the post on this instead.

[blakeswritingimagines]

That's My Expertise: Chapter Three, My Next Broken Heart.

Summary: Quinn comes back from his roadie and isn’t quite sure why you're so distant.

Warnings: OF! reader, OOC Quinn, No relationship labels, Heavy miscommunication, Fighting, Cold! Reader, Puppylike! Quinn,

Word Count: 3.1k

Days passed, and Quinn tried to reach out to you repeatedly, but his calls went unanswered, and his texts remained unread. Frustration and confusion mingled within him. He tried to be understanding, attributing your silence to work or any other excuse he could come up with. He wanted to believe there was a logical explanation for your distancing behavior. As the days turned into a week, his unease grew. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. His unanswered calls and ignored texts only added to his growing concern. He tried to rationalize your behavior, convincing himself that maybe you were just busy or dealing with something personal. But the longer the silence stretched, the more the doubts clawed at him which led to him going over to your place to see and maybe talk to you.

He stood outside your apartment door, his heart pounding with a mixture of hope and unease. Should he knock? Would you even answer? But he couldn't shake off the nagging uncertainty. He needed to see you, to understand what was happening. Raising his hand, he gently knocked on the door, his heart in his throat. He waited for a moment, listening for any signs of movement inside. But the apartment remained eerily silent. He knocked again, a little bit louder this time, hoping to get your attention. "Sweetheart?" he called out, his voice tinged with both concern and a hint of desperation. "It's me. Can we talk?" The knock echoed through the silence, seeming to linger in the air. He waited, his breath caught in his chest, hoping you would answer. He tried to remind himself that there could be a reasonable explanation for your absence, but his mind couldn't help but conjure up worst-case scenarios. A few moments passed before the sound of shuffling footsteps approached the door. He held his breath, his heart thumping in his chest, as the door slowly creaked open.

As the door opened slowly, you appeared in front of him, your expression a mix of surprise and hesitation. Seeing you after so many days apart sent a pang through his heart. He couldn't help but notice the coolness in your eyes and the hesitation in your gaze. He had hoped for a warm welcome, a sign of happiness to see him, but instead, he was met with a frosty demeanor. "Hey, sweetheart," he said softly, his voice laced with concern. "I was starting to worry. Why haven't you been answering my calls?" Your gaze remained neutral as you leaned against the doorframe, a hint of indifference in your expression. "I've been busy," you replied coolly, your voice distant. "Work and all that." He furrowed his brow, sensing the shift in your demeanor. Your tone was distant, almost dismissive, and it took him aback. "Busy?" he echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of hurt. "You've been too busy to even respond to my texts?" You shrugged, feigning nonchalance, trying to keep your emotions in check. "Yeah, busy. I have clients waiting for me," you said, your voice betraying no hint of the turmoil within you. Quinn furrowed his brow, a frown creasing his features. "Clients?" he repeated, his confusion growing. "What clients? You post porn online, sweetheart. What the hell do you have to be so busy with?"

You raised an eyebrow, a hint of defensiveness in your voice. "I have online clients, Quinn. Just because I work from home doesn't mean I don't have people to answer to. And they pay good money, so I have to prioritize their needs," you explained, your tone still distant, almost business-like. He gritted his teeth, frustration rising within him. "Online clients, huh?" he repeated, a touch of sarcasm creeping into his voice. "And they're keeping you so busy that you can't even spare a minute to respond to me?" You nodded, your expression remained cool, devoid of any emotion. "That's right. They demand a lot of my attention. It's my job, after all." Your words hung in the air, the nonchalance in your voice sending a pang through his heart. He clenched his jaw, trying to rein in his frustration and hurt. "But what about us, sweetheart?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. "What about our relationship? Don't we deserve a little of your attention too?" You shrugged, your gaze shifting away from him. "I've just been busy, okay? I've been working on my career and focusing on myself." Your response was evasive, avoiding the depth of his question. He took a step forward, his gaze locked on yours. "But I miss you," he said, his voice soft yet tinged with helplessness. "I miss talking to you, seeing you. We used to talk every day. And now… it's like I don't even exist to you."

His frustration boiled over, his voice tinged with a touch of anger. "So that’s it? I’m just a distraction? Something to be tossed aside when you’re too busy?" he asked, his voice edged with a hint of hurt. "I thought we meant something to each other. I thought our relationship matters." He took another step forward, closing the distance between you, his gaze fixed on yours. He gritted his teeth, the pain of your words cutting through him. "No labels, huh? So you're saying our relationship doesn't matter? That it's just a casual fling?" he retorted, frustration lacing his voice. "I thought we had something special, something worth investing in. But apparently, I was mistaken." You stood your ground, your gaze cool and distanced. "You seem to enjoy your time with the puck bunnies, don't you? Go have fun with them, I'm sure they'll be more than willing to provide the entertainment you're craving right now." With those words, you shut the door, leaving him standing there, feeling the chill of your dismissal.

He stood there, frozen in his tracks, shock and disbelief etched on his face. "What…?" he muttered, his mind unable to process your words. "The puck bunnies? You're angry about that?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had never even given them a second thought, all his focus had been on you, on missing you. "What the hell are you talking about?" he called out after you, banging on the door. He pounded on the door again, frustration and confusion building within him. "Sweetheart, open this door!" he called out, his voice tinged with desperation. "This is crazy! You're blowing things out of proportion!" He could hardly wrap his head around the situation. "I never even gave those puck bunnies a second thought! You're the one I want, you know that!" The silence that greeted him from behind the door was deafening. His frustration grew, his hand clenched into a fist, pounding on the door again. "Damn it, sweetheart, this is ridiculous! Open the door! Let me talk to you!" The fact that you were shutting him out, ignoring his pleas, made him even more agitated. He couldn't understand what had gotten into you.

Days passed, and Quinn tried to reach out to you repeatedly, but his calls went unanswered, and his texts remained unread. Frustration and confusion mingled within him. He tried to be understanding, attributing your silence to work or any other excuse he could come up with. He wanted to believe there was a logical explanation for your distancing behavior. As the days turned into a week, his unease grew. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. His unanswered calls and ignored texts only added to his growing concern. He tried to rationalize your behavior, convincing himself that maybe you were just busy or dealing with something personal. But the longer the silence stretched, the more the doubts clawed at him which led to him going over to your place to see and maybe talk to you. He arrived at your apartment, his heart drumming in his chest with a mixture of hope and fear. He knocked on the door, waiting for any sound of movement inside. As the seconds ticked by, he fidgeted nervously, his mind racing with scenarios after the last confrontation you both had.

It was as if you had completely shut him out, ignoring any attempt he made to apologize and explain himself. The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. He had been there for you through thick and thin, supporting you and caring for you, only to be treated like a disposable distraction now that he was gone for a week. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being unfairly treated. He had never expected to be tossed aside like a piece of trash just because he was away for a week. It didn't make any sense to him. Hadn't he proved himself to you time and time again? Hadn't he shown that his feelings for you were real? Anger boiled in his stomach as he considered his next move. The door swung open, and there you stood, the sight of you both relived him and sent a shiver down his spine. The expression on your face was unreadable, and the way you stood, arms folded in a closed-off manner, did nothing to ease his worries. "I've been trying to reach you," he said, his voice betraying a hint of desperation. "You wouldn't answer any of my calls or texts." You met his gaze, your eyes lacking the warmth he was used to. "I told you last time, I've been busy," you replied curtly, your tone cool and detached.

He bristled at the coldness in your voice, a stark contrast to the affection you used to show him. "Busy? For a week?" he challenged, the hurt and frustration creeping into his words. "Especially after I finally got back from an away game, and wanted to see you?" Your expression didn't change, the guarded stance you maintained only serving to feed his suspicion that something was amiss. "I had things to take care of, and content to post," you retorted, your tone unyielding. He couldn't help but scoff at the nonchalance in your response, his patience starting to wear thin. "And you couldn't spare a minute to respond? Not even a single text?" His words held a mixture of frustration and disappointment. Despite your hardened exterior, he recognized the flicker of something in your eyes, a tiny crack in the mask you were so diligently trying to keep in place. It was a moment of vulnerability, a subtle indication that there was more going on beneath the surface. He clenched his jaw, torn between pressing further and giving you space. "You can't just shut me out like this," he said, his voice quieter now, laced with a hint of hurt. You averted his gaze, your arms still crossed defensively. "I'm not shutting you out," you protested, words lacking the conviction to make them believable. He raised an eyebrow, seeing through your weak attempt at denial. "Then what do you call not answering my calls or texts for a week straight?" he shot back, the mixture of hurt and frustration now more apparent in his voice.

You averted his gaze, your arms still crossed defensively. "I'm not shutting you out," you protested, words lacking the conviction to make them believable. He raised an eyebrow, seeing through your weak attempt at denial. "Then what do you call not answering my calls or texts for a week straight?" he shot back, the mixture of hurt and frustration now more apparent in his voice. The memory of the phone call during his away game roadie resurfaced in your mind, and you couldn't stop yourself from bringing it up. "And what about that damn phone call? I heard voices on the other end, and it sure sounded like they knew you better than I do." His expression darkened, understanding that you were referring to the conversation with the puck bunnies. He knew this was going to come up. "It was just a few fans, they recognized me, and I was being polite," he tried to explain, his voice tinged with a mixture of defensiveness and guilt. "Just a few fans, huh?" you repeated, your tone dripping with skepticism. "I heard them laugh, and one of them even called you 'babe.' It didn't sound like just a simple fan interaction to me." He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Look, I know it sounded bad, but nothing happened. I swear. I just signed some autographs, took a couple of photos, and that was it." His words held a hint of pleading, as if desperately trying to convince you to believe him.

Your eyes narrowed skeptically, searching his face for any signs of dishonesty. "You expect me to believe that? You sounded pretty cozy with them. And I know what puck bunnies are, they're not exactly known for respecting boundaries." He clenched his jaw, frustration and guilt warring within him. "I'm not going to deny they were flirtatious, but I didn't encourage it. I just kept it polite and tried to end the interaction as quickly as I could," he protested, attempting to defend himself. You crossed your arms even tighter, the coldness in your eyes unwavering. "And the 'babe' thing? Just a slip of the tongue, I suppose?" you retorted sarcastically. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before dropping a bomb. "And what about your job, huh? You spend hours talking and flirting with strangers online, and then you expect me to just ignore that part of your life?" His tone held a mixture of hurt and annoyance. You stiffened involuntarily, caught off guard by his words. You couldn't deny that your job was a contentious point in your relationship, but you didn't expect him to bring it up like this. Defensive irritation flared up within you. "What does my job have to do with any of this?" you retorted, your voice now tinged with defiance. He gave you a pointed look, his frustration evident. "It has everything to do with this. You spend your time online, engaging with people who don't even know your real name, entertaining them with your body. And you don't see how that could make someone jealous or uncomfortable?" he shot back, unable to conceal the jealousy and possessiveness that were now rearing their ugly heads.

You bristled at his words, feeling your own defensiveness rising. "It's my job, it's how I make a living. It's not like I'm doing anything wrong. It's not cheating." You argued defiantly. He let out a scoff, his frustration reaching its peak. "Oh, yeah, because it's completely normal to expose yourself online and flirt with strangers for money," he retorted sarcastically. "How am I supposed to feel about that, huh? Like it's just another ordinary job?" You clenched your jaw, irritation seeping into your voice. "It's not like you can talk. You're out there, surrounded by adoring fans, surrounded by women who probably throw themselves at you on a daily basis. Don't pretend like you're a saint." He bristled at your words, his expression hardening. "That's different, and you know it! I don't engage with that, I have boundaries. I don't lead anyone on. I'm not selling myself like you are!" he shot back, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and hurt. You flinched slightly at his words, stung by the accusation. "Oh, so it's different because you're the hockey player, the one who's constantly in the spotlight, right? Because what you do is so much more honorable than what I do, is that it?" Sarcasm dripped from your voice like venom. He scoffed, the tension escalating. "Yeah, it is different. I'm not the one selling my body and personal life to the highest bidder. I'm not the one blurring the lines between work and relationships." His voice was firm, yet there was a hint of despair in his eyes as he continued, "And let's not forget the fact that you're not even using your real name. You're hiding behind a fake persona, acting like a completely different person online isn't that right, Babycakes."

Your eyes widened briefly, his use of your online pseudonym catching you off guard. You had been so careful to keep the two parts of your life separate, and hearing your online persona mentioned so casually by him felt like a violation. Your gaze hardened as you tried to maintain your composure, but the hurt shone through. "Don't call me that. You don't get to use that name right now." His eyes narrowed, his expression hardening further. "And why not? Isn't that who you are online, Babycakes? Acting all sweet and flirty, entertaining your audience?" There was a hint of bitterness in his tone as he continued, "You can hide behind that name, pretend it's just a character, but it's part of the problem. You're so disconnected from reality, and it's tearing us apart." Your irritation boiled over, and with a sharp, decisive tone, you finally snapped, "Get. Out." Your words were firm and filled with a finality that left no room for argument. His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift in your demeanor. He stood there, conflicted between wanting to stay and fight further and the realization that this was going nowhere. After a moment of hesitation, he clenched his jaw and took a step back towards the door. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "If that's what you want."

You crossed your arms, trying to feign indifference, even though your heart ached from the entire situation. "It is," you replied curtly, maintaining your cold exterior. He stared at you for a moment longer, his gaze searching, as if hoping you would change your mind. But you held his gaze firmly, refusing to yield. He let out a frustrated sigh, seeing that you were not going to back down. Without another word, he turned and walked towards the door, opening it, and stepping out of your apartment. The door slammed shut, the sound echoing in the empty space left behind. You stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, your heart heavy with a mix of pain and defiance. The silence was deafening, and the echo of his footsteps faded away, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the harsh reality of the situation. You slumped back against the wall, the adrenaline of the argument subsiding, leaving you feeling drained and emotionally raw. Reality began to set in, and you couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in your chest. Despite your defiance and anger, there was a part of you that yearned for things to have gone differently, for a resolution that didn't involve him walking out the door. But for now, all you were left with was the deafening silence and the echo of his parting footsteps in your mind.

[whipsoutlaptop]

all the ways how the lying detective touched on suicide: a meta post

you're probably all thinking: "yes, we watched it and read all the other metas. we don't care." and i know, and i also still don't care, and i'm still going to write this and click 'publish'. now with that out of the way, bbc sherlock is a show which frequently touches on the topic of suicide - as another meta post i will soon find and link, every episode mentions suicide or drugs at one point. TLD does so very explicitly. many have already established that sherlock is heavily hinted to be suicidal at some point in the series. a deleted scene with lestrade, the script for which was released, and the "it's about the only perk, trust me" scene with faith in TLD. sherlock's lack of regard for his own life is evident throughout the series, particularly in TLD, as well. risking his life in order to save john, as mary told him to do, would be a valid explanation if he wasn't alone with faith in that scene. it was clear that even if this deterioration into discord was initially planned in order to 'save john watson', somewhere along the way, it stopped being an act, or planned, or controlled. so what exactly does the hospital room scene with culverton smith mean? the one in which sherlock is asked to repeat that he doesn't want to die' and does so, repeating it with a different tone each time.

"I feel scared." "Be more specific. You only get to do this the once." "I'm scared of dying." (with a confused facial expression) "You wanted this, though." "I have reasons." "But you don't actually WANT to die." "No." "Good. Say that for me. Say it." "I don't want to die." (without emphasis, unbelieving) "Again." (Confidently) "I don't want to die." "Once more for luck." (strained, choking up) "I don't want to die. I don't want to die." the argument could be made that everything sherlock says and does in this scene is meaningless because he is acting. but we've determined that he's not really acting by some point in the series - and we can assume he's no longer actively very high in this scene. also, what are some other times we've seen sherlock act? in ASiB, in the door camera when he asks to be let in - really not convincing, is it? when he asks to be let in to examine that apartment in TBB, also not exactly hollywood-level. with sherlock's incomplete grasp on human emotion, i highly doubt he'd be able to deliver a performance convincing enough to explain this scene. so what does it mean? let's go line by line. at first, sherlock is confused by his own words - that he's scared of dying. clearly, before he was forced to confront it as an imminent reality, he thought he wanted this. after that, culverton asks the same question we have - "you wanted this," and sherlock confirms that he "has reasons." but culverton understands now that he is facing it, sherlock sees that despite having plenty of reasons to want to die, and having essentially logically concluded that things were bad enough to feel that way, he discovers that these are terms he's unwilling to go out on. he repeats it for clarity and with newfound confidence in his words, and then the consequences set in for the last two repetitions, which is why he repeats it twice instead of once like culverton asked. what is the show trying to demonstrate? i'd like to now reference the view from halfway down poem from bojack horseman:

The weak breeze whispers nothing

The water screams sublime

His feet shift, teeter-totter

Deep breath, stand back, it’s time

Toes untouch the overpass

Soon he’s water bound

Eyes locked shut but peek to see

The view from halfway down

A little wind, a summer sun

A river rich and regal

A flood of fond endorphins

Brings a calm that knows no equal

You’re flying now

You see things much more clear than from the ground

It’s all okay, it would be

Were you not now halfway down

Thrash to break from gravity

What now could slow the drop

All I’d give for toes to touch

The safety back at top

But this is it, the deed is done

Silence drowns the sound

Before I leaped I should’ve seen

The view from halfway down

I really should’ve thought about

The view from halfway down

I wish I could’ve known about

The view from halfway down sherlock has willingly put himself into a position in which he very well could die. he reasons that there could be two scenarios: either his plan would work, and john would come back, and that's how he'd survive, or john didn't come back and he would die and not have to tolerate a johnless existence anymore. now, he's living that nightmarish second possibility. john does not return in time (or at all) to save him, and finds that still he regrets jumping. he's seen the view from halfway down - john once again by his side - and he wants it back, but it's too late. a powerfully regretful anti-suicide message, and i think it's much better than the one with faith smith, because "the view from halfway down" and this scene are about him living because he finds he still WANTS to, not because he is obligated and not the owner of his own life.

[pepstarvanmoon]

I hope this doesn’t come off as me nitpicking Milkvan interactions, but these lines just come off as odd to me.

In the show, leading up to the store scene, nothing Mike says or does regarding Max comes off as particularly jealous to me.

He gets upset with Max for taking El to the mall (not Max giving him a segway into complimenting her new style (which he does later), and he just gets mad at her instead lmao.)

He spends the beginning of the following episode pitying himself with Lucas enabling it.

“What did I do wrong?” - LIED, plain and simple. He acknowledged that before they went to the mall! El gave him a chance to explain yourself and he DIDN’T. Teenagers, man.

“Then I should be with my species more” - I guess implies spending more time with Max and her having no desire to get back with him. Mike is pissed about the spying (rightfully, imo), and obviously frustrated that him explaining himself didn’t lead to El forgiving him.

Max and El spending too much time in the bathroom, “they’re conspiring against me” - confused as to how he reached this conclusion given what we’ve seen. It’s like he just HAS to say something about it, nevermind El getting her shit tossed last episode. Listen to Will and worry about something else.

Bro is lowkey more mad about being single (and therefore ambiguously straight in Mike logic) than about El and Max being friends.

When he admits that he was jealous and wanted El “all to himself,” it sounds more like an excuse than an explanation.

We know what jealousy looks like in Stranger Things.

If anything, this “jealousy” is more closely aligned to how Dustin described Lucas’ jealousy of Mike and El’s relationship in season one.

I even tried to make an argument for Mike wanting El to himself minus the jealousy, but throughout the season it kinda fell flat.

Showing up late to movie nights (more than once) to hang out with El longer.

Ditching Dustin (the day of his return) and the others to spend more time together before El’s '4PM curfew' (a lie, ofc)

Maybe switch “conspiring” for excluding? Then you could argue he felt left out, like he’s not the closest to El anymore. However, the responses to his “conspiring” accusations were 100% negative.

(This could also play into how he felt getting stuck in the back of the car with Will, but that ventures outside the point of this post)

None of these are considered good things if Dustin, Lucas, and Will’s annoyance are considered, and Max going from “it’s romantic” to high-fiving El after she dumps Mike… yeah.

You can certainly say he’s frustrated. He’s never been in a relationship and therefore has never been broken up with, but Mike explains it like the reason he’s acting irrationally is because he’s 'never felt like this before'? But besides the whole ’Nana’ thing, that’s not really true?

Stupid stuff being 1) lying about his Nana being sick, 2) claiming girls are a different species.

Angry, sure. Jealous? Wanting her to yourself? Don’t make me laugh.

It’s all a bit hypocritical to me, too. So El can’t have ONE day out with Max, but Mike can run off with the rest of their friends while she’s stuck in Hopper’s cabin. Okay.

And, in this specific case, I don’t really buy the “she’s hiding from the government” excuse because it clearly wasn’t that big of a deal for El to have gone out that day. Mike’s concerns were brushed off, and there were no scenes with Hopper reinforcing that (we had our fill in S2 ig).

(I personally think they didn’t want any interruptions to that Elmax scene because it demonstrates how little El knows herself, and being cooped up by Hopper and Mike, though it’s sweet that they want to protect her, isn’t helping her developmental growth.)

Like damn if you really feel that strongly about it, you all could’ve had a movie night in the cabin, but Mike can’t balance his relationship and his friendships, and STILL can’t now!

Well, at least you got that part right.

(Post pretty much ends here. Rest of it is me rambling)

All of this relationship bullshit skydives out of Mike’s mind when Will gets upset btw. UNTIL he mentions girls, then Mike gets defensive.

That whole part of the rain fight gets to me, like Mike truly believes that this is a staple part of his life, getting a girlfriend and abandoning his interests. He can’t date El and play DnD, and if he’s dumped, his priority becomes getting her back instead of reflecting on what happened.

He proves he didn’t have a firm grasp on the situation when he victimizes himself, and when he actually admits to lying it doesn’t matter at that point. El already knows and DOESN’T CARE.

He’s really not confident. Lucas got a one-on-one, mirroring Mike and El’s, scene with Will to apologize, because the relationship drama is no longer important to him in that moment.

(I didn’t think Lumax broke up, but Will said in ep 3 that they both got dumped? Lucas seemed a lot less bothered, and by the time they got to the hospital scene they seemed fine lol. Lumax ‘breakups’ aren’t really taken as seriously anyway with the whole “five times” thing)

Funny how both apologies go unacknowledged because what’s done is done. They don’t care anymore (for Will, I don’t believe that for a second but yk) and there are bigger things to focus on.

It's brought back up in the hospital, but MIKE is the one who doesn’t care that much until El uses her powers on the vending machine as an “olive branch" (in Lucas' opinion, anyway).

I feel like there’s a lot to say about Mike and taking initiative versus when he has to be told to do something, but more on that another time.

[infizero]

why silver's time traveling is so goddamn confusing (an analysis)

was rambling about the weirdness with silver's time traveling earlier today so i thought i'd make a post about some of my thoughts.

basically i think there are two main things that make his time traveling feel off or confusing.

edit: i made a part 2 to this where i realized that uh... this is kind of all sonic forces' fault? it includes a map chronicling silver's time travel, so check it out if you want to see a closer look at all this!

(this got way longer than i thought it would be so it's under the cut)

the first is what everyone always brings up, which is that it doesn't make sense that silver's future keeps changing from bad to good back and forth.

his future is bad, he goes back in time, helps stop a threat, and then when he returns to his future it's good. but then it turns bad again?? and he has to do the whole thing over again. which literally makes no sense because like. that's not how time works. any new threat that happens in the present will always have already happened before silver's future.

like in sonic colors ds, silver says his future is good:

but then in forces, it's bad again???

luckily since then we haven't had any weird contradictions - idw made the great decision of having silver's future get saved after the metal virus arc and then having him just hang out in the present without a specific mission.

but i think the second, bigger problem that makes silver's time travel confusing is how it differs from other time travel stories - specifically in how it starts.

for starters, often in stories involving time travel, the time traveler is the main character and the one who saves the day by changing things. but whenever silver time travels, he's kind of just one person in a larger group of heroes who save the day. which makes you wonder: did he even need to be there for things to work out?

more importantly though, the way silver's initial reason for time traveling works is sort of a headache to think about. in a lot of time travel stories, things are good until something bad happens, and then the time traveler goes back in time to prevent the bad thing from happening, and return things to their initial good state.

but with silver, things START bad, and then he goes back in time to stop bad things from happening in the past, to CHANGE his future from bad to good. he's not restoring the future, he's completely altering it.

thus this creates this god-awful paradox, where silver's future is good BECAUSE he time traveled, but he only starts time traveling in the first place because his future is bad. it's easy to wave away until you start to think about how that would logically work in the flow of time.

like the reason i was thinking about all this is because of my au involving shadow's adventures in the future, and it's a good example of how confusing this gets when you think about how everyone else experiences it.

imagine you're shadow (immortal) and you live from the present day, all the way up to when silver is alive and starts time traveling. does shadow experience the ruined time that silver logically HAS to grow up in, or does he experience the pleasant clear-skies future that silver ends up creating?

im not saying that there's no way to explain these things. a fairly easy explanation is that silver's time traveling creates different timelines. so he grows up in a timeline where the future is ruined, but returns to a different timeline where the future is saved.

but then that creates a whole OTHER host of problems. like, what was silver's life like in this saved future before this point? in this timeline, did he grow up in this city - did he have friends, family, etc. that he has no actual memories of? does he return to a life that he doesn't remember, but that remembers HIM?

again, there ARE ways to explain this. you could say that silver just doesnt exist in this new timeline until he returns, or something along those lines.

the problem is that ALL OF THIS is ridiculously convoluted, and more importantly, no explanation for any of this is ever given in canon itself. so when you try to think about silver time traveling more deeply, you're bound to get a headache trying to figure out exactly how it works. which is just not conducive to silver's character.

this isn't even mentioning the fact that we still have no idea HOW he even time travels in the first place. from the way he phrases it, "i've been sent", it sounds like it's not really something he controls, or at the very least someone ELSE is sending him to do this.

(also his phrasing here, "to save the future from turning into another wrecked world" is just.............. sigh)

i think that the best solution once upon a time would've simply been to have silver save his future once, but get permanently stuck in the present. that would eliminate all the need for all these convoluted questions, as well as having to continuously come up with reasons for silver to keep showing up, while still keeping the interesting concept of silver being someone from the future.

another better solution imo would've been to have it so silver's future just NEVER gets saved - he keeps returning but it's still ruined every time, so he has to travel to the next incident in the timeline that might've caused it. that would've worked well with the series' never-ending nature i think.

we're past that at this point though, and i think really the best thing they can do IS what they're doing currently in idw (and hopefully by extension, the games going forward.)

silver's future has been saved and now he's just here in the present, with no real Reason for being there. i still would prefer if it was him getting straight up Stuck in the present, since that would eliminate the extra layer of complication as to why exactly he was sent back again after the future was saved, but this still simplifies things a lot.

i do hope that going forward, we'll not only get more information as to how exactly silver's time traveling works, but that also they'll phase it out altogether and just transition him to being a character who lives in the present day full time, who just happens to have originally been from the future.

it keeps that part of his character intact without having to constantly deal with this confusing lore that's been established or make excuses for him always being around. yes it'd be a pretty big status quo change, but it's either that or a total outright retcon in my opinion.

that's just my thoughts though. idk let me know what you think

[hyperlexichypatia]

Please explain the relationship between HIPAA and second wave feminists being ok with calling adults girl

Okay, but you must understand that this is truly my most unhingéd, crack-est opinion that I would generally reserve for High Rambling. If I were a vlogger, I would be saying it in my car. I do not have "evidence" or "logic" or "a coherent argument." You cannot hold this against my actual thoughtful arguments that I promise I also have, because this is not one. But. Okay. If you still want to read my unhingéd crack. Here goes.

So, for most of the 20th century, it was colloquially common to call adult women "girls," and this was part of a pattern of women being infantilized and treated as children, and a big part of second-wave feminism in the 1970s was pushing back on that infantilization, including insisting that adult women be called "women" instead of "girls." Right? Right. But then by the 1990s/2000s, many of those same feminists were openly calling women "girls" and using infantilizing language (like dismissing women voters as "girls trying to impress boys"). What changed?

Now obviously the most obvious explanation, and undoubtedly biggest factor, in this shift is just the passage of time and ageing. The older people get, in general, the more they tend to infantalize younger people. Somebody in their 20s in the '70s would be in their 50s by the '00s. They might have grown children of their own. This is the logical explanation. Okay.

But also...

Until the 1990s, the status of patients' rights to medical privacy, autonomy, and decision-making in general was, well, abysmal. A lot of people who grew up in the post-HIPAA era don't realize the extent of it -- they think the laws around medical privacy were just codification of what was already an established cultural and ethical norm. And of course it was worse for women, people of color, disabled people, poor people, queer people, etc, but honestly, even for a straight white abled middle-class man, it wasn't that great. Doctors would tell patients' families a patient's diagnosis and tell them to lie to the patient about it! Doctors would go around in public talking about Mrs. Smith's gallstones! There were some ethical guidelines around privacy, but patients had no real recourse to enforce them.

'70s feminists somewhat supported medical freedom and privacy as part of women's rights -- like, they opposed the common practice of doctors bringing a woman in for a biopsy and just scooping out some organs while you're in there -- but they also weren't especially pro-privacy or pro-autonomy in general, and were generally sex-negative, transphobic, etc. We know this.

When patients' right to privacy became legally codified (HIPAA being the most prominent example), privacy rights were primarily defined based on age. Thus why "parents rights" advocates were outraged! That minors could have privacy rights for reproductive healthcare (but depending on the state, not for any other kind of healthcare!). See, prior to that time, "adulthood" as a status didn't necessarily confer a medical right to privacy.

(I'm actually working on writing something longer with actual thought and evidence and logic about the social construction of the "age of majority" and how it's not necessarily meaningful to talk about different times/contexts having a "higher" or "lower" age of majority without unpacking what that meant at that time... but this is not that. This is unhinged crack.)

And... around that time... you just... quietly... heard less and less about "Don't call adult women 'girls'" and more about "Influences on Our Girls."

So I guess the actual grain of theory behind my rambling, if directly stated, would be: As "adulthood" became ontologically defined as conferring an individual right to medical privacy, the authoritarian wings of the feminist movement quietly rescinded the claim that women are "adults."

I guess I could've framed this around Lawrence v Texas and sexual autonomy rather than medical privacy, but I happened to be thinking about HIPAA at the time.

Anyway, bet you're sorry you asked, huh?

[celaenaeiln]

I’m not sure if this is something you’ve talked about before so sorry if it is, but I’ve just been reading a bunch of your Bruce and Dick centric posts and was wondering,

They are mutually codependent and there is SO MUCH genuine love there is between them, but obviously their relationship leads to a lot of hurt on both sides (I feel that Dick gets the shorter end of the stick there but anyway) and one of if not the main point of contention in their dynamic is the fact that Dick wants freedom and autonomy in a way that Bruce fears because of his own insecurity about Dick and his trauma regarding having a lack of control.

Do you think there could ever be a situation that would make either of them (personally I’d say likely Dick because again, in their dynamic Bruce mainly acts however he sees fit in order to keep Dick with him rather than anything else) permanently cut off their relationship? Either totally or just in a personal sense while still working together professionally as heroes.

Then as a follow up, if their relationship was cut off, how do you think this would affect both characters (and possibly how it would affect Dick’s dynamic with the Titans, considering how a big issue with them is how devoted Dick is to Batman)?

I was gonna say I can't think of one but then I remembered the Batman Beyond Comics!

But even the Batman Beyond comics where Dick and Bruce are estranged, they aren't able to provide a reasonable explanation for why Dick abandoned him.

In one of the two fates, Dick gets shot by the Joker

Batman Beyond (2010) Issue #4

Which is not a great explanation because I know for a fact the cape is bulletproof because I've seen bullets bouncing off it. But also the purpose of Batman Beyond is that Bruce is alone and no longer Batman but the city still needs a Batman. Therefore Terry becomes Batman. If Dick stayed as Nightwing, then there really wouldn't be a need for Batman because Dick would just become Batman instead or pass it on to someone else. Bruce would still have his emotional support system and that can't happen. So the best writers could come up with to create an abandonment scenario is the bulletproof cape isn't bulletproof.

But even though Dick completely cuts off Dick, Bruce says in the continuing Batman comics in lieu of apology something along the lines of "you're still my heir, Dick." to which Dick just walks out and Bruce feels depressed. He could've taken Dick out of the will or cut him off too but until his death he kept waiting for Dick to come back even if he never admitted it. So yes, Dick is more likely to abandon Bruce under the extremely worst made up and not logically circumstances because even in the most nonsensical scenarios, it's impossible to write a comic where Bruce abandons Dick.

The second reason Dick leaves Batman is because Bruce slept with Barbara but worse tried to use that to prevent Dick from marrying her. Barbara explains the story to Terry.

Batman 2.0 Issue #28

Now this, this is the believable part. Not Barbara cheating on Dick with Bruce but what comes after -

Batman Beyond 2.0 Issue #28

It's Bruce using other people to get Dick to stay single. Bruce's attachment issues are out of this world.

He promised Barbara not to say anything and the second she left he ran to Dick to tell him everything first!

Even after Barbara cheated on Dick, which still isn't believable, it can be excused for a night of passion where she was aching and missing him. But what's Bruce's excuse? He missed Dick too but he has no love for Barbara and much more clear-minded. He slept with her knowing that Dick would eventually find out one day and he used that knowledge as a weapon to keep Dick from getting married. Bruce and Barbara both know they don't love each other and Bruce could care less that she's pregnant but the potential of manipulating Dick into staying single was evidently too good to pass up.

Literally why Bruce???

But putting aside how both of these circumstances technically shouldn't happen for the sheer reason that it doesn't make sense for them to, the only answer for when Dick would abandon Bruce or vice versa is never.

But let's say it did happen and something went so egregiously wrong that Dick left him. How does that affect relationships? One answer - everyone would unilaterally side with Dick. When Bruce fired Dick, Superman was ready to fight him (verbally). But if Bruce had done something so horrible as to get Dick to actually leave him forever, given how Dick sticks with Bruce through everything and is canonically stated as Bruce's confidant, then at that point Bruce has become irredeemable.

It's not a surprise at all that no one, absolutely no one, stays with Bruce in Batman Beyond. He's completely alone with no family or friends. Because if Dick refuses to stay with him, then who will?

But one thing always stays consistent no matter what happens between Dick and Bruce. Whether it's the past, present, or future because even if Dick abandons Bruce for reasons undefinable - Dick will always come back for the kids.

Batman Beyond (2012) Issue #23

Batman Beyond 2.0 Issue #2

So no, realistically there isn't a circumstance in which Dick would abandon Bruce. In fact during Batman/Nightwing: Bloodborne, Bruce gets infected with a killer virus so Dick takes a vaccine that's been completely untested - purely experimental - and undergoes a blood transfusion with Bruce to save him.

Batman/Nightwing: Bloodborne

"I've got nothing to lose."

Dick would give up everything for Bruce. Their blood transfusion gets interrupted halfway when villains try to kill them but Dick fights off like 50 people while having hallucinations, pain, and a high fever from the killer virus but he'll do anything if that's what it takes to save Bruce.

That kind of devotion doesn't die easily. They're both equally unhealthily overly attached to each other.

[aquaburst3]

I saw a post jokingly going, "Is Yuu a boy? Is Yuu a girl? Do we even know if Yuu is human in the canon? 👽" It got me thinking. I wanna see more fics where Yuu is from Earth, but has a parent from Twisted Wonderland. Human, beastman, fae, merfolk, whatever. Because:

If you wanna go in the canon divergent direction, because, let's face it, Crowley is likely the one responsible for that in canon, it would give another logical explanation about why Yuu's there. Their parent might've dragged them to that world for whatever reason.

It would explain a lot of things about that character like how the fuck they were able to survive being hit in the head with a metal disk. (I hc that even TWST humans are heartier than IRL ones, being able to survive injuries that will insta kill someone like having a metal cauldron fall on you. This goes even more so for non-humans in that world.)

If their parent is a non-TWST human, you can add in some angst or horror elements about when their other traits begin to pop out the longer they are there. How said character reacts to these changes is up to you.

It would automatically give the character an arc and a goal. Their goal could be about discovering this parent, finding out who they are and why that parent brought them there. Their arc could be about accepting this new part of themselves.

It would give that character more of a purpose in the story. In the canon, they're more like a Camerahead than an actual character. But if they had a parent from Twisted Wonderland, it would force the writer to give that character more of a presence and reason for being there.

It's an easy way to explain how the main character is able to get through deadly situations outside of their intuition and quick thinking if their parent is a non-human. Their abilities from their Twisted Wonderland parent helped them out.

It would give the character more of a logical reason for staying in that world outside of the friends they made or their homelife in the other one. They probably are unable to go back thanks to their other traits popping out.

The only thing is that you have to be extremely careful. This can easily become Mary Sueish/Gary Stuish in the hands of a newbie writer or if you don't iron out the worldbuilding well. It can also lead to cop out writing if you overly rely on it. Characters should be able to get out situation using their brain as well.

Other than that, it's an interesting thought. There's a reason why this is a popular trope in western YA. The possibilities are endless!

[effloradox]

everyone i know (goes away in the end)

wilford warfstache x da!reader, darkiplier x da!reader, set post-WKM

Sometimes it's hard to be around Wilford. Everyone who lives in the Manor is of the same opinion in that respect, it's actually one of the few things that everyone can agree on. The moustachioed man has good days, and sometimes great days, but he's also occasionally privy to very, very bad days (as are all of the egos though). It comes as no surprise given everything he's been through, but his habit of disappearing for extended periods of time without warning or explanation worries everyone, including Dark even if he'd very rarely admit it.

It's only happened a few times since you started your residency at Markiplier Manor several years ago, but every time it happens it sends you into a nervous spiral. Logically you know that nothing too bad could happen to Wilford without Dark or The Host knowing, and there's no way it would be kept a secret if something did happen, but it still keeps you up at night sometimes when he's been gone longer than you all consider normal for one of his usual disappearances.

Everyone in the Manor knows your history with the pink-haired reporter, and the two of you's shared history with Dark (or as you initially knew him, Damien and Celine), so you understand why, when Wilford appears back in the grounds of the Manor in a frantic state after being gone for almost a month, it's you that's called for to check up on him and welcome him back home so to speak.

It's not the first time he's been greeted back to the Manor by an old friend (and it definitely won't be the last) but you wish it looked like he remembered any of the last times this had occurred, or indeed that he remembered you. You also wish he wasn't frantically waving a gun around at anything that moved, but as you started to move closer to him, you were honestly more concerned of him accidentally shooting himself than you.

"Wilford?" It's hard to approach slowly enough to not worsen his panic whilst fighting your own growing anxiety that if you don't get close enough to him then something bad is very likely to happen to one of you. You have no doubt that back inside the Manor, the other egos have been gathered together, with The Host no doubt live-narrating what's going on so that if something does happen, everyone is more than ready to intervene.

That knowledge is doing little to comfort you though as Wilford's focus seems to snap to you once you softly utter his name. He starts to shake his head upon seeing you, and his actions suddenly get that bit more frantic.

"No, no. You're not real. You're dead. I-" A strangled sob seems to halt his line of thinking for a moment, and you feel like you don't have the words to explain how heartbreaking it is to see him like this. "I killed you."

"Wil, I'm right here, I'm okay." You put your hands up to show you're not a threat and slowly try to walk towards him, but stop when he backs away from you and points the gun at your approaching form.

"Stay back! You're just another trick! You're all gone, you all left me behind! You, Celine, Damien; you all left me behind!" It's an uncomfortable situation to find yourself in. The memories of what happened at that fateful party all those years ago still haunts you, it still haunts everyone who was present. Your death was traumatic to say the least, but you've always felt more sorry for Wilford regarding that night than yourself. Maybe that's why you think about walking towards him consequences be damned, if Abe can survive a bullet to the heart then what's to say you can't too? Maybe he didn't fully load the gun before teleporting back to the Manor so he wou-

"Wilford." Dark's voice comes from behind you, and it's no surprise that you jump at his sudden appearance. You're thankful for it nonetheless. Maybe The Host sensed that you'd not improve Wil's condition if your mind continued down that spiral and thought a tougher intervention was required. At any other time you'd turn to face your de facto leader, mainly in relief that you're no longer dealing with this nightmare of a situation by yourself, but right now it feels impossible to tear your eyes away from Wilford in case he acts.

"Damien?" You can't help but notice the flicker in Dark's aura at his old name, but aside from that, he gives no indication that anything is out of the ordinary. Seeing Dark seems to settle Wilford if only slightly and when the gun is no longer being pointed in your direction, you deem it appropriate to step forward once more, remembering what you were sent out here to do.

"See Wil? We're fine. Come inside with us."

"But I saw you die. Both of you died! When will you stop haunting me?" It's only when you see Dark's calm facade start to crack that it occurs to you that you've never seen Wilford this bad before and from his reaction you're assuming he's thinking the same thing. He's had bad days, but he's never outright denied you and Dark still being alive. It makes you think that Actor had something to do with this event, that the man has somehow twisted Wilford into believing his delusions. Wilford’s connection to the present is…fragile at the best of times, it has been since the poker night but this is uncharted waters for all of you.

“Old friend, that was a long time ago. We're all safe now. Just come inside Wil, we can discuss this further in my office." The lack of distortion when Dark speaks feels strange; he sounds…human, more human than he has in years (maybe even decades). It surprises you, and it must have a similar reaction for Wilford because the manic look that's been in his eyes since he showed up slowly starts to fade away and the frantic energy that's clung to him dissipates almost instantly.

Wilford slowly looks more aware of his surroundings and the gentle nod of his head to Dark's proposition is the only sign you need to walk up to him and pull him into a hug. His arms wrap around you instantly and the shudders that start to come from his body as he begins to cry into your shoulder break your heart. It takes everything in you to not start crying too as you start combing your fingers through his hair and tighten your other arm around his waist.

It's the second pair of arms surrounding the two of you that jolts you out of your thoughts, and the brief eye contact you make with Dark when you look away from Wilford that makes you understand the implications of tonight's events. The Actor's planning something for sure, and at some point in the future you'll have to confront Wilford about where he disappeared to for the last month. But for now, the three of you remain outside in a tight embrace, the only sound to be heard is Wilford's crying and constant repetition of the fact he's sorry he forgot the two of you.

[sxs-kav]

The School for Good and Evil: Thoughts

SPOILERS AHEAD, you’ve been warned. This is super long, longer than I meant it to be, and I know it sounds like I'm complaining but I actually enjoyed the ride of these books overall.

Alright, so I finally read through all 6 books in the last few weeks and I have been dying to make a post critiquing these books since I cracked open the first one.

First I want to mention what I think is the strongest aspect of these books: the world building. One of the biggest things I liked about the books was how the Endless Woods really did feel endless. During the school years not quite as much, but the Camelot years kept popping up new and unique kingdoms with really fun ideas of ‘magical technology’. It shows the author’s creativity off in spades. Not to mention the way familiar fairytales and kingdoms like Camelot or Oz are reimagined to fit into this extended fairytale universe, and questioning what happens after ‘The End’ is written.

Another aspect I really enjoyed was the action, and not just the fights. When the characters were actually DOING something, not just ruminating, those were the best scenes. That's where the pacing and story progress felt the best.

I also think the idea of the plot in the first three (breaking the rules of fairytales, what makes someone Good or Evil) was fun to explore. Soman is clearly very imaginative. He had a vision in his head that he wanted to share, I felt that in every book. I just don’t think his writing conveyed it in a satisfying way.

One of the biggest problems I had with his style is that it’s convoluted and sometimes circular. Especially in the first books, it felt like every time he tried to explain what it meant to be Evil, it was different. I don’t know if this was because he wanted to justify Sophie being Evil while also being a protagonist we shouldn’t be afraid to like? But to me, Sophie is not Evil in the understanding of the word I have from other media with a concept of good and evil, or even Soman’s own explanations. She has her moments, yes, but only in the first book and the tail end of the book 3 does she truly feel Evil. Otherwise, she’s more like ‘chaotic good’. (Btw, it would have been interesting if, instead of automatically being dropped in one school or the other, the students had to be tested first to see where they belonged).

But back to the explanations, I feel like every time a character discovered something or had an inner monologue trying to work out a puzzle that I came out more confused. It was only when we had walls of exposition text (ie, The Tale of Callis and Vanessa, Japeth’s secrets, etc) that you finally got a clear picture of what was going on. It shouldn't take the author spoon-feeding information to you to understand the story. The best stories with a mystery element lead you there with clues that maybe the character doesn't quite put together immediately, but you as the reader can catch onto, so it feels satisfying during the big reveal. The twists in this story were so out of left field sometimes they almost didn't make sense with the 'clues' we were given. Or they didn’t mesh with older ideas from the story. I'm no stranger to wild twists, but they have to also be logical. Perhaps the biggest example of this is Rhian and Japeth's parentage, which leads me to another point.

Why couldn't we just leave Rafal in his grave? Like, yeah, he didn't come back to life in the Camelot books, but why did we need him to be the father of the twins? It would have made more sense for it to be The Green Knight, with his plot to take revenge, his connections to Arthur and Merlin, the fact that he saved Evelyn. Everything could have been the same as far as how they tricked Excalibur and the Lady with Chaddick's blood, having the dress leave a message for the boys, the Mistrals getting involved. Just the fact that they insist how Rafal believes in the Storian goes against him being in favor of the boys doing this One True King plot. Plus he rejected Evelyn anyway, so why would he have had sex with her??? Then all of the sudden, with barely a hint at all for 6 books, Chaddick is the true heir of Arthur. Nothing in the first three books led to that possibility. Which leads me to another problem with the series: poor planning.

Obviously Soman didn't probably plan on writing a second trilogy while in the midst of writing the first, but to retcon stuff from the first book trilogy to satisfy the second is poor writing in my opinion. But there's a general sense of inconsistency with a lot of elements in the books. There were blatant contradictions that had me looking back to make sure I read correctly. Plot holes drive me nuts in my own writing, so when I read them I can only keep think about how I want to fix them. Honestly, these books would do well with an entire revision, and if I had the time and dedication I would love to do it. All the puzzle pieces were there for a fantastic plot, but it's like they were forced together with glue rather than the right parts being slotted together. I will say, there was definitely a more obvious grand plan for Camelot Years, but it still felt like a wild goose chase sometimes.

Another huge issue I had with the books as a whole was the relationships. Not the chosen pairings/friendships, but how they were developed. The relationships that were established before the story started were usually better than those that had to grow in the course of the story. I felt this the most with the love triangle of the first trilogy. Sophie and Agatha didn't seem like they truly did care about each other most of the time. We're just supposed to accept that yes, Sophie treats Agatha like crap and thinks she's weird and gross, but she loves her. Agatha hanging onto her like a lost puppy makes sense because she was lonely, but it felt like most of the time we just had to be told Sophie loved her. I didn't feel Sophie truly loving Agatha until much later in the series, mostly in Camleot. Then Agatha and Tedros went instantly from hate to love with hardly any build up. Yes, Tedros could sense her Goodness and kept picking Agatha without realizing, but that to me was more proof Agatha belonged in Good rather than proof of their love. And Agatha hated his guts until she smiled at him that one time, and all of the sudden she changed her mind? It would have been better if she reluctantly found him attractive and as she was helping Sophie, she started to wish it was her (maybe those elements were there, but I feel like they weren't until far too late in the first book). Then there's Hort and Sophie's relationship which had so much potential, but which also had no development on Sophie's side until the last minute. I would have loved to see her more jealous of Nicola. That's the route I thought we were going down at first, but it just fizzled out. I would like to make a separate post on Hophie and how it could have been, so I won't go into extreme details here. But I think a lot of these relationship problems come from characterization inconsistencies.

It seems like the characters are always second guessing their feelings and that's maddening. Even when it seems like something finally clicks, the next chapter has them going backwards. They're always as confused as I feel reading the books. Maybe that's the point, because they're young and finding themselves, but it's overkill. Agatha is one of the worst with this, because even when she finally is okay with being queen, she's not okay with it. Even when she trusts Tedros, she doesn't. Even when she believes in him, she doesn't. It's so tiring. And every time there's a doubt we get a page or two of text on why. I just want her to come to a realization and have it STICK. But I think this is part of a larger issue that Soman has as a writer. He needs to show, not tell, the most basic rule of writing. He's in the characters' heads too much, rather than letting their actions speak for them. And yes, you have to have inner monologue from your main characters, but it's just too much. It slows the story down.

Also, one very specific grievance is Rhian's character. He was Good all along but it was only obvious in the last chapter (no pun intended) of his life. It would have been nice if his plan to wipe out Evil had been brought up earlier, to add some moral grayness to his character while he still had time to live and we the audience had time to wonder if maybe he is a better king. Instead it was like, 'oh, maybe he's not so Evil after all. Guess he has to die'. It was kind of pointless. Also, how was he even Good when Evelyn and Rafal are his parents...

Honestly, I think the film is going to fix a lot of these issues. We can see rather than be told about relationships, doubts, etc. Any necessary exposition can be trimmed back instead of having to slog through. I think Soman was meant to be a screenwriter rather than a regular author, because it’s so obvious he has an entire storyboard in his head and the world is so grand, but it would be so much easier to understand the characters by watching them come to life rather than being in their heads.

Overall, I don’t think it’s a bad series. I like the concept, which is why it frustrates when the writing style struggles to capture the story the way it deserves. It's not even to say Soman is a bad author, but he could be better. There was definite improvement over time but he hasn't quite reached his potential yet either. If he writes more to the series or a totally different series, I hope to see him get even better.

[amateur-deductions]

Knowledge vs Logic

[Disclaimer: this post and some future ones that are planned are rewrites of posts i made ages ago on another account, i have updated the information in them and made them more useful for the educational purposes of this blog]

Let's think for a second about how Deduction works as a subject, if it were a science you could study in college, what would the very first lesson teach you to start framing your understanding of how this big ball of interconnected skills and methods functions and is organised?

Well the first thing we have to think of is how is Deduction broken down? are there any categories or subsections to it? any subtopics that one can choose to specialise in? How much does it branch out? Answering these questions would make studying deduction as a topic easier, and that's what i'll try to do in this post

The reality is that the answer to these questions will change depending on what deductionist you ask, i know some that identify the existence of subsets and categories in Deduction but haven't yet figured out what these are, i know others that separate the whole topic into 3 "pillars" as they put it. As scientists we're all trying to figure these questions out and we all have theories that overlap with each other, what this post is meant to do is outline the theory i've developed over 8 years of learning and teaching Deduction.

I believe the most effective way to start categorising different branches and parts of deduction is to start as general and broad as we can, and in doing that i've come to the conclusion that Deduction can be broken down into two categories: Logic Deductions and Knowledge Deductions, and both are important to make the most out of any deductive process

/L O G I C D E D U C T I O N S

This type of deduction is based on everything you can gather about a subject using only general knowledge about the world around you and your observation skills. The process can be longer and more complex than Knowledge deductions, but it can be applied to any situation. For example:

Let's imagine that we pop our head out the window one morning and we see the roof of other houses and the street is wet, we don't need to go back inside and research instances of water falling out of the sky, we know what that process is, we understand that sometimes it rains and when that happens everything that is exposed gets wet, we therefore look out the window and immediately go "ah! it rained!". If someone were to ask us "how do you know?" we could explain that rain falls down onto everything that's not covered and makes it wet, if everything that's not covered is wet, it probably rained, since it's the most likely explanation for that chain of events, and chances are we won't have taught anything new to this person, and yet we knew it had rained because we used a logical train of thought to figure it out.

This is what a logic deduction relies on, general knowledge and information almost everyone knows or understands, things that are common knowledge. We don't always deduce to get a reaction out of people, but when we do get one, the reaction that Logic Deductions get comes from the fact that anyone could've thought of that deduction, but no one did because no one has trained their observation and reasoning skills to read the world around them

While the rain example is a very simple deduction, it is a deduction nonetheless, and if we now translate it to, for example, seeing someone's phone and knowing they're right handed because the oil marks from scrolling with their thumb go up the right hand side of the screen, we have achieved the same effect, we've used common knowledge that almost everyone has, to get information that almost everyone could get, what makes these deductions impressive is just that, we don't have any extra knowledge than the average person, we just know how to read our surroundings and use logic to gain information

/K N O W L E D G E D E D U C T I O N S

This type of deduction is based on the usage of any fact stored in a "data base", for example a mind palace, or that you happen to know based on inside knowledge on a specific subject. Knowledge about prices of specific clothing brands, about 243 types of tobacco ash, and about different micro expressions, all constitute as knowledge that can be used to make deductions, and not everyone who can deduce necessarily has knowledge on these specific subjects, but these deductions only come into play in the specific situations in which your data bank becomes useful, not in every situation.

For example, if we were to see a logo on someone's shirt and take a picture of it and run it through a program that searched every internet page for a matching logo, and we used that result to figure out where this person works, that "deduction" relies entirely on your access to a database to identify a logo (in this case whatever this program may be)

This is what sets apart knowledge deductions, they don't require much of a train of thought, instead they rely on being able to associate what information you gather through observation to information you've learned and have stored in your data base (usually a mind palace). We don't always deduce to get a reaction out of people, but when we do get one, the reaction that Knowledge Deductions get comes from the fact that you have knowledge that is obscure or rare and that most people don't know

If we now translate this to a more complex and realistic scenario, for example, knowing someone has been to Japan recently because they opened their wallet and you were able to see and recognise a Japanese yen note in it, we can see that this deduction hinges on your ability to recognise foreign currency on sight, be it because you lived in Japan for a while, or because you've filled a room in your mind palace with the recognising factors of different currency around the world, you have used a data base to make a deduction about someone that most people aren't able to make

/U S A G E

Ideally these two categories should work in tandem with each other, and one should train both equally, but we're only human and both of these require effort to develop, so at the very least my advice is to develop them so that they balance each other out. They should be seen as two spectrums, if your score in one of them is gonna be very low, at least make the other one very high to compensate

Understanding the way that Deduction can be broken down into these categories allows us to both recognise when we make use of them and which category we're training at any given moment. This is important since it is a major factor to keep in mind when analysing and breaking down your own deductions or those of other deductionists, which is a process that we will talk about in the future and that all deductionists should go through often since it's one of the most effective ways to learn from other people's deductions and to improve your own

That's a wrap on this post, if you have any questions just send them over

Happy Observing!

-DV

[aquamarinescarlet]

The Psychology of Us

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word count: ~3.5k

Warnings: mentions of smut (nothing explicit)

Summary: It seems like you’ll never get the answers you want, but little did you know…

Author’s note: This is probably my favorite story yet. It got a little steamier than I originally planned, but I think it turned out okay. I hope the explanation makes sense, it’s something I do use in real life so I thought it’d be fun to write about. Anyhow, thank you for everyone who read, and have fun with the last part :D

Taglist: @helloalycia @gingerbreadcookieforlife @xastrydx @trikruismybitch @b0mbdotc0m @ima-gi--na-tion @cristin-rjd @arealearp @1-800-maximoff @zarriaza329

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

“I know, I know, I’ll be at your place at seven.” You said to Angie as soon as she reached you.

The hallway was packed, yet you were still able to notice her presence.

“About that,” she sounded unsure, “I came to tell you about this small gathering Pietro is doing at his place tonight, and I was wondering if you’d come with me?”

“So I can be a third wheel? No thank you.”

“He will have other friends over too, don’t worry.”

“Then why can’t you go by yourself?”

“Because I don’t know any of them and I don’t want to be there all by myself.” She reasoned.

“Just stick by Pietro and you’ll be fine.”

“Please!” She pleaded, giving you her best puppy eyes.

You weren’t opposed to the idea of going to Pietro’s house, a small gathering would be a nice change of pace from your usual Friday night parties. But your mind was in a different place right now and a party wasn’t exactly on your plans. You couldn’t say no to her though, maybe you could sneak out early, who knows.

“Fine, I’ll go.” You gave in.

She cheered, hugging you eagerly, and walked away before you could change your mind.

It was Friday again and you were still stuck on the girl and her puzzle. You’d seen her seven more times in the past two weeks. Now you had compulsively read eight books in the span of one month. Eight books all due to her, it was more than Diego reads in the same time.

Even your family was starting to question this sudden new hobby. Aalways keeping yourself locked in your room or with your nose deep down into a different book wasn’t normal.

Despite that, you were no closer to solving the mystery that was the girl from the library. She refused to give you her name when you asked her for it. She refused to explain the logic behind her recommendations. She just had fun watching you drown in frustration.

You were close to giving up, to start avoiding her until you forgot completely about the whole situation. But you enjoyed these moments. You were excited at the prospect of seeing her, not that you’d ever admit it out loud.

Of course, all this excitment died down the moment she started to mock you for nothing, with that annoying smirk painting those perfect stupid lips of hers, growing your desire to wipe it off of her.

There was something, though, that caught your attention, something about the books she recommended. You enjoyed them, you savoured every story, every plot, every character. Diego always tried to get you to read some of his favourite books and you gave up after a few pages. But not these ones, you liked them, and you had to figure out what kind of spell she used to make you like them so much.

“I think I’m going insane.” You muttered while staring at the ‘map’ you had created on your bedroom wall.

It contained post-its, notes, the title of all eight books and the answers that earned you each recommendation. A pathetic attempt to find a connection between this whole thing.

“You are getting too worked up on this, I mean, look at your wall,” Diego, who had been hanging out with you this afternoon, gestured towards it, “it looks like something right out of a detective movie.”

“It’s not that bad,” you said exasperatedly, “I just need to figure this out.”

“Okay, two things,” he put up both his index and middle finger, “first: it is that bad, it’s just a bunch of books; and second: why are you so desperate to figure this out?”

“I’m not desperate,” you argued.

“Yes, you are.” You heard him mumble.

“And aren’t you even a little bit curious?”

“Not that curious.”

“I just want to prove her wrong,” you explained.

“Because you care about what she thinks?” He seemed genuinely confused.

“No, I-”

“Look,” he interrupted, “I know you. I’ve known you for a long time. You have never been one to care about what other people think of you. So why her?”

“I-,” you were at a loss for words.

Why did you care? It bothered when she insulted you, even though you knew it wasn’t true, and you’ve never been bothered by such things before. It bothered that she knew nothing about you and still had the nerve to deem herself better than you, even though this was all the more reason to not care about her opinion at all.

Was it really a bother though? Or was that just an excuse? And if it is an excuse, then what were you excusing? Why were you still doing this? You’ve been dragging this out for a month. Why were you so keen on proving her wrong after all this time?

You don’t need to prove to her that you’re smart: you get good grades, you’re the captain of the football team, you even have a scholarship in one of the best colleges in the area. Of course she doesn’t know any of this, but that’s not enough motivation for you to spend a month trying to prove her she’s wrong about you.

For all you know that crazy scheme of hers to recommend books could be fake. She could just recommend books she likes and hide the reasons behind those questions. But then why did you enjoy those stories? And why would she put up a whole facade to recommend some books to a random stranger she met in a library?

“Do you like her?” Diego’s voice brought you out of your own thoughts.

The look you gave him was one of disbelief. You almost wanted to laugh at his words.

“Like her? How can I like someone who pisses me off so much?”

“Then why do you keep going back?”

“Why I- because- I- I’m curious.” You didn’t sound as confident as you wished. It wasn’t a lie. You were curious. But curiosity was not the only reason you kept going back, although you couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

“I don’t believe you.”

You didn’t answer. You didn’t know how to answer. Thankfully you didn’t have to when, with a quick glance at the clock, you were able to change the subject.

“We’re late.” You simply stated.

“For what?”

“I told Angie I was going to meet her at her place at seven,” you gestured towards the time, “it’s seven thirty.”

“I didn’t agree to this.”

“C’mon, please,” you pleaded, “it’s going to be a small, like, get together or something, and I know Angie will leave me alone at some point to makeout with her boyfriend.”

“Okay fine,” he gave in and you made a little celebratory dance, dragging him out of the house.

Since this was supposed to be casual and between friends, you didn’t waste any time at Angie’s, where you’d usually spend hours getting dressed and ready.

Pietro’s place wasn’t far, which you were slightly thankful for since Angie wouldn’t stop talking about him the whole ride. He’s such a good kisser. He’s so cute. Did you know he plays soccer? He looks so hot in his uniform… You love your friend, but that’s just too much.

As always you weren’t the first one’s, and by the amount of people it was far from a “small gathering between friends”. The apartment wasn’t small, but sure felt like it with the almost fifty people crammed in there.

You were greeted by Pietro himself, who offered you each a beer before pulling Angie in for a kiss, causing you and Diego to roll your eyes. You gladly took the beer, if you had to endure this, might as well have some alcohol to help.

Two beers later and your mind was no longer fixating on the girl-from-the-library problem. Instead you were having a friendly debate with some of Pietro’s friends about which college was the best, the typical rivalry. Having only Angie to back you up was making the whole thing harder.

“Hey Piet,” a tall blonde boy called out, interrupting the conversation, “is Wanda going to join us?”

“Doubtful, you know how she is…”

“Who’s Wanda?” Angie’s voice was laced with jealousy causing the boy to laugh dramatically, which only seemed to make her madder.

“She’s my sister, don’t worry,” he reassured her. It made sense, he had mentioned he lived with his twin sister.

You watched as he pulled Angie away from the group, probably to makeout, as you had predicted, and you looked at Diego, to stop him from commenting anything, only to find his place empty.

You left the group as well to search for him, and was surprised to find him shoving his tongue down some girl’s throat. You could’ve left them alone? Yes, you could. But did you? Of course not.

“Y’know,” you tapped on his shoulder, earning his attention, “when I bring you to a party so I can have someone when Angie left me, I expect you not to leave me as well.” You teased.

“Shut up.” He tried to sound serious, but the smirk gave it away.

“You owe me one.”

Feeling a sudden need to go to the bathroom, you let them be and went in search of one. You opened a door you thought led to a bathroom, but found yourself in a corridor which had other four doors that probably led to bedrooms, at least one must lead to a bathroom.

“Pietro, I already told you, keep that door closed!” You heard someone scream from one of them.

It wasn’t just anyone though. That was a voice that had been haunting you for a whole month now. Okay, haunting was an exaggeration, but still. You quickly closed the door, muffling the music and chatter.

As you rested your back against the wall, a surge of power took over you. The new information taking over all your thoughts. You had the upper hand now on this little game of hers. It was your turn to play.

Her door was easy to identify, being the only one with light seeping through the cracks, and you made no effort to be quiet or discreet when opening it.

She was sitting in her bed, long red hair loose over her shoulders, a book in hands. Her expression was soft despite the interruption, she hadn’t looked up, so she had no idea it was you who was standing there.

“What do you want Piet?” A mischievous smirk grew on your face.

“Wanda,” you uttered as if trying it on your tongue for the first time, earning the girl’s attention.

The shock that took over her features did wonders to your confidence.

“A beautiful name,” you continued, daring to take a few steps inside her room, “I see you favourite color is red,” you referred to the endless amount of details on her walls, shelves, bedsheets, all a different shade of red.

You walked further into the room, exploring everything in sight. She followed your every move with her eyes, too stunned to say anything. Were you crossing a line? Probably. Should you be invading her personal space like that, without a warning? Probably not. But she has been invading your personal space for weeks, so you couldn’t care less.

“Ah, you play the guitar,” you grazed your fingers over the instrument sitting on the corner of the room, “I didn’t think you had any talents other than insulting me for no reason.”

You were enjoying this too much. Your eyes landed on some pictures and notes clinging to a wall.

“Sokovia,” you said after reading one of the notes, “so you are Sokovian, that’s interesting.” Your gaze fell to her desk, a pile of textbooks stacked there. “Psychology,” you laughed, not because it was funny, but because it was going to piss her off even further, “you are more likely to drive your patients crazy than to actually help them.”

“How…,” you turned towards her, “did you…,”

“Get in here? Learn your name?” You offered some suggestions since she didn’t seem capable of finishing that sentence herself. “Pietro.” You simply stated and watched as her face went from stunned to mad.

“How do you know my brother?”

Was that jealousy you were sensing? Or was she just upset that he had told you stuff about her? You decided to play with it a little bit.

“He is a sweet boy isn’t he? So hot and so nice,” you teased and she advanced towards you, making you a little frightened, but not enough to back down, “it’s hard to believe you two share the same genes.”

Your face was mere inches from hers and you suddenly felt like the air was growing thick, making it hard to breathe. A feeling of warmth taking over your chest and stomach. In spite of all the discomfort, you managed to keep your composure.

“I so want to wipe that pretentious smirk off of your face right now,” she growled. Oh, how the tables have turned.

“Why don’t you?” You challenged.

Football had given you fast reflexes (except for that particular event a few weeks ago), you were ready to catch her hand if she tried anything. Instead of her fist or her palm, you were met with her lips attacking yours furiously.

The kiss was needy, hungry, desperate even. Your hands made their way to her waist, pulling her impossibly closer. It was a battle, a fight neither of you were willing to lose. Tongues fighting for dominance, teeth biting lips, jaw, neck, hands pulling on skin in such a way it would definitely leave marks.

Clothes fell to the floor as you backed her to her bed, pushing her onto the mattress, this feeling, a necessity for her, on the pit of your stomach growing ever more.

Safe to say your plans of leaving early were postponed. At some point during the night you had managed to find Diego and let him know you wouldn’t be needing a ride back home. Your disheveled state and red marks, which were already showing up on your neck, didn’t go unnoticed by him, but he didn’t have time to comment on it. You mentally dreaded the moment he would start with the questioning.

Some shifting on the bed caught your attention. Slowly opening your eyes, you were able to catch Wanda staring at you with a soft smile. Your back was facing her, so she didn’t know you were awake, but you could see her clearly from her bedroom mirror.

And what a sight it was.

“You’re staring.” You called out, and watched her face turn three shades redder out of embarrassment from being caught.

You turned around so you’re now facing her, although she wouldn’t meet your gaze.

“What’s on your mind?” She kept quiet. “Okay, wanna know what’s on my mind?” She nodded lightly. “Well, I’m thinking that I would have never, not in a million years, pegged you as being shy.” She tried to stifle a laugh while bringing her hand up to playfully hit you on the arm. “That’s more like it,” you teased.

“I’m not shy,” she defended.

“Then why won’t you look at me?”

“Because… “ she lost it mid sentence.

“... you’re shy and sweet, just like your brother said,” you recalled from the day you spent together in the arcade.

She hit you, yet again, on the arm, slightly harder this time, but not enough to hurt.

“Tell me this then,” you finally reached the topic that has been bugging you for weeks, “what was all this for? The mystery, the games?”

She fell silent, seemingly in deep thought and you got scared you had killed the moment.

“Okay, so maybe I’m a little shy,” she admitted and you celebrated internally while your face remained unfazed, “and that makes me scared of…”

“Talking to people?” You helped out, but she covered her face with her hands in embarrassment.

“Please, don’t laugh at me, I know it’s stupid-”

“It’s not,” you interrupted, uncovering her face, “go on.”

She took a deep breath before continuing.

“I’m scared of talking to people… especially people that I like.” Although it sounded like a confession, you weren’t exactly sure what it was about.

“So you liked me?” You asked in disbelief. “From the beginning?”

Her already red face was growing darker by the second.

“I had seen you before, with Diego, in the library, always complaining, always stating how boring it was,” she shook her hands in the air for the purpose of drama, “and it was annoying, but it was also cute and- and I always wanted to talk to you, but I never found courage to do it.”

To say you were shocked at the new information was an understatement. She liked you all this time? And you just thought she hated your guts for no reason? Wow, that’s precious.

“Okay, so…” you tried to say in the stunned state you found yourself, “how- why- the- why did you do all that then?”

“Because I had like, this sudden flow of confidence, and since you had this cocky personality I thought you would like someone who was the same, so I said what I said, and I did what I did and-”

“I started to hate you.” The way you acted when you first met must’ve hurt her.

“Exactly, and I thought I had screwed up completely, until you showed up again, and my stupid brain associated that to the idea that the way I had acted worked. So I kept it up. A persona, in a sense.”

“What were you planning to do then? Keep that act up forever?” The question made her slightly frustrated.

“I don’t know, I didn’t think that far, I just enjoyed your presence, even though you still seemed to hate my guts.” You laughed and moved closer to her, wrapping your arms around her waist.

“I did,” you whispered close to her ear, “I hated your guts, but I also enjoyed it, the games, the mystery, that’s why I kept coming back.”

“So it worked,” she said excitedly.

“It sort of did.” You stared into her green eyes, for a few seconds. “There’s something else in my mind too that I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“Ask away.”

“So… about the recommendations-”

“Oh my god,” she didn’t let you finish, “you haven’t figured that out yet?!” She exclaimed in disbelief, when she opened her mouth again you knew what was coming.

“Don’t say it.” You warned.

“You really are slow.” She said it anyways, a mischievous grin painting her lips.

“Damn, I hate you,” you said jokingly, unwrapping yourself from her and making a move to leave the bed.

She stopped you short, wrapping her arms around your shoulders and pulling you back, causing you to fall on the bed laughing hysterically.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I won’t say it anymore.”

She let you go and sat up and across from you.

“Good, so are you going to explain it to me or not?” You questioned and she rolled her eyes playfully. “And don’t you dare tell me there is no logic behind it, there has to be one.”

“Yes, there is a logic,” she mocked, “it’s quite simple actually, the ‘color’ is what sets the mood for the book.”

“How so?”

“Uhm, like, we associate colors with stuff, like black is associated with death and evil and white is associated with peace and purity,” you nodded, “it also works for feelings, associating those with colors, so when a person says a color I can pick a book that has elements that are associated with that color, or that causes a feeling that we associate with that color.” She explained.

“That explains the psychology major thing.” She seemed happy you remembered, even though it was mere hours ago.

“Basically,” she agreed, “so, ‘person’ is what defines the relationships that surround the main character, so either romances, friendships, families, strangers, y’know?”

“Yeah okay,” you tried to follow along.

“And ‘place’ is to decide how far from reality the story should be, if the person says a place that’s close to their home, they tend to prefer stuff closer to their comfort zone, so no fantasy or sci-fi, and vice-versa.”

“That’s it?”

“Yep,” she beamed a smile, “simple isn’t it?”

“Does it always work?”

“No, it’s a really subjective thing, the more I know the person the better, but sometimes it just doesn’t work.” She admitted. “It worked on you like a charm though,” she teased.

“That it did,” you couldn't deny. “Okay, so if I got it right, color sets the mood, right?”

“Right.”

“Then what is red associated with?” You looked around her room, filled with several details in red.

“Anger, love, passion-,” she stopped talking when she met your eyes, a mischievous smirk on your lips.

You slowly rose from your position and crawled forward, never losing her gaze. You quirked an eyebrow suggestively as you got closer. You sat on her lap, faces inches from another.

“Well, I can show you some passion.”

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Divination Date

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 占卜之约, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

[ Released on 16 September 2021 ]

MC: Gavin, I’ve been way too unlucky recently! I fell down while riding a bicycle, the water supply was cut halfway during a shower, and last week, three flights were delayed by more than two hours within the span of three days... Sob sob, life is so difficult...

It’s a Saturday, and Gavin has come over to my house to kill time as usual. The moment we meet, I can’t help but wail about how I painstakingly got through the week. 

As though he’s comforting a small animal, his palm gently covers the top my head.

Gavin: You’ve already told me these things.

He pulls me over to sit on the sofa, then leans over to look at my knee. Knowing his intentions and feeling afraid that he’s genuinely worried, I hurriedly wave my hands.

MC: Actually, it wasn’t a serious fall, and my skin didn’t tear. There were a few red cuts, but they're gone now.

Even after confirming the veracity of what I said, Gavin doesn’t straighten up. His fingers rub my knee, conveying his belated consolation.

After a while, he rests an arm on the sofa while turning his head towards me.

Gavin: Want to drink milk tea or eat cake? Didn’t you say that with these two things, even the worst of moods can be turned into the clearest of skies?

With this reminder, a location instantly flashes past my mind.

MC: Let’s drink coffee!

I reach for my phone on the coffee table. Tapping on my saved searches, I show Gavin a shop.

MC: This one - Witch Café. The name’s a little outdated, but it’s really popular recently. I’ve seen many people checking in on Moments. 

MC: The manager of this shop knows divination, and the reviews mentioned that she’s really accurate... 

MC: Also, if the results from the divination aren’t that great, she could help turn my fortune around. 

MC: The shop sells lots of objects used for changing one’s fortune, such as crystal rings and bracelets. 

MC: I think what I need most right now, aside from you... would be a change of fortune!

Gavin bursts into a laugh, then lifts his head to look at me.

Gavin: It’s my fault for not learning divination to change your fortune for the better. Otherwise, you’d only need me.

Gavin’s quick wit causes me to do a thumbs-up.

MC: Wow. Your logic... makes a little bit of sense.

He scrolls down my phone screen, taking a casual look at the café’s introduction.

Gavin: Mm, it looks really interesting and isn’t very far.

MC: It’s really nearby. It’s only a few kilometres away, and there definitely won’t be a traffic jam at his hour. But it’s the weekend, so I’m not sure if we’d need to queue.

Gavin takes my phone from my hand, then pushes me on the back gently.

Gavin: Get changed. I’ll give them a call to make a reservation.

I immediately get up, giving him a deliberately formal bow.

MC: Understood.

-

The internet-famous café is even more popular than I imagined. Although it isn’t time for afternoon tea yet, the shop is already fully packed.

Fortunately, we’re seated in a relatively quiet corner next to the window. However, we can still hear a few ladies from the neighbouring table fervently discussing the results of their divination.

I tug on Gavin’s sleeve from across the table.

MC: Gavin, you’ve never believed in such things, have you?

Gavin: Divination?

Gavin nods frankly, then suddenly chuckles.

Gavin: I initially wanted to say that I didn’t believe it. But I suddenly remembered that an Evolver who can predict the future is sitting right in front of me.

MC: ...that’s true?!

Realising this, I sink into a deep contemplation. Gavin reaches out to scratch the tip of my nose.

Gavin: I meant that as a joke. It’s impossible to meet a second Evolver with a precognition ability.

I glare at Gavin angrily. He shifts his gaze, looking at the manager who is currently talking to patrons.

Gavin: But she is an Evolver.

MC: Really? 

I turn my head to look. The manager is wearing a black apron, and she’s bending down as she patiently explains the divination symbol to a patron, her smile warm and amiable.

She exudes an aura which makes whatever she says very believable.

Just as my anticipation is hooked, Gavin stifles it with his words.

Gavin: But it definitely isn’t related to precognition.

MC: I see...

When Gavin sees that my anticipation has dampened, he pushes a blueberry cake in front of me.

Gavin: Don’t feel disappointed yet. Divination has never needed to rely on Evol. You’ll know if it’s accurate after giving it a try.

He digs a small piece of cake with a spoon, then brings it over to me. Munching on it, my eyes widen as I look at him.

MC: Incredibly! Delicious!

The cake exceeded my expectations. Thinking that the coffee might be pretty good too, I quickly lift the cup of coffee from the table.

In the meantime, Gavin picks up the explanatory card the manager had just brought over, and starts reading from it.

Gavin: It says that once you’ve finished drinking the coffee, you have to press the bell to call for the manager. The manager will obtain the divination results after observing the shape of the coffee sediments. 

Gavin: Before the divination, you could think of the contents of the divination first.

Gavin: If you have a ring or another token, you could prepare it beforehand. Place it at the bottom of the cup afterwards to increase the effectiveness.

After reading this, he rests his chin against his hand while chuckling softly.

Gavin: It’s almost the same as the tarot cards we tried the last time.

I take the explanatory card from him. Opening it up, I give it a sweeping glance.

MC: ...so it’s tasseography. I did research on it when we were playing with tarot cards the last time. Afterwards, I realised how complicated it is to interpret the divination results, so I gave up on learning it.

Finishing the rest of the coffee in one gulp, I press the copper bell at the corner of the table.

Upon hearing the bell, the manager looks up and shoots me a smile while washing a coffee cup. After wiping her hands, she walks over to us.

Manager: Are the both of you done with your coffee?

Seeing me nod in anticipation, she picks up the serving tray on the table, placing it next to the coffee cup.

Manager: May I know how I should address you?

MC: MC.

Manager: MC, lift the coffee cup and sway it gently while contemplating on your divination question. Once you’re done, place the cup upside down onto the tray.

I follow her instructions.

After a short while, she uncovers the cup, displaying the shape of the coffee sediments inside it.

Manager: Based on the results, you seem to have been going through a rough time lately, and your mood hasn’t been great. Is this correct?

MC: !!!

I immediately look at Gavin, thinking that this is far too accurate.

The manager seems to detect an affirmation from my expression. She sets down the coffee cup, then retrieves two wrapped chocolate cookies from her apron.

Manager: I made them this afternoon, and they’re for you. Based on the shape of the coffee sediments, although you might have experienced some rough moments recently, all the unhappy moments have already passed. Over the next few days, you’ll receive good news in succession, and you’ll be happier.

While saying this, she leans over, her slightly curled hair exuding a floral fragrance which refreshes the soul, causing me to be left in a mild daze.

Gavin suddenly speaks up.

Gavin: You’re using Evol.

The manager pauses in fright. For a moment, she’s at a loss, and has no choice but to bow slightly with her hands by her side.

Manager: I’m sorry, have I offended the both of you?

Seeing her frantic expression, I hurriedly shake my head.

MC: I-it’s fine... we don’t discriminate against Evolvers. And I’m sure you didn’t have malicious intentions.

The manager’s shoulders slump in resignation, admitting her “little magic” to us candidly.

Manager: ...I just wanted to send a flower into your memories.

MC: Send a flower?

Seeing that I didn’t understand what she meant, she explains patently.

Manager: Sorry, that’s a phrase I use in the shop.

Manager: Through tasseography, I can truly tell that you haven’t been in a good mood recently. But it’s very difficult to change your future fortune. 

Manager: In order to lift the spirits of patrons who do divinations, I use my Evol to alter their memories slightly.

Manager: However, my Evol has its limits. The only thing I can do is add something small that’s worthwhile of happiness into their unhappy memories, such as a flower. 

Manager: Are you willing to give it a try?

Considering how frank she is, I can’t find a reason to refuse. Furthermore, no incidents will occur with Gavin around.

MC: Mm...

The manager’s hand gently glides across me. Although I feel as though nothing happened, she signals that she’s done. Gavin stares at me curiously.

Gavin: Are there any changes to your memories?

I inexplicably recall the time when I fell off the bicycle, and images beginning from the moment I fell surface in my mind -

The path in front of me is tilted, and I can’t control my plummet towards my left side. 

These images are exactly the same as what actually happened, but in the very last snippet -

In an unremarkable corner of the crosswalk, a blue wild flower sways along with the breeze.

MC: A flower? There’s really a flower!

For some reason, seeing this flower enveloped in sunlight causes my emotions to become much more composed, reducing the annoyance I felt about the fall.

The manager releases a joyful sigh, then continues her soft explanation on why she does such things.

Manager: People often have a deep impression of negative things, while happy moments are fleeting. Unhappy memories linger much longer in memories.

Manager: So I thought - if I could add an element of happiness into the unhappy memories of patrons, such as a flower, or a ray of sunlight...

Manager: Their unhappy memories may become a little brighter. On a subconscious level, their mood would naturally become better.

Manager: With a good mood to lift them up, they’d focus on the positive aspect of things the next time they face something else. That’s why they’d find that their fortunes have truly turned for the better.

After saying this, the manager looks at the both of us before apologising again softly.

Manager: Even though I use Evol on patrons, I don’t have malicious intentions. Could you be magnanimous and not report me?

I toss a glance at Gavin, hoping that the Captain would close an eye this time.

After pondering for a moment, Gavin nods calmly at the manager.

Gavin: I won’t report you, but don’t use Evol on patrons in the future.

He looks at me from the side, then reaches out to grab a tissue before wiping it gently against the corner of my lips. Lowering my head, I spot blueberry coloured cream on the white tissue.

Gavin: I believe that your coffee and snacks are enough to bring patrons happiness.

The manager grabs my hand in relief, thanking me repeatedly.

Manager: Thank you both for liking my coffee and cakes. I’ll give another present to the both of you.

-

By the time we leave the café, it’s still early. Gavin and I aren’t in a hurry to go back. Holding hands, we take a stroll beneath the shade of trees.

We can’t help but bring up what happened in the café earlier.

MC: It turns out that it’s so simple to change one’s mood. Adding an element of happiness into unhappy memories is enough.

Surrounded by the chirping of cicadas, even Gavin’s voice reveals a refreshing and carefree touch of summer.

Seeing his slightly sweat-damped fringe sticking to his temples, I retrieve a tissue from my bag and wipe it for him.

Gavin: I remember that you once mentioned that the secret to maintaining a happy life is to focus on the positive side of things.

While saying this, Gavin takes the tissue in my hand and stores it into his own pocket.  

MC: Mm, that’s right! Actually, such forms of self comfort are pretty effective. 

MC: Even though I fell while riding a bike, I told myself that it was fortunate that it wasn’t anything more than a fall. 

MC: When the water supply was cut while I was showering, it only happened because I didn’t pay attention to the announcement by the property management... 

MC: I’d just learn from this experience and check the announcement board more often. 

MC: Also, the flights were delayed due to torrential rain. It was an objective reason, and nobody could have expected it.

MC: A lady from the airline company even gave me orange juice and a small gift.

Gavin chuckles leisurely, meeting my gaze from the corner of his eyes.

Gavin: Many things may not have happened according to how you wished over the short span of a week. Immersing yourself in the state of mind that everything wouldn’t go smoothly made you forget to look at the positive side of everything.

MC: Mm, but I can’t help it... Maintaining an optimistic outlook is really difficult. It’s inevitable to feel discouraged.

While saying this, I tighten my grip on his hand.

MC: But now, I know that if I face any unhappy moments in the future, I just have to search for a flower.

Gavin stops in his footsteps, lowering his eyes and giving me a smile.

Gavin: Have you thought of a new method to cheer yourself up?

I release a matter-of-fact “mm”. Pulling his collar, I give him a gentle peck on the chin.

MC: Whenever I face an unlucky incident, all I have to do is tell you immediately, and I’d immediately be comforted by you... 

MC: That way, I’d no longer be unhappy.

Gavin is taken aback momentarily. Then, he smiles faintly while looking at me.

MC: Whether it’s a fall or a delayed flight... The moment I share these things with you, the moodiness in my heart vanishes like smoke. The reason why I specially complained to you today was just to play coy.

I draw closer to him, swinging our interlaced hands.

MC: In the café earlier, I didn’t take the crystal bracelet she offered to change my fortune for the better... 

MC: I already have a bracelet which can bring me the greatest luck in the world.

I lower my head. Fragments of sunlight fall onto the ginkgo bracelet, refracting resplendent and exquisite faint light.

MC: This ginkgo leaf makes me happier than any other flower. No matter when, simply looking at it lifts my mood instantly.

Gavin doesn't release my hand. Instead, he pulls my hand to his back, bringing me into his arms gently.

The verdant trees and chirping of cicadas intertwine. The clean fragrance of shower gel from the side of his neck causes me to wrap my arms around him tightly.

Gavin: I knew that you were playing coy. Trivial matters have never influenced your mood. You’re always very good at comforting yourself and seeing the positive side of everything. But the bracelet alone isn’t enough. The next time you come looking for me, I’ll definitely do something that’d make you even happier.

After saying this, he can’t help but release a resigned chuckle.

Gavin: ...even though I haven’t thought of what I’d do.

I burst into a chuckle, then bury my head into his embrace completely.

Gavin: But there will definitely be things that I can do to add an element of happiness into your unhappy memories.

Dense green hues and shadows fall on his shoulders. Lifting my head, I see faint light riding the wind through crevices of large clouds in the faraway sky.

Leisurely and carefree ants pass by the slabstone road, winding around a fallen green leaf, and I can’t tell if they’re taking a stroll or scavenging for food.

Summer is flourishing, and this moment is incomparably tranquil.

My heart is filled to the brim with contentedness and happiness. Even my tone is relaxed and at ease.

MC: Gavin, you have to promise me one thing. If you’re unhappy about something in the future, you have to tell me about it immediately, okay? I can add many, many elements of happiness into your memories so that you wouldn’t even have half a second of unhappiness. I can guarantee that.

I lift my head to look at Gavin. With our close proximity, I can see his amber eyes reflecting large swathes of lush branches and leaves belonging exclusively to midsummer.

The gentleness flowing from these eyes aren’t stingy at all as they land on my face.

MC: We have to be the ever-fresh and blooming flowers in each of our memories, forever swaying in the wind.

Gavin releases a soft “okay”. He rests his chin on my shoulder, tightening his grip around my waist.

He murmurs at my ear.

Gavin: There’s no need for a guarantee. Your existence has always been the most brightly-coloured flower in my memories.

[ MOMENTS ]

Gavin’s Post: Different flavours of sodas seem to be really popular this summer.

MC: In order to clear the existing stock in the fridge, it’s time to have supper!

Gavin: Pick between mala crayfish and barbecue?

-

Gavin’s Post: Different flavours of sodas seem to be really popular this summer.

MC: Soda is always the best!

Gavin: Although that’s true, it’s best to drink fewer cold beverages.

-

Gavin’s Post: Different flavours of sodas seem to be really popular this summer.

MC: Pick between white peach and tangerine!

Gavin: I’ll pick the one you like less.

☕ Call: here

☕ Support the café (not the one mentioned in the date) by dropping by the tip jar!

[rachelbethhines]

Tangled Salt Marathon - Be Very Afraid

This is the best story arc episode in season three and arguably the best written episode since The Great Tree, but it’s still season three so there are still issues with it. 

Summary: When Zhan Tiri tells Cassandra she must destroy Rapunzel in order to wield the Moonstone's true power, Cassandra discovers that she can create, with fear, red rock spikes that cause fear and freeze their victims. Varian discovers the red rocks and teams up with Rapunzel to use his amber solution on them. Meanwhile, Eugene and Lance decide to throw a talent show to distract everyone from their fears. 

Why Can’t Cassandra Control The Rocks?

The series never gives an actual explanation for this. She could control them just fine in Rapunzel’s Return, so what’s changed? 

There is No Destiny!

There’s no prophecy, no oracle, no grand design nor master of fate to fight back against; the characters literally have no reason to do what they do. If you want destiny to be a goal then you have to establish what that destiny is first. 

What does Cassandra want? How does this connect back to Gothel, Rapunzel, and the Moonstone? Why she just failing about like an idiot here? Did she not have a plan when she threw her life away for this stupid rock? 

And of course Zhan Tiri is lying here, but why should Cassandra believe her? What does she gain by listening to a creepy ghost girl? This ‘destiny’ has not been established, so therefore there’s no hook nor bait for Zhan Tiri to trap her with. 

Leading directly into “you should kill your bestie’ should logically put Cassandra off of Zhan Tiri’s advice for good because Zhan Tiri isn’t actually offering anything. Temptation requires the person to be, you know, tempted by what they want, but Cassandra doesn’t know what she wants so none of this makes sense. 

The writing is desperately trying to make Cass sympathetic here, but all it winds up doing is making her look like a moron instead. 

This Isn’t Consistent

Not only does this fail to explain why Cass could control the rocks previously but no longer can, but it’s also contradicted just a couple of episodes later with the incantation bullshit. 

You need an established magic system in place in order for the character’s actions to make sense show!

This Ultimately Goes Nowhere

Ignoring how Varian should have been in season two and how translating the scroll should have led to freeing his father, which we’ve talked about previously; this subplot should have had more impact on the narrative than it actually did. Yes, Varian’s translation winds up driving the plot of Cassandra’s Revenge, but 90% of that episode winds up being utterly pointless, including the incantations themselves, so.... 

I Like This Sequence; Shame It Winds Up Being Undermined Later  

Unlike the majority of dream sequences in this show, this nightmare has an actual point. It more firmly establishes Varian’s fears and gives the audience some insight into what happened to him back in season one. Something we were sorely lacking. It also becomes the core conflict and drive of Varian’s character development through out the episode. 

Only for the episode to ignore Varian’s real issues and fail to adequately address anything. By series end this plot point will be completely forgotten. The show acts like bringing it up once and then never acknowledging it ever again just magically revolves Varian’s character arc. It doesn’t.  

So How Come Quirin Isn’t Affected By the Rocks? 

He’s right there next to them and he shows no reaction to them at all. You’re telling me the man who lost his home twice to these things, almost died to them, and nearly lost his only child because of them, is just not going to respond to new creepy red ones popping up? 

Quirin would have a treasure trove of trauma to explore in his own right, that undoubtedly would connect back to Varian’s own issues, but we’re just going to ignore it and have Quirin off screen for the majority of the episode?

Are These New Character Models?

Are you shitting me!? 

They built five new models just for a short two minute scene, one where none of the new characters are named nor given lines, only to never appear ever again!

What the fuck? Why did you waste time and money on this? What happened to all of the other background characters you already built? Did a bunch of season one models just get lost or deleted or something? 

Also why are they all wearing green? Is it St. Paddy’s Day? 

This Plot Point Wasn’t Established Enough Beforehand

Look, I’ll buy that there are people in Corona who still blame Varian for what happened in season one and for the Sapoiran take over. I mean they’re only getting half the story and were directly effected by his actions whether or not he intended harm to them. But we needed to see more of it beyond just this one scene.

No one was bullying him in Lost Treasure or The King and Queen of Hearts, so for all purposes he appeared to be integrated back into society, and now you’re telling me he’s not and that Rapunzel risked his well being by forcing him to interact with people who were hostile to him back in Lost Treasure? 

And yeah you can’t really move Lost Treasure back any further than it already is cause that’d leave a giant hole in the wall of the throne room for over a year. Which also makes no sense either. 

Or hey, maybe it’s just Feldspar being an asshole. In which case why should Varian or the audience care? 

Eugene is Wasted

Look I understand that there’s only twenty five minutes to tell this story and that Eugene isn’t the focus of the episode. I also understand that the B-plot is meant to be comedic in order to relive tension from the A plot, but this wasn’t the best way to go about it. 

The B plot swings too far wide in the other direction that it dilutes the tension too much. The A plot now has to work over time to keep the urgency going. I could understand it, if the show wanted start off with small fears first, but it needed to ramp up the drama as it got closer to the climax, not under cut it. 

We never see Eugene freak out over anything other this this cowlick. In fact we never see him scared of anything else beyond this one scene, which undermines Rapunzel’s arc this episode as she’s suppose to be the only one bottling things in. What makes Eugene so special that he can keep a lid on it with out consequences, or are you telling me that a dumb cowlick is his only fear? 

Either answer is stupid. 

I Hope You Have Copies of the Map

You went through all that trouble to steal the journal for this very reason and now here you are prancing around without it like it’s not that big of deal. Way to undermined past story arcs. 

It’s like the writers know that season one was their most successful season, and therefore try to make callbacks to it whenever they can, to make up for ignoring it in season two completely, but they still don’t want to actually acknowledge anything that happened during that season so they just refer to it in the laziest way possible, rendering the previous events pointless. 

So Close and Yet So Far

I’m mainly posting this whole conversation so that you dear readers will have context for what I talk about next. 

For you see, this scene starts out okay and it looks like we’re finally going to address the elephant in the room regarding Rapunzel’s involvement in Varian’s past trauma, only for the scene to immediately side step the issue all together and not resolve the conflict at all. 

No! Don’t Interrupt; Listen! 

Or at least go all the way and accept some of the blame yourself. 

It may look like Rapunzel is comforting Varian here on a superficial level, but without her verballing acknowledging what she did wrong, this action just winds up taking the focus off of Varian and what he needs and places it upon Rapunzel, both narratively and physically.

So what happens is that, in universe, it comes across like she’s just consoling Varian for her own personal comfort rather than genuinely trying to help. 

Why Would Varian Ever Think This? 

Okay, first off this has nothing to do with what Varian was talking about previously. Why would he jump from discussing his trauma to praising Rapunzel? You know the woman who is responsible for said trauma? 

Secondly, this switches the focus of the conflict off of Varian’s specific trauma and makes it about a generic “over coming fear” lesson mixed with an out of place validation issue. Which is not what’s actually needed for his character development; nor for Rapunzel’s for that matter. 

Third, being the sundrop has nothing to do with Rapunzel as a person. Her being born with magical powers was an accident of fate, same as her being royalty. She’s not innately better than anybody else because of this and nobody has any narrative reason to assume otherwise. Especially since her powers are utterly disconnected from her actual personality, choices, and actions. All three of which have become unbearably unpleasant by the last season. 

Finally, Varian, of all people should be the last person on earth to ever think so highly of Rapunzel. Them being friends again is already pushing believability. Him suddenly kissing her ass the same as everyone else this season is just flat out bad writing.  

Varian knows better than anybody what an awful person Rapunzel is. He’s seen her at her worse. He’s seen her not live up to her hypocritical ideals. He knows the larger problems that steam from placing people in power on pedestals. As her former victim, Varian by all accounts should be the one person who can bring Rapunzel down to earth and poke holes into her ego, even while still being her friend. Especially while still being her friend. She needs that! Writing Varian as another blind Rapunzel stan is not only writing him out of character, but it also damages Rapunzel’s own development. 

Also Varian hates magic. Why would he now worship someone just for having magic? 

THIS AIN’T ABOUT YOU BITCH!!!

I literally yelled that at my tv screen when I first saw this scene. Those were my exact words upon the episode’s first airing. And believe it or not, I’m not one to usually scream obscenities at inanimate objects. 

I understand what the writers were trying to accomplish here. They wanted Rapunzel to ease the tension by saying something funny and to make Varian laugh to distract him from his woes; thereby defusing the situation. But it doesn’t work because of season three’s tendency to make Rapunzel the most egotistical, smug, self-centered, abusive, self-righteous twat in the show. 

It really boggles the mind just how unaware the writing is. Like, surely no one makes their protagonist this unlikable on accident. Clearly they meant for Rapunzel to be an ass on purpose right?  They wanted Cass to have a reason to hate her so they decided to make her insufferable to the viewer in a misguided attempt to make Cass more sympathetic? Right? 

Then where is the bloody comeuppance? 

I genuinely thought this was all going to lead somewhere. That Rapunzel was going to learn to be a better person and I would have been fine by that. I would have applauded the show if they had turned her into an asshole intentionally so that they could teach a mature and nuanced lesson about morality. 

But they didn’t, and here I am; still shaking my head in confusion over a year later. 

Seriously what the fuck happened behind the scenes to cause this? How can processionals paid by the largest animation company in the world be so incompetent? 

Having Trauma is Not the Same Thing as Having a Phobia  

This is where Varian’s arc falls apart. Not only does the episode fail to have Rapunzel acknowledge her past wrongs for a second time, but it also completely mishandles Varian’s trauma because it equates it to being an irrational fear. One that can be overcome through pure force of will at that, same as Lance and everyone else’s fears in the episode. 

Ok first off Varian’s fear isn’t irrational. He even just said so at the start of the conversation. Varian’s trauma is very real, it’s not a hypothetical unlike clown-spiders and cowlicks. Also has been given very little reassurance that it won't happen again. Varian has no reason to trust Rapunzel or anybody else in the show. They never owned up to abandoning him previously, and both he and the audience have little reason to believe that Rapunzel wouldn’t just neglect him again if it was convenient for her.   

Secondly one does not simply ‘overcome’ trauma. Oh you can deal with trauma, you can manage it and learn to live with it. But it never goes away. It doesn’t magically disappear just because you ‘faced it’. 

In fact confronting it head on is actually the opposite of what your suppose to do when going through something traumatic. Studies have shown that distracting your mind after a car crash or what have you actually helps with PTSD later on. And ‘dealing with it” doesn’t mean ignoring the problem out right, but rather learning how to function despite the pain. 

But as the show acts like Varian’s trauma never even existed after this episode. 

This Doesn’t Resolve Anything!

What does “being special” have to with fear? How does this help Varian with his trauma? Empty validation has nothing to with what we were just discussing. 

Everyone gets afraid. Everyone has trauma of some sort. Are you telling me that my need for therapy some 20 years after being physically assaulted is just because I’m not special enough? Fuck you show! 

Moreover, this doesn’t resolve the story arc from season one. Varian and Rapunzel’s conflict with each other has nothing to do with self esteem. It was about personal responsibility, conflicting needs, and abuse. Yes, self image and acceptance was a small factor in their motivations, but it was never the driving goal behind their decisions. 

This is yet another broken narrative promise to the audience. There’s no closure to be had from this and leaves the viewer wanting, if not outright frustrated. 

In order to justify this exchange fans have to ‘read between the lines’ and make shit up in order for any of this to make any sense. People who still defend season three do by doing all the heavy lifting that writers themselves should be doing. 

If it’s not on screen, it doesn’t count. 

If Rapunzel never apologizes on screen, then she never apologized. If Rapunzel never checked up on Varian on screen, then she neglected him outright. If Rapunzel never acknowledges her wrong doings on screen, then she’s never learned anything. The characters pretending like she has doesn’t make it so. 

Why Does Cassandra Even Want a Destiny? 

Yes, Zhan Tiri is lying, there is no destiny, but Zhan Tiri being a liar doesn’t absolve Cassandra of her own actions. 

Cassandra herself believes in destiny and is looking for her’s, but why? 

Why does she want a destiny? What is this destiny she’s after? Why does she believe such a thing exists? What does she believe it’ll gain her? Why is she willing to risk so much for such a vague goal? What does any of this have to do with the moonstone or her mother? How does this destiny connect back with her personal feud with Rapunzel? 

It’s all disjointed and confused. Nothing lines up. It’s like the writers just had this dart board full of ideas for Cassandra’s villain arc, but couldn’t decide on which one to go with, so they just threw darts randomly each episode and went with whatever stuck for any given scene.

“Oh she want’s revenge for her mother during this scene, or wait no, she’s actually looking for destiny this episode?” “What destiny?” “Who knows. Now for this scene we need her to be sad because reasons...” “What reason?” “I don't care, make something up... Uuuuh, she’s sad cause she’s not a royal guard still” “But she became a guard during season one.” “Ignore that. Kids won’t remember. Now she needs to be angry and threating here” “Why?” “Because it’ll look cool.” “But why is she angry?” “Cause it looks cool Bob! Geez! Oh but she still needs to be sympathetic so give her a frowny face afterwards. Just have Zhan Tiri remind her how much she hates Rapunzel later, so as to egg her on and keep her doing stupid shit?”  “But why does she hate Rapunzel?”  “Do I have to think of everything BOB!!!???”  

There, there’s my non-so-accurate behind the scene’s glimpse into the Tangled writer’s room when discussing Cassandra’s arc. I could be wrong. There could have been some intricate and complex plan thought out that just didn’t make it onto the screen for whatever reason, or maybe everyone involved was so far up their own ass that they just forgot to give their main villain an actual reason for being the villain. But regardless the over all effect is that Cassandra is handed the idiot ball for a whole freaken season in order to even have a conflict and that is never good writing; or rather she’s hit in the head with it repeatedly. 

This Actually Goes Against Zhan Tiri’s Plan

Zhan Tiri’s short term goal is to be released from her dimensional prison and apparently she needs Cass and Raps to fight into order to do this. This was never established before hand and goes against her disciples pervious plans, but whatever. One could argue that this is just a lie in order to get them to fight later... 

However, this lie jeopardizes her long term goal. She eventually wants to wield both the moonstone and the sundrop herself in order to destroy Corona, but Rapunzel is the sundrop and you can only take her power during an ellipse, supposedly, which means if Cass actually succeeds in killing Rapunzel before then, then Zhan Tiri is up a creek without a paddle. Also if Cassandra did manage to steal Raps’ power with or without an ellipse then Zhan Tiri would still be out of luck. 

This was wholly unnecessary; you didn’t have to go from zero to sixty in one fell swoop. Have Zhan Tiri claim that fighting Rapunzel will award the power to the winner or something. There’s no need to bring up the ‘kill her’ option. That should logically just drive Cassandra away and puts Zhan Tiri’s plan at risk. 

The series wants to act like Zhan Tiri is this master manipulator, a chess master like Zantos or Palpatine, but she couldn’t even tie their shoes. Her plans make no sense and often contradict one another. They only work because the rest of the cast are reduced to imbeciles in order for them to work. 

This Plot Point Contradicts Season Two

His fear of spiders was establish early on, and I’ll accept the clown thing as there’s nothing to contradict it, but Lance has preformed numerous times before now and has never show stage fright. He’s a huge ham and back in Return of Quaid he mentioned how much loved acting and preforming and apparently been on stage before, so where does this fear of singing in public come from? Heck he sung in public just a few episodes ago in Rapunzel’s Return. 

If you have to sacrifice established character into order to make your plot work then you need a new plot. 

This Song is Nice; It Just Needed to Be in a Different Episode 

I’m glad Lance got a solo. He deserved one and the song is good. However it breaks the tension of the climax and gives the episode tonal whiplash. 

More than a song, Lance needed an actual focus episode in season three. One that was fully his. If anyone else shared it with him it needed to be Red and Angry, not Varian and Cass. 

Just imagine if this song came during an episode where he had to watch the girls. Imagine if he was singing it just for them. How much more impactful would that have been? 

Now imagine that we had a Rapunzel and Varian duet in it’s place here. That would have tied the episode together better and helped to further their own stories. Glenn Slater can write lyrics far better than Chris can write dialogue. I bet you a thousand to one Tangled the Series would have solved like half of it’s problems had Menken and Slater been allowed write and actual apology duet between Raps and Varian. 

Such a duet was proposed during Rapunzel’s Return but it could have worked here too, and you could have placed Lance’s solo in Day of the Animals or something, just leave Rapunzel out of that episode all together. 

Nothing honestly needed to be cut music wise, yet for some reason season three has less songs than the other seasons, even when counting the reprises, and they’re mostly shorter too. 

That’s mismanagement right there. Plain and simple. Someone at the top didn’t know how to balance the budget or resources and didn’t know where to the throw the money at. 

You Have a 70 Foot Shield Made of Magic Hair, Rapunzel

You couldn’t think to just block those rocks instead?

Giving your protagonist a big hero moment doesn’t work if they placed the person the have to save in jeopardy to begin with show. 

I Do Not Care About Rapunzel Right Now, Show

Yes, she’s the main character. Yes, her feud with Cass is the main conflict of the season and kicked off the episode. That does not mean that I automatically care about her personal feelings at this moment in time. 

Rapunzel has kept such a tight lid on her real feelings for the whole episode that this just comes out of nowhere. I was never waiting with baited breath for her to confess her deep dark secrets or whatever. 

It’s not even an interesting reveal. It’s just “Oh, see Rapunzel’s human too. She’s gets scared just like everybody else.”. I already fucking knew that, thanks. And what she’s afraid of isn’t even that compelling either; it’s a just a rip off of the prophecy dreams she had back in season one. The same ones that had no explanation and never furthered the story, so why should I care about this one?  

You have to earn the audience’s investment in your conflict. The character’s likability, as little as that may be currently, will only carry you so far, you have to establish shit first.  

Varian’s conflict has been the focus of the entire episode so far, and it’s a conflict that was set all the way back in season one, so of course that is what I’m invested in seeing get resolved. Rapunzel is once again just butting in and making it all about her when it’s not actually her story. 

And if you wanted it to be her story then you should have made her the actual focus to begin with and had her learn something by the end of it. 

This is Poor Choice of Words, Writers 

I could be generous here and pass this off as Rapunzel not fully believing in this prophecy. After all Corona’s destruction is still a hypothetical at this point and Cassandra really has left already. Since the episode is about fear, Rapunzel is of course more afraid of losing Cassandra’s friendship as it’s real tangible possibility. 

More than a possibility even, Rapunzel’s been dumped. Season three is a classic break up story, right down to the poor plotting and tunnel vision, hence why it’s so gay baity. 

However, this reading only carries so far. For starters this is Rapunzel’s what, fourth prophecy dream so far? Haven’t the past three already came true, so why would she think this one wouldn’t? 

Secondly, all that good grace goes right out the window once it becomes clear that, yes, Cassandra is indeed a threat; a threat that Rapunzel refuses to take seriously because she cares more about her own personal validation than her kingdom. 

Even as Cassandra does succeed in destroying Corona, and no doubt harms other people while at it, Rapunzel still is obsessed with ‘winning Cassandra back’. Oh and make no mistake, this is not because she actually cares about Cassandra as a person and her needs or feelings. Nope. Rapunzel just doesn’t like being dumped. 

Why Does Varian Need to Shove His Feelings Aside for Rapunzel’s Bullshit?

Rapunzel’s ‘confession’ has fuck all to do with Varian’s current issues. They do not connect in any way.  

Varian is dealing with real trauma, trauma that she helped cause, while Rapunzel is only dealing with a hypothetical prophecy and one very shallow, self-centered fear. There’s nothing to relate to here. Neither for Varian himself nor the audience. 

Yet for some undefined reason this is what gets Varian to ignore his PTSD flashbacks? What? 

This is once again break the narrative promise. I was promised closure for Varian’s story arc and instead of that the writers just brush it up under the rug. 

From the outside looking in this doesn’t come across as Varian ‘overcoming’ his ‘fear’. It looks like an abuse victim using learned helplessness to placate his abusers.

And yes, for the last time Rapunzel is Varian’s abuser. 

NEGLECT IS ABUSE!!! 

And and even though he is no longer her ‘responsibility’, she is still neglecting him emotionally as his supposed friend. 

Varian’s and Cassandra’s Stories Undermined Each Other’s 

Varian stopped the rocks. Rapunzel had nothing to do with it. Zhan Tiri blaming Rapunzel for it steals agency away from both her and Cassandra. 

However, if Rapunzel had used the hurt incantation to stop the rocks and Cassandra had felt it rom the other side, then you’d have something to back up Zhan Tiri’s claim and an actual point of real conflict to carry the rest of the season. Not to mention an actual tangible goal for Cassandra to work towards, survival. 

Cassandra’s conflict with Rapunzel not only prevents the resolution to Varian’s arc from being satisfying, but Varian fulfilling his arc in turn winds up cutting off Cass’s story at the knees. 

It didn’t have to be this way. Varian’s and Cassandra’s arcs should have complimented each other, but instead the creator decided to make them complete for screen time and relevance. 

It is such an gratingly stupid and petty decision that winds up being a disservice for all the characters involved.   

Cassandra’s motivation and goal should have been revealed back in season two. Varian should have been the sole focus of Rapunzel’s Return and gotten his big hero moment there along; with an actual ending to his conflict with Rapunzel that didn’t feel so lopsided and half assed. Then Rapunzel and Cassandra could have both been held accountable for their conflict in season three, instead of pretending like their shit smelled of roses the whole damn time. 

Lance Got a Whole Crowd Cheering Him On For Singing a Song, Varian Just Gets One Asshole Giving Him a Single Line of Congratulations

Did I mention this show has an odd anti-Varian bias? Cause it does. For whatever reasons his own creators hate him and that’s just utterly baffling to me. Like why create a main character that you don’t like? 

I look down on professional writers who treat characters they didn’t create poorly within their works, like with James Gunn and Scrappy Doo in the Scooby Doo Movie, Adric in the Doctor Who spin offs, or even the treatment of Doofus in Ducktales 2017. I don't care how much a character is liked or disliked by fandom, that shit is just tasteless and often unfunny. But at least I understand where they are coming from when they do it. 

But I’ll never understand what compels a writer to sabotage their own work; one that they are getting paid to write no less. Especially when said character is super popular with their fans. And Chris knows this. He knows the ratings plummeted without Varian in season two. He knows the merch didn’t sell because there wasn’t enough Varian products. That’s why he hyped up Varian’s return a whole week before Season Three’s airing with a massive online campaign, but he wasn’t smart enough to treat the character decently afterwards? 

I mean congrats, you convinced a just enough viewers to come back to season three to keep the show on the air I guess, but you left them all pissed off and have nothing to show for it to the higher ups a Disney. 

And Chris wonders why he wasn’t asked back to work on new Disney princesses shows that are currently in the works. 

That is Not Quirin. That is a Plank of Wood Pretending to be Quirin.

*Beep* *Boop*...*Dad Bot Is Proud. exe* 

Quirin is such a pale shadow of his season one self that he might as well not exist. I genuinely don't know why the writers released from the amber so early if they weren’t actually going to use him until the season finale. 

For the longest time I honestly thought that Rapunzel sucked out his soul with that decay incantation; what with that lyric about “setting the spirit free”. I genuinely thought that would be a later plot point, but nope, it’s just bad writing

Him just saying hi to son once and smiling blankly isn’t compelling and it’s isn’t fulfilling. It doesn’t actually resolve his arc. I mean he’s at least shown spending time with his son, but that’s not enough. We need to see him acknowledge past, we need to see him acknowledge his own flaws, and we need to see him being more attentive when Varian is in need. .  

Season one Quirin would be trying to stop Varian from going near the red rocks, a post season one Quirin should logically go after his son to make sure he’s alright, even if he’s know longer trying to actively stop Varian like he once did. 

There’s also that damn note and it’s secrets! 

You know what? That’s it. That’s the problem. The focus is all wrong in season three. Episodes get pulled into to many directions trying to juggle too many characters rather than dedicating the needed time to each individual arc. 

Season two’s finale should have been a three parter with Cass’s full motivation and goal laid bare before leaving.

Rapunzel’s Return should have been solely about Rapunzel and Varian’s conflict and resolving that arc fully 

Either Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf or Day of the Animals should have been a Lance episode about him and the girl’s, no Rapunzel. 

And this episode should have been about Quirin and Varian resolving their issues, with the Rapunzel and Cass stuff as the B plot not the stupid talent show 

There, all fixed. You don't even have to cut much, just rework the focus and leave Rapunzel and Cassandra out of conflicts they have no business being in. 

This Does Not Excuse Rapunzel’s Later Negligence Regarding Cassandra

Just because the red rocks was an accident doesn’t mean Cassandra should get a free pass for all the awful things she does later. Rapunzel uses this one interaction to excuse everything else Cassandra does in season three, as if she was just some poor lost baby and not a grown ass woman out to kill them. 

In fact Cass showing hesitancy here actually makes her later actions even worse. This means that she fully acknowledges that what she’s about to do is wrong, but goes ahead and does anyway, even gleefully so at times. Then she has to gall to act baffled when people see her as a threat? 0.o 

When fans say Cass isn’t redeemable or shouldn’t be redeemed, it’s not because he actions are so much worse than everybody else’s (even though they are), It’s because she doesn’t act like she wants to be redeemed half the time. The show doesn’t properly set up her ‘redemption’, instead it just lazily has Rapunzel yell at us how she’s ‘not lost’. 

Like below for instance. 

What Does Cass Need Saving From?

Cassandra is not in danger. She is the danger. 

She made the conscious decision to leave taking a world endangering artifact with her, and she later makes the conscious decision to come back and be an asshole for no adequately defined reason. 

She’s never shown to be in any physical danger from the rocks, the moonstone, or even Zhan Tiri herself. She apparently can take care of herself in the wild for over a year. She also has the capability of getting a job else where and just living out her life if she wanted to. Nothing is forcing her to listen to Zhan Tiri. 

Heck, even her hurt arm, the one thing Rapunzel is responsible for and could potentially be a continued threat to Cass’s well being, is just completely forgotten about.

And no, mental illness and past trauma are not excuses as well. In fact it’s rather insulting to both people with mental heath problems and abusive survivors to suggest otherwise. We don't need ‘saving from ourselves’ and we aren’t automatically dangers to anybody. Nor do we get free passes if we hurt someone. A jerk who happens to have a mental illness is just a jerk who so happens to have a mental illness; coloration is not causation. 

Conclusion 

It’s better than Rapunzel’s Return, but this episode was still a disappointment. A small part of me whishes this was a two parter because it has so much untapped potential, but I know it’s just be wasted in Chris’s hands. 

Anyways, I consider this to be the true mid-season finale of S3. Not only did the hiatus kick in after this episode, but it also clearly divides the season between the first half filler and the later Cass conflict. As such the next entry will be the mid-season recap. See ya, then. 

Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/rachelbethhines

Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/RBH129/shop?asc=u

[astaroth1357]

How to Calm Your Demon Boyfriend; Vol 2

So You Pissed Him Off, Have You?

Notice: Due to an impending lawsuit for libel and misinformation, Mammoney, Inc. has filed for bankruptcy. All past guides from their company have been revised and re-released. All future printing will be handled Solo Man, Press.

Oh? Is there trouble in your devilish paradise? Well, there’s bound to be a spat or two between lovers but things can get... complicated if one half of your pair could easily wipe out a nation. Attempting to calm down your demon can be tricky, however in this volume of How to Calm Your Demon Boyfriend we will be covering the best methods available for you to do just that! With our instructions and a deft touch, you’ll manage to avoid your boyfriend’s hellish rage and get right back to enjoying that tender, sacrilegious relationship you’ve come to love!

This volume only covers if your demon boyfriend is mad at YOU. If there is SOMEONE ELSE making him mad, please consult Volume One!

Lucifer’s mad at You

You are in a very tricky situation so treat your next actions with the utmost care…

First, ascertain who is at fault for what has occurred. If it’s you, then figure out the severity. A minor infraction can be smoothed over easily enough with some explanation and sincere apology.

More severe breaches of trust will be harder get past. Plead your case but don’t attempt to excuse your actions. Acknowledge fault and, again, apologize. If he seems receptive, attempt to touch him in some way like on the hand or arm but no higher. This a literal demonstration of your attempt to reconnect.

This is the best that you can do for now, but he should acknowledge your efforts as long as you approached it correctly.

If it’s his fault… as far as he’s concerned it’s still your fault, unfortunately. It’s the pride in him speaking. 

Ask him what he believes you’ve done wrong and assess from there. Some things may be better to give a brief apology to, but no more. You don’t need to explain yourself for something you didn’t do. It may be best to leave him for a few hours after this and let tensions cool.

If the accusation is too egregious, you have the option to not apologize at all. This will likely anger him further if you give no explanation, though. Explain why you don’t think you should have to say sorry, then leave. Call for his brothers if you need someone there to intervene.

Now you wait. Unfortunately, it's an inevitability. Lucifer will need time to process and do a post-mortem on what happened. If he was truly the one at fault, he’ll acknowledge it to himself but never admit it out-loud. He may extend an olive branch in the form of a gift (the size and expense of which will be directly proportional to how much he messed up) but that will be it.

If you forgive him, then life can return to normal. If not, consult our other material: Can I Breakup with My Demon Boyfriend?

Mammon’s mad at You

It is first important to discern between his usual “anger” and actual anger.

If you see any of these signs: Blushing, stuttering, overly defensive denials, general tsundere-ness then you are likely only dealing with “anger.” Feel free to tease appropriately.

If these signs are not there then something is very wrong. Find out what it is, he will be forthright with a little persistence. (i.e. bug him until he says something. He will likely want to tell you anyway)

Attempt to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. This will no small matter. A truly upset Mammon should not be ignored.

If you have done something wrong, an apology may be in order. Do be sincere if you can because Mammon will appreciate the effort.

Cheer him up with either compliments or physical contact, head pats and cuddles work most effectively. If his face is red, though, you’re likely on the right track in general.

He isn’t one to hold a grudge so this should settle any brief irritation that’s derailed your relationship. Take care not to upset him this much again in the future.

Leviathan’s mad at You

Again, he’s probably jealous but now he’s going to be jealous and possessive. Admittedly, not the best combination.

Stay. Calm. If he’s already hysterical then adding onto the situation won’t do anyone any good. Patience may be difficult to hang onto, but it’s crucial to getting through this on the other side.

Physical contact is still important but NOT TOO EARLY. If he has his guard up he may just slap away your attempts to touch him.

Chances are he’s already built up a narrative in his head. This will not be easy to combat, especially if his suspicions aren’t true.

Denial will be tricky. You don’t want him to accept his false narrative as truth, but there’s going to be only so many times you can say, “No, that didn’t happen” before he stops believing you.

Deny his story first, firmly and with no room for doubt then redirect the conversation to asking why he’s so worried about it. Get to the heart of what’s making him feel so self-conscious and start soothing him from there. He’ll be feeling vulnerable, so a delicate touch is necessary.

NOW is the time for physical contact. He still needs to know you’re there so you should get as close to him as possible. He’ll probably be holding onto you pretty tightly. He won’t mean to bruise you if he does. 

Hold him close and don’t even think about letting him go until he’s ready. He needs to know that you'll stay with him even if this is what he has to offer. Your embrace is not just reassurance, it’s a promise. I hope you're prepared to keep it.

For more on how to comfort Levi, please seek out: How to Comfort Your Demon Boyfriend.

Satan’s mad at You

Oh my, aren’t you in a pickle? The focus should be on the immediate concerns first, then the long term. Don’t try to resolve both at once.

The immediate concern is that you have a very ticked off Wrath in front of you and he will make his displeasure known. Apologize. Apologize now. Is it actually your fault? Who knows. That's a long term concern and you should focus first on getting him to calm down fast.

Satan will not listen to reason right now, especially not if you're the only one offering it so don’t even try.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to touch an angry Satan. He's going to be far too gone for cuddle time to smooth things over.

You should give him space. He likely doesn't want to be mad at you and is very aware of just how dangerous this situation is for you both. If you take a step back, he'll do what he needs to in order to calm himself down (which is probably going to involve property damage of some kind but better it a bookshelf than you).

Wait until he is no longer shouting, then you may approach and carefully plead your case. You better have some airtight logic if you want to convince him he's actually the one in the wrong about something, but if he is he will apologize.

Of course, if you are at fault then you should apologize and attempt to explain. Even if you don’t have the best justification, you can still win him back if you can prove you had good intentions.

Unfortunately, even if he understands your reasoning he may still be a little miffed... Speaking candidly, if there's still residual anger left it may be best just to f*ck it out. This is not a joke, it's a legitimate way to redirect lingering negative emotions in a relationship. So have at it, I suppose. Just have a safe word ready because you'll need it.

Asmodeus’ mad at You

Again, reason and logic will fail you, especially at the very start. He WILL be upset and he WILL lash out. Likely verbally.

DO NOT engage in a fight of insults with Asmodeus. Not only will you lose but the situation may escalate to the point that your relationship will suffer permanent damage.

Remain calm, but you need not take the abuse. You are well within your right to tell him that you will leave the room if he does not cease the hostility. Don’t mean this idly either because your presence will be very important to Asmo. He hates to be ignored.

If you must leave, do so. Don’t turn back even if he pleads. Wait for him to come to you, because he will, and then a civil conversation can commence. Apologize if necessary.

After his initial anger has passed, Asmo will be very quick to feel remorseful. Despite his ferocity, he should be rather forgiving (at least to you anyway).

He will want make-up sex, for his own comfort if nothing else, but as always he will not force the matter. It may be much sweeter than usual, though, because that’s his way of saying “I’m sorry.”

Beelzebub’s mad at You

Oh dear.... You have either denied/stolen his food, hurt his family, or somehow just really ticked him off...

If you denied him food, get more.

If you hurt his family, plead for mercy.

If you’ve just really, really ticked him off, I’m not even sure what you did but you probably ought to apologize and maybe rethink your life choices... They must not be very good.

Belphegor’s mad at You

This will happen, but again Belphegor is pretty lazy. He’s more likely to give you the silent treatment than he is to blow up in your face.

Your challenge now is to get him to talk to you. Unlike with Mammon, he won’t be itching to say anything so a slight nudge isn’t going to cut it.

Start by trying to be frank about the situation. Attempt to sit him down and say that you wish to talk things out. Be empathetic, approachable, and sincere. This should elicit at least some attention from him for most issues.

If he intends on holding out further, then you have already done your part to the best of your ability. Leave the door open to that discussion, but go about your day until he’s ready for it. It won’t be easy, nor will it feel good, but it’s important to set boundaries and not allow his silence to punish you when things could be worked out more productively.

I assure you, Belphie does love you and he will miss you. It may take a little time, but he will eventually approach you to have that talk. Resolve what happened together and then things can return to normal, cuddles and all.

If you are looking to calm down your demon before he hurts someone else, please consult Volume One: Tame Demons, Save Lives!