#int. chase + gwen

[lostmorals]

"i never said that. i never said you don't deserve happiness. that's what i want for you. that's why i'm so against you hanging out with harry and partying at nightclubs with felicia. i'm trying to help. i know it probably looks controlling? but i just don't want you to wake up one morning with a hangover from hell wondering who the person next to you is or why you're not happy. you were born with a spark and its hard watching it fade away. you've always dreamed big and you've always wanted more. i used to believe you could walk on clouds. i pulled away because i felt like i was dragging you down. now i look and i see that you're dragging yourself down." he could pretend everything could be fixed with them but it wasn't that easy. "i want to fix things. but you don't like how i want to go about it. let me help you and then we can help each other."

Gwen was exhausted, to say the least. The conversation felt like it was going around in CIRCLES... She'd already told him what he'd wanted but it felt like he wanted to be able to control what she did and take no responsibility over what he really felt. She breathed out softly. "Okay, Chase," she mumbled, DEFEATED, unable to really say anything else. "You're probably right," Because it didn't seem like he wanted to move forward with her about anything. It was always PUSH AND PULL, he'd push her away and pull her right back in-- right what he'd dome with this phone call. Why did she even wish that things were ever going to change with them? He was ALWAYS going to want to get his way and leave her with nothing. "I don't know what you want me to say-- I've laid out everything," she sighed. "It's like you don't think I DESERVE to be happy."

[destinygoldenstar]

My thoughts on Total Drama Next Generation cast so far

I said this before, I don’t like making judgements on characters until I’ve seen a full episode. So I don’t want to say I love or hate anybody just yet.

I also said that these looked like children of past cast members because of similar design features, and I stand by that still.

For clarification:

-Millie is the Lesharold kid, because of Leshawna’s body type, skin tone, and hair, and she has Harold’s hair fringe

-Ripper is the Nowen kid. EVERYONE has said this. And Ripper? JACK THE RIPPER, HELLO?

-Axel is the Duncney kid. HEAR ME OUT. She has Courtney’s skin tone. She has Duncan’s piercings. Duncan’s eye shape but Courtney’s eye color. She has a black top like Duncan did, and she has a white undershirt like Courtney did. The body shape is Courtney’s! 

-Chase is the MikexZoey kid. That may be a stretch, but to be, he has Mike’s face and skin tone, Mike influenced hair (even if it’s not exact), and he’s wearing red like Zoey did. How he’s more buff than Mike...? Idk, maybe that’s from his mom’s side.

-Caleb is the StephaniexRyan kid. I don’t think I need to explain this one. But good lord, if he’s actually their kid, then that’s a SERIOUS abusive household backstory he has going on. Maybe Caleb’s considered ‘the hot one’ by everyone as a way to cope with this, even if deep down, he’s a bisexual man. If you’ve seen the other poster I can’t show for internet reasons, I think you know what I’m talking about.

-Nichelle is the GwenxCameron kid. I DO NOT like the ship, but I can’t ignore this. Cameron’s skin tone, Gwen’s eyes. How her hair is blonde...? Idk, Gwen’s hair is dyed, so she might have been born blonde. 

-Julia is the SamxDakota kid. Idk, she just gives that vibe to me. I like the ripped jeans as well, I think that’s the best way I can explain it. Plus it’s cute to me.

-Bowie is the LeonardxTammy kid. Leonard’s skin. Leonard’s head. Tammy’s hair. 

-Wayne is the Gidgette kid. I WANTED to say that Wayne and Raj are brothers, BUT then Wayne wouldn’t be a Gidgette kid because Raj has NOTHING resembling Geoff or Bridgette. 

-Raj, but he DOES have a GeoffxBrody vibe. That’s WIERD to think about anyway. But hey, maybe they share the same dad in Geoff and they’re a happy surfer trio

Bridgette: “This is my husband Geoff and his husband Brody”

-Emma, a LindsayxBeth kid?? I WANT to say Lindsay and Tyler, but no, there’s nothing Tyler about her. She has Beth’s body type and side, and I don’t think I need to explain the blonde hair and blue eyes. I WOULD say Carrie and Devin because of the chin, but Carrie doesn’t have blue eyes, and neither does Devin.

-MK. THIS is the girl I have my eyes on. I am not the biggest Ezekiel fan, BUT with that said, she IS ‘Reverse Ezekiel’. You cannot convince me otherwise. She has the beanie and sweater, giving a homeschool vibe, just like Zeke did. I DO NOT think she’s Ezekiel’s ‘kid’, but she could be related to him. In that sense, I think they could do with her what they didn’t do with Zeke. 

In that sense, MK’s a finalist. She’s lasting to the very end.

The others, I don’t know yet. Damien MIGHT be a Lightning kid, but I don’t know for sure. (And no AleHeather kid? Me sad :( )

Now for my thoughts on the designs and names:

I love the designs. I know they’re not as out there as Paketiew, but I love them for that. These look like teenagers that could exist in the real world. These look like relatable characters.

And tbh, the reason I never included the other gens in my tier lists was because I never had much to say about them. I don’t count Ridonculous Race since that’s a spin off, BUT I do like that cast too, for the most part. 

The problem ISN’T ‘new gen casts and ditching the old cast is bad’. Danganronpa has 3 main games, ALL with new casts, and they’re ALL good in their own ways. It’s that the new casts are just not interesting characters compared to the first gen. They could have been! 

The Revenge cast is fine, but they’re horribly underutilized, especially with giving them only 13 episodes and jumping into All Stars.

And Paketiew... well, to be nice about it, I HATE the Paketiew cast. Except maybe Jasmine & Shawn. But that’s it. 

So, with 2 new seasons for this cast, this COULD be a redemption, to make this cast as loveable as the OGs. They’ll have the screen time to achieve that.

The names though? I’m... mixed on that. 

I like some of the names. Priya, Axel, Chase, Zee, Caleb, Nichelle, Julia, I LOVE those. Those are great.

But unless Nowen’s related, Ripper just... does NOT give a Ripper vibe to me. That might be a me issue. He could end up being my favorite character.

Scary Girl...

This MIGHT be a plot twist later on what her real name is, or it could be a gag, BUT, if it’s NOT, then what the heck is the point? Give her a real name! Until we find out, I’m calling her Quinn!

We have another Emma. Come on, why not Emily? That’s similar, but we don’t have an Emily yet. Maybe she has a nickname like Em? That’d work.

And then Bowie’s just a me problem. That doesn’t slip off the tongue well for me.

And for who I think the finalists are?

Like I said, MK. And...?

IDK, ROTI had two boys, so maybe this has two girls to balance things out?

In that sense, MAYBE Axel. She gives quite a but of main character vibes for me. But I’m not counting on it. All I know is that she’s probably, definitely, merging.

I feel like Millie, Ripper, Quinn, & Caleb are also merging. I would put my money on Caleb, Axel, and MK being my faves. But again, I’m NOT counting on it yet. I could end up hating them in the show.

Oh, and one last thing, the gay rep that I’m seeing? I’m CONCERNED. SERIOUSLY CONCERNED.

It looks to be Caleb and Bowie from the poster, and if the Caleb character arc I’m thinking of is real, then MAYBE it’ll work and they bring the best in each other. But I’m not getting good vibes from Bowie, and it looks like he’s gonna be a gay joke. 

Please don’t be toxic. Please don’t be toxic. Please don’t be toxic. 

So yeah, that’s all I have to say so far.

[hellzyeahthewebwieldingavenger]

Ghost-Spider #8

I have mixed feelings on these pages.

Let me be upfront i’ve only skimmed beyond issue #5 of this series (because I only care about the Maker and the Jackal) and not read Outlawed. Maybe I’m missing some important context then.

First of all the art is lovely here, really good looking stuff.

Second of all the Outlawed event itself is asinine. Putting aside how it’s the umpteenth attempt to chase the success of Civil War 2006 (and surely the most blatant since Civil War II), the event is nonsensical.

It is illegal to be a vigilante under the age of 21?

But...it’s illegal to be a vigilante full stop. Like there was a reason Spider-Man was branded as a menace beyond Jameson’s agenda in the Silver Age. There is a reason that when Civil War 2006 was happening exonerating vigilantes who registered for any collateral damage before was part of the deal.

As such this story is in the right for calling it out as dumb and yet it treats it like it is a serious actual debate to be had...and sides on the wrong side of things. 

Even within the context of the Marvel universe’s suspension of disbelief, willfully allowing teenagers to endanger themselves and others is obviously going to be regarded as a bad  thing by both civilians and fellow heroes. There was a great episode of Young Justice that debated the place of Shazam/Captain Marvel considering he was a pre-teen in an adult body.

Yes, you could argue Spider-Man is something of a hypocrite to side with this law, but at the same time in his older years I’d imagine he’d look back on his mistakes and want to help younger heroes avoid a Captain/Gwen Stacy death of their own. 

It’s especially dumb when you consider many of the current teen heroes (including Miles) actually do have mentors anyway. Okay, they aren’t Dick Grayson but is having more  super vision such a bad thing?

Perhaps the stupidest aspect of these pages is that of all characters, Spider-Gwen shouldn’t be involved. She is not from the 616 universe. She is not obviously under 21 as perhaps someone with Miles’ body build could be perceived as or as someone like Kamala (who’s face is mostly uncovered in her costume) obviously is.

How precisly is anyone supposed to know Spider-Gwen isn’t under 21? Not to mention, this is really not Gwen’s problem. If she is going to get mad about every injustice in every dimension why isn’t she fighting the good fight over in Spider-Punk’s universe?

Finally you are a legal adult at age 18? Yeah okay and legally in the UK you can drink alcohol at age 5 with adult supervision. It’s still regarded as unethical. int he modern day nobody actually regards 18 as being a mature adult capable of making mature decisions. You are not regarded as mature enough to live on your own, hold down a steady job or raise a family.

Yet more stupidity from this series

[lostmorals]

SECRET LAB? The words sung in his ear. FRONT PAGE STORY ! Imagine the papers the Daily Bugle would sell. With his name attached! It would be one of the biggest stories of the year. "A secret lab with human experiments?" He sighed, attempting to hide the smile that threatens to take over. BE CALM. "That's crazy. I can't believe he...that he would be doing something like that." Chase leans back, inwardly wracking his brain on what to do with this information. The reporter in him wants to sell it. Profit from it. But Gwen was such an important person in his life. Could he really be THAT selfish? "Maybe you should blackmail him back with it..."

Gwen HESITATED for a few moments before she sighed, nodding her head. The fact that Chase seemed to understand the implications of her involvement was something she found a little COMFORT in. "He showed me this-- secret lab, in the basement levels of Oscorp," she began slowly, a shiver creeping up her spine as she rubbed her shoulders a little. "They were doing a bunch of experiments, on people, Harry had taken one of the DRUGS himself," she sighed heavily. "He asked me to help but i've turned him down," she lifted her eyes to meet his once more. "I've signed NDA's to make sure that this doesn't come out--"

[lostmorals]

she was right. he was to blame for their friendship falling apart all those years ago. he didn't know how to maintain it at the time. he was a mess of spiraling inconsistency. a never-ending cycle of stress, anger, confusion, and depression. he was sick and tired of hurting her so he ended it. maybe it was selfish of him to want it back now. he should just let her move on and succeed in her goals. no matter if harry were attached to them or not. "i'm not sure..." he sighs into the phone, paying attention to his voice. "you get mad easily and defensive. there's times when i want to talk about things...hard things...and nothing changes. except for me bottling up and wondering if i'm the problem. things aren't easy...and maybe that's a sign that we're broken."

"Our FRIENDSHIP?" Gwen echoed, a small sigh leaving her then. Did he not remember ending the friendship when they were younger? She'd MOURNED him for years and while she was happy he was back in her life, it felt like it was at the expense of her career now. "Harry's just a friend, nothing more, I've TOLD you that--" and maybe Cate making her kiss Harry in front of him and admit that she loved him was something that was messing with them both. "Chase, I've never--" her voice broke as she breathed out a sigh, leaning against the door of her apartment then. "I've NEVER felt this way about anyone in my life. You must know that I do have feelings for you... don't you?"

[lostmorals]

"i'll admit, i don't like harry, that's no secret. but it's more than that. you don't think i miss our friendship? that i don't think about the way things used to be? i never replaced you. that spot has just been empty. seeing you with harry makes me feel like you replaced me. you seem so close with him now and every time i try to express my feelings, i feel villainized. you take it as me picking on you but really, its just things i'm struggling with. i don't know how to word things properly." guys are taught that expressing yourself makes you look weak. people see you differently once you open up and show them you're not as confident as they assumed. once that happens, your value goes down. you become less—less desirable, less attractive, less masculine. women will say that's not true and that they want guys to be open and honest with their feelings but the minute they do, they'll almost always be seen differently. "are you willing to give harry up?"

"I NEVER knew," Gwen admitted softly, sighing as she shook her head. Going out and partying like she didn't care about her safety was probably one of the many ways she'd acted out about how painful it was. She breathed out slowly, lips pursed together as she sighed. "I know I shouldn't have pushed you away like that," she continue with a low hum, biting on her lower lip. "I just, I thought you were only AROUND because you wanted to get back at Harry or something," she bit down on her lower lip. "Or take him down, not... not that you actually had feelings for me."

[lostmorals]

instead of knocking on her door, he takes a seat on the steps and leans back, imagining her on the other side. "you know i've never been good with my feelings." he doesn't know how to express them properly. that's why he's always been in toxic relationships. they were easier to entertain because love and happiness was never assumed. things with gwen were different. they've been best friends for so long. it would mean more and that was intimidating. "i would have. i don't think cate made me kiss you. why would she? i don't know why she wiped my memories but i want to find out. i think that's the lead here. how i feel shouldn't be a secret. i thought you knew."

Perhaps he was right about her all along... and maybe it was still Cate's influence. At this point, she didn't really know what to do apart from just trying to DISTRACT herself from the situation... except the frustrating part was that it meant a lot to her for Chase to actually say what he FELT... and it wasn't something he'd grace her with. "I just--" Gwen began, searching her thoughts for a moment before she sighed. "I want to know what you FEEL about me, Chase," she began softly. "I want to know if you would've kissed me then or if you HADN'T MEANT to."

[lostmorals]

"yeah, you are." she was protecting harry. whenever he suggests a way out from underneath osborn's puppeteering hands, she argues and gets mad. he was starting to wonder if she actually LIKES being bossed around and manipulated by oscorp's precarious prince. "you don't ALWAYS need answers, gwen." the moment he reaches her door, he stands there wondering why he's even here? could it have something to do with that girl cate and how their memories were stolen? or was he here because he WANTS to be. "just tell me what you want?"

Gwen slipped down onto the couch for a few moments, finding her bearings as she caught her breath. He was RIGHT about the whole alcohol issue; she'd never really been one to indulge and all of the things she'd done in the past few days were unlike what she would normally do... and YET, it was freeing to some extent. "I'm not trying to protect him," she sighed softly before she shook her head. "NO-- it's not, I'm just-- I'm trying to figure everything out," she admitted softly. She was confused and everything that was happening was such a blur that even her feelings were hard to decipher. "You keep PUSHING and yet you won't even tell me what you feel straight-up. Do you understand how confusing this all is?"

[lostmorals]

"why do you always do that?" he was making an effort to show her he cares. he wasn't the overly romantic type but he liked to believe his feelings were somewhat obvious. if he truly didn't care about her he would stay away. ignore her. not think twice about where she is or who she's with. the minute she stops hearing from him is the minute he finds someone else to occupy his thoughts and time. "you're the one who won't leave osborn. you're so worried about protecting him." he sighs and gets out of his car, heading toward her house. "is that your idea of fun now? nightclubs and rich men?"

Gwen let out a small groan in response, a shake of her head before taking in a slow breath. “I’m not YOUR responsibility,” she reminded him softly, pacing her apartment as she put him on loudspeaker, changing out of the dress Felicia had loaned to her for the night. “Why is it so important to you that I’m SAFE?” she asked softly. “It’s not like you’re interested in me like that,” she mumbled, frowning a little. “Seriously, Chase, what’s wrong with a little bit of fun? Maybe I LIKE dancing in clubs— it’s not like I’ve tried that before.”

[lostmorals]

"i don't know..." he doesn't know if he would have published it. there's a part of him that did consider it. he thought, consequences be dammed. however, where would that get him? yes, the front page. but where would that get him with gwen? she would never trust him with anything again. "i'm not hurt. i was...attacked by whatever the hell it was he had in there...but i'm okay." he sighs, parking across the street from her place. he isn't sure if he'll approach her door. doesn't know how smart it would be. "because, gwen. the things that he's doing is unethical. i'm trying to HELP you. get you away from him."

Gwen took in a breath, holding it there for a few moments before she sighed out softly. "Are you saying that you WOULD HAVE?" she asked, eyes widening at his response. "You can't have gone over there, Chase, you don't understand--" she frowned at his words, shaking her head. "Harry doesn't even know that I told ANYONE about it," she bit down on her lower lip. "Are you-- were you hurt?" she asked, trying not to show the concern through her voice as she bit down on her lower lip. "WHY did you have to go over there?"

[lostmorals]

"but that's just the THING, gwen, i DIDN'T publish it." chase was tired of the self-righteous attitude. he was TRYING to be there for her despite being pushed back with every second step. "if you want the truth - i did go to oscorp and i did investigate the lab. but, i didn't do anything." he didn't have a chance to. the accidental flash of his camera set something that was ASLEEP into a rage. he'd been struggling with himself ever since. "something got out though. something ... weird. guess you'll probably tell your boss on me?"

Gwen let out a HEAVY SIGH in response, biting on her lower lip. It wasn't like she didn't expect Chase to say something LIKE THIS; but it wasn't like she needed him to protect her either. Especially not after their last encounter. "I'm allowed to have OTHER friends who actually care more for me than a story to publish, Chase," she reminded him, keeping her voice as leveled as she could. She was already feeling lightheaded from the after effects of the alcohol. "I'm FINE," she insisted with a small roll of her eyes. Was it REALLY such a bad idea to try and have some fun without him involved. "NOTHING is going on-- I actually want to go out; and while I didn't appreciate that CREEP, I didn't mind the rest of the night."

[lostmorals]

"that's the ISSUE. you were out at a nightclub having fun with a bunch of suits. it's not like YOU." he wasn't trying to be controlling or toxic. it was a matter of knowing her better than anyone else. hanging out at seedy establishments with a bunch of greasy crooks wasn't in character for the girl next door. neither was being friends with someone like felicia hardy. yes, they were both hardworking girls driven by the idea of success, but felicia was a lot more promiscuous. "felicia, the girl with her boobs hanging out. come on..." chase sighed, making the decision to drive to gwen's house instead of his own. "what's really going on with you? and don't give me some bullshit about wanting to have FUN."

Gwen let out a frustrated sigh as the car stopped by her apartment. She thanked Harry’s driver before she got out, moving towards the door to unlock the front door before moving up the staircase to where she lived. “Chase, I really don’t know what you want me to say,” she mumbled, exhausted as she felt DEFEATED. If anything, it seemed like Harry cared more about her in making sure she’d gotten home safely. “I’m just trying to have FUN— you were in the same club too, and I’m not judging you for it,” she added softly. “You can't FAULT me for wanting to try new things; and besides, Felicia was with me the entire time.”

[lostmorals]

Chase struggles to give her an immediate answer. If she tells him something career-changing why wouldn't he use it to get a foot up and to save his job? At the same time, he does feel a sense of loyalty. Gwen wasn't just some random girl to him. They grew up together and he cares for her deeply; even if he doesn't always show it. "I prioritize your safety, Gwen. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize your future after you spent so much time protecting mine."

Gwen let out a small sigh in response, shaking her head. Did he really expect for her to BELIEVE him when he couldn’t even remember that kiss they shared? He was her first kiss years back— and he’d DRIFTED away then, too. Maybe she meant nothing to him, or maybe he was telling her the truth. She was frustrated, running her fingers through her hair as she let out a small sigh. “You— SWEAR that none of this is going to be in the Bugle..?” she asked softly, lifting her eyes up to meet his. Maybe she could TRUST him.

[lostmorals]

chase gives an audible sigh into the phone. it wasn't her fault that his camera was shattered but it was still worth bringing up. if she didn't make a huge deal about him approaching her, the angry wannabe mobsters wouldn't have stepped in. "i'm not going to make you pay for it. i'm not saying its your fault. but i don't understand why you acted the way you did back there. its not like i published the story." but he did break into oscorp later that night and took a few pictures before something attacked him. since then he's been having these strange urges. "why do you keep asking me why do i care? i'm the only one who fucking cares. you walk around pretending like everything is fine and normal and its fucking not, gwen."

“You’re calling me because your camera is BROKEN?” Gwen spoke slowly then, a breath leaving her as she watched the lights from the window. “What, are you going to have me pay for it or something?” she asked, frustration in her tone then. Now that Harry wasn’t making her stay away from him, she’d seen Chase in a DARKER light— and maybe Harry had been RIGHT about it all along. Did she have to remind him that he was at the same club, too? “I don’t know who they are— Felicia’s friends, maybe, but does it matter? They weren’t hurting me,” she added with a sigh. . “I don’t understand why I OWE you an explanation. Why do you care about where I spend my time, Chase?” she asked, her voice heavy.

[lostmorals]

chase sighs into the phone before answering, "isn't it obvious? what the hell was that back there?" those guys broke his camera and would have broken more if felicia hadn't called her dogs off. who was gwen involved with now? he would bet they were harry's goons. "who were those guys you were with? they broke my camera and had their hands all over you. is that what you're doing now? hanging out at nightclubs with a bunch of low-lives?" he wasn't even sure why he cared. she made things pretty clear between them when she kicked him out of her house.

"Thank you, Fel. I'll SEE you at work tomorrow?" Gwen managed a small smile, giving the other blonde's hand a small squeeze before she pulled back, sparing another look towards Chase before she disappeared to the main exit. She was SURPRISED when Harry's driver had approached, addressing her as Miss Stacy and escorting her to one of the cars parked on the street. It was much more convenient than an Uber; and the driver did say she could go wherever she wanted, and she asked to be taken home. She sat in the back, leaning against the seat as she felt bruising on her arm where she'd caught her fall earlier, her phone buzzing with Chase's name on the screen. She sighed heavily, shaking her head as she answered the phone. "What do you WANT, Chase?"

[lostmorals]

unbeknownst to everyone there, harry already had a driver waiting for gwen. he wanted to make sure no one was driving home drunk so he told the driver to take her anywhere she wants when she leaves the club. "okay, i can make sure he gets out of here in one piece." felicia assures her with a soft smile that barely touches her eyes. "if you change your mind though i'm a text a way."

felicia did as gwen asked and stopped the fight that was about to break out. she nearly had to knee one of the older guys in the balls. but thankfully a bouncer intervened and chase was able to slip out the back exit. however instead of being grateful for the teeth he was able to keep, he called gwen and asked to meet up.

As much as she knew it wasn't Felicia's FAULT that they'd gotten into this mess in the first place, she knew she just wanted to get home already. "No, NO, it's fine-- you-- you go have fun," she looked over her shoulder at the men surrounding Chase, a heavy breath leaving her then. "But--" she began softly, taking a breath. "-- do you think you can get your friends to leave Chase alone?" she gestured to the scene happening behind them. "I'll-- manage to find a ride home, I just... I don't want him getting hurt."