#I’ve grown to see I have so much more control than I realized. I think that’s the way it is for lots of us

[angelnumber27]

I’ve been so much more just.. idk happy I guess in general lately and I am so beyond thankful

[echo-and-dust]

now that my brain has somewhat unscrambled itself i have gotten most of my thoughts in order about season 3.

and the first thing i will say is: i loved it.

while it was gutwrenching and polarizing in some ways and i feel that i am entitled to financial compensation for what its done to my mental health, i loved this season for pretty much almost everything it did.

i cannot fault people for having issues with much of the characterization and plot choices made—that’s been the trend during the entire run of the show after all, and imo it’s a testament to the phenomenal way it generates nuance—but i wanted to share my feelings on the recurring opinions i’ve seen about some of these things.

first, i do not blame simon at all for the things he said in the final scene. he’s a child who has been receiving endless verbal and physical harassment on top of all the trauma he is still trying to heal from. he just watched his boyfriend lash out in anger and hurt—while not at him, but it must’ve been a close resemblance of how he might’ve seen micke act. at least, that's what i thought, though i've seen others say otherwise.

and yes, wille is not micke, but just because wille’s source of outbursts is different from micke’s doesn’t mean simon is wrong in drawing similarities. at least he's finally getting a true glimpse into what wille has had to deal with. i've honestly grown to like that they didn't have simon immediately comfort him though; wille's mental illness is not his fault, but it is his responsibility, and instead of pushing a message of unhealthy co-dependence, the show has simon be honest: "but i see that everything hurts you and that hurts me too." and to me, that's so important.

plus, it doesn't make their love any less genuine. wille is a victim of the circumstances; he is not evil, and he is not undeserving of simon. he just has a lot of growing and healing to do, a lot of unlearning and exposure therapy because he's still blinded by privilege even when he tries not to be.

speaking of, i have so many thoughts about wille that i feel like i need to save for its own separate post, but to sum them up: i'll still defend him with my life, and he needs to get the fuck away from that institution.

also, the fact that the responsibility of controlling simon's media decisions was placed solely on wille confused me at first like—why wouldn't they get a professional to give him proper media training?

then i realized, this could be the royal court's way of sabotaging their relationship. they knew that making wille the one to tell simon what he can and cannot say or post would create distance and animosity between them. despite the ramifications of simon's behavior on social media, it seems they still thought it best to have his boyfriend be the one to try to mold him into the system. because they knew that's how they could get rid of him. in conclusion, fuck the royal court (we been knew but still).

one of the standouts this season was their transparency regarding the show's politics. it not only works well with the show's arc (wilmon is public, everything's out in the open now and there's nothing to hide), but also it felt necessary at a time where censorship has been rapidly gaining momentum. it felt so refreshing for these characters to talk so openly about racial discrimination and queerphobia and class disparities, forcing both character and viewer to acknowledge that they exist and you should feel uncomfortable about it.

i don't think i can add much more to what was already said about it—most of the fandom is more eloquent and observant than i am anyway—i just wanted to reinforce how important this season is to myself and the story even with how controversial it is to fans right now. a lot of people may disagree with me and that's fine.

[helixobesity]

🌀 Wish 🌀

Hey! Thank you so much for coming here on such short notice!

I know, I know I said it was an emergency

Let me explain in a minute!

But I just wanted to take a second and talk to you

I know it’s been a while since college

We never really talked about… that night

You haven’t forgotten have you?

When you let slip your little secret?

Oh come on don’t play dumb with me!

An accomplished athlete into feedism of all things?

God when I caught you stuffing your face in bed with that laptop open…

Yeah… yeah I remember we said we wouldn’t talk about it to anyone, and cross my heart I never did!

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t think about it

About you.

What I mean is… every relationship since then

I’ve made my partners huge

I don’t really know what clicked in me

But seeing you doing that in secret for just a little extra cash

It made me start to dive into feedism too

But I don’t care much for stuffing my face, but seeing someone else do it

That became addicting

Don’t hide how red in the face you’re getting!

I knew you couldn’t have grown out of it

And considering that extra pudge you’re hiding under that coat

You haven’t been resisting either~

Just a couple cravings?

Cheat days?

Oh no, it’s more than that

I texted you because… I’m the reason you’ve started putting on weight that isn’t going away

Your secret weekly stuffings, and then you’d work it all off right away

It hasn’t been working suddenly, right?

And let’s face it I saw how tight those jeans were when you walked in here

The emergency I was talking about?

Well, I made a wish a few weeks ago

With something very powerful, so to speak

Something that caters to very specific needs

Oh I can’t tell you that, it would break the wish

But I’ve thought about you as I’ve wandered through other relationships

It was never the same as that night

And you know it hasn’t been the same doing it alone

So…

I wished for exactly what I wanted

And that means you’re going to keep getting fatter now

And I don’t mean just chubby

I mean that you’re going to need someone around to help manage how much lard is going to be molded onto your body

I’m sure if I told you how big I wished for you to be, it would break its hold on you

But where’s the fun in that you know?

Oh! Thank you so much, yes, Just the one plate for me, the rest is for them~

I figured you’d get hungry during our little talk and ordered before you got here

And by the look in your eye you’re realizing you don’t have control over yourself anymore

You’re already grabbing the fork and stuffing your face, piggy

I think you’re better off canceling your plans for the next while

Why? Gosh, piggy, unless you want to go around and be seen as a naked, ravenous blob soon, be my guest

Or

You can stay with me and I’ll take care of you

Making sure the wish is fulfilled

Sound like a deal?

🌀 Good piggy~ 🌀

Now go on and eat up the rest, and we’ll hit up a couple more restaurants on the way back to my place!

🌀💿🌀💿🌀💿🌀💿🌀💿🌀

[nereidprinc3ss]

ok LOVED the ask about dybmn!spence headcanons … to add on to that (& please correct me if i’m wrong!!! i don’t mind at all if your opinion is diff than mine hehe) but i wonder if/feel like spence would get sort of condescending? like as reader gets more comfortable with herself you know? & never in an awful way but i think just leaning a little more into the power dynamics? like back in part 1 where he asks if it’s too much she says no and he goes “no of course it isn’t. you’ll just take whatever i give you won’t you” or smth like that and that part had me kicking my feet LOL like he’s not being inappropriate or playing on her insecurities but it’s just something i think fits! also in a couple of your other fics even if they don’t belong in this universe but like in relax (which is my favorite thing you’ve written btw ily) she says it’s too much and he goes “no it’s not” and essentially you can take it and. SQUEALS like it’s not in a gross way but it’s like deliciously condescending #toME idk maybe this is purely self indulgent but i do think that it’s something he would be into. like the “you can take it” OR OMG when he makes her use her words. DIES omg this is so long and all over the place i hope this made sense LOL but either way again i loved you expanding on the headcanons so much … love to hear what’s going on inside the perfect brain that brings us all these fics LOL kisses babe

i love you anon god bless the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs who turned into the fossils that created the oil that became the gas that fueled the car that drove your mother to the hospital on the day you were born

more 18+ ramblings

i’ve always thought that spencer has a mean side. and i don’t mean that as in classic degradation but as you said condescension. i think in the dybmn universe he’s been holding himself in check a lot, much more than we realize, because he doesn’t wanna overwhelm the reader or accidentally make her feel bad about herself because he knows she’s still fragile at this point. but it definitely sneaks into the way he speaks to her sometimes, like as you said in part one, and it’s definitely pretty clear in his thoughts in part three. and it’s like this weird dissonant motivation where on the one hand he wants her to know it’s okay to not think so fucking hard all the time and to just let him take care of her and on the other he genuinely wants to cultivate her ability to stand up for herself during sex and tell him what she wants. like when he says he wants her words he really wants her words, he wants to make sure she’s engaged and present and she doesn’t have to be eloquent but he does expect a response of some sort.

and then some of it is just because he likes seeing how desperate she gets for him like….. use your words or ask for what you want or whatever are all said with the same unspoken messages which are you’re a grown up so act like it or remember how smart you were five minutes ago or it’s so cute when i let you talk back to me and we pretend like i can’t fix your attitude the second i decide im sick of it

like he just really gets off on the implicit control he has over her, not because he has to forcibly take it but because she hands it to him and she trusts him with it and he LOVES being trusted, he wants to make sure she knows he’ll never break her trust and he’ll always take care of her even if he’s sometimes a little mean😁 he just loves reader BAD

but ya at the root of all the condescension is just a lot of genuine adoration probably because he’s sooooo whipped it’s sickening truly

[orbital-inclination]

Nightmare and rem, with ‘I’ for the ask prompt!

Prompt: I. Broken glass. WC: 927 Feat, angst! again! tentatively takes place in that unnamed AU i have going on. Nightmare and Rem argue about ethics and family. that's it. That's the fic. Thank you for coming to this ted talk, no i'm not sure how i got that from “broken glass” either.

----------------------

“Now, why would you do that? Really, Rem. You must work on your temper.” Rem gritted his teeth. He shook his hand and the numbness from his knuckles. Shards of glass sang with sickly sweetness as they fell from his wrist. “Shut up.”

“Watch how you speak to me. I can’t have my men getting the wrong impression.” 

Rem scoffed. He plucked a shard from between his metacarpal and brushing off his sleeve, stepped away from the cabinet. His frustration and anger and worry had gotten the better of him and he’d punched it on impulse. 

To put it simply, his soul was not used to being immersed in so much negativity. The negativity of this universe was overwhelming enough on its own but it was worse here, where Nightmare claimed his throne.

He felt less in control of his magic by the day. The thought scared him.

“Drop the pretense. We both know they’re more than soldiers to you.”

His counterpart stiffened. The tentacles slowed their languid movement. Rem eyed them warily. They almost seemed to have a mind of their own. A mind that sometimes betrayed his alternate’s first impulse. Occasionally, that first impulse was violence.

“Or...” Rem began just as slowly, aware of the very fragile line he was treading. “... are you not ready to admit that, yet?”

“Your attempts to provoke me will not succeed,” Nightmare finally deigned to turn around and look at him, hands clasped behind his back. “Speculation goes both ways. Did you think I wouldn’t catch the pity you feel for them? Killer tells me you’ve been smuggling snacks to Horror.”

Rem kept his face carefully blank. “I wasn’t aware food was something that could be smuggled in your own house.” 

“Ah, but this isn’t your house. This is my house and in my house there are rules that must be followed. One of those rules is that we adhere to a time when we eat and when we don't. I’ve implemented such things for a reason.”

“Rules that I might add, are useless as they are unnecessary.”

Nightmare scowled. “You are too soft with them.” “And you are too strict!” Rem snapped. “Do you not see how much you are holding them back?” Nightmare’s teeth flashed in a restrained snarl. “I do not appreciate what you are insinuating. Do you realize where they would be without me? Without us? Deadend timelines with no hope of a future, of change of any sort. To be stuck in that corpse of a plane for eternity is a cruelty even I would not wish on my worst enemy.”

“Because you provide this ‘choice’—” Rem lifted his hands to make air quotes. At this gesture, Nightmare felt truly affronted. “—you have grown complacent. Do you really think you have their loyalty, when all you have offered them is the bare minimum?”

A strange expression eclipsed his counterpart’s face. Rem did his best not to smirk. “Do you understand my point now? Loyalty is a choice. If given the chance to have something better, what do you think they will choose?”

A low threatening rumble thundered through his counterpart’s chest. He rounded on Rem, to do what, he wasn’t sure, but then Nightmare froze, and almost as quickly as he had turned, that growl transformed into a laugh.

“Ah! I see now. This was your attempt at sowing discord! Bravo.” he shook his head. A step taken forward, and Rem took one step back. 

“A decent try, I must admit, but you underestimated my confidence. This fear of abandonment... It was something we once shared. That’s true. But we’ve diverged enough from each other that fear is no longer relevant.” Nightmare smiled cruelly. “By the nature of the work they do for me... where else would they go? Who would take them in? They have no one. No place to call home. No family left but what little comradery they find in each other... oh? You are disgusted by my words again. Is it not the same for your den of thieves?”

“I would never pretend to offer a choice that did not exist.” Rem hissed. 

“Ah, you heard about what happened with Dust, hm? What happened with him was unfortunate but necessary. But I suppose I can't expect you to understand this. After all, it is more critical for me to feed on a constant source of negativity than it is for you. I wonder... perhaps that’s where this softness comes from. You can feed yourself easily enough in your universe, comparatively. But I am almost always hungry.” 

Nightmare’s eyelight, that deep sea foam green took on a malevolent glint and that Rem did not like. A shiver ran through him, of what could have been; a future he’d narrowly avoided by chance. If he had not sidestepped that axe, if Dream had not returned when he did… was this the kind of person he would have become? 

“I wonder how your brother handles his hunger? Afterall, you are actively chipping away at his source of strength, bit by bit.”

“I am not hurting him,” Rem said defensively. “I am alleviating the curse. The less it’s fed into the weaker it becomes, and the less strain he’s under!”

“Are you?” Nightmare said, softly and wickedly. “Or are you just limiting his potential? Perhaps it's not that he is enduring under too much positivity, but not enough. Consider if the solution to your problem is counter to what you believe.”

He felt sick.

Nightmare grinned. “Well... it’s something to think about, at any rate.”

[avatarmerida]

Hypothetically. How do you think willows dads would react to meeting hunter (either before they get together or after) 👀

They had been on two dates. Well, two official certified dates. Hunter wasn’t sure what counted as a date. Was it anytime they were alone together? What about double dates? Did it have to be for a certain amount of time? Did certain activities not qualify?

But Willow referred to it as “going out” and “dating”, which made him think of a endless date. So he treated every encounter like it was a date, just in case.

In his research, he found common things that often composed a successful date: the way you greeted each other, the way you said goodnight, the amount of eye contact you maintain were all important factors. So, he made sure that every time he saw Willow, he greeted her with a gift. The books suggested flowers, which Willow adored of course, but he didn’t want it to get boring so sometime it was flowers and other times it was patch or a hair clip or a drawing of a wolf.

Willow tried to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but she didn’t try very hard because she did love being showered in gifts. Hunter thought it was more than a fair trade, because no matter what gift he gave her she reacted as though he had given her the moon. She would show everyone and gush about how sweet her boyfriend was and Hunter surely would get the moon of he could hear her say that everyday.

Hunter had never been a boyfriend before, and wanted to ensure he was doing his absolute best. He composed a list of steps and topics that usually arose in a relationship and would check off each step as they want no matter how small, tracking their progress.

There was one in particular he kept putting off.

So that’s how he found himself at Willow’s door, more dressed up than he had ever been in his life. He had let Darius take control, picking out his outfit and styling his hair to ensure he was the spitting image of a perfect boyfriend. He stood at the door for what felt like ages, begging his arm to raise so he could knock and announce his presence. But he was frozen, realizing that right now was the last time he could imagine what it be like. Soon he would know, and according to all the books this could make or break their relationship.

He didn’t need to knock on the door as Willow soon swung it open dramatically, delighted to see him.

“I thought I saw you out here,” she giggled. “Were you trying to scare me or did you come all the way here just to stare at my front door?”

“Oh, no! No, of course not I uh well these are for you,” he said first and foremost, handing her the small bouquet. “I just uh... was stopping because well uh...do you remember the other day when we were talking about things that people do when they’re... uh romantically involved?”

“I do,” she said. She has stopped correcting him to call it “dating’’ as his terminology had really grown on her. She was a fairly big fan of him saying something was romantic.

“Well there was one at the end that really stood out to me, and I said that I didn’t know if I was ready but... I am now.”

Willow’s eyes lit up. “Are you... are you sure?” She asked, excitement swirled her voice. She tried not to let it show too much to ensure he gave her an honest answer, but she couldn’t helped but be biased right now.

Hunter nodded. “I don’t know if I’ll be good at it but I really like you and... I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t kind of looking forward to it. It kind of make me nervous but I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Like... a lot.”

“Well I really like you too.” She said, playing with her braid. “And I’ve been thinking about it a lot too.”

“So you don’t think it’s too soon?” He asked, wiping his hands on his dress pants, her response relieving him somewhat. “Because if you’re uncomfortable I can always come back a different time and I-.”

“Right now sounds perfect.”

Hunter gave her a big dopey grin and took a small step forward. Willow looked up at him breathlessly, she moved the flowers she held to her side so they wouldn’t get crushed as the space between them lessened. She was thankful Hunter looked just as flustered as she imagined she did, standing so close together. But she loved it. She gently placed her free hand on his cheek and closed her eye as she brought herself onto her tip toes to kiss him. She moved slowly as to not crash into him, but it felt almost impossible.

She could tell Hunter seemed taken back at first, she heard him inhale sharply through his nose as though he had forgotten how to breath. But soon enough his tenseness left him and he bent down a tad so it was easier to kiss him. He placed a hand on her shoulder to steady himself before placing it on her jawline to mirror her.

“Well, that’s one way to answer the door I suppose,” came a voice from behind them.

Hunter instantly broke away, taking a grand step back as Willow turned around to see her fathers standing in the doorway. Their arms were crossed as they normally were when she was in trouble, but they faces didn’t hold the usual disapproval.

“Dad! Papa! What are you-.”

“We’re answering the door,” replied Harvey with a littler smirk. “But it looks like you beat us to it. This must be the famous Hunter I take it?”

“Oh well I sure hope so,” laughed Gilbert, jabbing his husband in the ribs who offered a chuckle.

Hunter looked utterly modified, Willow had never seen his face so red. She was worried he might pass out for a second.

“N-nice to meet you sirs,” said Hunter loudly, looking like a lost baby deer, as he stuck his hand out to greet them. They both shook his hand as Willow stood between them slightly confused. Hunter looked like he was sour to pass out.

“Nice to officially meet you too, son,” said Harvey. “We were so glad to have gotten your message, we have many questions.”

“I’m sure I’ll be happy to answer all of them!”

“We’ll see about that,” said Gilbert in a low voice before heading back inside.

“Luckily we have all night to take about your relationship with our daughter.” added Harvey as he walked inside as well, trying not to burst into laughter as he took the flowers from Willow. “I’ll put these in some water for you dear.”

Willow walked back to Hunter who finally managed to exhale when her dads were out of sight.

“So... when you said you were nervous about something, you were talking about... meeting my dads?”

Hunter nodded.

“Oh, so when you were leaning in, you were-.”

“-ringing the doorbell,” he finished. “The books all say it’s proper etiquette.”

“Oh,” said Willow remembering now that they had talked about that too, but she had brought up their first kiss many times, mostly to see how red the tips of his ears got. She thought her not so subtle hints had worked. “Sorry about that.”

“Oh no no no no please don’t be sorry!” Said Hunter frantically. “That was the total opposite of sorry! It was great! I mean, I’m uh... t-thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said shyly. “Well, hope you don’t mind reaching two milestones in one night.”

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with being a head of schedule,” he laughed, erasing her embarrassment.

“Yeah, I guess that means we can move the engagement up.”

Hunter looked as though he was going to explode. “What?”

“Oh no no no I’m joking, I’m joking,” assured Willow, as she took his hands in hers and held them tightly. “Do not mention that to them!”

“Well now it’s all I can think about!” Hunter spiraled as he started to sweat.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Willow repeated. “Just pretend I didn’t say anything!”

“Am I just supposed to pretend like I don’t wanna marry you?” Hunter shut his mouth as soon as the words left. His mind raced with how to recover but he could not find a way. The only way out now was to die on their doorstep, but he didn’t want to be such an inconvenience. “I mean... I don’t not want to-.”

“Now who’s the one skipping steps?” she laughed and he joined her, taking a deep breath and calming down. “How about you start with telling them how awesome I am? They’ll like that, they’ll probably take credit for that.”

“Literally all my talking points revolve around that.”

“Good,” she smiled. “I mean, first impressions aren’t everything, right? The first time we met, I dragged you out the sky with a vine and look at us now! This was just a cute misunderstanding. This will just be a funny story they can tell at our wedding.”

“Okay, I just stopped thinking about it and now it’s back again,” groaned Hunter. Willow giggled and apologized, but he could tell she wasn’t really all that sorry. She took his hand and went to lead him inside but he pulled her back gently.

“Hey wait, uh do you think we could maybe... do it again?” Hunter asked bashfully “Ya know, just because I wasn’t prepared to the first time and I want to be... I mean I don’t want you to think... but I think it would be nice if-.”

“Of course,” Willow responded, standing back in front of him. She closed her eyes and waited, allowing him to set the pace this time. He placed his hands on the side of her face, remembering once she had done that to him claiming she could hold the whole world in her hands. It felt right, it felt terrifying and delicate and wonderful, but most of all it felt right.

Hunter gulped and took a deep breath before carefully and slowly leaning down to her. She was trying not to smile but a small smile still shone in her pursed lips.

Before he could meet her lips, a loud cough from behind her stopped him dead in his tracks. He looked up in horror to see her dads had returned to the scene, most likely to see what was taking them so long. Hunter was frozen with his hand still on the sides of Willow’s face whose eyes had also opened wide in horror.

“Will you two be joining us for dinner or would you like us to reschedule around a time that works better for you and your kissing calendar?”

[tiedsh0es]

Ok Silver. I feel like people just write him off as mean and don’t get how well-written he is, and how actually crazy a character like him staying till the FINAL 4 is. He never, ever would have gotten that far, never ever would have grown as much as he did if viewer voting was still in. That said, it’s because of this that I’m even more heartbroken that he didn’t get much of a sendoff in the finale.

Silver is such a complicated character, while his personality never changes he himself does change a little. He’s egotistical, and puts the show above everything else. But there are also moments where he shows he does try to make connections with people. I remember in episode 4, after he gets OJ voted out. He’s pretty proud of this! And tries to get the others in his team to join in on his enthusiasm, when they don’t take it in a good way Silver sort of shuts down. Crosses his arms and stands away from the group. He never really shows emotion; he just goes to the sideline and ignores things. He doesn’t really have the best social etiquette and because of his abrasive personality people don’t really want to try with him. But Candle actually involves him in things, even when he messes up with OJ she takes his hand and includes him into the group.

And in his speech he knows people don’t actually like him. He has to cross his fingers and hope he can sweet-talk his way out of it.

But Candle is there and he’s been practicing his powers for her, so he tries to show off his powers not realizing how much of an insult this is- and when Candle shuts him down there is a moment where he looks genuinely hurt before he- in silver fashion- shakes it off literally saying out loud to Cabby none of that! He’s never learned to actually show the vulnerable side of him. There is no proper communication here.

-

And the first part of the finale made me so- so hopeful!! The inner flame is such an important part to Silver and Candle’s character. It’s been mentioned and talked about since episode four, it’s what got them to first stick together. 

When the inner-flame takes over- and.. I saw a lot of people didn’t understand that Silver was NOT in control here, it was his inner-flame- it reveals the feelings he’s always hiding, he trusted that Candle believed in him, and “right when I finally felt like more than nothing” he feels betrayed. For a character that acts so egotistical to say that, he’s basically admitting he puts on an affront because he knows he’s unlikable and hard to get along with.

The inner flame is something he’s worked on, and gotten better at for candle. But he misunderstands the true meaning of it. And in his muddled up emotions he ends up hurting candle with it- the one person who has ever actually shown to care about him but not change him. He looks genuinely HORRIFIED that he’s done this. Finally his rash personality has real consequences. 

The first part of the finale was so good.. It put up so many stakes… it made me think I was going to get the silver send-off I’ve been wanting for like… actually a year 😭but then… Silver doesn’t really get to do anything. We never ever really get to hear Candle’s side of things, she just immediately forgives him… 

And they write off Candle as fine, as if she never got hurt in the first place as if her literal inner flame going out has no consequence. Silver mentions how he messed up but doesn’t really do anything besides that… He NEVER even got to conquer his inner flame!! That’s just a loose thread we never get to see! It would have been SO MUCH MORE impactful if Silver used his inner flame for another person, instead of using it for himself. If he mastered it to try and save Candle or even Springy or literally anyone!! But Silver didn’t get to do any of that!! All the consequences, all the episodes of him slowly learning he has an inner-flame for nothing?? Actually for nothing?? I’m actually devastated. He was so clever, so well-written, so complicated and this is how they ended his character?? I’m just so so sad.

I think the final episodes had a sort of writers-conflict, did they not  talk about how they wanted it to end?? Both episodes have very different stakes and feelings. It’s very sad that this is how they decided to end the final ep. I’m not happy with it. I have other complaints but Silver was what I was most disappointed with. Because even if there is a season 4 and he comes back for some reason they’ll never have the opportunity to show how clever he is, and let him grow as naturally as he did in invitational. (ok just realised both episodes had the same writer WHAT HAPPENED??????)

[beatificwrites]

—CASUALTY

pairing: din djarin x transmasc!reader

a/n: my apologies for such a late upload! i’ve been tired ;( also realized i made this way longer than it had to be, but oh well! i tried to take my own spin on the request!

REQUESTED BY @rottedmolarx

content: sci-fi related violence, injury, mild cursing

word count: 2.2k

premise: you and din stumble into some trouble on a bounty hunt and you get seriously hurt near the chest area. din needs to help patch you up, but he has yet to find out whatever it is that you’re hiding.

Din had been out since morning returning a favor to a friend who had helped you guys out once. You knew the work involved capturing a creature of some kind and the effort would be long and strenuous.

It was dark out and you waited patiently in front of the opening with Grogu in your embrace.

The sound of the crest’s doors opening made the young one coo in your arms. He stretched his little arms out, signaling for you to put him down; someone was excited to see their father.

You smiled and carefully placed the little one down before Din came through the opening. Almost immediately, Grogu was at his feet.

“Nice to see you too, buddy.” he chuckled, tiredly through the modulator.

At once, he picked him up and you watched the adorable father and son moment.

You found their relationship to be the absolute cutest! Din was not related to the young one in any way, however that didn’t stop him from traveling and escaping to the ends of the galaxy just to protect him.

In the time that you’ve spent with Grogu, you’ve grown to feel the exact same way.

Bounty hunting for a living while also having to take care of a small child together had caused tensions to rise between the two of you. The odd family dynamic had made them bound to happen.

You would catch him stealing glances at you and even finding ways to brush up against you or put his hands on you. For instance, you passing him tools and him grabbing them from your hands and letting his fingers linger for a split second before moving on.

It wasn’t too much out of the ordinary for you to ever question, but you liked his touch.

You would stare too, though you never noticed he could see you.

You had even grown close enough for him to reveal his real name. It made you feel guilty for hiding a part of yourself, but you knew everything had to be done at its own pace.

Your eyes were laid on the mandalorian since the day you two met, but you kept to yourself. You two just completed jobs together, nothing more.

You couldn’t stop yourself from admiring him anyhow. His prowess, his strength, his monotone yet charming voice, his surprisingly humorous personality, his…quite literally everything had you thinking about him nonstop.

Not only did you admire him in those ways, but you also wished you could be a bit like him. You wished you could possess the same amount of coolness he carried.

Those two thoughts were meant to stay hidden though. You shook your head slightly as to shake away the feelings and not get caught awkwardly, staring at Din.

He looked up through his helmet and nodded as a way of greeting you. You gave him a soft smile and he carried the child to the cockpit before taking a seat in his chair. Grogu moved onto his lap, cooed again, then snuggled ever so gently into his armor. You wondered how the small one could find the beskar so comfortable.

“Got us another bounty. Hoth. This one covers weeks worth of fuel and food. You up for it?” the mandalorian asked as he turned to face the monitors and look up said bounty.

The bright, luminous screen appeared suddenly over the control panel.

You sat in the co-pilot seat and closely analyzed the bounty. She was not of human race and appeared to be of some alien species you’ve never seen before; and you’ve seen a lot.

You examined her stats and noticed there was no reason given as to why she was wanted. You figured she was affiliated with some sith lord or something.

“Yeah, what do you say we head out tomorrow?“ you asked, turning to face him.

“Alright, first thing in the morning.” he sighed as he agreed.

“You should definitely get some rest first. You’ve had a long day.” you noticed how tired he looked, even through the beskar.

“Can you really tell?” he asked incredulously.

“Oh, please. Your two sighs away from passing out.” you joked, but you both knew it was true.

“Well, you had to watch over Grogu all day. I’m sure you’re tired. Someone has to get us to Hoth.” he countered.

“Din, I may be a little tired, but I don’t mind getting us there. Like I said, you need to get some rest.” you insisted.

“Do you even know how to get us to hyperspace?” he asked in an unsure tone.

“Yes, I can manage just fine. Now go to sleep.” you ordered.

He eyed you once more, “are you sure?”

“How hard can it be?” you shrugged as you shooed him out of his seat.

Din had no choice, but to obey and he put the child to sleep before falling soundly asleep in his small cot.

༶•┈┈୨୧┈┈•༶

Only hours later, Din was awakened by Grogu’s loud cries and the crest's violent, turbulent shakes.

He immediately got out of the cot and reached for the child. He frantically searched for you before remembering you were still flying the ship.

“What’s going on?!” he shouted over the blaring alarms.

“These starcruisers started blasting us out of nowhere! I’ve been fighting them off and trying to get us to Hoth! It's not that far now!" you shouted back.

Din pressed a few buttons on the control panel, then flipped a switch that finally ended the noisy alarms.

You were struggling to keep the cruisers off and fly at the same time. Din quickly placed the child on the co-pilot seat, then took control of the huge blaster and aimed steadily as the cruisers flew in front.

"Just get us there! I got these two!" he yelled, then fired a few shots to the back of the first cruiser.

You tried to focus amidst the chaos, but with every blast the crest took, the more your worry grew and the more your concentration broke.

"We're taking too many hits!" you shouted hectically.

"We're fine!" he shouted back, not wanting to face the fact that the crest was most definitely done for.

Lucky enough, you were nearing Hoth's exosphere and Din managed to fire one final blast to the first cruiser's pilot.

The second pilot, however, remained hovering nearby and followed the crest as you dove headfirst into the planet.

The immense turbulence you faced now was nothing compared to the potent shakes you guys were experiencing just a few moments prior. You were sure you were going to crash. The crest was in horrible condition.

You tried to steer as much as you could, but to no avail. You simply let go and mindlessly, reached for Grogu and Din, so you could tightly embrace them while bracing for impact.

The crest was subjected to a harsh landing on Hoth and you three flew out of your seats.

You fell to the ground from the impact to your head and though in much pain, you smiled in relief once you noticed the child was not hurt; you held onto him pretty tight.

Din was groaning in pain beside you. He turned his head to make sure you both were okay.

"You alright?" he asked, weakly.

"Sort of, just hit my head pretty hard." you managed to respond.

He took a pause before stating, "That pilot followed us here. Bet he crashed too and is lurking around."

"I'll go." you sighed as you tried to get up, but Din placed his hand on your shoulder.

"Uh-ughn, you stay here." Din was quick to oppose.

For some odd reason, he couldn’t help the feeling of wanting to protect you even though you had put yourself in danger many times before.

"You don't look so hot, either." you scoffed, then slowly got up anyway.

Grogu cooed at your feet, and you pet his head before helping Din stand.

"Let's both get him." he said, and you couldn't agree more.

You left Grogu inside, so he wouldn't have to face the cold weather.

You gathered all the muscle strength you could while Din walked as if he felt no pain at all.

Freezing bits of snow hit your face as you two trudged through the worsening blizzard.

It was difficult to see anything; only close obstacles were in view.

Din led the way and you followed close behind, scanning for a wrecked starcruiser.

You had begun to question whether or not the pilot had really survived the fall or not. You and Din had trudged for about 3 miles already.

Suddenly, a round of blasts were fired and you took a solid hit straight to the chest. You fell onto the thick snow and Din yelled for you.

You winced in immense pain. You tried to feel for the burning flesh, but you felt almost paralyzed.

The mandalorian turned his back and surged forward before adeptly unloading his blaster and firing at the cruiser.

He heard a grunt, then trudged forward a bit to see if he was down.

“You..will never get away with the child.” the pilot breathed out.

“I already have.” Din simply said as he fired a final blow.

At once, he picked you up and trudged as fast as he could back to the crest. He was worried sick.

Your eyes were shutting as he carried you back.

He placed you on the floor of the cockpit and went to go grab the bacta spray. He came back and was ready to take off your cloak and top.

Your eyes widened before blurting out, “I’m good! I’ll apply the spray myself, Din!”

He was confused. You were injured and you always allowed him to treat you.

“You’re hurt. Let me do it.” he proceeded to lift your undershirt, but you moved his hand away.

“It’s small wound, it barely even grazed me! Now let me do it.” you excused yourself.

“It’s gonna be hard to wrap the wound yourself.” he brought up.

Shit. This is it. you thought. There’s no other way.

“Fine.” you sighed as you gave up.

Din took off your cloak first, then slowly removed your undershirt. You watched as he noticed your binder, but to your surprise he didn’t comment.

He understood now and wanted to respect your privacy.

“Here. Apply the bacta yourself, then turn around so I can patch you up.” he finally says and hands you the bacta bottle.

Your brows furrowed as you took the spray reluctantly.

“You’re not going to question me? After all this time you’ve known me?” you asked, stunned.

“You don’t have to explain to me anything if you don’t want to.” he answered, reassuringly.

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“Why would it?” he asked with furrowed brows, though you could not see.

You remained silent and slowly turned to apply the bacta yourself.

“Could you help me remove it?.”

Din complied and took off your binder for you. His hands were gloved yet his touch was still soft.

You sprayed the bacta onto your fingers and lightly massaged it on the wound. You winced as you did so.

Afterwards, Din wrapped the gauze gently around your chest and you whispered, “thank you.”

You turned back around and put your cloak on once again.

You noticed he was staring, so you spoke again, “I was not born a man and I’m sorry for not being truthful.”

Din titled his head to the side before saying, “You have nothing to be sorry for. I admire you even more for your bravery.”

You looked up at him and smiled.

“The mandalorian admires me?” you jokingly asked.

“Yes, he does.” he chuckled. “Unfortunately, he admires a strong fighter who for some reason can’t properly fly a ship.”

You rolled your eyes at him and exclaimed, “Dank ferrik, it was those cruisers’ fault, not mine!”

He let out a chuckle again and you laughed too.

“So, you admire me?”

“Your nature and determination are what I like the most.” he complimented you.

He moved from kneeling to sitting beside you on the floor.

“Without your company, I don’t know how I would’ve survived these past few months.” he confessed.

“But, you’re doing most of the saving.” you said, puzzled.

“You and Grogu saved me from a life of loneliness, c'yarika."

You smiled at the nickname, though you had no idea what it meant.

"I'm assuming that's mand'oa? What does it mean?" you asked.

"It means...darling." he replied, and your heart swelled.

"I can't believe you just called me that. Say it again." you giggled.

"C'yarika?" he wondered.

"Hmm, I like it." you admitted.

You looked into his visor for a second before placing your hand on the side of his helmet. The beskar felt cold in your grasp.

"Thank you for accepting me the way I am." you began.

"I wasn't sure if I could disclose this part of myself. The galaxy can be a cruel place."

"I see you no different than before. I like you just as you are." he confessed once more.

Before you knew it, Din had pressed his helmet so he could lift it up a bit. Only the lower half of his face could be seen.

You moved your hand and placed it on his jaw. You leaned carefully to kiss his rough lips.

He moved in and you both took in the blissful moment as your lips connected.

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Do you think HYBE will do anything about some of these boycotters? There’s some serious defamation going on that could have consequences for them (although maybe I’m overreacting and it won’t gain traction) but I wonder if they can do anything about it. This has really spiraled out of control imo. They clearly hate that man more than they love BTS because they’d be happy to burn down the whole company with BTS in it if it gets rid of Scooter, despite Scooter equivalents being present in pretty much every entertainment company ever.

***

I have no idea what HYBE intends to do but I don’t see them deviating much from how they’ve handled boycotts in the past, that is, ignoring them or offering a statement that addresses a tangential issue. Whenever there’s been a more direct response and/or donation, it’s always been spearheaded by the members themselves and as they are all enlisted until 2025, I don’t think that’s coming anytime soon but I could be wrong. Maybe Jin takes on the brunt for the group and says something, but again I highly doubt it.

One thing I am absolutely certain about though, is that a good 90% of those fully sucked in will turn full anti by the time Festa 2025 rolls around lol. I wasn’t sure about this at first, because like I’ve said it’s fine for fans to communicate to the company if they’re upset about whatever, but yeah now, there’s no mistaking what this is. It’s a pipeline I’ve seen hundreds of times.

It’s impossible to feed yourself a steady diet of the narrative that BTS is complicit in one of the most grotesque atrocities in recent history, act as though you hold them uniquely responsible for it being in your space, and not grow resentful of the boys and the fandom. Aside the fact the focus on BTS is misguided to begin with, the whole notion of ‘protecting’ these grown men from executives in their company is infantilizing at best, it’s a sentiment these people show only towards BTS rather than Tori Kelly, Beyoncé or Ariana Grande - all three working directly with Israeli-linked Jewish men, because none of these fans have developed a parasocial attachment to those artists they feel they can weaponize, the way they have to BTS. Like I’ve been saying, although BTS is far more removed than any American artist under a big music label, these Korean guys are the only people k-pop fans feel they have control over. It’s the kind of mentality to expect from toxic shippers, akgaes, and mantis. Those groups of people will always tell you the reasoning for their actions is for the greater good and for the benefit of the artist, and given in this case the subject is something as serious as the latest escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, that’s certainly serious. But just like with every other case, the focus on BTS itself is misguided, in my opinion, and so the fallacy persists, which breeds conflict, which breeds even more resentment. From the boycotters, we’ll start seeing more thought experiments, narratives and conspiracies to explain the dissonance between what they expect and what is actually happening. Even if their demands are met this time, another topic will flair up these same behaviours in people already pre-disposed to this. It’s the most predictable pipeline in k-pop.

But as it so often is with things like this, most people won’t be fully honest with themselves about what they are, and what they are doing, and so even though it would be best to realize BTS might not fit the expectation they have of them, they’ll remain in fandom spaces, growing more resentful and constantly in conflict with other fans. Many of them are already multis and it’s only a matter of time (weeks) before the takes become painfully predictable.

Anyway I’ve rambled. I’m curious as to what you think HYBE will do:

*

Perhaps a more fun question is how the fandom will increasingly spiral, the more aggressive and confrontational opposing sides of the fandom become. I’ve said before that a lot of ARMYs are easy to manipulate and incapable of nuanced conversations, and normally that’s a recipe for the jokes we see on Twitter daily, but in times like this, it’s tinder for a bonfire of disaster lmao.

I hope y’all are holding on to your wigs for the magnificent, ripped body pics Jin will have to drop to calm things down as soon as he’s discharged.

[pumpkinsouppe]

I haven’t played all of AA4 yet but I was thinking a lot about how uneasy the first case made me feel (in a good way) and I finally figured out why. (AA 4-1 spoilers btw) Part of it of course is the overall scheme: what happened 7 years ago and what are the answers to all these unresolved questions. But I genuinely don’t think I’ve seen a more accurate depiction of how I experienced GAD and social anxiety than I have with Apollo Justice.

Thankfully, I have learned to stand up for myself and I’ve controlled the majority of my anxiety but I can very clearly see that Apollo has not done that, at least yet. I am hoping hoping hoping we get to see him grow in this game because I know that AA5 and 6 won’t do that justice (lol). All throughout the first case, Apollo rarely spoke for himself. He was very much a follower and wanted approval, ergo he was very easy to manipulate. Kristoph and Phoenix both recognized this about him and were able to both use Apollo as their own puppets. He followed Kristoph’s orders whenever he gave them (‘expose phoenix’s lies’ ‘don’t embarrass me’) but he also was very willing to follow Phoenix’s orders too (‘point on the map for us’ ‘name the fourth person/killer’ ‘accuse Kristoph’). He followed who he thought was seeking the truth but he had to be told that doing these actions was for the truth.

I never was manipulated in court like Apollo experienced, but I was VERY quick to abandon plans for something else or act in ways if someone told me to. I remember sometimes even saying yes to things that made me super uncomfortable because I didn’t think for myself and didn’t want to disappoint or make anyone mad. And you can tell that Apollo really looked up to both Kristoph and Phoenix in that trial. He wasn’t sure who to believe so he followed both simultaneously until at the end when he realized both were assholes. I LOVE the unease I felt during the first case. It felt so real to me how Apollo was able to be so easily manipulated and how that was able to be used as a very interesting way to set up a new game and protagonist.

It’s amplified especially if you played all the past Phoenix Wright games. Hell, I finished PLvsPW an hour before picking up AA4 and that really influenced how much I wanted to also follow and believe Phoenix. So I absolutely love how this trial was used not only to play with the heart and mind of Apollo, but the players as well. There’s less reason to follow Kristoph since the players don’t have the same bond Kristoph and Apollo have since this was our first time meeting him, but because he’s our boss and he’s standing at the defense with us like Mia has, that adds to his credibility. Which is even better that Phoenix took Kristoph’s spot behind the defense bench when Kristoph was summoned to the stand. “Don’t believe that other guy, look at where he is now. Believe me instead, the person who just left that same spot.” You want to believe him, it’s Phoenix Wright! Teaching us the ways just like Mia. But what he’s actually done is replace Kristoph as the supposed voice of reason in Apollo’s ear. Yes that’s the spot for mentors, but does every mentor have your best intentions in mind? Are you able to distinguish genuine advice versus motivated advice?

I am truly fascinated and captivated by the writing. You can tell how much Shu Takumi has grown as a writer compared to the original AA1. I am so excited to play the rest of this game.

[goldrushenthusiast]

Which The Hunger Games characters :

1. Do you relate the most?

2. Do you think missunderstood by people?

3. Do you want to know better?

Please give reasons for your answers. And you can pick more than one character for each question.

Thank you :)

@curiousnonny

1. Honestly probably Peeta

I’ve grown up with a lot of privilege, same with MOST (but not all) of my friends. Whenever I love someone I have the tendency to hold onto it no matter what. I have a great view of the world, and no matter how much I think I can I can’t really hold a grudge for the life of me. I take pictures of everything naturey, if I could paint I’d be doing it all the time, and in general I think we have very similar senses of humor and outlooks on life in general. Peeta and James Potter have been my top fictional character relations since probably early 2022 tbh.

2. Sejanus & Lucy Gray (this is influenced by Coriolanus HEAVILY)

One thing that’s interesting about these is that while people call Katniss an unreliable narrator (she really isn’t tbh, you get that with a lot of first person POVS), Coriolanus is really the one not to be trusted. Every word in that book, even thought it’s from a third person POV, is stained by his mind. It makes it hard separating characters true personalities in it because they’re so diluted by what Coriolanus wants them to be. Dialogue is the most important part of it, but just the dialogue itself. I don’t think we can trust Coriolanus much after.

For one- Coriolanus sees Sejanus as a bit dumb, like he doesn’t know everything he does but it’s not ignorant, just dumb and not smart enough to realize it. This is because of Coriolanus’ idea that he’s smarter than everyone, so he automatically thinks people who don’t think the same as he does are dumb. It’s condescending and even if he doesn’t notice it, it’s still there. When he’s confronted with the idea it might not be true (Lucy Gray winning, all of her deep discussions) his mind goes through hoops trying to explain it. His bigoted attitude towards district people is HUGE. He automatically thinks that they’re (including Sejanus and Lucy Gray) are less smart than him.

This leads to him treating them as such and seeing through that veil. There are a couple of times where we see Sejanus has a personality beyond pity and self wallowing, where he makes sarcastic remarks & acts like a complicated person. I’ll try not to let my own interpretation of Sejanus reflect too much here because I don’t have much to support it.

As a reader, naturally, we see characters how we remember them, and we remember them based on what’s memorable ABOUT them. You remember Sejanus for what Coriolanus calls “outbursts” or tantrums, so you begin to associate him with those childlike emotions and the idea that he doesn’t really understand what he’s getting into.

It’s why I see this idea - that he’s just a poor baby, who just wants to help - so much from people who’ve only read the books <3 times or so. They don’t remember his under the breath comments and things like that, or the way Coriolanus describes him. IMO, for the most part, Sejanus DOES know what he’s doing (most of the time), just doesn’t think it through entirely. I’ve seen too many people portray him like a himbo, or an idiot, which ISNT TRUE. At all. They only do it because Coriolanus still associates Sejanus with his 8 year old child self and because Coriolanus sees him as lesser, and dumber, which go hand in hand for him.

That was way more than I was planning to write- oops! But the physiological aspects of how we see characters and what affects that is fascinating.

Now, Lucy Gray. Because we see her in a more romantic way, because Coriolanus does, we see her differently, because Coriolanus sees all forms of love (minus obligatory things, like family) the same (I could talk about this FOREVER).

Coriolanus sees Lucy Gray as something he can control and own. Obviously, she isn’t. He also sees her as a bit helpless and needy, which again, she isn’t. She’s been providing for her family since she was 12 (approx). It’s easy to assume she’s very strong, and she handles things well.

Now, the thing with Lucy Gray is that a lot of people think that she never loved Coriolanus, she was just using him, and I get where that comes in. However, I disagree. I think that’s the MAIN off characterization. She was not stone cold and unfeeling, nor was she some badass.

Lucy Gray’s character I actually change my mind about a LOT, because that’s exactly what she does to people. That’s what she’s SUPPOSED to do. It was how she written. She’s an amazing actor, and everything she does (although not on the first read), we start to question. This goes back into our view as a reader & how we characterize characters. She’s memorable because we saw her as Coriolanus did (someone to be helped, with a sad past, and someone attractive), then that view switched. During the first half of part 2, we started to see her come out of her shell and be more fun & rebellious. She still was in part 1, don’t get me wrong, but because Coriolanus didn’t seem to register that as much neither do we, or at least we don’t get the full extent of it until part 2.

In the first half of part 2, because of the shows and the hanging tree, we get more clues as to who she actually is. I think that part 2 is where we really have to consider her personality because it’s 10x as likely she isn’t acting anymore. We also see her past with Billy Taupe, which provides just the right opportunity for Coriolanus (and therefore us) to continue seeing her as someone who needs protection and has ownership.

This is good (ofc not really GOOD, but you get the point), because it really lets us experience the full extent of the SHOCK (the first time reading it) when Lucy Gray betrays him. I’ve already talked lots about why they betrayed each OTHER, and how it made perfect sense for each character, so if you’re interested it’s somewhere on @balladofmyramblings. It’s the one about people getting wrong why the ending was perfect.

As I’ve said before, Lucy Gray values TRUST. It’s why she does go to Coriolanus for comfort after he shoots Mayfair, and why she turns to him. It’s not about needing him, it’s about the fact that now that she’s out of the arena and can trust him & she doesn’t think he’ll hurt her, she can actually trust him. It’s why I think that she truly loved him. Remember, Coriolanus is also affected by his view of himself. We’re annoyed with him and know he doesn’t view Lucy Gray well because we know him. But he’s a good actor, and it’s vibes that Lucy Gray must go off of. Their purest stage of their relationship was during the first half of part 2 for sure.

I’d also like to mention Lucy Gray just got out of a toxic, probably abusive, heart wrenching relationship so it makes sense she’s LOOKING for more protection in a partner, even if she doesn’t exactly need to be protected (or owned especially).

Anywho, TLDR, people think that Lucy Gray was more cold and calculated than she was or (but I didn’t touch on this because I haven’t seen it much) not at all. Truth is, she’s a mix of both, and does find comfort in Coriolanus & eventually betrays him in a cold and calculated way.

3. Tigris!

I’d love to see Coriolanus’ rise to power through HER eyes, and know her story, and all that she did. She’s a very interesting character and I’m glad Suzanne made her Coriolanus’ cousin instead of some stranger- it was genius.

Thank you for the question, @curiousnonny, and as always feel free to debate but not argue with me in the reblogs/replies!

[tims-camera-lens]

Ohhh do you can made a nina the kilher x fem! Reader (oneshot)?

Her New Obsession

Pairing: Nina the Killer/Fem!Reader | F/F

Pov: 3rd person | Nina centered

Wc: 842 (small, I know)

Warnings: Mentions of murder | stalking | knife | attempted murder | Mention of the proxies, they coexist with what people consider pastas

Summary: When Nina realizes that Jeff will never reciprocate her feelings, she focuses her efforts on finding someone who might.

(I’m so sorry this took so long, I’ve been hopping from wip to wip)

╳°»｡ ∾･⁙･ ღ ➵ ⁘ ➵ ღ ･⁙･∾ ｡«°╳

A small town illuminated only by streetlights. Despite the size of the place, the man made lights still drowned out the stars. Nina hated places like these. It was much too like where she’d grown up, too much interference of humans. It was nothing like Rosswood or the Ark, where she could see the stars and moon so clearly peeking through the trees. Whenever she would get bored with killing, she would remind herself that she did it for more than just the fun of it. It was to help the earth in order to cultivate a growing soil for Slenderman to create his vision. Nina didn’t entirely understand how he could have a vision if he had no eyes, but she’d been assured not to think about it too hard.

This small town is where she’d pinned down her next victim was living. Due to her rather obsessive personality, she liked to learn about her kills before she took them. Jeff would always tell her that it’s too time consuming and he preferred killing on a whim. She didn’t care about his preferences, not anymore. The two disagreed on much, too much. Thinking on it now, she found it silly that she ever assumed that they would get together. A childish fantasy that she’d left behind as she matured. Still, a feeling gnawed at her at her core. A want, no, a need to be so infatuated with someone that it engulfs her.

It couldn’t be anyone under the Operator’s watch, she knew too much about them already. That and most residents didn’t want to entertain her on it. Whatever, no time to think on it now, her target was moving. She was careful and quiet, almost calculated in her movements. Even Tim would give her a “not bad, kid”. Often she’d think of what it’d be like to be a proxy. She always wanted to be one, rather than just one of Slenderman’s more disposable murderous kids. They were trusted with missions, had a purpose. She shook her head, attempting to focus on the present. Her mind had a tendency to capture her, to make her thoughts wander on trivial things that would have little to no chance of happening. Much unlike Jeff, who did things as soon as they crossed his mind. He was impulsive and hard to control, which is why Nina theorized that Slenderman never appointed him to become a proxy. Perhaps, the opposite of why she hadn’t been. Thinking too much, not doing enough. Much similar to right now.

At least she knew how to keep going, despite not being in the present moment. In the moment, she was crawling through her victim’s bedroom window. Perfect, you were already asleep. Nina leaned over you, taking in the sight of you sleeping form. You were like a sculpture, made of marble perhaps. Your pajamas hung on your body mimicking the look of the veiled lady art pieces. It’s a shame Nina was going to kill you. You looked as a walking masterpiece, acted as a goddess placed on earth. Your front door opened and she held her breath. You lived alone, she knew that for a fact. She knew everything about you.

Your eyelids flutter due to the sound. Such a light sleeper, it’s a wonder how Nina got in undetected. A voice rings from the front of the apartment. They call your name, letting you know that they’re home. What a pretty name you have. Why isn’t a flower named after you? Maybe there was, she would have to ask Ann. If not, then Nina would be sure to name a rabbit after you. One of the rabbits that Brian took care of in his free time. Was it Brian or Hoody? She didn’t know the difference, if there was one. Tim and Masky were different, so were Jay and Skully, but she wasn’t sure on Brian and Hoody. That didn’t matter right now, making her mentally scold herself on getting distracted. Your eyes met hers and in an instance, her hands are clamped over your mouth. If you screamed, you’d be dead, if you didn’t alert anyone, you’d still be dead. The look in the homicidal maniac above you’s eyes warned against making your situation known.

Silence blanketed the apartment like a cloud. Ten minutes, then twenty passed. Still, not a noise. Twenty turned to thirty, then an hour. Nina’s palms break contact with your lips as she retracted them to herself. “Speak of this and your whole family is dead.” She hissed. The killer turned, leaving through your window and out to the night. The moon glints on silver on top of your bedsheets. You move closer, only to see that it’s the same knife that woman had threatened you with. You cautiously picked it up and gave it as much of an examination as you could, considering it was still dark in the room. You’d have to return it to her the next time you saw her, if there was a next time.

[fanficfanattic]

Apples or poison or Tooting (and if none of these work, head). Please and thank you.

There wasn’t any toots or tooting. But!

🍎apples AND ☠️ poison were both in the same fic, so you get from the intro of the one to the outro of the other.

In this fic, Ted does go into the treatment room:

“I don’t even know what me favorite fucking fruit is, cause ten years ago he said some shit about only being allowed to eat apples. No reason given. Just the right shade of drunk that I couldn’t know if he’d remember it or not. And its not like he could tell what we ate at academy. Or in me own home once I had one.

But I still only eat fucking apples. Tried them all, I think. Can tell you which are favorites from that. Granny Smiths are not for me.”

He’d edged back from the rage in his voice when talking about his father. But that just meant he returned to ridiculing himself.

“Like I said, no reason to listen to a word he says. Particularly since I don’t much agree with ‘im bout anything. Once I started though, I’ve just never, never managed to stop.

‘Don’t pass, be the star, caring ‘bout people will hold ye back’.

It jus…he was happier with me when I did what he said, and happier meant a lot less hurting.

But it’s just…it’s just putting that hurt onto someone else? Isn’t it, Keeley?”

And she didn’t want to confirm it, because he was hurting right now and she still cared about him. Loved him in a way she could only do for him. But this is what she’d tried to tell him months ago. And it was the truth. So.

“Yeah, Jamie, that is what it is. I’m not gonna lie to you. But seeing that? Its good, its important.”

“I don’ wanna be like him. I don’t! I wanna be more like I were before all his stupid fucking rules. Fuck. Fuck me.”

“No! No, you’re not. Like him. You’ve done things he wanted you to do, that weren’t good to do. But you said 15 years, Jamie. You were a kid. And I’ve seen you at benefits and signings. You’re so fucking good with kids, babe. You’d never hurt one. Not ever.

And that’s because…people who abuse their family, it’s about control. But you aren’t fucked in the head enough to take that out on someone truly helpless. Even when you turned that hurt on to someone else. You were just trying to find a way for you to have some control back.”

“Not an excuse though.”

“No. But it’s a reason. Oh god, that’s the reason you never wanted me to come round when he was down?”

“Course. I wouldn’ta let him fucking near you, Keels. I don’t let him fucking near anyone, if I can help it. He can’t hospitalize mates if you stop having them.”

“…what? What did you just say, Jamie.”

His face had the dawning horror of someone who realized they’d said too much. Admitted to something they couldn’t take back. And she didn’t know if he was upset that he’d revealed he didn’t have friends. Or that his dad had spread his control out over so many more people.

“Hey, no, don’t need to answer that. God Jamie, I’m so sorry he ever showed back up in your life. Even at my most pissed at you, I’ve never wished anything bad on you.”

“It’s okay, Keels. I know. You’re dead brill. Best thing ever happened to me, honest, and I know I’m lucky we’re still…friends, yeah?”

“Of course, Jamie. We are friends. I don’t let any of my other exes come over to talk or crash my dates with Roy.”

And he honest to god let out the tiniest laugh at that. Just as quickly the quirk of his lips flattened out. He slumped back against the wall, energy fatigued, and went back to looking at the wall.

“Hey, you’re gonna be okay, babe. We’ll get it sorted, yeah?”

“You don’t have to help me sort shit, Keeley. Thanks though. I’m just so tired of it. Of being scared rather than a grown man. All I’ve ever wanted to do was play football, and it’s like he’s turned it into poison. He turns everything to it, sooner or later.”

There wasn’t anything to say to that, though, so she just put her hand back on his shoulder. He’d rested his own hand over hers, for barely a second, when he heard footsteps approaching the door. Heard them before anyone else did. These stood out, loud ones with anger in them he could tell, a skill developed from a childhood of listening for drunken footsteps as a warning system.

His reflexes, trained to be quicker and then quicker still, meant Jamie was already moving as the door slammed open. He pushed off the wall so he was on his knees, upright as possible, putting himself between Keeley and the door.

It wasn’t his father. It wasn’t his fucking da, just Ted and Beard, but his breathing was already sped up anyway. He barely felt Keeley put her hand back on his shoulder, but heard her say softly from behind him, “Hey, Ted.”

“Hey there, Keeley.” Ted responded to her first. Before turning to him. And an angry Ted had only ever yelled at him before, never once tried to hit him. But he hadn’t yelled at anyone else at all, and Jamie was used to being the exception to a lot of people’s rules. He couldn’t get his breathing under control. And he knew Keeley could tell. But she wasn’t scared of Ted. She’d told him that he could trust ‘em.

“Hey, kiddo. Good thinking sending Coach out to help. But I told you to get to the treatment room-”

“Oh. Fuck. Sorry. I didn’t…wasn’t tryin to-“

“Oh, hey, hey, it’s okay, Jamie. I’m not mad at you. I wasn’t trying to keep you from the team. But you’ve got to get checked for a concussion and we need to see if anythings broken.”

“What?”

“Think your nose bone might be broken, son.”

“Its not. Been broke before so I know how it feels. And it ain’t bone, the nose.”

“Well that’s true, it’s cartilage. But all the same I want a team doc to check you over. Can you do that for me?”

“I don’t understand you.”

“Your hear-“

“No, not that. It’s…you and Dani and Sam? You all just…I thought it were an act, yeah? You caring, and shit, bout everyone. Let alone me. Cause that’s not…that’s not how people are.”

And Lasso made a choked off sound, but didn’t interrupt, so he kept going. All this poison sitting under his skin, like he’d just told Keeley about? Had all this venom pouring out his mouth now. Was he purging it? Or using it as a defense. As an offense?

“I could easy spend a hundred years next to a Roy Kent. Know how to absorb anger, or let it fall off, know how to survive it. I don’t have any fucking idea what to do with…with…with niceness!”

“Surely people have been nice to you before, Jamie?”

“Plenty of folks. That all want something of you or from you. Sam a mentor. You a more biddable player.

Keeley’s the only new person I’ve trusted in…years.” She just started lightly rubbing the shoulder she’d been touching, didn’t pause or stumble.

“Cause she said exactly what she was willing to give and what she wanted in return. No tricks.

And she said…”

Ted’s eyes moved to hers, quick and fathomless, before focusing back on Jamie. He realized with an almost start that the boy was trembling. He wanted to put a hand on his other shoulder or pull him into a hug. But the sudden movement, with all this adrenaline and the obvious now, so stupid Ted, the PTSD he had…now wasn’t the time.

“What’d she say, Jamie?”

“That you weren’t playing games with me head. You meant it.”

“I did. I do. I care a lot about you, Jamie.”

“Why’d you send me away, then? Once I started finally listening to you?”

[l-resonant-l]

I don’t know if you’ll see this. I don’t really think it’s for you to see.

I don’t actually think of you much at all anymore, but I was scrolling through my old messages looking for a contact and I saw our messages.

Saw how we said goodbye.

Maybe saying I don’t think of you sounds defensive, but I saw your name and didn’t recognize it for a moment. It made me a bit sad.

I read all our messages back as if it were the first time,

I felt my mind go back through that time machine,

But this time I saw everything you didn’t know you said.

I’ve grown so much more in these years than I thought possible in two years.

To be honest, despite how sure I acted that I knew what I was doing, I wasn’t.

I wasn’t sure at all.

But that’s what I wanted. I was so tired of living my whole life based on the opinions of those around me, so sure they knew what and how to think, things I’d never know.

I wanted something for the first time in as long as I can remember. It was dangerous, and stupid, and possibly not even real, but I wanted it. So I took hold of them with every fiber of my being and refused to let go.

I wasn’t sure, but

If you don’t trust me how can you see me as an equal?

Very easily? I don't have to trust anyone with everything. Not trusting you doesn't mean I'm going to try control you. I trust you with my freindship, I trust you with secrets, I trust you with a lot. But I don't trust you to get your homework done, or that you will get a job, or that youll remember commitments, and you don't trust yourself with that either. I don't trust your judgment but I do respect it.

I have a chronic illness it turns out. I won’t heal, but I can think now, now that I have treatment. I can move. I can sleep. I can exist with manageable pain. I can work I can live, I do things.

It’s a strange I don’t miss you, but I mourn the faith I had in you.

But that’s what all our relationships with you were. You surrounded yourself with hurt people, and supported them, unless they actually gained confidence. Then you poke holes in their newborn ego.

Dont treat me like one of your abusive family members that you're realizing is toxic. If you can admit your judgment is sometimes incorrect (like idk, multiple abusive boyfriends?) then you can understand how I may not 100% trust your judgement. That is very different from controlling you or not respecting you

I don’t know

Maybe I’m wrong

Maybe I’m wrong

Or maybe-

I asked if I could make the caramelized carrots my dad never got to have on his last thanksgiving before he died, you told me no one would eat them so there’s no point. You took a knife out of my hand and said you didn’t trust me to cut vegetables. I told you my life and you used it like a weapon to make me doubt myself.

Maybe it doesn’t matter

My friend and I laugh as we cooked and drank together.

Maybe they like me

My housemate thanks me for setting up the system of jobs and chores for the household.

Maybe I’m good at some things

My boyfriend buzzes about how we could program the map and weather generator for my dnd world.

Maybe someone cares about my interests

My partner hugs me, and says they don’t know how they got so lucky.

Maybe I’m worthy of love

My father in law gushes about the ring set I chose, with a million year old meteorite embedded.

Maybe I can be

My child asks me to play before bed time as we discuss the dog we want to get in the next home. They come to me after they have a nightmare. I sit beside their bed and as their breathing slows I hear them mumble softly “I love you,” and I whisper back “I love you too sweetheart”

I am happy

[galaxias-scabbard]

I don’t think I’ve really seen anyone talk too much about Subspace Emissary in Brawl much in reference to King Dedede and his role in the whole thing + the scenes that were cut from the final project since they happened prior to the start of the story.

While Subspace isn’t canon (arguably) it is still on a project by Sakurai so that means he was still the one with the say on his characters. It can also be a bit confusing since I know that I only now realized some of this once I started digging deeper despite playing brawl for over 200h when I was younger.

In Subspace Emissary it’s assumed King Dedede is a villain as in his first appearance he does turn Luigi into a statue and then steals Ness and Zelda/Peach from Wario. But it comes to light he became aware of Tabuu’s plan to turn everyone to statues, defected, and thus created the 3 badges that ultimately revived Ness, Luigi, and Kirby who swallowed the one from Peach/Zelda.

So we gather a few things from this.

1. Another credit to his smarts/how he’s good at engineering/inventing because presumably he was the one to be able to figure out how to make the timer badges to revive the fighters after a given time and they did in fact revive the fighters after everyone was seemingly wiped out. He was working alone so it’s not really likely anyone else made them for him or would make them in his likeness.

2. He hesitates but ultimately gave the third badge to the princess rather than himself showing that he’s not always selfish and that he put faith in the other fighters to wake him up after they were revived and realized he was the one to revive them. It shows how he’s grown as a character over the years to put others first and that he isn’t still the selfish King he once was in the early days.

3. Overall just how Dedede is often time presumed to be a villain when he isn’t and his intentions are misunderstood when he tries to do good (also see Kirby’s Adventure and Squeak Squad for him trying to do the right thing and things not going the right way). But he does play a role in saving the day as much as even Kirby. Had he not made those badges everyone would have been done for.

We also get more inclination of his good allegiance as Luigi and Ness both stand up for Dedede against Wario, showing they both have some respect for him in saving him and even the cowardly Luigi (I love him but he is scared of his own shadow) make it clear if Wario starts something with Dedede he starts it with all of them. Also the way he reacts to reuniting with Kirby it’s hard to see how people can say Dedede hates the little guy.

Now to go touch on the cut scene involving him and Meta Knight.

It’s set prior to the events of subspace the player experiences and was cut from the final product. In this King Dedede is part of the reason why the Halberd is under Subspace Army control as at the same time the ship was under attack Dedede sought out Meta Knight. The wiki says this was unintentional so presumably he wasn’t working for the Subspace Army any longer and my theory is that he was actually seeking out Meta Knight because who better to hand a Timer Badge to than someone who you know can kick ass. (although Meta’s wiki says Dedede attacked him so maybe Dedede knew Meta wouldn’t trust him and was like “he’ll thank me later” and went in with intent to defeat Meta and keep him as a trophy instead of a cordial hand off.) Meta Knight having his ship being attacked at the moment likely assumed Dedede was a part of it wether attacked or not probably got in a spat with him which meant he didn’t hear Dedede out, and since he was occupied there instead of defending his ship the Halberd ultimately fell. The two fled separate directions and Dedede had to hatch a new plan and realized time was running out if they now claimed the Halberd which is how he ended up with Luigi and Ness. (King Dedede is about to sign adoption papers for that kid btw)

But just the idea that Dedede purposely sought out Meta Knight to give him a Badge to ensure his safety because he knew Meta Knight was someone who could have his back (and the fact Meta Knight likely threw it in his face a bit given the situation) is just an interesting dynamic.

Also seeing as Dedede made 3 badges and there are only 3 fighters from his universe it’s possible he would have sought out Kirby as well given the time. Again, he does know that both Meta Knight and Kirby can be relied on in a fight so it would make sense they would be the two people he’d want to have with him.

Long story short: Dedede saved the day, doesn’t get the credit he deserves, was likely perceived as a bad guy as usual and that his change of heart was only a late game thing when it wasn’t, and he cares for others which many people gloss over.

[imahoeforsokka]

Stancy: why their probably endgame and why that’s a good thing (especially for Nancy and her character arc)

Throughout the series Nancy remains guilty for ‘murdering Barb’. While Nancy was losing her virginity, Barbra was sucked into the upside down. She completely blames herself, and whether she realizes or not, she’s always associated that guilt with Steve. We see this in different scenes, notably when she’s drunk at that party in ST2 episode 2, she yells at Steve, “You’re pretending like everything is okay. You know, like, like we didn’t kill Barb!”

She’s seen again having the same conversation, though soberly, with Jonathan in episode 3. “All this time I’ve been trying so hard to pretend like everything’s fine, but it’s not! I feel like there’s this, I don’t know this-” Nancy doesn’t finish her thought, as Jonathan does it for her, “like this weight you’re carrying around with you.” Though I think this is what she meant - weight meaning guilt - Jonathan is talking about knowing about the upside down, while I believe Nancy is speaking about that and ‘murdering Barb’.

Vecna even brings up her guilt about Barb in ST4 when Nancy is being mind controlled by him, “Do you remember what you did, Nancy?” Even then, she’s pulled out by Steve, he comforts her by saying “It’s okay, it’s okay, I'm here.”

Notice I’m talking a lot about Barb, but she’s one of the most important factors in Nancy’s arc and in Stancy’s Arc. Like I said earlier Nancy associates that guilt with Steve, so to get away from this feeling she moves to a more comfortable option, Jonathan. In ST4, as Nancy heals from the guilt of Barb, she’s also realizing her feelings for Steve.

•••

For Stancy ‘okay’’s mean something, rites of passage.

Separation:

ST1 Episode 3: Nancy goes to her locker, the day she noticed Barb was missing. Steve shows up and immediately notices that Nancy is off, “is everything okay?”

Transition:

ST2 Episode 9: Nancy and Steve are going through items for Will, Steve tells Nancy to go with Jonathan, she says she doesn’t want to leave Mike, “No one’s leaving anyone, look I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend, but turns out i’m a damn good babysitter.” Nancy obviously feels bad and disagrees, “Steve..” “It's okay Nance.”

Reintegration:

In ST3; Flayed Billy is about to hit Nance with her car, Steve slammed his car into Billys, saving Nancy. This doesn’t go unpaid, In ST4; Nancy immediately jumps in the lake to save Steve after he gets pulled down. Even Eddie acknowledges this, “that’s love, man.”

Stancy’s continuing Reintegration, Jancy’s separation:

In ST4 Episode 8; Jonathan and Nancy are boarding up the windows on Hopper's Cabin. Jonathan notices a tense air between them and asks, “are we okay?” Nancy gives a fake smile and says “Yeah”

In ST5 we’re likely to see the success play out.

•••

As for Jonathan…

In ST2, Jonathan and Nancy get ‘Murry’ed’. Murray iconically says, “You’re both young and attractive, and you’ve got the real shit, shared trauma.”

And genuinely Jancy has just that, shared trauma, but once you pull that away.. there’s not much there, other than chemistry seeping through from Natalia and Charlie.

In ST3, Jancy gets in an argument about their job, Jonathan doesn’t fully understand Nancy’s need to quit, while Nancy doesn’t understand Jonathan’s need to stay.

Robin and Jonathan: Foils

Robin, in ST3, calls Nancy ‘such a priss’, while high on the bathroom floor with Steve, he replies “Turns out, not really.”

Jonathan, in ST4, says he’s glad Nancy was in Hawkins, because then “who’d be in charge? Steve?” Nancy responds, “He’s actually grown up quite a bit, y’know?”

Jonathan and Robin, though in completely different ways, serve as decoy love interests. Robin by being completely unattainable by being a Lesbian. While Jonathan is a little more complicated, because he is attainable, but he’s emotionally unavailable (at least in ST4).

•••

As for Steve, there isn’t much of an argument needed, he loves this girl and always will:

“If some other girl had given me a proper thump, before we met, would things have been…different?”

“It’s always been you.”

•••

thanks for reading my rambles about these fake people 👍