#LAST ONES A JOKE. taking advantage of them all being bi canonically

[amoebeau]

im woobifying the priest game in ways you cant even imagine

[ayoalex]

I didn't expect for me to do a rant about bumbleby but I've been rewatching RWBY while me and my friend wait till February for the next chapter and holy shit, there's a lot to talk about.

Maybe it's because the first time I watched RWBY was all together without needing to wait like all the fandom but I'm pretty sure bumbleby was either a thought, a path they had as one option or being something it was going to happen no matter what since they started writing RWBY.

All the hints, subtext, etc were there, since the first moment Yang and Blake meet.

We all know RWBY doesn't have all the time neither the budget to make a 30min or 1h long for every chapter, so all the faces, the details, body movements are there for a reason and not to waste time and money.

Yang sees Blake and it's immediately interested, Ruby tells her she knows her and what Yang do? Uses Ruby as an excuse to go closer to Blake and talk to her + this will help Ruby to come out of her shell.

Now, before I continue I want to say that I personally head canon Yang as a lesbian because I relate to her as one but it's perfectly fine if y'all head canon her as bi or pan, what we all know it's that the girl is NOT straight.

Let's continue, Yang try to start a conversation and Blake was not vibing with it until Ruby started talking about books. It's quite a funny moment for me because Yang is so used to people wanted to be with her or wanted to flirt with her that she gets awkward and her confidence start going low the moment she is the one actively going for it and not the other way around.

Yang is quite an interesting character because at first it looks like she's a flirt and knows clubs and illegal stuffs, she's really cool, confident and really attractive. But then as the series progress we see how damage she is, such a low self-esteem she has in certain stuffs, how she's really smart, she doesn't actually flirt and when it's someone she likes she gets all awkward and stuff.

Then you have Blake, we see since the beginning the strong sense of justice she has, how passionate about it she is, she's lowkey most of the times, serious but then we see all her issues, her low self-esteem, how scared she is and how humorous she is as well, assertive and direct. If Yang is not there then the person making the jokes is Blake and I find that really cool.

I mention this because the Blake we see in Emerald Forest is assertive Blake.

Yang gets into the forest and start looking for Ruby while Blake seems to have been following her since they landed in there. She's in the shadows keeping an eye close to Yang, she sees her fighting the Ursas and took advantage of that to help her and appear in front of her. Purposely smirking while looking her directly at her eyes.

Now, why would Blake choose Yang? Why not Phyrra? Or Ruby? Well, because Blake is attracted to strength. It's the same thing that attracted her to Adam, she sees the similarities but there are so many differences as well.

As they continue their journey to find the relic Blake seems to enjoy Yang company, smiling and smirking at her. We basically see a different Blake than we saw when Ruby and Weiss were around, this is more direct, assertive and flirty.

At this point Blake is attracted to Yang, smiling at her jokes, smirking, going all sassy, the way she walks or behaves around Yang.

The best part? She loves it.

My favorite part of bumbleby between v1 and v3 is absolutely when Yang tells her "I love it when you are feisty" and Blake smirks and it's loving it.

Blake loves when Yang gives her attention. It always been there, I'm so sorry y'all can't see it.

But between v1 and v3, while she absolutely loves being around Yang, she's still feels the weight of her past, which makes her still closed and not as free as she would like.

Before I talk about v4 and 5 and the end of v3 I want to talk about Sun.

He's important for Blake's growth and I feel a lot of people don't like that but this is what the media does every single time with women, they present them in the narrative only to make the main dude to growth so, it's actually nice seeing it the other way around + Sun does get a bit of growth and he has some plot in the books I think (I still need to read those but I can't find them 😭).

Since the moment Sun sees Blake he's attracted to her, understandable, she's hot. He tries to catch her attention by helping her, etc.

Blake does not shares the same sentiment until like v3 or something, in some funny way Yang is the one that pushed her to Sun by making her go to the dance and spent time with Sun.

But Blake goes to the dance because of Yang and she specifically tells Sun, in a really smug way btw, how her first dance is reserved for someone else. In the dance she constantly smiles to Yang and then we see her having an amazing time with Sun and Neptune which helps her to relax and making new friends!

At this point Blake seems to be attracted to both Yang and Sun or at least she's a bit attracted to Sun in a sexual way and not romantic wise. Blake loves the attention them both give her, is not in bitchy or selfish way(?) It makes her confident and tbh that's such a human like reaction, knowing that really attractive and amazing people are attracted to you? Please, I would be worst than Blake.

Then we have the end of v3, where Adam appears and everything goes to shit.

It's interesting how they decided to animate and write Blake, Sun and Yang in the Fall of Beacon.

Blake is constantly worried about Yang, specially after what happened, Yang calls Blake and wants to be sure she and Ruby are ok.

Later Blake goes after a Grimm and Sun and Yang are finally in the last place Blake was before disappearing.

Instead of Sun going after Blake it was Yang, he just stays there, behind Weiss.

Is in this volume that we find out that Adam wasn't Blake mentor, they were together in a romantic sense (which is disgusting because it means Adam not only abused her but groomed her). Adam tells her he's going to destroy everything she loves and in that exact moment Yang comes into scene yelling for Blake and poor Blake is mortified and Adam sees this which for him means that the blonde girl is someone that Blake loves.

The freaking meaning of all this is AMAZING, the narrative presents Yang as someone that Blake loves.

When Yang lose her arm it's when Blake gets out of her black state to protect Yang, she could have died but she didn't cared because she needed Yang to be alive, that's her partner and someone who she has confused feelings about.

Because that's the thing, yes Blake knows she's attracted to her but what does that mean? Adam is still around and she knows Yang is vulnerable and can't take much emotional damage.

So Blake leave because at least without her around Yang can still be alive because Adam is looking for her not Yang.

Here's something important, bumbleby of v1 to v3 is something fun, is a teenager thing but then bumbleby of v4 till now is more important, is deeper and goes beyond a crush.

Sun stalks Blake which was pretty bad specially cuz Blake was paranoid about Adam which makes her react violently (she slaps him which is bad as well).

Blake character development in v4 and v5 is really important, not only Sun helps her a lot but spending time with her parents help her heal some stuffs.

But it's in v5 that everyone should have got the confirmation needed for black sun.

There's a moment when they are talking about Adam and Blake tells Sun that she's thankful that he helped her and that's what she wants to do, she wants to be that friend to help Illia, the same thing Sun did for her.

This implies so much and the most important one is that for Blake, Sun is a friend, a very dear one btw, and that she wants to be a friend to Illia as well, she wants to be that safety net that Sun and her parents were for her but with Illia. This is so powerful because Sun is more than ok with that, he only wanted to help Blake and if she ended up falling for him? Cool, and if not, cool as well.

Sun already knew this, since the beginning.

In the end of V3 he saw it and came to terms with it.

You know who were looking out for Blake and Yang when Yang was unconscious and Blake was taking her hand while crying and apologizing? Ren and Nora, who were both tired. And in front of them was Sun, looking at them like "oh", like he understood that Blake eyes we're always on Yang and not on him.

That's why in all the conversations of blacksun in v4 and v5 Sun always brings up Yang and how she may feel because he knows that's the person for Blake, not him.

Because if not, tell me why no romantic business happened? It was perfect to expand their relationship! But they didn't.

Later he was the one pushing Blake to go with her team, he knows, Sun knows how important is for Blake to be with her team and to be with Yang. At the end of the day, the person Blake felt safe with after Adam was Yang.

Now, v6.

Listen, Ruby and Weiss don't get why Yang can't seem to forgive Blake but... Blake does, back in Beacon Yang had an heart to heart with her about her family, Blake knew about what leaving would be for Yang and that's why she so angst about Yang in v4 and v5.

So she tries her hardest, and while I agree that there's some parts that should be written better and they need to TALK about it... V6 was good for them.

The Apathy mini arc was amazing but it was the end of V6 that settle bumbleby to be canon.

Blake finally understanding that they need to be equals in their relationship, them both going against Adam, Adam rage to see how much they love and respect each other, the final blow, Blake break down...

But the most important of all was the beginning of the second part of Blake and Adam fight, because Yang listen everything that Adam said to Blake and it clicked for her.

Blake didn't left because she wanted, she left because she loves them. And the moment Yang hug her, comfort her and reassure her they are fine it's the moment she forgives Blake and a new stage in their relationship starts which lead us to v7.

V7 bumbleby is v1/v3 bumbleby but mature. They talk more (as we see with the scene about Robyn), they want to be more close and close to each other, etc.

Assertive Blake is back! She keeps flirting with Yang, keeps making Yang to compliment her, to pay attention to her, she giggles at Yang's jokes, she goes to a club!! Blake doesn't usually goes to clubs!

In V2 we see Blake can dance but in V7 she doesn't seem to find the rhythm... Ohhh the classic "please help" You give to your crush to make them get closer to you so you can flirt with them and maybe make a move. And Yang? She goes with the flow, because is what Blake wants and Yang wants Blake to lead because Adam is still fresh.

That's why she gets worried about what Blake thinks of her in V8, what they have is new, they are aware of the attraction and the feelings but haven't done anything about it.

I love making it seem they are clueless but they aren't, they are smart and observant young women, Blake knows Yang find her attractive, she encourages Yang to watch her, to flirt, to get closer.

There's a scene in V7 when Yang is watching Blake through the mirror and Blake purposely gets flirty when putting her make up on.

They know they are dancing around each other.

It's so great seeing an wlw couple being like this, I love it. Bumbleby is a slow burn and it's a really cute and adorable one, it's a shame people hate it or claim is queerbaiting.

Yeah, maybe there's some stuffs that could be written better but overall? Bumbleby has been here since the beginning and the development is beautiful to see.

Highly recommend to rewatch RWBY with all this subtext in mind so you will find Bumbleby since day one lol.

Btw, ship whatever you want guys, blacksun is a cute ship, just stop being dicks to the VAs and the writers of the show for something that's your fault, like... Literally, your fault, all the signs were there.

And sorry for making this so long and all over the place, I hope you enjoy this rant tho lol

[xianglingslesbian]

oh I'll give u a character alright: Izuki, Kiyoshi, Riko and Aomine <333 technically that's four, but what goes around comes around (I'll keep this circle of love goin forever buddy)

VICCCC ily my man <33 thank u!!! aight putting this under a cut bc it got long

Izuki

Why I like them: izuki’s just overall so amazing! he inspires me to give my best in the stuff i do, and although it sounds a bit silly i try to be a person that he’d be proud of. his puns are hilarious and well-thought-out (as a person who loves words and word jokes, i’m naturally drawn to him lol). they’re also a way to take the heat off the team, he’s so hardworking and never views obstacles as obstacles, rather as hills he must climb to find newer skies. he’s also rather clever and employs his brains to great effect when his body fails him! izuki embodies the meaning of ‘eagle’ in the truest sense - waiting to strike when the time is right and not failing when it is.

Why I don’t: *sweats* can’t really think of a reason i don’t like izuki, at all??? i guess he can overwork himself a lot and tends to keep his true emotions hidden which could lead to misunderstandings between friends (although this is totally headcanon territory lol)... i also didn’t like the ableist comment he passed on hayama (“i’m just glad you weren’t smarter than me”). but i think he can (and will!) grow from that kind of stuff, he is that kind of person so yeah no particular reason for me to dislike him at all

Favorite episode (scene if movie): how dare you make me pick s3 e8 izuki vs kasamatsu, hands down. i know its like cliche or whatever but that moment just told me so much about izuki as a character? he’s willing to do what it takes to win, he’s adaptable and dependable and he doesn’t let shit get him down ever. it’s gorgeous

Favorite season/movie: s3, he got some fantastic moments in there!! although i will say i loved the spotlighting he got in s1 in the seihō match

Favorite line: “Fear isn't a bad thing. There are some things that can only be done by cowards.” this is first of all such a nice thing to say. ‘fear is not bad’ is just... so fucking wise? keep in mind that this boy is 17, i’ve met 30 year olds who are less mature. secondly it feels like izu’s speaking from experience?? like he has a lot to be scared of, i’m sure. particularly of falling behind and being a burden to his teammates. but it’s that ‘cowardice’ that drives him to practice so so hard. that visceral terror of weighing on seirin is what pushes izuki beyond his limits - which is why here he can empathise with furi’s fear, and knows how best to employ it.

Favorite outfit: look i hate last game w/ a passion but that lil tie/shirt/hoodie thing he had going? that was literally so cute. izuki in general has a p great fashion sense but his last game outfit takes the cake <3

OTP: hyuuizu oh my god i could talk for years about them but since this post is gonna be very long i’ll refrain. just. they are perfect they are fucking perfect

Brotp: kiyoizu!! kiyoshi is izuki’s biggest enabler and i love that for him <3

Head Canon: izuki can be very very passive aggressive when he’s angry at someone/sad and gets cold and withdrawn. it’s not fun to experience but tbh if you upset him you probably deserve it

Unpopular opinion: izuki should’ve been naturally better in canon. it’s not fair to shaft him and give the ‘trier’ thing off to himuro. that being said i am p happy with who he is as a person

A wish: i want to know how izuki felt after middle school! izuki’s and riko’s backstory focuses so much on hyuuga its dumb >:( he also would’ve been demoralised but he didn’t quit bball and i would like to know his thought process!

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: i. uh. i guess izu quitting basketball. because i genuinely cannot see that happening. it brings him so much joy, he should never stop cold turkey. i can imagine old man izuki hobbling about a court giving little kids pointers and making them laugh T-T

5 words to best describe them: “big brain caffeine-powered clown baby” 

My nickname for them: babyzuki/izu/shunshun

Kiyoshi

Why I like them: lots of reasons! kiyoshi is an admirable person. he’s strong, yet friendly and gentle, and he loves his team above all else, which i just find beautiful. i find his manipulative side also pretty cool, bc it shows off how multifaceted he is.

Why I don’t: this is more of a fandom reason but i really dislike how kiyoshi is always said to have had the greatest impact in hyuuga’s story. he badgered and manipulated hyuuga, and while some may argue hyuuga needed that push, it only worked bc hyuuga had had time to think about shit. he’d also been given space by riko and izuki (two integral parts of his life whom the fandom looooves to sideline for uwu kiyo//hyuu). 

Favorite episode (scene if movie): yousen match (can’t pick the episodes)! i loved the backstory we got for kiyo vs mura and i loved how kiyoshi was willing to smile and play but also refused to lose. he truly stole the show despite kagami being the one to finally take down murasakibara, it was gorgeous <3

Favorite season/movie: s2 for sure. kiyoshi wasn’t allowed to shine much after yousen imo - all the focus was on hyuuga kagami and kuroko, and to a lesser extent izuki. not complaining, but yeah

Favorite line: “Let’s go have some fun.” i know it’s kinda cliche but i do love how kiyoshi’s always thinking about playing a good game and enjoying basketball. he wants to play because he loves it and as someone who loves a sport as much as kiyoshi loves b-ball, that love is so poignant and tender

Favorite outfit: practice clothes! kiyoshi looks great in pink <3

OTP: kiyohana. hateshipping amirite ;)

Brotp: kiyohyuu! i love them as friends so so much <3

Head Canon: kiyoshi is half-iranian on his mother’s side and is muslim. i won’t say too much because i am not muslim myself, i need to do more research into this but i’ve had this headcanon for quite a while now!

Unpopular opinion: he should be bullied more for the fact that his canon power is having yaoi hands

A wish: kiyo finds something he loves as much as b-ball. he can’t canonically play at this level again, so if he found another sport/competition/anything, it’d be amazing

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: he should never become demoralised. kiyoshi at heart is a dreamer, so let him dream, let him look towards tomorrow with a smile always

5 words to best describe them: “useless dreamy dumbass cheerleader clown”

My nickname for them: kiyoyo, bc my feelings about him have yo-yoed a lot lmao

Riko

Why I like them: im a lesbian, next. /j i love her because she’s so tenacious and driven. yet she’s also kind and gentle, and never loses her humanity. she cares, and she cares hard. she’s so fucking smart too like... coaching a hs basketball team at 17 against players of NBA calibre and making them win? i could never. seirin without riko is nothing.

Why I don’t: i dont like the constant slapstick of her beating up her boys. also, i dislike how the narrative forces her to act ‘feminine’ and then has the boys think of it as nothing. like first of all if someone like her offered me a kiss i would so take 100, and secondly... why is a girl’s worth so tied to her femininity? it’s awful

Favorite episode (scene if movie): her sending in furi vs kaijō, early in s3. it was an exceedingly smart move that could have only come from her knowing her players’ strengths and weaknesses intimately, and being a brilliant coach. just amazing <3

Favorite season/movie: all of them! riko has some amazing moments each season, so i can’t really pick

Favorite line: “Humans grow. Don't act like you understand when you don't even realize that!” here, riko knows and knows well that she is in her element. momoi might have the data, but riko understands adaptability and knows how to predict stuff. in that way, one can draw parallels between takao vs izuki and momoi vs riko: takao and momoi are recon experts, whereas riko and izuki are strategists. momoi uses raw data; riko manipulates the data to her advantage

Favorite outfit: idk if this is exactly an outfit but her glasses are so cute oh my gosh. (i’d kill to see her in a leather jacket tho)

OTP: rikomomo!!! i’m 100% sure that momoi’s fixation w/riko’s boobs is just... repressed lesbian sentiments. also sports girlfriends gimme

Brotp: hyuuizuriko. i hc that hyuuizu were tgt since elementary school and riko joined them in middle school so... childhood friends feels!

Head Canon: riko knows how to shoot a gun. her father owns one so it makes sense

Unpopular opinion: riko does not need to have bigger boobs in fanart. please stop sexualising a 17 year old girl

A wish: white suit riko please

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: her ever leaving behind sports in any way shape or form. it’s her thing. in the same vein, she should never have to change herself or become more traditionally feminine to be ‘appealing’

5 words to best describe them: perfect perfect perfect perfect perfect

My nickname for them: ai/riri

Aomine

Why I like them: aomine is just a pure, hurting young man that deserves help. he’s passionate, and his fire died down out of no fault of his own. that fire’s reignition through kagami is one of my favorite scenes <3

Why I don’t: he’s perverted as hell and i dislike that. it plays into the ‘brutish dark-skinned pervert’ stereotype which is yikes. also i thought we were done with pervs in anime

Favorite episode (scene if movie): s2 seirin v touou when kagami enters the zone!! aomine’s finally happy and it’s so amazing to watch <3

Favorite season/movie: s2, he finally got happiness and peace of mind

Favorite line: “You’re the best!” there’s just so much of pure joy in this line. he’s so so beside himself that he finally has someone he won’t destroy. kagami sees aomine the person, and that person is so happy, it’s beautiful

Favorite outfit: the leather jacket from the finale lmaooo he looked so cute

OTP: AOKAGA BABY i could write an essay tbh

Brotp: aomomo!! theyre such good friends and bi/lesbian solidarity too!

Head Canon: aomine cannot dance. he has stepped on kagami’s feet multiple times. he has also attempted to twerk when drunk. kuroko recorded the whole thing and uses it as blackmail in case the puppy eyes and “but aomine-kun you didn’t fist bump me back” don’t work

Unpopular opinion: more a fandom thing, but you all need to stop making aomine the aggressive/possessive top/‘seme’. it’s racist as fuck

A wish: aomine goes pro. it’ll be amazing for him, a huge challenge and kagami will be there too so its a win-win ;)

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen: he quits again/b-ball loses its allure. aomine at heart is someone who needs passion to drive him so i just want that passion to always burn bright within him

5 words to best describe them: “bastard baby needs a hug”

My nickname for them: dai-chan, momoi rubbed off on me

[high-warlock-of-brooklyn]

001 The Internal Devices 002 Herongraystairs 003 Jem :)

001) The Infernal Devices

Favourite character: William Owen Herondale, Jem’s Parabatai, Gwilym, Edmund and Linette’s son, (I can go on for a while)

Least favourite character: Nathaniel Gray. I mean, I hate Benedict Lightworm and Axel Mortmain as much as the next person, but Nate is just a sleaze. Who gives off their sister like that! Who cares if she’s human or not! I hate how he repeatedly became the worst humanity had to offer, when all he needed to do was love. He killed his own mother, he traded his sister, he misled Jessie. I am absolutely disgusted by him at times.

5 favourite ships (canon or non-canon): 1. Herongraystairs. They’re all so in love with each other! With such ease they sacrifice their own love for the other ones!

2. Charlotte and Henry. They’re so in love, and they don’t even realize it for a while, and when they know that the other one loves them too, they’re so lovely! And that discussion about baby names was so cute!

3 Gabrilly. Cecily showed him a way to be the better version of himself. She needed someone to believe in, he needed someone to believe in him, together, they’re perfect.

4. Gideon and Sophie. Ah, the original disaster Lightwood! I mean, scones, really? At least get something you love! I love how they have both been through so much, and they find peace and love in each other.

5. Edmund and Linette. We don’t see much of them, but Edmund loved her enough to get himself deruned. And they are so nice people!

Character I find most attractive: Will Herondale. James Carstairs. Gabriel Lightwood. Cecily Herondale. They’re hot, I’m weak, okay!

Character I would marry: Okay, I could marry almost everyone in that institute except Jessie and Bridget (those songs are just depressing!) And of course, Magnus.

Character I would be best friends with: With my sarcasm and dramatic bi ass? Will, without a doubt.

A random thought: TID is my favourite of the entire TSC (TEC doesn’t count). I love the characters, I love the story, I love the ships, I love it.

An unpopular opinion: Will did not take advantage of Jem. Will and Jem are not in a relationship where they will take advantage of each other. Jem chose to pull Will closer when he tried to push everyone away, for a valid reason of course. Jem chose to be Will’s Parabatai. They didn’t do it because Will pitied Jem and Jem had no-one else. They did it because they genuinely are the best of each other.

My canon OTP: Herongraystairs, I mean, there’s nothing else I can do when the three of them are together.

My non-canon OTP: I don’t really have any.....

Most badass character: Sophie and Charlotte. Sophie is such an amazing character, she’s strong, and she doesn’t take crap from anyone. Sophie proved that you don’t have to wield weapon and have Angel blood to be a fighter. And Charlotte is a true leader, and a loving mother, and a badass Shadowhunter. She kept her head high, and didn’t hesitate to do what’s right, at the cost of everything, and I think that’s amazing.

Most epic villain: I actually don’t love Mortmain that much as a villain. I mean, I just didn’t think his final goal to procreate a new species with Tessa to defeat Shadowhunters is that much villain-y. I actually loved the Dark Sisters. They kept coming back with a vengeance, and they were definitely scarring.

Pairing I am not a fan of: I’m not a fan of Jessie x Nate. Jessie was wrong, definitely, and she could’ve chosen better, and Nate is just a terrible excuse of a human being.

Character I feel the writers screwed up: No-one really. I wish we had more of the Lightwood brothers and Cecily, but apart from that, I love it as it is.

Favourite friendship: Will and Magnus. Their friendship is so important. Magnus has seen Shadowhunters throw away utensils just because Downworlders touched them. And Will gave him the respect he deserves, and thought of him as a friend, and Magnus helped him through some of the darkest moments of his life. I love them.

Character I most identify with: I identify with Will a bit more than the others. I know what it feels to live without a sliver of hope, and the fact that Will has soldiered on is an inspiration to me. I love books. Oh, and I’m also terrified of ducks.

Character I wish I could be: I wish I could be like Sophie. Or Cecily.

002) Herongraystairs

When I started shipping them: When all three of them came to the breakfast table and Tessa joked about Will and the Six-fingered-Nigel. Jem and Tessa teaming up to make Will speechless is one of my favourite things about this ship.

My thoughts: My OTP in TID. They are so selfless for each other, ready to sacrifice everything to make sure the other two are happy. And that’s beautiful.

What makes me happy about them: That they all got to be together, in a way. Will and Jem were Parabatais for six years, Wessa had their marriage, and children, and now Jessa is living their life. At least they all had a chance to be happy with someone who knows that both of them share a part of their soul with the third one.  

What makes me sad about them: Clockwork Princess epilogue. And every time Jem talks about Will in present day. They both miss him so much, and so do I....

Things done in fanfics that annoy me: That there isn’t that much hype about this ship. I mean, I’ve read countless Malec fics, and there’s fics about other canon and non-canon ships too, but somehow Herongraystairs is not that much common, when there’s so much potential for them.

Things I look for in a fanfic: Well, I look for fanfics themselves... there really isn’t that much...

My wishlist: I hope we see more of Will’s ghost talking to Mina in TWP. It will be bittersweet, and maybe Jem or Tessa will see him somehow, and, well, a girl can hope....

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: I don’t think they can ever end up with anyone other than themselves. I mean, Tessa never got involved with anyone since Will died (RIP), until Jem, and I don’t think she ever will. Their hearts have only the names of these three.

My happily ever after for them: I want them to be all together, them, all four of their children (Kit is a Jessa child), in a house. They can be just having a normal life, or a Shadowhunter life, but it doesn’t matter. Just as long as the whole family is together, I’m happy.

003) Jem Carstairs

How I feel about this character: You want me to tell you how I feel about the only person in the entire Shadow World who CANONICALLY didn’t do anything wrong? The only one so sweet and kind that even a demon cat (Church is a demon cat, and that’s that) cannot help but love? Because I will go on and on and on! Seriously, I love Jem.

Any/all the people I ship romantically with this character: Herongraystairs. That’s it. The three of them are one, and there’s not choosing just any two for me.

My favourite non-romantic relationship for this character: I love Jem and Kit’s relationship. Jem became the father, the guardian, the parent, the shoulder Kit needed, after losing everything, and that’s beautiful. Kit could’ve been misled, or hurt, and Jem made sure that he wasn’t, that he is loved. And their relationship is one of my favourite parts of GotSM. Kit truly found a family in the Carstairs, a dad, a mum, a sister, couple of ghosts, and that’s wonderful.

My unpopular opinion about this character: To anyone who thinks Jem is too perfect to be a good character, there is no such thing as too perfect to be good. Jem is inherently good. He is kind, even when it hurts, and he is kinder still. He saw his parents die in front of him, and he lost any hope to have a normal life. But he didn’t turn into a bitter person. He didn’t let kindness and love dry up in him. Instead, he loved tenfold. And that’s heroic. Everyone can be kind during their happy days. But knowing there’s no future, and knowing the pain that he knows, and still showing kindness and compassion, that takes courage, and purity of soul. The kind of person that Jem is.

One thing that I wish would’ve happened to this character in canon: I wish Jem could’ve had more time with Will. He lost his Parabatai, yes after a long long time, but for Jem and Will, it isn’t enough. I wanted them to have one last day, not as Brother Zachariah, but as Will and Jem, just one day spending time by each other.

Favourite friendship for this character: I love how Jem is a constant comfort for Charlotte. With Will being, well, Will, due to his curse, and Jessamine being her usual self, Jem was the source of comfort for Charlotte, when she needed assurance. And I love how he always makes sure that she knows how strong she is. Also, I love Jem and Sophie’s friendship. Yes, it was infatuation on Sophie’s part at first, but then it was pure friendship at the end, and that’s really amazing.

My crossover ship: I love how Jem and Lily are together. Lily is never crossing the boundary, and Jem is never cross with her. And the names. Oh the names!!!!

Thank you @therealsasori for the ask!!!

[grovyrosegirl]

I saw that you like Meicree in that one post. Could we get some headcanons please?? c:

Thank you for asking, dear anon. I thought the day would never come that I could gush about one of my favorite rarepairs.

And because I have a LOT of stuff, I’ll be putting it under a “read more” to avoid clogging up people’s dashboards with my shipping nonsense. 

It’s a slow burn ship. Like, a super slow burn. A stupidly super slow burn ship. Mainly because McCree isn’t canonically part of the recalled Overwatch yet, so it’ll be a while before the two even meet. 

But while we’re on the topic of first meetings. I can imagine the two of them meeting in two scenarios: 

Scenario #1: The recalled Overwatch is back in action, going on a different missions and slowly filling their ranks. Little do they know, McCree is secretly helping them out from the shadows. Things like “accidentally” leaving important information for them to find, dismantling some security measures of Talon/Null Sector bases, knocking out a few guards here and there, etc. And so far, he’s been doing a good job of helping them out without them even knowing. But alas, it doesn’t last, and during one mission where they’re fighting Talon agents, McCree has no other choice but to fight out in the open in front of some of the other recalled members. Echo recognizes him first, which allows her to tell some of the newer members, like Mei and Lúcio, that he’s not an enemy and they can trust him. Then during the battle, Mei makes an ice wall for cover and McCree ducks behind the first cover he sees to reload Peacekeeper. The interaction goes something like this:

McCree: *leans against the ice wall and starts reloading* Phew.

Mei: Um—

McCree: *looks at her* Oh—Howdy. Beg your pardon, ma'am. 

Mei: Oh um…it’s fine! 

McCree: *takes another look at the ice wall* So this came out of that ice ray of yours? 

Mei: *holds up her weapon* Endothermic blaster. 

McCree: *taps his free hand against the ice wall* Sturdy. Think you can make more? 

Mei: *nods and reloads her blaster with a determined grin* 

And then they lead a charge together, with McCree doing his thing with Peacekeeper while Mei provides him with ice walls for cover and ice ramps that help him get some air while he aims. At the end of the battle, McCree still isn’t ready to join the new Overwatch, and he leaves them with a “I’ll be around when you need me, you just don’t know when that’ll be” sorta goodbye. Mei can’t help but be curious about him, and she quietly hopes that they’ll run into him again. 

The much simpler and realistic Scenario #2: McCree joins the recalled Overwatch and gets introduced to Mei at Watchpoint Gibraltar. Not as exciting, but you know, most people first meet each other through polite introductions, so it could happen haha. 

Regardless of how they meet, skipping ahead to McCree being a part of the new Overwatch, the two of them grow to like each other. They often whisper jokes to each other and chat during meals. 

On missions, they make a surprisingly good team. They’re both resourceful in their own ways, such as how McCree can use his surroundings to his advantage during a fight while Mei can MacGyver almost anything useful out of materials around her. They start strategizing different ways to use Mei’s endothermic blaster in battle. One example is a strategy they call “Higher Noon” where Mei uses an ice wall to lift McCree up right as he aims and uses his Deadeye ability. 

They really start to bond when one day Mei is cleaning out stuff from an old storage container she had, and McCree discovers her collection of Western movies she had during her twenties. Mei was going to give them away or sell them, but McCree insists that they need to watch them all. So they make a bi-weekly movie night out of it. And they’re both those people who always have commentary on the movies they watch. 

McCree: This is terrible. 

Mei: *grabs the bowl of popcorn* You said it. The first movie had a clear ending, why did they make a sequel?

McCree: Oh you know, squeezing a franchise dry.

Mei: Franchise? 

McCree: They made three more sequels after this one. And a remake. 

Mei: Please tell me the remake wasn't—

McCree: Shot for shot remake. 

Mei: *groans* 

McCree: Ditto. *eats a handful of popcorn* 

It’s hard for McCree to come to terms to the fact that he might like Mei more than a friend. He’s someone who always tries to keep people from getting too close, lest they get caught up and hurt when his past catches up with him. It’s already risky enough having her close as a friend, if their relationship gets any closer, that could potentially place a target on her back. And he doesn’t want that. Not her. All she wants to do is help the planet and people, she doesn’t deserve to have her life at risk because of him. So he keeps it to himself for a while. 

Mei, on the other hand, keeps it to herself that she has feelings for him for different reasons. She’s worried that confessing to McCree could possibly ruin their friendship, especially if he doesn’t feel the same way about her. The way she sees it, confessing comes with the risk of losing a friendship that means a lot to her, which could lead to them becoming awkward around each other, which could lead to them not working as well together on missions, which could lead to trouble for the rest of the team, which could lead to—etc, etc, etc. Basically, the idea of confessing to him causes her insecurities and worries to spiral, so she’s holding back. 

But soon, they’re on a mission that goes out of control, and they wind up in a tight spot. They barely make it out alive in the end. It’s then at the Watchpoint infirmary that they finally talk it out and be truthful to each other.

And this is only scratching the surface! I have a ton of more stuff for Meicree as a ship. But this post is getting too long, so I’ll save them for another time. 

[ryouverua]

Love Key #5 - Kaito Momota

Well SHIT it took way too long to start that Saimota train! I'm ready to hop in for the ride though too so CHOO CHOO GET OUT THE WAY

Wow it really didn’t get long for those Saimota vibes to get going!

Of course Kaito charges into this with his voice raised. Of course.

Have we... gone full shounen sports anime???

Shuichi is just thinking oh god what the hell am I about to compete in - if it’s wrestling I swear -

“I am nothing if not fully committed to whatever role I have thrust upon me! potentiallypunintended”

But man, Shuichi is determined to get his bearings ASAP. To what end, Shuichi? To what end? 

“Because I’m totally okay with it if you are. In fact, I think the genre we’ve shifted into requires a half-to-full episode of reminiscing about all the hardships we’ve overcome to get to this moment! Preferably via montage with our OP song playing in the background!”

“Kaito this is already an incredibly weird situation - please don’t get too meta on me, my poor bi heart can’t handle it.”

A fellow astronaut?

I think we actually were talking about the position Kaito would take as an astronaut, and pilot was mentioned as a strong possibility - so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see it up here! Yeah... hotshot pilot really does go well with Kaito’s character, doesn’t it...

“Kaito what the fuck are you talking about and who am I and -”

“Hold up fellow rival I’m totally monologuing right now ANYWAY AS I WAS SAYING -”

Honestly though does anyone else find it hilarious that Shuichi’s absolute confusion didn’t break Kaito’s immersion in the fantasy in the slightest?

I do love the word ‘eccentric’ for Kaito, because it honestly wouldn’t have been the first thing to come to mind for me - but I guess to Shuichi, who is so withdrawn in himself and anxious all the time, an aggressively positive extrovert who chases his ambitions and believes in himself/everyone around him so strongly would be a completely alien concept to him! I actually think that it’s the fact that Kaito believes in Shuichi so strongly, and not just in himself, that throws Shuichi off the most, too!

So, um, did you guys have judges giving you scores? Was this done in private or via actual accredited competition? It’s clearly not a traditional race based on speed, so...

Assuming this fantasy is one that’s being judged by other people (because once again I’m thinking about the fantasy scenarios way too seriously), I can sort of see this taking place in the hangar before they go into their planes. So Kaito spots his rival pilot and confronts him, because this will be their last time competing together and chances are he’s just realizing how significant the ‘rival’ pilot has been in his life.... hm ~ 

Oh! He’s getting serious!

It is their way of connecting. What else will they have once the competition is put to rest?

Kaito is going to have to confront the fact that all of the people he’s trying to nurture and help grow will be left behind once he goes into space, though. I... suppose this is hinting at that, just a little bit. He dreams big, but big dreams come with sacrifices.

But, of course, then he wouldn’t be able to ever achieve his dream of going to space.

S... Shuichi, you do remember that you aren’t actually the pilot he’s ‘talking’ to, right? It does seem significant that Shuichi is losing himself to the role, though. Has he done that in any of the other events? Minus Kokichi’s of course, considering the fact that Shuichi was himself in that one, I haven’t noticed anything on this level from the ones I’ve done so far. And with that said, you could easily read into it as Shuichi commenting on their training nights together. They do seem like the only times Shuichi has been legitimately happy - outside of his time with Kaede, of course.

Ah, that stings a bit. 8′D This is a pretty good reminder that, despite me loving the ship so much, Kaito’s perfect fantasy is not Shuichi - or at least, not Shuichi as he is now. Actually, I know the game is pushing for potential Maki!endgame but I think Kaede might fit the bill better. I remember noticing it a lot in the first chapter (and... uh, low-key shipping them tbh), but Kaito always seemed really impressed by Kaede, and whenever Kaito was about to chip in with what I imagined to be a big friendship/supportive-type speech about ‘never giving up!’ and ‘believe in your friends!’, Kaede would always beat him to the punch... and yet Kaito never seemed to feel threatened by her. They’re both pretty headstrong, and Kaede did strike me as being competitive in her own way - honestly, as a rarepair ship they would work really well together!

With that said, I can imagine Shuichi’s fantasy involving someone supporting them through all his worries (COUGHKAITOCOUGHKAEDE) so... you know. It almost feels like Shuichi is getting to live out a bit of his own fantasy situation right here - being in a position where he can hold his own against Kaito, and where Kaito recognizes him as an equal while still being his supportive self, with his eyes only on him...

also I feel like I should note, just because Shuichi isn’t Kaito’s ultimate ideal doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t be up there. In fact, I’d argue that Kaito’s big thing is raising people up to the level where they can be as confident in themselves as he is in them, and in himself. Maybe in the future when Shuichi reaches that level Kaito could see something more in him? okay maybe not in the game canon but post-game fan material wink wink nudge nudge guys plz

Ah, so he is able to move on. Whelp, Kaito is officially in a better mental state than me, hoarder of physical items, internet tabs and memories lmao

All jokes aside, it is pretty impressive to be able to work towards your goal with such determination. I can understand why Kaito could probably grate on a few people playing this, but I really find that sort of attitude impressive.

.... Quick question. Is Kaito saying ‘man’ as general slang or is he acknowledging Shuichi as a man? As in, Kaito is confirmed to be at least bi under the right (shounen) circumstances? I’M JUST ASKING... FOR SCIENCE...

Shuichi just remembered that he isn’t an actual pilot, huh. 8′D Just pilot with your mind, sweet cheeks! You already drive brain cars; surely a plan can’t be that big of a jump, right?

OH MY GOD I THOUGHT THE SCENE WAS NEARLY OVER BUT APPARENTLY NOT

I AM OKAY WITH THIS

Kaito really likes someone that can keep up with him energy-wise, huh?

Oooooomfg this is so shounen-genre it hurts

“My... ahoge... is so.... confused right now....!”

DID YOU REALLY ONLY JUST REMEMBER

I... I think this is the first time Shuichi acknowledged the bed itself as a tool of the room before actually interacting with it in any way lmao

Whoa Shuichi whOA

Oh yeah, this is definitely Kaito trying to provoke a reaction from someone he thinks will fight back, not an attempt at intimidation.

KAITO YOU HAVE TO BE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE

is it close enough for Shuichi to feel those scraggly goatee bits I don’t know why but his goatee will never not be funny to me

:O !!!!

This is basically the closest Kaito can get to a confession, huh?

It’s interesting to get it at this point, after the reveal of the disease he has. It’s another clear indicator that Kaito has trouble being honest with other people about vulnerabilities despite him doing his best to encourage other people to rely on him. And it’s strange, because he’s fully honest and eager about his own ambitions and passions! And love itself is a passion of sorts, but this is the type of thing that requires a certain level of vulnerability, and it’s also something where he doesn’t have full control over his destiny the way he does over his other goals - if the person doesn’t love you back, then there’s very little you can do about it. I hesitate to go so far as to say that he has a fear of rejection, but he definitely doesn’t want to be the one to say ‘I’m in love with you’ before the other person does, as far as I can tell...

“Quite literally, actually. See, look!”

But man, Shuichi is literally acknowledging the situation he’s in (dubious as it is lmao) and knows that there’s a 99% chance that Kaito wants to confess to his feelings to ‘him’. Shuichi, you do realize what a powerful position you have right now, right?

So I guess the question is whether Shuichi is hesitating because he doesn’t feel the same way, he just doesn’t want to take advantage of the situation... or whether Shuichi wants to earn that confession as ‘himself’, and not just as some fictional ideal manufactured by the power of the room they’re in. I suppose that depends on the viewer!

I’ve made it pretty clear that I’ve been shipping them for a while so, uh, you all probably know how I want to read it, but there is plenty of room for other interpretations too ~ they do have a fantastic bro-ship going on too!

Aaaah, Kaito :( I have a feeling that while he’d be willing to pursue a gay relationship with pilot!Shuichi, he understands how unusual that would be in ‘that world’. I wonder if that means he would be that open and understanding with his own sexuality if it ever came up in-game? He doesn’t seem to be struggling with his own feelings in the sense of ‘oooh ~ forbidden love ~’, but rather the idea of his rival’s own feelings being returned.

Between Kokichi’s love key and this one, Shuichi is a mess.

Ooh, maybe I was wrong? He’s psyching himself up to do a proper confession after all!

Well, adrenaline does have a way of ramping up all of your emotions! Aaaw, Kaito looks so excited! Rain or shine, rejection or no, he’s officially decided to come clean after all!

NO SHUICHI TAKE SOME INITIATIVE

This is the one issue they have in the game too - Shuichi is relying on Kaito to do all the emotional and communication-based heavy-lifting, and it means that Shuichi won’t press Kaito on the issues that need to be pressed in his attempt to stay in Kaito’s good graces. Aaah, I’m so worried about my boys...

“BE THE SHOUNEN RIVAL YOU WERE MEANT TO BE, SHUICHI!”

“I’m already being a stand-in for the original protagonist, what else do you want from me?!”

“It’s how I get turned on, okay?”

“It’s what - ?!”

“I-I mean fired up! Yeah, I totally meant fired up...!”

This is the gayest competition-based ship I’ve seen since Yowamushi Pedal’s Toumaki

You would like it to be that way, huh? Man, I do wish we could see some of the consequences of these nights in the interactions during the game, but I guess what would be super tricky to program and, uh, game-breaking... but I suppose that’s what fanfiction is for, right? 8′D

I really didn’t expect this to be so enlightening on the two of them as characters though, and their platonic relationship as well as their shipping potential! This may be up with Kokichi’s as one of my favourites ~

[shirtlesssammy]

13x12: Various & Sundry Villains

Then:

Rowena’s as dead as my faith in Andrew Dabb! All hail the witch queen!

Now:

At a convenience store in Wichita, Kansas, Dale, a connoisseur of the local beverages in stock, notices two women whispering and giggling with each other. Even without a little liquid courage, Dale surmises he’s got a chance and approaches them. They’re witches though and put him under a love spell --cheesy jazz music plays and Dale grins like a lovesick puppy.

The witches, Jennie and Jamie, instruct him to rob the joint of good vodka and money. Taking out the store clerk in the process, Dale accomplishes his goals and meets up with the witches outside. They proceed to take the items, and beat Dale to death with a sledgehammer. RIP Dale.

At the bunker, Sam and Dean are deep into the lore looking for a way to access the AU. And the show highlights again how the brothers’ roles have swapped. Sam has no hope but Dean is there to cheer him/them on. He encourages Sam to do his “Sam thing” and read, study, learn something that they can use for finding Jack and their mother. Dean’s going on a beer run. (They also mention how Cas calls everyday with no information and a lot of questions. Slightly clumsy exposition but a nice set up for the reality of the situation.)

The Angel Is Back On Our Screen!

He’s still in a jail cell in Massachusetts but he’s fairly serene about the whole situation, and thoroughly enjoying Lucifer’s lack of calm. 

In town, Dean picks up a six pack of beer (At first I wanted to call bs on Dean only picking up a six pack, but I think the meta on this is how very healthy Dean is with Cas alive again. He isn’t drowning himself in booze -- and on top of what others have commented on in regards to Dean helping Sam --he’s sticking to the script, even if he doesn’t really need the alcohol.)

It’s his good fortune that Jennie and Jamie are there to curse him with a love spell. Jennie suggests to Dean that a kiss will wake up his true love. And lo! It does. Jamie wakes to Dean’s kiss. She asks how he’s feeling. Dean’s feeling good.

He’s in LOVE y’all!

At the bunker, he gushes to Sam about how in love he really is. Sam is on HIGH ALERT, guys. There’s nothing weird about this. Also, Dean wants to give the Grimoire as a gift to Jamie, his soulmate. Sam bolts out of his seat. He reminds Dean of Becky and her love spell. Dean doesn’t remember, and Jamie’s waiting so he’s gotta go. Sam tries to stop him, but Dean sucker punches him and takes off.

Dean walks into town and hands the Grimoire over to the sisters. In return he gets a kiss ---with a sledgehammer! Sam shows up in the Impala to save the day. Dean’s having none of it though and fisticuffs ensue between the brothers. The witch sisters take off. The fighting Winchesters get zapped by a purple flash, the hex bag burns, and wonderful pair of spiky heels enters stage left.

ROWENA!

Thank god for spoilers because I was really upset over her death last season. They did her dirty, but SHE’S ALIVE.

Back in “Hell”, Lucifer finally gets a little rise out of Cas by taunting him with Mary’s torture at the hands of Michael. Quick aside: I saw grumbles on Twitter (surprise!), that using “Cassandra” as an insult was a degrading joke at the expense of women. I side-eye that because Lucifer doesn’t think much of women or Cas. Furthermore, when I first heard that my brain didn’t associate Cas and Cassandra. My brain tumbles off in so many tangents that I instantly started thinking of how Cas is going to be like the famous Cassandra. He needs a win though, so not sure how this would be relevant.

Cas then taunts Lucifer with “truths” about Jack. “Jack would rather kill you than hug you.” Lucifer gets pissy enough that in his anger he’s able to move a stick in his cell.

At the bunker, Rowena is looking On Point.

Between Cas and Rowena both being back, there’s too much pretty on my screen. I don’t really know how to function to be honest here.

Rowena is cagey about her resurrection, but never wants to die again. She needs the Black Grimoire because it contains a page that will help remove a binding spell the Grand Coven placed on her many years ago. Rowena wants to work together to get the book back. The Winchesters give her a hard no. She’s changed! “Honestly, having your skull crushed and being burned alive can do that to a girl.” Oh, ROWENA. You’re so deviously evil but we love you!

She points out the tracking spell on the Grimoire is her spell, so they will need her to find the book. She then asks about Crowley. Awkward!

Jennie and Jamie are at a hardware store gathering supplies (they even find one soul to sacrifice in aisle six). Nothing weird about walking around your local Ace Hardware reading an ancient text of witchcraft. Also, they have the NERVE to insult Brenda.

Rowena shows real remorse over her dead son after the brothers fill her in on Crowley’s death.  She also can’t believe that the witch sisters outfoxed Sam and Dean for the book. And then she asks Dean if they got “to fifth base.” Me and a lot of other people didn’t know that term (I imagine the Google tech on watch that night was like, wtf?). Fanfiction, you failed us! How in Chuck’s holy name did canon Supernatural do this first? In any event, Dean “Chinese basket trick” Winchester totally denied knowing that “fifth base” exists. Yeah, he’s a poor sheltered boy. But Rowena moves on. What’s bi by is bi by, amirite? Dean Bean’s little guilty face. (hearts) So, yeah, Rowena tries to kinda out Dean to get her way, but he will not budge.

Jennie and Jamie survey the book over their mother’s corpse. Jennie worries about failing at the resurrection spell they want to try and they bolster each other. “I, like, really believe in us,” Jamie says earnestly. Off in the corner, the store clerk holds a bouquet of flowers. He, like, really believes in them too! He sits still with a soppy smile on his face as he’s stabbed to death, his soul contributing to their resurrection attempt.

The Impala rolls into Stillwater, Oklahoma. Rowena has tracked the book to the general vicinity but can’t pinpoint it further. It’s time for a little old fashioned hunting. Dean asks “Red” where the book is (and I’m gleeful over the nickname which I’m convinced betrays some underlying fondness). She scornfully informs him that magic doesn't function like GPS. They’re going to have to do some old-fashioned detective work - unless they want to magically interrogate everyone to save time. Yeah. No. Rowena has to stay in the car and Sam will look after her!

Sasstiel, meanwhile, is roundly abusing Lucifer, telling him that he’s useless and weak and will die alone. Their demon guard approaches and heads to his favorite taunting target: Lucifer. Lucifer channels all the rage he’s been storing up from Castiel’s insults and mojos the demon against the bars. He reaches through the wardings and stabs his little twig into the demon’s neck. Cas casually steps out of his cell and blasts the demon into oblivion. 

*Fans self*

It turns out that Lucifer got so worked up, thanks to Sasstiel’s taunting and his general predicament, that he broke through his wardings and busted them out. Team Angel then worked together to kill the demon and nab his angel blade. Their advantage doesn’t last for long. Several other demons show up and the rest of their battle for freedom begins.

Out in Oklahoma, Rowena is bored times one billion. She chats up Sam and the two have a fascinating discussion of Rowena’s vulnerability and the trauma they both suffered from Lucifer. We learn that Lucifer showed both Rowena and Sam his true face - and it’s apparently nightmare-inducing.

While Sam and Rowena are baring their souls, Dean heads in to the hardware store. He chats up the cashier, who’s well acquainted with the witches. She’s no fan of them and Dean sweetens his information request by telling her, “If it helps, I don’t plan on being nice about it when I do find them.”

“You gonna be really mean?” she asks, giving him their information. “‘Cause it’s about damn time someone was.” She then ogles Dean’s ass as he leaves which...yeah. SAME BRENDA. Same.

Back in the car, Sam’s still having a heart to heart with Rowena. He tells her nothing she does will matter - she’ll never feel safe. Sam...what a ray of frickin’ sunshine. Jokes aside, this remains an excellent glimpse into Sam’s poor, repressed little head. Rowena steps out of the car for a little air when Dean walks up with the address. Rowena is all ready to head out and get the book when the Winchesters tell her she’s got to stay at the car.

“Eff that noise,” Rowena essentially says, dropping a hex bag that freezes the boys to the pavement. They’re both tall men so it’s fun to watch them flail for the hex bag. Like, use your heads, my dudes? Sam! Take off your jacket and sweep the hex bag towards you! (Me: remembers Sam not taking off his jacket to smother a fire and decides it’s a trend.)

Rowena lets herself into the witches’ house. “You were supposed to get the book and wait for me,” she hisses. Yessss Rowena for the double crossing win! The sisters sputter excuses and then tell Rowena it’s too late to stop them from using the book. They already mostly succeeded at casting a spell from it. Enter: mommy dearest as a delightfully hungry...zombie. “Not my first zombie, love,” Rowena says casually and tries to kill it. But the zombie is magic-proof and chases her through the house.

Sam finally reaches the hex bag, they burn it, and the Winchesters head out to stop all the witchly shenanigans.

Outside of Hell headquarters, Cas and Lucifer regroup, waiting for more demons to descend. Lucifer nags Cas to let him consume some of his grace again and….blech. Lucifer, you SUCK.

“Fool me once,” Cas tells Lucifer. There’s no way he’s going to give him his grace as a temporary fix. Lucifer takes a swipe at Cas who in turn stabs Lucifer. “This is me learning from my mistakes,” Cas growls. CAAAAAAAAAS! (Boris: This is such a beautiful line.)

Back at the witches’ house, Rowena counsels herself for strength. “It’s just a magical zombie! You’ve dealt with magical zombies before, Rowena.” She searches for weaponry in the little kitchen and low key bargains for her life with the witch sisters. Fortunately, the Winchesters bust in to serve up a great distraction.

The Winchesters point their guns at Jamie and Jennie and announce that the guns are full of witch killing bullets. Dudes. Just. Shoot first and be smug later, okay? Jamie and Jennie get the upper hand. “Sammy,” Dean grunts. “They’re really weirdly strong.” Apparently the witches have been trying out strength spells as well. Smart!

The zombie breaks into the kitchen and starts trying to eat Rowena. She shouts for suggestions from the Winchesters. “Shoot her in the head,” Dean suggests. Thank you, Deano. She shoots the zombie then bespells the sisters, setting them on each other. Jennie and Jamie stab each other to death. 

Afterward, Rowena cradles the book, crowing about her successful TRIPLE cross. Clearly, she planned everything to be this way. Uh huh. Sam takes the book and Rowena gives him a pleading look. She begs him to not let her be helpless again and Sam takes the book from her anyway. He stares after her, clearly affected by her plight.

Later in the bunker, Dean grumbles about his injuries and how the case went down. “You know Rowena is not our friend, right?” he asks, opening the book to reveal a ripped out page. (God does nobody understand PHOTOCOPIES? SCANS? A neat transcription? For fuck’s sake.) Sam protests that Rowena didn’t get into his head - he didn’t get played. Sam promises that he’ll kill Rowena if she goes bad. But if she sees Lucifer again, Sam wants her to make him suffer.

Sam finally confesses his feelings of helplessness to Dean. His plan of helping Jack and saving their mom went awry. His wheels are spun out. Dean assures him that they’ll figure it out...together.

In a quiet room, Rowena does a candlelit spell using the ripped out page. She slices the binding spell from her and the bonds appear as mystical purple shackles that snap one by one. Rowena gasps in ecstasy and then her eyes glow purple with power. Rowena is BACK, baby, and like we’ve never seen her before.

Natasha: I really enjoyed this episode and all of Rowena's morally suspect and devious ways!

The Quoting Grimoire:

What’s with the hammer?

That’s a nice, horrifying plan

We should get out of here in case the one with the hair actually wins

Turns out rage is a good motivator

You always say a lot.

Well, lover?

Did they get to fifth base?

What’s by is by.

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