#also i need to figure out how to make better gifs with quotes

[sinfulpanda16]

Amazing Classmate

Midoriya, Bakugou, Uraraka, Todoroki x foreigner reader

You are an international student in U.A and meet all of Class 1-A. What are their reactions to seeing you for the first time? How do you guys bond together despite the differences in nationalities?

(n/l) = native language (y/c) = your country

Midoriya

Is fascinated by you

He tries to learn your language by taking notes

When he saw you for the first time, he was starstruck. Your features are so beautiful, and he can't help but to blush a bit when you make eye contact with him. He decides to be a good friend towards you because he didn't want you to feel too different. You two become good friends and when he asks if you can help him learn your native language it made you feel a sense of warmth. You happily agreed, you would tell him 'The Word of the Day' and he would write it down in his notebook.

Izuku waits for you to think of a word. When you finally do you look at him with a smile, "The word of the day is, (random word in your language)."

Midoriya smiles brightly, "Ok! How do you spell that?" he asks getting ready to write in his notebook. You spell it out for him and go on to translate the word in Japanese. You explain to him how you would you use it in a sentence and Midoriya is writing it all down.

It makes you happy that Midoriya is so dedicated to learning your (n/l). He's learned so much from you and is almost able to have a full conversation with you in your mother's tongue. In a way he makes you feel at home.

He does it all because he wants to. He really likes you and where you come from. He likes all of you.

Uraraka

Strives to be more like you

You are so inspirational in her eyes

She walks into the common room and sees you sitting on the couch. She's hasn't been motivated to do much recently and doesn't know why. You have made it clear to all of Class 1-A that you're a safe space and are there for them. Uraraka figures maybe she can talk to you, so she takes a deep breath in and makes her way towards you on the couch.

"Hey (Y/N)" she waves shyly and sits down next to you.

You look from your phone and give her a smile. "Hey what's up?" you ask.

She looks at your eyes and she finds them so beautiful. She can't help but to turn away shyly. "Oh, it's nothing really. I just figured I could use some advice."

You turn off your phone and give her your undivided attention. You allow her to tell you her thoughts and feelings. You listen closely and after she explains everything, she looks at you, "I don't how (Y/N). What should I do?"

You chuckle a bit and begin to answer her question. "Back where I'm from they have a famous saying." Uraraka listens closely. You explain to her a quote your people back at home say a lot. It's something that people tell each other to help them feel better. After you finish explaining you look at her, "It's ok Uraraka. You're human so there's no need to beat yourself up for feeling more tired than usual. I'd recommend going on a walk. That always makes me feel better and productive". You give her a warm smile and say the quote in you language.

She looks at you with her big eyes and then chuckles. "Thanks (Y/N). Thats means a lot. You and your people are really something." she laughs.

You smile, it's true. You're proud of your blood and culture. And Uraraka is also proud of you for that.

Bakugou

Admires you from afar

At first he could've cared less about you, but your just so intriguing

He's sitting in the common room lost in thought and he sees you come out of the elevator. You two make eye contact and you smile brightly. You say, "Hi Bakugou." in your native language. He and all of class 1-A already know the word for Hi in your language because you always say it.

Bakugou just grunts, but that doesn't mean he's not willing to talk with you. You don't mind him and make your way to the kitchen to make yourself something to eat. You been enjoying cold soba ever since Todoroki recommended it to you. He was onto something cuz cold soba hits every time.

Bakugou knew you've been eating a lot of soba cuz of Todoroki and it bothered him. He wasn't sure why, but it did. He calls out for you "Oi! (Y/n)." you look up from what you were doing and look at him. Your eye contact always makes him feel a certain type of way. He can never hold eye contact with you. He looks away and abruptly says the first thing that came to his mind, "Teach me some curse words. You know...in (n/l)."

His request is so random, but you laugh, "Alright".

So that's what you do. You teach him all your favorite curse words in your native language. It makes you laugh because he honestly sounds and looks good cursing in your language.

This helped you two get closer and after you left, he found himself smirking. Just everything about you intrigues him and that includes your culture and language. And you can bet that after that he yells curse words at any extra in your native language.

Shoto

Is respectful to you and your culture

You and him both have your struggles and are always there for each other

You were feeling down and were in your dorm room. You love Japan but just like everyone else who moves countries, you get homesick. You sat at your desk looking at a photo of you and your friends back home. You miss them like hell. Long distance relationships are not easy. You hear a knock at your door and already know its Todoroki cuz of the way he knocks. You call out for him to come in.

He opens your door and walks inside, "Hi (Y/N). Are you busy-" he's caught off guard cuz he can tell something isn't right. He can tell your feeling down.

You raise an eyebrow at him, "Is everything ok?" you ask when he stops speaking mid-sentence.

"I don't know. Is it?" is all Shoto says in his soft voice, and you're taken aback. In all those months Todoroki managed to read you like a book. Honestly, you learned to do the same with him.

You smile softly, "I'm ok Todoroki. I just feel a bit homesick."

He walks towards you, "Oh. You miss (y/c)?" he asks sitting down on your bed. You nod your head and look back at the photo of your friends, "Yeah. I mainly just miss my friends and family. It's been a while since I've seen them in person." you explain.

Todoroki can only imagine what that must feel like. He sometimes misses his family, his mother, even though they're all with him in Japan. He doesn't want you to feel sad, so he suggests doing something to ease your mind.

"(Y/N) me and our friends were going to go to mall together." he reaches to hold your hand, "Please come. I promise it'll make you feel better." he says looking into your eyes.

You smile softly. Although your childhood friends are back in (y/c), that doesn't mean you're all alone here. You have amazing friends like Todoroki and the rest of Class 1-A to be with. You back into his eyes, "Ok. Thanks, Shoto."

He gives you his soft and cute smile, "You're welcome (Y/N)".

[dalliancekay]

"I think Aziraphale needs to learn a lot more than that..."

Why do people keep (telling me again and again about this quote) assuming that Neil means Aziraphale needs some moral lessons, get off his high horse, learn some hard truths about Heaven, escape their grasp, finally understand that they are bad etc etc etc.

When the ask is about how Crowley is always forgiven from Aziraphale's point of view and how what (I see) Neil means is that Azi should also be told he's good enough. That he can be loved.

That what he needs to learn is how to believe in himself. To trust his mind, his feelings, to believe he is enough, he always was, that he doesn't have to be perfect or 100% right, that it is not possible and that it's okay. That he's okay. That he was lied to.

I wish we would frame Aziraphale's journey/learning as something else, not morality/awakening of some sort. Not as something he has to overcome. When Crowley changes his mind on something, no one says, oh have a gold star, you went against what Hell wants from you. Well done! Why do we do that to Aziraphale. Crowley is seen in Hell, giving presentations on some half hearted ideas that no one there really gets and getting accolades for things he didn't do at all and everyone is like, oh yay, look at him, so clever. Hahahah. Aziraphale also has to follow rules and do his tasks whether he agrees with them or not or he will be punished. He's not doing it for fun. He breaks rules when he feels he simply must and then everyone is like oh look, he is finally abandoning the rigid thinking that Heaven showed/taught him. But really, the naïve slow angel, he should try even harder.

Why such double standards?

Aziraphale is good and wants to do good. He is not sure of himself, true, but that's hardly his fault. Crowley is also good and tries to do good or at least limit the bad things he needs to do to survive.

They are two sides of the same coin. They both learn and grow. Sometimes the treatment the Ineffables get reminds me of how differently boys and girls are treated when they are learning behaviour. Boys praised for anything and everything even remotely good they do (cos they are expected to be naughty) and girls get the oh you should have already known better treatment. Aziraphale saved Job's kids cos he thought it was a horrible thing to want to do and expected to be punished for it. That's not - he didn't, it didn't change who he is. He did it expecting Falling. That's extremely brave. Yes Crowley has Fallen and people tend to see this as some extra superior move on his behalf, like he had everything figured out, understood how bad Heaven was and tried to bravely fix it. And Aziraphale needs to catch up with him. (If not by Falling himself than by doing some extraordinary learning journey to catch up with Crowley's knowledge). No. That's all HC. We don't even know why Crowley Fell. We don't. We know what he says happened (and we also know that he's not a reliable narrator...) and that's all we know. And even the things he says are not exactly showing him as some truth waving hero only wanting to make Heaven better for everyone and failing. Aziraphale is not breaking rules cos suddenly he used his brain and saw how Heaven is bad. He already knows that. He's risking punishment to help others. Again and again. And that's very kind and admirable and everything but it's not his evolving morality. He's already moral. He's already good. He always was.

He's also fucking cute. Let's not forget.

[samaraannhan20]

Harry Styles Imagine: College AU! The Eras Tour

Warnings: college!reader, fem!reader, mentions of anxiety, age gap

September 2023

“Hey luv?” I hear Harry call out for me from the bedroom. 

“What’s up?” I say as I walk in holding my laptop so I can continue the homework I had been working on. 

“Do you still have a lot of homework to do?” he asks, and I look up from what I was doing and look at him, placing the laptop on the dresser and walking over to him, standing next to him as he sits at the edge of the bed.  

“Um yes and no. Why?”

“I have a surprise for you, and I don’t think I can keep it a secret anymore,” he says, and I step in between his legs and rest my arms over his shoulders. 

“What is it?” I say, and then lean forward and give him a kiss. “You know how I feel about surprises,” I say when I pull back and he laughs.

“Yes, to quote you ‘as long as you know every detail ahead of time you love surprises.’ They just can’t be blindfolded in the car with no idea what is happening,” he says laughing. 

“Absolutely correct. I mean, I have really strong deduction skills, so usually even if I’m blindfolded in the car I can still figure it out, but then I feel bad and act as though I didn’t. As long as I know exactly what is happening at least a day prior to it happening it can be a surprise.”

“Right. Well this surprise is two months in advance, so hopefully that is plenty of time,” he says with a small laugh and I smile.

“Okay so gimme. Or tell me. Whichever applies in this situation,” I say, and he gently grabs my waist and pushes me back so he can stand up. He gives me a quick kiss and then turns us.

“You sit on the bed, and turn the tv on. I need to grab my phone so I can airplay this to the television,” he says, and I do what he said. I sit on the bed with my legs crossed under me,  right at the end of the bed so I’m closer to the TV and grab the remote, turning it on. He walks back into the room right as I get it pulled up to the airplay screen, and connects his phone. All I can see is a black screen, so I look at him with a look of confusion. 

“Are you ready?” he asks, and I smile. 

“Babe, I’ve been ready. What is going on?” 

“Okay so you know how at the Grammy’s I got to talk to Taylor for a little?” he asks, and I nod my head, remembering the conversation we had afterwards. “Okay well we talked a little about you, and I left that out when I first told you the story because with your school schedule I didn’t know if we could make anything work.”

“Make what work?” I ask him, grabbing his hand. 

“Just wait. Anyway, I talked to her about you that night, told her all about you, told her how we met, how much I love you, all sorts of things like that,” he says, and my jaw drops. 

“You told Taylor Swift about me? The Taylor Swift? Your ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift?” I say, a look of shock completely taking over my face.

“Yes. What other Taylor Swift is there? And why wouldn't I tell her? We may not be engaged yet but I do fully intend on marrying you,” he says, and then places a quick kiss on my lips before pulling back and continuing. “I also told her about how when she announced her tour  you got all excited and waited in the ticketmaster queue and didn’t get any tickets and how sad you were, she had an idea. So I needed the airplay to show you the video I got from her, for you, the other day,” he says, and then takes my chin in his hand, and gently turns it towards the TV. 

“Hey Y/N!” the video starts as the screen lights up and Taylor appears on the screen. “I’ve heard so much about you from that amazing man of yours! You chose a good man,” she says, and I turn to Harry really quick, just for him to point me back to the screen, causing me to turn back. “He texted me last week and told me he had worked out a day for you guys to come to a show. So you better start looking for an outfit, because on November 11th you will be coming to the Eras Tour in Buenos Aires!” she exlcaims in the video, and I look at Harry, only to be pointed towards the screen again. “Not only will you be here but I told Harry I could get you guys into the friends and family tent, and I have some more surprises for you when you get here. I am so excited to meet you!” she says, and then the video ends, and  I just sit there staring at the screen in silence, unmoving.

“Luv?” Harry questions from next to me after I’ve been sitting there for probably a minute. 

“Hm?” I hum, still not moving my eyes or turning my body from the blank screen in front of me. 

“Are you… um… still with me?” 

“I’m physically still here. My mind is blown though,” I say, finally turning my head to look at him. “I mean, you got your ex-girlfriend to not only give us tickets to her sold out show, but put us in her friends and family tent. I didn’t realize the two of you were so close.”

“Y/N, are you jealous?” he asks with a teasing lilt in his voice. 

“Yes and no. I’m half still in shock, and half jealous because she’s Taylor Swift, a famous popstar, and your ex, and I’m just… me,” I say, looking down at my hands. 

“You don’t actually believe that do you?” he asks, taking my hands in one of his, and lifting my chin up with the other. “She may be my ex, and a popstar, but you are everything to me. You light up my sad days, you care about hearing about my days, how recording is going, how my family is. You are the person I want to come home to,” he says and then presses a quick kiss to my lips. “ Now, if this makes you uncomfortable and you don’t want to go I would complete-” he starts, and I cut him off, placing my hand over his mouth.

“Nope, we’re going. I’ve wanted this for so long. I just got a little jealous and insecure. I want to go and meet Taylor Swift. Can you imagine if we hit it off and become  best friends? I’d be part of her crew and…” I keep going as Harry just laughs and pulls me in for a hug, placing a kiss on my forehead. 

“There’s my girl,” he mutters as I continue jabbering on. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

October 2023

“I can’t believe you hired Lambert to put together era’s tour outfits for us,” I say as I stand in front of the garment bags that are hanging over our closet doors. 

“It was stressing you out, and you needed to focus on school. It was nothing. Basically it was the same as the outfits for the last show on tour, just different outfits” he says, wrapping his arms around me and placing a kiss on the top of my head. 

“So can I look yet?” I ask, toying with the zipper on the bag that has my name on it. 

“Is your homework done?” he asks with a teasing lilt. 

“Yes it’s done. I wouldn’t be standing in the bedroom if it wasn’t. These garment bags have been teasing me since I got home and came in here to change,” I respond with a little eye roll, and he squeezes my waist before letting me go. 

“Go ahead. Open that bag up,” he says, and I take the step it takes to reach the garment bag and yank the zipper down. 

“Wow. Lambert really kills it every time,” I say as I reach out to touch the fabric of the dress. 

“Yeha, ‘at’s why I keep hiring ‘im,” Harry says, and I laugh. 

“Is there shoes that go with it?” I ask, turning back to Harry and walking towards him, wrapping my arms around his waist. 

“Yes and no. He got a pair of shoes for you to wear with the outfit, but I thought you might like some shoes that were more comfy,” he says, and unwinds from me, before walking into the closet. “So I’m going to show you both options, and over the next month you can make the choice before we leave.” 

“Babe, we both know I’m going to pretend like I want to wear the uncomfortable ones, but I will wind up wearing the comfy ones,” I say as he steps back into the bedroom.

“Exactly. Hence why you have two options. Okay, here are the uncomfortable ones,” he says, and holds out a shoebox. I take it from him and open it. 

“Okay but these are really cute,” I say, putting the box on the bed and taking one of the boots out. “And they would go perfectly with the outfit. And they probably wouldn’t be that uncomfortable,” I say, and then slip it on. I slip the other one on and then stand up and walk around the room. “These aren’t so bad. They just feel like boots.”

“Well they are an option. Do you want to see the comfortable pair?”

“Have you met me?” I ask as I sit down on the edge of the bed and start to take the boots off. Right as I get the second one off Harry steps in front of me holding a box of Converse. “Ooh Converse,” I say as I take them out of his hand, and he laughs. 

“I know you better than you think I do,” he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead before moving next to me and putting the boots back in the box as I take the Converse out. 

“These also match perfectly!” I exclaim as I look at them. “Did you pick these or did Lamb pick them?” 

“I picked these. Lambert sent me pictures before he finalized them, and I saw the shoes, so I went online and ordered you these because I knew they’d get here around the same time.”

“Babes I’m gonna be honest, these will definitely be the shoes I wind up wearing at the concert. However I’ll wear the boots on a date night or something,” I tell him, placing the box next to me and reaching out for him. “Can we go to bed now?” I ask, shoving both shoeboxes to the side and laying back. 

“Yeah,” he says with a laugh. “But before that did you want to see the outfit he put together for me?” he asks, and I sit back up. 

“Yes! I got so distracted that I forgot!” I exclaim, and he walks over to the closet, pulling the zipper on his garment bag down. “Midnights!” I exclaim, jumping up and walking over to him and his garment bag. “This is great! I would have put you in something 1989 style because… well… You know. But this is even better! It is so close to your style!” 

“Well Lambert has been dressing me for years now, he would know my style,” he says, and I laugh. “He also said that he considered something 1989 style, but ultimately decided on this. And I’m wearing my pair of Satellite stompers from the Grammy’s.”

“It was a good choice. You’re gonna look great,” I say, and then grab his hand. “I would love to go to sleep now,” I say, and he laughs, allowing me to tug him to the bed with me. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ November 10th, 2023

“This is so exciting!” I exclaim as we deboard our plane in Buenos Aires. “It’s so pretty here!”

“It is,” Harry replies, wrapping his arm around me as soon as we are both back on solid ground. “So, I have a question,” he says as we climb into the car that was waiting for us. 

“Okay, hit me with it,” I say as I settle in next to him. 

“Would you like to go to dinner with Taylor and Travis?” he asks, and I choke on the drink of water I had been taking. 

“WhAt?” I ask once I can breathe again. 

“Taylor invited us to dinner. Would you like to go?” he repeats, and I just gape at him. 

“What?” I ask again, still in shock. 

“I know you heard what I said and that you’re just in shock. So I’m just going to let you sit there in this,” he says with a smile, and leans over and places a kiss on my forehead. I sit there in silence, still shocked by the question for another few minutes. 

“What time?” are the first two words I mutter after probably five minutes. 

“Around 7:30,” he says, and I look at the time. 

“Yeah I would like to go,” I say, looking at him. 

“Are you sure? I know there’s a lot of things running through your mind right now. You can say no. I’ll understand, and so will they,” he says, and I smile and scoot closer to him on the bench seat. 

“You know me so well. But yeah. I’m sure. It’s going to be amazing,” I tell him, and then press my lips to his. 

A few hours later I’m standing in front of the mirror in our hotel room. 

“I feel like this looks awful,” I say, running my hands over the dress I had put on for this dinner. 

“You look amazing. And honestly, I have a feeling that Taylor will be wearing something similar,” Harry says, holding my satellite stompers from the last show up in the air. 

“No, I feel like I should wear nice shoes,” I say, grabbing a pair of heels from the floor. 

“Okay. If you think you’ll be comfortable,” he says, and I nod. 

“I’ll be okay. It’s dinner. Mostly sitting anyway,” I say, and then sit on the edge of the bed to put them on. I slip them on, and then hold my foot out. “Will you buckle these?” I ask Harry, and he laughs, before kneeling on the floor and grabbing my foot. When he finishes buckling one shoe he drops my foot and taps my other leg, and I lift that foot towards him and he buckles that one as well. 

“Wow,” I say when I stand up a moment later. “I forgot that in these shoes I’m almost as tall as you.” He laughs and tugs me to him, pulling me in for a kiss. 

“Are you ready to go?” he asks when he releases me, and I laugh nervously. 

“Yep. Let’s go,” I say, the nerves coming through my voice. 

“How are you feeling?” he asks as we step into the elevator. 

“What do you mean?” “I mean, you’re nervous and I want to make sure you’re okay,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into him. 

“I’m going to word vomit all my feelings on you, is that okay?” I say, looking up and into his eyes. 

“Luv, o’ course it’s okay,” he says, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. “You’ve been doing it since I met you. It’s one of the things I love about you.”

“Okay that’s sweet and you’re amazing. Here is all of my thoughts and feelings,” I say, and then pause and take a deep breath. “Okay, so, I know that since I am with you it has become more common for me to meet celebrities and I should not be this nervous. I’ve just looked up to her for as long as I can remember,” I pause for another breath as we step out of the elevator and start walking through the lobby of the hotel. 

“I’ve listened to her music since I was 7. Her music is so important to me, and knowing I’m about to meet the person whose music I turn on anytime I need to feel comfort. And the work she does empowering women, and using her fame to help people understand who they’re voting for. Knowing that she also suffers from the fear of disappointing or upsetting people. She’s just so important to me and the idea of meeting her is so amazing and one of the few things I have wanted for so long, and yet I am so terrified. What if I word vomit at dinner?”

“Oh love,” he says, and stops walking,  pulling me fully into him, wrapping his arms completely around me. “She is going to love you. You don’t need to worry about being anything other than yourself. You’re amazing as is. I am so excited for you to meet her, because I believe that you two could be good friends.” He presses another quick kiss to my forehead, and then takes my hand, leading the two of us out of the hotel to the waiting car. “Plus,” he says as he shuts the door behind him when we’re both in the car. “Who cares if you word vomit? Literally no one. It’s so adorable.”

“I’m 100 percent sure you are the only person in the world who thinks my word vomit is adorable,” I tell him, leaning into him on the seat. He laughs and takes my hands in his, gently rubbing them as we drive towards the restaurant. 

“Hey, one thing I want to do for you before we go in, to help calm your nerves,” he says, and I close my eyes, knowing where he is going with this. “One thing you can taste.”

“The breath mint I popped in my mouth when we got in the car.”

“Two things you can smell.”

“Clean car and your cologne. You smell amazing by the way,” I say, keeping my eyes  closed but turning towards him with a smile. He laughs and presses a kiss to my forehead before continuing. 

“Three things you can hear.”

“You breathing, the other cars on the road, the quiet music that is playing.”

“Good job. Four things you can feel.”

“The mint melting in my mouth. Your hands rubbing mine. The press of your leg on mine. Um, my eyelashes fluttering on my cheeks.”

“Okay, good job. Last one honey, open your eyes,” he says, and I open them, blinking fast to clear them up. “Five things you can see,” he says, and I lean into him. 

“Your eyes. The inside of the car. The anchor on your arm. A car passing by. The necklace I gave you with a charm from my charm bracelet,” I say, and he pulls me in for a kiss as soon as I finish talking. 

“You did amazing. Do you feel a bit better?” he asks, and I nod.

“Thank you. I love you,” I say, and he leans back in for another kiss. 

“If it helps, I’m a little nervous too because I’m meeting my ex's new boyfriend, and having dinner with the two of them,” he says, and I just laugh and lay my head down on his chest. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Y/N, Harry said you were still in college. What are you studying?” Taylor asks about twenty minutes into our dinner. 

“Oh, um music education and theatre,” I say, smiling at her.

“That’s so awesome! Are you wanting to teach music or theatre more?” she asks, and I laugh.

“Well it depends on what grade levels. Um, I would love to teach high school or middle school theater or speech, but if I were to teach music I would prefer to teach the younger grades, like kindergarten through fifth grade,” I respond, and Harry reaches out and places his hand over mine on the table. 

“Whatever she winds up doing she will be amazing at though,” he says, and I laugh and shake my head. 

“He’s just saying that,” I say, and Taylor waves her hand. 

“No, I'm so sure you will do amazing,” she says, and I just shyly laugh in response. “Harry, are you working on anything new right now?” she asks, and I gently squeeze Harry’s hand and mouth a silent thank you to her.

“I have a few things in the works. Just enjoying the break right now though. I’m loving being able to be there for this one whenever she needs me,” he says, placing a gentle kiss in my hair. 

“I have to say, I am so glad to see you so happy,” she says to him, and I flush. Travis takes the momentary silence to stand up and head towards the restroom.

“It’s nice to see you happy too,” Harry says, and I watch as Taylor’s smile slips a bit. “I mean hiding out for six years because of a guy isn’t really you,” he says, and I kick my leg into his.

“He doesn’t mean any offense,” I say, giving her a small smile. 

“Oh, no it’s okay. I know he doesn’t. And he’s not really wrong. It wasn’t me, but I thought he was the one and I was hurting, so it seemed right at the time. But now…” she says, trailing off, looking in the direction Travis had gone. “Now I can see that it was all wrong,” she says, looking back at the two of us. 

“I’ve had that feeling before,” Harry says, squeezing my hand. I lean over and press a kiss on his cheek, trying to hide the blush on my cheeks. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

November 11th, 2023

“Hazza?” I call out towards the bathroom in our hotel room, and I hear him walk towards me before he pops his head around the corner. 

“Yes?” 

“I’m ready to give you your bracelets, come here,” I say, reaching out for him. He playfully groans and walks over to me. 

“How many of these are you putting on me?” he asks as I start to slip bracelets on his arms. 

“Umm, enough,” I mutter as I slip another one on. He groans again, and then starts playing with the hem of my dress with his free hand. 

“We look great,” he says, and I laugh. 

“Yeah we do. When do we need to leave again?” I ask him, putting the last bracelet on his arm and letting it go. 

“As soon as you are ready. The security will be waiting for us whenever we get there,” he says, and I turn to him. 

“I’m ready. I just need to grab my bag,” I say, and go past him to leave the bathroom. “Oh and I wanted to take a picture.” I grab my bag and my phone, and then pull Harry over to one of the mirrors. I position him in front of it to take a picture of his outfit, before handing him my phone and having him take a picture of me and my outfit. We take a picture together, and then I take his hand and lead him to the door. “Is the car ready for us?” I ask as we head into the hallway. He nods his head and together we walk to the elevator. 

“Are you nervous?” he asks as he holds my hand. “I can feel your hands shaking.”

“Yes and no. I'm buzzing with energy because I’m so excited, but I’m also nervous because I know there is some sort of surprise tonight but I don’t know what it is,” I tell him, and he nods. “Plus, she told us last night that Travis and her dad will be in the tent with us, and that made me even more nervous than I already was about the surprise tonight,” I tell him, and he laughs and shakes his head. 

“Nothing to be nervous about. Dinner last night was amazing. You two really hit it off. She even gave you her number. There is absolutely nothing to be nervous about. .” He pulls me into him as we exit the elevator, keeping our heads down, because the paparazzi had learned we were in town the night before, when they caught the four of us leaving dinner last night. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Hey Travis!” I exclaim as we get into the friends and family tent

“Hey guys!” he responds. “Your outfits are great!”

“Oh thanks! Harry’s stylist took my ideas and really made them into great outfits,” I tell him, and he chuckles. 

“Stylists are the best,” he says, making Harry and I also laugh. “Without them I’d probably walk into games dressed like… well, my brother,” he says with a laugh. 

“Hey, I’ve seen social media posts here and there, he has his own style,” I respond with a laugh. 

“His style is very dad-chic,” Scott pipes up, and all four of us crack up. “Hi, I’m Scott,” he says when we stop laughing, holding his hand out to me.

I take it and shake it saying, “Hi, I’m Y/N, it’s nice to meet you.”

“I heard you are a big fan,” he says, and I look down at my feet, feeling my face flush. 

“Yeah. Um, since I was like 7. This is so much better than I ever could have imagined. Not that I ever would have in my wildest dreams imagined this.” 

“I hear you. It was a shock for our entire family when she first started becoming famous. Everything felt crazy and out of a dream. Still does sometimes,” he says and Harry nods.

“Same here. It’s especially surreal when you fall in love with someone who isn’t famous and you get to experience everything through their eyes for the first time again,” Harry says, looking down at me and wrapping his arm around my waist. 

“I’ve never heard anyone explain it like that,” Travis says, and Harry laughs.

“I’m a songwriter. Coming up with new phrases is part of the job,” he says with a laugh, and everyone laughs right along with him. 

“Ooh I met Taylor last night, but do you think I’ll get to meet Sabrina Carpenter tonight? We’re the same age. Well, she’s a year older, but still the same age.”

“We all get to go backstage after the show,” Scott says, and I jump up and down for a few seconds, before realizing who I am and where I am and what I am doing. 

“Oh, sorry,” I mutter with a shy smile on my face, and the guys all laugh. 

“Sweetie, you’re just so adorable,” Scott says, and I smile and look out at the stage. I go and stand right at the edge as Sabrina Carpenter starts her set, fully turning all of my attention to the stage. Harry comes and stands right behind me, gently resting his hands on my waist as I start to sing along with the music.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“Babe this has been the best thing ever,” I whisper to Harry, standing on my tiptoes with my arms wrapped around his neck as we wait on the side with Travis and Scott during the last song. I feel him chuckle, before he takes my chin in his hand and guides my lips to his. I smile into the kiss, and pull away a lot sooner than either of us would have preferred, but we’re both aware that we have an audience. I turn back around in his arms, allowing him to wrap his around my waist again, and turn to look at the path Taylor will be walking down any moment. I look over at Travis who is waiting there with his hands behind his back and smile, tears welling up in my eyes. I watch as Taylor comes down the walkway, her pace turning into a sprint when she sees Travis, running right into his arms. 

“Aw that’s so sweet,” I whisper as they kiss, and then after they pull apart we follow them into the tented area where no one can see us anymore, security trailing after us. 

“So what did you think?” Taylor asks a few minutes later, after she’s drank almost an entire bottle of water and has managed to catch her breath. 

“Taylor, it was so amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us,” I tell her, and she pulls me in for a hug. 

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It’s such a rush being up there and performing every night. Something I’m sure Harry has told you about,” she says, glancing over at Harry. 

“Oh yeah. I’ve heard a lot about it. But seeing you do it was just so insane.” She smiles and then glances around the room, with an arm still wrapped around my shoulder. 

“Oh! I heard you wanted to meet Sabrina! She’s right over here, come with me,” she says, and begins tugging me towards a different area. She stops abruptly and turns back to Harry and Travis. “We’ll be right back,” she says, and they both laugh, and I do too. I allow her to tug me over to Sabrina, trying to control the shaking in my hands. “Sabrina!” she says when we get over there, and she turns to us.

“Hi Taylor! The show was amazing!” 

“Thanks! So was your opening! Your closer gets better every night,” Taylor says with a laugh, and Sabrina laughs too. “Anyway, this is Y/N! She’s here with Harry, she’s his girlfriend.”

“Hi! It’s nice to meet you!” Sabrina says, with a little wave.

“It’s nice to meet you too!” I say, waving back. “I’m a big fan. When Emails I Can’t Send came out I felt like some of the songs were taken right from my brain,” I say, and she nods with a smile on her face.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it!” she says, and then looks over my shoulder towards where Harry and Travis are. “Wait. By Harry you meant Harry Styles?” she asks Taylor, a bit of shock in her voice. 

“Yeah. We reconnected at the Grammy’s a couple of years ago, and then again this year, and he was telling me about Y/N, and how she’s a huge fan, and about to graduate college with a music and theater education degree.  She was unable to get tickets because of ticketmaster, and I told him if there was a day where they could make it out for a show to just let me know and I would put them in the friends and family tent. This is the show they could make it to,” she explains, and Sabrina opens her mouth in shock, turning back to me.

“Okay, you have to tell me all about what it’s like to date Harry Styles. And how you guys met. And how college has been. I’ve always wondered what it was actually like and if it was like the movies and shows portray it. Actually, if you don’t have to leave right away, what if tomorrow you and I went out and got coffee?” she says, and I just kind of freeze. 

“Really?” I ask, my voice quieter than it had been.

“Yeah! You seem super cool and like you could be a good friend!” she says, and pulls me in for a hug. 

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

“That was the craziest weekend of my life,” I say to Harry as we step onto the plane a couple of days later. 

“Yeah?” he says, motioning for me to hand him my carry on, and then taking it from me and placing it on one of the extra seats on the plane.

“Yeah! Sabrina Carpenter invited me out for coffee, I met Taylor Swift and she joined us, and I got both of their numbers and we’re planning out the next time we can get together. I handed out so many friendship bracelets to people who were fans of you and of Taylor. I met so many of your fans. It was so insane.”

“I love you so much,” he says, sitting down next to me and wrapping his arms around me. “I’m glad we were able to pull this off. And that now we can take the week off and go to see my family,” he says, and I smile. 

“And my family is being flown out to meet us there. Sometimes, life feels like a dream,” I say, looking out the window. 

“A good one, right?” Harry says, and I turn back to him with a huge smile on my face.

“The best dream ever,” I tell him, and then lean forward and press my lips to his.

[skitskatdacat63]

"From triumph to failure is but one step."

+ the usual

I love when I can include paper sketches in the process gif. It's very satisfying to see it progress from a very vague imagining of what was in my head to the finished project.

+ version without text

My favorite sketch was definitely the one where I actually put in words what it's supposed to convey. I wouldn't usually write that down, cause it's all in my head, but it was useful to do so when sending it to other people. I'll go into it more but here it is just as a teaser:

Lmao first of all, I like how I was teasing "Spanish GP" art, but as per usual, it's just thinly veiled au art. IM SORRY, I'M NOT INTERESTED IN MAKING GENERAL POSTERS, THAT'S NO FUN! So instead you will get weirdly relevant matador au art. I like it a lot though, I was really shocked I was able to draw 3 different Fernandos, I mean even drawing one figure takes a lot out of me, but this was weirdly easy?? I think it's just the effect of not being burnt out anymore, and actually being able to draw with more ease makes me feel like a god.

Okay, so the text: "Fight or Flight?" I'll be honest, I don't even remember why I chose it, literally came to me in a vision 😭 But I think it's fitting with the narrative of this piece. Is it better to keep going on, keep fighting, or better to finally give up, and flee? Not that I even remotely think he should give up, but I feel like sometimes I can sense him pondering this very question. That was the big fear before he announced that he re-signed. Keep fighting and maybe, just maybe, you'll get the chance to finally go up against the bull again. Or accept it's an uphill battle and the fighting is going to keep getting more and more strenous, and maybe it's time to put down the sword. SORRY THIS IS SO ANGSTY FOR WHAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE "yayyyy home race!!!" Please forgive me <3

I. Renault

At some point, someone pointed out to me that I had drawn all other iterations of matador Fernando with a sword, except for Renault Fernando, and that ended up feeling very poignant to me. In a bull fighting match, they really only pull out the sword at the last minute to deliver the killing blow. So I think it's important to never draw this Fernando with a sword, because it shows the unfailing confidence and stability he has at that point. He only needs to pull out the sword at the end, as a formality almost, there's no reason for him to keep his guard up at all times.

II. Ferrari

Meanwhile this Fernando, he's considering his sword like he hasn't had to in the past. He's checking the sharpness, making sure in advance he can do what needs to be done. He's on guard, he feels like he needs to keep up his defenses at all times because he doesn't have that same amount of trust and stability anymore. He knows though he will be up against the (red) bull, at least that's never in question. At least there's the assurance he'll get the chance to fight.

III. Aston

Oh, Aston Fernando....He doesn't know whether to take up his sword or finally put it down for the last time. While at least Ferrari Fernando knows he's on constant guard against the bull, this Fernando doesn't even have that assurance anymore. He feels like he can never put down the sword, just in case he gets the chance to strike the killing blow on the bull, which feels like it's growing more and more unlikely.

Spanish flag: ? Lmao this was meant to be something to celebrate Fernando's home race and it turned very introspective whoops. Also got the Napoleon quote in there hahaha, can't escape it!! Shame though there is no French gp anymore, if so I'd probably draw an unhinged thing for it :,(

[jjclopelover]

How he talks to/about her v.s. How he talks to/about him

I'm back with more analysis' about JJPope and why it's better than anything either of them had with Kie.

Today I'm talking about JJ and how he speaks of and to them and why the difference in how he does it speaks VOLUMES.

JJ talking about Kie (S1): "Of course, I'm hitting on her. She's a super-hot, rich, hippie chick, slumming with us. Why? I can't figure it out either, but who cares, bro? I know that door's locked because I tried it. Have you?"

JJ talking about Pope(S2): "Ain't all that bad. Just look at the guy over there. He would do anything for us. That's a Pouge if I've ever seen one. Bone-deep. That's just one man's opinion, though."

THE DIFFERENCE.

JJ talking to/about Pope:

"For once in your life, trust someone else."

~~~

"You're the golden boy."

~~~

Topper: "Hey, I just wanna make sure everyone here is okay with ending up in federal prison."

JJ: "Uh, if it gets to that, yeah, I'll do it for Pope."

~~~

"I'm here for you, Pope. Welcome to my world, okay?"

~~~

JJ talking to/about Kie:

"And you--I mean, you're already rich as fuck anyway. Why would you bother?"

~~~

"Okay. Not all of us can afford unlimited data plans, Kiara."

~~~

"Hell of a job melting it down, Dr.Frankenstein."

~~~

(I don't need to put anymore as all of JJ's quotes for Kie are from the first half of S1 lol.)

As you can see, JJ speaks highly of Pope and lowly of Kie. He sees being a pouge as a badge of honor and gave Pope the highest honor. He sees Pope as someone he can relate too and shares a deep connection too.

He doesn't see that with Kie.

And I hear Jiara stans saying "What about S3? He was so worried about her and went back to get her!"

And to that, I say, "Yeah...cuz it's JJ."

His number one trait as a character is his loyalty. It's his best trait as it shows how much he will do for his friends. But also his worst trait as he puts his friends over his own being and in the end it only hurts him.

JJ would have reacted the same if it was anyone else in that situation.

Like when John B was a wanted criminal, JJ did anything for him. (risking to get arrested himself, shooting cops, and being by his side when he was on the run)

Or when Sarah is dealing with Ward or Rafe, JJ is always watching over her. (running after a car that held a drugged Sarah unconscious in the back, jumping in a shipping crate to get her and the cross back, staying by her side, and keeping an eye on her when John B was found guilty in court.)

And even Cleo who just joined the crew, JJ makes sure to treat her like the rest of the pouges. (like when he praised her for convincing Pope's parents to let him go to South America)

And we all know that he would do the same if not more for Pope. (going to jail for him, almost getting arrested for him again, taking over an entire boat of men to get his cross plus Sarah, risking being seen with him at Midsummers when he was supposed to be undercover, taking a beating from his dad for him, fighting for him at the outdoor movie, being super protective about him anytime he was around Limbrey and Renfield, keeping the secret that Pope was the one who actually sunk the boat and lying to the others, bringing Pope to his cousin Ricky's house to save his life even tho Ricky was still pissed at him for stealing his ambulance.)

And many, MANY, more.

The way we are introduced to JJ who loves and protects Pope but pushes Kie aside

versus

The way they "built up" S3 JJ for a toxic relationship with Kie but as a result of that he has to push Pope aside.

The writers and creators gave us s1 JJ, that's how his character was made and supposed to be portrayed. S3 JJ was built off toxic fans who threatened their way into an unfortunate canon ship.

Toxic stans = Toxic ship.

You Jiara stans wonder why JJ felt out of character, or why the Jiara chemistry felt forced or fake. That's because it was.

You can't force chemistry.

All the OBX cast did chemistry reads to see which duos worked together as a couple and which didn't. But the one duo that did not do a chemistry read was JJ and Kie (Rudy and Madi)

why?

because the creators saw no need. as they weren't even thinking of getting those two characters together. JJ was supposed to end up with Cleo. That was one of the many reasons Cleo came back as a main character.

What they would do with Kie and Pope, I don't know and I don't care. But Any ending would have been better than canon Jiara.

Anywaysssss

JJ treats Pope like he's his partner

and

JJ treats Kie like she's his sister

But let's be honest...we all see that, don't we?

Editor's note: Sry this took so long lol, life's been busy :)

[reidslovely]

being academic “rivals” with peter

rivals in quotes because you two obviously like each other but are choosing to hide behind witty banter till one of you builds up the courage to ask the other out

maybe you’re a total perfectionist and never really take breaks so you become really stressed out and finally reach a breaking point and peter is just like ‘baby :(’ and he just holds you + maybe takes somewhere to help you relax

I love this trope..because I am a perfectionist in my work. And though I have never really had an academic rival I do heavily relate to mirrorball by Taylor Swift. Anywho..I think this trope is so perfect for Pete! So picture this...

Riding the subway home from your last lecture of the day was the most exhausting experience. Your earbuds were shoved uncomfortably in your ears as you stared blankly out of the window watching the tiled walls of the subway speed by. Your professors voice grating against your ear drums, it was almost enough to make you cry.

It actually brought you to tears.

Finals were coming up, and not only were you competing with yourself and your need to be greater you were competing with Peter Parker.

Biochem genius, your academic rival, and your..boyfriend. It's a funny story, a long story but a fun story. Long story short, too many long nights in the lab working against each other turned into long nights working with each other and helping one another gain points against one another.

No matter how much you loved him, and his dumb little face you had to do better on your finals than he would. A very nice vacation was riding on it: if you got the better grade you two would break open your savings and head up to a cute little cabin you'd been wanting to stay at. If Peter got the better grade you were going to spend a week in Vegas..both were a great option but one was more peaceful and less overstimulating than the other. Your head dropped onto your hand for a moment staring at the dunks in front of you. Your eyes looked up at the lanky figure in front of you and Peter stared down, he was obviously picking up on something you weren't. The subway cart came to a jolting holt you scrambled to your feet, grabbing Peters hand as he led you both out of the cart and up the steps. He reached down slowly pulling the earbuds out of your ears.

"Enough of this, relax." Peter says kissing your head softly. He tucked the earphones into your pockets as you neared his apartment. You felt your gut sink, you knew that he had good intentions but it also felt like he wanted you to fail. Once in the apartment you sat on the couch cracking your book open finishing up rewriting your notes the lecture now playing outlaid from your phone. Everything sounded jumbled and like one big sentence, why was this not sticking what was wrong with you? Why couldn't you get your brain to work? "Baby, c'mere." Peter's body weight drops down over the back of the couch, kissing your cheek softly. "Enough you've prepared enough, no more of this. You're burning out." "I'm not.." You deny the tears already building up in your eyes. He climbs over the back of the couch pulling you between his legs. Pushing books off to the table, and turning the lecture off. "I'm backing out of the bet." He says. "It was stupid. I thought it would be fun but it's put to much on you, so here's what we are gonna do." He speaks softly rubbing patterns on your back. You look up at him, tears finally falling. "We are gonna take our final on Friday and on Saturday morning we are driving up to that cabin and you are not gonna lift a finger okay? No studying, no research work, no spider-man things. Just us. Okay? You just have to promise me one thing?"

"Mhm?" You ask wiping your tears away. "You just do your best and show up. Can we do that?" You nod your head slowly resting your head against his chest, he lowered his head kissing your forehead softly. "Besides, I was gonna let you win either way." He laughs, the vibration off his chest bouncing joy into yours causing you to smile.

[purpleheartskies]

The Road Back in Robby's Hero's Journey

The "Need" to "Find Balance"

Mr. Miyagi told Daniel in kk1:

“You remember lesson about balance? Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better. Understand?”

Robby's second place trauma isn't just from karate...

"Second place. Second place. Second place."

... it's from his whole life

Johnny chose alcohol over Robby. Johnny chose Miguel over Robby. Johnny chose Carmen over Robby. Johnny chose the plot device baby over Robby. Johnny chose his rivalry with Daniel over Robby. Johnny chose his own ego and himself over Robby, always. 

Shannon chose herself over Robby too. She still did in s5. Shannon also chose alcohol and drugs over Robby too for a long time.

Daniel chose his rivalry with Johnny over Robby. Daniel chose Miguel over Robby after the school fight (now recognizing Miguel as the avt champ, dismissing all of his wrongs against Robby, and participating in scapegoating Robby for the school fight). Daniel chose his war with Cobra Kai over Robby.

Sam chose trying to make Miyagi-Do look good over trying to do right by Robby. Sam chose Miguel over Robby. The Miyagi-Dos also chose standing by Miguel over standing by Robby. Robby was scapegoated by all for the school fight. "There's nothing complicated about it. You had a choice and you chose."

"It's still better than always coming in second."

As I talked about in my "Finding Balance" - Part 1 post, a major theme of the series is "finding balance":

Finding balance is about coping with trauma, especially with your emotions and responses due to trauma. This is a major theme that is explored throughout the series. Through the characters' stories, we're shown that trauma isn't permanently gone by "finding balance" momentarily. "Finding balance in your life" is a constant struggle that you have to consciously work on.

In my post about Robby's Hero's Journey, I talked about how Robby's "need" in his character journey is to find balance.

"You may know the moves, but none of that matters unless you have balance.... I didn't mean balancing your body. I mean balancing your life. Look, Robby. I know it's hard growing up without a dad, believe me. Mine died when I was young, so I know."

"But when those bad feelings all weigh you down, you gotta... you gotta search inside for the good stuff, you know, and just... Because then you can find some balance in your life. Understand. It's not easy, but you'll do it."

In s5e5, when Robby started people-pleasing, he gave up on his "need" to find balance. He gave up believing in himself and trying to figure out who he is. He stopped believing in a future for himself; a future in which he will not end up like Johnny. He had said in s4e4 that he won't end up like Johnny because he is better than Johnny. In s4e10, he didn't want to give up his compassion to become a champion using Cobra Kai. He left Cobra Kai and tried to work on his relationship with Johnny, his "want". Robby ended up giving up who he is completely to achieve his "want", but Robby understanding who he is and believing in himself is important to achieving his "need".

The Road Back

Part 1 overlapped with "The Road Back" stage of Robby's Hero's Journey. In the Hero's Journey post, I wrote:

10. The Road Back - The hero returns to the original world and sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but they are about to face even more tests and challenges. "One version of step ten sees the hero returning to their ordinary world, believing that the adventure is over. It seems like the hero has defeated the Shadow because the Reward has been claimed. This false sense of security creates the massive fake-out you're setting up! This scene often shows the hero and the remaining cast of characters at peace, feeling safe and secure." (quoted text) Robby has also seemingly defeated his Shadow---Johnny---and obtained his "want"---a relationship with Johnny. However, Robby gave up his "need"---finding balance---, falsely believing that he has achieved it. Given that he hasn't achieved his "need", his journey isn't over yet. And, this stage includes the "fake ending". The Shadow can be the part within the hero that they don't like or that is deep repressed feelings or trauma. The antagonist or villain to the hero usually is the physical version of this Shadow.

Robby's actual Shadow is his traumas, mostly due to Johnny, that Robby calls his "hate". Johnny is the physical version of this. Robby's overall goal is to break the cycle of generational trauma from Kreese and Johnny due to Cobra Kai by finding balance using Miyagi-Do. Robby's main antagonist/rival throughout the series is his traumas/"hate", which Johnny represents.

Since s5e5, Robby seems "fine" on the outside, but Robby's inner turmoil is still there. Robby obtaining his "want" at this stage was never going to satisfy his "need".

"It is here that the hero receives the object of desire they have been pursuing in the story thus far. But it cannot be enough to fulfill the central conflict in the story. That's because your hero must have an internal need that the object doesn't satisfy." "The hero can also be too easily satisfied with the Reward, leaving unresolved conflict. This sets up an even more shocking twist later when the Shadow rears its head again, shattering the false comfort provided by the physical Reward."

Robby indeed has a lot of unresolved conflicts. All of his reconciliations in s5 were one-sided, and those have yet to be resolved. s6e5 showed that Robby hasn't found balance yet.

His suppressed rage is so palpable in this scene.

"When those bad feelings all weigh you down, you gotta search inside for the good stuff, and just... Because then you can find some balance in your life." After his conversation with Tory about winning the Sekai Taikai and being on the podium together, Robby started believing in himself again, for the first time since s5e5, because of Tory's belief in him. But Robby couldn't get in touch with Tory the day before the match and she wasn't there at the start of the match, so Robby was off-balance in the beginning of the match. After Tory arrived, Robby was able to "reach inside for the good stuff" and "find some balance".

It's interesting that the first time Robby's flashback is shown since s1 is in s6e5 (during The Road Back). The last time his flashbacks were shown were in s1e8 (Meeting the Mentor) and in s1e10 (Crossing the Threshold).

s1e8 - The first time Daniel, the Mentor in Robby's Hero's Journey, told Robby the "need" for his character journey---to find balance---Robby's flashback was of the Inciting Incident in his journey which lead to his Call to Adventure.

s1e10 - The first time Robby faced his Shadow (traumas/"hate" and Johnny) during a karate match, Daniel reminded Robby to find balance. Robby's flashback was to the lesson in the woods about his "need" to find balance.

These flashbacks in s1 were before Robby officially crossed the threshold in the special world at the end of the Hero's Journey stage Crossing the Threshold. In s6 part 1, Robby returned to the ordinary world in The Road Back, and his flashback is shown again for the first time since before he entered the special world at the end of s1. That is, while Robby was in the special world from s2 to s5, no flashbacks were shown for Robby.

Per the 3-act story structure, the s1 avt is the 1st plot point, the school fight is the 1st pinch point, the s2 avt is the 2nd plot point, the apartment fight is the 2nd pinch point, and the captaincy match is the 3rd plot point.

Robby's flashbacks in s6e5 showed his karate tournament losses, but the chanting in his head, "Second place, second place, second place, second, second place", of course alludes to so much more than karate; it alludes to the traumas he's experienced in his whole life.

In the s1 avt, Robby lost his balance while focusing on Johnny during the match with Hawk, so Daniel told Robby to remember what he learned. Johnny is the physical version of Robby's Shadow, which is his trauma/"hate". Robby was able to "reach inside for the good stuff" and "find some balance". However, he was physically injured by Hawk and Miguel. Robby lost because Miguel pulled on Robby's injured arm between rounds to secure the win for himself. Miguel's win wasn't focused on. Robby's loss was. Robby had an important moment with Johnny (Shadow) and a important conversation with Daniel (Mentor). Robby's loss was part of the Hero's Journey stage Crossing the Threshold into the special world. After this loss, Daniel and Robby reopened Miyagi-Do.

In the s4 avt, Robby's balance was already a little off because of his match with Kenny. Robby fully adopted Cobra Kai in the match, and later found out that Kenny had fully adopted Cobra Kai despite Robby's efforts to stop him. Then, during his final match, Robby looked at Kenny, and Robby said that he was looking in a "mirror" and saw his own "hate". This threw Robby off-balance. (Though, I still wonder if he was even trying his hardest after he looked at Kenny.) He lost again, and once again the win wasn't focused on. Robby's loss was focused on, and Robby had an important conversation with Johnny (Shadow). This loss after looking in the "mirror" was the start of the stage The Ordeal, which is a major turning point for the Hero and leads to a false victory of getting his want but losing his need, "even if you win, you lose" (Daniel's words to Robby in s4e9).

In the captaincy match during The Road Back, Robby didn't have balance but at one point was able to "search inside for the good stuff" and "find some balance". The s1 avt and the captaincy match, in which Robby was able to find balance successfully in his match, both happened at important stages in the Hero's Journey that overlapped with opposing "plot points" in the 3-act story structure in his story. The school fight and apartment fight are opposing "pinch points" in his story. Robby's four main matches in this points all take place versus Miguel, his "rival"/bully amongst the teens. Robby's win in the captaincy match was also focused on. He had an important scene with Johnny (Shadow) as Johnny put the captain headband on Robby's head. This is symbolic, as Robby had successfully overcome his trauma/"hate" momentarily to win the match so that he could take part in his final battle/tournament championship.

Robby overcame his actual Shadow, his trauma/"hate", in his mental match and found balance momentarily. Johnny, the physical version of his Shadow, acknowledged Robby's win in his physical match.

In the two tournaments and the captaincy match, Robby encountered his Shadow (his trauma/"hate") and it threw him off balance. Now, Robby is heading into his final tournament with his Shadow, looming and ever present. Robby's balance is the worst it's been, now with Tory being back in Cobra Kai. Robby's journey has been leading up to this final battle against his Shadow and this next stage in his Hero's Journey---The Resurrection.

The Remaining Journey

The Sekai Taikai is Part 2 and that overlaps with the next stage in the Hero's Journey:

11. The Resurrection - The climax. Also known as the "dark night of the soul". The hero faces a final test, using everything they have learned to take on the conflict once and for all.

This stage overlaps with the Sekai Taikai. Robby will have to find balance in order to win. He can't keep suppressing how he really feels, that rage he keeps bottled up inside. Robby has to confront those feelings and his traumas, the root of his traumas. Robby has to face his Shadow, Johnny, again and this time Robby needs to embrace his "need" to find balance. He needs a real resolution that involves believing in himself and his future: "Well, you are the tree, Robby. You've got strong roots. You know who you are, right? So now all you've gotta do is visualize what you want your future to look like, and then you make it happen." Of course, Robby needs real resolutions in all of his relationships, especially with Daniel and Sam. (Shannon too, of course.)

In s6e2, Robby expressed that he's not going to Stanford or anywhere. This shows that Robby wants to go to college and to build a better future for himself. He just doesn't know how, especially with his lack of belief in himself and his lack of a proper support system. Coming out of The Resurrection, Robby should be on the right path for his future after embracing his "need" to "find balance", with or without anyone's help.

Hand in hand with Robby's Hero's Journey is Johnny's Hero's Journey, as I've mentioned in that post about Robby's journey. Johnny's Hero's Journey is centered around his own trauma, and coming to terms with his past both with Kreese and with Robby. Johnny also has to find balance is his own life. Since s3e10, Johnny has been avoiding facing his past, especially his past failures with Robby. Johnny can't keep shutting down any mentions of those.

In s6e3, Johnny got the lesson about "finding balance in life" from Chozen, and Johnny was successful in applying it one time soon after. Chozen told Johnny that Miyagi-Do isn't just for dojo, Miyagi-Do is "a way of life" and that it comes from the heart ("search inside for the good stuff" as Daniel had told Robby). Daniel later told Johnny that Miyagi-Do isn't a quick fix and can help him become a more centered person but it doesn't mean his problems go away overnight. That is, "Finding balance in your life" is a constant struggle that you have to consciously work on.

I've mentioned before (in this post and this one) that Johnny has been slowly transforming from Cobra Kai to Miyagi-Do throughout the series. In S6 Part 1, Johnny finally joined Miyagi-Do officially (s6e1) and learned about finding balance from Chozen (s6e2). Johnny of course reverted to some of his Cobra Kai ways, like trying to get Sam and Tory to fight (s6e3) and fighting Barnes for essentially no reason (s6e4). When it came to Sam and Tory, they ended up resolving things a Miyagi-Do way, though Johnny kept saying that girls are easy, as in they resolved things this way because they're girls. Johnny of course has a lot of his Cobra Kai (toxic masculine) traits still, which affects his views and behaviors. He also kept passing comments about Miyagi-Do that show that he doesn't view it as tough or as badass as Cobra Kai. Maybe he stopped trying to find balance because Daniel gave him a job, and that's what he was really seeking instead of finding balance. In s6e5, while his second place trauma from Kreese was being portrayed alongside Robby's second place trauma, Johnny learned about Miyagi's secret past. During their argument about Tory, Johnny insulted Miyagi. Daniel punched Johnny, and Johnny told Daniel that after the tournament, Johnny's done with Daniel. That is, Johnny claimed to be done with Miyagi-Do and taking over its legacy.

However, this is just the usual drama and conflict. Johnny's The Resurrection stage is coming too. Johnny will adopt Miyagi-Do permanently, as in he won't renege, if he is to achieve his own "need" to find balance and have a positive growth arc overall:

"It's a moment of rebirth and transformation, where the hero accepts and commits to their new identity. The hero is reborn with the attributes of their ordinary self, plus the lessons and insights they've gained from their journey. They've changed and grown, and are now ready to take on the villain and defeat them." 

Both Johnny and Robby will experience this as they go through this stage of their Hero's Journeys. After this is the final stage:

12. The Return - The hero brings their knowledge or the "elixir" back to the ordinary world.

This "elixir" is Miyagi-Do---"the way of life" that involves finding balance. Johnny and Robby will make their legacy Miyagi-Do. It's possible that Johnny finally truly adopts Miyagi-Do because he realizes that he needs to do so for Robby and for himself. Given the setup, Johnny's demons related to his mom's death (when he abandoned Robby) have resurfaced and Kreese has now returned to Johnny's life too. Johnny's can't keep running from his past. He must face his own Shadow---Kreese---once again, and this time Johnny must become serious about finding balance.

s5 and s6 part 1 made it clear that the dysfunctional blended "family", including the plot device baby, were never going to cause true growth in Johnny. The main purpose of the "family" has been to worsen Johnny's behavior towards Robby to add to Robby's traumas. Johnny said in s5e9 that he stopped focusing on his past and started focusing on his present. Johnny's behavior is a major source of Robby's traumas and negatively affects Robby's ability to find balance. This "family" situation needs to be resolved, but Johnny and Robby are the only ones in the "family" with Hero's Journeys leading to true character growth. As I've been pointing out for some time, the "family" storyline doesn't fit with the overarching story. The storyline is a misdirect, and I'm curious to see how all of this plays out.

This post is also titled Robby is the underdog - Part 5, "Finding balance" - Part 3, and Robby has a Hero's Journey - Part 2.

This is a follow-up post to Robby has a Hero's Journey ("Finding balance" - Part 2)

(As always, please don't comment or reblog with dismissive comments about the nuance in the story. The nuance is part of the story, and the story is exploring important topics like trauma, bullying, neglect, and dysfunctional relationships.)

[there-will-be-a-way]

Today's therapy session (I'm finally doing therapy for my DID with someone *so* competent)

We started talking about the surgery and then spent most of the session talking about my DID, the shame that I feel regarding it and my doubts.

Bullet list of things I want to remember

My T said that Amely (part who's loyal to our family and misses them greatly) probably needs some of my parts to feel like the parents she longs for in order to not miss my real parents anymore (hearing this felt so 🥺, like my T truly gets us)

It would be helpful to have a part who can mediate between parts so that we function better (I suggested that Dirk could do it because I remembered a message he once left us, how he wants us to cooperate again but later when I looked it up, I found out that it was actually Kiran who left that message) (I just remembered that my therapist said Kiran is a cool name and that he wants to look up where it comes from because he's never heard of it before. Before I found a message from Kiran I hadn't heard of it either. I actually had to google if it was a real name but yeah, it is. And this is not the first part with a name I never heard before (see Anatolia).

My therapist said that it is rare for complete final fusion to happen but that we can learn to work together as a team

He calls my parts "Personen" ("persons") which feels a lot more compassionate than what former therapists called my parts ("Zustände" ("states") or "Figuren" ("figures))

He also said there's no need for shame, that everybody has parts but that mine are just more seperate which can be exhausting to deal with

He says that I could also view my DID as something that helped me to survive and I said that yeah, if I hadn't been able to split off these experiences I wouldn't be able to function to which he replied, "If you hadn't been able to do this, you would be dead." Which man. This man is speaking the truuuuth

Overall he just has such a kind and compassionate way to talk about my DID, it makes me feel so accepted and seen

My highlight of the session:

Me: "But what if I'm just imagining having these parts, what if it's all just in my head?"

My therapist:

(Yes, he quoted Dumbledore, not without a remark about how we're going to ignore the critique regarding J.K. Roling for a moment)

Yeah, I voiced that I'm scared that my first DID therapist might have pressured me to think I have DID (which in hindsight, no, this didn't happen). And my T said that it's there now. These parts inside me and the group chat we use to leave each other notes. So we can work with it. Do I still feel like a faker? Yeah, but I feel less "insane" now

I can't believe I'm really doing therapy for my DID. I'm actually so touched by how compassionate my therapist is that I had to thank him today, for taking away my shame. I truly trust him and I really don't trust easily. Part of me can't wait to finally tackle the DID and learn how to live together, as a team. Or a family? 🥺😭

[foreverrandomwritings]

Emily Prentiss x Girlfriend Headcanon

Summary: This is some things I imagine would happen being Emily’s girlfriend. The last five are all 18+ Minors DNI. 

Pairing: Emily Prentiss x afab!Reader

Warnings: Alcohol, fluff, sex 18+ MDNI uhm that’s it???

Word count:604(I had to stop myself because I could’ve gone on forever)

Masterlist   M’s PMC Masterlist

~Emily never came out to the team of profilers as bisexual officially. 

~She just kinda figured out they knew.  

~She also never told them that she had a girlfriend.

~So when they had decided to have a family meal at Rossi’s house(Mansion) and she just kinda brought you along they were all surprised.

~The both of you walked inside hand in hand and everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at you.

~Garcia was the first to break the silence and introduced herself to you. They all followed suit after that. 

~You formed quick bonds with everyone.

~They all completely adored you and were so happy to see Prentiss happy.

~You stay at her apartment when she's gone and take care of sergio.  

~You honestly practically live there already but haven’t made the move official.

~You hang out with Garcia when the team is gone on a case. Oftentimes you fall asleep in her office spending late nights with her. 

~The team really appreciate you being there for her since she's locked away in her office all day and needs some human interaction that isn’t just a phone call. 

~She’ll send you flowers all the time, the cards have little quotes from books you’ve read together or poems that Reid feeds to her when she asks.

~However when Emily is in town she likes to keep you to herself.

~Completely obsessed with quiet nights inside. 

~Making dinner together, reading or doing a puzzle together, drinking a bottle of wine and topping the night off with some ice cream. 

~Sex isn’t that important to her but she loves other forms of intimacy. Like cuddling on the couch or showering together, you playing with her hair, holding hands whenever you can, hugs, forehead/cheek/lip kisses. 

~Will love to show you off when out in public however, literally holding your hand and giving you small pecks here and there. 

~Doesn’t really have social media, kinda an occupational hazard putting too much about herself or her significant other on the internet. 

~She did a very thorough background check on you when you first started talking. 

~When you found out via Garcia telling you Emily thought you were gonna be mad but you were actually really understanding and thought it was kinda cute. 

~Her pet name for you is probably in a different language and you call her like babe or love or something. 

~She waited like 6 months into dating to say she loved you because she was afraid you were going to leave her because her job took her away so much. 

~But one day you broke down and told her you loved her and she folded and said it back instantly with tears in her eyes.

~She told you about her past pretty early on, which was a relief to both of you. 

~She hadn’t opened up to many people about what happened and you liked being able to understand her better. 

~When you guys do have sex she loves it to be soft and gentle, her job is so rough and graphic she needs soft touches and whispers of reassurance. 

~Very focused on your pleasure and likes to lay there cuddled up together after you guys are done.

~Your head laying on her chest as she runs her fingers through your hair and tells you how much you mean to her. 

~You pepper kisses on her chest before another round is starting. 

~Giggly sex happens when you are both a little tipsy either from a night in sipping on wine or a night out with the team or some of your friends.

A/N:Emily Prentiss is the love of my life and she is my Wifey. Another gif of my honey cause I can’t get enough of her. 

[shyvien]

Here are 100 random quotes from Asmodeus!

Sourced from the OM! Wiki, chats, devilgram, screenshots I found, etc. I made this list to help with studying to write the characters in character. (Not really proofread, sorry if there are mistakes. Also, there may be spoilers. If so, they're minor spoilers)

✧༺⚜️༻✧

“Oh, my ♡ MC, you little minx! Are you trying to show off my lovely legs to the entire Devildom?”

“But the question is whether you really mean what you say. Maybe if I reach in, pull out your heart, tear it open, and have a look inside I'd know for sure?”

“Then let's stay like this. Mm... Your neck feels soft, MC…”

“I can't believe you would actually imply I was a pervert! I only wanted to give MC something pleasant to look at.”

“Anyway MC, why don't you go ahead and take off your clothes so the two of us can enjoy a nice bath together.”

“Asmo's special cutie-pie kiss! Mwah ♡”

“But now I feel alive again, sitting in here with you drinking nice, warm cocoa.”

“Yoo-hoo, little ghosties ♡ Go on, feast your eyes upon me..!”

“Ugh, it's so dark in here! I can't take it... It's just so EXCITING!”

“You must be curious to know just how wonderful a punishment can be...”

“I'd have to say I'm most afraid of... me!”

“Since you're so adorable, I'll lock you up in my own little love jail so you'll be all mine ♡ So, don't be shy. Come here, Darling.”

“Oh, be careful around my ankles, would you? Too much pressure will ruin my perfect legs.”

“I'm hopeless at this kind of stuff since I've never lifted anything heavier than a facial massager.”

“To be honest, I was hoping to drive you mad with desire! That was my eventual goal, at least...”

“Hehe. Can't move? Aww, look how good you're being! Now, you stay just like that, okay...”

“In other words, I want you to be my plaything from now on, so I'm never bored ♡”

“Ugh, I'm so dizzy..! MC’s the only one who can save frail little Princess Asmo!”

“Oh, while we're at it why not take a video? For your exclusive viewing pleasure, of course ♡”

“I mean, I suppose I could put on a little show for you...but it won't be cheap.”

“..What? Are you stupid? Is your eyesight just that bad? Do those eyes of yours even work, or are they just there for decoration?”

“You want to do whatever you can to make me happy, because I'm worth it.”

“Hehe, now look what I've done. I got so excited that I pushed you down onto your back! Sorry!”

“Help, MC! There's a demon staring at me like he's gonna eat me!”

“And that means something coming from someone as ridiculously beautiful as me. I don't really say it to anyone other than you, you know?”

“I mean, I'm adorable. Doesn't it just tickle your protective instincts?”

“You're so cute. When I look at you, I can tell what's going through your head, even if you don't actually say it. That's right.”

“I'm sorry for being so beautiful that even confinement suits me! Then again, I always knew I was fated to be the captive damsel in distress...”

“Like, first I imagine a beautiful man and a beautiful woman. And then I picture us doing ALL sorts of naughty things to each other!”

“And then they had to do the walk of shame! ♡”

“Oh, you might be right! The runny makeup look can be kind of sexy!”

“I'll go ahead and watch you. Just in case you have any trouble changing clothes.”

“Hmmm? Like what? Mammon, you'd better get your mind out of the gutter ♡”

“I mean, here I am, right next to you, still wet from my bath. You really don't feel anything?”

“I guess that means I'M GOING TO HAVE TO KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU...!”

“Ugh, I'm ready to die of boredom! So, come on! Dance for me. I can't wait to see what you can do!”

“That's our sexy Solomon ♡ See, I knew you could do it if you tried!”

“Really, you're just flowers. Listen to you bragging about how beautiful you are...it's kind of embarrassing.”

“Ooh, are you trying to figure out where WE should go on a romantic getaway?! Aw, muffin! You don't need to beat around the bush for that kind of thing! You can be honest!”

“Huh? You're my little dove from earlier, aren't you? MC, was it?”

“That's probably my pheromones ♡”

“You're the best, MC! Your dazzling smile has the power to woo every demon in the Devildom ♡”

“Whaaat, you're still alive? Well that's boring...”

“But first, I want you to know exactly what it is that threatens to rend a delicate heart such as mine to ribbons. So be sure to pay attention, love. Nothing makes me angrier than being ignored. Truly.”

“All of the eyes are on me, I charmed all of them! Just look at me! It's a sin to be this perfect!”

“Mmmfm… gonna take everyone prisoner… mm...”

“When I first heard that we'd be shooting each other with squirt guns and getting wet, I found the whole thing kind of stupid. But it also involved coming up with plans to drive your opponents into a corner and anticipating their moves... which I found pretty enjoyable.”

“If I were like Lord Diavolo, I could have any demon or human I wanted.”

“Aaaah, this is where I belong. Sitting on a throne!”

“Surely, tempting humans is what demons are all about?”

“And next time, you're welcome to be even bolder. I want your scent all over my clothes.”

“Oh my gosh! Even from behind, I am such a snack!”

“Ooh, I know exactly what you mean! It's like, you can't help but want to lie down together on a bed or a sofa and do all sorts of naughty things-“

“Butlers, you see...their services extend into the night, as well.”

“Aaah, I've never tried rope play before, but I think I like it ♡”

“That's a rather...traditional approach. I would've just seduced him.”

“There's just something nice about being completely overpowered and brought to submission like that, you know?!”

“Right now, I'm totally hooked on this exercise where I blow up balloons to strengthen my facial muscles. Do you wanna give it a try?”

“Filth? You should know that eroticism is a valid form of art.”

“I mean, I wrapped him in chains like you said, but l've got such soft, beautiful, tender hands. They aren't suited for such a rough job. Really, you should've known that…”

“Hehe. Lies are like accessories, hun.”

“But, I'd sure feel better if you came and comforted me. I mean, I'm aaaaall alone in my room right now. If you don't come over, I'll probably start crying on account of how lonely I am.”

“Let's meet in my room when the party is over. We can have our very own Valentine's Day afterparty, just the two of us ♡”

“I'm in desperate need of stimulation to my senses!”

“To think that even Mister Stiff and Serious Angel here is feeling his heart skip a beat...I love it! ♡”

“What the movie lacks is sexiness! Shall we add more revealing scenes, like me in a swimsuit?”

“...Ummm, is this some sort of joke? You look like a chicken in heat.”

“Oh, but with you it's different, MC! I only want to do your nails as an excuse to flirt ♡”

“Oh, how exciting! Better get back snug under the covers and wait for my impending arousal ♡”

“Yes, I do. I love butts!”

“It would be ideal if we were both au naturel, honestly...”

“Ahh, I feel so graceful when i'm shooting ♡”

“I left a dying message with lipstick, so you better catch the culprit!”

“Guess I'll just have to come over and shake things up for you ♪”

“See, I just knew you'd say that! Because we're obviously an extra-compatible super couple!”

“I'd love to. I'll make you look so good, you'll be drooling over yourself.”

“..No one will know if I take a single muffin, right? I'll just grab one while they're not looking. Yoink! ♡”

“Oh yeah, Satan is totally the type to start with the tongue first!”

“Look out, or I'll tear you to bits with my sharp claws!”

“Apologize? Me? I'm sorry, but I'm not quite sure why you'd want me to do that. I mean, true, I suppose an entire country was destroyed in the end, but how could I have known that would happen, hm?”

“Drastic times call for drastic measures. Step aside, boys my sexy dance is about to begin...!”

“Hehe. Trying to butter me up, are you? Tell me, what are you hoping will happen when you succeed?”

“I'm the life of the party. The eye candy, the one who makes everyone else feel better. I need to work hard, too...for the sake of my brothers!”

“Now, now, I may not be as quick to anger as the Lord of Fools, but still. If you don't do what I say, I might have to punish you…”

“By the way, your costume was really cute, MC. Just thinking about it makes my heart go pitter-patter!”

“And now I'm a demon. Which means I could charm any sorcerer, no matter how evil! I'll have him dancing in the palm of my hand!”

“Oh Solomon, THANK YOU! You're so amazing I think I'm going to swoon! I love you..!”

“A scolding? Ooh, I wouldn't mind being scolded by you, sweetie ♡”

“FYI: It's super obvious what's running through your dirty little mind right now, Mammon…”

“Brother dearest ♡ I'm sooooo thirsty! Could you get me some blood, please and thanks? ♡”

“My charm is the greatest weapon of all! I'll steal your hearts right where you stand ♡”

“Ooh, MC, are you on Devilgram and Fab Snap? Because we totally need to friend each other!”

“I mean, I suppose I could put on a little show for you… but it won't be cheap, you know? Also, I charge extra for pictures and touching.”

“Nuh-uh. I'll be the one to win that right! Prepare to be slain in style, everyone ♡”

“I'm actually quite exhausted. So, I was thinking you could hold me in your arms for a little while so I can recharge ♡”

“If you want to experience this exfoliating paradise with me, don't hesitate to join in ♪ You know I always have an open-door policy in effect for you, love ♡”

“If both of us are charging, there's going to be sparks”

“I need you to put some cream on my back for me ♡ Yes, a backrub and nothing more. If you, on the other hand, are looking for a happy ending, I'm more than ready, my dear ♡”

“Oh, is my little MC scared? Come cling to my bosom, darling. I'll make you feel aaaall better ♡”

“I'm actually going out soon, and this fastener is giving me so much trouble. I can't get it up by myself. It could really use a good tug ♪ I should mention that my back is extremely sensitive. The slightest touch, and...well let's just say it will be hard to hold back. So sorry if I get you too excited ♡”

✧༺⚜️༻✧

Number 100 is my favourite, literally makes me blush

I will be doing a part 2 for Asmo, he is just so chaotic and lovely!

𝑀𝒶𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉

𝒮𝒽𝓎 𝒲𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓇 ༝༚༝༚

[1setethisneat1]

Fire Emblem 3 houses really should have just made Seteth the out right fourth lord of the routes. Like it's super annoying looking back at it how he's both important and yet not important to the Silver Snow route, when it's obvious that should be his route. He should also be shown more importance in the other 3 seeing as Azure Moon has us important to the church, Crimson Flower has El's bias(quote on quote for that cause she's blaming a whole race of people who were nearly genocided for the actions that only Rhea took) against the Nabateans, and Verdant Wind because that is literally the only route we get to fight Nemesis.

Hell, another idea would be to make Flayn the 4th official lord. And actually go deep into how a lot of this has affected her. Like we never get to see much of the two, and usually when we do it's is a big lore dump. Not that I don't like it and that they weren't written well, just that they could have been better.

Like have El question her ideals because she gets to know Flayn in Crimson Flower, or have her shit talk her and Seteth as they choose to side with Rhea.

Have Dimitri be able to interact more with Flayn, have her be the one to smack some sense into him because he's being stupid and won't let someone heal his wound after a battle. Have Seteth speak to him and it remind Dimitri of his father and him have either a freak out moment as he pictures Seteth as his dead dad or which I would prefer more, have him break down in front of him. Have him absolutely sobbing as Seteth holds him and comforts him like a father figure that he's desperately been needing.

Have Claude be more combative with Seteth. (He deserves more interactions with Seteth in my opinion) Have them bounce off each other on how very different their ideas are. Have Seteth actually been cornered by Claude into revealing history on himself and let the player choose who they side with more as points for whoever they side with. Heck you can even have this with Flayn but Claude being more sympathetic towards her as Flayn not only has supports with him, but also because Flayn is that freaking Charming!

Have Flayn actually see the damage that Rhea has done and question everything she knows. Give her actual rage moments, let her mature even more to where we could have her more cut throat and mirror El in SS. Or have that she shows resilience by keeping a smile on her face even when she's going through some of the worst stuff mentally. Let her show the leadership that is hinted at with her being Cethleann. Show the side of her that was a Saint that actually experienced War.

Have Seteth show that side of him. Show the actual power of a major crest and why they are sought after instead of the subtle things they do. Have Seteth be able to actually move the earth and summon vines and other things to his defence. Actually show his power of performing miracles just as his description says he can. Like an act of mercy that he can give to El when we fight her. Maybe even something that has why people follow him. Hell, show more of him actually talking to people cause that's what he's good at from seeing his supports.

These two deserve so much better than being left on the sidelines. They are literally some of the only survivors of a race that was nearly wiped out. That deserves more attention than what it gets. It's just so much wasted potential and story that we are never gonna get.

[angelfeed]

Finally acquired all Wet Moon volumes :D I came across some of them at Half Price Books one day and was so happy to see her art again, it was a huge source of inspiration for me as a teenager and remains inspirational today. I love how colorful this set is, and it fits perfectly at home on the bookshelves alongside our comics n manga.

Besides purchasing random books here and there, Hune and I have nearly stopped all unnecessary purchases and outings as a form of protest against our government's involvement in genocide. Rest assured when we do buy anything we find the cheapest deals tho- The Wet Moon set for example was only $30.

My cooking continues to improve as I make more meals at home. That Marx quote is so true where he talks about, "the less you [spend], the greater is your alienated life." I rely on food stamps so it's always important to figure out the best nutrient dense meals on a budget, and I'm still needing to invest in home gardening that accommodates a small apartment patio. Need to acquire some 5 gallon buckets which I'm thinking about starting off with potatoes, tomatoes, kale, and green onions (carrots, cucumbers & blueberries would be good too). I briefly talked with Ella @pinkmoondoll9shihtzu recently about "victory gardens" which were popular during WWI & WWII, and the concept seems more relevant today as food prices rise and this insidious global fascistic political atmosphere accelerates. It's also just good to be as self-efficient as possible while allowing oneself to save what amounts to be a pretty penny when living in poverty. Then I can use my food stamps on other yummy things.

Maintaining layouts also feels like tending to a virtual garden of sorts and I'm happy with the look of this new theme for lovehael. Every time I play with coding it reminds me that it's actually fun and I need to set up a Neocities page. Besides tending to things around the house and online, a lot of my time and energy has been going towards volunteer work with Palestinians seeking help amplifying their donation pages. It's incredibly heavy on some days, the stories and pictures and videos I am processing for months on end, but they've been enduring so much worse in large part due to my government's policies, and this is just one thing I can do to acknowledge that and help alleviate their suffering to some degree. I find myself connecting to many Palestinian families primarily through Instagram, and getting news thru accounts there as well as Twitter & Tumblr. Twitter actually feels better to use now that I'm focusing on more political accounts and leaving the pretty pictures and memes etc for Tumblr. Still waiting for a day where we're all using different platforms altogether free from oppressive creeps tho.

[musicaldamage]

So having watched the vbw Falco musical recently. Rock Me Amadeus. I have Thoughts™

[ID: the mostly empty Ronacher theatre's auditorium seen from the 2nd floor on the right side. the stage is hidden behind a sort-of wall barrier curtain thing made of squares, some of which are reflective. the "Rock Me Amadeus" logo and an image of Moritz Mausser in character as Falco are projected onto it. Surrounding the stage there are a number of variously-shaped angular mirrors lined with glowing light. (additionally there's my partner's hand forming the peace sign on the right side of the image)]

side note I am irrationally annoyed that the squares of the logo don't line up with the squares of the curtain thing WHAT are they doing

Spoilers and further opinions under the cut

- The cast is stellar. Moritz Mausser is absolutely 100% brilliant, Katharina Gorgi's voice is beautiful, and Alex Melcher is there so that's in some ways already enough for me personally really. though he only really shows up in the 2nd act which is a bit sad. to me

but his presence is good bc. well. a lot of the things I generally value in a musical are kinda meh in this one tbh

- the music is fine! it's mainly Falco songs obviously, which I've been mostly neutral about so far but there definitely are some bangers, and, well, Moritz and Alex singing them sure is a point in favour. the additional songs written specifically for the musical are... I don't think they're bad, mostly, but they have a completely different vibe that doesn't really fit in with the rest. and. actually, some of them are bad. in my opinion. extremely cheesy. what's that doing there. one of them is hella catchy but the chorus lyrics sound like it's for kindergarden, two are just incredibly generic and boring and did I mention cheesy?

- Starting out with calling the day of Falco's death "the day the music died" sure is a claim. nothing to do with whoever is in charge at the vbw being weirdly patriotic (stares at the general Austria(ns) theme of quite a number of vbw musicals)

- Similarly his first sentence "In Wien musst erst sterben, bevor sie dich hochleben lassen" ("In Vienna you gotta die before they celebrate you") which sounds nice and dramatic and all but. come on. dude was #1 in international charts very much during his lifetime. they talk about this in the musical itself. he complains on stage about how the fame and stuff bothers him. where's the dying first part huh Hansi.

- Alex. listen I am stupidly into that guy's whole vibe. his everything. his voice is my favourite kind of male voice and his hair in combination with his entire profile and the lineof his stupid neck make me feel some kind of way. I wanna grab that hair and pull his head back like that one Sandman scene you know the one.

This one. also his tattoos and his absolutely deranged energy and willingness to just go off and do insane things rolling around on the floor. and then suddenly look like an innocent child in awe at seeing snow for the first time of his life. this tangent of Alex Melcher stanning has gone on long enough we'll return to our regularly scheduled musical discussion now

- They're simultaneously trying to make Falco a sympathetic figure while also showing him behaving like a dick. it seems to work bc the audience laughs and gets Emotional but. idk maybe it's me but the "I behave like an egoistic dick to everyone around me including my wife but it's ok bc I'm Misunderstood and actually very Deep and Emotional and I love my wife and need her to keep me sane and also I'm marionetted against my will by my Dark Impulses" shtick is sort of... you can't have him throw his wife to the ground and give zero fucks about her and then half an hour later at his funeral or wake or idk play a quote of him saying "I never hurt anyone other than myself" and have someone else call him empathic and sensitive and expect me to take that seriously and... look maybe I'd like it better if the jokes weren't so incredibly lame

- Female roles?? what's that. there's two (2) that get a name on the cast list (his wife and his mum). one (1) of them gets addressed by name on stage (Isabella, the Wife. his mum is Maria but only if you look at the cast list or the programme). Isabella's role is Sexy Lady turned Caring Wife and Mother who finally Leaves. the mum's role is Nagging Mum (in law) and Comic Relief. there's a second girlfriend (wife? secretary? idek) who apoears in one scene and gets called a name (Caroline) which I only caught bc I was looking at the surtitles. no one gets a personality not even the male characters really no one matters (I mean yes ok it's Falco's Story but ffs let Katharina DO something with her voice maybe)

- have I mentioned the awful dialogue and cheap jokes yet? "the best aspect of the American flag are the red-white-red stripes". terrible flirting with "ladies in uniform" who are trying to do their job when faced with an entitled asshole but of course it's portrayed as hilarious.

- ok so back to Alex Melcher but his role is the most fun part of the thing. he's Falco's "Alter Ego" aka his, idk, hedonistic impulses and desire for fame and admiration and whatnot personified? there's a huge head on stage with a brain and all in it to make sure the audience understands that he is Inside Falco's Head and in case that's not clear enough yet he also verbatim declares that "I'm inside your head" so yeah subtlety is not required in this play. he and Falco/Hans are being incredibly homoerotic the entire time and I am personally offended that they're not kissing, but I'll take Alter Ego pretending to lick Hans's throat and clinging to him like a limpet. I would love to write fanfiction about them actually but I haven't figured out how to do that well when both parties are the same person/one is a personified fragment of the other's mind and not physically present. pity.

- idk I'd just. I'd have done it differently? again it's just. so unsubtle. why does Alter Ego just hover menacingly above the stage in a glass box once or twice during the first act, why didn't they idk put him in as part of the white-clad ensemble and make him stick out more and more instead of the Hovering and then the 5 minutes "I am you and you are me" song at the start of the 2nd act. Have him talk to people while Hans takes a step back to show it's his Dark Side™ taking over idk. I'm sure there'd also be ways to make Hans more actually sympathetic and less of an arse (fewer dumb jokes might help, or giving other characters more of a personality maybe) but yeah idk

- idk there's just. not much of a story? it's a Falco tribute show with some life moments thrown in. there's a Falco song, there's a crisis bc he's out of ideas, now he's taking drugs, now he's happy, now there's a new album without any clue where he got the ideas (was it the drugs?) now there's sth about his wife now his friend is reprising the basic as fuck Live Your Dream song yet again. then it's over and he dies in a car crash and it's all presented like it's all some incredibly deep and moving story but it's just Not That Deep

- I do like the Writer's Block song they put in, don't we all know that feeling

- I'm not sure it's a good idea to use Jeannie of all songs as a recurring motif the way they're doing? "quit living on dreams, life is not what it seems" "lonely little girl boy in a cold cold world" blah blah all nice and well but Do We Remember What This Song Is About. I mean it's a good song I'm not contesting that I like it! (if someone wants to come at me for "endorsing" anything just bc I like the song... just don't) But yeah no matter how good it is I don't think it's very uhhh fitting. Though in retrospect maybe it's meant to portray him as like... Someone At The Mercy Of Sth Evil And/Or More Powerful Than He Is. Fucking over his own life powerless to stop it or sth idk idk

- Generally I think they rely way too much on the use of background projection screens idk it seems lazy. it's fine in some scenes it can work really well but it gets too much and kinda cheesy

End of the random unorganised RMA thoughts yay! It was fun to watch. I know I mostly complain a lot here but it's definitely fun! It's just that a large part of the fun for me was despairing about how bad I found it and waiting for more homoeroticism and also for Alex Melcher to... do the things he's doing

Edit: ALSO I'm not sure if uhhh low-to-mid-key insulting (iirc) two of the three not-Austrian countries he goes to is. Necessary?

[pineappleciders]

HEY DUDE ‼️‼️ can i pls request. Uhh sunny, hero and basil witha reader in recovery for atypical anorexia? Ik thats kinda vague but like, just them being supportive and trying to help is fine. ik u got a request like this before but hopefully they arent too similar? ANYWAYS yeah thank you 😁😁

SUNNY, HERO, and BASIL with a reader who is in atypical anorexia recovery

A/N: hii! don't worry about it, i've never gotten to write about recovery so this is cool for me!!! also i'm really sorry if anything in this is triggering or insensitive!!

TRIGGER WARNING: eating disorders, anorexia

☆ ☆ ☆

SUNNY

sunny isn't the definition of a healthy lifestyle,,, to say the least. so he probably isn't amazing at being a good role model and stuff like that

but he's great at being there for you emotionally. he may not understand everything about your ED but he listens very closely and he's very open to talking about private or personal matters!

if he notices you're having a hard time at the dinner table or while eating, he might look at you and just. blink. like he doesn't say anything but he's non-verbally checking on you

and he might come up to you after eating and stare at you to see if there's anything you wanna talk about,,, he gives your hand a squeeze under the table to encourage you

whenever you just need a break or are feeling faint, he's all for just lounging on the couch and playing games or sleeping. he is never one to judge if you're feeling tired or lazy

again, he isn't amazing at helping you physically with your recovery, but he's glad to stick with you!!!! he wishes he could help a little more though, but honestly his company is more than enough : )

HERO

hero is great at reminding you to do things to take care of yourself. like he'll always text you like 'Hey, did you eat yet?' and if you don't respond he comes to your house and immediately starts making pancakes

and he's all like "oh hey Y/N yeah i let myself in i figured you'd like me to make you some breakfast!!! :D"

he also reminds you to drink water and brush your teeth!!!! it can get a little annoying sometimes but he really wants to be sure that you're taking care

100% makes you meals if you can't or aren't feeling like it. he'll make you sandwiches, lasagna, literally anything. you're kinda disappointed that he gave up being a chef because he's REALLY good at it

he understands if you don't finish everything he makes,,, he knows it's hard so he doesn't force it and puts it in the fridge for later, always asking if you want him to heat it up or want the rest

he'll sit down and be very serious and listen intently if you need to talk about something. and he just genuinely tries to give you honest advice and lets you know he cares and wants to see you as the best person you can be

BASIL

he tries to research a lot about recovery and EDs to try to help you, like he always searches up how to help someone in recovery and tries to memorize it

basil is always very nice. like he never points anything out that may be rude, so you never have to worry about like. getting insecure or anxious that he may be judging you. he genuinely doesn't care what other people do and supports you in everything

he feels really bad that you have to go through everything on your own, so he generally tries to help you with things, especially if it puts strain on your body or you're feeling weak. he's very happy to help!!

amazing at listening, and appreciates it deeply when you open up to him about stuff. he knows it can be hard more than anyone

tries to get you into hobbies to take your mind off of bad thoughts, like gardening and drawing. anytime you come over he takes you to the garden to water and weed the plants while chatting about your day

gives you drawings and notes, even in class!! they read little encouraging quotes or just compliments in hopes of making your day a little better :)

he knows he can't help you in every way, but he's very open with you and tries his best to be there and be the best friend he can be!!!

[starmanbyler]

analysing mike’s monologue and the ending of st4 subsequently

i made a bit of a theory on tiktok a while ago but now i’m on tumblr i’ve decided to develop it further.

first of all i’m gonna talk about the context on mike’s monologue, and how el escaped the vines.

the vines were controlled by the upside down, so el would have had to use her powers to move them.

el was clearly struggling, as she was being choked and very exhausted, so mike tried to use his monologue to help motivate her. throughout most of his ‘confession’ there’s no improvement. the vines continue to tighten around el’s neck, until the end of his speech, where she sees max on the verge of death.

i see a lot of bylers arguing that it was the sight of max that helped el to use her powers, not the monologue, but i think it may have helped too.

it’s mentioned in 2x07 and 4x06 that el can strengthen her powers using something that makes her sad and/or angry. she learns this from both kali and vecna (both also have powers, and from the same lab)

they’re the only people that know this fact, because they have experience with having powers. el knows and presumably the other kids in the lab, but that’s not relevant.

maybe the strength for el to use her powers comes from her anger towards mike. in the scene with kali, el has a flashback to seeing mike with max, and feeling angry at him which could possibly foreshadow this situation. el is angry at mike because she knows that he’s lying to her during the monologue. alternatively, it could just be because she thinks something is going on between will and mike. this would also explain why she’s so distant in the time following the speech at the end of season 4. when will asks if el has talked to mike at all he says ‘no, not much.’ people overlook this far too often.

anyway, mike doesn’t know about the anger being used to strengthen powers. he assumes that a love confession will help el to fight on. it’s sort of a cliché, and it also reminds me of a certain quote from will in the van scene…

the fact that the camera focuses on mike there makes me think it was intended to show that mike learnt something that might be useful later…

mike is CLUELESS. he genuinely thinks will’s monologue is about eleven, so he uses will’s feelings to figure out how to help eleven, but this doesn’t work, because they aren’t actually el’s feelings.

mike assumes that ‘like she’s better for being different’ applies to el’s powers, when it’s actually about will’s feelings towards mike/being gay. so what he thinks is that he makes el feel better about her powers, and that this encourages her to fight on.

this is far from the truth, which makes it sort of funny how oblivious mike is, because it’s mentioned many times, mike doesn’t make el feel better about her powers, he makes her feel worse. like a monster.

gif by @kaypeace21

there might be more examples of this, but i can’t be bothered to find them all. it’s clear just from watching the show to know this is how el feels. it’s why mike looks so surprised when will tells him this. el has told him that she thinks he sees her as a monster, so for him to be told he makes el feel better about her powers is surprising and relieving. this is why he mentions her powers so much in the monologue.

‘you make her feel better for being different, and that gives her the courage to fight on.’

mike thinks that reassuring el that her powers are good, will encourage her:

he tells her to fight, like will said: fight on.

this shows that mikes monologue is in direct response to will’s in the van scene.

will tells mike the truth about himself, masked as eleven’s feelings, and this is what mike wants to hear. he wants to know that he’s needed, and that he makes el feel better about herself, and that he won’t lose her.

but the truth is, will is the one who needs him, he makes will feel better about himself, and he won’t lose will.

mike thought that the monologue to el was what she needed. but will is the one that needs it. this makes me think that there will probably be a genuine byler confession that parallels this in season 5. will being in danger somehow, and mike using a similar but more genuine and emotional confession to encourage him.

[lilysnotesapp]

I’m no essay girl but boy could I write an essay about when John B and Sarah momentarily broke up in season 2

There’s something about the way it perfectly demonstrates how doing the right thing can look different. Sometimes, two people are wired differently, and they will react differently to the same situation. (Ward’s ‘death’)

They both had their own valid reasons, obviously Sarah was heartbroken and she needed him, but John B had lost his father too, and for him this was the best possible outcome; the closest he would get to justice. Except he couldn’t be happy about it, because he knew it would hurt Sarah. He was too conflicted to comfort her (which i’m still mad about bc why tf was topper the one holding her when she sobbed 😔😔 i wanted that jarah moment)

Their s2ep7 ‘breakup’ scene afterwards will always make me tear up. His hug from behind where he actually comforts her for a whole 5 seconds is everything, we need more of these moments in s4, please just the simplicity of a hug with no drama interrupting them netflix i beg you 😩🙏 . I need to see them grieve their fathers together and not push each other apart. Anyway,

‘I just thought, of all people, that you would understand what it was like,’ … ‘and i needed you.’

These quotes could be applicable to so many scenarios where things don’t go how you’d expect. She expected him to be there, and he wasn’t. Sometimes you need someone but they can’t be there.

And this hurts even more because she was already grieving. She didn’t need to lose John B too.

the more i write about it, the more i see myself in them Sarah. (could you tell) 🌝

I feel like this leads onto the reasons why she went to Topper; he was her only source of comfort. If John B had been there the way Topper was, nothing would’ve happened. It was never her fault that she was left with no other option.

But then again, it was neither her fault nor John B’s, because as we know he has a whole other set of reasons to react the way he did, which, to him, was right.

ugh (this is just waffle)

it’s just so messy and i wanted them to figure it out differently and seeing sarah get hated on makes me mad for many reasons, but mainly because nobody who hates on her for going to topper has put themselves in her position. (also because i’m the sarah in my own situation and because i have a major crush on madelyn cline and i normally loce the traumatised characters who deserve better) BUT i also understand john b and his reasoning and why he wasn’t happy about her going to topper and omg

i love them (i hate them for not resolving it right)