#and constantly says that he wants to die and doesn't clarify that he is actually joking

[nordicbananas]

the thing about having a friend that's really hard to read is you don't know if they're joking or not

(tw in the tags for mentions of someone else 'joking' about killing themselves)

[ladyluscinia]

Izzy Hands Is Manipulative, But Not That Way

...or I finally finish that long ass meta post about why I love the fucking Navy Plot lol

The Izzy manipulation debate has been really interesting to me pretty much since it started, because I'd see a post arguing he's manipulating Edward and go "No, and he couldn't if he tried" and then the next post would say he sucks at manipulation because he's a blunt fucking instrument and I'd go "Yea- wait. Hmm. No, he can be targeted and tricky as fuck." Which does, on its surface, seem like a contradictory stance, but I swear it works.

Because the thing with Izzy - and this is such a fun thing imo - is there are two core types of manipulation that characters engage in, and Izzy fucking sucks at the one you expect his style of antagonist to focus on. But he's scarily good at the other.

Long meta under the cut, so get comfy.

...

From his role under Edward to the protagonist vs antagonist dynamic setup to his introduction scenes, Izzy is very much invoking the conniving second in command. We know this character from other media. He doesn't have the full power he wants so he's constantly scheming to get it. He can't or won't challenge his boss for some reason, so he settles for being the devil on their shoulder or working behind their back. He's the voice constantly ready to inflame insecurities and turn relationship cracks into chasms, and usually he's lying constantly to do so. His fingerprints are all over his boss's problems up to the moment they show some weakness, and then their loyal second goes right for the backstab. He is THE ambitious manipulator. The shady advisor. The snake.

And then you actually look at Izzy and he is not that guy. In fact, it's a testament to the strength of Edward's character arc how much his evil little henchman is not causing his problems.

So - Izzy and manipulation:

Izzy Can't Convince People To Do Things

Like. He really can't.

This interpersonal struggle is fairly fundamental to his character. And moreover, it's a skill that Izzy is intensely aware that he lacks, so usually he doesn't even try.

In his first episode he walks right up to Buttons and just straight up asks him for the information on his party. He doesn't even resolve to steal the hostages until he realizes that Stede has lost them in the bush already, and Izzy obtains them by buying them. When Stede confronts him they end up splitting the pair in a very above-board negotiation and he pretty much just goes with what Stede suggests.

Then in 1x03, people make a big deal of Izzy "manipulating" Edward by not clarifying that Stede didn't know who he was when he turned down the invite, but kind of importantly he repeats the damning line of the conversation faithfully. If he was going to lie, then why not lie? Why even go see Stede at all? And, if he didn't want Stede dead until after the conversation (understandable, tbh, since "Iggy" was stab-worthy), surely he could invent a better insult to rile Edward up. It makes his omission hit more like being bitchy about Stede not recognizing the obvious - namely that Izzy Hands works for Blackbeard and literally everyone knows this - than a slander campaign to get him killed. And once we properly meet Izzy and Edward in 1x04, Izzy's inability to manipulate becomes his main struggle.

Izzy's a blunt and direct person. He leans on authority bestowed by Blackbeard to take control of situations, playing the role he's supposed to play, and without it he lacks a Plan B. In 1x04 he doesn't have any authority over Edward, so his efforts to get him to take the danger of the Spanish seriously amount to "Well as bored as you might be, if you don't make a decision soon we're gonna fucking die." And this is true! There might be a very subconscious attempt at manipulation in his resignation speech before the "That's Blackbeard. I'm Stede, remember?" line - of the piss him off to get him to get his shit together variety - but Edward literally makes a joke out of it so not exactly effective.

And once Edward stops giving Izzy authority in general, his plan to make Lucius do stuff is still just... brute force. Which works at first when Lucius doesn't realize that Izzy's on his own now, and stops working as soon as Fang breaks ranks. His last ditch blackmail attempt isn't manipulative either - he just plans to tell the truth to Pete and assumes he'll be pissed about it. My guy loses a fight over the pirate equivalent of making an uppity employee clean the coffee maker while the boss is out. Not only does he fail to manipulate the crew in a conniving antagonist way... he doesn't even try.

I mean, the only time he (somewhat) succeeds in talking someone into things is 1x06. Getting Edward to agree to killing Stede isn't really manipulation - Izzy gets Fang and Ivan to back him in a very straightforward way because they all actually do have a stake in this - but he's passably able to push Stede to go through with the fuckery via fake compliments. It's not exactly high level work, though. Stede being vulnerable to ego-stroking / dares is pretty obvious.

So what is Izzy good at?

Well, if you can't make people do anything other than what they were going to do in the first place, you might as well lean into that.

...

Izzy Manipulates Situations, Not People

Situational manipulation is one of those fictional tropes that rarely can happen in real life, but there's not much resemblance because real life rarely gives you all the building blocks for a proper gambit and lets you loose. Too many factors. In narratives, though? It becomes one of my favorite ways of having a character be clever.

And before I get into this too much, a really fun sidenote - I think Izzy does situational manipulation more like the way protagonists do it. See, antagonists are usually emotionally and situationally manipulative (ex: provoking the hero to lash out and using it to frame them for a bigger crime), but it's not a good look when your hero drives the target to do something bad and then punishes them for it. So heroes lean on stuff like Batman Gambits - where the lynchpin of the scheme is the target fucking themselves over by behaving completely in character. They've written Izzy so ineffective at emotional manipulation that he pretty much has to rely on other characters' flaws or histories to cause problems, which has a very similar result. And it's wild.

...

Going back to the 1x03 confrontation in Jackie's bar, Izzy doesn't really do anything abnormal in how he conducts himself, but people are picking up on an agenda for a reason. Namely, the whole damn conversation quickly turns into a trap, and Izzy fully sits back and watches Stede spring it from sheer idiocy.

There's no indication that when Izzy walked up he wasn't going to carry out his task with all the bitchy professionalism expected of him, while probably hoping that Stede would eventually stick his foot in his mouth without Izzy's help (assuming he's the kind of idiot Izzy thinks he is). His first section of this conversation is nearly polite:

Izzy (about the Nose Jar): "I have a few colleagues in there." Stede: "Ugh. You again." Geraldo: "Mr. Hands, welcome. It's been a while." Izzy: "(To Geraldo) Yeah, because I hate this fucking place. (To Stede) But for some inexplicable reason, my boss would like a word with you. Bonnet."

It's not until Stede starts talking that I think Izzy clues in that Stede doesn't actually know who his boss is. He didn't introduce himself until the literal last second of their 1x02 interaction, so it wasn't obvious Stede wasn't literally bolting into the forest in horrified realization.

And Stede? He goes hard on being a bitch right out the gate. Brushes Izzy off, tells him to "get in line", calls him the wrong name, says he doesn't care who Izzy is...

Izzy so far has met Stede in a public place, in front of people who clearly treat Izzy with respect and fear. He doesn't bring up their previous interaction, Stede does. He doesn't even goad Stede beyond existing. He corrects him on his name, and watches it not register in the slightest. The next line is the clincher:

Izzy (slightly incredulous): "So I'll tell my Captain that you're declining then, yeah?"

As Izzy is speaking the conversation becomes a trap - he chooses a reasonable way to refer to Edward that isn't "Blackbeard" and waits to see if Stede will make this worse. The jump from "no I'm busy" to "tell him he has terrible taste in flunkies and he can go suck eggs in Hell" is all Stede, completely ignoring context clues as Geraldo stares on in horror. Hell, Jackie only refrains from later de-nosing Stede on the spot because Geraldo knows what's up, and Stede still doesn't pick up on the fact he should maybe be asking some questions (though I'll give him the knife was distracting).

Izzy returns to the ship, quotes Stede directly for his damning line, and waits to see what Edward will do with it. It's not good behavior on his part (and if he could have seen the future he might have tried worse), but switching mid-conversation to offering Stede an opportunity to fuck himself over is a very different mindset than simply lying to / provoking Stede or Edward to get what he wants. He's mostly being petty.

Stede did insult Edward of his own volition, after all, and just because Izzy fudges the truth to hide he didn't know he was insulting Blackbeard instead of just Izzy and a random stranger doesn't change that. All Izzy did to "escalate" that conversation was give Stede a second opening to do so himself.

But there is a far better example of Izzy masterfully manipulating a situation than this in-the-moment bit of pettiness, so let's move onto my favorite bit... explaining in extensive and slightly awestruck detail why the Navy plot. Fucking. Rules. Because it does. Ready?

...

How to Mastermind the Decisive Removal of One Stupid Fucking Stede Bonnet Over Drinks

Ahem. The Navy plot. Masterclass in intimate betrayal. Izzy's biggest escalation in the total collapse of Edward and Izzy's relationship, but also a completely fucking fascinating glimpse into whatever tangled web of codependency they've got going on, because Edward isn't even mad after 1x09. This wordcount is going to be insane enough without me getting into the Blackhands relationship connotations, so I will... attempt... to stick to breaking down the actual scheme.

And what a scheme it was.

Let's start at the beginning. Jack showing up to lure them into the trap at the start of 1x08? Nope, earlier. Izzy getting kicked off the ship and going to Jackie at the end of 1x06? Further back. Edward proposing the "kill Stede" plan at the end of 1x04, which is the domino that starts all this, right? Closer, but still no.

Izzy's first appearance on screen is in episode 1x02, and that episode is where the seeds of the Navy plot are first planted. See, during Stede's confrontation with Izzy, both of the hostages chime in:

Hostage 1 (Wellington): "Believe him, he's quite insane." Hostage 2 (Hornberry): "He does have the eyes of a madman. Sorry, you do."

Wellington says his line in a tone of voice that clearly indicates a story to tell, and it should also be noted that he is the same one who earlier jumped at the chance to tell the tribe chief about Stede murdering their captain - Nigel. And he's the one that Izzy leaves with, in a sour mood and wanting information about this "Stede Bonnet" character.

When Izzy later reaches out to the Navy, it's no coincidence that he finds Chauncey. He's known since right after their first meeting that Stede was directly responsible for the murder of an Admiral's brother and that the English Navy would know soon enough, since he was literally about to ransom a hostage back to them who would tell the story. And he filed that information away until it was useful or relevant like a clever pirate should.

Moving on to Jackie's bar in 1x03, Izzy gets more potentially useful observations / inspiration. Jackie is actually the first person in the series to make a deal with a naval power. Izzy and crew track the Revenge to the Spanish warship, which means they must see Geraldo sold out Stede to them. Izzy isn't stupid. He knows Geraldo and Spanish Jackie, knows that she's the brains and brawn behind this deal, and has seen enough of Stede that he'd absolutely believe that he did something to get Jackie pissed enough to plot his murder. File away Jackie wants Stede dead and details of how she nearly succeeded in offing him for later.

Izzy spends 1x05 up to the fuckery demonstration observing Stede's crew while waiting for Edward to pull the trigger. I definitely want to note the scene where they interrogate the Frenchman at the beginning of 1x05, because Izzy is staring directly at Stede as he leans away from Edward threatening violence (we know this will later be in his love montage so not actually a turn off, lol, but like... it looked like one). His opinion of the crew is that they like to fuck around without structure (1x05 during the party), probably that they enjoy more standard pirate levels of violence (not shown directly since they are kept out of the 1x05 raid, but fairly obvious), and that they are really easily awestruck by the chance to hear "real pirates" tell charismatic stories (1x06 ghost story).

Any of that sounding like someone we know?

And now to go back to Izzy in 1x06, when he gets sick of Edward being cagey about the plan to kill Stede and decides to "make" him stop stalling, he's straightforward again. Getting Ivan and Fang to back him isn't emotionally manipulative, but it does give him weight in the conversation. They are the ones who bring up the whole "love of a pet makes a man weak" thing, and they do it in the context of calling out hypocrisy. Izzy knows the standards Edward holds his crew to. He lets them convince Edward it's time.

Taking the chance to suggest Stede try a fuckery is a strong blend of situational and emotional manipulation, and later challenging him to a formal duel knowing he'd be overconfident enough to accept is more situational again. Even the terms of the duel are designed to take advantage of the situation. And then Izzy loses in the most comedy way possible, Edward lets him get banished, and Izzy decides that if he was ok with just sending Stede Bonnet on his way to fuck-off before... he's fucking gonna kill him now.

My guy is not a creative thinker, but he's definitely a logistical one. And as he rows away from that ship, all the pieces fall into place.

First, Spanish Jackie. Who listens to him bemoan his relationship woes because she likes him (Izzy gets Jackie in the divorce). Who wants Stede dead and has the clout to summon and deal with a distasteful ally - Chauncey. Together, they concoct an arrangement where a trap will be set and Chauncey gets Stede and only Stede. This isn't a tip-off or a free-for-all. Stede comes from Chauncey's world and they are sending him back. Permanently.

Then it's time for the trap itself, which needs to do two things: get the Revenge somewhere that Chauncey can corner it, and get Edward out of there. And Izzy? Izzy knows Edward. Knows there's one particular person in his past that will have no trouble integrating with the crew, getting Edward to act more like a pirate than a gentleman, and who happens to have a great ambush location on hand.

I've said this before but I'm gonna say it again - I don't think outside characters realize how hard and fast Edward is falling for Stede. The BlackBonnet bonding moments happen almost exclusively when they are alone. The place Izzy dramatically fails to manipulate the situation is not having the evidence he would need to predict Edward going back for Stede. He (and Jack) both think that a precise wedge between BlackBonnet - one that Jack delivers near flawlessly by playing into real issues - will be enough to remind Edward that Stede isn't his people. This isn't a plan to murder the love of Edward's life while his back is turned. It's a plan to get rid of Stede, and remind Edward why he was on board with doing that in the first place. "That's fair," Izzy says about a punch to the face.

Instead, Izzy's plot accidentally backs Edward into a corner and forces him to publicly pull a grand-gesture relationship level-up that he was not emotionally ready for, and the fallout from that explosion is way worse than any of our conspirators were counting on.

Still... you gotta admit. It was a really good plan.

[kalcifers-blog]

Pissa Headcanons to rattle around my brain like Tallulah's maracas

I feel like I shouldn't need to clarify this but I will anyway- this is all about the Cubitos, not the CCs

Sun and Moon relationship, but they look like opposite of what they are (Philza looks like he's the sun but he's actually the moon and vise versa)

Missa's hair is significantly longer than what it was after he returns to the island (Philza LOVES it)

Missa is deffo the type to give lots and lots of small pecks just all over Philza's face. Philza is just constantly sat there blushing and smiling

Missa likes to teach Phil how to play guitar (yes he does the thing where he sits behind him and holds the back of his hands to show him how to play. Great stuff)

Philza loves horror and doesn't get scared easily, Missa also loves horror but does get scared easily. Cue movie marathons between them where Missa is constantly jumping and Philza (playfully) laughing at him

I'm sure this is basically canon now but Missa also loves to teach Philza how to dance- in return Philza likes to help Missa out with fighting and offers to spar with him. They both have equally flustered reactions to the other showing them how to do said activity

Missa is very physical affection oriented. Whenever Philza is in his vicinity they're hardly apart for even a second because of how close Missa wants to be all the time (90% of the time he's not even doing it consciously)

Missa is taller than Philza (Avians tend to be shorter on average since it helps out with flying) it's not major or a huge difference in any normal circumstance but it definitely feels that way as soon as they're close in proximity to each other (it does not help that Missa wears those big ass goth boots with thick soles/heels, making him appear even taller than usual)

Philza likes to collect items that remind him of the people he's closest too (i.e, Technoblades emerald, Wilbur's guitar pick, Tallulah's amapola, Chayanne's rubber duck etc) for Missa it's a sugar skull mask Missa decorated for him (it includes his green colour scheme and the hardcore heart)

Missa also loves to braid Philza's hair and preen his wings and takes great pride in doing so (he's not AMAZING at it, but he still loves to do it)

Every government assigned couple were given rings when they first joined, at first Philza and Missa wore theirs as necklaces before they actually developed any feelings for each other- now they both wear them on their right ring fingers (they unconsciously agreed that they'll move the rings onto their left hands if they ever actually got married)

Philza can understand birds (he mostly understands crows but he's able to piece together what other types of birds are saying as well) so he's often telling them to "shush" when they catch him and Missa alone together

Missa has death touch, meaning anything living will die if they touch his bare skin. Anything besides (Death's favourite) Philza of course. (Also the death touch does not work on undead which is why he still hides away from Zombies and Skeletons, which is partially the reason why he's kinda shit at fighting)

Trans ftm q!Philza but his top surgery scars are the shape of an upsidedown heart (Missa thinks it's SO PRETTY)

Mumza is watching all of this go down with a bowl of popcorn like her personal weekly telenovela. She finds it the funniest thing that Philza's type is essentially "tall, dark and emo"

Wilbur did not know that Philza would like men, the whole "Phil- I didn't know you were bi, and polyamourus" is still canon, but at first Wilbur was kinda just joking not thinking there was actually anything behind it. You can imagine his shock when in fact, his dad does indeed like men.

[izzyspussy]

thinking about something very sad and violent and sad and upsetting and violent.

[CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, EMOTIONAL ABUSE, ED ON HIS KRAKEN SHIT]

thinking about them all on the breakup boat in the kraken era, and ed is fucking terrifying, but also sometimes he's just pathetic. like everyone knows he's evil now because he's sad as hell.

and this isn't at all what izzy wanted. we all know that. now the crew knows that too, and izzy himself. he wanted ed to be blackbeard, yeah, but only because he thought that was what was best (for both of them), and he wants ed to be... if not happy then at least not miserable. half content half the time, if that's the fucking best izzy can do. he's just trying his damndest now to figure out how to stop doing any worse.

so he brings back some fabric from a raid, and gives it to ed. it's not an outfit or anything, just an unrolled skein of the stuff really, not even hemmed. the raw stuff, the merchants were probably gonna sell it to a tailor or something what the fuck does izzy know. but it's nice. it's fine. maybe silk or velvet or something equally expensive and easily destroyed. and he offers it to ed without a word, because he doesn't know what words he could say, and anyway he thinks - he thinks - the fabric itself must surely say enough.

ed takes the fabric. runs it through his hands. lets the excess fall in curtains onto the deck. stares at it for a long minute. and izzy thinks he did it! ed likes it! and he got the message, that izzy just wanted-

but actually ed is furious. when he looks up he's angrier than izzy thinks he's ever seen him. his fawn fear response goes absolutely haywire and he starts stumbling unintelligibly over explanations and excuse, for now and for before and he just wanted-

ed interrupts izzy's babbling with, "tie him to the mast."

the ship goes as silent as a ship at sea can go. not a damn sound in the air but the lap of calm waves against the hull. everyone has stopped breathing.

because, yeah, ed has been scary this past while since stede's very memory was thrown overboard with all his stuff and left to die like the rest of his crew. but he's just been making threats he clearly means, constantly drawing attention to his weapons (which he's wearing more of than he used to) or pulling them on people to enforce his orders, lurking and looming and glowering and breathing down everyone's necks, and twice as brutal during raids than any of them have ever seen him. he hasn't done anything to any of them yet (as far as anyone but izzy knows).

but you don't get this far as a pirate without knowing when to follow a fucking command without questioning it, so even as izzy gasps, "what?" ivan and fang are hesitantly moving towards him.

when ed doesn't repeat himself or clarify, izzy stubbornly accepts his fate. he snaps, "i don't need to be tied," and starts frog marching his damn self to the mast to put himself in position to be flogged - a form of discipline ed hasn't used in years, and has never used on izzy before ever (except when he was the bosun on hornigold's ship and he was ordered to, and they both knew then he didn't want to, and in a way that was a hurt that they'd shared. not like this).

but ed grabs izzy by the hair from behind and yanks him back so hard izzy loses his feet. he snarls, "if i said tie you, they'll fucking tie you." he all but tosses izzy at ivan and fang, and they - still visibly unwilling, but not hesitating anymore; clearly there's no waiting for ed to change his mind - grab him. izzy lets them this time, walks between them as they lead him toward the mast to do as ed says.

but then ed adds, "fight it."

izzy's "what?" is something much deeper, much worse than shock this time. the look on his face hurts to look at - well, frenchie was already looking away, watching this unfold from the corner of his eye since it would be really pushing his luck to fully turn his back, but now jim has to as well.

ed isn't even looking at izzy. he's picking his nails with his knife or something, whatever. he's already pulled the whip, from fuck knows where, bonnet didn't even have one. he says, "i'm bored izzy, i already told you that didn't i? it's in your best interests to make this entertaining."

izzy doesn't do anything at first. he's having some trouble comprehending that this is really happening, like this, to him, now. after twenty years of loyalty and one bad call. after - not friendship, pirates don't have friends - something else, something more than simple friendship. or so izzy had thought, all this time.

so ed finally lets them catch eyes, and his are... dead. not flinty, not hard like steel, not cold as ice. they're just black. nothing there at all. but the affected boredom in his voice has gone even more sour, even more threatening, when he repeats himself, "i know you're prideful, iz-" the nickname stings like hell now "-but if you don't give me a show i'll double your count."

and, not knowing what the fucking count is to begin with, but not doubting now that it's plenty enough already, izzy puts up a fight.

izzy struggles and kicks up and twists around in fang's and ivan's arms. he even bites one of them, he can't tell which. he can't tell which way's up at this point, his heart hurts so fucking bad. his crewmates tie him by the wrists facing the mast, and he stops fighting with a warped kind of relief as soon as the rope touches his skin. one of them has shaking hands.

before the knots are all the way done, ed is at izzy's back.

"cry," he orders, and fuck at this point izzy was already about to, and his eyes fill up on ed's command. ed pulls izzy's head back by the hair again to check, and izzy makes a helplessly wounded noise at the sneering, empty look on his face.

"aaww," ed says mockingly. "are those genuine?" izzy's answer is just another heartbroken little whine. ed crushes his face into the mast.

he cuts open the back of izzy's vest and shirt with his knife. (he's unconsciously careful not to slice open izzy's back; deep, deep down underneath layers upon layers of rage and grief and resentment and apathy, he already regrets this; he's already burying it away in the farthest back of his mind to wretchedly Not Think About forever, right alongside The Toe Thing.)

so anyway. izzy never does learn how many flogs ed had arbitrarily decided on. he hardly feels them at all. but he keeps crying.

[gierosajie]

Very basic summaries of my silly little Genshin AU's (the full ones, at least) because why not

Oh Archons There's Two of Them AU

Run of the mill Nameless Bard revival au

Except it completely operates on the rule of funny and now there's two Ventis in Mondstadt who claim to be siblings who keep giving conflicting information and clarify NOTHING

Anemo Archon Dvalin AU

Dvalin becomes the new archon after Venti dies during the Cataclysm

500 years later he befriends Celio, the reincarnation of Nameless Bard, and they both try to uncover a divine conspiracy

Roleswap AU

If Venti still somehow managed to pull through the Cataclysm in the previous AU.

Dvalin proceeds to become stress incarnate just trying to get Venti some help with the poison and everything just keeps going wrong

They'll be fine

Modern Twin AU

In which no one believes Carmen has a twin that is never seen with him

I Love You Since AU

Legend says of an arch that traps you somewhere in time if you pass through without a prayer to Time and Wind

Someone disrupts the timeline by killing Nameless Bard before the revolution reaches its goal and Aether has to bring back the killer before they do (and before Venti passes out from trying to keep the timeline intact)

Demon Slayer AU

Nameless Bard brings his (dying) younger brother Venti to Dr. Tamayo and Venti chooses to become a demon when nothing else could be done so NB wouldn't be left alone

They constantly travel

Post Canon Modern YouTuber AU

Venti doesn't change his outfit and just lets his subscribers think he just likes to wear historical clothing

There are "Venti is an immortal vampire" theories floating about online

Spy Venti AU

In which Venti is a former spy of the Thousand Winds currently working for Celestia

Mostly domestic shenanigans and Venti trying really hard to keep Dvalin out of his real work

Zhongli is practically the only one who never faked his death.

Nameless Bard has acquired tools to be a menace to society ever since he met Venti

Cecilia Garden AU

The Promised Neverland AU where Kaeya, Jean, and Diluc discover that their caretaker Venti and the orphanage may not be what they seem

Rozen Maiden AU

The archons are doll siblings that get forced to fight to the death

They are also in a time loop and only Venti and Paimon, the Sustainer's assistant, know about it

Mostly inspired by Rozen Maiden Traumend

Lumine and Aether are new in town and through some letter shenaniganery, welcome Venti as their new roommate

Ajax is an actual toy maker

Venti dies, but he gets better don't worry :D

Starfall AU

Ghost Trick AU

Nameless Bard, Gunhildr, and their silly gaggle of ghosts attempt to investigate Dan's (sir Ragnvindr) murder and clear Nameless Bard's name

NB has a meteorite lodged in his heart that basically makes him Danny Phantom and cause ghosts that die in his vicinity to gain powers

Actor AU

Zhongli is very present on social media while Venti is a straight up cryptid that is rarely seen online

Shadows of Time AU

Shadows House AU

Makoto, Ei, Venti, and Himmel try to overthrow the nobility after their friend Zhongli's disappearance

Ei is Makoto's shadow while Venti is Himmel's shadow and they are currently part of the star bearers in the children's wing

A's AU

Venti is the consciousness of a magic book called the Skyward Atlas

He and Carmen can do magical girl transformations and also do a little fusion

This is technically a magical girl au

They're on a universe road trip

The two are actually on the run from the government because Venti is classified as a Very Dangerous ancient artifact and neither of them want to get separated

Wrong Star Themed Travellers AU

Everything is the same except the Traveller Twins are replaced by Akai and Hosshi from Kaitou Joker

Too much stays the same, in fact, to the point where the world ACTIVELY changes around them just to keep what happens in canon

Hosshi is the Traveller

Only Kaeya and Venti are aware of this change and it's honestly so weird for them to see everyone act like there's nothing strange about the stretchy green cat running around

Fairy AU/Winds of Change AU

Tinkerbell (and the Great Fairy Rescue technically) AU

Venti is a wind fairy that guides the spring breeze that befriends a sickly young human

Nameless Bard is usually stuck inside because of his poor health and overprotective parent, but Venti often visits him in the spring and brings him little things like flowers and bird feathers in the breeze

Venti had lost a wing during an incident and Nameless Bard ran through a storm to get him to safety, making his health turn for the worst in the process

Still, Istaroth, the queen of the fairies was so moved by the lengths the two would go for each other that she lets the Bard visit the forest as much as he wants and gives him her favor

Filo Highschool AU

An entire AU inspired by my own highschool experience in a small school somehwere

The divine beings are part of the staff

Project Fate AU

As an attempt to take control of the Loom of Fate, a group attempts to clone Istaroth, the Master of Time

Basically Venti learning to see his own existence through his loved ones

Gathering of Cloudy Days AU

BlazBlue AU

There's just. Too much. Sorry.

Basically multiple factions trying to get Istaroth to come out of the Abyss and stop the neverending cycles that restart every time Venti dies

I take both games' lore and throw them into a blender to create a convoluted concoction

It's almost a sci-fi now

The Nameless AU

A Honkai Star Rail AU where Nameless Bard had been part of the old Astral Express crew before it broke down

The Bard is on the Destruction Path while Venti is on the Harmony Path (and may or may not be one of Xipe's Emanators)

They got separated at some point, and due to some time dilation shenanigans, the Bard ends up a thousand years in the future trying to look for any traces of his old friends

I Sleep When I'm Dead AU

Venti's "slumbers" are actually just him being dead

He comes back to life whenever Mondstadt really needs him

[aroace-polyshow]

Ha llegado el tiempo más esperada del país! La hora de la miseria en la cueva del homosexual :D

I feel overly annoying and confident so I decided to make you an analysis on why Eight by Sleeping at Last would make a beautiful hw song. I always imagined it a good Nene com, but since it doesn't quite match the music box event, maybe it'll serve you as inspiration for another one? Also Google isn't showing me the lyrics so I'm going to write them myself with extra emotionality✨, sorry about that.

Putting the lines colour coded for the characters and blue if I have no idea.

I remember the minute

it was like a switch was flipped

I was just a kid

Nene upon realising she forgot her words, completely alone in a hall full of people staring at her.

Who grew up strong enough to pick this armor on

And suddenly it fit

A LOT OF THINGS. Could be Tsukasa giving into his role of a people pleaser to make Saki and everyone around him happier at his expense, could be Emu giving up her "childish" behaviour after the Wonder Stage was closed off, could be Rui accepting that he is a monster and coming to live as a loner.

And god that was so long ago, long ago, long ago...

Nene and Rui. Do I even need to clarify?

I was weak and perfectly naive

And I grew up too quick

All of them honestly. What happened with Hollow Wonderland and having to give up their childhood to soon?

Now you won't see all that I have to lose

And all I've lost in the fight to protect it

Emukasa, constantly giving up, constantly fighting, yet so completely lost in the dark.

I won't let you in, I swore never again

I can't afford, no, I refuse to be rejected

Ruinene but actually all of them more or less, especially the fear of rejection part.

I want to break these bones 'til they're better

I want to break them right and feel alive

Ruikasa coded, to me. Rui who needs to be fixed just like the robots he fixes. Tsukasa who'd run his blood dry if it meant Saki could go out of the hospital.

You were wrong, you were wrong, you were wrong

My healing needed more than time

EMU. EMU WHO NEVER GOT TIME TO GRIEVE HER GRANDPA, EMU WHO NEVER HAD ENOUGH TIME TO HEAL OVER THE WONDER STAGE AND NOW SHE DOES BUT IT'S STILL SO SO LONELY AND WEIRD FOR HER TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS.

When I see fragile things, helpless things, broken things

I see the familiar

Something about Nene writing songs that capture the feelings of all those who were never let themselves cry. Something about Emu recognising Mafuyu's smile as something horrid because she's seen it before. Something about Tsukasa's lyrics always sounding like bedtime lullabies that he never got to hear. Something about Rui seeing the loneliness both of them hoard, a dim light in their eyes too familiar to forget.

I was little, I was weak, I was perfect, too

Now I'm a broken mirror

Could be anyone honestly this fits too well.

But I can't let you see all that I have to lose

All I've lost in the fight to protect it

I can't let you in, I swore never again

I can't afford to let myself be blindsided

All of them once again but can I just say HOW MUCH THE ATMOSPHERE CHANGES FROM THE FIRST ONE?? THEY'RE BEGINNING TO BE VULNERABLE YET THEY STILL RECOIL AT THE TOUCH, THEY DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE YET THEY FEAR PRESENCE MORE THAN ANYTHING. IS THIS ANYTHING. DOES ANYONE HEAR ME?

I'm standing guard, I'm falling apart

And all I want is to trust you

COULD BE RUI BUT COULD ALSO BE EMUNENE. JUST IMAGINE A VERY SAD EMU IN SMILE OF A DREAMER, CLOSE TO CRYING AS SHE HIDES AWAY, AND NENE COMING IN TO CARE FOR HER. IMAGINE THE TRUST. IMAGINE IT'S FAULTS.

Show me how to lay my sword down

For long enough to let you through

TSUKASA WITH THE SWORD OF THE KNIGHT PROTECTING THOSE HE LOVES AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. RUI WITH THE SWORD HE WAS GIVING A BIRTH — HE WAS BORN A WEAPON AND A MONSTER. ONCE AGAIN: TRUST. THE KIND OF "PLEASE SHOOT ME AND HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS AS I DIE BECAUSE I CAN'T SAVE MYSELF AND I WON'T FORGIVE MYSELF IF I HURT YOU" TRUST. THE RUIKASA TRUST.

Here I am, pry me open

What do you want to know?

I'm just a kid

RUIEMU RUIEMU I CAN'T EXPLAIN BUT JUST— TWO KIDS WHO'S CHILDHOOD WAS RIPPED AWAY FOR BEING OSTRACIZED FOR SOMETHING THAT WASN'T THEIR FAULT.

Who grew up scared enough

To hold the door shut

And bury my innocence

NENEKASA. I know Tsukasa doesn't have anxiety nor anything close to it, but holding the door shut could be a way to show him staying at home while his parents spend their time with his dying sister. Alone in his room. Scared of monsters under his bed no one else will ever get to see because no one has walked into the house in more time he can measure.

But here's a map, here's a shovel

Here's my Achilles' heel

SOBBING HEAD IN HANDS STOMPING ON THE FLOOR BLOOD AND GUTS ALL OVER THE PLACE AS I SMASH MY SKULL INTO LITTLE PIECES THEY MAKE ME SO ILL

I'm all in, palms out

I'm at your mercy now and I'm ready to begin

The found family. The found FAMILY DUDE I CAN'T

I am strong, I am strong, I am strong enough

To let you IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN

They have healed thanks to each other and now they're ready to take on the world.

I'LL SHAKE THE GROUND WITH AAAALL MY MIGHT

AND I WILL PULL MY WHOLE HEART UP TO THE SURFACE

NENE. NENE.

For the innocent, for the vulnerable

And I'll show up on the front lines with a purpose.

For the innocent goes to Emu for having to bury her own self in the backyard with tears in her eyes and mud under her nails. The vulnerable goes to Rui because he never got to be vulnerable with anyone but the one's he Rui-ned (never making that pun again). Because he was a born monster and monster don't have any feelings, so what's the point? And the "front lines with a purpose" part goes to Tsukasa because... Wow he finally found why he likes theatre so much, didn't he?

And I'll give all I have:

I'll give my BLOOD, I'll give my SWEAT

AND AN OCEAN OF TEARS WILL SPILL FOR WHAT IS BROKEN

ALL OF THEM SINGING IT TOGETHER PLEASE. THEY HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH AND GOT SO LITTLE, NOW THEY'RE WILLING TO TRY AGAIN AND SACRIFICE THEMSELVES FOR EACH OTHER.

I'm shattered porcelain

Glued back together again

INVINCIBLE like we've never been

What's that thing about filling your cracks with gold? What's that thing about fireflies shining in the dark of night? Yeah that thing.

ksdhjffd HI HELLO WELCOME. THIS IS SO FUCKING GOOD rotating this in my brain oh my god. i have some little notes on some lines that also mean a lot to me for other characters btw

“But I can't let you see all that I have to lose/ All I've lost in the fight to protect it “

^ this one feels also ruicore. as in protecting nene. nene is all he really has left to lose. yk.

“I'm standing guard, I'm falling apart/And all I want is to trust you/Show me how to lay my sword down/For long enough to let you through”

^ tsukasa fucking tenma who needs to be taught vulnerability is A Thing he’s allowed to do

“And I'll show up on the front lines with a purpose.” <- i have nothing to add for this one it’s so tsukasa but i just need to let you know how much i LOVE THIS LINE. also your rui-ned pun was awful i hope you do it again /silly

anyway. ourdfghfsggfdhjjksagjhfgfdfhdf oh this is good. this is very very good. this is so rumdfjhgsjms,admfghafngfsd. i need to be put down thank you for sending this de tu cueva homosexual /silly

[kirie-mitsuru]

First of all, I love Luo Binghe with every fiber of my being and I just want him loved so thoroughly that he can't, not even for a second, doubt that he is loved.

Which is why I need to know if Shen Qingqiu is explicitly banned by the system to tell anything to LBH? I read through the novel twice, but I don't remember this being a thing. I am too emotionally damaged by how traumatized my pure LBH is by everything SQQ did to him and them not talking about everything that happened between them at all even until the very end. Unless they did and I missed it??

By things, I mean:

1. Why LBH has to go through the Abyss

2. Why SQQ assumes LBH is the cause of everything going wrong to SQQ during Jin Lan arc

3. Why SQQ keeps rejecting LBH presence even after knowing tht LBH loves him as a lover

4. Why LBH lost all trust in SQQ after the many lies and rejection LBH went through

5. Why SQQ restrains his affection even when they are already a couple

6. Why SQQ still lets the rest of the sect and the human realm people bad mouth LBH despite knowing how wrong they are abt LBH

(Warning: The rest is just my word vomit on my frustration over their nonexistent communication and why I feel they need it, so don't read the rest if it bothers you! Read the tags before you read the rest at least.)

I love BingQiu only because I can't see LBH truly happy w anyone else and I know tht SQQ actually loves all of LBH, the good and the bad, throughout the novel. It's just his denial and so called God's POV blinding him from seeing LBH as himself instead of what SQQ expects from LBH.

It happened, I get it. Teen angst (from both of them, SQQ is in his early 20ies too), realization, character growth and all that, but it does not change the fact that probs ard 90% of LBH trauma is caused by SQQ.

Like being put, going through, and surviving this universe ver of Hell (which I think Shang QingHua glazed through w convenient time skip in PIDW?) because of and for SQQ. Watching the love of his life die in his arms for him and because of him (even though LBH is equally clueless on what even happened during Jinlan arc until he tortures the truth out of the Old Palace master)(and multiple times too). Believing that he is being hated and feared by the love of his life because of his genetics or gender, which he have 0 say on and painful coz no one else seems to care about gender for couples in the novel besides SQQ so how else would LBH translate tht as nothing but an excuse for SQQ to reject him.

Oh, of course, not forgetting Xin Mo, the mind corrupting OP sword that constantly tries to take control of LBH's mind, which SQQ was looking forward to for LBH to acquire to be OP despite knowing what it does to its user.

(Personally, the scene where LBH secretly watch SQQ, who just ordered him to go away, laugh and say nothing as everyone bad mouth LBH before agreeing to stay for these people after treating LBH like a shameful secret that he don't want anyone to know was the most painful betrayal SQQ had done. Because, at this point, SQQ knows LBH loves him and has been pursing him all these time instead of wishing SQQ harm, yet he never even try to clarify this to his sect siblings, laughing instead when they insult LBH. This scene hurts me so much because how can SQQ eff up so quickly after acknowledging that he had broke LBH's heart so so many times into thousands of pieces just a few minutes before. Does the realization mean nothing at all to SQQ? I hate SQQ a little bit here even tho I know he didn't mean anything and is just too lazy too correct these many ppl and hates confrontation. At least he knew he eff-ed up when he knew LBH was listening)

I get why SQQ does the thing he did which he does w the underlying intention of 'helping' LBH get all the good things he deserve (nevermind that SQQ's definition of best is never what LBH wants for himself) (a painfully perfect example of the path to hell is paved with good intentions), but LBH doesn't know and he deserve to know if only to help him overcome or minimize his trauma.

I'm also sad that the main reason SQQ misunderstood LBH so much and expects the worst out of LBH is not even because of what LBH did. It's mainly the result of him reading abt Luo Bingge, punishment from the system, and his own cowardice to stop denying the truth. The only part LBH eff up is the blood parasite torture in the water jail thing, his blackening to the point 'lets end the world so there is only me and shizun' (which technically is due to the myriad of trauma caused by SQQ) and the last dub con scene which technically is orchestrated by the system due to SQQ's choice... why don't SQQ even expect it tho, all of his choices via the system prompts always led to him seducing LBH or in compromising situation w LBH and its the deluxe scene smtg...

... Yet the ending is just SQQ declaring he will always go wherever LBH go from now on (which he broke soon after coz LBH has to go to the demon realm and SQQ stays in the sect in the extras, which led to Luo Bingge showing up). Also, the extra just shows LBH acting pitiful to get affection and attention from SQQ (which is sad that he needs to be like this to get affection from SQQ, especially when internally SQQ 100% wants to pamper and love LBH already), their abrupt and private marriage.

Please, if I miss any scene they actually talk about their issues, do enlighten me.

(If there is any fanfic of them actually communicating w SQQ acknowledging his mistakes outloud and comforting LBH, or of SQQ 100% spoiling LBH, or going balistic when LBH is hurt, or dead LBH -especially considering tht his halo means near 100% his death caused by some form of suicide- which leaves crazy SQQ suffering and regreting everything he did to LBH, tell me too! I may or may not love yandere-for-LBH SQQ hehe. .)

[rosietrace]

❤️+🖤 for Idol au! Yuuta or Nyx and Juvia pls??😳😳

Jokes on you, I'm doing BOTH >:)

Ocs: Sumeragi Yuuta, Nyx Leech

Warning(s): Yuuta /j, Yuuta's abandonment issues, spoilers for his backstory, mentions of bullying on Nyx's segment

{ Apologies for any out of character moments }

Sumeragi Yuuta, Aijin 👑

[ ❤️: Yuuta's positive thoughts on Juvia ]

Since they were members of the same group, it was only natural for Yuuta to be acquainted with Juvia.

When they first met, he felt a little cautious. But over time, their relationship naturally grew into that of a smug older brother and a young sister who would accompany him in his shenanigans.

He liked that Juvia was easy to talk to, since he had the occasional habit of rambling/ranting about his parents. He also liked that she was able to understand the point pretty quickly despite her general confusion.

She also happened to be a pretty decent dance teacher, which Yuuta liked a lot. And thanks to Juvia, they're both regarded as two of the most talented recently popular idols with incredible dance skills.

Yuuta liked that Juvia was able to understand him and his feelings, even if it may seem like he doesn't care about others because of his 'vanity'.

[ 🖤: Yuuta's negative thoughts on Juvia ]

Now, let's be clear, Yuuta doesn't hate Juvia in the slightest. He gets along with her the most out of all the girls in the group. The second being Ellis

But, he still has his moments of slight irritation because of Juvia.

He isn't one to pry, but Yuuta couldn't help but notice the little things about Juvia whenever she and Deuce talk. Or when she talks about Deuce. It kinda annoys him about how she constantly tries to deny any feelings for him even though it is frustratingly obvious that she likes him.

Another thing to point out is that Yuuta doesn't like the idea of being abandoned. He's been abandoned before, and he doesn't want it to happen again. So he tries to behave himself to make sure he won't be left behind again.

But a thing to remember is that old habits die hard. And his obsession with money, his looks, and overall personality is enough to annoy the hell out of his group. Even Juvia at times.

It isn't a negative thought on her, but.... Yuuta can't help but feel like she just pities him.

And when he inevitably slips up, she'll just leave him. No- They'll all leave him and pretend he was never there. Just like his parents.

Nyx Leech, Nyxie 🌊

[ ❤️: Nyx's positive thoughts on Juvia ]

Even though Nyx is in the same company as Juvia, they aren't in the same division or group. But even then, that didn't stop Juvia from becoming acquainted with the youngest Leech sibling.

And Nyx actually grew quite fond of Juvia.

Since Nyx is more of a vocalist than a dancer, she finds it amusing that Juvia's the complete opposite. Her amused laugh kinda weirds out Juvia a bit, reminds her a bit of Jade-

She thinks Juvia's dancing is mesmerizing, no matter how intense the choreography looks. She hopes that she can learn from her one day, in order to improve her stage presence.

Because they aren't in the same division, Juvia and Nyx don't talk that much. Nevertheless, they get along quite well. Deuce better watch out before Nyx becomes Mrs. Steal yo girl

[ 🖤: Nyx's negative thoughts on Juvia ]

Now, to clarify, Nyx doesn't have anything against Juvia whatsoever. She doesn't feel the need to hold a grudge against someone when- They didn't really do anything.

But even then, Nyx still has her issues with trusting others.

At a young age, Nyx was very keen on staying by her brothers' sides. Especially because she was the only siren in the family, unusually enough. Unless TWST lore says otherwise

And because of that, she has been bullied at some point. Not for a very long period, but it was long enough to affect her trust issues. After that situation, Nyx grew wary around others and clung to Jade and Floyd even more up until they became idols.

Which brings us to our next point. Nyx doesn't completely trust Juvia.

It isn't because of something Juvia did, but more of the fact that Nyx has trust issues, and is scared at the idea of Juvia talking about her behind her back.

Hell, there have been rumors that the reason they don't talk much, was because of Nyx deliberately avoiding her...

[snailsrneat]

Hello, thank you for the match-up event (i love your work 🥺🥺) It’s my first time requesting, so whoop, here we go-

I’m a 5’4 East Asian with straight black hair and dark brown eyes. I guess my most notable physical quality is either my eyes or lips (they’re unnaturally colored for some reason.) I dress in mature/expensive clothing that makes me look older than I am. That or anything I can find in the house. (Basically, business + Victorian fashion or hobo style.)

Uhh, I’m an introvert. I’m either a type 9, 6, or 2 personality. My way of thinking is very romantic, even if I do keep my thoughts on the down low. I adjust very quickly to situations, specifically, you say one word and I psycho-analyze you with surprising accuracy. I get burnt out easily, but I’ll die before I ask for help. I fluctuate between cocky idiot, weirdly kind human, and composed internal narcissist.

Basic Interests: I adore music and the arts in general. Also, philosophy! Yum. 

Specific interests: I’m grade 6 pianist and do advanced jazz. I really love old/ancient traditions, cultures, languages. 

Favorite food: Roasted duck or Caribbean salad. 

Phrases you like to say:

“I don’t like this game anymore.”

“Well, it’s been nice talking with you guys, but I’m going to go cry now.”

“Delicious.” 

Zodiac: Taurus

MBIT type: INFP

Phew, this was long XD

You have been matched up with...

Kalim Al-Asim

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

Your personalities compliment each other's very well.

Y'all are both alike and completely opposite at the same time.

One thing I think is cute is that you guys would secretly plan dates for each other, then when you both surprise each other at the same time.

You guys stare at each other for a second, before bursting out laughing like maniacs.

Jamil doesn't know how to feel though.

One minute your stopping Kalim from doing something stupid, the next you're helping him.

Jamil did approve of you guys at first, nowadays though he's a little bit iffy on it.

You'd probably be in Ignihyde so how you guys met is a bit of mystery to most.

In actuality though y'all just met in class and he wouldn't leave you alone.

The man falls in love quickly, so all it took was one look and he fell in love.

He'd follow you around like a puppy, constantly complimenting on your eyes and occasionally buying you stuff he thinks you'd like.

When he found out you play piano that's when he lost his mind.

You were in his mind constantly and he couldn't stop, so he finally decided to confess.

He couldn't contain his excitement when he heard you say yes.

He picked you up bridal style and began to kiss you all over your face.

He knows when your stressed and forces you to cuddle with him.

He will literally lay in chest and not allow you to leave until he deems you "Unburnt-out"

He listens to you whilst you play your favorite songs. It's his favorite thing.

He doesn't understand much about philosophy but buys you the best philosophy books and listens to philosophy lectures with you.

He tries to make Jamil your favorite food everyday (Jamil refuses to do it most of the time)

Kalim does learn how to make it though.

In general I'd say y'all are the wholesome chaotic couple.

----‐-------------------------

Small A/N here, uhm, recently I've had a minor influx of people asking for match-ups. Especially after I post these ones and I just want to clarify, no I am not doing match-ups. Also, in case any one has read my other match-ups you'll realize that I changed the style of them. I have my reasons for this, namely that creating a short story takes up a lot of time and to be completely honest I've been putting them off the match-ups for a long time because of that. So I am changing the style of them. Don't worry though, I won't change the older ones. Anyway, that's it, byyyyye!

[lnkedmyheart]

A Harry Potter rewrite but

Someone acknowledges how the school system is built to actively promote the constant isolation of young impressionable children with toxic families and nurture them in an environment that only acts as an echo chamber telling them about how much better blood purity is. Yes, I'm talking about how any child sorted into Slytherin is highly likely to become a Death Eater simply because of the way they are forced into a toxic echo chamber.

Severus Snape isn't a nice guy who takes out his anger at a dead man on his young son and isn't defined solely by his "love" (See: obsession) for said boy's dead mom. He also learns to be happy for her but still actually loves her instead of idk...being a dick to little children.

Sirius and Remus are an actual couple (because I fucking re read PoA and OoTP simply because I saw people saying there was zero subtext and I distinctly remember there being subtext as a gay closeted kid and guess what...it's still there. It's still gay as shit and it's still subtext (and accidental cause Rowling can't write compelling romance for shit).

Which brings me to my other Remus ship. If I were to rewrite this obviously Wolfstar would have become canon and they would have survived and taken Harry in. Tonks, that badass mofo of an icon would have wooed some girl off her feet and been an absolute legend as she did it and all that jazz. BUT since I'm trying to stick close(ish) to canon I guess we're still murking Sirius (poor boi deserved way better). So, Remus still had a romantic relationship with Sirius, but after Sirius' death he falls for Tonks and it's a slow process and Tonks makes it clear that a) he needs to get over himself and his self hatred because it is not his fault and b) he deserves to be happy for himself. Remus falls for Tonks because they share some experiences, they actively interact, Remus is his old self deprecating self and Tonks, instead of becoming depressed puts her foot down and goes "I will always be there for you but YOU need to fight for ME". And Remus is like "oh ShIt! I do love her and I can grow to deserve her" and grow into loving himself for her and then they get together (and not die). And then you have an iconic bi dude marrying a genderqueer bi hottie.

Tonks' patronus doesn't change. Because no, just fucking no. That cool self sufficient baddie will never change her personality or soul to mould herself to a dude. Nope. Fuck you.

James and Lily's romance is also clarified on more and Lily more explicitly falls for him because he proves to her that he is a genuinely good person through an act that is NOT meant to impress her.

The prank has more context because wtf was happening there.

SOMEONE comments on Harry's very obvious bisexuality.

Peter's betrayal is a deeper blow because here he is shown to have genuinely adored the marauders instead of being the "that guy" of the group. Also his betrayal is for much deeper reasons than "aha I just chose to stick with the winning side".

Dumbledore actually gets called out on being a manipulative bastard more.

Harry doesn't name his son after his mom's obsessive nice guy pal who constantly hit and mocked him and a guy who reared him like a pig for slaughter and instead names him after one of the many MANY wonderful people who died in the war and his first name is Sirius because we just HAD to kill the ridiculously queer coded godfather (who deserved better).

Also Remus and Tonks were at the hospital during Sirius 2.0's birth and tried a mini spell to ensure he has some level of lgbt-ness to him. And they both cried when Harry said the baby was named Sirius because Sirius always wanted to be one of the Potters.

[faeriejukyung]

True Beauty’s Gaping Mother Wound

*disclaimer*: I understand that all the listed traits are things which are often very common in Asian households, and it may seem that rather than being concerning, these are just a part of Asian culture. That is why, I feel that it’s necessary for me to make it clear that I am, in fact, Asian (Indian to be specific), and parental abuse is something that is extremely normalized here. As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I want to say that just because something is common/normal, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is correct. If you or anyone you know is in a situation like that, it’s very very important to speak out. And it’s not your fault, i know it’s easier to believe that way but it’s really not. We deserve to be in a loving environment, regardless of what culture we are born in.

Throughout the drama, Jukyung’s mother shows many traits of an abusive mother. I have been able to outline 4 of them. I don’t mean to write her off as an evil character,, because overall she is well intentioned, and just like any other mom, she does love Jukyung. This is shown in episode 8 too, where she shows remorse for her actions. That however, doesn’t justify her abusive behavioral patterns in any way. Because we can see how badly it affects Jukyung, her self esteem and her overall view of herself.

-

Act 1: “I’m going to kill you today and go to jail” -- Physical Violence.

Throughout the series, we see Jukyung's mother being very violent. But one scene which particularly stood out to me was the scene where she finds out about Jukyung's dad getting scammed. (in episode 1). While it is true that her dad caused a huge financial loss to the family, and anyone would feel angry in a situation like that, it is also true that there is never a good reason to physically abuse someone.

After hearing the news, Jukyung's mom is overcome by anger. It's completely okay to feel frustrated, but the way she violently jumped at her husband, clearly intentioned to hurt him, and the way she needed to be held back by juyoung and heekyung highlights her abusive nature. And this isn't a one time thing where she momentarily lost control of herself. She constantly shows similar behavioural traits throughout the drama.

In the scene where we see Jukyung's mom and dad together properly for the first time, their relationship dynamic is established. He's meekly massaging her shoulders while she orders him around. Their is an obvious power imbalance in the relationship, and the way Jukyung's dad cowers in fear around Jukyung's mom is a proof of that.

-

Act 2: "Why would you kill my precious son?" -- Conditional Love.

We see examples of Jukyung’s Mom’s conditional love in the kdrama AND in the webtoon. Conditional love is when a parent or a parental figure makes their child compete for love. They withhold their affection until the kid acts in ways that are desirable to them, and if the kid fails to do so, the parent often punishers them through different methods. This is their way of maintaining control over their children.

Jukyung’s Mom’s conditional love manifests itself in the form of favoritism towards her eldest daughter Heekyung, who’s not only conventionally beautiful but also very smart and has a high paying job, and towards her youngest child and only son, Juyoung, who is also written to be very attractive. Both Juyoung and Heekyung have gifts that Jukyung does not posses -- beauty and brains. The conditions that are established in order to attain their mother’s affection are getting good grades at school, and being conventionally attractive, which is why Jukyung often gets the shorter end of the stick

In the scene where we are first meet Heekyung is the drama, their mom’s affection towards her is very evident.

This is shown in the webtoon too.

She displays this favoritism towards Juyoung too, and even more so. In episode 1 where Jukyung tries makeup for the first time, and gets ridiculed by him for doing a bad job at it, she naturally feels angry and yells at him, “do you want to die?!”, but instead of telling Juyoung to stop, their mother yells at Jukyung for yelling at Juyoung (”why would you kill my precious son? why?”). It’s already very evident that Juyoung has picked up the habit of constantly taunting Jukyung for her face from his mom. In the webtoon, when Jukyung decides that she wants to pursue makeup arts and asks for her mom’s support and fees for academy, her mom flat-out refuses, saying that they don’t have enough money. However as we find out later, money wasn’t the problem, because she had enough money to send Juyoung to a cram school for acting.

I find it hard to believe that any good parent would constantly compare their children and pit them against each other like this. In the webtoon and the kdrama, it is made clear that Juyoung doesn’t have particularly good grades either, but he doesn’t have to face his mother’s wrath by the virtue of being good looking. Jukyung on the other hand, does not have any redeeming qualities.

-

Act 3: “I’m going to throw all your makeup away” --Excessive Anger.

Another sign of parental abuse is display of excessive anger. It’s usually used as an intimidation tactic to keep the child in line. Sometimes, it can simply happen because they lose control of themselves. Either way, parents who get angry more often than what is supposed to be normal, and hurt their children (physically or verbally) in the midst of their anger, repeatedly, are abusive. I feel like I don’t even need to elaborate on this one. Jukyung’s Mom is angry during half of her scenes. And the way she acts upon that anger crosses the limit too. Don’t get me wrong, it’s important to express your the way you feel, but the way Jukyung’s Mom does it, is extremely unhealthy and hurtful to others around her. Whether she’s jumping on Jukyung’s dad or talking down on Im Jukyung, she’s very inconsiderate of how her anger affects others. She almost always expresses herself in an extremely volatile way.

Jukyung described makeup as a hopeful light opening up a new life for her. There’s even a whole music segment of her discovering the powers of makeup, characterized by pastel and bubblegum tones, and the segment has a magical feel to it. Suffice to say that makeup brought an almost magical kind of hope and optimism to her life. In episode 6, Jukyung's Mom goes to her school to get her report card. When she sees her low grades, she gets so angry that she threatens to throw away her makeup, without once considering why Jukyung is so attached to it. In my eyes, she's actually very similar to Soojin's dad who also uses intimidation and physical violence to keep his daughter in line. If we put the same background music for the scenes where we see Jukyung's Mom threatening her, as the ones where Soojin's dad abuses her, they'd practically be identical. The only difference is that the show often plays Jukyung's Mom's behavior as a joke.

In episode 7, after seeing that Jukyung didn't improve as much as she wanted her to, she actually threw away all her makeup. Even though Jukyung did try, and did improve, it still wasn't enough for her mom. Jukyung's restlessness after not seeing her makeup on her table was palpable through the screen. Finding out that her mother threw all her makeup away sort became her breaking point. We see her yell at her mother and express her feelings for the first time.

I think it's important to note that Jukyung, who's already finds it very tough to reach out to her courageous side, was inspired by this incident to stand up to her mom, to express her outrage. Saying that makeup meant a lot to her is an understatement.

-

Act 4: "What's the point of looking beautiful with all that makeup on if you're ugly underneath?" -- Verbal Abuse.

We all get into arguments with our parents from time to time, and I’m sure we’ve all been yelled at by them at some point. Verbal abuse however, is not something that is normal, and the two shouldn’t be confused. A parent who constantly humiliates their child, yells and screams at them, talks down on them is in simple terms, an abuser. 

In episode 1, when Jukyung tries makeup on for the first time and goes to school, she gets ridiculed by her bullies and her classmates. Crestfallen, she returns back home after school and goes to her mother for reassurance. Instead of providing that, her mother ridicules her even more and calls her makeup “Ghost Makeup”. This is something abusers often do. Under the guise of teasing the victim, they often attack the victim’s self esteem, appearance etc, to make them feel insecure and to maintain their position of power over them. Jukyung’s mother isn’t very different from those bullies who told Jukyung that she was ugly and made her feel like she could never amount to anything. 

Another example that irks me a lot is from episode 3, when Jukyung’s Mom is chewing her out for being late, and suddenly the conversation turns to cosmetics and makeup. This is also one of the traits of verbal abuse. Instead of arguments surrounding the basic issue, they branch out and turn into character assassination. Her mom accuses Jukyung of wasting all her time on makeup instead of studying, even when Jukyung clarifies that she got late because she missed her bus, not because she was out buying cosmetics. But her mom doesn't listen and says to her, “What’s the point of looking beautiful with all that makeup on when you’re still ugly underneath?” 

Jukyung’s face after hearing her own mother say that was heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this type of mother-daughter relationship dynamic isn’t something  that is rare. Mothers frequently project their own insecurities on their daughters and put them down. Jukyung’s Mother’s behavior explains her self esteem issues, it gives an insight about where her insecurities really stem from. Sometimes our abuser’s thoughts and image of us start maligning our own self image. Frequently hearing them tell us that we are worthless, and that no one will ever marry us or love us, makes us believe that we are in fact, worthless and incapable of being loved unless we change something about ourselves. We frequently get an insight into how Jukyung thinks of herself throughout the drama. 

“It’s not my fault that I was born dumb” (In episode 7, after finding out that her mother threw away her makeup.)

“You know that I’m messed up” (In episode 2, referring to her face, while asking Lee Suho to keep her bare face a secret)

The drama is yet to end so I don’t want to completely write Jukyung’s Mother off as an abuser. I hope she becomes a better mom in the show, I really do. Because Jukyung deserves a loving mother. And Jukyung's mom does in fact have a few redeeming qualities, however, simply love and caring isn’t enough, you need mutual respect, reassurance and effort in each every relationship. We know that Jukyung’s mother is also often labelled as an ugly woman, and she believes that she could only get by through studying well. (“It’s going to be okay as long as you study well” - episode 1). In a world where a woman either has to a exceptionally beautiful to be considered worthy, or be exceptionally intelligent and professional lest she isn’t blessed by beauty, it’s very easy to internalize self hatred and direct it on to other individuals (especially if those individuals are your children). That is why i genuinely find myself rooting for Jukyung’s mother and hoping for a character development arc -- because i understand where she comes from, and because i can empathize with her. 

-

Fin.

[erenenthusiast]

Pt.2 (© u/lemmesay1stupidthing on reddit)

Brief explanation:

Isayama once said that Mikasa is a character who 'expresses herself via actions and facial expressions quite a lot. I sometimes feel that that's why a lot of her personal story gets overlooked - because she's not loud about it, and nor is anyone else. She's one of the most reticent characters in the manga and, more importantly, deliberately written that way. It's intentional on Isayama's part for Mikasa to mostly 'express herself via actions and facial expressions', and so, as difficult as it might be to follow, that's mostly how her personal journey is told.

Mikasa’s flaw

In a 2016 interview, Isayama said: 'Mikasa's growth probably involves separation from Eren'. People generally stop at that and go from there - they either believe that Mikasa can't grow as a person unless Eren stops being important to her, or that a Mikasa who isn't separated from Eren (emotionally, mentally, or physically) is inherently a flawed character. Isayama's explanation of the 'separation' he means is never usually discussed, even though he actually does go on to clarify it: 'Mikasa's growth probably involves separation from Eren. By separation, I mean she might be able to return to that ordinary girl that she used to be in childhood'. If the all-important 'separation' for her growth is about Mikasa returning to the 'ordinary girl she used to be, it's worth asking what isn't ordinary about the girl Mikasa became, and when that change happened. And once that 'non-ordinary' quality about Mikasa becomes apparent, it can be identified as Mikasa's flaw; the deficiency in her character that we can expect her to overcome.

Mikasa loving someone or wanting to protect them isn't in itself a flaw. It's a fairly ordinary, reasonable thing, and it's something plenty of other characters already display in the story: Franz wants to protect Hanna; Ymir, Historia, Eren, Mikasa; Kenny, Uri; Levi, Erwin, and so on ad infinitum. There's a reason that Mikasa's love for and general protectiveness towards Eren never changes. It's because it's not something she was ever meant to 'grow past or 'get over'. It was never her flaw.

The flaw is her fear.

Mikasa's overprotectiveness of Eren is what isn't 'ordinary, because it's connected to her deep, abiding fear of loss. Her desire to constantly stay by him is pitiful because, above all else, it represents her fear and her mistrust of the world. And it's why her 'separation' from him is about more than Mikasa's Fear.

This fear Mikasa has for Eren begins at a very particular point in the story which we build up to from here:

Mikasa and Eren's first significant spat is over his wanting to join the SC. She thinks it's too dangerous, and her fear is understandable. Our first view of the SC's return is cuts and blood and gore, and we - and Mikasa - watch a mother receive the paltry remains of her son:

Cuts and blood and gore are already how Mikasa lost one family:

And it's what Eren puts himself in danger of by going out into the world with the SC. Mikasa is afraid of losing him to the violence of the world, and she sees that fear reflected in Carla.

Mikasa has already seen how Moses' mother lost her son. And if, like Moses, Eren goes beyond the Walls with the SC, Carla might also eventually find herself holding nothing of her son but a single hand. So Mikasa makes her a promise:

But it wasn't Eren she needed to worry about after all.

This is the point at which Mikasa's fear begins.

Because all she has left from the carnage is Eren, Mikasa will never let happen to him what happened to her parents and to Carla. She is his protector. That is a role that she's chosen, and, to some extent, been given. This protection is built on her love for Eren, but also powerfully informed by her fear of the world; the world which hurts, maims, and kills people. The result of this fear is Mikasa's inability to trust anyone or anything with Eren, not even himself. She believes that she is the only one who can stop bad things from happening to Eren; that if she's not there, he will die.

So when Mikasa is pushed into a situation where she thinks Eren will be in danger, she prioritises Eren. Other considerations are pushed aside in favour of her one true goal: making sure she's there to keep him alive. But in the world of the SC, Mikasa is challenged on that immediately. Not just by Eren, but also by what happens in Trost. Mikasa saves innocent citizens from Reeves' greed and cruelty, and from titans.

Mikasa being confronted with things that are more important than always being with Eren happens fairly often to her. She also pretty consistently allows space for these 'other things, sometimes to her own surprise. The first time she's made to realise this about herself is in the Female Titan arc, when Levi points out that maybe she had 'selfish desires' for which she wanted to kill Annie.

That whole incident with Levi in Chapter 30 is significant for Mikasa's development in a few different ways.

1. When Levi says they'll focus on one objective and that won't include outright killing Annie, Mikasa's one objection is: 'How many of our comrades has she murdered?' Mikasa has no problem being straightforward with Levi. If her first and only consideration was Eren, she'd voice it. She'd even get away with it, because they all need Eren at this point. But instead, she reveals that she has a separate, personal desire: avenging their dead. Mikasa wants to kill Annie for her own reasons.

2. Levi states that their goal is to retrieve Eren. He gives himself the main role of 'slash[ing] away' at the titan, meaning that he will be the one to actually save Eren, who is in the titan's mouth. And he gives Mikasa the job of distracting Annie. Mikasa accepts a secondary role in a plan that is specifically to rescue Eren.

3. And when she does break from the plan, it's not so she can go and get Eren herself. Mikasa risks the objective of the mission - and Levi, and Eren - by going in for the kill. Mikasa risks the plan to save Eren by acting on her own desire to kill Annie.

Two important shifts take place here for Mikasa. One, she entrusts Eren to someone else, as demonstrated by her action of allowing Levi to take the lead. Two, her focus stops being, even for a short while, Eren - as confirmed by her facial expression when Levi challenges her on it, because she doesn't seem to immediately realise she's even capable of that:

The objective was: Forget killing the Titan. Rescue Eren. And Mikasa, for no matter how short a time, lost sight of that.

The fearful, overprotective aspect of Mikasa's relationship with Eren is beginning to change, because her relationship with the rest of her world is beginning to change. With his rescue of Eren in the forest, Levi proves to Mikasa that other people are just as capable of protecting Eren as she is. And if she happens to take her mind off Eren for a bit, it doesn't mean he'll die.

This is where the 'separation' begins. Mikasa starts to accept distance between herself and Eren; the distance of being able to trust others with him, of not needing to constantly be with him and personally oversee his safety. And it leads to this watershed moment in the Uprising arc:

Mikasa. Whilst Eren has been kidnapped. And all they know is that he's inside a coffin with some random undertaker at some random inn. Maybe.

In Chapter 4, Mikasa couldn't handle Eren being in a different part of the city from her during a mission because of how afraid she was that he'd die without her. In Chapter 30, she let Levi take the lead on getting Eren back, and was shocked when she realised that, even for an instant, she'd prioritised something else over him. In Chapter 57, Eren's been kidnapped, no one's been certain for two days about where he is or what's happening to him, and Mikasa is, well, as pictured above.

The debilitating fear that used to tie Mikasa to Eren is gone for good. She's finally let Eren go, and discovered that it doesn't mean she'll lose him.

Mikasa's separation from Eren = her beginning to trust the rest of the world not to stab him in the chest, almost behead him, or eat him alive whilst she's not there. It's good for her because it means she stops being so terrified that she'll lose Eren, not because it means she'll stop loving him or wanting him to be safe.

My perspective on Mikasa is that she's not a very obvious character when it comes to development, and so she sometimes appears static. And because so much of her drive is Eren, a lot of fans look to her relationship with Eren to change for proof that she's somehow developed. But Mikasa's obstacle, her personal flaw, isn't Eren himself, and never has been. Her flaw has always been her deep and debilitating fear about losing the people she loves - Eren and Armin - and her inability to put trust on them. But with the series proceeding it changes. It's good for her because it means she stops being so terrified that she'll lose Eren, not because it means she'll stop loving him or wanting him to be safe. And she reached that point of separation a long time ago in the manga.

[octupus-on-the-moon]

I rewatched the attack of the clones. And I have come to six discoveries/headcanons/ experiences/ unwanted analysis comment.

First of all, it's canon.

Obi-wan and Anakin and Ashoka are one small family. (I never doubted it, I just want to have the evidence in one place and I want to clarify the structure of the family)

So shortly after Padme almost got killed by some ugly worms and Obi-wan vastly complained about his Padawan's flying skills. Anakin loses his lightsaber and Obi-wan returns it to him with the complementary-master-speech-about-this-weapon-is-your-life

And after that he says something along the way that Anakin is going to be the cause of his death, to which Anakin responds with a don't say that master your are the closest thing i have to a father. And when he is with Padme on Tatooin he repeats almost the same, so it's canon.

Now we can jump to the clone wars season 7, where Ahsoka calls Anakin "

" shortly after kicking a*s and before that having one of those happy landings as Obi-wan, would call it (Big family vibe here).

Jumping right to revenge of the sith were Obi-wan says that Anakin was like a brother to him. But let's be honest. Obi-wan doesn't call himself a father, because he doesn't want to feel old. Ignoring the previous statement, looking at it that way, I would say that Ahsoka and Anakin are the kids and Obi-wan is the tired parent. (1*)

Second thing.

In the diner scene

when Obi-wan asked if the clones were friendly

I kind of had a trauma flashback

with all the f*cking cody and obi-wan ship content all over tumblr, twitter and so on.

I was like man. You don't even know how 'friendly' these guys are.

And the third thing that came into my mind was.

What if in the first battle of Geonosis, since the clones were new and the Jedi weren't really in tune with war; it obviously were a little mess at the beginning, but what if that brought the clones to their Generals. Like they send Cody's, Rex's, Wolffe's and Gree's squad to battle and they see the different Jedis and in that brief moment of confusion and rapid organization every one chooses their general or squad. Like Rex sees Anakin doing something really crazy trying to protect Padme and he just jumps to help him. Then Cody sees Obi-wan strategically destroying clankers while putting himself in complete risk and just runs on his side to watch his back etc.

Then at the end, after Dooku's escape they keep asking for the clones who helped them and tadaaa clones and generals are united.

I haven't read the novelization, but that's now my headcanon bye.

Coming to my fourth point now.

Why do we not have any story about a Sith coming back to the light side? For real, that would be a hell of a good plot. I know Anakin (and Kylo) redeemed himself, but it was after a lifetime of bad decisions and guilt, just to die after their last and almost only act of good after years.

What if we take someone young corrupted by the Sith since an early age, may be growing up between them. Always being compassionate and diplomatic. Then when it's finally time to prove his recklessness, he just decides to escape and he finds a Jedi master ready to teach him about the light side of the force and help him on to the right way.

I don't know about you guys but for me that's a hell of a story. Just the training would be hilarious. Like when Lilo tried to teach Stitch how to be a 'good dog'. They constantly would get themselves in trouble, because of sith-like-acting of the Padawan.

Five.

I think I have two theories of why Obi-wan is so afraid of flying with Anakin.

The first one is that Obi-wan was in charge of teaching Anakin how to fly, but given the fact that Anakin isn't the best listener; He is just concerned about how much he actually taught him and if he did teach him enough or if it was just to little and then he kind of falls in that overthinking spiral where he ends up doubting his own flying skills.

The second one is that Anakin never officially learned how to fly, it was just after he got 14 or 15 and had a growth spurt, so he now was finally able to reach all the buttons or pedals or whatever and he just proclaimed himself, from one day to another, that he was a capable and secure pilot or even the best pilot in the galaxy (most likely the last one). Then he managed to get a fake licences and convinced the Jedi-order that it was real, only Obi-wan found out the truth, which would explain why Obi-wan is scared to sit in a ship with Anakin as the pilot.

Now very important and last point number 6.

Like (i think) everyone around the Star Wars fanbase, since a young age i had an insane crush on Obi-wan (as if anything on here is sane), anyway. I couldn't really watch the prequels often, because we didn't have them on DVD, so i kind of ran to the TV every time they miraculously showed them (Like with Harry Potter, just that it was Snape i had a huge crush on). But now i have Disney+ and it's like endless power. Long Story short i found my Obi-wan aesthetic. It's the messy hair during duel/battle and just...

look at him so handsome and hot ♡. Now connecting it with the info before, I'm mad at whoever didn't let me have the DVD's of the prequels, because i missed this out for so long. *angry octopus noises*

Thank you for coming to my ted talk and reading the unnecessary input.

(1*) Obviously it isn't just the three. Yoda and Plo Koon could be the cool grandparents. Rex and Cody the cray-cray cousins. Mace the grumpy uncle etc. etc.

[omegas-spaghettios]

Ranking MCU Captain America figures

Before I begin, I want to clarify this is about my enjoyment of these characters and NOT who i think are the best morality or power wise. I specify because I think my first two entries will upset some people and I want to say, this list is NOT in order of how much I agree with these characters' values. I have a heavy favoritism towards theme and character interaction and that is where a lot of my enjoyment from media comes from. So, let's begin.

6. Captain America: CW, IW, and Endgame

I'm separating Steve into two because around CW he starts making decisions that really frustrate me.

Now I do think there is a lot to like still! His conviction to his morals during the Accords and continuing arc about government distrust is great, his stand against Thanos in IW is amazing, he is a lot of fun to watch during the New York part of the time heist, and lifting Mjolnir was legit my best theater moment ever and i will NEVER forget it.

However, in CW he starts making some awful decisions. In CW, he kisses Sharon like, days after Peggy's funeral. While on it's own it's already kinda creepy, Endgame retroactively makes this even worse. It goes on to also have grave consequence because he and Sam asked Sharon to break the law for them and never followed through to help her, which was pretty awful of them. At least Sam tries to make it right in TFATWS, but since Steve left that wrong on Sharon never gets reconciled from him.

I also think that his decision to keep Bucky and Howard's history a secret from Tony was really, really stupid. While I side with him during the fight, the fact that Steve "doesn't like when his teammates withhold information" Rogers didn't tell Tony this then walked into a Winter Soldier facility with Bucky and Tony during the most strained time of their relationship was just begging for that conflict.

He is barely in IW and while his stand against Thanos is a great moment, his decision to not let Vision kill himself is very frustrating. "We don't trade lives" then he goes to Wakanda to let thousands of soldiers die while they try and get the stone out, really dude?

I don't think going back in time in Endgame was inherently a bad ending but things he does to make it happen really frustrates me. He shows no signs of mourning Bucky or Sam at all. And then for the sake of surprise for the audience, he never tells Sam what he's doing and that is so awful. Sam dedicates 4 years of his life helping Steve with a good portion of it being on the run. Sam was with Steve more during the present than ANYONE else. Then Steve just leaves without telling him and shows back up to drop a ton of responsibility on Sam that he didn't ask for. Now Sam is an amazing Cap but it's frustrating to see that a lot of TFATWS is fallout of Steve's bad decisions in these three movies.

5. Captain America: John Walker

Now hold on, I hate this man. I think he does some awful things, so why is he above anyone else? Just because he isn't frustrating to me, he fits thematically and has good interactions with others in TFATWS.

His character really adds to the themes and discussions of white privilege, Supremacy, as well as how the US military treats their soldiers like shit, and I think he is an interesting character to watch as he starts out edging the line of evil and by the end of episode 4 crosses it. While I think Bucky was overall a bit too chummy with him in 6, I think it was all mostly in character for them. Sam and Bucky were up against 6 super soldiers and Batroc in a highly crowded city with lots of important people, it makes sense to me that they take his help in this scenario. They also never leave him alone which indicates distrust.

I also really like the moment where he drops the shield to help the truck. He is a shitty person but he is shown as a person who at least wants to do good, even though any challenge to that he goes off the rails. It is such a black and white scenario, help the truck of innocents, and I like that he does it. It also adds to the hatred of him as a person because it shows he clearly knows better but chooses to ignore it, which makes him even more despicable.

I think it is very important that a man like him bore the title of Captain America because it reminds us all that yes, it is very easy that a man like him represents America as it is and that we need to do better than him.

I like watching him and that's why he's above CW on Steve because he isn't making aggravatingly out of character decisions all of the time and he works very well within the themes of the show.

With me loving him in the context of TFATWS, in later appearances he does have a lot of potential to drop to last pretty easily, but as of now when he just is in that show, I appreciate his character a lot.

4. Red Guardian

I kinda like this character and idk how to feel about it

He doesn't fit Black Widow very much so he is kinda low but I mean, he's just kinda fun. His story about Captain America and the USSR is pretty non-related to the others and rather undeveloped which is frustrating, and he does very little plot significant things. He leads Nat and Yelena to Melina and that's about it. He distracts Taskmaster for a while but he kinda is just getting tossed around until Melina shows up. He isn't very important.

But I do like what I see and do hope we see more of him. They never pretend he's a great person and I do appreciate that he gets called on it constantly. His knuckles having Karl Marx on them kills me and overall he's pretty humorous and fun to watch. He also has a few great moments thematically that I love. When he comforts Yelena after the dinner scene and sings her favorite song as a kid? So heartwarming. When he took Taskmaster's shield when fleeing the Red Room I laughed at his ridiculousness but it lead to a pretty great moment, when he throws the shield through the windshield without hesitation to save Melina. It's a great moment to show how he's letting go of his past and obsessions to be there for his family.

I hope we see more of him, his overall lack of importance and stereotypical behavior kinda holds him back but I see so much potential in him.

3. Agent Carter

As of today she has been in exactly one 30 minute episode, but what I see I really like. Her laughter of surprise when she takes the tesseract is really endearing, her sword and muscles and height make my wlw heart patter, and I do like the difference in her relationship with Steve in this universe, where they both are of incredible capabilities but neither are given any respect for how they were born. We get that in TFA too but I really like that it is a constant theme in this iteration while in TFA it gets dropped a bit after Steve receives the serum.

There is very little of her so I can't really put her higher yet, but given more time she very well may rise up on this list but she had an excellent first showing.

2. Pre-CW Captain America: Steve Rogers

This man is a joy.

He is such an endearing scrappy little guy in the beginning of TFA and I love his commitment to doing the right thing. He still very much acts like a guy who just gained 120 pounds of muscle during that movie and it's endearing. The way he grows into his own skin in TWS is amazing as we see him really step in to what he can accomplish physically as well as his authority and leadership.

His Whedonisms in the first two Avengers films kinda bug me, they treat him like an old man when he isn't. Biologically he's like, early 30's at most here. He grew up as a fighter in Brooklyn then served in the military, he wouldn't care if his teammates swear, but overall it's tolerable.

I LOVE this man's commitment to transparency. He struggles when allies are not transparent and he shows nothing but transparency and I love that that is a constant for him (which is why I separate him from CW on)

Everyone loves this guy and over 90% of criticisms I see for him come after AoU, and that's for good reason, this guy is so loveable.

1. Captain America: Sam Wilson

He's so good, guys

I want to talk about Sam before the suit because he is amazing before it. He runs counseling for veterans, a profession very becoming of a superhero and it speaks to his incredible empathy and compassion that is on full display. I also think the fact that he dedicated 2 years to finding Bucky is not appreciated enough. Sure he was following Steve but he still spent 2 years trying to find Bucky, a person who tried to murder him. Yet he understands it isn't Bucky's fault and tries to help him anyway. I also really like that he is the first to speak out against the Accords. He doesn't wait for Steve or anyone else, he sees red flags and he is out and I really, really love that about him.

Then I love how long it takes for him to choose to become Cap and how much he contemplates it. He has to contemplate the legacy of Steve, if he wants to wear the symbol of this country, the pressures of being a black man as Cap, the legacy that John added to it, the pressures from Bucky and the pressures from Isaiah, and also his own legacy he carved for himself as the Falcon. It's a huge decision with a lot of weight and so many people pressuring him but he takes his time and chooses what is right for him, and I really love that about him. These other characters are all Caps from near the start but he transitions into one after years of knowing him as the Falcon and I love that he doesn't take this decision lightly.

Also as Cap he's just really cool. His decisions to not take the serum as well as try like hell to get Karli to step down speak to his humility and compassion. And while many describe his speech as bland it's still uniquely him. Yes the speech doesn't solve any problems but that isn't what he's doing, he's asking America and the world to get to actually solving them and that is an aspect of him we don't see much since Steve's propaganda days, his direct relation to the public.

Also his suit and wings are just awesome, I argue his action is the most fun to watch out of any of these characters.

Anyway yeah that's the list, I know people won't agree with me so let's try and keep discussion civil, alright?

[veterveter]

YO MANU THIS FINALLY CAME THROUGH I'LL LIKE READ AND DO COMMENTARY AND EDIT THIS LATER BUT I WANTED TO POST IT WHILE I HAD IT!!!!

Bless, tumblr finally working for you.

Anyway, here's the post from @delirious-and-slightly-murderous

So seeing as Tumblr hates me, I'm trying this darling, hope it reaches you.

So just read rat king.

[You should all totally read rat king if you haven't yet, it's fun I promise :) But also read Manu's commentary on it!!]

Tuuli I hope you know I love you and completely adore you and I am in awe of you but right now I HATE YOU. 

You broke me AGAIN. And I was just mending myself.

This was great and beautiful and fantastic and completely awful and the worst thing I've ever seen in my life. 

I'm crying.

So now I'm going to make a habit of coming to scream at you on tumblr every time you post something. 

You already know how I feel about your characterization and Andrés' POV and the angst. So there, it applies here too.

Here we go you awful and magnificent goddess.

“Martín,” Sergio clarified, moving up his glasses, the prescription of which was much too weak for his continuously worsening eyesight, “I think you should stop sleeping with him: Yes, Segio and his judgement. That couldn't not be there. But Andrés and Martín are sleeping together? I know this is going to hurt.

Martín was a constant in his life, something carried over from before. Martín? Martín wasn’t a problem; Martín was the only one thing that was good: at least here he appreciates him. Thank god.

Before, he would have found some entirely healthier way of loving his soulmate. Maybe they would have even had an old-world relationship, eventually. Andrés felt like he might have liked that, once. He knew Martín would have loved it: 😭 I want this for them and it hurts that it's simply not going to happen. I'm afraid of the MCD tag, Tuuliiiiiiiiiiii! Who did you kill, you murderous genius?

Andrés needed Martín, desperately. Too desperately to love him the way he should have: I'm going to die. He could at least try but nooooo, god forbid the day Andrés de Fonollosa makes things simple for anyone.

Andrés could see the way orgasms had loosened some of the tensions that so often gripped his body, and he hoped Sergio could too.😏

 If Andrés had to choose only one, he would have certainly chosen— : repressed asshole. I hope that was going to end with the word Martín. Why are you even getting married? What's even the point. But I see Andrés will continue to be emotionally stunted even when the world is ending.

Martín and Sergio had gotten along well, before. Andrés could remember so many pleasant evenings, just the three of them and a bottle of wine. But ever since they had to move to this base, the tensions had been palpable. They were both desperately trying to keep them alive, but were constantly disagreeing on the how: I'm starting to like Sergio more than Andrés here, how is that possible? How? See what you do Tuuli?

He turned around at the doorway and left the room, because he had no doubts about it: they would listen to him: Andresito, you are being too egocentric, this is not going to end well, for anyone.

Andrés understood just enough to know he was proud.: I don't know how to feel about this Andrés. I can't.

Andrés always tried not to take the slights of this brave new world personally – it was cruel, but they all had to endure loss of unspeakable magnitude – but this? Having to choose between his Martín and his brother?: Oh no, Oh no, NO. This isn't fair. Why do I get the terrible feeling we already know who he's going to choose? Please DON'T do this.

Andrés knew with unwavering certainty that either one of them would be willing to do it, and that they would consider it a great big favour to Andrés, and not the horrifying curse it truly was. He was the one who would have to pay the ultimate price, and live, knowing how much it had cost: Everything always has to be about you, doesn't it Andrés. You fucking deserve it.

Andrés could appreciate such a malleable room, because it reminded him of Martín, who always became what Andrés needed him to be.😡😭💔

Martín had never cared about plants, before. Actually, he seemed to have held a certain disdain for them. He had always said they were stupid and lifeless. Now he was looking at these ones, their lifeline, and he was filled with reverence and sorrow. If Andrés could have given him one thing, he would have liked to return to him his complete disregard for flora, and all the things it had since then come to imply: This hurts, and not only for obvious reasons. But nature? Fuck right in the feels.

Martín was entirely too pretty to look like this. They hadn’t even been having sex, because suddenly Martín looked like his eternally calcium-deficient bones might now break from the strain. Pretty Martín yeah! And you are a genius. Now this is my official headcanon as to why Martín drinks milk, he has fragile bones, the poor baby.

The weird walking corpse at the table smiled, and it almost made him resemble Martín.: He's already halfway dead. The MCD tag is him isn't it? I hate you Tuuli.

Andrés had to remind himself that he was lucky to have this. He may have had so many better things, before, but now he had this, and that was good. They had it better than most, him and Martín, for they had each other. Andrés still had his brother, and now he would have his wife, too. He was lucky: Not for long, buddy. And you deserve it. Poor Sergio I normally hate him but gosh.

“No,” Andrés said without waiting for a single beat, because he couldn’t let Sergio think he considered it. Even though he almost— “No, I don’t. I want you two, both of you, to figure out a way. A different way.”: He loves them both and he accepts it? Why does the world have to be ending.

Andrés tried not to think too much about Martín from before, but sometimes he did anyway. That night, as he wrapped his arms around Martín’s pathetic, weak and shivering frame, he thought about his true soulmate, the one this body had once belonged to.: Now I understand Martín sacrificing himself is the only way. He's already dead. And because of Andrés no less. How tragic.

Andrés had never said it back.

That night, he didn’t say it back.: Now Martín is going to die and it'll be horrible isn't it? Tuuli I want to murder you.

I’m so sorry, Andrés,” Sergio said quietly, slowly reaching out a hand to touch his shoulder.

Andrés recoiled from it, sharply. “No,” he snapped, “No. We are all going to die. Say those words, Sergio. We are all going to die.” He had made his peace with death long ago. There were worse things, many things so much more horrifying—

“We are not all going to die,” Sergio said, “The generator—” His words were cut off by Andrés’s hand on his throat, squeezing.: You are the king of denial, bad decision, being stupid, emotionaly stunned and not appreciating your soulmate enough Andrés. You deserve all the pain.

“He doesn’t deserve that,” Andrés said, his voice breaking again as he thought of it, Martín’s body, his corpse, frozen and preserved like that for as long as they would live. Martín, out there, while Andrés was in here, unable to ever go and give him even a proper burial. He had always been able to give Martín so little, and in death he would fail him yet again: I really have no words for this. But Martín being forever preserved out there and Andrés knowing that and not being able to mourn him. That is genius and it hurts and it's the perfect ending for them.

Andrés had never told him. Not once. How could he be certain that Martín had known? How could he insist that Martín, the brightest of them all, had known, when Andrés had never told him? Martín operated in words – how could Andrés have forced him to read his love in a language he didn’t even speak?: Now you confront your feelings too late, like always you repressed asshole. You deserve all the pain.

God, he wished Martín hadn’t been so bright. That he had been an idiot, dim-witted and slow like the rest of them.

Then the two of them would have let all of humanity perish.: You already murdered me with 'stay a while' and now this. Tuuli I'm coming back as a vengeful ghost and haunting your perfect ass.

So yeah, I don't have words but that's what I could spit out.

And Tuuli, you know the thing I showed you about the spider? Well when I finished reading this I was crying and wailing. My professor came running because he thought it was another spider or something even worse like a serpent.

When he asked what was going on I was in such a state I could only say 'rat' like a dumbass. 

RAT.

Like seriously? And when he asked again I said Rat king fic and pointed vaguely to my phone. 

He thought I was talking about an actual rat.

So imagine this. We are there, at night (in Costa Rica nightfall is around 6:00pm all year round, so now it's 9:00pm and here in the tropical rainforest it gets Dark), camping in the middle of nowhere in the wild with a tropical storm falling over our heads and I start crying about Rats. 

Congratulations Tuuli, you put me in such a state that I managed to send the whole of 9 biologists into a frenzy, frantically checking out the tents over an imaginary giant rat. 

It was literally terror in the jungle. 

I wanted the earth to shallow me. I didn't know how to explain that all that circus was because of a fucking fic.

I think now I no longer have satelital internet rights.

I hate you.

(P.S: But don't worry I still absolutely adore you, even if now I am the laughing stock of my fellows 🥰😘♥️)

Here have my friend the spider to show how I'm feeling.

[castor-comet]

In defense of Finn

Alright so I've been seeing many posts about Finn "using" and "manipulating" Sean.

But I'd like to clarify a few things.

Let's start back at the very beginning, let's go over a few things.

Warning: This is fucking long. Grab a snack.

Sean first meets Finn when he encountered Cassidy playing her guitar for money. Curious Finn decides to introduce himself to Sean and Daniel.

As Cassidy and Sean have a side conversation, Finn is just starring longingly at Sean the whole time, like a love-at-first-sight type of thing. Or at least he seemed a bit infatuated with Sean. He hardly takes his eyes off him the whole time until they decide to leave. When this first aired I've seen speculation that Finn seen Sean as some sort of rival for Cassidy which could have been a reason he was checking him out the whole time or sizing him up but after seeing episode 3, I believe he had a look of adoration for him.

Episode 3:

Right off the bat Finn is expressing his obvious attraction towards Sean, and the wink, don't even get me started on the wink.

After work Sean is feeling a little beat up, takes a moment before he gets out of the truck.

Finn was the only one to stay behind to check up on Sean, seeing how down he was after their long day of work.

"Aww, you'll get scars, but, you'll get it. Part of the fun, and...sexier."

Ah there he goes, commenting how he finds Sean's scarred up, calloused hands sexy.

It seems like every time he shoots his shot, such as risky compliments, he quickly changes the subject. As if he's afraid of Sean's reaction or response.

He opens up to Sean about his past with his father, which couldn't have been easy but it seemed like Sean had deemed himself trustworthy enough for Finn to tell him about who he was before he got to where he is. It's not a subject one easily talks about.

Finn doesn't sugar-coat anything either, he tells it like it was. He was being vulnerable, and you could tell he had trouble talking about it.

Later that night, sitting around the campfire, they talk about their worst memory. Both Sean and Finn choose not to comment but it's worth noting Finn already kinda told Sean one of his worst memories, his own dad narced, giving Finn and his brothers jail time.

The player is giving the option to either go to bed early with Daniel or get a haircut and hang a bit more with the gang.

"Hans and I aren't together, sweetheart."

When Sean asks Finn and Hans how long they've been together or asks why they don't sleep in the same tent, they both laugh and Finn tells him they're just fuck-buddies. Then places his hand on his thigh as if he's reassuring Sean that there's nothing between him and Hans.

Finn then expressed his sexuality, showing Sean he likes both guys and girls.

If Sean tells the group he finds boys cute, Finn is quick to ask what his type is.

Cassidy tells Finn to slow his roll, and Finn confidently says, "He knows I'm cute."

Now If Sean tells the group he finds boys attractive, Finn won't take Hans up on her offer for a one-night stand, claiming he's too tired.

Then turns to Sean to give him a small smile.

He sees he has a chance with Sean and it's not just all in his head, so he turns her down because he actually wants to pursue Sean in a romantic sense and doesn't want to mess up his chance with him.

The next day they go collect their pay but Daniel is being a lil shit like always and fucks that up. Big Jo pins Daniel to the ground and Daniel makes an ashtray fly at Jo's head, Big Jo gets furious and asks the group who was responsible for the act. If Sean says nothing, Finn takes the blame.

He puts his arm out in front of Sean as if to protect him and keep big Jo's attention on Finn.

Finn is a true ride or die, willing to take the blame if it means protecting the ones he loves.

Afterwards it seems like he holds no hard feelings about taking a punch for the two, Daniel shows the group his power and they think it's pretty awesome and promise not to tell anyone.

This is where Finn comments how the place is loaded with cash, suspicious Cassidy asks Finn how he plans on getting into the safe, he looks at Daniel as if to suggest they could use his power. Cassidy gets furious and tells Finn his idea was stupid and would only lead to them in jail.

When Cassidy asks Finn how he could be so selfish, he automatically snaps back, "Sean and Daniel are out of work, they deserve this!"

That was his first thought, meaning he only had Sean and Daniel's best interest in mind when he thought of the idea, I doubt he would have even considered the idea if the events of earlier such as the brothers getting fired didn't happen.

Seeing as this was their last night together Finn wanted to make sure they left with money, so they'd be able to take care of themselves.

But Cassidy yells at him, demanding he can't involve the kid into his bullshit, Sean adds in that he wouldn't have let Daniel do it in the first place.

Finn, seeing as he's outnumbered in this, decides to leave while telling Sean they should have a beer and forget about his lil brain fart.

As he leaves Cassidy warns him again, Finn looking like a kicked puppy, walked away with his head down.

As Sean joins him, sitting down on the log, Finn opens up a bit more. Reminiscing about the time he first got out of jail and his ultimate decision to say fuck everything and everyone and took off into the sunset.

Finn tells Sean about how he's been in search for "A new daddy'' or "new bros" to sum it up, he's been in search of a new family.

A family you could say in which he's found within the group.

But he wants more security, he's tired of always being on the move and just wants his beach house where he could raise his little rugrats someday.

I feel like Finn is extremely homesick, maybe not for his old home but rather he's homesick for a home he's yet to make.

Finn has expressed his Interest to settle down on multiple occasions, not wanting to he constantly moving from place to place. And as a result he gets teased by the others.

So I don't see how people can think Finn's love confession to Sean was forced or sudden, when in reality he's been flirting with him the entire time.

Which brings us to the big choice.

Finn tells Sean he deserves more than he's been given for the shit they've been through, he proposes his plan to Sean once again.

As he explains his plan, it was always about getting the money for the boys in order for them to get to Mexico with cash. I believe Finn really was thinking about Sean and Daniel's best interest and not so much himself, wanting to make sure they were set with cash for food and a roof over their heads. That they'd be able to support themselves out there.

"I wouldn't let you in on this if I had any doubt."

That right there shows he wouldn't have even brought up the idea if he knew it wouldn't be successful. So I believe Finn 100% seen this whole money grab scheme going off without a hitch because in his head, with Daniel's powers they'd be in and out like ninjas. Completely unnoticed.

If the player chooses to go along with the plan Sean expresses his worry, asking Finn to reassure him they could do this without getting busted. Finn confidently says it'll be as easy as taking candy from a baby.

Sean says fuck it and tells him that he and Daniel are in.

Finn excitedly tells him that he knew Sean would understand because they're the same, that he felt it from the start. Finn takes the opportunity to bring up him wanting the brothers to stay with the group after everything is done.

Finn's desire for a family-home life could be Implied, over time they have spent together he grew to deeply care about the brothers. I'm sure Finn has met plenty of people on his travels, people he knows he'll probably never see again.

But when he met Sean and Daniel he knew he couldn't let them go that easily.

Finn confides in Sean, stating he felt the two had a strong connection, laughing nervously.

It's safe to say Finn has had a thing for Sean since they first met, whether it started as 'Hey he's kinda cute' and grew into something much stronger or maybe he's been completely obsessed from the moment they locked eyes. Who knows but the point is Finn has always been very upfront about his feelings for Sean throughout the entire episode.

If Sean tells him that he feels the same way, Finn asks him what he's afraid of, placing his hand on Sean's lap.

I like this little detail because I've noticed whenever Finn expresses his deep interest in Sean, he has always put his hand on his lap.

But sadly this is where everyone freaked out because some believe Finn's kiss was to manipulate Sean, as a 'seal-the-deal' type of thing.

Which I find complete bullshit and here's why.

When I first seen this particular scene that thought never crossed my mind and you know why? Because that wasn't the point of it at all.

You've got to think, Finn has been completely obsessed over Sean since the beginning of the episode, calling him multiple pet names and basically flirting with him every chance he gets.

He's been so upfront with Sean about his feelings for him not beating around the bush to the point where it could cause a certain fear for Finn to think, "I've been obviously flirting with this guy, either he's oblivious or he's not into me that way."

But hearing Sean has the same feelings for him, obviously made lovesick Finn fall even harder. Realizing they both had feelings for one another, they take the moment to have their first kiss.

Wow Finn decides to kiss Sean after he confesses he feels the same?? sounds pretty normal to me.

So let's talk about the alternative route.

If Sean refuses to do Finn's plan, he'll try and convince him once more but after Sean shuts him down fast, he gives up. Finn's obviously hurt, but says he respects his decision. His voice is very sad from here on out, and he goes back to his kicked puppy state.

Looking for a way out of this conversation Finn tells Sean he should go enjoy his last party but that Finn's stoned so he'll just "zen out" on the log.

I think that was just Finn's way of wanting to be left alone, he's saddened and hurt by Sean not believing in his plan.

In Finn's eyes, both his best friend (Cassidy) and the guy he has the biggest crush on said his plan was dumb and had zero faith in his idea.

I could imagine how heart broken he must feel.

As previously stated before, if you agree to his idea he gets excited because he knew if anyone would understand him, it'd be Sean. They just get each other like that.

But in this sense it's "I thought you'd at least understand, but you're just like Cassidy."

So yes, I think it's appropriate he didn't kiss/ get to confess to Sean if you don't agree to his plan because at that moment in time he's discouraged and heart broken, believing everyone is against him.

Not the best mood atmosphere for a confession not to mention a kiss.

It's not about "oh I guess he didn't really like Sean at all if he doesn't confess to him if you refuse his proposal."

It's more of "oh Finn doesn't confess to him because he believes that Sean thinks he's a bad person for wanting to use Daniel's power and had hurt his feelings when Sean basically said it was stupid."

Considering the fact the only reason this idea came to Finn's head is when Sean and Daniel were leaving camp, and Finn was worried about them financially.

Sure there would be enough money to go around in the group but Finn's priorities were always about Sean and Daniel.

Introducing the lake scene with Cassidy:

If you choose to go to the lake with Cassidy after the kiss on Finn's route, there's an option where you could choose to show an interest in Finn.

Cassidy will comment that he likes Sean. Which goes to show Finn either talks about Sean to Cassidy, or she just picks up on all the flirting he does... Maybe both?

Both.

Both is good.

She goes on to ask Sean if he's blind, and adds "You seriously can't tell?"

Sean sheepishly admits he likes Finn as well and mentions they've even kissed.

So it's safe to say even outside of agreeing or disagreeing with Finn on his plan, everyone knows he has a thing for Sean.

It's all just a matter of time and place, Finn has a crush on Sean whether you agree or disagree with his plan, if they continue to have Cassidy and Finn in future episodes (low-key doubt) I'm sure there would be a better opportunity for Finn to confess to Sean if Sean had said no to the plan and didn't romance Cassidy in this episode.... Or ya know... Finn doesn't die.

Finn's heart and Intentions were in the right place, it just wasn't a well thoughtout plan.

I don't agree with Finn's idea of putting a kid in danger, he's not thinking about the consequences of their actions. It was a spur of the moment. But I don't think Finn deserves as much hate as he's getting for this.