#because if he doesn't... why react like THAT?

[echantedtoon]

Dress To Impress

My favorite cookies reacting to their lover in a wedding dress cuz why not? Yandere maybe???

A wedding.

A wedding was supposed to be the most joyous day where love conquers all. Two hearts melt into one another before confessing undying love and joining for eternity for holy matrimony. Or for loved ones to join in to celebrate the couple's special day. Cheering and exchanging smiles. Then the couple would dance the night away. Cutting cake. Drink champagne. Settle down and plan their lives together. 

Unfortunately you never had that experience but you were invited TO a wedding as your very good friend's maid of honor. So that's why you were dragging your lover a long ways from your home to go pick up your bridesmaid dress.

You smiled widely taking big strides dragging your lover by his hand behind you with a purpose. The Creme Republic was a buzz with excitement as you dragged your pretty stand out lover with you causing quite a few glances in the crowd to turn to him much to his uncomfort but he allowed you to drag him along with you to the Grand Mariage in the giant town. Until you reached the gradeous store you were searching for! The building was bigger and more beautiful than you imagined it as you excitedly dragged your lover by the hand into the large double doors.

The bell chiming had a cookie you've never seen before look up from organizing a dress rack in the corner of the store front. Her eyes widening at who you were with but soon switched to a nervous customer service persona. "Welcome, Dear Customers!" She greeted with open arms. "How many I help you this fine day?"

You smile at her. "Is Wedding Cake Cookie here?"

She frowned. "I'm sorry. Ms. Wedding Cake is busy trying to fix some very bad misunderstandings with one of our manufactures. If you're looking for an appointment she's all booked up for the next three years-"

"Oh no. My friend is getting married. Im just here to pick up a dress order."

The cookie immediately lit up. "Well why didn't you say so!? Follow me to the check out and I'll get you fixed up." You both followed her to the check out where you told her your name and watched as she searched the plastic wrapped dresses on the racks behind the register...and looked and looked. Looking confused between the tags on the dresses and a clipboard. "That's strange. We have a confirmation on your order but the dress isn't here." She turned to you. "Apologies Miss. Maybe someone misplaced it in the back. I'll go look. While you're waiting feel free to browse our dress selections." With that she hurriedly ran through a curtain disappearing from view.

Shadow Milk Cookie let out a loud "Uuuuuuuugh!" throwing his head back like a little kid. "Why did I agree to come here? It's so boooooorrriiiiiing!" You frowned at him. "Because YOU wanted to see me try on the dress remember?" "That was before I knew it'd be a waiting line! How do you even lose a single dress!?" "Hey! Don't be rude. C'mon. Let's look around while we're waiting ok? Who knows? maybe you'll find something you'd like me to where for you." That got him humming interested. "Maybe you'll find a fancy dress you can have me wear in a wedding scene during your plays.~" You coo VERY MUCH catching his interest. "Where you so romantically and dramatically barge in shouting I object and stop me from wedding your rival-" "Alright. Alright. You convinced me. Though I doubt there's anything in here that's more impressive than what I can make." He mumbled turning to the nearest rack- "And NO turning any dresses different colors! I don't want to buy anything you mess up!" He grumbles but harmlessly floats to a different rack.

Burning Spice Cookie SNAPS his head to you so fast his neck makes an audible sickening crack sound but it doesn't phase you as you were used to your lover's sudden annoyance. "I thought you said this wouldn't take longer than ten minutes tops! I've got a rebel group back home to hunt down!" You roll your eyes sighing. "Well I could've just come by myself but you said-" "MIX THAT!! It's too dangerous for my concubine to go unchecked!" "-that and followed me here. If you didn't want to 'waste time' then you could've just asked Nutmeg Tiger Cookie to come with me instead. Why don't we just look around until she gets back?" He hums turning to the door and suddenly summoning his axe out of nowhere. "Are you sure I can't just crumble half this pathetic town?" "Absolutely NOT! Now put that away before someone summons the Ancient!!"

Pure Vanilla Cookie watches the cookie go before turning to you in concern. "Oh my. You don't think they lost the dress too on top of their problem do you?" "I hope not. My friend paid a lot for the dress. She'll be devastated if she paid so much for no dress!" He hummed before smiling positively and patting your hand. "Im sure she'll find it. They probably just have it hung in the back. Let's look at the fabrics on display. I bet some of these dresses would look lovely on you." You sigh but nodded. "Sure." You had a feeling that Pure Vanilla Cookie just might go ahead and buy you a dress he likes anyways as a gift he wants you to wear for him. Probably something in white and gold trimming to match his own robes. Couldn't hurt to look around though.

Elder Faerie Cookie hums in concern, his wings twitching as he watches the cookie leave you two. "This does not bode well." "Im sure they'll find it. They probably just misplaced it somewhere in the back." He rubs his chin in thought scrunching his brows. ".. Perhaps it would've been better to hire a tailor back home to make your gown. We have lovely silks and velvets." "That's sweet of you, Dear, but my friend paid for all the bridesmaids' dresses so it's important go with the dress she wants for her wedding." "Yes. You're absolutely right." He turned his head to a nearby display book for customers to flip through custom designs. "Perhaps it'd be wise to gander at their designs? I've heard Wedding Cake Cookie has some of the most beautiful dresses."

Millennial Tree Cookie hums tilting his head as the cookie leaves, his own leaves rustled. "Oh my, my, my. How worrisome. They should take better care of their customers' belongings so they do not lose them." "Im sure it was an accident, Love." You gently grab his arm. "It happens." "Still they should not be so careless. Do not fret, My Flower. We shall get you a beautiful dress to replace the one they lost should they not find it." He assured you and you smile at him. It was sweet little moments like these that reminds you of why you fell in love with him. "Hmhm. Thank you but let's wait until she comes back." "Yes. ..But in case we should look at potential replacement candidates."

As you split up to browse the large shop you slowly migrated away from him gazing at the many, many, MANY beautiful dresses lining the shelves. All kinds and shapes. Slim, plus sized, tall, short, from poofy ball gown Cinderella styles to sleeveless cocktail styles. Lace, no lance, ribbons, bows, glitter, sequins, all the colors of the rainbow, literal diamonds sewn in and real gold trimming- Witches! They really went all out here. You were gandering around passing the time that you didn't even notice another cookie walking towards you. Pulling a dress off the rack and holding it up to admire.

"it's a rather lovely dress isn't it?" You turn at the female voice finding a very beautiful cookie standing there. Pink hair covering one eye and dough a soft buttercup yellow. She was wearing a rather lovely dress as she smiled at you. "Are you looking to purchase your dream dress?"

You blinked. "Oh. No I was just looking at it." You quickly put the dress back. "Im waiting for my bridesmaids dress. My friend asked me to be her maid of honor for her wedding!"

The cookie gushed. "Oh how wonderful! You've come to the right place then! We supply suits, gowns, and neutral outfits for all members of a ceremony not just dresses although that is my most popular item! My clerk told me about your struggle." She gave an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry for getting in the way of your friend's big day, but I've had such terrible luck lately."

Oh...Wait. So was THIS the famous Wedding Cake Cookie?? She was so lovely! "Oh. Bad day?"

"Tell me about it. First some of our fabric got shipped to the wrong place thanks to a new mailman, and then your dress is misplaced and now even my model quit!"

"Yes. But I see you selected one of our more newer dresses. Would you like to try it on while you wait?"

"Well..." you glanced back to the dress you were staring at. It was rather pretty. "Sure. Why not?"

She smiled. "Oh it'll be so much fun! I already have the hairdresser and makeup artist ready for the old model! You'd be professionally dressed up like a real bride in no time at all!"

"Sounds like fun!"

Your head turned to your lover whom seemed interested in and poking around the real jewels studded on some of the fabrics. Well..it'd only be a few minutes right? He wouldn't notice you gone for that long surely. Well after a moment he DID notice your absence because of course he did being your (overly protective-) concerned spouse. As soon as he couldn't find you anywhere in the large front with him, a feeling of concern washes over him instantly. Where did you go? WHEREDIDYOUGO?! He immediately stops what he's doing and looks around for you not panicking (yet-) assuming perhaps you've wondered off to the suits section maybe when he catches a strange sight before him.

"Do I really need the garter belt?"

"But of course! It goes with the entire ensemble! Even if the customers won't see it in the picture, you should wear it as part of the whole piece."

You shrug lifting the bottom of the fairytale dress to lift your leg and help her put it on but pause as you both notice the guy looming in the doorway. "Oh...Hi, Honey. How do I look?"

SHADOW MILK COOKIE:

He stands there with his arms full of dresses he wanted you to try on for him but he stopped as soon as he sees you perfectly dressed up and looking like a doll. HIS doll. "Oh, Cupcake.~ " He coos the dresses dropping to the floor to the horror of assistants rushing to pick them up before they get dirty. "My little gumdrop. Sugar cube. Pookie bear.~" You're raising a brow as he just curled up next to you making a rather lovey dovey tone. "Did you really bring me all the way here just to show off?~ You didn't have to go through all the trouble for little old me.~ Why didn't you just say so?" You blinked from under your eye shadow and mascara. "Huh? What are talking about- Wair. Why are you suddenly wearing a tuxedo?"

Yes. He just assumes you decided to deceive him into marriage and dressed up for him. ..You chose to let him believe that since he seems genuinely excited for this- And you didn't get the chance to explain before he was already poofing himself into a blue tux and waggling his brows at you. The only problem now is explaining to your family how you became a bridesmaid and bride in one day.

BURNING SPICE COOKIE:

He says nothing, just blankly staring at you in the dress, hair all done up and make up. All in fun you let go of the hem of your dress and twirl once. "Isn't it beautiful? Wedding Cake Cookie was nice enough to let me-" "Ab. So. Lutely. NOT!" Everyone jumps at his suddenly disgusted look as he stares down harshly at the dress you wore. A hand reaching out to grab the pretty fabric, his face scowls further is disgusts. "Burning Spice, what are you talking about-" "No concubine of mine is going to be wearing such a bland sentimental color!" He spat as if the fabrics personally offended him. "If you must wear something then wear something suiting of standing by my side! Red..YES!! BRING ME SOMETHING IN RED SILKS LIKE THE BURNING OF MY AXE!!" He declares to Wedding Cake Cookie. "And gold! Like the scorching color of the desert sands! Hmmm..." His hand lightly lifts up the see through veil covering your face and drapping down your back. "....This is fine. It can stay." "My, my. Your partner surely knows what he wants. If I might make a suggestion of adding the gold accents to the end of the sleeves." "YES!! Bring me real gold. My concubines don't wear artificial trash!!"

Somehow you ended up leaving the shop with your order and held proudly on his arm like a desert princess. Now he wants to come back again to get you more silk outfits matching his own aesthetics.

ELDER FAERIE COOKIE:

He stopped where he was. Eyes wide open and taking in your stunning beauty as you smile at him. "Isn't it beautiful? I saw it and couldn't wait to try it on." He can't help the smile that pulls his lips up and he nods in agreement. "Yes. My darling, you look absolutely stunning in that dress." You couldn't help but giggle when he kissed your hand and stared in awe at your beauty. "Why not try on a few more things? Surely there must be other gowns you like."

Despite your insistence he ends up buying that ensemble and a few other dresses you liked despite your protests. He's been meaning to propose to you for a while now, and you would be needing a dress in the future.

PURE VANILLA COOKIE:

He's absolutely speechless, going a deep cherry red as you pulled up the red to expose your leg- He averts his eyes blushing hard in embarrassment as Wedding Cake Cookie helps you finish putting on the outfit. Why were you wearing a wedding dress?! ..No scratch that. Why were you wearing a wedding dress AND all dolled up?! Was this planned?! Were you trying to send a clear message to him?! Did you trick him into coming here just to make him see him?! You were STUNNING- Perfect! "Honey? Are you alright there? You look redder than the stripes on a candy cane." He nods still looking away blushing. "T-This is all so sudden. I-I don't know what to say. I haven't even proposed or made a guest list- Where would we even have the ceremony?!"

Baby boy is so disappointed when you explain to him that you weren't actually wanting to get married and just trying on the dress. He looks so upset though that you both agree to getting engaged when you get back which makes him happy again. (He's too sweet for his own good-)

MILLENNIAL TREE COOKIE:

He's stunned speechless. Standing there and taking in the vision of beauty before him. "Oh my. Dearest, you look radiant as usual." You smiled but notice how he looks at the fabric with a tilt of his head. "Is something wrong?" "Oh. Nothing's wrong with the dress. It's absolutely gorgeous on you." "But?" "But if we're to be married, I thought perhaps we could've done so with something with nature. Perhaps even something with roses?" You smiled at him. "We can plan around that."

He really wants one of those fairytale weddings in a giant flower garden and you're happy to help him with that even if he bought at least fifty different fabric samples from Wedding Cake Cookie with different rose and floral print.

[leloudlizbirb]

I felt like expanding this, so here we go.

(also, in my version of this au, Damian and Danny are fraternal twins, not identical. I want white passing Danny and very Arabic Damian.)

Damian hated his Father some days. He was reminded too much of Danyal. So thoughtful, so tactical.

He hated Richard. So kind. So social. Always checking to make sure Damian was okay.

He hated Jason. So much stronger. So good at various weaponry that Damian couldn't compete with.

He hated Timothy. He was smart, more respected. A better Robin.

And most of all, he hated Danyal. He hated his twin so much. The better son and grandson. The best of all of them.

He hated him for leaving. Hated him for not meeting his family. Hated him for not being here with him.

It was supposed to be Danyal here instead of him. He would have loved this family as much as they would have loved him.

That's what makes it worse. If Danyal hadn't left, there was a high chance Damian would be dead or disposed of. Damian was the spare to Danyal's heir. He wasn't meant to be with Father. He wasn't meant to be happy. It was Danyal who should have been here.

And selfishly, Damian blamed himself. He blamed himself for Danyal's disappearance, knowing Danyal did it to save him. He blamed himself for allowing himself to be happy without his other half. He blamed himself for just being born.

So, Damian kept that part of his life a secret, just like his mother did. He didn't want the others to think the same. He didn't want them to hate him for being here instead of the true heir, the better son and brother.

He just hoped that if Danyal was still alive, he's happy.

________

Danny knows what he did was selfish, he really did. But he couldn't risk bringing Damian along in fear of Grandfather tracking them down.

They were 7 when he decided to leave. He doesn't remember why he did it at the time, probably the stress or fear he might have to kill his brother. Either way, he left. No note, no indication of where he was going. He just left, leaving Damian as his personal sacrificial lamb.

And like Danny predicted, no one tried to track him. They didn't need to, since there was a spare.

He decided against tracking down his father, since the man couldn't be trusted. From what his mother had told them both, his father lived in Gotham and didn't know of their existence. Who knows how their father would have reacted if he found out their mother duped him into having not one but two heirs to his name.

So, at the beginning of his new life, Danny avoided the States entirely. But sometimes, the universe has a sense of humor.

Because a couple months into Danny hiding from possible threats and Canadian social services, he had accidentally crossed into Minnesota, then Wisconsin , then Illinois, where he was was discovered by a traveling girl with her ghost hunting parents.

As much as he hated to admit it, despite years after, with his accident and his new parents trying their best to hunt him, it didn't bother him. He liked his goofy family, because there was less harm to him than being back at the League.

He just hoped Damian was doing okay.

Demon Twins AU but Danny is the stronger of the two

So I was thinking, instead of Damian being the stronger one of the two, what if Danny was the stronger one.

Danny was stronger, faster, better than Damian, even so far as to be more popular and social with the rest of the League than Damian. Danny was all around the one you'd expect to be the next Demon Head.

It could be the reason why Damian has such issues with Tim. Tim had more respect given to him by Bruce and by Dick, so Damian had a major infieiority complex.

But back to LoA, when Danny and Damian were growing up. Danyal was slated to be the true heir to the League. Smart, tactical, and always his grandfather's favorite. He'd even won battles over Damian more times than he's lost.

Then one day, Danyal was gone, disappearing out of thin air. Maybe the stress got to him, maybe he did it to protect his brother from the inevitable death battle he knew he'd win, maybe it was Clockwork shenanigans, but either way, the heir was gone and no one knows what happened to him.

And everyone turned their head to Damian, the weaker one. The spare.

[captain-huggy-bear]

You know that trend on tiktok about girls asking their boyfriends how mad they would be if a guy complimented them? i immediately thought of kells and how he would react

It's too hot and it's making me not want to write or do anything! Curses of having an old house designed to retain heattttt Requests are open for specific people only, please see my pinned post for details :) Writing Masterlist

You're not much of a poster on social media, but you are a watcher and sometimes you get shown those viral trends...you've seen more of the 'my current boyfriend' videos than you have fingers and toes at this point...and it's silly that you want to recreate it, especially when you know you're not going to film it or post it anywhere.

But, you can't get the idea out of your head...wondering how Clayton will behave, whether he'll care or not...it's stupid because you know that if you don't get the reaction you want, if he doesn't really notice, you'll be upset about it. It feels like setting yourself up for failure, expecting something you might not get from a man who's utterly secure in your relationship.

That doesn't stop you though when you're on the phone with your doctor's office within ear shot of Clayton, who's scrolling through his phone on the couch.

"Yeah, 2 o'clock's fine, my current boyfriend can drop me off." You don't look at him directly, just watch him from your peripheral vision as his head snaps up, eyes locked on you as the narrow. He doesn't interrupt your phone call, just puts his phone down, stands and waits until you hang up.

"What do you mean current?" He's crowding your space the moment you're off the phone, stepping into your personal little bubble, pursed lips, frustrated little furrow between his eyes that screams that you're in trouble with him.

"Mmm?" You play dumb, shifting look at him all wide eyed and innocent like you don't realise what you just called him. Clayton knows better though, narrow his eyes further, stepping as close to you as he can get, close enough that you take a step back, lip twitching to contain a smile.

"You said current boyfriend, baby?"

"Well, you're my boyfriend right now. Like my current boyfriend?" You're unable to contain your smile any longer, lips turning upwards at the edges and it's impossible for Clay to not smile back even as he keeps his eyes narrow, even as he tries to be annoyed at you.

"No, no..." Clay's walking you backwards, each step he takes forcing you to take a giggly step back until your back hits the wall. He leans over you, on hand on the wall just above your head, the other falling to your hip. You freeze like a deer in headlights, face flushing, body warming, an undeniable giddy little buzz in your tummy, "I'm your forever boyfriend actually, I'm your future husband, no current about it, baby."

"Bu-" You're not even sure why you're trying to protest like you're not elated that he's just said that, like this isn't what you wanted his reaction to be.

"Nope, see?" Clay's hand leaves your hip, dipping into the pocket of his jeans. He pulls a ring box out like he's been carrying it around for days, weeks, and the truth is he has been carrying it for months, waiting for the right time to ask. God, he's been waiting it feels like since the 3 month mark of your relationship, over eager, already fully set on you for life

"Clay..." Your mouth drops, voice soft, shocked and awed as your eyes zero in on that ring box, that promise.

"No, no i'm serious, i'm your forever boyfriend, okay?"

"Are you proposing to me right now?" You need the clarity, unsure if this is him just being silly or if...or if he's actually asking you right now while you're in your lazy casual clothes, leant against a wall.

"No, I'm telling you that I will be proposing at an undisclosed future date, baby, so I can then be your forever husband." When you look back up he's grinning at you, that dimple on the right side of his cheek on full display, teeth peeking out from behind his lips, eyes crinkled and soft. You can't help the fact you start to get a little choked up, eyes starting to water, lip starting to tremble slightly.

"You're going to make me cry..."

"You're the one that started that 'current boyfriend' bullshit."

"I was joking!"

[teambyler]

The strong likelihood we'll see Will "die"

Why? Most people think he will:

Will dying DOES make sense in a number of ways:

Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and the Upside Down are connected to Will, so his dying might be key to getting rid of them (or is the inevitable consequence)

Will is selfless and is willing to give up his life

The show would respond to the criticism that it's unwilling to kill off main characters in the most shocking way: killing off the person they're building up as Season 5's "main character"

For the Duffers, having Will SEEM to die is GREAT from a writing standpoint because (1) it would be one of the most emotional "deaths" in the show and (2) people will believe it's NOT a fake-out.

And what showrunner would NOT try to torture their audience as much as possible? =D Surely, the Duffers will plant "death flags" in season 5 hinting that Will's going to die! Some people are already speculating he's about to die in this part of the teaser trailer:

But this also means that Will would be the most predictable "unpredictable" death. (Much of the General Audience likes to think they're clever. =) )

More importantly, what they don't think about are two huge problems with a Will death: it would perpetuate the "Bury Your Gays" trope, and having WILL of all people die would drive a stake through the heart of the very Mission Statement of this show.

The creators have said this show is an "anthem for the marginalized and the imperfect." Will is arguably the show's ultimate main protagonist: a closeted gay boy who puts others before himself, who's been forced to endure enormous pain and trauma, and who might be bullied and ostracized in small-town 80s Indiana for being gay. The audience has been made to sympathize with him every season: his journey is arguably the emotional core of the show. Ross Duffer has literally said that his "emotional arc... will tie the whole series together."

What message would it send to gay people (and others society looks down on) to say that your suffering and sacrifice are the way straight, conventional people can be safe and happy?

While it's not out of the question for this show to kill off a main character in its last season, throughout its run it has been loath to do so. That's because, at its core, it is an optimistic show that sides with the outcasts. it doesn't see much value -- and there isn't much ARC -- in, well, casting any of them out. Least of all WILL. This is a show about darkness being overcome by light.

The apparent impossibility that Will ever finds love at the end of season 4, and the likelihood of more "death flags" for Will, are there to prepare a TWIST. The show is setting up expectations to subvert them.

Things will inevitably get more dire for Will in s5. So we Bylers will need to brace ourselves and remain steadfast that Will is being set up for a happy ending. We'll need to keep faith that the Duffers are telling a story of heroes overcoming adversity, perhaps even one where the very qualities society looks down on in Will -- his empathy, his "gay" love for Mike, his selflessness and willingness to give his life -- are what helps him save the world.

So Bylers! Let's brace ourselves for:

More pain and angst that Will is NOT "gonna fall in love" (perhaps an early-season Mike rejection?)

Will "dying"! (and Mike reacting to losing him)

Have your tissues ready!

-teambyler

[juliettejwnewinesa]

I'm so happy you're writing again after that unnecessary hate and I've been hooked in, like always.

Can you do a Seongje fic with an insecure gf. It's a constant thing for her to hear other girls talking about her boyfriend like they could have him. We all know Seongje doesn't care about other people, but for the reader, it's something she can't ignore, even when she tries her hardest to not care. She's always telling herself she got lucky because he's way out of her league and starts to get anxious at the thought of him leaving her, even though they've been together for a really long time. He eventually starts noticing the change (like faking a laugh or smile etc.) He decides to ask her about it one day and she eventually tells him when she realizes she can't avoid the questions

Title: "Way Out of My League" Pairing: Seongje x Insecure!Reader Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Angst to Fluff Warnings: Self-doubt, anxiety, implied low self-esteem, soft possessive comfort.

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

You’d been faking it for weeks.

Smiling when girls giggled and not-so-subtly talked about your boyfriend like you weren’t right there. Laughing like it didn’t sting when someone said, "If I were her, I’d never let him out of my sight.”

If only they knew how tightly you already held on. And how afraid you were that one day, it wouldn’t be enough.

Because Seongje? He was everything you weren’t. Effortlessly confident. Beautiful in a way that made heads turn without trying. Sharp eyes, sharp tongue, sharp edges—yet somehow, he was softest with you.

But you couldn’t stop thinking it. He could do better.

You told yourself it was irrational. That he’d never made you feel replaceable. But those thoughts were insidious. They didn’t need a reason; they just dug in.

So you got quieter. Smiles more delayed. Laughter a bit strained.

And Seongje, of course, noticed.

He let it go at first, thinking you were tired. Then maybe stressed. But the cracks didn’t mend. You started saying things like, “You’re too good to me,” or “I still don’t know why you picked me.”

And when you stopped initiating affection at all—that was his limit.

You were curled up beside him one evening, legs tucked to your chest on the couch. A movie played in the background, but you hadn’t reacted to anything in twenty minutes.

He nudged your arm.

“Hey.” His voice was low, quiet.

You blinked up at him, forcing a smile. “Hmm?”

“Cut it out.”

You stilled. “Cut what out?”

“That fake smile. The ‘I’m fine’ act. I’m not stupid, you know.”

That stunned you silent. You sat straighter, blinking fast. “I didn’t—It’s not—”

“You’re pulling away from me.”

His tone wasn’t angry. Just certain. Like he already knew and only needed you to say it out loud.

“I’m not—” But your voice cracked halfway through, and that’s when he sighed and shifted to face you completely, pulling your hand into his.

“Baby,” he murmured. “What’s going on?”

The tenderness in his voice almost broke you. Your throat tightened.

“…Nothing,” you whispered, eyes dropping.

“Try again.”

You shook your head. “You’re just… you’re you, and I’m—” you stopped yourself, then exhaled shakily. “I keep hearing people talk about you. About how you’re too hot to be tied down. That they’d snatch you if I ever slipped up.”

Seongje didn’t interrupt. He just listened.

“And I know I should ignore it. I try to. But it’s constant. And I don’t—” You clenched your fists. “I don’t want to be the girl who’s always scared her boyfriend’s gonna leave, but I guess I am. And I hate that.”

His silence made your heart race. You didn’t dare look up.

But then he leaned in and cupped your cheek, making you face him.

“You know what pisses me off the most about that?” he asked softly. “That you think I’d ever want anyone else.”

Your eyes welled up instantly.

“You think I’d trade you for girls who don’t even know me? Who see my face and nothing else?” He shook his head slowly. “That’s not just insulting to you. That’s insulting to me.”

You blinked. “What?”

“I don’t want easy attention. I want the girl who knows what I’m like when I’m quiet. Who sits through my moods. Who never tried to change me—even when she could’ve.”

He moved his thumb under your eye to catch a tear before it fell.

“I want you,” he said. “Only you. And I hate that people’ve made you feel like you have to fight to keep me. You already have me, babe. All of me.”

A tear slipped down your cheek. “I just… sometimes I feel like I got lucky.”

He shook his head. “No. I got lucky. I’m the one who pulled the girl who could handle me. You’re so much more than you give yourself credit for. And if I have to keep reminding you every day, I will.”

You laughed through your tears, finally genuine. “You’re sappy when you want to be.”

He smirked. “Shut up.”

You leaned in, burying your face into his chest. His arms immediately came around you.

“I hate that they get in your head,” he murmured. “Next time someone says some shit like that, tell me. I’ll shut it down.”

You snorted. “You mean threaten them?”

“If I have to.”

“Seongje.”

“…Fine. I’ll politely threaten them.” (break a finger or two)

You laughed again. “I love you.”

“I know.” He pulled back to kiss your forehead. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

[strwberri-milk]

Idk if you have already done something like this. If you have I’m so sorry for a repeat but how would LADS men react (specifically Zayne, Sylus, and Caleb) to a motorcyclist reader who got injured while riding?

theyre sorta mishmashed together bc i see some of them being really similar!!

Zayne and Caleb will want you to stop biking. Zayne is more amenable to you biking again if you take even more safety precautions than before but Caleb is really against it. He hates the idea that you got hurt and okay, maybe this is a little overprotective of him but he really doesn't want a repeat of this happening. It doesn't matter how minor the injury is - he's not going to be happy to hear you're going out on your bike. If it's major? The only reason why he isn't selling your bike off is because he knows how hard you worked for it.

Zayne will be okay if you promise to wear even more protective gear. He knows that things weren't worse because you were already wearing protective gear. He'll also insist that you text him before and after you leave and when you arrive. He already asked you to do that anyway before but he wouldn't care if you missed a text but now, if he knows you're going to be on your motorcycle he absolutely insists on it. He'll start calling you if your texts are delayed, worried you've been hurt again.

Sylus understands that it's just a part of riding. He's not happy you're hurt and he might come off like a scolding partner for a bit, making sure you were wearing all your gear. He isn't blaming you for the accident -although if you're more sensitive you might feel that way - he's just going over everything again and again, making sure that you did everything you could. He knows you know bike safety - it's just a matter of him trying to control what he can in this situation and right now that's the only thing he can do.

He won't like you riding alone for a while, either telling you to come be his backpack or riding his bike alongside you. That way, if something happens he can be the first on there to make sure you're okay. It gives him peace of mind and you won't be able to talk him out of it.

[sweetcalebb]

Another request if that's okay🙂‍↕️ so Caleb is nosing through MC's books (again) and he finds some queer romance books? And he's confused as MC has never said anything about being queer🫡

Caleb reacting to you being queer ! ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊

a/n: again, if this isn't what you envisioned, feel free to comment, DM me—just let me know!

wc: 1k

Caleb should've learned his lesson the first time he snooped through your books. But how could he resist when the first time he did it, you ended up reenacting one of your smut scenes? The opportunity was just too good to pass up.

You're in the bathroom, completely oblivious to the snooping Caleb in your room.

He's grinning ear-to-ear, ecstatic to see what other kind of filth you read. He bends down, running his finger across the spine of your books while he hums to himself.

Then Caleb stops.

He picks out whatever book his finger landed on and takes it out. Caleb gives the book a once-over. A barely-there look before he starts flipping through the pages.

"What other kinda stuff do you imagine, Pips?" he murmurs to himself, leaning against your bookshelf as he skims every few lines.

So far, no smut.

But he does find something else.

"She" and "I".

You're reading a first-person point of view with a male protagonist. That's what he assumes, anyway, as he continues to read through the pages. But he almost reaches the end of the book and there's still no smut.

Caleb pouts, a little disappointed.

"So you're not a complete fanatic." He lets out a small breath at his own teasing, about to put the book back in place when he pauses.

He glances at the back.

Caleb doesn't know why he decides to read the summary. He just does. Then he sees it.

Caleb looks closer, like maybe he read wrong, but he didn't. The protagonist isn't a "he". The protagonist is a "she."

Caleb's brows pinch together.

Did he misunderstand something? You'd never said anything. Had you..?

He's turning questions in his head, trying to make sense of it all.

Then you walk in and he gets an eerie feeling of déjà vu. You smile at him as you walk past, barely looking at the book he has in his hands.

Sure, last time was mortifying, but now you know you can trust him with that part of your life. So you don't really question him. Just sink down into your mattress.

"What do you have there?"

Caleb’s gaze shifts between you and the book. He opens his mouth, brows still furrowed like he's going to ask something, then he closes it again.

You quirk a brow at his lack of response. "What?" you laugh. "What are you reading this time? Monster smut?"

Caleb widens his eyes. "W-What?" he nearly chokes. "You read that stuff too?!"

You shrug. "No, I only have like, one book."

Caleb makes a mental note to ask you about that later. "Uh. Well, no... it's not monster smut."

Your smile falters slightly. Why was he being so serious? Your eyes dart down to the book, but you can't make out which one it is.

"Okay… So… What did you find?"

"It's..."

If you wanted to tell him, you would’ve, right? He stutters, "Uh… it's just.." But he still can't find the right words, so he simply shakes his head. "Nothing. Never mind."

You stand up and walk over to him. What did he find that could possibly be worse than all the things you read? "Caleb, what is it?"

You snatch the book from his hands.

Then it makes sense.

"Oh."

You feel your chest tighten as you look back up. Not because he's angry. But because you can't tell what he feels at all. He doesn't look angry, or disappointed, or shocked. Just.. nothing.

"Is that—I mean—is that personal to you?"

You hear the question he won't ask and you feel your chest squeeze again.

You fidget with your book, absently running your nails through the pages. "Yes."

Silence.

Agonizing, deafening silence.

Why isn't Caleb saying anything? Why is he just... looking at you? You hate it. It's making your head spin with worry.

"Are you mad?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

Caleb seems to finally notice the weird look he has. His eyes widen and he instantly steps towards you, hand reaching out to grab yours.

"No! No, not at all! Not.. mad.. Just.." He sighs, giving you a gentle squeeze. "Upset."

"Because I'm—?"

"No! God, no!" Caleb groans, running a hand down his face. "I'm digging myself a deeper hole. Sorry, no, not because of that. I just wish you felt safe enough to tell me sooner."

You let out a quiet breath, the tension finally bleeding out of your shoulders. "Wait, so you don't mind that I'm queer?"

"No," Caleb repeats, leaning in to press a kiss to your forehead. "I just.. I'm selfish."

"Selfish?"

You still feel your heart pounding, but a soft smile is tugging at your lips now.

"Yeah." Caleb's lips purse with a small pout. He doesn't even mean to do it.

"I wanna be a part of every aspect of your life, Pips. I want to know every secret, every detail…" He sighs. "I want to know everything about you."

"But you're really not mad at me?"

Caleb laughs. "Never."

"Okay."

You stare up at him, your chest all warm and fuzzy. And you think this is it. That everything is fine because you finally said it and Caleb doesn't mind. But the small tremble in your lip takes you by surprise.

Everything went fine, so why do you feel like crying?

"What?" Caleb breathes, pulling back when he sees the small shake of your lip. "Did I say something wrong? I didn't mean to, Pips—"

"No," you whimper, shaking your head. "I don't know why I feel like crying. I just—I thought it would be this big thing but it wasn't. And you were so sweet, but I was so scared—I just—" You stop yourself, biting your lip to stop yourself from actually crying.

Caleb softens, tugging you in by your hand and wrapping his arms around you.

"It's okay. You're safe."

You let out a weepy laugh, nuzzling into his chest and letting a few tears melt into his shirt.

"So… Do you wanna talk about this?"

You shake your head. "Not yet. But it feels nice that you know."

Caleb nods. "Okay. Wanna watch a movie? Your pick."

You scoff and playfully nudge him back. "Of course it's my pick. You're in my house."

Caleb puts his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, no need to get all snappy."

You laugh, blinking away the rest of your tears. "Thank you, Caleb."

"Of course."

—

go to my tag list if u want to be tagged every time i post a new piece :)

tags: @exe-toby @seungkwansflower @asiatic-apple @floatinginaer @halfawakeblobbu @starryeyed-apple @heartyluv @walrusbreath @sylvieisoffline @awquaz @purpleamethyst25 @pinksaiyans @browneyedgirl22 @beaconsxd @crimsonrubie @schnittled @saturnsringss @anthrokiaera @floofycookie @0nyxvesper @sylusqt @calistaxoxo24 @crimsonsylus @alyssac9 @frostydragonsstuff @bidisasterforevermore @politefawn @destinysrequiem @haleaf @goochfiddler99 @calebsbabyapple @peachlycheetea @lioria @colonelpantysniffer

(sorry if i missed anyone </3)

[apatheticsunday]

Skittles-Flavored Fear

AKA "The Batfam rescue several Gotham-U students from Scarecrow's latest hostage situation. However, Dr. Jonathan Crane becomes obsessed when one student has a strange reaction to the Fear Toxin - extreme exhilaration and giddiness." Based on this prompt!!

Danny knows Ghosts feed on intense emotion to survive; he's never had to, never wanted to because it feels... parasitic. He never thought he'd be drugged with it. Sitting among his fellow students, tied up as the Straw Man or whatever monologues about his evil plans, Danny thought the worst thing that could happen would be hallucinating a dissection table. Maybe the GIW or his parents with gleaming googles and scalpels at the ready.

He doesn't even realize they're already being gassed until Danny takes a breath and tastes... skittles? Like, taffy, frosted cream, and melty-sweet syrup. The more he breathes it in, the more he feels strangely floaty. His head feels both heavy and light, stuffed with cotton, and he can barely even hear. (If he could hear, he'd probably would be horrified by his classmates screaming, writhing in terror all around him like a swarm of buzzing locusts.)

And then somebody - The Straw Man - is looming in front of him, grabbing Danny by the face, and curiously tilting his head. After a moment of contemplation, Straw Man rummages around in his satchel before Danny gets freaking hosed in the face with a concentrated dose of Fear Toxin. And then everything gets better worse. Danny feels euphoric. He's giggling, smiling, head so clouded from the high that he doesn't even notice even Dr. Crane drags him through the crowded lecture hall. Doesn't notice when two goons grab him by the arms and start to haul him toward the exit.

What he does notice is the Straw Man's body slamming into the wall. Several figures blur in shades of black, blue, green, and red as Danny squints to try and focus on at least one of them. Then, somebody - blue and black - is at his side. Danny kind of... slides down the hero's side, legs too wobbly to hold himself up, until the hero has to prop Danny into a half-laying-half-sitting position. Danny's still giggling, slurring something and his hand somehow finds the hero's face, patting it in thanks for the rescue.

It's only when the Big Bat comes over, fits an odd-shaped mask over Danny's face, that he stops smelling candy. Instead, he smells something putrid, almost like formaldehyde, sweat, and... unmentionable body fluids. Danny's head is throbbing like brain freeze and a pressure headache, nausea so intense he can taste it in the back of his throat and cramps in his stomach. One moment he's mumbling 'm gon' throw up and the next he's ripping the mask off his face. Turns to the side and... barfs on Batman. (If he were more coherent, he'd probably be mortified. Maybe even die again of embarrassment. Worse when Nightwing cackles uncontrollably from beside him. Ancients, he'd petted Nightwing!! On the freakin' face!!)

That's the last thing that Danny remembers. He wakes up in the hospital several hours later, several texts from Jazz, Sam, and Tucker saying they're taking the next flight to Gotham. Danny flops back into the hospital bed and groans. Groans louder when he remembers what happened in the lecture hall. At least there's probably a very small amount of people who can say they barfed on the Dark Knight of Gotham and got away with it, right?

(Cue Scarecrow constantly trying to kidnap Danny and the Batfam being put on Danny-watch to make sure he's safe. Maybe also trying to figure out why Danny reacts differently to Fear Toxin, but assume he's an undocumented meta with a unique biology. Danny absolutely thinks he's being stalked by Batman as revenge.)

[yurrrsssss-ghoul]

TW: Talk about Suicide

I remember when I was reading through all variations of Damian's tag (Damian Wayne, Damian al-Ghul, Damian al-Ghul Wayne) and came across a post that said Damian should unalive himself.

It sounds genuinely bad and I checked if this is some sort of a hate post, to which the op followed up by saying something along the lines of:

"Yeah I know this sounds bad but this isn't a hate post. Damian was condemned to live with these two big legacies and he was doomed to follow at least one footstep of his predecessors one way or another. He has no autonomy over his own self and he is hated for that. He is despised and loathed for being the product of a cause he has no say in, treated more like an animal than he is a wounded boy. I think his ultimatum, his only way of freeing himself, to be happy is if he dies by how own hands"

And I was like. Wow. Okay.

Because, in a way, I kinda see it. Of course I want my boy to be happy but I sometimes genuinely think the only way for Damian to ever reach prosperity and happiness in his life is by cutting off both sides of his family.

This post might sound as if it was made in bad faith, and I understand if you disagree— but look at the recent development of Batman and Robin. Namely, how Bruce reacts to Damian forging his own path by being a volunteer at a hospital and considering an internship program.

He was quick to assume that Dr. Bashar (the man who has faith in Damian without knowing him truly) was associated with the League because he gave Damian a chance to do something else that isn't directly tied to either of his parents. He was quick to assume the worst because a man genuinely seems attracted to the potential Damian held. I understand that he was scared at the prospect of losing his son since being Robin seems like the only way Damian was tied to him, but how many times is Damian going to lose an opportunity in life if every choice and decision were dictated from Bruce's paranoia?

Not to mention, Damian's relationship with his family. I think other people have pointed this out before, and I may have mentioned it once or twice, but contrary to popular beliefs— Damian doesn't have a good relationship with his siblings. Cass, Jason and Tim tolerate him at best, actively fighting at worst. Dick is his own category, but let's not forget that the reason why Dick initially took Damian in wasn't because of his love for the kid, but because Damian is the last piece of Bruce that was left when the man was presumed dead. You could argue that both Stephanie and Duke are the only ones who get along with Damian with no strings attached, but with DC not giving a shit much with Duke and Stephanie (last I check) still dead, I don't see him getting out often.

It's a... Very suffocating way to live.

Your family, who you're supposed to trust, talk shit about your other family within earshot— sometimes they talk shit about you at your face— and expect you to agree wholeheartedly. And if you don't, you're just a brainwashed brat prone to violence.

And, yeah, Damian hasn't exactly been a kid sent from above, but he also experienced half a century in hell. Which, to be fair, we should talk about more.

So, yeah. If Damian didn't leave his family, I would want him dead.

[littlefankingdom]

I cannot explain how annoyed I am, as a survivor, at the Batfam fandom for how they treat child abuse. There is no issue calling out Bruce's canon abusive behavior, and that's great, but the moment it's another parent of the Batfam, everyone become an abuse apologist. It's clear that y'all don't see it as abuse unless it's extreme or if there's any love, but, fun fact, it is still abuse. Or worst, y'all call THE CHILD in the relationship the bad/abusive one for reacting to the abuse they have endured. Truly disgusting, imo.

I love my father very much. If anything happened to my father, I would be devastated. It is also clear to me that my father loves me very much and would not recover from anything happening to me. However, this does not erase that he has been abusive to me, that he has enabled my abusive mother, that he will continue to defend my mother's abusive behavior. I love my father and I am still in contact with him, I call him if I have an issue he could fix, but I also don't call him for most issues because he failed as a father. My psychiatrist also believes my mother does love me (not sure about this one) and my siblings, but it doesn't change that she is an abusive person to her core. And my siblings still love her even after everything she has done to all of us, and they will defend her. Love doesn't erase abuse.

Also, STOP with the "well, they were fed and had a roof, so it's not abuse". This is LITERALLY the same excuse abusers use toward their kids, that they fed them and gave them a bed so they cannot complain. THAT'S THE BARE MINIMUM AND GIVING THE BARE MINIMUM ISN'T ENOUGH.

YES, Jack and Janet Drake were abusive because they neglect Tim emotionally. It doesn't matter that they love him and he loves them, it doesn't matter that this was "normal at the time" (it is called out in the comics by Tim, Bruce and Jack himself, so not really. Also, even tho it was normal at the time for a father to hit his child if he disrespects him, Bruce hitting Dick after Jason's death is seen as abusive by the fandom, and Dick is a grown adult. Abuse was, and still is, very normalized), it doesn't matter the kid always had food and a warm bed, it doesn't matter he had adults looking after him when his parents were away, it is still neglect and neglect is abuse.

YES, Crystal Brown was abusive because she enabled Arthur's abuse, defended him and did not protect her daughter, prioritizing her addiction over Stephanie. Being an addict is hard, but that doesn't mean they are exempted from being responsible of their actions, especially if said actions is putting a child in danger. It doesn't matter that Stephanie loves Crystal, it doesn't matter that Crystal loves Stephanie, it doesn't matter that Crystal got better, she still has abused Stephanie. Stephanie sees herself as responsible of protecting and caring for her mother because her mother failed as a parent. Crystal failed to protect and care for Steph, leading to her daughter being abused. Enabling abuse is still abuse, being a bystander is still abuse. It doesn't matter Crystal wasn't hurting Steph like Arthur was, she stood by and didn't help, defending him, and that's abuse.

I need y'all to also realize that these situations are things people go through in real life, and how it would affect them to read y'all defending them being good parents.

"They still love their parents so that means they aren't bad/abusive" You are failing to defend children from abuse and to understand the complexity of child abuse. This complexity is that human children have no say in building an emotional connection with their parents/caretakers, so even when they are hurt deeply by them, they still love and care for them. Which is why, even after having been hurt or/and harmed and realizing it, a child is more likely to preserve a relationship with their parent than a partner with an abusive ex.

Some of y'all will go "Bruce is a bad father because he didn't kill the Joker for Jason or let Jason kill the Joker" and then be like "Janet was a good mom, even tho she barely talked to Tim and only saw him a couple of times in the year, because she loves him", and that's not acceptable.

[theorphicangel]

sukuna sunday has to be sth i hold on to when sunday depression hits😭

yet my brain has been begging for some heian era!sukuna angst.

so here’s my idea: i’ve only read fanfics where reader is upset with sukuna, but never the other way around, and i wonder how you think it would go if reader said sth hurtful to sukuna.. how would he react? how would he treat her after?? how would they make up???

thank you🩶 you don’t have to do it but i’m glad i got the opportunity to get this off my chest haha

WHOAAAAA i've never thought about this omg ur brain is beautiful

i think if the reader were to say something hurtful to sukuna it would probably be about how he's been pushing the reader away and refusing to admit his affection for her.

"you wonder why you've been all alone your entire life when this is how you treat people, it's not your appearance that people can't stand, it's your attitude."

ouch.

i think it would cause him to reflect on his actions and how he treats you because as soon as the words leave your mouth it feels like sukuna has been stabbed in the abdomen. there's an unfamiliar piercing feeling in his body and a wave of tension within his body.

surprisingly, he doesn't snap at you or get angry but he just...takes your words as they are.

he can't remember the last time someone said something hurtful to him and he let it get to his head. probably when he was a kid and people were disgusted by his appearance. but hearing those harsh words coming from someone that he's learned to love would definitely hurt him more than he could ever say.

he lets you storm off, taking your anger and words with you. he's never really seen you as upset or frustrated with him before so it's all so new to sukuna.

it doesn't take long for him to realise how much he hates that side of you. it doesn't suit you. it's ugly and very unlike the soft side of you that he's grown to love.

he would give you space for a while, i think, not wanting to intrude and upset you even more.

when you see him again i think it would be unplanned, bumping into each other in the halls of his estate. it's only been a few hours but by then you've reflected and profusely apologise. "forgive me, my words were out of-"

but sukuna would stop you right then and there. "I understand." he takes it as it is. he knows he's a rough individual scraping on little to no love growing up but you've taught him what it takes to be human. to be a little softer in his day to day actions.

but what surprises him is your insistence to apologise.

"no sukuna what I said wasn't right. i'm sorry."

your apology comes out of your mouth quickly in comparison to your husband who can barely say those two words without grimacing beforehand.

you swear to never let those words leave your mouth again and he promises that he'll change and learn and grow. just for you. for each other.

[mysweetvalentine1111]

Lads Li's temperature headcannons.

Zayne:

Starting out with the most obvious imo, this man is always cold. He's gotten used to it overtime to the point where he doesn't even notice, but when you go to hug him it's like stepping into a freezer lmao.

For the same reason, whenever it get warm out or his body temp becomes warmer, he tends to get irritable without knowing why, when he eventually figures out its because his body has become so adapted to his evol that it reacts negatively to higher temperatures, his snappieness becomes easier to manage.

The only one who it doesn't absolutely suck to cuddle with during summer time, bro is a walking ac unit.

Rafayel:

I think thanks to his lemurian genes he also runs cool, not as cold as Zayne but definitely lower than average. He also doesn't handle the heat well, poor fishie gets heat stroke way too easily. He sees its going to be above 75° Fahrenheit outside and immediately is hiding away in the coldest, darkest room available.

He's very dramatic about it.

Xavier:

His body temperature is pretty average in the sense that it fluctuates accordingly, but that won't stop this man from always insisting that he's cold. It could be the middle of summer and you'd still find him wearing a hoodie because 'it's cold out' and you apparently 'need to cuddle to conserve body heat'.

It's too late for you when you realize twas all just a ploy to get you to snuggle with him.

Caleb:

Hot.

No other way to put it, he runs warm, you've been convinced he was running a fever on several occasions, but no, that's just his default setting. Very good for when it's cold out, not so good when vice versa. Even worse when you realize he gets whiney and needy when you don't cuddle him for a prolonged amount of time. When you tell him it's too hot, he pouts at you and won't stop until you give in.

What a dog.

Sylus:

I'm saving my favorite boy for last because whew...

Bro is a walking furnace. You thought Caleb was bad? Sylus is ten times worse. I mean, he is a dragon, so it makes sense that he'd essentially be a breathing heater. Except as opposed to Caleb, who pouts when you won't snuggle due to the heat, Sylus simply raises a brow, pulls out his phone, and is silent for several minutes.

You're about to ask what the hell he's doing before he looks up and says "Pack your bags, we're going to Alaska."

It becomes a tradition, every summer you spend several weeks somewhere where it's cold and snowy as a little vacation.

[chaifootsteps]

I do not understand the sudden hate for Ragatha. Like yes, she is flawed and said some messed up things. Certainly, those things are undeniably true. But why is it that fandoms will coddle and adore characters who are mean 90% of the time and nice 10% of the time and vitriolically hate characters who are nice 90% of the time and mean 10% of the time? I genuinely do not get this hatred for people-pleaser characters. Everyone accuses people-pleasers of being these evil manipulators who are only nice, because they want something from someone, but 90% of the time what they want is friendship???? For people to be nice back to them???? Like those are such evil goals and motivations. Ooooooo. Ragatha is in a HORRIBLE situation. (They all are, but we're discussing her rn.) Is it really such a leap in logic to think,"Hey none of this is under my control, but the one thing in my control is my attitude. Being sad or cruel or upset isn't going to change anything, so the best thing to do is make the most out of a bad situation. I should be happy and be as kind to others as possible." Like EVERYONE understands the logic behind Jax being closed off and cruel due to past trauma, but NO ONE seems to get that Ragatha is acting overly positive because it's what SHE needs to do to keep sane?

Ragatha is clearly lonely. Because of her forced positivity, she has driven people away, because no one knows when she's being genuine. And what are you told all the time growing up? Be nice. Be friendly. Treat others how you want to be treated. Ragatha is trying to play by the script she's been given. Be a nice, positive person, and people will like you. And she doesn't understand why that's not working, so she tries even harder, and it works even less. It's a vicious cycle. (I am projecting onto this character maybe.) Ragatha wants to have someone pep her up and be close to her. That's why she latched onto Pomni so quickly. Because she clearly hadn't established that relationship with anyone else in the circus. So Pomni offered a new opportunity for success at her goals. So OF COURSE it's going to make her upset when Jax is a jerk and gets close to Pomni faster than her. He is playing against the rules! Aren't there supposed to be rules??? And he's succeeding when she's not! She's doing everything right, but she's failing, and he's doing everything wrong, and he's succeeding! IT'S NOT FAIR! And obviously there was already tension with Jax, because the two are character foils. He would obviously be grating and annoying when he's the exact opposite of her. Plus, I think that line she said that everyone's giving her flack for "Not anymore" might not have been in reference to Ribbit. Everyone's assuming she meant to bring up his abstracted friend and rub salt in the wound, but I think she might be talking about herself. Ragatha is the type of person who wants to be everyone's friend. At some point in time, she would have tried to befriend Jax, and he would have acted like Jax acted. So when Pomni asks if he has any real friends, Ragatha says "Not Anymore," because she no longer considers herself his friend after the constant abuse and mistreatment he's given her. It's only when he reacts poorly that she realizes how he interpreted her comment and begins trying to apologize for how her words came across.

People who present themselves as nice but are then mean aren't secret master manipulators just waiting for a chance to be evil at you. People who present themselves as nice are actually nice, but are also human and can't be nice 100% of the time. People act like failure is a worse sin than just giving up on human decency all together.

But also, there was so much drama and angst and toxicity between Jax and Ragatha this episode. They should make-out sloppy style and then abstract together.

Right? People will plaster their socials with how the best offense in a cruel world is being kind and supporting each other, then attack a character like Ragatha who's sincerely and consistently kind and trying their best, but fumbling in some small way. It's frustrating as hell.

It's also not as though Ragatha's positive attitude is doing the kind of damage Jax's brand of apathetic chaos is. Jax doesn't like it and it doesn't always land with Pomni, but Gangle responds with a grateful little smile when Ragatha apologizes to her (not for the first time, it's heavily implied) for hurting her feelings last episode. Ragatha and Zooble are total opposites, but seem to get along okay.

When it comes to coping with trauma, some people are Ragathas and some people are Jaxes. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that.

(And yes, they should definitely make out sloppy style. There's nothing in this show that can't be resolved by passionately making out, except for the whole imprisonment to computerized damnation.)

[literallypyro]

Good day my fellow tf2 enjoyer! Looks like im back again with another request. 👀🌈

Mercs reacting to "would you still love me if i was a worm?" 🥺❤️‍🔥

You are free to ignore me, but thank you again for indulging in my shenanigans 🫶

You have no idea how equipped I am to answer this request. I am not joking when I say I know exactly what to do. So sorry for the wait!

Hope you enjoy

The early bird gets the worm

Scout:

-Absolutely no hesitation "yeah, sure, why not?"

-It's like you asked him if he wanted to go to McDonald's. You could think he wasn't listening to you

-But then if you ask him what you said, he recites it word for word

-Pop quiz nobody knew he was prepared for

Soldier:

-You're kidding, right? The only thing that could make him not love you is if you were a communist

-Bro doesn't give a singular fuck outside of that. You could turn into a lamp for all he cares, and he'd lug you around wherever he goes

-He honestly doesn't give it much thought either. Some things are just simple facts. The sky is blue, snow is cold, honey bees pollinate, and he loves you. That's just how the world works

Pyro:

-Stares at you for a long moment. They're completely unreadable for a moment

-Muffled speech that sounds vaguely like "you're not going to start eating dirt, are you?"

-Yes, they would still love you, but they're mildly concerned now, believe it or not. Do you want to be a worm? What's going on here?

Demoman:

-Doesn't even process what you said at first. It's not that he doesn't understand or is too drunk. It's just that your question came WAYYYY out of left feild

-"Uh? Probably? I mean, you're still you, even if you can't show it, right?"

-Probably lies awake at night, wondering wtf possessed you to ask that

Heavy:

-Sandvich eating has been paused. He just kinda stops working for a second

-The look on your face tells him it was a genuine question, so he just sets his bewilderment aside and says yes

-He's not really sure why you asked that question, but something in his could sense it would affect your self-esteem in some way, and he'd rather die than hurt your feelings

Engineer:

-He actually knows what this is about, surprisingly. Bro's got more PhDs than most people have digits in their bank account. Did you really think how wouldn't immediately guess?

-He just hugs you like "I love you for who you are on the inside. I couldn't care less what you look like"

-Yeah, you're getting pampered for the rest of the day. He's not gonna let you be insecure. He's gonna do everything he can to make sure you love yourself as much as he loves you

Medic:

-Psych evaluation immediately (hypocrite)

-Once it finally clicks, he looks at you with an expression somewhere between pity and empathy. Now you simply have to tell him who made you think he wouldn't

-The next day, he's showing you these cool new organs that definitely don't belong to the last person who made you feel like you didn't deserve everything good

Sniper:

-Immediate and not ironic "yes." That's it. He knows what's going on cuz lowkey he would've asked the same thing if he didn't think he'd sound dumb

-Might not be super expressive, but you can tell he really cares and knows exactly how you feel. That's a big thing about being in a relationship with him, silent understanding

-He probably wakes up a little earlier than usual to make you a nice breakfast you haven't had in a while. He knows it's not directly related, but he wants to show you he values you so so so much

Spy:

-Doesn't understand whatsoever and refuses to answer

-Engie tells him what's up and suddenly Spy feels like a complete and total dipshit. He doesn't go find you immediately, however

-He waits because he has to set something up. A nice little private dinner for the two of you, fine wine, and an apology cheesier than France in the middle ages

[storkmuffin]

This just went up today, but especially in light of your excellent insights into San behaving at a meal/table.... I'm not sure how long they were drinking before camera's started rolling, but he was absolutely off his face by about 30 seconds in, bless.

https://youtu.be/SxPTgpdboiQ

Also featuring Mingi hyping up the tiniest room like he's in a full-on stadium (and doing a fantastic job!)

One of them - I forget, sorry- said they'd had about two glasses before the shooting for this began.

Disclaimer: Apparently getting to do this drunk content is meant to be an indication that your group has really Arrived. I don't quite get why but sure. This is where my being Korean does not alleviate my fundamental lack of information about what's normal or a milestone or whatever inside the Idol music genre, so I apologize in advance for the highly personal and specific nature of my response.

Ateez are so obsessively, compulsively, endlessly rehearsed that they can be really quite drunk and still perform these songs. Is this normal? I'm not a showbiz person, so I don't know, but I think that people who are part of a long running Broadway show or something also get like this, where they can turn in a professional performance under almost any physical condition as long as they are even halfway conscious. They must really live these songs day in day out.

This was a moment, during Wave, where my being a still relatively new Atiny who is also not terribly interested in like, the whole history of everything that's ever happened, is an obstacle. Yunho asks, "Do you know what this song is??" in a voice that sounds like he's mimicking Mingi, and then Mingi comes from behind to choke him, so I assume this is another one of those Eternal Yoke of Teasing that Mingi is trapped in?

Can anyone explain?

Unlike a Broadway play, though, when Mingi fumbles his lines, neither Seonghwa nor Yunho let it pass. At all.

If I was at an actual 회식 (hwesik) I would fight everyone to go sit next to these two, and only these two. Jongho is such a solid dude. He's really growing on me. And kind of like how I assume that people that my cat feels comfy with are great humans, the fact that the Untouchable Yeosang is so at ease with Jongho only adds to his aura.

If I were to conduct character analyses of this group based on just this one video, I would have to conclude that there's exactly one really cool guy, one really solid guy, and then six total doofuses, two of whom are exceptionally camera conscious and controlled, and four that are normal people.

One of the abnormal doofuses, of course, is Yunho.

There's always this guy. The overly strong one who gets suddenly very physical with the furniture in a drinking setting. And yeah, they're also usually the biggest one, and nobody can stop them.

Seonghwa says, with that air of surprise, "I'm actually getting drunk." This is Seonghwa being extremely relatable because I too (apparently) announce it to the table, unasked, when I feel myself getting drunk, with this same look and tone of surprise, even though I was the one drinking.

Then you get a demonstration from Yunho and Wooyoung of Good Drinking Etiquette. If you're someone who can hold his liquor, you're supposed to keep an eye on the weaker members of the pack to make sure they pace themselves. I'll say this for Yunho - he reacts fast, and correctly. The active body language of intervention is part of the correct behavior.

Wooyoung also running intervention. He suggests that Seonghwa needs to drink water, and when that doesn't really seem to work, he too stands up and engages in active body language to make sure Seonghwa keeps to a pace he can manage.

They have lost San, completely, pretty early on, and the Right Way to deal with someone like him, and there's again always that one guy, the ones who can't drink but also don't vomit, cry, or get violent. You include him in the group and socially reinforce his not-fun-but-just-fine way of being drunk by telling everyone (or him) that he's just real quiet when he drinks.

Jongho and Seonghwa play that role here, for San.

You know how I said there were two unusual doofuses, and one of them is Yunho? The other one is Yeosang. They are imbibing at what looks like the same pace as everyone else, and yet they never fail to address the camera. And Yeosang is cooler than Yunho - Yunho just does the choreo. Who is he outside the choreo? Does he know?

Seriously, these two are always somehow center frame, looking at the camera, hitting their angles.

So Wooyoung is the cool guy because he's the only one who actually brings up a general, relatable, light topic of conversation that can keep the mood bright and people engaged. For example, in answer to the question, What sort of performance stage makes you the most nervous? He has a creative answer - throwing the first pitch! Yunho relates so hard.

Wooyoung also tries to bridge the strange east-west divide that keeps happening at this table because Seonghwa and Mingi literally have nothing to say to each other, ever. He does it by addressing Jongho, who is usually a great partner for him in banter.

Which hyung is the least dignified these days, he asks, basically. (Literally he asks, Who's the hyung that comes crawling down to you, meaning, on the bottom of the hierarchy ladder where the maknae lives). And Jongho is like, I'm glad you asked, and says YOU. And Wooyoung pouts and they have a drink.

Then Mingi does the thing. The thing you're not supposed to do, actually at a hwesik or a drinking outing, but people do, constantly. And since Mingi specializes in doing stuff you're not supposed to do if it fits what he thinks is right, here goes.

Mingi tattles on Jongho to outsiders, kind of using their presence as a backup and a protection for the score settling attack he's about to launch. San is out of it, asleep, kaput, gone. Seonghwa generally does not really care what Mingi is saying, I think. But Yunho is totally alert, all systems on red, because he can sense the disturbance in the force.

All Mingi has said is, "I asked Jongho to go to dinner..."

But Yunho know something is up, and he looks to see if either Wooyoung or Hongjoong can be of use. I think he concludes that they cannot, because he runs intervention as soon as Mingi finishes the setup for his tattletale - "And Jongho said he didn't want to eat.."

"Take a shot! Take a shot!" And make up the spat, whatever it is. Yunho doesn't say it to Mingi because probably it's no use He's addressing Jongho. Mingi refuses to be led back to the socially smooth path.

He finishes telling the story, that after refusing Mingi, Jongho was spotted by Mingi going out with San. Meanwhile, Yunho has smiled for the crew (and the camera) and glares at Mingi. Mingi isn't supposed to do this, but he's doing it.

Hongjoong takes Mingi's side, and because the point is to make this awkwardness introduced by Mingi end as soon as possible, leans on the more socially adept Jongho hard by saying, We won't hear your explanation. Hongjoong is very often on Mingi's 'side' but I don't know if he genuinely is, or if this is the less costly method.

Then Wooyoung takes over the leadership for the mood again, and calls on San to do his cute aegyo.

Seonghwa speaks up, suddenly, to say, "It's a special weapon to save the day when the vibes are bad." (Because the vibes almost went bad just now). Yeosang is doing Yunho's same placating smile at the third party production crew. Jongho is just annoyed.

San gives it a hearty go, because he's a kind boy and drunk and he has heard the beseeching tone in Seonghwa's voice that said, Do the thing and please lift the mood please please.

Jongho recovers enough to do this killer follow up, to the delight of everyone.

During the next to final singing bit, the theater kid takes over again, and Wooyoung, as the one cool guy, puts a stop to it with a smile.

Wooyoung was MVP this outing, saving the day repeatedly.

I'm really excited for the upcoming concert. Despite it being the comeback song, Lemon Drop seems to already be residing in the members' bones. I can't wait to see it live.

Public health announcement: Don't drink the green bottle soju. It's shite. Absolutely shite. It's a cheap chemical bastardization of proper soju, which is delicious and doesn't give you nightmare hangovers. Soju in green bottles is SHIT, kind of like how wine coolers are not actually wine. Nobody I know voluntarily drinks the green bottle soju. I mean, all alcohol is carcinogenic, especially for women, but that's neither here nor there.

[killjpeg]

I think it's very funny that this is the only significant post i made on that blog and is the only reason the blog is still up. It's been a while and rereading this I think some of my thoughts had changed, having come down the high of hyperfixation I had and bias. All and all I still stand by pretty much all of it, but here are some points I want to correct/elaborate more on:

"Unless when Shockwave said he was going to give Megatron a gestalt he meant he'll postpone it for 4mil years and do it a little before he succeeded with Devastator so Ambulon deserting LITERALLY as he is picked out for the combiner project JUST to avoid it"

I already put the examples in the post a little after this but this is not too farfetched Shockwave was taking his time with the gestalt, as he literally says it's not his first priority. I think I'm more accepting of the thought that Ambulon was a volunteer, but for me I'll stay by the idea that his MTO team was built long before being experimented on for the gestalt - as the problem seems to be their inability to "connect" mentally that Shockwave also was trying to fix. The reason why I'm so set on this is the way Ambulon explains his name:

"Ambulon: from the verb 'to ambulate', meaning 'to walk about'. It's a stupid name..."

To me diegetically it comes off as something he was told rather than having any choice in the matter. As well as talking about his alt mode as something he was "born" with instead of being made into without his consent.

And for us it was meant to serve as a twist that his name is not formed from an "ambulance". All things considered, it works anyway, so it wouldn't even make sense he'd be so upset about it - which just cements it for me that he was told what his name explicitly means to him and not other way round.

"I'm gonna also get this out of the way that Ambulon's established character is continuously ignored, dumbed down and twisted: the point is that I do believe JRO didn't think about him that much or that deep, and what he did with him did not retain with him into further issues. That is to say, "You're gonna let Dr DJD cut us in half?" is a dumb fucking line to come out of Ambulon specifically, makes no sense, too snarky and cruel all things considered, and while I think it's also very funny it jsut shows Ambulon's accidental insignificance. Ok. That's all."

I'm going to completely back off from this point mostly because it was majorly charged from my bias towards his character and a lot of distaste for JRO (which i still have but its neither here nor there).

In-story it makes sense to me he'd react uncharacteristically and snarky when his life is literally on the line - if anything it serves to show how mean he can be when put in a high stakes situation, and obviously he'd be pissy about Pharma betraying all of them. I wonder if it was an in-joke between him and First Aid for a bit as a way to cope with the fact their boss killed people and tried to kill them allegedly (even though there are good reasons to believe Pharma didn't and wanted all three of them to leave).

Like it doesn't remove my point that his character was not considered of thought into deeper than what we got in those first issues but it doesn't contradict his character either.

"You see, I think Pharma is incredibly caring person. He cares for his patients and he cares for his people. He takes his work extremely seriously. He's willing to be a donor for his patient and he's still conducting research to cure illnesses when there was no legitimate point for him to do that anymore. He's not just a surgeon, but he's a virologist/epidemiologist."

Here I just want to elaborate more cuz I got some new thoughts on the matter.

Medics in MTMTE story ultimately have an overlapping theme of purpose that many other character don't exactly have. While the theme of purpose and shape is a prevalent throughout the whole story, it is especially emphasized with the medics and their inherent ability for healing, their hands. It puts them in a very narrow idea of what they're supposed to be doing with their life. You can choose to be a doctor but not if your shape doesn't permit it (ur a jet) but if you have good hands then sure you can try. This is where a Pharma dilemma coming from and is very interesting to me.

Pharma is more than anyone is defined by his desire to fulfill his purpose, because he doesn't see himself outside of it, an even bigger extreme than what we saw of Ratchet. He's so dedicated to asserting his place in the world he ruins his life about it. He does not want to be viewed as lesser than, his ego is keeping him from reaching out, and the kinda person he is just puts him into position where all he can do is double down.

And I've rambled on about my point (because I wrote the entirety of the original post in one sitting) too much that I feel like I didn't elaborate it even close enough.

Ambulon and Pharma are driven by their desire to serve a purpose, while both defying what that "purpose" even means. Neither of them by the facts we're given in text are supposed to be doctors - they're not the right shape for it. But nevertheless, they are doctors. But for Ambulon, he is choosing his purpose and his place in the world, while Pharma has rushed himself into a corner. Pharma in desire to chase his purpose and assertion of his value has put aside why he's doing it - because he does care for people, he doesn't actually want anyone to die and suffer, but in a circumstance where his interests are being challenged, he chose what's best for him, specifically, hoping it just works out for others in the end.

Their Amica Endura could've been defined by enhancement of each others strong points, of Ambulon being Pharma's anchor from spiraling and letting his flaws drive his actions, and Pharma sympathizing with Ambulon's dysmorphia and giving him respect he deserves for his achievements, despite DJD, despite what functionism dictates, that Ambulon stays faithful to his oath as a doctor.

I genuinely don't think there's anyone who would understand them better than they would each other, in a better world.

Of Ambulon and Pharma and doomed amica endura

I'll preface that I'm the last person to try and explain my ships by how canon they are and this is very much the same case of me just entertaining the idea and what their relationship represents and what role they play in a wider story, this is not an invitation for discourse or a debate. It's just me rambling on why I like the ship so much, think Pharma and Ambulon are narrative foils, while using some canon stuff and word of god.

Jokes about hamburger or hot dog or literally anything regarding Ambulon's death will end in block idc I think it's obnoxious 👍

CW for robot gore, discussions of torture, you know, the package that comes with DJD and Decepticons and MTMTE.

When it comes to Ambulon and Pharma's relationship, I think it's fair to start with bare bones, yeah?

I'm going to start with each character individually, what my take on them is, so we're all on the same page.

Ambulon

So, the basics are:

Ambulon was part of the failed combiner project of decepticons, the first combiner at that. He has horrible alt mode, that brings him a lot of shame, so he prefers to keep it a secret. He switched to the Autobots, eventually.

We don't know for certain if he was created for the project, or was one of the "volunteers". What we do know though, is that he's an MTO specifically, not just constructed cold, and MTOs were a concept of war.

Meaning, he cant be older than the war. Meaning, in my personal opinion, he was either made for some operation, then snatched by Shockwave for the project, or was created already specifically for the project.

There, I think, comes a timeline conflict. It feels unfeasible, to me, that MTOs were made this early into the war, by Decepticons. What I think happened, is that Shockwave did try to experiment on other Decepticons to figure out and develop on Jhiaxus' research, but once MTOs as a concept came into the picture, it became infinitely easier to just have an alt mode pre-made for a mech.

Unless when Shockwave said he was going to give Megatron a gestalt he meant he'll postpone it for 4mil years and do it a little before he succeeded with Devastator so Ambulon deserting LITERALLY as he is picked out for the combiner project JUST to avoid it makes this line from him especially funny:

Boy for all we know you're not even 15 years old.

Also the idea that character like Ambulon did that out of some sort of cowardice, that THIS was his breaking point to join Autobots, feels wrong.

In-text it becomes even less likely Ambulon had a life before the project, as his name "Ambulon" seems to be the only one he ever had (judging by his statue post on Necroworld).

I think why I'm getting a Little long-winded explaining Ambulon is to draw a better picture on his experience with Decepticons, Specifically Shockwave.

That to say, he had a horrible one. He knows better than anyone what Decepticons are capable of and how far they will go/what Megatron would allow. Especially once DJD comes into the picture.

And it just emphasizes the way Ambulon in the end of it all chose kindness. The first issues he appeared in cement it very well, especially since most of his intro we get from First Aid's point of view.

Ambulon is tetchy, can be a gearstick sometimes

Ambulon took pity on the Decepticons he thought were hunted down by the DJD

Ambulon convinced Pharma to let them stay

The Genericons showed their scars to Ambulon specifically

Ambulon gets passionate about hate crimes concerning one's shape/alt mode

Ambulon is "tetchy" and rejects First Aid's idea because he's concerned that it's too risky

For Ambulon to put your own life on the line to save a single life is an act of selfishness (also stemming out of his concern for First Aaid, imo)

Ambulon let the Genericons share a cell

To sum it up: Ambulon is very greatly concerned for the greater good and treating people without bias, Decepticon or Autobot, especially when there's any sort of discrimination involved.

(Using Genericons and Triple M as a tool with Ambulon was a very clever foreshadowing for Ambulon's situation, but it is a general theme that runs in these issues and Ratchet's/medics character arcs, it's the functionism, one's shape and purpose in life, but it is a completely different post to make. Just let's keep the theme of one's shape and purpose in mind.)

The thing is, Ambulon is who he is by choice. His Decepticon past is always showing, whether he wants it or not, but all he wants, essentially, is to help people and treat them with kindness. He's a "gearstick", but he's a gearstick with a big spark. He saw the greater cruelty in Decepticons and made a choice to never participate in it.

Ambulon is an MTO who made his life and became what he wants to be despite everything: Decepticons, his alt-mode, biases, all of that. He's true to himself and his intentions.

I'm gonna also get this out of the way that Ambulon's established character is continuously ignored, dumbed down and twisted: the point is that I do believe JRO didn't think about him that much or that deep, and what he did with him did not retain with him into further issues. That is to say, "You're gonna let Dr DJD cut us in half?" is a dumb fucking line to come out of Ambulon specifically, makes no sense, too snarky and cruel all things considered, and while I think it's also very funny it jsut shows Ambulon's accidental insignificance. Ok. That's all.

Pharma

Oh boy this one's a doozy. Okay, listen, I'll try to get more brief with it, try to get straight to the point, but Pharma has so much nuance around him on a greater scheme of things that it might also just be it's own post. SO we'll just try to focus on his persona and relations to others.

Pharma is a doctor of talent on par with Ratchet, if not actually better. He used to be friends with him, he's implied to have used to do medical service in the new institute, and eventually was stationed on Delphi by Prowl, practically abandoned by Ratchet. There, he ends up being blackmailed by Tarn, ending up killing his patients to meet the increasing quota, being led to the brink of creating a virus that he exposes the facility to in hope to close it down and escape it scot-free. Obviously, because of Ratchet, it didn't work, the rest is history.

Unlike Ambulon with his 3 panels and a half of screentime worth talking about character-wise, Pharma is a combination of multiple things at once, his place as an Autobot, his connection to the DJD, his act, and most of his actual character we get from very few shots of him from the past and what people say of him, and just a little of his behavior at Delphi before his crime is revealed.

So I think we'll focus specifically on the Decepticon part when it comes to Pharma cuz it's much easier to talk about.

Pharma vehemently, without hiding it, hates Decepticons.

It will go into even bigger field of speculations than trying to piece Ambulon's character together for why he hates them so much. It could both just be a thrown in line for the story to flow (Genericons) and act as a foreshadowing (DJD blackmail), the fact of the matter is, he hates Decepticons, he does not have pity for Decepticons, and if DJD did not play into his hatred, years of war for sure did.

(Also worth mentioning that in the issue #4, the paralleling story is Tailgate learning about the war and backing off on his decision to be a Decepticon. The entire build up works very well, imo, and plays into just how much it should hit you when Pharma turns out providing for DJD, along with the choice of Ambulon to not be a Decepticon anymore.)

You see, I think Pharma is incredibly caring person. He cares for his patients and he cares for his people. He takes his work extremely seriously. He's willing to be a donor for his patient and he's still conducting research to cure illnesses when there was no legitimate point for him to do that anymore. He's not just a surgeon, but he's a virologist/epidemiologist.

But, probably when we ask ourselves, "So if he was such a wonderful doctor, equal to Ratchet, someone Ratchet recognizes, why wasn't he the Chief Medical Officer in the first place?"

I think it's mostly his personality. It's his hubris and ego. It's also the inherent societal bias of Cybertron when it comes to jets - though this part of worldbuilding isn't that consistent, he is a forged jet AND a doctor.

And that's also why I think he doesn't believe in that "forged" functionism bullshit. BUT thats another post of its own (take a shot every time i say that in this post).

Let's just bullet point this:

Pharma is a talented doctor who's good and dedicated to his job. Practically nothing is impossible for him and it becomes a focal point of his conflict with Ratchet, too.

That said, Pharma's shape is what, I think, is responsible for his hubris. He's a jet, he's forged, he's a doctor, but he's a doctor because HE, PHARMA, is good. Nothing to do with some God. (which is different from Ratchet's internalized functionism)

Pharma hates Decepticons, he tried to kill the DJD, and it may seem like he pushed it all on Ambulon because he was a Decepticon, but I don't think that's the case. Specifically because of this:

He does not see Ambulon as a Decepticon, and it was just panicked shitty lie he had to quickly come up with on the spot.

Pharma feels guilt for his actions, and after killing Ambulon, he's actively taunting First Aid to kill him.

Pharma is a jet doctor trapped in the loop of self-sabotage after being exploited, psychologically tortured and left for dead, after a poor attempt of saving face. Pharma is a jet doctor who embraced his new look, but couldn't live with it, far from accepting it. Furthermore, his body is used by Adaptus himself, where the only thing he could do is trying to get his body back, to help his comrades, only to end up dying, again.

That's where I'm going to use a single word of God that makes, all in all, a lot of sense.

"Grurdging respect" is about best way to describe Pharma and Ambulon.

Now since I've reached the image limit on this post it's relentless rambling and speculations time!

You probably can already tell where I'm going with this. I think Pharma and Ambulon direct inversions of each other.

Decepticon gone Autobot as a choice - Autobot gone rogue out of blackmail and fear of failure

MTO doing what he wants to do and taking control of his body and life, disconnected from a gestalt or his "purpose" - A forged jet trying to continue his career of a doctor despite all the odds but who's agency is continuously taken, not only by others but by his own ego

Where they overlap, is their desire to do what they want. Where they differ, is one's sincerity and other's toxicity.

Ambulon is someone Pharma would never be, and someone he, on meta level, wishes he was more like. He doesn't want to be Ratchet, even if we think a little about his obsession and desire to prove to Ratchet that he's better, he wants to be someone Ratchet would respect. And in the end of the day, it all didn't matter anymore, because clearly Ratchet never respected him enough in the first place: "waging a war on his body", taking body parts for his own gain (hands), that Pharma didn't even really care about anymore. It was personal. He wanted Ratchet to hurt.

All of this, ultimately, is justified. Little who would respond to knowing someone who betrayed you (and whom you, also, betrayed) also breached boundaries of your autonomy. It's just basic decency. I don't believe TFs never heard of that or don't follow it, in some fashion. Maybe it's more loose, but for the purpose of drama and villification of Pharma, it was convenient, I guess.

See, Pharma is just inherently, like anyone, very flawed. The circumstance he's put in and the war led to the worst of his qualities spike. And in relation to Ambulon, it's the inverse of a person who, having seen the horrors of the war, having been through the horror and the existential dread of being in a gestalt, chose kindness anyway.

"Grudging respect". A jet doctor, a genius, and an ex-soldier MTO, who made the choice of helping people. An ex-Decepticon, too, no less.

See how it could've developed into something more?

Both eager to do their job, Ambulon is a perfect stabilizer for Pharma's general emotional response to things. He may be a good doctor, but he's prone to acting and saying things before really thinking about it. Ambulon is capable of convincing him and giving a good argument, without it being personal.

"Grudging respect" with Ambulon working with one of the best doctors out there, who's work is going to be invaluable even after his death.

And if things worked out differently? Do you think Ambulon wouldn't be there to sympathize with Pharma's trauma regarding DJD? Do you think Ambulon wouldn't pity Pharma for what Tarn put him through? Ambulon? The Decepticon who was there? The one who even should fear DJD the most? The one who might've even triggered DJD once he was so close on the radar?

He might've confided in Pharma in the first place, as someone literally second in charge after him.

Pharma and Ambulon are defying Adaptus as a societal concept, among with the existential idea of your shape dictating your purpose. And within the text they don't just defy, they end up suffering the most out of it - Pharma ends up in a position where his hands are praised more than he, as a person, is, Ambulon dies by these hands, and his death dooms Pharma as well.

I hope it was comprehensive enough, i WISH i could include more images to prove my point. The amica endura would've been insane. If only the circumstance was different.