#because whatever tf he has going on is certainly…a choice…

[m1ckeyb3rry]

GUESS WHO FINALLY CAUGHT UP W THE BLLK MANGA 🤩

[cheesiedomino]

Reasons ꙳ ੭ * ‧

synopsis: though he’s afraid to admit it, chan has an undeniably huge crush on you. in attempt to get his point somewhat across, he drops a few hints leading all the way up until the Valentine’s Day office party, but will that mean he finally confesses his true feelings?

genre: bang chan x fem!reader | coworkers to lovers wc: 3.1k tags/warnings: fluff, office romance, mild cursing, mentions of alcohol usage, kissing, reader is kinda obsessed w/ chan’s body but who tf isn’t ??

now playing 🎧: dream girl by crisaunt

[this is the first installment of my new valentine’s series where i write a short story for each member surrounding the themes of love, newfound romance, relationship hardships & more.]

If there’s one thing Chan could never refuse to resist no matter how hard he tries, it’s you — nothing else came near as close. You were his Kryptonite, Achille’s heel, whatever you want to call it. Chan was willing to do just about anything for you, ask him to jump and he’ll promptly answer “how high?” You had him wrapped around your little finger with a pristine, glittery brow. Some could say it was quite uncanny how he’d avidly jump at your every need and request. Whether it be from a small but adoring comment about the way you looked in your outfits or whenever he sees you struggling with something, he drops any amount of work he was doing to go help you instead. There’s no way he was doing all this just out of the kindness of his heart, everyone saw right through those tactics. Clearly there was an underlying ulterior motive in the back of his mind, and most people with a brain knew of this as fact not fiction.

Everyone that is, except you.

The minute someone brings Chan’s name up you get super defensive. You often feel the need to because of how almost every person in the office ships you two together. One of the main instigators— Mirae, your cubicle neighbor and karaoke buddy, had a habit of doing this constantly. She’s the first ever friend you made here and is a total ray of sunshine to work with, but also has the biggest mouth. She’d go around telling people that Chan has a crush on you all because he does so many selfless gestures to “impress” you. Once that got around , rumors began spreading like wildfire and suddenly it turned into you and Chan were dating.

As soon as you heard all of that you immediately shut the suspicions down, explaining that you two were simply just friends and how he’s a sweet, gentle soul. Which he most certainly is but his friendliness didn’t only stop at you, it extended to all the other employees as well. He’s the type of person who would make sure everyone else has food and a warm shelter before worrying about himself in the freezing cold. There aren’t many out there with a noble personality like Chan’s, he’s like an elderly man trapped in a young person’s body, always giving the most wise and stark advice. His way of thinking may be a little old fashioned but that didn’t make him boring by any means, he was quite fun when he wasn’t so immersed in his work.

You’ve tried to get him to let loose a bit more, even invited him out for drinks after work with your other coworkers but he declined each time. It never felt like rejection to you though, he’d be smiling the whole time he’s saying “no” but it didn’t seem disingenuous. The only reason he never took up any of your offers were either one of 3 things:

A). He’s far too nervous to get drinks with you

B). He’s too buried in his work

C). The gym is his second home

You and Chan are two vastly different people. He’s definitely the more laidback type who likes to stay at home while you love to going out and enjoy a fun night on the town with friends. Despite him knowing this, he’s never been one to judge your choices or care about what you decide to do outside of work. He even brings you hangover medicine when you come back on Monday looking like you’ve had way too many last weekend — a literal angel in human form. You wonder who the lucky lady will be that gets to marry him someday, it’s evident he’ll be a family man and would most certainly be the best dad any child could ask for. He truly possessed every lovely quality there is all in one person, a rarity that’s more hard to come by each passing day. You don’t know what you could’ve done in your past life to deserve to know someone like Chan, but you don’t regret it one bit.

This morning went like any other typical morning, you’d come to work slightly exhausted from being out later than expected. Usually, Chan would go up to your cubicle and flash a doting smile at you as he places a fresh cup of coffee on your desk. It’s always the little things that made you most content, a handsome guy delivering you your favorite cappuccino — sounds like the ideal life. However, things were slightly different on this particular morning.

Awaiting you at your desk was a large bouquet of flowers displayed in a decorative ceramic vase, accompanied by your warm beverage. You also notice something peeking out from the petals, a small white envelope without a name on it. Curiosity gets the best of you, rushing to open it and read what follows:

‘happy Valentine’s Day ___, these flowers will never be as gorgeous as you but I hope they bring you joy or at least make you half as happy as you make me everyday that I’m with you.

- CB.’

Well, you definitely weren’t expecting that note to be so… sweet ? Though it was a bit short, the message was clear, whoever wrote that really wants you to know exactly how they feel. You had to admit, reading that did make your heart skip a little— maybe even had you blushing and twirling a couple strands of hair. What caught you most off guard were the initials, ‘CB’, those letters seemed awfully familiar. Then you realize there’s only one person whose initials you personally knew that could match those; your coworker Chan. Your throat goes dry as you nervously attempt to swallow, unable to form any stable or coherent thoughts. Nothing, and you mean absolutely nothing, could’ve prepared you for this kind of revelation.

Scoping out the area to see if Chan was around, you couldn’t seem to find him anywhere. You consider the idea of texting him but ultimately you decide not to as you think it’d be weird to assume he even did this. They’re just similar initials that’s it, you’re probably reading too much into it. Maybe you really are going crazy or something.

“Oh my god, someone sent you those?!” A chirpy voice startles you, instantly recognizing it as Mirae who’s now behind you.

“Uh, yeah I guess so..” you acknowledge nonchalantly. Parting your lips just a tad as you take a sip of delicious espresso.

“Ah. I wonder who could’ve done it?” She fake pauses to take a gander at the possibilities, “It’s definitely not the guy with the Aussie accent and name rhymes with Pan!”

You almost spit out your drink. “Shut up!”

“Oh you know I’ll never do that sweetie.” She giggles at you being all flustered, “plus I’m right you just don’t wanna admit it.”

This is like an everyday conversation you have with her, it’s nothing new. “No, I’m a logical person and I know that me and Chan are just friends. That’s all we’ll ever be and nothing more!”

It’s exhausting having to keep defending yourself from the same rhetoric all your coworkers spew daily, and even more ridiculous how fast word gets out around here. Those rumors of you and Chan dating are still being told today, even after it’s been a good year and a half since it all started.

“Friends can also develop feelings for each other overtime y’know?” Mirae lazily rests her arm on your desk as she continues her speech, “I mean I’ve never fallen for a friend so I wouldn’t know.. but this is different! Do you not pay any attention at all to the way he treats you? He’s such a simp for you it drives me insane.”

Confused more than ever, you blankly stare back at her, “huh?” You just took every favor Chan has done as being a nice, thoughtful coworker.

“Okay I’ll give you an example, remember when everyone at lunch had that whole ‘Vernon is gay or bi debate’ and Chan agreed with every single thing you said even if it didn’t make sense? If that doesn’t scream simp behavior then I don’t know what does!”

Your doubt still doesn’t waver, “I just have a very compelling way of getting people to side with me!”

Mirae rolls her eyes so hard they could go to the back of her skull. “For the love of God ___, stop acting so dense at the obvious. It’s pretty much known in this entire office that Chan’s always been totally, 100% into you.”

“It is?” You blink rapidly.

“Yes! I can’t believe you’re even still shocked about this, the guy’s constantly making cartoon heart eyes whenever he sees you!” She states, voice laced with a dash of envy as she pouts, “I wish I had someone who looked at me like that.”

Her sadness is short lived when her face animates again, as if a light bulb just went off in her brain. “Wait I have the perfect idea, you should get him to ask you out at the Valentine’s party!”

“Um.. I don’t think he’ll go, he’s not a party kinda guy remember?” You sigh in reluctance, unsure of what to think at this point.

That doesn’t seem to bring Mirae’s mood down, she only reassures you with more positivity. “Trust me, he’ll be changing a completely different tune once he finds out you’re going.”

Work events are always somewhat a bit of a drag. You didn’t particularly care for them, but you do like socializing with most of your coworkers and other fellow staff on the team. The free alcohol is also another great selling point for you to go. Gina makes the best Jell-O shots and whenever there’s a work function going on she goes all out to prepare them. This time she made some strawberry daiquiri flavored ones, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and pink heart sprinkles to fit the theme.

You grabbed one immediately from the table, looking everywhere to see if you can spot Chan but still no luck. The fact this is making you slightly upset is beyond you, but you’ve never been one to fully understand your emotions. Maybe you were right after all for thinking he wouldn’t show up. Sometimes Mirae can try a bit too hard at getting your hopes up, but you had to figure out if he was the one who actually sent the flowers or not. ‘Who the fuck else could be CB?’ You thought, it had to be him, if not you’ll be blaming Mirae for years of mental damage and distress.

This job wasn’t the first thing you had in mind by any means, but it seemed like a friendly and open work environment when you came in for an interview. You ran into Chan that same day and he started talking to you in the lobby as you waited for your turn. He had the most illuminating, pearly white smile and his accent made the most mundane words sound a thousand times hotter. You secretly hoped you’d get this job just so you can talk to Chan all day. Fast forward to almost a year and a half later you’re now closer than ever and it feels like a privilege to work with someone as amazing as him.

As you finish your Jell-O shot, you try finding the nearest trash can but end up bumping into Gina. “Hey ___! Did you like the strawberry daiquiris I made?” She kindly surveys for feedback, flashing a cute puppy dog look at you.

“Duh, of course! I love everything you make Gigi, I might have to grab another one before they’re all gone!” You praise her kindly, “by the way have you seen Chan at all?” It was a bit a random of you to ask but you couldn’t just stand around and wait for him to magically show up.

Gina thinks for a moment and finally replies, “Nah I haven’t! Why’d you ask though?”

“Oh no reason really! Was just wondering I guess-” you awkwardly shrug off, taking a step back as you walk out the break room to go into the main hallway. Heading over to the water dispenser you grab a small paper cup and bring it under the cold water option, before pressing the button a deep voice causes you to freeze in place. Recognizing that raspy voice from anywhere, it was Chan calling out after you.

“Hey, ___!” You hear him shout from a distance, jogging towards you with an ambiguous look on his face. “Could I talk to you for a moment?” He asks once he gets closer, chest slowly rising up through his white collared shirt as he’s catching his breath.

You never really took note how chiseled his body looked, maybe it was the form-fitting material of the shirt but the outline of his pecs went perfectly in sync with the way his toned arms clung to the fabric. It was clear as day Chan takes working out very seriously, mesmerized by the sheer dedication it must’ve took to even achieve a dreamlike physique such as this. Realizing you still haven’t answered yet and have just been staring at this man’s chest for what seemed like centuries, you finally croak out a response.

“Uh, yeah- sure!”

He clears his throat in preparation, “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.. for a while now actually.”

Chan doesn’t seem like his usual keen self, he’s acting much more quiet and reserved, as if he’s got loads of worries on his mind. It makes you wonder…

Your heart began to race at a faster pace, not knowing what the outcome will be, you indulge in him anyway. “Hm? What is it? Don’t just leave me hanging, spill!”

Again he goes quiet, like there’s a force holding him back from saying what he truly wants. He’s usually a lot more confident and well spoken when he talks to you but this was a new side of Chan you haven’t seen before. You find it a bit endearing to be honest, it makes him more down to earth. What’s there not to like about him truthfully?

“Well uh.. you see I-”

“___! Where the heck were you we’re about to take another sho-” Mirae catches you two of you off guard, unknowingly walking in what seemed like a deep conversation. “Ohh, oopsies did I interrupt something? I didn’t mean to, s-sorry!” You noticed some of her words slurring a bit and couldn’t contain a tiny giggle, it didn’t take much alcohol for her to get tipsy.

The minute she’s gone and the two of you are alone once again, the energy shifts dramatically. You gaze up at Chan to see his brows slanted into a train of thought. He wasn’t saying anything, just staring right back at you with a cryptic look. Unable to gauge the direction of this situation, you think of what to possibly say to make it less cumbersome. Before you could utter a single word, he finally speaks up.

“Let’s get outta here,” He quickly suggests, yanking your hand as he roughly takes it in his palm to lead the way. His movements are swift and eager, knowing exactly where he’s going as you’re left with even more questions and zero answers.

“Where’re we going?” You sheepishly inquire, bewildered by his sudden unpredictable action.

He doesn’t answer you. Instead he’s continuing the journey, remaining in focus all the way until he reaches the back entrance. Opening the door in a hurry to make it outside, a rush of cool air hits the back of your skin from a tiny bit of flesh being exposed. Chan brings his hands up to your arms, pinning them to your sides as he pushes you back against the brick wall of the building. His hooded eyes were fixated on you like an animal looking at its prey. It almost felt intimidating, as if he was the whole universe and you were but a mere spectacle compared to him.

“Wait what’re you do-” you’re impatiently cut off as he leans in, pupils widening when you’re abruptly met with a pair of lips pressed against your own. You couldn’t move even if you wanted to, rendered still from the shock of this suddenly happening. An array of goosebumps scatter your suspended body, words can’t describe the way you feel in this moment— it’s pure bliss.

Eventually you do kiss him back once the shock wears off, parting your lips more to let him gain further access into your world. It was the most mind numbingly passionate, messy kiss you’ve ever experienced in a lifetime, wanting but Chan’s lips on yours forever and ever.

As you both pull away it’s quiet again, but not in an unpleasant manner as before. Now you’re silent because you’re admiring each other. Resisting the urge to grab his face and kiss him again, you watch intently at him biting on his bottom lip, giving you a sheer look of adoration and hunger. Your mind was in the highest state of euphoria, feeling like you’re on cloud nine. That kiss left you speechless, breathless, weightless, and all other adjectives in between.

“I can sit here and list off every reason why I’m in love with you, but I thought about it and figured this should be good enough to get my point across.” Chan suddenly expresses his true feelings while holding your hand tightly in his grasp. It feels like he can breathe again, as if a heavy weights been lifted off his broad shoulders. “Did you like the flowers I sent?”

You owe Mirae a huge apology the next time you see her.

“So it was you?!” A gasp escapes your lips, finally comprehending the fact that he’s genuinely liked you for this long. It still felt surreal to you that you even kissed.

“You didn’t realize it right away? I mean my initials were right there..” he nervously spoke once more. The effect you have on him is so dangerously good.

It’s hard to believe you were so oblivious to how Chan felt when it was all hidden in plain sight. You should’ve known something was up when he started learning how to cook the first week you met. During lunch you expressed that men who could cook were the ideal type of husband and since then he’s been on a mission to perfect his cooking and make you a proud wife someday.

Moral of the story? Life works in mysterious ways when finding your soulmate. The external forces come together to align themselves perfectly in harmony, bringing two beautiful souls to connect as one.

[End <3].

[tangledinink]

Question about your Teenage Mutant What Now AU!

Has Leo always just been in puberty blockers since forever? Because I'm assuming he never had a period in his life because, well, reptiles menstruation is laying eggs

Kinda! I've actually thought about this a lot because I had the same question and went back and forth on it for a while. tldr; Leo has been on puberty blockers for the past three+ years and has never had a full menstrual cycle, but he does menstruate rather than lay eggs, at least when he's under the effect of his bracelet. Further details abt Leo's trans experience and how the cloaking crystals work below!

Leo has been on puberty blockers since he turned twelve and went on them before he had his first period. As we've established, Yoshi just kind of discovered that Leo was afab when he put the cloaking bracelets on them for the first time and was like "fuck it I don't have the time to unpack this right now you're Leo and you're my son whatever lesgo," and that was just kinda that and everyone involved was always just down with Leo being Leo. Leo certainly never had a problem with it, and he never felt any desire to switch over to being a girl and would get pretty upset if anyone (such as teachers or other parents) suggested he may be female. As such, Yoshi has always just treated Leo as his son and is more than willing to defend him from anyone who ever questioned his identity. His brothers, likewise, have always been very defensive of Leo and quite frankly were usually confused as children if anyone tried to say Leo was their sister. 'Cause??? Like??? Literally no he's not??? He's always been our brother???

When Leo was around eleven Yoshi did sit him down to actually talk to him about it in-depth, like, 'I love you no matter what and I support your choices but we've never actually for-real talked about this and I wanna make sure this is something that you want and not just something that you went along with,' (Leo, of course, at that point doesn't realize WHY he 'came out as trans' when he was five, he just kind of figures that he must have made the decision to start presenting as masc and go by 'Leo' when he was very little and doesn't remember it now,) as well as discuss the option of puberty blockers with him and ask if that's something he wants. And Leo is 1000% like. YES, I'm sure I'm a boy and YES I want to go on puberty blockers so very much I've been dreading the concept of puberty for months now pleeeesssase let's do that. So... they do, and that's that!

(And Yoshi would have gone along with whatever Leo said, but internally he's like, OH THANK GOD, because he's also like ?!?! How tf would turtle puberty translate?! Would the cloaking crystals cover that??? Surely my son wouldn't lay FUCKING EGGS but holy shit what if he did and would I be morally obligated to warn him just in case--!?!)

I do think that the cloaking crystals cover menstruation, however. In this AU, the cloaking crystals (at least the ones the Hamatos have) do provide an active transforming effect rather than just a 'disguise.' I don't think it could really work otherwise! It's definitely not a 100% transformative effect, though, and their true biology still plays a major influence on them. (ie they get cold easily! They swim really well and can hold their breath for a long time! They're naturally more athletically inclined than most other kids and a lot hardier! etc. etc. etc.) but I don't think it would leave gaps as big as to let them lay eggs or anything like that, just like it doesn't allow them to shed their skin or to go into full brumation. It's also worth noting that they're turtle mutants, but they're not full turtles. They're half-human, too! So who's to say if Leo would lay eggs even if didn't have the cloaking crystals or the puberty blockers? He does end up having one little baby period right after he goes on blockers, which is not super uncommon, and is very dramatic about it, but April big-sisters him through it and he hasn't had any since. In the fic he is currently in the process of starting testosterone in the near future, which is something that will be discussed/explored in later chapters!

[ufolliegy]

how would benrey transformer meet gordon?

Ok, I have to preface this by stating I am not a writer. So if any of this sounds dumb. That’s why.

Anyway, I'm gonna infodump to you about my tf au now. This is gonna be kinda like an outline for a fic if I ever would write a fic about it. Don't take it too seriously.

Benrey is a defected Decepticon living on Earth. He arrived on Earth with a couple other bots, but they found him annoying and ditched his ass pretty early on. Not that he really cared much, he prefers to be on his own anyway. 

Benrey hangs around on Earth for a while. He finds human culture fascinating and decides to observe it from a distance. 

Unfortunately for Benrey, Energon is pretty hard to come by on Earth. He soon realizes that being a Cybertronian living on his own on Earth is almost certainly a death sentence without a proper source of Energon. 

So, he begins searching for a source. He knows he can’t really go back to the Decepticons, after defecting there's no way he’d expect any sympathy from them. Going to the Autobots is obviously out of the question. He’s desperate, but he’s not low enough to go crawling to the Autobots begging for help.

Through his searching Benrey eventually catches wind of a certain research facility located in New Mexico, USA. From what Benrey is able to gather, Black Mesa Research Facility has either located a rare on planet Energon source, or has developed technology similar enough to Cybertronian technology that they are able to synthesize their own Energon. 

While this is wonderful news to Benrey, he also learns that Black Mesa may have captured several other Cybertronians that had been living on Earth similar to himself. He has no doubt that whatever Black Mesa is doing with these Cybertronians, it doesn’t seem pleasant. Unfortunately, this is Benrey’s only lead, he has no choice but to go through with it. Carefully. 

Then like a dumbass, on his way to Black Mesa his Energon reserves run dangerously low. This forces him into a semi-comatose state in the middle of an abandoned desert freeway.

Enter, Gordon Freeman. Gordon is a 27 year old new hire at Black Mesa Research Facility in New Mexico, USA. He has just recently moved across the country, leaving behind his friends and family to grab this once in a lifetime chance to work at the mysterious research facility. He’s finally found a use for the stupid degree that he worked so hard on. By god, is he gonna use it. 

Just a little while after getting settled into his new life, his trusty old "dad car" finally kicks the bucket. A begrudging and sad Gordon gathers up what little savings he has and heads to the nearest used car lot. 

When he arrives Gordon is less than thrilled. He wasn’t looking for the fanciest car in the first place, god knows he can’t afford that, but so many of these poor old cars look beat to hell and back. 

Eventually, Gordon does find something that catches his eye. It’s a big dark blue SUV. It’s absolutely caked in dust and has a couple good scratches and dents, but other than that it seems to be in alright condition. It drives and that’s all Gordon’s really looking for. Though, he does notice a strange looking purple logo on the steering wheel. He decides not to pay it much mind. 

When Benrey wakes up he’s somewhere he’s never been before. Not that he’s been to very many places on Earth, but this place is completely unfamiliar. It's an uncomfortably tight space with gray walls and a cold concrete floor. He figures he’d been offline for at least a couple weeks, his Energon reserve’s weak attempt to keep him from burning through it completely.

He decides to stay put, not wanting to waste what little Energon he has left, and also because he’s genuinely curious about where he’s found himself. He assumes it could be some sort of human domicile?

After a few hours of waiting around, Benrey hears a door swing open and the overhead lights flick on. Standing in the doorway across from Benrey is a human.

This human has long frizzy auburn hair pulled up into a tight ponytail, a scruffy beard, cute little square glasses, and oh. Oh man. Are those freckles? Aw, he’s kinda cute. Haha- whuh, oh shit, he’s walking over here?

Gordon drives Benrey right into Black Mesa, unaware that his new car is a sentient alien trying to steal from the facility. 

Benrey is thrilled that he’s made it into Black Mesa and he didn’t even have to do anything. But, his excitement is short-lived. Now comes the hardest part, actually getting to the Energon source inside. 

After observing his human captor(?) enter the depths of the facility without problem Benrey devises a fool proof plan to get what he wants. 

While on his way home from Black Mesa Gordon notices when his new car starts to act strange. Very strange. Abruptly, all control of the vehicle is ripped away from Gordon as it veers off the road on its own accord. Speeding through the sparse foliage and rough terrain of the New Mexico desert, Benrey takes Gordon far away from prying human eyes. 

Once Benrey is certain there are no other humans around for miles he unlocks his doors and boots Gordon out of the driver seat onto the dusty desert ground.

Gordon stares up in terror, shock, and genuine confusion at the sight unfolding (literally) in front of him as Benrey transforms. Benrey looms over Gordon as he puts on his very best “scary Decepticon looking to get what he wants” face.

Benrey tries his hardest to get Gordon to fear him, to submit to his master plan of forcing the human to grab the Energon for him. For a bit it works, Benrey is HUGE compared to Gordon and could easily squash him like a bug. Not that Benrey would really wanna do that, that would be kinda icky. 

Then, in classic Benrey fashion, he says something ridiculous that has Gordon going from cowering in fear to doubling over with disbelief and laughter. 

'Benrey: C’mon man, i'm trying to be scary here. Stop laughin’ at me. You even got the credentials to be out here driving, man? Pretty shit at it. You got the papers? You got a, uh- a passport? 

Gordon: I- I’m sorry it's just- Wait, passport? Do you mean like a- a driver’s license? 

Benrey: huh?

Gordon: What the actual fuck are you talking about, man?'

The two of them eventually calm down enough that Gordon isn’t screaming in fear or babbling in disbelief. Benrey explains to Gordon his predicament and why he needs him to go through with his “expert plan” to get to the Energon.

Gordon, for one, isn’t buying it. Gordon argues that there’s no way he’s putting the dream job he just got on the line to help the weird terrifying evil car that kidnapped him. 

Benrey looms over Gordon again, Benrey’s metal face coming closer to Gordon’s than ever before. He leers him down at him, which Gordon very much takes as some sort of threat. 

Then, Benrey stands, stretches his metal joints, and turns around to start walking the other direction into the desert. He tells Gordon that’s fine, and to have good luck making his way home on his own. 

Gordon sputters and yells out after Benrey, shouting for him to wait. He considers his options, as much as he really does not want to help Benrey, dying alone in the middle of the desert is not on his bucket list. Not to mention that even if he does somehow make his way home on his own there's no way he could afford to buy ANOTHER car after he just bought this one. So very cautiously and begrudgingly, Gordon agrees. 

In the end the two form a sort of symbiosis.  Gordon gets to risk his job to help Benrey get the Energon he needs to survive, and Benrey gets to have fun driving Gordon around on cute little trips to the grocery store and stuff. The two of them might get caught by Black Mesa for their crimes in the future, but it will be fine. They should be able to handle it.

[lovecolibri]

Things that Spark Joy-4x11

Well after 10 weeks of the audience (and every once in awhile, someone in the show) missing Alex he has finally returned to us and that certainly sparked a lot of joy! We have some other stuff from this episode first but this will mostly be all the Malex goodness! If you’ve got less than joyful feelings about this episode, you’re not alone, and all the salty rants can be found here, but for now lets talk about finally getting some payoff!

Kybel being hella awkward and both of them wanting more but being afraid to lose a good friend is so 🥺🥺🥺 It looks like they’ll be kissing again soon so I hope that means Michael and Alex are out of the hole meaning Kyle and Isobel can to talk to their BFFs about their feelings and get some support to go for what they both clearly want!

Loooove getting Kyle and Rosa scenes, he’s always so good and encouraging with her and Trevino and Amber play off each other so well!

Also, Isobel wanting to do a mindscape and Kyle wanting to know what happened too and both of them being so caught up in holding hands they entirely forgot Rosa was there and needed to be involved to do the mindscape cracked me up! We needed more Kyle/Isobel moments like this because every single one is gold.

Isobel’s little "Isobel Evans, head of security!" was so funny! 

I have some...other thoughts on Liz’s storyline and what they’re doing with her, but watching her stand up to Clyde and give him a dressing down was great and she’s at her best when the show lets her be brilliant to get herself or others out of a sticky situation. Mixing up something that could take away Clyde’s powers because he thinks he’s a superior being but has no idea what kind of complex science she’s doing is *chef’s kiss*.

I also have had issues for awhile with how they’ve written Echo and Max in particular but we saw once again he’s best look is being there to catch Liz.

I love that we’ve gotten more Max and Isobel scenes the past couple of episodes because their relationship was so integral to season 1 but has felt like it got lost along the way the past couple seasons.

Okay lets get to the Malex of it all!!!

Vlamis was finally set free and we see it in Michael’s absolute insistence that everyone else can do whatever TF they want, but his priority is Alex.

Michel’s little *shocked Pikachu* face at finding Alex mirroring the same face when he found Alex at his trailer in the pilot was so good! Michel kissing Alex while he’s in the middle of talking because he can’t wait anymore is so on brand for them too.

We all knew that Michael’s line about always finding each other no matter how far apart would come back but it was so good to see that being the thing giving Alex hope all this time, and helping him fight to be found.

The scene at the drive-in is just TOO CUTE!! Michael swinging his legs in happiness, Alex not being done getting kisses, them cuddling up together and Alex snuggling in to lean his head on Michael’s shoulder, the hands on thighs and then the thumb rubs when they’re holding hands, the GROWTH of them being able to talk about past hurts and make jokes because they both see the other side of things now, and know the love that has been there the whole time, the growth of Michael being able to talk about something he’s upset about and Alex understanding and not judging him and supporting his plan to go to Oasis if he wants and vowing to be with him, it’s just perfection. 

The PROPOSAL!! Yes Alex thinks he’s dying and that pushed him to make this choice after living in the same house for like, a day before he left town, but we all been knew they were going to get to this point sooner rather than later (though not seeing most of the journey is...criminal), and I’m ready to see Michael fight to save Alex. If Alex wouldn’t let Michael say ILY before they defeated Jones, I think Michael might refuse to have the wedding before he’s saved Alex. Though he also has a very hard time refusing Alex anything so we’ll see. If anyone deserves to have two weddings, it’s them!

We ALL can’t wait to see Sanders in a tux. He’s going to pretend to be grumpy and bitch about it but he WILL be crying at that wedding.

Also, please let these boys a) fuck in an actual soft comfortable bed (though I get them not wanting to wait after being apart so long) and b) fuck in peace without being interrupted by tragic things!

Whatever issues I have with the writing leading up to this reunion, Tyler and Vlamis were able to deliver on every emotion and hit every beat from their facial expressions to their body language, to their tones of voice and having it crack, they brought this scene to life and did every ounce of heavy lifting that the writing didn’t do to get to this moment.

Link to previous episode posts: 4x01, 4x02, 4x03, 4x04, 4x05, 4x06, 4x07, 4x08, 4x09, 4x10

[under-sedationnn]

the arcana: main six reacting to injured! reader

anonymous: Could u do m6 reacting to mc coming home injured? I want some hurt/comfort >:))

Warnings: talk of being injured, blood. if that bothers you or tiggers you in anyway, please scroll away! i want this to be a safe place, only :)

thanks for the request anon!! i hope you enjoy!! <3 requests for the kissing prompts and physical affection prompts are STILL OPEN. please send them in with the character of your choice (which could be any character from any series i write for) and i will create an imagine!! thanks and happy reading!!

- tries his very very best to stay calm

- you can see panic bubbling under the surface

- faust is on high alert

- slithers around your shoulders and squeezes you for a hug

- "friend! hurt!"

- doesn't immediately ask what happened, just gets you to a comfortable place to be cleaned up

- then, and only then, will he brave to ask what happened to you

- or who did this to you

- wipes the blood from your skin with very gentle swipes

- winces when you wince, and apologizes profoundly

- "Y/n, how did this happen? i thought you were just taking a quick trip to the market."

- "i fell in the market, tripped over a stone"

- "and nobody helped you?"

- in this case he's disappointed with the bystanders, but does not become angry

- in a situation where someone hurt you?

- oh god

- "Y/n, how did this happen? i thought you were just taking a quick trip to the market."

- "yeah, well, somebody had their eye on the same apple i picked up. somehow, though, they managed to push me to the ground and steal it from my hands."

- i don't even think he would know what to say

- and asra is not really the type to march out into the streets of vesuvia and seek to challenge the one who hurt you

- but he would certainly hold a grudge against whoever it was if he did find out

- and would feel absolutely awful about letting you get hurt

- his mind would race about the possibility of losing you again

- because he simply can't handle it

- and what if that person had been particularly violent or malicious? what if you had been taken??

- you'd have to comfort the hell out of him to make sure he knows that you're okay

- "asra, hey, i'm fine! i can handle myself, you know that"

- "you're right, and i know you're right. it's just hard"

- "it's still hard for me, too. the market still makes me a little nervous and i got caught a little off guard, is all"

- that would make him feel better

- would finish patching up your wounds and would make sure to bring you to julian the next day if they were too bad for him to fix or needed stitches

- would also create a special brew to help with the pain and ease you to sleep

- "why don't i go down to the market tomorrow?"

- "why? so when you pick a fight over apples, i can pay you back for all of this high quality medical treatment?"

- "well of course, surely you didn't expect all this tender love and care to be free" *wink*

- panicked doctor mode enabled

- immediately begins checking you over, asking questions

- something tells me it would be a head injury of some sort

- "oh darling, what happe- you're bleeding!"

- "julian, i'm okay! it's just a little scratch"

- "no no no you might need stitches, come sit down. i'll go get my kit!"

- there's really no use in arguing

- he has cold ass hands, so he tries to warm them up before he begins suturing the wound

- tries to be gentle, and his expert hands move quickly without any snagging

- "so, how did this happen?"

- his voice is literally trembling

- "well, i was in the clinic grabbing the list of ingredients we need for our next grocery trip and there was a puddle of... something on the floor. i slipped and hit my head on the corner of your desk"

- immediately thinks it's his fault

- like "oh shit i should have cleaned better that could have killed y/n and then what would i have done-"

- doesn't necessarily voice this, but you can tell by the silence that follows that he's feeling really guilty

- would kneel for you, head on your knees

- "y/n, i am so sorry"

- "juli, it's really okay, i should have watched where i was going"

- "i'll make sure to clean better from now on, okay?"

- would guard you throughout the night in case of concussion

- nurse juli <3

- but let's say someone had put their hands on you

- would patch you up the same way, and apologize profusely for not being there with you

- tuck you into bed and fetch mazelinka to keep an eye on you throughout the night incase of a concussion

- would most definitely be self destructive and seek that mf out

- maybe not successfully, but would try his hardest

- "i'll be back in the morning, get some rest"

- "I can find them myself if I want to, you know"

- embarrassed blush

- because he KNOWS you can take care of yourself

- "of course, but right now you're hurt. as your partner, i will do what must be done on your behalf darling"

- probably shows up the following morning with battle scars of his own

- the guards found you in the garden, passed out in the maze

- blood trickled down your arm, a large gash marking your bicep

- ran you up to the palace and immediately to the medical wing

- them]n nadia gets word

- the calm, collected queen act disappears

- abandons anything she's doing, anybody she's talking to

- "we will finish this at a different time, i have more important matters to attend to"

- she is so worried and it's honestly adorable

- very much giving "where tf are they?" energy

- god i love her so much

- anyways um

- asks the nurses over and over what happened, if you're okay, etc.

- watches the physicians and nurses like a hawk as they clean the wound and suture the cut

- and they're so intimidated lmao they never come face to face with her literally ever

- brushes your hair back from your face as they do so

- holds your hands

- would demand that you be brought to her sleeping chamber

- so that's where you wake up! how cute

- she's laying beside you, her brows furrowed

- maybe even her eyes are a little hazy

- "y/n, sweetheart, do you remember what happened?"

- patiently waits for your answer, you're still a little groggy

- you were either attacked by an animal and passed out from the fright

- or you were attacked by an armed person and was knocked out

- either way, the guards are on it

- nadia isn't letting whoever or whatever did this get away without a fight

- the palace is meant to be a safe haven for you

- for the both of you

- "well, don't you worry, we'll take care of that"

- you try to sit up but she won't let you

- "oh no, you must stay down, y/n. you are possibly concussed from the fall"

- "oh okay, sorry"

- "is there anything i can get you?"

- the countess of vesuvia, serving you in your time of need

- "just some water would be nice"

- "of course, i'll have some brought up right away"

- i literally feel like he would just start crying straight up

- cause like he has some problems anyway

- he big sad boi

- and you coming home to the hut bleeding from a gash in the arch of your foot is not helping

- picks you and carries you to the bed without a word

- just starts examining the cut

- inanna is also very concerned

- she licks the blood from the cut, she's trying to be helpful

- meanwhile muriel is stumbling around the hut looking for anything to stop the bleeding, disinfect it, bandage it, anything

- but he's not the best about keeping that stuff in stock

- keeps looking back at you with worry in his eyes

- he doesn't know what to do

- "muriel, let me see if i can contact asra. maybe he or julian can bring me a salve. i'm pretty sure i'm gonna need stitches"

- low-key makes him feel worse

- cause he feels like he's unable to care for you and keep your safe

- even tho this was just an accident

- he's breathing really fast, his anxiety creeping

- agrees anyway, but goes to get them himself

- "i'll be back soon, just keep this piece of cloth pressed against it"

- cause you're bleeding like a lot

- inanna stays behind

- he returns very quickly with julian in tow, though he doesn't look happy about it

- leaves the hut without another word

- julian gets to work immediately

- "so, you cut your foot i see"

- smartass.

- "yeah, muriel always tells me to put on shoes when i walk in the woods but i love to feel the grass beneath my feet"

- julian chuckled at this

- "and i'm assuming you, what, stepped on a rock?"

- "...yeah, sliced it right open"

- after julian is done cleaning up the cut, he tells you to just stay off of it for a while and make sure it doesn't get infected

- once he's gone, muriel trudges back into the hut

- "muriel, baby, it was just a cut it's not a big deal"

- but his eyes look hurt, and you beckon him toward the bed

- "hey," your hands on his cheeks, "i'm okay, really"

- "sorry, i just got scared. blood is still a trigger for me and since you got hurt in my woods, i felt like it was my fault"

- "muriel, of course it wasn't your fault"

- he really needed a hug

- after this instance, he made sure to keep medical supplies in the hut and you promised to try and wear shoes in the woods more often than not

- "i'll try my best to be more careful. deal?"

- sweet lil smile

- "deal."

- "oh my god, y/n, what the hell happened??"

- you were tending the garden

- without her supervision

- and the garden sheers might have sliced into the palm of your hand

- deep

- brings you over to the sink and runs water over the cut, covering it with a towel when the dripping blood had been washed away

- girl is on the move

- cause she knows what to do! love that

- low-key a main reason why julian managed to live as long as he has

- pepi is curiously perched atop one of the counters, peering down

- finds her personal first aid kit she had stashed in the bathroom

- guides you over to sit on the counter while she tries to figure out what to do

- "damn, you really cut yourself, y/n"

- "sorry! i think i just got a little carried away"

- she giggles at that, though she is still worried about the fact that it won't stop bleeding

- gently wraps the cut in gauze and adheres it together

- places a kiss to your fingertips

- "all done! no more gardening for you!"

- "hey, why not?"

- "well you don't want that cut to open back up again and again, do you?"

- "no"

- "alright then," she smiled, moving to put away the first aid kit again, "and we're going up to the palace medical wing first thing tomorrow morning to make sure it's not infected"

- eye roll

- "yes ma'am" you mocked

- even though you know it's just because she loves you

- "but since you got hurt, you want me to bake you some cookies?"

- "only if you let me eat the dough!"

- good god do i love this man

- but he is so self-absorbed it's actually insane

- and I feel like he wouldn't even notice at first

- cause he's too focused on himself

- gazing into the mirror without a care in the world when you walked in

- "y/n, thank goodness you're home, how do you feel about these pants?"

- you just hobbled to the nearest seat, hand resting over the gash on your knee

- mercedes and melchior were lazing across a rug at the base of his mirror, their attention set on you

- "u-um, yeah, they look good"

- literally just trying not to bleed out, over here

- "good? oh really, now, y/n don't they look amazing?"

- "yes, they look ama- ow, damnit"

- then he turned around

- immediate shock and worry! oh no oh no y/n is hurt!

- mercedes and melchior walked over first, whining as they took in the cut, brushing around the edges

- lucio raced over, squatting down in front of you, and began examining the cut

- "hey, hey, what happened?"

- "i accidentally tripped on my walk in the garden and scraped my knee on the cobblestone"

- he was lightly touching around the cut, gauging how sensitive it was

- when you flinched he stopped, looking into your eyes with a soft "sorry"

- "i think i need to go to the palace infirmary"

- "oh there's no need, i can take care of you!"

- you were not convinced he could take care of you, at least not well

- "uh, lucio, are you sure?"

- he looked slightly offended, at that

- "you know, y/n, i did fight in battles at one point. i have not only tended to my own wounds, but the wounds of others, as well"

- you giggled at the thought

- "much to your protest, though, i'm sure"

- he moved to the small cabinet of medical supplies in the ensuite to your bedroom, returning to your side with it in hand

- "at points, but i don't mind helping you in the slightest"

- for all of his antics, his soft side was enough to make you fall in love all over again

- and although i know he would take care of you in literally any situation, i can't say for certainty that he would stick around and place nurse lucio for long if a person had hurt you

- attacked you

- much like nadia, the guards would be sent out without a second thought, lucio leading the pack in the search for you aggressor

[xhisokas-harleyx]

Your Hisoka headcanons were so good😭 and i completely agree with all of them- I wanted request something, u can ignore if u want. 🏃

I am just thinking of a scenario where Hisoka got hurt, by someone who 'cheated' in the fight maybe, and his first instinct was to go to his 'friend's place. And Reader helps him without hesitation, they're even worried and stuff. And he is just like "are they just so naive or dumb? Kind? What do they get from this? And tf is this feeling in my chest? A poison maybe-" Maybe hcs? Or an oneshot? Whatever you like to do. Have a good day or night!:)💛 damn i wrote too much lol sorry

This warms my heart. Thank you SO MUCH for your support!!! And no, you did not write too much! I love having my ego stroked ;) 😂 seriously tho I love hearing from you guys!

I love this prompt. I hope that I was able to bring this to life for you, please feel free to request more!

To be honest, I’m not really happy with how this turned out, but I haven’t written in a long time and feel really rusty. I may rewrite it at some point, because I thought of a different way this could also go! At any rate, I hope you enjoy it.

Word Count: 2880 (yeh, it’s a long one :o)

A little song inspiration I had:

As The World Caves In: Matt Maltese

Hisoka x Reader One-Shot: The Man Beneath the Monster

...

Well... this wasn't supposed to happen.

Currently, the jester of everyone's nightmares lay on the ground, golden eyes staring up at the dull night sky while shrapnel and debris etched patterns into his back, remnants of the attack he'd just barely survived. Hisoka didn't normally have much of a problem mowing through his opponents- but then again, they usually didn't possess the ability to play with their enemy's mind. It was insanely unfair, the way he'd been attacked, and while it had been an interesting battle to say the least, Hisoka had barely pulled through.

Admittedly, he was invigorated by the feeling of almost being beaten- save for the searing pain that inched its way through every nerve in his body. Hisoka wasn't usually so affected by pain in general- in fact, more often than not, it gave him a certain indescribable gratification. He tended to brush off the feeling of most wounds he obtained during battle, distracting himself with shuffling his cards or fantasizing about the next battle he'd be facing. Only this time, if he didn't get help, he wasn’t sure there would BE another battle.

Hisoka strained himself to sit up, and looked down at his body, analyzing just how much damage he'd sustained. A deep gash opened up his chest, revealing glimpses of the muscular content underneath, and it was oozing a lot of blood. His arms and legs were burned, and some of the skin was a little charred, which smelled just lovely against the night breeze.

This is going to be difficult to cover with Texture Surprise... he thought, forcing himself a bit angrily to his feet, when he heard the cracking of the joints in his left ankle, indications of a break. He needed medical attention, badly. His gash wasn't going to heal itself, and he would bleed to death within hours if it didn’t get bandaged.

But where could he go? Hospitals wouldn't dare take him- even though he was a hunter, most people wouldn't be caught within miles of him, let alone would provide him any remedy. In fact, most people thought the world would be better off if he were dead anyway.

Maybe they were right.

He chuckled a little at the thought, but as he tried to brush those creeping inner fears off, he soon realized that his normal detached approach wasn't going to work this time. Already, his legs were getting weaker, and his vision was getting a little darker by the second. In that moment of weakness, when he felt the most vulnerable, the magician was puzzled by the singular thought that came to his mind.

Y/N.

She was a girl he’d encountered more than a few times in his travels; not by accident, but through carefully orchestrated meetings he initiated himself. She was strong in his eyes, which was not a compliment that he offered freely, especially to someone who didn’t regularly seek out altercations to smash their enemies. She was strong in a different way- not because of her nen or battle tactics- but because of her resolve. He found it intriguing that she didn’t run at the sight of him (even when he popped up behind her in the park), and he liked that she wasn't afraid to tell him exactly where he could shove his cards, if warranted. Y/N was appealing to him in an indescribable way that made him continue to think up excuses to meet her ‘randomly’- but he could never put his finger on what it was that made her unique. However, through brief conversations and what he considered to be highlights of his travels, he’d gotten to know her only a little, but he hardly had enough contact with her to call her a ‘friend’.

It wasn't like she had any special sort of healing nen. She probably couldn't help him anyway. But if he did bleed out, and his last thought had to be of something...l it might as well be of her.

The pink-haired clown looked to the city up ahead in the distance- he was close to her house already. It didn't take him long to get there; Y/N lived on the outskirts of town in a small place away from most other homes.

It was a place he knew well, although he'd never been inside. He'd spent more than a few long nights watching the residence from the rooftop of a distant neighboring home as he denied his human emotions. He often watched her pack groceries, or try to figure out why her porch light wasn't working (which he certainly had nothing to do with), or watch TV on the couch all alone.

Hisoka quite liked those stupid romantic comedies that played late at night on the local channel. His only opportunity to watch them was through her window- and in his mind, he was sure that she left the subtitles on because she can somehow sense his presence. She usually fell asleep watching those, and missed the part where the hero gets the girl. He always watched that part with particular interest, but he can't figure out what makes the protagonists so special to each other. If there was a feeling that caused them to sacrifice so much for one another… he sure didn’t know what it could be.

But he's not a hero, so why would he know what that feels like?

As Hisoka reached her door and lifted his hand to the doorknob, not bothering to knock, a pang of what could only be anxiety ripped through him. It was well past 2 AM, and he knew she had things to do early in the morning. Their previous encounters had been abnormal, to say the least, complete with him teasing her and being a douchebag. He's been nothing but an annoyance to Y/N, so why would she help him?

As soon as he was about to pull his hand away, the door swung open, revealing a disheveled looking y/n in its place. Hisoka was bent over in pain, holding his chest, but as she startled him a little, he straightened up and put on his mask, acting complacent and confident. He wanted to say something smart and witty like he always does- that always helped to bat the pain away. But his lips wouldn't move- his tongue wouldn't function as he stared at her, unable to reach out in a way that normal humans seem to find so easy.

He felt frozen in that moment. He was normally so deliberately irreverent, but seeing the look on her face made his blood run cold.

Don’t let her see this weakness. It was a plea to himself.

But Hisoka had no choice. He was broken, and he needed her to fix him. He wasn’t used to depending on someone else to save his life, but now his life rested in the hands of someone who most likely despised him.

"...Hisoka." Y/N breathed, her eyes widening as she placed a hand over her open mouth. Only seconds passed before her delicate hands were pulling him inside the door without hesitation. She didn't bother to ask what happened, what kind of trouble he'd gotten into, or whether she would also be in danger. Instead, she sat him down on the couch, laying a pillow under his head for comfort, which he annoyingly refused to use until he absolutely couldn’t hold his head up any longer.

Hisoka was a bit dazed from the loss of blood, and the crimson river was flowing all over y/n's lightly colored couch. He was puzzled by the swiftness of her reaction, and he watched tepidly as she shuffled frantically through the drawers in the bathroom for something to heal him. Though he was on the brink of death, his default deflection of emotions still shone through, a reflex that he didn’t even mean to activate.

“I don’t need your help, you know.” He said with an impudent grin, watching as she began to work on his wounds. “It’s just a scratch. But I can see how badly you want to touch me…” Why was he like this? Here she was, giving up everything to help him (a criminal and the scum of the Earth),yet he can’t so much as even show her an iota of gratitude. He knows, but will never admit that it comes from his inner vulnerability; that fear of getting hurt by these things called emotions. She could just as easily let him bleed to death in front of her; he knows she has the capability to be stone cold. But she won’t… why?

Why?

Y/N could have easily let Hisoka’s false complacency hurt her. But she knows that what he cannot express in his words, his heart cannot truly hide. It was the way he was built, she told herself, and she pushed on through his antics because she wanted to see him safe again. Through the laceration in his tough exterior, she could not only see the flesh beneath, but a glimpse of the man he tried to hide using the monster that he assumed everyone saw.

But she was different.

The jester was confused by her silence. Normally, she would have retorted at his smugness, but right now, she didn’t even seem concerned with it as she began to fumble with cleaning his wounds. The alcohol seared his flesh just as the emotions boiling within him burned his heart. Why would she ever care to help him when he’s been nothing but rude and degrading to her? Could it be that she really can see through the detached front and overbearing persona? Impossible, he’s spent years building that reputation!

Suddenly, he became enthralled with the way Y/N’s eyes focused on threading the needle to sew up his gash. The way that those fingertips danced over his pale skin made him jolt unexpectedly at her touch, exhibiting a softness that Hisoka has never known before. In fact, he can’t even fathom someone wanting to touch him without the intention to hurt him in some way.

The details slowly became a blur in his depressed mental state- but he still analyzed every motion Y/N made.

Oddly, the promised sting of death had never scared Hisoka before; he did as he pleased, without care for his own life nor anyone else’s. But as his vision faded, and he watched her through the gaze of someone nearing death, he realized that he did not want to leave this world yet. He wanted to live- and maybe he wanted to discover and experience what he’d been missing in those movies he’d watched through her window.

With that, Hisoka’s heart began to beat faster.

Blood loss. That’s what it is… Hisoka thought; but he wasn’t stupid; only unwilling to admit that he was beginning to exhibit the same qualities he saw in the protagonists of those hopeless romantic flicks. He was unable to accept that the tightening in his chest was not just because of her stitches pulling his lacerated skin together.

“Are they dead? Did you kill them?” Her voice brought him out of the trance-like state he was in, and his golden eyes focused on her face. Her hands were covered in his blood (which in itself made him feel delightfully feverish), but his gash had been mended, the bleeding stopped for now. Once again, he didn’t say anything. It was unusual for the smug magician to keep his mouth shut.

“Because if you didn’t kill them, I’m going to.” A protective tone dripped into her voice, bewildering Hisoka again. That quality in her voice was both threatening and comforting, and the duality sent a chill up his spine. It inspired him to use his voice, though it had lost some of its signature modulation.

“You have that little faith in me…” A cough escaped his lips before he could smile as if nothing was bothering him at all. “Of course I killed them, my dear.” Somehow, calling her ‘dear’ no longer felt right; that was typically a placeholder, a default name to use for someone he had no connection with, and she seemed to be worthy of more than that now.

As Y/N suddenly dipped to her knees, Hisoka refrained from any lewd thoughts that he normally might have had in such a situation. That sensation in his chest was too distracting to allow this memory to be defiled with something he often indulged in fantasies of. She began to slide the high-heeled shoe off of his swollen foot to wrap it. She began to struggle with ripping the fabric she’d gathered to act as a cast for the bone.

Surely, she knows who I am. Why would she bother to help someone like me? What is she gaining? She knows that with the flip of a card, I could end her life. She’s not even protecting herself in any way. She’s leaving her guard down right in front of me.

Perhaps it was his dark desire to set fear into everyone he came across, or his distorted need to drive away anyone who might care for him, but his body suddenly acted on its own. By instinct, almost as if it were a test of her intention, a card spawned between his middle and index finger, which was right against her neck. With just a slight movement of his knuckles, he could spill her blood. His golden eyes analyzed the way she froze for a moment, and he believed that to be the end of this fragile trust between them. That was until she lifted the fabric she was holding, sliding it along the edge of the card, and cutting it to the perfect length.

“Thanks.” She spoke, beginning to wrap and set the ankle in place.

At that small motion, Hisoka’s discretionary eyes widened, and his lips fell open in surprise. Rather than interpreting his advance as an attack, she’d innocently taken it as an offer of his help. Was this a joke? Was she stupid enough to trust him, or was she bold enough to outsmart his games? Was Y/N this confident that he wouldn’t just kill her? This naive girl at his feet seemed to be the only person in this convoluted world who didn’t see him as a disgusting, heartless monster… and that warmed his icy heart.

“I’m surprised this hasn’t happened before. I know you’re graceful, but high heels are always a recipe for a broken ankle.” She offset the pain of wrapping those bones by talking to him all through the procedure, and it worked wonders. He scoffed, but by that time, Hisoka’s snide comments and emotion-killing thoughts had been expended. Somehow, she’d broken through the barrier that he’d spent so long building around himself.

Unable to ignore his whims anymore, Hisoka reached out to touch Y/N’s hair, the soft delicate strands pleasing his senses. It’s the only movement he can make now, his body weakened from the loss of blood. His gilded eyes were barely open, but they looked directly into hers with an unfamiliar realization. His hand travelled weakly down her face, caressing her cheek with the most delicate touch he could muster, and held her head in his large hand as she froze there. He wondered for a moment if she was afraid, or if something deeper that he cannot see calms her.

A small, genuine smile is all he could muster for her before his hand dropped to the side of the couch, the same couch he watched her curl up on most nights. For once, it’s not a smirk, and it’s not a smug smile- but something she has never seen before- a true smile with good intention behind it. His eyes closed, with uncertainty that they would open in the morning.

After she’d finished her work, she stood up, and looked down at him. The only remaining light in the room was the silent flicker of the television set in the background, which illuminated both of their faces.

“I need you to be alright, Hisoka,” She cooed, unable to know if he could still hear her. He didn’t know if she even realized how much he wanted to kill her right now, because the way her kindness was attacking his heart while his chest was already sliced open was something he should not excuse.

As Y/N’s final healing gesture, she bent over his body gracefully. He was taken off guard when he felt the feathery soft sensation of her lips on his forehead, the kiss of an angel on his clammy skin. As she went to pull away, however, she was startled by the lunge of Hisoka’s hand initiating a death grip on her wrist. He used the last bit of his strength to pull her lips into his, causing her to lose balance and be forced to brace on either side of the couch cushion below him. His lips were cold, but Y/N graciously returned the sensation, and boldly moved to embrace both sides of his face with her mending hands. Before she pulled away, and he passed out, she felt that same smile against her lips.

And in that moment, before he fades away, Hisoka realizes what he’s been missing.

Y/N.

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

Hmm... part two? I KNOW, it’s super freakin’ sappy. I could have taken a lighthearted approach to this (and maybe I will later), but I wanted to kind of challenge myself to write a more depth-driven version of Hisoka. Maybe I bit off a little more than I can chew :0.

Anyway, let me know what you think, and once again thanks to anon for the request! Hope you all enjoyed!

Mac

[secretsolenoid]

Push and Pull

A gift for @hoursgoneby! Sorry about the delay. I hope you enjoy the fic! It’s based on your second prompt, TF: Prime Knock Out/Starscream, the morning after. No NSFW, but there’s hints about what happened the night before.

-

The thing about being on the Nemesis is…

Well. Scratch that, Knock Out thinks, as he pushes himself groggily out of recharge. There are quite a few things about being on the Nemesis, and very few of them are good. The ship is utterly and unapologetically Decepticon. Which isn’t a bad thing! Certainly not. Knock Out is, after all, a stalwart Decepticon. Unquestionably. Especially if it’s another Decepticon asking. 

But when a ship is so utterly Decepticon, there are a few design choices that tend to go along with that. A certain aesthetic expectation. It’s the kind of expectation that leads to awkwardly hexagonal hallways. It’s the kind of expectation that leads to a ship that looks like a battering ram. It’s the kind of expectation that leads to a ship full of dark corners, and illuminated in dusky blues and purples where it isn’t completely dark. The only way that one could possibly make it more Decepticon would be buillding a ship in the shape of their brand, and to Knock Out’s knowledge no one’s ever been that crass. 

Aside from the horror of living in sub-optimal lighting conditions for his perfect plating, however, the thing that bothers Knock Out most about living on the Nemesis is the complete and utter lack of privacy. 

He’s hated it before, of course. Why wouldn’t he be a little disturbed at the idea of Soundwave keeping tabs on him, on his colleagues. He hardly has anything to hide, but he misses the freedom of the open road. He misses being beholden to almost no one. 

He particularly misses not being abruptly awoken by hammering on the Medibay door. 

Knock Out is beginning to move before he even registers what he’s doing, only to find himself stopped by an arm, trapped over his plating. For a moment his instinct is to strike out, or to shout. Then he registers the slight weight of it, and the long, clawed fingers. There are streaks of his red paint along the edges. 

“Ah,” he says, and turns his head, just as the hand twitches. 

Sure enough, he’s looking into the brightening red optics of Air Commander Starscream. 

Starscream appears to be having the same dilemma, upon waking, that Knock Out is, because he gives a full-body jerk and a truly unfortunate screech. “What is the--” 

Knock Out winces, and musters his best glare. “For slag’s sake, Starscream, access your memory banks before you blow out my audials,” he says. 

Starscream’s mouth opens and closes, then opens and closes again. Really. Somehow, this is what it takes to shut him up? He wouldn’t stop pontificating, last night. Knock Out is used to being the pontificator in a relationship. 

He is also used to coming out of a night of interfacing with a little less… mess. He can feel the dragging lack of energy in his own systems, but more than that, he can feel an ache in his cables, the remnants of dispersing a good charge, all the way from his chestplate to his knee joints. He can also feel the mess on his armor, and ragged patches of paint transfers. Primus, and he’s sure there are scratches in his armor, the telltale sting of lines down his pauldrons that must mean the paint is scraped away to match the red tips to Starscream’s claws. 

Starscream doesn’t look much better. There’s a dimness to his optics, even fully opened, that speaks of a well-earned weariness, and paint transfers on his chest plating, thighs, and claws that all bring to mind certain... Well. Last night was spent rather enjoyably, if Knock Out does say so himself. It’s very entertaining to see that he still has the power to make Starscream’s expression look dazed, even if he hasn’t done altogether much to earn it this time. 

Knock Out shakes himself out of his stare. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m apparently on call.” 

As though to emphasize the point, the banging on the door starts up once more, making Starscream flinch, and his eyes narrow. 

“Then handle it,” Starscream says. There is a particular rasp to his voice that sends a little shiver rattling through Knock Out’s plating. He remembers exactly how he got that rasp there, last night. “No, wait. You’re a fright. Clean up first.” 

Abruptly, Knock Out’s good mood sours. “Oh, yes,” he says stiffly, levering himself off of the berth. “I couldn’t possibly have thought of that myself, Lord Air Commander. Not me.” 

Starscream bristles, his wings hiking up behind him. There are slight dents in the edges of those, from Knock Out backing him into a berth last night, and Knock Out has apparently left some scratches there that he doesn’t remember trying to. He checks his own finger plating for paint transfers, and finds edges of silver-gray. “Then handle it!” Starscream hisses. “And bring me something to clean up with!” 

Knock Out pulls a cleaning cloth from his subspace, and flings it at Starscream’s faceplate, though he catches it, the fragger. At least he lets out a disgruntled squawk in the process. Knock Out endeavors to ignore him in favor of pulling out a second one and giving himself a quick rub down. He can at least clean away the paint transfers, though there’s nothing he can do for the scratches themselves until he has some proper time with his paints and a buffer. 

The thought sours his mood further. He’s going to have to unlock the Medibay doors and face whatever mess has been brought to him while looking atrocious. 

“I thought I told you to be careful with the finish,” Knock Out says, eying Starscream. 

Starscream snorts dismissively. He’s busy cleaning streaks of red from his own finger plating. “I don’t recall you complaining at the time,” he says, eying the scratches decorating Knock Out’s own plating. “In fact, I recall being encouraged.” 

“What an interesting memory you have,” Knock Out retorts. “If you applied that skill for creative reasoning to our battles with the Autobots, we might have all of Shockwave’s beast parts by now.” He’s prickling with furious indignation now, and no small measure of regret. So much for thinking Starscream’s handsome face and slim jet’s figure would make up for the fatal flaw of his personality. 

Starscream’s wings bristle even further. “Don’t play coy, Knock Out,” he says, but he’s adopted a vicious little smirk now. “Or shall I replay the audio file?” 

Knock Out turns away from him quickly. “I’ve patients to attend to,” he says. “You’ll have to leave.” 

Sure enough, when he unlocks the doors to the medibay, there is a collection of battered and bleeding vehicon troopers collected around the door. Most bear the marks of blaster bolts. Some are bleeding energon. Others are carrying their own limbs, or their comrades’. 

“What did you do, anger Shockwave’s beast?” Knock Out asks, as the dispirited troops shuffle their way into the Medibay. Most of them know the drill by now, dropping limbless or unconscious comrades onto the medical berths, then lining up against the walls if they have less injuries. 

“Autobots,” one fo the braver vehicons offers. “Shockwave tracked them to some fossil…” 

“What!” Starscream screeches, again. Knock Out is busy preparing his surgical blades and does not wince, but most of the vehicons flinch. “That oaf! Where is the battle! And with no notice to the rest of us! I’ll have him up for insubordination!” 

“Are you sure, Commander, you weren’t simply… distracted?” Knock Out says, eyeing the scratches still carved into Starscream’s plating. 

Starscream’s shoulders hunch towards his helm. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, grounder,” he hisses, and makes for the door. “By the way, you missed a spot.” 

Knock Out scoffs, and struggles to search his plating. It’s only the sound of Starscream’s laughter that brings him out of it with a scowl. “You’ll pay for that, Commander,” he says. 

Starscream actually smirks his way out of the door, the fragger. “I look forward to it, doctor.” 

[chiibinomonodamon]

Let’s Clear Up Some Misunderstandings about ZackRay, SHALL WE?

Yes, I think we shall......due to all this idiotic discourse going on here.

*Note: I cannot speak for ALL ZackRays but I do believe from my interaction with many of them, they have similar feels. What I’m posting here however? This is coming from my own personal feelings.

1. “Shipping ZackRay means you support pedophilia.”

A: F*CKING NOPE....first of all, let’s get into what “shipping ZackRay” means, for me, okay....

Yes, I ship ZackRay. I referred to it as a Platonic Until Legal Love”. Which seemed to give people the misconception that “it’s waiting for a child to turn 18 so they can consent to sex”.

THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT.

Perhaps that was a very poor choice of words. Ugh. So let me explain in more detail:

I feel that Zack’s feelings for Rachael will remain platonic until she grows older and then it is possible for romantic feelings to be slowly realized over time.

Because let’s get one thing straight; I don’t think we can deny:

Issac Foster is not able to recognize what love actually is, even by the end of the series. Nobody has taught him this. He’s not emotionally mature enough to understand it. Yes, I think he feels it towards Ray subconsciously. He feels something. He knows he cares for her in a “I would be glad if you did not die/ I don’t think I can live without you” kind of way. But he hasn’t thought of it outside of that. Therefore, if he is not aware of a romantic attachment, he can’t really act on it, which cancels out (God forbid) any type of sexual feelings he would have towards her. Which cancels out “waiting until she’s legal”. Which I agree, is messed up. Ick. Btw I hate Usagi Drop’s ending. A lot.

So if you’re under the impression that I’m expecting Zack and Ray to suddenly start making out right after the last scene, uh NOPE, I’m not. What I ship...(what a lot of people ship) are those possibilities far....FAR....into the future where Zack eventually understands that Ray is the only person he wants to be with....for the rest of his life. Period. And what exactly is wrong with two consenting adults agreeing to be with each other? That’s right.

NO-THING.

It’s not wrong just because he knew her when she was a young teenager. He was not looking at her in that way. She was simply important to him as a person. And if she were to try to kiss him or something while she was young, his response would likely be “WTF ARE U DOIN”. An appropriate one, yes. XD

I was ALSO referring to my own feelings when talking about PULL. In other words, I don’t really approve of sexual ZackRay content unless she is portrayed as an adult. Mmkay....moving on.

2. “ZackRay shippers look for porn of the ship while Ray is still a child”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. THAT IS GROSS. NO THANKS, I REJECT.

3. “ZackRay shippers think adults being with kids IRL is okay.”

..........whatisthisIdon’teven.

Hey, is Zack your favorite character? Yeah? THEN YOU MUST THINK SERIAL KILLERS IRL ARE REALLY COOL!!! YOU WANT TO BE ONE, RIGHT? KILLING PEOPLE IS GONNA BE YOUR HOBBY TOO, RIGHT?

..........uh......see how idiotic that sounds? Don’t you just love being accused of that shit? Yeah, it’s really fun, isn’t it?

4. “ZackRay shippers are horrible, spiteful people who attack antis for disliking their ship”

Okay, there is a difference between “disliking a ship” and “opening attacking strangers online”. You don’t like our ship? Fine, I can respect that. Let us go our separate ways and not speak of this matter again.

DON’T.

GO.

LOOKING.

FOR.

FIGHTS.

Don’t call people out on social media posts. Don’t reblog their posts and publicly ridicule them. Don’t reblog their art and insult it. Don’t mention their names, don’t bully them, don’t TRY TO GET OTHERS TO BULLY THEM. This is sick. This is just wrong. I have recently found out that kids under 18 do in fact ship ZackRay. Which means when you attack, stalk, and harass them on tumblr, YOU COULD BE EMOTIONALLY HURTING A CHILD. Ironic for all the antis going “PROTECT TEH CHILDREEEEENZ!” Yes, protect them from your toxic attitude, how about?

5. “ZackRay shippers create content that is harmful because pedos can use it to groom children.”

And the antis seem to be under the delusion that they are SUCH special snowflakes because they were groomed this way; no guess what, ZackRays are also humans (despite what you may think) and have fallen victim to the same shit. Also, news flash, anything can be used as a grooming tool. YES, ANYTHING. And there are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more harmful ships out there (THAT ARE CANON) than ZackRay. I’ve been an anime fan for a long ass time. You think I don’t know about all the lolicon kiddie porn? You think I don’t know about Boku No Pico? THAT’S the shit you should be worried about kids and pedos finding. Not that I think fiction is really going to increase child rape crimes. If someone is intent on harming a child, they will. Reading or seeing fanart online isn’t going to influence that. They have a psychological disorder, unnatural addiction, and a lack of morals. These issues are rooted far deeper than just seeing stuff online. Getting rid of that stuff will change literally nothing. The only way a pedophile can change is to get professional help. And schmucks ranting online about how fans shipping is bad is NOT professional help. It’s certainly a professional waste of time.

6. “If shipping ZackRay is a groomed victim’s way of coping with that trauma, that’s unhealthy.”

STOP.

Are you a psychiatrist? Are you an expert in dealing with rape victims? Have you examined this individual you are criticizing?

No?

Then f*ck off. Every person is different. Every story is different. This is a stranger on the internet; who the f*ck are YOU to tell them “that coping method is unhealthy”? You don’t know their life story. You don’t know what works for them. Do you think everyone with anxiety copes with it the exact same way? Depression? Eating disorders? I happen to have an anxiety disorder, myself. Recently a friend of mine informed me that she was also diagnosed with one. I told her my symptoms and I told her what I did when I got an attack.

Guess what?

What she experiences and what I experience are as different as f*cking night and day. I was trying to be a helpful friend but it turns out I was not able to help her at all. I thought I could because I thought I was experienced. But I’m not. It was a real eye-opener.

So don’t generalize people that way. You know nothing about what they went through. Get off your f*cking high horse.

Conclusion: These six misconceptions were the most problematic ones I can think of. Now some Q and A:

Do you draw NSFW ZackRay?

No.

Will you reblog it?

No.

Do you write NSFW fanfics?

No. I’m really not into sexual stuff at all and would be terrible at writing it.

Do you support people who do?

People have the right to draw and write whatever tf they want. Censorship is bad. Just don’t harm anyone IRL. Please.

Where do you draw the line at romantic ZackRay content YOU draw, write, or reblog?

Cuddling, chaste kissing, hand-holding; absolutely nothing worse than what you’d see in a Disney movie. Romance-wise. I got nothing against Zack swearing like a sailor the way he always does. xD

Do you ship ZackRay because of their ages?

*bangs head on wall*

No, I ship them because of who they are as individuals and how they act when they are together.....you know, like a normal person.

Thanks for reading my long-ass rants.

Feel free to PM me, ask more questions, send me hate mail, whatever. I’ll probably just print out your hate mail and use it as toilet paper though...if I didn’t already block your ass. :’D

[jising-jisang-jisung]

Pink Paper Notes | Lee Felix | pt. 1

A/n: so I meant to post this on Valentine's day but I didnt finish and cant really write at the moment cuz I got hurt :( so I'm breaking it into parts so I can at least get some content out there

Genre: floof

Word count: 1,217

You can't recall when you first started receiving the notes. One day, they just started appearing around you, in your locker, at your desk, and even one on your car. Every single note had been written on pink paper in purple pen and had surprisingly good handwriting but you had no clue who was leaving these notes of confession for you. But today, when you opened your locker, the note was just on lined paper written sloppily in pencil:

Y/n, I have been debating whether or not I should give you this note and so I apologize for its lack of intricacy big words. But I really want you to know who I am. Or maybe I don't. I don't know. If you are interested in meeting me, I'll be at the Valentine's dance waiting for you. ♡

Wow. Did you read that correctly? The mysterious classmate sending you "love" letters wants to reveal himself. Sis you gotta go to that dance now, you don't have a choice. Although you aren't sure who is even sending these notes of adoration, you would like to thank them and maybe, who knows, you'll fall in love with your prince charming.

You only had 2 weeks until the dance that you had previously planned to not attend. You needed to find a cute dress to meet this admirer in. Your friend, let's call her Ryn because why not, took you shopping for a dress. She handed you a whole stack and sent you into the fitting rooms. Boy were you in trouble with this one. I'm so sorry katheryn I lub you but I h8 shopping,, anywho. While you were putting on a mid-thigh length, golden yellow, short sleeved dress aka my dream dress one of the workers came to assist Ryn.

His name was Felix and he didn't know much about dresses but his job required him to offer his help and Ryn wasn't planning on accepting because she didnt need help when it comes to shopping until you came out of the room and his face lit tf up. He just looked at you in awe, with flushed cheeks, and his mouth agape.

"I like this one! It's such a pretty color" you say in a child like tone.

"Uh I think it looks very nice too" a familiar voice spoke quietly. You looked up to see Felix a boy from your school. You knew him and you two were nice but not really friends yknow¿? But you gotta give credit where credit is due, Felix is absolutely so very hecking cute with his lil freckles. You were so caught up in a trance just kinda looking at each other until Ryn spoke: "I knew you'd like it! How much is that one" she obviously picked up on the staring thing judging by the look she threw you.

"This one is $30" I dont know how much dresses cost so sorry if that is not a good price uh "but I dont have any shoes that match :/" That's when your good friend turned to the worker. "Do you think you could help us find some shoes?" she said sweetly knowing full well that he could not do that.

As he walked the two of you to the shoes section, Ryn kept eyeing you both. "Y/n, why did you change your mind about going to the dance?" I mean, I suppose you could have told her about the notes, but why would you do that when you could,, not? "Uh because i want to fully experience the rest of my high school life?" you say in an unconvincing tone. Before she could further inquire, you were by the shoes.

"Do you have an idea of what you want?" Felix asked with a nervous smile. "Tbh, i was just gonna wear crocs" you whispered to avoid the wrath of your good friend. "NO YOU WERE NOT! YOU ARE GONNA WEAR NICE SHOES THAT ARE MOST DEFINITELY NOT CROCS!!" she most have still heard your confession.

~you buy shoes~

"So, Felix, huh?!" Ryn spews the moment you get into her room. "What do you mean?" And honestly, you are genuinely curious as to what she is implying. "He definitely has a crush on you... and you-" "I barely even know him! I don't have a crush on him. He barely knows me so obviously he doesn't like me either" you could hear yourself being too defensive and a bit rude but you couldnt prevent the words from coming out. "Chill, hoe, I was just saying what I saw. And what I saw was him looking at you like this (｡◕‿◕｡)" "shut up, Ryn, he was not"

However, the more you thought about it, the more plausible it is that he is your secret admirer or whatever. You got a note on your desk in calculus, which you two have together. His locker is also just a few down from yours so he would know which one to put the notes in. Certainly, he is a fair candidate but there are plenty of other boys who fit the role too. Subconsciously, you hoped it was the freckly boy, but you could never admit that to anyone, not even yourself.

The next day you walked into your math class and weren't surprised to see a small folded piece of pink paper.

Y/n, dont feel like you have to come to the dance just because of me. I still hope you do tho because you will look so pretty.. NOT THAT YOU DONT LOOK PRETTY EVERY OTHER DAY TOO!!

You cringed slightly at the fact that the mysterious someone was able to be so awkward even through a written note but you liked it nonetheless. But you weren't secretive enough!! That lil bitch, Ryn, snuck up behind you and read the whole freaking thing over your shoulder. Now she knows why you were so quick to change your mind.

"Y/n! Why didnt you tell me someone was giving you notes, hoe? I could've helped you figure out who it is? Omg what if it's that boy from the store?!"

"Shhhh... be quiet Felix sits right over there" sure enough a few columns from you sat the freckle faced boy. The longer you looked the more you took in. He was really handsome, to put it blatantly. But his face seemed redder than normal. And it was getting redder the more you looked.

"If you keep staring, he'll figure out that you're mentally making out with him" Ryn teased to which you responded by pinching her arm and sticking your tongue out.

"I was not" you huff. "My bad. You were booping/kissing (◕‿◕✿) each and every delicately placed freckle (◕‿◕✿) on his face" she said ever so dramatically. It was like she could read your thoughts because, well, that was what you were doing, but you weren't about to confirm that. "Ouch quit pinching me!" You hated to think about it, but you really wanted Felix to be the person who was leaving you notes.

As you were lost in thoughts of who this note leaver is, Ryn was devising a plan. She was going to find out who it is and set you tf up sister!! But, of course, you didnt know any of that.

Part 2 coming soon

Masterlist

[welcometoteamz]

Since there’s a new influx of iZombie roleplayers I figured I’d make a little PSA post to cover my bases; in case you can’t help but be a bit judgemental as you skim my blog in spite of yourself.

Relationship discussions/thoughts and such below~

I’m Tim. As far as I know, this was the first iZombie roleplay blog on tumblr. I created it March 25, 2015. The show premiered March 17th.

I don’t say this to humblebrag, bc honestly, who tf cares?

I just say this to provide some context. I’ve been here since day one, writing Blaine.

I was here during the literal year long hiatus between the end of S2 and the start of S3.

During that time I wrote Blaine’s amnesia as being a legitimate and lasting affliction. In many ways, he became almost a divergent character who was Blaine in face and name only.

He developed relationships with some characters (whose writers may or may not still be around) such as Peyton and Liv that don’t exactly reflect that in canon. So if you see something you kinda sideye, that’s probably why. Context matters. There’s backstory to certain verses that explain how and why.

THAT SAID! Though I have no problem writing canon divergent Blaine (or verses that skew off from points in canon I don’t care for) I’m also cool with/enjoy writing Blaine at any point in the timeline. S1 Zombie Blaine at his most despicable. S2 human Blaine. Amnesiac Blaine. Blaine faking his amnesia. Blaine with aforementioned permanent amnesia. Mid S3-S4 Blaine. A Blaine who is working with Major and Fillmore-Graves.

ALL THE BLAINES~ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

At the end of the day, I ship Blaine and chemistry. And just because he’s attracted to your character doesn’t mean he’ll actually catch feelings for them. In regards to canon Blaine, I refer to David’s comments and Rob Thomas’. His feelings for Peyton were real, and made him wish he had not done such despicable things in life.

Which is to say, yes, he had/may have regrets, but due to selfish reasons and not so much remorse.

Keep in mind, I’ll try to be respectful off all ships, and will refrain from publicly turning up my nose at any of yours. All I ask is that you do the same. I won’t force any ships on anyone, and I’m totally down for platonic and antagonistic relationships.

Here’s a guide tho, if it helps, to my thoughts on Blaine’s relationships as it would stand with a canon Blaine.

Thoughts on Blaine’s relationships:

-Peyton, while certainly recognizing the problematic elements. I was on board and then they pulled the rug out from under me. I have an explanation, from Blaine’s POV for why he lied, but in no way do I excuse it nor is it a justification. I won’t force this ship on anyone, I’m fine with it being platonic or antagonistic. If you want to write it, but only at certain points in time or canon divergent ones where he didn’t lie or whatever... that’s cool. Just let me know, because while I enjoy it, I know some people may be squicked out by it.

-Rita. No, they never met. No, she shouldn’t have died. Yes, I’m bitter. They didn’t meet in canon, but I can see canon Blaine being with her. As an annoyance/partner/eventual friend and possibly more. So I’m mentioning her. Mainly to promote @fairisfair, who writes her and is pretty much my exclusive Rita not that I really expect any others to pop up.

-Liv. Look. I know. In canon this is a special hell ship that would probably never ever ever happen.... but..... he enjoys her. As meddlesome as she’s been, I don’t think Blaine hates her. I think during his amnesia stint, he enjoyed and appreciated her friendship. In another world where he never killed anyone, and she didn’t see him with Boss’ goons? Who knows? Or again, developed after the amnesia and carefully done. IDK. That said I’m totally down for petty and antagonistic frienemy bickering.

-Ravi. Ravi irritates Blaine mainly due to the whole Peyton thing, but Blaine does respect and understand Peyton’s choice even if it bums him out. Ravi can be a bit nerdy and annoy Blaine, but I think Blaine has a tiiiny bit of respect for him whether or not he’d admit it. Ravi’s a good person and loyal to his friends and he respects that. Plus, his big brain. It’s also fun to rile him up.

-Major: Blaine and Major’s dynamic is so...??? Unusual? To go from trying to kill each other to unwilling alliance to Blaine being the reason Major found Natalie and Major understanding and not resenting Blaine for not wanting to remember and then now their partnership... like...we never got Major getting in Blaine’s face after it came out Blaine lied. Blaine was willing to let Major die, after Major basically was willing to be bygones and tease him about being a lounge singer. I like Maine. Not romantic Maine, but I find their relationship fascinating.

-Don E. Look, I can’t help but think maybe Don E. felt a little spurned by Blaine in addition to taken for granted... and that one sided feelings may have played a part in that. I mean he stood in the rain watching Blaine and noting Peyton, while Blaine sang about loving someone even though it hurts because they don’t love you back. But look. Blaine doesn’t treat Don E. like a lackey anymore. When those two goons in 1x04 tried to make their own brain business? Blaine killed them. When Don E. did it? ...not only do I think Blaine was impressed, but Don E. was all he had left. He was willing to forgive him stealing his clients and unfreezing Angus, and made him a partner, and appreciates him. Don E. is his only real and best friend. For all the wronging each other that went on towards the end of S2 and beginning of S3, when Angus died and Don E was there and comforting him yet saying what needed to be said? Feelings. Kissing him on the head, calling him dweeb, taking his face in his hands.

Risking his own life to save his, which had only been done before in the case of Peyton...

Blaine cares about Don E., and you can fight me on that.

Chase: Ok, this is where the bitterness starts. I would have loved a S4 of Blaine and Chase antagonistic over the fact that Blaine killed his brother but Chase can’t kill him because of the brain shortage. We saw Chase blackmail Blaine, but we never got to see Blaine call his bluff and remind him that he had him by the short n curlies as well. Be smug and lord the fact that Chase needs him now after turning down his earlier proposal, saying he had enough brains. I wanted to see them actually working well together, and coming to respect each other somehow despite hating what each stands for... culminating in a showdown.

We didn’t get that. Chase was just fine to let Blaine be after he found Mama Leone, and Harrison Graves is never mentioned, and they never have a scene again.

Angus: Ok Fuck Angus. Before we knew what a garbage human being the actor who played him is, I was mildly excited but the choice to make him a religious cult leader and the execution coupled with the fact he didn’t end up the big bad and it was just all a bunch of filler that made me have to look at that fuckface’s face?? ... not worth it imo. He should have been left to rot in the well, and in a world where he was played by someone else it would have been nice to see him take control by using Enzo to reach out to those in Fillmore Graves who were loyal to Carey Gold’s cause and staging a SHIELD/HYDRA esque coup. But that is another thread that they didn’t continue.

So alas.but in verses/threads that have to acknowledge him, the alternate faceclaim will be Robert Carlyle.

I’d include Blaine’s relationship with Clive but they’ve only had like four scenes together which go from Clive questioning Blaine/wanting to put Blaine away/questioning Blaine again/willing to let Blaine and Don E help on an investigation/questioning Blaine again....

[lovecolibri]

Kyle is getting the full-on pod squad love interest treatment now where he almost exclusively only interacts with Isobel and has to go off investigating stuff by himself for no reason whatsoever other than to further his own romance because none of these characters ever learn from past events and they certainly aren't allowed to drive the plot they're in. I am so confused by how badly they're handling Kybel despite the fact that it's an m/f ship. Neither Kyle's nor Isobel's feelings have manifested in a way that was particularly well done. One minute Kyle was glued to Steph's bedside and rejecting Isobel for her. The next he came back from his own coma fully in love with her. Now Isobel is going from wanting to share her deepest secrets with Anatsa and proclaiming her love to making eyes at Kyle in promo pics in a matter of days. And why is it only happening in a bubble where no one is allowed to notice these two might have feelings for each other? That's peak Malex right down to M*ria being the only one who knows how Kyle feels and being the worst friend possible anyway. Trevino and Lily are doing the absolute most but this still could have been so much more.

“Trevino and Lily are doing the absolute most but this still could have been so much more“ I feel like this is an issue the show is constantly having with nearly all their characters, but it’s especially glaring with Malex and now with Kybel. Kyle was still in love with Liz, until suddenly he wasn’t and there was Steph who was....SUCH a waste of time for an entire season, then she’s poof, gone, and we get nothing until Kyle wakes up from a coma and is supposedly so deeply in love with Isobel that m*ria is picking up on it with her “intuition”. Even though she apparently didn’t notice Michael was still in love with Alex in season 2 when she was going after him (though that shouldn’t have mattered when she already knew Alex was in love with Michael and feeling hopeful about the future 🙄). And we have her making meanspirited comments to both Michael and Kyle about the person she KNOWS they’re not with even though they want to be so like, what is that about? I thought she was a “saint”? 🙄🙄🙄🙄 

And now we have had both Michael and Isobel tell someone else they love them, only for that person to break up with them, leaving Alex and Kyle as their “second choice” because they got rejected by the person they loved. We KNOW Alex was always it for Michael but 99.9% of that is down to Tyler and Vlamis selling the FUCK out of those first handful of episodes and being able to carry that love through 🚗 undercutting the narrative for all of season 2, and Chris just...totally ignoring season 2 and any of the fallout for Malex to rush them back together. I’m sure Lily and Trevino will sell this as hard as they can, but it’s never going to be quite enough considering they have 6 episodes left with Kyle in them (unless they changed his contract for more episodes) to build up their soulmates story. That’s around 4.5 hours of total episode time which is...not a lot for Isobel who was just confessing how desperately in love with Anatsa she was to recover from that AND realize she likes Kyle AND that she’s ready for the epic soulmate connection like Michael and Max have, AND for Kyle to be ready to put it all out there AGAIN after being rejected so many times, and that’s just getting them together! That’s not even seeing them being adorable and in love and fighting for each other like Echo and Malex! 

No matter what we get it will be rushed, and they could have avoided ALL of that by just...setting up Kybel in season 2! They didn’t even have to get together yet! But had they cut all the nonsense with Steph and not kept Kyle from interacting with his best friend Alex, and the Pod Squad and being involved in the main plot (whatever TF that ended up being), then they would have had some groundwork laid with time for Isobel to address being against getting into anything serious after Noah and that leading to her exploring her attraction to women and having some flings and discovering herself and who she is without Noah. Season 3 should have set up Kybel a little more firmly and then we could have had them being a power couple in season 4. But that would require episode planning, good pacing, and NOT wasting time on pointless drama and we can’t have that now can we?

[tae-cev-blog]

The next major Transformers IDW events

A summary of my theory: All of the recent story arcs in IDW are similar to 1986 Transformers: The Movie’s plot. 

Warning. This fan theory contains spoilers regarding major plot points in the following comics: Transformers Ongoing (2012), Till All Are One, Optimus Prime, More Than Meets the Eye, Transformers: Redemption, and Transformers: Salvation.

My first point: The appearance of new characters. 

The '86 movie introduced a huge new cast of characters never seen before in the TV show. The G1 cartoon was very different from the IDW comics, because it was basically a half hour long TV commercial for Transformers toys. The introduction then of these new characters were basically to promote their new toy line, and from a story perspective it wasn't well done- but it was an 80's TV show, so it was pretty par the course and no one thinks less of the series because of it.

In the new comic lines, though, Hasbro and IDW haven't shied away from tackling huge changes to Transformers. MTMTE's progressive characters and setting, for example, and even the very fact that they have been exploring a plot that takes place in a post-war era, whereas almost all previous continuities exclusively take place before and during the civil war. It's worked out well for them so far. The vast political drama that comes from exploring such a major change in faction standings was outstanding, and many people loved seeing things like the vote for leader of Cybertron between Autobot candidate Bumblebee, NAIL candidate Metalhawk, and Decepticon candidate Starscream. And in recently concluded title Till All Are One, everyone loved the introduction of the idea of Metrotitan Colonies.

There are two comics, Transformers: Redemption, and Transformers: Salvation, and long story short there's Trypticon and the Dinobots and Bludgeon, and they do things. But the story centers around a major in-world event: the first ever hot spot on Cybertron since hot spots stopped appearing during the beginning of the civil war. Trypticon took those sparks deep underground, and is now essentially acting as an incubator for these fledgling new sparks.

If we look at the IDW story thus far, there haven't been many new characters. Anode and Lug, for one, and, the fan-vote generated female characters from Caminus: Windblade, Victorion and the Torch Bearers, and a few of the other Camiens. But overall, through the years most continuities have introduced 'new' characters by redesigning and reintroducing old characters from past continuities: Eukarians are mostly Beast Wars characters, for example. But no continuities- at least not in recent times- have introduced a huge amount of new characters. Not in years, and not to the scale that the '86 movie did. Part of my theory is that the sparks from Trypticon end up becoming a whole wave of brand new Transformers characters.

This would be huge.

And going back to what I mentioned before, I think IDW and Hasbro together would be exactly the team-up to take a huge risk like that. It would certainly lead, from a business perspective, to an influx of new fans because of all the new characters that can have toys made out of them, as well as contribute new and interesting modern day stories to the comics.

Returning to the basis of my theories, similarities with the '86 movie, the introduction of a wave of new characters also meant that the movie killed off a lot of old characters. That may not be the case in IDW, but it's still a possibility because of a related item, which leads to my next point. 

The second aspect of my theory: Unicron.

It's no secret Unicron is coming to IDW with the recent announcement that he'll be given his own comic title, and we now know from the image of him that he will be a massive, planet-sized being, and possibly a planet-eater: just like his first ever appearance as the center point of conflict in the '86 movie. This is a huge ticket item, especially because the IDW comics have been in sort of a 'drought' as far as crossovers go. Their last one (not including recent crossovers with other Hasbro properties such as Revolution, First Strike, and Rom vs. Transformers) was in 2012-13, in Dark Cybertron. Since then Transformers characters have gotten a bit... scattered. Blitzwing is in M.A.S.K., Skywarp is in G.I. Joe, and half of the TF cast being split between those on Cybertron (formerly) in TAAO, and those on Earth in (formerly) Optimus Prime. So it would take a major, world-shattering event to gather everyone together in one major crossover event, which- rest assured- has to be coming sometime soon.

Who better to do that than Unicron?

His appearance in what we can assume will be his planet-eating deity form is a threat to all of Cybertron, which has still been recovering after its revival (as we can see evidence of from the aforementioned new hot spot igniting). And Cybertron is the one common denominator among all Transformers characters: no Cybertronian wants to see their home planet destroyed. It would be the most appropriate conflict to draw in ever Transformer possible from every Hasbro property for an exclusively Transformers comic crossover event. Additionally, tying it into the first part of my grand theory, we don't know when Trypticon's incubation of the new hot spot's sparks will be concluded. If it were, say, just in time for Unicron's arrival, that would be incredible.

1) It would inspire a new list of characters who are united by the threat of Unicron, 2) further putting the importance of the factions behind us in-world and letting the story move forward onto bigger and better things than the war, 3) which would also further differentiate the IDW story from previous continuities. And this all leads me to the final similarity to the '86 movie. The one that has yet to happen, but I wholly believe will.

My third point: The appointment of a new Prime.

This makes sense contextually because of the recent announcement that the comic presently titled Optimus Prime will soon be continued in a comic titled "Primeless." (Though I have no proof because I hadn't chosen to share my theories yet, I predicted the assignment of a new Prime before this announcement.) The recent Transformers comics have focused a lot on Optimus lately, and a lot of it has been very controversial.

The primary example of this being his decision in the former ongoing Transformers title (originally named "Robots in Disguise," MTMTE's sister title) to annex Earth into the Council of Worlds- against the wishes of Earth's inhabitants. People thought this was a very un-Optimus thing to do, coming from the character that coined the phrase "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." (Apparently freedom of choice isn't, huh Optimus?) And he's been a very controversial character ever since then. It's actions like these that have led to characters like Pyra Magna, the leader of the Torch Bearers: the Victorion combiner team, to question Optimus' status as Prime, and suggest that either themselves or others may be more worthy of bearing the Matrix. Individually, events like these seem strange, especially out of the norm for Optimus, himself, but fit in well enough that contextually they all make sense. But when combined? It makes sense, and I'm absolutely certain, that all these little events have been building up to the inevitable: Optimus either being removed as Prime or giving up the title willingly, and a new character becoming bearer of the Matrix and IDW's new Prime.

This could be done in any number of ways. Maybe Optimus dies, maybe not. Maybe an existing character (such as Starscream, the "Chosen One") becomes Prime, maybe one of the characters from the new wave becomes Prime. Whatever the case- IDW is clearly setting things up so that we get a change of pace, and Optimus is no longer the Prime of our continuity.

In conclusion, the similarities to recent events and the setup for nearing future events in IDW to the events that structured the 1986 Transformers: The Movie plot are striking. Whether intentional, using references to the original Transformers story as a gateway to changing the franchise's future forever, or just coincidence, it proves to be an interesting source of future story in the comics to come.

[invinciblerodent]

Throwing my 2 cents to the reyes talk, I don't even think he's a good choice for Kadara and I picked him over Sloane in my last two runs. (I did it cause he's Jean's LI.) With Sloane, at least she's open about what she's doing but Reyes isn't. And there's something skeevy about him ruling in the shadows while Keema runs the show. I dk I do think Keema is strong enough to not let herself be fully manipulated by the Charlatan but in the end, it's still a puppet government.

Well, we’ll see what happens in a future DLC/games. It could mean trouble for the Angarans, as in Reyes framing them when Kadara goes to shit or could mean trouble for him, as in Keema exposes his bullshit but i mean ¯\_(ツ)_/¯¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Yeah, I thought the same from the beginning- that I’d rather be allied with a person who obviously doesn’t like me much but is much more likely to act in a predictable manner, than with a person who has made a point out of lying not just to me, but everyone else…

I don’t know if Keema is, in the end, likely to even try to resist his will in any way? This might sound cynical of me, but I don’t think Reyes would have entrusted her with being his figurehead without being convinced that she is going to do as he says… either out of a consensus between them, or because of his will simply overpowering hers, or him having some dirt on her that would force her into it? I know that’s kind of underestimating her, but we know Reyes’ character better than hers, and from what I’ve seen, I think he’s smart enough to choose a puppet the strings of which he’s actually holding. :\ Or one that only thinks itself autonomous.

(….. one thing to note is that if you choose Sloane, even if you chose to also shoot him, he still gets away with just a shot in the arm and a grudge against the both of them… I can’t help but worry that that fact will end up playing a part in whatever is going to come next? Like, if I were Sloane Kelly, after that coup attempt, I would definitely have people comb the planet for him, I’d double the guards in front of my room at night, and sleep with a(nother) gun under the pillow. And keep Ryder on speed dial. Send them a couple fruit baskets. Better safe and secure in their alliances than sorry and dead.)

I could see Keema eventually growing fed up with the situation and exposing his shady dealings though, and I certainly can see the question of Kadara pulling an Orlais and playing a larger part in the next game, but I kinda doubt that because he has the potential to be Ryder’s LI, it would be dealt with in DLC content. :) However, if that does end up coming out, that would be the most kickass DLC. I would LOVE to have to defend (or reconsider, either or) the ruler I chose in an Omega-slash-Citadel-style heist.

Like, can you imagine how cool it would be to run and gun your way through the Charlatan’s lair with nothing but your wits and a shotgun-wielding Sloane by your side (who, at the end, maybe gives you a big bright smile and a ‘thanks, kid’ in that Vivienne greatly approves voice that makes me all fuzzy on the inside with hella gay glee??????? sign me tf UP)?????? Or if you chose him, help Reyes squash the uprising staged by Sloane’s ex-right hand man which could be a great tie-in for the romance as well?????? And maybe in the end, you get to either stand by the person you chose the first time around and help them keep their position, or betray them?????????

((Side note, every time I hear Keema’s name I think of Lady Kima from Critical Role, just thought I’d share because the thought of a port being lead by a grumpy halfling sword-lesbian paladin is hilarious))

[kinetic-elaboration]

May 4: Thoughts on 4x10 Die All Die Merrily

So as expected this episode was generally pretty boring and focused primarily on the people, events, and actions that interest me absolutely the least in this show. But as I said, I was anticipating as much, so in a weird way, I was pleasantly surprised? I was expecting nothing and got a bit of something, whereas, for example, last episode I was expecting a lot and got less than nothing and was super disappointed. So... I actually feel kind of...good...for having watched it? Weird.

Anyway a few observations (in chronological order today because I actually paused to write down a few notes this time, which I don’t usually do for first watches):

Clarke would have sided with the council on the Ark, I think we’ve now more than established that. Her line to Roan “I want humanity to survive, even if it’s not my people” is pretty much indistinguishable from the guiding philosophy of the Ark, except that there were fewer “factions” on the Ark, so “my people” might mean, like, my family or my friends or this poor parent stealing medicine, etc. I’m not mad about this, I think it’s interesting. Clarke was so morally righteous about the Ark Council in early S1 but when push comes to shove she adopts their way of thinking: that the whole is more important than the parts. And even though I don’t have much by way of concrete thoughts on the Bellamy and Clarke stuff in this ep (yet?) I do think it’s inevitable, narratively, that they come to a head, because his guiding philosophy for the apocalypse is “We save who can we save today,” which is much more about the parts than the whole. (ETA: I do know she was lying but this is her philosophy, that the big picture is the most important thing. And while she was obviously taking the bunker for just her people, not the Grounders, she was also influenced by her belief that Luna would win, meaning that it was her people or nothing in her mind.)

I’ve never cared for Echo as a character or thought much about her appearance wise but she was looking hella hot in this episode.

Octavia’s Roan voice is hilarious. “I am a serious warrior now, a Damaged Person who’s Seen Things and Felt Tragedy and now wields Weapons of Death so I must talk in a low gravely voice all the time.” Imagine S4 Octavia stepping out of the dropship and snarling “We’re back bitches” lol.

I was thinking during the announcement of the champions (or whatever they’re called) that this Grounder language really makes no sense and is not consistent. I mean obviously they’re going to primarily speak English on this show but...didn’t they say once that only warriors understood English? I bet they’re regretting that line hardcore right now. Because it is QUITE obvious that everyone and their baby sister knows English.

Because my never-indulged-in kink is Emotional Conversations and Relationship Development there were a few scenes I liked. I enjoyed Bellamy and Octavia and Kane: I liked how smart Bellamy was (side note: the whole mess with Clarke and the twist ending could have been avoided with proper communication; she didn’t realize O had like a Great Plan in place to win and basically gave her up as a lost cause too soon haha), I liked the Octavia and Kane hug. I also enjoyed the Indra and Octavia scene, though it would have been better if their history wasn’t quite so...fraught. And I liked the Indra and Gaia and Kane and Bellamy scenes as well. Probably my favorite of this set was the Kane and Indra conversation, though. It still bugs me that we have no idea how they became the BroTP of BroTPs but...at least we have them.

Bellamy: “I will not stand for cheating! I will not stand for it!!!!!” The moral core of the show.

I hate Polis but it is a cool set, I will give it that.

Unpopular opinion but: Luna is the worst. I have never been a Luna fan. I liked her introduction and the first shot of her rig but ever since she’s been nothing but annoying and she’s been Extra Annoying this season. I do not regret in the least bit that she is gone lol. Maybe I should be interested by her whole philosophy and story or whatever but I’m just...not. It strikes me as very shallow and flat. Like absolutely the least amount of thought was put into it. Let’s-go-to-the-common-room-and-talk-about-apartheid Unyielding Morally Superior Undergraduate Faux Hippie devolves into Unyielding Pseudo-Goth all-humanity-is awful-without-question-or-exception kill machine is just not compelling I’m sorry.

Basically my biggest problem with this episode is that it is an Octavia episode and I’m just not that interested in her and haven’t been...well, ever, really, but I lost what little interest I did have in her when Lincoln was killed. Like, the episode was actually better written and plotted than I was expecting, but I still couldn’t really care about its main character. I do wonder why this is. Is it because of the fandom? Is it because her arc has been badly written? Is it just because it’s not to my taste, not bad in any way in particular but just not suited to my personality? I don’t know,

Re: the Roan and Echo scene: where tf did the word “sire” come from? Like I know what it means but has anyone ever called anyone else that on this show before, ever? It seems like kind of a weird word to survive the apocalypse considering these people’s closest real world ancestors are 20th century East Coast Americans lol.

Anyway, Roan was great in that scene, though. I liked his devotion to honor as an abstract concept not just like a badge you show to people so you can trick them into trusting you, and honestly it’s scenes like this that make me sad to see him go/hopeful that he’s not actually gone.

Also re: that scene, while I am of the belief that it’s Octavia, not Bellamy, who is at fault for the sibling rift, I did think the sequence where she overhears him talking about her was touching. Like I was touched ngl.

While watching Kane and Indra and appreciating their friendship, I started wondering if inter-clan dating/marriage/procreation is a thing. Like they all mingle together in places like Polis, certainly some people have got to fall in love outside of their little group. What happens then? Does one person leave their clan? Were there people watching the conclave who were like ‘well, my husband’s clan is gone but my birth clan is still in the race, I wonder if I can like sneak him in when we win?’

Re the deaths: I don’t care. As I said, I’ve never liked Luna, and as I might have mentioned repeatedly in other posts, I’ve never liked Ilian either so good riddance to bad rubbish that they’re gone. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Roan, and my mom likes him so I feel bad for her that he’s gone, but my feeling generally is...if he does miraculously come back, that will be cool, but if he doesn’t, I won’t miss him. In a way, I’m glad for all of these deaths because I feel like they were supposed to be really Upsetting and Scandalous and maybe that means we’ve filled our quota of death for the season. (Also, except for arguably Roan, these are all the sort of people who die a lot on this show: mid-level guest stars, characters introduced earlier in the season, etc. These sort of deaths comfort me because they show me the writers have some idea of how to kill people in a “we gotta kill people SOMEtimes” environment, as opposed to deaths like Wells’s or Lincoln’s that are just like ???? narratively.)

As for the ending...I know O made the right call morally and that in a sense it was the only thing she could do in this story and in order to fulfill the theme. She had to say the bunker is for everyone because that’s the truly humane thing to do; it not only honored Lincoln, it showed how wrong Luna was about the inherent badness of people. But...honestly when she was talking my first thought was to groan and think that this means that YET AGAIN an ENTIRE EPISODE was literally and completely POINTLESS like omg will literally ANYTHING happen EVER??

And the ending...Ok. IDK what to think of Clarke’s decision morally, like I didn’t have an instinctual reaction to it and I haven’t thought much about it because I just finished the ep like half an hour ago... but practically speaking, as it turned out, it was really dumb lol. If she had just let things run their course, Octavia would have won anyway, and then they’d be in place to keep the bunker without betraying anyone (or, more importantly, causing damage to the incredibly precarious political peace that Roan established with the conclave idea) and it would be fine. I mean, she’d have to contend with O’s promise to give space to other people but like I said, I don’t think Arkadia still has 1200 people so there’s wiggle room here. Plus, Octavia’s pronouncement made everyone all warm and fuzzy and compliant for literally the first time possibly EVER, so I think arguably some nice diplomacy, like by Kane perhaps, could have had at least a shot of smoothing things over. But nope. Griffin’s gotta do it all herself.

Basically, I’m saying: way to have faith in your friend, Clarke. Yet again she says all the right things, but then just like...does whatever the fuck she wants (see what I did there?) otherwise. I mean it’s very consistent and definitely IC of her and in that sense I can’t be mad, especially because her ruthlessness is actually one of my favorite traits of hers in a way but... I would like to see her grow. Finally. A little.

In particular “I have no choice,” “I did it because I had to,” “I’m doing what I have to do” and all variants thereof need to die. Or at least be Called Out. Because it’s never true that only one choice exists to a person, first of all. And second, it’s obnoxious. It’s a pass the buck phrase if ever there was one. I guess what I’m saying is I’d like Clarke to take responsibility for her actions finally, especially because I think she’s had enough opportunity to learn this lesson.  I thought maybe her S3 experiences might have helped. Also and most significantly, experimenting on herself instead of Emori in 4x08 did seem to be her finally comprehending that “I have no choice” is a falsehood. I know she was still being a martyr when she did it (her misuse of the Dante line) but STILL. UGH.

Also...obviously there’s a lot of THE SKY PEOPLE ARE BECOMING MT. WEATHER AHHHH going on, and it’s not subtle (experimenting on people, “welcome to Mt. Weather,” the gas canisters that are literally from Mt. Weather, the 4x09 blockade), but I don’t...really know what to make of it tbh. It’s falling a bit flat but I don’t know if that’s just me being dumb and/or unappreciative or if it’s a problem with the construction.

Yay two seconds of Miller. I love seeing him as a leader type.

BUT...sorry, what is this ridiculous stuff about each Station getting like half a floor though? Alpha, Mecha, Farm, and the occupants of prison station made it to the ground. That’s it. And most of Farm was killed by Ice Nation either during the hiatus or in 3x03. So, like, where are these alleged Hydra station survivors? Are our three Factory people (Bellamy, Octavia, and Mel) going to get a whole level to themselves or something? The inconsistency, it astounds.

And...yep, that’s that.