#books describe. they see him as a friend first and just find his personality (beyond the prickliness) so refreshing and comforting bc he rl

[elgaravel]

okay jasper brainrot again

[nrdmssgs]

HC for Nikolai, pls!! Love it how you describe him! ☀️

Masterlist

First of all, thank you so much since I wasn't sure, anyone would find my interpretation of this character pleasing in any way, because he is... not the nicest guy out there in some situations. I never wanted him to be a saint and I'm happy, we are together in this boat with you)

Second, please next time let me know if you need only sfw or also nsfw versions, because when it comes to CoD, especially to this man - I need to be restrained, otherwise things might happen... I'll try my best to behave this time.

TW: a bit of swearing.

So our guy is a fixer. No, wait, he is The Fixer. Nikolai comes from the culture and time, where everyone saw each other as a vital source of information, services or goods, that one day may help or even save them. That's why Nik always knows a guy, who knows a guy - it's just his nature.

What's in there for you? Let's say, you were deployed for a longer time, you've initially planned, and you are out of some medication, you normally buy in your home country. It's not a matter of life and death, but you would feel nicer, if you had it. But here is the problem: in this part of the globe, no one ever heard of such a medication. Of course you can always go to Price or even Ghost for help, and they will go above and beyond to get you what you need by the very next day. But if you need it in the next few hours? Yep, Nik is your man. He can get anything, anywhere, anytime.

That be said, his most significant weapon is not his body or friendship with Price, not his heli, not even Chimera - it's his tongue. He may never read a single book on psychology, but he feels, what and when to say to push all the buttons, he needs.

Believe me, you want to be on his side, when he starts talking, because he can be cold, manipulative and ruthless in negotiations with his enemies.

Nikolai tries to guard you from this side of him (no matter if you are just his squad mate or love of his life), but it's not always that easy. And if it happens so that his words hurt you in any way - he will feel disgusting. Guilt will torment him for a very long time, because Nik will be sure that no apology is enough.

Ok, before this gets too dark, let's talk about the other side of this skill of his. He loves to fluster you. It amuses him, how just a few words and an occasional touch can paint your pretty face red.

Can and will flirt with you just to see, where your borders are. Will start it in private, only to allow himself comments on the verge of flirting when the rest are around. He can't help it: panic, that he awakes in your eyes is too cute and endearing.

Of course, he will stop it right away, if he sees, you are really uncomfortable with such interactions. Nikolai wants to be a friend, not a terror.

But if you actually answer back? Buckle up, because Nikolai is not the one to back away easily. His commentaries will become more explicit to the point, where he leans over your ear for just a couple of seconds, but you are suffocated by the heat that hit your head for the next hour.

Don't even try to make him blush and lose his concentration in return. Or try, but be ready to fail. Your fingers tucked under his shirt, wide grin accompanying some frivolous joke leaving your lips, all for the sake of making him flustered? Won't work. All you are going to get is a smirk and a sly squint. "Go on, show your pilot, what you have on your mind."

Nik will notice and remember every reaction on his words and actions. Btw, let's hope you don't have a thing for accents, because he may play it cool, be he definitely will remember, how you hold your breath for a short moment every time you hear his voice right above your ear.

Your personal space is a relative concept to Nikolai. He respects it, but keeps changing his opinion on how wide it is, sorry.

One of the best, most loyal friends, you could ever wish for. Always on your side, even if you are wrong.

If anyone hurts his friends and loved ones - Nikolai doesn't give a flying f*ck about laws or moralities. If anything endangers you - it is to be dealt with, even eliminated. If anyone takes you from him?.. Well, they better have a d*mn army ready.

Because Nikolai not only pulls his many strings and has the support of war heroes like Price - Nik may come after his enemies with the Chimera. And this is where things might really get sinister, since... Not all Chimera mercs are famous for their compassion and law-obidience.

Putting it in a very light wording: those who manage to survive an encounter with this organization will soon envy those who did not see their next dawn. And Nik won't hold himself or his men back until you are safe in his hands again.

I don't want to end on a sad note, so here are random fluff hcs.

Of course Nikolai can take 'no' as an answer, but if you are that 'unsure, need a bit convincing' type, he'll gladly proceed. You will be surrounded by his attention and small manifestations of care.

Expect to be constantly wrapped in his jacket if you accidentally mention that you're freezing in a helicopter.

Little presents, knick-knacks from all over the world. But there is a story behind every single one. A story, he whispers to you, after he dragged you to a far table, away from prying eyes.

Light touches. Not suggestive ones, but comforting. Because despite his jokes and flirting, he offers not only his body - most of all, he wants to share his warmth with you.

He loves to make you laugh and will develop inner jokes with you.

If you feel, you are slowly but surely falling for him - make sure to not tell anything to Price, because those two have no secrets between them.

Nikolai will cook for you every time you visit him. Not because his food is something worth of a Michelin restaurant, it's just an old habit: guests must be fed. Don't forget, he comes from a place, where people often had to cook a full 2-3 course lunch from a scrap, so feeding you is not a challenge for this guy, even if you show up at his door at 3 am.

Nikolai will invite you for walks in the forest. In summer and spring, you can agree without worries. In autumn and winter, it is better to be careful. Early autumn is the mushroom picking season (then your walk can drag on for hours). Winter... Do you feel safe in a forest covered with snow with a big Russian guy? Do you? Well, I have 2 words for you: snowball fights.

Don't blame me for not warning you, when you end up with snow in every single piece of your clothes and Nik hovering over you, not letting you rise from a snow pile. Of course, he'll help you get dry, warm and cozy afterward.

[anxious-witch]

Part two of how Dead Boy Detectives shows different ways of love/lust/devotion throughout the characters' rs.

Part one

This part is gonna focus on Edwin/Monty and part three is gonna be about Crystal/Niko(bc I can't shut up, apparently)

So before I delve into Edwin/Monty dynamic, let's just take a look at Monty as a character in his own right.

He is quite literally a crow turned human and then turned back to the crow again. There is this tumblr post that describes the concept of madness in terms of eldritch horror. Basic idea is that madness is when you are an ant, but then for a moment, you can comprehend things as a human would, just to have it taken away again. You have a memory of understanding things far beyond your comprehension, but you can't understand them anymore. That is true madness.

And Monty experiences that, both with being overwhelmed with human emotions and it clearly taking a toll on him in the short period that he is human, and then gets turned into a crow again. Clearly there is still some recollection and understanding he possess, due to the fact he helps Charles, but we'll never really know.

Either way, the bits and pieces we see of Monty's life as a human, we can safely say he has very little to no agency of his own. He was created to fulfill a goal-to lead Charles and Edwin into a trap.

I am not usually a big fan of characters who were "born yesterday" experiencing romance and defining themselves through it, but I think DBD carried out that trope in such a beautiful and unique way. We can't know for certain, but based on Esther's reaction to seeing Monty flirt with Edwin, I think we can conclude she didn't give him direct instructions on how to get their trust. Which meant that Monty choose to pursue Edwin on his own volition.

It was at least a bit out of practicality, I'm sure, since Charles and Crystal had their thing going on, but there was also something that drew Monty to Edwin. I think what's so special in their relationship is that Monty seems surprised Edwin reciprocates his attempts-until the kiss that is. Edwin may scoff at astrology, but then he intently listens to Monty explaining his chart to him. He recommends a book to him, and discusses it with him. He even agrees to go on a night stroll with him!

I don't fully blame Monty for reading Edwin wrong. Up until that point, Edwin seemed very open to his advances. It's easy to us, as the viewer to know Edwin's focus is elsewhere, and that he sees what he and Monty have as friendship.

Anyway, I am derailing my point. What I think is done brilliantly is that the very few choices Monty is allowed to make are centered around Edwin, but they also tells us a hell lot about Monty himself! Monty sees love as a way of understanding a person. That's why he makes Edwin's chart, and whenever you believe in astrology or not, he clearly does. And he thinks he knows Edwin. Edwin is determined, stubborn, protective, but also kind and thoughtful.

Which is why it's such a blow when he completely misreads Edwin's feels during the swingset scene! Monty's idea of love, as naive as it, is shattered. Because it turns out he doesn't know Edwin at all. The whole meeting in the woods, where the Cat King appears only crushes him further, but he felt betrayed even before that.

"Charles is the one you have feelings for. It is so obvious!" Sounds quite a lot like someone who didn't find it obvious up until it was too late to take his actions back. Because it turns out you cannot know a person so quickly. They are much more complex. Too complex, for someone who is only few weeks human, like Monty is.

But then, Edwin admits that he still cared for him. That Monty was his first kiss and despite Edwin not reciprocating his feelings, he is still his friend and that still matters to him greatly. Because there is a more than one way to love and care for someone. Which, by the Monty's reaction, he didn't realize up until that moment.

Immediately upon realizing it, what does Monty do? He turns everything around. Yes, the Cat King stops him and exposes his secret so his attempt is moot, but let's not forget the fact that Monty was about to throw away everything for Edwin in that moment. His whole history with Esther, the threat of her possible vengeance, everything he is up until that point. All because Edwin cares for him. Genuinly, truly confirms he cares for him.

I think that's what makes it so powerful. It isn't romantic love that sways Monty. No, it's the thought of genuine care despite Monty's wrong assesmwnt of Edwin's feelings that changes him.

All Monty wanted was to be cared for. Whatever consideration Esther has for him seems more of the consideration someone has for a useful tool at her disposal. But not Edwin. Edwin cares.

It tells us a lot about Edwin too! Edwin, who says "I am not good with people", Edwin, who protested at Crystal joining the agency because she alive, Edwin, who insisted the living are messy. Yet, up until it's revealed Monty betrayed him, he clearly cares so much, taking his case despite it clearly not being top priority. Because he wants to be Monty's friend, even if he can't love him back.

I also think that, if it wasn't for Monty bringing up Charles and making Edwin feel defensive, Edwin would have forgiven him right then and there. I mean like, just look at his face when he asks Monty if he was just pretending to be his friend and Monty says: "At first, yes! But then, no."

Edwin sympathizes. Edwin forgives Simon for killing him and dooming him to Hell. I don't believe for one second he wouldn't be able to forgive Monty if he knew even a fraction of what he endured by Esther. About how little choice he had in the entire matter.

It's really unfortunate they don't get more scenes together because I feel like they changed each other sm in only a matter of days? Weeks? That they had together. Edwin learned to be more open towards things that are not purely rational, ie astrology, and more importantly, he was learning how to open up, and share his interests with people who aren't Charles. As much as I love Charles, he clearly isn't as interested in reading and literature as Edwin is and that's okay! But Edwin had someone to express that side of himself with, who could reciprocate and open new things for Edwin.

I actually do believe that, under different circumstances and with more time, Edwin could have returned Monty's feelings. Which makes the whole thing more tragic, but alas.

Another interesting thing that occurred to me is that both Monty and the Cat King die by the hands of Esther and her cane when they admit to their love for Edwin. Which, I think, once again symbolizes how those feelings are just too big for the state they are currently in. For the Cat King, that love tirns him more mature and somber. For Monty, it's too overwhelming, and he turns back to his old state, unable to handle them. And yet-even in that form, he cannot deny them, not when Edwin is screaming and he has a chance to help Charles free him. Because as much as we try to go back to how we were before, love, even through heartbreak, changes us.

And Simon-Simon also changes forms after accepting his love for Edwin. He quite literally earns his redemption after it. And Charles? Well, Charles comes out of hell, his shirt back to bright red, because Edwin's love uplifted him sm.

Edwin Payne, truly the man that inspires devotion in everyone he meets

[thegreenthepeacetheorange]

Everlark (Mockingjay, Ch. 11)

in CF, katniss thought that if peeta died, she would be broken beyond repair but her realising snow's latest horror is what really does it: peeta being tortured to get at her. and she really begins breaking

"the pain over my heart returns. and from it i imagine tiny fissures spreading out into my body. through my torso, down my arms and legs, over my face, leaving it criss-crossed with cracks. one good jolt of a bunker missile and i could shatter into strange razor-sharp shards" - her descriptions of her heartbreak are so vivid, my god

it's like katniss really avoids talking about her feelings of love for peeta at any opportunity. obviously her whole 'we're friends' thing in the first two books but in this book she is clearly devastatingly heartbroken but she can't give it a name even though she can describe in vivid intense detail how her heart feels. and she says in so many ways that she loves him without outright saying it, like here: "i find finnick, feeling for some unspecified reason that he will understand." what is that unspecified reason katniss???

the annie/finnick and peeta/katniss parallels again because finnick is broken in the same way that katniss is being broken now

finnick realising that katniss loves peeta, before katniss herself does/can put a name to it. he's so real for that. (i think it's true for everyone in katniss's life because i know gale/prim/haymitch/her mother etc knows she loves peeta like that too)

i know finnick says that he's not saying in what way she loves peeta but i think it's clear, especially with the parallels with him/annie but i appreciate that he gives her this space.

but i think this is a turning point for katniss where she's able to admit to herself that she actually LOVES loves peeta, as in she's in love with him. finnick telling her that she loves him is like the missing puzzle piece she needed. she needed someone to say it like that. and now she knows and accepts it herself. she doesn't question it, she just asks him how he lives with it. she allows herself to give her love its name.

including this whole paragraph because it's kinda funny:

As I turn to go suit up as the Mockingjay, I catch Gale watching me and Finnick unhappily. What now? Does he actually think something's going on between us? Maybe he saw me go to Finnick's last night. I would've passed the Hawthornes' space to get there. I guess that probably rubbed him the wrong way. Me seeking out Finnick's company instead of his. Well, fine. I've got rope burn on my fingers, I can barely hold my eyes open, and a camera crew's waiting for me to do something brilliant. And Snow's got Peeta. Gale can think whatever he wants.

katniss is so fucking done with gale and his nonsense. "what now?" like she is breaking apart because peeta is being tortured in her name and then there's gale thinking her and finnick are flirting. complex character etc etc but gale is irritating and he needs to get a grip.

boggs confirming that peeta's warning helped district 13 in evacuating earlier - again peeta saving katniss and the people she loves, at a great risk to his own life.

finnick and haymitch are really her people in there, in 13. feeling what she feels. looking out for her. comforting her. the fact that whenever she looks at finnick, she essentially sees herself reflected back. because he too cares about peeta, and shares her suffering in regards to worrying about annie. gale doesn't come close to the friendship and support they offer.

she decided to use being the mockingjay to save peeta's life and now she realises that being the mockingjay will directly harm him and it's all just too much.

"but in the end, the only person i truly want to comfort me is haymitch, because he loves peeta too" - i think this is the first time katniss actually admits she loves peeta, and i think her earlier conversation with finnick plays a big part in it. like it all just clicked for her. and she truly knows it now. and there's no going back.

haymitch sitting by her bedside when she wakes up. that's his kid for real.

the fact that finnick lost it just after katniss did and had to be sedated too. what a broken brady bunch.

[robynlilyblack]

Forever then

Remus Lupin x fem! shy! reader

Summary: Remus wakes to find the girl he can't stop thinking about at his door

Warnings: swearing, friends to lovers, first kiss, mutual pining, mentions of sex and slight sexual tension, fluff, one bed trope, one proofread

A/n: 2k words, thank you for the request, enjoy xx

Navigation | Remus Lupin Masterlist

“What can I do for…you” 

Remus opens the door to his hotel room a little stunned, slightly by the hour of the knock but more so by the person on the other side 

“Hi love” he gives you a warm smile, voice soft as it always was around you

“Hi Rem” you chew on your bottom lip, breathing out slowly as you try to form an answer, an answer you had practised a million times but had since forgotten the moment he opened the door 

“Do you need something? Do you need help?” he asks, stepping forward a little during the second question but tries to mask how concerned he was over whatever was wrong, even if it was something tiny

“Well I…you see…” you look down, shying away at what he realises must have been rather intense eye-contact “I was getting into bed…” 

Remus’ heart picks up, were you laying in bed thinking of him just as he was sitting with his unopened book thinking of yourself?

“But when I opened the covers there was this big old stain in the middle…it freaked me out a bit” you cringe, looking back up and frowning

“Oh” he snaps out of his slight disappointment yet is still overjoyed you came to him first…even if you were one of his closest friends “Well if you want t…” he stops himself

There were spare sheets in the wardrobe, he could easily give you them and send you on your way back down to the, quote, tiny shitty room Marlene had described to him earlier or…

“You can take my bed if you want” he offers instead, loving the way your face lights up, but then you tilt your head

“Where would you sleep though?” you pout ever so slightly

His eyes linger on your lips, so kissable, wait no Remus stop “Umm…” he looks around the room the back at you “I can sleep on the floor, or that chair” he gestures to it

You eye the chair “Rem you can’t sleep on that you’ll fuck your back” you say without thinking, eye widening at your own swear and volume 

He chuckles sweetly “Then what would you suggest I do love?” he wonders, purposefully saying the pet name in a lower tone

You let out a noise he’d thinks not only you could describe yet it’s the single best thing he’s ever heard

“The…” you look around the room “The bed is…there” you note a little awkwardly

“The bed is there” he nods to it, nerves beginning to grow with where you’re going with this

“We could…we could share it” you suggest looking anywhere but him

Remus stays quiet for a moment, analysing your body language, you’re certainly nervous, in fact he can hear your heart racing, but he also knows you well enough to know you aren’t uncomfortable 

“If you’re sure” he replies softly knowing you most likely wouldn’t sleep if you refused, giving you a smile that you return shyly with a nod “You can get in then. I just need to get changed” he tells you, watching you nod once more and slowly walk over to the bed while he heads to his small travel case

Fiddling with the zip he flips it open, rummaging through it when he curses “Shit”

“Is everything okay?” he hears you ask behind him

Remus looks at you then his case, he’d forgotten a shirt, sure, he was wearing one now but it smelt like a bar and was all smokey. If you weren’t here he’d probably not even bothered to get changed just crashed but now he was panicking. He wouldn’t submit you to sleeping next to him smelling like this, nor being shirtless which would most definitely make you uncomfortable, and as much as he knew you knew of his condition, he didn’t want you to see how ugly his chest was, then he’d really have no chance

“Remus?” 

He turns back to find you looking beyond nervous, you think he’s changed his mind

“I forgot a shirt for bed” he states and your shoulders relax “I’m sorry” he apologies but you only look in thought…and then start unbutting your night shirt

“Y/n” he rushes over to the bed, grabbing your wrists to stop you “What are you doing?” he asks frantic, trying his best not to look down

“I…” you shrink into yourself and he realises his rougher hands are engulfing your own a little tightly and he lets go was an apologetic whisper “It’s okay Rem…I was going to…” you let out a shaky breath “…going to give you mine”

He shakes his head confused, a pink tint appearing on his cheeks “Love that’s awfully nice of you but then you’d be…shirtless” his voice wavers, merlin you made him weak

Your eyes widen at that, letting out a small bashful laugh “I have a vest on underneath” you tell him

“Oh” he smiles, letting out the breath he was holding “Sorry…mind out of the gu…” you tilt your head so he stops talking, not wanting you to know he was thinking anything but the purest of thoughts  “Thank you. You only have to give it to me if you’re one hundred percent comfortable. I’m happy to shirtless” he lets go of your hands “Or again the floor if that…makes…you…” whoa

His words slow down and trail away as you resume your previous movements, revealing a little black vest under your shirt, and it’s clear you’ve got nothing underneath that

Minds running down the gutter now

“Here” you slip it off and hand it to him before turning around to get into bed, to which Remus scandalously watches you crawl in, gulping as your shorts ride up 

He then quickly moves into the bathroom, getting changed into his checked trousers and then your shirt. Slipping it on it smelt just like you, fabric soft against his skin just as he imagined yours would be, yet he chuckled at how it looked rather comedic on his frame compared to yours

Exiting the bathroom he sees you looking confused in the centre of the bed “You alright there?” he asks as he approaches

“I was…” you stop and do a double take at him, a light smile playing on your lips

He grins, licking his lips “You can laugh” he grants permission and series of small giggles escapes you 

“You look cute” you tell him, still giggling yet your eyes tell him it’s nothing but the truth

His cheeks warm “Speak for yourself bunny” he approaches the bed “You gonna take up the whole bed or what” he pretends to shoo you over

Your giggles die at the pet name and compliment, eyes lighting up at it before you quickly shuffle over “Sorry” you needlessly apologise and then again as you fail to pull the cover up but it’s tucked in too well

“Let me bun” Remus continues to use the name, loving your reaction far too much to let it go now

He only needs one yank of the sheets and they are released, allowing you both to pull them up and over your shoulders as you move onto your sides, facing one another

“Hi” you gift him a shy smile, nose nudging into the covers in a way he finds all too endearing

“Hey” he smiles back, heart picking up at how close you were, your small breaths ghosting his own

“Thank you for letting me stay” you shuffle a little closer, the smallest and cutest gasp escaping you as your legs graze his

“Of course, I am a gentlemen after all” he smirks, deciding against calling himself your friend as the reminder would hurt him too much, and little did he know it would have wrecked you too “Are…” his words lose him as you shuffle closer, hands moving to his sides but hovering whilst you seek permission

“Can you hold me? You’re really warm” you ask looking slightly terrified you’ve overstepped a boundary

Remus couldn’t feel the cold, in fact, he was pretty much a hot water bottle. A perk of his wolfish side, and a perk that was going to get him cuddles from his favourite person

“Course bunny” his arms wrap around you, guiding you onto his chest as he rolls onto his back, one hand firmly around you, caressing the small of your back while the other can’t help but brush away the baby hairs that have fallen over your face

Your eyes flick up to meet his, but it’s brief as every stroke of his hand causes them to flutter beautifully. Everything about you and this moment was perfect. Like something one imagines in your head, yet this was real, and it was the moment Remus needed to ensure you never became a what if in his life

“Bun?” he gains your attention, hand slowly gliding down to your neck then back around to your chin, gently pinching it before he cups your cheek

Your eyes open, humming in reponsonse as your mouth parts as his movements, body leaning impossibly closer as a result “Rem…” you whisper as his thumb trails down your cheek finding your lips, gently running the pad along before his hand cradles your jaw and pulls you in

Remus’ heart was thumping, terrified you would jerk away but you don’t, actually he’s sure before his eyes close you’re smiling. It’s confirmed when your lips meet in the sweetest kiss, pulling back only to tilt your heads before you capture them again yet this time it’s deeper, all the feelings that had been floating around for years coming to the surface. 

Remus’ hand falls from your cheek to slither around your back, pulling you flush against him and causing a small gasp to escape you. He chuckles as he recontects your lips, feeling your burning cheek against his own

He kisses you for what feels like forever. When you do finally part you’re both breathless, but as he opens his eyes he finds you smiling so wide your eyelashes kiss your cheeks, shining brighter than the sun and he falls all over again, wishing he had done this sooner

“I always liked you” he confesses, and your eyes widen, mouth agape “Can’t be that much of a surprise” he chuckles at your honest to merlin bewilderment 

“I wasn’t sure you…liked girls” you confess quietly, looking embarrassed for not knowing but he could never blame you, looking at his history anyone would think that

“Maybe that is true in a way…” he starts and his heart aches at the pout up wear “...because I don’t like you, I love you” your hurt deepens until he says those final three words, 

“You love me?” you confirm, eyes glistening 

He nods “How couldn’t I? Have you met you?” he nudges his nose into yours, revelling in the giggle it produces “Prettiest bunny in the whole world, inside and out”

You shy away at that, hiding your glee in his chest as you mumble “And you’re my pretty wolf, inside and out” causing his heart to burst in a way he didn’t know possible, not even minding the reminder when it comes from your lips “Rem” you tilt your head up so your chin rests on his chest

“Yeah?” he looks down at you, doing his best not to just cut you off with a kiss

“I always loved you too” you confess, kissing his now exposed chest as the shirt's buttons had come undone during your previous make out session to which his hand drifts up from your hip, tilting your head back up for him to place a chaste kiss “You’re mine now right?” you check “Only mine?” you add with a hint of possessiveness yet in the softest tone

He smiles, melting into nothing as he lets out the smallest chuckle before saying “Yes and yes” he kisses your nose “For as long as you want me” he guides you back down into your previous cuddling position, and just when Remus though his  heart couldn’t get any fuller you say

“Forever then”

Thank you for reading ♡

[lotusflowerbreakingthesurface]

Wu Xie's Birthday Congratulations

On this special day, let's get to know the cutest protagonist in DMBJ, Wu Xie aka Tianzhen aka Xiao San Ye, in a deeper understanding although everyone must already know him (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

One of the best ways to understand what kind of character Wu Xie is by reading the book. I found some interesting meta/analysis about Wu Xie (and PingXie) and I want to share them here. However, everyone has a different perception and understanding of things, so just take it easy, okay? ദ്ദി(ᵔᗜᵔ)

Note: I'm not good at Chinese, feel free to correct me if you find some mistakes.

⚠️ Very long post ⚠️

Uh, I feel bad that this post turned out to be so long, while Xiaoge's birthday is so short, sorry Xiaoge! >.<

First of all, let's refresh our memory about Wu Xie that was going around on Chinese sites and other sites as well.

Wu Xie's Apperance

Source: Baidu

Handsome, with a face like a crown jade, fair skin, gentle and restrained, bookish, and as gentle as jade.

Slender hands: "Unfortunately, although my hands are slender, I have no strength at all." (Daomu Biji: Angry Sea, Hidden Sands Ch. 42 [MereBear's Translation] | Chinese version Ch. 13)

Pretty face: "Tianzhen, your original face is pretty. Why do you need to be the same as your Uncle Three?" (by Pangzi, Daomu Biji Vol. 8 Ch. 25 [MereBear's Translation])

Occasionally wear glasses (NPSS's interview)

As a lotus flower breaking the surface (idiom): "Indeed, our family’s Tianzhen is a fresh and clean refined little master, a surpassingly beautiful young public figure ..." (by Pangzi, Tibetan Sea Flower Ch. 22 [MereBear's Translation] | Chinese version Ch. 22 | The meaning of the idiom is here)

"When I was in college, a girl who seemed to like me once said that my face was very calm and other people wouldn’t feel annoyed looking at it." (Tibetan Sea Flower Ch. 27 [MereBear's Translation])

"He was young with a slender figure, wearing a brown jacket and gloves, and looking very casual." (Sand Sea Ch. 6 [MereBear's Translation])

"From Liang Wan’s point of view, although Wang Meng’s boss was young, there was a weathered and worn look about his brows that were beyond the reach of ordinary people." (Sand Sea Ch. 6 [MereBear's Translation])

The eyelashes are long, and the curve of the neck is more feminine than that of a woman: "Black Glasses said that the curve of my neck was more feminine than that of a woman." (Sand Sea Ch. 180 [MereBear's Translation])

"The only part of your body suitable for fighting is your long eyelashes."(Sand Sea Ch. 178 [MereBear's Translation])

Wu Xie is the ultimate beauty in the world (NPSS's interview)

Chronology of Wu Xie’s Major Events (Weibo)

Wu Xie's Personality (According to NPSS)

Source: MereBear's Translation

In the postscript of Daomu Biji Vol. 8:

Wu Xie is a difficult person to describe. If I have to say it, I want to say: he is actually an ordinary person.

But this doesn’t mean that he isn’t great. It’s because he’s an ordinary person that people admire him so much for all he has experienced.

I think many friends will hate his weakness and hesitation when they first see him, but as the story progresses step by step, more and more people like him. He is a boy as weak as water, but please don’t forget that in harsh winter, the most formless water will become solid ice.

Wu Xie is a person like that. He is simple, a little clever, cowardly, and someone who cherishes his life. He’s sensitive and afraid of hurting people around him and is the least suitable person to experience danger among all those on the team.

But I let him become the protagonist of the story and let him experience the most terrifying journey, which is probably the most special part of the story. When everyone can back down, he just can’t; when everyone can escape, he can’t.

I really want to say sorry to him for pushing this ordinary person into such a complicated puzzle. When I look at his entanglements and troubles, it’s like I see my own entanglements and troubles. For a period of time, I could even deeply feel the despair in his heart for everything he had gone through. At that time, I wanted to know what he would do when faced with such complicated despair.

I didn’t expect him to survive. In the development of the story, everyone could see how an ordinary person struggled to become a person he didn’t want to be. But the thing that made everyone like him was that he maintained his conscience in all the places that could be turning points in his life. Even though he eventually wore a sinister mask, he was still Wu Xie at heart. He could have a lot of petty crimes and petty vices under his belt, as well as a lot of minor moral problems, but when it came to making the biggest choice, he would always be the Wu Xie who wished everyone well.

“I hope all of us can live well along the way, and all of us can see our own ending. We may not live long, please let us live the life we deserve.”

Wu Xie prayed to the sky when Pan Zi was dying, even though he was in a dark cave. He took all the responsibility and blame upon himself, unable to face the meaning of his journey.

This is Wu Xie, the “useless” one in the team and the most useless leader in the Iron Triangle. He needs other people’s protection and help. He has boundless curiosity and desire, but as long as a person is hurt, his own things aren’t important. He’s an ordinary person who wishes you to live no matter how much he hates you. This is because he doesn’t understand killing or the wealth that transcends life, he only understands the value of the word “alive”.

[2023.03.11] Taobao Live

Source: 瓶邪bot (mtl)

Q: We all know that Zhang Qiling has a gift from heaven. Why hasn’t he forgotten his companions ten years later?

A: I think this is a kind of bond. It really is a bond. Of course I can write a tragedy. (Host: Don’t write it then), it is all logical, but when such a strong bond exists, especially Wu Xie must not be an ordinary person, even though he appears as an ordinary person, he made full use of his ordinary qualities and became an ordinary person who was not an ordinary person (laughs). That Zhang Qiling must have gone through a very painful struggle and intense confrontation. He finally did it. In the end, he may have forgotten a lot, leaving only that glimmer of light, and then he remembered it again bit by bit from that glimmer of light. I think this must be Zhang Qiling’s efforts. (Host: So this is actually because he worked hard not to forget them. This is not a lucky or small-probability thing, but a result of his own efforts) Yes, because heaven is ruthless, and humans are sentient.

[2023.03.24] Douyin Live Broadcast

Source: 瓶邪bot (mtl)

Q: "Restart", this book has its entire story line structure of separation, reunion, and restarting. Do you think Wu Xie’s personal mentality has changed between the original novel and "Restart"?

A: In the main story, he is really a bit naive. He may be a little clever and a little bit of a cunning, but his understanding of the world is essentially relatively simple. When it comes to "Reboot/Restart", Wu Xie is actually still innocent. You can see that he is slowly returning to his previous innocent state. One is that Zhang Qiling has returned, and he no longer needs to show his fangs. But behind his innocence is an innocence that is not easy to mess with. He has sealed up his huge energy, but he can take it out again at any time, and some very interesting things will happen, because many people think that he is a very naive and easy-to-deceive person when he is in a very gentle state, when he is really bullied, he will return to the state of Sand Sea.

[2023.03.24] Douyin Live Broadcast

Source: 瓶邪bot (mtl)

Q: I would like to ask, what do you think Wu Xie’s mental state was when he was about to take Zhang Qiling home.

A: I think Wu Xie was not ready when he hit the road. He was ready only after he hit the road. He was slowly, slowly... he was already ready when he arrived at the Bronze Gate. Maybe Zhang Qiling was not ready. Come out, or Zhang Qiling has left. I think it is such a process. When he accepted the worst possibility, he might have calmly enjoyed the moment when Zhang Qiling came out of the bronze door if he had not left. I think he had a lot of distracting thoughts at the beginning.

Q: Actually, he has a certain amount of timidity and nervousness.

A: I think I will have random thoughts, because just in case, after living in this world for a long time, I always feel that there are chances in this world. No matter how small the probability of an event is, if you encounter it once, you will feel that it is very likely to encounter it again.

Wu Xie's Mental Journey (Meta)

Source: MuzzledIdealist

This one is a meta/analysis from Chinese fandom and it's written by MuzzledIdealist on Weibo. They already give consent to repost it as long as the source is indicated. If you are interested, you can see other analysis on their homepage.

Please note that this is an edited MTL, if anyone wants to translate it, you're very welcome to do it :)

⚠️ This meta or analysis is cp-oriented ⚠️

⚠️ This is a repost, not my meta ⚠️

【PingXie】 “When I Know That I Will Never See Him Again”

Written by MuzzledIdealist

"The things he saw were things that he hadn’t been able to come to terms with. But I saw Men You Ping, so did that mean that I wasn’t over everything that had happened during those ten years?" — [Note: Ten Thousand Mountains in the Extreme Night Ch. 63 (MereBear Translation) | Chinese version Ch. 62]

Why he wasn’t over the past?

Let’s analyze Wu Xie’s mental journey over the years:

A major premise is that Men You Ping has always been Wu Xie's greatest source of security.

Wu Xie is too curious, but as a fledgling young man, he lacks experience and force value. If his curiosity is not satisfied and the problem cannot be solved, he will easily fall into anxiety (the book mentions many times that he was anxious when encountering difficulties, so I won’t take screenshots.), and Men You Ping has been providing guidance and protection to Wu Xie, which can be said to have given him a great sense of security in both physical and mental aspects (here I summarized it before. If you are interested, you can take a look at "Sharing Some Cute Details of Men You Ping’s “Double Standard”").

Xu Lei (NPSS) also said in the interview that Zhang Qiling had been protecting Wu Xie and helping him deal with many problems, so when he left, Wu Xie was forced to become like him.

(The screenshot is added in the original post)

Therefore, when Men You Ping was no longer with Wu Xie, his source of security was suddenly taken away.

During the ten years when Xiaoge was away, Wu Xie must have dreamed of Men You Ping countless times during the long agony of waiting and dealing with the enemy. Especially when he encountered difficulties, He prayed, hoped, and imagined that Men You Ping would fall from the sky and appear next to him like it did in the past, because this is a habit he has developed due to Xiaoge's protection.

He has grown up during the period of Tibetan Sea Flower, but he will still frankly tell Pangzi, "I always feel that a place with a Xiaoge will be safer. If he is not here, at least having a statue of him is better than nothing". The fat man said he was superstitious, but that was not the case, because as a top student, Wu Xie had always been accustomed to using scientific knowledge to explain all the strange things he experienced (there are many examples in the book), but for his subconscious dependence on Men You Ping, he had no way to explain it scientifically and rationally.

(The screenshot is added in the original post or take a look on MereBear's translation: Tibetan Sea Flower Ch. 39)

During Sand Sea period, Wu Xie grew up a lot, but when faced with a desperate situation, he still longed for the appearance of the person he wanted to see most for a long time. Even though he was about to cough up pneumoconiosis, even though he knew that the stuffy oil bottle in front of him was just his hallucination. The pain of those ten years also made Wu Xie addicted to smoking because he needed to use cigarettes to relieve his anxiety.

(The screenshot is added in the original post or take a look on MereBear's Translation: Sand Sea 4 Ch. 187)

The title of the chapter in Sand Sea where Wu Xie's throat was cut and he fell off the cliff is the poem "Like red beans inlaid in the ivory dice, my yearning for you is deep in my bones" (the translation comes from here). Why was this poem chosen as the title of this chapter?

Xu Lei once answered this question in a vx (Weixin/WeChat) interview. He said that this was his emotion at the time. Writing in the first person, the author's mood at that time represents the mood of the protagonist at that time, so the meaning of this poem is Wu Xie's mood at that time.

(The screenshot is added in the original post)

The meaning of this poem is: to express the woman's deep yearning for her husband, her longing for her husband and her inseparable love, and she looks forward to her husband's early return. (From Baidu Poetry Analysis)

(The screenshot is added in the original post)

Xu Lei said in a lecture at Fudan University in 2013: "Wu Xie was doing a lot of things with a sense of resentment in Sand Sea, because everyone abandoned him and left him alone there as a widow. The only person he can settle accounts with is Men You Ping, because he is a person who will appear at a fixed place at a fixed time, so Wu Xie must be holding his breath and preparing to ask that person for something back." (This paragraph is dictation + general summary, the original video is more than an hour long. You can search and watch it by yourself.)

(Regarding the widowhood, Xu Lei once explained that Wu Xie changed his name to "Guan Gen 《关根》" in order to maintain his chastity.)

(The screenshot is added in the original post)

Therefore, during the Tibetan Sea Flower period, Wu Xie had just left the sense of security provided by Men You Ping, and would still subconsciously seek his protection when encountering difficulties, even if it was just his statue. During Sand Sea period, he had clearly understood that Men You Ping was no longer by his side, so he had to force himself to become stronger and become like him. But even so, when he was extremely anxious, he still couldn't help but miss Men You Ping, which put him in a state of both longing and resentment.

This is also reflected in the "Ten Years" chapter. In "Ten Years" Wu Xie said, "After so many years, I no longer expected anything from anyone, because these people will eventually leave for various reasons." This is his complaint. He added, “There are some people you just can’t stand up. There is a chance that Men You Ping will appear, and I may die on the road, but after going through so much, I need a relief and an end." This was his thought.

(The screenshot is added in the original post or take a look on MereBear's Translation: Ten Years Later Ch. 20 and Ch. 21)

However, in addition to this feeling of longing and resentment, Wu Xie also has worries, deep worries about whether Men You Ping will live or die in the door, so he wrote in "Ten Years": "In the past ten years, I have had many dreams. I dreamed of him meeting me when I was young. I dreamed about the white bones in front of the bronze door, and dreamed that he had turned into something like Chen Pi Ah Si when we met again. There were many possibilities in ten years, which were enough for me to imagine and accept them one by one."

He has had this kind of nightmare many times in the past ten years, and it has become a knot in his heart that is difficult to untie, so even if Men You Ping is back now, he still feels that he has not completely passed those ten years.

(The screenshot is added in the original post or take a look on MereBear's Translation: Ten Years Later Ch. 36 and Ten Thousand Mountains in the Extreme Night Ch. 63)

But even so, even in those ten years, Wu Xie had thoughts, resentments and worries about Men You Ping, and thought about asking for something from Men You Ping, but he still couldn't bear it. The moment he saw Men You Ping again, he still chose to cover up all these emotions, so he subconsciously pulled down his sleeves to cover the scars on his hands, just as he said during Sand Sea period. When he sees Men You Ping again, he will not tell him all this, he will only tell him that you are just a patient, and you can rest now. So he took Men You Ling and lived in Yucun, the place where there is legendary ginseng that can make people remember for a long time.

(The screenshot is added in the original post or take a look on MereBear's Translation: Ten Years Later Ch. 41 and Sand Sea Ch. 92 | Chinese Version Sand Sea 2 Ch. 53)

It has been analyzed before that the reason why Xiaoge went to Hangzhou to say goodbye to Wu Xie before entering the bronze door and said to him "You are my only connection with this world" is because for the first time he had his own "desire". (This is a long story, see "Psychological Activities of Xiaoge" for details)

If Men You Ping had realized that he had fallen in love with Wu Xie at this time, then when did Wu Xie realize that he had fallen in love with Men You Ping? Probably when he realized that he couldn't lose him, as the saying goes, "How do we measure love, the pain after separation."

(The screenshot is added in the original post)

---

This one is a more in-depth analysis about Wu Xie in Sand Sea by the same writer.

Source: MuzzledIdealist

The sunrise in the desert was also beautiful back then, but Wu Xie had no memory of it. But now that he and his brother are in the world’s second most valuable tomb, he can truly feel the beauty of the sunrise. Because the experience of Sand Sea was not a good memory for Wu Xie. Xu Lei once explained why Wu Xie had seventeen scars on his arms during Sand Sea period. It was because as an originally kind-hearted person, he was forced to do many things that went against his conscience in order to defeat the Wang family, including using others. Therefore, he hurt himself by scratching his arms to relax himself. Xu Lei said that Wu Xie during Sand Sea period had a kind of hatred for him.

Wu Xie has indeed grown up in the past ten years, but this growth comes at a price. Wu Xie gave himself the pen name Guan Gen (Xu Lei explained that it means "keeping his chastity"), and made seventeen cuts on his arm with hatred for himself. When he fell off the cliff, his mood was "Like red beans inlaid in the ivory dice, my yearning for you is deep in my bones" and various injuries that have caused permanent damage to his nose and lungs. From all of this, it can be seen that Xiao Wu suffered from both physical and mental pain during the Sand Sea period, and all of this cannot be summed up by the simple word "Evil Emperor". This seemingly cool title seemed to lightly cover up all the suffering he experienced during that period.

He was repeatedly entangled and pulled between his persistence towards his goal, his hatred for himself, and his extreme longing for Men You Ping. For him, the experience during Sand Sea period was once a painful memory, that's why he subconsciously pulled down his sleeves to cover the scars on his arms when he saw his brother on the day of their ten-year appointment. Maybe he didn't want Men You Ping to know who he was before. But with their tacit understanding, it is impossible for him not to see it, that’s why there was a follow-up story about Xiaoge in "Fishing King Extra" who took Xiao Wu to the Stagnant Water Dragon King Palace to make Xiao Wu suddenly enlightened in order to untie the knot buried in Xiao Wu's heart for the past ten years. Now, the same is true in Yucun Notes when Xiaoge accompanies Xiao Wu to revisit Medog (Motuo). When his lover returns to his side, the greatest source of security returns, and Xiao Wu becomes the "rough jade" again.

"I will exchange my life for ten years of your innocence." Zhang Qiling used his infinite sacrifice to Wu Xie in exchange for a limited benefit (Xu Lei's original words), "Like red beans inlaid in the ivory dice, my yearning for you is deep in my bones" Wu Xie use his ten years to buy Zhang Qiling's freedom for the rest of his life. Some people say that the relationship hurt/comfort is old-fashioned, but I don't think so. The two-way redemption between PingXie and the uniqueness between them is always moving.

---

My thought:

Maybe the word "fall in love" or "lover" the writer uses here is too strong for some people lol, but they did care for each other, no matter what the relationship is, it can't be denied, right? There were some questions that appeared in my head when I read the book, why did Wu Xie do that? Why did he do this? Why did he do all of these things to this extent? Then I understood. Actually, Wu Xie, especially in his early stage, reminds me of my old-self, so I feel like I can sympathize with him somehow. His "innocence" is different from the innocence that most people think, Wu Xie's innocence is the kind of innocence who wished everyone well.

And then, happy birthday, Wu Xie! May you be safe and live a happy life with Xiaoge, Pangzi, and all of your good friends! 🎉🎉🎂(⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ *⁠.⁠✧

[sleepingdeath-light]

blind human s/o hcs ; hunter

requested by ; 🍜 anon (09/01/23)

fandom(s) ; the owl house

fandom masterlist(s) ; main | hunter only

character(s) ; hunter wittebane

outline ; “Hello there! May I request hunter (toh) with a blind human s/o? You can choose if they were born blind or if it was an accident that happened in the demon realm for some of that sweet, sweet added angst.(≖ᴗ≖) — 🍜 Noodle Anon”

warning(s) ; references to injury, but mostly fluff!

note ; i am no longer accepting requests for this character.

if you were born blind…

it’s possible that hunter didn’t even notice your blindness until the two of you got extremely close or until you/luz brought it up around him — after all, as the golden guard he didn’t exactly pay attention to the intricacies of his enemies beyond what it took to fight you and, after that, you were so adjusted to it that he didn’t have much chance to notice it

(well, beyond maybe if you were reading a braille book or using text-to-speech on your phone around him and he realised — though, then again, hunter can be rather oblivious at times)

he still sticks close to you when you’re fighting or just out and about but his protectiveness and presence isn’t overwhelming or anything like that — he’s only really there to keep away any risks that you didn’t notice (e.g. a spell thrown your way when you were distracted by another person you’re battling, or a toddler running in front of you too quickly for you to course-correct around safely without his intervention)

though, still, he mainly just leaves you to your own devices (he knows you’re enough of a badass on your own — you beat him plenty of times, after all — so his only job is to be your backup or bag carrier)

if you became blind due to an injury in the isles recently…

hunter becomes much more protective over you than he would be otherwise as you learn to adapt to your new disability — never being too far from you as you adjust your routines, hobbies, and training to work better for you

he feels a great deal of guilt about not being there to protect you and prevent your injury and, as a result, becomes much shorter with people who treat you unkindly

(e.g. threatening a demon who scolded you for accidentally bumping into them or giving a very unsettling glare to some young witches who went to trip you when they noticed your cane)

he sticks beside or behind you at all times, even when you’ve had a cane crafted or a seeing-eye animal assigned to you, because he’s petrified of you getting hurt or targeted somehow — this fear slowly fades away as you become more confident and adjusted to your blindness, but even years down the line you’ll always find hunter close by when you’re out and about as a couple

he also looks into different accommodations from the human realm that luz has mentioned before — things like braille typewriters and label makers — and will incorporate them into your daily life to make things as easy as possible for you

either way / behaviours he adopts no matter the origin of your blindness….

though it’s a bit of a struggle at first (and he’s not the most fashion-conscious person out there), with the help of your friends hunter slowly becomes an expert at helping you construct the outfits you want to wear — describing each item in detail as he brings it to you, making sure that everything is being worn correctly (i.e. not inside out), and that it suits the style you want to go for that day

if you use a seeing-eye/guide animal then he’s going to make a habit quite quickly of carrying treats for them on him wherever you are — even doing as much research as he can to make sure that they can get a taste of whatever meal you’re both eating without getting sick (he spoils them rotten, quite frankly)

if you use a cane/other inanimate aid, then he’s going to make it his mission to carve/craft you the perfect aid — something that’s the perfect length (but that can also be extended when needed), that has a grip with a texture that isn’t off putting whilst also being difficult to lose grasp of by accident, that is designed in a way that is practical whilst also being suited to your personal style and the life you live, and that can be put away easily and that can be recalled by you when it’s needed (a simple enchantment or glyph or spell should do it — he’ll brainstorm a bit with luz and king the next chance he gets)

even though he knows well just how capable of a person you are, he’s still got a distinct protective streak that isn’t going away anytime soon and he will not tolerate anyone (be they human, demon, or witch) treating you poorly because of your disability — he doesn’t believe you should have to handle all of those conflicts, but he’ll back off if asked and hold your stuff while you give them a very stern talking to or a black eye

(that part is up to you but he’ll support you either way)

[ultraericthered]

A tale of two "tragic downfall" villains.

Really think about this - the villain is someone who has suffered greatly in his life to the point of being a traumatized, fragile wreck of a person but is a close friend of the story's main protagonist and works alongside them for years until certain events make his hatred, pride, and need for power, control, and the loyalty of others grow and put him on a worse path, on which he betrays the protagonist and leaves them for dead, taking over his friend's group and making all of them follow him now, and when the protagonist returns to face him and get him to relinquish his control of the group, they have a fight to the finish where the villain proves once and for all that he is too far gone to see reason and beyond hope of redemption, so he ends up meeting a terrible, painful demise. Which one did I just describe?

And I don't want to tear either one of them down, since they're both phenomenally written villains who star in their own dark, tragic tales that were both very well executed. ....BUT, I have to go here: I believe there is one thing that one of them got down a lot better than the other one. And it ain't the damn dirty ape.

I am referring to the quality of pathos, which is derived from, for lack of a better word, humanizing the character. Matt Reeves has expressed very clearly that we are intended to feel pathos for Koba, and for his limited screentime in Rise of the Planet of the Apes and in the first act of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, we do. The poor bonobo was terribly abused, tortured, traumatized, and damaged by callous human scientists and has the physical scars to show it. Even after joining with Caesar and being allowed by him to personally kill his abuser, the deep hatred of humans and fear of what might happen to him and other apes should humans find some way of striking back at them remains with Koba for years; the one thing he ever learned from humans was hatred and nothing else, as Caesar puts it. But the deeper into Dawn we go and the worse Koba gets, the issue arises. Caesar and all these apes were family to Koba for a good many years, years lived in peace and relative happiness, with Caesar even likened to a brother to Koba. However, after a heated dispute with Caesar over his willingness to work with humans turns violent, Koba is beaten down and sees none of the other apes are on his side, he turns his thinking around to view any "weak" ape who'd side with or have leniency on humans to be no better than humans, and that he needs to secure the loyalty of the stronger apes (including Caesar's own son) by taking Caesar's life and framing the humans for it. So he goes for it. And keeps going. And going. And going. And in all this time he's being a villain, the whole second half of the movie, there's not a single moment where Koba ever feels conflicted over what he's doing, no visible traces of remorse nor any sign that he's internally pushing back against remorse because second-guessing himself and surrendering to feelings of shame would reflect weakness. After he's shot his "brother" and left him for dead, Koba is stuck playing the one note of being an evil, wrathful, deranged, murderous monster. There is no metaphorical dog he won't kick, no one he won't mow down in order to assert his dominance and satisfy his rage, and no limit to his blatant hypocrisy. And yes, it was the narrative intent to have Koba slide so far down the slippery slope that he becomes this twisted caricature of his former self who must be put down. But at the time he's condemned and dropped to his painful demise by the ape who was once his brother, there should be a tiny twinge of pity and sadness that it had to come to this....but I think most audiences just cheered when it happened, as there was nothing in Koba left to feel any pity towards.

For Simon, being the equilvalent to what Koba was in the second half of the film occurs only in Book Three's final episode, "The New Apex". In the episodes prior to it, throughout the course of Book Three, Simon is one of the main protagonists and has a wide range of facets and emotions to his characterization; we see moments of him and Grace having the sort of camraderie with each other that could only come from years spent together as friends that makes them both a bit easier to like despite their apalling actions, we get funny bits from him that endear him to us, we see him get sad, get frightened, get confused and unsure of the direction Grace is taking things in, hear about his personal interests, learn about his past trauma, see him vulnerable and interally torn up by conflict. When he works together with Tuba in the Color Clock Car, even sharing a laugh with her, figuring out she's colorblind, and learning more about the sad past with her deceased daughter that also shows him how much Hazel means to her, we can tell that all his views about "Nulls" and about the train are being challenged and he's starting to second-guess himself, to think that this "Null" might be so much more than he'd written her off as from the start, which would lead to guilt and shame over all the "Nulls" he'd mistreated and killed in the past...and so naturally, there's the internal pushback from Simon, because he not only cannot admit to being wrong, he cannot let himself be wrong: he has to be right all the time so that all the years on the train and in the Apex can mean and amount to something beneficial to him rather than having all been a sad waste that'd render him a pitiful, insignificant failure. So with all doubts dispelled from his mind and clear from his consicence, he deliberately and cold-bloodedly sends Tuba to her death, and feels proud to have done so. Things only spiral downward into further darkness and madness from there.

Simon finding out that Grace learned the truth about Hazel before he did and withheld it from him as a secret between herself and the "Null" is the tipping point for him. He snaps, turns against Grace and leaves her for dead, and like Koba, now feels there is no one in his life that he can trust to be on his side unless he were to force their loyal devotion to him through fearmongering and shows of dominance. And yet even in "The New Apex", even with Simon at his most irredeemably loathsome and psychotic, the writing allows for some pathos. When Grace saves Simon from falling off the train, he asks her why she did it. Grace responds "I don't know." Looking at Simon's face in the brief silence that follows, we can tell that deep down in his heart of hearts, he was hoping for Grace to give him a different answer. Something like "because I love you" or "because you're my dearest friend", or "becuse I didn't want to lose you", or "to make amends to you for everything" or even "because you're not the one who deserves to die; you were right about me, about everything." But instead, he hears a vague, ambiguous "I don't know", as it was just basic human decency from Grace and nothing deeper than that. And thus goes away whatever was left of Simon's mind and heart, as he kicks Grace off the train to her apparent death in an act that rescinds years of love and friendship built up with her, raises Simon's number higher than even Amelia's, and sends him into a complete mental breakdown as we see a surge of conflicting moods all over him. So then even if his grisly end that follows elicts some cheering from viewers (I certainly wouldn't blame them!), that tiny twinge of pity and sadness that it had to come to this is very much there by the time Simon is dust on the ground that Grace is sobbing over.

Two exceptional villains in two exceptional works, but only with Simon do I get the sense of a victimized and vulnerable not-all-bad person who tragically descended into becoming a mega asshole. With Koba, I just see a mega asshole.

[pb-dot]

Film Friday: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage is one of those people that I would describe as both Talented and also very much an Acquired Taste. Do not misunderstand, the man puts his entire everything into everything he does and never seems to think the material is beneath him, but this has a multiplicative effect on the quality of the movie he's in. Wicker Man (2006,) for example, is such a tough viewing experience because Nicolas Cage, bless him, is acting the entire shit out of a screenplay that is beyond garbage. The screenplay of today's movie, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is the furthest thing from garbage, and so, the man really shines in it. To get to all the juicy details of why this movie is so goddamn good I'm going to have to spoil some stuff, and I really recommend you watch this one blind, so if you haven't seen it yet get to it, it's great, you'll love it.

Nicolas Cage is struggling financially, in interpersonal relationships, and artistically, that is to say the fictionalized character based on Cage's persona does this at the start of the movie. How the real Nicolas Kim Coppola, as he is credited in this film, is doing I could not tell you. After deciding to give up on his dream to be a capital-A Actor, Cage decides to take a high-paying gig visiting a rich Nick Cage fan on his birthday. It turns out, however, that Javi (played by the ever-excellent Pedro Pascal) is suspected of being a cartel crime lord, and Cage finds himself press-ganged by the CIA to spy on his new friend, who also is trying to get Cage into his film passion project.

It might not surprise you to hear this, but the movie about making a movie (and also some spy stuff) is quite meta with itself. As Javi and Cage discuss the screenplay, the genre of the film we're in shifts. It's about two men, it's explorative and wacky when they take LSD, it's tense and thrillerlike when they discuss conflicts between the dual protagonists. Cage suggests escalating the art film plot into full action movie madness in the third act and wouldn't you know it that happens in the story around him too. It's not the world's cleverest metafiction, but it's earnest and stays with the concept the entire way.

Now, as I have alluded to earlier, Cage acts up a storm in this movie, playing the relatively normal-ish Nick Cage persona as well as this strange semi-emo theater kid persona of his that torments him as a sort of art conscience. I do commend the film for letting "regular" Cage be a more or less normal person though. I think the temptation to make Cage be a bit more larger-than-life and out there to match his biggest parts definitely was there, but letting him be a normal-ish (but certainly strange) guy was a smart move for the tone of the film.

That said, Nicolas Cage isn't actually my favorite actor in the movie. To my surprise, it was Pedro Pascal that really stole the show. Now Pascal is a good actor, I hope I'm not blowing any minds there, but I would not have clocked him out-acting Cage. Part of it, I think, is the role. Javi is a fucking FASCINATING character, the way subdued intensity in the first act and a half or so makes you wonder if he's being intense in that "cool murder man about to do a murder on you" way or just in the "a film nerd that's really extra about how they talk about their favorite subject" way. It's hilarious, and also impressive to see how Pedro's acting style doesn't really change when it is revealed that he is merely a figurehead and his cousin is running all the cartel murder business. The thing that changes most is the context we read his acting in. He's a dork, a mostly harmless dork who's in way over his head but he thinks it's REALLY cool that Nickolas Cage is there and helping him figure it out. It's a very fun trick of cinematography, but a lot of it also rides on Pascal's deftness in portraying Restrained Aggression.

Now is this thing flawless? It comes pretty close in my book, but there still are some slight sticking points. The movie does perhaps rely a bit too heavily on the semi-ironic "too cool to hold an opinion" love for the melodrama of Con Air and sheer Inside Baseball weirdness of Face-Off, which honestly are some pretty surface-level Cage cuts that fail to take in the totality of what makes Cage such a compelling actor. Granted, it might be riskier to assume the wider audience is familiar with Cage works like Mandy, The Sorceror's Apprentice, Drive Angry or Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, if you would allow my hipster side to flourish briefly.

The movie also builds up just a skootch too hard on the third act genre metamorphosis for my taste. Sure, the fact that it's overwrought action movie nonsense at the tail end of a rather grounded experience is part of the joke, but I feel like going for the relatively clean style of 90's action over a more contemporary interpretation of the same might've been funnier.

When all is said and done, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a pleasant, fun movie. Yes, it's yet another "meta celebration of the movies," but its dedication to exploring its potential makes it one of the better examples in modern time in my book. Cage is fun to have on screen, and the interplay with Pascal really gets some career-best work out of both of them. It might be an acting cliche at this point, but I don't think I'll ever get tired of Good Actors acting out roles of people who are Bad At Acting, or even Good Actors acting out characters who are Decent Actors Not Delivering Their Career Best Right Now. As for the movie itself? It's fun, it's nerdy, it's kinda dumb but kinda smart about it, go see it!

[autumn-foxfire]

Quarter of Silence time! Can't believe I'm already up to movie 15.

I remember enjoying this movie but there were cringe worthy things like Ran desperately calling out for Shinichi because how dare she not rely on him 24/7. I changed my mind.

And it's because of this movie (or the ova) we get to see Shinichi in snowflake earrings.

The opening is cool though!

Shinichi is a reckless shit and this movie has him be one in spades. Imagine if Ran knew half the shit he actually got up too. There is no wat Shinichi was not hurt when the bomb blew up. He got flung between cars and the pavement and his body is only small, he should have way more than scratches.

I wonder why the movies make Haibara so blonde? I really like the red colour she has in the anime which is more reddish brown (which is what Gin described her hair colour as being even when it was much more blonde).

Shinichi and Ai never pass an opportunity to avoid being in groups if they can T-T Introverts.

"If you allow him to go around without a collar on him, maybe some random girl will show up and put one around his neck instead!" nice to know that's how people view relationships in DCMK.

Being that close will cause a phone echo, just so you know writers.

Ran, baby girl, WHY do you want to be in a relationship with Shinichi so bad? At this point I genuinely don't understand beyond you being told all your life he is the one for you (a boy you met when you were like 4) and you've both fooled yourself into thinking they're correct. Please get some self-respect and move on.

Shinichi doing what he can to protect the friendship between the group because he cares about these children a lot T-T

Agasa having to step in and stop Kogoro from hitting children is NOT a good look.

I'm curious, I am not friends with anyone from my childhood and yet in DCMK it's so common. Is it common for anyone else?

Well... so much for childhood friends.

Sonoko I love you but please realize that Shinichi is not a good fit for Ran T-T I know you want her to be happy T-T

I love the kids stoping Ai and Shinichi from passing from the snowball fight by just throwing snowballs at them and making them join in regardless.

And Kogoro just can't resist commenting on another women's looks and asking her to do things for his personal benefit.

The Shinichi and Ai interactions in this movie are on point though.

And the first murder has happened!

Poor Touma is going through it.

Kogoro is threatening to hurt children again... This is definitely not one of his better movies.

LOL fall over dumbass.

Located where?!

Shinichi and Kaito need to go to Yaoi city immediately.

EXPLOSIONS!

Awww the detective boys are learning, they noticed someone was following them T-T

Ran, take a page out of Ai's book. When Shinichi says "stay here" step on the power and make him go faster.

Ai and Shinichi acting like the groups big siblings and scolding them for going in the cave T-T Adorable.

How did Shinichi move that grate with his small body?

Shinichi is reckless personified. And now he's being beat up by the bad guy.

Shinichi is very lucky Mizuki was here to save his life, even though she also has other intentions.

She may have not wanted to kill you guys Shinichi, but she still shot at terrified children and if she had messed up she could have killed you guys.

And here comes Shinichi's most reckless plan to date!

Shinichi now is not the time for sick tricks!

Damn I've watched this move before and this part will still incredibly tense in a good way!

Okay. That must have hurt though. An avalanche would be heavy and Shinichi just got hit with all that force. He should be more than a little bruised.

Ran digging until her fingers bleed is so incredibly raw T-T That's her little brother man.

Okay, I actually don't mind her calling for Shinichi this time unlike what I said at the beginning. She's deseperate to find her little brother after all and wants all the help she can get.

Shinichi should be much more banged up though. Even in action thriller movies the protag is allowed to be injured.

[petrichorpetals]

So I finished reading Babel and I have thoughts tm

Spoilers under the cut:

So I'll begin this with I went into Babel expecting to love it! And I love the magic system, I love the world building that we do and it had me 100% sold in the beginning. But at about the halway point, cracks started to form. I love the idea of Hermes and I do love the heavy lifting that the book does to make this as period accurate as possible. I feel like the point that the book honestly lost me for the first time was when Robin covered for Victoire and Ramy when they were stealing for Hermes. I hate how Robin doesn't play off innocence at all and immediately folds once Hermes even gets so much as mentioned. I hate that he has to do his own mental gymnastics over justifying giving up one singular safe house that never has any ramifications. I hate how Victoire and Ramy immediately get mad at him for not telling them about Hermes even though they know how secretive Hermes is, and I additionally hate how long it even takes for them to have this conversation other than not now Letty's around.

And Letty. Oh how I could go on about Letty.

I feel like my biggest complaint for this book is probably the lack of character development. We hardly ever get Robin's thoughts and opinions on things and in the beginning, that's intentional. He doesn't want to think too hard about difficult things like the professor being his father or even small details on how he feels about his friends besides they simply are. The book tries to explain how they're actually really good true friends when it's glaringly obvious they're friends of opportunity. Ramy is well described and is honestly the character with the most personality in this book. Letty is constantly being excluded from talks either because she's white so she "won't understand" so they never bother to even try to explain, or because she doesn't know about Hermes. I'll save her rant for now but it's both unsurprising that the girl literally named Victory and a descendant of Haiti, the nation that successfully led and won a slave revolt and the option for self governance, was the one to continue on the narrative despite her having honestly less character growth than Robin. Robin as well didn't even feel like Robin at the end, he just felt like we shifted Griffin's character onto him without doing much to support it. I can understand becoming jaded with the world, but the boy that was so wracked with guilt over killing his father suddenly shifting to I'm okay with active murder and slaughter of innocents is too hard of a right. Especially when he was so terrified by griffin doing it!!! Robin left Hermes explicitly because all of these ideas of suffering were so far away that he can't see them to feel compassion towards these people's problems, yet at the end he martyrs himself for this same cause???? We did a full 180% shift without the groundwork or explanation. We started killing off characters without fleshing them out any beyond a name and occasionally a tragic backstory we'll drop 2 or 3 chapters before they die at BEST. Most characters exist as just strawman puppets that we can tug around for plot. We spent so long occupying the tower and I couldn't tell you anything about the end occupants of the tower other than two of them were maybe dating???

Far far too much time was spent trying to shoehorn in our political agenda to the point where all subterfuge and metaphor gets thrown out the window in favor for saying colonialism is bad. What's worse is that it's even a political agenda I agree with! It would have been better if we have characters actually living out the tragic circumstances that we're told they find themselves in other than them being vaguely talked about as things like "Yeah no this shop refused Ramy and I entry" and never expanded on other than that empty statement. I'm not saying that you have to write out a whole hate crime but you can act out some of the microagressions. I think the worst part is that the few microagressions we do get acted out never good any weight... like the scene where Robin gets invited to hang out with the rich nepo baby kids and they treat him as an exotic toy. Robin literally just tells them off, steals their booze, and absconds from the interaction facing no consequences other than a bruised ego. The boys don't retaliate in any way. (As a side note: I do really enjoy how Robin kept comparing his situation to certain Cantonese words towards the end and I desperately wish he was doing that the entire book.)

Another major complaint I have with this book is there's 0 nuance. It's all excruciatingly quite literally black and white. I think Abel is the only confirmed white person besides maybe the professors (who we never get race described to my knowledge) that doesn't turn out to be an asshole. Additionally, we've been led to believe that this system is hundreds of years old and we have no people of color in positions of power? None that are considered British citizens? We're told that the live translators are in high demand and Babel has associates everywhere around the globe, and yet Victoire claims that there's no one that looks like them in a position of power and that they'd never be considered British. As someone that adores that kind of history, I can tell you for a fact that it's untrue. They might not have been 100% treated with the same respect if they weren't light skinned enough to pass but there's been black men with positions of power within Britain. There's probably a lot more people just hiding their ancestry that can pass as white. They even bring up the fact that Robin can pass better than Ramy like!!! There's no one that really waffles back and forth between these worlds like Robin did in the beginning. It's either you live out your life normally and you're acknowledging all the harm done around you and you're okay with it or you fight a losing battle and suffer because of it.

And if that isn't the biggest complaint I have with the book. It honestly felt that by the end nothing fucking mattered at all!!!!! Robin even acknowledges that even by destroying the tower, it's just symbolic and they'll rebuild it later. There's no change to the system at all beyond death at a large scale. It gives such conflicting messages. The parliament was still going to vote to go to war against china, all of hermes basically got destroyed in Britain, and yet the girl named Victory escaped to go find the resistance elsewhere????? The book acts as if the tower going down was one final act of defiance but it went down because like Victoire said, Robin wanted to die. I also hated the way that we waved around Griffin's letter to Robin and once Robin refused to read it the first time it became blindly obvious he never will. Victoire doesn't even tell us what it says other than how she read it and Griffin tells Robin about their assuredly younger brothers also by their father.

But one of the biggest missed opportunities came from Robin's name. His real name was stolen from him by his father and he was forced to become Robin. Robin tries to reclaim back that part of himself by rejecting his father but he never tells the audience his true name. It's even hinted in the book that he remembers it still, and yet he dies with us only ever knowing him as Robin. Honestly it should have been a ceremony with Hermes of reclaiming back the heritage stolen from you by reclaiming your own name. It'd work for security too since when pressed for associates, they can't give up Robin if they only know him as Xiu Ling. It would have added so much depth to the characters if Victoire named herself that. There's so many missed opportunities that this book had that it ignored in favor of trying to advance the worldbuilding and push the story's morals.

Okay I've talked around her for long enough. It's time to talk about Letty. There's so much going on that it's hard to figure out where to start. I think parts of Letty were written well. I think the book accurately was foreshadowing the way that they were purposely leaving her out of the loop. The way she occasionally had to dress as a man to have any respect. You can see the way they isolated her on purpose and I agree that in her position I would have gone a little mad as well. But then we have her indoctrunated into Hermes and the way they weren't looking for her in conjunction with the professor's murder like they were the other three. That one honestly made no sense, (beyond the obvious trying to foreshadow her betrayal) but something that genuinely made me angry was the scene where they were actually being honest with Letty about how people are being racist towards them and Letty started crying for them. Robin says a line that was the equivalent of "It's funny how we told her about all the horrible stuff we deal with and we've become the ones to comfort her" and it immediately pissed me off. Yes I understand that this is meant to be synonymous with white guilt and white people making themselves the center of poc narratives, but it doesn't fully work here. It's not always shown, but they do make an active effort to hide how badly they're treated to Letty since she "doesn't understand" without making an effort to educate her. If course she crying! She's being told that her best friends in the world are being treated like shit when she actively forgets how the world views them as nothing more than their skin color. Letty has never been shown to be actively racist, just borderline maliciously ignorant. And some of the things that they get mad at her for "not noticing" are things that happen behind closed doors that she couldn't have been aware of???? Like the professor wanting Victoire to wear slave chains thing. It's a fucked up thing that we as an audience cry along with Letty when we find out about it. By insisting that Letty shouldn't be crying for her friends, you insist that the audience shouldn't either. I really don't know what response they expected out of her. They literally describe Letty as basically having a "delicate sensability" and yet they expect her to basically go :/ damn that's fucked up anyways how about lunch? Did they want her to passionately write the schoolboard? You're telling her a pitiful story and berating her for being willfully ignorant, of course she's going to cry that she never noticed! Society had also trained her not to notice to begin with! That shit needs to be unlearned from the impassivity ingrained in us by society.

But Letty's betrayal. Other than her loose foreshadowing that we were talking about earlier, it honestly comes from nowhere. Letty later tried to justify herself that they were threatening violent and criminal acts but the only one actively doing that was Griffin. Everyone else at Hermes only tolerated his violent tendances and agreed to them only as a last resort option. They were literally about to leave to go spread out pamphlets for god's sake, not start an active blood war like she tries to say. Also what was her fucking plan there? They're planning on being potentially violent so I'm going to stop it with more aggressive violence? I really really don't buy the part of her being an admiral's daughter so she's a good shot. Her father was negligent towards her to the point where he barely taught her anything, there's absolutely no way that he taught his DAUGHTER how to shoot. They also tell us this fact as though we ever saw Letty shoot a gun before this scene. The reasoning that her friends were indoctrinated into almost committing violent criminal acts is a solid one, but I genuinely don't get the sudden shift of valuing being patriotic over her friends that she'd previously professed she'd die for. Telling the police because she's worried for them is one thing, but actively coming back to lead the charge and shoot one of them is another. And especially her shooting the boy that she liked???? I'm with Victoire and Robin in asking Why????????? It's so out of left field entirely. But I will say that Robin is assuming a LOT when he tries to say that she shot him because he didn't like her back. You could tell that wasn't the full truth, but we'll never fucking know because Babel is allergic to characters having moral nuance so she just says that she killed him and didn't mean to. Letty and Robin both experience such hard right shifts in personality by the end that they're unrecognizable.

I always do this thing when I read media where I describe what the reading experience is like and for Babel it was like being constantly on a slow moving train passing by set after set. Large swatches of the story felt like a montage rather than a story we could see taking place. It felt like a slideshow of events shoved together. I truly believe that if this book was several novels and we learned to go heavy on the character work and development as well as adding conflicting narratives within the story it would easily be a 5 star book. Give the characters a personality beyond their suffering and make them less of strawmen from their culture. Like for fucks sake, we showed a Chinese girl on exhibit whose feet were bound and just went isn't that fucked up lol anyways and moved on. We were being told that the girl is just a spectacle to be gawked at, but that's exactly what the narrative treated her as too! These characters don't exist beyond their suffering they endure and have no personality beyond that. We have a political regime that is actively harming its citizens, no longer passively, and people just go about their day as usual uncaring about the destruction around them. The British can put up with passivity but the effects of the seige on Babel made it to where they could no longer passively not care. They went into this tower with no plan and honestly it would have gone better with the pamphleting!!!! It had the same effect!!!!!!!! The bad press and social outcry would have pressed them to doing something, but the narrative decides that the government just doesn't care. You can really tell that at the end the author didn't know what to do with the story so they decided this is the best course of action. It's also blatantly obvious that Griffin was originally meant to be the main character, the author got hit by writers block, tried to write out the story from another perspective and liked that one better. Griffin's sudden death to Sterling wouldn't have as much forced backstory otherwise.

[marjaystuff]

Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower

Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower is a great cozy mystery.  Readers never get disappointed with any book Amanda Flower writes. As with all her cozy mysteries there are many suspects, a lot of humor, learning more about the Amish community, and some very touching moments. 

There is always a contrast between the Amish characters and the English characters.  Millie is Amish and someone who is unassuming, quietly competent, and not eager to call attention to herself. Her best friend, Lois, is English, very flamboyant, and quite vocal. Both are trying to solve murders while trying to figure out their romantic lives.  Lois decided to use a dating app to find a love interest, whereas Millie is struggling to get beyond the love of her life, her late husband. 

Readers will not get sidetracked with the character’s personal life because the focus is still on the mystery.  In this book at the Holmes County Fair Millie has entered a quilt competition with other Amish women.  Millie’s nephew, Micah, has also entered her goats, Phillip, and Peter, in a contest.  The goats are known for being rambunctious and decide to escape their pen and explore the fair. Millie and Lois search for them only to find them at the quilt barn along with a dead body, the quilting judge.  Now they must find who is the murderer before others get hurt including a ten-year-old Amish boy, Zach who possibly witnessed the murder. 

This story has it all. The humorous part of the story always comes from Lois’s antics including her trying to find a suitor along with the rascally goats.  Because of Millie’s apprehension about pursuing a romantic relationship she finds solace in turning to Amish proverbs, which is where readers learn more about the Amish community. The touching part of the story is how Zach has no family after his grandfather abandoned him and he only has Scooter, his belove Pygmy goat.

Elise Cooper:  Why was the story centered around an axe?

Amanda Flower: I always wanted to write about the Holmes County Fair.  A year ago, my husband and I went to the fair to research for the book.  One of the first things I see is an axe-throwing booth just like in the book. It seemed like a perfect fit for a mystery novel.  Of course, I had to try it. I did hit the bullseye although not on the first time. As soon as I saw it. I knew I wanted to write about it.  

EC:  The quilts also play a role.

AF:  I knew I wanted the main character, Millie, to enter her quilt in the fair.  I went to the quilts at the fair and saw how they were displayed.  She and her friends were in a quilt group and many of them entered their quilts in the fair contest. 

EC:  You introduced a new character, Zach.  Can you describe him?

AF:  He is a ten-year-old boy who is a friend of Millie’s nephew, Micah.  His mother left him with his grandfather who thinks poorly of him because he was born out of wedlock and his father was an “English” man. His grandfather basically abandons him. He is a sweet little boy in a bad family situation. As I was writing this story the adoption was being finalized for two of my nephews who were in the foster system. 

EC:  Why the dating app?

AF:  I thought of it funny to think of Millie’s friend, Lois, trying to use it.  She is very zany but is a hopeless romantic.  She loves being in love. Even though she is almost seventy she tried it. I wanted this to be the humorous part of the story.

EC:  The goats played a major role in the story.  Do you agree?

AF: Yes.  Millie’s great nephew, Micah, wanted to enter her goats, Phillip, and Peter into the fair. Near the beginning of the book, they get out of their pen a lot because they are rascals.  Because they were out and everyone was looking for them, they are found in the place with a dead body. They lead Lois and Millie to a dead body.  Zach also had a goat, Scooter, who he loved very much because his mother gave it to him just before she left. Scooter is a Pygmy goat.

EC:  Where are you going with the relationship between Millie and Uriah?

AF:  I used the Amish proverbs to help Millie decide on where she is going with her life. She was really torn between her past and possible future.  She is one of my most loyal characters.  Even though her husband had been gone for over 20 years it is still hard for her to pursue another relationship. Uriah knows she is struggling and is very supportive of her and cares for her a lot. He realizes she is independent, is frightened of marriage, and how she is dedicated to her husband’s memory forever. 

EC:  Next books?

AF:  There will be another Emily Dickerson mystery coming out this November. Then in March of next year there will be a series with the Wright Brothers written from the point of view of their younger sister Katherine.  It is titled To Slip the Bonds of Earth. 

It will be a while before there will be another Amish book.  Going forward I will be writing one historical book and one Amish book, alternating between the Amish Candy Shop Book and the Amish Matchmaker Book. 

The end of next year will be the Candy Shop Book titled Gingerbread Danger.  It is a Christmas mystery. There is a life size Candyland Game throughout the village, and someone gets killed.  

Then after that will be the Millie and Lois book where they go to Pinecraft Florida where there is an Amish community. There will be a lot of new characters and of course a murder.

THANK YOU!!

[autumnpeaches]

and now i see daylight. | travis hackett x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS: After surviving until dawn six years ago, you’d never imagine having to survive another monstrous event… until now. You’re heading to Hackett’s Quarry this summer to be a counselor with two of your newest friends, only you don’t make it right away to camp like you thought you would.

TW: canon typical violence??

TAGS: multi-chapter fic :), slight slow burn???, strangers to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort, age difference, older man/ younger woman, slight references to until dawn, slight mention of until dawn characters

A/N: hi all!! i've been hyperfixating over the quarry recently and travis lately so!!! i thought this would be a fun write !! it's been a while since i've gotten back into writing and publishing my fics, but i hope you all enjoy !! (also posted on my ao3 account :D)

CHAPTER I  CHAPTER II

PROLOGUE (LINK TO AO3)

08:00 | JUNE 24 — YOUR APARTMENT (context: you’re reminiscing about the past few years as you pack for Hackett’s Quarry)

It has been about six years since you’ve gotten those claw marks on your face.

Six years since you’ve endured the incident at Blackwood Mountain.

Six years since you’ve survived until dawn.

After the incident, everyone went their separate ways. You still kept in touch with all of them, though. Even Josh. Kinda hard not to keep in contact with them when everyone is in a group chat lol

You couldn’t find it in yourself to be angry at Josh. He was never the same after the loss of his sisters. Yes, the prank he pulled was hella messed up, but… as twisted as it was, you understood his reasonings. He was still your friend, and… it was good to know that the rescue team was able to find him in the end.

Currently, you’ve moved to New York to do your studies. Two years have passed since you’ve earned your bachelors.

Originally, you were nervous about the aspect of attending college states away from home. Mainly at the idea of meeting new people. The scars across your face didn’t help to ease that anxiety.

You received a great deal of stares from people, but you grew used to it. Because of your scars, people often left you alone. It didn’t matter much to you because that made it a whole lot easier to focus on your studies.

It wasn’t until your last year did you meet Laura and Max.

If you were to describe Laura, you’d say she’s studious, determined, and independent. It amazed you that she put 100% effort in everything, sometimes going beyond that. She reminded you a bit of Emily; there’s more to her than just her wit and brains. Max, on the other hand, lacks ambition at times and can be a little too reliant on his girlfriend. But… his friendly nature and humor makes up for it..

Both of them became good friends with you, and honestly, you were glad for the company. Although you had an appreciation for spending time alone, you were still susceptible to feelings of loneliness. Especially since all your friends were back home. Sure there were phone calls and video calls, but… it just… didn’t feel the same as being there with them in person.

Despite being older than the two by approximately three years, the three of you kept in touch after your graduation. Considering that you all lived in the same state, it was easy to meet up often.

Recently, Laura suggested the idea of volunteering at a camp for summer in Upstate New York, a place with more rural landscapes. She mentioned it would be a good add on for everyone’s resumes and that the three of you should sign up together.

At first, you were hesitant to accept the idea.

Reason number one: the last time you spent time in a rural place, you almost died.

Reason number two: every summer, you’d be booking a plane ride home to visit your friends and family.

However, after texting the group, they all encouraged you to take the opportunity. It wasn’t like you were never going to see them again.

Little did you know, this summer was going to be the next biggest ride of your life.

[anna1306]

I can just see Paul with the prompt "sometimes I wish we were more than that. friends." If you don't mind 😊

Prompts here

Friends with benefits

Paul x Reader

Vampires usually don't get along with humans very well. Vampires use them as the meaning of survival, some of people fight back, but... They can cooperate sometimes for their benefit, but friendship? No, not very often. In the end one of them would definitely either die, or get turned into vampire, which is kinda dead too.

But you were always the strangest one. And events around you very so coincidentally strange and leading to something. And now you just made... Not so good decisions. Like moving to Santa-Carla. And not moving out even after you learned about diappearance. Even after your meeting with strange people you didn't move.

Maybe because your first meeting with creepy dudes appeared to be the meeting with this strange lanky guy who tried to hit on your friend, but turned his attention on you, and honestly? You didn't regret a single bit of it.

- I thought vampires kill on spot, - you said to him much later into your friendship.

- I was high and forgot I needed blood, - Paul snickered. Yeah... Only he could forget about his fangs. Maybe that's why you got along with him so well, he was not stereotypical bloodsucker from books.

He was talkative, very much so, talking and mumbling about some random stuff. He was active, but when high - lazy beyond imagination. Paul was rude, but could coo at some random cutie animal or at you. If someone asked you to describe Paul - it would be difficult to find the right words, as he was the definition of himself - Paul.

The others were not so much friendly to you, but you guessed they tolerated you as you were friends with one of them and stayed even after knowing the truth. David tried to tell something, but Paul sometimes had selective hearing and he chose to lead you away from grumpy old grandpa. Yes, he was beaten up next day, but grinning, so you figured out it was fine.

Your friendship was perfect. He could support you like none other friends would. He would listen to you venting and vent about something back, shit-talk about someone who messed up with you and even defend you in more physical encounters. If you had some problems - he would solve it or at least help you find the solution. And let's not start on his humour and non-standard way of thinking. He was perfect friend.

But there was one thing you hated in this friendship. Itsy-bitsy-tiny trait of his personality that you couldn't stand. His playfulness and wish to flirt with everything that moves.

Paul was a flirt. He flirted with your friend, than switched to you in your first meeting. He flirted with people when you went to concerts, in cafe and everywhere else. One time you left him for two minutes to get cocktails for both of you and when you return, you saw him kissing some girl.

And that shouldn't have mattered, as you weren't dating, you were friends. More so, he was a vampire, who sometimes lured his next meal this way. But it was annoying, when you were talking and next thing you knew, he was making eye contact with pretty girl or boy in the middle of your conversation, ignoring what you were saying. Your own... Reasons for so-called jealousy you left out. Yes, you liked him more than a friend, how could you not, he was perfect in a lot of ways, but you were just friends. And he didn't see you like anything else. So you pushed the hope back in your head and just don't think about it.

The fact that he sometimes friend-flirt with you - didn't help at all. Some wink here and there, some hug, lingering hand on your, and you cussed at him in your mind, laughing it off outwardly. But every time your heart skipped a beat - maybe he felt something for you too. But then he looked at other people and the magic of the moment disappeared.

Even now, when you both were hanging out in your place, he still managed to trick you like this. You were sitting on the bed, while Paul flat-out was laying on it, his fingers crawling on your thigh. Even here, when there was no other people rather than you two, he did this.

- It's all good, but we need to find someone, - he sighed.

- You are high again? I'm not a vampire, I don't need to find someone, - you scoffed, while Paul giggled and caressed your thigh, fully on laying a hand on it.

- I am not high, I know you are boring mortal and don't eat blood. I mean in "bed way", - he wiggled his brows, and you froze in place.

- What? Why, I don't... I don't need anyone, - you scoffed.

- Of course you need, I know you for several months already, and you haven't had a boyfriend or a girlfriend any time in this time gap, - Paul looked at your face. - And you do need someone, you look very stressed out and nervous about like everything.

- How do you know that I don't have anyone, - you shrugged nonchalantly. You could see Paul's face froze at this moment. The thoughts were running somewhere in the head of his, and the hand on your thigh stopped.

- Do you have someone? - he asked very quietly and almost out of character for him. You were worried for couple seconds there.

- Maybe, - you shrugged, looking away. You didn't want to give him the opportunity to tease you. And more so you definitely didn't want to go and find someone for the night with Paul. The blonde looked at you silently and then scoffed.

- No way, you would have told me, - he looked to the side. You pursed your lips together and looked at him again.

- Maybe I hid him away, so you won't try and eat him for any reason, - you suggested. - I can have secrets from you, you know?.. Ouch, what are you doing? - his fingers gripped your thigh harder, making you wince a bit. He sat and looked at you attentively.

- Batty, I love a little tease here and there, but tell me you are joking, please... - he almost whined. You furrowed your brows looking at him.

- Why? You told me I need someone to take my mind and stress off, now you are against it?

- Because... Because, - Paul visibly struggled with words, but you couldn't understand why. - Because in this town it could be someone dangerous! Yeah, like a hunter!

- Paul, i know when you lie, you know that, right? - you smirked, looking at pouting vampire. You put your hand on top of his. - What's going on in that little brain of yours?

- Well... I hoped you would refuse my offer and... And I would offer some... friends with benefits stuff, - he looked at you. - Tell me you joked and you don't have a boyfriend, puh-leeeeease, - he whined. Your eyes shut open, looking at him in shock.

- You've got to be kidding me, right? Paul, you have had tons of lovers. And now you have them too. Why would you need me for that matter?

- Well, I... I am... Curious?

- Not very convincing, you can do better, try again, - you scoffed. Paul sighed and rolled your eyes.

- I was just wondering how your kiss would taste like. And you always have some excuse and move away when I flirt with you, and today we both were bored, so I thought to do it, but... You lied to me, right? You don't have anyone?

- Maybe, - you blushed and looked away. - Look, I don't think that's good idea. I know that you are very tactile and probably kissed all the boys before you were even friends, knowing you, but for me it isn't so easy and I just don't want you to have fun with me and move on... - your words were drown in the kiss. Paul's patience came to an end, and he just straight-forward kissed you deeply, with tongue, almost crushing you in his embrace. You fell to the bed, moaning in the kiss, your body completely caught in a fire of feelings.

You were making out for about a minute, until you started smacking his shoulder, asking for a breath. He pulled away and licked his lips almost in bliss.

- I was right, you are tasty, - Paul giggled, looking down at your blushing face. You closed your eyes, trying to hide away from his stare.

- Friends with benefits, huh? - you chuckled humourless.

- Yeah, you liked it, so don't lie that you have something against it, - he kissed your closed eye, than the other one, making you shiver, and you opened your eyes, looking at his face being so close to yours.

- Sometimes I wish... - you whispered, but shut yourself up, looking away. You were too embarrassed at this point to say anything.

- We were more than friends? - Paul ended more quietly. You probably was hearing things, how could he say that? How could there be hope in his voice? - Me too...

- Now you are teasing me, - you shook your head, slowly pushing him off of you. At least trying, as he caught your hand, stopping you.

- If my heart beat, it would jump out of my chest, - Paul sat, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. - I am really so flirty you didn't understand, huh?

- Wait, you... You are serious? About being... More than friends with benefits? - you sat too, your hand still in his cold fingers. Paul eagerly nodded.

- Yeah, babe, I have been serious about it for like a month surely, maybe even more. You didn't notice? - you shrugged. Blonde looked at you and... Started laughing. - Shit, I am bad in normal relationship!

- You definitely are, I thought you saw me as nothing more but friendly flirt, you looked at others when hanging out with me, - you noticed, and Paul rolled his eyes.

- Because I was hungry, duh! - he grinned mischievously and suddenly pulled you by the waist to him, so you would sit on his lap. - So... How about some benefits?

- Only if it's more than friendship, - you whispered to him, kissing him almost hungrily, letting your finger in his wild hair. Paul moaned and eased into your touch, flipping you both so you would lay underneath him, on the pillows. Good thing you had blackout curtains for the day.

The Lost Boys Taglist: @minafromasgard @starmullet @iloveslasher @twistedharper @ichorixm @promptsforstuff @collieflower215

[winged-deity]

Hello I was wondering if you could do a part 3 to the heard it from uncle bad series with quackity, technoblade, eret, puffy, and tubbo please

So many people asked for it, so heres part 3!

Mcyt parents reacting to you cursing

"Heard it from uncle Bad" Pt. 3

Warnings: !cursing!, !mention of blood and violence!, !mention of nuclear weapons!, !implied gambling, drug use and alcoholism!

Quackity

You were usually left upstairs of the casino while your father worked downstairs, though this time you got bored of playing by yourself in his office.

You neatly put away your toys, just as your Papa had taught you, before you excitedly ran to the door and from there to the stairs.

The first two things you noticed when you arrived down at the casino were the bright lights and a ravenette screaming at your Papa.

Without much thought, you ran in between the two, screaming at the man "Leave my papa alone you fucker!"

This caused some shock in both the man, and your father, but before either of them could respond, the man was already sprinting out of the casino.

Your Father picked you up "Hey- Cariño, good job on telling that guy off, but who taught you that word? I have to personally thank them" your Papa gave out a soft laugh.

You grinned excitedly as you wrapped your arms around his neck, and told your father that you had heard your regular babysitter Badboyhalo say it while fighting with Uncle Skeppy.

"oh man thats hilarious, Cariño!" he had laughed while carrying you back to the office "now let's get you back upstairs, you're not safe here with all these drunkens"

Technoblade

Your father was a busy man, but that didnt stop him from adopting an orphan, so usually he kept you on his lap during syndicate meetings, just like today.

They were discussing an attack on the eggpire, and you felt left out and wanted to contribute to the conversation, so once they finalized the attack plan, you jumped onto the table from your fathers lap, and screamed "yeah let's get those fucks!"

Which caused you father to let out a comically loud "HEEH!?" which then caused Philza to burst out laughing at the sight of both Ranboo' and Niki's confused faces.

After your fathers near panic attack and alot of unnecessary yet confused questions, you told him that a couple of weeks back when Tommy took you to see the egg for the first time, both him and Badboyhalo had thrown around a few curses, mostly Tommy, but that beyond the point.

After hearing that, your father picked you up in his armpit while grabbing the Orphan obliterator, he then looked each of the syndicate members in the eye with an emotion that could only be described as bloodlust.

"we're eating some scrambled egg tonight warriors" even if you barely had any idea what was going on, the tone in your fathers voice made your skin crawl.

Eret

You were situated on your fathers lap while she taught you new vocabulary on their throne.

You and your guardian had made up a system, that each day you'd get to choose if you wanted to lesrn vocabulary, maths, or fencing.

Today was a calm day, so you had chosen vocabulary, but the task at hand had reminded you of something much more exciting.

You excitedly turned around in your mothers lap, putting the book down while looking at them "Pom-Pom!!" you screamed, full of energy.

"Yes my little monarch?" he smiled down at you, brushing your hair out of your face.

"i learned a new word while i was at Uncle Bad' and Uncle Skeppy's house!" you exclaimed proudly, hugging your parents chest.

"my my- what might that word be?" she chuckled quietly at your antics, while waiting patiently for a reply.

"Fuckhead!" you grinned, looking up at him with a proud glint in your eyes.

This caused you father to let out a suprised gasp "dear! You cant say that!" she shushed you quickly "thats a bad word alright? My little monarch cant say that.." she smiled apologetically.

The discussion ended in a small and lighthearted lecture for you, and a couple of royal guards sent in the direction of the Skephalo residence.

Captain Puffy

You had been clinging to your mothers side for the whole day, begging to be able to go see your big brother who was currently in prison, you were such a young duckling that you didnt understand why your brother was even locked up, beyond people saying "he was a bad person"

After what felt like the hundredth time your mother had firmly told you no, you finally entered tantrum mode and ended up saying something you shouldn't have.

"Bitch!" you screamed at her while stomping your foot, your mother finally turned her full attention to you with a loud gasp "language! You cant say that!" she was beyond furious, more so on whoever taught her duckling such a word, than being called a bitch. I mean come on now, Tommy calls her Captain Pussy on a daily basis.

You nervously stepped back, genuinely surprised from your mothers tone as she pulled you close "thats a bad-bad word!" she explained to you while running her fingers through your hair.

Upon finding out that one of her closest friends, Badboyhalo, was to blame for her child's language, she stormed right over, ignoring everything else going around, and gave Bad the biggest disappointment parent lecture.

Tubbo

You were playing with your brother Michael in your shared bedroom, when Michaels sword had accidentally given you a rather small yet painful scratch on your arm which caused you to let out a loud shriek "Shit!"

Not long after you heard a "don't teach your brother curse words y/n!" from downstairs, the voice belonging to one of your fathers, Tubbo.

"he hurt me!" you screamed back at your dad, sitting on the floor with an annoyed pout while Michael tried his best to comfort you in piglin.

Soon enough your Dad was by your side with a bandaid while you hissed in pain from the stinging, he then turned to you "so who did you hear that from?" he tilted his head with genuine curiosity, as you told him of a similar incident where it was Badboyhalo who let out the curse, which caused your Dad to let out a dramatic "Badboyhalo?!" which then caused all three of you to laugh.

Needless to say, even if Dadbo seems lighthearted and chill, badboyhalo did get a visit from a calmly pissed Tubbo and a whole ass nuke.

Really hope you enjoyed this one!

Here's the third part everyones been waiting for! I'd like to say that 1. I dont speak spanish so dont come after me for the translations. 2. I got really lazy closer to the end, so sorry about that.

[smhalltheurlsaretaken]

Sorry but what exactly is up with the bad batch arc? I've heard people talk about the issues with echo's white skin but I haven't heard that many bad things about the arc itself? (ik you said you don't want to be negative on your blog so I would absolutely understand if you didn't answer this ask)

Oooooooooooh boy. Well I just had a long, long, LONG rant about it with someone, but I guess I’ve got an excuse to put all of my points onto a post and talk about it publicly now that I got an ask x) I’ll keep it under the cut so I don’t throw my salt in people’s face. I really don’t want to upset people who love that arc - it has redeeming qualities, but overall it pisses me off so much for so many reasons. So here:

The first issue is obviously two members of the Bad Batch (minus Echo) being being just about the furthest thing from maori no matter how much you're willing to stretch it. 

Like... yeah, nah. I wouldn’t even accept Crosshair and Tech (grey haired guy and goggles guy) as Jango’s natural biological sons, nevermind as his clones. 

The problem is that their different appearances are justified by them being described simply as clones with desirable mutations (i.e superpowers). But why the hell did the creators have to change their appearances for that to be a thing? How does that correlate? Sure, the concept of clones with different faces is interesting, except... no, no it’s not, and I’m gonna rant about it in a few secs. But basically it's like they thought giving them different faces would be a good substitute for having different personalities (another thing I’ll come back to). If they really wanted to have buff clones with super eyesight or whatnot they could have just done that, without making them lose what little melanin the lighting of the show had allowed the other Clones to keep. 

But the gigantic problem is... showing that the "regular" clones have VERY distinct identities despite their identical faces has been one of the themes of the show from episode 1. Literally, the first episode of TCW has Yoda taking time out of a mission with galactic stakes to tell the three clones he’s with (who tell him they’re all the same because they have the same faces) that they’re wrong, and that they’re very different in the Force, that their appearance doesn’t matter, that they’re all equally unique and important, and he lists all of their individual skills, strengths and weaknesses. 

And it’s not just me being bothered by that, here’s a post by @cacodaemonia​ saying the same thing. 

Introducing the Bad Batch as "unique" clones who are "different" and "not like their brothers" because they have different faces and skills completely breaks that theme of the show!! Because the entire point of the Clones in TCW is that their faces don't matter, they ARE unique! 

(Plus the Bad Batch’s character designs are so cliche and uninspired it’s just laughable to try and justify bleaching their freaking skin for the sake of visual diversity. 

This took like 10 seconds. I found the first guy by literally googling “soldier movies,” and the other two are Team Fortress characters that look a LOT like Wrecker and Crosshair. One is “Heavy” and one is “Sniper” lmao.

And behold:

The above picture is a Team Fortress reference that I found just by looking up “bad batch clone wars,” so I’m not the only person who sees it.) 

And the batchers don't even have personalities to justify calling them unique! They have no character traits beyond the most cliché american soldier tropes ever. We have a token loner sniper, a token "smart tech guy" who knows everything from xenoanthropology to biology to Separatist computers to sound waves to encryption, a token Badass Brooding Leader and a token “dumb muscle guy.”

I dare anyone to find more about their personalities than this: - Crosshair is the perpetually grumpy sniper who looks down on "regs,” - Wrecker likes to blow up stuff and doesn't like heights, - Hunter is the leader and is friends with Cody, - Tech is smart doesn't trust Echo. 

That’s it, that’s literally it. Four episodes about them and that's all we get. These character tropes are literally the least inventive ever. FFS, Hunter even has a freaking KNIFE! Not a vibroblade, mind you, like in kriffing Star Wars. A knife. Against metal droids. Why. They couldn’t make this more of an american-war-movies cliché fest if they tried. (And sure, he can feel electromagnetic waves so maybe it does make sense for him not to carry a vibroblade and maybe this is nitpicking, but he looks like a ripoff of a Predator character and it pisses me off).

Another thing is that when you introduce characters you have to make them likable - and them despising the normal Clones is a terrible way to do that! And they don't even grow from that because at the end of the 4 episodes arc they just see Rex as not bad "for a reg" and they see Echo as no longer a reg, and both of these things are infuriating! 

The worst thing imo is that Echo then becomes part of them (and irreparably loses his melanin in the process, uuuuuuuuugh) when there is nothing to justify this. 

The dialogue goes like this: 

ECHO: You coming? TECH: Not really our thing. CROSSHAIR: Accolades. WRECKER: Yeah, we're just in it for the thrill. Yo! HUNTER: You sure it's your thing? ECHO: What do you mean? HUNTER: Your path is different. Like ours. If you ever feel like you don't fit in with them, well, find us. (they leave) REX: Those are some of the finest troopers I've ever fought alongside. Echo. You and I go way back. If that's where you feel your place is, then that's where you belong.

Echo doesn't feel like he belongs anymore, okay, but why would he feel like he belongs with the assholes who up to the last five minutes of the mission thought he was probably a traitor, and also verbally expressed that he was not worth saving?? In all of the arc, Echo himself never voices that he feels he’s not ‘like the other Clones’ anymore and that he feels it’s a problem. His relationship with Rex immediately picks up where they left things off - the first thing he does upon being lucid again for the first in over a year is cracking a joke for Rex’s benefit. 

Why would Echo feel like he doesn’t belong in the 501st anymore, when we don't even see him interacting with anyone from his past life except for Rex and Anakin (who are both extremely very supportive of him)?? If there had been one scene of a “regular” Clone (ugh) looking at him with horror and disgust or something, or just Kix and Jesse cracking jokes with Echo awkwardly standing by the side not getting it, I could forgive the show trying to make it feel like he has an identity crisis, but this was so shallow!

The only thing that makes Echo and the Bad Batch’s experiences similar is that they *look* different. It’s so against the themes of the Clones I’m seething just from thinking about it. And what the hell? Echo ALREADY didn’t fit in. That was the WHOLE POINT of Domino Squad. They didn’t fit in because they thought they were better than anyone else because they had trouble getting along with their brothers, so obviously it had to be their brothers’ fault (ahem, Bad Batch?). And you know what happened? Domino Squad OVERCAME that. And Echo and Fives still didn’t “fit in” because their personalities were unique and creative, and they became ARC Troopers because Cody, Rex and the Jedi VALUED THEM FOR PRECISELY THAT. Echo having new and unique skills and a modified appearance is the most bs justification for him feeling like he doesn’t belong!! 

And that brings me to my biggest issue: Rex telling Echo the bad batch are some of the best troopers he's ever met. I'm sorry, based on WHAT? What Rex values above everything is loyalty and brotherhood, and the Bad Batch DOESN'T DISPLAY ANY OF THAT. We never see them even expressing concern for each other! Wrecker treats saving Cody’s life like a trivial issue, because it’s just ‘sO eAsY’ for him, and beyond that we never see them supporting each other or genuinely expressing affection for each other beyond boasting about each other’s skills... 

Sure they can destroy a lot of droids, but they're dismissive of Rex's brothers, and the entire Umbara arc and this arc showed what he thought of that. They keep saying things like "not bad for a reg,” don't show any trust in Rex's skills or experience (even though they can't have been fighting in the war for more than a year and a half when he’s been there from the beginning, and he outranks all of them), they are essentially guerilla fighters which has only minimal value in a galactic war, and they never grow beyond their views of what regs are, and can and can’t do. 

None of that should make them good troopers in Rex's book. Going back to Echo not fitting in, remember who taught the Domino Squad the importance of seeing all of your brothers as important and equally valuable? Shaak Ti, true, but more importantly? 99! The guy the Bad Batch are named after. He did have value and was important and was no less of a trooper than his brothers, even though his mutations made him LESS powerful, not more. (And btw, just from a writing standpoint, the batchers don’t have any weaknesses, which is shit.) Cody and Rex mourned 99 as a true soldier even though it wasn’t his sacrifice that brought them victory (which would have implied that he had value as a soldier and a brother because he saved them, as opposed to him having that value intrinsically), because that’s what a fine trooper is to them. A BROTHER first a foremost, someone altruistic, brave and loyal. The Bad Batch distort the meaning of 99's character with their behavior. They’re not altruistic, their bravery is mitigated by the fact that they’re freaking invincible, so of course they take risks (again, see Wrecker saving Cody without a care because it’s easy to him, as opposed to Rex being ready to run into a burning ship about to explode because his brother is in there, and having to be physically dragged away). The Bad Batch denigrate their brothers for being less skilled, thinking their own abilities make them unique somehow, when 99 could barely fight and was still the one who taught Hevy about being a good soldier. 

And again the batchers don't grow from that. Which is all the more frustrating because the original ending didn’t have Echo joining them, from what I remember of the unfinished episodes, and the arc actually ended with them receiving their medals in front of regular troopers who cheer for them, as opposed to them smugly ostracizing themselves and dismissing the ceremony as trivial and meaningless. (original ending vs s7 ending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab1eCfzKamw) 

It’s so annoying. Do you know what characters never had an entire arc dedicated to them and still have far more personality and more interesting designs and more symbolic weight?? 

Jesse, for starters. Kix. Dogma. Cut. Slick. Keeli. Ponds. Rys, Jek and Thire. Commander Doom. Commander Fox. Wolffe. Hevy. Hardcase. 

Cody was a more interesting character just in his RotS appearances. 

Waxer and Boil had one episode about them and then only two cameos plus Waxer’s death, and they’re still some of the most memorable, beloved Clones of the whole show. And Boil was grouchy and prejudiced like Crosshair, but he has so much growth that we could make a whole thread about it. 

I'd say the last problem with the Bad Batch is that it has cash grabbing money hungry vibes. Different faces are more marketable, cliché personalities are more toy-friendly, and it's basically a big ad for the Bad Batch series. And they throw Echo in the Batch at the end for bs reasons (again, it wasn’t in the original ep from what I remember) and they tease Cody in the show to make sure fans will still watch even if they notice the lack of soul. And less melanin sells more at Disney apparently. 

So that’s my whole pissed rant.