#but we see even in that arc he shed a tear over him. he's a good person deep down

[kitsuneoftheorganization]

i would like to hear all your thoughts about ai hrgfkfjdk he is such the character ever. his whole character arc and that last duel with yusaku absolutely devastated me :')

HHHHJAKSKSJSK okay number one I absolutely love characters who at first seem not so bright, but are way smarter than they appear, yet at the same time are still dorks. and he is the embodiment of that. I love his goofiness. The fact that he annoys the hell out of Yusaku and tries to get reactions out of him is hilarious.

overall he doesn't feel, imo, like a character, his personality and their interactions feel very real, and this is actually something in general I like about vrains and the characters and their interactions

what really hit me hard though was him trying to play the part of a villain at the end and trying to hide his real reasons, even though you could see the fact that he really does care a lot for everyone. Man has the villain fashion down tho 👏

as for his human form, paired with his personality he had me like WOOF WOOF 🐕

it was on a more serious note so interesting to see how he pictures himself as a human, his body language, etc, and the fact that he's still just as much of a dork (excluding, y'know, the trauma of losing his family he's dealing with, poor guy :[ ) but just imagining being there as a human and seeing this ai have feelings and free will and depth and be so human would be crazy to witness much less befriend him and have a bond with him like Yusaku, it reminds me of DBH where Hank sees the development of Connor and they become so attached to each other

but then the final duel absolutely destroyed me, him getting nostalgic but still trying to be jokey about it and pretend he doesn't care, then finally giving up the act and telling Yusaku that in every simulation he sacrificed himself to keep Ai alive, and seeing how devastated Ai was, was devastating. him asking if he was a good partner had me CRYING

i'd love to see just everything turning out great, yusaku finding him, him getting a body back, just living domestically with yusaku and all his friends and seeing how he would navigate the world. I want to think the other ignis are somewhere out there as well and that somehow possibly they could be brought back and coexist :) yes I'm being hopeful but poor Ai being the last ignis, realizing that other AI programs just weren't able to be the same as the ignis are, the weight of being literally the last thing like yourself and knowing a good amount of humans are distrustful of you is a lot to shoulder

I could go on and on but in general he's just the most lil creacher ever and I wanna squeeze his cheeks. im so happy he survived but he rlly needs a hug

[f1crecs]

Fic Rec List - Charles/Max AUs

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On the Ice by @f1tyreslightmyfyre | T | 5.5k Max is a hockey player, and Charles is a figure skater! Cue a lot of teasing and romance. This was so cute!!! I absolutely loved the teasing and the dynamics between Charles and Max. So much fluff! It was also based off of an artwork in the community that everyone needs to see too!

'Max knows that he probably stares like a lovesick puppy, but who can blame him? “Am I dreaming?” He says by way of greeting. “Or is that you, pretty boy?” Charles doesn’t quite roll his eyes as he scoffs in amusement. “Yeah, of course, it’s me. Don’t cream your pants.” He skates in a lazy, easy circle around Max. “I know I’m irresistible, but I know you can do it.”'

nsfw: chemical (can't let go) by @alphatinies | E | 8k Max is in a club bathroom when suddenly, his rut hits. It turns out– his ex, Charles, is willing to help him through it. Even if they broke up 3 months ago. I really loved the A/B/O dynamics! It was a fantastic read and I love the raw dialogue and want that Max has for Charles. Nothing is ever really over!

'They broke up three months ago. Coming here is not only humiliating, but also stupid—they haven’t talked since the break-up, agreed on a clean cut, pretending not to know each other whenever their friend circles happen to cross paths. They’re mature about it. Mostly.'

all this happened, more or less by @lightningmickqueen | ? | 10.3k In lockdown, a popstar named Escalier Des Fleurs has taken storm. It turns out he's a familiar face: Charles Leclerc. And– he's singing about his crush, Max Verstappen. I loved this fic so much! It was one of my first fics I read when I was introduced to the F1 fandom. It's such an adorable story, and is very very VERY reminiscent of Hannah Montana. Read if you want a fluffy, angsty with a happy ending story!!!

'i am having the hardest time processing the fact that the ferrari strategy team cannot put together a strategy but charles leclerc can have two successful and unrelated careers #his team doesn’t know the weather #meanwhile charles is in the car writing a song in his head that will go on to be one of the best selling songs of all time #WITCHCRAFT'

Story of Our Lives by Eviestappen, footysel | G | 16.3k When Charles and Max meet when they are kids, they are both drawn to football. Charles' assists and Max's goals are teamwork at its best. But when Max has to move back to Belgium, they're torn apart. However, life throws them for a loop, and they are reunited again and again. I love a good childhood friends to lovers arc! Plus, this taught me so much about football terminology. It's literally Lestappen IRL but with football instead! Adorable must-read!

When the final whistle blew, they all collapsed onto their knees, shedding a few tears of happiness as they once again crowded the dutch boy. They sang cheers in his honor, hoisting him high up in the air during the trophy presentation.  For the first time in my life, it's all so clear. I feel calm like I belong. I'm so happy here. Just as it had been all season, Charles picked up the ‘star of the match’ award posing alongside Max, who had received the ‘player of the tournament’ trophy. The two young boys, predictably future stars, smiling like there was no tomorrow.

nsfw: noir désir by @alphatinies | E | 24k Max moves in with Charles and Pierre. Charles is an artist struggling with inspiration, which he happens to find in Max. There is a lot of longing in this fic which I love, it’s practically palpable. Charles especially struggles with his desire for max as he has a lot of history with Pierre. The mix of it being a character study and exploration, but also having good plot progression was absolutely amazing. One of my absolute favourites and made me feel many emotions. This fic is what AUS23 (1:1) sounds like.

'The desire hasn’t dissipated by the time they pull apart. Charles almost expects there to be a moment of clarity, to realise what he’s done—but that doesn’t come. When Max pulls away, Charles could still drown in his eyes, yearning to taste him again, and he does, leaning forward to press their mouths together. He kisses him eagerly, like he’s trying to prove a point—he wants this just as much as Max does, he can’t stop thinking about him in a way that he hopes is reciprocated, he wants him.'

glitch by @nyoomfruits | T | 26.5k Max is a webmaster at a fashion magazine, and an F1 fan. He has a meet-cute with driver Charles in the elevator at when Charles turns up for a photoshoot. It's love at first sight for Charles. I love an office romance and I guess this was half of one. Max is so not interested at first but Charles is charming and persistent-but-not-pushy and the developing relationship is sweet and unhurried. The fic deals with the realities of dating a famous person when you value privacy. The peanut gallery/Greek chorus provided by Daniel and Lando is hilarious and very in character.

'Daniel opens his mouth, presumably to say thank you, but then he looks at the coffee cup and frowns. “Uh,” he says, pointing at the cup and looking up at Max. “Where’s the rest of it?” Max pulls a face. “Soaking into the shirt of two time Formula One World Driver Champion Charles Leclerc.” “What,” Daniel says, as Lando pops his head over the divider with a gleeful look on his face. “Oh this sounds like it’s going to be good,” he says, as he catches the red bull can Max throws him one handed. “What happened?” Max sighs. “I ran into him in the elevator. Literally. Then I told him he was braking too early on turn 11 yesterday and that’s probably why he lost, and he just kept staring at me, so I kind of panicked, and got out of the elevator three floors too early.” “You are a gift to this earth,” Lando says, sighing delightedly as Daniel howls with laughter next to him. “Like who the fuck does that? Meets one of their favorite drivers and then tells them their braking is shit. Truly, only you. I’m so glad we are friends.” “Max, Maxy, never change,” Daniel says, trying to catch his breath. “God I wish I could have been there.” “You,” Max says, pointing between the two of them with his Red Bull can. “Both suck.” “What was he even doing here?” Lando asks, as Daniel wipes the tears from the corners of his eye. “No clue,” Max says, with a shrug. “Didn’t think to ask.” “Too busy insulting his braking,” Daniel says, sending himself off into another peel of laughter.'

no brakes on by @drivestraight | T | 32.5k Max is a Red Bull driver, but Charles is a (surprisingly good) actor. After a not-so-good meet-cute, they're suddenly drawn together after having to make amends for PR. I love AUs where half of a pair is still a driver yet the other doesn't have to do anything with racing at all! The fic deals with the perils of being famous and always in the spotlight while dealing with romance. And, Sebastian is still driving for Ferrari!

'Real. That’s—that’s a hard concept. For most of Max’s life, the past, the present, the future; what was in front of him and what was merely a dream he was running toward, they blended together. He spent seventeen years, even the years he can’t remember, working at his dream, then all of a sudden, it was his reality. Fast forward seven years he was a champion, everything he wanted to be but wasn’t sure if he would ever be. It’s just—everything has moved so fast. Max can’t tell real from unreal anymore. He wants to rest, wants to live in the moment, but the moment is—it keeps moving. It keeps escaping him. He isn’t sure where it is, isn’t sure where he is. What is real, what is not. Max feels like he could wake up one day, twelve years old again, strapped into his go-kart in pouring Holland rain, trying to find grip where there wasn’t, thinking of better things and a brighter future.'

nsfw: give me that fire by Lady_Something | E | 40k Chef!au, Max and Charles have history, but it doesn't stop Charles from coming to work as Max's new sous chef. Exes to lovers. To be honest working in a restaurant sounds like a nightmare but for some reason I love reading stories with this setting. This fic was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way, at times I was near tears and had completely given up on a happy ending but the lovely lady_something brought it all together in a both happy and realistic ending. If you like well written and delightfully flawed characters dealing with complicated relationships and grief, this is a fic for you! Trigger warning for death of a pet!

'“Charles, I just spent the last four years thinking I’d lost you forever. That I’d ruined not just the best relationship I would ever have, but the best friendship as well. If there is even the slightest chance that I can earn back enough of your trust for you to give me another chance, I will do whatever you want.” Charles chews on his bottom lip, his cheeks flushing beautifully. “That’s a lot of power to give somebody over you,” Charles says slowly, twisting the fork in his hand nervously. “I trust you,” Max answers immediately. “You probably shouldn’t,” he says softly. “I still haven’t forgiven you for not wanting me to go to Arthur.” Max wonders what Charles might make him do, if he were feeling vindictive. He’s never been on the receiving end of Charles’ pettiness, not really—except when he’d sabotaged Max’s serving to the Michelin Inspectors in Paris—but he’s seen it. When they were kids, he’d seen it a lot. He’d always thought it was funny, that Max had a reputation amongst their peers for being aggressive—but Max had always known that Charles was really the unhinged one between them.'

Of Shadow by racingline | M | 46k Charles Leclerc is a typical college student. Except, it turns out, none of what he knows is true: he's stuck in a universe where racing, his family, and the people he love don't exist. This is one of my all-time favorite magical realism fics! It's crazy, each chapter had me so hooked and wanting to know what happens next constantly. I loved it so much and the universe.

'Charles’ brain is still an echo of modena yellow and rosso corsa, the sounds of the factory and the smells of winter in Italy a vibrant flurry against the flat backdrop of his reality. He thinks of Maranello and Ferrari, the uneasy whine of Jules’ Renault when he revved the engine too high at every red light on the drive back to Monaco like each one was the start of a race. He thinks of the Academy–of Jules, who was the first one to be signed, and of himself, the first to make it all the way through. He thinks of the garage, more an artists’ studio than a factory. He thinks of Enzo and the son he lost too soon. He thinks, amo pensare che la Ferrari puo costruire piloti tanto quanto macchine, and he thinks, ask a child to draw a car and certainly he’ll draw it red. He thinks of mistaking the Italian anthem for that of his own country; he thinks of the scuderia in all its infallible, divine contradictions; its hopes and heartbreaks interlinked in an endless chain.'

nsfw: The Things You Do by loveleclerc | E | 71.9k Dutch mafia boss Max meets Charles in a strip club, where the latter formally works. After Charles decides to steal his wallet and go on a shopping spree, Max finds him, and lots of teasing ensues. Plus, Max is practically Charles' sugar daddy. This was genuinely so captivating and so hot. The plot was so insanely well-written and made me want to keep coming back! I read this on a plane ride and it made the time fly.

'“The quiet only lasted so long. Shouting in Italian and Dutch soon erupted from somewhere in the house along with gunfire that made Charles flinch, covering his ears while he squeezed his eyes shut. What the fuck had his life become?”'

nsfw: grapefruit mignonette by slapshots | E | 73.6k Max is an esteemed chef working under Christian Horner and Charles is an part-time server and architecture student. It turns out, tension does wonders for attracting the two together. So much food imagery! God, when I was reading this, I got so hungry. The descriptions were so lovely! And, I love any restaurant AUs. The characters were so funny and I loved their attitudes.

“Charles, this is our Executive Chef Max,” Christian said, picking up the fork and digging into it. “Charles just moved from –“ “France,” Max said. “Monaco,” Charles corrected. “Monaco is in France.” “I assure you, Chef, that Monaco is its own country.”

mr. invisible and the thing by @chubbydino | M | 97k A soulmate AU where Charles is a mechanic and Max is Daniel's agent. But– Max doesn't believe in soulmates, and Charles is struggling to cope. I love this fic so much! I reread the whole fic every update. Slow burn and soulmates are some of my favorite AUs and it's a fantastic read with some of the best writing in the fandom.

'Max hated the person his life had been mangled with. He referred to him as The Thing, because Max considered him more demon than anything else. Soulmates—he hated that term, but he had no other one to use in conversation—seemed awfully similar to demonic possession. The Thing certainly haunted him. The Thing seemed to like every kind of food Max hated. Every morning, Max tasted frothed milk and espresso when he woke up. Every morning, it made him gag. The Thing also liked French Onion soup during winter (palatable), mango in summer (chalky), and some vile kind of meat in the fall. The Thing lived in Europe somewhere, Max guessed. The Thing woke up at dawn and didn’t sleep until dark. The Thing’s schedule made it nearly impossible for Max to nap—and Max loved to nap. The Thing was also scared of cars. Max couldn’t describe how he knew, but the sound of a Formula 1 car always made him nervous the first time he heard it on race weekend, distant terror echoing in his bones. Further proof that the system was flawed—no soulmate of his would be scared of what he'd devoted his whole life to.'

thank you to @blueballsracing, @maaxverstappen, & @lydia-petze for compiling this list 💝

[sneezemonster15]

Why is it offensive to so many SNS fans to even consider that Gaara and Naruto would make a good couple? IF (one BIG if) there was a scenario where Sasuke had died in the end and Naruto hadn't, which would never be at Naruto's hands btw but then so many others wanted Sasuke gone, would you not want to see Naruto have some comfort? Who would have given it to him? Who would be capable of it? Sakura? HINATA??? Kakashi? Sai? All of these are emotionally inept ass people.

Gaara is perhaps only second to Sasuke in Naruto's eyes, in terms of connection and mutual empathy. Gaara is the only other character to get a retrieval arc where Naruto is the pursuer. Gaara is the only other person Naruto goes absolutely feral for, and no, Hinata in Pein arc doesn't count. Totally different contexts. Gaara is the only other person than Sasuke that Naruto shows a deep personal connection with. Gaara after all was also a jinchuuriki, who shared similar and perhaps even worse predicament than Naruto, as Naruto himself acknowledged.

Naruto and Gaara share a mutual understanding. They care for each other deeply. And God forbid, if something had happened to Sasuke, I would certainly want Gaara to be with Naruto and knowing Gaara, he would be there, no matter what. If Naruto were on Mars, Gaara would find a way to be there for him. Gaara loves Naruto, he understands Naruto, and Sasuke as well to quite an extent. Naruto also is aware of Gaara in part two, even though it's Sasuke whom he loves. But there is certainly a mutual fascination and attraction between them, a certain awareness, kindredness. So if Naruto ended up with Gaara after it all, I would not resent that ending. I would be pleased to see that Naruto at least, finally gets some love and affection after starving for it for so long. As in when Sasuke wasn't there. And who better than Gaara to give it? Gaara is the only person who would even stand a chance to be able to comfort Naruto in case of Sasuke's demise. Nothing would make Gaara happier than making Naruto happy. He would make it his life's mission.

Naruto chose Sasuke over everyone, including Gaara, so there's no doubt that Sasuke is Naruto's priority over everyone. But damn, I just want to see my boy happy. Gaara won't make him happy the way Sasuke does. Naruto wouldn't even want to live if Sasuke was gone. But Gaara is quite the lover in his own right. And he loves Naruto, truly. He knows the deprivation of love, just like Sasuke and Naruto, he knows how it feels to be at the receiving end of people's hate and indifference. And he learnt what it meant to be cared for and valued because of Naruto. The same thing Sasuke did for Naruto. He gave up his life for Naruto in waves arc which in turn made Naruto realize how deeply he felt for Sasuke all along and how much it meant to him to be valued in such a way by another person. That this is what it means to be family. Gaara had a change of heart because Naruto showed him that he was valued and understood. That he wasn't alone anymore. Naruto hurt for Gaara too. So much. Naruto is passionate about Gaara. He shed tears for him, he wailed and screamed and raged and turned into a beast for him. Gaara is a very well written character and he has a well developed, actually quite beautiful relationship with Naruto. Their relationship and its development gets a lot of visibility in the manga as well.

I also recognise the fact that if it were actually possible to make Naruto end up with Gaara, Naruto would have definitely ended up with Sasuke. Heh. But that's not the point I am making. I don't actively ship Gaara with Naruto. But seeing them together makes me happy and fact is, them ending with each other would be a thousand times better than what we have now.

[meenawrites]

So.. I finished Alchemy of Souls

Guys, the amount of tears I just shed in front of my entire family in the last episode of part 2 is crazy.

They were just sitting there like, you good? It's fiction as I'm sobbing my eyes out.

Anyway.

I have many thoughts. So many. And I lowkey want to make a separate post for each of them.

But for now I do want to leave some of my impressions about the finale: (spoilers ahead obviously)

I thought it was pretty well done. I expected to be a bit more shocked about the whole Jin Buyeon is Jin Seol-ran plotline but it honestly made sense to me and I feel like it was actually foreshadowed pretty well for the most part, even in season 1.

Also they definitely got me good with the deaths of Park Jin, Maidservant Kim, and Jin Hogyeong (if that's how you spell her name). Like that's when I started crying tbh. (I could care less about Mama Jin tbh, she sucks, but that deserves its own post). And I'm glad that them actually being alive didn't feel like a cop out to me. They established early on that Jin Seol-ran knew what would happen and used that to their advantage so it was believable and didn't feel like a Deus Ex Machina move for them to be saved. Well, maybe one of them should have died (cough–Mama Jin–cough). But it's fine.

I do feel like the last two episodes were kind of rushed though. I don't know if they had budgeting constraints or if Netflix didn't give them more than ten episodes, but I think that they should have had at least 12. Two more episodes would have allowed for more expansion on the climax and allowed them to up the drama more, which I think would have done well for the series over all, and would have been a better payoff.

I think the time could have been used well to flesh out some of the side characters arcs more. I feel like Danggu and Jin Choyeon were kind of pushed off to the side this season, and especially in the latter half, but I would have liked to see more of them and their relationships not only with each other but with Jang Uk and Naksu/Jin Buyeon.

For all intents and purposes, Naksu/Jin Buyeon lived as Jin Choyeon's sister for three years, and we can see that despite everything that happened three years prior, Choyeon did treat her as her sister even knowing the soul was Naksu's and cared about her. I think that could've and should've been expanded upon, her choosing to care about Naksu/Jin Buyeon or how that came to be. Also, after Naksu regained her memory AND found out Jin Mu had been for sure controlling her at the end of Part 1, I would have loved to see the conversation between her and Choyeon about what she did, an apology and an explanation that she would never have done that if she were sane of mind. What I said about Choyeon applies to Naksu as well because she lived three years as Choyeon's sister, and we can tell she cares about her, so I would have loved to see more of her feelings towards her, especially upon remembering all that had transpired in part 1.

When it comes to Danggu, I mean, he's one of Uk's best friends, and he was left out of the loop a lot when it came to anything Naksu-related. I would have liked him to find out or for Uk to tell him at some point and see how he makes peace with that. Because Danggu and Mudeok were friends in part 1 and he supported her (erroneously) in her supposed romance with Seo Yul. But then she killed his fiance's father and tried to attack him. I can't imagine the sense of betrayal he felt, but also finding out that it wasn't her fault and how he could come to terms with that would have been great to see. I also think his whole experience/trauma from part 1 was kind of glossed over. Like his main thing this season was his broken heart after Choyeon didn't end up marrying him, and I think that was making his feelings a bit too one-dimensional there. They do talk about how he feels slightly uncomfortable/doesn't know what to do with Jang Uk at the beginning of the show, but once Seo Yul comes back, that's kind of forgotten about and the three of them just start hanging out again no problem. I would've like to see a bit more about him struggling with becoming Leader of Songrim as well and how he adapted to that amidst his heartbreak for both his love and his friend who he doesn't even know how to act around anymore, and even towards Naksu/Mudeok who kind of ruined his future and that of his best friend but also being intuitive enough (because he is and he has one of the best hearts we've seen in the show) to realize that there's more to the story than her just going on a murder spree.

I've seen some talk about people saying they didn't like the actress for season 2 as much as season 1 (forgive me, I forgot their names), but I think both brought something good to the table.

Season 1 actress for Mudeok was really good. Her facial expressions were spot on and her chemistry with Lee Jaewook and the other cast members was really good. I think she definitely had great stage presence and made the show popular in the first place. I just don't agree that season 2 actress was worse.

I think season 2 actress definitely put in the work and embodied who Naksu/Jin Buyeon was for the majority of the series. There were times where she made expressions that perfectly resembled/echoed Naksu/Mudeok's that really got me like yes they are the same person even if she doesn't remember. She may have been cuter than we were used to with out sharp-tongued and emotion-resistant Mudeok, but I think Naksu needed that. As Mudeok and before then she didn't have the luxury to be more emotional and girly, it's only now in this body that she does, and I'm glad she had the opportunity to express that side of herself that had never seen the light of day.

We did get a glimpse of that side of her at the end of part 1 where she's playing around with makeup and what might make her look pretty, and it really spoke to all that she had missed out on and had to give up in order to survive. So yeah despite all the angst, I'm glad Naksu/Jin Buyeon had that opportunity through season 2 actress who played it really well while keeping in line with the essence of Naksu/Mudeok.

This whole thing about Naksu being the shadow to Jang Uk's light and if light exists then it needs a shadow broke my heart you guys, it was so perfect. And the fact that they were each other's light and shadow at different points but were also wholly necessary to each other in that was beautiful. I want to talk more about this in a separate post, so I'll table this metaphor for now.

Shout out to Crown Prince Go Won, a great character this whole season in terms of both comedic relief and massive character growth. So good.

Uk's arc was fantastic too but again want to save that for a full post.

Those are my out of order first thoughts about part 2, but I have SO MUCH MORE to discuss, so I will come back for sure. I just needed to scream to the world for a bit (virtually of course).

Question though for all of you more knowledgeable in the k-drama world: is there going to be a season 3?

[enigmatist17]

Angst that turned into something based off of this and this

When Fives opens his eyes, he can see the stars.

He's not trembling from exhaustion, the hunger cramps due to not feeding his accelerated metabolism the nutrients it needed are gone, and the tears he'd shed in despair trying to explain everything are gone. While he's not lying down, he's not standing up either, just looking at the millions of shining stars as he tries to figure out where he is.

"Fives?"

"Tup?"

"Hey there." Tup is standing, floating, ???, beside him, a smile on that face he'd seen go still days ago. His long hair is free of its bun, idly floating around his face with its familiar teardrop tattoo. "Did you die from the chip too?"

"No, I died trying to tell - well, anyone about it." Fives said, and Tup hugs him when the tears streaming down his face float out among the stars. "I failed."

"You did your best." Tup hugs the ARC as he falls to pieces, his anguished cries making the stars around them dim. Fives cries until three sets of arms seem to come from nowhere, hugging him tight as familiar voices whispered to him in comforting mando'a.

He doesn't have to look to see who it is, letting out a weak laugh as he's hugged even tighter, feeling the first shred of joy since waking up.

But wait, it should be four of them?

"He's still alive." Droidbait answers his unbidden question, and Fives finally turns to see the long dead Domino's he and Echo had seen die so long ago. Droidbait, Hevy and Cutup are smiling at their old batchmate, looking just the same as the day he'd lost them, happy and sad that Fives had finally joined them. Fives wanted to scream at the knowledge that Echo was alive, but instead started to cry again when he's embraced yet again by the four around him.

"It's okay vod'ika, he'll join us eventually." Cutup pressed his forehead against Fives', and watches the former ARC let out a strangled sigh.

"We have so much to show you." Hevy hums when Fives stops crying again, feeling as if he'd been crying for years at this point. "The universe is so big."

"There are also so many friends who are going to be delighted to see you again." Tup smiles, offering a hand that's taken and held like a lifeline.

"Lead on then."

It doesn't stop the pain of Fives' failure as the stars begin to fly past the group, a planet they'd only seen on holo's soon appearing below them as if in orbit. No one can see the dead men as they seem to appear on some beach, and somehow Fives can smell the salty air and feel the warm sand beneath his feet as the Domino's pull Tup and Fives towards a group of troopers that seemed eager to accept them. Old friends who had died, and shinies that had fallen cheered at Fives' arrival, and while it hurt to smile, he was glad to see them in a way.

Time marches on, and then they come in so many numbers.

Thousands and thousands of brothers begin to appear in the stars, all frightened, confused and screaming in anguish when they realize it's over. The chips and its knowledge just clicked into their minds when dead friends and brothers began to appear, and the Force rang out with sadness and agony as the guilt hits them all.

The 501st cry when they reunite, some of their numbers missing but most having died on the Resolute while trying to murder both Ahsoka and Rex. It takes a long time to realize they had been doomed from the start, and in batches more and more brothers appear as years pass.

Some had died fighting the new Empire, some had been test subjects that had gone gruesomely, and not enough died of old age.

Rex and Kix are the last two to join the millions of souls drifting among the stars, and the Force sings with a bittersweet joy when the very last brother finally opens his eyes.

Kix had been alone for so long, fighting a war that had finished so long ago, and died alone for a Resistance that hopefully won their war. He's not alone when he looks around, so many brothers crying with joy as the medic is embraced, and for the first time since they'd lost, he falls apart in their arms.

Then

Then the Force sings to each soul, and the stars vanish, and every clone closes their eyes at a gentle voice.

You have another chance, take it for yourselves my children

When they open their eyes, they're on Kamino in bodies that were far younger when they had left them.

They had a second chance

They had a second chance

[garoumylove]

I know there will be several talented people doing write ups on this but I just want to add my own two cents as well because this got me emotional.

The reason I write Garou fanfics so much is because I find his psyche absolutely fascinating and close to my heart. He presents with such anger and sassy cockiness while dealing with so much inner turmoil. And most of the time we don't get to see that inner turmoil but every once in a while ONE/Murata will lift that veil through one panel or a piece of dialogue and we get a glimpse of the troubled young man and all those painful feelings inside. And it's that pain, inner conflict, the vulnerability he guards so closely that I love to explore and that makes me fall for him over and over again.

This panel is one of those. As I've mentioned a while ago, I'm not a fan of the way Garou has been characterised in the manga since he reappeared on the surface at the end of the MA arc and especially not a fan of his characterisation post MA arc. This, however, is the Garou that I love. The troubled young man who pushes his way through life with a heady mix of bravado and stoicism. And then we get this.

"I'd love to show you how 'easy' it would be...' accompanied by a somewhat gruesome inverted panel with blood splatter. To me, this is the first time Garou is letting out his pain and frustration at his loss with Saitama. His ideology, while simplistic, got him through a tough childhood and adolescence. He clung to that goal and shed an exorbitant amount of blood and sweat over it only to discover it was never going to be. The loss of that would be gut wrenching. And finally here we get him giving us a glimpse of that raging pain. Of that vulnerability.

But what gets me even more is the next line "You worthless hunk of junk that can't even bleed or feel pain". This is one of the most obvious and clear times that Garou is coming face to face with his own pain. To me, it's like he's finally admitting that he is in pain. Not physical pain, but just this existential pain that he finds himself sometimes drowning in and doesn't know what to do with.

And then next panel he just goes right back to work with the older guys looking after him which I find so fucking sweet and adorable, telling the lad to put everything down and stop working.

At this point I see Garou starting to deal with all that backlog of pain and trauma. He is not in it all the time but he allows it to come to the surface, holding it, feeling it and then he goes back to this new low-key life. This isn't something he is going to process in one go. This will be an ongoing process. Diving head first into that chaos, those demons in his head, into everything that hurts and unravelling it a little at a time before swimming back to shore and going on with his life.

It's a process that I think is a lot more poignant and powerful than the happy-go-lucky de-fanged puppy characterisation we currently (but didn't used to) get in the manga. The Garou we get in the webcomic still has those fangs, but he lets himself be more than that little by little. One day, he will be at peace with who he really is and every time I think about it, I kinda want to tear up.

[glasshalftrue]

i generally really liked the fifth season of fargo and thought it was a pretty good return to form after the disappointing fourth season, but it was definitely still weaker than the first three, and one of my biggest criticisms is how it handled the character of Lorraine (played by Jennifer Jason-Leigh). her performance is one of complete over-the-top moustache-twirling villainy - which is fine in and of itself, the show is certainly no stranger to cartoonishly larger-than-life characters. but it doesn't really square with the semi-redemption arc she eventually goes through. roy tillman is, rightfully, painted as a complete monster and gets the comeuppance he deserves, but Lorraine never suffers any consequences for her actions - and while it's totally fine for a villain to "get away with it", so to speak, i get the sense that the show doesn't quite see her fate (or lack thereof) as a miscarriage of justice so much as a perfectly fair conclusion for her now that she's "one of the good guys". but just because she's expanded her circle of empathy just enough to include Dot in it doesn't mean she's a good person, and it's shown that her debt collection business is extremely predatory and has ruined many, many lives. yet because she's less crude and more outwardly respectable than roy, her misdeeds cold and detached rather than and hot-blooded and personal, we're not expected to hate her in the same visceral way that we hate the wife-beating, gun-toting authoritarian nutjob. now, im not opposed to villains with shades of nuance; it makes total sense for Lorraine to be particularly incensed by misogyny, and a big theme of this season is toxic masculinity, and conversely, the plight of being a woman in a man's world. but for a season that is so nakedly contemporary and political, it seems odd to let the Billionaire off the hook, and i think it speaks to the the myopic liberal mindset that hawley's seething contempt for trump has, unfortunately, put him in. (on that same note: i'm uncomfortable with the show's use of prison rape as something we're supposed to cheer for at the end of the season. i can't say i'd shed many tears for someone like roy, but in general prison rape is treated like a punchline in society, even celebrated as a de-facto component of the penal system, so it's disappointing to see the show contribute to that retributive trend.)

[esperr]

My thoughts on the new trolls movie (me ranting about trolls 3 for way to long)

Disclaimer: I am aware this is just a kids movie and it’s not supposed to be a cinamatic masterpiece. I am mostly just writing this for my own entertainment

I absolutely love doing these movie reviews, my first one being on the nimona move (I will link it at the bottom for anyone who is interested)

Now I will start this off by saying that I did NOT watch the 2nd trolls movie so some of the plot holes I might mention in this post could be things I missed because of that, but most of these are specific to this particular movie

The first thing I noticed are the many inconsistencies, such as when Gristle gets his eyebrow pulled off but only a second later he is shown with both eyebrows fully in-tact. Although, the main problem I have with this movie in in fact NOT the inconsistencies, so I will leave those at that.

At the begging of the movie we see branch as a baby. His family is separated and he is left with his grandmother who is eventually eaten by a Bergen. After this is the wedding scene. During this scene poppy expresses how badly she wishes she had a sister. This whole bit of dialogue just seems so forced. It’s as if the writers were trying to figure out how to make a movie centered around branch about poppy. This is where we get into the main thing I disliked about this movie: The sheer amount of side plots.

The first side plot we run into is poppy’s yearning for a sister. We then see her father grimace and it is extremely obvious right off the bat that she most definitely has one. This was definitely a VERY strange choice considering this movie is supposed to be about branch finding HIS family members. Adding poppy’s sister into the mix is just completely unnecessary and it adds nothing to the movie overall. It essentially just takes away from the main focus of the movie, confusing the viewer.

The second side plot we run into is Tiny diamond wanting to seem grown up. This is just even more unnecessary. Like it’s ok to explore different characters in a movie but REALLY? Why him out of every character? Not to mention that despite trying to “explore” his character, we learned absolutely nothing new about him. They could have instead used this time to explore branch and his brothers a bit more, but alas we are left with these bland brothers who lack personality.

Once poppy finds her sister we run into yet ANOTHER side plot. Poppy’s sister and the other trolls that live in this area are still afraid of the bergens. This honestly just felt like filler at this point as it was a conflict that was already resolved in the very first movie. It felt extremely forced and again took attention away from the actual plot.

Although this movie is about branch and his brothers most of the screentime is used up on little things that barely add anything to the movie. So much in fact that the antagonists BARELY FEEL LIKE THEYRE THERE. Like honestly I forgot they even existed because they have so little screentime. They also tried to give vaneer a redemption arc but failed miserably. They essentially just showed us that he kinda has a little bit of remorse and that’s it. ALSO NOT TO MENTION ONE OF BRANCHES BROTHERS RANDOMLY HAVING A CHILD WITH ANOTHER SPECUES WHAT WAS THAT?? he also just left his wife with all of his children and no help?? Husband of the year award definitely goes to this guy…

The very last thing I found annoying about this blue was when branches brother died and came back to life in the same 2 minutes. They didn’t even have time to shed a single tear because right away he was straight back to life. His death didn’t even matter at that point. They didn’t even have time to use some power of love and family trope because he was alive again just like that.

This brings us to our very last sideplot that did not make sense: just when you think the movie is finally over branch randomly decides to announce that he was also in another band and these random sparkly trolls walk in out of NOWHERE for NO REASON. WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THIS?? WHAT WAS THAT?? JUST WHY?? Why?? I CANT WCEN ?? WHAT??

When watching this movie I kept thinking to myself: why didn’t they instead use all this time to explore the brothers and backstories or give velvet and vaneer ACTUAL arcs and personalities. But alas we can’t have everything

I barely scratched the surface of how absolutely Absurd this movie was in this post, but if I all about trolls 3 for any longer I think I just might lose my mind. If you made it this far I applaud you. You are very brave

[asleepency]

Fionna & Cake Ending Theory

Alright so since this is the last night before Fionna and Cake comes to an end, I thought I would try my hand at some honest to god Media Analysis™ on the themes of F&C and what that could mean for its ending in 3 hours

My thesis statement is that the theme of F&C is that you must make happiness with what you have, and not cling to the happiness of the past. This is supported by the protagonists' motivations/stories as I'll explain below.

Fionna's wish and surface-level motivation over the course of the series is to bring back the magic to her universe, it is established very early on that her reason for wanting this is because she is depressed with her boring normal life and she wants adventure and excitement, and just to get away from mundanity in general.

Simon's wish and surface level motivation is a bit more complicated. Obviously he wants Betty back, but if I were to guess where the series is going and the overall message, I would say that this is only his surface level motivation. Not to say that his love for her is surface level or anything, but if I were to wager what his true motivation is, I think that he wants companionship and a sense of normalcy contrasting Fionna's desire for the abnormal. Especially considering the fact that the show is clearly going for the angle that Simon and Betty's relationship wasn't all that healthy, and that Betty is basically dead and Simon needs to grieve and move on.

So with Fionna, as she's starting to learn, magical adventures may not be as simple as she thought, and she will probably discover that she doesn't need to live in a magical world to find adventure and excitement, she can make both in the world she lives in. As for Simon, looking back at the original series, and even within this series, Simon is always happiest when he has someone to take care of, even as the Ice King the earliest moment we see happiness from him is the episode where he "fathers" NEPTR and sheds a tear thinking about having a son even if it's a short-lived moment. Then of course there's Simon and little Marcy. But even in F&C itself, he seems calmest when he's being a father figure to Fionna, talking to the Farmworld kids, or cradling baby Finn calmly even when Bubblegum has a knife to his throat. So much so that people have picked up on it and pointed it out. I think he will find his companionship by having a child to care for. I don't know if it'll be baby Finn or maybe Astrid, but if I were to put money on it I would guess that's the end of his arc.

Some odds and ends that I couldn't really fit into this theory includes what's up with Cake? Because like, I feel the direction the show is going is leading to F&C's universe staying normal, but that doesn't seem fair to turn Cake back into a housecat. And the other thing is Winter King. When Winter King is reminded of Betty by Simon, he recalls her as not that important. Which itself seems to be an important detail for the writers to have included. My guess is that WK, like Simon, has a need for companionship. Still, instead of obsessing over Betty and getting her back, he focused that energy on Marceline, and that led him to create ice Marcy out of his inability to move on from Marcy not being in his life, similar to how our Simon can't move on from Betty being in his life.

I could be completely wrong though, thats the fun part, I just thought I'd take a crack at some media/character analysis. I was thinking about making this into a video, but it spiraled into a whole character analysis of Simon/Ice King. If anyone is interested in watching that, maybe I'll finish making that and post it here.

[oldestenemy]

“Ah, so I finally experience the pleasure of facing my father’s savior.” Watching the Rat shed his disguise is like watching a chrysalis break open a little too early. Flesh sloughs off of his form like it is rapidly decaying around him, melting into a puddle that turns from pale to red to burnt out black before vanishing in a pile of sour smelling smoke. “I would thank you—but I think I would prefer to see how well you fare before falling to my Titan. How fitting, to destroy the world and its supposed champion in the same blow.”

The wizard does not have the mind to respond to his taunting. They want this over.

“I abandon my disguise but you continue to wear yours—show me the face I will be vaporizing into nothing.”

The wizard tilts their head, hood following. A remnant from Darkmoor—some magic darkens this hood, leaving only the bright glow of golden eyes visible beneath. Something they figured useful when facing a master of disguise and deception. “My face is not for you,” They dip into the well of astral magic, letting it echo their words. “Let’s see what your false titan can do.”

Out of the corner of their vision, they can see Mellori watching them wide eyed with delight.

So maybe most of the fanfare is for her.

It’s easier to focus on something lighter.

They don’t want to let her see how bad this is.

How terrifying the possibility of rending the Spiral in two is to them.

But the concern is foundless.

Rat falls easier than Lorcan or Ghost Dog or even the Broodmother.

The Titan, for all its strength, crumbles to nothing as Rat drops to the ground.

The wizard throws out an arm when Mellori rushes forward—stopping her from getting any nearer just as Old Cob appears in the smoke and rubble.

“—You may be my favorite thing in this forsaken mess of broken worlds…”

They don’t respond, pulling Mellori back towards the entrance as the other pair dissolve into Shadow.

Favorite.

Right.

Just another reminder of their ongoing mistake.

“Shouldn’t we have tried to stop them?”

The wizard shakes their head, “No. The sky anchor is safe, Spider’s other children are still wreaking havoc. Better to let them go.” Mellori doesn’t look particularly happy about their reasoning, but they don’t care, they want to leave this place. The Sky Anchor makes their skin prickle and burn from all the energy.

~*~

“How come you keep your hood up now?” Mellori asks as they make the trek back down from Borealis Peak. “You had it down when we met—is it the scars? Because I think they’re—”

“—it’s not the scars.” the wizard replies, and it’s only partially a lie. They had pulled it up first after collecting the tusks, intending it just to be a way to hide imminent tears. But upon learning of the Rat’s skillset, decided it better to keep their face hidden, whether he knew he’d seen it at the palace or not.

That aside.

They don’t like the looks the scars get sometimes.

Tear tracks shadowbitten and shining. More cool-toned than the rest of their skin from where the ink-dark magic had run down their face on Khrysalis and in Nidavellir. After Khrysalis—it hadn’t been as long, the marks weren’t as noticeable. But they had let it flow for so long in Nidavellir, had pushed their limits so far and taken so much—

They had asked Ceren once if they could be healed, but he’d startled at the fact that they were magical in origin. Magic didn’t often leave scars. It had put them off asking anyone else, or asking about the other scar Shadow had left them with.

Sometimes the space under their ribs still aches where the Fiend had ripped into them.

“It was just a precaution, in case the Rat decided to use my appearance.” They finish, but they do not lower it again.

They escort Mellori and Baba Yaga from the Arcanum to Wizard City, bidding them goodbye outside of Ambrose’s office. They take a moment to think, to count the days since they left for Polaris. It hadn’t been long. A few weeks?

There’s something they want to do before coming back here properly.

A loose end.

So back to the Arcanum it is.

“Komeka?”

“Ah, hello Azure one.” Komeka smiles at their appearance, “I take it you are free to talk now?”

In a manner of speaking.

For the moment.

“Yes.”

“In that case, I would like to show you something.” They follow Komeka into the shelves of the Arcanum’s library, where the Aztecasaur pulls down a handful of small orbs the wizard recognizes as some kind of map. “In here—”

They are led off into a side room. Wide and round and blank walled, with a pedestal in the center. It reminds them somewhat of the tower off Ambrose’s office, where Gamma usually perches in the midst of the Spiral. As Komeka places the map down, they realize that comparison is not far off.

But the map that appears before them is nothing like the depictions of the Spiral as they’ve seen before. There are routes and pathways leading between worlds that look—

Ah.

It hits.

This is a skyway atlas.

Something to be used by traders like Baldur—or anyone who does not traverse using the Spiral Doors. But as interesting as it is to see all the little ways in which the Spiral is connected beyond the doors—the wizard doesn’t know why it’s being shown to them.

Komeka scans the glittering display, tracing through pathways with one clawed hand, the atlas allowing itself to be dragged this way and that towards different and more distant worlds. “Ah, here we are.” They alight on a small collection of densely forested land adrift off the coast of a world called—and under different circumstances they might have laughed at this—Skull Island. “Come here, I believe you will benefit from seeing this.”

The come to stand at Komeka’s side, looking up to where they are pointing. As they approach, Komeka drags the map downwards, expanding the little area until they can read the words Blood Shoals, and just beyond them—Xol Akmul. “It has been a very long time since anyone charted this area—but we did receive a newer, more complete map from a—lets say colleague—who makes port there often.” They pull out the first orb and replace it, plunging the room into brief darkness before it alights—this time in a completely different way. These are more photographic than navigational, they wonder if this sphere just holds stored photomancy. “This is Xol Akmul—to the Spiral at large it is considered barely more than a legend—but to those who know where to look—”

The wizard’s eyes go wide as the images take shape. Dense jungle and ruins built of intensely familiar stonework. Pyramids and archways and—oh—not ruins, not all of them, just old, just worn. “They survived?” It’s barely audible. Their gaze is fixed on the settlement full of Aztecasaurs.

“Long before you ever came to Azteca—longer still before Pacal and the others called out for aid—the Lords of Night sent a vision of the end times, and a small group escaped safely before Xiabalba ever began to drop herself from the sky.” Komeka is smiling down at them, “They are an insular place—well hidden from the Spiral—well protected by their leaders.”

The wizard is glad their hood is still up.

They are crying.

Properly.

Tears run hot and fast down the planes of their hidden face.

“Does Lady Sevenstar know?” They manage, still unable to tear their eyes away.

She must, they think.

Someone must have told her.

“Yes, though I was the one to tell her, as I am telling you now. The Arcanum does not have a loose grip on the knowledge it holds.” Komeka tells them, “In this case I think that is the correct choice, a settlement that small in an area that sought after—it would not be wise to allow it to become widespread knowledge.”

There is an underlying agreement to the words. A promise not to say anything.

And they won’t. They won’t go looking. They won’t run for Baldur and ask a favor they know he would accommodate. They are content to know. To see, even from afar, that some piece of Azteca—however small—survived.

This is enough.

This is enough.

Read the whole series here <3

[giggly-squiggily]

Helloo if req is open may you write a platonic tk fic between rin and sae if it is posible? Thank you so much!

Oh my god YES! :D These two need it, I swear! Okay so; general heads up: I'm exclusively an anime watcher when it comes to Blue Lock- meaning I don't really know how these two's relationship stands or what goes down during/post the whole U-20 arc; I just know they deserve to be happy. I hope you like it! :D

CW: Swearing, angst with a happy ending, sass, possible OOC-ness of the characters (I tried to keep it as close to their canon personalities as possible but yeah), Spoilers for Sae and Rin's backstory- kinda. Not full detailed ones but I'll tag accordingly anyway

Cloud 9 (Taglist):

@myreygn, @cupcake-spice13

“Hey, who allowed you to get so tall?” Sae narrowed his eyes at him.

“Genetics.” Rin shrugged, pushing down the toaster shelf.

If you told Rin Itoshi he’d have a relationship with his brother again in the near future, he would have told you to fuck off. Possibly throw shoes at you too.

Then he’d feel bad for throwing shoes because he was raised better than that, but still.

Things kinda happened in a blur since the U-20 match. A call had come; an invite to dinner. Then he was at Sae’s hotel room, splitting a pizza when the restaurant proved too crowded for either of them. Words were exchanged, a few tears were shed, and by the end of the night, Rin found he could finally breathe again in the presence of Sae.

They’re relationship was still fairly awkward at times; it was impossible to go back to where they were before Sae went to Spain. Still- when Rin called him and mentioned they’d gotten time off from Blue Lock, a room was made up for him at the apartment; clean and prepped with fresh bedding, as if it’d been waiting for him this entire time.

“No mint on the pillow?” He joked upon getting there.

“Please, we already have Shidou. We don’t need anymore pests.” Sae had rolled his eyes, the gesture lacking any real malice upon mentioning the demonic player.

That’s where they were now- getting comfortable in their newfound relationship.

“Tch.” Sae scoffed, shaking his head in mock disapproval as he turned from the coffee maker, mug in hand. “I remember when you barely came up to my elbow. You were so small- running after me on those stubby legs of yours, trying to kick the ball out from beneath my feet.” He shook his head, a rare smile tugging on his lips. “You’d get so worked up about it too. I’d have to buy you a popsicle so you’d stop crying.”

“Shut up, I was six.” Rin rolled his eyes, a blush burning his face at the memory. “Of course I was short. At least I grew since then.” He turned, raising a brow at his brother. “What’s your excuse?”

A look of shock passed his brother’s face, jaw dropped and brows raised. Rin felt a twinge of satisfaction. If the Press could see his usually stoic brother now, they’d probably faint. “I see you gained a mouth along with all that height in these past few years.” He sounded a touch impressed.

“More than you gained, it seems.” Rin couldn’t help himself. It wasn’t even that Sae could be called short; it was just so satisfying to sass him. He deserved it, probably. 

“Tall as you are, you’re still a little shit.” Sae put down his mug, rolling up his sleeves with a dangerous glint. “Seems like I’m gonna have to remind you just who you’re talking to.”

Rin ignored him- mainly due to the toaster popping, presenting his warmed Pop-tart. He should have known Sae didn’t make empty threats.

The moment his poptart touched the plate, hands were latching onto his sides, digging into his ribs with relentless pressure. Rin-much to his embarrassment- let out a loud squawk, the poptart nearly flying out of hand as he doubled over. “Gah! N-No! Dohon’t!”

“All this time later and you’re still ticklish?” Sae sounded deeply amused, a rare smile pulling on his lips as he carried on wiggling his fingers up and down the younger boy’s sides. “Maybe you should have considered that before you started sassing me.”

Rin went to retort with yet another remark, but Sae had found a terrible spot beneath his lower ribs, clogging his throat with growing giggles. “Ngh! N-No! S-Sae!”

“Hm? What, no retort?” The older boy asked, keeping one hand on Rin’s lower ribs while the other came around to his belly, clawing. “Come on- just laugh. You know you want to.”

That did it. Rin let out a wheeze before he doubled over, laughter bubbling over his lips as he tried sinking to the kitchen floor. “Fuuhuhuhuhuhuck! Fuhuuhhuhuck, gahhahahahahahha! Nohoohohoohooho, Sahahahahhahahe you ahahhahahahhahass!”

“Oi, show some respect, you brat.” Sae switched to digging into Rin’s armpits when his hips proved too far to reach, barely fighting down a chuckle at the harsh swear his brother let out, immediately followed by childlike giggles. “Look at you- you can barely say my name, let alone stand. Tell you what- take back what you said about me being short and I’ll let you live.”

“Nehehehhehver, shohoohohort stahhahahahck!” Rin declared without any hesitation. Ever the stubborn one.

Sae tsked, slowing down his tickles and giving the other a chance to breathe. “You really are determined to die today, are you? I’m starting to regret letting you stay here- how the hell am I going to hide your body?” He reached out, squeezing the back of Rin’s neck, earning a yelp as the boy scrunched up. “Maybe I’ll bury you in the backyard and plant a garden over you. Think Shidou would notice?”

“Prohoohbably not.” Rin groaned, and then- because he could. “He’s used to shitty things. That’s why he’s dating you.”

Sae, who was turning back to his coffee, froze, slowly looking back at Rin with scary eyes. Oh, he was DEAD. “And to think I was gonna be merciful this morning.”

Seconds later, Rin was kicked onto his back, Sae pinning him faster than he could react. He wasn’t much of a fighter- neither of the brother’s were- though Rin was faster to throw a punch. He went to do just that before a scream ripped from his throat, laughter returning stronger than ever. “GAHEHHAHAHAH! SHAHAHAHHAE!”

“I tried to be nice, but it’s clear to me that you’re still a little shit all this time later.” Sae scolded as he drilled his thumbs into Rin’s hips, going right for his worst spot. “Now- do you wanna repeat what you just said?”

“AHEHAHHAHA!” Rin was a mess, hands trying to shove off Sae’s vice grip as he thrashed and squirmed against the kitchen floor, feet kicking and scoffing the ground. His face felt like it was on fire, and his hair blinded him, hiding his scrunched up eyes. It was humiliating and stupid and he wanted to rip his skin off as a means of escape.

But also…it was fun. Really fun. He hadn’t felt like this since they were kids, when Sae would tickle him until he was squealing through tears caused by a scraped knee. He could almost see the fond smile his brother wore when he did so. The memory even during all this made his heart ache.

“Do you give up?” Sae asked, bringing him back to reality. Right- his death. A small part of him was tempted to shake his head, declare that he’d never give up just to see what would happen.

What came out of his mouth instead shocked both of them.

“NIHIIHIIHIHIIHI-SAHHAHAN PLEHAHAHAHHASE!” The squeal of mercy was the true end of it all. Sae’s hands stopped almost immediately, pulling away from Rin’s prone body. The younger boy scooted up the floor a few paces arms tossed loosely around his waist as he tried to catch his breath. Well, at least it was over-

Oh god.

Oh GOD.

“Shit…” He groaned, covering his face with his hands, mortified. He didn’t just say that outloud-he didn’t! Across from him, Sae was silent as stone, seeming to be frozen to the floor. Great- there goes any real progress they made at fixing their relationship. Rin readied the speech in his head. I’ll head back to our parent’s house. I’ll be fine. I’ll be gone in the morning-

“Heh, you haven’t called me that in years.” Sae spoke, his voice strangely soft. When Rin dared a peek, he saw it.

 It wasn’t as open as it was years before, but the same fond look was in his eyes, softening his carefully stoic expression immensely. A ghost of a smile was on his brother’s lips, not quite there yet, but it was something.

“Don’t remind me. God, that was- that…Fuck! You suck!” Rin growled, scooting back with a proper glare. Sure his face was still on fire, and his body was still tingling with a cross of tickly residue and nostalgia, but he was adamant on being angry. “What the hell? My Poptart-”

Sae then did the unexpected. He bursted into laughter.

“Pfft- Gehehhahahaa! Good god, aahhhafter all that, and you're worried about a POPTART?” He cackled, falling back on his ass as he held his gut, head thrown back and smile wide. “Good God, Rin! You haven’t changed at all.”

“....Tch, whatever.” Rin rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he fought down his own fit of laughter, the struggle increasing when Sae let out an ungodly pig snort. “Ugh, you’re so annoying.” He kicked his leg gently, too tired to stand. He felt light and breathless and exhausted and just…

“What’s up?” Sae shook his ankle, gaining his attention. “You look sad.”

“I’m not.” Rin ducked his head, hiding his expression. “I’m not. I just…I don’t know- I think part of me…misses this.” He waved between them. “I missed just…laughing with you, I guess. It all feels so far away, still.”

Sae hummed, considering. Then he stood, walking over and offering a hand. “It doesn’t have to be a distant memory anymore.” When Rin looked up, Sae’s face was back to its usual calm, but his eyes were kind. “I’m here. And I don’t plan on leaving again.”

“Promise?” Rin hated how small his voice sounded. He hated it more when he saw something break in Sae’s eyes, dark with remorse.

“I promise.” He sounded a tag hoarse as he ruffled Rin’s hair, breaking the tension. “Come on then, I’ll make breakfast.”

“Please don’t.” Rin cringed as he stood. “You can’t cook.”

“Do you want me to tickle you again?” Sae raised a brow. Rin couldn’t help but grin.

They ended up ordering breakfast instead.

Thanks for reading!

[grayrro]

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes movie made a lot of minor changes that imo, cumulatively, changed how some of the themes hit

I think one of the most jarring was the Capitol students, and how, placed side by side, the film portrayed Coriolanus as sympathetic, and even decent. That he is somehow “smarter”, takes action compared to a lot of the Capitol students, and even somehow shows more empathy. And he definitely isn’t in the book

First, Arachne’s death. This one is maybe a little more forgiving since Snow’s duplicitous nature is hard to translate on-screen, but still minor changes made some striking differences in characterization. When Arachne is killed in the film, Snow jumps into action, being the first to go to Arachne’s aid, and tries to keep her alive. Whereas in the book, he pretty much shakes in his boots before Lucy Gray shocks him into action, and even then, he’s nearly more concerned with his reputation on camera than Brandy’s nor Arachne’s death.

And then, Clemensia. The academic-focused Asian. In the film, she’s depicted as too greedy for success, butting her way into Coriolanus’ assignment when he gets Dr. Gaul’s attention. When she tries to take the credit for Coriolanus’ work, she “rightfully” gets what she deserves when she’s bit for lying

In the book, she’s more forgivable. She’s distraught over Arachne’s death and doesn’t think that Dr. Gaul would still be expecting the assignment, which both her and Snow were voted into, instead of her volunteering for it. She lies so that it doesn’t look like she’s “feeble”, and doesn’t even hog the credit. Still, for this lie, she gets six mutated and highly poisonous snake bites (and not just the one like in the film lol). In the book, you see her left isolated in her suffering and her body gaining snake mutations from the side effects, even with the quickly administered antidote. It’s such a disproportionate punishment for a pretty harmless action, and shows Dr. Gaul’s unjustifiable ruthlessness

Lastly—and they did her a downright disservice—is Lysistrata. In the film, she’s practically an afterthought. When Jessup’s revealed to have contracted rabies, it is Coriolanus who has to force her to action. He pleads for her to send water to scare him off and that he’s “practically dead”, and precious moments are lost to Lysistrata’s indecision as Jessup chases Lucy Gray, shouting, accusing, “what have you done to me!”

In the book, while she has relatively minor role, it’s still a significant one, especially when you foil her with other students like Arachne, Sejanus, and Coriolanus himself. She’s intelligent, and compassionate. While she’s not as vocal as Sejanus from the start, she voices her opinion against war during discussions, and openly shows her gratitude after Jessup saves her life. She quickly realizes that water is needed to scare Jessup (who in the book seems more dazed, zigzagging into Lucy Gray’s direction, but nonetheless dangerous) and sends so unprompted. She‘s more or less composed, but sheds a tear over his death, and is one of the very first to acknowledge the tributes as human beings.

When you add up all of these differences together, I wouldn’t say Coriolanus’ arc in the film falls in parallel to the books. In the film, Snow is kind of a “good egg” (especially compared to his Capitol-born classmates, who’re either power-hungry, oblivious, or meek to a fault)

In the book, he was never such an outlier. He was never more empathetic than his Capitol-born classmates. But he hung on to the worst parts of himself (the hunger for power, the ruthlessness), and that’s what made him devolve to the President Snow we know in THG

[hikennosabo]

now that i've marinated in trimax's ending, i wanted to reflect a bit. i definitely don't have it in me to write a full review or anything lmao, but... it was a really incredible story, and i had a great time. i don't think i've ever cried this much over a manga, lol... usually i cry over audiovisual media. even all my crying about one piece has mostly been over the anime. other manga i've cried over off the top of my head have been different types of crying, if that makes sense (like crying over shimanami tasogare because the queer themes hit home, not because i was overly invested in & emotional about the character arcs). other manga like devilman and csm hit me emotionally but i didn't necessarily shed tears over them, and if i did certainly not as much as i did trimax lol.

i (predictably, if you know me, i love characters with complicated sibling relationships) latched onto knives when i watched tristamp... he is definitely hard to like in the manga sometimes, but his character arc is fantastic, so i ended up starting and ending this journey crying over him LMAO. i really really love all the characters in this story, except for like... the cartoonishly evil one-off bad guys and, as we all know, chapel. lmao. most of the characters are likable in one way or another, by some combination of being cool, strong, charismatic, funny, etc... just being complex and fantastically human, which is only natural in a story about human nature.

and of course i need to give a huge thank you to @trigunbookclub, @revenantghost for organizing, @trigun-manga-overhaul for the incredible scans & translation, and everyone in the tag for making this such a fun experience!

i loved reading everyone's posts, it really helped fuel the brainrot, and writing my own posts ended up being A Task but also fun. even though i feel my posts were mostly an exercise in inventing new ways to portray crying and screaming over text as opposed to everyone else's thoughtful observations and analysis LOL. and participating in book club kept me reading at a good pace, otherwise i either would have binged the whole thing in like 2 weeks or gotten distracted and not finished, so thanks for keeping me on schedule lol.

this is not the last you'll see of me in the tag, i still have art (memes) i want to make, there are a LOT of things i want to draw, a potentially (relatively) big project in my brain which i have no guarantee i'll get to lmao, plus character/ship playlists if i finish them, and maybe some other posts as i rewatch tristamp and 98 again. and i've still got to read multiple bullets ofc.

also i was holding back on following people because i was trying to avoid spoilers (which i failed at anyway because i have no self-control), but now i can follow people in the tag sooooo hello and sorry if you see me going through your trigun tags

[dothwrites]

for those of you who don't like metallica then i'm sorry but the s13 'nothing else matters' opening is STILL the best opening.

spn really said "welcome alcal, now be NEKKID on your first full episode"

and the way that dean can't even SAY what happened to cas. he tries and he can't get the words out because it's still TOO close. and you never see the difference between sam and dean in how they relate to cas and grief more than in the widower arc. sam is kinda bummed, but dean can't find which way is up. he's completely spinning out, meanwhile sam is... kinda bummed.

which is how they relate to grief. dean puts on a good show, but in the end, sam is the one who can compartmentalize a lot better. sam can put things aside to get what he considers the mission done. dean can't. his emotions are too powerful.

jack, my sweet baby nougat boy. i loved ye from the second i saw you in a funny little jacket. this poor small town sheriff and her stoner son are SO ill-equipped to deal with this.

the impala being the dirtiest that we've ever seen it... dean being the most grief-stricken we've ever seen him... i've connected the two dots.

poor jack... he's only been alive for like four hours and already the angels are torturing him. it's hard to be the antichrist nephilim.

and i do love that they had sam bond with jack over their shared heritage of "everyone believes that i'm going to grow up to become the devil and i don't wanna". it's something that sam doesn't get to do a lot of.

and the second that jack said "castiel is my father" we all fell in love with him and trusted him implicitly. well. at least i did.

and then dean's "anything?" and the angel realizing IMMEDIATELY what dean means... that he's searching for any way possible to bring cas back and he's desperate to do it... i am FERAL for the widower arc.

dean's insistence to believe that jack is evil for as long as cas is dead is... something. and dean never quite reconciled those feelings that he had at the very beginning, where he equated jack with the loss and horror of knowing that cas was gone. to dean, jack and that grief are always kind of the same thing, and he can't get over it.

dean's prayer. DEAN'S PRAYER. "we've lost EVERYTHING." and then his complete self destructive breakdown once he realizes that no one's listening. he's LOST and he doesn't know how to make any of it right.

thanks to the blooper reel i can never watch this horrifically emotional scene of dean preparing cas' body (his LOVER'S body) for the pyre and becoming so overcome with grief that he has to pause... i cannot watch that without thinking of the ball tap. fuck you jensen and misha.

jensen's ability to look absolutely DEVASTATED without shedding a tear. unparalleled.

[zyris]

Late to posting this (my first draft got deleted and I lost motivation lol) but wow the new episode was amazing and I shed some tears Honestly I just wanna give a little love letter to Teruki's character because he's one of my favorites and I always just appreciated him being on screen as a support cause he's just an absolute sweet heart and seems like someone who seems like a pleasure to be around. And I wanna appreciate how far he's come cause this character conclusion was so good for him

One thing I always loved about him was his constant drive to genuinely want to improve himself as a person.

I think we all know him trying to humble himself after having such a heavy superiority complex is a big part of it. But I feel like we don’t remind ourselves enough that Teru’s superiority complex stemmed from trying to hide an inferiority complex. It’s not JUST a struggle about going over your head even if that’s apart of it. But it’s also a journey of discovering what it truly means to be equal with others. It’s a concept I really appreciate being explored here because it’s something I struggle with myself. And while his arc is subtle for a lot of the series. It’s definitely there.

This is why his dynamic with Mob is so important. How he feels about Mob throughout the series perfectly captures his character arc. Seeing him as a threat to his ego and life and needing to establish “the hierarchy” but then putting him on a pedestal and admiring him greatly and essentially labelling Mob as someone “Above him” There’s still a lot of little things in the series that adds up to him still viewing the world through this hierarchy he’s made in his head even if he’s trying to rid of it.

This moment was really great and you can see the horror in him as he truly has to take in what’s happening and the dangers with it. I adore that the way Teru finally sees Mob as an equal is also seeing him at a very low point in his life. He’s not above mistakes, and everyone has their bad days and things they want to hide about themselves.

Calling himself a common constantly is pretty blunt and perhaps harsh in some peoples eyes. But it means what it means, he’s not above or below anyone, he’s just like everyone else.

Also note I’ve been anime only for Mob Psycho since I’ve started watching in middle school though I have read a few chapters of the manga and plan to do a full read when the anime is done. But for this arc I’ve been reading the manga chapter right after the episode and I just wanted to talk about this line that was cut

(The last panel) I’m really sad about this change because it really says how much Mob hates himself and all it does is break my heart and make me reflect on how innocent all this started. He spent so much time trying to gain the courage to ask his crush out flowers and everything and he ended up with a near death experience and destroying everything around him and hurting his friend. I might make a seperate post talking about him in this episode or perhaps wait for the next to do so.But Teru refusing to hurt him and claiming his victory through saving the people around him is honestly so amazing so many ways. Not only is he easing the pain of his friend and making sure his worst fear doesn’t happen. But it truly speaks where his values now lie.

Originally a gang leader drunk on power and participating in fights because it was the biggest boost for his ego to someone who wants to whole heartedly help other people.

Those other psychic kids from the awakening lab in season one he took upon himself to train, he always tries to help take claw down, his absolute refusal to be brain washed and let that happen to the city, he always tries to help Mob out when he’s in trouble.

When Teru says “I win” he did. It’s an amazing victory for him because he accomplished his goal of protecting others and wants to make the world a better place and he’s become a true leader in the process.

I can’t help but think back to season 2’s Toichiro when thinking of Teru. The idea of being so drunk on power and dismissing the importance of others he expresses. Human connection is a very important theme in Mob Psycho and I think human connection is also very important to Teru’s arc for the reasons stated above

A while back my friend showed me some things in the fan book that didnt contain manga spoilers and I think the last line stuck with me because of this idea. It also took me back to that omake with him and Reigen of him having a fun summer after seeing them as boring.

I’m very very proud of him for not closing his heart off. He did a great job.

[outrunningthedark]

Idk why you're defending that awful episode with your whole heart. It was bad. And I don't mean Oliver, he carried. But come on you can't act like the 2.4 seconds of Eddie was OK. That's his best friend. Ship buddie or not, Buck is supposed to be someone so incredibly important in Eddie's life and he couldn't be arsed to say a single word to him while in a coma. Even when Buck woke up he stayed behind his son and only told his son to hug him. his son did more than his father did, forced Carla to get him there and demanded his father to see and talk to Buck, but eddie, his own supposed best find stayed in the back and shed 1 little tear. Even athena said more to him and she rarely ever has scenes with Buck

No disrespect, nonnie, but I think you have me mixed up with someone else. 1. I haven't defended anything "with my whole heart" when I've had limited time to react to anything today, and the things I have said were in support of the people who aren't happy with being "shamed" over their reaction. I think it's in poor taste to build up this episode as some defining moment for Buddie and then take it back so you don't sound disappointed or ungrateful, and I also think the "You guys clearly didn't understand the point" approach (about Eddie or Buddie) is unnecessary when none of us know how Kristen & the writing staff come up with the stuff. If Buddie were to not go canon...these theories are useless. 2. What I *am* happy about is that I had enough awareness of the situation (the way Kristen's been handling Buddie, this arc being about Bobby and Chim's emotions, Oliver's comment about not trying to suggest anything, Aisha saying Ryan wasn't aware of how the episode goes) to prepare myself for a worst-case scenario: no actual Buddie scenes and/or no Eddie in the coma dream. I went into the hour expecting maaaybe one or two other Eddie scenes besides the "Do more!" and that's...exactly what we got. I can't complain about that part of it when I saw the writing on the wall before most (because not everything has to be a "distraction tactic" or a joke; sometimes you gotta take people at their word when they've showed you who they are time and time again.)