#differences

[vint-knight]

Athena and Zeus in The Odyssey:

Athena: Yo, this man has been staying way too long on this and has suffered enough of bs, can we let him free?

Zeus: *shrugs* Sure, Hermes tell Calypso to let him free

Athena and Zeus in Epic The Musical:

Athena: *heavy breathing after dealing with 6 gods* Alright I've beaten your games, can you free him now

Zeus: FUCKING PERISH 🦅🦅🦅🦅⚡⚡⚡🦅🦅🦅🦅

New version that is now based on my perspective from listening to God Games more:

Athena: *heavy breathing after dealing with 6 gods* Alright I've beaten your games, can you free him now

Zeus: Yeah, no sorry but you make me ashamed of you AND kinda myself, mostly you because you are going all this way to free a mortal and this in front of a lot of people sooo... *lightning blast*

Zeus's part is Okay, but I like a bit more now from thinking more on a deeply on it instead of thinking of it as just Zeus throwing a hissy fit (Also vocal wise I love how deep Luke Holt's voice gets in that section so there's a plus for that)

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Autism (Non-stereotypical) vs Autism (Stereotypical)

Neurodivergent Insights

[mortamon-saturn]

Did you know? In the Japanese version of Rayman GBC, Rayman and Mr Dark’s number of fingers were changed from four to five in the cutscenes.

Here’s a first comparison of all of the scenes with visible differences! Due to the limit of 30 pictures, Arcane Forest and the menu screens are in another post!

Spellbound Forest:

Airy Tunes:

(Gosh, the first Japanese one here is pretty atrocious lol)

Rainy Forest:

Rocky Peaks:

Ancient Forest:

Fiery Depths:

However, they forgot to change it specifically for the Fiery Depths version of the helicopter cutscene! Which is hilarious considering they could have just copy-pasted the identical Rocky Peaks version of the picture which they did edit!

[farewellneverland2004]

May I just say, TBNW the series shared a lot of unintentional similarities with UWMA when it comes to their main couples

Part 1 Phukan vs Pharm

Similar:

-Sweet and caring when it comes to their loved ones

-fathers died of illness at 12 and 10 respectively

-both chose their school or major to respect said fathers

- both have mothers who live outside the country

-have very caring friends who protect them at all cost

-have very loving and protective boyfriends/literal soulmates who want to take away all their pain and suffering

-put extra care into their into their unique routine or hobby

-innocent but not naive virgin soft boys who face existential dread the day after their first times

-I’d die for both of them

- both get very vivid dreams of other worlds/past lives respectively

-both got car trouble 😂

-gave themselves space from their boyfriends to wrap their heads around the sh*t they’ve been through

-emotionally got back together with them in the end

Different:

Phu is more dismissive of affection because he’s used to being alone and isn’t used to many people only caring about him while Pharm is more timid and afraid of pursuing love due to past life trauma

Phu is used to not being the sought out for one in his friend group, which leaves him feeling insignificant. While Pharm is more noticed by others for his cooking, cuteness, and relationships, leaving him concerned and embarrassed to reveal things to his friends at the start.

Phu suffers from insecurities about life, abandonment issues and loneliness that he initially copes with by being very superstitious, people pleasing and self isolating. While Pharm suffers from PTSD and anxiety that he initially copes with by avoiding triggers and crying.

Phu is an only child, while Pharm has a younger brother who lives with his mother.

Phu’s mother unintentionally (emotionally) abandoned him by leaving him for Australia to be cared for by family in Thailand while he was still young because she grieved too much constantly being reminded of her late husband while her son wanted to be surrounded by his father’s memories. While Pharm’s mother kept raising both her kids and running a restaurant by herself in Thailand after her husbands death and only after Pharm grew up did she decide to move to the US to open up a restaurant in New York, making sure to constantly keep in touch with her son while he start’s university and also makes sure he’s cared for and they both visit each other whenever they can.

Phu keeps in touch with his cousins and his dad’s side of the family. While Pharm never actually met any of his father’s family until he was a freshman at university.

Phu is an humanities major while Pharm is economics

Phu encourages his boyfriend to live for himself and allow himself to be happy. While Pharm encourages his boyfriend to reconnect with his family be a part of their lives.

Phu distances himself from Cir as a way to cope with the betrayal of being lied to and being made to feel guilty and selfish for nothing, before ultimately coming back to him in a very emotional and dramatic declaration that he hasn’t given up on Cir and indeed still loves him. While Pharm mutually communicates with Dean that he they need some space to reconsider their relationship after the confrontation with their past selves. They still check in now and then and do confirm that they are not broken up, before ultimately realizing their love is theirs and they don’t need the love of two spirits to want to be together.

[pupdoc0916]

Concert

Knuckles’ nose burned.

He scrunched his muzzle against the feeling, his large hand rubbing at his nose.

Bright lights flashed and moved in flickering and strobing patterns causing his eyes to squint against the offensive illumination.

His ears rang, overwhelmed with the blaring sounds erupting from the speakers well below.  Each sound pulsed through his ears causing his head to rattle and ache.  He pulled his head down and buried his eyes and nose in his knees, freeing up his gloved hands to move between his dreads where the slits that were his ears lay hidden, using the pressure of his gloves to try and drown out the noise.

His nose began to twitch against his fur as the burn escalated and pulsed in waves.

He chanced freeing a half lidded eye from his scrunched legs.  To his right, Sonic tapped and danced freely across the blanket laid upon the yard of the outdoor arena.  His ears were up and a grin was plastered on his face.  He turned and said something to Tails who was on the the hedgehog’s other side.  Tails stood with his namesakes swaying gently behind him.  His ears were pinned down but he also was smiling as he leaned closer to Sonic.

To his left Wade was, what he called, “air-guitaring” with his eyes closed, leaning back with his face scrunched as he sang along to the words.  And Tom…Tom was looking back at him.

Wade, his good friend, had invited all three boys to come to a concert the next town over.  A band he enjoyed had come to play at the local amphitheater.  Wade had been so excited to take Knuckles, to introduce him to “the best way” to enjoy music.  Apparently his introduction via radio and Wade’s “Walkman” was not adequate.  Tom had agreed as long as he came too.

Wade’s excitement was infectious.  And as the day of the concert neared, Sonic and Tails began to burst with anticipation.  Knuckles truly didn’t know what to expect.  But if Wade was this excited then it couldn’t be that bad, right?

Knuckles pulled back into his protective ball, quills flared as he braced against the onslaught of noise and light.  He was wrong.  It could be that bad.  And it had only just started.

The echidna bristled against a hand placed on his lower arm, one of the few places not tucked in or covered in flared spines.  He chanced a look to his left side toward the hand, once again meeting Tom’s stare.

“Knuckles?” he shouted over the vibrating escalation of noise.  “Bud?  Are you ok?”

Knuckles could barely hear the words with his ears covered by his gloves, but he could make out the concern spelled across the man’s face.  He pulled his nose free, the end twitching involuntarily against the sting.

“Is it too loud?”  Tom shouted, leaning towards the echidna’s ears.

Too loud was just the tip of it.

He found himself nodding, his head moving with the thrum in his head.

Tom repositioned his hand, guiding his arm up to encourage Knuckles to stand.  The boy pulled himself to his feet, legs shaking beneath him.  Tom turned and shouted something that Knuckles could not make out, then lead the ailing kid away.  Knuckles allowed Tom’s grip to guide him as he kept his ears covered and head down against the lights.

Moments later Tom stopped his movement and Knuckles realized the noise had dimmed and chanced to re-open his eyes.  Tom was knelt in front of him, a soft frown settled on his lips.  He reached up and took Knuckles’ wrists in his own and gently pulled the echidna’s hands away from his ears.  Knuckles let out a sigh of relief when he realized the sound was farther off.  He could still hear the trilling instruments, feel the tingling in his nose, the vibrations beneath his feet, but he could also open his eyes again.  A drawn out breath left the boy’s chest in relief.

“Hey, kid.”  Tom started, still holding Knuckles’ wrists in his hands.  “Kind of a lot, isn’t it?”  An apologetic grin replaced the frown as the man let go of the echidna in front of him and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.  “I think I have more ear plugs in the car if you want to try them.  They seem to be helping Sonic and Tails.”

“No!” Knuckles shouted, his voice louder and more frantic than he intended.  He flinched against the obvious tell of discomfort but met the man’s eyes.  “They…they don’t fit in the shape of my ear.” he tried to explain.  “And…it’s not just the noise.”  

Tom nodded.  “You don’t have to go back.” he said.  “The concert is at least a couple of hours.  Do you want me to grab the boys and take you home?”

Knuckles bit his lower lip and dropped his gaze.  “No…they seemed as though they were happy.”

“What do you want to do?” Tom asked gently.  Knuckles appreciated his concern.  He had no doubt that Tom would pack up and take him home if he so desired without a moments hesitation.  But he didn’t want that.  He wanted his friend and his family to have a good time.

“I will be OK on my own.” he said, meeting the man’s eyes so there was no doubt.  

Tom looked back, a moment of silence passing between the two.  A soft sigh left his lips and the man got back to his feet, hands on his hips.

“Alright,” he spoke.  “If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Tom took a hand and gently ruffled the quills on Knuckles head, and affectionate gesture that Knuckles hadn’t quite figured out yet, but it made him smile.  

“I’ll be with the others if you need me.” 

Knuckles nodded his understanding, leaning his body against the truck.  Then Tom turned and began to walk back to their blanket, giving Knuckles one last look over his shoulder as he disappeared into the crowd.

Knuckles looked up to the sky, huffing against the continued tickle in his nose.  He eyed the glowing moon, following the stars like a map strewn across the sky.  Once he gained his baring, he began to walk.  The trek home would peaceful through the woods if he traveled through the large expansive forest.  One foot moved in front of the other and, following the gentle tug of the emerald and the soft glow of the night sky, he began to make his way home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Knuckles felt the impending arrival of company before he saw it.  The change in the movement of the breeze and increased rustling of the turning fall leaves caused him to huff in annoyance just before a blue hedgehog materialized just in front of his path.  He stopped his movement forward, boots crunching in fallen foliage.  

“What in the heck?” Sonic asked, arms crossed and foot tapping so quickly it looked like a red blur on the forest floor.  His piercing green eyes stared directly at Knuckles, shining with annoyance.

Knuckles opened his mouth to speak, but as is common in the presence of his hedgehog brother, he was unable to get a word in.

“You just left us there!” he continued, voice raising.  “Who just leaves their family to go on a merry little walk in the woods miles from home?  Tom about had a heart attack when we left and you weren’t at the truck.  He’s still panicking.  I bet he’s still wandering around the parking lot looking for you!”

Knuckles once again opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off as the hedgehog continued to rant.

“Way to ruin the night by taking off!” he ranted, arms now waving above his head.  “Ugh…why are you like this?  Why can’t you just sit and enjoy something as simple as a concert?”

Knuckles closed his eyes and took a deep breath of crisp air, trying to calm his frustration before it came out as a punch to a mouthy hedgehog’s face.  His head was already throbbing, and the continuous yelling was not helping his situation.  He opened his eyes and looked up at the sky.  Based on his celestial guides he had been walking for a few hours and it was likely close to midnight.  And based on his pull to the Master, he was likely still several hours away from home at his current pace.  

He lowered his gaze and once again met the blazing gaze of the hedgehog in front of him.  He let out a sigh.

“I was not told I had to stay.” he explained.  “Tom did not…”

“OK, so just because he didn’t explicitly tell you to stand by the truck you took that as an invitation to walk all the way home from the next town?”

“I wanted to…”

“Why would you freak us out like that?”  Sonic continued on, causing Knuckles to huff in annoyance.  “Why couldn’t you just try and have fun and act normal for once?”

Knuckles bit at his lip as he felt his frustrated rage increase.  He closed his eyes, pulling his hand to his temple taking advantage of the new split second of silence to nurse his headache.

“So?!  What do you have to say for yourself?  Are you going to say anything?”

His eyes opened slowly and he took a deep breath.  “May I talk now?” he asked, his voice stilted with suppressed anger.

Sonic looked at him incredulously, then his expression turned almost sheepish.  “Oh.  Yeah…talk.”

Knuckles couldn’t help his eye roll and a soft shake of the head.

“I told Tom I could not go back and I did not want to ruin your night so I decided to go home.  I did not realize it would cause such worry.”  he started.

Sonic rolled his eyes punched the echidna in the shoulder, causing Knuckles to take a step back and raise his fists in confusion, but Sonic only smiled.

“You know…some day you’re going to have to realize you are a part of this family.” he said, the remainder of his angry body language melting away.  “And part of that is letting us know where you are.”

Knuckles brow furrowed.  “I still do not understand why.  I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah, yeah…we know…” the hedgehog answered.  His blue companion rolled his eyes and took a seat on a fallen tree trunk.  He pulled out his communication device and began to tap at the screen, tongue sticking out in concentration.  When finished he tucked the device away and looked back at Knuckles, patting a spot next to him.  Knuckles frowned.

“I would like to continue home.” he answered.

Sonic signed.  “Yeah…we will.” he replied.  “But can we sit for just a sec?”

Knuckles stared back.  He really did not understand his companion sometimes.  Just a moment ago the hedgehog had been angry, yelling at him in the middle of the dark forest.  Now he wanted to sit together as if nothing happened.  He shook his head but moved forward and sat next to Sonic, resting his gloved hands on his knees.

“If Tom is worried, we really should continue home.” he started.

Sonic just shook his head.  “I let him know I found you.” he answered, pointing to where he kept his communication device.  “Told him we’d meet up with him and to head home.”

“Oh.”  Knuckles kneaded his hands into his knees, looking down at his lap.  “Alright.”

They sat in silence for moments, Knuckles taking in the gentle night breeze and the soft chitter of crickets as he waited for his companion to reveal his intentions.  He finally chanced a glance toward the blue hedgehog, starting when he found green eyes staring back.  He quickly turned his gaze forward again, unsure of what to say.  But, as per usual, his brother spoke first.

“I’m sorry I yelled.” he said, voice soft.  “You didn’t ruin the night.  We actually had a really good time.”

Knuckles nodded, lips quirked into a small smile.  “I am glad.”

They continued to sit, the only sound coming from Sonic’s feet as they scuffed through the fallen leaves and foliage on the forest floor.  Knuckles swallowed.  He wasn’t good at this, making conversation.  Finally he heard the hedgehog take a loud breath next to him.

“So, why did you leave?”

Knuckles looked up suddenly, purple eyes meeting green and was taken aback by the softness to the returned gaze.  He turned his head back forward, eyes studying the forest in front of him.  His face turned into a frown as he remembered the overwhelming sensations and discomfort.  His hands gripped his knees tighter and he swallowed.

“It was too loud.” he answered sharply.

Sonic’s eyes narrowed at his reply.  “We had ear plugs.” he responded.  “They really helped.”

“They did not fit my ears.” Knuckles explained.  “And that is not all it was.”  It was his turn to turn his gaze back to the ground, his large boots nervously pushing the fallen foliage.  He sniffed as he remembered the burning in his snout.  He still felt his companions gaze on him, studying, reading.

“What else was it?  The only time I saw you, you were covering your ears and walking away with Tom.”

And Knuckles paused.  He sighed and his muscles tensed.  It was becoming more and more apparent that his Earth companions did not have all of the same sensations as him.  They did not seem bothered by flickering lights, the hum of speakers, or other surges of energy and power.  He sniffed again, rubbing a hand under his nose.  He was not good with words.  How was he to explain something that they simply did not understand?  And yet, he felt he owed his brother an explanation for “ruining the night.”

“I…I don’t know if I have the words.” he started.  He flicked his eyes toward the hedgehog next to him.  His companions penetrating green eyes watched him carefully.  Knuckles sighed.  “I…feel things.  Vibrations.  Surges.  It can be quite…uncomfortable.”  He absentmindedly rubbed at his temple, the thrum of his headache still present despite the distance.  

Sonic nodded.  “I guess I get that.” he answered.  “Like when Tom turns on his ridiculous country music…I swear I could tear my ears off.  And don’t get me started on the dancing…”

Knuckles hummed softly, a smile forming despite his discomfort.  He looked again toward his companion who met his soft grin with his own.  The echidna shook his head.

“Something like that…” he answered with a snort.

Sonic tilted his head and gave Knuckles a soft bump on his arm with his fist.  “Sometimes I forget how different we are.” he said softly.  “It’s easy to just expect you to fall into things like I did.”

Knuckles frowned, shoulders dropping.  He didn’t need to be reminded how different he was.  He felt it every day.  A hard punch to his arm brought his gaze back up, eyes narrowed.  Sonic was staring back at him with an unreadable expression.

“It’s not a bad thing, Knucklehead.” he said, shaking his head.  Then his eyes softened.  “It just means you don’t have to like everything I like, or experience everything like I do.  But as different as we are, we are also the same.”  Sonic huffed a sigh and smiled.  “You know…in other ways I can’t think of right now.”

Knuckles let a soft laugh escape his chest.  He shook his head in amusement, quills swaying with the night breeze.  

“I suppose we are quite different.” he spoke.  “But I enjoy your company non the less…more so when you stop talking.”

Sonic snorted in response, giving the echidna another punch in the arm.  “Gee, thanks.”

Knuckles took a deep breath, finally allowing the tension to leak from his shoulders.  He knew his past made him difficult to understand, his differences in both body and experiences caused him to struggle to fit in.  But maybe there was a way to share his experiences to those closest to him.  He glanced back at the hedgehog sitting next to him.

“These Earth concerts may not be something I can tolerate easily, but I do enjoy music and sound.”  he started, voice hesitant, almost cautious.  “Would you like me to show you?”

Sonic’s face brightened and his ears perked forward.  “Yeah!” he answered.  “I would love you to show me when we get home!”

Knuckles felt a soft blush, and smiled softly.  “We do not need to be home.”  he explained.  He moved from the fallen tree to the cool forest floor, settling into the soft dirt.  He turned to look at the hedgehog and pat the earth next to him.  Sonic looked confused but moved and took a seat next to him.  Knuckles removed his gloves, laying them next to him.  He flicked his eyes toward the hedgehog who mimicked his movements and took off his own smaller gloves.

Knuckles took Sonic’s hand and placed it palm down to the ground then covered it with his own.  He pushed down, allowing their hands to sink gently into the soft soil.  He looked toward his companion and gave a soft smile before turning back forward and closing his eyes.  

“What’s happening?” the hedgehog whispered, already getting antsy.  Knuckles shook his head in amusement.  

“Patience.”

He drew his mind back to the task at hand.  He drew his chaos energy forward, a gentle wave of red moving over his quills feeling the ground fall beneath him.  He heard a gasp from the hedgehog next to him.

The breeze blew gently past, a consistent sound flowing through his ears.  A soft hoot began to sound, finding a rhythm.  The chirping of crickets began to crescendo, adding a high pitched melody.  Cicada’s rose to provide the counter melody.  Fireflies began to flicker, a gentle strobe of illuminecense.  The natural rumble of the earth provided the bass as the sound surged into the tune.  

He could hear every breath of his companion, every fluctuation of the nature surrounding them.  Soon Sonic’s own chaos energy awoke, mixing together with his own in a hum of power and rush of energy that made his heart beat faster.

He finally let go of the hand under his, the sounds slowly dropping away one by one with the separation of chaos.  His eyes opened, his muscles relaxed, mind calm.  He glanced at the hedgehog next to him.  Sonic turned to him, green eyes gleaming.

“Wow.” he said.  “That was…”  He stopped, unable to find the words.  He shifted closer to Knuckles and leaned into bump his shoulder with his own.

“Thank you…for sharing that.” he added, his voice breathless.  Knuckles smiled as he picked up his gloves and replaced them over his hands.  He lifted his gaze and looked toward the sky.

“It is getting quite late.” he said.  “We should probably get home.  They may worry.”

“I think we can spend a few more minutes.” Sonic said, laying back.

And together they lay under the stars enjoying the sounds of nature and each other’s company.

@year-of-the-echidna

[dangan-kagura]

So you know how Teruteru shouts "Avril Lavigne!" in Danganronpa 2?

In the Despair arc anime when Chiaki uppercuts him, he shouts "Taylor Swift!", but only in the Japanese dub.

The English dub has him just shouting "I regret nothing!"

Part of me thinks that it would've been so much funnier if he really did shout Taylor Swift's name in the English dub. Think about it, when do we ever get to see an anime where the characters mention American pop stars? Humorously I mean.

Penny for your thoughts Funimation.

And before I forget, he mentions Paris Hilton in the PTA.

[queen-helaenas-pet-spider]

In my opinion, the best way to sum up the differences between Book Jon Snow and Show Jon Snow is that Book Jon Snow is the final boss of Waffle House managers, and Show Jon Snow is the poor and stupid soul that tried to start a fight with him {or with one of the other employees}, and was killed by Book Jon Snow with ONE PUNCH!!!!!!!

[spheresofdesire]

"What's the difference between a fairy and a witch?"

"Their mood, my dear, just their mood."

[eplapourdissant]

Parallels Differences

The similarity between the Wall Slam Scene and the Kiss Scene have been pointed out repeatedly.

However, I don't think I have seen anyone talk about how they represent their respective seasons:

Crowley pushes Aziraphale against the wall.

Run away with me.

Crowley pulls Aziraphale towards him.

Stay here on Earth with me.

[vfdinthewild]

"But how a sunflower can possibly sense the very fine differences in the distance between it and other sunflowers in the soil, and triangulate that awareness with the nutrient patch, is beyond Cahill."

-from The Light Eaters by Zoe Shlanger, ch. 9.

[inthemarginalized]

My God, what do we want? What does any human being want? Take away an accident of pigmentation of a thin layer of our outer skin and there is no difference between me and anyone else. All we want is for that trivial difference to make no difference.

 - Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005)

She was a politician, educator, and author. She was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first major-party Black candidate for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. 

[dessertbird]

Daily Destiel 💙💚

How are you, Dean? I'm fine, Cas. How 'bout you?

Are you really fine? I don't know, Cas. But that's what I'm supposed to say, right? "I'm fine," keep on moving? That's what we all say. 🥹😍❤️

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

ADHD vs BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

Neurodivergent Insights

[skylarmoon71]

Miguel O Hara (Across the Spider-Verse) - Extra 1: Genius.

From that point on, you both had an understanding. 

You carried out your assignments diligently and Miguel was never shy with the praise. You would unintentionally crack some new code or discover an upgrade for his systems that really helped in the long run.

You were consistent, driven and you always volunteered for the more tedious missions even when others were a bit skeptical. He found himself relaxing a bit more.

As hard as it was, in the event that anything ever happened to him, he felt secure knowing that you could step up to fill his shoes. It was probably the most calm he felt in years.

“The anomaly on earth 57 has been subdued. I’ve added in my report. Do you need anything else?”

You were just looking at him expectantly, and Miguel stopped for a moment. He’s been trying to work himself to getting closer to you. Learning more about you.

What were cases like that you handled?

How did they develop the program that you’ve so skillfully added into his set up?

Did you have someone waiting for you back home?

Maybe that was the most glaring one.

“I’m okay. I think we covered all the alerts for now. If there are any more readings you’ll be the first to know.”

A coward’s way out.

“I understand. I’m glad I could help.”

You didn’t say anymore, just turned, marching out of there ready for another task or mystery to solve. Miguel ran a hand through his hair.

“You have to actually talk to her if you want to make progress, boss.” Lyla’s teasing tone did not escape him.

“Don’t make me reprogram you.”

“You wouldn’t do that. You love me.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

She made a zipping motion across her lips.

~The Dining Hall~

“I’m telling you, he didn’t yell at me once yesterday.” Peter spoke.

You were in the cafeteria with Peter, Hobby Pavitr and Gwen.

“Maybe he’s on his period.” Hobbie commented.

Gwen and Pavitr bursted out in a fit of laughter and Peter tried to hold his in. You munched on your burger quietly as they went back and forth with possibilities at Miguel’s recent change in mood.

“What do you think (Y/N)?” Gwen asked.

Swallowing, you take a sip of your drink.

“What do I think about Miguel?”

“Yeah, don’t you think he’s a bit of a hardass.” Peter inquires

“I wouldn’t use those exact words. I believe he has a lot on his shoulders. He’s responsible for so many lives. In a sense, he holds himself accountable if anything were to occur. From my perspective he’s an amazing leader. He’s very focused on all his duties. He’s very understanding of my strengths and he doesn’t undermine my intelligence.”

The space went quiet as you continued.

“Although he has a short fuse, I believe it stems from his need to control every situation. He’s worried that if he lowers his guard, then he’ll risk the lives of others. He truly cares about the people under him, even if he doesn’t truly express it often. I hope one day I could be just as amazing as he is. Both physically and intellectually.”

They all just blink, and then a smirk stretches on Hobbie’s lips.

“Navy’s got a crush on the boss.”

“A crush?”

You ask with a tilt of your head.

“You like him. Like how a boy likes a girl.” Patvir says it wistfully, palm on his cheek and Gwen smacks his shoulder with a laugh.

You’re trying to figure out if they’re correct about the assumption. It’s true you do hold a great deal of respect for him.

How could you not?

“Don’t think about it too hard kid.” Peter states.

“You do realize that I’m only a few years younger than you Benjamin.”

“Oooooo! She called you Benjamin, you’re in trouble.” Gwen teases.

Peter persists to apologize and state that the mask is a bit deceiving. You merely smile as they go back and forth commenting how he’s the only one that looks like an old guy in his suit.

The rest of your break is just playful banter.

You spend the better part of the day running through all you can on crushes and how to determine if you have someone that falls into that bracket.

It’s often difficult for you to forget about them even when they aren’t in the room.

You appreciate some aspect of what they do and long to be close, or mirror their values.

It could stem from a deep respect or even admiration.

There’s so much information and you’re a little alarmed at how much it aligns with your views of Miguel.

That afternoon as you’re heading back to work with Miguel, you can’t seem to get it out of your head. The second you step inside, Miguel almost anticipates your arrival.

“I need your help to go through a few of these reports from the last assignment.

“Of course, but first, can I ask you something?”

“Si.”

His eyes are still on the computers, so you aren’t sure if he’s paying attention or not, but you still ask the question.

“Have you ever had a crush on someone?”

He stumbles at the statement, now looking at you.

“Qué..”

“I’ve never truly felt connected to anyone. Not until I joined this society. It’s understandable that I would feel comfortable here. We all share a unique set of skills that are similar in many ways. We’ve all been through different traumas. Yet, out of all the people that I’ve met, both in my universe and yours, the only person I’ve ever really felt connected to is you.”

Miguel is wondering if he’s suffered from a serious blow.

“Is it possible that I might have romantic feelings for you? If so, what am I supposed to do about them? Social norms dictate that we spend time together, find common interests, and plan activities. But all of these are things that I’ve already accomplished with you. How do I get closer? I want to get closer, I want to understand.”

Miguel is quite honestly out of his element. Your straightforward personality is maybe a little too much for him.

“I’m..”

He’s not sure what to say to that.

“Come on big guy, you can do better than that. You’ve been dying for this kind of progress for months.”

Lyla’s sudden appearance and statement are a bit of a shock to you.

“LYLA!”

She’s gone with a laugh just as quickly and his frown deepens.

“For months…You’ve held similar feelings as me for months..”

He hadn’t exactly intended to be outed. Miguel intends to explain, but now you won’t look at him, and you take a step back.

“Did you keep it to yourself because you knew how difficult it would be to have a relationship with someone like me?”

It’s apparent that you’ve completely misunderstood.

“You're wrong.”

You look up.

“I’m not any better than you in this field. What I do, leading this organization, makes sense to me. Relationships don’t.”

His eyes shift and suddenly you feel foolish for just jumping to conclusions.

“It’s easier to stay focused on work, that way no one gets hurt.”

“That’s very lonely. “

He knows. But he’s used to it.

“Would you at least consider giving it a try?”

You look so hopeful and he feels it tug at his heart.

“I-I’ll try to be more normal. I’ve gotten better at physical contact. If we take small steps in no time I’ll be-”

“No. Don’t change anything about yourself.”

Your gaze softens at his words. He takes a step forward. Not close enough to touch, just enough that you can see him, feel him.

“I do want to try, but you shouldn’t have to compromise for anyone. Whatever you’re comfortable with, that’s what we’ll do. I’m not in a rush. “

You can’t believe it. It’s almost like he was put on this earth just for you.

“Are you sure..”

“I’m positive.”

You’re almost tearing up, and he just reaches out a hand, brushing his finger against your cheek. You don’t pull away or flinch.

The contact brings warmth.

The kind you never knew you needed until now.

[farewellneverland2004]

Part Two of TBNW series similarities and differences with UWMA regarding their leads

Part 2: Cirrus vs Dean(I’m also specifically looking at TBNW series plot when compared Cir and Dean. Not the novel)

Similarities:

- Both very mature and intelligent. Appearing cold and closed off to most while being genuinely sweet and playful deep down.

- both are incurably whipped for their partners/soulmates. Being very protective and possessive over them.

- (to my knowledge) both are business faculty

- both are roughly 2-3 years older than their partners

-both have been obsessed with someone for years(in two very different ways)

-though being very popular at schools, both don’t have many people they consider close friends.

-both older brothers who were raised for the most part separately from their siblings(yet still are protective of them and love them in their own way)

-both have strained relationships with their fathers(even though their fathers still respect who they are as people support them and their relationships)

- both feel immense guilt and the reason for any kind of pain their partners go through.

- both burden themselves with the actions of others and blame themselves before anybody else

- both have a bestie since childhood who are kinda accidentally the best wingmen.

-both pride themselves on being chauffeur for their partners

-both secretly always planning for the future.

-Giving and receiving emotionally significant keepsakes

- both are BIG FANS of physical touch when it comes to who they love ❤️

Differences:(note that I love both these characters and I’m not judging one to be better… okay maybe in moral stance, but only in objectively moral stance!)

Cir is much more hesitant when it comes to pursuing Phu due to him fearing he’s putting Phu at risk if he’s near him. Sure when we first meet him he’s pulling out all the stops, but that was after like 4-5 years of… let’s say admiring from a far. While Dean sees Pharm from across a pool ONCE, and as soon as he learns his name, he is so keen on approaching him in public, getting to know him personally, stating flat out he’s single. You know, the things you normally do when you wanna date someone, but slightly more intense.

Cir is more dismissive and cold to others as a trauma response, feeling that shutting off emotions and not letting people in will be easier because he has little sense of self outside the tool his mom wants him to be and his feeling for Phu. While Dean does also come off as cold, he’s more strict (and grumpy according to Win) than flat out dismissive. He presents himself as serious and responsible as president of the swim club, but he mostly does this to mask his awkwardness around others and his social anxiety.

Cir has to somewhat prove himself more to Phu’s loved ones, because (I believe) they are aware of Phu’s abandonment issues and inferiority complex. While Pharm’s loved ones either immediately accept Dean or actively push for the two of them to be together.

Cir’s mother is a vindictive narcissist who views her son as less than human and more of a reminder of the man who refused to give her what she wanted. While Dean’s mother is a lovely compassionate person who loves her children, but who just couldn’t be there for him while growing up due to her being first too young and then Dean refusing to leave the woman who predominantly raised him all alone.

Cir is rather resentful towards his father for abandoning him and hardly standing up to his ex wife, even though he does understand that his dad still cares and he is great full for him taking good care of his younger brother. Dean however is just not close to his father due to not being raised by him and because his parents are usually away for work. But they also were both raised by Dean’s paternal grandmother and actually quite similar to each other. Which causes them to butt heads a lot when they’re together, yet he also appreciates his father for accepting him and his relationship.

Cir stays close to his younger brother despite being separated and justifies putting up with his mother’s abuse by believing he’s protecting him, which eventually leads to Zone desiring to sacrifice for his older brother and care more about his happiness than his own. Dean however takes awhile to genuinely form a close connection with his younger siblings and presents himself more as a authority figure because he still loves and cares for them yet feels as the older brother he has failed in some way. It’s not until Pharm meets his sister and points out he unintentionally avoids his siblings that he realizes how much his siblings admire him and want to be a part of his life as well. He later works to bond with his siblings and becomes a little more laid back and vulnerable around them.

Though Cir’s friends are supportive of him pursuing Phu and his relationship with him, they are more baffled and confused at Cir’s sudden ambition to be with someone. Yet they’re still very happy for him because Cir finally seems to have a reason to keep going and genuinely seems better with Phu. While Dean’s friends are supper supportive of his relationship with Pharm, they also are incredibly amused by the concept of someone as serious as Dean dating anyone(let alone a kind and bashful little cinnamon roll like Pharm). So they take any opportunity to mess with him and make him act all jealous and possessive. But they’re still very happy that he’s actually being less uptight and (according to Win) and seems to have found what he’s been looking for.

Cir seldom intentionally makes Phu flustered, and is more hesitant when it comes to engaging in very intimate actions with Phu, and when he does he more than not has to hold himself back from going too far too fast because never truly knows whether Phu wants it as well. While Dean LOVES teasing Pharm, and is not afraid to initiate physical touch. But (at least in the series) he aways makes sure that Pharm is comfortable with what they’re doing, reading his body language etc. and the one time he gets too handsy with Pharm before he’s ready, he immediately stops, apologizes and promises to not do it again.

Cir is terrible at being fully honest with Phu and fails to realize how keeping up his lie would emotionally affect Phu and how bad the future fallout would be the longer he waits. While Dean is for the most part entirely honest and sincere with Pharm about everything, but since he also knows that more Pharm finds out, the more likely it is that his condition comes to fruition, he makes sure Pharm genuinely wants to know the truth and decides for himself when and how much of the truth he wants to know.

Cir is more of a soft doting puppy when it comes to Phu’s condition at any given point. He gets more worried and protective about Phu’s health than even Phu does, and he’s much more likely to forget about taking care of himself than he is taking care of Phu. He basically becomes this when Phu is not feeling well 😥🥺. Meanwhile Dean become both this 😟 and this 😠 whenever Pharm isn’t doing okay. Dean is very keen and stubborn on making sure is completely okay and won’t let Pharm dismiss it like it’s nothing. But he also doesn’t just try to prevent Pharm from essential emotions, but instead stays with him through it all and makes him share the pain Pharm feels.

Cir seems let Phu do the planning when it comes to what they do when they’re together, he’s just happy to be with him. While Dean does seem to like activity based dates/romantic getaways(ex. Friend’s restaurant, aquarium, Christmas lights, temple, river rafts and waterfalls, eventually beach etc.)

Cir promises Phu that he would never leave him. While Dean promised he wouldn't stop searching until he found who he was looking for(Pharm)