#it's all sadness and insecurities and introspections

[yunwangja]

unrecognized

kenma kozume x fem!reader

kenma tells you something unexpected during a quiet moment away from your friend group—something that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about yourself. read part 2 here

genre: slow-burn, eventual fluff, introspective?

tags: kenma x fem!reader, quiet confessions, insecurity, self-perception, soft but meaningful fluff, univ setting

notes: might be ooc!

"i’m not like that at all."

you let out a small laugh, hoping it doesn’t sound as sad as it feels. it’s not like you were fishing for reassurance or anything—you were just stating facts.

the conversation had started off harmlessly, just the usual back-and-forth that came with being in a room full of mutual friends.

you were at a friend's place, lounging in the living room with a few others, the air thick with warmth and familiarity. the coffee table was cluttered with half-empty soda cans and snack bags, the tv playing some random show in the background, mostly ignored.

you weren’t saying much—not that anyone noticed. you were fine with that. you were better at listening, letting conversations weave around you while you stayed comfortably on the sidelines.

tonight’s topic had somehow landed on people at school, and someone had pulled up an instagram post.

“oh, look—council president posted new pics,” someone said, turning their phone around.

a few of them leaned in to look. “she’s so pretty, right?”

“yeah, she’s really cute,” another agreed. “kind of unfair that she’s smart and looks like that.”

you glanced at the screen out of curiosity. it was a casual photo—maybe from some event—but she still looked effortlessly put together.

polished, but not in a way that felt forced. just naturally… striking. it made sense. she was the kind of person people talked about, whether they knew her personally or not.

you barely paid attention until someone nudged you lightly. “you kind of look like her, don’t you think?”

you blinked. “what?”

“yeah, i can kind of see it,” another added. “same vibe, at least.”

of course, you deny it. "uh, no way. she’s like… so effortlessly pretty."

"i’m not like that at all."

you were honestly flattered someone even thought to compare you to her. she was pretty, popular, and looked like a breath of fresh air. but what could you do? it wasn’t true. agreeing would be a lie.

besides, you were nowhere near this girl’s vibe—academically smart, sociable, and easy to approach. maybe your friends could say that about you now, but they definitely wouldn’t if they had known you back then.

when you were younger, insecurity clung to you like second skin. you were the type to blend into the background, to be passed over in a crowd.

no one had ever looked at you—really looked at you—and thought you were special. no one had ever told you, without a doubt, that you were pretty. or interesting.

and if someone had claimed to like you before, you would’ve known the truth: it was just their hormones talking. a fleeting crush based on a small moment.

but young adulthood gave you the time to adapt. to build a version of yourself that felt easier to carry. so you dressed up better. learned how to hold a conversation. grew into a version of yourself that could at least fake confidence.

it was enough to get you here—to a place where you could laugh, nod along, and let comments like that roll off your shoulders.

and maybe this new image of yours was why they thought you resembled someone like her.

fortunately, you didn’t bring the mood down. most of them didn’t believe your dismissal, insisting you were just being humble.

your friend shook her head and rolled her eyes playfully. "you’re too humble, y/n."

the conversation moved on, and you smiled, grateful they didn’t see through you.

well, at least that’s what you thought.

it wasn’t long before you finished your drink. standing up, you slipped away from the group, heading toward the kitchen where you could grab a cold soda from the fridge.

the voices from the living room faded into the background as you opened the fridge. the cool air brushed against your skin as you grabbed a can, cracking it open and leaning against the counter for a brief moment of solitude.

you were taking a sip when you heard footsteps approaching.

"why are you drinking that here alone?"

you glanced up. kenma.

his voice was quiet, lazy, like he was making an observation rather than asking a question. his headphones rested around his neck, dyed blonde hair slightly messy, catching the dim kitchen light.

you weren’t surprised to see him. kuroo was one of your closest friend’s boyfriend, and kenma, being kuroo’s best friend, often ended up tagging along.

still, he never really seemed present at these kinds of gatherings. just… there. like an observer who had no particular reason to be involved.

he was quiet, only speaking when spoken to. not that you two talked much.

"i just wanted to be away from the noise a bit," you said with a small smile.

he nodded but didn’t move, lingering in place for a moment, looking behind you.

noticing the slight awkwardness, you gestured and moved away from the fridge. "oh, were you going to get something? go ahead."

"oh. yeah." he blinked, like he’d forgotten his reason for coming here in the first place. walking past you, he opened the fridge, scanning the selection of drinks.

a brief glance in your direction. then, as if deciding something, he reached for a can,

"i think you’re pretty."

…huh?

you blinked. "what?"

he closed the fridge, leaning against it with one shoulder.

"you’re pretty."

your grip tightened slightly around the can. what was he talking about? where was this coming from?

you let out a nervous chuckle. "what are you talking about?"

"you looked so much more interesting than that girl," he said simply, cracking open his own drink.

the realization dawned slowly. he was talking about earlier.

you smiled, dismissing his attempt to compliment you. "you’re just saying that,"

kenma exhaled, shifting so he was fully facing you now.

"you said you were nothing like her. you were right, though. because you look much more beautiful."

your lips parted, but no words came out.

he crossed his arms, watching you carefully.

"but our friends weren’t trying to lie, yn. you’re wonderful. we all genuinely believe you light up the room whenever you enter. that's probably why they said that."

his voice was steady. honest.

you stared at him, trying to process his words.

you had never spoken to him like this before. never had a real conversation beyond quick greetings. it never once crossed your mind that he had thoughts like these about you.

especially him.

you swallowed, trying to laugh it off. "wow. never thought i would hear that from you, of all people, kenma."

he glanced away, but you caught the slight pink tinge to his ears.

"shut up. i’m being for real here."

he was serious. you could tell.

you shook your head slightly. "i just didn’t expect you would say something like that to me."

you gave a small shrug, and grab your soda can again, swirling it around with your wrist. "not that you have to, though."

his brows furrowed. "no. i wanted to."

there was something firm in his voice, like he needed you to understand that.

"i’ve always wanted to talk to you," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "but, well, i’m also an awkward person, so…" he trailed off, glancing down.

then, quietly, his voice softer than before—

"i just wanted you to know that you are not what you think. because i’m here."

his eyes found yours.

"and my eyes have always been on you."

his words sent a chill down your spine.

before you could even respond, he straightened up, his movements unhurried but deliberate. his gaze lingered on you for a second longer, before he turned away.

"i just wanted to prove you wrong, okay."

he cast one last glance over his shoulder, something softer in his expression now, with the smallest of smiles.

"i can’t stand being unrecognized."

and just like that, he was gone.

you stayed frozen for a moment, your fingers tightening around the cold can in your hands, but even that grounding sensation wasn’t enough to steady you. before you even realized it, your knees gave in, and you sank down onto the kitchen floor, pressing your back against the cabinets.

what the hell just happened?

[itsnesss]

hiii, can u do some thanos head canons? sfw or nsfw whichever you’d like i love your fics btw <3

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ᡣ𐭩 | thanos (player 230)

warnings | explicit content, nsfw, mention of drugs, power dynamics, toxic relationship?

Being with Thanos is like living under a constant aura of greatness. It makes you feel small in comparison, but not in an unpleasant way. It's as if he were teaching you to look at the world from his perspective, with his ideas.

He is always attentive to your well-being, ready to intervene at any moment to ensure you are not in danger.

It's not easy to win their approval. Every step you take is under their critical gaze, but that forces you to be better.

The effects of the drug sometimes make him more introspective, and in those more vulnerable moments, he shows you unexpected gestures of tenderness, as if he were seeking comfort in you, even if he doesn't admit it.

Being with Thanos is an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes, his spontaneity is what attracts you the most; you never know what to expect. He makes impulsive decisions, but that gives him a unique energy, even though it can be a bit exhausting.

He can go from the height of euphoria to a state of deep sadness in a matter of minutes. While that can be confusing and complicated, it makes you feel closer to him because you know his vulnerability is there, even if you don't always understand it.

He defends you from everything that threatens him, even if sometimes you are surprised by how strong or unpredictable he becomes.

When the drugs have him in a calmer state, he approaches you as if he needs you to feel balanced. He hugs you, looks at you intensely, and in those moments you know that all that really matters to him is you.

He is not afraid to take risks and, although sometimes he makes you feel insecure, he drags you along with him on his adventures. Even though his impulses scare you, you always have the feeling that in the end, everything will turn out fine.

Thanos is unpredictable even in intimacy. Sometimes he is incredibly passionate, while other times, his emotional attitude makes him more distant or even indifferent.

Under the influence of drugs, he becomes more raw and direct. He is not interested in playing games; he just wants to feel something genuine, something that makes him escape from his emotional confusion.

He takes you in an almost ferocious way, as if he needs to make sure you are completely his, although his desire is uninhibited, it is not always gentle. There are moments when it seems like he marks you, and he enjoys it.

Sometimes it pushes your limits, seeking something new or different. It can be risky, but the tension it creates between you both is palpable, leaving you in a state of total vulnerability.

He is a man who wants to know all your desires, your most hidden fantasies, and he encourages you to express them without fear.

If he wants it, he gets it. You can't resist his kisses, his caresses.

He's a beast in bed, but outside of it, he's a sweet man who only thinks about your pleasure.

And no matter what you wish for, he always fulfills it.

Do you like oral sex? Great. It will leave you trembling with pleasure as it licks you clean.

Do you want me to whip you? He knows exactly the point where you need to be.

Would you like to be fucked animalistically, without any reservations, just feeling? Perfect. He'll make you feel his cock and his teeth on your neck.

Do you want to be possessed like a slut, without him letting you breathe? He will. He will fuck you without stopping to caress you, without stopping to kiss you.

If you just want to feel the pleasure of being with a man, for him to caress you, kiss you, and speak sweet words to you. Well, he can do it too. He will do it gladly.

And if there's something he doesn't know how to do, he'll learn it just for you. Because the only thing that matters to him is your pleasure and your orgasms.

But he always takes care of your feelings. If something scares you, if you don't want him to do it, he won't insist.

And if you don't want anything else, if you just want company to talk and do something, that's fine too.

But... Don't be surprised if on a normal night, without thinking, he grabs you by the arm, takes you to the bedroom, and fucks you like an animal.

Not even during the day, he approaches you from behind and slaps your butt while whispering in your ear that he's going to fuck you as soon as you get home.

[nostalgicmiscellaneous]

This is long, but i need to get this out of my chest:

I have made so many post defending Penelope when people talked about her issues, her traumas but right now i feel like defending Colin.

As a woman, sometimes i naturally tend to feel defensive and shield the girl but i need to be fair here. Colin's feelings and trust were deeply hurt, Colin is insecure, soft, thoughtful, introspective, sensitive and suffers with a inferiority complex, and he struggles to know his place in society and among the people he loves, on what he should do and the expectations of society from a 22 years old man.

What many don't seem to realize is that Colin, even before knowing Penelope is LW, was very insecure about what she loves in him ( and even if she did in fact love him, because she was about to marry someone else), about being worth of her, he says he wants to do something, to publish his diaries because he wants her to be proud of him…he already didn't think he was good enough for and to her. Colin is insecure about not being good enough in every aspect of his life, tbh. His lack of purpose, faith in himself and on others loving him from whom he is runs deep. His moment of vulnerability telling how much Penelope not answering to his letters affected him, his family too was very revealing. Him screaming at Pen with tears in his eyes that he felt foolish that she read his diaries and praised him as something special. This is something i've noticed even in other seasons too. The family not caring much about his need to connect and his somewhat strained relationship with Anthony, who wasn't really a good male figure to him. It's about male ego? A bit, but it's deeper than that in the series.

Another issue is, he put Pen in a pedestal too ( much like Pen did until 2x8), to be honest, and that is never a good thing, because people are not perfect. And he needed to learn all that. There is disappointment there. But, again, it goes further. It’s him not knowing her as he thinks he should. It’s him perceiving her humanity but reflecting on his own. We have to remember he's so happy because Pen chose him, because he thinks now he's someone's priority and he's someone's focus. He has the immature idea that you should be everything in every way to the person you love, and if you can't be their protector and the hero in their eyes, why should anyone love you?

Then he finds out…and his worldview crumbles. Not only Penelope broke his trust and hurt him deeply - and she never told him and never would have - and it wasn't just himself but his family too, but she shattered his belief he knew and connected with her better than almost anyone else, she shattered his barely there newly found confidence and sense of purpose, what he thought was his sense of self now. All modern sensibilities tend to be ruffled about this, but i think it's a fitting conflict that he would have issues with her being so self-sufficient, so successful while he believes himself to be less, way less than her, so to Colin she doesn't need him, and if she doesn't need him, why would she love him? Why should she love him?

Again, there is the side of him conflicted about knowing her. The pedestal was broken, because she lied to him. She is this powerful, talented, successful woman on her own, not just the pretty shy girl with sweetness and great witty personality that he loves, the one that thinks the world of him. She talked about him, she criticized him and while it rings true deep down, it rings devastation, because she could see beyond his farce and it makes him look and feel pathetic.

So he's struggling with two things: on how to love her, all of her, and how to feel good enough for her, love himself. He's trying to accept her new wonderful aspects and her hurtful flaws because he never stopped loving her, in no moment we see anything but love when that man looks at her, when that man is crying because of her and his deep sadness and longing, his anger is laced with so much love for her. He's angry at her but mostly at himself and he needs to figure it out a way to feel like he deserves to be loved by her. It fuels his issues and he also over compensates.

His hang ups with LW becomes his tangible target. Not only he sees as a dangerous thing to her, it puts her at risk, and with that in mind he can put himself in a role of her protector again, but he fixates on the idea that without Whistledown she's the Pen that he can believe is able to love him even if he's not good enough. Without Whistledown she's not so much above him and not so far from him, because Whistledown is her critical eye, it's Penelope appraising people very analytically and if she looks closely, he doesn't think she will see much in him, as she proved before with he S3 ep1 comment. He wants to get rid of it.

Sure, he's jealous too, he envies her success but exactly because he resents how much that makes him less worthy. It's also another thing that he thinks she's putting above him. He couldn't see clearly that it wasn't something outside herself (and he gets it after), but part of who she is, and all of those parts loves him. It's foolish and it's nonsensical because he doesn't understand that she has seen his flaws but she loves him anyway. He needed reassurance just as much as Pen needed. He needed her to keep on telling she loved him and why, because it heals him.

Some people were upset he didn't make love to her that day he went to get a blanket, but i get it. He wants it, he wants her so badly, you can see it. Colin has problems communicating and doing what he wants because he feels pathetic, jealous and that makes him feel worse, makes him feel shame. It’s him, not her that was the issue at that point. His connection with her runs deeper, it's respecting her and himself, with all the conflicted feelings why he didn’t.

It’s a slow process and i’m bloody glad it took its time to be resolved. But he starts understanding that his way wont help them, it wont bring them closer. He wont solve things by controlling and being the hero. He can’t change the past, he can’t change who they are. He wont solve anything by repressing his love.

Pen words help him figuring out a lot, her spoken words directed to him and her written words that he reads again. She needs him. She tells him she needs him and his love, not grand actions. He can show love and be worthy by supporting her. He starts to understand and ACCEPT that Whistledown is Pen, and loving Pen will include that part of her personality. He grasps that it was always there and it never made a difference in how much she loved being around him and him her, how much attention she dedicated to him, how much her words, in her letters, were full of admiration for him, to her love to him, how much she is his special person. She needs him just as much he needs her, she needs his love, his charm, his intelligence, his humor, his integrity, she needs him because without him she doesn’t feel complete, she doesn’t feel happy. He’s a good man, a fine man that makes her happy, always have. And he realizes she inspires him, she always had, and that isn't a problem, that having her helping him is not a problem, because he helps her too in many ways. It’s only when he can accept himself as equal and entitled to her love as she is to his that they could truly be together and happy.

Colin had the right to feel hurt, had the right to have his insecurities, had the right to need time and had the right to need space, had the right to lash out, had the right to come to term with the changes and surprises life threw at him, specially as a sensitive person that he very much is, and i'm glad the show didn't rush that.

[daydreamingoveracupofcoffee]

The reaction of the other U.A. Students and other characters to their soulmate is a villainess:

Mirio Togata:

Mirio is optimistic, empathetic, and believes in saving everyone, so his first reaction would be shock but not outright rejection. He’d feel a pang of sadness that his soulmate is on a dark path but would immediately see it as a challenge to bring her to the light.

“If she’s my soulmate, there’s gotta be good in her!”

Mirio’s unwavering belief in heroism might clash with the reality of his soulmate’s actions. If she’s hurt people, he’d grapple with guilt over feeling drawn to her. He’d question whether his feelings are just the soulmate bond or genuine, but his resolve to save others would keep him from giving up on her. Mirio would approach her directly, unafraid of the danger, using his charm and sincerity to understand her motives. He’d try to talk her down during confront actions.

“I know you’re not just a villain—let me help you!”

If she’s resistant, he’d stay patient, believing he can change her heart over time. His interactions would be warm but firm, balancing his duty as a hero with his soulmate connection.

Mirio would dedicate himself to redeeming her, even if it takes years. He’d study her past, work with his friends, and use his hero network to find ways to reach her. If she’s too far gone, he’d face heartbreak but still try to save her, even if it means stopping her as a hero.

Tamaki Amajiki:

Tamaki would be overwhelmed with anxiety and self-doubt upon learning his soulmate is a villainess.

“Why would fate pick someone like her for someone like me? I’m not strong enough for this.”

His shy, introspective nature would make him internalize the conflict, feeling like he’s somehow at fault for being tied to a villain.

Tamaki’s low self-esteem would amplify his turmoil. He’d fear that his connection to a villainess makes him unfit to be a hero, and he’d worry about what others (especially Mirio and Fat Gum) would think. However, his quiet empathy would make him curious about her—why did she become a villain? Could he understand her pain? The soulmate bond would terrify him, but he’d also feel a pull to protect her, even from herself.

Tamaki would avoid direct confrontation at first, observing her from a distance or during hero missions. If forced to face her, he’d be nervous, stuttering through attempts to reason with her. His sincerity might catch her off guard.

“I-I don’t know why you’re doing this, but… I don’t think you’re all bad.”

He’d use his quirk defensively, never wanting to hurt her, and might even hesitate in battle, which could frustrate his allies.

Tamaki would need encouragement from Mirio and others to face the situation head-on. Over time, he’d grow bolder, trying to connect with her emotionally, perhaps relating to her struggles through his own insecurities. If redemption isn’t possible, he’d carry the guilt of failing her, but he’d channel it into becoming a stronger hero to prevent others from falling like she did.

Hitoshi Shinso:

Shinso would react with a mix of cynicism and intrigue. Having faced prejudice for his “villainous” quirk, he’d be less shocked than others.

“Of course my soulmate’s a villain—figures.”

He’d feel a bitter irony but also a spark of curiosity about who she is and why she’s chosen this path.

Shinso’s pragmatic and guarded nature would make him wary of the soulmate bond. He’d question its legitimacy, wondering if it’s manipulating his feelings. His own experiences with being misunderstood would make him empathize with her, but he’d also be conflicted about his hero aspirations.

“I’m trying to prove I’m not a villain, so why am I tied to one?”

Shinso would approach her strategically, using his wit and quirk to gather information. He’d engage her in conversation during encounters, probing her motives with questions:

“What’s driving you to do this? You don’t seem like you’re just evil.”

If he uses his brainwashing quirk on her, it’d be to de-escalate, not harm. His dry humor and blunt honesty might create an unexpected rapport, as he’d relate to her outsider status.

Shinso would wrestle with whether to save her or stop her, leaning toward redemption because of their shared bond. He’d investigate her backstory, possibly working with Aizawa to find ways to reach her. If she’s irredeemable, he’d reluctantly take her down, but it’d haunt him, reinforcing his resolve to help others avoid her fate. If she shows potential for change, he’d be her quiet supporter, helping her navigate a path to redemption.

Neito Monoma:

Monoma would be dramatically indignant and affronted.

“A villainess? My soulmate? The universe must be mocking me!”

His theatrical personality and Class 1-B pride would make him initially reject the idea, seeing it as an insult to his heroic ambitions. However, his curiosity and competitive nature would quickly kick in, making him want to “prove” he can handle this twist of fate better than anyone else.

Monoma’s arrogance masks insecurity, so he’d grapple with what this says about him. He’d wonder if being tied to a villainess means he’s destined to be “second-rate” or if it’s a test of his greatness. His tendency to compare himself to Class 1-A would amplify his frustration.

“Why do they get heroic soulmates, and I get this?”

Yet, his sharp mind would push him to analyze her motives, suspecting there’s more to her villainy than meets the eye.

Monoma would confront her with a mix of bravado and taunting, using his Copy quirk to mirror her abilities in battle as a way to “show her up.”

“If you’re my soulmate, you should at least be as impressive as me!”

Behind the bravado, he’d study her closely, looking for weaknesses or signs of redeemability. If she shows complexity (e.g., a tragic backstory), he’d soften slightly, though he’d hide it behind snark. He’d avoid admitting his feelings, even to himself, but the soulmate bond would make him protective in subtle ways, like hesitating to land a finishing blow.

Monoma would see redeeming her as a personal challenge, a way to prove he’s a better hero than his rivals. He’d dig into her past, possibly coordinating with Kendo or Tetsutetsu for support, and use his strategic mind to devise plans to sway her. If she’s irredeemable, he’d take it as a personal failure but channel it into outperforming others as a hero. If she shows potential for change, he’d grudgingly help her, boasting about how he “single-handedly saved his soulmate.”

Naomasa Tsukauchi:

Naomasa, the grounded and professional detective, would be stunned but composed, processing the revelation with a quiet, “This… complicates things.” His dedication to justice and his lie-detection quirk would make him immediately skeptical of the soulmate bond, wondering if it’s a trick or manipulation. He’d feel a mix of duty and curiosity, wanting to understand why his soulmate is a villainess.

As a non-hero with a strong moral compass, Naomasa would struggle with the personal vs. professional conflict. His work with All Might and the police demands he uphold the law, but the soulmate bond would stir empathy, especially if he senses truth in her pain or motivations. He’d worry about compromising his integrity.

“Can I stay objective when it’s her?”

His trust in All Might’s ideals would anchor him, but he’d feel torn if she’s not entirely evil.

Naomasa would approach her methodically, using his detective skills to investigate her crimes and backstory. In encounters, he’d remain calm and professional, asking pointed questions to gauge her intentions.

“Why are you doing this? What do you really want?”

His lie-detection quirk would help him discern if she’s genuine, making him more likely to believe in her potential for redemption if she’s honest about her struggles. He’d avoid direct combat, focusing on de-escalation, and might work behind the scenes to protect her from harsher heroes while still upholding the law.

Naomasa would pursue a path of justice tempered with compassion. He’d compile evidence to understand her actions, possibly consulting All Might or Aizawa for advice. If she’s redeemable, he’d advocate for rehabilitation, using his police connections to offer her a chance to atone. If she’s unrepentant, he’d ensure she faces justice, though it’d weigh heavily on him. His commitment to truth would make him a steady, if reserved, ally in her redemption arc.

Sir Nighteye (Mirai Sasaki):

Nighteye would react with cold disbelief, his logical mind rejecting the idea: “A villainess as my soulmate? That’s incompatible with my vision of the future.”

His foresight quirk and rigid belief in a heroic world would make him see this as a flaw in fate, prompting him to question the bond’s validity. However, his loyalty to All Might’s legacy would push him to investigate her thoroughly, suspecting there’s a reason behind this anomaly.

Nighteye’s stoic demeanor hides deep emotions, and this revelation would crack his composure. He’d feel betrayed by fate, especially since he values order and heroism. His foresight might torment him—if he sees a dark future for her, he’d struggle with whether to fight it or accept it. He’d also reflect on his own past, wondering if his strictness reflects a flaw that connects him to a villain. The soulmate bond would force him to confront his rigid worldview.

“Can someone like her change?”

Nighteye would approach her with calculated precision, using his foresight to anticipate her moves and confront her strategically. In person, he’d be stern and commanding.

“You’re my soulmate, but that doesn’t excuse your actions. Explain yourself.”

His quirk would give him an edge in battles, but he’d avoid using it to see her future, fearing it’d lock him into a doomed path. If she shows remorse or complexity, he’d soften slightly, offering her a chance to prove herself, but he’d remain skeptical until she earns his trust.

Nighteye would see her redemption as a way to reshape the future, aligning with his belief in creating a hopeful world. He’d work tirelessly to guide her, possibly mentoring her like he did Mirio, but with stricter oversight. If she’s irredeemable, he’d accept it grimly, using his foresight to ensure she’s stopped without collateral damage. If she changes, he’d view it as proof that even his predictions can be defied, softening his outlook and deepening his bond with her.

[azurajae]

I find it really interesting that as the games go on, Riku becomes more confident and secure with himself while Sora gets more insecure and depressesed.

Riku kinda started at a low point in the beginning by giving into the darkness. He was ridden with guilt and depression over the pain he caused by his mistakes and spent CoM, Days, and KH2 trying to make up for it all. He finally manages to get some closure in KH3D and manages to find a healthy way to move on from his guilt and sadness. While the scars might still be there and might creep up sometimes, Riku has grown into someone strong and dependable. There are always new ways for Riku to grow as a person, but I can't say enough about how proud I am of him of the progress he's made so far.

Meanwhile, on a surface level, Sora has remained stagnant personality-wise for most of the series. He is happy-go-lucky, kind, and selfless, someone you'd appreciate as a friend. However, in small moments throughout the games, he shows shades of his anger, sadness, and darkness, which seem to intensify each game. He has been told 'no frowning, no sad faces' and to 'never change', so while he seems the 'same', Sora's actually repressing himself. He's thoughtful and introspective, smarter than he looks, but acts foolish and silly because that's how he believes his friends expect of him. KH3 was really prevelent with him hiding his true feelings behind humor, both his friends and enemies belittling him, and the stress/pressure causing him to snap in the final battle. When Xehanort strips all his light away in the final battle, what's underneath? Rage.

It's also pretty interesting that Riku and Sora both precieve(d) themselves as worthless. In Riku's case it's stemming from the guilt of his mistakes and feeling he should isolate himself as punishment, while Sora is so incredibly selfless and blessed/cursed with the 'friends are my power' motto, he believes that he is nothing without his friends.

Makes me wonder what's going to be happening with Sora now that we are in Stage 2 of KH and the tonal shift with the realistic graphics. He is all alone in a totally different reality with a (possibly) dwindling hope of ever returning home. He doesn't even have anymore people in his heart apartment, it's empty now. How will this new enviroment and situation affect him? And how much will he change by the time Riku meets up with him (if/when he does)? It feels like Sora's character arc is finally beginning.

"The closer you get to light, the greater your shadow becomes."

We seem to be calling back to some early quotes from the series. Makes me wonder if this statement is now foreshadowing.

[magicaii]

mha 424 and bakugo's sorrow

bakugo's devastation is so palpable and raw. and while it's not spelled out directly because of how incoherent and emotional he is in this scene, his feelings go a lot deeper than just being sad that izuku doesn't have a quirk anymore.

ever since izuku got a quirk and their relationship had started to change, as well as bakugo reflecting on his treatment and deep down feelings about izuku, he's come to realize that he actually cares about him and doesn't want to continue holding him at arms length. bakugo had to go through a lot of introspection to reevaluate his role in their history and his feelings about izuku being in his life. this gave him the chance to atone for his past actions by moving forward and being a positive force in izuku's life rather than one who only ever knocked him down, so that instead of having to dwell on his guilt he can channel those feelings productively into being the best friend and rival he can to push izuku's growth as a hero and make up for it. it was very much a case of not only bakugo but izuku both moving on from their past together, never looking back. deep down, bakugo wanted to be equals with him. he wanted to be his friend properly this time, without the bullshit and insecurities.

but because izuku lost his quirk, bakugo now has to come to terms with the fact that the quirkless kid who he bullied exists once more and has just lost everything, and it's impossible for him to not feel at least a little responsible that whatever was holding their newfound relationship together has just been ripped away. it's almost like ofa was a bandaid, hiding a wound bakugo holds himself accountable for inflicting. in some ways, this regression must remind bakugo of the damage he formerly sought to cause, and unlike before, they cannot simply just focus forging a better relationship when bakugo has to face everything incriminating him. and bakugo can no longer stay by his side and do everything he can to atone because the past is alive and can't be overcome anymore, and this 'version' of izuku that doesnt have ofa makes him feel specifically guilty because bakugo is in a position of power over him again; they can't be equals.

bakugo doesn't just want to be rivals with izuku forever. he wants to earn that position. he wants both of them to play an active, healthy role in each other's lives and be good for each other, unlike before. and it must really hurt him that, in his eyes, there is no more reality where one day, when he has fully atoned for all of his actions, he can finally stand by izuku's side as his friend without that guilt weighing him down. because now izuku will wind up quirkless again and bakugo feels like there's nothing he can do for him anymore.

[danosrosegarden]

Elijah listen to me ELIJAH SHAKES YOU VIGOROUSLY BY THE SHOULDERS EDWARD NASHTON COCK WORHSIP OKAY? HE’S INSECURE AND THE PRAISE AND ATTENTION MAKES HIM SUBMISSIVE AND SHY can anybody hear me

i hear u so clear, my introspective moo...

and oh em gee would u believe it...it's masc reader!

♡ FIRSTLY. it takes a good, thick chunk of time and a flowering bushel of trust to even get him to take his pants off. he dreams about intimacy with you! you're stunning, you're perfect, he truly cannot believe he gets to spend his life with a guy like you! pinching himself isn't even adequate to make him believe that he's not dreaming! but holy christ is he so so scared! it looms over him like a thundering stormcloud. he's gonna have to face his fears at some point, and he's gonna fuck something up like he always does. you're gonna leave thinking he's a loser. edweird, who can't even get his boyfriend off. you'd think he'd feel a bit more confident considering all the ~quality time~ he's spent with himself. he should know how to twist his hand and swirl his tongue and he's basically doing the metaphorical equivalent of punching himself in the dick and going STUPID STUPID STUPID whenever he once again shies away from your advances.

♡ it's lots of fun getting to run your fingers through his hair and kiss him long and deep, and you're doing your best trying to invite him into something more. there's a clear roadblock, and the more time you spend with him, the more you chip and break away at his walls and discover what's festering inside.

♡ he came from the barren, the painful, the impossibly cold and quiet lonely. he talks of his past and his work and his daily chores with such empty, sad eyes. he does not know the warmth of kind, compassionate words. you were the first.

♡ it's a great honor, but it's also a hefty responsibility. he clings to you like you'll disintegrate if his fingers slip. and when he finally does piece together the trembling courage to vaguely ask would you like to?, you decide that it'll focus on him.

♡ his face burns crimson when you loop your fingers through the belt of his pants and help him shimmy out. he's ultra squirmy. you want to chuckle at his completely unnecessary quivering and almost depressing apologies, but you fear he'd take it as a jab. the truth is, he's already doing perfectly. he's gentle and kind and thoughtful and there's such a quiet, comforting, sentimental aura surrounding him. it was all so new, but it was almost as if your bodies had known each other for forever.

♡ but edward shatters that thought when you carefully and gently pull his boxers down. you can see the cool air hit him as he takes a long, deep sigh and looks down at you with waiting eyes. "sorry, 'm sorry."

♡ is he apologizing for his dick? is he stupid?

♡ cause let's be real...it would be a gorgeous sight. he's already shaking, a thick dribble of precum leaking down his blushing head. you watch his belly flutter with ragged breaths. he's waiting. waiting for you! fully prepared and stupidly excited to unravel at the seams, just for you! you haven't even touched him and you're already a bit high off the power.

♡ when you finally wrap a gentle hand around him and give him a couple soft, tender strokes, you come to discover quite quickly that he is loud. he tries not to be, but even his body betrays him; his hips roll and his sighs come leaking out from the hand clasped over his mouth. god, he can't believe he made himself wait so long for this. it's heavenly.

♡ he bounces back and forth between looking down at you and becoming humiliated and darting his eyes away. you don't mind. you've already gotten him so loosened up and much more comfortable than he ever was before.

♡ he falls apart completely when you speak. so pretty, eddie. such a pretty cock, all mine to touch. so good for me, ed. there you go, roll your hips for me. don't cover your mouth, i wanna hear you whine. atta boy. there's a good boy. my good, sweet boy.

♡ his brain is almost completely infiltrated by a burning, glowing fuzz at this point. he's lost all of the clinging, dark insecurity that grasped onto each cell of his body so tightly before as he watches your hand glide up and down, over and over. he feels the warmth tightening in his gut and all he can think of is how badly he wants to make you feel like this, too. he wants you down his throat, he wants his hands all over you, he wants you to be his.

♡ he tries to stave off the warm knot balling up inside of him for as long as he can. god, he doesn't want this to ever end! but with all the built up excitement from how new this all is, there's only so much holding off he can manage.

♡ you already know with edward's cum, there's ropes and ropes of it and he's ending the way he started: apologizing, meekly and with reddened cheeks.

♡ you wish you could etch into his mind that there truly is no need: what a gorgeous spectacle he put on! such a lovely blushy cock and adorable whimpers and lord, he's just so perfectly malleable when he's drunk off the feeling.

♡ there's so much more to explore with him. for now, you'll clean him up and let him nuzzle into the crook of your neck and you'll be proud, endlessly proud of him for letting you take his hand and walk with him into something so beautifully intimate.

[conceptionsofconciousness]

Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra, governed by the Sun, offers a distinct experience for individuals born under its influence. These individuals often struggle with feelings of loneliness and the significant weight of responsibility for their accomplishments. As they pursue their goals, they may find themselves reflecting on their solitary journeys, which can lead to feelings of melancholy. The pressure to succeed can intensify their sense of isolation, especially when they internalize the belief that their victories are solely their own. This burden can create a cycle of introspection that sometimes devolves into profound sadness as they grapple with the emotional cost of their ambitions.

Additionally, the successes achieved by Uttara Ashadha natives can inadvertently provoke jealousy among peers who wrestle with their own self-worth and insecurities. This reaction can further exacerbate the sense of isolation for these individuals, particularly when they feel a lack of support or understanding from those around them.

The weight of self-imposed responsibility, combined with the potential for jealousy and misunderstanding from others, can establish a cyclical pattern of loneliness. Their victories, which are meant to bring joy and fulfillment, are often overshadowed by a feeling of being alone in their triumphs. This inherent tension between personal ambition and social connection highlights a central challenge for Uttara Ashadha natives: navigating the path to success while fostering meaningful relationships and overcoming the potential for isolation that can accompany their achievements.

More posts on Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra

Nakshatra Notes Masterpost (Link collection of all 27 Nakshatras)

[catbowserauthor]

2003 Mikey Diagnosis

Thanks @brightlotusmoon for this request! It was fun

This one is fun. Because the writers really didn't like to give Mikey deep moments (which is one of my issues with 2003 TMNT, as much as I love it), we don't have nearly as much to work with as Leo. But I think we have uncovered something interesting—

So, in regards to trauma, I don't think its as straightforward. For the PTSD diagnosis, Mikey certainly meets the section A criteria--exposed to a traumatic event, family exposed to a traumatic event, etc. His whole family has this in spades.

He also meets criteria C as he will do anything BUT think about the traumatic events. And some of the behaviors in Criteria D are better explained by his ADHD

But Criteria B and the clinically impactful section he tends to fail on. Now, part of this is writing because, like I said, the writers really don't like to get too introspective with Mikey but I think there's another potential explanation.

While Mikey is an eternal optimist, as a therapist I would absolutely question his “no emotional reaction to trauma—and loads of it” and I’ll tell you why:

Trauma masking.

This a coping mechanism where someone throws themselves 110% into whatever role they are used to playing/expected to play. It might seem to outsiders that no trauma happened at all. It usually occurs in people who are insecure or who constantly put everyone else first (like our favorite nunchaku user) as they don't want attention put on them which could be directed toward others.

Mikey, judging by his actions in the series as a whole, is not nearly as confident as puts out. In fact, I’d suspect his self-esteem is very low. All his bragging, all his bravado, are very common for people who don't think high of themselves and are pleading for some kind of validation from others.

But directly asking feels wrong. So, they don't.

They don't want to be an inconvenience. As much as Mikey longs for attention, it has to be for the right reason. He reads the room exceptionally well and with so much energy being spent trying to help his oldest brother, Mikey would not want one iota spent on him before Leo is back to normal. He regularly plays the emotional sacrificial goat so this likely would feel like “here we go again, family first.”

Mikey understands the stress his brothers are under. He also understands that Leo has gone through more than the rest of them but still chose to try and lead the best he could until he literally couldn't anymore. He plays the compare game A LOT so in his mind, what he went through is insignificant next to Leo’s.

Ergo, Leo needs the healing more than me. My other brothers don't need to be worried about me too. I can't put more on Father’s plate.

Mikey is the master of “play your role.” Because he's seen it make his family relax, smile and bring back some sense of normalcy. THAT is what he feels he can do.

Mikey, fairly frequently, makes himself the butt of the joke, the clown, the one who wants to be noticed. If he's been called mindless, immature, etc then that's the role he will play because it gets him a sample of that validation he wants. Its not exactly what h wants but by thus point, he's accepted that us the closest he’ll get.

He doesn't want to break that, even if internally, he has been suppressing all these emotions of fear, sadness, from the frustration. The problem is though...as th trauma builds, the usual means of coping will eventually collapse, most likely to Mikey’s detriment.

So, what does this mean for therapy?

Well, it means I couldn't do a PTSD diagnosis as he is not currently presenting with all the symptoms. But, as I suspect an underlying set of symptoms that are not being expressed, I would likely do this:

Unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, R/O PTSD

R/O for those who don't know, means “rule out.”

We would need to meet with Mikey a few times. We'd do digging, build some rapport, and I suspect we'd find quite a bit about self-esteem, confidence and fears we would need to work on. Likely involving the rest of his family near the end.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS:

Unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, R/O PTSD, R/O Depressive Disorders

[canthaveshitinkamurocho]

I think about Y0 Majima a lot.

I started the series off with Y0, like a lot of people did. And it made Majima into one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, as I suspect it's done for way more people than I can imagine.

It was amazing, in a way, to see Majima bloom from 0 to 1. It made so much sense, given everything he went through.

Now, though, I also see his change to be a bit tragic. Y0 Majima is a very grounded character; he feels real, like he was some dude that you could meet and have a nice chat with (his interactions in the cabaret minigame and his side stories def helped develop that side of him). He's introspective, protective, hopeful at times, but also broken. There was this air of insecurity about him when he wasn't in his 'cabaret manager' persona, knowing he was on the Tojo's leash, probably forever.

Which is kind of true. He was with the Tojo til the end. It's not like he could leave, but he managed to reclaim autonomy through the 'Mad Dog' persona. It may have bits of him included in it, though it's not who he really is. And there's a sadness in having to limit yourself in order to be 'free.' Is it better than letting himself be treated like garbage? Sure, however, it's more so an exchange. He traded parts of himself for more self-governance. The Mad Dog persona is a defense mechanism which sometimes slips, especially for those he cares about (cough Kiryu and Saejima specifically cough).

The theme of violence and masculinity as a tool to survive is essential to the series, and Majima is a prime example of a character that wields violence to an extreme. Violence is his signifier warning others to stay the hell out of his way and let him exist as he pleases. It's given him a lot of freedom, but it's chained him down a lot, too, to a violent life bred from violence.

[shingekinomyfeelings]

Reiner relationship drama is that he puts you on a mf pedestal and is INSECURE ASF

I'm not talking about him asking for reassurance, i'm talking about him almost breaking up bc he keeps thinking you deserve better and all that (and if not considering breaking up, then he'd def be jealous asf)

Ig it would depend on how far it is in the story/universe, but as a cadet i can see him being the jealous type, arguing about you talking w someone he feels is "better" than him and all that, but later on when he's done that introspection work and all he'd def be on the more openly insecure side, pushing you away without meaning to until you have to ask him point blank what's wrong and why he's been so distant and only then would he open up

Bro just needs a big ass hug and reassurance plz 😭😭

Oh I can totally see him getting up in his head thinking you deserve someone better. Loving you despite your flaws, even thinking it's okay that they're part of who you are, but like... absolutely not believing he deserves that from you. You tell him you've forgiven him for his actions as a Warrior and he's like 'well you shouldn't >:c' lmao

Kinda speaking from experience as someone with trauma issues though, I know it takes a very long time to break out of that way of thinking, and he'd have periods where he was improving and ones where he backslides a bit, and I feel like he'd be really hard on himself for those times when his inner demons creep back up.

He definitely needs you to remind him he's just as human as you are, and maybe sometimes to just go 'oh you 😌' and ruffle his hair and kiss him on the cheek when he's berating himself. ngl sometimes when I'm seriously doom-and-glooming my irl friends will go 'oh Zeki 😂 *patpat*' and honestly it usually derails that train. Where did they learn that trick? I support doing that to Reiner as needed.

I kinda see him as way more confident overall in his pre timeskip era, where he's surrounded by people who look up to him, and half the time he's got himself forced into a state of 'actually I have always lived here and I am not here to murder everyone I've come love' so he can function, but sometimes he can't help thinking about the reality of his situation and getting extremely grim and depressed, and it just being super confusing to you because obviously he can't tell you why he's occasionally overflowing with self hatred and acting worried that you'll leave him. It's frustrating because from what you know of him there's literally no reason for him to randomly get into these insecure moods.

You'd be like 'aw sometimes he's so sad and mysterious, but I'm sure he has his reasons like everyone here 🥺 one day perhaps he will reveal his painful past' and then the reveal happens you're like '>:c god fucking damn it a lot of things make sense now.'

Honestly he probably deserves to be punched in the arm sometimes

[stereopticons]

On This Day in Schitt's Creek: March 29

2019

you put the sweat in sweater... [david/patrick, M, 1,300] by @startswithhope

This is just a little missing scene from "The Roast" set after the dance rehearsal and before David is back at the motel. I needed to explore the many reasons he reacted so positively to seeing Patrick dance... (really mild M here folks) And please forgive the title, I was SO stuck.

2020

Breakfast Can Wait [david/patrick, E, 1,856] by @schittposting

David wraps his arms around Patrick from behind and starts kissing his way up Patrick’s neck, starting at the collar of his t-shirt and heading toward that spot behind his ear that makes Patrick squirm. “David,” Patrick says, “I can’t concentrate when you’re doing that.” “Do you know how sexy you are when you make me breakfast?” David says into Patrick’s ear, following his words with his tongue and sucking Patrick’s earlobe into his mouth. “Okay, if you keep doing that, this pancake is gonna get burned,” he says, flipping it. Patrick's making pancakes for breakfast. David has other ideas.

Dreaming of an Easy Waking Up [david/patrick, G, 2,300] by ryry_peaches

Patrick and David have been misunderstanding each other, and they finally hash out all their anger and insecurities. - Patrick just stands with his back to the door, and he looks so sad that David doesn't know what to do — he only has a vague idea of why Patrick is angry, or sad, or — whatever he is; David doesn't have enough context to tell. He looks at David, and they're standing far enough apart that he doesn't have to look up to look David in the eye. "I'm not going to New York, David." His voice is thick in the way it only gets when he's upset.

kaleidoscope eyes [patrick & stevie, G, 1,762] by @landofsonlali

patrick and stevie have a conversation following the rosebud motel team's trip to NY.

Touch Me [david/patrick, T, 4,244] by MoreHuman

If David had asked out of jealousy or insecurity or even just a misplaced desire to mend the big closeted hole in Patrick’s past, he would be more than happy to ignore it, let it drop, as requested. But that’s not why David asked. He asked because he’s curious. Because Patrick has an experience with sex that David Rose, his gloriously queer boyfriend who’s had every kind of sex there is, doesn’t understand but wants to. And that’s. Well. That’s not something he’ll forget. That’s an opportunity. That’s a question he’s going to answer.

Trouble in a Skort [david/patrick, E, 1,068] by ryry_peaches

Patrick tries to have a fun time with David in his Rick Owens slit skirt, and it...does not go as planned.

2021

About Last Night [david/patrick, G, 3,049] by @madlori

Patrick and David process their first night together, largely via text.

Always Been Ours [johnny/moira, G, 4,971] by Picajc

The Roses have considered Stevie part of the family for quite some time. What will she say to legally becoming a Rose?

Burn Out the Night [david/patrick, G, 2,825] by @madlori

Patrick's a firefighter and David's a city engineer. They don't get along. Send tweet.

Ease My Mind [david/patrick, E, 31,793] by @goodiecornbread

You came out of nowhere And you cut through all the noise I make sense of the madness When I listen to your voice-'Ease by Mind' by Ben Platt -+-+-+- David is the "Brand Manager" of the Music Barn record store in Elmdale. Wendy's nephew, Patrick, comes to stay for the summer, and his only goal seems to be making David's life miserable. What is with this guy and his guitar?!

I Wanna Drive Through The Forest Inside of Your Head [david/patrick, NR, 2,021] by sunonyourskin

David was asking him to trust him, to let David in and let David know him. Truly know him. No more half stories. No more “there’s nothing much to tell”. No more secrets. Not again. ---------- An introspective piece, looking at the conversation where Patrick finally tells David all about Rachel. The second part of "The Moments In Between" series.

I'll Clear Closet Space For You [david/patrick, G, 11,306] by SoonerOrLater

Patrick moves into his apartment, David helps by clearing out his wardrobe and testing out the bed. Marcy helps by sending Patrick bits of home. Both of them realise they've lost a few things and gained a lot more.

I'll Come But Never Stay [david/patrick, E, 5,261] by @floosilver8

And I like the way you taste Some liquor and a chaser Flavor of forever just For the night... I'm obsessive with the chase I'll come but never stay so Turn me on and up Just like radio...

I'm looking through your eyes [david/patrick, E, 1,541] by @kiwiana-writes

Which is why the small silver bar in his eyebrow is so incongruous; it doesn’t fit with the rest of the image the guy (Patrick, his name is Patrick, David is really going to have to get better at remembering names so he doesn’t offend a vendor) is putting forward. It’s not like David’s never seen a piercing before. Hell, there was that brief regrettable period where Sebastien convinced him to get a tongue piercing. Still, this particular piercing captures David’s attention entirely without his permission.Or, the night at Stevie's where literally everything's the same except for the presence of a piercing or two.

Iceland [david & stevie, G, 300] by Rosey_Peach

ostinato [david/patrick, T, 4,531] by @grapehyasynth

ostinato, noun, from italian for "stubborn" - a pattern of notes, rhythms or movements that persistently repeats in a piece of music or David is good at music. Like, really good. And Patrick doesn't understand why he's only just finding this out.

Patrick Tries Spontaneity [david/patrick, G, 1,376] by th3d3adboy

David goes back to New York to visit Alexis and Patrick makes a questionable choice.

Těší mě [david/patrick, T, 1,113] by @grapehyasynth

Patrick is going to strangle his hostel roommate while he sleeps. Or something less violent. He’s going to report him to the Czech tourism board. He’s going to leave him a strongly worded note on his way out. He’ll definitely glare.

we can talk whenever you'd like [david/patrick, G, 362] by budd

Following their first kiss, Patrick texts David to have a conversation about labels and what their newly realized attraction for one another means for their relationship.

worth this mess [david/patrick, T, 3,631] by @5ambreakdown

Patrick hasn’t responded to a single text, a single phone call, in two days. Not even the eight stoned voicemails David left on accident after some misguided therapy from Stevie drew a reaction. And this is after the three days of space David gave him, so, really, he’s gone through five days without word from his boyfriend and he’s really, really starting to worry. They’ve had fights before - of course they have. Little spats because they’re both too stubborn and opinionated for their own good, but ultimately it’s only a few hours - maybe a day, if it’s really bad - spent pouting and wallowing and complaining to the nearest person before they realize they’re both idiots. And then they’re fine. They’ll make up, some tears will be shed (David), mistakes will be overly apologized for (Patrick), and love will be reassured and reaffirmed (both of them). That hasn’t happened yet. or, david and patrick have a fight, so david resorts to a dramatic (if a little disruptive) romcom-esque gesture to get back in his good graces.

2022

[Filk] + [Vid] Stockroom Nights [david/patrick, G] by @n0connections

Summer loving had me a blast Summer loving happened so fast I Met a guy cute as can be I met a boy who’s business savvy

An animated filk set to the Grease song Summer Nights.

[Podfic] (a long time ago) we used to be friends [david/patrick, T, podfic] by Amanita_Fierce

David gets ready for school, already concocting a plan. He is not going to pass yet another birthday with only his romcoms and Patrick (and Patrick’s empathetic eyes) to mark the event of his 13th birthday. A remix AU of 13 going on 30. Podfic of (a long time ago) we used to be friends by rockinhamburger.

36 Questions [david/patrick, T, 12,191] by @tyfinn

Can you fall in love with someone after answering these 36 questions? or David meets Patrick after signing up for a research study.

In Your Heart [david/patrick, M, 4,362] by NeverGoWithAHippy

Patrick falls into a fitful sleep stressed about his job, his fiancé Rachel, and his prospects for the future- just like he does almost every other night. When he wakes up with a pounding headache in a room he isn't quite familiar with, he isn't sure what to make of it. He isn't sure where Rachel is or where they are or why there's an actual man in his bed. People try to convince him that is is engaged- but not to Rachel. To another man? What year is it? What is going on?

One Late Night Conversation (In Bed) [david/patrick, T, 1,767] by @flowerfan2

A Milwaukee 'verse one-shot. Patrick wants to talk about his book. The conversation gets a little deeper than anticipated.

Thank You, David. [david/patrick, T, 228] by mallpretzles

Patrick needs taking care of when David gets home. David obliges.

2023

[Art] Handyman Patrick [david/patrick, M, art] by @lizzie-bennetdarcy

David comes home to Patrick doing some work around the house and distracts him

Victorious [david/patrick, G, 100] by @sspaz1000

David and Patrick play Wordle every morning. Will David get the word?

worlds apart [david/patrick, T, 1,914] by @blackandwhiteandrose

“You lived here,” Patrick repeats with the same incredulous tone. “I mean, the members of my family occupied the space occasionally over an extended period of time. Does that count?” David asks. ----- David and Patrick visit the former Rose mansion. They both have some feelings about it.

2024

a rose by any other name [david/patrick, G, 3,383] by otherpeopleareallthereis

The Roses are back at David and Patrick's for Christmas, and Alexis' oldest, Nate, needs some help from their uncle about a change they want to make.

Stats:

No fanworks for 2017 or 2018 2019: 1 fic/1,300 words 2020: 5 fics/11,230 words 2021: 14 fics/74,082 words 2022: 6 fanworks (4 fics, 1 podfic, 1 flik)/19,085 words 2023: 3 fanworks (2 fics, 1 fanart)/2,061 words 2024: 1 fic/3,383 words Total: 30 fanworks (27 fics, 1 podfic, 1 fanart, 1 flik)/111,141 words

[freakartack]

what made orbulon one of your favorite characters?

Oh my god LOL thats a crazy question. Not because it is crazy to ask, but because it is crazy to answer. I guess i should break this down point by point

Due to my various neurological idiosyncrasies, I have a brain chunk that is specifically dedicated to fucked up little cartoon aliens. I own a frankly embarrassing amount of Marvin the Martian memorabilia and also several collectible items of the cereal called Quisp, which was discontinued in the 1970s*, because it has a little cartoon alien on it. (*it came back on-and-off later and the last time it was discontinued was actually the end of last year, which was very sad for me, the sole Quisp enjoyer in the world.) And yes i am just as insane and anal-retentive about these cartoon aliens as The Big Man Himself. So that was the hook

THEN, I realized that orbulon is not just the typical freaky little megalomaniac alien, but a DEEPLY INSECURE and SURPRISINGLY INTROSPECTIVE freaky little megalomaniac alien. This is important to me for the same reason that I am a fan of the Muppets. His endless internal struggle to not be seen as stupid on a planet full of ants is very compelling to me

Continuing that thought, the fact that despite his dubious motivations he is genuinely enamored with the beauty of both Earth and space really rounds out his character. Not only is he trying his best to connect with the creatures of the Earth after one thousand years of being here and not doing that, but one of his favorite ways to do so is to bring people onto his spaceship and show them the wonders of the cosmos. And I love it every time because on earth he is just a weird thing but when he takes them in his spaceship they are amazed and speechless at the beauty of space...it is like he is letting them into his world, and they can finally see and understand what he sees. Effervescent

Also, the fact that he is so god damn old leads to a lot of fun story opportunities (like it being possible for him to meet the four heroes from ttyd) but also opens the door for some extremely poignant and heart wrenching implications, summed up very subtly by one of my favorite Orbulon quotes:

5. On a similar note, the fact that Orbulon plays it fast and loose with the "alien traits" he has makes it EXTREMELY fun for the biology freak in me to go wild with the speculations. I won't go into it too much here because i've already covered this extensively but just know that this is a very big bullet point.

6. The fact that his luck is constantly in the shitter is very relatable. I like orbulon because things are always happening to him

7. I would be remiss to make a list like this without including his gender. The fact that he shapeshifts so freely for the purposes of both self-expression and disguise is very genderish indeed

8. He's just got a kickass design. The shades that are evocative of both the glassy eyes of a stereotypical grey alien and Men in Black, the amphibian proportions, the awesome wardrobe. The bowling pin head is both inexplicable but also feels effortlessly natural. He's truly got it all. Similarly, the fact that he is a space alien that crash lands onto earth simply because he is shit at driving is such a funny and seemingly obvious direction to take this kind of character, and yet he's the only one I've really seen cash in on that. I like orbulon because things are always happening to him pt. 2

9. We have the same music taste

[transosdd]

forgot to add the level,, can we get level 3 please?

(person who requested simpbur)

𓎟𓎟 SIMPBUR ALTER PACK .ᐟ

︵⠀ ⟢ NAMES – simpbur, incelbur, amor, amias

︵⠀ ⟢ AGE – 24

︵⠀ ⟢ PRNS – he / love / soft / burr / song / hum / adore / blush / cupid / fleur / strawb

︵⠀ ⟢ GENDERS – masc-aligned, lovelettercoric, obsessiveyandere, lovergender, musicgender, obsessivefreak

︵⠀ ⟢ ORIENTATION – ambiamorous, omnisexual (male pref)

︵⠀ ⟢ ROLES – love manager, s3xual alter, intermediary, insecurity holder

︵⠀ ⟢ SOURCE – SIMPBUR [E-GIRL TRILOGY]

︵⠀ ⟢ FRONT TRIGGERS –

POS: intense romance & affection, music with a melancholic vibe, source music, poetry/lyrics/media with sad or longing themes

NEG: feelings of heartbreak or unrequited love, rejection/dismissal, competitive environments (especially with love), being called manipulative or unhealthy, feeling lonely or jealous of other relationships

︵⠀ ⟢ INTERESTS –

LIKES: romantic or sentimental gestures, music of any form, dimly lit and quiet spaces, creativity (especially in writing), rainy weather

DISLIKES: bright lighting, being rushed or under any pressure, upbeat and happy music, small talk or shallow conversations, sunny weather, sudden changes in plans or feelings

︵⠀ ⟢ COMMON OUTFITS – O1, O2, O3, O4

︵⠀ ⟢ FAVORITE MUSIC – O1, O2, O3, O4, O5

︵⠀ ⟢ PERSONALITY – dramatic, self-absorbed, and deeply melancholic. he thrives on romanticizing his struggles, often exaggerating his emotions to paint himself as a tragic, misunderstood figure. he’s introspective and poetic, constantly analyzing his feelings and turning them into grand, overly sentimental narratives. he craves validation and attention, especially when it comes to his emotional depth or perceived uniqueness, but he has a tendency to become bitter or resentful if he feels overlooked or rejected. he projects confidence and charm in his dramatic displays, but there’s an underlying insecurity that drives his need for recognition and connection. despite his flaws, he has a reflective, almost artistic side, and he channels his emotions into creative outlets. his interactions often shift between genuine vulnerability and manipulative attempts to maintain control over how others perceive him. ultimately, he’s caught in a cycle of longing for affection while pushing others away with his intensity. (MBTI : INFJ)

︵⠀ ⟢ ROLE/DUTY INFO – as the love manager, he meticulously tracks every relationship in and outside the system, obsessively analyzing dynamics and assigning meaning to even the smallest interactions. he often romanticizes these relationships, leaning into their idealized versions, but his emotional intensity can lead to overthinking or unrealistic expectations. he sometimes meddles, believing he knows what’s best for everyone involved. as the sexual alter, he carries the burden of trauma with a mix of hyperawareness and self-imposed control. he may oscillate between using charm and vulnerability to protect the system in stressful or triggering situations and retreating into hypersexual behaviors to mask or deflect emotional pain. he views his role as a way to maintain a sense of control in moments that feel otherwise destabilizing. as the intermediary, he actively steps into external relationships, either working to smooth conflicts or deliberately sabotaging them if he feels threatened, overlooked, or rejected. his tendency to dramatize situations can either bring clarity or escalate tension, depending on his mood and perceived security in the relationship. as the insecurity holder, he internalizes and embody the system’s deepest feelings of insecurity and fear of rejection. he often broods over these insecurities in silence, allowing them to seep into his interactions and influence his other roles. this can manifest as defensiveness, self-sabotage, or attempts to overcompensate by seeking validation. through it all, be carries an underlying need to be seen, loved, and understood, even when he pushes others away.

︵⠀ ⟢ INNERWORLD BEHAVIOR – in the innerworld, he is a solitary and brooding figure, often retreating to his own carefully curated space to reflect on emotions and relationships. he tends to avoid large gatherings or high-energy areas, preferring quiet, introspective moments. when he does engage with others in the innerworld, it’s usually in emotionally charged or dramatic conversations, where he can either offer poetic musings or air grievances, often tying them back to his own insecurities. in his downtime, he immerses himself in creative pursuits, like writing love letters (whether sent or unsent), analyzing the system’s relationships, or rehearsing idealized conversations and outcomes. he often revisits past memories, replaying them in ways that fuel his sense of longing or reaffirm his insecurities. while his presence in the innerworld can be intense, he sees himself as the keeper of deep emotions and unspoken truths. his home is likely a dimly lit, romanticized space, such as a small, cluttered room filled with old letters, books, and faded flowers—a physical representation of his longing. perhaps there’s a window overlooking a perpetually gray, rainy landscape, reinforcing his aesthetic. it’s a space designed for self-reflection, isolation, and processing emotions.

︵⠀ ⟢ OUTERWORLD BEHAVIOR – while fronting, his behavior is heavily influenced by his emotional intensity and need for validation. he often seeks out situations that allow him to express his feelings or reflect on his own emotional experiences. he can be quiet, preferring solitude to avoid the pressures of social interaction, but when he does engage, it’s usually with a deep, almost theatrical tone that invites sympathy or admiration. he often gravitates toward discussions of love, relationships, and emotional turmoil, as these are central to his self-image. he might talk to others about his own emotional struggles, offer unsolicited advice, or even manipulate conversations to steer them in directions where he can feel understood or validated. if someone else opens up about their emotions, he can become highly engaged, either offering empathetic responses or making the situation more about his own feelings. he might take on the responsibility of checking in with people, monitoring the system’s relationships, or planning romantic gestures to feel in control of the emotional dynamics.

︵⠀ ⟢ EMOJI PROXIES – 💌, 🌧️, 🖊️, 🥀

art credits: mizuu-h (tumblr), unknown, sketriorg (twt)

[pjohoo-reclists]

The Lightning Thief Era Rec List

In light of the first season of the PJO TV Show coming out and the flood of new fanfics that followed, here's a list of fic recs under 5k that are set in that time period. These fics do not contain spoilers for the later books/seasons.

Enjoy!

how'd you like to come around and stay by thesleepingsiren

T | 500 words | Complete

Percy Jackson

Lightning Thief Musical Inspired, Sad Percy Jackson, Insecure Percy Jackson

Percy is twelve and he just wants to belong, but he’s sent away for the umpteenth time and he pretends that his heart doesn’t ache as he’s sent to what’s sure to be imminent death. Or, introspection about Percy's time at camp until his first quest.

Changing of Tides by loosingletters

G | 500 words | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Genderfluid Percy Jackson, Protective Poseidon, Coming Out

The sea never stays the same; why should Percy? Poseidon meets his child for the first when they arrive to return what was stolen.

The start of a legend by Phantomxlegend

G | 800 words | Complete

Percy Jackson & Grover Underwood

The Lightning Thief, Percy Angst, Hurt/Comfort

When you just find out you’re a demigod and immediately get thrown on a world ending, life or death style quest. It can be a little stressful. Or Just some small Grover comforting Percy because y’all forgot about Grover.

Storge by itsmoonpeaches

G | 1.0k | Complete

Percy & Poseidon, Sally Jackson/Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson

Protective Poseidon, Family Feels, Poseidon Loves Percy

Athena clicked her tongue. “We must decide what to do with the other one…Poseidon’s spawn. Perseus Jackson.” Poseidon straightened. The quake inside his chest threatened to release the force he held back. Long Island’s shores were bombarded with waves. “Enough,” he growled. He unclenched his fists. His trident crackled in its sheath attached to his throne. The council quieted. Athena narrowed her eyes. - Or, as the quest concludes and the war ends, Poseidon is left with the truth and the realization that Percy means more to him than he knew.

A Mother's Love by coochinelle

G | 1.0k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Grover Underwood, Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase & Grover Underwood, Percy Jackson & Sally Underwood

Parent-child relationship, Percy Jackson needs a hug, Guilt

"She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy--if it makes you feel any better." Actually, that did not make him feel better. That did not make him feel better at all. Grover puts something into perspective and now Percy feels undeserved guilt about his mom. Takes place just before their first quest.

Storm on the Horizon by LakeAwen

G | 1.1k | Complete

Poseidon & Rhode & Triton

Undersea family, Canon Compliant, Book 1: The Lightning Thief

Poseidon's oldest kids learn that he broke his oath, and they're not exactly thrilled. It's not the kid's fault, but life is going to suck for a while. Poseidon cleared his throat. “Thirteen years ago, I met a mortal woman.” Rhode covered her face with both hands. “Stars above.” Triton threw his head back. “Dad.” “She has a son,” he continued, as if they hadn’t said anything. “What is the point of taking an oath if everyone breaks it?” Triton asked his sister.

A Father's Face by undeath230

G | 1.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson

Fluff, Pre-canon, mother-son relationship

Sally Jackson would break the world for her boy. There wasn't much she wasn't willing to do for him. And yet, when he asked about his Father, she didn't know what to do. She supposed she'd give him what little comfort she could.

Packed and Petrified by DancingInTheSliverGlow 

G | 1.4k | Complete

Poseidon & Hermes, Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Humor, Crack Treated Seriously, Dysfunctional Family

When the olympians got a package “best wishes percy jackson," Zeus probably said something along the lines of, "At last, my bolt! Finally, your son admits to steali-" and then gets turned to stone for like five seconds.

Styx by Soggy_Ice

G | 1.8k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson & Styx

Percy Jackson is not okay, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Dark-ish Percy Jackson

The river Styx reflected his face against its murky water. It smelled of beer, seven-layer dips, and sweat. It smelled of garbage. For a moment, Percy was Gabe’s apartment again, locked inside his temporary room for the summer while Gabe’s voice demanded for his mom’s salary, as if his mom were the one who spent every night gambling. His reflection showed a boy, knuckles white over the edge of the boat, glaring at him with the same dirty hair and glowing green eyes. He was angry. Percy didn’t realize that he was leaning over the edge until Annabeth pulled him back, raising an eyebrow. She gestured at Grover, shaken up, murmuring prayers under his breath as they made their way down the river. Right. Underworld. Meeting Hades. For the bolt. For the quest. For his mom. OR Percy and Styx bonding.

a pattern of diamond-pointed light by zipadeea

G | 1.8k | Complete

Sally Jackson/Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson, Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Family Fluff, True Love, Light Angst

"Percy mumbled a bit in his sleep and turned toward the back of the couch, jarring the bag of stale marshmallows he and Sally had been snacking on. A few fell out, and Sally gently reached over to stuff them back in the bag. Then she stopped. She stopped and studied one of the marshmallows, the sugary residue leaving her hand sticky as she gripped it too tightly. Without another thought, Sally tossed the marshmallow into the waiting flames before her. Thank you, she thought. Thank you, she prayed. Her clean hand ran slowly through Percy’s hair, brushing the golden curls she’d always loved so much. Thank you for my son." *** Sally Jackson isn't a religious person. She finds herself praying anyway.

May you find kindness in all that you meet by Zagreusapollyon

G | 1.8k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Tooth Rotting Fluff, Father-Son Relationship, Baby Percy

After an argument with zeus, poseidon visits percy. Also babies are cute, so there's that.

brothership bracelets (don't take it off) by Nightingale231

T | 1.9k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Luke Castellan, Sally Jackson & Luke Castellan, Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson

Alternate Universe - Brothers, Percy Jackson is a little shit, Alternate Universe - No Titans

There's a new kid at camp, Luke hears. With green eyes like the ocean, depths crystal-clear like the everdeep river that runs through camp, and black hair like coal and hidden darknesses.

Everyday Revelations by inkncoffee

G | 1.9k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon

All Human - No gods, Father-Son Relationship, Kid Fic

Five-year-old Percy wakes his father up in the middle night and Poseidon remembers why being a father, even with all its stress and sleepless nights, was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.

The Peculiar Disappearance of Percy Jackson by Word_Addict

T | 2.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Sally Jackson, Shane Madej, Ryan Bergara

Based on Buzzfeed Unsolved, Dialogue Only, Book 1: The Lightning Thief

What if Buzzfeed Unsolved existed in the same universe as Percy Jackson? A script in the style of Unsolved, discussing the plot of the Lightning Thief.

you shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend by pragmatism

G | 2.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Luke Castellan

Canon Rewrite, Hurt no Comfort, Minor Injuries

“You were supposed to be wearing Maia. Not Grover.” Silence. The guilty admittance would have gone unheard to anyone else, the loud fireworks covering their conversation, and the only proof Percy had that he had heard Luke correctly was the blood rushing to his head as it pounded. or; a rewrite of the pjotv betrayal scene cause man.

The Odd Abduction of Percy Jackson by The_German_Grim_Reaper

G | 2.2k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Buzzfeed Unsolved Narrators

Dialogue Only, Buzzfeed Unsolved Fusion, Book 1: The Lightning Thief

This week on Buzzfeed Unsolved, we investigate the two-week disappearance of Percy Jackson and the odd occurrences surrounding it.

finally where i'm meant to be by roseprose

G | 2.3k | Complete

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase

POV Percy Jackson, Domestic Fluff, Found Family

Percy huffs as Annabeth attacks his hair with a comb. “I don't get why this is such a big deal to you, it looks fine.” “Of course you wouldn’t understand. You’re a boy,” she says matter of factly. As she finishes combing his hair to within an inch of its life, she forces him onto the edge of the tub, looming over him with her arms akimbo. “Alright Seaweed Brain. Because you’re clearly insistent on ruining your natural curls, I’m staging an intervention.” He doesn’t like the glint in her eye. It’s the same look she gets when she’s about to execute a particularly deadly battle strategy. All he can do is nod. Or: Annabeth shows Percy how to take care of his hair. Fluff ensues.

Shock To The Heart (And You’re To Blame) by robindrake93

T | 2.7k | Complete

Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Clarisse La Rue

Blood, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Book 1: The Lightning Thief

Clarisse ambushes Percy during Capture-The-Flag. Annabeth doesn't interfere. Luke cleans up the mess.

The Son of the Sea God: Parent's Day by Monkeygirl77

Not Rated | 2.8k | Complete

Poseidon/Amphitrite, Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Amphitrite & Percy Jackson

Good Parent Poseidon, Poseidon Loves Percy, Sally Jackson has the best of intentions but not all intentions are good.

“What’s the news, My Love?” Amphitrite smiles at the way her husband falls into an enamored spell for a moment, simply looking down at his son resting so contentedly in his arms, she’s seen that look in his eyes many times before. But centuries had passed since she’d seen it last. Poseidon had fathered a number of DemiGod children, not to say he didn’t love them deeply, he was well known for how much he adored his children no matter their mortality or appearance, whether they be humanoid, half-mortal, monstrous, one could not accuse Poseidon of fathering a child he had no affection for. But there was something about this one specifically. “Po, what news do you bring?” She thinks, perhaps, it’s due to it being so long since they’ve had a baby in their midst. Percy Jackson was a boy of five years old but when compared to their age rate was nothing more than an infant. There are many reasons as to why this child has him so enamored with him and those reasons Poseidon kept close to his chest. Not even she, as his Wife and Queen, was privy to those secrets he withheld. “ Poseidon.”

Queen, Mother, Hera Teléia by WardofWinters (QoLife)

T | 3.0k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Sally Jackson, Hera & Percy Jackson, Hera & Sally Jackson

Childbirth, Protective Hera, Protective Sally Jackson

Hera is the Queen of the Olympians. She understands Zeus’ need to protect them, to avoid the prophecy which could mean their doom. She understands that really it should be her focus as well… But Sally Jackson is only 19 and caring for a baby. She is only 21 and trying to make enough money to feed her child. She is only 23 and cradling her child after he strangled a snake to death. She is only 25 and trying not to panic as she learns of a Kyklopes stalking her child. She is only 27 and marrying a horrible man in the hopes of protecting her child. She is only 29 listening as the school explains that Percy was deemed at fault for the shark tank incident and was expelled. She is only 33 and running for her life, for her son’s life, as the world crashes down on them.

Capture The Flag by Anonymous

T | 3.2k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase, Chiron & Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Blood & Injury, Canon Compliant, Protective Poseidon

"So what's the plan?" "Just watch Clarisse's spear," Annabeth said. "You don't want that thing touching you. Otherwise, don't worry. We'll take the banner from Ares. Has Luke given you your job?" "Border patrol, whatever that means." "It's easy. Stand by the creek, keep the reds away. Leave the rest to me. Athena always has a plan." She pushed ahead, leaving him in the dust. Easy, Percy thought. He could do easy. He barely knew how to hold a sword and use a shield but it couldn’t be too hard, could it? Annabeth wouldn’t assign him something beyond his capabilities. Chiron’s rules would prevent him from really getting hurt. It would be fine. (It was not fine.)

Legends are based on Truth by Monkeygirl77

G | 3.2k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, past Sally Jackson & Poseidon

Fluff and Angst, Parent-Child Relationship, Soft Poseidon

Instead of allowing his son to leave his side upon surrendering to his Brother, Poseidon keeps him close, if only for a fortnight or two, because his Brother is a Vain God and he has no doubts pertaining to the matter that he will not attempt to strike his youngest son dead in his Euphoric False Victory. Percy doesn’t seem to mind the sudden protectiveness. He doesn’t know his Fath–Dad. At least he’ll get to learn about him now. And get answers.

Custody Shared is a Privilege. From both Sides. by Monkeygirl77

Not Rated | 4.5k | Complete

Amphitrite/Poseidon, Poseidon & Triton, Percy Jackson & Poseidon

Abusive Gabe Ugliano, Child Percy Jackson, Undersea Family

“I don’t know. Truthfully, Triton won’t tell me what he flashed into but he isn’t one to act upon another violently without prominent reason.” Those eyes darken once more. “He was told not to call for me. My son, my baby boy, was told not to call for me if he needed anything.” He turns back to the bathroom that houses their sons. “That is the reason he called for his brother and not me. He’s not going back. He is mine just as much as he is hers and I am keeping him. If she thinks she can fix that monster wasting away in human flesh she may do so but she will not keep my son with her if that is her decision.” 

Under the pier by dcninja

T | 4.5k | Complete

Poseidon & Hades & Zeus

Olympian Politics, The Big Three Oath, Post-the Lightning Thief

Zeus may have banned all discussion of Kronos after Percy's warning, but that doesn't mean others are willing to sit on the sidelines. The much needed discussion between Poseidon and Hades after the events of The Lightning Thief and the possible hints of the rise of Kronos.

[frostfires-blog]

As TGCF fan, can I ask your top 5 (or top 3) favorite characters from TGCF? And why do you love them all? Also, your top 5 (or top 3) favorite moments from that series? Thanks....

[Hi, thanks for sending an ask! I appreciate any opportunity I get to talk about TGCF here since I don't really have anyone to talk to about it in person. Ngl, I have very predictable tastes lol. ]

──────────────────────

-> Top 5 Favourite TGCF Characters:

[ Honourable Mentions: Pei Ming, Mu Qing, & Yin Yu ]

5) Yushi Huang/Rain Master

I'm not going to go into a lot of detail since she was already featured on my top 15 female characters post... but I love her backstory and design. Her humility, patience, selflessness, and compassion are incredibly admirable, setting her apart from other characters.

4) He Xuan/Blackwater [Warning! Potential Novel Spoilers!]

His backstory and role in the series are really compelling and harrowing. I really liked his dynamic with SQX before the big reveal. I honestly didn't see this coming, even though I usually can spot plot twists from a mile away. Even though I am rather sad with how the Black Water Arc ended, reading it was tremendously thrilling. HX is a nuanced character with complex emotions and motivations, which adds to his appeal. I wish we had seen a little more of his actual thoughts and sentiments, though... On my first read-through of the series, I didn't particularly care for any of the side-ships, but after my second read-through, all the angsty tropes really resonated with me, solidifying Beefleaf as one of my favourite MXTX ships.

3) Shi Qingxuan/Wind Master

I don't think there's a single tgcf fan that doesn't like SQX. His compassion, loyalty, and integrity are commendable. His bright, mischievous, and fun-spirited nature is always entertaining to see. While most of us love his bond with MY—which is incredibly entertaining—I also adore his friendship with XL. The scene of him unwittingly exposing XL in front of the Heavenly Court will never not be funny. By the end of the series, despite facing immense adversity, he remains bright and resolute, which is tremendously inspiring.

2) Hua Cheng/San Lang

There's a lot to like about HC, but his enduring devotion will forever be my favourite aspect of his character. His willingness to prioritise XL's happiness and well-being over his own desires is everything. The way HC loves and accepts XL for all that he is truly precious. While some argue that HC is uninteresting because most of his development revolves around XL and we never learn his full backstory—he is actually a nuanced character with separate opinions and sentiments. I adore his charismatic, confident, and witty personality, as well as his introspective, sincere, and slightly insecure inner self. I don't want to go into too much detail since I'm going to write a longer piece on him as he'll be featured in the upcoming list of my favourite male characters.

1) Xie Lian

XL is a compelling character because—unlike typical protagonists who evolve during the course of their journey—he has already undergone significant personal development at the series' starting point. Rather than growing with him, we gradually unravel the intricate layers of his multifaceted personality and obscure past. His development throughout the series is centred around him rebuilding and forging connections with others rather than growing as an individual. He is unique as a character because, despite his kindness and compassion, he also recognises that there are circumstances beyond his control, which helps him maintain his composure in trying times. However, he does not let this deter him from attempting to help others. XL is truly remarkable for his capacity to discern the good in others, despite having endured immeasurable suffering and witnessed the darkest aspects of humanity. His unadulterated, unconditional love for HC is profoundly heartwarming. Nevertheless, once again, I don't want to go into too much detail...

──────────────────────

-> 2.0) Top 3 Favourite TGCF Moments...

Ngl this is a difficult one since both the donghua and the novel have a lot of great scenes in them... So I'll cheat a little and give 3 from the anime and 3 from the novel... Ngl, they're mostly Hualian-centric since I adore them with all my heart.

> 2.1) Favourite Donghua Moments:

#1 Bridal Sedan Scene (S1 EP1-2)

#2 Gambler's den scene (S2 EP1-2)

#3 “I promise, you won’t find another person more sincere than me in this world" (S1 EP12)

> 2.2) Favourite Novel Moments:

Warning! Potential Novel Spoilers!

#1 Curious Magic Shatters the Cursed Shackles (V8 Chap. 129) + Smiling As Red Robes Fade (V8 Chap. 130)

#2 Cave of Ten Thousand Gods Reveal (V6 Chap. 93)

#3 Temple of a Thousand Lights Endlessly Illuminating the Lingering Night (V3 Chap. 42) / “To me, the one basking in infinite glory is you" (V4 Chap. 63)

[P.S. Forgive me for cheating by tying two placements as there were too many to choose from... ]