#kinda blows my mind

[cure-stars]

"but i think i kinda hate summer", while caressing a cat you muttered brazenly.

ah, chasing after your runaway cat, you found yourself plunged before a red traffic light. ☀️

[unordinary-diary]

Blyke and John: Parallel Characters

I’ve written multiple entries about this,

[x] [x] [x]

But I’m back to make a comprehensive analysis about the glaring similarities between these two. I’ll try not to repeat myself here.

‼️SPOILER WARNING for the whole series‼️ but this mostly focuses on the story before John’s suspension.

Firstly, this scene:

ch. 121

This conversation takes place near the beginning of the Joker arc. It’s after John targets Zeke, after he targets Juni, and the day before he goes after Seraphina’s kidnappers. The timing is important.

“If someone hit your best friend, would you let it slide?”

That question is supposed to remind us what John does to people who hurt Seraphina: hunting them down and sending them to the hospital. Blyke shooting a destructive beam really close to John was an example of a trait they share: they both blow up violently when people mistreat their friends.

John’s downward spiral carries strong themes of hypocrisy. He’s angry at the world, he’s angry at himself, and as a coping mechanism, he chooses to believe that everyone else is as bad as he is. That means that most of the traits he hates others for are the same things he hates about himself. In this scene, Blyke is unintentionally calling out this hypocrisy: “What I did is no different from what you do”.

But Blyke’s just trying to connect with John here, he has no idea what John’s been doing. And John, of course, doesn’t give a shit about what Blyke has to say. This line was here for the audience to notice.

They’re both so similar, but their similarity immediately causes tension between them because, well, John was on the wrong end of Blyke’s protectiveness.

I really love the way this was written— there are so many flashbacks to this scene, but they remember it differently. John remembers the part that hurt him— he’d describe it as “the time that jackass shot a beam at me”. Blyke remembers the part that hurt him, or rather, hurt Remi: “the time that jackass hit Remi for no reason”.

Blyke and John are both hotheaded characters with strong ideals. They’re similar enough that Seraphina points it out:

(ch. 80)

As Blyke grows as a character, he becomes more like John: sticking up for low tiers and speaking out against the injustice in the world. But while Blyke is doing that more, John is going in the opposite direction, until they are fully opposed to each other.

Speaking of Blyke’s character arc, it took me a few rereads to actually understand what part of him changed. His kindness, selflessness, bravery— all of those things were there from the start. Blyke’s character arc was about becoming more aware of his surroundings, and how his carelessness can harm others. Blyke was never malicious, but after X-Rei and integrating more with the school, he becomes aware of people suffering around him and how he unintentionally contributes to it. He becomes less reckless, privy to the flaws in the system he grew up not questioning, and uses his power more responsibly. He even comes up with a more controlled way to wield his ability. The part of Blyke that changes is his maturity.

Part of John’s character arc is also about being careful. It’s not as close of a parallel as other things are, but one of the things that John works on during his redemption arc is holding back. Both of them learn self-control throughout the series, and for John, that means acting early before his emotions spiral out of hand.

Adding onto my first point about the two of them wanting to protect their friends— the fact that they can’t do that makes them both angry and desperate. For most of the story, the “block” that prevents John from protecting Seraphina is in his head. It’s his own trauma that holds him back. The block that prevents Blyke from protecting his friends is, guess what? Also John’s trauma! Parallels abound.

Another thing I noticed in Episode 80 is this:

Notice that when Seraphina says “I’d take that over strength any day,” John is looking at the camera. He’s avoiding Sera’s gaze. Seraphina is saying she prefers honesty over strength. John is very strong, and very dishonest, but Seraphina thinks the opposite because John is so dishonest. John appears to be reflecting on this disconnect.

In relation to this analysis, Seraphina is actually pointing out a major difference between Blyke and John. Beyond that, she’s praising Blyke’s traits, (less strong but very open) above John’s traits, (strong as fuck but a liar with his pants on fire). Furthermore, John really cares what Seraphina thinks of him. Knowing that she would think less of him is the main reason why he spent so much time and effort preventing her from catching his lies.

This leads into my main point here: Blyke is the “goody-two-shoes” version of John. Or, more accurately, the person that John wants to be. Blyke has a clean track record and doesn’t really get into trouble. He is respected and left alone by the school without being hated and feared, he de-escalates conflicts without taking things too far, he doesn’t lose control, he’s someone Seraphina thinks highly of, hell, even his grades are better! Blyke represents everything that John wants to be, and the person that he could have been if he’d gone down a different path.

But, crucially, John is also what Blyke wants to be. Well, not wholly, but his ability? His strength? It’s one of the things John hates about himself, but Blyke wants that strength so desperately that he risks his life for it over and over again.

They’re both desperate to be like each other, even when they hate each other the most. Neither of them have any idea how alike they already are.

I don’t know what Season 3 holds in store for us, but I do hope that John realizes that Blyke embodies who he wants to be, because mutual jealousy would be a very interesting dynamic to explore in my opinion. I also hope that it ends up being something they can bond over, by helping each other accomplish their personal goals. (Blyke being another helper in John’s character arc, and John helping Blyke train.)

A side note: John beat up Blyke four separate times. That’s more than any other character, which is interesting because John’s main rival is supposed to be Arlo. For reference, John has beaten Arlo twice, three times if you count the time when Seraphina intervened, and he only beat him unconscious once. But John beat Blyke to the point of passing out all four times, the worst of which being a shot clean through his chest. (shoulder? Unclear. S1 finale).

It’s odd, isn’t it? Out of everyone, Blyke is the one who John physically hurt the most. John’s only grudge against him is an old memory from episode 33, of an event that didn’t actually harm him. John’s grudge against Arlo is much more serious and again— that’s his main rival. So why is it that he’s so much more violent towards Blyke?

The problem here is that I’ve been thinking about these fights as “John picking on Blyke”. And that’s… kind of true? But while Blyke didn’t start any of these fights, they were all consensual in a way. He didn’t seek to fight John, nor was he ever happy about fighting John, but he was always a willing participant.

(138, 153, 206, & 211)

In three out of these four fights, John didn’t even expect to be fighting Blyke going into it. This is significant because while Arlo is John’s main rival, John absolutely fills that role for Blyke. Blyke’s own agency is what leads to most of these events. The reason, narratively speaking, why they fight so much is not for John’s character, but for Blyke.

For John, his reason for fighting Blyke so much is not narrative but moreso symbolic. John is angry at everyone and everything, but ultimately the person he hates the most is himself. It’s only fitting that the character most like him would bear the brunt of his wrath.

As John is having his positive character arc (suspension and post-suspension), he is becoming more like Blyke, and the two of them reach a point where they’re even more similar than they were at the start of the series.

In the Rowden amusement park, John does start to realize how similar they are:

(249)

Additionally, I want to draw your attention to the parallels between this scene:

Blyke and John’s argument in chapter 249

(which the image limit won’t let me add, scroll until you see red hair.)

And this scene:

Argument in ch. 121 (it’s at the beginning)

Two sides of the same coin.

Furthermore, in the S2 finale, Blyke is shown being taken to Keon. There is an implication that by Season 3, Blyke and John will share Keon-related trauma as well. Despite my pessimistic predictions, I do hope that this is a similarity that can bring them together rather than tear them apart.

[zarkishere]

Kiervier doodles!

chat be normal about That Page please

just thinking about Javier having a sister, which to me translates into him being able to do basic hairstyles! i hc he loved those few simple moments he got to braid his sister's hair while shit was going crazy in Mexico, no worries just mm hair (he now does it to Kieran when he can, and it feels very bittersweet to him) (like...nostalgic? you get me) for Kieran it's like...one of the few things he got to do with his mammy before she passed. she taught him how to braid her hair methinks </3

nudity below (no dicks tho it's blocked out, just them showering)

and this cuz it made me laugh HJKASHJGHASJKGHA

[boosaot]

Humour me while I ramble about Skwisgaar and his mom Serveta but *yells into the void*

(vv longish post if on mobile vv)

Not seeing a healthy romantic connection/relationship while growing up makes it hard to know how to have one as a grown up. It’s very “monkey see, monkey do” and seeing that she was a single parent there wasn’t any other role model for Skwisgaar to look towards.

In his adult life he seeks female affection/attention no matter how it comes to him (often times seggzual). However even if it’s Skwisgaar picking up GMilfs or groupies he’s consistently putting himself in the same position his mom put herself in (in a way?)

While the Skwigelf’s may see themselves as just good at picking up flings I feel like others may just see them as easy (more a view towards Serveta than Skwisgaar because of the whole “ if she sleeps around she’s easy but if he sleeps around he’s a player” idea people have about casual relationships)

-

Entering headcanon land (obvs still built off canon events and what not but still)

I know there a bitterness Skwisgaar feels towards his mom like “she gives so much attention to people that are just here for a night but doesn’t give any to me cuz she just assumes ill stay cuz im her son” (i feel like he’d’ve had a track record of running off FREQUENTLY as a child but coming back home cuz its freezing bawlls outside only for Serveta to have not even notice he wasn’t home.)

I also don’t think he was JUST disgusted by his mom “hitting on” Nathan’s dad,, I think it was more “I’m being ignored again and I’m upset, good to see nothing has changed/don’t know what I expected cuz of course she’s like this”

I don’t think Skwisgaar has the self reflection canonically to do this* but i feel like if he thought about it long enough there could be shame of him realizing he’s exactly like his mother if not “worse” (the THOUSANDS of children in Fatherklok)

*(Though im hésitant to stand firm on this point))

-

(Sorry of a bit messy post I have a headache,, I have more thoughts on him and his childhood and how that impacted who he is as an adult but its all scrambled in my brain and I'm not confident enough to be open in my headcanons/interpretation of canon)

[spikedhearts]

they really did not have to make amanda THAT much of a lesbian like when u think about it they really went a little nuts there. so eternally grateful that they did though.

[writers-in-moominvalley]

Mythological parallels.

[theshireisburningg]

[rated E]

Eddie is so in the zone playing his video game that he doesn’t pay much attention to Steve padding around the room, only vaguely registering the tape being switched out and a Television song starting to play. He smashes at the keys and hums along to the music quietly, not taking his eyes off the screen. That is until Steve is standing in front of him momentarily blocking his view, dropping to his knees before Eddie can protest.

Eddie stills immediately, eyes rapidly bouncing between the TV and Steve, who is quietly reaching out to undo Eddie's belt.

“What are you…”

“Shh…” Steve whispers, fingers working to unzip Eddie's jeans, tugging on the corners in a silent demand.

“I uh-“ Eddie freezes to watch Steve, fumbling with the controller when he leans in, breathe hot though Eddie’s boxers.

“I can’t really pause this level but if you just wait like- two minutes I can give you my full attention.” Eddie is rambling, eyes trained on Steve and fingers hitting buttons off of muscle memory.

“It’s okay,” Steve mumbles, patting Eddie's hip with another pull to the denim.

“Seriously like- two minutes. I promised Henderson I would have this level beat and-" Steve cuts him off (probably for the best).

“Keep playing.” His eyes raise slightly to meet Eddie’s, and then with a grimace, he tacks on, “and don't mention Henderson again.”

Fuck. Eddie lifts his hips off the bed, enough for Steve to tug his jeans and boxers down in one motion and let them pool around his ankles.

Eddie half-heartedly glances at the screen and tries his best to do what Steve asks, but just as he starts to get some semblance of focus back, Steve takes Eddie into his mouth.

It’s… fucking torture. Eddie almost drops the controller on Steve twice because he’s doing some shit with his tongue, making it impossible for Eddie to stay still.

He doesn’t think he’s ever done this and not had his hands buried in Steve’s hair. He’s usually in control, setting the pace because that's how Steve likes it, but the roles are reversed today, and Steve seems set on killing him.

“That’s- fuck, Steve.”

It's clear to Eddie now that Steve is putting on a show, which doesn’t seem fair considering he pulls off every time Eddie tries to just put the fucking controller down. He’s making obscene, overly enthusiastic noises, letting his spit drip down his fist, the slick sound loud even over the music.

Steve pulls off but keeps up the pace with his hand as he catches his breath.

“Did you beat it yet?”

Eddie looks down, see's Steve lips bright red and shiny, and immediately needs to look away.

“What- no. You actually expect me to be able to focus on this shit?” As if on queue, the telltale womp-womp of Mario walking straight off the cliff echoes around the room.

“You better if you wanna come.” And with that, he dives back in.

Eddie can only be so strong when Steve is suctioning his cheeks and picking of the pace of his hand, doing a twisting motion that has Eddie spiraling. He makes it about thirty more seconds before he’s cursing again.

“Gonna- Steve m’ gonna come I can't..”

Steve doesn't pull off, just looks up at Eddie through his lashes- and shit that's a sight of its own. He slows down to a torturing pace at Eddie’s words, shaking his head slightly, a silent wait.

With the sheer fucking nerd power of the part of Eddie that spends an embarrassing amount of time playing video games, he's able to concentrate enough to win, doesn’t even let the screen change before he's tossing the controller aside, winding his hands through Steve's hair as he shifts, raises his hips for more.

He’s on the edge and Steve can tell, moans around Eddie’s dick, let's the vibration be felt.

“Steve, Steve, shit-"

He sees fucking stars when he comes, has never been so keyed up from not being able to touch Steve in his life. He falls back against the sheets immediately, trying to remember how to fucking breathe as his heart pounds in his chest.

Steve stands with a smirk, wiping his chin off with the back of his hand.

“What… the fuck was that. Jesus Christ.”

Steve shrugs, “Just wanted to try something.” He turns to the TV then, surveys the screen.

“You’re kind of shit at this game.”

Stev cackled at Eddie's i'm going to kill you, and strides out of the room.

[zukkacore]

how does it feel to be the greatest person alive with the zukka fanart t-shirts

The double whammy of Dallas Liu zukkabaiting us AND it being with t-shirts they bought of MY fanart has definitely been an experience. But I’m proud to represent my people lol

[dindjarindiaries]

I didn’t think it wasn’t rude or tone deaf at all for Din to say “This is the Way” in response to Bo talking about her father’s passing. He’s said the very same thing when talking about his own parents’ fate, like when he told Omera. The emotion in his voice was clear enough; his “This is the Way” was meant to honor her late father, just as he uses it to honor his late parents.

[lesbicosmos]

EVERYONE SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY @giolovesyousm !!!!

[cuntfan]

Okay guys theory time!

(this has references to the NYCC clip from last year which I didn't see but I've heard the audio and the description)

So in the NYCC clip from last year when Crowley enters the bookshop he says 'This is ridiculous, why don't you go by trains, you love trains' to someone while holding plants. And from some leaked behind the scenes photos as far as I remember there was a photo of Aziraphale driving the Bentley. So given today's sneak peak what I'm inferring is that Crowleys been living in the Bentley and so his plants are in the backseat as seen in the trailer, but zira needs the car to do some work ( potentially something related to bringing the girls together maybe or maybe something Gabriel related) so Crowley has to temporarily move in to Ziras bookshop.

And I think this happens post Gabriel discovery and post the ' I'm back' scene which I think is also the scene where Crowley proposes they work together to solve the heaven issue which he learns about from Shax in the beginning . I also think the reason Crowley says I'm back is because they've maybe had a bit of a falling out (cuz the arrangement isn't there anymore maybe) and maybe that's why Crowley seems all existential in the sneak peek and hence they propose a new mission (getting the girls together/ get rid of Gabriel)to get back into their friendship.

[thisisartbylexie]

"You are frightening my Pathologist, Woman. Perhaps you could take a few steps back?"

-- The Full House by @emceefrodis , Chapter 5

Sometime in 2012, I reached out to the author of my favorite Sherlolly fanfic, very shyly sharing a (frankly embarrassingly crude) drawing based on the last chapter I had read of her story. I was actually terrified of doing so, since I hadn’t really drawn anything in a REALLY long time, and while I had done some sketches here and there, this is the first time I ventured to share a scene from a fanfic. It’s not even faithful to the scene! *facepalm*

Thankfully, this author was gracious and kind and the rest, as we say, is history. 

It’s been 10 years since then, and as we wrap up 2022, I wanted to reminisce for a moment and I re-drew my original drawing (which I actually cannot find a copy of since it was at least 2 blogs ago). Thank you @strawberrypatty for sharing your story and your friendship with me. It’s been so great!

[hussyknee]

Context: 18 year old settler activist refuses to join the IOF and accepts 30 day jail term, to be renewed each month if he keeps refusing. This can go on for over a year. Western allies fall over themselves calling him a hero.

Palestinians object to this, saying refusal to help murder their families is the bare minimum. Conscientious objectors have always existed but they rarely take the extra step to educate themselves about Palestinian liberation instead of indulging in empty feel-good rhetoric about "peace" instead of justice. Choosing jail is more often than not about expunging their own guilt and going on with their lives instead of being active allies to the Palestinian cause. Exceptionalising settlers for voluntarily accepting the lightest punishment of a carceral system designed to break Palestinians simply for existing, is to decenter and erase their own struggle.

Cue "allies" losing their entire shit.

[chorastar]

I FINISHED FVCK YEAAAAAAA

here ya go tumblr

[heich0e]

as someone who had a premise completely stolen by a writer I had shared a private snippet with, who's got a much larger following than me, I can understand I think. I'm so sorry if that's happened to you before!

i'm so sorry little friend :( that is devastating when done by a stranger, let alone someone you're close enough to speak to and share your work with privately. it's even worse because there's truthfully very little recourse in situations like this, without devolving into an unproductive "he said/she said/they said" kind of situation, which i can speak to all too well from personal experience—and that's not even accounting for the power imbalance that you mention here. i'm so sorry and am sending you a lot of love <3 pls don't let the behaviours of a few bad actors stop you from writing the things you're passionate about creating and telling the stories you're inspired to share!!

[buckera]

Tease Tidbit Tuesday ☔️

I was tagged by the lovely @daffi-990 mwuah 💛 So here, have a little tease from the mudslide fic yet again~

“Bu–”

“I’m going over there.” He cut him off, barely parting his teeth with the words.

“Are you sure?” He could tell that Bobby was concerned, but he didn't look like he wanted to stop Buck, which he appreciated, because there was nothing and no one here who could've stopped him now.

“Positive.”

“I’ll let Chief Williams know. And take Ravi with you, just in case.”

In case of what Bobby didn't say and Buck didn't want to ask.

no pressure tagging: @forthewolves @eddiediaztho @jesuisici33 @callaplums @ladydorian05 @disasterbuckdiaz