#like am i being too cynical and seeing what isn't there or is it genuinely a cause for concern?

[coquettesamosa]

ykw kills me abt demonitisation 2.0 is that. this is probably a reach

but it is essentially cutting off a major source of funding for opposition parties just before there r three (four?) important state elections and obv the general election next yr

bc the way electoral bonds function is that bjp will get over 85% of the share from them while the rest goes to the opposition parties which is comparatively a much smaller amt so they hv to rely on cash (specifically 2000 rs notes) for campaign related expenses and if ur pulling them from the economy just before major elections r supposed to happen and forcing all parties to rely mostly on what funds they get from the electoral bonds and the bjp is getting massively more money than other parties..

[sgiandubh]

I have a question! You're a shipper. Therefore, you like both S&C, but you only post about Sam and the posts are about him not doing enough to expand his brand, how he is miscast and untapped potential. You've said you were a defender of Sam, but I did not think you came across that way, you mostly write about what Sam isn't doing to your liking. So, my question is why don't you post about Caitriona? One Belfast post some weeks ago and a paragraph about her non-existent branding. Of course, this is your blog, and you can post and say whatever you'd like, I'm just an anon so I don't have a leg to stand on here, but I'm being genuine in asking.

Dear Caitriona Anon,

Yours is an interesting, provocative question and for this reason alone it did not make the classic trek to the bin (yay?).

Oh, yes, a shipper I am. Probably not what you folks call an 'extreme shipper', but a staunch, firm shipper, whose convictions aren't just based on wishful thinking. Enough said.

May I ask (and I swear I am doing it without malice) for how long have you been following my page? I wrote about C quite a number of times, even specifically about her, in a very positive way, if you'd just care to look into the archives. For example, this post: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/724773265698062337/la-passante-de-la-place-des-vosges-the-passerby. And I have always, always ferociously defended S, against all odds, especially when the Disgruntled Tumblrettes (probably the most unkind, dishonest, cynical tribe of this fandom) went for him in a rather unsavory fashion.

Now, Anon, do not expect me to constantly fangirl over These Two, because this is not going to happen. They are my age and as such, I see things perhaps a bit differently than OL's main demographic. Cynically speaking, I can afford the luxury of being a bit irreverent, from time to time, about two people I find extremely endearing (make no mistake) and worth of my attention. Not a mommy, nor a worshipper. Just a rational shipper (we are quite a few, in here, you know), who does not think this is all about unicorns and leprechauns for ever frolicking at the end of the rainbow.

Because it's not - this is about two people who make terrible gaffes and horrendous mistakes, too. This is about a girl who sometimes shows such entitlement and wrath, that it is almost too hard to like her, at times. And about a boy whose foot in mouth syndrome is, by now, proverbial. This is about two people whose lies and coverups slowly turned them into cartoonish, PR-generated versions of themselves. And this is about two people who, almost like in a Wilde parable, unexpectedly found fame, fortune and love on their path. Will they squander part of it? All of it? Will they be wise about it and learn from their own blunders? This is something I find fascinating to observe, Anon.

My critiques of S's branding have always been, I think (or at least, I sincerely hope), respectful, motivated and constructive. Mainly because I think that (particularly) in his case, there is a deep chasm between his PR and real personas. He would have everything to gain if he stopped trying so hard to be someone he obviously isn't. And so would she.

If my thoughts are not your jam, Anon, simply stop reading me. What you do seem to conveniently forget, too, is that this blog is also, and maybe above everything else, about these two people falling for each other, for real. And it is my deepest belief that we do not help this story by turning it into a cheap cliché or behaving like a hungry mob prone on tantrums if they do not deliver what is conventionally expected. And perhaps you are right, in a way: I seldom post about them as separate entities. In my mind, they are one.

You are welcome to answer, Anon. And I hope I managed to do the same with your question.

[moodymisty]

Sorry for this 5am longpost. I just got jolted awake by a really intense nightmare and while waiting for my heartrate to chill, I had a daydream vaguely based on your tag about Sanguinius being down bad for Horus lover. I hope this doesn't get cut off by tumblr due to length.

Mortarion is my favorite right now, and of course the fungus took over. I am a sucker for a cynical bastard falling for someone who secretly has a heart of gold despite appearances.

I was thinking of Horus' lover being a princess for her foreign planet, but she's unknowingly a low level psyker or something. Somehow, someway, she can always without fail tell when a person lies. This sort of thing plagues her life terribly, everyone from the lowest servant to the most noble lord constantly lying straight to her face and she has to try and not show that she knows.

Horus is the one to conquer her planet, and a situation like Fulgrim and his wives happens where she is offered to him for marriage, as is typical on her world. She is silently a bit miserable, she is now a prop to a man's ambition(as having a wife would probably make Horus seem more human, more relatable, making him less 'other' to baseline humans and he would be very aware of that) and watching him lie to so many people's faces at big events, or even political talks, is just soul-crushing to her.

At some big Terran event different primarchs are taking turns meeting Horus' new wife, and telling plenty of fibs about how excited they are to meet her, how lovely she looks, so on. And then she meets Mortarion.

I am new to the books so far, but Mortarion seems so blunt. Like he doesn't waste the effort to lie. And I feel like that may be one of the (many) things that made him difficult to get along with, even for his brothers.

I am autistic, not entirely high functioning, and lying is difficult to me. I can't do it well at all. So I don't bother. And boy do I know that people hate when you're truthful with them. So maybe I am projecting onto him lol.

So Mortarion bluntly says some rude but truthful comment to her, like "This is a waste of time." the room gets quiet, and instead of being angry she SMILES. She thinks it is genuinely impressive he just said exactly what was on his mind despite the expectations placed on him. And in front of such a crowd, too.

At some point, a serving person does an oopsie and drops a drink, some of it getting on her, and Mortarion is just stanking it up in the corner waiting to see her berate the poor soul. Typical entitled nobility.

But she gently reassures them, and even goes so far as to help them wipe up the little mess. He's surprised, but his cynical side wins out and he just files it away as her pretending to be kind.

In the future, at another event she is sitting alone and brooding in the gardens a bit tipsy from wine. Morty has the same idea to escape the banquet and notices her. They have a heart-to-heart about how fake their lives feel, having to put on little shows and shows of force for social gatherings and parades. How the upper classes are all snakes lying to each other, and ruining the lives of regular people in their little games.

After seeing she isn't just a spoiled little girl with her head in the clouds putting on airs, that she laments the suffering of the "lower" classes, maybe he starts catching feelings.

This is as far as I got lol. My brain skipped ahead to Mortarion being uncharacteristically deferential with her at some other big gathering, like getting down on one knee to gently take her hand and greet her and his brothers all being flabbergasted. The drama would be hilarious. It'd be like an extra middle finger to Horus especially. Fulgrim would have a field day.

The extra angst of Morty finding out she is a low level psyker would also be interesting! He'd be struggling to reconcile the monstrous image he has of psykers with the gentle nature of his lover.

ANYWAY I got strangely inspired!! I've never written anything just for fun before, so I know I wouldn't be good at it, but maybe I'll try? It's like I've got this thing in my brain screeching at me to at least attempt it lol.

(By the way, I hope the crazy weather yesterday missed you! That shit was scary.)

This is fantastic, I fucking love this. I've been wanting to write more for Mortarion but I struggle to find a good idea sometimes, this is really really good. I also think that Morty wouldn't have the energy or care to lie, and that seeing someone who doesn't flaunt their stature, and even treats him kindly would make him catch feelings.

I've already gone so off the rails doing random writings that I held myself back from doing this one, but once i get a few more requests done I hope you don't mind if I come back and write this. Unless you wish to keep it only to yourself ;3

the worst of the weather missed me, but it was still pretty intense, the wind was like 60mph. i hope you were safe as well!

[saxandviolins88]

Hey I'd love to hear more headcanons about your structies! Like their relationship with each other (I especially love your dynamic between Scrapper, Long Haul, Hook and Bonecrusher), what they like, their hobbies, best qualities or worst traits or anything you'd like to talk about!

Yes! A question about my most special guys! Live is worth living!

I have so many headcanons for them it's hard to choose what to talk about. I am, in fact, planning to make one of those relationship charts where the characters express what they think about the other-I do like them to have unique dynamics between them (I feel there's enough wiggle room for that). Maybe this month I'll have a sudden inspiration burst and finally do it lol.

So let's do best and worst traits of each one, shall we?

Scrapper

Best trait: He is genuinely a good leader. He cares about each team member and their opinion, considers their stand when making a decision that affects them all, and takes care of them all the time (even to the point of smothering, lovingly smothering ofc). He also does not in any circumstance, put himself above them - even going as far as asking them to not call him 'boss', mostly because he sees his position as leader being to guide them and help them reach their full potential.

If you asked him, he'd say something generic, like: "My best trait? Oh, people say I'm a good listener!"

Worst trait: Aside from the serial killer tendencies(that's pretty obvious), he's a fucking manipulator and he doesn't feel sorry about it. The Constructicons as a whole are REALLY insular, (us vs them type of thing), this isn't different with Scrapper, but instead of isolating himself, he uses other people as tools to get them further. Aside from that he can be pretty aloof, even with his gestalt, something he thinks only he should carry all of the team's burdens, which, in turn, makes him grow detached. (But Long Haul snaps him back more often than not.)

If you asked him, he'd say his worst trait is caring too much, not humble brag, he genuinely thinks that (little freak).

Long Haul

Best trait: He's the only person in this gestalt with common sense, I'm not joking. He is down-to-earth and no-bullshit which makes him a perfect second to Scrapper's more unorthodox leadership style PLUS he's the only person who is willing to put Hook in his place.

If you asked him, he's say something like: "I'm the only normal mech in this function, not necessarily a good trait, but have you seen the others?!"

Worst trait: His stoicism sometimes turns into cynicism. He works in a career he hates and doesn't see an escape from it, so the bad vibes more often than not get to him. Of course, he combats this with that sweet apathy, "Oh, it doesn't matter what I want, at least the team is functioning".

If you asked him he'd say his worst trait is that his too damn independent.

Hook (<3)

Best trait: He is good at his job, like REALLY good. Mostly because if he takes on a task or an area of study, he'll not rest until he's the best at it and there is no more room for improvement (for a perfectionist like him? There is ALWAYS room for improvement.) So aside from also being a handsome fella, he's also extremely smart.

If you asked him he'd give you a comprehensible list of all of his traits, in no particular order, they're all his best.

Worst trait: Aside from being a perfectionist and the biggest enemy of deadlines; his ego knows no bounds, he NEEDS to have the last say in everything, he's never wrong no matter what, and he'll bring this hyper-logical approach to any discussion or problem even emotional ones (since his emotional intelligence is... extremely low, don't tell him I said that!)

If you asked him... I think you can guess what he'd do.

Bonecrusher

Good trait: He's an ace at most things(demolitions, fighting, etc...), but unlike his BFF he isn't a braggart. Though I would argue his best trait is that he is fiercely loyal, he hates being talked down to or controlled, but Scrapper earned his respect, so he does anything he says without question.

If you asked him he'd say his focus and discipline are his best traits. (with a small smirk after, because this mofo is LYING.)

Worst trait: He's overprotective. If you mess with his gestalt, consider yourself dead. He really does think only he can fend for his gestalt and take their pains for himself; sometimes he escalates the situation so badly he may even admit he fucked up.

If you asked him, he'd say that sometimes he lets his emotions get the better of him. (Visualize Hook, sneering at him while he says that (because he's SO much better/s))

Scavenger

Good trait: He has the highest emotional intelligence of the team; more often than not serving as the voice of reason between them (not that he is heard by the other 4). Being the oldest also makes him the wisest among the Constructicons (and the faction in general TBH), so I'd think he can see the problems between them from a mile away.

If you asked him, he'd say there's nothing that noteworthy about him.

Worst trait: The constant need for approval(duh!). The older he gets the more his body breaks down, and the less he can work, and since most of his self-worth comes from his usefulness, you can already picture how it affects his mental health.

If you asked him, he'd pass the question.

Mixmaster

Good trait: The most resourceful Constructicon. If being a genius chemist is not enough he can make any type of material or alternative from basically nothing; he also thinks outside the box, which makes him able to solve complex problems in record time using the least amount of resources.

If you asked him, he'd say his best trait is his sense of humor. (NOT TRUE BTW.)

Worst trait: He's the most annoying guy you'll ever meet in your life, like no exaggeration, he simply loves getting on people's nerves (Hook has been his main victim for millions of years, but he isn't picky.)

If you asked him he'd say something like: "Yeah, people say I'm loony, but I do-do-don't see it."

.

Oof long post! If anyone has any specific headcanon questions I am always happy to answer in excruciating detail. <- insane

(Sorry for any typos, feel free to beat me up if you find any)

[my-mt-heart]

Please humour me, and thanks in advance for putting up with my rant.

I recently started a rewatch of twd to help pass the time while I wait for twd:dd in September, and this question keeps coming back to me.

How long has Daryl been in love with Carol, while she has no idea? What do you think?

I think from season 1, but he didn't really know it himself till the start of season five, where they reunited in the forest, and since then has either been too scared to do anything about it, too occupied by everything that has happened to the group in the years since to allow himself to feel/pursue it, or he's genuinely felt that he doesn't deserve her/she deserves better, OR all/combination of the above.

Carol, on the other hand, I think only realised the extent of her own feelings at the end of season 11. The looks they shared while Magna's group was crying over Luke (almost like they were so grateful that the other was still alive, and it could have so easily been one of them crying over the other's death), and then the looks again later when they were waiting for Judith to wake up after surgery, really tells me that in those moments they both realised something significant about how they feel for each other, and how a future isn't promised and that they could lose each other for good at any moment.

And don't get me started on their farewell scene because it broke my heart; once again, these two did the selfless thing and put others' safety and happiness over their own. They each decided to go on a journey to help/save someone else. The way Daryl looked back at her for one last time after getting on the bike was almost like he was hoping she'd tell him to stay.

In Judith's words, "You [Daryl] deserve a happy ending too"!!! and he'll only really come to believe this once it's too late and he's stuck across an ocean, trying to get back to them.

And my queen, Carol, will cross an ocean to find him; I'm gonna cry just thinking about it. I love them so much.

Let me know what you think. Am I being delusional? I want to know how someone else sees this.

I’m overdue for a rewatch myself, I just haven’t felt motivated lately. I think there are a lot of clues pointing to Daryl and Carol developing feelings for each other early on like you said, but they *both* needed time to sort it out for themselves. Grief kept piling on over the years, insecurities deepened, and while their love only grew, they both went through periods of believing they weren’t good enough for each other. I think Daryl overcame it in the last couple seasons, hence “I know where I’m supposed to be.” Hence, why Daryl’s alleged uncertainty in the spinoff makes zero sense.

To be completely honest, I hated their last scene(s) together. I hated that one of the most anticipated moments—exchanging I loves you’s—was used to distract the audience from what was really happening i.e. Daryl leaving Carol. I don’t think it was a selfish or a selfless choice on his part because I don’t think there was any emotional realism to it at all. He had a spinoff to get to 🤷🏻‍♀️😑 I do think Carol was trying to make it easier for Daryl to go, but that just exposes a much sadder truth which is—after 11 seasons and even a time jump of one year—Carol *still* hasn’t healed from her insecurities/trauma. She *still* thinks Daryl could be happier without her. In an EW interview, Melissa chose the song “Crazy” by Patsy Cline to represent the end of Carol’s story. That speaks volumes. There were a handful of characters TWD owed honorable endings and they butchered all of them, but Carol’s was the worst.

The point I’m getting to is no, you aren’t delusional. It’s just that the spinoff has *a lot* to make up for. Do I think it can? Based on what we know about S2, yes. Am I ready to give up my cynicism? No. Not yet, but I hope to soon 😵‍💫

[fandomfluffandfuck]

Hi Sir, do you think Sebastian has a Daddy Kink. Y’ know considering his past, and the situation with his biological father. I know you have written about Sebastian calling Chris “Daddy”, but I mean it more as in, do you think he maybe has Daddy Issues, and therefore calls Chris “Daddy”?

I sent in the “Daddy Kink ask” and thinking about it more, I realize how disturbing (towards you and Sebastian) that may sound. I swear it wasn’t meant like that. I’m just a very curious person. So feel free to just delete the ask if it makes you uncomfortable!

Hey, sweets!

No, but I actually like this ask because I feel like this general idea is A Thing in both the vanilla world and the kink world, I can't and won't put words in your mouth specifically, but I have noticed generally that people tend to pair the idea of trauma and kink.

Definitely, there's the stereotype that kinks are born from trauma. Which, yes, is true in some people. However, it's not the overall rule. Then, the myth that all kinks come from trauma can then extend into the stereotype that all people with kinks are "broken" or "fucked up" in some way. Fucked up by said assumed trauma. Also, of course, this isn't true.

But, with that being said, personally, I have noticed that there's is some correlation between people who look outwardly fucked up (or, as my parents would say, "scary") in that they're tattooed, pierced, or have alternative aesthetics that stray from the "norm". My idea for that correlation is, well, hey, if you're not going to fit in with mainstream society in one way, then you might as well not fit in, in all the different ways that you feel. Why pretend? Why not just fucking go for it? (That's how I feel. I mean, I also am just... like that. Genuinely. It's not a conscious link for me a lot of the time, trauma -> aesthetic -> kink, I just see where they bleed into each other. It just so happens that I fucking love kink and I love metal music and I love body art and I love the gothic/emo/alternative/whatever you want to call it, aesthetic.)

Although, at the same time, as paradoxical as it is, it's niave to think that how you're raised and what your parents are like doesn't shape how you go into your relationships and your life. I'm paraphrasing, but as Chris once said, your parents shape how you love. They teach you how to love (x). You can absolutely outgrow that basis, but it's also a basis.

Anyway, where am I going here?

All this is to say that I have no idea if Sebastian has daddy issues. Granted, I also have no idea if Sebastian has a daddy kink. I don't know Sebastian.

Not everyone with daddy issues will have a daddy kink, and there are plenty of people with daddy kinks that don't have daddy issues. (At least, they wouldn't consider themselves to have daddy issues, looking specifically at how the Western world expects fathers to act when raising children. Personally, I think most people have issues based on that, but I also recognize that based on my life experience... I'm probably just being cynical, lmao.)

And for Sebastian, I don't think it's about trauma or issues. I think it's about power dynamics. I think it's about the general idea of daddy. The biggest, the best, the most capable, comforting, and caring yet stern, too. We've all seen how easily Seb crumbles with praise, and I think, related to that, Sebastian responds so well to having someone telling him what to do in the soft-but-still-authoritative role. That's what gets him in my mind.

Also, it's worth pointing out that I don't think it would go back to his biological father for Sebastian because he wouldn't've known his biological father as "Daddy" because it would've been the Romanian equivalent for the English affection name for a father. He might've been encouraged to call his step-father that, but, eh, he was older by that point, so it's unlikely in my mind.

All in all, I have no right to speculate, really. Seb's a real person, a real person I don't know, so I don't know, and I won't ever know either 🤷🏻‍♂️

[anneangel]

Grantaire...

Curious how Victor Hugo manages to fuse personality into the characters. Grantaire may be in coadjuvant but he's so... quick-witted, intelligent and well-spoken, with a very social demeanor, but with a bottle in hand and alcohol in his body, he becomes easily depressing, truly dejected, melancholy and downright unhappy. And I sympathize???

They are characters so different from each other, it's crazy how the same author who creates the merciful, religious and God-fearing Bishop Charles-François-Bienvenu Myriel, creates Grantaire too and so many other characters with such different and profound personalities.

Grantaire has such a skeptical view of life (see everything from a negative dogmatism point of view, that is, his justice about things is always conditioned by a feeling of disbelief, do not confuse with questioning, in the skeptic there is a surly, bitter, unproductive denial – people like that are usually pessimistic). This is described in the book as: "Grantaire was a man who took good care not to believe in anything." He's not genuinely a person contrary to those around him, his cynicism isn't an act of provocation towards his peers only, but really how he views life and the world.

In the book: “He was ironical and cordial. His indifference loved. His mind could get along without belief, but his heart could not get along without friendship”.

And too, he says :

“Gentlemen, my father always hated me because I could never be a mathematician. And here, too, I don't understand your love of freedom and the republic! I'm just Grantaire, the good guy! As I never had money, I never got used it, and therefore I never lacked it; however, if I were rich, there would be no poor people, you would see! Oh, if good hearts were the ones with good fortunes, it would be different and things would go along a different path! Why, imagine Jesus Christ, with the Rothschild fortune! What good would he do!(…)”

“In fact, this circumstance has just confirmed my conjectures about the situation of God's fortune, and judging by so many poverties that already exist up there and down here, in view of so much misery in everything, I suspect that God does not it's very rich there. There is appearance, it is true, but one knows the poverty that is hidden. Oh, by all the saints on Olympus and by all the gods in Heaven, I wasn't born to be a Parisian, I was born for the easy life, but that's not how anyone's life is. In view of this I will drink more. The earth is absurd. Oh, old world, old world! You are the vile vessel of demoralization, deprivation, prostitution, ambition, ineptitude!” And Grantaire, after this burst of eloquence, had a burst of coughing, which he deserved.

“My friends, I hate the human species! (...) I think it is time to clarify the human being. But here comes sadness to take possession of me again!"

"Oh my God! Morality is something that does not exist in this world! Oh, what in this world goes birds of prey! Almost all are bad eagles! So many that I am afraid of them. So, don't believe in anything. The only reality is drinking. Whatever your opinion, it doesn't matter, it's all about drinking!". This was his axiom: "There is but one certainty, my full glass."

Grantaire, completely intoxicated, stunned the ears of those around him, in one of the corners, disagreeing in a thunderous voice and shouting: “I am thirsty. Mortals, here is my desire: I wanted to drink, because I want to forget life. Life is a hideous invention by I don't know who. Something that lasts nothing and is worth nothing; and we kill each other to live. Life is a frame about to come crashing down. Happiness, a panel painted only on one side. Ecclesiastes says that all is vanity. It is a pity that I am ignorant, otherwise I would quote you an immensity of things; but I don't know anything. I used to be gifted when I was in art class, but there are so many vices in virtue…” Bossuet tried to shut him up and Joly said “don't give Grantaire any more wine, he ends up this penniless and a little mad”, but R kept going at the top of his lungs “Who gave you such a right without my permission? And too much, I'm sad. What do you want you to say? Man is bad, man is deformed, miserable, infamous, melancholic... and I am angry, enraged, bored, I can only open my mouth, I feel dead, I feel stupid (...)”

"wine, mediocre source of dreams. Grantaire was an adventurous drinker of dreams. In the first glasses Grantaire, his prodigious joy appeared; then he reached this dismal (macabre) phase, a fearful intoxication, half-opened in front of him, instead of making him stop, it attracted him. He had left education aside and had left the cup, drinking from the bottle. The measure is the abyss. Having no opium at hand (used as a narcotic, taking the person into a stupor rather than anesthesia), nor hashish (cannabis extract used as a narcotic), and wanting to fill his brain with twilight, he had resorted to the dreadful mixture of brandy, beer and absinthe, which produces terrible lethargy (unconsciousness). It is from the three vapours, beer, brandy, absinthe, that the lead of his soul is composed. And his darkness is three: Nightmare, Night, Death, fluttering over his sleeping psyche".

“However, this sceptic had one fanaticism. This fanaticism was neither a dogma, nor an idea, nor an art, nor a science; it was a man: Enjolras. Grantaire admired, loved, and venerated Enjolras. To whom did this anarchical scoffer unite himself in this phalanx of absolute minds? To the most absolute. In what manner had Enjolras subjugated him? By his ideas? No. By his character. A phenomenon which is often observable. A sceptic who adheres to a believer is as simple as the law of complementary colors. That which we lack attracts us. No one loves the light like the blind man. Grantaire, in whom writhed doubt, loved to watch faith soar in Enjolras. He had need of Enjolras. That chaste, healthy, firm, upright, hard, candid nature charmed him, without his being clearly aware of it, and without the idea of explaining it to himself having occurred to him.”

One might almost say that affinities begin with the letters of the alphabet. In that sequence, O and P are inseparable. You might just as well say O and P as Orestes and Pylades.

"A true satellite of Enjolras, Grantaire lived within this circle of young men (les amis de l'ABC). He dwelt among them, only with them was he happy, he followed them everywhere. His pleasure was to watch these figures come and go in a wine-induced haze. They put up with him because of his good humour. In his belief, Enjolras looked down on this sceptic; and in his sobriety, on this drunkard. He spared him a little lordly pity. Grantaire was an unwanted Pylades. Always snubbed by Enjolras, spurned, rebuffed and back again for more, he said of Enjolras, ‘What marmoreal magnificence'."

"There are men who seem to be born to be the reverse, the obverse, the other side. They are Pollux, Patrocles, Nisus, Eudamidas, Ephestion, Pechmeja. They only exist on condition that they are backed up with another man; their name is a sequel, and is only written preceded by the conjunction and; and their existence is not their own; it is the other side of an existence which is not theirs. Grantaire was one of these men. He was the obverse of Enjolras".

[expt12144]

(   michael malarkey.  135.  vampire.   )   LORENZO "ENZO" ST. JOHN,  you’ve been haunting mystic falls’ streets with your desire to GET EVEN.  it’s only a matter of time before your CYNICAL & VIOLENT tendencies prove to be your own undoing; unless your CHARISMATIC & HOPEFUL nature helps you obtain allies before it’s too late. 

what are your character’s goals? do they have any present allegiances? baseline goal is always keep out from under the knife and stay off the table. that isn't always so easy though, so he fantasizes ways that would release all the tension that's built up. he trusts no one and will likely never, but he has a parasitic allegiance to wes maxfield; wearing many hats like errand boy, attack dog, petri dish, among others. enzo has been infected with a blood disease that needs treatment every week, or his veins clog and he cannot function. insurance policy! as long as he behaves and shows up for his treatments, he's allowed on his merry way. if there isn't a new virus to test, of course—but that can easily be remedied by bringing his doctor a new subject to play with instead.

what has your character been up to before/during the start of our group, at the beginning of tvd season 3? only recently has this latest insurance policy been implemented. stalking whitmore was boring but it was better than cold concrete & steel, he still enjoyed the handful of nights; few sprinkled over the last 6 months. they were purely to test the speed in which his polycythemia vera would progress, and how willing he would be to play. with the commotion in mystic falls, it is the perfect opportunity to do a longer field test, stretch his legs and wet his fangs. what he doesn't know is how intimately he's going to know the residents of the town, or how he'll manage his anger going forward.

what song(s) do you associate with your character? hide and seek by imogen heap

have you altered anything about your character’s canon? maggie doesn't exist as she was. i would love for another character (canon or oc) to have had a maggie-similar relationship with enzo. whether they were with augustine for benign research or what, they treated him with respect and then had to leave / chose to. open to all kinds of ideas! the main thing is i wanted to open up the timeframe in which this could have occured. enzo has been in captivity since 1943 and the whole damon thing happened '53-58. for reference. :)

do you have any other random headcanons worth mentioning? IT'S GAY, BABEY. enzo trauma bonded with damon and had it down down baD. he would have, and had, done anything for that man and when he needed him most, HE VANISHED. so all those really gay ass things he said in season 5? he was being fr fr they was pookies and damon up and ruined it.

is there anything you’re potentially interested in exploring romantically for your character / what do you, or could you, ship? i am here for anything, my bisexual disaster has shitty taste in men obviously and let's be real, he needs an outlet. soft? hard? evil or good, i don't matter, if anyone can get that close to him without him snapping his fangs at them, let's gooooo. i just wouldn't expect a lot of genuine emotional vulnerability, at least not EASY. he will pour his heart out to anyone willing to listen but it isn't necessarily an invite for you to scoop it up in your hands, you feel?

what sort of current or future connections/plots are you looking for? honestly, nothing specific. the main connections are obviously people will some sort of ties with augustine: elena gilbert, for example. daddy absolutely had to have done a lil zappity zap to enzo so he's going to struggle with that. i have zero idea how he's going to fit in these growing empires, so seeing where that goes and who scoops up and helps (or hurts??) enzo is going to be good. i would love the maggie-esque character. maybe other old cellmates?? how did they get out, idk.

[2af-afterdark]

What are your opinions on all the Nu:Carnival characters? Eiden, the familiars, the clan members and Rin

This is not a coherent list. Mostly just my rambling thoughts on them. In introduction order!

Eiden: How could you not love our sweet little switch? He's such a joy to experience the story thorough and his pure and honest care for everyone makes it easy to see how they've all fallen for him. Kinky and caring, rolls with the punches, gets passionate on his loved one's behalf, easy to empathize with; I adore him (which is why I bothered to pull for him enough times to have his only unit be at 3*)

Aster: I love a dominate twink. I do find it hilarious that he got kinks people usually balk at in his few sex scenes (foot job and sounding). I love how he is the businessman of the team. What I learned about his past when Huey was still around made me want to cry. Support his desire to collect and spoil cute monsters. Hate that the devs refuse to give him more cards because he isn't a clan member. WHY GIVE HIM ANY CARDS IF YOU WILL NEVER RELEASE NEW ONES???? HE HAS FANS TOO!!!

Morvay: I love this big idiot (affectionate). He is always trying his best, even if he thinks with his stomach/asshole. I only want good things for him and am upset at the current story making me wait to see if he is alright! Give my succubus back! Same critique as with Aster: HE HAS FANS! WHY REFUSE TO GIVE HIM NEW CARDS??? It's such a dumb rule.

Yakumo: Someone please get this boy some confidence and self-worth. I cannot stand to watch him be so insecure when all I want to do is kiss his adorable face and tell him he is wonderful and perfect. His protective nature despite his belief he is not good enough moves me to fucking tears. Someone... This boy needs way more love.

Edmond: Cannot comment. I have no interest in him. He's just not my thing. He is very pretty though.

Olivine: Slutty priest makes brain go brrrrrr. I am just... the way his parents pushed him but he honestly tries so hard for everyone! I love him! He's not my favorite, but every time I read his cards I feel like I fall in love with him for the first time all over again and I do not know how to explain it.

Quincy: Okay, stop. Listen. I just... He's old. He's so old that he has seen people be born and die and leave him behind and he's tired physically, emotionally, and mentally. He has this barrier set up to protect himself, but to see Eiden break down that barrier and get Quincy wanting to be close to another person with a finite lifespan again? FUCK ME! Plus, you know, big and buff and hot. Size diff kink go brrrr.

Topper: Clearly the best character in the game. All power to Master Twilight Star-Show Max Lucifer Topper III!!!! I love how he gets his own outfit to match Quincy's during events.

Kuya: Much the same I said about Quincy, but in a more spicy flavor. He has the added bonus of being a yokai, creatures that have... questionable relationships with humans. He has lived so long that life has lost it's appeal to him as there is nothing worth living for; not knowledge, not power, not people. He's reached ennui and literally cannot see the point of his own life (we see a past version of him debating killing himself in one card). Eiden though? Eiden has brought that small spark of joy back into his life. He fucks with Eiden and can often take it in a direction that seems too far from a human perspective, but he never genuinely allows Eiden to come to harm. He is genuinely excited (in a subtle way) when he learns something new, and seems to be happy when his cynical view of the world is disproven (though he tries not to show it). Eiden has allowed him to open up to the world again, especially because Eiden doesn't forcibly bash his lived experience but also doesn't roll over and accept Kuya's bad traits. I love Kuya. He is my favorite. Also, he somehow got a shit ton of my kinks and I... yeah...

Garu: Cute puppy boy. He gets head scratches and wags his tail. I love how genuine he is. Garu is exactly who he says he is in every way and it is very refreshing. I just want to love and spoil him.

Karu: I admit... Karu is not my cup of tea. It may be because I'm not actually a fan of bratty tsunderes. It can be cute sometimes, but most of the time I find myself rolling my eyes and missing Garu. A shame because I usually like characters that have two conflicting personalities.

Blade: SOMEONE GET HIM A HUG!!!! He was alone for so long in that forest and he deserves better. I'm so glad he found Eiden and came out of there, away from that loneliness and waiting. Every time he defaults back into droid mode I get sad because I want him to enjoy being alive and being in love. Every time he says "Darling" my brain turns off and I wake up hours later with no memories.

Dante: It is hilarious how he innocent he really is while trying to act like the king. Eiden plays him like a fiddle. Hearing his past can make me sad though. I mean... Why does this game keep hurting our boys like this????

Rin: Why hot if evil? He has an eye mask and a tongue piercing... I am a weak person. I have things I like and he has them. I also want to slap him though because he hurt the boys I love! Also... yeah... I need the story here...

Rei: POWER BOTTOM! WE FINALLY GOT A POWER BOTTOM!!! And I love that he's not immediately all over Eiden but treats their relationship more casually. It's a refreshing dynamic. Also, he's a scientist doing questionable research in his house which is just 😳😳😳 Go on, Sir.

Father: Why is he named that? Is there secret lore or..??? Another animal companion to get cute event outfits. And apparently he's an animal that people have entire legends/wives tales about? I NEED THE LORE!!!

Huey: Fuck that guy.

[ialwaysknewyouwerepunk]

am i the only one that finds that common people can be a love letter to doncaster, it also has the vibes of 'love club' or 'come as you are'? like the 'Just how far you're willing to go/If you act like you're one of us/Just act like you're one of us', ig it can be seen as bitter-sweet as change is but idk i cant help but see it in a darker light

do you mean it's more cynical, like more negative "just act like you're one of us", pretend you're someone else in order to fit in and be accepted? if you want to go far, you have to act like you're one of us? bc yeah i def see that as a layer too. the song overall is a positive, like an ode to one of the main things that anchors him, keeps him humble, reminds him of who he is. but that's a bit double for everyone, isn't it, our childhood and the place we grew up in, filled with ideologies and traditions we might not line up with as adults? especially a place like doncaster, or any smaller town, it can be a place where it's safer to fit in, or you get judged/excluded. louis has never expressed these sentiments from his childhood, but i think that's partly because he was the confident ring leader a lot of the times, and bc he fit in too. football lad, proud of being from donny, etc. in my own case, most of my childhood i also had friends and thrived at school, but i was also repressing a lot of my instincts, especially in high school, just to fit in more and be accepted. idk how far that went for louis, hard to say. i do feel like the love for donny is genuine, the way it's an homage to how the people right there next to you, the people you meet in the street and at the pub, are full of acceptance and love. that that childhood home is a symbol for his core self, something he's lost and had to find back a few times over his life already.

so damn. come as you are in the mix with louis? yeah i mean. yeah. i can't help but see darkness in a lot of what he does, whether he literally mentions it or not. there's so much hope and strength there, which can only be highlighted by the dark that's underneath. he literally sings "when i get lost", and he's made it very clear he struggles/struggled with what to do, where to go, who to believe. in that way, i think common people expresses the same sentiment as love of my life's "you don't know it's lost till you find it". come as you are is one of those where i think about real true deep darkness, as in. yeah i don't need to spell it out. i don't think common people directly holds those sentiments, but it has hints of that sadness, of that voice you need to hear when you've lost your way. "come, as you are". but THEN come as you are holds that irony of still being told what to do, and that's something that common people has, as well? "just act like you're one of us".

the song really is conflicting, i've thought this since the first listen. bc what kind of message is that? i think it is supposed to be this layered feeling that comes with thinking about your hometown, the good and the bad, about fitting in bc you grew up there but not fitting in anymore bc you left/grew up. of the urge to fit in even though you don't really want to

anon you sent me down a spiral

[littlecello]

Lazarus responses all in one place for better readability wahoo

belphegor1982 Holy cow, we really dodged a bullet there. Thank you for the write-up! I hadn't heard of Lazarus at all before. And now I'm very thankful that the fandom still exists and thrives! 💜

WE REALLY DID LOL. You're very welcome, glad to have been of service! And omg I feel the same ahhh! It's made me really appreciate the little space we built for ourselves over all these years 🥹

-

bisexualroger Was lovely to meet you and fern too! 😊 I definitely agree with this. I’m really glad I went for the experience, I’d have been gutted to have missed it, but ultimately yeah the shortcomings (especially with regard to how they handled the politics of the police 😬) mean it’s for the best we never got Lazarus the show. 

AHHH YES!! Seriously you all made my entire day 🥹🥹🥹 And god yeah, I am also genuinely glad to have been there, because the questions and forever-wondering would have killed my fandom-mojo I think. But now it's done the opposite and I am ENERGISED! I want to re-establish the best parts of the fandom as opposed to what we witnessed in that room! Seriously, all those cis-het men laughing so hard at all the bad jokes made me feel so uncomfortable.

-

youstupidplonkIt was so wonderful to meet you!! You’ve put this into words so much more eloquently than I have managed so far. I really do agree that the way they joked about current politics, both in the police and around the climate felt very out of touch. As you’ve said especially because the main demographic keeping this fandom active is young (from what I can tell) liberal people Thank you again for saying hi to us and taking the time to write this wonderful analysis ❤️❤️

LIKEWISE AHHH!! Your outfit was fantastic btw!! And I'm glad you feel my analysis hit the spot - hearing all the laughter around us and stuff made both Fern and me feel really lonely and out of place at times ghfkjgs. We're both really glad we aren't alone with our sentiments 🥹

-

fleurdeneuf oh wow, thank you for sharing all of this! i'm relieved the show won't be happening.

You're welcome!! It would've felt wrong not to do a little report on this, seeing as the event wasn't well advertised and tickets sold out so quickly. We've got to include the whole fandom in this! 💪

-

partywithponies I think it was very shallow as well in that it was almost entirely Life on Mars with barely any Ashes to Ashes to it at all, and coincidentally, Ashes to Ashes isn't as well known overseas. It didn’t feel for the fans, it just felt like what they thought would sell better. Poor Shaz didn't even get a single vague reference the entire event, and Alex, the literal third main character of the franchise, got one passing moment in the entire pilot.

I agree to some extent - they definitely went for what they felt would have the most recognition value. I do however think that they at least set up quite a bit of Alex involvement, seeing as she's the one who hits Sam and Gene in 2024 (or at least it's heavily implied that it's her). As for Shaz, I have to be cynical and say that with Matt and Ashley being old white men... they've probably forgotten about her and/or don't think she's important. Unfortunately.

Either way, I guess we can both agree that it's a good thing Lazarus isn't getting made as a TV show haha!

-

On a personal note, thank you all for your warm reactions to my little report :') I have to admit I was a bit trepidatious about posting it because of my (and our) negative feelings about it, as contrasted to what Fern and I perceived as a really enthusiastic response from the audience that was present... But I see now I needn't have worried. The fandom I remember and love is still here, and I can't thank you all enough for that. 💚

[james-carslut]

Barbie Review ⚠️Spoilers Ahead⚠️

Greta did such an amazing job depicting what growing up and self-actualisation into womanhood feels to a girl as soon as Barbie enters the Real World. I just Felt So Much and I wanted to say my piece cause yes growing up- the tragedy to be congratulated for, how do we see it, what is it, how to represent it, the multi-facets of it, etc etc. But I mostly just wanted to talk about the part where Barbie just enters the Real World because-

1. The Male Gaze

sorry not sorry but the gaze is the first thing that Barbie feels is seriously off. Her literal reaction is 'i am conscious of myself because I am subjected to something that is violent' and as soon as i heard those words I knew I'm in for a cathartic montage of empathy towards my kid self cause now what i felt is in actual words and it's so nice to have a description from a child's vocabulary. I know what the gaze is and it's definition and all the terms but to have someone going through that same uncomfortable actualisation and trying to put it into words while my adult self just looks on at the screen, riveted and sad, yes.

2. The Conditioning

The normalisation of catcalling and general invasive genital questioning, public assault, punishment of self defense, realisation that systems of public protection are sources of further private attack (the cops further harassing Barbie), being broke whoops and being punished again (cough cough homelessness as a crime cough I see what you did there with the feminist agenda Greta cough), further sexualisation, all of it. A girls eyes opening to the Real World. For many of us, this was a moment when we tried to help an adult by saying "let's call the police" or "i can just ask the man to give it to me- money? I don't have money?" and then got Informed.

3. The Cynic Shakedown

Barbie talking to the schoolgirl was the moment when I took my painting to the teacher and she dismissed it saying the sky isn't pink. It was the moment when you turn to friends and they say "do you even care". It was the moment when you want to say 'I like that' and you don't (literally what happens in the movie). It's getting your heart broken by the cynic and it's the loss of innocence, it's a rite of passage and it's the beginning of how people curl into themselves in that moment and become the cynic so they don't feel it like that again. It's when you start being cruel to your mother and you start wanting to be right over being kind. It's inevitable. And it's also :(

4. The Negotiation

Finally some form of authority that can take accountability for this wrongness- wait this is off too- where are the women, what's your agenda- I'm sorry Mr. Man Dude what did you say you specialise in??- I'm so sorry that you feel I wronged you I swear that what not what I intended- no I genuinely didn't try to wrong you I'm sorry- okay I can fit in the box, i remember the box, it was okay- wow this box is very nostalgic haha except hold on, something's off and I really can't shake it off this time Mr. Man Dude- no wait please this box is claustrophobic- hold on a second you're all surrounding me and I just took a step back, i didn't step into the box willingly- wait wait why aren't you listening- can you please stop talking over me- wait please no I don't want to be in the box-

......... -hey hi haha let me just fix my hair please at least allow me to do that oh no I can't think of escaping because I can't think yes you're right I can't think at all except about my hair sometimes and I can't escape anyway because you see I know that I'm meant to be the damsel in distress and yes of course it's perfectly alright if you distress me just please allow me to step out for a second to fix my hair and: Mad Dash To Survival.

5. What is it for What am I for Why What does it all mean Why Why Just why

Despair as a level of puberty. And then being offered kindness, company, solace, empathy, comradry, being seen, being comforted. The oh, this is what it's all for, the in-betweens. These things don't just make it possible to rest before getting up to fight again, they are the reason why we fight. Why we get up everyday and outperform and then wonder if we're capable and do the same old same old Every. Single. Day. On repeat. And still feeling so alone but at least having carved out something resembling a purpose. A wish. A desire. Something to take a step for.

(and here, when Barbie meets Ruth for the first time do I understand the opening credits. The kitchen table to a woman that is the monolith the the ape. A space to rest, love, create, live, make, care and care and care.)

6. Communism

Comradry. "Get in Barbie!" And the Opening Up and The Bond and the i-know-what-you-meant looks and the hand-in-hand and the 'i'll do it for you even if I can't do it for me' and the 'you feel this too!!' and the reason why the death of friendships hurt in a place where lovers can never reach. Women. Solidarity. The helping hand. The divine Other but she is not the other, she is you, she is her, she is irrevocably human and faulted and yet she's here and she's lonely too, she's Barbie. She's me.

(ugh I'm tearing up and yeah I cried in the movie, the trees, the old lady, the mom's monologue, the final talk with Ruth, it all just got to me okay. The movie was exactly what I expected it to be and what I wanted it to be and it was perfect like Barbie)

I'm not complaining because everything I'm describing is just what growing up felt like. It felt like a hit after hit after hit of alienation from the world and from oneself and from security. And then there's the other side of tunnel, the perks of adulthood and having fun being a woman in a post-Barbie era. The falling in love with pink again, adult sleepovers, feeling like a Barbie when you rearrange the first house you rent, pretty stuff, strong stuff, kind stuff. And making boundaries with all the Ken's in a way that's fair to both you and the Ken and doing the work to be happy. Yeah. Thank you Greta.

[a-student-out-of-time]

I’m seeing 4 major reactions to this episode

Fwendship for Arei :3

WHAT ARE YOU HIDING STARMAN

Desperately inhaling “Switch theory is wrong copium” and Cynicism hopium

Being 100% convinced Mod is right

I am three of those and I'm 100% convinced you're right

//I know a lot of people are increasingly doubting my theory, and I can understand that, but I promise you that this isn't coming from a place of denial or copium because I want my favorite character to survive.

//This is me asking "Why are there so many unanswered questions this chapter?" Very oddly specific questions to ask and to bring attention to, and here's the biggest one for me:

//If this conversation wasn't in this chapter, my theory would not exist. But its inclusion here feels far too deliberate for me to simply brush it off as an odd quirk.

//Genuine question: if my theory isn't true, why else would it be here? What else could its inclusion be in relation to?

//It can't be about someone framing Nico, not only because they admitted they tried to kill Ace, but because when we saw Nico, Teruko was with Eden and Nico wasn't even wearing their hood. All the exact same details were there.

//This also wasn't included just for the funsies. This was foreshadowed back in Chapter 1, as others have pointed out.

//So, what else could it be referring to? Having it here just to set up future chapter details honestly feels like a waste. DT has had such a tight means of storytelling, where all the small details matter, and when they draw attention to small moments, we shouldn't overlook them.

//Remember how they had a whole conversation about the difference between a DVD and a CD? That proved to be important. Remember how they talked about the air circulation in the playground? That's also proved to be important.

//So why would a conversation about Teruko having prosopagnosia not matter to the outcome of this trial? Why would a hypothetical question posed by Veronika, which Teruko didn't even answer, not matter?

//This is really the crux of my theory. What else could this possibly be referring to if not someone switching places with someone else? And the only two people I can really see actually pulling that off are Arei and J

//And with every passing episode, that idea just becomes more and more plausible to me. Nothing J has said is stuff Arei couldn't also have known from either being there or from hearing from J directly, which she'd have to if they were going to pull this off

//Until we get an actual answer to this, one that explains Teruko's prosopagnosia and firmly establishes why they couldn't have pulled off a switch, I'm going to stick to my theory

//If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I haven't seen any reasons to believe I'm wrong just yet

[drcornwater]

Something that makes me genuinely confused is the rehabilitation of Avatar (the James Cameron movie) into this cinematic masterpiece. There's people who will get into real arguments if you disagree with them about it.

Did I miss something or am I unaware of a cultural shift or something because all I remember after all the hype was us collectively thinking the movie was cool as fuck at first then it just being okay after. It was everywhere and it was huge and now 3D TVs were the future because Avatar was going to be on there and that's the biggest movie of all time!!! By the time a year or so had rolled around, no one cared and it had become one of those songs you hear on the radio a million times so you fucking hate it. People had picked it apart so thoroughly that the sheen of the hype wasn't enough to keep the flaws from being apparent and we realized it was just Pocahontas But Blue People. The world moved on and Marvel movies began their reign at the box office.

Now all these really serious movie guys will fight to the death about how good it is. They see it as some landmark film of the 21st century and for action movies. I've seen some truly wild analysis about Avatar that is really just galaxy brain garbage, but there's a few I could take really seriously. But I really think it's part of a larger phenomenon.

There's this need in our culture to make things we all agreed sucked into these misunderstood masterpieces. Take Metal Gear Rising Revengence. When that came out, it was critically mixed. Fans felt pretty mixed too, but there was a sense of disappointment. There were a lot of complaints of difficulty spikes, wonky camera angles, the game being super short (only 6 hours-ish), and not really knowing who it was for. But now? If you speak ill of MGRR, several greasy 19 to 29 year old men will emerge from the darkness with katanas they bought at a booth at an anime convention to murder you for heresy.

Or what about the Star Wars prequels? Those got a huge resurgence in support over the last few years. We all HATED them. And yet, there are some real life adults that will engage you to the point of arguing that the prequels are better movies than the OGs living on this very planet right now. How we got here is beyond me.

Is it because these pieces of media had immense hype behind them? Metal Gear had a great deal of anticipation behind it. Avatar was a massive cultural moment. The Prequels had people going to watch just the fucking Phantom Menace trailers before other movies because they were so hyped.

Maybe it's because people can't be wrong? They can't be wrong and the hype had to be true. The hype couldn't be wrong. It's the best. It's a classic. It wouldn't be a big deal if the hype wasn't there right?

I feel like the need to be contrarian and how that's so cool in a cynical society like ours also contributes to this. Avatar sucks? Oh yeah? Well I love it. The Prequels sucked? They're actually the best ones. It's like the opposite of hating on popular things to seem cool. It's this weird thing that the internet encourages out of people in the worst way because it rewards the cynical hive mind behavior. You post your stupid contrarian take, then you get a million likes and interactions. Now your brain has lit up like a Christmas tree and you feel Great. Repeat process.

This almost always happens on Twitter. The more I use that site, the more I realize the vast majority of Twitter just needs one large supply of antidepressants.

TL;DR

Avatar is a blast but isn't that deep

Metal Gear Rising sucks ass

Prequels suck ass

Stop being cynical and a contrarian asshole

[olderthannetfic]

So my favourite character has just been recast.. again...in a completely random form that has zero resemblance to it.. the second 'incarnation' was bad enough but this. this takes the p. The worst thing is, the fan art has started already and - live and let live - but filtering this stuff out when the character and ship has the same name is a nightmare. There has been ONE, ONE picture, and people are already projecting the narrative across. WHY. WHY IS THIS. WHAT FOR. I want to be in fandom but one weird version made it bad enough and now there's another bee on a stick fooling the hive and I think I'm gonna lose my mind. a) I cannot work out for the LIFE of me why they cannot cast this character properly (what's the point of a character having specific qualities that make it itself and not something else, if they ignore them and make it something else???) - BUT I do know what it is, it's the way casting works at those levels and it's not about the perfect fit but money and who knows who and other secret stuff and people don't see the cynicism of it so lap it up.. and b) for the love of Gene, how does one do fandom. Now it's 2 to 1 bee stick versions. You know, if you don't like something, usually its pretty easy to avoid it. But when it's the same names/sub franchises of the same franchise HOW DO YOU NOT SEE IT. And people are like 'they're the same characters so gonna spam the content forever and ever!!' and you're like IT'S A STICK WITH A PERSON ON IT STOP TELLING ME THIS IS MY CHARACTER. THESE TWO THINGS ARE NOT THE SAME. Seriously though. Tags yes. Content filter, yes but some of this will be unavoidable. I am at a loss, are there other giant fandoms plagued by goofy recasts and diluted content? Or is it just this one will be forever cursed? Now any fic bang, or fanzine will seem to be OBLIGATED to included every version, every balloon with a face on it; every human stick man pretending to be the same character. I just want to enjoy my thing. I don't want the other thing. I DON'T WANT IT. How does one manage without scrapping one's hobby altogether or at least cutting down engagement significantly?

You don't have to answer if there isn't on, there probably isn't an answer I just wanted to rant anway. it's just a crappy thing and a 1st world problem. I genuinely wonder if other fans/fandoms go through this though and what effect it has. *if you're confused about the bee stick thing it was something about training bees by using a stick with a stripey blob on the end imitating a bee, and they believed it. And Neil Gaiman commented "Other dimensional beings are undoubtedly amazed at what human beings will accept as human beings too. 'But it’s just a stick with a person on it.' "

--

And then he forgot the post and went to comment that and was confused by all the "God damn it, Neil!" reblogs. Yes, I recall.

I like Sherlock Holmes. Some versions are pretty close (but always get Watson wrong). Those RDJ films actually get Watson right but pick unusual aspects of the books to focus on compared to other adaptations. Many versions, like Sherlock, completely misunderstand the character.

I can’t really comment on your case without having some clue what fandom you’re actually talking about.

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

Can I just say Bones does not get nearly enough credit for how well he reads people?? Like, we all forget that he is not only a doctor, he's a psychiatrist as well. And not only is he insanely good at reading Jim, we also see him read and understand Spock (who is his opposite and with whom he frequently disagrees) and push him when it's necessary. It's Bones' words that make some of the most powerful exchanges out of all the 79 original episodes. Here is proof (and there's a lot of it):

Balance of Terror

Jim's doubting himself and is dealing with a lot of stress because of all his responsibilities and the burden of making decisions, and asks Bones, "What if I'm wrong?" This is an incredibly vulnerable moment for Jim, who always has to be strong, and when Bones starts to answer, Jim gets up and says "I wasn't really expecting an answer."

Bones immediately puts his hand on his shoulder, stops him, and says, "Well, I've got one." Completely unexpected by Jim. Bones starts off by saying "This isn't something I'd usually tell a customer," then gives the speech we all probably know, about how there are millions of possible earth-like planets, "but in all of that, and possibly more, only one of each of us. Don't destroy the one named Kirk."

Let's break down why this is so good. First, Bones lets Jim know that he sees how vulnerable Jim is being and that he's talking to Jim as a friend. He recognizes that Jim's identity is fundamentally tied to his role as a captain, and also acknowledges how deep Jim's doubts are going, and at the same time reminds Jim that he is the one in control of himself (something very grounding for Jim) and he is not alone (because Bones is supporting him). Most of all, he doesn't dwell on the vulnerability Jim's expressing, but encourages him to take action, which is Jim's natural bent. He perfectly adapts to how Jim functions and knows what to say to get him back into a place where he can do what he does best: lead.

The Ultimate Computer

Jim has been been feeling insecure and threatened this entire episode, because a computer may take away his role as captain. Twice he seeks out Bones for comfort. First, he tells him that he has concerns about the computer, but worries about his motives. "You have my psychological profiles; am I afraid? Of losing my job? ...Daystrom's right, I could do a lot of other things. Am I afraid of losing the power, the prestige? Am I that petty?"

Bones replies, "Jim, if you're self-aware enough to ask that question, you don't need me to answer it for you. Why don't you ask James T. Kirk? He's a pretty honest guy."

Breakdown: Bones responds beautifully by once again reminding Jim that he knows himself and is in control. That sense of confidence is all Jim is after. He also establishes earlier in the conversation that what Jim is feeling is not unusual and can be understood. Brilliant.

The second time Jim reaches out to Bones (this episode is my favorite for a reason), he's doubting his role even more intensely, having just been blatantly insulted and called useless (affirming his insecurities). He left the bridge, silently, by himself, and even Spock didn't follow him out. Bones knew he needed help and went to him, with some drinks (Jim initially responds that he's not interested in eating--coping by losing interest in food) and a joke and light-hearted attitude, so that Jim can feel comfortable expressing himself. Jim puts on an air of not caring (shutting himself off from his emotions) and says he's never felt so useless, and makes a cynical joke as a toast, "To Captain Dunsel" (the insult from earlier, meaning "unnecessary").

Bones stops him, looks him in the eye, and says "To James Kirk, Captain of the Enterprise." Jim says softly, "Thank you, Doctor," and when he downs his glass, Bones follows suit.

There's just so much good about this. Bones seeks him out even when he was trying to isolate himself because he knew Jim tends to distract himself and unhealthily repress things. And he doesn't let Jim get away with being blasé about how he's been hurt, but he doesn't force him to be honest either; instead, he lets Jim know he sees how he's feeling and how deeply he's hurt, and also reaffirms that Bones still cares about, respects, and most of all, believes in him. When Jim starts talking after the drink, Bones just listens and lets him talk, and when Jim responds to the call to the bridge, he follows him out. Back in action, and another job well done.

The Trouble With Tribbles

Just a brief point with this: Spock is just being silent here, which is typical for him. But Bones asks him "What's the matter, Spock?" seemingly out of the blue. Spock responds with, "There's something disquieting about these creatures," which means that he was feeling off, and Bones picked up on it. Bones then makes a joke ("Don't tell me you've got a feeling!") which lets Spock know that Bones sees what he's saying but isn't treating it as unusual (since the joking between them is their normal behavior). And when Spock continues talking, he hears him out (although it eventually degenerates into their typical spat).

All Our Yesterdays

Spock has begun degenerating into a pre-reformed-Vulcan version of himself. He gives up on trying to get back to their proper time and becomes irritable. Bones notices that something's wrong almost immediately.

He starts by asking about Jim (because he knows how deeply Spock cares for him), and Spock responds apathetically. This clearly shocks Bones, who then says "I don't believe it, Spock. It's just not like you to give up trying." When Spock doesn't acknowledge something's off, Bones presses him: "I understand. I never thought I'd see it, but I understand. You want to stay here. In fact, you're highly motivated to stay in this forsaken waste!" Spock deflects again, and Bones keeps pressing, which leads to Spock grabbing him by the neck and saying angrily, "I don't like that. I don't think I ever did, and now I'm sure." Bones simply looks him in the eye and asks calmly, "What's happening to you, Spock?"

Instead of hassling Spock about why he isn't doing more, he focuses on what's wrong with Spock himself, and he clearly has a deep understanding of who Spock really is. He starts by trying to get a feel for Spock's emotional state by going to ground 0: Jim. And he doesn't back down when Spock tries to blow him off.

Seeing that he's getting nowhere, Bones bides his time, and then starts something with Zarabeth, knowing Spock will jump to her defense.

When Spock pins him against the wall, Bones calmly says, "Are you trying to kill me, Spock? Is that what you really want? Think! What are you feeling? Rage, jealousy--have you ever had those feelings before?" Spock is clearly affected by this, and says it's impossible, since he's a Vulcan. Bones sees his opening, saying "The Vulcan you knew won't exist for another 5000 years! Think, man! What's happening on your planet right now, at this very moment?" Spock answers with the facts, and Bones tells him flat-out what's going on: he's reverting. Spock falls quiet, and says, "I've lost myself. I do not know who I am."

Bones is specifically structuring his responses (both here and earlier) to cause Spock to evaluate himself--to think, which has always has grounded Spock. Bones indirectly (so that Spock doesn't feel as threatened by the accusation) indicates that Spock's being too emotional. He wants Spock to see for himself that something's wrong, so Bones asks questions or makes open-ended statements so that Spock will have to respond. He also provides enough evidence (pointing out the emotions Spock is feeling) to prove he has a point and guide Spock towards a conclusion. He's talking Spock through it, using reason and logic, which Spock has always responded to. Bones' questions are also phrased so that the answers are objective facts--he's bringing Spock back to the verifiable, Spock's comfort zone. Finally, he does the analysis for Spock, telling him what's undeniably happening, but leaves the course of action open to Spock, so that he can regain control of himself by deciding how to proceed. Bones smoothly and logically guided Spock to the delicate realization he needed to have.

Of Bread and Circuses

Then of course we have this iconic exchange. Jim's been separated from the both of them and they are all in danger. Spock is pulling at the bars although he knows it will be futile.

Bones calls him out on this, and then thanks him for saving his life. When Spock brushes him off and keeps his walls up, Bones says, "I know why you're not afraid to die, Spock. You're more afraid of living. Every day you stay alive is just one more day you might slip--and let your human half peek out." Spock is silent and looks away, and Bones continues, now smiling slightly: "That's it, isn't it? Insecurity. Why, you wouldn't know what to do with a genuine, warm, decent feeling." His face makes it clear he's gently baiting Spock, who then looks back at Bones and says, "Really, Doctor?" Bones replies softly, "I know. I'm worried about Jim, too."

First thing: Spock's theme starts playing when Bones corners him. So we're supposed to get that Bones is really laying him bare. But starting from the beginning of the scene, Bones recognizes Spock's anxiety through his illogical behavior. He takes the time to thank Spock for saving his life, in an effort to remind Spock that he is competent and in control--basically, trying to calm Spock down and reassure him. When Spock refuses to deal with his emotions productively, Bones is having none of it, and shows Spock just how much he knows. He can tell Spock isn't worried for himself ("you're not afraid to die") but also is well aware of Spock's actual fears (which are coloring his current behavior towards Bones). Basically, Bones is saying, "this facade of yours can't keep me out. You're understood. You're not alone." Saying it in those terms, though, would just make Spock feel weak for unsuccessfully trying to mask his behavior, so Bones frames it as a gentle challenge. When Spock looks away, he can tell he's hit the nail on the head, and he smiles because he's getting through to him. His face as he says "you wouldn't know what to do with a genuine, warm, decent feeling" telegraphs to the audience that he's not actually serious, but is looking for a response. And he gets it--Spock acknowledges, as Bones had intended, that he is currently dealing with emotions. And that's where Bones wanted to get him, because now that he's admitted it, he can move forward; but Bones doesn't want this admission to go unrewarded, and definitely doesn't want Spock to go on believing that Bones meant what he'd said about not knowing what to do with feelings, so he again tells Spock that he understands what's really going on, but without challenge this time. He just accepts it and reassures Spock that he's not alone: "I know. I'm worried about Jim too." They're in it together, and now that Spock is a little more vulnerable, he's able to see that Bones is right beside him.

So that was a lot, but there is definitely even more. Basically, give Bones the appreciation he deserves, because his emotional intuition is off the charts. (After all, as he is so fond of reminding us, he is a doctor!)