#love how he's constantly reminded of his brother throughout the show...

[russellcolter]

COLTER & RUSSELL SHAW tracker 1.02 'missoula' + 'loneliness' by bear's den

[puckinghischier]

Hiiii happy new year! I absolutely adore your quinnxreader fics! I loved the one about his brothers asking her questions and calling her all the time because they love her so much! Would you consider writing more about that?

Maybe about their dynamic in person, meeting over Christmas or summer or something!??

Have a great day!

oh listen when the four of you are together for long periods of time? you’re convinced you and quinn will never have to have kids, because you’re gonna be parenting jack and luke for the rest of your lives.

like meeting at the lake house over the summer. even if ellen and jim are there with everyone, luke and jack still bug you with any and every question they have.

“y/n! what should i eat for lunch?”

“y/n! where’s the remote?”

“y/n! have you seen my swimming trunks?”

every time you take a breath, one of them is yelling for you for help, or advice, or nothing at all. jack is a regular at shouting your name from wherever he is in the house just to show you some video on his phone, or ask you how to spell a word for a text he’s sending.

quinn and ellen have both scolded them numerous times to leave you alone and quit treating you like a maid, but you don’t tell them you secretly love it. you hate that they’re acting like toddlers that can’t fend for themselves, but you love the comfort level they have with you to do it all.

and it’s not like they don’t return the favor.

you always manage to get a summer cold when you come to the lake house. you don’t know if it’s the water mixed with the chilly nights or the fact you’re always on the go and never resting, but you somehow always get a case of the sniffles for a few days each summer.

whenever it happens, jack and luke dote on you like you’re bedridden. constantly bringing you snacks and meds and juice. asking if you need anything, watching movies with you and quinn while all four of you cuddle on the couch.

ellen never fails to snap a picture of the occasion, all of her kids (you included) safe and sound under one roof, a rare occurrence in her world.

now, you have your own moments visiting the two youngest brothers, missing them just as badly as they miss you sometimes. when quinn is away on a particularly long road trip and jack and luke have a few home games, you’re booking a flight and off to see them.

you can always see how excited they are to have you at their games, making sure you have the best seats and even buying you a custom split hughes sweater, so you never have to choose one over the other.

they tell all of their teammates you’re coming and gesture to you throughout the whole game, making sure you saw that save, or watched them score a goal.

you go out with them after games and send quinn lots of pictures of his drunk, idiot brothers singing karaoke and displaying terrible dance moves.

quinn loves seeing you have the friendship with his brothers that you do, but he always reminds them to keep you safe, his protective side coming out, even though he knows they would never let anything happen.

still, it doesn’t keep them from finding sunglasses from god knows where, drunkenly waltzing you out of bar on either side of you, gesturing for people to move out of the way like they’re your bodyguards. every move you make, they’re sending (blurry) pictures of you safely outside the bar, getting into the uber, getting out of the uber, walking into their apartment building, in the elevator, unlocking their door, walking through their door, walking to the guest room, and one final shot of you in bed with the covers pulled up to your chin, to the groupchat you’re in with them and your boyfriend.

and once the apartment is quiet and their voices are reduced to light snores, you sneak into their rooms and take pictures of them, too, feeling just as much of a responsibility to keep them safe and cared for.

christmases? now those are an event, truly.

luke and jack are on you for months to help them pick out the perfect gift for quinn and ellen, claiming you know gifts way better than they do. you even fly out to jersey for a couple days in the middle of december, finding a stretch where they have a couple home games.

you take them out shopping, coaching and making sure they don’t pick out some random scarf for their mom or striped tie for quinn and jim. they take you to do all the touristy christmas things around the city (even if you’ve done it a million times before) and make fun of how you still can’t skate, even after all the years of being with quinn.

when you all finally make it back to michigan for the big family christmas, quinn steals you away for some one on one time, of course, but it’s never long lived. one of the two man-children, as quinn so affectionately calls them, comes barging in your room eventually, flopping down onto the bed right in-between you and quinn. and once one is in there, the other gets jealous and fights his way into the dog pile happening.

“can you two go annoy mom and dad or something? you just had her for four days, it’s my turn,” quinn huffs, your quiet bubble now burst.

“well, mom and dad told us to come annoy you guys, they have to wrap presents,” luke pouts to quinn, causing him to roll his eyes and accept his fate.

christmas morning with them is always your favorite, though.

jack and luke are always so high energy, wanting everyone to open their presents from them first so they can see the reactions.

they’re just like little kids, almost blurting out what it is as the person is opening it. they always tell ellen and quinn and jim you helped them, not wanting to take all the credit for themselves. but when it comes to their gifts to you? you start to think their claims that they’re terrible at gift giving is just a rouse to get you to visit them each year, because they never fail to give you the most heartfelt gifts.

like this christmas, they had gone in together on paying an artist to paint a collage of your favorite pictures of you and quinn together, the canvasses each in the shape of yours and quinn’s initials. you had noticed the canvas shaped like a plus sign in-between the two letters is blank, not knowing why they would leave such a large section bare.

when you look up to ask them, you notice they’re standing on either side of you, gesturing you to stand up. quinn is nowhere to be found, looking around for him as you stand and follow their lead to the back door of the large house.

when they open the door you’re met with the michigan snow, falling perfectly onto a beautifully decorated archway that you hadn’t noticed the night before. you noticed the poinsettias forming a walkway to the arch, finding quinn standing there under the perfectly hung mistletoe, waiting for you.

jack and luke walk push you on, staying behind in the warmth of the house.

you walk down the snow covered path, focusing on not falling the whole way.

once you reach the end of the path, quinn grabs your hand and plants you right in front of him.

he launches into a speech about how much he loves you, and how much he loves watching you with his family, how easily you’ve become a part of it, intertwined so deeply into his soul he couldn’t let you go, even if he wanted to, before dropping down on one knee, asking you to spend the rest of your life trusting him and loving him.

you immediately tell him yes, launching your body to his once he stands, tears streaming down your frozen face. right as you go to share a kiss to seal the intimate moment, you’re broken apart by the woops and hollers of none other than jack and luke, turning your head to see them barreling down the walkway towards you two.

“oh my god! we’re getting a sister! she’s actually gonna be ours now!” jack screams, crushing you two in a bear hug that would give quinn a run for his money.

“now quinn can’t use the excuse she’s his anymore, because now she’s ours. she’s gonna be a hughes! no more stingy quinn!” luke follows up, another weight added onto the already crushing hug.

“oh god, i didn’t think this through,” quinn groans, not enjoying his brothers’ newfound claim on you.

you giggle, encased in all the hughes love.

“also, we helped plan this, don’t let him hog all the credit, here. we planned our gift so it’d be the perfect segway into the proposal!” luke rushes out, too excited to keep it in any longer.

“the blank canvas is for engagement pictures!” jack confirms, beaming from ear to ear.

they finally release you and quinn from their clutches.

“okay, you guys have had your moment, now go back inside. she might getting ready to be your sister-in-law,” quinn emphasizes the last two words, “but she’s my fiancé, so we’ve earned some alone time.”

the two brothers huff and pout as they walk off, grumbling about how they can’t wait until you’re a hughes so he can’t claim you’re just his.

before you allow yourself the time with quinn, you run after your two best friends, tackling them in their own bear hug, despite how much larger they are than you.

“thank you guys. for this, for accepting me into your family, for sharing quinn with me,” you giggle at their scoff and luke’s mumble of ‘more like we share you with him’ before continuing. “i love you two. i’ll always be your big sister, yeah? as long as you’re always my two obnoxious little brothers.”

they squeeze you back so tightly you can’t breathe, telling you again how much they can’t wait for you to officially be part of their family.

quinn watches you with them, his own heart warmed despite the snow falling, wondering how in the world he got so lucky with such an amazing family, and now an even more amazing woman to bring into it.

[gh0stsp1d3r]

Avy jorrāelan

req: full request here.

warnings: smut, canon typical targaryen incest, male! brother!reader, bottom!r, top!jace, this is longer than i expected, smut with plot, hand job

MASTERLIST

As much as you adored your brother, he had always been distant. When growing up, he didnt do much with you, always off training or something. But he was always sweet, and kind to you when you were together. You remembered many fond moments you shared during your childhood with the boy.

You’re not quite sure when this innocent crush on him started. For most of your life, you had only been around your family, clinging to Jace most of all, following him around like a lost puppy. You grew up around him, you knew him more than anyone else had. You only wanted to serve him, to be loved by him.

Jacaerys was none the wiser about your infatuation with him, of course, he was always confused by the sudden gifts that sometimes flooded his room, the compliments, the staring, and the affection you showed him. He brushed it off as an innocent fascination and adoration from his brother.

Jace didn’t know that everything he said to you replayed in your mind constantly, overthinking every little word and sentence he uttered, breaking the sentences apart to understand what he had meant. Jace didn't know that you held onto every little crumb of affection he gave you, that those crumbs had given you more hope that perhaps your brother shared the same love for you as you did him.

And so, as the war began, time passed and lives were ended, the council talked and talked about alliances they could make and how. That is when they came up with an idea that for some reason, infuriated Jace. 

“Prince Jacaerys, sir, he’s old enough to be wed, and this alliance would help, I do not see why n-” one protested, thinking the idea to be a rather smart one.

Jace shook his head before interrupting the man. “I do not want to hear about it anymore. There has to be better options.” He ignored the odd look that Rhaenyra gave him, turning his head the other way. 

Later that night, in his bed. He sat staring at his high ceiling, wondering over and over why he cared so much about whether you should be married off or not. Nothing he did distracted him from his thoughts, and he struggled deeply to sleep, tossing and turning throughout the entire night.

The next morn, you walked with one goal in your mind. With the war raging on and people counting on you all, you knew what you had to do. You breathed heavily as you stepped into the dragonpit, Silverwing in the middle.

You took a deep breath, walking closer and closer to the large silver dragon. She huffed in your face, staring curiously at you. You had decided that she would be the best dragon, because she tend to be more docile and kinder to strangers.

You had lessons as a child on how to claim a dragon, just never made no actual effort to claim one. But you knew that today was the day. Her tail whipped around, you yelping, ducking under it so that it didn’t crush you and fling you to the walls.

“Y/n!” You heard a voice shout from behind you, your brother. You didn’t glance back at him, gulping before you attempted to mount her, putting your hands on her sides, gently petting her.

“Lykirī.” You murmured to her, watching her head stare at you, move closer to your figure. You shut your eyes, feeling her hot breath near your face. Your breathing was erratic, and you knew you had to calm down before you did anything.

The creature let out a loud roar, you slightly stumbling back, but regaining your balance. You turned to the dragon now, staring at her, your brother far behind standing with Rhaenyra. “Lykirī.” You repeated to the dragon.

Rhaenyra held out a hand in front of the boy, like he made an attempt to get you away from the dragon.

You turned your attention back to the dragon, large beady eyes staring into yours. You calmed your breathing, reminding yourself that this dragon would help your mother, would help your brother. And that was all the reason you needed.

You took a deep breath, slowly climbing on top of the dragon, who let out quieter noises now, still following your every move. You mounted the dragon successfully, smiling widely as you stared down at her. You grabbed onto the reins at her sides tightly.

“Sovès.” You told her, and she took off into the air. With the wind in your hair, and the clouds below you, you felt peace. That was until you went back onto the ground, your smile falling when you hopped off of silverwing, being met face to face with Jace, who didn’t look as happy as your mother did.

She spoke a congratulations, Jace glaring at you and not speaking a word until you both were alone, and he gripped your arm, pulling you aside.

"What were you thinking?" he asked urgently, his furrowed brow revealing his frustration. You stood there, confused, unable to understand why he was so upset.

“Wh- what? Why are you mad?” You asked the boy, shoving his arm off of you. He huffed, glancing around.

“Because, that was an incredibly dangerous thing to do. You didn’t even think to tell us? To tell me? You just marched on in here! You could’ve gotten hurt! What if we hadn’t been there and something happened? I would’ve never been able to forgive myself!”

“I wanted you to be happy for me, proud of me!” You scoffed, folding your arms over your chest, trying to fight the tears that dared to fall.

“It was stupid, y/n. Gods, why must you be so…”

You looked at the boy, the tears falling once you couldn’t help it anymore. “So what, Jace?”

“Nevermind.” He sighed, shaking his head, glancing down at the floor and avoiding your teary eyes. He hated when you cried, but now he had no one to blame but himself.

“Say it!” You told him, bringing your hand up and shoving his shoulder. “Say it! I’m so what, Jace? I’m stupid?”

“Your decisions are stupid.”

You bitterly laughed at his response, shaking your head. “I am stupid. I am utterly stupid for thinking that you would be happy for me.” You mumbled, he attempted to stop you when you turned, hearing his shout your name.

The next few days, you sulked around, everyone had noticed it, and was confused at your odd behavior. You hadn’t talked to Jace since then, avoiding him like the plague. You simply glanced at each other when you were at the table, but not uttering a word.

Jace had enough. The silence between the both of you was killing him. You being upset over him was killing him. So, he took a deep breath, before quietly knocking on your door, as to not wake or disturb anyone else.

You walked over to the door, opening it and peeking out. You opened it more upon seeing Jace.

“What?” You murmured to the boy, not quite wanting to see him.

“Can you come out?”

Your eyebrows raised, tilting your head in confusion. “W-what?”

“Please. Just come out of your room. I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be.” You responded.

“I have our dragons ready for us.”

This piqued your curiosity, you opening the door wider. “Why?”

“I thought we should go out and fly.” He shrugged, glancing around. “Come on.”

You sighed, silently closing the door behind you and following Jace outside, where Silverwing and Vermax sat, waiting for you both to mount them.

You shook your head, smiling at your brothers idea.

“Does anyone know?” You asked him quietly. He smiled back at you, shaking his head, walking over to Vermax while you walked to Silverwing, both of you mounting the dragons at the same time.

You held onto the reins, glancing at your brother as you spoke to your dragon. “Sovès.”

You took off into the sky, your brother not far behind. After you were above the clouds, you stopped her, and you were drifting now. Jace caught up, your dragons side by side.

“I’m sorry for how I acted. The other day.” He told you, you turning to face him. His face looked guilty, like he had held his regrets.

“I am sorry as well.” You admitted.

“Don’t be. It was me who was being unreasonable.” He shrugged, small smile gracing his features now.

As he stared at you, and you stared back, Jacaerys had come to a realization. He was in love with you. That’s what’s been eating at him forever. He’s kept his feelings down in his chest, pushing them away anytime the thought came up. He realized it now.

You swallowed, turning to face the sky again. His gaze remained on you. You both talked, about honestly everything and anything you could. You had missed his smile, his laughter. Your heart was slowly mending back together with each moment you had with the boy.

After a while of talking and riding both dragons, you both landed outside, handing the dragons back to the dragon keepers outside. You both laughing as you ran down the halls, you opening your room doors after sneaking past some guards.

Your brother stood in front of you, leaning in your doorway when you entered. You quirked an eyebrow at the boy, he swallowed, stepping closer to you, his hands going to your face.

Your mouth went agape when his hands cupped your cheeks, his eyes boring into yours. You slowly leaned in, shutting your eyes, his lips meeting yours halfway.

You both melted into the kiss. He closed the doors behind him, gently pushing your further into the room, and then onto your bed.

His hand was on the small of your back, he panted for air when he pulled away, looking down at you underneath his body. You smiled up at the boy, heart racing at what was about to come.

His pace was slow once he was inside of you, you clutching tightly onto his back, holding his body closer to yours. You let out grunts and groans, both your noises filling up the room.

“I love you.” He mumbled to you, the confession making his heart feel lighter. You looked at the boy with all the adoration and love he swears he’s ever felt.

“Avy jorrāelan.” You replied softly, his eyes searching yours. His hand went down too your cock, you letting out a moan. He leaned down, pushing his mouth onto yours again as he began to tug at your member, your pre-cum falling onto his hands.

“I’ve wanted you for so long.” He muttered against your shoulder blade, kissing the skin there as well. His breath fell hot on it.

“I’ve waited longer for you.” You chuckled lowly, feeling his lips quirk up into a smile against your shoulders.

“Mayhaps.” He breathed out, feeling that familiar coil build in his stomach. You looked down where you both connected, before looking back at him.

“Jace…” you cried out at a particular thrust, his hands working at your cock faster.

“I know, I know.” He sighed out, feeling his release close as well. He placed a kiss on your collarbone, shooting his cum inside you with a groan, and yours spilling onto his hand.

[bumblesimagines]

Prayer

Request: Yes or No

Pronouns: He/Him/His, M!Reader Summary: Alicent finds herself unable to escape her desire for a new face in court.

AHEM.

~~~

Her long, forest-green gown dragged along the cold floor, picking up the dust-caked along the stones. Her hands remained curled around each other in front of her, her head held high as she approached her typical prayer area. Those in the sept bowed to her and scurried away once she passed them, for the last thing they wanted was to disrupt the Dowager Queen's prayer time. It reminded her of the loneliness that plagued her, looming over her like a dark storm cloud. She'd been a lonely child, a lonely mother, a lonely queen. Nobody truly understood her, nor did they bother trying. 

With a soft sigh, she carefully lowered herself down onto her knees and lit one of the many candles, careful not to get hot wax on herself or the sleeve of her gown. Alicent swallowed and spared a glance around her. Ser Criston and another knight stood by the entrance where she'd entered and two handmaidens lingered by them. Enough distance for her to speak of her sins without worry of rumors spreading. Alicent turned back to the candles and stared at the flames, her fingers lacing together. 

Alicent had many things to feel guilty about; her unsalvageable friendship with Rhaenyra, her crumbling relationship with her own children, the pain in which her husband had been in for much time before passing, the self-pity that filled her veins whenever she looked upon her daughter. She thought about it all constantly. But the thing that'd led her to seek out the Seven that day... had not been among the things she truly felt guilty about. Sure, there'd been a prickle of guilt, but primarily felt because of her husband who hadn't passed that long ago. 

Her eyes fluttered shut and she bowed her head, whispering her apologies into the quiet, chilly air filling the sept. She apologized to Rhaenyra for failing her, to her children for being thrusted into duty before they could mourn their father, and to Viserys for not being there in his final moments. But her voice faltered when she thought of him. Her fingers squeezed tightly around each other as heat enveloped her face and traveled down the rest of her body, making her itch for a quick return to the castle so she could plunge herself in a bath. 

The Small Council's newest Master of Ships: (Y/N) Roxton, younger brother to Jon Roxton the Bold. Alicent had been uneasy the day he'd arrived at King's Landing with his devilish eyes and smirky mouth but Aegon had been delighted with him when they met, cementing his spot amongst the council despite merely being a few years older than Aegon and by far the youngest council member they'd thus yet had. Alicent attempted to keep her worries in check but they soon soothed when (Y/N) proved to be rather well-mannered despite the bloody reputation he and his brother had garnered throughout the years, although his youth showed through his flirtatious nature. 

Alicent found the attention pleasing, surprisingly enough. Her father had deprived her of the chance of a love-filled marriage and King Viserys had hardly given her the attention she would've wanted from a husband as he only paid her attention to fulfil his own desires. She enjoyed the flirting, even if she dismissed him with shakes of her head or gentle scolding, but the smile that toyed on her lips only led him to continue. Dreams plagued her sleep and bitter jealousy began filling her veins whenever she noticed him flirting with someone else. 

Her eyes snapped open and she inhaled sharply, the heavy scent of smoke and incense filling her senses. Despite how badly she fought against the thoughts circulating her mind. She was a devoted woman of the Seven who ought to still be mourning her husband instead of thinking of such impurities. Alicent rose unsteadily to her feet and turned swiftly, retreating from the sept and toward the awaiting carriage. She refused to meet the eyes of her handmaidens as they returned to the castle and ignored Ser Criston's questioning stare when she entered the castle and moved down the halls until she stopped before the doors to his bedchambers. 

"(Y/N) and I will be discussing some pressing matters at hand, Ser Criston. I do not wish to be interrupted." She told her Sworn Shield. Ser Criston's lips pressed into a thin line, head bobbing in a small nod before he opened the door, letting her step inside before shutting it and standing guard outside. 

(Y/N) lifted his gaze from a letter in hand, nursing a cup of wine in the other. "Your Grace," His lips curled pleasantly. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?" 

"I must... speak with you about... things."

"Things? There are many things we could speak of, Your Grace. You'll have to be more specific." (Y/N) grinned at her and a heat bubbled in her stomach. She cleared her throat and strode across the room, managing to keep her composure under his piercing stare. Her eyes slid around the tidy room, the only sign of mess coming in the form of a table with papers scattered across it. Plans for new ships and other things Alicent had little interest in. 

"I believe you know." She spoke gently once she stopped at his side, trailing her stare away from the papers and raising it to look at him. He huffed a quiet laugh and finished what was left of his wine, his lips darting out to swipe over his lips. (Y/N) raised his hand toward her face, calloused fingers brushing over the soft skin of her cheek. His knuckles bumped against her earring, fingers dipping slightly into her auburn hair and curling, palm pressed to her cheek. 

There was a sweet warmth to his touch that had Alicent leaning into his hand, relishing the idea of being touched so gently for the first time in a long while. Her eyes fluttered shut when his head leaned toward hers, their lips locking together and sending a jolt down her spine. Her hands raised, planting themselves against his chest and curling around the fabric to pull him closer. She sighed softly against the kiss, her parted lips giving him leeway to explore uncharted territory. Her skin flushed immediately, only pulling away to release a soft gasp and take in some air when he effortlessly raised her up and onto the table. 

She felt giddy again, pleased as she used to be back when she and Rhaenyra would spend every waking moment together. Her heart hammered in her chest, both nervous and thrilled. Finally, she could take matters into her own hands. Finally, she could choose who she wanted to be with without someone else deciding for her. Alicent gently pulled him back in, rolling her eyes at the snicker he released before pressing their lips together again. His fingers balled up the fabric of her skirt and tugged it upwards past her knees until it pooled at her lap. The cool air nipped at the exposed skin and Alicent resisted the instinct to tug the fabric back down, her mind drifting elsewhere when his hand grasped the flesh of her thighs and squeezed. 

"How long until someone requires our presence?" He murmured against her. 

"We have plenty of time."

So there Alicent remained in his bedchambers; Ser Criston stationed outside dismissing any maids and such who wished to enter for whatever reason.

Much time had passed, nearly a full hour, but there she remained, her long loose curls sticking to her glistening, sweat-covered skin. Her dress had long been abandoned on the floor by the bed, discarded rapidly before it could be torn to shreds. His arms were wrapped loosely around her waist, keeping her flush against his bare chest and pressed down on his lap. Her nails dug into his shoulder, her hazy mind attempting to catch up while her body recovered, her hips and sticky thighs aching.

She'd have to drink moon tea, the rational part of her realized, but she merely slumped against him.

A breathy squeak escaped her when he moved them, her back meeting the silk sheets beneath. He chuckled into her throat, teeth dragging lightly across her skin and making her shudder against him. (Y/N) leaned back with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm not finished with you yet, My Queen."

[charliedawn]

How would the Hannibal family react to a reader who has nightmares quite often? Please and thank you

Hannibal Lecter Sr.

Hannibal Sr. would likely approach the situation with a blend of concern and control. He’s protective, so he would want to understand the source of your nightmares, but his manipulative side might also see them as an opportunity to deepen his influence over you. He might gently coax you into confiding in him, offering comfort in a way that reinforces his authority. His soothing words might mask an underlying manipulation, saying something like, "Nightmares often stem from unresolved fears. Let me help you confront them. You’ll feel safer under my care." His presence would be calming, though you’d always sense an undertone of control.

Hannibal Lecter Jr.

Hannibal Jr. would be more subtle and perhaps harder to read. He would offer practical solutions, encouraging you to analyze the root cause of your nightmares, suggesting methods to reduce them (like changing your routine, diet, or environment). His response might be calm and logical, but you’d notice his underlying care for your well-being. He’d be patient when comforting you, though his demeanor might seem detached. If you woke up from a nightmare and went to him, he’d sit with you in silence, offering a quiet and steady presence without too many words. "Dreams are just dreams, love. They cannot harm you," he’d remind you, offering logical comfort.

Morgan Hannibal

Morgan’s response would likely be one of quiet frustration at first. His calculative and cold demeanor might make him less inclined to deal with emotional displays, though his dutiful side would compel him to help. He might offer medical advice, such as suggesting ways to improve your sleep hygiene, but emotional comfort wouldn’t come naturally. However, over time, as he grows more accustomed to your nightmares, he’d soften and become more compassionate, sitting by your side and trying to distract you from the fear. He’d offer comforting but practical words like, "Nightmares can’t harm you, but I’ll stay if it helps." While not emotionally expressive, he’d show his care in more subtle ways.

Kevin Hannibal

Kevin would immediately jump to your side if you were distressed by nightmares. His blunt words might initially come off as insensitive at first, as he’d likely tell you, "They’re just nightmares. It’s your brain messing with you." But despite this, his loyalty would make him stay up with you, trying to make you laugh or distract you with jokes and stories. He might doodle something silly to cheer you up or offer a creative way to combat your fears. Kevin wouldn’t be the most emotionally articulate, but his presence would be comforting, in a "big brother who won’t leave you alone" kind of way. He’d be determined to make sure you felt safe and keep you from having nightmares again by hugging you for the night.

Peter Hannibal

Peter would probably be the most empathetic to your nightmares. Being a sensitive soul himself, he’d fully understand the terror they can bring and would likely become overly emotional about it. He might worry excessively about what your nightmares mean, constantly checking on you throughout the night and offering you endless comfort. He’d hold you as you woke up, whispering soothing words like, "I’m here, it’s okay, it’s not real." Peter would likely be the one to stay up with you all night, making sure you felt safe, even if it meant losing sleep himself. His devotion would be overwhelming but genuine, and he’d do anything to make sure you felt protected.

Also, he’d be happy to feel needed.

[witchlingcirce]

Okay I’m sorry but I feel like people are missing the point of Jace’s speech!!! The whole point of this conversation is about his insecurities and how he views his bastardy.

Do I think he should be insulting the small folk? No. But I don’t think you guys understand- people viewing Jace and his siblings as bastards and unworthy of the throne is quite literally now where introduced to Joffrey and him.

The topic of being a bastard is so prominent to his character! Throughout the first season Jace is constantly reminded that he’s a bastard and how ‘strong’ he is. Him being a bastard has caused problems in the past as well.

—> During the fight with Aemond, he’s reminded of Harwin being dead and also Aemond calling Jace a bastard (fight inevitable led to Luke cutting out Aemonds eye —> Aemond killing Luke).

—> During the aftermath of this fight, the topic of Luke and Jace being bastard is really prominent and it’s being thrown around the room for everyone to see and hear. I can’t imagine how embarrassing it must be for your cousins to be like “just look at them, everyone already knows”.

—> having to watch his brother fight for his legitimacy in front of the entire court room. Seeing a man call your mother a whore, and than watching that same man be beheaded (and he’s legally ur uncle too lol).

—> Him asking Rhaenyra with so much contempt if he was a bastard.

There is more examples of his, Luke and Joffs parentage being consistently mentioned throughout the show but those are some examples.

So, here is Jace who has quite literally watched his, his family and especially his mothers claim be put in question and almost taken away because of his existence- and than here he is seeing other Targaryen bastards being able to claim a dragon.

He even says it during the argument, that him having a dragon makes his claim legitimate. But seeing all these other people claim a dragon, well what does it mean?? This is backed up in season one when Alicent mentions to Viserys (or maybe Cole? My memories a bit foggy) that she’s surprised his dragon even hatched. Why?? Because he’s a bastard

I don’t think argument comes from hatred towards the small folk (although he used some colourful language…), I think it comes from so much built up resentment all coming out. I mean, what claim does he even have??? Wouldn’t everyone else also have a claim???

For so long he’s been so insecure about himself, about his future and about how others view him. This is really just him releasing his pent up anger towards a situation that’s never been able to leave him alone.

To those who have read Fire & Blood, than you understand that these words will quite literally come back to haunt the actions of the end of the dance.

Anyways that’s just my pov on this fight- Jace you will always be loved by me.

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Headcanons | Big James & John cheering up their sister by starting a tickle fight | Platonic

Requested by Erin

Growing up with two older brothers has you at one huge disadvantage, namely that throughout your childhood, they have not only just been protective over you. It happens that they also love to tease you.

Let’s just say that they make it their personal mission to get under your skin as much as they can. This was especially prominent during your teenage years, and even though they are doing it less now that you’re adults, they still tend to be playful from time to time.

Now that the three of you are following Jesus, you’re forced to live closer together than before, sharing poky tents and being on the road all the time.

This brings forth some frustrations here and there, since you cannot exactly remove yourself from being alongside your brothers constantly. 

Your new situation also causes you to grow a bit anxious. No day is certain and you’re still looking for your personal position within the group, since your brothers are both called by Jesus and you’re just… Tagging along. At least, that’s what you feel like. 

James and John notice your sullen mood after a few days of you feeling particularly down. When your oldest brother attempts to get it out of you what has you in such a sour mood, you just turn away with the message that nothing is wrong.

John tries to get to the root of the problem as well, but cannot get it out of you even though his words are quite convincing. 

They discuss with each other what might be the issue with you, and how to get you out of your shell again. 

It isn’t until John overhears a conversation by accident that he finds out the reason for your tense and distant mood: you are afraid to lose them as your brothers, that they will forget about you once they have been properly sent out by Jesus.

This warms your brother’s heart, but at the same time, it breaks for you. He knows that neither him nor James will ever be able to stay away from you for long, since you are their dear sister.

When he tells this to the older Thunder, they come up with an idea as to how to show you that you are still their little sister and that they love you, no matter where life will lead you. And so, they decide that they are going to tackle you and tickle you all over until you’re giggling and begging for mercy, just like they did when you were children. 

One day, after you return from the market, you head for your tent to wind down from the day and take some time for yourself.

Unbeknownst to you, Big James is waiting for you around the corner, grabbing you from behind and lifting you up.

Your panic is only brief when you instantly recognise him, though. 

Right as you are about to protest, John jumps out from your tent and begins moving his fingers over your sides and at your neck, causing you to shriek and writhe at the sensation. 

It doesn’t take long for you to not be able to breathe anymore, laughing so hard that there are tears leaking down your face. John doesn’t show you any mercy, no matter how much you plead.

Eventually, the fun has been enough and James puts you down after a minute or so, smirking down at you. 

“Don’t think you aren’t still our little sister even though we are with the Messiah, (Y/n).” 

“Right, you shouldn’t expect us to stop teasing you until we are at least eighty.” 

The unexpected attack that had left you laughing and feeling lighter on your feet has definitely lifted your spirits, and you thank them for their efforts of making you feel better about things.

“Don’t ever do that again, though, or I will kick you. And trust me, I can kick harder than back when I was ten.” 

James doesn’t take that threat lightly.

It makes things less tense from then on, and your older brothers often remind you that they will never let you live it down. No matter how old the three of you are getting, you will always be their baby sister who will forever remain the receiving end of their mischief.

[mina-posts-nonsense]

rin & ness’s doomed unconditional love (p1 rin)

i think it’s interesting how the itoshi brothers & kainess both break up because one part of the duo puts their “person” over football:

football to rin & ness simply becomes a means to be close to someone they love, but just by doing that they’ve driven away that precious person:

this will probably be like 2 or 3 parts because of the image limit, gonna begin with rin and his love first!!

rin and that snowy night:

rin originally wanted to be the world's best striker yet limits himself to second best, because that’s what sae wants from him:

he loves sae so fiercely that even if sae is showing him the ultimate faith, and willing to support his ORIGINAL dream- he wholeheartedly rejects it.

(side note: it’s CRAZY how sae said there’s people more awesome than him, so he revised his dream, yet still had faith in RIN to be the best regardless of what he saw in spain!!!!!)

think about it, isn’t it much better for rin to be the world’s best striker rather than constantly being overshadowed by his brother in second place? isn’t it better for him if sae simply acts as support ? yet even if this is a better deal for him, sae once told him that anything less than a striker is worthless :

so by sae’s own metric, rin doesn’t want his brother to be worthless (or “less”) than him, because he loves him and treasures him above himself, he’s okay being “less” but he’ll never accept his brother being “less”.

next, sae tells him to not give up on their dream just because it’s hard without sae, which he tries reminding sae of in that same conversation:

so he doesn’t want sae to give up on himself, because again he firmly believes that sae is capable of the best, he’s just wondering why this is all happening, throughout the conversation we see him ask questions because he’s trying to understand the change he sees, like why are you suddenly putting yourself down?

why do things have to turn out like this when i did what you told me to, when i tried my best for you all these years?

like cmon everyday he trains hard, to the extent where his teammates know his habits!

he just constantly making sae aware of how much sae means to him, how much he believes in sae and he never wanted to put their dream at risk in the slightest:

so this whole scene is how rin loved sae enough to advocate better for him, it’s how rin believes that sae is the most deserving of being the best and how rin will even fight sae over that belief even if sae shows that same belief in him !

i started with night snow because it’s something that rin gets mischaracterised to hell and back for, when it’s literally an example of his devotion and unconditional love for sae, yet he’s accused of “not caring” or being wrong or disregarding sae’s feelings and causing the fight.

WHEN THROUGHOUT THE CONVERSATION ALL HE’S TRYING TO DO IS UNDERSTAND SAE, he wants to know what’s wrong with his weight loss, he wants to know why sae changed his mind, he wants sae to stop putting himself down and giving up on their dream, even after the 1v1 he tries again to bargain and reason with sae, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he would have come around to sae being a midfielder.

but sae putting himself down, sae giving up on being the best, sae coming home changed and exhausted, sae not explaining anything beyond “you don’t know the world”, it’s not anything that rin can agree with.

rin’s love for sae vs his perception of sae’s love for him:

it’s immediately clear that rin loves sae beyond football, just notice how the smile disappears from his face when he sees sae’s exhaustion

how he praises him (showing that he kept up with sae’s career) then notices AND worries about his weight loss, because he cares about him more than his football successes- what he wants to talk about is sae’s health !!! yes he’s brillant and amazing at football, but how is his health ? ( which sae sadly brushes him off ...)

here’s that same scene from the light novel:

“

“Wasn’t that shot naive?”

While he was entranced by the fluttering snow, he heard a familiar voice from behind him.

“Ah.” When he turned around, Sae was there. The falling snow reflects the lights on the ground and sparkles. In the snow that shimmered beautifully, as if like an illusion, Sae was standing. His heart leaps. It wasn’t an illusion. He was carrying a large suitcase, and he could tell he had come here straight from the airport.

“Nii-chan……”

He thought he would just shout out loud “I'm the best in Japan!” and hug him, but in reality, that didn't work out that way. Sae's expression was grim and looked terribly worn out. He wasn't the kind of person to smile, but even so, he had never shown this kind of face to Rin.

“Welcome… back…”

“Yeah… I’m back.”

He wonders what's wrong. Is he tired from the plane ride? Or is he not feeling well?

“It’s been four years, huh… but weren’t you supposed to return tomorrow?”

…….He wonders if he isn’t glad to see him after so long.

“Yeah. I came ahead of schedule.”

The snow continues to fall. He doesn't know why, but his brother seems so far away. It’s sad and scary.

”

so yeah, he loves sae more than football and that is the exact problem!

even after that snowy night, he STILL keeps up with sae’s news:

the first image is directly after their fight and the second is after u20, so even when he thought sae threw him away and didn’t love him (or never loved him in the first place), he STILL keeps up with him.

even crazier is that he once jumped in front of a moving car to save sae’s ticket:

so that’s why it hits so hard when he thinks sae only used him for football, because he used football for sae:

this is a crazy statement considering that rin has his own desires to play football! he has a destroyer ego that sae has nothing to do with, yet his love for sae outweighed his initial impulses to play, that’s why it’s a doomed sort of unconditional love.

love -> (supposedly) hate aka the crashout scene:

the specific trigger for it is him thinking that his entire life was a lie, that all the love his brother had for him was false and simply because he was worth using:

he’d rather not have played at all if everything was false, if he was being used, if the sae he loved simply never existed, but the thing that send him over the edge is his experiences being invalidated:

(fun fact: that specific frame he’s looking at is his favourite picture

“His favorite photo is the one taken when they won the junior competition. Rin is in the third grade and Sae is in the fifth grade. Sae is in the middle of their team, with a bored look in his face like it’s just natural to win. Next to him is Rin holding the trophy high in the air because Sae, the ace who was supposed to hold it, let Rin do so.”

mentioned in the rin light novel!!)

the sae he loved and who loved him wouldn’t have given up on their dream, that sae would never have given up on his ego or said such cruel things to him. in a weird sort of way, he’s trying to give value to their bond by destroying sae- because he’s refuting the fact that everything they had was a lie, he genuinely loved sae and he practically built his whole life around him-and that’s why he won’t forgive the fact that sae is supposedly invalidating everything.

remember because all his life he’s wanted to be by sae’s side, he’s continually bothered by how far sae is:

throughout the light novel, he basically talks to sae’s picture and it’s emphasised how lonely he was without sae and how much he struggled and also constantly worried about being left behind. yet he didn’t tell sae a thing as to not burden him with it.

remember they equate their personal relationship with football, it’s not just about “far” in terms of skill level but also emotional distance:

rin is just continually yearning for his brother, he wants to be good enough to be by his side and the reminder of how far sae is keeps sending him into despair- right after this scene, he says this:

consider the prior context- he crashed out because sae invalidated their brotherhood so here he’s stating to himself that they ARE brothers, thus he refuses to be less than sae to prove that !

you could even argue he's fighting so hard, specifically dedicating every minute to football for the purpose of defeating sae because he thinks this will repair their relationship (aka “defending their brotherhood, making sae see that everything wasn’t a lie”):

(side note: it’s almost like he’s denying any change in their relationship, because he doesn’t want to believe things have changed or that everything was a lie!)

hence why he melts immediately at recognition even if he didn't get to enact his revenge of hurting sae as much as sae hurt him:

for a second, he thought he finally proved himself enough to get his brother back.

like cmon rin scored this match and sae didn't say a word, rin was also n1 of bllk and captain and helped create chances for everyone to score, it's only fair that sae takes back his words because they clearly aren't true, yet even the most basic form of recognition makes rin soften up like that and he just gets his heartbroken again.

desire for validation:

prior to pxg vs bm football was basically a way to bond with sae and get him back, [i think we’ll see him focus on his destructive impulses now that he understands his true ego (in the light novel he uses horror movies to cope after sae leaves)] and a core part of that was looking for validation.

he changes himself so that he can stay by sae’s side, this later becomes "how can i make him approve of me"? which unfortunately translates to "im not enough unless he approves of me":

he’s quite literally haunted by not being good enough for sae, when rin finds himself lacking he uses sae’s insult of “lukewarm”, it’s most clear in pxg vs bm, he literally conjured phantoms of sae and despair at not surpassing his phantom's expectations! he only receives "pleasure" from a goal when he defeated sae's phantom (after isagi took its place)- so in a way, he's almost trying to as working to shape his destroyer ego into something that sae approves of.

rin also has this negative self image of himself, remember he was told that his worth depended on football by the person he loved the most, and he seems to have internalised this:

if his body breaks, that’s all his worth is as a football player, he doesn’t value his body it’s just a tool for him to use to prove to sae that he’s not worthless! an incredibly destructive mindset that you see later on too:

so yeah, unconditional means unconditional, he will act in practically self harming ways to get good enough for sae, even if it’s his own phantom of sae- he will do anything and everything for that validation/approval/love. it’s not that he loves sae if sae loves him (otherwise night snow would have turned out differently) but he loves sae ABOVE himself, that’s why he can easily put his body at risk and why he’s so opposed to sae being a midfielder.

abrupt conclusion:

i had more to say buuuuut i ran out of pictures🫠 so im gonna conclude this part here, i still have to talk about his destroyer mode and what sae said during night snow too, but basically the main points of this post are that:

rin loves sae selflessly and unconditionally, he is fine being lower than him even if his dream was to be the world’s best striker yet he will not allow sae to be lower than him, he believes so strongly that sae can be the best that he’s willing to fight him over it, which dooms him in a series about being an egoist and ruthlessly climbing over people to be the best. (also rin genuinely worries and tries to understand sae in night snow, just please re read the thing if you still think he was some heartless prick, because the entire time he was questioning, bargaining and always mentioning how highly he thinks of sae.)

rin used football to be close to sae, yet he believes that sae used him for football, but even after, thinking that he still keeps up with sae’s career and admires him and immediately melts when he thinks sae will recognise him 

a more destructive side to his love is how willing he is to hurt himself to evolve/beat sae(hence get him back)/train because he was told his worth to sae as a brother comes from his football skills. he literally jumps into a moving car for sae! he’s incredibly desperate for validation.

[fabuloustrash05]

Why I Love 2012 Raphael

A TMNT 2012 Character Appreciation/Character Analysis Post

If you know me or follow me here or on Instagram then you know that my favorite Ninja Turtle is Raphael. More specifically, Raphael from the TMNT 2012 series. Nowadays, this version of Raph gets a lot of unfair hate from fans (new and old), which I find to be ridiculous. So I decided to show this turtle in red some love and express my reasons as to why I love 2012 Raphael. 

To start, I wanna give some love and appreciation to Raphael’s voice actor, Sean Astin. His voice was perfect for the role. I feel so many other Raphael voices try too hard to make him sound manly and more of a giant muscular brute, often forgetting that he is just a teenage boy. Sean does a good job making Raph sound tough when needed, but still making him sound like he is a teenager. He does a great job balancing Raph’s rude attitude but also his gentle and sweet side as well. Also he nailed those girlish screams! XD I feel voice actors nowadays don’t get a lot of recognition, so I wanted to show my appreciation here.

The biggest thing I love about Raphael is his development in the show. I’d argue he had the most/best character development among the four Turtles. We all know how he is in the beginning of the series, being rude, hotheaded, constantly picking fights with Leo and other characters. The show makes it obvious that Raph in S1-2 is scared of his own emotions and feelings, the only time he truly opens up and expresses himself is when he talks to his pet turtle, Spike. The best way I can describe Raph’s character is that he is the “tough guy with a heart of gold” trope. I believe one of the show’s producers, Ciro Neili, even confirmed that was their intention when creating Raph’s character for the show. Raph is a brute, a hothead, but deep down he's a big softie. A lot of Raphael haters seem to forget or ignore that fact about his character. Yes, he is mostly known throughout the fandom to be the hothead, he is the muscle of the group, but he is also the protector. Raph knows that, so if he comes off as weak, then he loses that title. Deep down Raph, and the people around him, know that he is a big softy who loves and cares for others, but he keeps up this tough guy persona in order to protect and seem strong for the ones he loves most. 

As the series goes on Raph learns to open up to others, he grows to respect Leo as a leader and seems to control his temper way more by Season 5. On rewatch I notice in S4-5, Raph only ever gets mad for valid/understandable reasons, mainly when someone is hurting/threatening his loved ones. How did this happen? I believe Raph’s development started when he lost Spike in season 2.

Slash and Destroy is one of my favorite Raphael focused episodes and I will stand by and say that this episode was the beginning of Raph’s character development. In the episode, Raph’s pet Spike gets mutated and becomes Slash, targeting and attacking Raph’s brothers. As a reminder, up to this episode, the only person Raph could express his true feelings to was Spike. Everytime Raph ranted negatively about his brothers, Spike was there to hear it, causing him to have a negative view on Leo, Donnie and Mikey. Slash shows pure hatred for the brothers, especially Leo. After brutally attacking Leo, Slash smiles and says “Been looking forward to that for a long time.” The mutagen warped Slash’s brain, making him go crazy and viciously attack Raph’s brothers because like Raph said earlier in the episode, he doesn’t need them. Raph gets a visual representation of his words and negative thoughts towards his brothers in action through Slash. Slash’s purpose in this episode is to represent all of Raph’s anger and frustration he’s had for his brothers over the years based on what he told Spike. By the end of the episode, Splinter comforts Raph and suggests that he should “focus on the friends he has in the present''. For all of Raph’s life, he trusted and relied only on Spike, but Spike is now gone, so Splinter indirectly advises his son that it is time to trust and rely on others, to not bottle up his emotions, advice that Raph takes.

As the show goes on, Raph slowly progresses, opening up more to others, which will eventually lead to him having two great things in his life come season 4 (but we’ll talk about them later).

Casey was another part of Raph’s development that some fans don’t notice. Donnie makes a comment that Casey being around is like having two Raphaels. While Raph and Casey become best friends because of their similar personalities, Casey is also a reflection of Raph. When around Casey, Raph has to be the level headed one, the responsible one. He criticizes Casey for not being stealthy like a ninja in the S2 episode Newtralized and not planning ahead in the fight (remind you of anyone? *cough* Leo *cough*). When they first meet, Raph gives Casey the same exact advice his father gave him earlier in the episode that “anger is a dangerous alley”. Casey is a more reckless version of Raph, something Raph unknowingly sees and tries to help and protect, he has to be the mature one in their dynamic, opposite to when he’s teamed up with Leo and gets to be the rebel again. It’s like he’s getting a taste of his own medicine.

Not to mention, Raph met Casey after he lost Spike, having a new friend he can rely on. Later on in the episode Newtralized, after meeting Slash, Casey says, “Is that your old pet turtle? The one who got mutated?”. This little piece of dialogue is so important to Raph’s character but it sadly goes over a lot of people’s heads. It indirectly tells us that off screen, Raph has opened up to Casey and told him about a traumatic and hard time in his life. Progress that we will continue to see as the show goes on.

Season 3 Raph at the Farmhouse was the peak of his character development! Raphael took charge in that arc. He became the temporary leader of the group when Leo was out of commission due to his injury. After losing their father (reminder they thought Splinter was dead by this point), being chased out of their home and the city, and losing to one of their greatest enemies, Raph stepped up. He took care of everyone. He made sure that Donnie, Mikey and even April kept up with their ninja training, he was the one who is always prepared during an attack or new threat (ex: when he and the others were trapped in the geyser in the episode Eyes of The Chimera and he was the only one with a grappling hook to help them get out, criticizing his brothers for not being true ninjas and how they should be prepared for anything). April even states that for months, Raph stayed by Leo’s side when he was in his coma, refusing to eat or sleep, and when Leo did wake up, Raph was the first to help him get back on his feet, taking him out on walks to help get his strength back. 

Raph not only was there for Leo, but he was there for Donnie. After Donnie gets heartbroken when April rejects his music box gift in the episode A Foot Too Big, Mikey is sympathetic, but Raph hits Donnie with a much needed reality check. He tells him bluntly “It's never gonna happen, Donnie. We're mutants. She's a girl. You're a giant talking turtle. The sooner you get used to it, the better.” Even with that though, Raph acknowledges his brother’s broken heart and quickly tries to cheer Donnie up and get his mind off April with some training. Then later in the episode, when Donnie expresses how uncomfortable he is with Big Foot’s romantic gestures, Raph once again nails it perfectly by telling him, “Now you know how April feels.” Some may say what Raph said was mean and how he should’ve put him down more gently, but in truth this was something Donnie needed to hear and no one else was gonna do it any time soon! Someone had to open his eyes to the situation, and Raph was the perfect candidate. 

The final brother dynamic in the farmhouse arc with Mikey and Raph was little when it came to screen time, but Raph still shows how much he loves his little brother after Mikey gets captured by the Punk Frogs in the episode The Croaking. As soon as he sees Mikey, Raph drops everything mid fight to hug his brother, relieved for his safety, though the hug abruptly ends after Raph and Mikey find the situation to be “weird”, a very brotherly response if you ask me XD 

With this, we know full well how much Raph loves his brothers. Despite his “lone wolf” attitude in season 1, Raph makes it clear from the very beginning that he does care about his brothers more than anything else in the world. He's loyal, he stays by his brothers' side and has admitted countless times that he would rather die than see them get hurt. "I have no problem risking my own life, but risking my brothers?" (S1 ep14) and he states this again in the next season, “Sorry, Slash. My brothers come first, no matter what.” (S2 ep7). Raph makes it clear (to the audience) that his brothers and his family always come first (so I don’t know why fans keep saying he hates them).

Also, anyone that says that he abuses and is a bully to Mikey needs to go touch some grass because that is a big fat lie and you obviously didn't watch the show (or you're an only child). Brothers are going to fight and pick on each other. That is normal! As someone with an older brother (who is much like Raph btw), I can confirm that siblings to this and in the end we still love each other and have each other’s backs. Out of all the brothers Raph is the most protective of Mikey. The second he learns that Mikey is hurt or someone wants to harm him he is the first going in for the attack or the first one to take action to protect Mikey and bring him to safety.

I mentioned this earlier, but I love how Raph grows/learns to respect Leo as a leader, though he still questions his brother’s judgment from time to time. By season 5, in the episode The Forgotten Swordsman, Raph and Mikey are out on patrol and start talking about Leo. Mikey expresses concern for Leo to which Raph says “He just misses Master Splinter. Being sensei's hard on him. I just wish we knew-”. Raph gets cut off, so we never know what he was going to say, but I headcanon he was going to say “I just wish we knew how to help him.” Raph acknowledges Leo’s growing stress and pressure of being the new sensei after Splinter’s death and he wants to help out anyway he can, but he (and everyone else) just don’t know how. He looks up to and respects Leo and cares about him a lot more than fans and even he himself believe.

Though we see very little moments of them, my overall favorite brother dynamic is Raph with Donnie. I like how Raph is the only brother who is direct and tries to help Donnie move on from his crush on April because he worries and cares for Donnie and knows he’s sensitive when it comes to his feelings. Even when Raph shows disapproval of Donnie’s crush on April, Raph will still be a wingman for Donnie. In the episode Operation: Break Out, after rescuing April’s dad from the Kraang prison, Raph starts hyping Donnie up in front of April to make him look good. Also Donnie refers to him and Raph as “The New A Team” in the episode Arena of Carnage (Mikey does too at one point in another episode, but later he calls him and Raph “Team Awesome”). I just think Donnie and Raph are a fun team and a very underrated sibling duo of “brains and brawn” in the series. It deserves more love and attention from fans.

I’ve talked about how much Raph cares for and is loyal to his brothers, but he is the same towards his friends too. He's protective of April, being the one to go rescue her from the Kraang in the episode The Kraang Conspiracy. He’s even the one who’s words get to April when she was possessed by the alien Za-Naron in the episode The Power Inside Her, reminding April about how much she cares for Donnie which gives her the strength she needed to free herself from Za-Naron’s control. Raph shows he cares for Casey's safety when they do dangerous missions that are out of Casey’s element and was the one who made sure Casey was safe when he was cursed by Alopex’s blade in season 4, and despite their past, Raph is always worried and shows concern for Slash.

Raph shows throughout season 2 that he has faith in Slash to turn to the side of good (something Raph gets proven right about later on). Raph is even one of the first people to trust Slash when he returns with his new team The Mighty Mutanimals in season 3, despite Leo's harsh judgements and suspicion.

The strange thing is, it is usually the other way around, with Leo wanting to make allies and Raph being the distrusting one, a dynamic switch we will see again in season 4…

I can’t make a 2012 Raphael appreciation post/character analysis without talking about the queen herself, Mona Lisa! As mentioned previously, Raph is a softie, and one of the biggest examples of that is when it comes to his relationship with his love interest, later girlfriend, Y’gythgba aka Mona Lisa. When trying to survive on the ice planet, Raph is the only one to suggest that he and the others should team up with the Salamandrians to find the metal they need to fix their ships and get off the planet. Though Raph’s plan is highly motivated by his newfound feelings for Mona, he knows that it is the best option that can help save his family and friends, and despite Leo dismissing the idea, Raph sneaks off alone to convince the Salamandrians himself. 

Raph’s feelings for Mona Lisa have always interested me, specifically how he fell for her. Unlike his brothers with their love interests being the cliche “love at first sight”, Raph’s was “love at first fight”. We all know how Raph fell for Mona, they fought each other after a misunderstanding and after one good punch to the face Raph was smitten. He quickly began admiring her strength, acknowledging what a power punch she gave him, and amazed by her skills and spirit as a warrior. Raph admits right from the start that he loves Mona because she's “bigger, stronger and a better fighter than” him. He never once feels that his masculinity is being threatened when around her, and throughout their relationship never told her to not be herself. He loves that she's better than him as a warrior and can beat his shell! He shows excitement at the suggestion of him and her sparring together someday in the episode The War for Dimension X. He adores her, and never cares about others' judgment regarding his relationship with her. When Casey laughs at him after discovering his crush on her, instead of denying his feelings or getting angry at Casey and later the others for mocking him (something we would expect Raph to do), Raph instead continues expressing his romantic interest in her to everyone. He opened up about his feelings to others! If S1 Raph met and fell in love with Mona, I’m convinced he would’ve been a tsundere and just be in denial about it the entire time, not wanting to look soft because he has a crush. Raph met Mona at the perfect time in his life. He has emotionally mature. In truth, I think Mona made Raph a better man and was the key to help him continue his character growth throughout the rest of the series.

A good example of how much Raph has changed and matured is when Mona betrayed him in the episode The Evil of Dregg. Discovering that his first love, the one person he trusted “more than anyone in the galaxy” betrayed him, broke Raph’s heart and his fighting spirit. When Mona pleads for forgiveness, you can understand Raph’s anger and now he’s not quick to forgive her, but even when he’s mad at her he still loves her. Look at Raph right before Mona goes off into battle:

If he was truly mad at her, he wouldn’t be looking back, his back would be fully turned, refusing to have his eyes meet with her’s. He looks back at her but he’s not looking at her with anger or hatred, it’s sorrow. Raph still cares, he’s just hurt at the moment. Because of the betrayal, Raph believes that everything he and Mona have been through meant nothing to her, but then Mona assures him that his doubts are wrong when she tells him that she loves him for the first time, and that’s all Raph needed to hear to bring back his fighting spirit and run into battle to join her. Raph even snaps and tries to kill Lord Dregg after he harmed Mona and shows just how far he’ll go for her if someone ever tries to harm her (he does it again in S5 when Bishop insults Mona, he quickly jumps in to defend “his woman”). By the end of the episode, Raph and Mona reconcile. Him forgiving her shows how much Raph has grown as a character. S1 Raph would never have forgiven her, he would’ve held the grudge and not let go of it, but this Raph knows what Mona did was out of her control, she was blackmailed, so Raph did the mature thing, understood her situation, and forgave her. Him forgiving her shows how strong their love for each other is, and they keep on showing how much they love one another throughout the rest of the series. 

Some other little details about Raph’s character that I like is that he's an animal guy. With his first pet Spike and the rooftop pigeons, we see a side of him that everyone else rarely gets to see. This minor trait about his character speaks a thousand words. It shows that he is gentle and caring at heart despite his tough persona he gives out to everyone else. We see this not only with Spike in seasons 1-2, but also later in seasons 4-5 with his new pet, Chompy Picasso.

By the time Chompy enters Raph’s life, he has matured. The purpose for Spike was for Raph to have someone to talk to about his feelings and express himself without judgment. Spike was like a therapy dog. Chompy however is not that. Raph has learned to open up by this point in the story, so he doesn’t need Chompy to talk about his personal problems and frustration as much as he had with Spike. Yes, Chompy is there to listen to Raph but at this point in the story Raph is open and expressive and not afraid to show his feelings to others. Raph has probably mention things to Chompy he still wouldn’t say to others (like in The Tale of Tiger Claw, he talks about Mona Lisa to Chompy, seeming that this isn’t the first time he’s done this), but Chompy isn’t a pet for Raph to vent to, instead he was a way for Raph to learn a new responsibility. Chompy is just a baby who just needs someone to love him, to look after and care for him, and Raph is that someone. He took a big responsibility to take care of Chompy after it was believed that his mother, Tokka, was killed. Raph doesn’t need another therapy dog, no, Chompy needs a caregiver, and when Tokka returns to take back her baby, she sees how much Chompy loves Raph and decides that it is better for him to stay on Earth with Raph where she knows he will be safe. I will always stand by this: Raph needed Spike, Chompy needed Raph.

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I think Raphael is more similar and a parallel to Splinter than Leonardo is. Leo may be Splinter’s “best pupil” and next in line to be sensei for the Hamato Clan, but Splinter and Raph have a lot more in common than the show’s canon or even the fandom acknowledge and it hurts to think of the wasted potential. Raph obviously inherited Splinter's temper. We see in flashbacks that when Splinter was a young man he had an uncontrollable temper that Shredder could easily manipulate, and we still sometimes see that temper blow up in the show when Splinter is upset and disciplining his sons. There’s more similarities though than just them both being hotheaded. They both have a love and appreciation for art. Splinter mentions in Lone Rat and Cubs that he always wanted to be an artist, and it’s well known he loves the renaissance artists. Raph being an artist is a cute and fun little detail about his character that I really like and you see many times in the show, but fans barely acknowledge. He’s the one who painted the Venus pin up girl on the Party Wagon, he gives his girlfriend the nickname “Mona Lisa” (which he indirectly tells her that every time he calls her Mona Lisa he is reminding her that she is a beautiful work of art), and names his pet "Chompy Picasso" after the artist Pablo Picasso. Not to mention that both men know the pain and fear of the woman you love dying in your arms. I love Raph’s relationship with Splinter in the show, and it’s honestly way more interesting than Leo and Splinter’s.

I love their little “Spike, chew on your leaf…” bit in season 1 and how they bond over the Japanese mantra to help Raph overcome his fear of insects in season 4 (btw Raph being scared of bugs was so fun, I like the trope of the big strong dude being scared of something so small and harmless). The episode ends on a fun note, Splinter tells Raph to not tell the others of the mantra cause he “might use that trick on them one day”, showing that Splinter has a devious fun side to him similar to Raph’s.

Is 2012 Raphael perfect? Not at all. No character is. He still has flaws, but I feel that’s what makes him such a fun character still. I feel he had the best and most character development in the series. I love his voice actor, I love his character development, I love his relationship with his brothers, friends and girlfriend, I love all the little character details about him from his love of animals to his passion in art. It’s just my personal opinion, but I think 2012 Raph is the best version of Raphael. He has faced injustice in this day and age with fans misrepresenting his character and hating him for the wrong reasons. You don’t have to like him, everyone has their own opinions on certain characters and I respect that, but there’s a time when not liking him goes too far with saying he’s a bully and abuses his family. The haters can go argue with a wall, 2012 Raphael is the best and I love him, and I hope this post made you appreciate him a little bit more too <3

[sock-n-roll]

KINDCEMBER DAY TWOOOOO

MY GIRL

MY GIRL

OH MY GOD YALL MY GIRL ITS HER DAY

POLLUX TIMEEEEE

Gods you all i cannot explain how much I adore Pollux.

This is going to start happy and get angry before it gets happy again I am upset that people don't think she should be angry at lunar so I may get rant-y. But I promise this is all positive towards her.

Pollux is the first astral Lunar meets. She is never afraid of what she is, she doesn't even try to hide it from Lunar. When he points it out she just looks confused and brushes it off. She's so positive and energetic and what she doesn't understand in social cues and human emotions she makes up for in energy and genuine care. She gives off the most care of the pair initially, especially in my mind when Earth gets hurt and Castor doesn't want to tell her because he's worried she'll get distracted from their mission.

I just rewatched the magic vacation episode this morning where Pollux took Lunar and Castor to Paris and China and oh my gods I was giggling so hard the entire time. I love her energy and her heart and how much of herself she puts into everything she does. She wants to take in everything, she wants to learn everything that she can. Throughout lunar's training she's constantly their hype man (hype woman? hype star? who knows), and that carries on into their relationship, as she tries to support him when he's struggling with his emotions.

She sometimes reminds me of a puppy with how hyper and excitable she is, constantly moving, dancing, shimmying, singing, etc.

Pollux is genuinely willing to change how she sees the world for Lunar, her first real friend, her partner, her mentee. She's willing to spend countless hours watching rom coms to learn how romance works, she wants to learn more about earth (the planet) and teach her brother and Lunar, she says specifically that she is learning how emotions work because she wants to understand how Lunar sees the world and to be what they need in a partner.

Now, current lore time. This is my opinions. If you have problems with it, scroll away or block me. It's not my job to keep you happy.

Pollux deserves to be angry. Some people don't like this, but she deserves it. Her first friend, her partner, a person she is willing to change heaven and earth for turns away from her, AGAIN, and seeks out someone who can help them cheat their way through his training.

She repeats multiple times to Lunar that "they aren't like him" they don't feel emotions the way that he does, and oh my gods does that hurt. She's trying to close herself off because she doesn't understand why she's hurting. If she had never met them, if she hadn't come to earth, if she hadn't started learning how love works, she wouldn't be feeling this heartbreak, she never would have learned how to feel. And now she can. And she Hates it.

Its the same feeling after starting to unmask, or after a dissociative episode. Feeling too much, wanting it to stop but also hating that you want it to stop. She's fundamentally changed as a person, both her and Castor have.

Now she sees lunar as "annoying" and "stupid". She's trying to bury her feelings under anger and numbness. She's acting more like Castor, turning that bluntness that Lunar said he loved against him and trying not to show how hurt she is.

She ignores him, turns a cold shoulder, snaps at him, and just repeatedly acts spitefully towards him.

👏AS👏 SHE 👏SHOULD👏

When castor came to check in on Lunar during his first trial, he'd said that Pollux was the one doing a lot of the talking and fighting for them, without very much rest. Pollux is strong and brave and does not get enough credit for it. Queen Kat does an amazing job with her, showing a character who is learning to be human as her lover loses their humanity.

Pollux and Castor's relationship is adorable to me too, because she's so confident and stubborn, she drags him along and he just goes with it. He watches hours of movies with her, he listens to her rants even when they aren't things he's interested in, he genuinely listens to her opinions and doesn't look down on her for being more chaotic or childish.

Pollux tries to explain to lunar so many times that it's okay if he can't do more, he's doing enough and she's proud of him for that, but he never listens and just ends with them all getting hurt.

I love Pollux so much as a character though, as a kid growing up with a mythology + astronomy obsession, and that continuing into my life now the entire concept of the Astrals is so so cool to me and I love what LAES is doing.

*takes a dramatic bow*

Happy kindcember everyone! Make sure to go check out the user I mentioned in my last kindcember post if you want to see the prompts and give them some love! The TSBS fandom is such a cool place and it deserves to be safe for both the fans and the creators. There is no reason there should be this much pain the VAs are going through to bring us the amazing content that they do. We can be better. Shouldn't we try?

[bite-scars]

Recently fully contenting with the fact that I have a big brother kink,,

I blame being stuck as the oldest child but with horrible anxiety, autism, and emotional neglect making the idea of being any kind of role model without one for myself Terrifying, combined with being transmasc and having that pretty much dismissed or at the very least constantly undermined literally all throughout my teenage years 💀

I was also just an obsessively horny kid for no discernable reason dhzjhx maybe it was the only clear form of affection from guys I was at all familiar with being romantic/sexually coded and not really knowing how someone was meant to bond with them otherwise idk. Add that to me literally making an imaginary friend that was just a caring older brother at first and you can imagine the progression of that had a hand in this also🧍

I'm just. I think enough Tough Love type kinda loser older brother that's also just super overprotective and will back you/help you through anything while simultaneously insisting you should "man up" fantasies could fix me--

Older brother that on the one hand has a rebellious dgaf overall bad influence reputation to uphold but on the other hand had to deal with the same parents I did and can't help but be protective of his cute little brother seeing him going through the same or similarly shitty situations, doing his best to mitigate the damage when he realizes how much more sensitive I am to it than he was.

Being the only person in the house I'm comfortable going to for anything, always making me feel safe even when trying to get me to push a boundary for my own good (whether it's Actually for my own good or not-). Insisting any and all unhealthy coping mechanisms I've turned to (or he's introduced me to) are done in his presence only, he's just concerned about my safety and doesn't want me doing them alone (again whether true or not I'm too trusting or dependant to notice a difference). Basically singlehandedly supporting my transition, making sure I get any and all hand-me-downs he still has lying around (and there are plenty, his closet is like a museum of old shit at this point, like he's never gotten rid of a thing in his life even though he definitely has. There are still character-print boxers in there that are pretty much my size), going over our parents' heads to talk with my school about it (having to "correct" all that would be too much effort for them anyways, they'll just leave it be at that point) and interacting with our parents in general for me unless it's absolutely necessary for me to be there.

Finding any excuse to brag and show off his adorable little brother to his equally delinquent friends, letting me join in on smoke sessions since he knows I can't go 10 minutes without following him around like a little puppy, always wanting to be in his lap (he tries to act like it's annoying but he thinks it's cute, not to mention convenient), and hey, with how high-strung i am already he decides maybe the weed would do me good anyways. Keeping the less respectful of his friends on a short leash around me, not hesitating to kick anyone out that can't heed a warning (full-stop, better not forget anything on your way out because you ain't gonna get another chance to get it back-). Getting quietly jealous over any of the others I end up getting sort of attached to, but rather than starting actual shit with them he'll just find ways to remind me that he's the most important to me, even if his friend is cool he's always cooler, right?

Idk this general underlying setup is a theme in a lot of my fantasies tbh, there's a lot that can vary between them (sometimes either brother is grosser or more genuine, really just depends on my mood lol) but the dynamic is always some flavor of this and it probably says a lot 💀

[journey-to-the-attic]

What sort of contestants do you think everyone would be? Barbatos could be a dead ringer for Julian Clary what with the elegant disdain for the Taskmaster's assisstant.

my main memory of julian clary's run is his exercise routine where he 1. kicks alex with boxing gloves on his feet, and 2. balances on his front on a yoga ball and calls it "the flying homosexual", so i'm really not sure how to reconcile this with the more barbatos-like qualities lol

let's see... i know you mentoned barbatos but i've just done the brothers for now since i'm about to go to bed (it's past 3am), someone remind me tomorrow to come back to this

i don't think there are any contestants that i would align 1:1 with any of the casts, but i will describe what i think they'd be like and and then give you some irl contestants who i think would match if they were combined

lucifer:

logical, does everything (even the ridiculous things) completely straight-faced, but will commit extremely hard to the tasks and thus sometimes comes off like a lunatic

is very efficient but doesn't complete tasks with much energy and frequently comes off as a tired middle-aged man

very dry sense of humour throughout, usually just sort of chuckles along in the studio, but it is possible to break him (i.e. send him into a proper laughing fit)

bullies solomon

see: jack dee, hugh dennis, frankie boyle

mammon:

tries so hard but is constantly losing his head and/or failing to pick a good strategy

constantly getting himself disqualified for blatantly disregarding the rules

does extremely badly in the prize tasks, first because he brings bad prizes and then second because he cannot for the life of him talk them up

competitive, energetic, picks a lot of fights with other contestants and with taskmaster thirteen

will sometimes sacrifice doing well for the bit

see: ed gamble, guz khan, fern brady, munya chawawa

levi:

panics so hard all the time and just doesn't do very well

bad at nearly all tasks, sometimes in ways that no one thought possible

the other contestants were invited to the show. levi always seems like he was kidnapped from his home

the things he says and does are often bizarre in an understated sort of way, so they fly under the radar until thirteen calls him out in the studio

see: johnny vegas, mark watson, john kearns, ardal o'hanlon (task performance)

satan:

goes into tasks thinking he's going to nail them all and either 1. does, or 2. severely underestimates their silliness and fails miserably

good in logical and creative tasks, comes up with a lot of out-of-the-box solutions

also very good at arguing up his prizes, though they're usually pretty good anyway

prone to complaining about thirteen's scoring, which tends to get him docked points

will give up dignity for points on any occasion

see: victoria coren-mitchell, sarah kendall, sue perkins

asmo:

somehow the most insane out of his brothers, just takes any opportunity to do whatever the hell springs into his mind

not averse to putting solomon in compromising situations - for example, will not hesitate to tell him to get undressed

oddly aggressive in his approach and often doesn't think through the logic of it, but does it with so much confidence that you don't even notice that he's trying to open a banana with duct tape

makes a lot of catty side comments to himself that get called out in studio

see: sally phillips, judi love, lou sanders, joe lycett

beel:

just happy to be here

brute forces most if not all tasks and gets confused when he does poorly as a result

spends a lot of time processing what the task wants him to do and then just charges off

his teammates tend to get frustrated with him during team tasks because he frequently (and not on purpose!) gets in the way of what they're trying to achieve

would have been so good at any of those 'identify this the flavours/components of this thing by tasting it' tasks

see: lolly adefope, charlotte ritchie, ivo graham

belphie:

tries to complete all tasks with as little movement as possible, and thus does a lot of ordering solomon around (though solomon will usually resist)

has a really weird logic to task completion that no one really understands

often seems like he doesn't give a shit about the task, but sometimes he'll get really into it and reveal a concerningly sadistic side

bullies solomon even more than lucifer does

nitpicks the other contestants' attempts in the studio even when his own really wasn't better, sometimes significantly worse

see: ardal o'hanlon (studio attitude), jo brand, noel fielding, alan davies

ik:

doesn't seem to know what's going on but makes a really earnest effort nevertheless

occasionally will do or say something that makes her look completely insane and then carry on like nothing happened

her performance in tasks really calls into question the way she thinks about things, in that she almost always seems to start from the most nonsensical thought/action and act like it's perfectly normal

nice to solomon but also will not refrain from putting him in undignified positions if she has a certain vision for a task

see: katy wix, lucy beaumont, bridget christie

[pedroacrossthestreet]

The Last of Us - Series 1, Episode 1

When You're Lost in the Darkness

Decided to do a rewatch before the next series and jot down all the little things that I love about each episode.

Starting the episode talking about global pandemics and influenza straight off the back off of Covid-19 situates the narrative in familiar terms for the audience. Immediately, the sense of uncertainty and fear is exacerbated once fungi are mentioned as something far worse than what the real world has just lived through. Oh, and also there's no cure.

The shots of the television audience watching show them in a transfixed state, just as the epidemiologist describes the host ants under the mind altering control of the fungi.

Throw in a mention of global warming and Craig Mazin has successfully terrified every anxiety ridden millennial.

The attention to detail in the Miller's house firmly cements the timeline in 2003. What more could we expect from the mind behind Chernobyl?

The juxtaposition of Joel being a dishevelled single dad who cares as he asks Sarah about her homework when she's so clearly the one looking after him. Uncle Tommy's appearance and equal reliance on his brother and niece to provide food for him further shows how Joel is barely keeping everything afloat.

Joel's proud little smile while Sarah schools them both on geography. Tommy saying "There's hope for us yet" foreshadows the loss of Sarah as their guiding light.

The watch repairer is Lebanese. The phone rings in the background, probably a relative informing the couple of the outbreak starting in Lebanon, causing the woman to panic and shut the shop early.

Generally, the amount of clocks in the episode is an excellent way of building tension throughout.

Joel is surprised that Sarah locked the door for once, the events from the day seemingly making her cautious.

Still not over the genius of how the Miller's avoid so many different opportunities to eat wheat.

How Pedro managed to make the life disappear from his eyes as Joel cradled his dying daughter is beyond me.

How his eyes were still so lifeless when he threw the boy into the fire.

(But seriously, what happened to Sarah's body? Did Joel carry her? Did he leave her? I really hope Mazin fleshes that out more in the next series)

Even in the QZ Joel is still constantly working. He's a provider. Whether it be as a smuggler or as a worker for FEDRA, he needs the ration cards to keep himself and Tess going.

Tess being the badass Big Spoon from her introduction. Joel answers to her, Robert. It's just too bad that Tess wants Joel to hurt him as much as Joel wants to avenge her.

Seriously, I fucking love that Tess is the big spoon. And I love that that was a fucking choice that they made, to have her shove the dead weight of a passed out Joel over in order for her to cradle him. And he just accepts it.

And then Joel is relegated to just watching as she completes business quietly and finds out where Robert is.

I would take a whole series of their relationship please and thank you.

"You don't have a fucking ear on your fucking head" is still hilarious.

Bella is able to switch so perfectly from brat to scared child in an instant.

Joel trying to scold Ellie for breaking the code is so father.

The way young Joel backed away from the soldier is such a stark contrast to how QZ Joel lunges towards the threat this time. He's already placed himself between Ellie and the FEDRA soldier even though he's just met her.

Closing the episode on the 80s song playing through the stereo to signify trouble ahead, just to remind the audience that their sense of foreboding is well placed.

[madlad-sadgal]

I got bored again, so for the third time, here are random things I noticed throughout my rewatch of Nimona.

As always, Nimona Spoilers!

To start off, a few people pointed out how the first time Nimona shows up on screen, we see her doing a graffiti of the word dumb. Also, rewatching some of the scenes, in the scene where she shows the new murder wall, you can make out the word "Nemesis" written over Ambrosius' picture. Also, if you look at the very top of the wall, we can see a drawing of Bal's prosthetic with flames coming out of it with the words "Literal Firearm" written under it. So, I rethought it, and realized Gloreth was probably the first human Nimona had ever seen (as far as we know), so Gloreth probably taught her to speak, write and read, except this was a thousand years ago, and language constantly evolves, and we can all agree that "From whence you came" and "Nemesis" aren't really phrases or words people seem to use. So, I think Nimona probably has some knowledge when it comes to reading and writing, both thanks to Gloreth and just picking up bits and pieces throughout those 1000 years, but she still has trouble when it comes to full on writing actual long phrases to create like an essay or something like a resume.

When she pins back Am's picture on the wall, we see a post it with "Disrupt the System" written and highlighted on it.

We get a hint that Nimona might be "Gloreth's monster" when we see a drawing of her in dragon form that kinda resembles the dragon we see at the beginning in the scrolls.

When Bal calls Nim a monster, there is literally a newspaper cut out on the wall next to him with his picture and the word "Monster" written on it.

We get a bit of insight on the type of pressure Ambrosius suffers from when we get back to the Institute. All the other knights seem to think it's his fault for not having stopped Bal from escaping, despite a whole horde of knights chasing after him and not one of them even coming close to stopping him from escaping either. The other knights, despite probably not knowing the full extent of it, seem to be aware of the close relationship between the two of them, putting him under even more pressure because of that small fact.

When the Director stops the fight between Ambrosius and Todd, she tells them; "Look at you, acting like common children." Reminder that everyone is fully aware that Bal was a commoner and is currently suspected to having killed the queen. She is basically telling them; "Those people are very clearly below us and one of them is a murderer and a villain, and yet you are acting like them."

When Am volunteers to lead the manhunt for Bal, we can clearly see him go slightly worried for Bal as Todd is talking about how he'll make Bal pay. He probably volunteered because he wanted to lessen the chances of Bal getting hurt.

Like I mentioned in another post, Nimona often tries to get Bal to understand that the Institute is filled lies, but not by directly telling him. She starts by giving little hints. One example of him is when she tries to tell him that maybe there's nothing over the wall. I talk about it more in this post.

Nimona's little pink streak in her hair

Nimona is quick enough to go up an escalator that goes down, but a literal knight who has gone through harsh training isn't.

Todd knows that Am's hair smells like lavender. In flower language, lavender is associated with purity, silence, devotion, caution, serenity, grace and calmness. That sounds an awful lot like qualities the Institute would expect a direct descendant of Gloreth to posses, doesn't it?

I'll stop here, cause this is starting to get long.

Unrelated, but I decided to watch Nimona with my siblings (13, 7 and 5) and they all loved it. The best part for me was that my homophobic aunt watched the bit where Bal and Am kiss, started freaking out that I was pushing it onto them, and then my 13 years old brother just commented about how she kept forcing him to watch her romance movies with her and was always pushing him to "get a girlfriend for them to meet" and she just shut up and left. Just wanted to put that out there.

Might make another one of these if y'all like this!

[monowritestoomuch]

How The SirenVerse Boys Would Act With An S/O With Low Iron/Iron Deficiency:

Notes: At this point I am single handedly holding up the economy of the Siren’s Son fanfic on this site. Someone needs to convince Siren to get a tumblr at this point. Thank you so much for the request @diamondzoey! It was a lovely writing experience and I’m sorry it took so long! I got more injured lmao. I made the decision to throw in a few wee extras with your request ehe :3. Enjoy!

Bren:

-Oh ode to this man, he’s the ultimate sweetie.

-He’d see you sway and stagger when you stood up if you stood for too long. 

-He’d ask you if you were alright, showing clear concern for you and your health because he’s a DAMN SWEETHEART☝️❤️

-And once he knew you had low iron, oh he’d check up on you constantly.

-And I imagine this all takes place after he learns he’s part dragon, so he’s able to check up on you constantly.

-And Divus forbid you miss a meal—

-He’d be all over you and wouldn’t stop until he made sure you ate something and drank water and took care of yourself, because he’s an absolute sweetheart <3

-And if you just want to rest in his arms because you’re a wee bit dizzy? He wouldn’t say no. 

Thresh:

-Oh this orc man would BE FOR YOU!

-Your husband, the orc man who loves you more than anything ever, who has killed more than one could count on their fingers alone over a dozen times, would treat you like the most precious thing to ever exist.

-He’d learn you were iron deficient at some point after the prison and would absolutely check up on you as much as he possibly could.

-And while you two were stuck at the orc camp, he’d make sure you had enough iron filled foods to keep you healthy.

-And while married to you, he’d do all the heavy lifting, but not because you weren’t capable enough to do it, but because he cared enough about you to do these little menial tasks if that meant you were safe, healthy and well.

-Would bring you snacks and wrap you up in his arms as if to shield you from the invisible pain that was weighing you down.

-And he’d persuade your son to bring you little snacks throughout the day to “be helpful to you and to help you so that you could play with him.”

-And even when you’d say it was unnecessary, Garrak would just smile and remind your son to get you your daily snack.

Soren:

-Would care for you more than himself tbh.

-He’d also realize why you feel out of the sky wasn't just due to exhaustion, but due to the fact you hadn’t eaten in more than 15 hours.

-Would make foods with high iron and would say that the both of you need it, not just you, because it would make him stronger and more able to carry you~

-He’d absolutely study what it was after you told him and ask you a bajillion questions because he cares so damn much <3

-Would make you food as his love language ❤️

-Absolutely would garden with you but would constantly check up on you because hot sun + iron deficiency don’t mix.

-Would check up on your wings healing and make sure you’re taking in enough nutrients to take care of yourself and keep your body healthy.

-Would wrap his wings around you as you and him slept to protect you and keep you near him just in case anything happened, no other reason—

-(He thinks you’re cute)

Bek:

-Would be an absolute care bear <3

-Oh light boy, how I love you, light boy.

-He wouldnt understand why you’d sway and struggle when you stood, but when you finally told him?

-He’d study it as much as he could, asking Kel on the subject, who was confused at first but tried to help although he didn’t know too much about it,  and even Leo, who vehemently and begrudgingly gave him information, albeit confused until Bek ranted about you and how he wanted to take care of you.

-Side note: Both of the brothers would absolutely help him no question after he said it was for the person he loved most in all of creation, his star, because they’d never seen him this happy and caring before.

-Would get you snacks.

-And he’d practically be attached to your hip when you’re not feeling well because Divus knows he’s not leaving his lovely brightest star alone while they feel ill.

-Would attempt to kiss you better and when that didn’t work, he’d cuddle up and snuggle with you on your bed, with you falling asleep in his arms. <3

Cameron:

-Oh this cotton candy twink would TAKE CARE OF YOU

-Upon learning that you had low iron, he’s take the liberty of packing you snacks and giving them to you, stating how he just “had extra” that day, and that “mistake” repeating every single day.

-Would make sure you always had water with you so you never got dehydrated either. <3

-He’d constantly check and check up on you, just to make sure.

-And whenever you felt faint or lightheaded, he’d be there to support and catch you, making sure you were alright first.

-Would absolutely research foods high in iron and give high iron protein bars and snacks to you, sliding them into your bag when you aren’t looking, only for you to find them later and smile at the thought that Cam cared so much about you. <3

(+some bonuses :3)

Faceless:

-Would absolutely do THE MOST for you.

-Upon learning of your predicament, he’d always and constantly make sure that you had food and water and would even let you eat some of his food if that meant you didn’t get dizzy or pass out.

-He’d carry you at any and every chance because he wouldn’t dare risk letting you get dizzy or you passing out from your low iron.

-And even when you’d insist that you were fine, he’d calling you “My Heart” and insist that you sit down to rest or that he carries you.

-Would cuddle with you for warmth and would be the big spoon, wrapping his arms around you to indefinitely protect you from all harm.

Daurog:

-Oh fish man, oh fish man. 

-He’d take care of you like no one else mattered. <3

-Would find out when he finds you passed out on the beach one day and when you practically jolted awake and rambled about it while you were lightheaded.

-Would make sure the food he brings you is high in iron and makes sure you drink water.

-And on bad days he’d sit beside you under the shade of a tree and hold an arm around you.

-He’d also bring you to the dragon hot springs and let you sit in the water with him and melt all your worries away.

-He’d also give you back rubs, it’s just a bonus.

Killian:

-Oh this twink would kill for you.

-Seeing and meeting you for the first time, his first impression of you is how seemingly tired and exhausted you constantly were.

-He’d realize what was going on with your body based on his decent observation skills.

-He’d ask you about it only for you to say it’s been going on your whole life and you’d gotten used to the dizziness and the exhaustion that rattled your body.

-He’d constantly make sure he had dried fruits on him and ask you to carry them and told you to eat them gruffly and seemingly uncaring although his concern was clear.

-And Divus forbid you collapse or faint—

-He’d be at your side immediately, checking your pulse and healing you as much as he could despite not being amazing with healing magic.

-He’d have loads of home remedies and potions for you to drink or take to help you so that you don’t get dizzy or lightheaded.

-Especially when you’re studying magic—

-He’d make sure you had snacks in all your magic lessons and justified it by saying he was trying to make sure that you were living up to your fullest potential.

-When in reality he was just concerned for your well-being and wanted to make sure you were okay. <3

Abel:

-Dragon man my beloved <3

-He’s such a tough guy until it comes to you and he melts

-He notifies the little things, like how you seem to sway when you stand and how you seem dizzy when you haven’t eaten in more than a few hours.

-He makes sure that he has food that is high in iron delivered to his room and when he and you hang out he makes sure you eat.

-Would attempt to kiss you better as his scales would run against your face and he’d laugh with that sly smile of his.

-And when you’re lightheaded or seem to be dizzy, he’ll sit you down by his side and make sure you’re okay <3

-Would snuggle up to you and wrap his wings around you two (big spoon 🥺) while you slept and listen to your heartbeat to make sure you were always okay and that he could always protect you. <3

Smoke:

-Oh wolf boy? 

-He’d be stiff and huff at how “weak you were” even though you bested him in combat.

-But when you’d often feel faint and seem downright dizzy most days, he’d grow a slight concern for you.

-And he’d gruffly ask Killian for dates and figs, as they were high in iron, to give to you to help you get through the dizzying days ahead and current.

-And he’d give them to you stating how he’d received too much and give you a whole bag, acting as if he cared not for your well-being.

-But eventually he’d stick closer to you, and would check on you morning and night.

-And he would totally make sure you took care of yourself too, because especially with all the magic training you’re probably low and need to make sure you don’t pass out or anything.

-And he curls up near to you to sleep so he always knows that you’re okay <3

[landojpg04]

Ranch Revenge III//G.Tillman

Index

Smut under the cut/MDNI/18+

Rumor and Gator spend the night together.

Warnings: Language, alcohol, vaping, shotgunning smoke, hickies, p in v, descriptions of sex, filming/photography, unprotected sex, mentions of bodily fluids, good girl praises

After the competition, we had departed from the parents and Rylee. To head down to our favorite bar.

Rhett had won first place, being able to perform with the bull. He was up against wanna-be’s, as he liked to call them. 

Beers were all passed around except for Jane, for obvious reasons. Gator had his arm around my shoulders, constantly keeping a part of him touching me. As if he let go, I was gonna vanish in thin air.

“Oh, look who just walked in, Rhett,” Robert said to the champion.

It was Maria, Rhett's long-time crush. Upon noticing Rhett flushed, he wasn't expecting her to be here.

“Aww, Maria, do you still like her?” Jane said.

“Well, no, I just-”

“Hell yeah, he’s liked her longer than these two have been together,” Robert said, pointing his beer toward Gator and me. 

“Woah, that’s a bit uncalled for,” I said.

“Why don’t you invite her over, she looks to be alo-” As Jane was speaking, another guy wearing a cowboy hat grabbed Maria and began kissing her.

“Story of my fucking life, everyone,” Rhett says, getting up to probably get more alcohol.

We just shook our heads, knowing that Rhett had always loved the girl standing ten feet away from us. 

“So, switching topics, what’s going on with you at the headquarters?” Robert switches his interrogation back to me,

“Petty much nothing right now. They have me on the desk for intel and investigation help until my training is done. I got like four more months.”

“And after training, what are we planning besides your guy's wedding, obviously,” Robert says, smirking at Gator. Gator just laughs and takes a swig nodding towards Robert.

“Well, I gotta see if there's any openings around here and transfer.” Robert just shakes his head and nods. This was Robert showing his approval. At first, he was hesitant to send me to the academy, but after some time, he came around. He was always afraid of sending me off–going on about how he knows men’s intentions. But Robert also knew my gift. He’s seen it firsthand multiple times, and he used to say, “There’s no way in hell Roy Tillman is getting your gift.”

Jane was staring at Gator and me. I could tell she was reminiscing.

“Do you remember when they first went out, hun? And when they were at the wedding, they were just babies. Look at them now.” Jane said with doe eyes. Jane helped me get ready for that date. I was a nervous wreck because it was Gator. My older brother's best friend and he had asked me to go to the movies with him. The rest has literally been history. 

Rhett and Gator were the same age, Robert being a few years older than both of them. Growing up, they would follow Robert around like ducklings. Gator was always around, but it wasn't until high school that I developed a massive crush on him. Little did I know he had reciprocating feelings. 

“God, don’t remind me,” Robert said, leaning back.

“Do you know how much shit they gave me for months? They threatened me every day to ensure I didn’t break her heart. They still do.” Gator said. 

When Gator was away from his crew and his family, especially Roy, he was calm and loved joking around. His shoulders weren't tensed up. All throughout the competition, he was tense, Roy was sitting behind us, but now he was in a peaceful state of mind. I enjoyed seeing him this way. I wish he were this way all the time. I was leaning on his shoulder and felt him kiss my head again.

Rhett came back with more beers, and the conversation kept flowing. I felt Gator move his arm down to my leg, rubbing it in an innocent matter. I snuggled closer to his touch. He looked down to meet my gaze, smirking. This shit knew exactly what game he was playing. But he wasn't gonna win this time. It had been months without his touch, and the videos and Facetime weren't cutting it anymore. 

I sneakily placed my hand on his crotch. Moving it ever so slightly to ensure my brothers couldn’t suspect a thing. Gator tenses but relaxes, knowing we have company. One hand continues to lie on his crotch while the other grabs my phone. I swipe open to the album we both have, filled with pictures and videos only meant for the other eye to see. Videos of our previous escapades. I scroll through every video and picture, feeling him grow harder by the swipe, He grabs his phone to send me a text

You're a fucking menace

Don't act like you're not enjoying this.

We should make more

I see him begin to type out a text, but I know he can't think properly right now. He’s cursing more with me, this means his mind is foggy, and for once in a while, it's not from the vape. The time was getting closer to midnight. Jane was already dozing off on Robert's shoulder. I pointed it out, and Robert looked and realized his wife was practically asleep. 

“We’re gonna head out,” He says quietly.

We nod; Rhett was in his own world, sending daggers to the guy who was accompanying Maria at the bar. 

Jane and Robert walk out, and now we had to get rid of Rhett.

“Dude, just go talk to her,” I said.

Rhett gets pulled from his daze, shaking his head no and drinking more of his beer.

“Go. Now.” I say again.

Rhett just rolls his eyes at me. I look at Gator and nudge him.

“Rhett, that guy right there is not a bull riding champion; you are. Go catch up with her, you’ll regret it even if you don’t go say hello,” Gator buts in. You could practically see the wheels turning in Rhett’s head. 

“Alright, I’ll go.”

“Great, we’re gonna head out.”

“Where do Mom and Dad think you are going tonight? Aren’t you supposed to go back home?” Rhett comes to his senses. 

“No, they know I’m gonna spend the night at Lyla’s tonight, and tomorrow we’re gonna go to the mall. So Gator is gonna drop me off.” I lie as easily as it is to drink water. 

Rhett nods, finishes his drink, gets up, and walks over to Maria.

“After all these years, he still thinks Lyla is an actual friend of yours.” Gator laughs.

“Hey, don't give Lyla shit, she's the reason we get tonight and tomorrow to ourselves.”

Gator gets up from the booth and waits for me. I give him a questioning look as he stands there.

Gator looks around, then leans in close to my ear, “There is no fucking way I’m making the walk to the front door with a massive hard-on display. Especially still in uniform. Get in front of me now.”

I smirked as he talked; he turned to me before moving to stand tall. I grab his jaw and move him to lean into my lips. I couldn't stop smiling through the kiss. We pull away, and I obey his orders to stand in front of him. I grab his hand and hold it over my shoulder; he places his other hand on my hip, keeping me steady as we walk. 

We reach the door, and I am pelted by the gust of cold air. Quickly sobering me up. We reach his patrol truck, Gator pushes me into the passenger side door, turning me to look at him. One thing Gator loves is being in control. I give him that power, knowing that it is what he craves in life. He doesn’t abuse the power; from the years being together, he knows my limits, and from the years with Roy, he knows the power he holds does not permit him to be a complete and utter asshole. 

He traps me in between his thighs. One in between my legs and the other caging my hip. He knows my weaknesses like I know his. He pulls out his vape to take a drag. I watch him like my favorite movie. The neon light from the sign highlighting his features. He looks down to see my necklace. It was from him on our first anniversary.

He grabs the dainty jewelry and holds it between his fingers. He leaves his hand resting on my chest as he admires the thing that displays I’m his.

“You still wear it,” He says to himself, a statement to give verbal confirmation. 

“I never take it off,” He smirks, moving his gaze back to my eyes.

Another drag but instead of exhaling, he moves his hand from my necklace to the back of my neck, pulling me into him. I comply with his mouth and let him exhale into me. 

Gator knew I would never smoke willingly, so he does this. Says it's his way of corrupting me and ensuring I get addicted to him. In a way, his method has worked. I crave for him like never before. 

I rut my hips onto his thigh as he continues to do his work on my lips. He groans into me and grabs my hip harder. Stilling me. He pulls away, and I try to get him to lean back into me. But he pushes my hip more into the car, straining me against his strength.

“We are not doing this here, not with your brother inside trying to get laid.” He growls out.

He opens the door to the truck and helps me get in.

I look around the police car, noticing remnants of him.

A half-drunken mountain dew, some sunflower seeds on the floor, and the lingering burnt smoke from the number of vapes he has finished in this car. I smile; despite being utterly in love with this man, he still showcases some parts of him that have never changed since childhood. 

He gets in and starts the car. I'm buzzing with want…need…hunger. He takes off his baseball cap, turns out from the bar, and begins making the drive to the cabin—a place that only he and I occupy now. 

The cabin was on the other side of town, on the outskirts, hidden beneath trees. It was his Mom’s dad's many years ago. Linda hid it from Roy and only shared the place with Gator when things got too bad at home. Years later, it became a safe place for both of us. A place where we run to where no one can bother us. Since working in the apartment, Gator has been using some of his paychecks to upgrade the cabin. 

With the way Gator drove, he cut the drive in half. Pulling up was nostalgic. I’m reminded of all the nights and summers I spent here. 

Gator turns off the tuck and looks at me,

“My girl is home,” 

Upon entering the cabin, I gasped in awe; the kitchen and living room were redone; I looked at Gator.

“You’ve been doing more than just the bedroom.” He nods, moving towards me.

“I wanted it to be ready for you when you finished training.” He said, laying his forehead upon mine.

I grabbed his collar and smashed his lips into mine.

Unbreaking our bond, he leads us toward the room—a path I know all too well. He lands on the bed, I follow suit. But I break apart and lead my kisses towards his neck as I begin to undress him. He grabs my shirt and lifts it over my head. One thing Gator will always do, no matter how many times we’ve done this ritual, is stare in awe. I wore a lace see-through bra, and he was about to discover that it came as a set. He repositions himself to sit properly, placing me into his lap. I rut into him as he peppers kisses all along my neck.

“Fuck Gator, I need more,” I say breathlessly.

“Patience.” That is all he says before resuming his previous actions. I shut my eyes in both bliss and annoyance. Gator is rarely the person to be patient–and this is the wrong time to start.

“Fuck, my girl is needy, isn’t she?” He says tauntingly, leaning back away from my neck. I groan at the removal of his presence.

“Gator, please,” I say, continuing to rut on him. He once again grabs my hip to still my movements. I look into his eyes; it's pure tease behind them. With one hand, he reaches into his pocket to grab his phone. I’m used to the phone joining our escapades. He angles the phone to get the both of us. He grabs my head and pulls me in, all while taking photos. I reach behind me to remove the bra and let it fall to his lap. I continue to kiss his neck, sucking lightly on the area behind his ear. I leave a hickey there–marking my territory. I move my hands to his belt and unbuckle him. He moves his pants further down. I grab ahold of his crotch once more–fuck I forget how big he is sometimes. He unbuckles my pants, stripping me from the fabric–leaving me bare in my garments. His eyes look, and his mind finally registers that it is a matching set.

He grabs ahold of my ass, squeezing it in his hands. 

“Fuck, baby. You look good like this,”

I remove myself from his neck once more, meeting his gaze. He removes his hand from my ass and places his fingers in my mouth. I begin sucking and drooling on them.

“There you go, you know exactly what to do,” He says, pointing the camera to my face, “Good girl.”

He removes his fingers from my mouth and moves them into my thong, surpassing the fabric and going straight to my clit. I jumped upon contact and moaned. I could barely keep myself up, so I had to stabilize myself by holding his shoulders.

“Oh my God,” I say, looking as he moves up and down my slit. His fingers played with my clit to then moving to protrude into my entrance. 

“God isn’t here, just me.”

He removes his fingers from my slit and has me remove my thong. I stand up and he removes his pants and underwear fully.

There, sitting like a King, hair still slicked back, tattoos on display, with this dick standing, leaking with need. I go to get on my knees, but he stops my actions,

“No, none of that right now, I need you right fucking now.” I nod, leaning into him to kiss him once more. He helps me resettle on his lap, and I grab ahold of his dick, stroking him a few times before lining it up into my entrance. He helps lower me onto him. 

“Fuck, baby, wait,” I say as he strains me open. 

“I know, I know, you're doing so good for me. Taking me so well,” He says as I fully ease into him. I look down to see him fully in me now, fuck did I miss this feeling. 

I begin to move up and down his shaft, setting my own pace. 

“Fuck, look at you. You're so tight, baby. So good,” Gator says as he leans back, taking a video. I grab the phone from him and switch the camera. He wasn’t the only one who used the videos and photos for pleasure. I slow down, but Gator begins to thrust into me. I position the camera to get our bodies. I hear him grunting and getting more breathless as he thrusts into me.

“Fuck Gator, you know how good this feels, fuck right there,” I say into his ear.

He has one hand on my ass, kneading it, then he snakes the other to my clit. I feel his rough fingers graze over the sensitive bud. He begins to move his rough fingers in a circle. I scream in pleasure.

“There you go, take it,” He says, “Take it like a good girl.”

Overwhelmed with the sensation, the relief of being with him, I cum around him. He feels me spasming around him, this only fuels his thrusts more. I’m in a overdose sensation of bliss, Gator now following and cumming in to me. Feeling his release, his hips stutter, his grasp on me tighten puts me at a euphoric stage. I collapse onto him and he falls back into the bed. 

“Holy shit,” Is all I hear before I drown out the world and only listen to my favorite song. The heartbeat of my lover.