#rather than her developing a brother complex

[rukia-writes]

hi rukia.

can you do Rangiku kind of reader as Hades and Poseidon s/o, separately of course.

the other is up to you

T/N: Let’s see what I can cook up. 🧑‍🍳 I love Rangiku a lot. Top 3 BLEACH characters

Poseidon.

Tyrant of ocean.

The Most Fearsome God.

Poseidon was that and much more.

A complex individual with his own principles and beliefs.

Poseidon also wasn’t much of a talker, he spoke only when necessity or when something was out of line.

However, not many people knew it but he did like talking. Rather, with someone. (Name), his beloved who was the opposite of him in every way and yet somehow the two clicked.

(Name) could be lazy, Poseidon had his days but he liked doing stuff.

Poseidon liked modesty, (Name) was a beauty with loved showing her body and curves getting the attention of other gods.

(Name) has an easy-going and free-spirited personality, Posieodn was the exact opposite.

The biggest contrast between the two that people noticed was that (Name) liked wearing human clothing and Poseidon always found that the hardest to tolerate about her as he considered human nothing but filth.

Yet, the two clicked.

“Human clothes again? You should take that filth off.”

“But I like it, the fashion those are developing is slick and stylish. If you want me to take off these clothes you’ll have to do it yourself.”

Yes.

No shyness or shame.

Poseidon sighed in response while she enjoying teasing Poseidon smiled as the other gods found their conversation “entertaining” as the cleared their throats changing the subject.

Zeus called the two the weirdest soulmates ever.

Before the two became an item (Name) was arguably the most beautiful goddess in Valhalla. Hades had a saying about her,” A voluptuous beauty with an adult charm in Valhalla. With her broad-minded personality, the chances of men in Valhalla who say no to her... simply do not exist."

Even Poseidon.

(Name) had a habit of whenever she felt like drinking, she would find free people and then invite them to come out with her, and then has them treat her to drinks, so that she wouldn't have to spend any money. Drinking buddies were many but she enjoyed Hades and Poseidon as drinking buddies.

Why Poseidon? People didn’t know.

Poseidon didn’t know. Unlike his brother, Poseidon wouldn’t talk much.

So, Poseidon came to the conclusion that (Name) was using for free drinks and while this could have been true…he didn’t care if it was.

Because he liked her company and he had more than enough money that he didn’t seem to mind.

That’s how it started.

From drinking buddies to lovers.

“Please, don’t tell me you brought that human shit.”

“Listen, listen. This is really good, top notch.”

“You said that last time. It was disappointing to say the least.”

“No, no. Not this one. Here, here. Just close your eyes, tip it back and swallow. It’s really good…See! That’s good right?!”

(Name) gracefully got the tyrant of the seas to drink the alcohol from the human world, only for Poseidon to say it was worse than the last one. Which made the two go back and forth that they had “bad taste” in alcohol.

Although, the next day (Name) was in for a real treat when Proteus invited her to Poseidon’s palace. In the dining room was a small bottle of wine, two wine glasses with Poseidon already at the table.

“Sit. I have somethings I wanted to discuss.”

Poseidon didn’t have to repeat himself as (Name) sat infront of him with a happy smile on her face while Proteus opened the wine bottle.

The two discussed politics and seemingly family problems.

Seemed like Poseidon when he had a few drinks would talk about family a bit.

(Name) mentioned that the wine was exceptionally great and took the bottle wanting to know where Poseidon got it from. Sure, (Name) had a few drinks but the wine wasn’t necessarily strong that she couldn’t recall what wine was what.

“What is this, Poseidon?”

“Wine from those humans. It’s called “Beaujolais nouveau” apparently.”

“…You like human wine-oh my god.”

Smiling in a teasing manner while Poseidon simply shrugged his shoulders, simply saying, “It’s not bad.”

“Not bad you say, and yet you took it. Why?”

“…You enjoy teasing me don’t you?”

“I’m just wondering why we are enjoying human wine, since you called it gross yesterday.”

Cold blue eyes saw how much his visitor was liking this situation, of course she was. A quick sigh and Poseidon poured her another drink and then himself.

“Shut up and drink.”

The two clinked their glasses together and enjoyed a night of drinking and talking.

Poseidon loved those moments.

“That’s my seat.”

The unknown god that was seated next to his drinking buddy quickly got up from the seat as the king Helheim, not only being one the most respected gods but also feared wanted his seat beside (Name).

The gods were having a party, a reason didn’t have to be, and Hades managed to arrive just in time knowing (Name) was already partaking in the wine with a few unknown gods wanting her attention.

Something Hades didn’t like.

“Why is it whenever I leave you alone there’s always a no name god wanting your affection?”

“I honestly, didn’t notice him there. I think you scared him.”

Hades sat down beside (Name) and like any gentleman poured her a drink and then himself, sighing in a tired smile.

“Oh no, how dare I?”

“Jealous?”

“Protective. Now drink and tell me about why you’re visiting the human world for clothes.”

Hades didn’t have big disdain for humans like his brother Poseidon, (Name)’s other drinking buddy. While she had many drinking buddies Hades and Poseidon seemed to be her favorite.

(Name) also had a habit of going to the human world for clothes, sometimes the clothes were modest and sometimes they were a bit revealing.

Hades didn’t mind either.

(Name) was a rather beautiful goddess arguably the most beautiful goddess in Valhalla. She wasn’t above using her charms to get what she wanted which could be drinks, so she didn’t have to pay, or getting support on anything she wanted.

“They are comfortable. The humans aren’t all bad, great fashion sense. However, your brother thinks otherwise.”

“Of course he does. Especially, since you gave him that wine from the human world.”

“It was great! You had to admit it was great!”

(Name) seemed to already be a bit tipsy as she gently shook Hades shoulder trying to get Hades agree with her. Drinking from his wine glass, Hades eyes quickly, very quickly, glanced at down her shirt to admire those beautiful breasts.

Hades didn’t have to quickly look in honesty as (Name) and himself were close and (Name) liked it when he gave her compliments on her body or how she dressed.

“Whatever you say. I’m not arguing with you.”

“Good! I was hoping you would let me see your Bident.”

Hades kindly chocked on the wine he was drinking as a easy going and kindly flirty (Name) patted the top of his head with a teasing smile. A smile, Hades came to love just as much as the smile that was charming.

“You can’t see my bident. Are you insane?”

“Aw, come on! Just for a little while~”

Slightly giving Hades a peek down the split shirt, which Hades already took a quick peek at, but Hades quickly played coy. Saying that he couldn’t be swayed. Even when, (Name) tried again Hades still said no. As the night went on and the two talked, as though the two were the only ones there, and had some more drinks for the night.

“I don’t like cold men, Hades.”

“Then why are you friends with Thor?”

“He has good company! Just because he doesn’t talk to you doesn’t mean he doesn’t talk. Don’t laugh! It isn’t funny.”

Hades had to laugh.

Imagining the indifferent and cold Norse talking and keeping good company seemed a bit out there to think about. While laughing (Name) kindly shook him trying get Hades to take her seriously, it didn’t work.

But that was Hades way of flirting; teasing.

The two liked to tease each other whether the two were together personally or on the phone.

“You’re still on that?”

Days later, Hades was sitting on his chair in his king’s chambers reading a book while on the phone with his favorite drinking buddy; beautiful drinking buddy.

“If you won’t let me see your bident. At least name an attack after me. Shows that you love me~”

“What makes you think I love you?”

Hades had a smile on his face as he awaited (Name)’s answer, on the other end (Name) was back in the human world. Shopping no doubt.

“Poseidon told me.”

“Lies.”

“Are you calling your brother a liar? Shame on you~”

Smirking Hades found (Name)’s teasing and charming, that’s what he loved about her. That and how he could just be himself around her.

“I’m not calling my brother a liar. Just my favorite drinking buddy.”

“I’m hurt! Just for that you and I are no longer friends.”

Playing hurt (Name) knew Hades would reply back with something just as sly or funny and he did as he clutched his hand over his heart and pretended to be hurt.

“Oh no! Whatever will I do? My one and only friend is gone. I enjoyed placing my head on your lap. Looks like I’ll to find another place for my head to rest.”

“It’s not too late to apologize.”

“Good night, (Name). I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Hades.”

The two said good bye and ended their call, Hades had to admit he must have had it bad if he found her saying bye to him was sexy.

(Name) was truly beautiful goddess inside and out.

Hades had a saying about her;

“A voluptuous beauty with an adult charm in Valhalla. With her broad-minded personality, the chances of men in Valhalla who say no to her... simply do not exist."

Her beauty alone was what made gods trip over their own feet, except for Hades. Hades didn’t seem to let her beauty rule his desire, it was in truth that her personality that he loved.

Her teasing.

The way he could talk to her about anything, as he laid his head on his lap and she gave him sound advice. The way she waved and smiled at him would make him a liar if he said he didn’t feel his heart skip a beat.

Jealous? Protective? Hades wasn’t sure.

All he knew was he didn’t like certain gods coming around, not everyone has a warm agenda. Hades had to keep an eye out for her.

As the years passed, it wasn’t a secret that Hades and (Name) were close. A few gods and goddess became jealous of the two good looking, close friends, but it didn’t matter to them as the two just became closer and closer.

“Where are you two going?”

“Where does it look like we’re going?”

Poseidon caught his brother and (Name) at the gate that went to the world of the living both were dressed for the beach. Hades was carrying all the equipment, no doubt (Name) asked him to do so.

“You have a domain to run, you know.”

“Yeah, but if he stay cooped up in Helheim all the time he’s going to age faster than Zeus.”

“Helheim can’t be left unattended.”

“Beelzebub is taking command.”

Poseidon heard (Name)’s stance on taking Hades with her to the beach and while he hoped he could get some sense into Hades it was too late, (Name) already had her claws in him. Gently grabbing Poseidon’s well toned arm (Name) tried to convince Poseidon to join them.

(Name) was the only one in Valhalla who could hug Poseidon’s arm and get away with it.

Poseidon declined to go and instead told his brother not to be gone too long. Hades promised he would be gone two hours tops…

Hades and (Name) were gone the entire day.

🎀Rukia-Writes🎀

[jubileemon]

Ichigo and Orihime's Relationship Analysis

Ichihime is both an extremely popular pairing in the Bleach fandom but also a very controversial one, as the rival ship, IchiRuki, is just as popular. As a result, the community was divided over the decision to pair them together and for Rukia to be paired with Renji. Nonetheless, it appeared that creator Tite Kubo had planned for these romantic outcomes from the start.

Ichigo and Orihime's relationship makes sense because they share a deep bond that developed over time. Orihime's unwavering support and understanding complement Ichigo's personality, creating a connection based on mutual trust.

Their Relationship

Orihime had first met Ichigo under tragic circumstances, as she took her severely injured brother to a clinic that Ichigo’s father owned and watched him die there. By the time they started high school, Orihime had already developed an interest in Ichigo and was even teased for this by her best friend, Tatsuki, who was also friends with him. She would sometimes fantasize about him in comedic ways. Their relationship is often very sincere and wholesome. Ichigo is normally quick to annoy and can be seen arguing with others, but when it comes to Orihime, he is much kinder and gentler.

He is even indulging of her silly nature and will act comical with her from time to time. Ichigo showed no apparent feelings for her, but became flustered and stated she was perhaps showing a bit too much when she wore revealing clothing in front of him, unaware that she only did so to attract his attention.

Orihime's Confession

Orihime is very kind to Ichigo but can be submissive to her own feelings for him. She feels very jealous due to Ichigo’s close friendship with Rukia, and admitted this to Rangiku who comforted her about her feelings.

Orihime's confession to a sleeping Ichigo in Bleach is an important moment in the series. This happens during the Hueco Mundo arc when Orihime, feeling a sense of despair and the weight of her past trauma, decides to express her feelings for Ichigo.

Orihime's character carries the emotional burden of losing her older brother, Sora, and her past experiences with bullying. This trauma had an impact on her personality and emotional well-being. Her confession to Ichigo reflects her vulnerability and the deep emotional struggles she faces. Choosing to confess while Ichigo is asleep shows Orihime's internal conflicts and hesitancy to face the potential consequences of her feelings.

Orihime struggles with feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, likely stemming from her past experiences with bullying. This could have hindered her confidence to openly express her romantic feelings to Ichigo. Orihime is highly perceptive of Ichigo's emotions and priorities. She might have been aware of his complex and challenging battles, understanding that expressing her romantic feelings could create additional emotional burden for him.

Ichigo's Love for Orihime

Ichigo's feelings in Bleach are often portrayed through subtle actions and expressions rather than explicit blushing. Some subtle hints to Ichigo's feelings for certain characters, like Orihime, include:

Protective Instincts: Ichigo consistently shows a strong desire to protect those he cares about, especially Orihime. This protective nature can be interpreted as a sign of deeper feelings.

Emotional Concern: Ichigo demonstrates genuine concern for Orihime's well-being. His emotional responses to her struggles and moments of vulnerability suggest a connection that goes beyond friendship.

Prioritizing Her Safety: In critical situations, Ichigo often prioritizes Orihime's safety, indicating a special place she holds in his life.

Facial Expressions: While Ichigo may not blush overtly, subtle changes in his facial expressions during certain interactions, particularly with Orihime, can hint at underlying emotions.

Shared Silences: Sometimes, the absence of words between Ichigo and Orihime speaks volumes. Their shared silences and meaningful glances contribute to the subtlety of their relationship.

These subtle hints collectively build a narrative of Ichigo's feelings without relying on traditional blushing cues, making his emotions more nuanced in the context of their relationship.

Hueco Mundo Arc

Throughout the story, particularly during the Hueco Mundo arc and beyond, there are numerous instances that imply Ichigo's growing affection for Orihime. His actions, protective instincts, and emotional responses towards her suggest a deeper connection that evolves beyond friendship.

Orihime's fear of Ichigo's Hollow side during the Hueco Mundo arc is a poignant moment in Bleach, but there are valid reasons to defend the portrayal of this her shock. Orihime's fear is a realistic emotional response to witnessing Ichigo's transformation into his Hollow form. The Hollow side represents a powerful and menacing force, and Orihime's fear is a natural reaction to the sudden change in Ichigo.

Ichigo's Hollow mask symbolizes the darker, more primal aspects of his nature. Orihime's initial fear and later acceptance of this mask symbolize her understanding and acceptance of all facets of Ichigo, even the ones he considers monstrous.

Resonance and Connection

The concept of resonance is a recurring theme in Bleach, particularly in relation to Ichigo and Orihime's connection. Their souls resonate with each other, symbolizing their deep emotional bond and shared experiences. This resonance serves as a driving force in their relationship, allowing them to understand and support each other on a profound level.

Resonance also implies an understanding that goes beyond verbal communication. Ichigo and Orihime often comprehend each other's feelings and thoughts without the need for explicit expression, showcasing an intuitive connection.

In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc of Bleach, the relationship between Ichigo and Orihime undergoes significant developments amidst the intense battles and heightened stakes. As the Quincies threaten the Soul Society, Ichigo's protective instincts come to the forefront, and Orihime stands by his side, unwavering in her support. Orihime's steadfast commitment to Ichigo is evident as she provides support during the challenging battles. Ichigo, in turn, draws strength from Orihime's presence, showcasing the depth of their connection.

Happily Ever After

In the final chapter of Bleach, the envisioned future for Ichigo and Orihime comes to fruition, depicting a significant shift in their lives. Orihime, no longer alone, finds comfort and companionship with Ichigo by her side. Ichigo, once characterized by a degree of cynicism, has undergone a positive transformation, reflecting personal growth and a more open-hearted demeanor.

This concluding chapter provides a glimpse into the peaceful and fulfilling life that Ichigo and Orihime have built together. The challenges and conflicts from earlier arcs have given way to the quiet joys of family life. The presence of their son Kazui not only signifies the continuation of their lineage but also shows the love that define the Kurosaki family. Ultimately, the final chapter serves as a heartwarming conclusion to Ichigo and Orihime's journey, showcasing their growth as individuals and as a couple.

[beidousfavwh0re]

THEM AS FANFIC TROPES

including: albedo, ayato, Scaramouche, Beidou, Ningguang, kaeya, Diluc, Heizou, Dainsleif, eula, Ganyu, xiao, zhongli, Kazuha, yelan, thoma, Lisa, rosaria and childe

ALBEDO

-I imagine a slow burn fanfiction, like the type of one where they almost kiss on the 50th chapter and then they’re interrupted

-omg and there’s definitely some kind of element where they’re both in denial for ages because they don’t know how to accept their feelings

-they find out about their feelings because jealousy

AYATO

-I’m thinking a ‘spoiled rich kid meets the one thing he can’t just buy’ kinda dynamic

-like he really wants to have this person and has to work for them rather than buy their love

-but it serves as character development as well cuz he’s now just a really sweet person who now sees the world like everyone else rather than some kind of monopoly game

SCARAMOUCHE

-cliche enemies to lovers .

-it’s not even a slow burn. They just realise they kinda do like each other actually. And they understand each other more than anyone else understands them

-even better if it’s dickhead meets even bigger dickhead.

-like they’re just so good at pissing each other off that when they are left alone in a broken elevator they just kinda bond

BEIDOU

-I’m seeing a friends to lovers but one is a big extrovert and doesn’t have any shame whereas the other is an introverted nerd who dies if someone talks to them

-and then they get together and all of a sudden everyone notices the existence of this person

-Beidou invites the person to travel with her and they’re just chilling on the Crux, watching the sea while everyone else is chatting all the time

NINGGUANG

- I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE

-Ningguang has a secretary or meets a business person who’s married

-let’s just say they fall in love but the person is married and in a controlling relationship so they run away for Ningguang

-just a shame the person has to be in the spotlight with Ningguang

KAEYA

-I’m genuinely just thinking about one of those high school AUs with the parties in the rich kids house

-truth or dare.

-except the person has to kiss their best friend’s brother, Kaeya, who’s a bit of an asshole.

-kaeya is a year older and is the guy in his year who could get with any chick he wanted but he doesn’t

-turns out he’s shy but still can’t help being kinda rude to everyone.

DILUC

-I’m thinking hero meets villain

-the villain is kinda hot and is the only person Diluc hasn’t been able to just destroy and now they’re on his mind

-then they just keep coming back like one morning they’re sitting at the counter after making breakfast for diluc

-turns out they can’t stop thinking about him too even as everyone’s trying to kill them

HEIZOU

-similar dynamic except he’s forced to arrest a person falsely convicted of murder and he releases them but they just keep showing up.

-not necessarily in his house but when he’s buying stuff, they’re always nearby

-they just awkwardly wave and pretend it’s not like he’s stalking them

DAINSLEIF

-Dainsleif falls in love with the sweetest soul on earth like an absolute angel who happens to be a florist

-but he’s immortal and would put them in danger if they were to be together so he’s forced to distance himself and admire them from a distance

-but they have already fallen for him so he’s forced to protect them for the rest of their mortal life

EULA

-I’m imagining Eula loving someone simple

-they don’t have much going on in their life like maybe they’re just an ordinary baker who gets rude customers sometimes and likes to vent about them

-eula would settle down for a simple life with this person and be able to ignore her problems to listen about theirs

-I don’t imagine this being a complex love story. I imagine it to be a straight forward kinda story that’s just cute-

GANYU

-hear me out

-Ganyu falls in love with some kind of model or actor/actress who is super confident and seems above the world

-Ganyu doesn’t have that self confidence and is just kind of shy around this person. They, however, see Ganyu as just stunning

-they help Ganyu to gain self confidence and worship her

-just some kind of cute, fluffy dynamics

XIAO

-similiar kind of vibes as Dainsleif except I see Xiao being more vulnerable to someone who is also immortal and carries the same burdens as him

-this person is also kind. They don’t chase after Xiao like a rabid dog but were persistent enough to actually get Xiao to talk to them.

-he is able to talk to them about his problems and become vulnerable and they are able to slowly take down his walls.

-I’m thinking friends to lovers

ZHONGLI

-I can see Zhongli searching for some a person that is always there and he knows would never leave so I can’t see him liking a mortal

-I can’t see him having any kind of complex story

-I think it would be another friends to lovers except I can see it being someone he’d recently met that’s immortal rather than a long term friend

KAZUHA

-met at a party hosted by Beidou

-both got high together while everyone else mainly stayed away from the drugs

-woke up on top of each other on the floor, half undressed and limbs tangled

-he gets apologetic about it but keeps in touch with the person and they hang out more and more, especially with everyone else

-I can see some kind of friends with benefits thing happening

YELAN

-okay probably not gonna happen but

-ENEMIES TO LOVERS BARK BARK

-the person is a treasure hoarder that’s plotting against yelan and then yelan catches them and they’re like MOMMY?!

-like mf really expected a Karen with wrinkles and npc features but got the hottest gambler in liyue

THOMA

-just imagining someone who desperately needed help in inazuma like they got lost or don’t have enough mora for something

-then thoma just appears out of nowhere and saves them from trouble

-but this stuff keeps happening and Thoma is somehow always there

-and then they have to help thoma when his vision is almost yoinked

LISA

-bookshop. That’s all I have to say.

-Lisa finds a bookshop and picks out a book to read which the bookshop owner happens to love. Then they recommend a book that’s a lot better and happens to be their favourite

-Lisa goes back to talk about the books she’s recommended and they have really long conversations

-then they’re offered a job as library assistant and take it up part time while occasionally checking on the bookshop and doing small jobs there

-and then they slowly fall in love like just imagine one moment where Lisa and this person are on opposite sides of the bookshelf and their hands touch when they both reach for a book

-and then they share the book like that scene in DDLC

ROSARIA

-just imagining an absolute saint like someone who loves peace and order and can never do anything wrong and then just the complete opposite

-this person who’s constantly trying to be nice to Rosaria and then is constantly denied

-until the person snaps and has a breakdown in front of Rosaria, shouting at her

-Rosaria is just slowly hating this person less

-then Rosaria just kinda changes them

-they start hanging out and they start to just become straight unholy

CHILDE

-I’m thinking something like his story quest

-a complete stranger finds teucer wandering around alone and is concerned so they take him to liyue harbour where they find childe

-childe asks if they can take care of teucer and they say of course because they love taking care of children

-when teucer meets childe again he’s talking about how he wants to see them again

-when they next meet the person has been hired as a babysitter for childe. They take their youngest sister as well so teucer and her can play together

-it doesn’t take long for childe to fall in love

[vodika-vibes]

Speechless - A Gryffin Industries Story

Summary: Echo can’t sleep, due to nightmares and phantom pain, so he goes to take his mind off things in the gym. While he’s there, he becomes reacquainted with an intern who has the voice of an actual angel. And Echo is smitten.

Pairing: Pre-ARC Trooper Echo x F!Reader

Word Count: 1457

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: The song that the reader is singing is Speechless, the spotify link is there.

Echo sighs as he rubs the juncture where his prosthetic arm meets his flesh arm. He’s not unused to phantom pain, the ache is familiar at this point, but that doesn’t make it any easier to sleep through.

The fact that the phantom pain is always accompanied by horrific nightmares means that Echo’s a bit less willing to try and sleep at the moment. 

He lays in his bed for a moment, and then he sighs and sits up.

If he can’t sleep, then he might as well get up and do something. At this time of night, there probably isn’t anyone in the gym. Maybe if he physically wears himself out the nightmares won’t suck as badly.

He swings his legs out of his bed and crosses over to his closet to pull a set of exercise clothes out of the drawers. 

Echo has been an employee of Gryffin Industries for close to 9 months now. And he’s been an actual working employee for almost 6 months. It took him three months to recover enough to be able to actually work. 

And he’s happy.

He is.

His twin brother is here, though he works as a personal guard for one of the doctors rather than as regular security like Echo. Also, there are a lot of his brothers here. Even Rex works here now, and Echo gets to see his brothers almost every day.

Add in the fact that he makes a very nice paycheck, and gets the finest armor and the best medical care on Coruscant…and he really has nothing to complain about.

And yet he’s not happy.

Echo opens the door to his room and steps into the hall, before turning to the left to head to the elevator that will take him to the gym.

His therapist says that he just needs time to adjust, that his feelings are normal, but Echo’s not so sure. They don’t feel normal. He steps into the elevator and leans against the wall as it goes down.

And then, when the door dings open, he steps into the dimmed hallway leading to the gym. Normally this part of the Gryffin Industries complex would be filled with laughter and the sounds of weights clinking together, but at the time of night, even the most keen vod’e are either sleeping or working.

Echo will be alone.

It shouldn’t bother him as much as it does.

He heads down the hall, and then he slows to a stop. He hears something. Echo tilts his head to try and listen better, and then turns down a side hall. One of the halls that leads to one of the myriad of simulation rooms. 

As he follows the noise, he realizes that he’s hearing someone singing.

Echo follows the voice through the halls, until he comes to one of the smaller sim rooms. Carefully he pushes open the door to the room, and he has to blink twice at what he sees.

The singer, a young woman who looks vaguely familiar, turned the room into a theater, and she’s standing on a stage singing and dancing. And she’s good.

Better than good.

She’s amazing.

He folds his arms and leans against the wall, a small smile crossing his face as she continues singing. 

Now that he’s able to see her clearly, he realizes that he does know her. She’s one of the interns in Weapons Development. He’s had several conversations with her over the last couple of months. She’s quiet and shy. Very reserved.

The daughter of some of the Doctors who work higher up, if he remembers correctly. 

He never imagined that she could sing like this.

The song comes to an end, and she stops moving. Her chest is heaving and her face is flushed…and Echo’s never seen a more stunning sight in his life.

He brings his hands together and she starts, her head snapping up to look at him. She looks deeply uncertain for a moment, before she crosses the stage, and over to the control panel.

A touch of a few buttons, and the theater vanishes around them, leaving her standing on a stark platform, and him leaning against the white walls of the sim.

“Oh…Corporal.” She carefully steps off of the platform and takes several hesitant steps towards him, “I…ah…”

She won't meet his gaze, and Echo realizes, with a start, that he needs her to look at him. He needs those pretty eyes focused on him or he might just die.

He takes a step closer and leans slightly to the side so that she’s looking at him, “That was beautiful.” Echo praises, honestly, “You have an amazing voice.”

Her eyes snap to his face, and she presses her hands against her cheeks, “Oh, thank you!” Her voice is quiet, but she sounds pleased.

“And the fact that you can sing and dance at the same time is even more amazing.” Echo continues, thrilled now that her eyes are on him. “You must have worked hard to be able to do that.”

There’s a flush of pleasure on her face, “When I can’t sleep, I like to come down here and practice.” She ducks her head slightly, “I’ve never been caught before.” She admits.

“Well, I can’t imagine that anyone else comes down here late at night.” Echo agrees, “I’m only down here because I can’t sleep.”

She smiles at him, and Echo flashes a grin right back at her, though he only has two thoughts in his head. One, he would burn Coruscant down if it meant that she never stopped smiling at him, and two, he’s so karked.

“Well,” Her voice is light and it pulls Echo from his thoughts immediately, “I’m not supposed to be down here. Not really.”

“Why not?”

“Ah, well-” She trails off, “Mother and Father think that I should focus on my studies. They think that the Simulation rooms are a waste of my time.”

Echo pauses, “To have a sim saved, you have to use an ID-”

Nervously she pulls an ID out of her pocket. An ID belonging to someone who clearly isn’t her. “I made a fake. Please don’t tell! I’ll stop coming-”

“You don’t have to stop coming,” Echo interrupts, “You enjoy singing and dancing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.”

She brushes some of her hair off of her sweaty face, “Well, music has always been my passion. Ever since I was a small child.” Her smile is small, “But mother and father never approved.”

“Why didn’t you go to school for music then?” Echo asks, stooping to hand her a water bottle that he hadn’t noticed until that moment.

She takes a sip of the water, “Well, mother and father paid for my schooling, and…” She sighs, “I love my parents, Corporal-”

“Echo. It’s…just Echo.”

“Echo, then.” She corrects with a slight nod, “Like I said, I love them. They’re just stubborn. And, I guess, a part of me is worried that they’d disown me if they knew that I’m not a science person like them. Like my siblings.”

Echo doesn’t say anything for a moment, there’s not really anything to say. She knows her family best, after all. And then he glances at her, “You know, that song didn’t sound familiar at all.”

“Well, that’s because I wrote it.”

“You wrote-?” Echo blinks at her, “Holy shit, just how talented are you?”

She giggles and ducks her head, “Thank you.”

Echo stares at her for a moment, and then he grins, and hurries over to the panel on the wall, reloading the most recent sim. The theater blossoms around him, and he motions for her to join him on the stage.

“What are you doing?”

Echo grabs his comm and hops off the platform, as he turns on the camera, “Go on, sen’ika. Sing.”

“What? I can’t…if my parents-”

“The only person going to see this is me. And maybe some of my brothers.” Echo says, and then he winks, “Trust me, sen’ika. We’re experts at keeping secrets.”

She drops her gaze for a moment, and then, slowly, she nods. “Okay, Echo. You win.”

“I always do.” He replies smugly. “And then, tomorrow, we can go on a date.”

“...what?”

He just grins at her unrepentantly, “A date. You and me. We’ll get ice cream, it’ll be fun!”

“You don’t even know me.” She says, exasperated.

“Not yet, that’s what dating is for.” Echo grins, “Come on, sen’ika. Give an old clone a chance.”

“You’re hardly old.” She replies, before she crouches to start the music, “but, yeah. Okay. It does sound like fun.”

Echo’s grin widens, and he lifts his comm, “Come on, Sen’ika. Give me a show.”

[thelunarfairy]

I've been having the same thought for several nights, what is the difference between the love that Amane/Hanako feels for Tsukasa and the one he has for Yashiro? [what do you think the difference is, no matter how slight and subtle and unnoticed, it sounds or looks?]

Thinking about it a lot, I realized that I had a belief (or theory) that Hanako had learned from the situation with Tsukasa and how he shouldn't force people to stay with him. However, I see the last chapter and I can only see a Hanako/Amane who STILL wants (will force, in Tsukasa's eyes) his brother to be with him. He won't let him go, not again. He won't allow it as long as he can and even if it is impossible for him to stop Tsukasa from destroying himself.

Although Tsukasa and Nene are similar, not only in actions, but also in their way of loving Amane/Hanako. But Amane/Hanako love them differently. Or, well, put better, feelings (however same they are, how similar and identical) vary in a small distinction: Amane/Hanako behave differently with their two lovers and how they should remain.

With Nene, he is willing to let her go: let her grow up, become a young adult, let her meet other boys, let her forget him forever (and it will be good for her, just an adventure in her youth).

But with Tsukasa? Forget it, he won't let him. He will be dead (he already is), disabled and buried five meters underground with a padlock rather than let him go [It's a joke, I'm just joking jaksjaka]

Or maybe it's just a saving them thing? Amane saved Tsukasa, as he fervently claims and believes. With Yashiro he also just wants to save her from death, so he won't kill her of course. They're different situations.

Hero complex, they call it like this

Although murder and suicide seem excessive to me. Seriously, he killed him to save him and then himself? Or was the suicide already agreed upon before? I will save you and since I can't live without you and you shouldn't live without me, I will commit suicide?

From time to time this happens to me, I think, I write it down and I end up rambling until I find a small alternative.

But seriously, do you think there's any difference between his love for both of them? [I mean, regardless of whether that love is different or the same, knowing Hanako and his possession of what he loves, let Nene go? Is Aidairo trying to teach us in the midst of all this that if you love someone you have to let them go? 😟]

tchau 🫶 y buenas noches o días, lindo día

So that you can understand better, you need to let go of labels. Yes, Hanako is jealous, he is possessive, but that is a consequence of something.

Generally people with these characteristics are not born that way, they can develop them according to life experiences. Amane lost Tsukasa when he was still four years old.

Can you imagine the pain of a four-year-old child who doesn't even know how to deal with this, having to suddenly lose the brother he loves so much?

Imagine that every day he went out to look for his brother around the house, who called him day after day and was never answered, who stayed at the window every night wishing he would come back.

Many adults don't know how to deal with this, much less a child. A missing person is almost as painful as death. This is because death confirms that you will never find that person again, but disappearance gives room for hope.

You create hope of seeing that person again even if they have already died, and in some cases you may never find out what happened to them. Can you imagine that this is more tortuous than death? Death makes you learn to deal with the absence of that person, disappearance does not.

After Tsukasa returned Amane may have become insecure, he knows the pain he felt with his absence and he doesn't want to feel that again. Nene is a girl, a girlfriend, he could find as many girlfriends as he wanted, but his brother is unique.

Would you compare a relative of yours to dating? Which one is more important?

Even though Hanako loves Nene, he can handle it, and he is so aware of it that he let her go twice, Nene is a friend he fell in love with, but passion can fade over time, Tsukasa is and always will be his brother.

There is this difference between the type of love.

Amane is trying not to make the same mistakes with Yashiro, but even so, he also advised her not to give up on her own life, like he did with Tsukasa.

Hanako is simply doing everything beyond his power just to save the people he loves.

He wants to save Tsukasa and he wants to save Nene. He doesn't care about saving himself, he just wants them to be okay.

Here love is similar.

Nene and Tsukasa are both in no-win situations. They were chosen by destiny not to continue life. But Hanako is fighting with all his might against it.

He wants them to live.

And if Tsukasa simply wants to leave, he goes along, he can't bear to go through that pain again, he doesn't want to, he gives up any desire and anything to stay by Tsukasa's side.

Their story is long, and the reason Tsukasa disappeared was Amane, which increases his guilt even more. Nene's case is her destiny, and Hanako only wants to change her destiny because he loves her, and loves her enough to keep her safe.

But things are changing, the more Hanako falls in love with her the more the love he feels for her resembles the love he feels for Tsukasa.

Hanako likes the idea of keeping the ones he loves trapped to make sure they don't leave, that they will stay there until he can save them "wait for me, I'll save you"

He trapped Tsukasa in the boundary for more than twenty years, Tsukasa just had to leave and in a few months he found a way to self-destruct, how long does it take for Tsukasa to remove the seal?

He wanted to keep Nene trapped in the PP arc, or away from him while he looks for a way to save her.

It's not about heroism, this is about Kou, in Hanako's case it's necessity. He needs to save them, he feels like he has no option, he needs to do this because he loves them.

Hanako is so desperate not knowing what to do that he simply made these choices. The love he feels between Tsukasa and Nene are very similar, but Tsukasa is the priority.

There are many labels we can use on Hanako, but rest assured, he is doing all this to save them both, the problem is that he doesn't consider their wishes.

Hanako doesn't want to feel pain again.

Because you know, death is a relief for those who go, but an eternal pain for those who stay.

Tchau Tchau ^^ ~ bye bye

[riddles-n-games]

Why do you think avery and Jameson’s characters/Jameson’s story felt off? It feels off for me, too, but I can't put my finger on it.

Hoo boy, where to start? This feels like peeling wet paper from wet paper. Also, sorry this took so long to make. I was constantly putting it off because I felt like I kept not knowing how to continue this review at times so I really hope this doesn't disappoint.

Spoiler Warning: The Brothers Hawthorne Discussion

Plot-wise, first off, it felt like we spent a lot of time with the set up to get to the Game and usually JLB spends a very minimal amount on that before we jump into the riddles, puzzle-solving, clue finding portion of the story as shown in the last three books. Then when we get to the actual portion of the plot which is dedicated to the Game itself, the running around Vantage feels like it was all so quick and you don't even get to take it in because we're already at another part with a new clue that by the time you feel settled in, the Game is done and Jameson is the winner. So, I think the concern with the story on that front is the fact that she wanted us to have an element from the old books that we're comfortable with so we can continue experiencing that thrill we're used to, just from Jameson's perspective because this suits him to a T. And she's right. This is the Hawthorne brother we've come to associate with all these high risks, high stakes, riddles, puzzles, complex games, etc., etc. It's just her approach didn't feel right; she spent more time on one thing than the other, the set up vs the climax as a result of said set up were disproportionate and this would probably be as a result of the dual pov. We never had a dual pov before in the series so where one story feels completed, the other didn't. Had Jamie's story been one whole book on its own, she likely could have made everything in the plot more evened out, especially the part we're anticipating most: the Game.

Also, from what I can see, Grayson's plotline does serve as the typical storyline we see in TIG, THL, and TFG in terms of set up and execution of actions after the build up. But it also must have been thought out better because there was pressure from the fans to redeem Grayson after the events of the last book. To be fair, JLB may have also planned it out that way in the first place. It's just disappointing to read through a book with the one brother I wanted to see in his best element because he fit this script the most having his storyline cut off seemingly abruptly. I know it's easier for her to come up with stuff for Grayson because he's still underdeveloped but she should have taken more care of Jameson since he is already developed. It causes inconsistency and on her part, looks like lazy writing and that she didn't even want to write his story. Most complex story she's written, my ass. If she wanted to just write Grayson's story then she could have done that, it would be believable enough that she just wanted to leave Jameson untouched because of the work she put into him rather than taking back all the good stuff we've seen come out of him by the end of TFG.

Now, with Jameson's character development, I think that the problem was the dilemma he was facing with his mind being "ordinary" compared to that of his brothers. I don't think I minded that part that much but when I review how he acted in the original trilogy versus how he was in this one, this problem kind of abruptly seems to show up, even with the flashbacks where this was demonstrated to be a topic of interest. Maybe JLB should have created some kind of set up for his character having this problem in the first books like she did with his lack of father figures issue which clearly makes him sensitive and his desperate need to win. These were things that had an origin and were portrayed appropriately in the book with a somewhat satisfying conclusion. This one just felt like it was there and the issue was quite quickly resolved so it kind of just makes itself appear as something that could have been easily ignored. He also falls short on sounding like a human being because she has made his mentality and personality so one dimensional and basic that a robot has more complexity than him. We get it, he's hungry for more almost all the time! But that's not all there is to him. And as a Jameson girlie, I feel like she made it so much harder for us fans of him as a character and the chosen love interest for Avery to give reasons as to why we liked him. I mean, back in 2022 and throughout 2023, I don't know how many little analyses and rants I came across that projected the goodness of his character. Now what am I supposed to justify? I was hoping we'd get that deserved deep dive to see what else drove him besides the obvious and what did we get? Just an endless loop of what we already know and have seen.

On the topic of Avery and Jameson as a couple in this book, uh, I think that JLB could have done a better representation of it from Jamie's perspective than the way she did in TBH. They had some pretty great moments like their problem-solving sequences, the getting ready scene before the opera, the little stuff like their hand symbols to signal to each other, Avery comforting Jameson, and Jameson confiding in her the secret of what happened in Prague. However, I found the way that JLB described Jameson's thoughts towards Avery a little too out of character. I get it, there's nothing wrong with him being physically attracted to his own girlfriend, that's definitely part of it but it felt too lusty and not the way he seemed to view her from what we saw in the last three books. I mean, even Avery wasn't quite so lusty towards him. The flirtatious components weren't what I was hoping to see especially after his many swoon-worthy moments from THL and TFG. Honestly, regarding my opinion on this, there's a recent post by @elif-in-wonderland that summarizes my thoughts for me perfectly.

There, that concludes my current thoughts on the book regarding Jameson's side. If I do end up having more opinions to share, I will be sure to make a continuation to this in a follow up post. Thanks for the ask!

[weeb-polls-with-pip]

Autistic Anime Girls Group 3 Round 2 Match 8

SUBMISSION PROPAGANDA:

Franziska -

"Prodigy in her field, forced to be an adult whilst she was very much still a child. Franziska canonically became a prosecutor at the age 13 so that she was able to start prosecuting the same year as her "little" brother (Just what she calls him - he's seven years older than her), and consequently has to act like she is a mature adult desire being a young teenager. She has really bad emotional regulation (her in-game running gag is whipping people, because her whip is a comfort item to her, and she's been using that motion whenever she gets annoyed since she was really young.), but acts quite haughty, cool and unapproachable so that it doesn't show.

She gets to break down and start crying in the post-credits scene to her debut game because her brother's chased her down to return her whip and show her genuine affection (in his own weird way) and it is SO satisfying.

She calls everyone by their full name nearly exclusively, even her brother. She gets flustered when people do this back to her.

She is obsessed with running investigations in her own "perfect" way in accordance with her family creed, and likes to take charge to make sure this occurs. (Gets visibly distressed when she gets credited for a surprise search on a building that she did not order) At one point, she is SHOT by an ASSASSIN outside the courthouse and STILL tries to go in to prosecute anyway because this is her case and she has it all planned out, and is very upset when her brother forces her to go to hospital instead.

She also repeats a lot of motions that she's picked up from people around her, notably clutching the fabric of her sleeve on her right shoulder like her father does, and smugly wiggling her finger at people like her father and brother do.

I think she's often overlooked for being autistic because her brother is quite clearly too, and he is a more important character, and at various points, a POV character, but I think she absolutely deserves a spot here!"

Tsubame -

"Tsubame is a bit of a complex case when compared to her friends. She is deeply moved by the art of animation, has a compelling attention to detail in movement, and is able to replicate it through her calling, no matter how long it might take her to accomplish specifically tricky feats. It’s how she chooses to express herself to the world, rather than what her parents imposed on her from a very young age, when she was literally taught how to act, and was pushed to pursue a developing career as a successful actress and model.

She could be a poster child of masking, as she grew up learning how to imitate others, and building a persona through whom she was able to present to the cameras, her parents and admirers. This doesn’t deter her, and she comfortably admits to the other girls in the Motion Picture Club about the seemingly complete neglect she feels from her parents, but nevertheless is happy to finally indulge in her actual passion, fighting tooth and nail to make the high quality animation she aspires to see on a screen: realistic and intrinsically complicated at times, and not compromising a single frame to cutting costs if she can help it (of course, Kanamori does reason with her whenever their projects start struggling to meet a deadline and everyone starts pulling all-nighters).

Definitely doesn’t show it at first, but as soon as she finds a safe space in the company of Midori and Sayaka, she drops the act entirely and progressively lets her true self come out. She is energetic, loves playing around, gets too easily distracted, loves climbing up high places, has an unlimited source of curiosity, and when she’s not strongly focused on her art, she’s always moving around. As someone who crafted a perfect mask from very early on, and who, thankfully, had at least the liberty at home to experiment and have fun unrestrained, she naturally is an example of a girl that likely wouldn’t get diagnosed due to a multitude of factors."

[hearthouses]

happy wincest wednesday!! what do you think would happen if jess found out?

This is highly dependent on when she finds out and how she finds out, in my opinion.

Personally, I struggle a lot with fics where Jess is immediately okay with it and even kinks on incest because it often feels like an easy way to avoid conflict and drama. In an effort to sketch out her character, it feels more like she's positioned as a "cool girl" plot device who is down for anything rather than a fully formed, real person with feelings that can be hurt. So for a situation where Jess eventually becomes okay with it, I imagine it would take a lot of work and development to get there.

My primary thought would be an AU where Jess lives, but in the process is injured and traumatized, and feeling deeply hurt and betrayed by Sam who she discovers has been lying and ommiting truths, leaving her vulnerable. If she chooses to go with them, it would need to be for herself and her own peace of mind, but in the process, she would be getting to know Sam as he is and not as he presented himself, all his dark parts and secrets, and not knowing if she can love this Sam when she fell in love with an illusion. In this AU, I imagine she becomes closer to Dean by default of there being no history, Dean is a clean slate, Dean hasn't lied to her and made her believe he was someone he wasn't. A writer would have to develop Dean and Jess as a separate relationship and dynamic, then have Jess open up to Sam again.

As for her finding out about Sam and Dean in this scenario, I think depending how everything unfolds and develops is what would make or break it. I don't think Jess is in a position to immediately accept it because I imagine she's lived a fairly regular life, and while I think people are cool with things in fiction, it's another thing entirely to have it shoved in your face in reality. I imagine in the best case scenario, with development, it's still a shock to her system and she would have to reconcile everything else that has happened, on top of finding out the man she was going to possibly marry is in love with his brother. So I waver on if she can fully commit and be all in, or not, which I don't blame her at all for and would rather a more realistic and messy possible break up, over a situation that rings hollow and false.

As for finding out during the canon Stanford timeline, I can't imagine any other scenario than her assuming Dean had sexually abused Sam. This would be figuring something happened when Sam was underage, and that Dean being older and his caregiver meant he took advantage. I think she would loathe Dean in this scenario and attempt to help Sam with trying to get him therapy or give him books or find groups he can attend, all while Sam continues to insist it was never like that and wholeheartedly defending Dean. I imagine she would be cold to Dean when he shows up in the pilot and unable to figure out why Sam would want to go off with him.

I also like scenarios where Sam confesses half-truths, like he was younger when he lost his virginity to somone older and Jess using context clues and coming to the worst conclusions. In these scenarios, Jess means well and is trying to help Sam because she loves him and she's never going to be able to wrap her mind around in what world any of this would be okay, or even understandable. She doesn't have the same frame of reference or experience. I personally would love to see more fics that explore the complexities and nuances of what it would be like to be Jess and having to come to terms with all this information, as well as fics that don't necessarily end in a happy poly Sam/Dean/Jess situation, but rather Jess realizing the best thing for her would be to walk away.

[orionsangel86]

Subtext Glorious Subtext! A Dreamling on Netflix analysis in The Sandman - Part 2

1389

Now that's one hell of a meet-cute...

One thing I love about the 1389 scene is how Dream in the show is so much MORE of an ass than Dream in the comics. There is no “Why would any sensible creature crave an eternity of this?” in the comic. No, "Do that, and he will be begging for death within a century." The show plays up just how little Dream thinks of humanity at the time, further emphasising the change in him between this time and the modern day.

Deaths’ role in the deal is given further weight in the show. In the comic, she smirks at Hob’s claim that Death is stupid, but doesn’t say much more other than to agree to the game when Dream states it could prove interesting.

The comic implies the deal was Dream’s idea, the show makes it Death’s. In the show, she even states that "This could prove very interesting." rather than Dream, giving her a more active role in the deal. The knowing look from above isn't aimed at Hob, it's aimed at her brother. Death appears to have different expectations to Dream.

I know that we like to joke that Death "set them up" but in all honestly the show does imply that she knows more than she lets on, that she is agreeing to Hob's wish for Dream's sake, and that she has a bigger hand in building their friendship that Dream realises. In the comic this simply isn't the case, and I like how the show has given Death a more active role in the development of Dream and Hob's relationship which will tie in nicely if the show ever gets to Sunday Mourning and Death and Hob's conversation there.

When Dream approaches Hob in the show, this is given a level of intensity and mystery that it deserves. Hob is in awe and his friends are hushed by Dream’s approach.

(Ferdie’s face is a treasure)

I want to mention the choices made in the Audible audiobook here because whilst the audiobook is amaaaazing, by its nature it is played as per the comic, in that it is not an adaptation but a faithful immersive reading. Still, decisions had to be made on elements such as background noise, music choices, and actor line delivery, and quite frankly, the tone given to Dream and Hob’s relationship is extremely different to the show. The audiobook plays this scene as very lighthearted. Hob’s friends are given a larger focal point, more emphasis put on the laughter and the ridiculousness of Hob’s claim to not die. When Dream approaches, he is treated like any other human approaching a group of drunk friends and is invited to join them in their merryment. There is none of the mystery and intensity that comes across in the show. Nothing to indicate Dream’s otherness. Hob doesn’t show confusion, or intrigue, or even too much curiosity towards Dream’s proposition to meet him in 1489, it is clear he views it all as a joke. In the show however, with the camera zoomed in to capture Hob’s reaction, his thoughtfulness, his lingering gaze as Dream leaves the table, it adds a weight to the meeting, like with every exchange in the show, the tonal changes are most important. The close up camera angles showing prolonged eye contact and small smiles emphasises their connection throughout, and supplies an almost romantic quality to the meeting.

1489

Interested in [you] your experience...

The changes in 1489 are subtle. The actors play up the intensity of their relationship (again as opposed to the acting choices made in the audiobook which play Dream and Hob's meetings very casually), and there are several moments that I love which add to the complexity of their show relationship.

The first, is the small misunderstanding when Dream tells Hob he is interested. Hob’s eyes widen, and he asks “in me?” his reaction here is interesting because he appears interested in the prospect of this, until Dream corrects with “in your experience.” It is only then that Hob draws in on himself and asks what he has to do. That additional “in me?” is everything because it adds a layer to Hob’s thought pattern that doesn’t exist in the comics. What could he have been thinking there? That Dream was propositioning him? That he was looking for sexual favours? Perhaps Medieval Peasant Hob had considered the idea of Dream being some Fae Prince who intended to take him off to fairy land and make him his consort (all totally realistic things for a medieval peasant to think of course!) The point is that at least on Hob’s side, it implies a further layer to their relationship and how Hob views it, which continues throughout the centuries.

Hob doesn’t misunderstand Dream in the comics, he doesn’t even question it when Dream tells him he is interested in his experience. In fact he does a lot less questioning in the comic in general.

Show!Hob presses Dream further into giving him more information. He asks him why? He asks why Dream is there. He asks again, who Dream is. Hob’s attitude in the comics is less about asking questions and more about not looking a gift horse in the mouth and just rolling with the situation. Show!Hob is far more suspicious, but also more interested in Dream himself. Even after he has confirmed to Dream that he still wants to live as per the comics, show!Hob still presses Dream to tell him who he is, calling out to Dream as he leaves.

The show also pushes a lot of the other characters and character interactions into the background. There is no old man ranting about chimney’s in the show. Instead, like with all the various time periods, the show devotes everything to develop the building relationship between Dream and Hob, making the background characters nothing more than inaudible background chatter, out of focus, and almost dreamlike compared to the two men who only have eyes for each other. Well, mostly.

Follow on to Part 3 for my analysis of the 1589 meeting! :)

[isfjmel-phleg]

March 2024 Books

Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot by Janet and Isaac Asimov

This one was a lot of fun! I should track down the rest of the series.

The World's Greatest Detective by Caroline Carlson

I was very confused about what era this world was mimicking (are they Victorian? 1920s/30s?), but it was a fun story and I enjoyed the dynamic between the protagonists.

A Dig in Time by Peni R. Griffin

I remember liking this one, but it feels like I read it years ago and I can't remember everything. Time travel with a family emphasis.

The Promise by Monica Hughes

Like Sandwriter, which this is a sequel to, I initially wasn't so sure that I liked this one, and then it went in an unexpected direction that took the themes in a more complex place, and I appreciated that.

The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

I generally like fairy tales well enough, but this one was rather a slog to get through, and I ended up skimming a lot of it. There were some familiar favorites, but a lot of the tales were of the variety that consist of an interesting set-up followed by a seemingly incoherent series of events, and I regret I don't have enough interest in folklore to get much out of that.

The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy

Interesting from a historic perspective mostly, but I didn't connect much with the story.

The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn by Amber A. Logan (reread)

Reread so it would be fresh in my mind before the presentation. You already know how I feel about this one.

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter (reread)

Same as above. I have a post in drafts with some thoughts on this one that may eventually see daylight.

The Making of May by Gwyneth Rees (reread)

Already discussed this one.

A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi (reread)

Beautifully written and very readable and develops its themes well. Does fall into the trap of making the story about grief (Maria's late parents were frequently absent from her life, and she resents this, but she did have relationships with them in ways that her counterpart in the original book never did with her parents, so it's a completely different dynamic). I found this Colin to be somewhat underdeveloped, but I did appreciate the concept of his being fearful about failing to live up to family expectation, which is a reasonable translation of the original character's source of shame.

Charley by Joan G. Robinson

I don't remember much of this one. Didn't have any problems, just didn't have as much impact as other books by this author have for me.

Greenwild by Pari Thomson

A very derivative example of the Child Learns That They Are Magical And Special And Enters A Fantastical World Where They Must Take On The Villain sort of story. I wanted to enjoy it, but everything felt trite.

Doctor Who: A Brief History of Time Lords by Steve Tribe

This was a gift from my brother. I am a very casual DW fan and haven't really engaged with the show in quite a while (really should rewatch and catch up on new stuff but that's a pretty big time commitment right now). I think I would have got a lot more out of this if I were more than passingly familiar with Classic Who and all the lore in general.

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

I was interested in this one because it's a retelling of "The Yellow Wallpaper," and the concept of comparing the difficulties of getting difficult-to-trace chronic illnesses taken seriously and diagnosed in today's world to the mishandling of women's medical and psychological conditions in the late nineteenth century intrigued me. However, this book didn't really know what it wanted to be. The young protagonist's struggles with her mystery chronic illness took up most of the book, but there was also a plot about a literal ghost in the wallpaper of her new attic bedroom that needs to be defeated in the end, and neither of these things fitted well together. One or the other of them would have been fine, but the combination left me confused about the nature of this fictional world and the themes of the book in general.

Comics/Graphic Novels

Benevolent Sisters of Charity (Over the Garden Wall)

This is the only one of the OTGW comics that I wasn't able to buy before it went out of print, so I ILLed it and realized that it was for the better that I hadn't. The story was incoherent and pointless and the characters were OOC. The art was much better than the story deserved.

Wayne Family Adventures Vol. 3

I've read these as a webcomic already but wanted it in book form too. These are entertaining; you just have to go into it aware that this is The Fluffy World version of everybody and they are characterized accordingly.

The Flash by Grant Morrison & Mark Millar

Not on a level with Waid's work, of course, but the highlight of this one was the storyline in which Linda dies and Wally manages to bring her back (some good Bart content here) and a delightfully meta short story in which Mark Millar meets up with Wally to figure out what story about him to tell next...and Wally is given a co-writing credit in the end.

The Flash by Mark Waid Books Seven and Eight

An effective end to this run. Waid points out in his Afterword that he's still got another story on reserve, so...anytime he wants to give that to us, that would be great. I'll be waiting.

The Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Retelling of the Secret Garden by Ivy Noelle Weir (reread)

You know how I feel about this one. (I whipped it out at the convention to show somebody who was talking to me about CEN in the present day through leaving one's child to technology that that concept was used in this retelling, and somebody nearby oohed about what a diverse retelling it was as I flipped through pages. Which is, you know, more important than effective storytelling. It should have done both! We could have had both!)

Stephen McCranie's Space Boy Omnibus Volume 5

I've read this in webcomic form already, but it's a pleasure to have a physical copy of the latest omnibus.

Sinister Sons #1-2 plus additional material establishing the backgrounds of Lor-Zod and Sinson

A sort of response to the series Super Sons (which featured Jon Kent at his proper age and Damian Wayne), by the same author. This is going to be about a teamup of Lor-Zod (son of General Zod, was Chris Kent in another continuity, has apparently been Zukoed in this incarnation) and Sinson (a young, apparently orphaned thief who believes that his father must be Sinestro, the Green Lantern's arch-nemesis). So far the boys haven't done much more than fight, but I'm interested to see where this is going. (#3 is in the mail now!)

Lor is a horrid little piece of work, but his parents' recent treatment of him puts him in a more sympathetic situation, and I am hoping he'll get a redemption arc that would move him closer to his original version. Sinson is no angel either, but he's just a child who really, really wants a family and is clinging to the only hope for one that he has--and if that means he's a supervillain's son, then he's ready to follow in those footsteps to gain acceptance.

(Also he drew a mustache on himself with a black marker to look more like his alleged father, and that's so ridiculous and kind of endearing.)

[samsvenn]

𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐮 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

Shu was not the best role model for any of the brothers after Edgar's death. As they grew up, Laito definitely took notes on how Shu lured women

One of the most prominent tactics Laito took notes on from Shu was how women often tried to attract Shu rather than the other way around

Delving into this deeper, Laito concluded that due to Shu's position as the heir and his nonchalant attitude, this made Shu much more different than the average vampire noble because anyone who could 'tame' Shu was the most deserving to be with him; thus adding to his appeal

Laito struggled with how to use this to his advantage before he perfected his perverted persona. He wanted people to come to him, but he didn't have the patience that Shu did

Shu, being Shu, noticed that Laito kept on staring at him. He even commented on it using a throwaway passive comment: "Looks like someone's training to be a voyeur."

Shu doesn't care for Laito and the same goes for Laito. However, their closest interactions might possibly be Laito trying to discover how he could develop into his pervert persona while masking his hypersexuality (caused by a certain purple vixen) and Shu making off comments that Laito should just be himself rather than try and imitate him

As Shu grew more distant and Laito grew more merciless with his methods, there have been times where Shu silently watched his fedora-wearing brother in the background, unbeknownst to Laito

Why? Because Karlheinz. Karl, also having the side job of being a time god and resetting the timeline anytime something went 'wrong' or there was a wrinkle he didn't foresee (it's possible and I'll delve more into this in another post), often pressures Shu to see how Shu's presence affects his younger brothers as he believes that Shu is an interesting variable in his experiment of the Adam and Eve plan due to his birth of being the first son

If Shu had enough energy and was bothered enough, he'd order familiars to deliver almond and pistachio macarons to Laito's room in the event that Laito was experiencing a rare mental breakdown if he recently had night terrors of Cordelia

Although Shu is often asleep, that doesn't mean that his hearing's turned off. His hearing might even be the sharpest out of all his brothers since he had to develop the quickest in order to be a proper candidate for the throne. He'd hear Laito flailing around and sobbing into his pillow in order to muffle out the sounds as he knows that vampiric hearing is extremely sensitive (If you've played his route in HBD, you'd know he's commented on it multiple times to Yui in order to fluster her)

Laito is the most observant when it comes to his brothers. From how Reiji purposely turns his back away from Shu's direction, to how Ayato sucks in one side of his cheek when he's getting irked from the taunting of a rival basketball team, Laito can see through everyone however the biggest enigma to him is Shu

That doesn't mean that Shu is an impenetrable fortress though. The most shocking scene Laito has witnessed was Shu staring a bit too intently at a sacrificial bride before walking off as he clicked his tongue. This one single moment clicked in Laito’s head that Shu often felt the need for a companion but would never EVER initiate it

Laito’s complex mind-mapping could never comprehend what went on in Shu’s head from that day. But the fact that Shu acted too human to even be considered a cruel and sadistic creature of the night spoke thousands of words that were too vague to be concrete

In the days that Shu was too quiet even by the eldest’s standards, Laito plays a snippet of the past songs Shu played in his, now broken, prized violin that younger Reiji destroyed. He wanted to make sure that the Blonde Sakamaki still had some life left in him

With how powerful Shu was and how often he’d conceal it, there was no doubt that he heard the piano keys calling out for him in a mantra that uttered for his name and his name alone

Most of their daily brotherly interactions now are just passive comments that either poke fun at each other (Laito's underwear drawer vs. Shu hilariously getting viruses from downloading erotic audios that all have some kind of varied ear licking involved)

[kotamagic]

This week on Lore Olympus...HOLY SHIT! IS THAT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT I SEE???

Last week, we saw Demeter call Persephone and tell her about Demophoon. She immediately came over to discuss it in person and to show sympathy and support.

Demeter feeling she lost both children (one to marriage, one to an infection) is completely valid. Even in the case of Persephone, who is immortal, she "lost" her to her own issues, but given more recent developments, it isn't a total loss. She went to therapy (are they still going to that off-screen? I hope so.) and now she's talking about Demophoon. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

Moments later, Hades appears with Demophoon, and Demeter is in shocked tears. The baby she thought she'd never see again is back.

Hades, my dude, "creative accounting" is an interesting way of fudging numbers.

Yeah, and this good deed on Hades' part needs to stay hush-hush, or EVERYONE is going to want a similar favor. Why do Castor & Pollux, the Gemini twins, come to mind....? (In b4, Zeus fudged THAT one...)

Ah, ok, this is how Rachel is working around this...

As I mentioned in my previous LO post, the original myth has it that Demophoon's immortality ritual got interrupted. Depending on the source, he died either during the fudged ritual, or perished later of other causes. (Possibly a foot injury, as mentioned in LO) Demeter would later take Demophoon's older brother, Triptomelus, as an apprentice and teach him about agriculture.

Rather than add the complexity of Demeter having 2 children during the 10 year gap, we're re-naming Demophoon as Triptomelus and HE is going to learn, then teach agriculture. Let's just hope no one accidentally slips the truth out.

After Hades and Persephone leave, Demeter, Hera, and Hebe Hestia proceed to have... a lady's evening with wine?

Demeter is still a bit salty about Hera marrying Persephone to Hades, but let's be honest (cuz Hera definitely was), they were gonna get married with or without someone else's permission.

The discussion then moves back to Metis, and Demeter's memories of her. Demeter herself was into physical activities back in the day, but they had to go on hold to save the world. Having been denied that, Demeter gave (more like forced/encouraged) Persephone to take up physical activities in her place. Was she trying to live vicariously through Persephone by doing so?

During the discussion, Hera touches Demeter's bracelet from Metis and suddenly has a vision. It's not a pretty one, and from what I can gather, it's either Hera herself or possibly Hebe in Kronos' clutches! And here, we were thinking Kronos was going to have Melinoe target Morpheus!

Anyway, thanks for coming to my LO post! There will be a bonus post with visual commentary coming up shortly!

[andreal831]

Hello, just a fellow The Originals fan here. Do you think Jackson could have been a better character if the writers decided to make him part of Hayley's biological family, instead of a love interest?

I think as a brother, or even as a cousin, he would have worked better. He being so protective of her as a wolf in season 1 would make more sense, he would want to protect his long lost sister and unborn niece, instead of following her just because she's his fiancée.

Jackson would care more for Hope as he did her stepfather, maybe seeing her as a second chance, after not being able to protect Hayley in the past. Having lost his entire family as a child, he would relate to Hayley losing her child in some kind of way and definitly would not abandon her. After Hope's return, I could see him working with Elijah to make the wolves of the bayou their personal army (to avoid the wedding plot, maybe Davina o Freya could find a loophole and resolve the situation as such).

So... Sorry for possible grammar mistakes, this is not my first language, and... well, I'm waiting for your response

Hi love! Thanks for asking!

I absolutely wish we could have seen Hayley have actual family. She searched her whole life for her family and even sacrificed 12 of her friends for their location. Only to find them and essentially be rejected by them, except for when she has something to offer. I love found families, which is why I love her connection to the Mikaelsons, but I would have loved for her to build that connection with her pack. She began to have it with Eve, but after Eve was killed, we don't really see her build that bond with anyone else.

This is where the show failed to develop a love triangle. I don't like love triangles, but especially this one. Even when I don't like both ships, I can usually see why people are torn. But in order to make the audience torn, you have to make the character torn as well. We don't really see that from Hayley. She isn't torn between two men, rather torn between a man she loves and the simple life she wants. She likes the idea of marrying Jackson because he represents the life she could have had if her parents hadn't been murdered. And this is only after she is forced to even consider it in order to save her daughter. They didn't have to completely remove him as a love interest to make them have a better relationship. They simply needed to invest in the character/ relationship.

We can compare this to the other love triangle in this fandom. I liked early Stelena and can't stand Delena, but I can see why people ship them. People were shipping Delena since season 1, even when it seemed that Stelena was endgame. This is a successful love triangle. But people shipped them because we saw moments between Delena where he was vulnerable and she felt like she was the only one who could fix him. We could see them begin to develop feelings, even just familial ones. We don't get scenes like that with Jayley.

Every moment of vulnerability we see from Hayley is with Elijah or even Klaus. For Jayley to be a competitive ship, I needed to see moments where Hayley was opening up or Jackson was being vulnerable. I needed to see some connection between them other than just being from the same pack or being betrothed. I also needed to see Jackson understand that Hayley wasn't Andrea. He was so busy trying to "save" her from the Mikaelsons that he never realized how similar to them she was. They could have had her tell him about how she helped get 12 wolves killed and have him have to process/understand that, understand who she became because his grandfather killed her parents. They had a complex history and really could have been a complex ship. But we never get to see them share anything personal and develop that complexity.

Which brings me to your point. If Jackson had been related, it would have really changed the dynamic. Hayley would still feel torn between her family and the Mikaelsons but it wouldn't have been so difficult. We don't really see Hayley taking Jackson's romantic interest in her into consideration in season 1 at all. She really only mentions it to push Elijah to act. Other than that, we don't see any romantic connection. They basically were just family. But the real shift would be the hierarchy of the pack.

One thing I've mentioned that I hate about the Crescent pack is the confusing hierarchy. Part of this is due to the fact that the pack actually split in two and developed two different "royal" families. My other issue is the monarchy aspect. Packs are meant to be led by the strongest members, members who are chosen or earn it, it doesn't matter what family they come from. This is something they seemed to ignore in TO because they wanted to position Hayley and Klaus and King and Queen. I hated this. Hayley was always referred to as a queen, even having the pack kneel for her (ew), while Jackson is referred to as the alpha, not the king.

If they were related, theoretically, one of them would have a better claim to the pack rather than being from rival families. To me, Hayley or Aiden should have been alpha. We don't see Jackson ever step up for the pack the way we see Aiden and Hayley. In a normal pack, if the alpha runs off and someone else steps up, they would challenge that position. But here, Jackson just comes back and resumes his position. I would have liked to see a challenge. This is why monarchies are bad. They are allowed to rule no matter what they do, they don't have to improve or even try.

You're definitely right about the protective as a wolf thing though. I was always confused by what level of understanding the pack had as wolves. We are told in TVD that the wolves don't remember when they turn and don't have control. This is what makes hybrids different. But the Crescent Wolves seemed to remember their time as wolves and even control it. Maybe this is due to the curse or just one of many plot holes, who knows. But we already know that the wolves naturally are drawn to family. Ansel was drawn to Klaus as a child and then to Hope in his wolf form. That would have made sense for Jackson to be drawn to Hayley as his family and his wolf being protective. I don't think it would make sense to say his wolf was protective simply because of an arranged marriage.

It also would have shifted Jackson's motivations. To me, it felt like every interaction between Jackson and Hayley was motivated by Jackson's desire to fulfil his childhood dream of marrying his lost Andrea. It broke my heart for Hayley that the first chance she gets to meet her family, Jackson tells her he is disappointed by it and the rest of her family just ignores her. I would have loved Jackson to hold off on the obligations and just get to know Hayley. Maybe ask how she's feeling about being pregnant or offer her some stories about her (their) family. If he was biologically related to her, this would have been more of her focus. And to your point, he would have been more interested in the baby since it was his family. It would have been more impactful to see them bond over losing their family, of being forced out of their homes. They really did have a lot they could have bonded over but the show just didn't let them.

It would have made him take Hayley more seriously as a political leader of the pack, rather than just a potential wife. The pack was terrible at politics and part of this could have been because they lived most of their lives as wolves. They should have welcomed Hayley's experience and intelligence and even her connection to the Mikaelsons. Ironically, the pack had the arranged marriage because they understood it could help create peace between the warring packs. You would think they would understand Hayley's connection to the Mikaelsons could do the same thing. Hayley even bonds with Davina and could have gotten the witches on their side. They could have worked with the Mikaelsons and even the witches to come up with a better solution.

Another issue I have is that the unification ceremony gives the pack the power of the alphas, but why wouldn't Hayley just taking over the pack and them swearing their allegiance to her give them her power? The magic just felt so forced. There seemed to be a lot of better options.

Essentially, he didn't need another story line to be a better character. He needed better writing or more time.

Sorry this was so long but I hope I answered it all!

[ystrike1]

Shinobi Quartet - By Himuka Tohru (7/10)

It's blunt. It's loud. It's a yandere modern-day shinobi harem, and the writing feels flat in half the chapters. The setting is silly. The author tried to make it unique, but Chouko is annoyingly perfect. The only unique thing about this story is the yandere, who wins the harem fight to have the best master. The rich, cute and spoiled Shinobi Princess.

Wish fulfillment changes depending on the year. This story is 1000% teen daydream fluff from 2003 and you can't change my mind. Chouko is the daughter of a rich family, who are descended from famous shinobi. Chouko isn't even allowed to go to school without a bodyguard, even though she is powerful, because she is that rich. When she gets kidnapped she isn't even fazed. Regular crooks don't scare her.

The head of the harem and the obvious winner is Ujou. He is an extremely submissive yandere. Sometimes his behavior is presented as funny, but he is unhinged. He is also a privileged young man, who is destined to serve Chouko's family. It's a match made in heaven.

Chouko forgot Ujou, but they were friends as kids. The other boys do not stand a chance. Honestly I don't know why this is a harem. The other options really do feel like window dressing. Ujou has no flaws outside of being obsessed with Chouko, which is kind of his job. Even her family is mostly OK with the stalking...because he's a shinobi guard. It's kind of what he's supposed to be doing.

Chouko immediately makes a friend when she is finally allowed to go to school. It's not a regular school of course. She's too rich for that. Only the best shinobi heirs go there. It's a dog eat dog world where lower shinobi submit to masters from more powerful families.

Is this a problem?

Kinda but no.

Chouko always preserves the status quo. She is the rightful Shinobi Princess. She is willing to rough it with the peasants and wander around, but when there's a fight suddenly she's the boss in control of the battlefield. Chouko adores Kurumi because she had an isolated but spoiled childhood. She has always wanted girl friends. She kinda treats her harem like junk when Kurumi wants to hang out, and that particular gag is kind of funny.

The twin gag is not funny. I have to say it. The "twins" are usually the worst part of harems like this. Neither of the red twins feel like romantic interests at all. That would be refreshing. I want Chouko to have male friends, but um...it does feel like an error on the writers part. The brother complex thing has to die. Nobody likes it. Stop.

I've seen worse harems. I've seen less entertaining yanderes. Ujou isn't lying about being submissive or anything, and that makes him a rarer type of yandere too.

Be warned.

I downloaded the pretty color panel spreads but the art ain't that great. I love the coloring of these spreads, but the actual art is kinda boring.

This is Tsubaki. He calls Chouko onee-chan. He is not really a love interest option, again, and he exists to make her look strong and cool. It's honestly kind of funny how Chouko's female friends get more development than the shinobi boy crew.

He is an assassin who tried to kill Chouko, but she won him over with her coolness.

This is the other "crazy" character. He's also the doctor character, which makes him rather one note. When there's a medical situation he's in charge, but usually he's in the background. To the point where it gets funny. He's also a pervert...I guess...but that's not a personality trait...and Ujou is more flirty than he is. He's like diluted Ujou with white hair and a medical kit...He also quickly accepts that Chouko likes Ujou without a fuss....He also has magical prophecy powers...ok

Chouko solves Kurumi's romance issues, and family trauma, in like two chapters by the way. Chouko tells this guy, who is obviously in love, that he's probably in love and he freaks out. He thanks Chouko for showing him the light, and helping him accept his feelings...but lmao...she didn't do anything. She stated the obvious and after that she gets praised for an entire chapter.

I won't say this is bad. It's early 2000's wish fulfillment shoujo. One of the twins has a brother complex. You know what is up. We get it! Our heroine gets worship and praise every single chapter. She is the messiah that solves every problem, and when she's sick everything falls apart. Also they're ninjas I guess. I do respect the commitment to the yandere. The author doesn't even pretend that the other men have a chance.

[cross-my-heartt]

Why I don't think anyone from the batch is going to die in Season 3

Alright this was supposed to be in Part 3 of my Three Act Structure analysis but it's gotten rather long so I'm making it a separate post.

The premise here is that a large part of the third act is often the process of tying up subplots and providing closure for the audience. (Unless we get an open ending which I doubt since we have a whole season to cram full of content.)

And in my opinion killing off any member of the batch would serve to cut their respective subplots short rather then resolve them. Here's what I mean:

Let's start with Tech. Making Tech’s death final means an untimely end to not one but several subplots. First and most obvious is the goal of reuniting the batch. And I mean the batch in its entirety. Next is his romance with Phee which was in its development stage when it was cut short and finally there’s the mystery of his possible survival which, given how many casual and non casual viewers are convinced he’s alive, is an ongoing subplot, an active mystery.

And answering the question of ‘how he survived’ with ‘he didn’t’ is likely to put off a large part of the audience.

Next is Crosshair and the entire subplot of getting him back to his brothers.

Crosshair is the missing piece that has been creating tension since episode one of season one. A character who has already sacrificed himself for the good of the group making another sacrifice repetitive and redundant. Who has largely redeemed himself and has gotten his own miniature hero’s journey where the hero hasn’t been ‘rewarded’ yet. Who was once forcefully prevented from returning before making a decision to leave, a choice that he now has the chance of making again.

In short killing Crosshair now… doesn’t make sense on any front.

Then there’s Echo, another option with little narrative logic behind it. There was an immense effort made to bring Echo back after he died in TCW so there’s the element of redundancy in killing him again. It would also completely obliterate his subplot with Rex, because here’s the thing:

If at any point there is emphasis put on a character’s choice, especially one involving an interesting personal/moral dilemma, killing that character before he’s able to give his answer is an extremely unsatisfying thing to do.

As an audience we naturally want to know what conclusion the character reaches. Hunter and Echo had a conversation where Hunter asked Echo ‘when it would be enough’ and thus far we haven’t heard Echo’s answer. We don’t know whether he’s made up his mind on which life he’s going to choose, which one he will prioritize or how he will possibly balance them; whether the new circumstances introduced by the show have somehow swayed him in either direction.

These are all very interesting questions. And depriving us of an answer, a resolution, a character defining choice feels cheap. Almost like a cop out following a good baiting. What’s the point of giving us complexity if it’s going to lead to a dead end?

Next in the lineup is Omega who has been such a crucial driving force behind the batch’s decisions that killing her off would be beyond stupid. Much like Echo, she’s the source of many quandaries that I’m sure the audience would rather see answered than have them be cut short.

Character development and complexity is built through the important decisions characters make when faced with dilemmas. And taking those dilemmas away either stunts growth or leaves us without any insight into the character’s mind.

Characters who are forced into a certain path for lack of any choice can quickly become one dimensional. Deprived of the chance to demonstrate agency, personality and their values. Crosshair was such an instant fan favorite because he was allowed to make choices. He was compelling regardless of whether we agreed with him or not.

So what happens if Omega is torn away from the batch? What happens to the question of family versus being soldiers? Of safety versus risk? Of the familiar versus the unknown? Do we really want our heroes thrown back into the fight out of despair? Out of a sense of revenge? Or do we want a slow building realization brought to a satisfying conclusion. You tell me.

And finally let’s not forget how much of Star Wars centers around hope and in particular, passing the torch to the next generation. There’s a whole dissertation to be written here but I’ll refrain from it and just say that killing off the youngest member of the batch who’s supposed to carry their legacy and lessons into the future would be a pointless slap to the face of much of what the franchise represents.

And last but not least there’s Hunter and Wrecker who I’m putting in the same basket as they’re similar in that there’s no immediately apparent reason or subplot keeping them safe. Well, none besides the question of why... Why do it really? The only thing I can think of is shock factor and my personal stance on that is borderline derision. It’s one of the cheapest most narratively pointless tropes out there and I expect better from the show.

If we had to go into the nitty gritty, I’d say Hunter is safer from getting the chop because a) there’s his developing parental relationship with Omega b) he’s already been in a critical situation where he’s shown to be ready to sacrifice himself (I’m talking about Daro where he tells them to leave him behind. Honestly it’s redundant to show any of the batch sacrifice themselves for the others because we get it. We’ve seen it. It’s really really redundant at this point.) and c) he’s one of the main decision making forces in the squad so we expect the answers pertaining to their future to come from him.

And honestly there’s more. There’s the fact that he and Crosshair were the representatives of two opposing worldviews so seeing them reconcile and reunite would be a satisfying moment. There’s Hunter’s guilt for leaving Crosshair behind, Crosshair’s resentment for being left behind (both things that have been largely forgotten after the Outpost despite being unresolved. There’s been this pervasive attitude of ‘haha you were wrong all the time, stupid! now grovel’ that seems to invalidate everything that’s happened before that but …sigh… another post for another day).

So I suppose the conclusion here is… Wrecker is in danger? If we believe that someone is definitely going to die. Though I certainly can’t promise anyone that the writers won’t throw us a curve ball or introduce some new narrative reason for a carnage.

[ryuzakemo128]

Hey, can you do a peaky blinder headcannon where the reader is the second youngest shelby but is really close with John shelby so she is basically John and esmes daughter. She's always around them and won't leave their side. They are both so protective of her as she's always happy and kind. She's really close with esme and she looks up to her like a mother figure and esme looks at her like a daughter.

Second Youngest Shelby Headcanons

I hope you like these and I am really sorry these took really long to make.

Before Season 1

Your birth month flower are Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) flowers.

You prefer to spend time with John out of all of your older brothers. There wasn't many moments in your life that you spent without him.

Your nickname means little mouse as you are that much smaller in terms of height.

Despite your small stature you have a fiery spirit and a rather strong personality. Refusing to let anyone push you around.

You have a special bond with John Shelby, he was there for you for everything and when he went to war in World War I, you were devastated. You wrote him letters every week, and his replies were your lifeline.

You often found comfort in the company of Esme, who became like a mother figure to you. She saw you as a daughter and cherished the bond you shared.

Season 1

You noticed the way your older brother John is now acting differently. The first world war affected him in ways you could not fathom or begin to imagine. The way you heard about his trouble sleeping made you more alert and aware of it.

You made it your personal mission and priority to remain at his side, offering him comfort and support whenever he asked or needed it. Often staying up late into the night with him and falling asleep on the couch making sure he had company.

John appreciated your presence more than anything during those difficult times. He found solace in your unwavering support and kindness. You were like a ray of sunshine in his life, always bringing a smile to his face.

John appreciated your presence more than anything during those difficult times. He found solace in your unwavering support and kindness. You were like a ray of sunshine in his life, always smiling. Your personality remains bright as he remembered it.

You two would go on long walks to help clear his mind, you two rarely spoke during these walks because you felt like words were not needed as the silence between the two of you spoke louder than words ever could.

The chaos, danger surrounding the Shelby name and family, John wanted to make sure you and Finn were safe no matter what happened. Always keeping a watchful eye on the both of you. Even after he got married to Esme.

Season 2

As the family's troubles intensified, you became protective of both John and Esme as their troubles worsened. In spite of the fact that you are younger than Ada, you are also older than Finn Shelby. In addition to that, you are also the second youngest Shelby. Since you could not bear the thought of losing anyone else in your family, you made it your mission to ensure their safety as well. There was always someone at their side, accompanying them wherever they went and keeping an eye out for any potential threats along the way.

You found solace and a sense of purpose in the study of philosophy. It became an outlet for your introspection and a way to make sense of the chaotic world around you. You delved deep into philosophical concepts and theories, often engaging in intellectual discussions with John and Esme, who admired your thirst for knowledge.

You developed a close bond with Esme, viewing her as not only a mother figure but also a mentor. She recognized your intellectual curiosity and encouraged your pursuit of knowledge. Together, you would spend hours discussing philosophy, literature, and various other subjects that intrigued you. Esme's guidance and wisdom shaped your perspective on life and helped you navigate the complexities of the world.

Despite not wanting part of the family's business, you were often dragged into it just because of the last name Shelby.

You made it clear that you didn't want to be directly involved in the illegal activities of the Shelby family. Instead, you focused on using your intellect and strategic thinking to assist John and Esme from behind the scenes. Your ability to analyze situations and provide insightful perspectives became invaluable to them in their dealings. "I don't want someone else's blood on my hands Tommy," You told him. You already couldn't stand the sight of someone else's blood and her own, so you made it a personal boundary to avoid direct involvement in violence.

You learned hand-to-hand combat even though you couldn't stand the sight of someone else's blood or your own. It triggered more of a gag reflex, you know the importance of self-defence she just didn't think she would need to learn it until things got a lot more riskier.

You saw Esme as a mother figure, as you grew older and she saw you as the daughter she never had.

Esme taught you invaluable life skills like cooking, sewing, managing household affairs and handling finances. She wanted to make sure you were armed with the necessary skills to navigate the world as you grew up.

Despite your aversion to violence, you developed a sharp intuition when it came to reading people and assessing dangerous situations. Your keen observational skills and ability to gauge people's intentions proved valuable sometimes. Much like Polly's ability to read the future or at least predict it. She had a rather strong Intuition.

Season 3

Your Intuition became more refined as you grew up, the constant danger, shifting alliances forced you to develop a heightened sense of awareness and knack for predicting potential threats.

The studies kept her from nearly most of the family meetings as you delved deeper into them. "You for a fact know that I can't go those meetings, I have to study as much as I can." You said to Thomas, John, Arthur and Polly.

While you were busy with your studies, you also helped out when it comes to John and Esme's children. Always making time to help them out.

Despite the busy schedule, you made it a point to spend more time with them and helping them out. From cooking to cleaning and babysitting the children.

5. The major family meetings were now the only ones you would attend, the only ones you be found attending and it was usually Thomas breaking the news to you on the day, John would tell you the day before.

Season 4

John's death was traumatizing, it deeply affected you, losing your closest brother was devastating blow, it shattered the sense of security you always had beside you.

One of the Changretta mafia blinded her with the use of a acidic liquid, causing her to lose her sight permanently, your wails were from the women's bathroom one night after John's death.

Tommy was furious when this happened, "I can't see Tommy. How can I continue my studies if I can't see?"