#there was the thing w/ the horse in the arc after that had me like okay. i dont think that was necessary. nothing happened but i dont think

[cosmicrhetoric]

im undecided on how i feel about berserk cause on one hand some of it really hit hard and i like the main Question of god and fate etc. that the series is about but on the other hand man idk 😬. i do think the funniest possible outcome of me trying to read this is actually just playing dark souls instead

[sketching-shark]

Me ghink theres lot of hate towards tang sanzang some of which IS UNDERSTANDABLE

But alot of it goes too far and say the most rancid shit ever all bc hes book character. Mind ya hes based on actual person and is being use his likeness. Like some lmk fans be saying the worse thing ever towards this guy(for example wanting him get the d*ath penalty n amongst others).

We forgetting that yes some of his treatment towards swk IS horrible but we tends to forget swk had done some atrocious things that sanzang was witness to in full view. No human would journey like that without being completely scar and traumatized. Some of my friends while looking through the book had found that sanzang be using the circlet all in one go and then never used it in years.

His character development does happen yall in where he do trust his companion more and then *insert traumatizing moment* happen. I do think wukong didnt deserves the maltreatment tho(i want to say this bc later i get ppl saying that i support ab*se bc i defend sanzang for a bit, not knowing that i also disagreed w some his actions)

Most ppl forget that the first arc that the gang actually face as a group was the gingseng tree arc, not white bone spirit.that u have him defending wukong and countless other times where he do trust swk judgement in some cases. (i just wanted to get it out there since not many ppl realize it n im fully blaming osp for this bc they are skipping arcs. N they don’t really tell what arcs they’re skipping)

This just me rambling but dam all these ppl need therapy.

THEY'RE SAYING WHAT NOW ANON AAAAAAAAAAA but haha wow on a lighter note that is kind of funny that the fandom which routinely portrays the Six-Eared "I am going to try to murder-replace you for completely selfish reasons / repeatedly try to kill a young mortal that you love" Macaque as a monkey who never did anything wrong ever would then go out its way to demonize Tang "I do lash out & often don't trust my senior disciple but have also been threatened with death for fourteen years" Sanzang. Like geez I've seen many another fandom where the assumption is that for one character to be good/be "redeemed" you need to make another character horrible (tbh I'm starting to suspect that that's what's happening with the lego show version of Sun Wukong & the Six-Eared Macaque), but wild if true that some lmk fans would go THAT far in the attempt to paint the monk as a guy so awful that he literally deserves the death penalty.

Now to be fair it does need to be noted that even in Wu Cheng'en's classic (or at least from what I've seen in the Anthony C. Yu translation), Tang Sanzang was in many ways intentionally written as a caricature of a fussy Confucian scholar who may have memorized many doctrines but who doesn't really understand them, and who is often made a figure of fun for falling off his horse, and who does use the headband against Sun Wukong is some very explicitly painful and unjust scenes. In at least the book he's also a much more static character than the Monkey King in that we don't see any real changes in his thoughts or behavior over the course of the journey, which I can see as a something that would sour many against him. THAT SAID, you are very correct anon in noting that besides one traumatizing event after another happening to him, from his mother's suicide to constantly being threatened with death and/or rape at the hands of many yaoguai, this monk does have a number of reasons for why he's constantly crying and acting with hatred and suspicion towards the Monkey King. And let's not forget that one of the things SWK told Tang Sanzang early on in the journey was that he had literally killed so many he couldn't remember them all, and that was right before he tried to kill the monk himself! Point being that yes both Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong are extremely flawed individuals who often clashed with each other in some pretty upsetting ways, but there's also many understandable reasons for why they act the way they do. It's a real disservice to their characters and the underlying implications of the journey (or its retellings tbh) to forget or ignore that! *

*(and on THAT note this is another reason why it's kind of frustrating that the Overly Sarcastic Production & Monkie Kid retellings of Xiyouji seem to be the primary ways that western audiences are understanding the journey. Liking explicitly cartoony retellings is one thing. But then basing all your knowledge of the work on these retellings and/or even outright refusing to understand the classic in any other context makes for some really simplified and even really insulting beliefs about a culturally important work as a whole)

[jksprincess10]

Dressed for revenge 10. Temporary

A/N: Here’s the start of Arc 3! Hope you guys like where the story is going.

CW: angst, trust issues, joel being an ally

Masterlist for this fic      

Please reblog!*

Third arc: Jackson

Mid-December 2023, on the road

Over the next few days, they barely stop to rest. After what happened, Joel feels an urge to pursue happiness, and he thinks he would find more of it where his brother is, wherever that is.

As they get further up north, it gets colder. The roads are icier. They don’t know if they will make it. But they can feel it. They’re so close.

On that road trip, Ellie explored every hiding spot in Bill’s truck. She found old cassettes, and they alternated between them every day. They knew all the songs by heart.

But Ghost didn’t get tired of singing.

At least, it shut their mind off.

They didn’t talk about the kiss and about the newly found affection with Joel. They didn’t know where they stood, but they would sort things out at the end of their journey. 

There were things far more important in the present.

Like the roadblock they come across, in the middle of nowhere.

Old, worn-out cars are blocking the rest of the road. Joel and Ghost come out of the car with their bag and their weapons out to inspect.

“Stay here.” Joel orders Ellie as he gets out.

It’s the only road. They can’t go anywhere else.

“Fuck.” Joel says and kicks the tire of one of the old cars.

“It’s fine. We’ll walk the rest of –”

But they’re cut off by gunshots.  They get down on the iced ground. Bullets fly through the carcasses of the cars.

When there’s a break, Joel raises his hands in the air as a peace offering, while Ghost stays down, their bow drawn in case.

But he meets the gaze of the black-haired man, and he can only recognize one person.

“Tommy!” He shouts.

Tommy and his people lower their guns.

“Joel?” He asks, like he’s in front of some kind of mirage.

Ghost lowers their bow and gets up to look at the man who’s Joel’s younger brother. They’re both different, but they can see a resemblance in the way their skin is tanned and the way their noses curve similarly.

Tommy gets down from his horse, jumps over the car and falls into his brother’s arms. After a long, emotional embrace, he looks around him to see Joel’s companions.

Ellie had gone out of the truck when she saw that there was no danger.

“This is Ellie, and this is Ghost.”

“Nice to meet y’all.” He says sincerely.

Of course, he had Joel’s charming southern accent.

“I… looked for you for so long, Tommy. Where the fuck have you been?!” Joel asks almost angrily.

“Why don’t you come with us so I can explain?”

**

Ellie is sitting behind Tommy on a horse, Ghost and Joel took another one. They load the essentials in their bags, but they wouldn’t need much now that Joel found Tommy.

Him and his people guide them to the rest of the way.

Mid-December 2023, Jackson.

It’s hard to describe what they are looking at. It was like a city was preserved, frozen in a bubble. It was booming with life, and it all seemed so… normal. Ghost can feel the emotion rising in their chest.

 Hell, had they wished they had found somewhere like this with Wyatt.

Instead of -

After touring this whole place, Maria, Tommy’s wife, leads them to a house that was free. Joel promises to see Tommy later to catch up, the trio has to make themselves at home first. Ellie follows Maria, who promises her a haircut.

While Ghost is undoing their bag in the main bedroom, Joel looks at them through the door frame.

“Don’t you… wanna live somewhere else than with us?”

Ghost stops and turns around, brows furrowed.

“What do you mean, Joel?”

“You asked me to free you. I did. I don’t wanna keep ya hostage.”

They keep undoing their bag with frustration now, clothes flying instead of being put folded carefully.

“You know this is… temporary. I have to get Ellie somewhere.” Joel adds.

“And where is that, exactly?! I wish you would tell me the truth, Joel. But I know you’re hiding something. You never talk. We… We never talk. We never talked about what happened the other night. You… you don’t even look at me.” The more they talk, more frustration builds in their gut.

“I wish I could tell you. I can’t. This is… This is bigger than Ellie, and us.”

“You don’t trust me?”

He stays silent.

“Fine. I’ll go for a walk. Feel free to get rid of my stuff if you want me to go somewhere else.”

Before he can say anything, they’re out the door.

Mid-December 2023, Jackson, Maria and Tommy’s house.

They meet Ellie at Maria’s house, who welcomes them with a warm smile. She’s already working on the girl’s tangled hair.

“Can you do mine after, please?” Ghost asks as they sit in a free chair. “It’s getting long.”

“Sure, but your hair is so short.” She says.

“I like it that way.”

Ellie frowns and looks up at them, while Maria is scolding her for moving so much.

“What’s wrong G?”

“It’s – Joel. He’s being weird.”

“He can be an asshole sometimes, I’m sorry.” Ellie says as she tries to stay still for Maria to cut her hair.

“Doesn’t want to tell me where you’re going, doesn’t want me to be there, doesn’t even look at me since…”

“You know, Joel and Tommy lost a lot…” Maria says. “He did bad things, too, and brought Tommy along with him. But… he lost his daughter, Sarah…” She says without missing a beat, still cutting Ellie’s hair.

Ghost and Ellie stay silent for a moment, taking this new information in. So, she didn’t know either.

“We all lost people.” Ghost says coldly, getting reminded of the loss of their brother. “We all did bad things.”

 They remember the burning church.

All the dead cult members they left behind.

“But… it can explain why he’s that way.” Ellie concedes.

“I guess so.” Ghost crosses their arms over their flat chest. “But… I don’t wanna be left alone again.”

“I want you to stay with us, G.” Ellie smiles. “And I’m sure Joel does too, but he has a weird way of showing it. He… likes you a lot, obviously.”

“This is giving me a headache.” They say, reminiscing Joel’s kiss. “ Let’s… talk about something else.”

**

While Ghost walks back home, Ellie stays behind with Maria. Something about her wanting to see the horses. But they knew she just wanted to give them and Joel space.

They enter silently enough for Joel not to hear them, and they hear noise from the living room. Joel and Tommy are talking. Ghost knows it’s not good to spy on people… but they still do it. It was the only way they’d see Joel being genuine.

“She’s immune, Tommy. It’s a fuckin’ miracle. We have to take her to the fireflies – they have doctors… they can, they can find a cure.”

Ghost frowns and listens.

“And the other girl? Ghost ?”

Ghost’s fist tightens.

“They’re not a girl. ” Ghost can’t help but smile a little. “They… followed along. Saved them from a fucked-up situation. I like them. A lot. But… It scares me, Tommy. I don’t wanna… I don’t wanna lose any more people. And I sure as hell can’t save them all.”

They can hear the strong emotions in Joel’s voice. He was usually so cold-headed.

It hits them that he was probably crying.

Ghost decides to make their presence known by stepping in the living room and by clearing their throat. Joel looks up at them with watery eyes and Tommy gets up, uncomfortable.

“How long have you been here?” Joel asks.

“Long enough.” They say.

Taglist:  @casa-boiardi @naynay2319 @  eddie-munson-dungeon-master @  dindjarins-brown-eyed-girl @  cutesyscreenname @  angel-with-a-heart @  scrambledslut @itgetsdark-x @cloverhasnobrain​ @toxicanonymity​ @cutesyscreenname @scrambledslut @wannab-urs @str84pedro  

[madraleen]

The Promised Neverland - Season 2 The “...Why Though?” commentary of a manga reader (*manga spoilers)

tldr: me, starting s2: this isn't as bad as i've heard! me, finishing s2: *screams in rage* *kicks a wall* *wails in the darkness*

-i know s2 has a really bad rep, so i'm here to be amused, not angry. we'll see how that goes

-mujika <3 sonju <3

-i hope that third empty spot with emma and ray in the op gets filled with norman when we find out he's alive

-i'm on ep two. it feels like we're on a speedrun, but nothing ~bad so far

-why are the cookies moldy...? did they leave out yugo...? i don't like that. i don't like that at all. yugo raised them and they raised him for so long. 

-my god this place feels so empty without yugo. but for an anime-only, i guess it's fine

-excuse me, what about the seven walls? :)

-why did you not let them have the shelter's clothes...? what about their individuality?

-i'm sorry, you had time for an entire new sequence of slimees, but not other important things...?

-excuse me, why are we not going to goldy pond? :)

-wow, the raid holds so little weight, both struggle-wise and emotionally

-THIS RAID DOESN'T MAKE SENSE! they found this place but didn't scout it?! they didn't know about the extra exit?! KIDS BEAT THEM WITH A MUG AND A PUSH?!

-excuse me why is this demon promising isabella freedom, where is peter ratri? :)

-the goldy pond people disrespect

-i'm on ep 5 and so far i don't think the anime is bad anime-wise. rushed yes, not looking at things too closely yes, but bad? no. adaptation-wise it's terrible, but if you haven't read the manga, will you think "wtf?" i don't think so. it's just that anime-onlys are truly, truly missing out

-a demon went near them in the temple and they didn't flee? AND THEY DIDN'T FLEE?! on what, good faith?!

-all of the children being near/in demon town is fundamentally the opposite of the manga logic

-lol the exposition via prayer. okay.

-NORMAN'S PLACE IN THE OP, I CALLED IT!

-the emma-norman-ray reunion doesn't pack the punch that it does in the manga. emma and ray and us haven't gone through all of those things that led them to norman, that made you feel the time passing and the struggle and norman's absence.

-it's an understated reunion isn't it

-i see the lambda group escaped the erasure rampage

-i never thought i'd say this, but damn i miss minerva!norman. the sus. the uncertainty. the coldness. the facade. the "what now." the vibe that made him distinctly separate from ray and emma.

-low-key hate the "now that norman is here, we can move forward again" vibe. norman made the escape plan; then things moved to a standstill; now he's back and things can happen again. as though the others are just going through the motions.

-there's no emotional weight, they just say their lines and we move on, no time to breathe, no nothing

-here's the thing. having placed the kids in this situation, you're truly honestly saying that THE FOUR OLDEST KIDS are gonna just leave their young siblings alone near demon town to look for mujika? seriously? are you sure

-there's no pacing, and because there's no pacing there's no personalities, everyone just says what they have to say, one thing after the other, and there's no time for them to transition smoothly from one emotion to another

-at least they kept the essence of norman's arc...? but the norman-less arcs weren't fillers, they had a point!

-i am so sad, the lambda facility part is so good, why did they mess up so much with the rest

-far be it from me to comment on the VAs, buuut... norman's VA kinda stands out, ngl. she shines, even in this awkwardly paced dialogue

-HOLD YOUR HORSES, NORMAN'S VA IS FISCHL'S VA?!?! HOW?!?! H O W?!?!

-norman's "i'll gladly become a god or a devil" IS SO BRUSHED OFF, oh my god, this should be A Moment!

-the wild demon looks bad, but who cares

-JESUS, THERE'S NO TIME GIVEN TO THE CHARACTERS TO PROCESS INFORMATION AND EMOTIONS! THE SPEED WITH WHICH EMMA GOES FROM NEUTRAL TO WEEPY TO HAPPY WHEN SHE SEES MUJIKA, ARGH!

-emma coming in with the telepathy, immediately knowing that the sound is the bang of norman's lies...

-THESE ARE THE GRACE FIELD KIDS, OF COURSE THE THOUGHT OF NORMAN HAVING LIED WOULD HAVE CROSSED THEIR MINDS! IT’S NORMAN! THERE'S PRECEDENT!

-but norman's plan and character in the manga had SO MUCH MORE DEPTH OH MY GOD! HE HAD HUMAN BLOOD ON HIS HANDS! HIS PLAN WAS MORE REFINED! and yes, i know "farms were attacked" here too, but the fact that norman actually had to make the choice to let humans die is not addressed or even hinted at

-there's really no time to breathe. one minute norman declares annihilation, and the next he's like, "no never mind :'(". the VA is the only anchor keeping him grounded

-these are the enhanced lambda group... which doesn't matter because they don't actually do much...

-the op song is nice tho

-OH SHUT UP NORMAN CAN'T AIM

-no, vincent, the real peter ratri wouldn't have believed you so blindly, but. we make do what we can here in anime land

-it's a shame that peter hasn't really had a Presence as the Enemy

-but why do all the kids who know nothing randomly agree to play tag on shipment day?

-so uh. why is sonju fighting with the kids on the farm in this scenario? bc last time he said he wanted to eat humans... and now he's here...? because we're... friends? that's it?

-lmao the queen and the nobles make an appearance in the last ep. sure okay

-ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME YOU'RE GONNA SUM UP THE EXISTENCE OF *** AND THE PROMISE WITH EMMA WITH A STILL?!?!?! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! WHY DIDN'T YOU LEAVE IT OUT ALTOGETHER?! FFS!!!

-YEAH AND MUJIKA IS CROWNED QUEEN IN A STILL, WHO THE FUCK KNOWS WHY OR HOW!

-lmfao, most underwhelming return ever??? of emma and co in the human world???

-goldy pond and norman’s kids gave up their existence so that emma could keep her memories, isabella could keep her life and cislo could keep his leg. sacrifices were made. i'm not mad, why would you even-

-okay okay okay. as an adaptation, it sucks. had i not read the manga, would i still consider it a bad season 2? well... i would consider it a downgrade. i wouldn't sweat the basic premise, but the execution would probably disappoint me. the dialogue is perfunctory. they say their bit, change emotions and thoughts in an instant, there's no weight, depth or consideration. things get resolved almost as soon as they're touched upon. i would have no idea who most of the new characters were as people, and i would have learned very little about the ones we already knew. everything is incredibly rushed, and whereas s1 was full of tension and obstacles, s2 was handing the kids everything on a platter, including hot air balloons, mujika randomly spotting emma's necklace, the old demon randomly having that one part of the pen etc (i usually don't mind random coincidences for the sake of storytelling, but this a "compilation of too many issues" situation). the powerpoint presentation in the end would have left me confused and underwhelmed, and the emma-tachi return is incredibly lackluster for a closing scene. i don't think i'd consider it a disaster, but definitely disappointing.

but it is an adaptation and i have read the manga and it's all very sadge.

[sailorblossoms]

Not to be a downer, I'm minding my business when the recommended posts in tumblr dot com shows me this stuff (this is a vent blog) (sort of) but seeing Simon being paired with Alex from RWRB as fellow bisexuals instantly activates my fight or flight instinct. I get wanting representation, but... you have an explicitly bisexual character who goes through an arc to embrace that identity, you have him explicitly telling you, directly and indirectly, that he has had Bisexual Feelings and so this label fits him best, and then you have Simon Snow. A character whose instinct is to be put off by being considered bi, who upon serious consideration of what bisexuality means, gives valid reasons to say no. Can't speak for everyone but as a bi person this... kinda annoys me (his reaction alone is enough for me to never want to call him bi again haha)

I've said this before with more words and more politely than this, but what gets me is that reading Simon as bi requires you to straight up ignore (or miss) half of what he tells you. Not one to be against multiple readings and interpretations, but this right here requires missing or ignoring context and words and timing and comparisons and the way entire scenes are constructed. To a certain extent I can kinda see how a casual reader might read CO alone and assume (emphasis on assume) Simon must've liked Agatha like that at the beginning (romantically, sexually) if he even dated her in the first place, but after reading the whole trilogy? (I also don't think these books are fully appreciated if you read them casually, I get new things with each new read! but I understand some of us prefer to be normal about media. Not me though!). After spending so much time thinking about Simon and Agatha and all the things they communicate and the ways they say it (easy examples: they both choose the most unromantic, uncomfortable and/or mechanical, and sometimes honestly kinda gross ways to describe physical closeness to each other, like "spit that tastes different from your own" as the only thing it's said about kissing, or "sweat that makes skin stick all together and dampen t-shirts" instead of saying they were ~embracing each other~ or some shit. It's dry and undesirable – nothing romantic or sexual is coloring these descriptions, and they are different from, for example, Simon thinking Baz smells bad but "wild horses couldn't drag him away from him," or Baz thinking that Simon's morning breath stinks but he doesn't mind because it's Simon).

I used to not mind bi Simon headcanons, but nowadays it simply activates my fight or flight, because I can no longer help but see bi Simon as synonymous with the belief that he was sexually attracted to Agatha, and that to me is a "yikes," a "fuck no" and perhaps even a "what are we even doing here, this was addressed, we can read." Again, I can only speak for myself: anything involving those two to say "bisexuality" is simply a no from me. I don't want these, thank you. (Although I have never seen Agatha being hc as bi, she's always either in the ace spectrum or a lesbian, and to those I raise: these characters are mirrors). The other examples of just missing or ignoring half of what Simon says: the ren faire. Simon says he's "not mad about seeing cleavage" and that has been used to say dude is a woman liker. But that ignores how he says just in the previous sentence, while looking at boobs "I still haven't figured out what my deal is, but is in this moment, while I'm looking at boobs, that I consider that if I was ever attracted to women, those days might be over. [Still looking at boobs] perhaps I never liked women in the first place, perhaps I'm a Baz-sexual, which means I'm considering in this moment, while I'm [I cannot stress this enough] still looking at boobs, that I might only experience sexual attraction towards Baz." Call me crazy, but as a boobie-liker, the idea of a dude looking at boobs and thinking about how "perhaps he's no longer or maybe never was into women in the first place, maybe he's just into this one guy" is not the thought process of someone who's actually into boobs. I actually wrote a post about the ways boobs are portrayed in the ren faire somewhere, and Simon spends the whole time not noticing boobs that are in his fucking face, with writing choices like him going a little green at the same time that boobs are almost in contact with his person, and how he is thinking this with boobs that he sees at a comfortable distance. He's cool with cleavage, but he's not interested like that, especially because he never fucking notices outside of this particular place where is impossible not to, and even then he doesn't even notice when they're in his face! (Compare that with how Baz showing chest goes with "good enough to eat" which is indicative of wanting to do something about it, of a reaction linked to hunger). Or how, and I've said this many times, his "inanimate objects are attracted to Agatha" is some good ol' overcompensation, it comes in a moment where he's bullshitting (he tells Baz he doesn't like him; he was thinking just how much he likes him like 20 minutes or so before this conversation) to avoid processing, and how he's telling on his ass by using things that do not experience emotions or have the ability to choose in this example (the was no processing or feelings with Agatha)

In short: good ol' Simon is not bi, and saying the girl is cute or that he's cool with cleavage doesn't really contradict that. A gay person could say that. Baz notices beautiful and gorgeous girls, and it doesn't mean shit other than he has eyes. (I'm not accusing anyone of this, and I haven't seen anything that gives me this impression, but thinking about it, I also kinda resent the implication that being cool with women showing skin can only mean horniness. Surely we can be cool with showing skin regardless of whether or not we want to fuck) Fandom spaces putting Simon in "bi characters" lists is... whatever I guess, but since he's canonically unlabeled, honestly? it can be a disservice to the series. Recommending this as "has a bi character as the main" is misleading! You're setting this up for people walking away from it pissed! I've actually seen people tearing this appart because they are approaching it with certain expectations (and maybe also just not really paying attention to details) instead of engaging with it on its own terms. I mean, imagine being recommended something or being led to believe "it has bi rep" and then when the word actually comes up the character is like "whaaaa? hell no, take it away!" Probably wouldn't react too positively to that one, would you

[strangertheories]

Stancy in Season 5?

I hope not, but it's possible. I'll explain the proof for Stncy, the reasons why they'd write that, why Nancy would be best off with literally anyone else than Steve/single and then some hope for unrequited Stncy under the cut. Warning: I didn't mean for the post to be this long! I'll put a TL;DR at the end if you want the spark notes version.

S3 Steve's whole thing was about moving on from Nancy via developing feelings for Robin I said before S4 that I hoped they'd make Steve realise he gets all his validation from dating and have him realise that he doesn't need girls to like him to have worth. Think of Ken's arc in the Barbie movie minus creating the patriarchy and horses. And then S4 was...not that.

Regardless of my personal hopes, I have no idea why else they'd bring Stncy back up again considering they had the opportunity to have Steve find a new love interest or, god forbid, not date anyone because there's more to life than dating maybe! They're also repeatedly showing strain in Jancy's relationship, and there is the ticking time bomb of Jonathan's college not being Emerson (although it looks like Hawkins will be quarantined so I don't know if they'll even be at college).

The reasons why they could bring back Stncy would be either to reward Steve for not being an asshole by giving him Nancy or, and this is my theory, they're planning on killing Steve off so want to make his death sadder by making him love Nancy. Maybe he'll get a death bed confession from Nancy where she finally tells him that she loved him. I'm sorta thinking of Spike's death in Buffy for that (ifykyk). Alternatively, he could tell her that he loves her, dies, and then she can be all wistful at his funeral.

If Steve dies, then I think it would still work for Nancy to not end up loving him. His unrequited love could also be used to drive these emotions forwards in the same way and work with all the proof given...except the official script, in which it is said that Nancy's heart skips a beat after Steve does his whole six nugget spiel.

The reason why I'm so opposed to Stncy ending up together is because Steve is the polar opposite to Nancy. Steve wants a traditional suburban life with six children and road trips in an RV. Nancy's greatest fear is becoming a typical housewife; she wants a good career and to not end up stuck in her mother's position.

Not to mention, her dating Steve was at first a way of rebelling, but later became a trauma response in order to deal with her grief over losing Barb (see this post for context). Their response to Barb's death further highlights their incompatibility too: Steve was unwilling to help Nancy expose the truth, but Jonathan was. This doesn't make Steve a bad person, but shows that they have different goals in life and respond to things differently. Steve prefers staying safe, whereas Nancy is willing to take risks (sometimes to an extreme extent). Neither response is wrong, but it shows they cannot work together as a couple.

Nancy enjoying being told Steve's fantasy, the opposite of all her goals and dreams in life, and being happy? It is quite frankly, to quote Nancy, bullshit. It shows how surface level the Duffers see her as. They want this badass feminist cool girl with her guns but then are willing to sacrifice her whole character because they like how they redeemed the boy who slut shamed her in S1 and want to reward him for being a fan favourite. Maybe this is a reach, but it just feels kind of sexist how willing they'd be to throw away this female character's hopes and dreams for a guy she never loved and left 5 years ago. It's also bad for Steve which I explained a while ago in this post.

However, the incompatibility between their dreams gives me hope somewhat. Maybe the writers know this and are purposefully highlighting Stncy for Steve's death, not because Nancy will love him back but because he'll die knowing that he never won her over and that she always truly loved Jonathan and we'll get Jancy endgame. I'm more of a Ronance shipper, but I do not think that would ever happen and I think Jancy are cute too.

Or maybe they'll both end up single, with Nancy acknowledging that whilst she likes Steve and loves Jonathan, she has to move on and grow and live her life and with Steve realising that he needs to establish himself outside of dating and appreciate his friendships with Robin and Dustin instead.

TL;DR: the writers seem to be hinting at a Stncy return, either to reward Steve or to make his death sadder. Steve and Nancy are fundamentally incompatible and it would ruin Nancy's character if she gave up on her dreams for him. However, maybe this incompatibility is intentional and Stncy will remain one side or (hopefully) both Nancy and Steve are able to move on.

[inkerii]

OKAY episode 2!! holiday shenanigans and work kept me from watching it till now but here we go!

---

- We got the "you drool when you sleep" (in the wrong spot but still), I can rest easy

- Annabeth just standing around spookily instead of sitting down or feeding Percy nectar / ambrosia is really funny to me

-  about 80% sure they had Percy notice the Minotaur horn right away for time issues, but I really liked the slow build up to Percy accepting it all happened, Grover being patient with him and then sighing and giving him the shoe box with the horn.

- Definitely different from the book, Grover apologizing and all. But it's consistent with what the show did so far.

- Lowkey sad we're not getting a shot of Percy looking out at how beautiful the day/camp is, then down at the horn, then being miserable. Not a huge deal, it was just always a scene that stuck with me as a kid, I was hoping it would be included here. Walker would CRUSH it I know!

- I knew from the trailers that CHB is basically all inside a forest afaik, but it's still weird not to have the Big House overlooking the valley, being able to see everything. Especially since they kept Thalia's pine on a hill.

- Percy's annoyance with mr D is on point but it would hit a lot harder if we had seen Smelly Gabe be a drunkard and Percy somehow realizing Mr D likes to drink too -- his initial defensiveness and dislike for him was rooted in his trauma from his stepdad. It still works cause we know he doesnt like bullies thanks to Nancy, but I miss that

- lmao mr Dr just letting Percy and Grover talk it out

- The fakeout with calling Percy son made me ugly snort but I kinda miss how utterly bored he is in the books

- THAT SAID. the sarcastic tone, dismissive behavior, etc, DO remind me of this version of Gabe, so I do like Percy getting mad at him here!! I retract my earlier statement, it's subtle but if you pay attention you might tie mr D's behavior to Percy's stepdad. Still wish Percy looked more /angry/ about it tho.

- again with the happy/funny music tho, am I supposed to be laughing that Percy's miserable?

- hang on I did not follow the marketing all that much but WHY can NO adaptation get that Chiron's horse half is white lmao, is it an animation thing? I DONT KNOW.

- I do like how they used the wine bottle thing at the end to explain the demigods being able do whatever they want, so between that and getting show!Gabe vibes from mr D I quite like this

- Except for one tiny thing: where's Annabeth?

- Mr D literally said Grover succeeded they are SO CUTTING THE COUNCIL THING I AM SO MAD

-  ohHHHHh okay NEVERMIND we DO have open spaces, this place looks awesome!! Surprisingly similar to how I imagined CHB except I always saw the cabins not being in the forest, just close to it. I do love how they look tho, I can definitely get used to this. Very cozy somehow.

-  I will say this version of Chiron is growing on me after being a little iffy on him in ep 1!

- Luke has a slightly less cool kid, sunny disposition when we meet him but the entire scene at Hermes' cabin was Very Nice! I just miss Annabeth's blushing and stammering around Luke here

- No seriously where is my daughter have you seen her

- Mr D and Chiron playing, presumably, pinochle made me smile. Also the tiger print shirt lol

- hang on HANG ON we have a WHOLE SCENE with the Council of Cloven Elders that has NOTHING to do with Grover's searcher's license?

- I loved the scene with the dryad hinting at Grover being an anxious bean tho, finally some signs of that

- I am? So confused about this. I guess they changed Grover so beyond recognition that they have to give him some unnecessary drama/arc about lying to Percy? Why reveal that Hades has Sally right now - why not let it be a surprise when Percy gets to the Underworld? Why not let Percy agree to the quest, supposedly bc of his father, and later down the line let him confess he's only doing it to try and get Sally back like he does in the book? Why make Grover AND Chiron hide this from him? Unlike everything else, I don't understand the reason for these changes.

- Is... Is it Luke who tells Percy about the nightmares? I could have sworn it was Annabeth - she's definitely the one who talks about the AHDH and dyslexia. WHY are they giving Annabeth's lines to everyone else? I can see this being to show Luke and Percy bonding but at what cost?? WHERE IS SHE.

- ...  We aren't getting the training scene with best-swordsman-in-centuries Luke and the disarming maneuver that's gonna come back in the final fight are we.

- Clarisse sadly does not have the same vibes as the book. Also she looks so much older than Percy? Isnt she just 14?

- Interesting that they're setting up Percy catching the gods' attention - at least his dad's rn. If this doesnt lead into the "I'm impertinent" thing with Medusa's head I'll be sad.

- ps I LOVE that Luke is all about glory to be admired and looked up to, and Percy Does Not Care about it at all lol. Delightful way of showing that!

- Okay the first real laugh this got out of me was Percy being disgusting at archery. What an adorable bean I LOVE him

- I assume that's not Beckendorf but I really wish it was him lmao. Also love Luke looking out for Percy here

- Who IS this kid who keeps hanging around Luke? ... Is it Chris Rodriguez? Oh man pls let it be Chris

- UPDATE I CHECKED THE SUBTITLES (bc I couldnt understand which god's name was that) AND IT IS CHRIS I LOVE THIS SO MUCH FAM

- is he- oh my god the burning of the jellybeans to "pray" to his mom OKAY THIS IS AMAZING 10/10 I WEPT I'm officially adding this to the events of the books when I re-read it -- I hope we get more scenes like this!!

- goddddd its such a CLEVER way of telling the audience that Percy falls in love with this place fast, even tho it hurts that the "friends" he's talking about arent gonna stay around

- Interesting change to not have Percy seek out his Dad's approval so much-- I dont mind it, bc I like how they're leaning into how much he loves Sally -- but I wish they hadn't done *away* with it completely, the way they seem to have. Keep both!

- Idk, this dyslexic, ADHD kid who's always been told he's the problem struggling with believing he was too broken to keep his father around, only to later be told he IS his father's son and that Poseidon is proud of him regardless of what the world would tell him... That felt special to me. I hope the workaround this is to have Annabeth call him out on it as she does later down the book, when he sends Medusa's head to Olympus.

- SUCH a good scene tho

- I dont mind that they did this scene at night but I also liked the visual of Clarisse just being Clarisse and dragging Percy to the bathroom in broad daylight lmao. This flows better with the show's pacing tho

- Okay but like why not let Clarisse try to shove Percy's head in the toilet you know she'd be having a BLAST

- Percy looks more scared than angry, he's lacking the whole "they will NOT put my head in there. they WONT" thing. People keep saying Percy is appropriately angry in the show and I'm like THIS is angry?? You sweet summer children

- awwww no "you're dead, punk, totally dead?"- she just runs? How very un-Clarisse of her. Also, no Annabeth around to say she wants him on her capture the flag team?

- Will I have to start putting up missing person poste- NEVERMIND SHE'S HERE FINALLY LOOK AT HER

- the admission of stalking is HILARIOUS but I wish they kept her intro to earlier in the episode, you miss out on a lot of Annabeth's less "cool" moments like stammering around Luke (and I always loved that Percy was immediately aware of it and she glared at him, it was so indicative of their eventual dynamic), biting her nails/barely looking when Clarisse is bullying Percy and getting all wet with toilet-water but taking it like a champ with the capture the flag comment.

- I wonder if the "litter sister" comment is gonna hold up. Even if Luke never develops feelings for Annabeth eventually (which I would prefer, it always felt forced on his side), Percy's jealousy of him and Annabeth's crush on him are important.

- On one hand: I like they're setting up Luke, Thalia and Annabeth this early on. On the other, much like the Minotaur fight, you miss out on a lot of Percy figuring the puzzle pieces out on his own. He keeps getting exposition dumped on, especially with THIS memory in particular! Considering Rick is writing for this, and I feel his HOO series had a lot of the same issues, it's a bit sad to see that bleed into the original series. There was a lot less nuance in the sequels, and we keep consistently seeing the same here.

- But you DO show-dont-tell the conch horn? HAH :'D

- I REALLY wanted Percy to be wearing armor that was a size too big for him I really did

- nOOOOOOo they're cutting Annabeth's blushing and stammering PLEASE don't get rid of her crush on Luke it's IMPORTANT. Let it be one-sided!!! it's okay!!!

- Like I said earlier - they sanitized Annabeth's less "cool" moments, she feels too in control here. I want to see her be a 12yo!

- I just realized- no hounding him about the Solstice either. Did Mrs Dodds even say anything about "it" being stolen? The buildup to the master bolt's theft was SO good. Now she's just generally interested in him, not actively hunting for her quest. We're TOLD Annabeth is obsessed with her quest but we don't SEE how frazzled she is about it, how much she's seeking it.

- Okay, fine. Distracting me with the little fixing of his armor. It's lowkey working and they BETTER link back to this in BOTL or I WILL scream.

- The cut away to Percy flossing got a snicker out of me, tho my Percy will always and forever be a millenial. Also I can imagine Annabeth's face while she looks away from him peeing in the woods lmao

- Bonus: it shows Percy whistling! It better come back with Blackjack in the future!

- No growling from the hellhound?

- Why is daughter-of-the-god-of-war Clarisse taking her helmet off?

- I miss Percy at least trying to defend himself, taking a beating including from the electric spear, and only then telling them where the flag is. He would NOT volunteer the information right away just bc he's surrounded!

- Did they EXPLAIN why Clarisse thinks Percy is a fraud? I don't get it. Why not just leave it to the good ol' "she's mad he pulled a crazy feat like killing the Minotaur, one-upping her without even knowing", instead of having her doubt that he did it? In the book she was more like "yea right like THIS wimp is a Big Tree kid material, like he actually did it" - which felt more just mean of her than genuinely not believing him

- Also, why have Percy run from them- why not set this at the creek that marks the border between territories? Why have Percy run all the way to the canoe lake? Why do ALL OF THAT and not even show him stepping on the water and getting reinvigorated by it? This also takes away from Annabeth having to spy on him-- she's meant to connect the dots here, it takes away from her too

- I genuinely LOVE that they kept Percy catching Clarisse's spear on the edge of his shield, but the way he breaks it is almost on accident. I'm almost offended, this was a HUGE win for Percy and set up how he used the water to defeat her father later own. The choreography grows to be neat, but at the cost of all that made this fight special. Same with the Minotaur and Mrs Dodds. Is this going to be a pattern??

- For how old Clarisse looked, I love how YOUNG she suddenly looks when she screams-- that was a FANTASTIC bit of acting by whoever has been cast as her.

- The flag did not turn blue I am SO SAD

- More importantly: same with Clarisse not realizing it was all a set up-- they stripped Annabeth of THAT bit of smarts too. In the book she's counting on Clarisse being blinded by her need for revenge, she puts Percy right at the border where she can see him alone, and Annabeth knows he'll distract her enough to let her team win just as it helps her figure it out if Percy's the one. But in the show Percy is tucked away in the middle of nowhere and Clarisse straight up says she doesn't care about winning, which means Annabeth's "killer strategy" that Luke is so confident on actually had nothing to do with him- she was just looking out for her own desire to get a quest. I Do Not Like this change at all.

- I wanted to see Annabeth for so long and yet she feels so distant and aloof here, it's so strange. Annabeth is rational but deeply emotional... This reminds me of what the later series did with her, stripping her of a lot of that so she can be the cool leader of the 7 or whatever (the only exception being HoH really) and I REALLY hope they arent doing the same here.

- OhhhhhHHHhhh no I don't. I DON'T like that she pushes Percy into the lake. Not for the books and not for how the show has been handling Percy's character. I think I'll elaborate it in a different post here but. Yea no. This really bothers me.

- Cant believe I'm gonna say this but the movie did the claiming scene better.

- Also they removed the hellhound like WHERE ARE THE STAKES HERE

- I liked Percy's stammering of "I dont know"- how his instinct is to apologize, but... The changed vibes of the claiming scene... the triumphant music, no bowing, Chiron's speech being changed... This was a "the very foundations of your world have been shaken, AGAIN". Annabeth is not meant to be smiling or in control, she's almost speechless. Even Clarisse is meant to be bowing.

- The music and Annabeth's reaction is treating this as a victory when it's not. It's just profound shock, awe and terror at once. Just by people's reactions, you know what a big deal being a Big Three kid is. This is not it, fam.

- "claimed by poseidon" and 5 words later "son of poseidon" is writing my teacher would dock points out of

- ... the episode doesn't end here? The episode should have ended here.

- They ARE EXPOSITION DUMPING HIM WITH NO BUILD UP I KNEW THEY WOULD DO THIS AND I HATE IT. IM SO MAD WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS RICHARD.

- Percy's speech about Sally is great but is undercut by mr D *actually* yelling at him like? Mr D would never, EVER do that. He doesnt really feel like a god here, he'd just show a tad of his divine power and Percy would shut the heck up. Also, Percy accepts the quest because he brought the wrath of Zeus to camp - to innocent campers, and to innocent mortals. Why is he refusing it here? What are you doing to my son? What kind of BS writing is this???

- Grover is actively disobeying a DIRECT order from his primary god (alongside Pan, who hasnt been mentioned at all). What is going on. Again why are we revealing this now. Why are we exposition dumping AGAIN. Why are we taking PERCY'S motivation and spelling it out IN THE FACE of the camp directors, and rubbing our faces on it like its mud?

- This is blood of olympus level writing I went from the SUCH a high to being fuming. delightful.

- OH MY GOD THEY CUT ANNABETH FROM A SCENE AGAIN. WHAT THE F-CK.

-----

So, I went from genuinely enjoying this episode better even with the changes to being absolutely livid at some of said changes.

Looks like this is gonna be a high highs and low lows kind of story. Well, I'll be back for episode 3 when it releases.

[sajiabude]

Journal Entry #1 - Convo w Mimi

Journal Entry #1 - Convo w Mimi

(In response to Mimi's essay "Against Bourgeois Art")

Mimi! Thanks for this. Finally got a chance to sit w it this morning. So manny things come up for me. The way bell talks about architecture and arts political functions in art on my mind, the way Angela talks about the vitality of imagination in revolution, the way Sandi Hilal (of DAAR) speaks of the importance of a love based practice. Its so funny i always forget u studied art history- for some reason i always think it was English. I’ve been thinking about Philip Guston alot from that era, really interesting career arc of making realisic oil paintings inline with class struggle realism - who then switched to more abstract renderings and ended his carrer at this really interesting inbetween. Funny enough he’s had this resurgence of controversy lately dude to abstract renderings he was making of kkk hoods/members in one era of his practice. Honestly, I came to his work from an intrest in more ‘painterly’ aspects- material, movement, gestures in the work - but I’ve since come to sit with it in other contexts as well. Been thinking and reading a lot about the things happening after abstract expressionist movement (eccentric abstraction, post minimalism, conceptualism etc) in the states, but more beyond too. There were things happening at that time that often isn’t highlighted usually because it was made by a woman and/or person of color ofc that are getting some more eyes now but were historically excluded from that conversation. Eva Hesse, Senga Ngudi, David Hammons, Ana Mendita, Beverly Buchanan, etc. and now coming to contemporary artist I feel like are continuing the tradition of what I’d like to think of as ‘hidden radicality’. Cameron Rowland, El Natsui, Park McArthur, Felix Gonzales Torres, Doris Salcedo, Martin Puryear to name a few. Something I’ve really been attracted to in peoples practices and output is this aspect of a trickster nature. Where there’s all this theory and research behind and underneath the work but then on the surface level, there’s this object that is birthed into physical form through that. Because I think there’s still is a finesse and a level of magic, alchemy - jen es se quoi (lol) that makes art making (to me) go beyond just being renderings of what’s happening or what can happen. It makes me think of this meme where its the bullying one and like figurative paintings are making fun of process/research based abstraction lmfao. I kinda hate figurative paintings for that reason😬. Like i appreciate their place in history and the foundation it’s laid for later movements but at least in the context of making art right now, in all mediums there’s something about being too on the nose that I think about alot. Like how can I trick, inspire, ignite or otherwise ‘convince’ people to look in a certain direction (all together in the same direction of love and not at each other?!?! 🫣) instead of being like “Yo this is the way to look, here’s the arrow”. I think thats part of the role of the artist. To uncover and excavate truth but also to like make it sexy lmao. The trojan horse aspect of something that is quite literally interesting, pleasant, sexy, cool, spiritually fulfilling and or inspiring to look at but actually pushes our perspective and knowledge (weather we know it at the time or not) is the art thats been really doing it for me, always and now more than ever.

[ourflagmeansgayrights]

been seeing too much positivity in this fandom so i'm here to spread bad vibes

what's ur least favorite episode and why is it episode 3 the gentleman pirate i'll go first:

goes the hardest with secondhand embarrassment as a source of humor. the first 3 episodes in general do this, but this episode is absolutely The Worst. lucius's little speech in spanish jackie's makes me want to die. someone wrote rlly good meta abt how they stop using secondhand embarrassment for laughs once ed shows up, which is true and is great, but ed doesn't show up until the very end of this episode so we have like 20 minutes of laughing at stede to get through.

on a similar note, this episode teeters a little too close to beating a dead horse re: stede being a shitty pirate. like we've had two full episodes of him bumbling around like an idiot and i'm ready to move on. we know blackbeard is coming soon and that's where my investment lies; i don't rlly need to see stede flailing around in the republic of pirates to know stede is completely inept. i got the point last episode, thanks. Where Is Taika.

compared to the rest of the show this episode feels aimless and i think it's because the characters are kinda aimless. like, it feels like the first session of a new dungeons and dragons campaign and the DM doesn't have the full storyline planned so you're just running around doing random shit until something sticks. i think the main reason for the directionless vibe is that all the other episodes have ed and/or stede (aka the Protagonists of the show) going through some sort of emotional change or mini-character arc as the real core of the episode and i started listing them but realized that's insane so i made a different post for that. things happen to the characters and the characters do stuff, but there's not any change or growth.

overall this episode mostly just sets up things that are important later (spanish jackie, jim's backstory, izzy and stede's animosity), but the payoff doesn't come until later in the season, so on its own a lot of this episode doesn't stand out. the only payoff in this episode is ed showing up at the end which is GREAT but like it's the last thirty seconds. i have a whole episode to get to before then

and not 2 b like "this show is problematic!" (but like nothing's perfect yknow, it's important consume media critically) (and like this is kinda done intentionally and played for comedy) but stede in the republic of pirates gives me poverty tourism vibes. like i know that's the POINT but god it's so frustrating. i've already made a post abt how i want him to get called out for shit like this so i'm not gonna get into it here but like. rich white man walking through poor slums full of people vomiting and dying and being like "i'm so at home!" "lucius sketch my picture next to this corpse!" is not rlly that funny to me. personally.

i've been forcing my family to watch the show and after this episode my mom said she found this episode boring. that's right folks my mommy agrees w me. so there.

anywayyyyyy there are a lot of things abt this episode i DO like (jim being jim, ed saving the day, "genital pirate") and it's a very important episode for the show as a whole. but when im rewatching the show i spend most of this episode on my phone lol

[howlingday]

jaune's from a family of raiders

well not quite he's from a culture that puts a lot of stock in capturing and ransoming off their friends and neighbors from other tribes. think of it like a combat sport only some times you're also stealing cattle and horses.

he's a prince of the high king

well again it's more complicated the kingdoms are like city states they don't exactly legislate or collect taxes all the way out into the wilds. but they do send huntsmen to protect the area and then tax the huntsmen.

jaune's dad just happened to be a huntsman who didn't pay taxes because the area his family had lived in for generations also happened to be outside the control of vale. and lots of people wanna live near the huntsmen who can keep them safe. so he has a position of respect among all the tribes. and jaune is his son

he's also required to have a harem

this one is interesting because it's one of those cultural things that seems weird from the outside but makes more sense when you look at it. men are hard to keep alive without a hospital. even with aura. women are part of a protected group like children and so take less risks in life. leading to there being a ton more women than men. and since technology isn't quite to the level of the kingdoms proper,

well more hands to help maintain a house isn't bad right?

but most of all jaune is a man who only wants to do right by his family, whether that be those from the past, or the woman, or women, that he loves.

and this part needs no further clarification

tldr: au where jaune's part of a tribal community and brings his lover or lovers home to meet the family. how does that go for everyone?

P.S: also sorry for the flowery ask, i felt inspired by something

Ooh, do tell the inspiration!

"Unhand me, you brute!" Jaune sighed as the girl in white screeched and squirmed behind him. "Do you know who I am?! When my family hears of this, they will hang you for this! Do you hear me?"

Jaune kept his focus on the road ahead as he gripped the reigns of Valorie, his mare, glancing left and right occasionally to avoid an ambush. His family might have a hold on the territory, but with his father growing in age, so, too, did that grip loosen. A rival tribe or rogue patrol from the kingdoms would easily snatch up an easy target like the lone swordsman and his latest bride.

"Could you at least tell me where we're going?"

"Home." Jaune answered, not looking back.

"Oh, yes, of course! How could I not know? And where exactly is your home?"

"Just up ahead."

"Uh huh, I see, and what are you going to do once you're home?"

Jaune let out a long sigh as he stretched his shoulders a bit. "Well, drop you off with the others, then have you judged, if there's enough time."

"Judged?" Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Judged for what?"

"Wife material." Weiss blushed and her jaw dropped. "Can you cook; can you clean; are you good with children; can you have children; do you have any family illnesses?" He shrugged. "Routine wedding discussions."

"W-Wedding?!" Ah, and just like that, the shrieking began anew. "You savage! You brute! I refuse to be treated like some stock taken to auction, about to be sold to some pervert noble!"

"You're not being sold to a noble." Jaune smiled and looked back. "Just me." Before she could begin again, Jaune let out a sigh of relief. "Finally, we're home."

It may have only been about a week since Jaune had left, but it felt like forever since his departure from the lands of Arcadia. The valleys and hills were as green and lush as ever, and the summer winds carried the calming scent of flowers across it all. He passed the growing crops, where he saw his sisters, their wives, and some of his own watering and tending to them. They waved to him, and he returned one to them.

"Welcome home, Miss Weiss." The girl marveled at the beauty. She had only heard of such places from her studies in the manor, but to see it in person was something else. Before she could admire it more, however, the mare stopped, jostling her from her focus.

Jaune slid down, then pulled Weiss down as well, carrying her bridal style. He then set her onto her own feet and untied the binds on her wrists and ankles. She lifted her leg, then kicked his shin. He yelped in pain.

"That was for the kidnapping!" She shouted.

"Yeesh! Just a kick?" Weiss turned to see a lilac-eyed blonde woman in fieldwork garments smiling at her. "When he dropped me off, they had to get his old man to get me off of him." She looked past Weiss to Jaune. "You going soft on me, or just your taste in women?"

"And who are you?" Weiss spat. "One of his whores?"

Yang laughed and placed a sweaty, mud-encrusted paw on her delicate shoulder. It felt warm at first, then hot as her grip became tight, and her eyes red. "I dare you to say that again."

"Yang, stop it!" Weiss and Yang looked to the younger girl running from inside the house. She was a brunette with red tips and silver eyes, and she wore a red apron that she had to roll up to her shins. She futilely tugged on the blonde woman's arm. "Jaune told you not to hurt anyone else!"

She let go, making the girl yelp as she was lifted with her arm. "Aw, c'mon, Rubes, we were just playing!" She then looked to Weiss, her eyes lilac once more. "Ain't that right, Ice Queen?"

"Ice Queen?!" Weiss balked.

"Yang, cut it out, please." Jaune sighed.

"Fine, fine!" Yang turned around, lowering her arm. The smaller girl let go as she walked away. "Besides, the crops won't grow themselves. I'll go be a good workhorse." She stopped to look back and winked. "I expect my carrot tonight, though, sweetheart~."

"Play nice and we'll see." Jaune responded with a smile. With that, Yang chuckled and resumed walking, swaying her hips for a few more yards before jogging back to the field. He looked to the younger girl and smiled. "And how have you been, Ruby?"

She sighed. "Do you mean after you left, or after you came back?"

"Both."

"After you left, I missed you. It was your mom's birthday, but I couldn't afford a present, so I took on her chores for the week, but I didn't expect her chores included chimney cleaning, so now I have soot so far up my nose, I'm still sneezing black. Then I had to tend to the chickens, but they're so vicious, and I swear they can smell weakness, because the rooster jumped me at least six times. Then Zwei needed a bath, but he somehow tricked me into the tub, so I smell like wet dog a little bit. And then I had to bake her cake all on my own, but there were eggshells in it and it came out both burnt and raw somehow, and I just- Argh!" Ruby collapsed into Jaune's torso. "I really missed you."

Jaune held her and kissed the crown of her head. "I missed you, too, Ruby." He stepped back and held a hand outward towards Weiss. "Ruby Rose-Arc, this is Weiss Schnee. She's going to be my newest bride." He looked to Weiss. "Weiss Schnee, this is Ruby Rose-Arc, my second wife. She and Yang will help prepare you for judging."

"It's so nice to meet you!" Ruby swooped in, snatching the other woman's hands in hers. Her smile was wide and bright. "It'll be nice to have another short girl in our home!"

"No!" Weiss yanked her hands away. "I refuse! When my father hears of this, he'll-"

"Oh, that reminds me!" Jaune walked to Valorie and reached into her saddlebag. Weiss grumbled as she watched him pull out a small, burlap sack. "Here, Ruby. This was part of the dowry, but I want you to have it."

Ruby opened the sack and squealed in delight. "Dust crystals!" She hugged the new woman tightly. "You are the bestest bestie a bestie could ever have!"

"What the-?! Where did you get those?!" Weiss shrieked.

"From your father." Ruby ran inside with her new sack. "In exchange for marrying you, we'll allow him to trade through our lands."

"My father would never-!" Jaune gave her a curious look. "I mean, not to one of his own-!" Her voice grew softer. "I thought..."

"Listen," Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder, "if you don't want to marry me, I understand. Most of the others didn't want to, either. But if you give it a few days, you might learn to love it here. You won't go hungry, you'll be well protected, and I promise you'll be loved every day."

"I just... I didn't think I would be treated like this. By my own family."

"I know." Jaune removed his hand. "Would it be okay if I hugged you?"

"I-"

"JAUNEY!" The two saw a young woman bull rush towards Jaune, carrying a dead boar high above her head. Jaune extended his arms out and caught her, spinning in place at least a dozen times. Blood sprayed around, including onto Weiss and the other two as they embraced. When they stopped, Jaune set her down, giving her a butterfly kiss with his nose to hers. "You're home!"

Jaune chuckled. "Yup!" He peered around her and looked to Weiss. "And I brought back someone new."

Nora turned around and gasped as she looked at Weiss. "Oh! My! Dust! You are so small!" She looked to Jaune and waggled her brow. "Be careful you don't break her!" She then laughed. "I'd shake your hand, but, uh, I'm a little busy. I'm Nora Valkyrie-Arc, Jaune's fourth wife."

"Weiss Schnee." Blood dripped from her hair. "And I was just about to leave."

"Aw! Already?! We were gonna make pancakes tomorrow!"

"I was going to make pancakes, Nora." Weiss turned to the male voice and saw a slim man in the doorway, wearing both an apron and a blank expression. "Just like I do every morning for you."

"Renny!" Nora cheered before tossing the trophy to him. "This is my first husband, Lie-Valkyrie Ren!"

Despite his slim figure, the man held the heavy beast with seemingly no trouble. "A pleasure to meet you." He nodded, before turning to head inside.

"Is he also your husband?" Weiss asked. Jaune chuckled nervously. This was going to be a long day, but they both already knew that.

[razorblade180]

Interdimensional Moms: Bonus

Part 4 here<-

After many tears and tissue boxes, all members of team RWBY had finally stopped crying. Blake was the best off with her eyes a little red while Ruby was the complete opposite. The girl’s face was still rather red and her eyes were puffy. She hadn’t even completely stopped sniffling yet; much like tear marked partner. Yang on the other hand rested her head on the table. She had cried hard enough to giver herself a minor headache. She was completely drained.

Yang:Ugh, this blows! I thought this was gonna be a fun learning experience.

Blake:We definitely learned. It just so happens we had to poke at some.... extremely sensitive topics.

Weiss:I’m all for looking inward and self reflection but I’ve had my fill.

Ruby:Same. Should’ve kept the summary light.

Yang:No, I’m glad you got that off your chest. We just need a way to lighten the mood.

Blake:.....I kicked Weiss’s butt in a tournament.

RWY:......What?

Blake:During the time spent training for Salem, another tournament was held between the schools. It had team matches and singles. I kicked Weiss’s butt in my fourth round. It was a good day.

Weiss:How is that lightening mood!?

Blake:Listen, it was a big deal! I never thought I was gonna win the whole tournament but I really wanted to beat you. I love you but your head gets a little big when you’re on a roll for too long; plus I just really didn’t want to lose. I always felt a bit of rivalry between us.

Yang:Hehe, is that you’re way of saying “It would look bad to lose to a Schnee?”

Blake:Well it would!

Ruby:Hehehe.

Yang:Wait, does that mean we went back to school?

Blake:Yeah. It was pretty comforting. There was definitely a lot left to learn.

Yang:Weird. School kinda faded into the background.

Ruby:I went back to school. We all did actually. It was fast tracked by roughly a year but it was fun. We all got to pose in caps and gowns.

Weiss:Damn! I should’ve went back just for that. Unfortunately I was busy making rent and learning how to properly preheat a oven.

Yang:It’s like two buttons.

Weiss:Gas stove, and six years out of date.

Yang:Awww, you had to learn the hard way. I’m surprised and thankful you never left the gas on.

Weiss:There’s an alarm for that. Also I’m not irresponsible! Anyways, I mentioned similar tournaments earlier. I didn’t participate much but enough old videos of me in them were enough for to really light a fire under my kids. For awhile I was a bit concerned that they were just following a trend but they really love it. They used to always go around playing like knights when they were tiny.

Ruby:Carmine was a little different. She definitely always tried doing things I could but nothing got the girl jumping like seeing Yang’s horses or new ballet shoes. There wasn’t a morning when I didn’t hear a vase fall over or seeing her spin like a top. Carmine still hums some old routines when she isn’t paying attention.

Yang:Not too many memories of Yujin when she was pint size. But I do remember that wild child always loved using my bandannas for everything! Napkins, capes, ropes; anything but an actual bandanna. I used to get a bit upset with the napkin one but she’d always look at me with her big eyes and crazy hair. I never stayed mad.

Weiss:Softie.

Yang:She was like a pudgy puff ball! Fat cheeks and wholesome smiles. Ah! So adorable!

Weiss:I used to always have at least one of my kids on my hip when I was out and about. I think the media has a magazine amount of pictures of me at the park kissing my babies. Summer liked tummy rubs. She’d never go to sleep without one. Some nights I’d sing too but start to doze off so Jaune would have to take over.

Yang:*smiles* Speaking of Jaune.....

Ruby:No.

Yang:You don’t even know what I was-

Ruby:Were you about to suggest we compare our Jaune’s in the bedroom?

Yang:*red*......Well not just the bedroom! What’s the harm!? I just wanna know if he’s consistent across the board. No need to get detailed.

Weiss:You really never change no matter the world.

Yang:Can’t change greatness. It shows in any form!

Blake:He’s pretty compliant and accommodating. The benefits of being his first when I had prior knowledge I suppose.

Ruby:Don’t answer!

Blake:Why not? I’m comfortable with it.

Yang:Don’t listen to those two Blake. They’re just a bit more embarrassed since Jaune has literally been their one and only.

Blake:Huh, I never thought about it like that. Jaune would’ve been the first person you two opened up to on such a level; especially Weiss.

Yang:That’s still hilarious. All the protesting and somehow you found yourself stripping for the guy.

Weiss:Shut up! I already know! It was....I.... *blushing* emotions ran really high.

Ruby:An entire mental rollercoaster of thoughts and firsts happening all at once. Anxiety was high.

Yang:Heh, so you could say that Jaune Arc-

RW:Got through our walls. Hardy har har.

Yang:Shit, I am the same in every universe. Well I don’t have any reservations about it! *grinning* He makes me feel special every time!

Blake:Bottom.

Yang:I’m ignoring you.🎶

Ruby:Hehe, sounds about right. He...might make me feel a bit special as well.

Blake:Switch.

Ruby:How can you just guess off of that!?

Blake:It’s a gift.

Weiss:......

Blake:*smiling*

Weiss:Leave me alone.

Blake:I don’t know what has you embarrassed. You told us you’ve slept with everyone here except Ruby! I knew you were repressed but geez.

Weiss:For your information it wasn’t my idea! It was yours!

Blake:Not surprising. Let’s switch the topic. How is this other child of mine? Can’t picture me having a daughter.

Weiss:Veronica is very sensitive. Even if she tries to act like she isn’t. One time when she was tiny, a soccer ball hit her straight in the face and she sprung up saying “I’m fine!” Then you took her behind the bleachers to patch her up; tears all on her face. It both breaks my heart and very adorable to see her act fine while her ears are folded back.

Ruby:Your other son Kovu was a bit of cry baby. Partly my fault. Carmine kept beating him up and making fun of him.

Blake:What!?

Yang:Ha! Wait, that’s my kid too. How the heck!? Are you telling me you raised the rowdy child and I got the baby?

Ruby:Yang you’re a baby. I’m like twice as rowdy compared to you. A nevermore got worked day one at school.

Weiss:She has a point. You cry the most out of any of us.

Yang:Wha- that not- how....shut up! *pouts* I’m not that touchy.

Ruby:Kovu is a sweetie and not a cry baby. Carmine is just a little mean when she tries to care about others. She beat him up in an attempt to make Kovu give up dreaming about being a huntsman. That way he wouldn’t be in such a dangerous job. Reasonable logic but you know, a little over the top. Almost broke his arm. Boy did I chew her out. All it did was make him want to try harder.

Yang:Fantastic. I shouldn’t expect less from my own blood. I bet Yujin would like him. Which reminds me, anybody have kids in relationships?

RWB:We’re working on it.

The three women paused briefly before laughing at their meddling. Yang could only admire and fear her friends.

Yang:Should I be scared for your children?

Blake:Lucas needs someone to break up the routine in his life. I’m not saying he has to date her, but it would put a smile on my face.

Ruby:Carmine takes after me, not really thinking about stuff like relationships much. However, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t at all. Carmine tries her best to not act like she’s a teenaged girl with teenage wishes. But everyone sees right through it. I’m fine with her not being in one but I would like if she acknowledged that it’s okay to just....ugh, be normal! Why can nobody have normal knees in my life!?

Weiss:Nick likes Valerie who tries to deny she likes him by liking Summer, who doesn’t like her; while Veronica crushes on Nick who obviously has conflicting feelings.

RBY.....

Yang:Why is it always complicated with you?

Weiss:How is this my fau- okay it is a little bit.

Blake:Where do you stand?

Weiss:I think Valerie would be lovely for him.

Yang:What’s wrong with my baby girl!?

Blake:Yeah!?

Weiss:One, not yours. Two, have you met who I’m married to? Can’t really say he’s wasting his efforts. Though I wouldn’t be upset with Veronica. I think those two might be good for each other.

Blake:Any other bombshells people got?

Ruby:......

Ruby:Ilia is happily married.*sips coffee*

Blake:Oh that’s wonderful! I’m glad she found a loving wi-

Ruby:*smirks* To Sun.

Blake:....*stands up* I need, champagne!

A bottle of champagne poofs into existence with several glasses. Blake immediately pours everyone a glass before raising hers into the sky.

Blake:Ruby Rose, today you’ve erased guilt upon my conscious. I’m happy there’s one world where it seems all of my good exes get over me.

Ruby:Are the Ilia and Sun where you’re from miserable like Yang!?

Blake:No, but they kinda fumble in actually going for relationships. It just always makes me feel a little bad.

Yang:You can technically count two worlds. I’m fine, Ilia is dating a pretty secretary, and your one evil ex is now raising a morally good family.

Blake:You’re right! This calls for a double toast! To alternate universes! *puts glass down*

Weiss:Haha, aren’t you gonna drink it!?

Blake:No I’m still recovering; but how could I pass up the opportunity!? Man I wish I could attend that wedding! I don’t know if I’d be a bridesmaid or the best man!

Yang:You’re just gonna steal Neptune’s thunder like that?

Blake:Hey, Sun and I have taken bullets for each other and stab wounds. I think I deserve to be a little greedy and say I ride or die for that man just a little harder than Neptune.

Ruby:Geeeeeez Blake! Haha, I didn’t even tell you about the baby.

Blake:*visble excitement* Excuse me!?

RWY:*raises glass* Cheers.

Blake:CHEERS! What’s he like!?

xxxxx

Aero:AAAACHOOOO!

Carmine:Eugh! Cover your mouth! I don’t need to get sick.

Aero:Damn! What happened to uh I don’t know, “bless you!?”

Carmine:*pulls out tissues* Happy?

Aero:Where...why are those in you book bag?

Carmine:It’s flu season.

Aero:....I can’t tell if you’re the coolest person around or just a second mother.

Carmine:I can be both. My mom is arguably both but don’t tell her that. It’ll make her month and she’ll hug me too tight.

Aero:Bitch, you love hugs. Stop being difficult.

Carmine:Mmmm nah.

Aero:I feel bad for your mom.

Carmine:I feel bad for yours.

Aero:Hop off. You’re so childish.

Carmine:And yet you love me.

Aero:*red* In your dreams!

Carmine:It would make your day if I dreamed about you,wouldn’t it?

Aero:I hope you dream of spiders.

Carmine:We do not joke about that! *grabs him* Aero I will beat you up if I dream of them tonight! That’s just mean!

Aero:Stop crying ya baby. I could’ve said they were- ow!

Sun:*hitting him* Shut up and just kiss something! We’re trying to watch a game.

Aero and Carmine:We don’t like each other!

Jaune:With all do respect, that’s a lie. But please by all means Aero, continue not touching my daughter if you know what’s best for you. I don’t wanna have to fight you and your parents right afterwards.

Sun:Ilia would kill you.

Jaune:Yeah! That’s why I don’t want the fight! Much like Ruby, she’s short and terrifying. Her size holds the rage.

Ilia:*peeks in* Who’s talking shit?

JASC:Nobody, we love you!

Ilia:.....Got my eyes on you four. *holds Garnet up* and this one; the most well behaved in this bunch even with no nap.

Garnet:*fussy grumbling* I’m a ball of rage!

Ilia:You wanna nap?

Garnet:Yes!!!

Ilia:See, behaved. *walks away* don’t make me come back out here.

Carmine:....So do you like me because your mother is also imposing?

Aero:This is it, my evil origin story. It begins today.

xxxxx

Ruby:I admire his patience.

[talkingbl]

The Good and Bad of Theory of Love

SPOILER WARNING. TW: toxic relationship.

So because this BL is very close to my heart, I will be doing this one a little differently. For this one, I will list "The Bad" first and "The Good" after. Happy Reading!

The Bad

The motorcycle accident scene lmaooooooooooooo.

Third seemingly has very little reason to like Khai. But this isn't too horrible as it could also point to some self-esteem issues w/in Third that would make a lot of sense when you consider his actions in context.

The colorism. One of the first things Two ever says to Un is along the lines of "you're skin's already dark, why does your heart have to be too?" That scene completely took me out of the story. It was one of the most hurtful instances of colorism I've seen in a Thai BL and remains a big stain on the show's reputation for me. I say this as someone who absolutely adores this series otherwise. I really hate that we had to hear something so disgusting--in 2019 at that.

Now, with the obvious out of the way, let's get into why TOL is one of the best BLs I have ever seen.

The Good:

The acting. Gun was amazing as always but TOL was Off's coming out party as an actor, so to speak. It's the first time we get to see him with nuance in a BL. He delivers one of the most iconic scenes in a BL to date (search Theory of Love train scene) and offers a strong performance as a very simple guy with very simple emotions. Ironically, it's the dark horse--White as Two--that underscores the acting prowess of our cast. White is so incredibly gifted at living in a moment that even when he's in the background, you can't help but notice Two's subtle reactions to hearing Un's name at, say, a pool party. It's moments like this--more than even the iconic train scene--that root this show so well in the real world.

The side characters. Two, Bone, Lynn, and Paan were incredibly well-developed from the outset. Two struggles with his feelings for two radically different people while trying to stay strong for his best friend Third. Bone, however hopelessly romantic, takes his rejection on the chin and finds ways to forgive a person who never even considered she'd hurt him. Lynn balances her romantic interest in Two with her friendship interest in him--allowing him the space he needs to accept his feelings for Un. And Paan goes through the motions of loving a man who could not commit to her. These arcs, traits, and circumstances were planted from the earliest moments of each character's introduction and were paid off by the end of the series.

The finale kiss(es). All I have to say is that these were some of the most natural kisses in all of BL.

The complicated chemistry of Khai and Third. It goes without saying that Off and Gun have one of the most interesting dynamics of any popular BL pairing both on and offscreen. On screen, as Khai, Off gives a loud confidence that lends itself to excruciatingly simple expressions of emotion. Gun knows how to portray the complicated feeling of loving someone from a distance, and of loving him but loving yourself enough to let him go. When these two come together, you get an almost accidental romantic and sexual tension--where neither character quite realizes how their words and actions come off to third parties. Khai and Third are different from other best-friend pairings, like say, CTY's Li Cheng and Muren (see my History4: Close To You write-up here). In CTY, Li Cheng is the analog to Khai where Muren is somewhat of an (however imprecise) analog to Third. Li Cheng and Muren have a sort of obliviousness about their love as well; but their love isn't built on tension as it is with Khai and Third. Instead, their love is built on the relative harmony that exists between them. It's in the way Li Cheng knows what Muren wants to eat and Muren makes two bowls of noodles instead of just one--intending to nourish Li Cheng. Instead, Khai and Third exist on the opposite end of the spectrum--on disharmony and confusion. To be sure, Khai and Third know each other well, like Li Cheng and Muren. But that knowledge doesn't form the basis of the romance, it exists almost entirely as subtext. This leaves us with a push-pull dynamic that suits the characters' individual goals and makes sense given their known approaches to romance.

The production. While TOL isn't ITSAY levels of aesthetic perfection, it is a clear step up from pretty much any other Thai BL. The set designs are all natural and lived-in (however fancy), and the props and costuming not only compliment the actors but add a layer of reality to the settings. The cinematography is easy on the eyes (thinking of the variety of wide shots that add to that lived-in feeling) and the color grading accentuates the natural beauty of both the actors and the settings.

Narrative structure. Talk about a unique narrative structure. From what I understand, TOL The Series adopts the structure of its novel counterpart in that each episode is inspired by a different classic romance film. In each episode, we can clearly see the author's inspiration, but more than that, we can see the practiced writing of the author of weaving these seemingly disparate narratives from a variety of films into one cohesive story. In this way, TOL watches like a love letter to the classics rather than a new twist on them. But that adds to the unique charm of the show and helps differentiate it from more standard BL narrative structures of the time. And then there's the fact that we get a perspective shift in the middle of the series. I sincerely believe this perspective shift to be quite possibly the greatest decision the showrunner made with the narrative. But I'll discuss more on why later on in this section.

The balance of humor and drama. Be it Third's iconic water bottle crying scene or Bone's roach-infested apartment at the time Third is to move in, the comedic timing of this show was quite surprising. It doesn't lay on the slapstick too thick and it doesn't ham up cheesy references--instead it exists in this plane of just funny enough to balance the drama of the story.

The Opening Theme. You know what I mean.

The drama. Not going to lie, the sheer level of toxicity in KhaiThird hooked me on the show. KhaiThird's toxicity is different from, say TharnType, because their toxicity is never played as sexy or romantic. Instead, it's shown to have grave effects on Third. The pinnacle of the drama was when Khai blew up at Third for treating their friendship like a romantic relationship. That scene was powerful and spoke to the confusion and the thrill of an illicit relationship where neither party acknowledges their feelings (or even yet knows of their feelings in Khai's case) but subconsciously acts on them anyway.

The realism. In many ways, each character acts exactly how people in their respective positions would act in real life. Toxic friendships often involve one friend unilaterally sacrificing themselves repeatedly for the other (KhaiThird). Bisexual awakenings often involve feelings of denial about one's same-sex attraction and confusion when there's also an ever-present opposite-sex attraction (TwoLynn & UnTwo). And unrequited love often involves desperate attempts to stay in the loved one's life and even trying to "help" the loved one in some way (BonePaan).

But what makes TOL so great to me, even more than any part of the plot, the cast, or the production is the spellbindingly-crafted character of Khai.

Khai. So remember when I said the perspective shift was the greatest decision the showrunner could have made? Well, here's the reason why. Khai is the most compelling character in the show, and quite possibly one of the most compelling characters in any BL I have ever seen. And it's not just because of Off's acting, or Khai's relationship with Third. Instead, it's about the beautiful simplicity of Khai as written. He's a fuckboy, he's rude, possibly manipulative (?), and he can be the biggest asshole on the planet. He's also incredibly sweet, romantic, attentive, and loyal. None of these positives are meant to mitigate the negatives--they're just meant to show the duality. I don't think Khai was the best friend to Third. I'm also not sure that they should've ended up together. But I do think he was honest in who he showed himself to be. He's honest and straightforward in a way that none of the other characters really are. His expressions of feeling, even, are uncomplicated. Khai understands himself well and even when he encounters a foreign feeling, he can easily place its origin. And once he figures out what his feeling is, he acts on it. Because Khai either understands himself or knows how to begin to understand himself, he doesn't get bogged down in the details. That is, he doesn't need to consult other people on what he should feel about himself because he already knows. People who understand themselves can better express themselves and avail themselves of opportunities that anxious others can't. He's the antithesis of Third in this way, as anxiety doesn't consume him to the point of inaction. But the beauty in this type of character is that: 1) it's rare in both modern media and in real life; and 2) it sends a message about the power of self-confidence and the attainment of happiness. Moreover, Khai's confidence is really a proxy for vulnerability. Because, as I mentioned earlier, Khai understands and ultimately accepts himself, he's okay with being vulnerable. People who are okay with being vulnerable can relate more easily with others and hold a charisma unique to only the fearless. This charisma brings a levity to the atmosphere that makes a viewer want to like and root for Khai. Not only is Khai likable, but he's also willing and capable of immense growth. By the end of the series, Khai is still the same simple Khai, except now he's more mature, responsible, and sensitive to how he affects people. It's witnessing the combination of brutal simplicity and character growth that makes Khai's character, and by extension the POV shift to his POV, the highlight of the story.

[bthump]

hello, i just recently read berserk and i am absolutely blown away. im so glad to have found your blog, you have made a lot of in depth analyses on griffguts and honestly i have a lot of trouble comprehending griffith's and gut's relationship and feelings toward each other post-eclipse but i feel like you clarified a lot of things for me and im so grateful! i also wanna ask smth in regards to guts and casca but character limit soon so ill do it in another ask. just wanna say i appreciate you!

idk if its just me being ridiculously biased but i cant rly see the guts/casca ship? like i can tolerate it because i feel like it was written to move the plot in a certain direction/character development and not for the sake of romance but i always feel like guts was just... there. i mean when you compare the way he thinks abt griffith to casca in the golden age arc, he obviously reveres griffith so much, and casca is just... there. i really enjoyed their moments and thought they were cute but

with the sex scene i always just saw it as them coping. i did like it in how it explored guts's sexual trauma and it mostly seemed like guts and casca were friends doing it for the sake of coping rather than out of love and desire for each other. not to mention judeau who kept trying to push them together... but then post-eclipse, it seems like guts is so in love w/ her and thats why hes heartbroken, and not bc they were close friends and that he just cares for her as a fellow hawk member

idk maybe im missing something, i would love to be enlightened bc i rly scratch my head when i see people describing it as an amazing love story and a romantic ship when to me it comes off as less like trying to portray a passionate love b/w two characters and more as, this is necessary for guts's character development and motivation in regards to griffith. esp when i feel like guts and griffith's feelings for each other are just so intense, even if its more "subtle" than an outright sex scene

thank you so much! I'm v glad my blog helped clarify some stuff about the story for you, I appreciate you letting me know <3

well if you want to be enlightened about how Guts and Casca is actually super romantic deep down you've come to the wrong place lol because you've mostly described how I feel about their relationship.

I completely agree that during the Golden Age their relationship felt very much like two friends hooking up. The fact that Judeau had to push them into it seems really telling to me, there are strong indications that they're both rebounding from Griffith, as soon as Griffith re-enters the picture they get weird and jealous, after they have sex Guts calls his sword all there is for him and invites Casca along in as non-committal a way as you can, Guts decides independent of Casca to stay with Griffith instead of leaving with her just as Casca decides the same, I also want to shoehorn in a link to this thing I wrote lol, etc.

And I actually don't see any difference after the Eclipse tbh. I actually wonder which translation you read, because I know at least one of the scanlations out there has Guts talk about how he loves her a few times post-Eclipse while the Dark Horse translation never does.

I think Guts' relationship with Casca after the Eclipse is largely based on obligation. It's actually kind of striking to me how unromantic it is.

Like during the Conviction arc he doesn't stop everything he's doing and decide to save Casca once he realizes she's in danger. He goes to check on her, finds her missing, then sits down in Godo's cave and debates with himself for two chapters before deciding to try to find her. And he only comes to this decision after comparing leaving Casca behind to leaving Griffith behind in the snow, and thinking of her as the last remnant of the Hawks ("this last feeble flame.")

I think to Guts she represents everything he threw away when he left the Hawks, and saving her is essentially a chance to better himself and try to make up for it. I don't think that's Guts' only motivation for saving her and then taking her to Elfhelm, I actually have a post here where I wrote a list of all the reasons I think Guts has if you're interested, but I do think it's the most important one.

And man after he saves her and returns her to Godo's, right before the Hill of Swords?

To me this excellent page - Casca mirroring a child, Griffith looking Like That, Guts' attention torn from Casca because Griffith looks Like That - just screams that Casca is Guts' responsibility while Griffith is Guts' desire. Whether that's revenge or latent attraction or probably both l b r, Griffith is the dude Guts wants to be pursuing and Casca is the person Guts is stuck with.

Even when he sexually assaults her it's all about Griffith lol, it's not even framed as, say, Guts being so attracted to her he can't help it or anything like that, it's framed as "do this and you'll get closer and closer to Griffith."

After learning her mind can be restored he potentially starts thinking about her more romantically, like there's subtext there when he watches Casca with Moonlight Boy on the beach, eg. And even that reads to me as Guts trying to distract himself from his "obsession" with Griffith.

I think Guts wanted to get back together with Casca after getting her sanity back for the same reason he had sex with her the first time - as a distraction from confusing and painful feelings. In the most recent chapters we saw that it didn’t work out and now he’s swinging his sword again, frustrated, wondering what the hell he’s supposed to do now, which in itself shows that he wasn’t trying to selflessly help Casca because he loves her, he mainly just needed something else to focus on while trying to kick his Griffith addiction.

SO yeah, basically ia that their relationship doesn’t seem romantic pre-Eclipse, but I also don’t think there’s much of a romantic element post-Eclipse either. I felt like it was fairly consistent throughout.

[stanharu]

beastars episode 24 thoughts!

this post got kinda long i have Many Thoughts on this one

Overall I had fun watching this ep but I could really tell it was rushed and there was so much that got cut, which makes me super sad. our fears about the finale having pacing issues due to all the added scenes & rearranging were confirmed & it rly sucks, but i'll elaborate more on that in a bit.

this week's ep covered the end of chapter 92, chapters 93-97, and included small bits of chapters 98 & 99.

so the ep starts with the ED and the latter part of the tunnel scene with ibuki and louis. i liked the visual effect they used to show that they were in the dark. louis' voice acting was also On Point. for the most part i think this scene was done pretty well but I can tell it's being rushed also. I really wish we got more buildup and narration instead of just jumping straight to ibuki telling louis to shoot him. the way it is in the anime feels less impactful imo.

also im sad we didnt get to see this in the anime

before i move on, i wanna talk a bit about louis and his relationship w/ the shishigumi and ibuki. i feel like in the anime quite a few of the lil moments that really endear you to the shishigumi and also ibuki were either cut or kinda glossed over, which is strange to me considering how much effort and care went into the ED. it's very emotional and good but i feel like maybe anime onlies are missing out only seeing the anime and the MV. but idk.

legosi and riz's fight was quite rushed as well. there's so much narration and dialogue missing from it and that really rubs me the wrong way. It wasn't all bad but compared to the manga I just don't think it's as good. I will say tho that I really liked the sequence w legosi and the moths. I thought it looked really nice and was pretty well done.

also i liked how the backgrounds had some anti-yahya graffiti, its a nice touch imo

it says "high quality horse meat"

I was happy to see legosi do the "tell me more" pose but I'm honestly disappointed that the anime took out the whole exposition about why legosi did it. like i feel like without that it's just legosi being weird when he has a reason for it!!! This is just one example of the anime taking out crucial narration during the fight.

I also think it's kinda weird how they changed how louis shows up at the fight. im not sure how i feel about riz just charging at him like that, but i liked how legosi kicked him before they ran lol.

i dont have much to say about pina's small scene but I did wanna say that during my first watch thru of the ep i was too distracted trying to read the graffiti behind him that i didn't notice him getting his phone out of the dumpster and calling the cops lmao

it says "devour yahya"

and now... here we are... the predation scene.

overall i thought it was pretty well done but, like the rest of the ep, i could tell it was also being kinda rushed. some important beats werent given enough time to really sink in, and there's a few bits of narration taken out of this part as well that i find disappointing :^(

tho i did like how the anime called back to this scene in s1 when legosi mentions utilizing his strength.

also this part where louis is remembering ibuki had me like😭

I also really liked seeing louis cry. I was crying too sjdflskjdflsjkdf. i thought that scene was really good, its prolly my favorite part of the ep tbh. getting to hear the whole predation scene voiced made me kind of a mess lol. i really liked louis' expressions throughout this whole ep too. studio orange used their whole louis expression budget on these last 2 eps lmao.

seeing legosi instantly get all beefed up was great too. he looked a little ridiculous but i kinda loved it lol. he's so huge and poofy. i love him.

big pomeranian

anyway, im also sad they took out louis' line about being reduced to a flashback character lol. instead he tells legosi "be a hero" again which... im not sure about that change. i liked the part with riz thinking back about tem tho. tho imo the way riz realizes he's in the wrong feels pretty sudden. again adding to how rushed the whole ep feels.

before i move on again i just wanna say legosi looks so cute. even all puffed up and covered in blood. how does he do that

baby boy baby. i wanna ruffle his cheek floofs.

i think one of the things im most disappointed about from this whole ep was how the fight got wrapped up. i really like how the cops show up and totally shift the tone in the manga jslkdfjskljdf. im also really sad we didnt get this interaction

tthe anime really took out most of the sillier moments from the finale, which makes me pretty sad to think about. i know the anime and manga have different tones but pls let the boys be silly sometimes!!

the next part where legosi and louis finally establish their friendship was really cute tho ❤️ even tho it was pretty different i enjoyed it a lot.

BABIESSSS 🥺😭❤️❤️

the wrap-up for this arc and this episode gave me whiplash sdjlfkjsdf. it literally speedruns thru legosi's predation conviction, being released, louis & haru's graduation, and legosi deciding he's going to drop out of school. that is SO MUCH AT ONCE. also i was holding out hope that legosi would have his new years call with haru after the fight instead but that didnt happen!! so it just got cut!!! kinda mad about that tbh. legosi and haru having a lil scene at the very end made up for it a lil bit but that's still one of haru's few moments in this arc that's just not included.

we didnt even get the part wher legosi learns he can't marry haru bc of his conviction.

ive been really hoping for a season 3 announcement once this season ended. with all the background allusions to yahya, the added plot point of someone stealing elephant tusks, and sebun and melon's lil cameos in this season, it seemed to me that studio orange was kinda teasing a 3rd season. but now, with the dismissive way the anime ended, and paru's note from earlier today, im less sure about the possibility of a 3rd season. i'd still like to see the rest of the series animated, but i guess we'll just have to wait and see if more anime is announced in the future.

if we do get another season in the future i just hope that we swing back around and actually address the things that got completely glossed over in the last couple minutes of this episode instead of charging forward w/o touching them again.

i really think the finale for this arc should've been two episodes at least. not including the tunnel scene. i think then things wouldn't have felt so rushed. people have been saying this season really would have benefitted from at least 1 extra episode and i cant help but agree. some have even suggested a whole 24 episodes just for this arc, but i think that this arc couldve been done properly with 12 or 13 episodes if there was some better prioritizing on what to include and what to cut.

like i dont mind not getting the parts about legosi's family if they can be addressed somehow in a future season (or if theres no more future anime seasons thats a plot thread that doesnt have to be worried about). i could have lived w/o seeing sheila & peach's chapter animated if it meant more time for the focus of this arc. and was the kangaroo red herring really necessary?

adaptation wise, i dont think this season was as good as the first. i still think it did fairly well, but i know that it could have been much better. ive been excited to watch this season with my friends once the dub releases, but now im wondering if i should just tell them to read the manga instead. sighs idk. perhaps it comes thru better as a bingewatch, or perhaps im being a bit too harsh. idk. at some point ill do a rewatch and see how i feel about the season as a whole, but that wont be for a while.

if you've read this far, thanks for reading my ramblings!! it's been fun to make these posts every week and im gonna miss getting new episodes every week.

[imma-potatoo]

For the bthb, may I request Logan and U!Patton with Thrown Down The Stairs? Maybe with some Remus or Janus comfort later? Idk, I just like your writing style and am crazy for Logan angst.

@badthingshappenbingo

Send me a prompt with a character! Please specify ships! No romantic prinxeity, r*mr*m or U!Janus and U!Logan please!

You wanted Logan angst? You got Logan angst~

Prompt: thrown down the stairs.

Warnings: U!Patton, blood, gore, choking, scratching at throat, concussion, thrown down stairs, pinning, graphic abuse, punching, slapping, ask to tag

(I'm really sorry this took so long. Wifi problems and family shit)

-----

Love

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Logan walked out of his room, humming a small song (Crofters the Musical, but that was only for him to know) dress shoes clicking softly on the wooden floors while he skimmed over the book in his hands. The mindscape was just as bustling as usual, he could hear Janus lecturing Remus in the darker half of the mind about how stealing Roman’s sword and turning it into a dagger was inappropriate and that he’ll have to make Roman a new one. Roman himself was sulking in his room playing Burn from Hamilton on loop because “Remus is dead to me like Hamilton was dead to Eliza”…. Logan didn’t get it. Virgil’s music was turned on max; like always but this time he was trying to drown out Roman’s complaints with My Chemical Romance. Patton was most likely baking in the kitchen once again.

Logan flipped open to the page he left off on; he had just started this book so he wasn’t too far in. He couldn’t help the grin that spread on his face as he started to read,

The person who was supposed to love me the hardest-the most unconditionally-has always wanted me gone. No matter how hard I tried to be perfect. Now, this boy-who knows all my imperfections and has seen all my hurt laid bare-wants me to sta- Logan’s reading was interrupted by a door clicking open.

Logan looked up to see Patton closing his bedroom door. An ear to ear grin plastered on his face, it was a little too much teeth for his comfort. Patton locked eyes with the blue side, “Hiya kiddo!”

Logan slipped his bookmark back into the thin pages, “Greetings Patton.” Logan waited for a second or two for Patton to walk beside him; after all, when someone comes out of their door, you have to wait for the other to join you on your walk.

And Patton did, they started towards the staircase; Logan tracing the book pages with his fingers. “So! Where ya headed kiddo?!” Logan had always thought Patton was a little too cheery for his tastes, but that was just the father’s personality, he couldn’t change that.

“I’m headed to the imagination to read,” for a brief second, Logan forgot who I was talking to, “It's actually quite an interesting book! The Dangerous Art of Blending In is considered a must-read for pride month and is based on the author's true story,” Logan continued to talk; eyes twinkling with excitement and pure joy as he went on to explain the main character’s arc so far.

The blue side steeled his expression to his happy grin, “That sounds interesting kiddo! Can I see it?”

Logan grew stiff, but continued walking with Patton until they made it to the top of the stairs, Logan shifted his eyes downward and handed the book to Patton. Morality swiped the book straight out of Logan’s hands, he pulled it open to a random page and started to read. Logan watched in horror as the older side’s expression shifted from mild curiosity to confusion, to disgust, and finally to anger.

“Why are you reading these horrible things, Logan?” Patton’s smile was gone, eyes cold and disapproving as he stared into Logan’s eyes. “This is something Remus would read. Why. Are. You. Reading. It.” Patton stood tall, teeth formed into a sneer as he stepped closer.

Logan took a small step backward, “I-I-”

“Shut up.” Logan hit the wall when Patton hissed through his teeth, “Come on Lo-Lo! If you read stuff like this, you’re just as bad as Remus and Janus! You don’t want to be like them, do you?” Patton was inches away from Logan’s face. His breath hot on his skin, raising the hair on the back of his neck.

Logan gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. “W-well, I thought that Even and Henry’s story was a sweet story about overcoming hardships, even when you’re put in a bad si-” The stinging pain of Patton’s hand hitting his face stopped him in his tracks. Tears leaked down as Logan raised his hand to his cheek.

Logan looked at Patton with wide eyes, “y-yo-” The blunt end of a punch struck his face, Logan could only stand in shock as he felt his lip start to leak crimson, “Patton stop!”

The so-called father pushed his hand against Logan’s neck, keeping him in place even while Logan clawed at his hand and own throat, attempting to pry Patton off. His nails dug into his flesh, small warm droplets of blood pricking out of the skin as Patton tightened his hold.

“You, Lo-Lo-Bear, need to learn when to shut up~” Logan was sure that his neck was going to be bruised, all he could do was wheeze a suffocated breath in response. Patton applied his sugar-sweet smile once more, looking into Logan’s eyes with a twisted fascination.

Logan attempted to speak, he knew that he couldn’t. But words were his weapon. Without his voice he was helpless, and he refused to give in to the father figure’s torment. Patton had always been particularly touchy, touching them when it wasn’t necessary. Hands grazing over their shoulders or swiping things from their hand to look it over. Patton had also always been particularly violent. Pushing them against walls over little things and whispering threats. It didn’t make these situations any less terrifying though. And this was the first time Patton had taken it this far.

Logan’s hands were covered in blood. His blood. Gore covered his fingers and Patton’s hand, a few small beads hitting the floor; as well as Patton’s cartoon-themed sneakers. Long thin scratches ran up and down his neck, his nails had thick pieces of skin underneath the nails.

Patton raised an eyebrow at the side’s attempt to pry him off, he huffed a breath and let go of Logan’s neck.

Logic fell against the wall, hands immediately wrapping around the sluggish bleeding at his neck, Logan breathed in short ragged breaths eyes wide and staring at the floor. Breathing in the sweet addiction of oxygen.

Patton smiled, eyes skewed shut while the side on the floor held himself tightly. “There! Didn’t you learn your lesson kiddo?” Patton waited a second or two for Logan to respond, his breathing calm and steady as he swirled the crimson liquid on his hand. “Right kiddo?” Patton bore his cold eyes onto the crumbled side, he barely waited a second before seizing Logan’s wrist and pulling him to his feet.

The cyan side held Logan by his tie, right in front of the staircase. Logan could barely process anything before the side in front of him smiled, locking his eyes. And then, he let go and pushed Logan down the steps.

Logan fell, hitting almost every stair on his way down. He could feel his blood vessels burst as his arms scraped on the wooden railing, splinters indenting into his flesh. His head spun when it hit the stairs, glasses flying off. Logan could barely tell what was happening to him as he hit his head repeatedly, he knew that he heard a crunch from his left arm and right leg when he hit the bottom landing.

Logan laid on his face, breathing hard and rapidly. His mind was fogged over, no coherent thought could pass through as the ringing sound that suddenly plagued his mind filled his senses. He couldn’t hear his father figure climb down the steps, taking care to step over the blood spatters that covered them.

Patton poked Logan in the ribs with his shoe, giggling when the side groaned in pain. “You really should be more careful kiddo! Stairs can be pretty dangerous you know!” The cyan side took one last look at his victim before pulling Logan’s book from his pocket.

Patton opened the book to its center point, before grabbing each side of the novel and ripping it in half. Pages floated down like butterfly wings, gracefully falling as they surrounded the broken side in bitter mockery of the book. Patton threw what was remaining of the book onto Logan, his demeanor just as peppy and upbeat as ever, even while covered in another’s blood.

“You really need to be more careful with your possessions, Logic, such a tragedy, you know I love a good book.” Patton walked back up the staircase to his bedroom, while Welcome to the Black Parade blasted from Virgil’s speakers, Logan barely responded to the father figments door slamming.

Logan had no idea of how long he let his blood stain the carpet, but his mind grew even fuzzier as the room grew black. He allowed the sweet bliss of sleep to cloud his function telling him to stay awake. He closed his eyes, only to have someone shake him.

“-GAN! LOGAN WAKE UP!” The panicked voice of the deceitful side flooded his head, he tried to force his eyes open; muscles spasming. “There we go! Come on starlight! Stay awake! Remus is coming back with the medkit! Just stay with me!” Logan followed his voice, the smoothness and composed attitude of the yellow side was gone. Logan hated seeing the silver-tongued side like that.

“I-I see you have a copy of The Dangerous Art of Blending In! It’s such a good book right! I l-ove how the author wrote Henry! Don’t you? Come on Logan, stay awake!” Logan looked into the terrified side’s eyes. The enchanting yellow and brown eyes kept his focus even if they were clouded in fear, he wondered why he never noticed the flecks of green surrounding the slivered pupil before.

“I GOT THE MEDKIT!” The horse voice of Remus broke his concentration on the pretty eyes, why did everyone call Janus a monster anyway? Was it the scales? Logan could only wonder as the two dark sides hastily applied the first aid. Voices scared and rushed as they faded into the background, Logan could only focus on how Remus’ mustache was perfectly curled into its position, even when it was soaked in tears. Tears? Why were they crying? Patton said that they were monsters, and monsters don’t cry. Then again, monsters don’t help people either… 

Logan watched the two sides dig into the kit as fast as they could. Janus even removed his gloves.

Logan gazed at them tiredly, mouth lightly sagged open, “There we go! I think we can move him now Jan!” “Good! Let’s get him out of here before Patton comes back, I think he did this…”

Logan could feel his body raising to meet the ruffles of Remus’ tunic. The small teeth that embellished the ends of the fasteners rubbed against his shoulder. He didn’t have the energy to make any noise as the two sides took him back to their side.

He doubted he would ever return to the picture-perfect family he once belonged to ever again. He had his actual family, ready to help him through everything.

Janus bought him a new copy of his book too.

[aloera]

PJO for the character game! You seemed excited for that one :D

RUNE ILY I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE

this is Strictly PJO bc. i have too many goddamn faves so i will not be including hoo!! (hint hint wink wink)

Send me a fandom and I’ll tell you my:

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most)

percy!!!!! tbh its magical how rick really made me like the Protagonist the most its monumental innit like hes so funny and so sweet and so powerful and the FATAL FLAW BEING LOYALTY?????? truly nothing has ever fucked harder i think hes incredible

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped)

annabeth chase...... i want 2 squish her into a little ball. shes like. idk. i have never not loved her shes so SMART and the way she is so aggressive and so shoot first ask questions later and the way her mind moves a mile a minute,,,, love her love her love her

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave)

CLARISSE!!!!!!! bc literally how could i not. her character arc is one of the most beautiful things of all time ever and shes so loyal like the way she stayed,, w/ chris,, when he was recovering from insanity after the labrinth,,,, i think shes so cool and so strong and put you in your place from the tlh musical murdered me in cold blood

TIED WITH THIS IS ZOE MFING NIGHTSHADE "i can see the stars my lady" HER LAST WORDS AND SHE STILL DEFERRED TO ARTEMIS????? AND ARTEMIS SAID "let the world honor you my huntress live forever in the stars" MY??? MY. THEY WERE GAY. THEY WERE IN LOVE IDC IDC. WRITING ARTEMIS/ZOE FANFIC RN LITERALLY AS WE SPEAK

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week)

paul my beloved <33 completely out of his depth. man is an english teacher. still was swinging wholeheartedly at shit he Could Not See during the battle of manhattan. king shit, i love him

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave)

ANNABETHS DAD LMFAO hes just so funny to me. had a baby dropped on his doorstep and said "no thank u" and he tried??? to give it back???? he tried to give a baby back to a Goddess. hes such an idiot i love him

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason)

tantalus lmfao the scene in sea of monsters where he couldnt eat anything was so fucking funny i would do that but worse

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell)

zeus. self explanatory i think.

ask prompt