#which. again. he definitely has a problem

[page-isa]

𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐔𝐏 - 𝐣𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤

summary: you and Jungkook are no where near being the 'perfect couple', your relationship constantly being on and off. Each time you break up, you always run back to him. Not this time. That is until someone shows up on your doorstep...

pairing: reader x jungkook

word count: 5.2k

content warning: adult characters, fluff, smut (mdni), nipple play, eating out, fingering, arguments, let me know if i missed anything!

authors note: hihi this fanfic is inspired by the song kiss and make up, I really enjoyed writing this one, writing y/n and Jungkook to be really frustrating was so fun (so much that I had to tone it down lol). It's a short one but I hope you enjoy<3

masterlist : taglist : moodboard

Jungkook and you were nowhere near ‘the perfect couple’. You were miles away from being anywhere near the textbook definition. Tension would drip around you like a faulty tap, always playing in the background of your lives. Which never really bothered either of you until it became too much to bear.

When you and Jungkook broke up for the first time, you cried for days on end, devastated at the fact that you had lost the one you had hoped to be with for the rest of your life. Over time, you both decided that you weren't going to last. That didn't stop either of you from making the most of each other, from trips and couple dates to spending all your spare time together. 

Of course, the day had gone as usual. Movies played lowly in the living room as you cooked lunch for both of you. The food finished, and you were exhausted, letting your body slump as you both sat down at the table. The crisp bread being cut up filled the room.

Maybe it was the fact that he wore his boots into your apartment, putting dirt on the freshly cleaned floors. Although he was carrying stuff for you, you couldn't help but be irritated.

Or maybe it was the fact that he abandoned you to meet his co-worker. It was halfway through your movie date to meet the girl you never liked – the one you had confronted him about meeting, Lia. The way she kept her hands on his clothes, insisting it was just her “wiping off some dust”. After all this, you still haven't received a thank you for the meal you cooked.

You scrubbed dishes in silence, each squeak of the dishes playing over your anger. The tension was bound to bubble over sooner or later. Like every other time.

“Annoyed again?” he asks. It always feels like he was the one who created the problem, but he never knew what he did. You stop cleaning the dishes and turned to face him. Your eyes worked their way up from the sink. Fixating on his face, clueless and annoyed – annoyed at you, annoyed at you for not saying anything, not knowing what he did. What was there to say? Every single time you did, nothing changed.

“At least try to think about what you’ve done wrong before asking me, or try to apologise for not knowing.” You turn to face him, brows furrowing at his ignorance.

“Is this about Lia again? Come on, love. You're acting like a child. I've told you so many times before that she's just a co-worker I'm close with. Besides, can't there be female and male relationships without anything involved? I never question you and your friends.” 

Your mouth automatically gapes. You can't believe him. The ignorance and audacity he has to, for one, not apologise, but two, defend her behaviour. “Are you serious right now? Tell me you're not, and don't call me love.” 

“You never had a problem with it before.” Even amid the argument, he still couldn't hide his smirk, playfully resting on his lips.

“Well, now I do.” You have to stick to your argument and not get caught in his trap by teasing you.

“Regardless, I'm not cheating. She's never even done anything wrong, especially to you!” He brushes his hair back, forehead wrinkling in frustration.

“Are you saying you’ve never seen the way she takes any opportunity to brush against you, take you out for meals, and chat you up? God, you must be oblivious to every girl that flirts with you.” You’re sure of it now, he doesn’t care about you. He was a charmer for all those other women. Purely using you as a toy when he was bored.

You notice how he hesitates to respond. The wavering look in his eye and the pause before he speaks. It is clear. 

“I can't believe you, of all people, can't even open your mind to platonic relationships. I haven't done anything with her and never will.” He finds no reason to refute your arguments; unable to keep arguing, he stopped everything to focus on you, inconveniencing himself.

“Let's break up. I don't need to deal with you – deal with this anymore.” Your breath jagged as you sigh, accepting this as your undeniable fate. You and Jungkook were just not meant to be. Despite all the times you came to this conclusion, you have always been drawn back to him. No more tears swell in your eyes compared to the past. The number of times Jungkook had shown how little you mean to him, never upset or trying to make amends during arguments, merely accepting you and him breaking up.

“Fine. Don't expect me to take you back when you show up on my doorstep next week.” Scowling at you, like he wasn't the one causing you to break up. Mearley was making time to grab his necessities, which were scattered around the apartment.

“Just get your stuff and leave.” He knew how to get on your nerves, successfully leaving you with a lingering headache for the rest of the day.

The pads of his feet leaving the door replay through your mind, he will never drag you down again, lingers in your brain, and through memories of you.

You make a deal.

No more going back to Jeon jungkook.

________________

The following Monday, when you entered your office, you arrived early and left your handbag at your desk before heading to the canteen. A familiar figure catches your eye at the coffee machine – Supervisor Kim Namjoon.

“Hello, sir,” you mumble, matching the volume in the room, displaying respect before slipping beside him. He gives a slight nod to you, greeting his recent acquaintance. Considering that the two of you lived near the company, both of you were usually the first here. You spark a conversation about his wife and daughter, allowing him to share as many pictures as he could. Fond of his family, he met his wife early after leaving company dinners to spend time with his family. It was truly admirable, and his wife was as beautiful as a lily blooming in spring. 

“How have you been ___?” You begin the conversation as usual, small talk evolving to friendly laughter. Even though he knew about your now ex-boyfriend, you don't shy away from telling him about your most recent breakup with him.

“Jungkook and I broke up again, but that's not new or surprising news.” A small chuckle slips from your lips, echoing in the room only filled by a whirring coffee machine.

“Well, I can’t say I’m not surprised, but aren't you just going to get back together in a week or two? Not to be rude, but I don’t know if you have lasted two weeks before getting back together.” You can’t even be offended by what Namjoon said, because it is true. This time is different. You are ready to forget about him. Jungkook was no longer bothering you; he was no longer a part of your life. 

“No, I'm not going back to him anymore. It's best if I move on to someone else.”

You should feel happy. Right?

 If that is true, why are you feeling so irritated by the silence of having no one to annoy and infuriate you? Perhaps you did miss him, but that would vanish soon.

Your conversation comes to a close as some co-workers enter the room, creating an awkward silence filled with the occasional chatter.

You and Namjoon head to your respective offices, leaving each other with a small wave before starting the long work day. The day felt longer than usual, and after lunch, you were drained. No energy left, maybe it was the silence you sat in at lunch with no messages to respond to, nothing but scrolling on your phone, and drinking an excessive amount of coffee. Which would end up weighing you down, but you didn't care. You needed the energy. 

________________

The following weekend, you can't help but think about Jungkook as you browse through the department stores, full of clothes, accessories, and food.

His grin beams at you, helping you change the bedding. It would shape into a friendly wrestling match. It was infectious, and it left your cheeks sore from smiling with him.

You slip your hand through the railings, through the oversized shirts, clothing sets he would've loved when you first met – the camo pattern hurts your eyes, wondering how you have ever fallen for a guy like this. ‘Jungkook would like this.’ or the occasional ‘Maybe I should buy this for him’, almost forgetting you had broken up. This must be the hard part of breaking up, before you move on from him.

It’s insufferable. You never realise how much you miss someone until they're gone, even if they caused you pain. Jungkook was never truly gone, but you were moving on from him. In the quiet moments, watching couples on dates, you couldn't help but miss his presence. 

Each simple beat that plays on the radio would remind you of the first time you dated, the simple romantics, letting him sway you around as you made dinner, evolving into full, extravagant concerts he would give you while screaming into the TV remote. His theatrics had successfully charmed you, falling into his trap.  Now it's obvious to you that his behaviour was infinitely ingrained in you. Scarring deep into your heart. You were going to be in a lot of pain getting rid of him. It will be worth ridding oneself of any torment. Anything related to him will be gone. 

Unlike before, you sit on the sofa, alone. Your carbonara in hand, the one that became your favourite after Jungkook taught you how to make it.

You slip into your pyjamas, remembering every time you wore this with him, putting on facemasks, and sleeping in his arms. You can't help but wonder why you have memories of everything related to him, big or small. Unable to understand why you miss him so much. It's confusing.

________________

When you sit in the quiet cafe that you visit often, editing a presentation that a rookie has slipped up on. You can’t blame them – you still remember when you too were a rookie, slipping up when given work to do, too scared to decline when work was thrown at you by corrupt workers. 

You can't help but baby all the rookies, putting yourself in their position. You are left with no choice but to fix the mistakes in numbers, grammar, and design. The coffee cups take over the table, leaving you little space to work. You hadn't planned to spend your evening like this.

Nearing the end of your workload, a hand places another cup of coffee steaming up in the air, the smell enticing you away from your work. 

“Hey there.”

A young man with wavy dark brown hair stood looming over you, placing the cup of coffee right beneath your nose. Unable to resist, you ponder his features. 

‘He’s pretty handsome.’ You catch yourself off guard thinking absurd thoughts of a stranger, despite your indecency, every time you looked at him, he was grinning at you, eagerly awaiting to talk to you.

“You're gorgeous. I was wondering if you want to go out for dinner sometime?” You are taken aback, considering you have never met this man.

“Sorry, but I have-” The words almost slipped from your tongue; it had become a common phrase if a guy ever asked you out. It seemed so normal to have Jungkook around, but now you have no one to restrain you.

“I would love to, uh, what is your name? Sorry? Do you have a date in mind?” 

His face displays everything, clearly preparing to be rejected. His eyes almost bulged out of his head, and you can't help but smile. His face softens into a small laugh. He is cute, you can't help ogling over him, like a fangirl meeting her favourite celebrity.

“Oh. Yeah, it's Hoseok. How does the 15th sound?” He smiles gently at you as you take a sip of the coffee given to you. He is sweet.

“Sure, that suits me. Could I get your number so we can arrange more later?”

For the first time in a long time, you’re excited to try something new, maybe you have stuck with your comfort zone for far too long. The nerves and excitement were indistinguishable. All blurred together into one jittering mess.

Hoseok leaves with a quick exchange of numbers and a warm cup of coffee to enjoy as you finished your work. A smile is on your face as you finish your presentation, walk home, eat dinner, and go to sleep. 

A quick notification catches your attention — It is the Hoseok from today.

“I hope you got home safe., I can't wait to see you next week.” A short message, but it stayed with you for the rest of the night.

“I can't wait for it.” A soft reply, giving you butterflies. Over and over again, you can't help but think about how long it's been since you went on a first date with someone new. Hoseok's brown eyes linger in your brain, lighting around his iris. Eyes fluttering closed as you turn over, listening to the rustling of your duvet.

________________

May 15th.

It is finally Friday and the time of your date. In the mirror was your reflection, dressed in a silk black dress and high heels. In your hand was your bag, filled with lip gloss and other random items. 

Ping.

A notification from your phone.

Hoseok: “Hey, I'll be outside in 5 minutes. Can't wait to see you.”

Every time a message was exchanged, it felt different. Hoseok was not what you were used to. He was always the one contacting you before you even got the chance. 

It felt weird, probably because you haven't stepped outside your comfort zone in a while. He was ready for you at your building, clutching a beautifully arranged bouquet of lilies and baby breath. They were beautiful.

He guides you to his car, like a gentleman opening the door for you. Holding your hand as he drove, sleeves rolled up to his elbow, as he focused. He is dressed head to toe perfectly, in a nice shirt and pants. His watch decorated his wrist well.

The dinner was beautiful, a gorgeous restaurant that left you in awe as you witnessed the display of paintings. The chandeliers captured light perfectly from every angle, illuminating the room with a welcoming warmth. Unsurprised by your reaction, he playfully nudges you with his shoulder. Offering his hand to you. 

You both finished your food swiftly. Good to know he was as much of a food fan as you were. Taking a walk along the pier and buying ice cream from a stand, coincidentally open this late. The lights illuminated the water, and the boats moved silently, swaying from side to side slowly. 

Was this what you wanted? 

You were so happy, He seemed to agree.

You were still unsure. 

Why did a guy like him appear in your life now?

You couldn't help but point out the similarities between him and Jungkook. 

Both had the same enchanting charms, drawing you in. Time spent joking together, teasingly. 

Everything you liked about Jeon Jungkook, you liked about him. It might just be your type, but it was undeniable that they were extremely similar.

You ended the night taking photos, in secret, you both did the same, capturing each other in perfect light near the water. His warm hand leading you back to his car in the same gentle manner as before, holding you tight so you couldn't let go.

The drive back to your apartment was comfortable, your karaoke playing through the streets as you let down the window. Filling the car with a cold breeze, giving you goosebumps, but it felt good. Helping to drown the thoughts.

“Thank you for taking me out tonight. I had a lot of fun.” You weren't lying, the night was so much fun, magical even. He was such a sweetheart, and you found yourself cherishing every moment.

“Goodnight,___, Sleep well,” Hoseok says, watching you enter your apartment, giving him a last wave before closing the door behind you. All that has happened feels surreal. 

________________

It's been a week since your date with Hoseok, you have reached out to each other casually, but no plans yet. It’s already the end of the month, and all you can think of is what to have for dinner. Recently, the company has been loading you and your co-workers with projects. Giving you no time to think. Every day you have been working nonstop, now that it is finally the weekend. Fingers bruised from how much they had been abused in the recent weeks.

The soft hum of the TV removes all thoughts from your head, giving you time to sit mindlessly. Not thinking of anything, a peaceful rest. Since your mind had been dragged through the mud in the past month, you had learned to take care of yourself.

Learning new boundaries, making more time for yourself, and even forming new connections with people, you finally felt at peace. Sure, life was still hard, but you were surviving, living, and you enjoyed it. 

The cup of coffee, lifelessly placed on the table, had gone cold, making your nose crunch from displeasure as you took a sip.

The steam, no longer pouring into the air of the apartment. 

You had taken it upon yourself to refresh your apartment. The incense you placed throughout the rooms pressed into the fabric of your clothes, overpowering everything with a new, refreshing scent. 

Your hands pull away from the mug's handle, jaw clenching in annoyance since it feels like you only brewed this cup. The mindless thinking lingered for long enough for your drink to go cold, and for the TV to have changed. 

Hands twitch against the cold mug as you enclose it in your palm, silently making your way to the sink, still dripping. 

‘I need to call a plumber soon.’ You had taken notice over the past couple of weeks that the dripping water had become more vigorous, sending you into a frenzy every time you heard it. Each drop drives you deeper and deeper. You try to play music over it, yet it seems to linger in your head over and over again. 

Each step on the wood floors seemed quiet compared to the dripping of the tap. Somehow, it played over everything. Surely it was your mind. Your mind was destroyed, letting go and losing everything. 

You were vulnerable, but surviving. Over the past couple of months, you’ve transformed. 

You couldn't help but think about how you haven't talked or seen –

A soft thump against the door of your apartment, knocking you out of your trance. 

Then there was another. The silence was eerie; you hadn't arranged any plans with anyone to come over tonight. The dishes were left in their state as you made your way to the door, cautious of who could potentially be out there.

The figure you never expected to see.

Jeon Jungkook.

Standing on your front doorstep.

Not once during your relationship have you seen him like this; it was almost like he was vulnerable? 

“What are you doing here?” Maintaining your stern tone, but a piece of you is still attached to the presence of him lingering in your house.  A ghost now, but still missed. 

“Can we work this whole thing out? Please.” The plea came out quiet, a restrained whine. It was working. He was pulling on your heart, like every other time. He lifted the bouquet to your face, a peace offering.

His face lights up as you shift to the side, allowing him in again.

Yet another mistake.

You take the flowers from his palm, and the drooping petals move with every step. They are truly beautiful, though, each colour perfecting the overall look of the arrangement. You were captivated by them. Never had you seen such flowers curated into a bouquet like this. It was truly unique.

“I appreciate the gift, but I don’t see what we have to work out?” The snipping of the flower stems broke the uncomfortable silence. Laying out each one to put into a vase. 

“We haven't talked in a month ___” You knew. You had counted the weeks, days, and hours until the end of the month. 

“Oh really? I hadn’t even noticed.” A blatant lie. The stale tone of your voice, targeted at him for everything he did. Though he knew you too well. You couldn’t play him and, from the moment you let him into your life. You had been enchanted. Some might say trapped, others will say safe. You had more good memories than bad ones, but you haven't decided which outweighs the other yet.

“Don't lie to me,___. I'm sorry for showing up now of all times, but this can't wait-”

“Do you have any idea of what you're saying? You should be aware that you were the one who broke up with me all this time, playing me like a toy. Now that I have broken up with you, you come running back? We shouldn’t even be talking right now.” 

“I know, but I needed to see you., I was a complete and utter idiot to think that I could ever live without you in my life. Your absence in the past few weeks made me realise that, and I'm so sorry I didn't say anything sooner. I love you so much, ___. Please, I love you truly, and I hope you believe that because it's true. I know I really shouldn't have intruded, but I miss you so much, I swear that no matter what, I will always work to resolve our arguments, and I want to start over. I won't pressure you right now, but I'm glad I got to say it.” He stalls, wishing for a reply.

He was truly desperate, but you had just seen so much good in him right now, so much willingness for you to be his, letting him look after you.

Your eyes stay on the flowers, stems thrown to the side, while the flowers lie scenic in the dim light of the apartment. The squeak of his shoes draws you back. You see his back turning to leave, and in this moment, there's no other thought in your brain than you can't let Jungkook leave. 

If he is willing to work on himself this much, you are going to give it a shot. Regardless of how much you have shadowed your feelings away with events in your life, He remained in your heart. Caught on his wire, pulling you closer.

Your heart pulses stronger than ever before, urging you to run after him. 

You did.

Your steps chase after him, hitting the floor in unison with his. Finally, you understood that by doing this, you were giving yourself to Jungkook, and he was doing the same with you.

He turned to you for one last time, not expecting you to be so close he couldn't help but flinch. Your arms snake their way to the back of his neck, fingers feeling the tufts of hair on his neck.  Twirling them between your thumb and index as your lips navigate their way to Jungkook's, smiling into the kiss. Starting slowly, working into the rhythm you set up. 

You pull him closer, and the grip he has on your waist ignites butterflies. The way he spends his time working your lips with his. Creating undeniable friction. Making out with Jungkook was everything you needed; he had the perfect amount of soft but leading demeanor. He was a pro, teaching you everything you needed or even taking charge so you could feel good without moving a finger. This time, you were desperate for more and decided to take initiative to get it.

You needed more. Pushing against him and deepening the kiss, whining as he rubs his hand on your clit, Making you fold into the kiss. Your mouth widening to moan, letting him take advantage of you. He slips his tongue into your mouth, ravishing everything he's missed. Desperately placing more pressure onto your clit, while trailing his lips down every inch of your body. Down your neck and past the sweater he loved. Working his lips down to your pants, slipping them down your legs. Giving him full access to everything. 

Working his tongue up and down your already wet pussy, slipping into you from time to time. Your knees buckled at every flick of his tongue; he was savouring every bit of your reactions, your sounds, and even the taste of you.

The sucking and muffled groans as you tug on his hair, fill your mind. His arms wrap around your thighs, caging you as you whimper and writhe at his every touch.

“Please. Please, Jungkook, I'm going to” 

Your hand digging into his soft hair, trying to move his head away from throwing you over the edge. His stubbornness exceeds your strength at the moment, quickly followed by your legs trembling. Leaving your juices dripping onto his tongue. 

You stood there breathless, shaking under every touch, but to Jungkook, you looked like a Renaissance painting. Every angle of you was perfect. You attracted him with every movement and in everything you did.

The way your hips bucked, eager for more, while you whined how it was too much. He loved it. 

Lifting you and placing your legs to rest on his hips as he walks you to the bedroom, the mattress creaking as both of your weights slump against it. His lips tracing over yours, winding their way to your nipple, surrounded by goosebumps that prickled your skin. 

Every touch has you shuddering, your every movement feeling weaker than it should be. Despite the warmth of your room, you got chills from every touch. Slowly diving deeper into every touch, losing control.

His fingers run along your lip, gathering slick before pushing you even further. Slipping two digits into you, stretching you out even more. He knew exactly what to do; every flick in a direction was intentional, and the way he controlled you made it seem like he knew your body better than you did. 

The sound of his zipper coming undone dragged you back to life; you couldn't help but stare in awe. Lost in his touch, blissfully unaware of how long the night would be. His calloused hands work their way over every part of your body. 

Tracing your nipples, the ones he bruised and teased earlier, torturing you under his grasp. 

You could feel him slipping the tip of his cock into you as he pinched your nipples, overstimulating you every way as he pushes his length into you starting to move. Tears spill from the creases of your eye,s littering your face. Jungkook takes notice of this, palms running through your hair, littering kisses from cheek to cheek.

“Are you alright? I didn't mean to hurt you, baby, I'm so sorry.” Squeezing you into a hug, pulling you in as close as he could for comfort. 

“I’m okay, I just need a second.” Your head falling into place on his shoulder, breathing with him. Your chest, which had been rapidly rising and falling, has slowed. Hands moving to your bare back, running his fingers around your shoulder blades. 

“Take all the time you need, baby. You know, all the time we were separate, did I miss you? I even cried.” He chuckled since he was exposing himself. 

“I felt lost without you. I needed to make it up with you, and still do. Thank you for letting me attempt to work it out. I'm glad we made up.” You were overwhelmed with emotion, feeling so appreciated with his words, which painted you as some humble deity, but you were thankful.

The soft smile on his face. The small smile lines on his cheeks. He was irresistible. Bru, all yours. 

“I love you, Jungkook.” Working your nails over his cheeks before making out, you wanted nothing more than each other on each other. Enjoying each other's presence like it was the last time. 

His lips were soft, slower this time. Leading your back with his hand on the bed. His arm slipped around your lower back.

“I'm ready to continue now, if that's okay with you.” Locking eyes, from how long you kept eye contact with him, it seemed like he was unwilling to break any kind of contact with you. 

“I’ll move now if that's okay.” Pressing his lips to your forehead. He was truly making the most of you as if it were his last, wanting nothing else in the world right now. It would seem like everything he wanted to do was complete; he made up with you, and everything was perfect. 

His cock slowly pushes into you, sending you to heaven and back. Making you grasp onto the bed sheets under you, knuckles turning white from the pressure in your hand. 

“Are you alright? I can stop if you want -” You could hear the worry in his voice, afraid he would hurt you. 

“No, I'm alright. Please, continue.” He pushes deeper into you, starting slow but picking up the pace as me moves. Your whines and whimpers drive him even further, leaving him wanting more at the sound of you.

“God, please, I need more, it's so-so good.” 

Stumbling over your words and the moans pour out of your mouth. Desperate for more, your hips move, attempting to get more friction against you. He was moving at a painfully slow pace, teasing you all over. Placing his hand on your lower stomach, pushing, making you feel everything. 

“You're all mine now, okay, love?” As Jungkook lets the last words of that sentence slip off his tongue, he speeds up to an unimaginable pace. Blissfully piercing you, making you feel better than you thought you ever could.

You could feel both you and Jungkook's highs coming, as he began to rut more desperately into you. His thrusts become more syncopated and irregular. Your stomach fills with a sense that you are close, along with your legs shaking.

“Fuck, I need to cum baby.” Begging for you to hold out until he cums, as his thrusts become more desperate and fast. Driving into you.

Toes curl as you come to your climax, eyes rolling into the back of your head as you feel waves of pleasure drown you.

“I love you so much.” Whispering in his ear as he slumps against you. Arms bringing you to the bathroom to clean every bit of your body. Jungkook is taking care of everything as he repeats songs of praise about how much he loves you.

________________

1 month later

“Jungkook? Did you fix the sink?” Looking up at him, eyes flicking from his lips to his eyes.

“Yeah, I fixed it after we got back together, love.” Placing a kiss on your temple as you resume the peaceful rest on the couch.

No wonder life has been so calm the past month.

[revelboo]

Hello Revel, I hope you are doing well today.

Today is my birthday and I wanted to ask if I could get a scenario with Senator Shockwave? I feel so bad for this guy knowing all the horrors he gonna go through in the future. I hope he can reunite with his little human soon, I keep imagining the possibility that they had a sparkling before they were separated, which makes my heart hurt, but that's just my brain making me think of sad scenarios. TOT

Anyways, thank you for your writings!

Happy birthday! Shocky, definitely needs his human back 🔞 Mass displaced mech 🌶️

Warm

Senator Shockwave x Reader

• Watching him bent forward working on the device, you drape yourself against one of his arms, cheek on his warm plating and his smile is indulgent. And you want to just say it. That you’ve changed your mind. Want to stay here. With him. That you love him. “Don’t worry, everything’s coming along. Most of the bugs have been worked out,” he says, tone teasing. Those blue optics are soft when he touches your cheek with a servo. Why can’t you just say it?

• What’s that look on your face? Your expression so sad his own spark aches. Spends every recharge cycle with you laying against him. Sometimes making love for joors. Sometimes just talking. Sliding his servo against your cheek, he mass shifts and you crawl into his lap, head brushing under his chin. And you’re warm in his arms as he holds you, feeling so right there. Like home. Wants to keep you, to beg you to stay here with him, but he knows you want to go home. And he can’t keep you here against your will, knows you’d eventually resent him for that. It’s in his power to help you and he wants you to be happy. Even if it feels like ripping a bit off his own spark away. Even if it means letting you go.

• The closer he gets to getting that thing to work, the gate that’s meant to send you back home, the more anxious you feel. Know he has to have noticed that you’re constantly interrupting him when he’s trying to work on it. If you could break it, set him back weeks, maybe months, you would. But he shouldn’t be stuck with you, responsible for keeping you alive and unable to live his own life because he’s worrying over you. You’re not his problem or his responsibility. “I need you,” you whisper against the warm mesh of his neck.

• Easing back to stretch out alongside you, his servos trace the shape of your face, your body as you strip out of your clothes. And you cup his face in your soft hands, mouth crashing against his. The kiss an urgent demand as he rolls to cover you. “I’m right here,” he murmurs when your mouth presses against his jaw, his neck. You’ve been like this lately, frantic and desperate in your lovemaking. Like you’re saying goodbye with your body and he hates it even as he cups you. Releases his spike as his servos dip inside you, stroking and you whimper his name. Don’t go. Stay. Thinks it, but can’t say it. Can’t do that to you. Just like he hasn’t burdened you with the whispers he’s been hearing. That something’s shifting in the senate. That something’s not quite right. He’d brought it up to Proteus, but the other senator had dismissed him. Again.

• He rumbles as he shifts against you, servos slipping free and smearing your own slickness on your hip when he slowly stretches you, his spike pressing deep. And you suddenly feel like crying as he moves inside you and you hang onto him. Needing to tell him that you love him and afraid to. Hips pumping against you, he’s every bit as urgent as you are. Can hear him raggedly venting, his growls mingling with your moans. Hanging onto each other like you’re keeping each other afloat. His mouth covers yours, the kiss almost bruising as he ruts against you and when you come apart, his mouth muffles your cry.

• Shuddering as your slick heat tightens on him, he groans, bucking deep and overloading hard. Every time it’s a little harder to resist the urge to bond you. Claim and keep you as his. Would you hate him for that? Can’t stand the thought of your brightness, your smiles fading because he trapped you. So he thinks the things he can’t dare say. That he loves you. That he wants to keep you. Bond you. Please don’t go. Brushing his cheek against yours, you press your face against his neck. Until he finishes his work, he can pretend. Lie to himself that you’re staying. That you’re really his to keep. That you love him, too. “I don’t want to go,” you whisper into the quiet, voice hitching and broken.

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

So what if s/o accidentally hurts the skelly? Nothing too severe but like dropped something on their foot or smacked them in the face with something on accident. Who would be mad? Who would forgive instantly? UT/UF/HT/ST pls!

Undertale Sans - Sans just makes a small "ouch" then immediately forgets it even happened. He lives with King of Clumsyness Papyrus, that's definitely not the first time he got hit in the face by something. At least it was just a bowl and not a 4 kg metallic bear trap...

Undertale Papyrus - He grimaces, but tells you it's all fine. His life is already a long succession of painful moments, and so it's no bother at all. He then smiles at you and leaves, as you and Sans stare in bewilderment. Is Papyrus okay???

Underswap Sans - He laughs as you panic, trying to get down from the roof. He tells you it's nothing and that he has a thick skull, but you drop a brick on his head. What do you mean you're perfectly fine?! Blue is extremely resistant; he assures you he's fine.

Underswap Papyrus - All he sees is you running his way at full speed, and as soon as his brain understand he can't dodge your face coming his face, his body protects himself by passing out. You're panicking, shaking him like a coconut and screaming his name, terrified he's injured badly. He just wakes up, confused, not sure what even happened or why you insist on putting ice on his nose. He doesn't have a nose????

Underfell Sans - He doesn't even flinch, and barely notices it. If it hurts, the best you'll get is a frown. Red is used to pain and a small book on the feet is nothing compared to the shit he had to deal with Underground. What's the point of even mentioning it?

Underfell Papyrus - He tsssks at you, disapprovingly. He then tells you to be more careful and moves on. Like his brother, it's not big deal. He knows you don't intent to hurt him, because that would mean to fight you and you don't want that, do you?

Horrortale Sans - He whines pitifully, but that's ok, just kiss him on the cheek and he instantly forgets it and starts purring again. He's mainly overreacting to get more attention from you.

Horrortale Papyrus - He winces, but that's fine. You can't hurt him more than his back hurts every day, so it's no big deal. He would appreciate if you're more careful about it, though, as he's in enough pain already, if you didn't notice. He doesn't need more bruises.

Swapfell Sans - He stares at you, offended, and won't stop until you apologize. He then huffs and goes to sulk somewhere for a solid ten minutes just to show you he didn't like it. Don't you even dare to roll your eyes at him. You're the one torturing him!

Swapfell Papyrus - Oh, you killed him. You just killed him. He's on the floor, holding his nose, which he doesn't have, by the way, whining like a big baby as if you just murdered him. You deadpan, as you barely touched him. What a drama queen, you swear. You slap a bandage on his face, then he somehow suddenly feels better. Yeah, that's not acting or anything.

Fellswap Gold Sans - He looks at you in silence, disappointed, then randomly bites you. An eye for an eye, sucker. He then leaves like a prince, as you're whining, your arm painful. What's even his problem?

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - He gives you the saddest puppy eyes you have ever seen. It's painful, but mostly for you as you can't stand to see him like this. You tell him you didn't mean to hurt him, and he just nods sadly, looking down. No, but really! Stop doing this face! You're sorry!

[zo1nkss]

I'm eating up the consistency in the characterization in this show its literally feeding the writer in me so much 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Charlie still being a martyr? Check. Of course he would. Because you don't just stop being self sacrificing overnight, and clearly he was so focused on the lab work that he wasn't actually processing any of what happened in season 1. If that hadn't been the case, most of the plot for season 2 would be moot.

Babe staying deeply attached to Charlie and even refusing to break up with him now that he knows the real reason? 100% completely in character. Babe has always been stubborn, and he has never taken no for an answer very easily. And after Charlie fake dying in s1 and Babe having no choice but to mourne him for months, it makes absolute sense that his response to knowing Charlie is trying to repeat that bullshit over again would be to stubbornly refuse to leave his side. You don't get to push me away even if you want to tell yourself we broke up anywau because I'm not just going to let you get yourself killed without a fight.

Jeff once again being the voice of reason. He was so against keeping things from Babe in s1 and always the one telling Charlie his plans were reckless even if he ultimately went along with them. Going back to his fear of touch and affection because he doesn't want to use his gift. His own inability to admit when things have gotten bad again because he doesn't want to burden anyone with his problems. But I also love that his resolve to be honest with Alan stuck. I think that bit of character development was so important for him. Let my boy learn to lean on his faen <3

I know everyone is mad at NorthSonic but I actually think they have been SO in character this season. Frankly I am eating this up because it really is so THEM.

Lets not forget how much North was dropping hints that he liked Sonic and Sonic was spiking them right back to him like a poorly planned game of badminton. But now Sonic's words have had an impact and North is pulling away, and of course Sonic is going to be moody about it because he's Sonic. He expects to have everything at arms length because its easier for him. That was the driving force behind them not getting together in s1; Sonic's insistence to keep everyone at arms length.

Meanwhile North. He's so lovesick. He's been lovesick over that man since day one, but it's really shining through ever since he heard Sonic saying they shouldn't be together. He's so sad and so hurt.

But even with all of that between them they can't bring themselves to be very far apart for long. They're still drawn to each other like magnets. Even when they're at odds, they both still choose to sit in the same room. Merely a few feet apart, facing away from each other. Still tethered to each other by that unbreakable string of fate.

Alan being selfless and a little reckless with his wellbeing because he cares so much about all of these losers who can't seem to get their heads on straight. Trying to shoulder so much of the burden for them because thats just Who He Is, but its breaking his body down little by little and he doesn't know how to set others aside and care for himself.

Dean, I think, is the most changed this season. I'm a little on the fence about whether it's character development, or a ruse to keep himself under Alan's radar. But frankly I'm sticking to my original reading that it's sincere. Character development is such an important part of storytelling, especially in the second installment of a story. People need to start realizing things aren't working for them even if it felt like they were. And we definitely have bits of that shining through in every character. But one thing we're missing if we divorce Dean from that arc is a character who's entire plotline for this installment is character development - which is a very common tactic to help drive the development of other characters. One character who sort of serves as an example of what that can look like when done right. Dean serves that example very well if this shift in perspective is esrnest. The plot eouldn't necessarily suffer if he was lying; it could be a very interesting twist. And I would really love to be blindsided by it a little bit. But I can't really predict what the writers want to do with him. It's hard to pin down! And I really love that about him. Even if he does turn evil again, I may have to stan him anyway. Because I can't deny the commitment to the bit is impressive if I'm wrong here.

Pete. Pete, Pete, Pete. We're really seeing a different side of him to the Pete in season one. But I think his budding obsession with Way was very much giving hints to him being exactly this kind of fucked up. He has this savior complex that's been apparent since the very beginning. And I think ultimately, it was always going to end up weird and unhealthy like this. Way wasn't really the most redeemable character to boot. He had a lot of flaws he simply wasn't willing to let go of. His need for power over more vulnerable people wasn't just going to go away. But its clear Pete would have run himself ragged trying to save Way from himself, if his inability to turn Chris away is any indication. I think his treatment of Kenta is, unfortunately, very in-character as well. Because if you look back, he did just sort of allow that kiss to happen in the facility. It was a bit careless and selfish of him not to put an end to that; and if Kenta truly believes after all this time that Pete never cared for him at all then he must have had a good reason to believe that. He was just someone that put an end to his loneliness, someone to keep around when he had no one else. Even when he escaped and secured safety and power for himself to avoid Tony, he never made any effort to help Kenta escape. He could have. He had the means and the money and connections to find a way. He chose not to.

**I'm not shaming or judging Pete here btw. He's not obligated to have any kind of feelings for Kenta, no matter how much I feel for Kenta and hate to see him hurt like this. Its just the facts. At the end of the day, Kenta will never be a priority for him. And I do think that is largely due to Kenta choosing to stay loyal to Tony when Pete chose to walk away. I think the part of him that did see Kenta as a brother was deeply hurt by that. And I can't and won't blame him for pulling away and emotionally distancing himself. He deserved to escape that world, no matter what it cost either of them.

KENTA. OH MY GOD KENTA. He's going through So Much character development and it's really incredible to see. The change in outfit color while in Kenta's house was SO 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 tbh he could serve the example if Dean's not a good guy so ignore what I said before bc I dont feel like erasing it all. BUT ALSO he's still SO in character. He was already sabatoging Tony's plans from the inside in small ways he knew would go unnoticed. But now he's really come into his own. The way he's kind of taken charge and is mking choices for himself and standing firm on his points. He's SO stubborn too. I love him I LOVE HIMMMMM.

Kim is probably the most consistent characterization in the whole show if I were to pick someone for that position. His ethical code Never Wavers. He's such a solid stable person!!! I love him too!!!! I dont talk about these two nearly enough because I'm so focused on CharlieBabe most of the time but I really do LOVE the dynamic going on here, and how Kenta is just.... so receptive to him. Kim said one nice thing and told him he was deserving of love and Kenta literally blushed and said okay I guess I can play nice with this one.

Winner. There's not much to say about him. He's still Winner. Sniveling little bitch baby who needs a bigger stronger man to make him feel powerful. 🙄

I have nothing to say about Willy because he's one of the only new faces this season. Same for Chris. Fortunately we have the pleasure of not knowing what they were like in s1 so this is about as consistent as they can get.

Tony. I'm so excited for this one. Oh Tony is SO consistent. The love bombing?!?! Trying and failing to reel Kenta back in with promises of redemption? Wearing his hair down to make himself seem approachable? Acting friendly and forgiving right before he orders Winner to kill that guy? Turning on a dime, throwing that hair back up, and beating Willy with his cane for incompetence? Absolutely 10/10 abuser mentality. He remains the piece of shit father figure they all know and hate.

Anyway I am LIVING for this shit. I love season 2!!!!

[wisteriasymphony]

https://www.tumblr.com/wisteriasymphony/785570398438817792/wait-hold-on-can-we-talk-about-that-actually?source=share

Man, the fandom really doesn't think a lot of their ideas through huh?

To be entirely fair, I think a great deal of Adrien being headcanoned this way is people projecting onto him and that's a totally valid thing to do and I hope people who find comfort in that continue to do it. As one of my colleagues has stated, that's why Adrien is such a popular character. A lot of characterization is really pick-and-choose since it's a bunch of throwaway lines and mild inconsistencies built on top of a very milquetoast foundation.

My main issue is that as of s6 I'm positive now that the show will never meaningfully subvert Adrien being a helpless damsel. The fact that Werepapas made no attempt to show Adrien inside of that trophy or have him attempt to break out is literally the entire issue in a microcosm. And, again, my impression is that the writers feel no need to subvert it at all because it's key to the outdated feminism the show is built upon. They take an unbelievably flat sexist dichotomy, swap the genders, and do absolutely nothing else.

Adrien having an arc where his identity is explored could be done and could be done well. Adrien finding himself and making choices about his life and how he presents is by definition him asserting his own agency, which is just the thing that the show hasn't done yet (to my unending chagrin). But having that and not knowing he's a sentimonster is incongruous. That and him being kept in the dark about Gabriel is incongruous. That and his existence as a literal trophy to others being lampshaded in an entire episode is incongrous.

The story keeping the status quo of Adrien being excluded from knowing things and other people making decisions on his behalf for the sake of "protecting Adrien" or "sparing Adrien's emotions" turns incredibly sour with the introduction of Adrien being female, in my opinion. Not that it's an okay precedent to set otherwise or even the right avenue for the show to have taken, but it's certainly something to keep in mind. To reiterate, this problem is very Adrien's-canon-writing-specific and does not apply to other canon characters nor many AUs. Fix the lack of subversion (and the fact that so much of the plot is currently reliant on said lack of subversion), and the trans allegory is so perfect it practically writes itself.

To be fair, another gripe of mine is that a lot of the girl-coding is either done in conjunction with Gabriel's influence/control over him (Gabriel Agreste, ETDP), and/or is reference to how others see him (too many examples to count. Uh, Marinette envisioning Kagami dipping him in maybe Kagami's intro episode? Gina calling him a princess. Gabriel Agreste again). The repetition to me primarily establishes that this is how people perceive him to be, and with the whole sort of deal of Adrien putting on masks to be so perfect it is inevitably brought into question how much of his perception as feminine is part of his perfect Adrien mask. None of these comments or perceptions have been directed in-universe towards Chat Noir, right? No, they've been in regard to the flawless trophy character that was subservient property of his father in all but name.

[layce2015]

Stranger Things (Steve Harrington x Female!Reader)

Chapter 19: Dear Billy

Previous Chapter/ Next Chapter

*(y/n)’s POV*

Nancy screeches to a halt at the school’s parking lot, and the three of us get out of her car and make our way into the school and run down the hallway.

“That's not even the bad part.” She said as she turns to face us. “What do you mean?” I asked her, concerned, and she bites her lips before she continues. “Fred and Chrissy, they both came to Miss Kelley for help. Uh, they both were having headaches, bad headaches that wouldn't go away. And then...then the nightmares. Trouble sleeping. They'd wake up in a cold sweat. Then they started seeing things. Bad things. From their pasts. These visions, they just...they kept on getting worse and worse, until eventually...everything ended.” Max said. 

“Vecna's curse.” Robin said, softly, and I start to get really scared. “Chrissy's headache started a week ago. Fred's, six days ago. I've been having them for five days.” She said and I gasped as everyone looks at her. “I don't know how long I have. All I know is that, for Fred and Chrissy, they both died less than  hours after their first vision. And I just saw that damn clock, so...looks like I'm gonna die tomorrow.” She said, her voice fully of shaky tears.

Steve ran a hand over his mouth and I shake my head in disbelief. “No, no, that’s…” I stammered as I look at my baby sister. “Why didn't you tell me?” I asked her and she looks down then back at me. “You were busy and had other things going on. And plus, I guess…” she stops then sighs, like what she was gonna say was gonna be stupid. “…I was still mad you moved out.” She said and I give her a sad look.

”Max….” I whispered but then we heard a loud banging sound. We all look towards the door and Steve turns to us. “Stay here.” He tells us before he grabs a lamp and walks out, holding the lamp like it was a weapon. The rest of us look at each other then we follow Steve down the hall as we heard some more clanging sound, then what sounded like hurried footsteps.

Then Lucas runs in front of us and all of scream as Steve raised his lamp. “It's me!” Lucas exclaimed, as he raised his hands up. “Lucas?” Max asked, confused, as Steve sets the lamp down. “It's me.” Lucas assures us again. “Jesus, what's wrong with you, Sinclair?” Steve asked, annoyed, obviously recovering from the heart attack he just endured.

“I'm sorry.” Lucas said, shaking. “I could've taken you out with this lamp!” Steve shouts as Lucas catches his breath. “Sorry, guys. Sorry. I was...I was biking for eight miles. Give me a second. Shit.” Lucas pants and I walk over to him and pat his back. “Just breathe, Lucas.” I tell him and he nods.

“We've got a code red.” He said, finally. “What?” Steve and I said, confused. “Dustin.” Lucas said and he walks over to Dustin. “I've been with Jason, Patrick, and Andy, and they've gone totally off the rails. They're trying to capture Eddie, and they think you know where he is. You're in terrible danger.” He warns him. “All right. Yeah, that definitely sucks, but we've got bigger problems than Jason now.” Dustin said and Lucas looks at him confused while Dustin turns to Max as I go over to her and place an arm around her.

The next day, we were hiding out at the basement of Nancy’s house while Steve reads over the newspaper Nancy, Robin and I found. “Okay, be honest. Uh...You guys understand any of this?” Steve asked. “No.” Lucas said. “Pretty straightforward.” Dustin said .

“Oh, straightforward, really?” Steve asked, annoyed. “What's confusing to you? It makes sense. So far, everyone Vecna has cursed has died, except for this old Victor Creel dudes Nancy found. He's the only known survivor. If anyone knows how to beat this curse, it's him.” Dustin said. “That's assuming he was cursed, Henderson, which we don't even know.” He said then rubs his temple. 

“How can Vecna have existed in the 50’s? It doesn't make sense.” He mutters. “Far as we know, Eleven didn't create the Upside Down. She opened a gate to it. The Upside Down has probably been around for thousands of years. Millions. I wouldn't be surprised if it predated the dinosaurs.” Dustin said. “Dinosaurs? What are we...” Steve started to ask but Lucas talks over him.

”Okay. Okay. But if a gate didn't exist in the 50’s, how did Vecna get through?” Lucas asked. “How's he getting through now?” Steve asked. “And why now?” Lucas asked. “And why then? Just pops out in the 50’s, kills one family, and he's like, I'm good. And poof, he just disappears. Just...gone? Only to return years later and start killing random teens? No, I don't buy it. Straightforward, my ass.” Steve grumbles then he turns to Dustin. 

“Honestly, Henderson, a little humility now and then, it wouldn't hurt you.” He said. “Sorry.” Dustin mutters and Steve sits down in a chair and I sigh then sit on the spot on the couch next to Dustin, looking across the room to see Max writing.

“Any idea what she's writing?” Dustin asked me and I shrugged. “Did she sleep?” Dustin asked, concerned. “I mean, would you?” I asked him and he frowns at me just as we heard a door opening and Nancy and Robin come in. “Okay, so...we have a plan.” Nancy said, smiling.

“Thanks to Nancy's newspaper minions, we are now rock-star psychology students at the University of Notre Dame.” Robin explained as we all gathered around. “I'm now Ruth.” Nancy said. “And I'm Rose.” Robin said. “Ruth?” Steve and I said and Nancy shrugs while Dustin looks over the file.

“Nice GPA.” He compliments. “Thanks.” Nancy said then she turns to the rest of us. “So we called Pennhurst Asylum, told them we'd like to speak with Creel for a thesis we're co-writing on paranoid schizophrenics...” Nancy explains. “To which they said no.” Robin said. “But we landed a three o'clock with the director.” Nancy said.

”Now all we have to do is charm him and convince him to let us talk to Victor.” Robin said. “Then maybe we can rid Max of this curse.” Nancy said. “About that. We've been doing our Victor Creel homework, and, uh...we got some questions.” Steve said. “Lots of questions.” Lucas adds. “So do we. Hopefully, Victor has the answers.” Nancy said then she turns to me.

”We, uh, we made up an ID for you so you could join us…” Nancy offers but I shake my head. “Nancy, I appreciate it but…I need to stay here and be here for my sister.” I said and I look over my shoulder and see her writing away. I stare at her and take a deep breath then let it out before turning back to the others.

”I haven’t been a good older sister to her. I’ve just been so busy with work, the apartment…” I said then I look at Steve. “..Us…” I stop and sighed then look back at Nancy and Robin. “I’m not pushing her away again. She’s my priority right now.” I said, firmly, and Nancy nods. “I understand.” She said. “Then I’ll stay here with you, then.” Steve said and I turn my head to him and a small appreciated smile forms on my lips.

Later, Robin and Nancy make their way upstairs to Nancy’s room to change outfits while the boys and I stayed in the basement, Max still writing. “You didn’t have to stay with me.”  I said to Steve as he watched Max then turns to me.

”I know you hate being the babysitter…” I said and Steve shakes his head. “I’m not being the babysitter, I’m being the supportive boyfriend.” He said and my eyes widened in shock before I give another smile. “I appreciate it, Steve.” I said before I kiss his cheek then lean my head on his shoulder. “Besides, it’d be cruel to leave you alone watching over these shitheads.” Steve said and I chuckled while Lucas and Dustin looked offended.

”Dude! We’re right here.” Dustin said, annoyed, while Lucas had his hands raised. I chuckled, softly, and then look back over to Max, who was still hunched over a desk. “I just wish I knew what’s going through her head.” I muttered as we all look at her.

She stops then looks at us over her shoulder. “I know you guys are staring at me.” She said and we all jump and act like we weren’t staring at her. “What, sorry?” Steve said. “You said you needed something?” Lucas asked. “Just hanging out.” I said as Lucas and Dustin grab a magazine and Steve grabs a ball and tosses it up in the air but I keep looking at my sister.

Max then sighs. “How you think your eyes boring into the back of my head is protecting me from Vecna, I don't know.” She said as she grabs what looked like envelopes, stands up and walks over to us. “We’re just worried about you, is all.” I tell her and she sighs then looks down as she stands in front of us. “I know…” she muttered then looks at the boys.

“You can look at me now.” She said. “Thank you. Sorry.” Dustin said. “Sorry.” Lucas and Steve said as they all look at her. She holds out an envelope to Dustin. “For you.” She said and Dustin grabs it then she holds another envelope out to Steve. “For you.” She said and Steve takes the envelope and she holds up two envelopes and holds both of them out towards me and Lucas.

“And, um, you two.” She said and both of us, cautiously, take them. “Oh, and, um, give these to Mike, El, and Will. If you can ever get a hold of them again.” Max said as she holds up the pile of envelopes while Steve and Dustin peek into their envelopes. “What are you doing?” She asked them and they stop and stare at her. “No, don't. That's not for now. Don't open it now.” She tells them. “Don't...Okay.” Dustin said while I stare at my envelope.

“I'm sorry. What is this, Max?” I asked her and she glances at me then bites her lips. “It's, um...it's a fail-safe. For after. If things don't work out.” She said and my jaw drops. “Wait, whoa. Max, things are gonna work out.” Lucas said. “No! No, I don't need you to reassure me and tell me it's all gonna work out. People have been telling me that my entire life and it's almost never true. It's never true. I mean, of course this asshole curses me. Should've seen that one coming.” Max admits and I give her a concerned look.

”Max…” I whispered before she looks over her right then grabs Dustin’s walkie-talkie. “If we go to East Hawkins, will this reach Pennhurst?” She asked Dustin. “Of course. Yeah.” Dustin said. “Wait…Why are we talking about East Hawkins?” Steve asked and Max looks at me with a knowing look. “Max…no!” I said, realizing why she mentioned that place.

“Max, Max. Seriously. Seriously, I'm not joking. I'm not driving you anywhere.” Steve tells Max as we all walk outside towards Steve’s car. “Steve, if you think I'm going to spend what is likely the last day of my life in the armpit that is Mike Wheeler's basement, then you're out of your mind. Either take me where I need to go or tie me down, which is technically kidnapping of a minor. And if I live to see another day, Steve, I swear to God, I will prosecute.” Max said as we get to his car.

“Not if I have anything to say about. You are my sister, I can just easily say I’m babysitting you.” I said, firmly. “I know a good lawyer.” She threatens and I scoff and Steve and I share a look and Steve sighs a she pulls his keys out. “Henderson, that super walkie of yours better reach Pennhurst.” He tells Dustin and we all load up into the car. Steve driving, me in the passenger seat and the three kids all in the back.

Steve drives all the way over to the trailer park and in front of Mom’s trailer. “This better be fast, Mayfield.” Steve said, clearly annoyed. “Twenty seconds.” She said and she gets out of the car and heads into the trailer.

I sighed and my right leg starts to bounce up and down from nerves, I keep staring out the window and ignore whatever Steve was asking Dustin until I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Hey…” Steve whispers and I turn to face him. “It’s gonna be okay.” He assures me. “I just wish she’d talk to me, like she used to. Or maybe if I actually paid attention more to her then this asshole wouldn’t be after her!” I exclaimed, upset. “Hey, you couldn’t have known.” Steve said and I sighed and looked out the window.

”It’s been twenty seconds. Where is she?” I asked before I start to open the door and get out of the car. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Steve said as he starts to get out of the car but just as I start to walk towards the trailer, Max comes around the corner of the trailer from the back, looking upset.

”That was longer than twenty seconds.” I said, upset, and she walks past me. “Hey, whoa, whoa. You all right?” I asked her. “I’m fine. Just drive.” Max ordered, upset as she gets into the backseat. Steve and I share a look before we get back inside the car. “Did something happen?” Dustin asked her. “Can we please just go?” She asked and Steve starts up the car and we drive out of there. I turn my head to look at her but she kept looking out the window, looking very scared.

Whatever happened back at Mom’s really got to her.

We kept on driving down the road when Max speaks up. “Turn here.” She said and I look over at her. “Here?” I asked and she nods then Steve and I share a look before he turns to the cemetery. Once he stopped and parked, Max gets out of the car and Lucas follows after her while I step out, bout to follow her myself.

“Max?” He calls out to her and she turns to him. “Lucas, please, just wait in the car.” She tells him. “Max, just wait. Max, please.” He pleads. “Lucas, just wait...” she tells him but he talks over her. “Just listen to me. Just, please. I know something happened there with your mother. Was it Vecna?” he asked her and she stays quiet before say. “I told you, I'm fine. Okay? I mean, as fine as someone who's hurtling towards a gruesome death can be.” She said.

“Max...you know you can talk to me. Right?” Lucas asked her. “Yeah, I know that.” She said but I could tell from her tone she didn’t believe it. “Okay, then why do you keep pushing me away?” He asked her and she doesn’t respond. “Okay, look, I don't need a letter. I don't want a letter. Just talk to me. To your friends. To your sister. We're right here. I'm right here. Okay? I'm here.” He pleads as she stares at him. “Wait in the car. This won't be long.” she said and she stomps off towards Billy’s grave.

Lucas looked upset as he turns to face us and I go over to him. “You tried.” I said and he sighs as he walks over to the car and leans against it while I watch from the hill and see her sitting down in front of Billy’s grave.

*3rd Person POV*

“All right, it's been long enough.” Steve said, after several minutes of silence and Max just sitting at the grave, as he starts to walk forward. “Steve, just give her some time.” Lucas tells him. “I have, all right? I'm calling it. She wants to get a lawyer, she can.” Steve said, annoyed before (y/n) places a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll go. It’ll be easier if I go to her.” She said and Steve looks down at his girlfriend before he nods and she walks over to Max.

(Y/n) goes to Max, who was sitting in front of Billy’s grave, and she kneels down to her. “Max. We gotta go.” She said, gently, but Max didn’t respond. (Y/n) looks at her and noticed that her head was raised just a little and her eyes were glazed over but she was slightly blinking rapidly, almost like she was in a trance.

“Max?” (Y/n) said, worried, and she shakes her little sister’s shoulder but Max doesn’t respond. “Max. Max. Max! Max.” (Y/n) shouts at Max as she continues to shake her but nothing was getting through to her.

Meanwhile, in Max’s mind after she read her letter to Billy, Max heard Billy’s voice then she turns around and sees Billy walking up to her. “I've been waiting to hear those words, Max. Waiting so very long.” Billy tells her as Max stares at him in fear.

“Wake up! Hey! Max, wake up! Max! Wake up!” (Y/n) said, panicked, and Steve looks towards (y/n) and Max then he pauses as he watches them. He began to worried as he sees his girlfriend shaking her sister. “Oh, something's wrong.” Steve mutters as Lucas and Dustin looks over at the girls while (y/n) turns to them. 

“Steve! Guys! Help” she shouts and the boys run as fast as they can to her.

“But it wasn't the full truth, was it, Max? You know, I think there's a part of you, buried somewhere deep, that wanted me to die that day. That was maybe even relieved. Happy.” Billy tells Max, who shakes her head. “Billy, no, that's not true.” She said.

“That's why you stood there, isn't it, Max? It's okay. You can admit it now. No more lies. No more hiding.” He said. “Billy, that's not true, I swear. I swear it's not true.” Max said, her voice shaking. “That is why you feel such guilt.” Billy said. “No.” Max said, tears running down her face.

“Why you hide from your friends. Why you hide from your sister. Why you hide from the world.” Billy said. “No. No.” Max said. “And why, late at night, you have sometimes wished to follow me. Follow me into death. That is why I am here, Max. To end your suffering, once and for all.” Billy said and Max shakes her head. “No.” She whispers and she falls backwards then looks up to see Vecna.

“It is time, Max. Time for you to join me.” Vecna said and Max begins to run.

“Max, you gotta get outta there! Can you hear me?” Lucas shouts. “Max!” (y/n) shouts, in a panic, then Steve grabs Dustin. “Call Nancy and Robin! Go get 'em! Call Nancy and Robin! Go!” Steve yells at him as Dustin walks back, falls backwards then gets up and runs back to Steve’s car. “Please, Max!” (Y/n) exclaims, fearfully.

“Shit! Shit, shit, shit! Shit, shit, shit!” Dustin exclaims, quickly, as he runs to the car and grabs his radio the pulls the antenna out. “Nancy? Robin? Do you copy? This is a code red. Do you copy? Shit. Robin!” Dustin shouts.

Meanwhile, Max runs across the cemetery then ducks behind a gravestone and sits up against it, catching her breath. “You cannot hide from me, Maxine.” Vecna warns her as she sits there, deciding what to do.

“Robin, where the hell are you? This is a code red. I repeat, a code red!” Dustin yells in the radio when he finally got a response. “Dustin, it's Robin. We copy.” She answered. “Holy shit. Finally! Please, please tell me you guys have this figured out.” Dustin asked them, panicking.

Max stands up and looks around, trying to find anything or anyone. “Lucas! (y/n)! Dustin! Lucas, (y/n) please, help! Dustin!” Max screams, fearfully, then she turns around and sees a red light emitting from within the fog. She stares at it and walks towards it.

Dustin pulls out Max’s bag and dumps it all out to see her Walkman and some tapes. He gathers them up in his arms and runs back to the others.

Max walks into the red fog then realizes she wasn’t in the cemetery anymore. It didn’t look like anyplace from back home. This looked like she was in Hell or a hellish dimension with tendrils rising up from the ground and red lighting striking every few seconds.

“Max, get outta there!” Lucas shouts at Max. “Max!” Steve shouts. “Can you hear...” (y/n) started to shout when Dustin runs over and sets the tapes and Walkman down. “What is this?” Lucas asked him. “What's her favorite song?” Dustin asked as he looks between Lucas and (y/n). “Why?” They asked, confused. “Robin said if she listens...It's too much to explain now. What's her favorite song?” Dustin asked, yelling a bit, then (y/n) started to dig into the tapes as she knew what to look for.

Max makes it to the center of the place where there was some broken down stairwell, a door, a doorway and the grandfather clock that chimed, eerily. “What are you doing in here, Max?” Vecna asked as Max steps on what looked like spider eggs. 

“Come back to me.” Vecna said as Max backed up then turns around to see Chrissy’s distorted body within a tendril tree. She stared at it in horror before she turns around and sees another tree that had Fred’s similar distorted body in it.

“How do you like them, Max?” Vecna asked as he walks up to her. “Would you like to join them?” he asked and Max turns and tries to run but Vecna flicks his wrist and a tendril grabs Max around her ankle. “Shit! Shit!” she screams and the pull her back.

“No! No!” She screams, fearfully, as the tendrils pull her up to a tree and slams her into the tree and wrap around her arms then her neck, chocking her.

“Where the hell is it?!” (Y/n) asked, frantically, as she looks through the tapes. “What are you looking…” Dustin asked and (y/n) shouts. “Kate Bush!” She shouts as everyone scrambles to find it. “It's right here! Got it!” Lucas shouts as he holds up the tape. “Give it to me.” (Y/n) shouts and he hands her the tape and she opens the Walkman up while Dustin places the headphones on Max’s head.

Then (y/n) places the tape inside the Walkman and closes it. “Now!” Dustin said and (y/n) presses play.

Back with Vecna and Max, Running Up That Hill started playing and Max hears it then looks over Vecna’s shoulder to see a portal had opened and she could see the boys and her sister calling out for her.

“Max!”

“Max, wake up!”

“Max! Wake up!”

“Max, we're right here!”

“Come on, Max.”

“They can't help you, Max.” Vecna said as he turns back to Max. “There's a reason you hide from them. You belong here, with me.” Vecna said as one of the vines holds onto Max’s throat a bit tighter. “You're not really here.” She gasps out. “Oh, but I am, Max. I am.” Vecna said and he holds his right clawed hand out towards her.

In the real world, Max starts to float up and the boys and (y/n) fall back as they see her rise up a few feet in the air. “NO!” (Y/n) screams, panicked, before her and the boys continue to shout to her as if she could hear them.

Meanwhile, as Vecna placed his hand over her face, Max begins to have flashes of her life playing in her mind as the music gets louder.

It's you and me, won't be unhappy 

And if I only could I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places... 

She started to see the times she had with the boys, with El, with Lucas and of course with her sister.

I'd be running up that road

Be running up that hill

Be running up that building... 

Then she flashes to the last thing Lucas said to her before she went to Billy’s grave. “I don't want a letter. We're right here. I'm right here.” He pleads to her then she flashes to a couple of moments of (y/n).

“It’s you and me against the world.” (Y/n) told her the first night they moved to Hawkins then it switches to a memory from a couple of days ago. “You always used to talk to me about anything but now…you don’t. And I worry because you’re my little sister and I love you.” (Y/n) said, tears forming in her eyes. 

Come on, darling 

Let me steal this moment from you now 

Come on, baby, come on, darling

Let me steal this moment from you now

Come on, Angel

Come on, come on, darling

Let's exchange the experience...

After having those flashbacks, Max gasps as she opens her eyes then reaches out to Vecna, grabs at a piece of his neck and yanks on it. Vecna yelps in pain as he stumbles back and Max falls on her front. She looks up then immediately gets to her feet and runs towards the portal. Vecna turns to her as his neck regenerates and sees Max running.

And if I only could I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places...

Vecna then uses his powers to throw debris at Max to stop her and while one narrowly missed her and she falls to her knees. But she quickly gets back up and runs, the love of her friends and sister was making her push forward.

More and more debris try to hit her but she dodges and runs, even when she felt alittle tired she still pushed forward. Her legs felt tired and sore and her lungs were stinging as she breathes in and out really fast.

I'd be running up that road 

Be running up that hill

No problems

Say, if I only could

I'd make a deal with God 

And I'd get him to swap our places... 

Eventually, Vecna stopped throwing debris at her as he watches, angered that she was getting away. Max could see the portal was getting closer and closer as the music was getting louder and the shouts and screams from the boys and (y/n) were getting louder and louder.

Be running up that road...

Be running up that hill 

“Max! Max! Max! Max!” The boys and (y/n) shouted when Max opens her eyes, gasps then begins to fall. Quick instincts, (y/n) gets under her and catches her, making the both of them fall on the ground. “Max! Oh my God.” (Y/n) cries as she hugs her sister, tighter, and the boys kneel around them.

Max holds onto her sister as Lucas comes over to her other side and hugs her. “I thought we lost you.” Lucas mutters, tearfully. “I'm still...I'm still here.” Max whispers while (y/n) sobs, with relief, and Steve comes up to her and wraps his arms around her, trying to keep her calm. “I'm still here.” Max whispers again as everyone does a group hug, happy for this victory at least.

[awsydawnarts]

I’m very anti-live action remakes but for How to Train Your Dragon my beloved I will make an exception, seeing as I couldn’t watch the og in theaters as I was busy being five. I watched it and overall I came out of the theater having had fun, but I definitely had some thoughts. Spoilers, also it’s 2 am and this is very train of thought and not very organized!

I really enjoyed the visuals, and the flying scenes, which is why I wanted to see it in theaters, really hit. Had to go zoom around on the freeway a bit blasting Test Drive afterwards. The dragons’ individual designs are a mixed bag, but they did a good job making them all look like they’re actually in the world. From the brief research I did, they used puppets for scenes where the humans are touching them, which was a good choice.

I thought the actors did well. Most of the issues I have with the characters have more to do with directing, I think. I’m sure Mason Thames could have been more sarcastic if he was asked to be, but this Hiccup is a bit…softer? I described him to a friend as more of a wet puppy than a wet cat in vibes and I think that makes sense? I’m not sure how I feel about this choice, but it’s possible that making him more like the og would have felt cheesy in LA (oh wow suspending your disbelief is harder when everything is realistic wow who knew). There were some really heart wrenching moments that are glossed over in the og that Mason played so so well. Hiccup discovering his lost leg REALLY got me. He feels very young and vulnerable in that scene. He’s really good at that deeply hurt but also deeply suppressed vibe that Hiccup shows a bit more in the LA. 

Hiccup’s emotional highs and lows were great. He cries in this movie, which I loved, and he also has several scenes where he’s obviously trying not to cry, and again, it really helps hammer home that he’s (in the og at least) fifteen. Baby boy 🥺 Valka is mentioned, and definitely adds to the tension between Hiccup and Stoick and even Hiccup and Astrid. Post-romantic flight, Astrid is like the dragons have done so much to us and Hiccup is like yeah no shit my mom and I still think we can get along (I think? Someone can correct me if I hallucinated that part) and I like that we talk about it a bit more. It adds to Hiccup’s decision to be merciful and not kill Toothless.

Hiccup and Stoick’s relationship is more strained, and I don’t know if I like it or not tbh. In the og, Stoick is still genuinely trying right up until Toothless shows up in the arena, and in the LA he’s very unkind not just to Hiccup but about Hiccup. The chat with Gobber has talking shit vibes rather than oh man bro idk what to do vibes and I don’t think I like this change in that particular instance. There’s a lot less care on Stoick’s end and lot more hurt on Hiccup’s end. The way Mason delivers “This conversation is feeling very one sided,” with such resignation, was heartbreaking. I don’t think they did a great job resolving their issues, unfortunately. Stoick’s “I was only trying to protect you” is very different from “I’m sorry. For-for everything.” Hiccup’s response to “I’m proud to call you my son” in that scene also did not hit. The line is something like “That’s all I need” which is very much Written In A Writer’s Room rather than a genuine, simple, “Thanks, Dad.”

Toothless was fun. Not much else to add there, he was the tiniest bit more pet than friend but barely enough to mention. I don’t love how Toothless has evolved from a black cat to a black lab, but that’s a problem in the franchise as a whole, so I won’t hold it against this movie. 

I liked some of the choices they made with Astrid but not others. I don’t think that her original version was perfect; she definitely had some odd damsel moments when they wanted Hiccup to look heroic, so I’m okay with her getting to be a bit more of a Girlboss™️ (most of the time). A standout moment to me was the Red Death fight where in the og, it tries to suck her and Stormfly in, but H and T save them. I liked the LA’s take way more, because the RD mostly succeeds and catches Stormfly’s tail, and then Astrid jumps off and knocks its tooth out? And then it’s like roaring and chewing and she’s dodging the teeth until it shoots fire and then she jumps and H and T catch her? Might read a little weird, might be weird to other people but I thought it was sick lol. Definitely an improvement. But then on the flip side, they definitely Girlbossed™️ her a bit too hard in some places, for example…

I did NOT like that she was giving battlefield instructions when fighting the RD. She gets Hiccup’s line about “make some noise keep it confused Ruff Tuff find out if it has a shot limit MAKE IT MAD” and I didn’t like that. Hiccup is the main character of the movie. Him stepping up in this moment and proving that he’s a capable leader is a crucial part of his arc in the og. I love Astrid, I love empowered women, AND ALSO httyd is Hiccup’s story. His development should take precedence. Seems like a small change, but it really took the movie down for me. Generally, though, I really enjoyed Astrid and Nico was fantastic. I was also pretty happy with how they handled Hiccstrid, especially Astrid’s introduction. It’s more wow she’s so cool and less…sleazy is the wrong word, but it’s adjacent. More innocent and genuine-he likes her bcs she’s a badass and he admires her, not just because she’s pretty and he wants to date her.

Was the idea of Berk consisting of different tribes coming together to fight dragons kind of dumb? Yeah. Did it ruin the movie for me? No. Was the idea of a chosen chief kind of dumb? Yeah. Did it ruin the movie for me? No. Was Stoick and Gobber’s conversation before staying behind to fight the RD way less impactful? Yeah. Did it ruin the movie for me? No.

What else?

The dragons were, naturally, a highlight. The Nadders look like SHIT but they did give them this fun new thing where they basically peck things and break through roofs and walls? Makes a lot of sense with their design actually. Out of all the dragons Hookfang and The Red Death look the best, I think. They kept bringing up skrills and it was driving me INSANE because it was the only dragon species that wasn’t in the og that they mentioned by name even though they had other species. Skrills are supposed to be rare. Even if you’re going off of “the movies shouldn’t have to work around the shows” logic, in the og Book of Dragons scene, it’s called “THE Skrill”

The “everything we know about you guys is wrong” scene is completely cut and that was The Wrong Choice. That scene exists to help Hiccup realize that all dragons are like Toothless, and he’s not just an anomaly-there is hope for peace. It’s also foreshadowing for how they beat the RD/where Hiccup gets the idea. I knew not everything was going to make it, but I’m disappointed that they cut that scene for sure.

The score for this movie was the worst part, which probably sounds insane, but I will elaborate. Since most of the music already existed, I don’t consider its inclusion to be a point in favor of the LA. What I’m considering when I talk about the score in the LA is how it’s used, and It Is Not Used. The visuals and the music do not match. Test Drive is a really great example of this. In the original, there is the Chill Flying section, the brief Uh Oh There Goes Hiccup section, the Plummeting section, the Hiccup Is Back On Board But Oh No Too Fast section, and then the Okay Fuck It section. In the LA, the Okay Fuck It visuals start during the Hiccup Is Back On Board But Oh No Too Fast section in the music. 

It does not work. 

AND ALSO while we’re talking about Test Drive they cut several bars out of Test Drive during the Fuck It section????? Why they made that choice is beyond me, and I’m not even joking when I say the tears in my eyes evaporated immediately when that happened. I did like how they mostly cut the sound when Hiccup fell off that was fun. Everything after that was already perfect and they should have done it shot for shot. As a dancer, I can’t put into words how much it bothers me when music and action don’t have a relationship. The visuals need to happen when the music says they do, and IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HARD TO DO IT RIGHT because THEY ALREADY HAD THAT SCENE READY TO GO. JUST DO THAT AGAIN.

They also do not use the music to build suspense of any kind. During the scene where Hiccup first finds Toothless, in the og, the music builds and creates a tense atmosphere as we realize the dragon is close and Hiccup might run into it. The vibe is very Oh Shit Oh Shit Here We Go FUCK! and in the LA they? Do not do that even though he finds the tree? the vibe is very Oh Tree La Dee Da Oop, There’s A Draong Here! Did not hit. The Book of Dragons scene is the other scene that’s standing out to me as one that really suffered musically. Same issue as above-not enough suspense built using the music. 

Speaking of that scene, the movie as a whole has a problem that a lot of LAs have which is they kind of…fast forward through what we already know so they can get to the new stuff? In the original, the Book of Dragons scene is really cool bcs of the candle warping the illustrations and contributing to Hiccup feeling more and more uneasy in the dark empty hall. In this one they did not do that, they didn’t utilize the score, and so the whole thing feels very much in there out of necessity. The scene where Hiccup and Toothless first meet is similarly lackluster for similar reasons.

The movie as a whole feels very unintentional when it comes to the parts that were already in the og. In the og, the last dragon we see is Toothless. In the LA, the last dragon we see is Meatlug as all of them fly up past the camera into the sun, and I don’t think that Toothless was first? I think Stormfly was? So rather than ending on our main characters, they’re just…in there somewhere, don’t worry! There’s more things like that, but those are the kinds of details that are hard to dredge up several hours later lmao. 

Overall I DID have an amazing time and I might actually watch it again someday, but like all live actions, it didn’t preserve a lot of what made the original good to begin with, unfortunately. I’m looking forward to seeing how people feel about this one!!!

[diminuel]

So a lot of people HC that if Dragon and Crocodile were partners (by any definition) they probably fell put over Crocodile’s ruthlessness or transition

But ive speculated a third option:

I think it would make a lot of sense for someone like Dragon to not understand the emotional weight of a young pirate-idolizing upstart to get rejected and destroyed by White Beard.

Dragon is pro-equality so probably anti-hierarchy by default. Why should it matter if a strong or popular pirate dissuades you? He’s not the boss of you!

…which is NOT what you want to hear when your celebrity-pirate idol has just crushed all your sense of pride and confidence in this line of work.

I don't personally think that the transition was ever a problem. Dragon would be kinda boring if that was the issue.

What you suggest is interesting, but timeline wise it doesn't entirely fit (if you want to bring Luffy into it) as the defeat against Whitebeard would have happened a couple of years before Luffy's conception. But that aside, it's possible that he doesn't understand how difficult that is, because he managed his break away from the marine differently. What does it matter if Whitebeard crushed him? Just get back up, get stronger and try again.

I generally don't think there really was a falling out, but there was a separation out of necessity. I think the baby is often suggested as a cause for separation.

We can get back to Crocodile's ruthlessness. He got pregnant in the years were we know pretty much nothing about him. Only when Luffy was two or three, does Crocodile reappear on the scene as the Hero of Alabasta. So he probably didn't quite know what to do with himself after his defeat at WB's hands. Needed some time to figure out where to go next. He was still a Warlord but with no particular ambition of his own anymore. Maybe he did sort of believe in what Dragon's goal was, so the idea of building up a military force that could oppose the WG would appeal to him. And looking at ways to make the RA stronger would have led him to research Ancient Weapons maybe. But did he, at that point, have a reason to say "I do not want this baby, this baby gets in the way of my ambition" if he had not yet figured out that ambition or if the ambition alligned with Dragon's?

But if he had ambition it makes sense he would not have wanted to stay and take care of the baby. Or for anyone to know he has a child. But I'm not sure that would lead to a fall out between Dragon and Croc, just a parting of ways. And I'm not sure Dragon would have disagreed with Crocodile's choice.

Because Dragon is also facing an issue when presented with a child. Having a relationship with Crocodile is one thing. It's possibly dangerous, but ultimately the chance of them being found out and Crocodile being used against Dragon was rather slim and there are ways that Crocodile could talk himself out of it. (And it's possible Iva knows about how Crocodile feels about Dragon and that is the weakness Iva knows about.) But a baby? Dragon cannot afford a weakness - would he classify Crocodile as a weakness? Would Crocodile tolerate being seen that way? Him and the baby a liablity?

I like to imagine that they parted ways not because they disagreed with each other or didn't love ach other enough, but because of the baby. Because it was too dangerous to stay together and raise him. To protect him, they need to sacrifice being partners and parents. Maybe you can sprinkle in Crocodile not feeling ready to raise a child because of his ambitions. Maybe you can sprinkle in Dragon offending Crocodile by suggesting that he's a liability and chosing the revolution over his family.

[bogkeep]

thinking about the kingkiller chronicle again...............

i've read the kingkiller chronicle several times and i'm definitely going to read it again!!! because it's fun and i love it so much!! it's near and dear to my heart!! and the thing is. i Agree with all the very valid criticisms of it. i Fully understand why some people do not like these books. i can't even say that had i read them for the first time Today rather than the early 2010s that i would have liked them as much - it is very much tied up in nostalgia for me. (i read them because they got recommended to me by a classmate i was maybe??? flirting with???? we had Something going on and it unfortunately faded away when we went to different schools, and we have reconnected since and we've both transed our genders and she's engaged now so i guess i fumbled a bad bitch and i will simply live with it IT'S FINE!! IT'S FINE. ANYWAY)

for those who aren't familiar with the kingkiller chronicle by pathrick rothfuss, there's currently two books - the name of the wind and a wise man's fear, it was Set Up to be a trilogy and it's been many many years and i think rothfuss has made a statement that it's gonna have to be four books. which is unfortunate for the Format (each book is supposed to cover a day in the framing device, and it's very specifically supposed to be Three Days), but makes a lot more sense for how many gotdam threads need to be tied up. the story is about Kvothe, a beloved hero shrouded in myth who's been involved in Adventures and some Recent History that is yet to be revealed. the framing device is him telling his origin story to an author guy going by the name of Chronicler, so that he can explain how he became such an OP mary sue he's now known as. and it's fun! you have to accept the premise that he IS an OP mary sue kind of character, and that delving into his backstory is a deconstruction of the Archetype of a Mythic Hero.

i think the most common criticism/reason to DNF this story At The Time (and it was massively popular, like "the bookstore clerk was singing its praises at the checkout" type popular) was because readers found kvothe to be a really annoying/obnoxious/pretentious protagonist. which, you know, fair. he is!!!!!!!! and i love him for it, is the thing. if you enjoy pretentious know-it-all characters, especially of the sort to cause problems due to their own hubris, you might like kvothe!!! and if you don't, i cannot in good conscience recommend this series. so that's fully a taste thing.

the other most common criticism is The Sexism. which! yep. it is a bit of a time capsule in that regard - it's written by an author who clearly Does actually like women and wants to have cool female characters, but is still stuck in a certain Guy Writer Mindset. i don't think these books read AS sexist at the time as they do now, simply because the fantasy genre space at the time was uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh................................................. it had room for improvements. i sincerely think this is why people who read it now go ???? why is this series so popular???? what the hell??? when back then it was like, more, yeah. shrug. we were deep in pop feminism era on the internet and analysis was shallow.

here is my controversial opinion however. people always talk about how the second book is weird because it has a sex fairy. and my opinion is that the sex fairy is fine. if you want your cool protagonist hero to get really good at sex and be a legendary good lover, "he got tutored by the sex fairy" is a PERFECTLY reasonable explanation, in my humble opinion. he convinced her to give him sex lessons fair and square!! i respect kvothe's manslut era for as long as he respects women. what i think is way worse than the sex fairy is this:

the way 95% of the notable female characters get crushes on kvothe. he fumbles most of them so it's not as annoying as it could have been, but it has some real isekai anime harem vibes which makes me roll my eyes real hard.

people talk about the sex fairy and not the iSOLATIONIST MATRIARCHAL SOCIETY THAT DOESN'T KNOW HOW REPRODUCTION WORKS??? THEY'RE MATRIARCHAL BECAUSE THEY THINK MEN HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PREGNANCY??? i talk about this all the time because it's so silly. the idea is that these people just have sex whenever they want with whomever they want and women just get pregnant at random. they have no idea what contraception is. and on some level i respect the bold storytelling choice because at least it's new and interesting, but. mr rothfuss did you forget about queer people. there are canonically queer people in your books. how... how does this work........................ like i think there was a Thing in fantasy that if you have a matriarchal fantasy society you had to come up with some good reason for why women would be in charge, and the things authors would come up with was. maybe not always great? i think "they're better at magic than men" is a common one. anyway the adem people are such a fascinating worldbuilding piece to me i rotate it frequently

the absolute WORST thing in the entire series. late in a wise man's fear, After kvothe got good at sex AND good at swordfighting, he rescues a pair of girls who were held captive by a fake edema ruh troupe (the edema ruh is a whoole nother thing that's way above my paygrade. they are clearly inspired by the rroma people, and i think they were created with good intentions, but i genuinely cannot tell you if their depiction is problematic or not). it's pretty heavily implied they've been assaulted and are severely traumatized as a result. kvothe slaughters the whole fake troupe and escorts them to their home village. on the way, one of the girls make some statement in the vein of "i hate men", and, hoo boy. for a moment kvothe gets turned into a 2010s redditor going on a whole "not all men" rant. it does not at ALL read in character or appropriate for the situation. it's such a bizarre happenstance!!!!! like he doesn't do anything worse than rant about how he saved them and how generalizing statements about men are Bad, but. come onnnnnnnnnnnn

i can only hope mr rothfuss has had a feminist awakening since 2011! and honestly, i always did like how he wrote denna. denna is kvothe's main romantic interest, who he's so hyperfocused on he can't tell other girls are falling for him left and right. she's a conwoman who frequently changes identities to trick rich guys into giving her money. kvothe is often jealous of all the other men, but he NEVER judges her for this (or if he does i don't remember), and honestly? pretty groundbreaking for its time. the way their relationship (as it were) is written has such a tenderness and fragility to it that i adore. it's made so clear that kvothe sees her through a lens that makes her the specialest person in the entire world even though she is clearly a flawed, flesh and bone human.

the writing is so evocative!!!!! there are so many parts of these books that have embedded themself into my soul because of how evocatively they're put forth. there's actually a video of a the oh hellos concert with clips of an interview in between where tyler heath namedrops name of the wind as a source of inspiration (and i remember it so clearly because i used to put on this video in the background Constantly), because the way these books describe music... i've already said evocative but it's evocative!!! i always think about that scene where kvothe plays at that one fancy inn for the first time and denna joins in... i think of it every time i listen to this czech cover of scarborough fair, i know the song is intended to be far longer and more complex than that, but. it has The Vibes. to me.

and the magic...! i think that now the fantasy market is a bit oversaturated with Hard Magic worldbuilding and brandon sanderson in general, but at the time, the magic in kkc felt really special and interesting to me. it felt like it really was made a science and that you really did need to go to school for it. also it was fun to read about a magic school that actually delved into their studies. and also student loans. idk it was just!! it's fun!!! these books are fun!! kinda wanna read them again right now but i dont know where my copies are at the moment...........

anyway retrospective moment over for now

[trans-yllz]

this is not to say that wei wuxian doesn't very much have a drinking problem, but it's weird to me when people write/draw him getting Drunk. we see him get actually drunk exactly once, and to be fair, at that point he is exiled, coreless, just found out his beloved sister is getting married and he can't go to the wedding, and said what was essentially his last goodbye to the love of his life. I'd probably get drunk too

[rafyki]

I think something that for me really sets aside Jack & Joker from other Thai dramas is its narrative structure. Thai dramas usually have a very simple narrative structure where things just keeps happening without a proper flow - I mean, something happens, it gets resolved, and then something new happen that keeps the story move; you know, all those little problems that aren't really all connected together (like, the main characters get together and then someone new appears that comes in between them; or it turns out that, idk, the family was homophobic all along, or that one of the characters actually had a complicated relationship with their family - things like these that are disconnected).

Maybe it's because Jack and Joker has a pretty solid and complicated plot, but something that I really love about it is the way everything that happens is connected, everything is a direct consequence of the characters' actions. It's like this since the first episode until the last one - the plot is brought forward by the characters' actions, everything they do has consequences on everything and everyone else. Like, Joke seeks Jack's forgiveness, so he wants to steal the ring for him, and he works with Tattoo and Hoy -> Tattoo steals the necklace which causes problems for everyone -> they need to steal the necklace back -> Jack meets Rose again, which causes everything else to happen, etc etc

Everything is connected. And I think it all comes back to one of the series' themes, which is that everything we do has consequence, that even if out intentions are good we can't predict what our actions will cause; that we live in a community and that we cannot think about ourselves only bc every time we do something that can end up influencing someone else's life. that we can't be selfish in a community.

[darabeatha]

Valentines' personality test ! : 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐘, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐎𝐍𝐄. 𝐋.𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐑.

[entering--hyperspace]

Cannot imagine whatever is going on through Mr Leonard Echowatcher's head. You spend your life yearning for a world where you lived differently, where the day wasnt soaked in war, blood, and battle. Where you could envision a future where you have a partner and a family with friends to live gracefully with. But then you are given such opportunities only to find you were never taught to be gentle, you have a gentle, empathetic nature and yet the physicality of it is a stranger to you. You are expected to raise a child with gentle hands so that she saves the world, What does that even mean? How can you accept your growing love for your friend when you were never taught how to love, that intimate love is a luxury best left forgotten, there are no need for such things in war. He has to learn to become the things he wanted bc he grew too old to develop it naturally. He becomes a father to taimi fumbling his way into learning how to care and parent, he is defensive of Aurene bc he is from a culture where they arent expected to raise their own young and yet has to do so with a dragon. It feels like a test, He has to prove both to others and to himself he is capable of being a father, of nuturing, that calloused, stained hands can still be gentle. He has to accept that love is a terrifying leap of faith in vulnerability in order to gain a partnership that is considered a rarity. I love the idea that he spent 30 years yearning for things he thought he would never have and when he is actually given those opportunities (albeit admittedly through unusual circumstances) he has to learn how to actually live in them, becuase they were always just Concepts until now. Ohhhh my god Mr. Leo you are my everything

[no1ryomafan]

Related to my various rambles of “I need to do a proper getter essay or just a video essay in general but haven’t” I actually do have one essay still setting in my docs that wasn’t scrapped and I finished which I could make into a video ignoring the basic problems in my way like I do not have a proper mic, I know how to edit yet it’s still going to take a lot of time which I’m busy rn and copyright sucks ass-seriously how do people get around it?-but I’m hesitant against doing it as my first essay because the topic is like- comparing michiru and genki to mitsuko and masaru and while they are similar I think on reflection this was me trying to hard to compare two things I like just to complain about a issue that is exclusive to getter which is how michiru and genki are handled which like- could be its own separate video being fucking honest.

[ploverbear]

I wanna make more sense of Petscop just from like. my brain and not looking things up and trying to see what I can form. But I do think it's a really obtuse reading of it to assert that Paul and Care and "Pall" are not the same person. But I'm trying to entertain the thought just to look at it from another angle

[queencvbra]

I am. So so scared about that they're doing with Tory this season lol.