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willyoubethepookietomypookster · 8 months

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"Last Christmas"

ITS OUTTTTT!!!!! FINALLY. Enjoy this piece, cuz this is probably the second to last piece I'll make regarding good omens unfortunately. I can only stay in a fandom for a few weeks before i lose interest, but i got a request and im determined to finish that. Also i added my own oc in here cuz i didn't wanna write (your best friend) the entire time 😭😭 Enjoy!!

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It had been a few months since Aziraphale left to become the Archangel of heaven, and Crowley was hit hard. You don't know exactly what happened, but you know it was bad. Crowley wanted to up and abandon the bookshop all together, but you couldn't exactly be left alone with Muriel. You love her, but she cannot take care of a human, let alone a teenager. As much as it pained Crowley, he stayed in the shop with you, because he was living in his car and he didn't wanna have you do that too. You've tried to contact Aziraphale a handful of times, but it only worked once. He was on call for 30 seconds and you made him promise to come home for Christmas before the line cut out and you had to give up. Its now December 22, and you're awaiting Aziraphales arrival any minute. You mailed him a phone for Christmas, with your number attached to a note, but he isn't allowed to have contact with earth, so he's been discreetly texting you. Since he's Archangel, he can technically do what he wants, but the higher ups dislike when he tries to check in on earth. The only reason he was even allowed to be here in the first place was because he lied about wanting to study human emotion during the holiday. Well, not exactly a lie, he has to study your emotion to be able to pass his trip off as work. You hadn't told Crowley yet, because you didn't know how he'd react, but you also couldn't let Aziraphale be a surprise because that felt wrong. You had finished sorting some books and decorating the house when you walked into the room to tell your father figure the news.

"Pa..??" You asked warily. He looks up at you and raises an eyebrow, signalling you to talk.

"Uhm....you know how its Christmas n all???" You say, and he looks confused.

"Yeah...?" He says.

"Uhhh...." You squeeze your eyes shut. "Can I invite my friend over??" You practically shout. Of course you chickened out, how could you tell him that the love of his life, who left him for a place he doesn't even like that much, was coming back within the hour? He nods slowly.

"Is that it? Of course you can." He takes a sip of the drink in his hand. You nod and excuse yourself, inviting your friend Ivory over like you said you would.

"Hey Ivy!" You said into the house phone.

"What do you need y/n?" She said.

"Wanna come over today? Its gonna be kinda a Christmas party, but not really."

"Oh sure, let me get ready and I'll be over."

"Kay!"

A little while later, you started pacing around the house, awaiting Aziraphales arrival. You had this feeling in your stomach that made you feel sick. Anxiety.

"What are you all uptight for?" Crowley asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uhhhh..." You say, avoiding eye contact and wringing your hands together. You let out a deep breath. "Aziraphale is coming over.." You say, looking up for a quick second. Something flashes across Crowley's features, but he notices how scared you are and he just nods.

"Okay.." He replies, and goes back to downing his drink. You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding and nod. You have such relief that it takes everything in you not to cry.

"Thanks pa.." You say, your voice wavering. He waves you off and you leave.

You have finally finished setting up when your friend arrives. You run to open the door and see Ivory standing there with a plate of brownies and cookies in her hands.

"Aw Ivy, you didn't have to bring anything!" You say, carefully taking the plate from he hands and inviting her in.

"Its fine, I never come to a party empty handed." She replies. You give her a tour of the bookshop and then introduce her to Crowley.

"This is Cro-...Anthony.." You tell her. She walks up to shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ivory." She says. He nods in acknowledgement and starts walking around, inspecting the bookshop. You walk up to Aziraphales gramophone and put on a Christmas Classics record. The first song is Jingle Bell Rock, and you and Ivory start dancing to it. Crowley walks in on you guys vibing, and an odd expression crosses his face before he leaves you be.

After a few songs, there's a knock on the door. You and Crowley both look at each other for a fraction of a second before you're rushing towards the door. You rip it open and throw your arms around Aziraphale and buring your face in his neck. He starts laughing and pats your back.

"I missed you too, Y/n."

You pull back and really look at his face. He looks tired, and he's grown a beard since he's been gone. He steps inside and you introduce him to Ivory. You show him all the decorations you put up, and you then lead him to the living room to show him the Christmas tree. He enters the living room and glances at Crowley. They share a lingering gaze before he snaps out of it and turns his attention towards the tree.

"Its breathtaking, dear." He says while smiling down at you. You nod and smile.

"Thanks, dad." He hugs you again and looks around.

"Wheres Muriel?" He asks.

"She went back to heaven for the week." Crowley replies.

"Oh.." Aziraphale says. The tension between them is obvious, and you guys sit in silence for a little bit before Ivory comes in and starts pulling you up.

"COME ON. THEY'RE PLAYING THE SONG!!" She shouts. You stumble to your feet as she keeps tugging on your arm.

"WHAT SONG???" You yell, startled. Aziraphale chuckles at your antics and stands up.

"I can move the gramophone in here, if you'd like." He says.

"Yes please!!!" You and Ivory say in unison.

He snaps his fingers and suddenly the gramophone is on a table in the main room. Ivory's eyes grow wide and Aziraphale seems to notice what he's done, because he starts stammering and trying to make excuses. Crowley rolls his eyes, and Ivory chuckles.

"Its fine, Mr. Fell. Y/n told me all about how you did magician work in your spare time." Ivory states and winks at you. Crowley groans at the mention of magic and Aziraphale smiles brightly. Aziraphale looks at you.

"Why of course she did! My magic is stage worthy. I once performed at the West End!" He boasts. Ivory feigns a surprised gasp.

"Oh my!! Thats incredible! Did the crowd throw roses?" She says, smiling. Aziraphales face falters for a moment, recalling the blank stares and boos, but nods nonetheless.

"Of course!! I'm one of the greatest, after all." He's practically shining. The song has long been forgotten, you and Ivory chat with Aziraphale for a while. Crowley stares longingly, but pretends to drink anytime Aziraphale looks over.

Soon enough, you've all been chatting and eating for an hour or so. Crowley has been unusually quiet, and Aziraphale has not spoken a word about him or heaven since he arrived. You grab Aziraphales hand and place him right next to Crowley.

"Stay. Don't even think about moving, I'm gonna grab something really quick."

"Y/n-" He starts, but you've already grabbed Ivory and dragged her away. He and Crowley sit in silence for a moment, before Crowley speaks up.

"So hows the big fancy office job? Better than down here?" Crowley asks. Aziraphale immediately spins to face him, word vomiting his concerns.

"I hate it! Well, hate is a strong word, but I hate itt!! I miss you and Y/n. It's stressful and the angels are prideful pompous jerks. Metatron is always on my ass for something or another, Micheal never shuts up about 'restarting Armageddon' At this point I think I miss Gabriel too." He sputters out. Crowley looks at him starstruck.

"...You miss me..??" He asks. Aziraphale turns red and scratches his cheek.

"Well of course I do, you're my closest friend." Aziraphale replies, and Crowley can't help but chuckle.

"Yeah, friend." He mutters. He looks over to Aziraphale and gives him a hard stare. "You aren't forgiven." He says. Aziraphale looks confused for a moment before his eyes go wide with realization.

"O-oh! Of course not! I- I mean.. I haven't even apologized or anything." He turns away, takes one of Crowley's hands and starts tracing little star patterns on it. "But I am sorry. Really sorry. And I obviously miss you." He says. Crowley blushes, but pulls his hand away anyway.

"Its gonna take more than that you know." Crowley practically spits. Aziraphale flinches and looks like he's about to cry, but nods and smiles anyway.

"I know. I know." He whispers that last part, and almost stands up to leave before the girls come rushing back in. They're holding four hot chocolates, each one having marshmallows and candy canes in them.

"We have hot coco!!!!!!!" You yell. You quickly walk over to them and hand them each a drink. Crowley waves his hand.

"I don't want any, thanks." He says blandly.

"TAKE IT." You spat. Not in a mean way, but in a 'I'm going to kick you so hard if you don't' way. Crowley nods, holding back a smile, and takes it. Aziraphale chuckles at your antics and sips his coco.

You and Ivory drink and snack for a little while, when Last Christmas starts playing. Ivory quickly pulls you to your feet, and you guys start singing.

"LAST CHRISTMAS I GAVE YOU MY HEART!!" You sing

"BUT THE VERY NEXT DAY, YOU GAVE IT AWAY!!" She sings back.

"THIS YEAR, TO SAVE ME FROM TEARS, I'LL GIVE IT TO SOMEONE SPECIAL!!!" You guys sing together. Crowley and Aziraphale exchange a look, before going back to watching you two. You guys do this for a while, before the lyrics change to something that hits too close to home.

"Wrapped up a gift and sent it, with a note saying I love you, I MEANT IT!! Now I know what a fool I've been, but if you kiss me now I know you'll fool me again!!!" You guys sing together. Aziraphale looks directly at Crowley this time, and grabs his hand. Crowley looks at him and they both stare at each other's lips for a second, before Aziraphale cups his face with his hand, and pulls him in for a tender kiss. You and Ivory stand there start struck, before you guys turn up the music and pretend you didn't see anything. Crowley leans into the kiss and grabs Aziraphales face. They quickly pull away after about thirty seconds. Crowley glares at Aziraphale, but makes no move to get away or wipe the kiss off his face. Crowley tears up a little bit and kisses Aziraphale again, just a peck this time, and moves away.

"You still aren't completely forgiven yet." Crowley huffs, and Aziraphale just laughs.

"Well, I'll just have to spend all my waking hours making it up to you then. I'll tell Metatron I quit, and pray he doesn't kill me in return." He says. Crowley smiles and gives him another peck.

"Lets go to Alpha Centuri sometime, yeah?" He asks. Aziraphale smiles too.

"Yeah."

#good omens #ineffable husbands #crowley #aziraphale x reader #crowley x reader #good omens x reader #good omens fic #aziraphale #christmas fic #christmas #crowley x daughter reader #crowley x aziraphale #crowley being cute #aziracrow

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tiny-elf-of-doom · 6 months

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Discipline In the Bastille

Good Omens Fanfiction

Crowley x Aziraphale

Nsfw MDNI: spanking, dirty talk, discipline, dubious consent, bad angel, dom Crowley, sun Aziraphale, French Revolution, guillotine, language, mentions of death, and crying.

“Animals.” Aziraphale huffed.

“Animals don’t kill each other with clever machines, Angel, only humans do that.” A familiar voice called from behind the angel.

“Crowley!” Then, he noticed the look on the demon’s face, “oh… good lord.”

For the majority of their shared existence, Aziraphale hadn’t made too many stupid decisions, but this one was the most ridiculous by far. He had popped across the channel in the middle of a goddamn revolution to get something to nibble. Crepes, he’d claimed. No other country made them better than the one they originated from. Crowley growled in annoyance at the mental image of the angel’s arrest.

“You look like Antoinette in all that sparkle and ruffling fluff, what the hell were you thinking?” Crowley was standing now, expression strict, “walking around like a lost broach on the King’s lapel, thinking “what shall I eat today?” Maybe you need a heaping plate of bon sens!”

Aziraphale’s eyes began to water, “you’re mocking my eating habits and my decision making abilities! How dare you!”

The demon meant to only roll his eyes, but his entire head went with them. “Angel, I love to watch you eat- the pleasure I draw from it… you’re as smooth as the softest bed silk and I love your plush curves, but a mishap like this cannot happen again; this calls for punishment.”

The demon swayed across the room to where the angel once sat. It had been a cold and brittle stool. Crowley kept the angel’s wrists confined in the chains and patted his lap. The gesture was strange behind Aziraphale’s blue eyes, but eventually, he got the message. His face went pale at the very thought of what Crowley was implying.

“Excuse you!” The angel gasped. “I’m not some elementary boy that’s acting out of line!”

“A good spanking is in order, princess. You’ve been a very naughty thing and I can’t imagine letting you go without a reason to behave.”

Outside the cell, the guillotine sliced another head clean from its body. The sound was horrendous- wet and sloppy in the late afternoon sun. Crowley wasn’t there to humiliate him; he was there to give Aziraphale a choice. He could either submit like a good, little cherub, or use up a frivolous miracle to save himself from discorporation.

In the end, he chose the ladder. Stepping in front of Crowley, the angel lifted his chains and gave them a wee shake. The demon chuckled softly and began to pull down the angel’s trousers and stockings. He had the prettiest legs with a light dusting of white hair glowing atop celestial skin. What Crowley would have given to kiss every inch of them: to bite the flesh of this divine entity. However, that could be sought after later.

Aziraphale lowered himself over the demon’s bony knee, revealing his backside to the light pouring through the small window. It was quite a sight, the nearly white bottom. Crowley was excited to see how well it took to his strikes. With a careful hand, the demon rolled up his sleeves and landed a small slap to the angel’s left buttock. It was manageable, nothing extraordinary, until the Crowley added some enthusiasm.

A CLACK sounded throughout the cell. The stinging sensation hadn’t been given time to soothe before another blow met the pink skin. Crowley was mercilessly engaged with every smack, ensuring those glistening cheeks were as red as his hair. As for the angel, he was grinding his hips forward, biting his bottom lip to avoid the excess of whimpers. He felt dirty rutting into that modestly dressed thigh, but the motion was the only thing keeping his clit throbbing.

“Five more, angel,” Crowley warned, sounding just as strung out as the angel. “You’ve such a pretty arse. ‘Look so angelic in all that peachy blush… like a battered orchid.”

“Crowley, I beg you to take me after this. It hurts so very good…” Aziraphale let out another strangled groan.

SMACK SMACK SMACK! The last five landed at the very curve of the angel’s cheeks, striking with enough force to warrant a few tears. Aziraphale’s bum bruised a dark rouge, possibly darker than the blush of an aristocrat. Crowley helped him rise to his feet, feeling those fragile legs shake.

“You demon…” the angel wept. “Touch me…”

“Of course.” Crowley half carried Aziraphale to the stones opposite the cell gate and began attacking his lips with feverish kisses. One of his hands slipped between the angel’s legs, embracing the damp warmth that enveloped his white curls and tender labia.

Crowley was a greedy demon who happily inhaled the angel’s moans as he slowly massaged his tender clit. Aziraphale gripped at the fabric of Crowley’s sleeve, trying to find something to ground him in these times of lustful desire. If his legs weren’t shaking from the spankings, then they surely were now. The stone wall behind him scratched at the tender flesh of his bum, eliciting the familiar sting once again. His fingers continued to move in that delicious clockwork circle, pressing firmly when the fiend craved more of Aziraphale’s sweet moans.

“I’m close… Crowley please…” the angel had been crying, absolutely shuttering from the agony of pleasure. “May I come?”

The demon nodded, trying to keep himself in check, “come for me, Angel. You pretty thing…”

And he nearly set the Bastille’s guards running to the source of the howl. Aziraphale had liquid drenching his inner thighs, running in murky strands of milky white. Crowley ate it up, savoring the taste of a well spent seraph. Once the angel could no longer stand, the demon miracled his legs into a firm jelly, but not too firm as to forget why they ached.

#good omens #good omens fandom #good omens fanfiction #good omens headcanons #good omens crowley #good omens aziraphale #crowley x aziraphale #neil gaiman #good omens season 1 #bastille #french revolution #good omens fic #angel x demon

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esther-dot · 1 year

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Ned was there when Lyanna died in Tower of Joy. He even fought with the guards of Rhaegar to meet with his sister. Yet Ned never think bad about Rhaegar. Oberyn and Doran were shown to have no single thought on Rhaegar humiliating their sister Elia. Only Brandon was shown to be angry for what Rhaegar did to Lyanna. I mean Ned had more thoughts on how Joffery is bad news for Sansa but no thought on Rhaegar. Is grrm deliberately doing this? If these three guys have shown their anger towards Rhaegar then maybe readers will see him a bad news. I think grrm is hiding Rhaegar and Lyanna story for Jon parentage to not get reveal early. 🤔

(continuation of this convo)

I think about this a lot too, anon. For some reason it was Oberyn who really came to mind during this chain of asks, and to my lizard brain, the omission of anger towards Rhaegar feels like an oversight on the author's part or evidence that he doesn't take the issue with Rhaegar that I do. That’s a thought that’s hard for me to even entertain as someone who has hated men for committing lesser crimes against my little sister! Obviously it makes sense to hate the perp and architect of Elia’s death and focus on them as they are alive, but Rhaegar is the one who kickstarted the events that led to Elia’s death, so ya know, hate.

As for Ned, I think this was the only quote that (to me) felt like Ned having an opinion about Rhaegar:

There was no answer Ned Stark could give to that but a frown. For the first time in years, he found himself remembering Rhaegar Targaryen. He wondered if Rhaegar had frequented brothels; somehow he thought not. (AGOT, Eddard IX)

And initially, maybe it does read like Rhaegar is being favorably contrasted with Robert. But if we opt to not assume we're to form a conclusion about Rhaegar's character from this, and instead see it as the author revealing more of the truth to us, it is clearly Martin telling us, Rhaegar wasn't given to fits of passion/lust that would send him to a brothel or say, lead him to abduct and rape a girl. Martin wants us to know that what Robert believes is the story, isn't.

That doesn't mean we're being told this is a love story though!

As more info about Rhaegar is revealed we find that learning something totally altered him, that he became wholly absorbed with the prophecy/his fate. His single-mindedness in pursuit of that meant he personally transformed from a bookworm to a warrior. That certainly leaves the door open for us to imagine he’d do other things, even bad things, outside his typical behavior.

So I’d say this is less about Ned’s feelings about Rhaegar, and more, the author trying to guide us in understanding him, telling us this guy wasn’t really distracted from his purpose. Of course it makes no sense for Ned to have that thought about a man if he believed that man kidnapped and repeatedly raped his sister. It really doesn’t. However, it does work as a hit that Robert's version of events isn’t the whole story. There are occasionally lines that I don't think fit the POV perfectly and seem more like the author inserting a thought which means I hesitate to read too much into Ned's feelings there. IMO, this is primarily something the author was wanting to impress upon as as foundation for a later revelation about Rhaegar wanting another child for his three heads of the dragon stuff.

But here's another Rhaegar mention in Ned's next chapter:

It would have to be his grandfather, for Jory's father was buried far to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower down afterward, and used its bloody stones to build eight cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that place the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a bitter memory. They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away; Eddard Stark himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not think it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so many years. (AGOT, Eddard X)

and when we pair it with this reference:

Robert had been jesting with Jon and old Lord Hunter as the prince circled the field after unhorsing Ser Barristan in the final tilt to claim the champion's crown. Ned remembered the moment when all the smiles died, when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen urged his horse past his own wife, the Dornish princess Elia Martell, to lay the queen of beauty's laurel in Lyanna's lap. He could see it still: a crown of winter roses, blue as frost.

Ned Stark reached out his hand to grasp the flowery crown, but beneath the pale blue petals the thorns lay hidden. He felt them clawing at his skin, sharp and cruel, saw the slow trickle of blood run down his fingers, and woke, trembling, in the dark. (AGOT, Eddard XV)

It is clear that there are victims to Rhaegar's actions, that other's suffer as a result of his choices, that these actions may have been pleasing to him "tower of joy," "urged his horse past his own wife," but we can read the horror in them, "for Ned it was a bitter memory," "all the smiles died."

So, even when I'm surprised at the lack of venom these men have for Rhaegar whose choices set everything into motion, and don’t think it makes sense for Ned to think of him as he does, even in the most Rhaegar-favorable reading of this we can come to, it isn't the case that we're meant to brush aside the cost of Rhaegar’s choices. It's simply that, I'm such a this or that person, I see the cost and decide Rahegar is trash, Martin is a this and that person. He can still sympathize, even finds some real tragedy (it seems) in the life/death of such a man. I mean, I still call scumbag, idiot, statutory rapist at a minimum, but I’m trying not to project.

Rhaegar could have had his reasons and believed what he was doing was right, but clearly, he was wrong. Wrong about the prophecy, wrong to prioritize chasing that rather than taking practical steps to protect the realm, wrong to implode a girl’s life when she was too young to understand all the ramifications or in a position to refuse his advances. And of course, wrong to humiliate Elia, wrong to betray a woman who had done nothing, nothing to deserve such treatment. Rhaegar was so so wrong to think that his unstable father would be able to hold everything he had fucked up together.

And yet, we have disinterest where we would expect hatred. I guess that’s why your last point is the one to hold onto:

I think grrm is hiding Rhaegar and Lyanna story for Jon parentage to not get reveal early.

Martin wants it to have impact with the reader when they finally get the confirmation of R+L=J, so everything Ned is permitted to think/feel is curtailed by what the author is willing/unwilling to divulge. That’s small comfort, but I’ll take it!

#ned stark #lyanna stark #anti rhaegar #dot chat #< tag to filter #we will not be discussing how old this ask is 🤫

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mixingpumpkins · 9 months

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(Good Omens season 2 long post, you have been warned lol)

Okay I know episode 2 will be a bit underappreciated in the immediate aftermath of season 2 given all the Things That Happen Later

But I REALLY need to give a shout-out to this episode. My god.

It feels like we’re getting more of S1Ep3 at first — “Oh, cute, more funny biblical-era meetings to build their relationship history,” but then. THEN.

It’s not just the funny takes on the story of Job. It’s not just adding more depth to Aziraphale’s and Crowley’s (and Gabriel’s) characters. The shift in tone during that last scene in the episode is so goddamn good.

I wasn’t expecting it and it works so well — and that was the moment I knew this season was actually going to manage being a really good Good Omens continuation without clinging too much to the same things that made the first season so charming.

Like, don’t get me wrong, I love S1Ep3 so much and was totally down for more of those kinds of historical shenanigans. But the fact this ep went from funny to heartbreaking in the last scene was just... god.

It was that little bit of difference this season needed early on to show how it was going to stand out from season 1. I fucking love it. It would have been so easy to stick with these mostly funny historical flashbacks, and instead they let that last scene linger on the sadness and loneliness Aziraphale and Crowley have to wrestle with for thousands of years. And it miraculously doesn’t feel out of place in a story that, at this point, still has the same lighthearted spirit of season 1 and isn’t (yet) in the emotionally devastating place of the season 2 finale. That is so, so hard to pull off convincingly and they fucking did it.

And the implications for Crowley’s character in that last scene alone? Holy shit.

We joke about him being a “disaster puppy” and bad at emotions and “oh my god just fucking TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS already,” while Aziraphale generally comes off as the kinder, more compassionate, more empathetic one, but this scene gives us the chance to see that flipped that on its head. Crowley is clearly the more emotionally intelligent of the two, even if he usually pretends he isn’t. And that scene in episode 6 later drives this home.

Yeah, he ribs Aziraphale here. He laughs and pokes fun a little bit that Azi is worked up about something that, in the scheme of things, is a negligible wrong, if it’s even a wrong at all. (And let’s face it — Aziraphale’s anxiety about doing the right thing is often played for laughs from viewers, too.)

But the moment it’s clear that Aziraphale is fully, actually in-tears devastated about the fact that he’s lied and truly believes he has fallen, Crowley stops laughing immediately. His body language and what we can see of his face change like that. Even as the character whose WHOLE DEAL is saying “fuck it” to rules and shoulds and not caring if he riles Aziraphale a little — or a lot — he knows there is A Line here, and he will not cross it. (And right there, it’s immediately clear that this is one of the moments we’re not supposed to see Aziraphale’s distress as funny, either.)

Because as ridiculous as Crowley finds a lot of what Aziraphale believes and worries about, Crowley doesn’t want to hurt him. He doesn’t back down from his points, but he’s so, so gentle about it. It’s “I don’t agree with you, but I can see that this whole circumstance is actually very painful and terrifying to you and I am here to be sincerely supportive because I know what that feels like and I don’t want you to have to try to work through that alone.”

And that’s exactly what Aziraphale needs here. Crowley could have easily been more dismissive — he’s the one who actually fell, so he probably had it much, much worse. But he’s also had time to work through his feelings, as well as being the one who always put less stock in what the higher-ups thought of him anyway. I just love how for so many scenes in season 1, Aziraphale always seemed more like the older, more paternal, old-fashioned one while Crowley mostly brought the younger, edgier, street-smart vibe. And here, that dynamic does a fucking backflip. Crowley gets the chance to be the older, wiser one guiding a younger, less emotionally mature angel through a crisis. And then you can’t unsee it in the rest of the series (previous and subsequent episodes alike).

And the “I’m a demon. I lied” callback... *chef’s kiss* Every flashback scene with these two helps us better understand their relationship, but this final scene of the episode was a pivotal one. It really changes how you can see all their chronological interactions past that point, while not undoing everything the season 1 flashback scenes did.

This episode, man.

#you could write a whole book on this episode alone holy shit #good omens #good omens season 2 #good omens season 2 spoilers #having a very normal one about this show sorry guys i'm never shutting up about it ever

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quillyfied · 9 months

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Things I’m noticing on this rewatch, which I’m hoping to take slow and ponder on but we will see how it goes, PART TWO (obviously major Good Omens season 2 spoilers throughout, specifically for S2E2)

- Immediately the first thing I notice and love is the old-timey grainy way the Job storyline was shot with. Aziraphale’s holy background thing is so fun and dynamic, omg. There’s something very Terry Gilliam about the visuals.

- Also want to point out that the different shades of red of Crowley’s hair is a CHOICE, because he’s back to s1 color in this flashback. Also noticed last episode, but the new hair seems to have much darker roots or lowlights visible in some shots. Deliberate?

- Crowley can just summon a small sun. Nbd.

- The idea of a permit. The continuing hysteria of inserting modern parlance into the past. This is why I love this show.

- THE PERMIT IS SO LONG WHY IS THAT LOONEY TUNES LEVEL HUMOR STILL SO FUNNY

- Thing I notice now: the crows flying away after the goats are struck by fireballs. Originally unnoticed ambiance. Now incredibly funny.

- “You know, geese? Big, cross ducks?” I LOVE MURIEL.

- Hello, Jerkface McGee Gabriel.

- My brain, when Gabriel talked about witnessing the first human birth: oh, he was there for Cain? Weird, but—oh. Oh he meant Eve. Oh NO. Aziraphale your superiors are incompetent.

- The marks of irritation the archangels have with Aziraphale…phew. Eye rolling, huffing, the whole shebang. Poor guy.

- The fact that Jim is trying to be helpful and makes the bookshop less comprehensible delights me, actually. As does his hideous sweater.

- The fact that there are edges to Jimbriel’s memory, that he has snatches of himself but can’t encompass the whole…weird. Why won’t his whole self fit back inside of his amnesiac mind? What’s taking up the room? Unless all the room is stored with the rest of his memories? This is a silly train of thought and I’m getting a bit too deep

- Wondering how Hell’s miraculous tracking system works tbh.

- Another note about the opening: last season, we got to the crowd actively falling off the edge of their cliff path and the good ones going up, the bad ones going down. This time…credits end before they reach that summit. And they’re climbing towards something brightly lit. Interesting.

- I love that the seemingly throwaway line of all albums turning to Queen Best Hits when left in a car for too long turns into more of an actual plot point with the jukebox and Buddy Holly. Almost feels taboo.

- The needing an invitation to get in thing is so subtly done, too.

- Keen?? KEEN???

- Yeah the attempt to kill the fly does sort of overly dampen the reveal later. Better foreshadowing would have been to him trying to catch it tbh.

- CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW AZIRAPHALE CAN DRAW

- Dirty Donkey pub. Something about that is tickling my brain. No idea why. Like I know its utility as an elevator in s2 but I feel like there’s something important about it I’m forgetting? Or missing?

- Jane Austen as master spy and novelist is the exact flavor I’m looking for, thank you. XD

- Ehm. Aziraphale. The ball part isn’t where the love realizations happened, from my memory. They’re highly charged events, but they’re for feeding chemistry, not realizations. Idk man.

- Aziraphale almost closes the shop door on him. Noticed it the first time. Noticing it now. Mistake? Or meant?

- Pride and Prejudice is what is zoomed in on. Nice.

- Feels like Crowley is possibly probing Jim’s mind at this stage. Miraculously? There’s a partial little hissing chime when he starts doing it but I can’t tell if that’s a tension builder or an actual miraculous signifier.

- Note to self: go back to first episode and see if any sound effect played during the dual miracle. Result: yes, normal miracle chime.

- Going back to e2, not a full miracle chime but definitely a hiss of something. Don’t think Crowley is rooting around in his head but unsure how Crowley can evoke these episodes in Jimbriel but Aziraphale can’t. Hmm.

- Wondering if there’s a female voice layered under Gabriel’s, or if it’s his own pitched up.

- The fact that Jimbriel has some awareness of himself though!! He KNOWS whatever he can’t quite remember is too big for him right now, but he doesn’t know what it is and goes back to being a happy sieve in no time. Weird!!!

- Aha. Subtitles are wrong, Aziraphale does still call him Crawly in the Job minisode.

- “Technically you can—“ “oh, then technically I will” I SEE YOU, JOHN FINNEMORE. REUSING VERY GOOD LINES.

- GOSH the ACTING I am in a SWOON

- THAT SMUG LITTLE ANGELIC GRIN

- okay but: very important conversation about sides and desires and knowing (gosh that sounds dirty), unfortunate side effect of validating to Aziraphale that the angel he knew as Crowley Before is still in there and still reachable, the demon no different but just more stubborn for some reason. Massive flaw in his cognition to work through in s3, the universe willing.

- The kids being brats feels so…appropriate, somehow. All but the youngest. Who is adorable.

- Aziraphale showing faith in Crowley, though, and being proven correct. My tender heart.

- Crowley being obliging and turning Jemimah into a blue lizard. I cry.

- Aziraphale having a gag reaction to wine is hysterical actually

- The sensuality of the tempting Aziraphale to eat though.

- I…really can’t tell God’s tone or intent in talking to Job? Might just be telling him off. I think that’s what They’re doing. Job and I are on the same page at least.

- Gabriel’s game show host way of announcing this poor middle aged woman can have seven more kids. The Supreme Archangel, folks.

- Crowley stepping up at the nick of time to stop Sitis from committing blasphemy in front of the most powerful angels of Heaven: incredible power move. Only to be topped by his subsequent act of “midwifery”

- The “yes, and”ing of this scene. I’m agog.

- “Reach into his robes—higher, higher” THE LOOK ON JOB’S FACE

- Okay but the very neat forcing of Aziraphale to directly lie to his superiors, to take an active role of disobedience for the actual greater good. Mmm. Tasty for his character.

- THE WAY AZIRAPHALE’S HEAD JUST POPS OUT FROM BEHIND THE BENTLEY. Also had a little miracle chime to it so he definitely just. Popped up. Good grief.

- OUR car. Passed his test 90 years ago. Just like it’s technically my shop but we both get plenty of use out of it. MARRIED. BICKERING.

- GOOD OMENS THE BOOK INSIDE OF GOOD OMENS THE SHOW. I SQUEAL. I GIGGLE. I KICK MY FEET.

- The whole conversation at the end about falling and being lonely…SO many emotions. So many layers. Such setup. I just want to pop it in my mouth and gum on it for hours. This is the second time Aziraphale has lied to his bosses, but he wasn’t near as torn up about lying to God as he was about lying to Gabriel and the rest. Possibly because he had no proof that God DIDNT want him to give the sword to Adam to protect themselves with, and in this case he DID have more substantial proof that God wanted those kids dead. Or, Gabriel and Michael did, at least.

- Once again setting up to Aziraphale that Crowley is a good demon, that trusting him is a good idea, and pitting that against his ingrained trust in Heaven. Difficult dichotomy, difficult situation. Still hasn’t fully untangled that one in the present day. Obviously.

- “I’m a demon. I lied.” The absolute POWER.

Okay that’s it for tonight. More later!

#good omens #good omens 2 #good omens season 2 #good omens season 2 spoilers #good omens 2 spoilers #gos2spoilers #taking them two at a time might be the best course of action #though I will be skipping a day unfortunately #busy tomorrow night #ANYWAY THIS EPISODE RIGHT

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emrys-with-a-little-star · 8 months

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My theory about the ending of Good Omens S2 cause i don't agree with the coffee or the lie theory. I'm not gonna explain why i think they are wrong cause that would take too much time right now but maybe i will later. (I ended up explaining a little but about them in the end)

So i think Aziraphale does actually believe he can change something, Crowley knows nothing can be done and, as he says, both sides are toxic.

Aziraphale thinks Crowley would be happier as an angel because of how happy he was when creating the Nebula. And we never see Crowley smile like that, maybe Aziraphale does over the years but we are never shown that so for the time being i will assume Aziraphale never sees him that happy after he is cast down to hell.

Crowley wants to run away with Aziraphale, never to come back but Aziraphale has so much guilt from doing things differently from heaven's plans and falling for a demon is definitely hard for someone who his whole life has been taught that angels and heaven is good and demons and hell are bad. It's definitely easier for a demon to do some good sometimes than an angel to do anything evil cause why would you ever wanna do the bad thing. But that's exactly what Aziraphale doesn't fully understand yet: the line between those is very blurry and sometimes doing the thing that seems wrong at first is actually the correct thing to do. I'm gonna quote Crowley on this cause he said it perfectly: "When heaven ends life here on earth, it'll be just as dead as if hell ended it." Digging up graves and selling the bodies to be able to continue living, is that so wrong? And when they find out the bodies are to teach future doctors, it's now suddenly good? The line is incredibly blurry between good and evil.

Aziraphale gets told multiple times in the first season how the war is exactly what heaven wants and he doesn't think anything of it, no sudden realization that heaven might not be as good as he has been told his whole life, all he does is just try to explain his idea and keep the war from happening but not once does he blame heaven even though it is straight up made clear to him that heaven wanted the war.

The base of my theory is that the ending of season 1 doesn't get brought up again. We just not gonna talk about the fact that Crowley and Aziraphale, in heaven's and hell's point of view, are basically unkillable? It must be important, and if we now assume that both sides consider those two to be really powerful wouldn't they want them on their side? Metatron knew Crowley wouldn't take the deal, Metatron does not like Crowley, we saw how angrily he looked at him when he and Aziraphale were walking out of the bookshop. But he knew Aziraphale would be over the moon and probably take that deal cause he knows how naive and manipulated Aziraphale is. It came down to two options:

1) Crowley takes the deal and now the unkillable demon is an angel and they have two very powerful individuals on their team. And even if the point isn't the unkillable part, Crowley used to be a high level angel, still very powerful.

2) Crowley leaves, angry at Aziraphale and obviously doesn't go back to hell but Aziraphale does come back to heaven so hell doesn't have their unkillable demon but they have the unkillable angel on their side. They think Aziraphale is incredibly powerful and having him on their team is a huge advantage for the war aka the second coming aka probably the second coming of Armageddon.

Why would they get an angel who is strongly against war to basically lead the war? He would absolutely be against it.

Also emotionally unstable and vulnerable Aziraphale is much easier to control and manipulate which means him leaving Crowley makes it even easier for heaven to get him to be on their side.

Also why would they appoint a traitor who hasn't done anything to convince them that he isn't one to be the new supreme archangel. Why do they suddenly trust him now?

And if Aziraphale and Crowley stayed together, the presumably unkillable angel and demon, on earth or just not on either sides, wouldn't that make them a danger to both hell and heaven cause, as far as both sides know, both of them are very powerful.

Shortly: Heaven wants to use Aziraphale in the war against hell cause they knew Crowley wouldn't go back to hell and that given heaven an advantage, having the, as far as they know, unkillable angel in their team. If Crowley had agreed to become an angel, then they would have also had Crowley which would have given them even bigger of an advantage.

Or they have some other plan with Aziraphale and they just needed him to cut contact with Crowley and come back to heaven and they used this as kind of bait.

Also coffee theory would mean that the kiss was meaningless to Aziraphale and everything he did was because he was under the influence of the miracle. And also everythinf Aziraphale did is exactly in his character and exactly what he would do, there's no way that he would have just left heaven forever and ran away with Crowley, there's been no indication that he doesn't still trust heaven and believe in the "good side".

On the lie theory, Aziraphale is not that good at lying, he doesn't like to lie and he seemed to want to go to heaven too bad for it to be because of a threat. And the way he asks "But... my bookshop?" he isn't asking cause he is worried about the bookshop, he has doupts about leaving, he doesn't want to.

Also very important, Aziraphale doesn't end the kiss, Crowley does. I've seen some people mention that Aziraphale didn't want the kiss but he didn't pull away. Maybe i'll analyze the kiss in a future post, i have too many thoughts on that too.

#this show is taking over my brain #i watched it a few days ago and have not been the same again #good omens #crowley #aziraphale

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peachywritten · 1 year

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Ok. Let me make tumblr the first place where I post my next /big/ idea. Here we GO>>

I have to preface this by saying that I don’t know much about elf lore, but I will read more on it before I start writing this idea. It’s just that at the moment- an idea I hope to expand into a big story.

Alpha JK x Elf JM || fated mates, forbidden love

Wolves and elves don’t mingle. That is the order of things. Everyone and everything knows it. From the priest of the High Church and the elves listening to his sermon to the wolves that swore to kill and elf that walked into their territory and the woods that keep them safe and hidden away.

But what happens when the Head Alpha of the strongest wolf clan, born under the bloody moon, imprints on the the only prince of the oldest elven clan?

There are only three elven clans. With JM’s clan being the oldest, but not the biggest. Yet they rule over the other two clans. Elves valued the beauty of nature, especially water. The sea and the stars where the first things they saw at birth and they were forever connected to them. They live closest to the sea, on beautiful coasts far enough from the daunting forest where the wolf roamed free. They are highly religious, believing that the wolves were created from hellfire. But after centuries of battling with the wolves a silent peace had settled over the land with both wolves and elves agreeing to never cross into each other’s land. If not, nothing could save the elf or wolf that would do so from the worst faith.

Decades pass with no major incidents. Elves go missing when pride gets the better of them and they try to venture into the woods and wolves become food for starving animals after they run into elven cities in a blind fit of anger during full moons, but the numbers are insignificant and their names if too little importance.

Until one day, JImin- while chasing a spark he felt in the woods and following it blindly, stumbles upon two rogue alphas that are ready to kill and present his as a gift to their leader. He had known he shouldn’t venture into the woods- even if he didn’t intend to go far past the line of trees, but the nature’s call was too strong to try and ignore.

While running away from the rogues he falls down a hill and breaks his ankle. He tries for a whole day to get up and return to his clan but so deep into the forest everything looks the same and he doesn’t even know how far the sea is anymore. Once the night falls, one wolf finds him. A wolf much bigger than the ones he had ran from during the day. A wolf that changes to his human form and leaves Jimin completely breathless.

He passes out due to fear before the alpha can even tell Jimin his name.

Jungkook takes Jimin back to his pack where he makes sure the elf is looked after. At first, the healer refuses to help the help, swearing on the moon that it would be a bad omen for their pack. But Jungkook forces the beta to look after the prince day and night. Every wolf in the pack hates him for sharing their meals and air with an elf. And even those he trust mosts try to tell him he should just let the elf die in the woods. But Jungkook could never sentence the man to that kind of fate. It would literally break the alpha’s heart to harm the small elf. So he takes the angry glances from his pack mates in stride and ignores any advice given to him until, three days later, when the beautiful elf finally opens his eyes and Jungkook realises that he hadn’t been wrong back in the woods. That his alpha hadn’t guided him astray. This elf- this frightened and breathtakingly pretty elf is his fated mate. His alpha knows it and Jungkook finally admits it as well.

Wolves and elves don’t mingle, but two hearts beat in sync for one another with no desire to be pulled apart.

And no matter how hard the path to true happiness, Jungkook swears to Jimin that nothing will ever come between them.

Not the High King himself searching blindly for his only son and heir. Not Jungkook’s own pack trying their best to alienate Jimin and turn against their own Head Alpha if needed be.

Nothing. Not when faith herself linked their souls together. No force in the world was strong enough to pull the apart.

Park Jimin was Jeon Jungkook’s to protect for as long as his arms were strong enough, and love until his heart beat for the last time.

I honestly have no idea when I’ll start writing this. I might end up writing a lot of more short stuff before I finally post this because I will treat this like I did Bloodline, meaning that I will write the whole story and plan it out carefully before I start posting it weekly. I wanted to post it as a promise to myself to not give up on it before I even finish planning it out fully.

#alpha jk x elf jm #work in progress

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moonbeam-dragon · 1 year

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Rescue Bots Fantasy AU

(Prologue)

Moonrise! Have this little Fantasy AU! I'll do art for this if it gets popular. In this AU, the bots are dragons. The Burnses are a family of knights that serve King Luskey in the kingdom of Griffin Rock. Let's get into this!

A large ship tossed on the waters of the ocean. Lightning cracked through the air, making thunder rumble over the waters. Instead of reflecting the stars of the night sky, the waves were a murky gray tonight. Each splash against the hull was the god of death coaxing the crew from the Underworld. They would pay for their sins. The ocean knew what they'd done wrong. The crew had spilled innocent blood into its waters. They had hidden contraband on its islands. They had disgraced the world one too many times with their sins, and now they would be punished justly.

The captain cursed under his breath in between screaming orders to his crew. He knew this was the end of the line for many of them. He looked up to the sky, seeing lightning cast shadows through the clouds. In it, he saw the form of a wing and spiny tail. Bad omen. Seeing those in storm clouds never meant good luck. He turned to his first mate and muttered to him.

"The large chest in the hull. The oak chest with the gold lock. Hide it." He put a finger to the shorter man's chest. "I don't want anyone getting that. If those things go down, they go down with us."

The first mate nodded, shouting for a woman to get out of his way as he stormed below deck.

Lightning cracked again, and the captain saw shadows over the cloud once more. This time, he distinctly saw a leg with talons along with a tail. That couldn't have been good. More than one omen like that could only mean their doom. The captain kept his eyes trained on the sky, holding up one hand to shield his eyes and using another to steady himself against the side of the ship. He looked over the clouds. Nothing but a cold gray and darkness. He was about to look away and direct his crew when he saw the tail again. Only this time it wasn't with lightning.The man screamed when a dragon launched down towards the ship. As lightning flashed, he got a good look of it. That thing had to be as large as the ship. It was bright red, but it's back legs and head were rich blue. Two horns came from either side of it's head, sticking up in a message of superiority. The whole thing had a silver shine in the light. And it's eyes were a furious bright blue. As he stared at the beast's teeth, the captain understood. The gods had sent this creature to him and his crew. And they were as good as dead. He listened to the screams of his crew as it opened its maw and let loose bright blue fire.

___

A knight rode his horse down to the coast, the last clouds from the storm finally parting to let the morning sun come through. He felt the pace of his horse change as he crossed onto the sand. The sound of the still-calming waves filled his ears. He let his steed slow down and dismounted. He could walk up to the ship. A force of knights followed him down and he started giving commands. "Detain everyone. The Sigma is not to be damaged. I want it investigated. All the crew go to the dungeons. They'll be punished later." He took off his helmet as he looked at his crew. His gray hair matched the color of his shining helmet. His brown eyes were set firm. "Any prisoners are taken into custody and treated with respect. We'll ask them questions later. Look at the objects and let me know if you see anything dangerous."

Sir Charles Burns was in charge of all the knights in the kingdom. For a kingdom this size, it was a pretty small force. He looked about, wondering how many people even survived the wreck. Knowing the dragon that brought them here, it would be most of them.

He watched and gave directions as he walked through the ship with his team. "Take that one into custody." He made sure to offer his judgment. "She's a prisoner. Take her outside and check her for injuries." He kept an eye out for his own team. "We're not raiding this place! None of the loot is for you." He thought these people would know that. His second in command wasn't much help. Barney, as he was widely known, was often too lenient with his prisoners. But he wasn't as incompetent as he seemed. He was compassionate with the people. And more experienced than many other members. If it were up to Charlie, his eldest son would be his second. But nobody the age of twenty-two would be allowed such a position.

As he walked into someone's cabin, Charlie felt a grand consciousness brush against his. He stared at a candle that had fallen to the ground and let his mind open to this one. Optimus.

Thank you for bringing the Sigma here. These men are long overdue for karma, the knight thought to the other. He felt a warm sensation as the dragon responded.

Of course, Sir Burns. I would do anything to service your kind, Optimus replied. Although there is something in particular concerning me in regards to this ship. I believe something invaluable is aboard.

Charlie moved towards the dresser and started going through it to see if he could find any clues, like a list that might include important items, locations, or names. He found many clothes that were too nice to belong to someone so lowly. Stolen, clearly. What exactly do you mean? Jewels, prisoners, potions

Life.

"Sir Burns!"

The knight turned suddenly, feeling Optimus's consciousness snap away from him. His armor clanged with the movement. He stepped out of the cabin, seeing Sir Barney nearby. "What is it?"

'We found something. Something that seems important enough to get ya."

"Lead me to it."

Charlie and Barney stepped down into the hull, with a few other knights going through objects and testing if they were dangerous. One knight knelt by a short man who was on the floor, bleeding from the head. "He put up a fight and refused to yield. He was protecting this chest. Figured if he was willing to get knocked out over it, it must be important."

Charlie was over to it, seeing that his men had already broken open the lock, as it was on the floor. The top was open, showing a white silk cushion with four bright colors sitting in it.

At first, they seemed like gems. One was a vibrant red, with gray spots. Another was green like grass with little gray and brown speckles. One was orange like when the sun set, with a couple of white splatters. The last one was deep blue, with light gray crack-shaped markings all over it. The knight found himself staring at that one for a bit. It was so curiously patterned. And the deepness of that blue was nothing short of mesmerizing. It contained so many secrets, thoughts, and feelings.

Life, Optimus whispered against his mind again.

Charlie understood exactly what he meant. These weren't gems at all. They were eggs.

___

"What do you mean you want me to keep them?" Charlie asked Optimus. He figured he could just communicate verbally since they were face-to-face now. The dragon's blue head was a few feet above the knight, who was staring up in shock. His slitted blue eyes blinked horizontally.

In a surprisingly nonchalant tone, Optimus replied. I believe the eggs would be better off in your care. Nobody else in Griffin Rock is as honorable and trustworthy as you.

Charlie put up his hands. "I am flattered. Really. I am." He began to pace the cliff they were on. Optimus had to be out of view of the other knights. It would be too risky for them to see him and Charlie didn't feel like explaining it to them. "But I do have four children. Well, one child. But you understand my meaning."

Indeed.

"How would I bring those into their home and not tell?"

I trust your judgment.

Charlie sighed, thinking of the eggs in the chest. They'd investigated the whole ship. There was no surviving record of their loot. They'd either burned their lists or thrown them into the water. It wasn't like he could return the eggs to a proper home anyways. And that blue one... He supposed it was worth a try. The knight looked up at the old dragon. "Alright. I'll take them into my care." He just hoped he wouldn't let Optimus down. Because this felt like it was an assignment that would change everything for him.

I know this is short but I figured I'd get it out there. Please let me know if you'd like me to continue this series and let me know your thoughts! Farewell, best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don't eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life! Moonset!

#tfrb Charlie #Tfrb Optimus #rescue bots #transformers #Rescue dragon's #Rescue bots fantasy au #Rescue Dragons Au #rescue dragon's au

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thunderclasped · 5 months

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elias. • bodyclaim. • headcanons. • isms. • threads.

BASIC INFO

full name — Elias (Matthew Benjamin) Hawkins age — thirty-seven (january 20th) gender — cis male, (he/ him/ his pronouns) orientation — homosexual (but in the closet tbh) occupation — software designer + engineer deity connection — zeus pet name — tba weapon — 2x great words (?) + halfplate clothing style — sportswear, suits, soooometimes casual, but always too tight oops

PHYSICAL INFO

face claim — Henry Cavill hair — brown / eyes — blue height — six foot & one inch build — like a big ass T, broad af shoulders & generally thicc - check me scars — he's got a v faint, thin line around his neck - like some dogs do when their collars ate into the flesh, the same on his wrists & ankles, a few scars on his back from a belt, they mostly faded now though tattoos — he has a barcode and a paw on the inside of his wrist, his adoptive parents thought about letting it be removed, but they wanted him to decide when he was old enough, he kept both piercings — none special characteristics — he's a good actor when it comes to being social, he seems to get along with everybody everywhere, will bring coffee to quests sexual preference— bottom switch

PERSONALITY

alignment — lawful good positive traits — gentle, educated, smart, ambitious, nerdy negative traits — perfectionist, workaholic, coward, nerdy hobbies — dnd, gaming, streaming, coding, jogging, coffee (!!!)

MEDICAL INFO

mental — ptsd (check phobias tbh) physical — fit and healthy phobias — selenophobia (focus on full/new moon) eyesight — 22/20 although avrae tends to disagree dominant hand — ambidextrous drug use — nop alcohol use — sometimes diet — balanced, but he will die & murder for coffee

BACKGROUND

birthplace — castle cary, UK parents — Lana & Brandon Hawkins (adoptive parents), Zeus (biological father) siblings — Sarah-Jane Hawkins (little step sister), Mona Maria Hawkins (big step sister) pets — tba education — high school graduate, comp science + engineering bachelor + various awards notable skills — a+++ coding and hacking (everything tech-related), due to being project leader at his job before he followed the call, he's chill with taking the lead

BIO

(cult mention, abuse mention)

Elias was born during a devastating storm, the skies had been ablaze, the winds had been so quick on their feet they'd taken no prisoners in their path of destruction. His mother, a prisoner of sorts in a life she didn't choose and yet accepted, because she was born into it and didn't know better. Her parents' parents had already lived in these lands and had been proud members of a rather small and yet, incredibly radical cult that believed in witchcraft and the influence of the moon on the mind.

The circumstances of Elias' birth ended life for the newborn before it began. He was found a bad omen, a lost child and declared enemy of the 'new religious movement' of the Dark Rose. Usually, children like him would be discarded, but his family was part of the group of the founders of their community, so when Elias' mother begged for her son's life, they granted him ....that. But only that. Not more. And a lot less. As to not spread misfortune on the others, he was held separate from the other newborn, in a room far off.

As he grew older and began to escape from his crib, the leaders sat down to talk about his fate once more. His mother hadn't seen him in months and yet, she - again, pleaded for his life. So, the toddler was put in a cage in the dog shed. He was fed and he was groomed with the dogs, but he was alive. Some time later, a collar and shackles were added to ensure he couldn't escape the shed when they let out the dogs. Elias grew up without a name, without purpose, without a guardian in his life to show him the way. At best, he thought he was a dog and he'd never be more than that. Even the dogs had names..

He never was taught proper speech, only enough to understand basic commands, though he did pick up bits and pieces of the spoken word, but ... it made only little sense to the boy. Full moon nights and storms were the triggers Elias had to endure, because every single storm - or even bad weather was blamed on him and the full moon - they said, would have the demon within him at its strongest. For those nights, he was bound to a tree out in the forest for the entire night with only the cold and the full moon to keep him company.

During a police raid after several complaints from neighbors and anonymous calls hinting the big farm was used for drug trafficking, they found a ten year old boy with bright blue eyes and beautiful locks held in a kennel with other dogs.

They were shocked to see a boy of ten or eleven years held like a dog. He was taken to the youth welfare services in Manchester and ended up in the system for difficult to place kids due to his age and ...deficits. Adoption came with a price, therapy and responsibility to re-socialize him - his temporary name was Lukas.

Newspapers spoke about the wolf boy and an American family currently in town for business read about him. Their reputation was good, they were wealthy and pledged to pay for the extensive care the unnamed boy would need to find his way back into life. They stayed for a few months, but eventually returned home to the United States after paperwork on all ends was done.

The boy was named Elias Matthew Benjamin Hawkins.

The Hawkins owned an area by Toluca Lake - in the sunny Los Angeles. They already had a thirteen year old daughter when they invited Elias into their home. Mona Marie was hesitant at first, unwilling to share her parents with a strange boy, but she soon became protective of him, like the big sister he never had. The first year wasn't easy on anybody, but the Hawkins' were loving and gentle with the boy, they spent a little fortune on his therapy, his education and everything else he could have wished for and he worked hard, grateful for this life they offered.

A few years later, they had another daugther Sarah-Jane Louise to complete the family. (They have a thing for impressive names apparently.) That was around the time, Elias found out he .. wasn't normal. His parents handled it naturally and after a lot of wondering and then finally meeting his biological father, Elias was granted summers in Camp Halfblood - if only to learn how to control his powers.

Elias found his passion in computers, their software and hardware and went to college after graduating (only a year later than ordinary) from high school. His parents, of course, had no qualms about him striving to come far in life - build something of his own. He did.

Before he chose to follow the Call, Elias lived in his own house, not too far from home - in Venice Beach with a loft in Downtown LA as well to be closer to ihs workplace during the week. Putting work before everything else was Elias' standard setting, his ambition a constant driving force going hand in hand with his perfectionism. He never quite made it past the mental mindset that he owed his parents perfection. Success. All to repay the debt that could never be repaid.

Elias followed the call and relocated to Camp Halfblood, but instead of giving up everything he knew and loved (his work), he chose to bring it with. Surely there's wifi at Camp?

#elias intro post.#pinned post.

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boysplanetrecaps · 1 year

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Boys Planet Recap, Episode 7 part 3 - Rush Hour

This recap will cover the Rush Hour rehearsal and performance from Ep 7! People have said they were looking forward to my thoughts on this, so I thought I’d go ahead and put this part up by itself rather than paired with another team. Here we go!

Huta introduces the next song and out comes team Rush Hour.

Left to right: Ma Jing Xiang, Hiroto, Takuto, Ricky, and Oh Sungmin

I’ll remind you that our commuters are:

Trainee name (rank) Star Level test /Challenge 1 /age final star level

Ricky (12) Kick It - G /Back Door - G /18 ⭐⭐

Takuto (15) Instead Of... /Danger - G /15 ⭐

Hiroto (21) Conduct Zero /Very Nice - G /20 ⭐⭐

Ma Jing Xiang (32) Reveal /Very Nice - G /19 🚫

Oh Sung Min (34) Bloom Bloom /Love Me Right - K /21 ⭐⭐⭐

They introduce themselves as “Awesome Hour.” There is clearly a very loud cheer after Ricky introduces himself, but it is also very clearly cut off by the editing. Ma Jing Xiang’s intro is actually cut off a split second before he finishes saying his name, and the conspiracy theorist in me says they cut off his cheer, too. They pan the audience and we see signs for Ricky, Oh Sung Min, Ma Jing Xiang, and Hiroto -- I think I see more signs for MJX than for anyone else, but that’s just what I see.

Huta asks Sungmin, “Did you have any difficulties leading the team?”

There’s a long pause. In the judging room on the space station, vocal judge Onestar says “This team was all over the place.” Solji says, “They should work as a team,” and I’m already on edge.

I’ll remind you that when we first saw this team rehearsing in episode 6, there was already some bullshit going on. Takuto was having a hard time with the choreo, which happens. But Oh Sungmin was insisting that everyone stay together while Takuto practiced the same line over and over, and the editing tried to make it seem like both Ma Jing Xiang and Ricky were both selfish jerks for wanting to work ahead a bit. I’m not convinced, but we heard from Sungmin and Hiroto talking about how they need better teamwork.

We get a flashback to the song selection day, to something we didn’t see the first time, and find out that as Ricky approached the Rush Hour team, the sign fell down.

This whole moment is such a multi-layered metaphor for the way this show works. MNET is trying to present this as if Ricky is a bad luck omen, or as if the sign falling off the wall is symbolic of the troubles the team would have. And yet, the truth is that the signs were poorly applied to the wall, because MNET is cheap and shitty and lazy, and the sign falling had nothing whatsoever to do with these trainees. So the metaphor here isn’t that Ricky is a bad luck omen; the metaphor is that the sign is cheap the way that MNET is cheap. The metaphor is that MNET blaming the trainees for their own sign falling down symbolizes the way they for trainees to do emotionally difficult things and then blame them for their emotional response. The metaphor is that MNET blaming a set design failure on a Chinese trainee is symbolic of how they blame everything on Chinese trainees. The metaphor is that MNET sucks as bad as this set sucks.

(I put the preceding in its own post because I felt so passionate about it. Anyway.)

I think the bigger news is how happy MJX is to see Ricky.

Aww! We barely know either of these trainees, so I had no idea that they were friendly. He’s so happy! It’s so cute. (Me in the future knows that this will turn out to be important later, too, though when I screen capped this I had no idea.)

So, we cut to a day or two later. The trainees are in a rehearsal room. MJX is practicing the dance while listening to headphones. Ricky has an idea for a new thing they could do with the choreo, and suggests it to Hiroto. I think Hiroto has a hard time understanding him, and Oh Sungmin isn’t there, and Takuto isn’t helpful, so Ricky tries to ask MJX to help him demonstrate his idea.

MJX basically refuses even to take out his headphones at first, and then when pushed to it, says that they don’t have enough time, and it’s more important to practice the choreography than it is to make changes to it.

Ricky interviews that he didn’t understand MJX’s perspective, because at that point it was D-6 and in Ricky’s view, they DID have time to make changes. MJX then interviews that they didn’t have time, because in his view, they didn’t. Then Oh Sungmin interview that he finds them both inconsiderate.

Sigh. This is like one of those “Am I the asshole?” posts on reddit, and I want to vote, “NAH” -- no assholes here.

Ricky is a strong dancer and has a lot of cool ideas, and besides, part of what the trainees are demonstrating in this battle is their choreography skills. The upcoming elimination probably isn’t that scary to him --- he knows he has a solid fan base and is likely to make it, so he’s not stressed out. He knows intellectually that MJX and Sungmin aren’t in that position, but it’s probably too much for him to stay constantly focused on. Also, he probably assumes that if their team wins the position battle, the extra votes will help save them too, so he’d better make their performance as cool as possible! He just wants to share what he’s good at with his teammates, like a gift… Why shouldn’t they utilize his skills, if he has them?

Meanwhile, from MJX’s perspective, changing the choreography all the time is making a difficult situation even worse. He’s not a strong dancer, and I assume he’s terrified of being scolded by the psychopath dance teachers. He also, presumably, doesn’t want to put on a bad performance that gets mocked online. And of course, he doesn’t want to go home, but he’s ranked 32 and things don’t look good for him. He probably resents Ricky a little bit, subconsciously -- Ricky is a good dancer, Ricky is super popular, Ricky speaks Korean better than he does (though MJX speaks it decently), and Ricky is ALWAYS trying to change the choreo. MJX is stressed out and ready to snap, and Ricky is just piling on more stress. Yeah, the level to which he’s angry isn’t great. But it’s understandable, if you get me. He’s scared, and fear often can manifest as anger.

Meanwhile, what Sungmin sees is bickering and time-wasting while he’s trying to lead. Chinese culture is really different from his, and even their normal interactions probably seem brash and rude to him -- not saying that he’s racist, just saying that it’s hard to NOT view people through the lens of what you’re used to in your own culture. Also, Sungmin is already so stressed out trying to get Takuto on track with the dance, and meanwhile he himself is actually the lowest ranked on the team and probably scared of going home. He’s down to his last nerve, and they’re getting on it.

Yes, it would be great if they could say to themselves and each other, “Wow, the stress is getting to me. I’m sorry. Let’s try to find a compromise.” I think a leader like formerly blue-haired Park Hanbin or Mr. Sexy Kim Jiwoong could, each in his own way, resolve this -- Hanbin by keeping control from the first minute, and Jiwoong by using his emotional intelligence to get everyone talking honestly about how they’re feeling and encouraging compromise. (Though Jiwoong would haaaaaaaaaaate being in this situation.)

But Oh Sungmin isn’t quite up to the challenge, and it’s a lot to ask from these stressed out teenagers that they exert that kind of control over their emotional responses. We see Sungmin trying to smooth things over by reminding them of their common goal. But things have already gone too far, and they need a bigger intervention than that.

That night, Takuto -- who has a little set of plushie letters spelling his name in English, and has his official red and white pjs still on his bed -- is getting pretty upset.

Remember, he’s 15 -- to him, having the hyungs all fighting probably feels like when your mom and dad fight. They’re also taller than him, and he doesn’t understand their language very well. And meanwhile, the dancing is already really really difficult for him. He’s got to be near collapse.

The next day, MJX is still really prickly and difficult to work with again. He won’t budge an inch, even when Sungmin tries to offer a compromise. There’s a bit in the choreo where Ricky is supposed to playfully push MJX out of the way, and MJX is saying that he “knows” that Ricky will push him really hard later on -- something he can’t know, because it’s in the future. In other words, he’s irrational. It’s not easy to watch.

The formerly blue-hared Park Hanbin, who has been sharing a rehearsal room with them (why can’t each team have its own room???) has noticed, and interviews, “The Rush Hour team can’t communicate with each other. To be honest, I don’t think they’re willing to do it.”

I think Hanbin is on to something there. I mean, maybe I’m wrong, but I theorize that for MJX, it’s easier to stay angry, because while you’re angry, you have a shield up. As long as he’s blaming Ricky for making things difficult, he’s not thinking as much about how poor his own skills are. Sitting down and having a talk, a real talk, would involve admitting how scared he is and how sad he is and how envious he probably is. It’s not something he really wants to do. Angry is safe. Don’t get me wrong - he’s acting like a complete jerk. It’s just that I can understand why and empathize with him anyway, because I’ve been in his shoes. I think we all have.

Takuto starts to cry out of frustration and probably hopelessness, and Sungmin tries to comfort him (Sungmin speaks a bit of Japanese to him, which is sweet). MJX doesn’t acknowledge what’s going on -- he just wants to keep going. Oh Sungmin tries to have an actual group conversation, but MJX says, “Sungmin-hyung, You don’t have to explain, we just have to practice.” He’s quite close to Sungmin as he says it, and tensions feel high. Hiroto tries to say that if they don’t resolve the situation, it’ll keep happening, but MJX isn’t listening. He’s found an emotional level to be on that feels safe and he’s going to stay there. Finally, Sungmin has to walk away to calm down. I noticed that MJX immediately pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and begins practicing his rap the second that Sungmin is just a few steps away. You can feel the anxiety vibrating out of MJX, but that doesn’t help Sungmin, who is hiding in a stairwell and trying not to cry.

Time passes, and now it’s day D-1 -- dress rehearsal. What have the the boys been doing for three days? We’re left to assume that they’ve been in this exact same tense state the whole time, and if so, that’s awful. I guess they’ve just been running rehearsals with MJX in this emotional state the whole time.

They perform their dress rehearsal -- we don’t see much of it -- and when they’re done, the judges say, “it’s not fun because you’re not having fun.” Presumably they’d have other feedback, but we don’t hear any of it. The storyline isn’t about whether Hiroto is pronouncing Korean correctly or not, or whether Ricky wrote a fun rap or not, or whether Takuto did the dance well or not, or whether Oh Sungmin looks cute up on stage or not. It’s about how MJX is a jerk, and so the only feedback we hear is the feedback that pertains to that.

That night, they have a meeting in the dorm room. (We can see that a few of them are wearing their official pajamas.) Oh Sungmin says, “I left my group (T01) to be here, and I feel like my life is in danger -- if I don’t make it here, I can’t be an idol.” I don’t know if that’s true, Sungmin -- you’re signed to WakeOne. But anyway.

Hiroto says, in essence, “Me too, this is my third shot, and I feel like it’s my last chance.” And MNET isn’t doing you any favors, either, Hiroto-kun. Ganbatte kudasai, Hiroto-kun!

MJX says, “I don’t want this to prevent us from giving a good performance, either. I’ll trust everyone and keep going.” I still feel tension radiating from him, but I can see he’s trying to take it down a notch.

Ricky says, “I’m so, so, sorry.”

It’s interesting that we don’t see MJX apologize -- I feel like he would have? He’d have to, right? But MNET doesn’t show it.

MJX and Ricky give each other an awkward hug, which seems to be initiated more by MJX than by Ricky, and there’s some awkward laughter. MJX interviews that they said what they needed to say to one another -- it's easier for him to forgive the others than I think it is for them to forgive him, I think. Also, I think he and Ricky really are friends, so their arguing, while uncomfortable to everyone else, probably felt "safe" to them -- they knew they'd make up sooner or later.

The meeting probably helped, but I think it was like shoving stuff into drawers and saying you've cleaned. Just like how you have to get all the junk out from under your bed if you're really, really going to clean, I think they needed to have a real knock-down drag out FIGHT, with full on yelling even, if necessary, get it all out, and then talk it out. But I think they were all kind of scared to go there, and sometimes it's easier to just make up than it is to talk it out.

Anyway.

It’s D-day, and they huddle backstage. Sungmin says, “it doesn’t matter what our process was -- we just need to have fun. I love you all.” Ricky says, “I love you all” too, and they do a “hana-dul-set, FIGHTING!”

So, that brings us to the performance. And before we get there, I’ll just say my final thoughts on all of this squabbling. As I said above, no one here is an irredeemable asshole. This is a group of extremely stressed out young men. They’re put in a situation in which they are competing with each other constantly, and yet are expected to get along with each other perfectly. They’re supposed to put on a team performance, and yet they will be ranked afterward, with the best team member winning extra points. It must be so stressful and draining. I know I couldn't do it!

Did MNET “evil edit” MJX? Well, yes and no. I mean, he did do those things, just as Lee Da Eul really did treat his team like they were his underlings. Those are things that happened. MNET “evil edited” them by… showing that. However, MNET created a situation in which power dynamics would be all out of whack, in which constant competition leaves everyone scared and constant rehearsal leaves everyone physically exhausted, and in which constant berating from psychopath judges leave everyone traumatized. In other words, my earlier statement holds: MNET makes trainees do emotionally difficult things and then blames them for their emotional response.

So, what’s the solution? Well, for starters, I think it would be good if MNET gave the boys a few more days to rehearse, which would lead to decreased stress AND better performances. That’s win win! I think they need to provide more access to translators -- they could start by installing google translate in those tablets the boys have. I also think that it wouldn’t hurt to have some sort of guidance available from the staff -- counselors, mediators, something like that. Even just a sort of “dorm mother” who is there to look after especially the younger members -- if there was someone watching over the 15 years olds, there would be less pressure on the 18 year olds. And the upper management really has to reconsider what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable when it comes to the judges’ behavior. I have friends who do theater, and they tell me that being a sociopathic asshole is “normal” from dance teachers, but it shouldn’t be.

Ultimately, though, a show like this is going to do this. Any real pressure on MNET to improve conditions will probably have to come from the Korean population, not from us Global fans. I console myself in knowing that I’ll support these trainees on their stages to come.

The performance

If you’re curious as to what they actually say in their raps, I found these lyrics. Lyrics that were in English and didn’t need translation are in green. Note that the first line of Ricky’s rap was already in the original song.

Ricky:

Yo I’ve been walking on the street yo From UN Village to Hangangjin Station, Ladies know my name, Mr. young and rich ya, Pop champagne take a chill, feel my feel, everyone get out of the way

MJX:

People ask me to look at my reflection in the cold mirror from a few years ago, Man in the mirror, now it shines, my natural flow, You gotta get some to the top, child you’re doing well

Sungmin

Now I’m feeling like a funky boy dance like this, Everyone follow me, look carefully, even if I rap. I’ll go to a higher place than others

Takuto:

Even if I’m not confident, the star protects me, it’s dark to me, there’s no future, I’m still very young, still I’m worried about the challenge, so I’m going to watch Toyonaga Takuto.

(much later in the song)

Hiroto:

I’m a homebody, but on stage, I show and prove, Once you see me, you can’t forget me, We living live in busy planet, Sooner or later we’ll be filling up in our name

My Take

I wish I’d thought to watch the performance on Youtube before I watched all the behind-the-scenes stuff, because I’m sure it colored my view. But really, I think it came out ok. The song and general choreo style are both so high energy that even a remotely decent performance of it will be fun to watch. I don’t think I would have picked up on their backstage tension just by watching this.

MJX is bubbly and fun on stage, and did a surprisingly decent job at both rapping and dancing compared to what we’ve seen in the past from him. I think he may have actually been the best rapper on the team, which is a wild statement to make, but, yeah, I think so. He looked like he was having fun, too.

Oh Sungmin’s rap was surprisingly basic for a native speaker, but I actually liked his flow despite that, and despite the fact that he is a vocalist, not a rapper. He was ranked pretty low and probably got pushed out of the song he wanted. He has a lot of charm on stage -- this might be the first time that I’ve really seen what he can do on stage this way, because he was so overshadowed in Love Me Right.

Speaking of first times, I think this is the first time I really got it why people like Ricky so much. He looked a lot more comfortable on this stage than I’ve seen him in the past, and he owned that center position even when he was on the side of the stage. Also, he’s really a master of looking super serious and then dropping a smile that catches you by surprise. I still think he’s a bit stiff, but it’s hard to do choreography in time with others when you’re taller than them. Also, he makes that microphone disappear into the sub-ether after he uses it. I’ve watched that part like 10 times and I can’t figure out where he puts it! That’s some stage trickery right there. No matter whether he makes it to the top 9 or not, the Yuehua group that will debut out of this show will be stacked!

Hiroto’s a cutie pie. His rapping wasn’t anything to write home about, but I think his Korean is still pretty shaky and it must be tough. His little dance solo at about 1:53 was a lot of fun and perfectly in line with the feeling of the song -- I wonder if he choreographed it?

I know Takuto is trying his best, but his dancing is weak it looks almost half-hearted, and throws off the syncing for the group as a whole. You can see some of the adjustments the team made for him -- they gave him a microphone to hold while he rapped, to give him something to do with his hands (it was pretty funny when he held the mic out while he said the last word and it was super obvious the mic wasn’t on). They also gave him a little mini dance solo in which he did the main repeating dance move, just by himself. They also let him do his one big move, that back flip he also did in his star level test, and he landed it much better this time than he did the first time. I really hope he doesn’t pass through this next elimination round, since it is clear to me at least that there are more deserving trainees here, but I’ve come around to liking him. He’s a genuine, hard working, well-intentioned kid, and while he is obviously not ready to debut, who knows, in a few years he might be.

The editing

There’s a lot of focus on how handsome Ricky and MJX are, and how cute Takuto is. Predictably, Sungmin and Hiroto are largely neglected. We see Takuto’s flip several times, but there’s no focus on Hiroto’s dance break, for example.

Afterward, the judges talk about how the team didn’t look like they were having fun on stage, and I really think that their opinion was colored by knowing the back story. They also say that they think Hiroto has had bad luck -- which, yeah, I don’t know if it’s luck exactly that happened to Hiroto.

The voting

Ricky takes the win with 745 votes, and we see a real genuine smile from him, not a stage smirk, and it’s very charming.

Oh Sungmin can’t quite bring himself to smile about it, though -- he worked so hard and is probably not going to see much reward for it. But you’re WakeOne, lovey! You’ll redebut with Kim TaeRae and Park Hanbin and Anthonny and Haruto and it’ll be ok… I hope.

We find out that Takuto came in last with 569 votes. That’s a decent tally, though, for him. He interviews, in Korean, that he was a little bit sad, but satisfied because he did everything he could. He’s learned an insane amount in a short period of time and really defied my first impression of him.

In an interview, Oh Sungmin responds to a question that must have been something like, “how did it feel to perform together?”

He says, “It just felt like were performing together. A lot of things happened, but I’m glad we’re done with it.” After a brief pause he adds, “I think we did well.”

Yeah, there’s still a lot of resentment there. Really, I feel bad for everyone on this team. This was just sort of a clusterfuck.

And that's it for this recap! I'll pick up later with my thoughts on Limousine and whatever song is after that!

#Ricky #Takuto #Hiroto #Ma Jing Xiang #Oh Sungmin #Oh Sung Min #t01 #to1 jermone #boys planet #boys planet recap #boysplanet999 #boysplanet #boys planet 999 #rush hour

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everyonewasabird · 1 year

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Brickclub 5.6.1 “The 16th of February, 1833″

God, we’re here already? I’m not ready for “and they married and lived happily ever after.” That just doesn’t feel like where we are. And of course Hugo knows the mysteries and the misunderstandings are still unsolved.

It’s hard to know how happy I’m supposed to be? Hugo is certainly sincere about the date; the title of this chapter is the first night he and Juliette Drouet spent together.

Hugo complains about the boorishness of the later (English!) custom of going off on honeymoon immediately after a wedding, and I do want to be sensitive to cultural differences here. I’m from, I suspect, a much more individualistic culture, and the fact that in their shoes I would find it way more comfortable to spend my wedding night (and the rest of my life) not under the same roof as the rest of my family is a culturally ingrained preference.

But also, it is Gillenormand, how can wishing him good night and then going down the hall to the bridal chamber he personally decorated for you with salacious knickknacks possibly be preferable to an inn??

Anyway, I don’t begrudge Hugo preferring the customs of his youth to the customs of his old age, but either he’s not reading Gillenormand as being anywhere near as threatening and horrible as I do, or else he’s doing some insane things with tone right now.

Then we get THIS:

According to Gillenormand,

Mariage un Mardi Gras, N'aura point d'enfants ingrats.'

Marriages on Mardi Gras Produce no ingrate brats.

holy shit holy shit holy shit.

We really still are talking about that ugly subtext I was talking about yesterday, with Marius’s horror of ingratitude (towards an ideal heroic Great Man) still plaguing him to the end of this book and actively preventing him from appreciating the interrelatedness that was the lesson he should have learned.

I have no idea whether to read this little poem as an omen that any child of Marius and Cosette’s will be trapped in Marius’s ugly debt paradigm or free of it. The negatives make it pretty ambiguous whether 1) there will be a child at all and 2) whether any child who happens will be properly grateful or whether they'll escape the bullshit gratitude paradigm altogether. (Somebody please tell me if there’s anything about the French that makes the formal logic work differently.)

In either case, it’s definitely still a sign that the threat of being an ungrateful child is a scourge Gillenormand is happy to beat people (Marius, Marius’s prospective children) with.

“Let us get married,” Gillenormand says, because this is his wedding, and nobody has managed--or tried--to take it away from him.

And then, suddenly, for the first time in many chapters, we’re back in the outside world, looking directly at its inequalities, albeit in a caricaturized and heightened form.

the nuptial cortege was involved in the long procession of carriages making an endless chain from the Madeleine to the Bastille and from the Bastille to the Madeleine.

I, um. Where do you begin? Bastille to Madeleine is Valjean’s progression early in the book, if you take the Bastille to symbolize a prison. But Madeleine to Bastille is his progression later in the book if you take the Bastille to symbolize Revolution.

I checked the French. The word used is, indeed, “chain.”

What is that line doing? Idk! Somehow this procession of carriages has become a Lot more symbolic of much bigger things, like all of society, and all of this book. And, of course, we have our Carriage/Cart symbolism, where carts are society. There’s a megaphone blaring “MAJOR SYMBOLISM INCOMING” here.

It’s so much.

Some of the first images we get after the traffic jam are curious onlookers (curiosity is NOT a good sign in this book--these are the gossips who make things worse) and police presence, also a bad sign.

vehicles of all kinds [...] all rolling along in orderly fashion, rigorously hooked up to each other by police regulations as though running on rails. Anyone sitting in these vehicles is at once spectator and spectacle.

This is just the Cadène again. It just IS.

Plus, we go on to get a description of how the government hires sex workers for the day to make this spectacle, and parades misérables around for the free citizenry to laugh at, because why not. Hugo thinks it’s pretty gross, for good reason. And.... yeah, it really is the cadène. Let’s exploit the people who are doing the absolute worst for our own entertainment! Party!!!!

No wonder Bamatabois was so free to think Fantine should exist for his amusement.

Meanwhile, the titled nobility--including the titled English nobility--have their own lane and literally don’t have to deal with the traffic. Nice job on the symbolism, Hugo.

And then..... there’s this.

"Well now," said a mask, "a wedding."

"A sham wedding," replied another. "We're the real thing . "

And, too far off to be able to accost the wedding party, fearing besides any undue attention from the police, the two masks looked at other things.

These aren’t named characters; other than being in the same carriage as Thenardier and Azelma, we never learn anything else about them. I don’t know what this means, but I do just kind of want to read it as a commentary on how this book has (deliberately!) gone off its rails and this whole marriage plot is a red herring and inherently false and what the story is really about has always been the misérables. I’m not sure I can definitively say that, I’m not sure where the line is between literary analysis and conspiracy theory, but. I do like this little glimpse through the window into some totally alternative idea of the story.

And finally, amidst all the chaos, we come to Thenardier and Azelma. Thenardier is half-recognizing Valjean and scheming, as usual.

the girl, with her low necked dress, shivered, laughed, and coughed.

Azelma has become Fantine.

Her dialogue is brasher than we’ve heard it be before, full of slang and sass. We know she’s a sex worker because she mentions being hired by the government. Her father is trying to make her run criminal errands, as usual.

We also know that her attitude is a front: the type of small eye-mask she’s wearing is called a loup--a different etymology, but also the word for “wolf.” That is, she’s masking herself as a wolf in order to survive, because she isn’t very wolfish and never has been, but there are no alternatives left.

And nothing about her situation makes it sound any better than where Fantine ended up.

#brickclub #lm 5.6.1

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fredhot23 · 1 year

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Rhea and Jeralt’s Dissappearence

So, I return from the wedding (it was nice, though it went all the way from 6 to midnight, that's how you know you're growing old when staying up sounds more like a chore then a benefit), sitting at my laptop back home, and I find my thoughts turning towards Fire Emblem: Three Houses- or rather, towards a previous subject about the game I had seen discussed before: Jeralt's disappearance and Rhea not finding him until almost decades later by chance.

Jeralt and Rhea were close friends since the time Rhea had helped heal Jeralt during a conflict in the Kingdom of Farghus. Rhea even made him the captain of the Knights of Seiros and Jeralt had "thought the world of Rhea", according to his personal diary. "I had thought the world of her...but now I'm scared of her".

This newfound fear seemed to have been based in the conditions of the child that Jeralt's wife had given birth to with the help of Rhea, though at the cost of the mother's life. Jeralt wasn't there when Byleth was born but after the birth, Jeralt noticed that the child "didn't laugh, didn't cry". (And in fiction, that's usually a bad omen for the child.) Rhea tried to assure him that nothing was wrong with the child but Jeralt didn't take her at her word and secretly had a doctor look at the child. The child...had no heartbeat.

According to Jeralt's diary, there was a fire soon, one that I had previously assumed to be a product of Jeralt to cover his escape, based on the timing and his own wary behavior, but it seems that was too hasty a conclusion. The fire was pure serendipity that Jeralt took advantage of to escape with the baby, who he raised in a rather unorthodox way: telling them that they were born a time after Jeralt left the Monastery, hiding their identity as "the Blade-Breaker" and former Captain of the Knights of Seiros, and even keeping both of their ages a secret and barely schooling Byleth in the main religion of Foddy-land.

There's also another piece of information that was shared by Rhea's right-hand man, Seteth: "I read Jeralt's diary. The baby we thought to have died in the fire...came back".

With all this recent information in mind, the wheel this line of thought had been spinning on came to a conclusion, if not a likely hypothesis: I think Rhea didn't find Jeralt...because Rhea didn't want to find Jeralt. Or, rather, she didn't want to drag him back to the Monastery in chains, hunting him like a fox running from hounds. Not pushing the issue was Rhea's way of a sort of apology, an admittance of wrong on her part or that she didn't handle things the best way she could have. A silent "Yeah, that's my B. I'm not going to make you come back if you want to leave. I...I owe you that much."

Jeralt's feelings towards Rhea seemed to be genuine. And...as much as it's hard to get a concrete read on Rhea or wholeheartedly believe her...it would make more sense if the feeling was mutual for Rhea and it's not like it's unthinkable for her character.

Even taking Rhea's words at face value about how the birth went, how Byleth's mother wanted her child to be saved even at the cost of her own life, Rhea still tried to hide the truth of what had happened to Byleth to Jeralt. Rhea had betrayed the long-standing trust and friendship between the two about Jeralt's own wife and child and if Jeralt took that badly enough to leave, a decision possibly compounded by the loss of both his wife and child (presumably)...

I don't think Rhea would try to bring him back by force or let him be hunted like a dog chasing down a cat.

They were close friends before. Even if he doesn't trust him anymore, she wants him to believe that she didn’t mean any harm and still cares deeply about him. And in respect of that friendship, she'll let him be if he wants to leave.

It's the very least she can do.

#Already played the Edelgard Apologist #Time to play the Rhea Apologist #It'd just be fair #Fire Emblem: Three Houses #White Clouds Route #lady rhea #fe3h jeralt #The Goddess works in Mysterious Ways #Doesn't She?

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dragonmasterkaylz · 9 months

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Let’s Talk about Metatron!!!

Well… um—

“Why are you talking about me behind my back?!”

…

…..

No!!! I know I’m talking about YOU!!! Deanmon, I choose you!!!

Anyway… I’m talking about Metatron from Good Omens. Now, if watching Supernatural has taught me ANYTHING… it’s that Angels are just as bad as Demons! They love meddling, creating wars, need I go on?! And in Good Omens, I don’t see much of a difference, especially in season two. Granted, Gabriel doesn’t have his memories so he’s just a shell of the Angel he used to be. Aziraphale’s job is to make sure that the human race is okay and that nothing bad is happening. The same is said for Crowley, but his job is to meddle in human affairs and to make them succumb to their own temptations. … Right…?

“Pretty much sweetheart”.

NO!!! NOT YOU— but you can stay. I like you~!

ANYWAY… the sudden appearance of Metatron in the sixth episode of season two made me feel very uneasy. Now, let’s just move onto Supernatural for a second. Metatron is the Scribe of God and he has a very important role— sorry… had a very important role. Eventually, he wants to control Heaven since Chuck isn’t around and causes the Angels to Fall, killing some of them in the process. He strips poor Castiel of his grace, turning him into a regular human being. In a desperate attempt to save his brothers life, Dean asks one of these Angels to take over Sam and heal him from this inside. This Angel is called Ezekiel… but then later turns out to be Gadreel, an Angel that follows Metatron. When Castiel comes back to the Bunker, after being found by Dean, he is immediately told to leave as his presence alone is making Gadreel very paranoid. And so, the two are separated, yet again! Later down the line, Metatron kills Dean, which turns him into a Demon because of the Mark of Cain. He tells Castiel this and the poor Angel is left… heartbroken, even though Metatron is no longer in charge of Heaven and Castiel is.

Now, to the sudden appearance of Metatron in Good Omens. He seems like a good guy and he probably just wanted to give Aziraphale the offer of an Angels Eternal Life! We don’t know his true motives yet, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. But when our beloved Angel asked him what he was tasked with, his face dropped. The ‘Second Coming’ is basically when Jesus Christ returns to Earth. And from how Aziraphale acted, it’s either not a good thing or it’s just a very difficult task for him to carry out. Maybe he thinks there’s just too much weight on him and that’s why he looked very uncomfortable as soon as Metatron told him what it was. However, something seems very calculating about this new Metatron….

He told Aziraphale that he could ask Crowley to join him and that he has the power to turn him back into an Angel. He asked Aziraphale to do this, instead of asking the Demon himself, which he could’ve done! But he didn’t. Which brings to me to think that he could’ve known that Crowley wouldn’t have agreed to it… because when Aziraphale told him the news, Metatron did seem to know that Crowley was more of a lone wolf. Did he purposely make Aziraphale ask him so the two would argue and part ways on a bad note? Did he want Aziraphale and Crowley to part ways so Heaven and Hell would officially have no connection to one another? Because with Gabriel and Beelzebub gone, they only had one couple tying them together. Crowley and Aziraphale. Hell was very much convinced that Crowley was only using him to get information out of him, that’s why I’m suggesting this. Did he want to sever that forever, so that a war between the two factions could happen? Because if the two are no longer partners and with Crowley on his own, no one can object. So here’s my question:

I think the only way we’ll know the answer to this question is by waiting for season three to come out, and watching it. Personally, I cannot live with that ending!!! It’s almost as bad as when Castiel told Dean that he loved him and then was taken by the Empty!!!

“Kayleigh… please stop reminding me…!”

DEAN!!! I’M SORRY FOR BRINGING IT UP AGAIN!!!

Why am I bringing Supernatural into this, you ask? Well, because I can! Also, because my silliness knows absolutely no bounds. Hehe~! 😋

You can agree with me or disagree with me. But I haven’t trusted a single Angel in Good Omens, apart from our hot chocolate loving Aziraphale. Please let me know if I was wrong on any of the points I’ve made by the way and if I am, I’m so sorry.

End of Kayleigh’s Rant

#good omens #supernatural #metatron #good omens metatron

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doritopaw101 · 2 years

Text

So I saw some notes for the raggedyellow fam situation so I’m going to fix it up a bit since plenty of aspects have changed.

Featherstorm is now renamed to Bramblingstorm

Brackenfoot is now renamed to Flickerfoot

Yellowfang’s old name was Lavenderfang.

Bramblingstorm is the daughter of Cedarstar but was not his heir, that was Flypounce, her older brother.

As a spy, it was required for her to know the land and she often chose to take the routes to twolegplace, where she met Hal. A cat known for being a terror to her guild. She got him to back off but not long after discovered she was pregnant.

On the other side there’s Blazeflower and Flickerfoot. Two cats who were in an rare arranged pairing and had lost three litters previously. Their fourth litter was a different, a single kitten, said to be a bad omen for some but Blazeflower and Flickerfoot could care less. The two showered Lavenderkit with affection.

Cedarstar concerned his guild’s future strong-pawed the pair to have one more litter. They gave in and did so, it nearly killed Blazeflower in the process and Flickerfoot nearly maimed Cedarstar “Is this what you wanted!?!”, Cedarstar lost an ear that night and could never meet Flickerfoot or Blazeflower in the eye again.

Blazekit and Scorchkit were definitely mocked for who their sire was and they responded in different ways.

Blazepaw and Lavenderpaw relationship was tense as two bucks and it only got worse as they grew up as Lavenderfang and Blazestorm. They met Boulder who brings a young Red for treatment, telling how he heard of the guild’s talent of healing. Red and Boulder join the guild as accepteds later on.

Hal leads an attack to get them back but it all goes shit. Hal, Blazestorm, and Bramblingstorm all have their confrontation but Scorchwind and Lavenderfang try to calm everyone down to no avail, Hal taunts Blazestorm for her blood which to the dam finally breaking which ends when Blazestorm kills Hal.

Lavenderfang thought the situation couldn’t get worse until they found out that Flypounce was killed in the attack, who was a very involved uncle. Blazestorm tossed Hal’s corpse and declared any kittypets that wander into their territory will be killed.

Cedarstar had half a mind to banish Russetpaw and Boulderfall, Blazestorm suggested straight up murder. Bramblingstorm stood over her novice while Lavenderfang protected Boulderfall, she fought her daughter blow for blow and it ended with Bramblingstorm being disowned by Cedarstar and Blazestorm as his heir but she didn’t want a name that was given nor shared by her traitorous mother….no….dame…she renamed her Raggedpelt that night.

The moons got colder and colder as did Lavenderfang’s lust for battle. They were in the witch’s den so much that they found themselves more eager to be hurt then fighting. Sagewhisker’s humor, dry as it was, was more rewarding than the lectures and fights she had with Raggedpelt.

It was during a battle with the rushing breeze that solidified Lavenderfang’s thoughts.

Lavenderfang had been sent into a battle as a front line instead of a watcher, they had ripped into many cats until she cornered a young cat, eyes filled with fur and blood stained its fur. Lavenderfang saw themself in the cat, they hid the cat from the battle and let them go.

Lavenderfang made the decision, the requested to become the again Sagewhisker’s noive. Cedarstar and Raggedpelt were outraged but Lavenderfang made it very clear they were doing this wheather they like it or not with Blazeflower and Flickerfoot backing them.

It was a couple moons after that when Lavenderfang became pregnant and had Hopekit, Wishkit. and Dreamkit. Raggedpelt saw fit to bar Lavenderfang from their kits, Lavenderfang themself probably would’ve fought it but they received bad omens about their son, how they had to kill them, sometimes it would be about Wishkit and Hopekit. Lavenderfang hoped that the stars seriously wouldn’t wish them to kill their son but decided for Dreamkit’s safety, Lavenderfang let Raggedpelt have her way and let them be nursed by Lizardstripe.

Raggedpelt then had her second family with Foxheart, who she clearly favored.

The resentment grew and grew as Hopepaw was forced to be a medic, Wishpaw had her training stalled, and Dreampaw alienated from his sisters.

Until, Dreamflare decided for change.

TLDR: Bramblingstorm and Lavenderfang taking all the L’s

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