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lurkingshan · 9 months

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bad buddy fandom getting-to-know-you-meme!

Tagged by @telomeke, thanks friend! I had to get through the weekend drama deluge before I could clear out some brain space to answer this one properly, because I never mess around when I'm talking Bad Buddy.

Name and whatever you want to share about yourself

Shan, she/her, I live in the US. I am a lifelong consumer of stories and both an avid reader and drama watcher. I write a lot of meta because when I enjoy a thing I love to dissect and unpack it, and I post on tumblr because I have the most fun when I do that with other people.

When did you watch bad buddy/join the fandom?

I watched Bad Buddy live when it was airing! I was not on tumblr then but I was lurking around fandom spaces and following the week to week discussions around the show, but not actively participating in them. After that my interest in bl as a genre only grew, so I created this blog about 9 months ago to start joining in the fun.

Favourite ship/s

Pat/Pran, of course. They are amongst my all time favorite couples that I've seen in any media, period. I will spice this up by also admitting Pa/Ink didn't do all that much for me. They were just a bit too underwritten for me; I am not someone that is wowed by side crumbs or enjoys filling in the gaps myself. But I am really looking forward to seeing Milk and Love headline their own show soon.

Favourite character/s

Going to take a stand here and throw my love Pat's way, because Pran is the character most in fandom seem to connect with. But I just love Pat. He's such a kind and loyal and devoted person at heart. He's a little bit of a himbo about his emotions, but he's also quite smart in his own way and he understands more than people realize. I love his easy acceptance of his own sexuality but also others around him. He has good instincts about people and it's no coincidence he ends up surrounded by such a good community of his own making. And I respect the hell out of his willingness to fight the constraints of filial piety to call his father on his bullshit. He is someone Pran can trust to stick with him through a lot of hard shit, and his easy forgiveness of Pran's more prickly attributes is crucial to their relationship health. For someone with such a healthy ego, Pat has no problem putting it aside for the man he loves. That's real strength, right there.

Favourite episode/s

Joining the pile on for Episode 11, my beloved. When I tell you I was sobbing the first time I watched it. Tears just pouring down my face from the moment Pat told Pran he understood they had to go back all the way through Pran's song for Pat and their return home. It's one of the most moving sequences I have ever seen in a romance, the way they came to the realization of what they were facing, chose each other anyway, and decided they were going to find a way to stay together, even if it couldn't be in exactly the way they hoped.

Favourite scene/s

Oh gosh, there are just so many. The aforementioned sequence in ep 11, both major rooftop scenes, that lone tear tracking down Pran's face at the end of episode 4, Pat confronting Ming. On the lighter side, there's also the brainstorming roleplay from ep 3, pretty much every courtship scene where they flirted via PPL, the FINGER LICK, the final episode wrestling match and sex acrobatics. Every scene between Pat and Pran was just aces.

One thing you would change about the show if you could

*cracks knuckles*

Okay, fam, just remember, you asked! Bad Buddy is one of my favorite shows of all time, but as I have discussed with @waitmyturtles at length, it is not perfect and I have some serious quibbles with it from a writing standpoint. My top 3:

Wai outing Pran and then Pran spending the whole episode apologizing to him. Nonsensical, infuriating, and the show didn’t do the work to make us understand Pran and Wai’s friendship enough to accept that. I still hate poor Jimmy's face to this day and I blame that on Aof.

Pat gets shot as the deus ex machina to resolve the Wai plot. Villain comes out of nowhere in the same episode, the whole situation is tonally discordant, no follow through and the injury is treated like he got a paper cut in the aftermath. It's just lazy writing. Honestly, send all of episode 9 to the trash heap.

Finale fake out. Aof undercut his own themes about the struggle of the closet and sublimation of your own needs in service of filial piety in order to play a prank on the audience. Dumb waste of half the finale’s run time that actively worked against the message he sought to deliver, and that ep 12 preview nearly ruined ep 11 for a lot of people. Luckily the second half of the finale was so strong it made up for it, but I maintain the fake out was a bad choice that I would definitely go back and change.

What are your some of your favorite fanworks made by other people?

I am a meta girlie at heart so I am always most excited reading deep dives. I cannot possibly remember all the good shit I have read on Bad Buddy, but I'll give a shoutout to the BBS (gender neutral) girlies keeping the meta alive to this day @telomeke @ranchthoughts @dudeyuri @dimplesandfierceeyes @chickenstrangers @miscellar @grapejuicegay. I am always so excited when I see new posts about this show on my dash and I had a great time clowning with you all on OS2.

What are your favourite fanworks you've made?

I wasn't here when the show was airing so I actually don't have a deep library of my own meta for this show (not that made it onto tumblr, anyway). But one of the fun things about being in bl fandom is we get to make connections across the shows we're all watching, so I'll give a shoutout to this post I did drawing a line between Pran and Jae Won of The Eighth Sense.

A song that makes you think of BBS (not in the show)

It's gotta be Same Page? by Tilly Birds. It's not actually played in the show, but Pat briefly references it when he's teasing Pran in their final scene together, and y'all, look at these lyrics:

Me missing you is missing Me missing you is missing along the way Me missing you is missing Me missing you is missing along the way Do you realize how much I am agonized? I only want to know If you and I are on the same page I really want to know if you have a change of heart Or is it just me thinking? Or is there something missing? Like how my feelings never reach you

Feels pretty appropriate for a long-distance couple with more separation ahead, doesn't it? It's fine, I am very normal about this.

youtube

Thanks again for tagging me, Tel, this was fun! I am adding @neuroticbookworm @blmpff @manogirl @invisiblegarters @slayerkitty @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle in case you want to play, and anyone else I tagged above who hasn't done it yet, consider yourselves tagged!

#bad buddy #tag game #shan unleashes her unpopular bbs takes and prepares to get tomatoes thrown at her

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theplottdump · 11 months

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Liz: So you're good now? Dahlia: Yeah, Just super good friends. Liz: Dahls you know that's bullshit. Dahlia: I'm serious! We don't even have a romance bar!

Liz: What about your life plan? Dahlia: Oh you mean the one where I graduate Foxbury with honors, move to Evergreen Harbor, Marry Beau and Eventually we both live on Sixam after I crack Space Travel? Liz: Yeah, that one.

Dahlia: I'm a spare Liz, and one day the Watcher will abandon me and I'll get to go live my own blissful unplayed life.

Liz: But just be careful you don't let Beau get Married off to some MCCC Rando in the process. There are few of us who are secure enough to be within love without proper encouragement. Dahlia: Thanks Jane Austen. I'll remember that.

#elizabeth armstrong #dahlia plott #Plott Gen 5 #Main Plott #Gen5Part5

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marxonculture · 1 year

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The Letterboxd Phenomenon and My Four Favourites

Like many a young film lover over the last few years, Letterboxd (a film focused social media app) has been key in helping me to build my relationship with movies.

As someone who has been obsessively and compulsively making lists for most of my life (I recently found an old notebook from my teenage years full of lists ranking everything from actors to T.V. episodes to musicians - yes, I am autistic...), Letterboxd has been incredibly helpful in keeping track of my growth and change as a film watcher since I joined the service in 2017.

Back when I first joined, Letterboxd felt like this secret club where only the most pitiful little film gremlins would congregate to list and tabulate their movie experiences. In recent years, that pool of users has expanded massively into a lively, vibrant media environment, plagued with some (if not all) of the same problems as film twitter. It's quieter, though, a space that still provides users a freedom to use its features however they please.

Like I said before, I love lists. My Letterboxd is a super convenient container for all the granular ways in which I like to sort and organise the films I love. If you're interested, my Letterboxd is here.

My Four Favourites

One of the most exciting and fraught features on Letterboxd is the Four Favourites that adorn the top of every user's profile. Everyone has a different approach to filling out these four coveted slots - I regularly change mine, often to fit some sort of theme - but I thought I'd take this opportunity to talk about the films which come closest to being my actual four favourites.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) dir. Joel and Ethan Coen

My favourite film of all time is the gloomy odyssey of New York folk musician, Llewyn Davis, directed by the ever brilliant Jewish brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen.

I talk about the Coens a lot as filmmakers whose work is quintessentially Jewish across their entire filmography. Most people understandably point to A Serious Man as the clearest example of Jewishness in their work (one of the only films in which Jewishness is explicitly part of the text). That being said, however, a broad attitude of posing moral and existential questions without attempting to provide answers is present in all of their work. This attitude is a fundamentally Jewish approach to life's mysteries, and in the work of the Coens, is often misidentified as nihilism. Inside Llewyn Davis, aside from being one of the most beautifully shot, written and acted films I've ever seen, with an all-time great folk soundtrack, is a film that asks terrifying existential questions:

Is it possible to make authentic art in a commercial world?

Is it possible to be a better person when everyone keeps telling you how awful you are?

Is it possible to escape this cycle I've trapped myself in?

No answers. Just questions. Live with it.

Collateral (2004) dir. Michael Mann

Michael Mann is a director that not a lot of people know is Jewish. You wouldn't think it looking at his movies, but if you pay attention to how he ends nearly all of his stories, the same uncertainty principle which fuels the Coen brothers seems to haunt Mann, too. Nearly all of his films end with a man, who has just done something to irrevocably change his world, walking off into the distance, leaving only a question: where the hell do I go from here?

Collateral is in many ways typical of what Michael Mann does. Two men, at odds with one another, wreak havok trying to overcome each other in an environment defined by a dramatically heightened level of realism. What sets this film apart from the rest of Mann's oevre is the way its protagonist, Max (Jamie Foxx), has to adopt the persona of the antagonist, Vincent (Tom Cruise giving his very best performance), in order to escape his situation. Collateral is a film about understanding the philosophy of your enemy and determining how much of it is bullshit.

The Fabelmans (2022) dir. Steven Spielberg

I know it's cliche to say so, but Steven Spielberg is far and away my favourite director of all time. What is more controversial about my love for the guy is that I don't think he has a single low period in his career. I am a particular defender of his 21st century output - Catch Me If You Can, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, The Post and West Side Story are all masterpieces in my book - and I really do feel that The Fabelmans is the pinnacle of his entire filmography.

A film which many have mistaken as overly soppy and sentimental, is actually a tangle of Freudian trauma and pessimism about the relationship between art and identity. The Fabelmans presents Spielberg's incredibly dark and complicated relationship with his family, his own Jewishness and his use of his talents as a filmmaker to reckon with those things. He weaponises his signiture warm, glowing, nostalgic side to frame more upsettingly the most upsetting parts of his upbringing. For Spielberg, cinema is a coping mechanism that has ripped his personal life apart, and it's truly remarkable that he is self-aware enough to admit that in front of the world.

Broadcast News (1987) dir. James L. Brooks

James L. Brooks doesn't have the best track record as a director, but when you make something like Broadcast News, it doesn't really matter what you do next because unless you're some kind of miracle worker, there's no way to top something this good.

Stories about journalists are like crack to me. I'm one of those weirdos who unironically loves Sorkin's The Newsroom; Spotlight is a comfort movie for me! Any story featuring journalists who are really great at their jobs, waxing poetic about the fourth estate, is going to work wonders for me. Add to that one of the best romantic dramedy dynamics in cinema history, and you have a recipe for the perfect Dan movie.

One of the most miraculous things about Broadcast News is the trio of performers at its centre, particularly Holly Hunter, who for my money is maybe the greatest ever living screen actor. The way she plays the burden of intelligence in conflict with a desire for connection is almost upsettingly brilliant, especially given the fact that this was her first big starring role. I really do believe that Brooks' screenplay for this film is one of the best ever written, with some of the most unflinchingly real, but still delightfully funny characters put to screen.

So, there we are. I guess you could see this as a 'four movies to get to know me' kind of thing. Coincidentally (or not, who can say), all four of these films are by Jewish directors, and all four of them feel distinctly Jewish to me in the ways they approach their themes and ideas. Beyond that, though, these are all films that make me feel a deep connection to their characters and the worlds they imagine.

What are your Four Favourites, and what do they say about you?

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00katrinka00 · 5 months

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Landcaster Legacy Gen 7 Update #51

Dear Diary, The first day of school is tomorrow, and I'm pretty excited. It's my last year of school before Lacy and I move to Del Sol Valley. Not to mention I get to see Sage for the first time in weeks, and I cannot wait. -Violet

While Violet got a good night's sleep, Lacy was in the bathroom angerly staring at herself in the mirror. She was angry, and refusing to accept that it was at herself. Instead, she grabbed a pair of scissors and some hair dye.

Later that morning, after Violet had woken up and gotten herself ready, she gasped after seeing Lacy. "What did you do?" Lacy laughed, "I mean I think it's pretty obvious. I needed a change, I was bored. I look hot, right?" "I mean, yeah it looks good, but-" "But nothing."

"You're going to get in trouble for that outfit at school," Violet told her. "The dress code is bullshit," Lacy brushed her off. "Well yeah, I agree, but do you really want detention?" "I'll skip." "They won't let you graduate at the end of the year then." "Who cares?"

Mads called the girls downstairs so she could get a back-to-school photo. "Oh, look at you three," Mads exclaimed "Can you just take the photo?" Violet asked Rosie quickly jumped onto Lacy's back. "I swear, you love making me uncomfortable," Lacy said "You know it," Rosie grinned

"Lacy, the outfit is cute and all, but you might want to change, it's against the dress code," Mads warned her. "So?" "I'm just saying, you wouldn't want to get in trouble, would you?" "And you're not my mother, so maybe stop telling me what to do." Mads was too stunned to speak.

Immediately after arriving at school, Sage greeted Violet, "How was break? You need to tell me all about your trip to Del Sol Valley." "It was so great!" Violet exclaimed. "How was Willow Creek with your grandparents?" "It was alright, not much to do though," Sage replied.

"What the hell did you do to your hair?" Jenna asked, stunned. "I look great, don't I?" Lacy posed. "I'm so hot." "I just gave you your old hairstyle after prom last year," Jenna was a little disappointed. "I needed a change, relax, watcher, you're being so dramatic, calm down."

"Bangs, really?" Jenna asked. "I mean they totally suit you, but really, bangs?" "Like I already said," Lacy let out an irritated sigh. "I needed a change, and I look totally hot. If you don't agree, then like screw off or whatever." "What has gotten into you?" "Is that Charlie?"

"Right before bed last night we were scrolling social bunny, and well, Owen switched his relationship status to taken," Violet told them "This makes so much sense now," said Jenna "Seriously?" Sage asked. "This is over a boy?" "She really liked him," Violet said in Lacy's defense

Inside, Lacy pulled Charlie aside. "So, like, how was your break?" she asked him. "You're talking to me now?" he asked confused. "Because you brutally rejected my prom invite." "That's old news, and I'm so sorry about it. I had time to think, and you're super cute." "Oh, really?"

"Hell yeah," Lacy flashed him an award-winning smile. "We should hangout sometime." "I can give you my number," Charlie offered. "That'd be amazing, we can text, talk, maybe I can send you a few photos…" "Like what kind of photos?" "Oh, you know…"

"I need to talk to you," Violet interrupted before Lacy had the chance to exchange numbers with Charlie. "I'm kind of busy," Lacy rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Charlie. "NOW!" Violet said sternly. "OMW, fine. You need to calm down, it's not that serious."

"Literally, what are you doing?" Violet asked. "You don't even like Charlie" "Exactly!" "Why are you hitting on him? Also, don't be sending him bad 'photos' do you know what someone might do with those in the future? When did we hit a point in which I became the responsible one?"

"Is this about Owen-" Violet began "Will you shut up!" Lacy exclaimed angerly. "I can't be with Owen, none of this has anything to do with him. Honestly, when did you get such a stick up your ass? Stop trying to micromanage my life, you used to be fun. Fuck you." Lacy stormed off

#thesims4gameplay #thesims4community #thesims #thesimscommunity #landcasterlegacy #thesims4legacy #thesims4 #thesimsgameplay #thesim4gameplay

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queermoviereviews · 8 months

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So, My Grandma’s A Lesbian (2019): Queer Movie Review

TLDR: Great for an introduction to wlw relationships, but not recommended for seasoned queer movie watchers.

So My Grandma's A Lesbian is available for streaming on Netflix.

This Spanish comedy is goofy, and that’s what drags it down. More scenes ought to be emotionally charged, but instead, we get scene after scene of irrelevant characters being goofballs. That’s not necessarily a bad thing- and wouldn’t be if the center of this story wasn’t about a homophobic family coming to terms with a lesbian marriage among them. A serious problem ought to be handled delicately. While making this movie a comedy is completely possible, the writers were not skilled enough to pull it off. For a successful comedy movie that centers around breaking free of homophobia, see cult-classic But I’m A Cheerleader.

The cinematography is competent, as is the music and acting, so we’re going to focus on the writing here.

The protagonist of our story is a 20-something Spanish woman who feels her marriage is at stake because of her grandma’s lesbian wedding. Her husband (and she) are both homophobic, and his family wouldn’t accept her if one of her relatives was openly gay. So she says. This is complete bullshit, though. Her husband has an openly gay relative, who, although his actions are frowned upon, is allowed to frequent family gatherings. This gay cousin isn’t shunned, like our protagonist fears she will become.

Our protagonist is also, as you may have caught on by now, horribly unlikeable. She despises everyone in her family. Some of this hatred is earned, but most is not. She is entirely self-centered. And, of course, she is homophobic. While she does come to accept her grandmother’s queerness, her redemption feels undeserved. Her 180 is so sudden it feels completely out of place.

That being said, this movie ends happily, a rarity for wlw and mlm movies, and can serve as a wonderful introduction to queerness for straight audiences. The wlw relationship is completely wholesome, another feature this movie has going for it. The bride-to-be’s are not sexualized in any way, which is a lovely contrast to the majority of wlw movies.

Regardless of its positives, I give this movie a 2/5 for seasoned queer movie watchers. It doesn’t compare to other wlw movies such as But I’m A Cheerleader and Carol.

However, If you’re looking for an introduction to the genre, or want to watch a wholesome movie with a wlw couple in it, this movie is more your speed.

#movie review #so my grandma's a lesbian #wlw #lesbian #wlw movie #lesbian movie #comedy movie #romantic movie #movie #sapphic #sapphic movie #queer #queer movie review #lgbtqia #lbtgq

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avelera · 2 years

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OFMD Season 2 Prediction: The Redemption of Blackbeard

Ok ok, so, another thought around Stede's "glow up" at the end of Season 1 (I mean, just look at his hair, his posture, the romantic puffy shirt, the single hand raised like a beacon to hail his crew, the everything wow) but with Stede now looking so amazing and Ed being so fucking horrible at the very end, I think we're going to get a reversal of the S1 theme of "Why the heck does Blackbeard like this loser Stede?" turning into "Why the heck does Stede like this monster Blackbeard?"

(cut for length because of who I am as a long-winded person)

Quick context, but one thing I saw across my many years as a fanfic writer over many fandoms was lot of kvetching over whether one person in the ship deserved the other person. You write a fic where one of them supports the other and get the inevitable troll being like "OK but why does this person deserve this perfect angel of a character," or whatever. It's an irritating comment when used to ship-police people but there is an interesting kernel of truth in it for writers, because too often romances (especially generic male-gaze het romances) can ignore whether or not we have some evidence that the protagonist is actually worthy of this beautiful, incredible love interest's affections. (By the way, with Bagginshield I saw trolls pestering people about both characters not being good enough for the other so eh, I don't take the trolls too seriously.)

But the thing is, in "Our Flag Means Death" Stede is.... kinda pathetic in the first season. I mean, it's real, legitimate question that everyone is asking, especially Izzy Hands, of why the fuck the legendary pirate Blackbeard is giving this guy Stede the time of day, let alone swooning over him.

I mean, Blackbeard as a love interest is legitimately amazing. He's the most remarkable sailor a hard-ass like Izzy has ever met, his name strikes so much fear that he doesn't need to fire a shot. But he's also sensitive and vulnerable and wonderful about Stede's hobbies. He's A+ red silk boyfriend material, caring about Stede, being patient with him, and generally looking at Stede like he hangs the moon. It's wonderful stuff.

Now, we as the audience see firsthand how Ed and Stede complete and fulfill each other in intimate moments that few other characters see but let's be honest... Stede still kind of sucks. He's still a deadbeat dad, he's often self-absorbed and oblivious to what other people want (like when he barges into his wife's new life, or even just when he tries repeatedly to force his crew into his vision of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of what they want). There is a legitimate question to be asked if Stede is worthy of Ed. And by the end of Season 1 we have the answer, he's glowed up. Stede's a romantic hero now, he's dealt with his bullshit and he's become worthy of Blackbeard's affection as a self-actualized adult ready to be his full, authentic self with Ed.

Ok that's great and all, like that's a pretty standard emotional arc, especially in a romance, but what does that mean for Season 2?

Well, in Season 2, I think we're going to get the formula reversed. Stede is all windswept and handsome and self-actualized, he settled his family drama, he's realized who he is and who he loves and all his good qualities like caring for his crew are going to stop being silly unwanted eccentricities and really make him the "better" partner of the two, I mean goddamn he almost looks angelic in the last shot, it's the promise of the Gentleman Pirate that Blackbeard was swooning over in the first place.

But Ed? Ed has fallen into shadow. He's got messy eyeliner and he kills without blinking, tortures without remorse, and has clearly descended into a pit of self-loathing. He's a fucking mess. We might even have moments where we wonder if he's redeemable (IMO, Lucius is alive but that's a pretty serious line that Ed crossed by trying to kill a member of Stede's beloved crew).

As fanfic readers/romance watchers, that rather valid question of "Does Character A even deserve Character B?" is going to be deliciously flipped. Does Ed deserve someone as wonderful and caring as Stede? And my deepest, dearest hope is that we will get the same luxurious, intimate journey from the darkest pits of Ed's worst self to show how he's going to become worthy of the person Stede has become.

#our flag means death #our flag means death spoilers #ofmd spoilers #ofmd meta #blackbonnet #long post sorry it's who I am as a person

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xeunoais · 3 years

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Settling Down - Chapter lll

(A/N): AHHHHH things are getting good!!

Summary: Y/N has a heart to heart with her parents. Afterwards, her and Chris decided to watch the sunrise together. And maybe they had a heart to heart too.

Now that everyone was settled in the house, it was time to explore. Y/N was heading to find Chris to see if he would go walk around with her, but with just her luck, she ran into her parents instead.

“Y/N, darling, we were just looking for you. Let us go on a walk. There is something we need to discuss.” Her mom said, with that all too familiar face that she used to see all the time growing up.

“Well let me find Chris, so he can go- “ Before she could finish her mom cut her off.

“No, your mom and I need to talk to you. Alone.” Her dad said sternly.

Y/N was speechless and hands down embarrassed because she knew that someone had to have heard that whole conversation.

It took everything in her not to cry but somehow, she managed to hold the tears in and walked out of the house with her parents. She was expecting the absolute worst to come out of this.

She was out the door and her parents were hot on her heals. Chris came out of the bathroom and saw the three of them walk out the door. He was so close to following but decided against it.

“Y/N, sweetheart, we need to talk about what’s going on here.” Her mom told her, as her dad nodded his head agreeing.

“Mom, Dad, if you brought me out here to scold me on the decisions, I make now could effect my future forever or any of that bullshit, I don’t want to hear it. I am an adult, I know how to take care of myself. I don’t need you nagging me on every decision I make.” Y/N nearly shouted, the more she said the angrier she got. “I let both of you control every aspect of my life for 18 years, and then when I finally realized how toxic that was, I stopped. I get it that your lives may not have been perfect, but this is my life and its time that you finally let me live it.”

Her parents were speechless. They were both at a serious loss for words. This was a side of Y/N they had not seen before. She was always on the quiet side and when she was confronted with something she usually just listened.

“I’m sorry for getting so upset but do you guys seriously not see how wrong that was? You never gave me the chance to just be a kid or teenager.” Y/N said after she calmed herself down.

“Honey, we are so sorry. We just wanted what was best for you.” Her dad said grabbing her hand.

“I know you did but you should have let me live my life and helped guide me some along the way if I needed it.” She explained to him.

“Sweetie, how serious are you about this guy?”

“I’m in love with him. He is so perfect, it is almost unreal. He makes me laugh, he never disrespects me, he understands my boundaries when it comes to certain things. Now that I have him in my life, I do not think I could ever let him go. He is my forever, mom.”

Y/N was in tears at this point. She did not realize how in love with Chris she was until she heard herself talking about him.

She was head over heals in love with him and never wanted to spend another minute apart from him.

Her parents both hugged her. She had not experienced a hug like this with them in a long time, if ever. This was a true hug.

She felt as if she had finally escaped this cage that they had her in for so long. She felt so unbelievably happy and loved.

“Go get you guy sweetie, there is something your dad and I would like to say to him.” Her mom told her.

Y/N went to head to get him only to see him heading their way already. She ran to him and grabbed his hand only to pretty much drag him to her parents.

“Chris, we wanted to apologize to you for coming off the wrong way at the start. And we wanted to thank you for loving our daughter the way you do. You brought a side of her that we didn’t know she had and that we needed to see.” Her parents told him.

Y/N stood aside and watcher her parent and the love of her life talk, and she felt like she was dreaming. Life had never been more perfect for her then now.

She was truly and one hundred percent happy. Who would have thought that this trip would be this great?

The next more Chris and Y/N got up early to see the sunrise. They loved the family time, but they needed some time to themselves.

Even if it was just a couple of hours, they just needed a moment alone together, away from the chaos.

They decided to leave their phones their to just escape for a little bit. Well let us just say that was the first mistake.

Alongside, not telling anyone where they were going. They walked and walked until they found a spot that luckily had a bench.

“I love you. You know that?” Chris asked.

“I love you more.” Y/N replied with a small smile.

“Baby, I wouldn’t if I were you because we both know I will win this.” He said smiling back at her.

“You seem to be growing on my parents.”

“I know, they don’t seem so uptight anymore. Like they are finally loosening up.”

“They are and I’m loving it. I haven’t seen them so happy.” Y/N said looking at Chris.

She just sat there and stared at him in awe. She was so full of love for him she felt as if she was going to explode.

“What are you staring at?” Chris asked laughing.

“I want you to know that I want to spend forever with you. I want it all with you. I know that none of this is going to happen tomorrow or next week, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my future, Chris. You are my forever.” Y/N told him.

“And you, baby, are my forever. You know that day I met you, I went back home and told this buddy of mine that I thought I had just met my future wife. And I was not wrong. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Chris replied grabbing both of her hands.

“Christopher Robert Evans, are you asking me to marry you?” Y/N asked.

“What if I was?”

“Well, if you were, I would probably say that you were crazy.”

Chris reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black velvet box and Y/N gasped at the sight of it. She pulled her hands from his and covered her mouth. Chris went down on one knee.

“Baby, I know we haven’t been together long, but my mom always said when you know, you know. And I know that I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. So, my love, will you marry- “

“YES!” Y/N cut him off and then kissed him.

When she pulled away, he stood up and pulled the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. She looked at it and then wrapped her arms around his neck as his went around her waist. They both looked out at the sunrise and just held each other close.

Everything was absolutely perfect.

taglist: @uniquebeautyqueen @jennamarieee623 @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss @raabrakha

#chris evans fic #chris evans fluff #chris evans series #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans blurb #chris evans #chris evans x you #chris evans x y/n #chris evans angst #chris evans fandom #settling down #settling down series

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crazy-lazy-elder-sims · 3 years

Text

Tagged by @livinginalandfill thanks babes this is gonna be fun!

1. why did you choose your url?

uuh which one lol well i made crazy-lazy-elder-sims to say that i have crazy ideas for elders but i am lazy so don’t expect much lol the dashes are an inside joke between me and my self lol throw back to my first ever tumblr all-the-weird-things when i made it in school’s library and i was an idiot and had no idea that you could just not have dashes or spaces hehe

Amelia the simmer is a variation of my first oc character i ever had a super hero called Amy the watcher i basically go by Amelia the ___ for anything now lol

2. any sideblogs? if you have them name them and why you have them.

I have a cc finds blog @ameliathesimmerccfinds i made it after @livinginalandfill called me out on my inefficient bullshit lol i also have @ameliathesimmer for stories and general art but i have commitment issues and depression so i am on and off with creating stuff for it

3. how long have you been on tumblr?

ohh maaan I've been here for the longest time since 2012!!!!

4. do you have a queue tag?

nope i can't be bothered to set it up i just reblog other peoples things with #non sims and my own personal stuff with #personal

5. Why did you start your blog in the first place?

i started this blog because i wanted to join the community since no one where i live gives a shit about games unless its cod or fortnite and they dont know or care that casual games exist. so i wanted to be able to see other peoples creations and talk to people with the same interests!

6. Why did you choose your icon/pfp?

i made it to match the theme of my blog to give an effect of distinguished content for elder sims.....LOL i made a whole ne pfp and icon but then i lost the files then i forgot about the whole thing.... and now i remembered ehehe thanks!

7. Why did you choose your header?

uuh its the same as my pfp lmao

8. What’s your post with the most notes?

its the how to make muslim sims pt2 which i love very much but sometimes wish i didn’t make cause i get hate daily because of it :(

9. How many mutuals do you have?

oof i have a good amount and i love all of them so much they keep me going despite the hate T_T

10. How many followers do I have?

i have no idea lemme check

532!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT SINCE WHEN LAST I CHECKED I HAD LIKE 300 OMG I HAVE TO DO SOMTHING FOR THAT!

11. How many people do you follow?

433 peeps!

12. Have you ever made a shitpost?

uh i think my entire personality is a shit post lol but yeah i just made one yesterday!

13. How often do you use tumblr each day?

tumblr app 1 hr 14 M but i use the desktop website more i reckon 6 to 7 hrs since i have the tumblr tab pinned permanently

14. Did you have a fight/argument with another blog once?

No. i block people who are problematic idgf about peoples personal fights cause its usually someone that doesn't believe in human rights that's arguing with some one who believes in them and its obvious who is in the wrong so no point in arguing!

15. How do you feel about “you need to reblog” posts?

if its a serious issue that needs spreading then yeah but either than that it makes me not want to reblog it more lol

16. Do you like tag games?

yes they are so much fun!!!

17. Do you like ask games?

i love them but no one ever plays with me so i stopped rebloging them lol

18. Which one of your mutual do you think is tumblr famous?

i have no idea because i dont look at the notes of thier posts lol

19. Do you have a crush on a mutual?

yes but more from i admire them so much i want to be them !

20. Tags? Ignore if ya want :3

@xldkx @lacr1mation23 @nappingcucumber @eslanes @glammoose @petaluhsims @aniraklova @ladykendalsims @freakishnature

feel free to ignore if you done it before of just don’t want to !

#non sims #personal #ask game #tag game

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ryanberga · 4 years

Note

tbh i’d love to see ur paragraphs abt ryan & i’m sure other people would too,,,,,,post it?👀

ok *deep breath*

we all always joke about ryan being this dumb himbo jock archetype to shane’s academically-inclined strange man archetype which is funny as hell those jokes are funny and all in good fun but!! let’s not forget that ryan is actually not dumb at all!

let’s talk about ryan & shane’s dynamic and the whole boogara vs. shaniac thing. there’s a decent amount of people who see ryan saying “i believe in ghosts & demons & the supernatural & funny little conspiracy theories,” and then they see shane saying “all that is bullshit, i’m a skeptic & i believe in science,” and they jump to the conclusion that therefore, shane is smart and ryan is dumb, or shane is smarter than ryan, and that’s simply not true!! ryan’s belief system is inherently different from shane’s, but that does not mean he is stupid for it! shane is very outwardly and vocally interested in things like history and science, and i think that’s another reason people tend to fall into the belief that shane is smart and ryan is dumb, but, again: simply not true! just because ryan isn’t as interested in typical academic pursuits doesn’t mean he’s dumb, and i think it’s actually a very problematic mindset to equate someone’s intelligence with like the core subjects you learn in school.

ok, now let’s talk about bfu. let’s talk about how bfu was entirely ryan’s brain baby and how groundbreaking the format of it was. let’s talk about how no other supernatural or true crime shows presented its information the way that bfu does. let’s talk about how when bfu started, ryan did 100% of the work for it. he did the research, the writing, the editing, etc etc all on his own. let’s talk about how much work he put into it and how passionate he was about it. let’s talk about how the format is so smartly done & unique & original. let’s also talk about how no matter how much evidence shane presents that directly contrasts ryan’s theories, ryan stays true to himself and believes in what he believes in and refuses to be swayed. let’s talk about how even when shane blatantly dismisses ryan’s beliefs or insults him or teases him for his beliefs, ryan doesn’t budge. i also think it’s so impressive that ryan remains genuinely curious about these things and continues to believe in these things even when someone (who he cares about & respects!) is consistently telling him his beliefs are bullshit.

ok, now let’s talk about watcher. i’m not going to talk about how much courage it must have taken to leave buzzfeed to create a completely original company because that goes without saying, and it’s been talked about enough before. instead, i’m going to talk about spooky small talk specifically for a second. the fact that both steven and shane have said that spooky small talk is the biggest undertaking that any of them pursued for any of their shows is! pretty impressive! the amount of work that had to have gone into that show is really mindblowing to think about, to have to deal with the scare actors and all the noises and getting through the maze while asking questions and staying engaged with the interviewee. it’s a lot to deal with, and ryan does it fantastically, and he makes it look so effortless, as if it was the easiest thing in the world to create.

and then there’s here’s what you do, which i think is a good example of ryan showing that he’s very smart when it comes to emotions and self-care. very often in hwyd, he talks about emotions and self-care in ways that surprise me with how succinctly he’s able to put sort of complex thoughts into words. personally, i also think he gives some of the best and most thoughtful answers (when they’re actually giving serious answers and not talking about piss & shit, that is).

and just a couple more things about ryan i want to point out before i finish this off: no matter what ryan does, in everything he pursues, he seems to me to remain completely genuine to who he was at the start of this all, way back when he was still making videos with brent. he never changes his belief system, no matter what shane or anyone else says to him. he remains compassionate and unashamedly himself in all his pursuits. everything he does is imbued with so much fun. he wants to have fun, and he wants his audience to have fun along with him, and i think it‘s very evident that this is the case.

also, if you listen to ryan speak, like, in watcher weeklys or hwyd or whatever? it seems to me like he says everything with intention, and it seems like most things he says are pretty well thought out (again, when he’s not being purposefully silly). also! he has a great vocabulary! as an english major myself, i am often surprised by some of the words he throws out very casually in conversation!

and one last point, bringing it back to my first paragraph: just because he’s not as into things like history and science, he is still very well-versed in a lot of other things that speak to an inherent intelligence. first of all, it’s been established that he knows tons about true crime and conspiracies and supernatural stuff. he’s also very well-versed in pop culture, and more than just movies & tv shows! he’s spoken lots about books, and music, and podcasts, and video games! (and also don’t forget that he’s mentioned multiple times how he maintained i believe a 3.9 gpa throughout all of high school & college while also involving himself in sports & extracurriculars & a fraternity! gpa is bullshit, but that’s still pretty impressive if you ask me!)

(edit: also!! the fact that both shane and steven said ryan was the one who was the most prepared in terms of banging out content should something like a pandemic occur before covid was even a thing!! let’s not sleep on that fact, wow!)

((edit pt. 2: also! my total bad for not appreciating his sense of humor! he’s such a funny guy! and so quick-witted! i think his sense of humor on its own is enough to demonstrate how very obviously Not Dumb he is!))

tl;dr: does ryan lean into the dumb jock archetype? sometimes, yes, i think he does. i think he thinks it’s funny to play dumb (and it is!). but is ryan actually dumb? no fuckin way! ryan is smart & talented & very hard-working & passionate & just an all-around great guy. put some respect on his name

#answered #fictionandmusic #sorry this got so long #i just love ryan steven bergara very much #also none of this is really Hot Takes #just some lovin & appreciatin ryan

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purplesurveys · 3 years

Text

1248

Your ex taps you on the shoulder and says, “I still love you.” You say? I feel like I’ve answered a similar situation recently, but I would assume it was a drunk text or wrong text, inform them about it, and move on.

Do you play video games? Nah. I do feel a sort of connection of video games since I grew up surrounded by them, though; but I’m more of a watcher than anything. I like watching playthroughs of video games I’ll never play. Do you spend a lot of time with family? No. We used to, back when the quarantine was still a relatively new thing – we hung out in the living room all the time. But now that we’ve settled in this new normal, we’re back to our normal routines and I usually like staying in my room.

Is your house more than two stories tall? Technically, yes. We have a rooftop that serves as the ‘third’ floor.

Have you ever hit your significant other? Has he/she ever hit you? My ex and I never hit one another; that’s a gigantic red flag even I would notice, considering I ignored most of the ones I saw hahaha.

What makes you an attractive person? (Talk about your personality too!) I’m not sure if I’ll be able to answer this question directly, but I like my generosity. I’m not sure if I can call it attractive, though. But if we were focusing on physical features, I like my smile.

What color is your hairbrush/comb? Pink.

What snacks do you have available in your household atm? My dad splurged on chips in his last grocery run so we actually have quite a lot of junk food in the pantry at the moment. He also bought several packs of cookie sandwiches, wafers, sunflower seeds, and garlic-flavored peanuts.

Has anyone recently told you that they like you, or find you attractive? Neither.

Are you attracted to the last person you Facebook messaged? No, she’s just a good friend of mine.

Do you care about anyone that doesn’t care about you? I guess I don’t, because I’m not even aware of them.

Was your last Facebook friend requests from a male or female? Guy. It was another reporter, so I just ignored it and luckily he didn’t PM me just to ask to add him back, which others have already done. I really hate when work people try to make their way into my personal accounts.

Which one of your relatives is most likely to embarrass you? My parents, especially when they are rude to service crew. Gen X-ers are impeccably talented at that, apparently.

When was the last time you ate a bar of chocolate? Around two or three weeks ago when I had dinner at Angela’s. Her dad gave me a bar of Crunch so I can have something sweet after our meal.

Do you play any games on Facebook? No, I never did hop on that trend.

What would you like to get a degree in? I wanted a degree in journalism, and graduated with such. At the end of my college stint I didn’t want to pursue it anymore, but I pushed through with it anyway because it was too much of a hassle to shift and start all over.

Do you wake up a lot in the middle of the night? Technically not, because I stay up until the middle of the night anyway. It’s been a while since I fell asleep anywhere between 8 to 10 PM.

Would you prefer to read a book, watch a movie or TV show, or play a video game? Watch a show.

Do you usually get popcorn or soda at the movie theater? I don’t like either; I get fries instead.

What genre of films do you like the best? Drama.

How many bank accounts do you have? Two but I haven’t been using the other one in months. That was the bank account I initially opened when I first started ~adulting~ but when I got employed I was required to enroll in this other specific bank, so that’s what I mainly use now.

Have you ever had the flu? Not really. I just get the occasional fever that pop out of nowhere.

What is your goal for the next few months? Start saving FOR REAL, and also prioritizing furniture over merch for a while so I can finally fix up my room, which is quickly starting to look and feel like just a warehouse and not very homey at all.

Have you ever had some kind of sleep-disorder? How did it affect your life? Nope.

Have you ever had food poisoning before? Describe the experience. Yeah, it was from barbecue that apparently went bad, even though it tasted nothing of the sort. I woke up at 3 AM sweating profusely and with the most excruciating stomachache; I was feeling hot, cold, and nauseous all at the same time, and it probably lasted for like an hour or so.

What are two things that you have no problem paying full price for? Sealed albums and my pets’ vet expenses.

Funny, charming, cute, romantic, smart - choose only 2 for the opposite sex. Charming and smart.

Have you ever let somebody use you? Why did you do it? It felt nice to help people.

You can go back in time & change something in your mom’s past - what is it? Good question; I’ve never encountered this before. I would let her live a more comfortable, privileged life, where she didn’t have to staple her shoes to keep them closed or have to choose between eating at a fast food restaurant or being able to commute back home.

Do you know anybody who is around the exact same size as you? Who? I’m not sure, actually. Everyone’s always slightly taller than me.

Ever been to a haunted house? How scared were you? I haven’t.

Been on any websites today you wouldn’t want your parents to see? Tumblr, I guess? My survey blog isn’t for any irls to see.

Which is worse: dusting or mopping? I don’t really do either often, but I’ll go with mopping.

Would you marry somebody who was intensely religious? Not for me.

Did you pull a senior prank? No, that’s not a thing here. Did you graduate? Yeah, elementary, high school, and college.

Have you ever been unfaithful in a serious relationship? Nope.

What was the last song you listened to? It’s a song called Epiphany.

Are you one of those lucky people with 20/20 vision? Not ever since I was like 9 lol.

Is fashion one of your interests? I’m way more interested in it now for sure, mostly because the celebrities I’m into these days put a lot of effort when it comes to their style; so it makes me more aware of the trends that come and go, as well.

Do you think you’ll eventually find that special someone? I’m keeping it as a possibility, but it’s not a priority for me now.

Do you care what people think? To an extent, I would say. My life doesn’t depend on it, though.

Is acting something you enjoy? Never been.

What was the last thing you broke/sprained? Do you mean a thing or a body part? Anyway, I’ll answer both. The last thing I broke was my BTS Mic Drop pen of V looooooooooool the figurine came off the pen :(( It was pretty cheap though so I’m fine with it; I can always get another one. Last body part I sprained was my ankle, when I had a bad fall a couple of years ago.

Have you ever fought with a friend because of their boyfriend/girlfriend? Because of yours? Either hasn’t happened.

Has a stranger ever yelled at you for your language? I don’t think so.

Whose house, other than yours and your families', are you most comfortable at? Angela’s. Also JM’s, just because their family doesn’t hover and that vibe can sometimes be nice whenever I’m at someone else’s place.

Has any of your friends’ family ever yelled at you? Never.

Did you ever play a sport as a little kid? Did you enjoy it? Not as a very young kid, but I took up table tennis starting when I was 12. Did you ever watch the show Full House? Nope.

Is there a celebrity you are just DETERMINED to marry? Now that’s just delusional haha. I’m pretty obsessed with some celebrities, that much I can admit; but thinking of them in the context of marriage is so many steps overboard.

Have you ever burned someone’s picture? No. I could, but I am scared of fire and will probably just think of other ways to express my anger, like tearing up the photograph. What’s the longest hike you’ve ever been on? Total length was probably like 3 hours. I haven’t gone too far when it comes to hiking.

Would you ever get a lip tattoo? Not interested.

Who is the first person of the opposite sex that pops into your head? Hans.

Do your parents smoke cigarettes? My mom tried it once in her life, I think. My dad has never smoked.

What does one of your T-shirts have written on it? “Hope right here!”

Name a pet you definitely wouldn’t want. Anything that’s supposed to roam freely in the wild, like squirrels.

Would you prefer your partner smaller or taller? Taller, since I’m already quite pint-sized to begin with lol.

Do you enjoy going through old pictures? Sometimes. Other times, it's too painful. It also depends on the era of the pictures. < Agree, especially with the eras. Childhood photos are always fun to look at, but I have had to delete a CHUNK of photos from years ranging from 2014 to 2020 because I’ve lost a handful of friends from that period.

Do you believe people when they say they don’t judge people? It’s hard to for the most part, but I’ve noticed very few people people really don’t. Most of the time it’s bullshit though.

What did you love the most about the town you grew up in? That it’s pretty close to the metro.

What’s a movie that you laughed the hardest during? Hmm, I prefer TV shows if I’m craving comedy.

What’s a movie you cried the hardest during? Life Is Beautiful.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Omakase for my sushi fix; School Tteokbokki if I want Korean; Yabu if I’m looking for a generous rice meal.

Is there a dessert you don’t like? Anything with fruits.

Favorite album? After Laughter by Paramore.

What’s a book that you read because everyone else was reading it? I can name authors instead of books – John Green and Haruki Murakami.

Underwater or outer space? Outer space.

Dogs or cats? Dogs.

Kittens or puppies? Puppies.

Bird watching or whale watching? Whale watching. I don’t get to be in the water as much, so I would jump at the opportunity.

What is your spirit animal? I dunno if I have one but let’s just go with dog and elephant, I guess? They’re my favorites.

What was your best subject in school? History.

What was your worst subject in school? Chemistry.

What is one thing you wish you knew in high school? Don’t waste your time.

Who is your fashion icon? Audrey Hepburn.

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.

What color dress did you wear to prom? For my own prom it was cream-colored/beige. When I went to Mike’s ball, I went with a royal blue gown.

What’s your favorite plot-twist? I don’t think I’ve found my favorite yet.

Honestly, are you jealous of someone right now? Not actively.

Honestly, what’s the worst thing you’ve done when you were mad? I dunno...road rage, maybe?

Honestly, ever made anyone cry when you were mad? It’s very likely.

Honestly, when was the last time you REALLY cried your heart out? Sometime in the last week.

Ever pop someone else’s pimple? No thanks.

Do you need to return anyone’s phone call? Nope.

Who are you closest to? Angela.

Have you ever had a bad concert experience? No, all the ones I’ve been to have been amazing experiences.

Are you currently sad about anything? Not really. I can’t complain.

Have you had any form of exercise today? Nah.

Can you handle blood? Nope, I will feel faint if I see it 100%.

Has any place hired you underage for a job? No.

Have you ever carried a concealed weapon? I haven’t.

Are you currently searching for a job? No, I like the one I have.

Does eating breakfast make you sick? No?

#survey #surveys

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writingtoforgetreality · 4 years

Text

I just want us to be safe – Chapter 3 (Andy Barber x Daughter!Reader)

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter / I Just want us to be safe-Masterlist

Summary: After seeing the tribute post from Jacob, you were shocked to read the comments. Apparently, your little brother had been bullied by a lot of people. Their words were cruel. Why had he never told any of you? Was he hiding something? He was…

Words: 2,815

Warnings: language (duh), bullying, doubting, social media, Andy being one tired ass man (give him a hug already)

If you like my work & wanna support me: a coffee would be highly appreciated ❤

Arriving back home, all you wanted to do was go to your room & take a nap. Today had been exhausting. Dad & you had stopped by McDonalds, your guilty pleasure, but after this stressful day, you two needed some fast food. Laurie was already awaiting you. You greeted her & she asked if there was anything new. You had to disappoint her but assured her you would keep on working on it. Laurie told you to stop helping your dad with this case. She knew you loved this job but this case hit too close to home & she said it was not the best idea. Being the stubborn human being that you were, you simply said that you were doing just fine. That was partly true. Nothing would change your mind, you had to get this done, wanted to get this done.

Jacob was back in his room again. Dad, Laurie & you decided to knock on his door, wanting to talk to him. Not because of your assumptions but because you all wanted to be there for him. When he called you inside, he was a bit surprised that there were all three of you seated on his bed. Dad began with telling him that every single one of you was there for him & if he needed something, he should start opening up to you guys. Jacob nodded, not saying too much. Dad & Laurie left his room first. You wanted to make sure to talk to him alone, too.

“You know, Jay…If there’s anything, & I mean literally anything, you can come to me, yeah? I don’t know, maybe you’re not too comfortable to talk with them but I’m your sis. I care for you, do you hear me?” you were not this serious often but you needed him to understand that he had your full support. In that moment, you had forgotten about your previous train of thought.

“I know. Thank you, (Y/N).” he smiled at you. Not a full smile but you were getting there.

“Anytime.” & after that, you exited his room, closed his door & stood there for a second. Right now, it felt crazy to you that you genuinely thought Jacob was hiding something. Your mind was a bit out of place before but you could see clear again. You loved your little brother. He did not deserve to go through this.

Being back in the kitchen, dad continued working on the case. He repeated the talks he had had with the teenagers earlier that day. Nothing made sense.

“Still working on it, huh?” you smirked, trying to lighten the mood. Laurie was watching television, not really paying attention to what was on though.

“It’s just…it doesn’t make sense. Ben was liked by a lot of kids. He never had troubles in school, so why?” your dad was getting frustrated. Usually he knew solving a case could take way longer but the fact that it had happened in your hometown made everything worse. He wanted to find & arrest this piece of shit.

“Maybe we should sleep a night over it. Let’s try again tomorrow, with clear heads.” you reasoned.

“Just a few more minutes, then I’m heading to bed.” He said to which you went over to him & hugged him from behind. He gave you a kiss on the cheek & wished you a good night.

“Laurie? You coming?” you directed this question at her. She had already been looking at you since she had been listening to the conversation you had held with your dad. Something about calling her Laurie felt off. Did you want to say “mom”? That was weird. You had never had the desire to do so but it seemed like the last days had changed you quite a bit. Anyway, Laurie nodded at you, said good night to Andy & went with you upstairs. In the hallway you hugged her & told her to sleep well, her doing the same. After that, both of you went separate ways to your rooms.

Ridding yourself of your clothes, taking off your makeup, you decided to take a hot shower. Thus helping you with your thought process. You needed to get this off your mind, for the sake of your sleep. You stepped out of the shower, took a towel & wrapped it around your body. You took an oversized shirt, one of your dad’s you had stolen from him a while ago, & pulled it over. You usually slept in a shirt only, it was more comfortable that way. Not wanting to blow dry your hair, you just let it be as it was. You had bigger problems than blow drying your hair, for god’s sake. Deciding you still were not tired enough, you laid on top of your bed, taking your phone & started scrolling through your social media accounts. You were not active on any app at all, just checking in from time to time. Snapchat was first. Did anyone use this nowadays? All you did on that app was watching your friends’ stories. It was not like anyone sent you a private snap or something. After being done with that, you went over to Twitter. You mostly used this app to see your classmates posting shit they definitely would regret in the future. It was funny, really. Entertainment at its finest. You were glad that you were a “silent watcher”. That way nobody knew too much about you & you wanted to keep it like that. Last but not least: Instagram. That was your favorite app. You had a private account, of course, only letting people you knew in real life follow you. Your brother was the exact opposite. He had a public account, shared a lot about him, his hobbies, about his life in general. Not even once did you judge him for it. It was his life, he was allowed to share what he wanted to. Speaking of your brother’s account, you saw that he had posted a tribute to Ben a couple hours ago. Immediately, you liked it, thinking how cute it was of him to remember him that way. Honestly, you never checked Instagram comments. Most of the time they were filled with bullshit but this post was dedicated to a now dead classmate. Opening the comment section, you were shocked by the responses.

“We all know you did it. We know you own a knife.”

“Embarrassing…Acting like you were best friends smh.”

“Kill yourself, murderer.”

Tears started forming in your eyes. These comments scared you. Your brother had a knife? His classmates accused him of stabbing another 14-year-old? Not wanting to believe a single word, you checked out Jacob’s other posts, the comments to be exact. Your brother had been bullied for such a long time. How the hell did neither of you notice? Why had he never said anything? You were always so open in your family. Dad & Laurie always said that you could come to them if something was bothering you. While you were someone who expressed her feelings, Jacob used to keep to himself. You did think, though, that he would say something about such a topic. Kids were cruel, especially at that age. You had to confront him. Right now.

11:43 pm, fuck. Jacob was most likely asleep by now. See, that was why you hated social media. It was a distraction & suddenly you spent hours scrolling through your phone, pitying & judging people’s lives. Or you started growing jealous. Whatever, it was not a safe place. Back to the topic: Jacob was asleep, so was Laurie. Dad? He said he would go to bed hours ago. You knew him better, of course. Not wanting to wake anyone up, you silently opened your door, made sure your light was switched off & tiptoed downstairs. Thank god you did not have old stairs that creaked. From the steps, you could already see a small light from the living room area. So he was working still. Your dad, everyone, dedication at its finest.

“So you did lie about going to sleep.” you whispered & yet your dad jumped slightly, not expecting anyone in the room with him. When he looked over at you, he saw your arms crossed, a smile playing at the corners of your mouth. He then noticed your shirt, well, technically his shirt.

“Is that my shirt?” damn was he tired. He looked like he definitely needed some rest. Last night was short & he needed sleep to function the next day.

“It WAS your shirt. Borrowed it a while ago.” with borrowing you meant that you had no intention on returning it. You could not help it, your dad’s clothes were simply more comfortable & that were facts.

“Borrowed, sure…Anyway, what’s up, angel? Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?” he wiped his hands over his face, trying to get rid of the tiredness he felt.

“Y’know, I could ask you the same question BUT I’m not going to, you’re welcome.” you saw your dad rolling his eyes at you. Suddenly, you were being more serious. You did not walk downstairs for no reason.

“I was on Instagram & then I saw that & I just…take a look yourself.” you handed him your phone, the comment section of Jacob’s post open. All you did was looking at his face, waiting for his reaction. His expression changed. You could see the fear in his eyes.

“These were publicly posted, yeah?” to which you only nodded. “This one’s from Derek. I thought they were friends?” your eyes grew wider at his statement.

“Wait, wait, wait…THE Derek who was over a few days ago? You’re kidding, right?” you looked at your screen again, seeing that, indeed, it was Derek. What the fuck? What friend would write something like that under a post?

“What knife?” your dad asked into the room that had grown painfully silent. By now, you took a seat beside him, not feeling well enough to stand anymore.

“This has gotta be a joke. Why would Jay have a knife? And why would he take it with him?” actually, you wanted to put your earlier worries into words but could not find the right way to do so. You were not accusing your little brother of murder, nope. But given the circumstances…If one person stated shit like that, okay, brush it off, but his comment section was filled with people telling him they knew what he did. There was no way that he had not seen his comments yet. Even a blind man could see that something was wrong. That was cyber bullying & it was illegal. You just hoped he did not have a problem in school. Hating online is bad enough, having to deal with this in real life is even worse.

“I guess that means you were right?” your dad took a look at you, you being surprised. Right with what? You had not told him that you doubted Jacob or did you? No, you were certain.

“With talking to Jake again, I mean.” you let out a breath you did not know you were holding. Of course, the whole “Let’s talk to him” thing.

“Tomorrow morning? I mean…it’s not like I’ll be able to sleep.” you tried to keep your funny attitude but after hearing this…You were not in the mood for trying to fake something.

“At least try, okay?” your dad begged you, letting his face fall into his hands. He was scared, obviously, his son was being accused of a murder. Every parent would react the same way.

“You too, yeah? You need sleep, dad, I’m not joking.”

“Will do, angel. Thanks for showing me immediately.” He got up, gave your hair a light kiss & walked over to the stairs. Then he looked back at you, waiting for you to follow him which you did. He came with you to your room & watched you getting into bed. He sent you a tired smile before he slowly closed your door. Great, another sleepless night. College would be hell on earth tomorrow.

What you did not know was that your dad did not go to his & Laurie’s bedroom right away. He wanted to prove Jacob’s Instagram comments wrong. He wanted to look for a possible knife & since Jacob always slept like a rock, it was easy for him to search through his room. He started at his closet, went over to his writing desk, happy that he did not find a knife at all. His last idea was Jacob’s nightstand. There, he had to be even more silent, the possibility of waking him growing bigger & bigger. Andy was good at being silent though. He opened the drawer, surprised to find a white fabric in there. It looked like something was wrapped inside. No, this could not be. His biggest fear just became true. His son had a knife, not a normal kitchen knife, a KNIFE in his bedside table. The comments were true. At that point Andy knew he would not get any sleep tonight so he did not even try. He simply went back to work, not really paying attention. His thoughts were consumed by his son & his hidden knife.

The next morning approached & this time, your alarm did not wake you. You hade been wide awake for some time now. You got ready & went downstairs, not expecting anyone to be up this early. What surprised you was that not only your dad, also Laurie were already at the kitchen counter. Their heads snapped up as soon as they heard footsteps. When they saw it was just you, their faces softened a bit.

“Good morning?” it was more of a question, really. “Okay, what’s going on?”

“I found this in Jake’s room.” he pointed towards the counter. On top of it was a knife. The realization hit & your eyes shifted between them & back to the knife.

“No…This doesn’t mean anything, right?” of course it meant something & you were smart enough to figure this out too. Never, not even once in your life, did you want to be as wrong as right now. Before anyone could speak up again, Jacob stood a few feet away from us, looking at us with a puzzled look.

“Um, what is this?” Jacob slightly chuckled, not yet knowing what was about to happen.

“Why do you have a knife in your room? And why do your classmates know about this?” usually, your dad never yelled but today was not usual. Laurie sent a look towards Andy, telling him not to scream.

“I- I can explain, I swear.” he stuttered. Was this a hint? Was he planning a lie?

“Well, good luck with that.” you said emotionlessly. Everyone turned around to look at you. You were not someone who liked fighting or provocatively talking to someone but you where not in your right state of mind either.

“I- I bought it a while ago & wanted to show it to a few of my friends. It’s nothing, really, just cool.” he explained. So that was how teenagers defined ”cool”. Interesting.

“And the comments? I mean who even writes stuff like that?” your dad was growing frustrated.

“They’re kids, they don’t mean what they say.” & with that you shot him a glare, knowing damn well that kids do mean that.

“Uh-huh.” was all your dad managed to say. Jacob went over to the counter, ready to grab his knife again.

“What do you think you’re doing?” did he really think dad would let him have this knife again? He should know better than this.

“Taking my knife back?” oh man, he really pushed this.

“No! You’re not getting that back, forget it!” dad’s voice grew louder to which Jacob said he had to go to school. Laurie went over to him, hugged him & told him she loved him. Without saying anything, Jacob ran out of the door, visibly pissed.

“You shouldn’t have yelled.” Laurie told dad & he knew she was right. There was just so much that was going on in his head. The more time went by, the scarier this case got. Every person would see the clues. He was a suspect & you all knew that. What the hell were you supposed to do? You were a family, of course you would not accuse him. Your thoughts were running wild. It felt like you did not know your brother at all. Was he really able to kill someone? Out of anger, maybe? Anger because they had been bullying him? You were not sure anymore. You wanted this to be a dream, a nightmare, but you could not wake up. Little did you know that this was only the beginning of something way bigger…

~to be continued~

Published (08/05/2020) by Cathy

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comradesummers · 4 years

Note

Faith vs Kendra Anya or Oz Buffy + Tara

Hi, thanks for asking. Sorry for taking so long to answer, insert obligatory excuse about college kicking my ass.

Faith vs. Kendra

So this one’s really hard, and my answer got way too long and pretentious, but I hope you’ll bear with me.

In order to understand Kendra’s fighting style, I think it’s important to talk a little about the fight she has with Buffy in What’s My Line (Part 2). That episode illustrates the differences in Buffy and Kendra’s fighting style when Buffy does “the chick fight thing” and Kendra doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Basically, this move is sort of a physical demonstration of their differences. Kendra is the traditionalist, therefore she is highly skilled in technique but less good at improvising and thinking outside the box. Buffy, meanwhile, is less traditional and less technically skilled, but she’s better at improvising and using her emotions to her benefit. These ideas are shown in the initial fight between Buffy and Kendra, and then verbalized by Buffy later in the episode.

Faith is on the other end of the spectrum. She has little to no formal training (she’s called after Kendra’s death in Becoming; in the few months between that episode and her arrival in Faith, Hope & Trick, her watcher is murdered; neither Giles nor Wesley put much effort into her training in season 3; and then she goes to prison for like 3 seasons). However, she’s clearly a skilled fighter, as evidenced by the fact that she can hold her own against a slayer as experienced as Buffy. Though it is never stated outright, it is reasonable to assume that her strengths lie in her ability to improvise and her emotionally driven fighting style. Basically, she’s a person who will use every tool in her arsenal to win, even if that means, for instance, throwing herself off a building so that her opponent doesn’t get what she wants.

By presenting Faith and Kendra as two extremes of this ideological debate, and then also showing that neither one of them is as successful at slayerdom as Buffy is, the show implies that Buffy’s balanced approach to fighting (and to like life in general) is the best. However, the nature of tradition is complicated by the later seasons. For one thing, the Watcher’s Council—the representatives of the traditional approach that Kendra follows—get blown the fuck up before they can do anything useful. This strongly suggests that the Council, and by externsion their tradition, is irrelevant. This idea is further underlined by Buffy’s ultimate decision to reject the Council’s tradition wholesale, and to create a new, Slayer-based tradition. It’s also reflected in her fighting style in the later seasons. Starting in season 5, Buffy begins to explore her slayerness in the context of the slayer line, and her training with Giles builds on that. It could be suggested that the tradition she is drawing upon in these seasons is that of the Slayers that came before her, not the watchers who tried to control them. This also serves as an in-universe explanation for why the fighting style from season 5 onwards looks so different (and so much worse) than what came before it. (Yes, I know there were new stunt doubles, but it works with my convoluted argument, so I’m going to pretend there’s some deeper meaning behind it.)

Anyway, my point in all of this is that while earlier seasons present the thesis that one should find a middle ground between tradition and innovation, later seasons suggest that embracing oppressive traditions is harmful. So while we should still draw upon tradition, we should always be critical of the kinds of traditions we draw upon. And Kendra, having been raised by watchers, relies solely on harmful and oppressive traditions, and is therefore at a serious disadvantage. Faith, meanwhile, isn’t hampered by the Council’s bullshit. While she doesn’t draw power from slayer-line mysticism like Buffy does, she still has the advantage of freedom from the Council and would therefore win in a fight.

However, this is a solely thematic view of things, and maybe proves less who would win in a fight and more who would win in like a philosophical debate. Also, Kendra was killed off before she could be developed further (insert my usual Kendra deserved better comment here). Of the three, she was the most victimized by the Council (because of course those colonizers would fuck over the black girl most of all). If she had been developed, and been allowed to process the fact that a bunch white people stole her from her parents and brainwashed her for the purposes of their personal gain, and that this didn’t happen to any of her white counterparts, I think she could have had a much greater understanding of the insidious nature of the Council than either Buffy of Faith. I also think that her interest in the slayer tradition would have surpassed Buffy’s. She is, after all, the traditionalist of the three, so I think she would be the most interested in finding a way to connect to the traditions of the past while separating that past from the oppression of the Council.

In other words, a Kendra that had been allowed to live past season 2 is quite possibly the most powerful slayer. But if we’re accepting the canonical versions of these characters (and not the headcanon that I just pulled out of my ass) I guess Faith would be the winner.

Anya or Oz

Oz is a great character and I totally get why people like him but Anya is more in line with my personal preferences when it comes to characters who are intially introduced as love interests, which are as follows:

Hot lady (I’m shallow, sue me)

Very funny (Oz is funny but Anya is the funniest character on the show and no one can convince me otherwise)

Is more than just a love interest

Now I feel like people might object to no. 3 in Anya’s case, because there’s no denying that Anya is criminally underdeveloped and is often relegated to the unfortunate position of Xander’s girlfriend. However, Anya has a Selfless and she has that scene in The Body, and she has clearly defined relationships with the other Scoobies (best demonstrated in episodes like Triangle). Oz doesn’t really have any of that. Like, he and Willow break up for like half a second in season 3, and in that time he’s just not on screen. That’s how irrelevant he is to anyone and anything outside of Willow. Also, the werewolf suit looks dumb, which I have to assume is why the writers did almost nothing with him being a werewolf until they had to write him out.

The point is, while both of these characters deserved more development, Anya still got more of it so I like her better. Also she’s a pretty girl, so I was probably going to choose her regardless (I may be shallow, but at least I’m honest about it).

Buffy + Tara

I am the no. 1 Buffy/Tara shipper because I like it when nice people are nice to each other. And yes, I recognize that these are two flawed, complicated characters, but I think that together, they have the potential to be one of the healthiest couples in the Buffyverse. This is mainly because their interactions with each other are always supportive and free of judgement. Buffy defends Tara against her dad and welcomes her into her family even after Tara puts everyone at risk. Meanwhile, Tara is pretty much the only character (except for Dawn, maybe) to immediately react with empathy and understanding to the revelation that Buffy is sleeping with Spike. I’m not saying that either one of these characters is always understanding and non-judgemental (okay, maybe Tara is, but Buffy definitely isn’t), but they’ve proven that with each other, they’re very good at communicating and empathizing, and just being what the other person needs, and I think that’s very sexy of them.

Also, they’d be really hot together, so I’m here for it.

#kendra young #faith lehane #anya jenkins #oz #buffy summers #tara maclay #btvs #buffy the vampire slayer #wow this turned out so long and convoluted

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hermits-that-craft · 4 years

Text

Chapter 47 - Arch 2 - Fulfillment

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/23509375/chapters/62156269 TW - Torture, Death, Confusing Magic, Body Horror, False Hope, Fighting, Stab Wounds, Blood, Abandonment, Betrayal

They sit in a room together, Etho's sheets spread out in front of him. It's been a while, and though worry plagues the back of their minds, worry for both Scar and the people that they know are captured, but Etho, Builder and Protector work through it. Protector mumbles idly to herself, occasionally looking at Builder with a pained face, as though she's trying to remember him before he dies. Etho isn't sure of what this prophecy entails, or what it really says, but he doesn't know if they are worth breaking the siblings up for. He shrugs off the concern as Rose walks into the room with Cub, carrying more iron. Etho is glad that they had already measured Iskall's arm, the man has been through enough and Etho doesn't know if he'll stay here if he saw what they were doing with the arm.

Rose and Protector glare at each other for a moment as Cub puts the iron down, and Cub pulls a face, meeting Etho's eyes. They both smile uncomfortably as Builder looks up, taking the iron from where Cub put it. The watcher begins to hammer it into shape, ignoring the silent argument between the wives.

"I am very uncomfortable with the energy in this room." Etho says to Cub as the two players move to sit with each other.

"Tori this is madness, the prophecy doesn't need to happen so soon. Some more time Tori." Rose pleads.

"You know, this argument would be easier to mediate if we knew what the prophecy was and also what you guys are saying." Etho calls to the women, who both sigh, glaring at the newly undead.

"Tori- Protector believes that she should-"

"Rose isn't willing to lose people for the sake of the universe." Protector sighs. "I don't blame her, it's clear that someone will die in the-"

"Could you tell us the prophecy?"

"'A watcher, of original descent, will fall to the Night protecting the universe'." Builder says, stand up from where he sat. The metal arm in his hand glows slightly, and Etho smiles, taking it from him. "That's the prophecy. Rose is worried that Protector will be the one to die."

"Of course I'm worried that she'll die, I'm pregnant!" Rose mumbles to herself, though the room is so quiet that everyone hears it. Cub gasps loudly, and Etho struggles to keep hold of the prosthetic arm. Builder's face goes slightly pale, his eyes wide, and Protector's face goes soft, lovingly staring at her wife. "I don't want them to grow up without their other mother."

"How does that even work, aren't you both-"

"Magic Etho. Anyways that doesn't mean that Aunt Protector will die, it could be Uncle Builder, it doesn't even say that either of them will die! Night could magic them asleep, or-"

"Can we go back to how Rose is pregnant?" Etho asks. "You shouldn't be here, you could get seriously hurt! And if the baby is made via magic, couldn't you have planned it better?"

"I'm three months along, Etho." Rose smiles sadly. "We thought that we would be safe."

"Why would you come here if you knew?" Builder asks, though his eyes are filled with wonder.

"I knew that Protector would speed the prophecy up. I thought that maybe I could stop her from-"

She's cut off, not by a scream or someone speaking, but by a buzz. Everyone's communicators go off, and dread fills the room. A scream or a shout would not be as troubling, as fear inducing as the communicator going off. A death message? Etho doesn't want to know, but his hand grasps the communicator anyways.

WatcherBuilder: NIGHT. YOU. ME. WE'RE ENDING THIS. WatcherBuilder: MEET ME WHERE YOU AND ISKALL FOUGHT. NO STARS. NO HERMITS. WatcherBuilder: Just us two. Please. TheNight: Give me two hours. I'll be there.

"Builder what the fuck?" Protector growls out, and Etho snaps his head up, looking at Cub with confusion in his eyes.

"You aren't going to be the watcher to fall to Night. You're going to be a mother. I'll do it, Protector. Just, tell them that their uncle loves them, okay?" Builder's eyes have tears in them, and False and Cleo run into the room, Iskall close behind them. The two girls have swords out, god armour on and anger painted onto their faces. Iskall looks upset, scared and furious, though Etho can't tell which of those emotions was the one that made him run into the doorframe.

"You're going after Night without us?" False's voice sounds wreaked, anger and fury tearing at her vocal chords. "Why. Why won't you take us?"

"Because you're going to use this as a chance to break the people who Night captured out."

---

Grian rests his head against Xisuma's shoulder, his breathing deep. Wels watches the door as Xisuma checks them both for wounds, any sign of serious discomfort. It doesn't matter, really, Xisuma has no supplies to make either of them feel better, but its something to do, and it's the thought that counts, right?

Footsteps echo up the halls and Xisuma holds his breath, a small prayer flittering across his mind. He hopes, pray with all his might that the feet continue to go down the hall, to where they heard Ren. Guilt tears at away at the thought, but Xisuma doesn't know how long he can last if someone hurts Wels and Grian again. He doesn't know if he would be able to fight against Admin if Night comes in.

The footsteps stop and Xisuma gently wakes Grian, knowing that the small avian would hate to be woken by screams. Grian yawns and rubs his eyes as the door opens, Night's glowing eyes and smile appearing in the doorframe. Grian freezes and Wels backs towards Xisuma subconsciously, acting on instinct rather than reason. Xisuma holds his breath, ready to fight whatever they say if it means that he'll protect Grian and Wels.

"Oh calm down, I'm not going to help you. I have a meeting to be at." Night's voice is airy, happy and the captured men freeze, worry cast over their faces. Night calling torture help isn't unusual in and of itself, but Night just wanting to talk is concerning. A meeting, however? Another death, a new hermit joining them in this unending nightmare. It isn't fair. "Grian, how would you rate your father's fighting skills?"

Grian face goes paper white, horror painting his face a terrifying shade of fear. Night laughs as Grian tries to save face for his father, waving a hand at him.

"Don't bother, I know my brother-"

"Brother?" Wels gasps, looking at Grian. Xisuma, not for the first time, can't find enough air in the room, even though the air is thicker in the overworld. Grian's eyes flash, the purple turning brighter, a flash of magic that Xisuma recognises but Wels clearly doesn't.

"Don't call him that." Grian mumbles.

"Don't call him what? My brother? Oh please, are you a fool? That's what he is. He is my brother, he doesn't have a say in his lineage."

"You emancipated yourself. You don't get to claim us as family. You left." Grian mutters accusingly, though it's obvious that he isn't mad about Night leaving. No, it feels as though he is mad about something else, though Xisuma can see the thinly veiled fear in his eyes.

Night can see it as well.

"What, scared that I'll kill your other set of parents?" Night taunts and Grian freezes. "Oh, you didn't know? Your home planet wasn't destroyed because of fate or any of that 'it was just their time' bullshit Builder sold you. Your birth father would have been able to save your planet. I destroyed it. I watched as your mother screamed to protect you and your siblings. I watched as your father opened that portal that sent you to the world hub. I'm the one who tore off his wings."

"Shut up." Wels yells, fury in his eyes and Xisuma knows that Night hit a nerve. "How could you? How dare you take another's wings?"

"Wingless one, do keep your mouth shut, you're only useful serving others." Night's smile glows brighter. "I have to go, I can't be late for my meeting after all, but I'll bring your father's head to you, Xelqua."

Night turns, their laughter making Xisuma's ears bleed. Grian's breathing doesn't calm, not even after Night has left, and Xisuma holds onto Grian's hand. Wels send him a worried look, removing himself from Xisuma's other side to inch his way towards Grian. The two men wait as Grian calms himself down, his breathing deepening as the remaining feathers on his wings flatten.

"Grian, if you were adopted by Night's family, could you know who Night's sons are, where they are?" Wels asks. Xisuma shoots him a glare, though theres nothing really making it stick. "I mean, if Void took their kids away, maybe your parents know?"

"How would Grian know who they are, let alone where they-"

"I know." Grian's voice is quiet, shaky and fragile. He stares at the floor. "I've known for a while, about halfway through season six, in fact. I had to hide it from Bird because-"

"They're hermits?" Xisuma's eyes widen as he realises it. "Oh Void, who has a twin brother in the hermits."

Wels frowns for a moment, mumbling to himself before his eyes widen as well. Wels shoots a look at Grian, who grimaces before nodding towards Xisuma.

"I can't for the life of me remember-"

"Xisuma, who is Evil X?"

"Oh! He's my twin." Xisuma cuts himself off, his eyes wider than dinner plates. "Oh. Oh it's me."

"I'm so sorry."

---

"Can I ask you something, Bdubs?" Tango's voice is full of concern and they walk towards the armoury. Bdubs is shaking slightly, from the cold or fear.

"Of course, shoot."

"Why are you going back?"

Bdubs stops, then shrugs, then moves again, but he doesn't say anything, the shaking just gets worse. Impulse looks at Tango worriedly, and they share a nervous glance. It's good in theory - Bdubs knows where Night's base is. He knows the layout enough to get them in. Still, he could draw a map or even just guide them through the base by using the communicators.

"You need a guide." He mumbles after a while. "I need to," He pauses, the words dying in his throat, and once again Impulse sends a worried look to Tango. "I need to know if Wels is alive."

Tango and Impulse exchange a glance, Tango sucking in a breath. Bdubs ignores them, pulling open a chest laden with swords and god armour. Tango sends him a small smile as he puts the chest plate in his inventory. Impulse hums to himself, pulling the diamond pants on, checking the enchantments on it as he does so. Tango looks for a correct sized helmet.

"I guess we're going on an adventure." Impulse mumbles to himself. "Or a quest? Tango, would this be an adventure or a quest?"

"A quest I think. I mean, an adventure is unplanned right? So it's a quest."

"It's a quest, cause a quest has an end goal. Our end goal is getting our friends back." Bdubs smiles as he suggests it.

"But we don't really have a plan?"

"Tell False that." Tango smirks at Impulse.

"Cleo too. The girls have been planning a rescue since Builder got here."

"Oh! I bet that Scar is in kahoots with them, and that's why he's not here. Too dangerous for him to be here with King Silas too." Bdubs suggests happily, and false hope wraps around the men.

The three hermits leave the armoury, decked out in more armour than they care to admit. Cleo, False and Evil Xisuma wait for them at the end of the hall, and Tango wonders Evil Xisuma feels strange as he is slotted into the role that Xisuma usually fills. He looks uncomfortable, though, as Cleo absentmindedly calls him 'Xisuma' and Keralis calls him 'Shiswammy'.

"Hey Evil X!" Tango calls. "You doing alright? We'll have your brother back in no time."

"Promise?" Evil Xisuma's voice is quiet, scared and Cleo and Keralis look shocked.

"Of course, Ex." False says, her hand over her heart. "We'll bring him back. We'll bring as many back as we can."

It's a hard promise, one that Tango isn't sure that they can keep, and from the look on Impulse's face its clear he is also doubting their abilities. But they'll try, the group has to try. It's not fair on the hermits if they don't try. It's not fair on anyone if they don't try. They have to try their hardest - if they don't who will? Who will save the others?

No more words are spoken, and Keralis pulls Bdubs into a tight hug. Zedaph comes into the room as well, and he silently begs Tango and Impulse to come back. To stay safe, to fight hard. They promise him that they'll try, and tears spring in Tango's eyes and he's pulled into a hug. He doesn't want to leave, not the embrace that reminds him of home.

Of what they have to save.

Reluctantly, Tango pulls himself out of the hug, Impulse following suit. Cleo gives Joe a quick hug and False hugs Xb for a second. TFC escorts them to the nether portal, the worry etches into his face. It's clear that he doesn't expect this mission, this quest, to succeed.

"No one will blame you guys if you come back without anyone." TFC says, his hand on False's shoulder. "You can't blame yourselves for it either. Your safety is more important. We won't blame you if you can't save everyone."

"We're going to get everyone." False swears to TFC, and the old man sighs, his hand dropping from her shoulders.

"Just take care of yourselves." TFC sighs. "Please."

False relaxes slightly, smiling weakly at him.

"Of course." False says, the rage melting from her eyes. "We'll take care. You have to as well, though."

"When the war reaches my doorstep I'll be down in my mines." TFC smirks. "I don't fear this Night character, I've met worse. Go fight."

The walk through the portal to the nether roof, Impulse guiding them to a hole he put into the bedrock. The jump down the hole, Cleo grumbling to herself about how much she hates the nether when a ghast spawns, right in front of Impulse. Cleo screams and False pulls out her sword, but before Bdubs and Tango can drag Impulse away from the ghast the hermit puts his hand out. The ghast pushes its head against Impulse's hand and twists slightly, rubbing itself against Impulse. The redstoner turns, smiling at the group.

"She offered to fly us to Night's portal." He says, grinning. "As long as you put your swords away."

"Since when could you talk to ghasts?"

"Since always? If you bothered to ask you'd know this - Tango you were raised with me put your sword away!"

The group reluctantly puts their swords in their inventory, Impulse already on top of the giant ghast. He sits comfortably, making noises that Tango isn't quite sure a human could make, and the ghast responds, lowering its-herself down to their level. They hop on and the ghast flies them around, quickly flying through areas that none of the hermits recognise. It's a maze, a labyrinth of tunnels and pockets and Tango watches Impulse with worry. Yes, he knew that Impulse is as much a netherborn as he is, but he didn't realise that Impulse had a connection to the ghasts. He doesn't blame the man for not telling him, netherborn with connection to creatures - when Tango revealed that he himself can talk to blazes the two men had to flee their home in the nether as they were hunted, even though Tango had only revealed it to people in their village. Those who can talk to mobs are prizes, though it's clear to Tango that Impulse speaking to ghasts is one of the reasons they survived for so long before Xisuma found them. Hindsight is twenty twenty and all that.

The ghast lands, letting them off at a small ledge before she talks to Impulse again. It seems as though they are having a rather important conversation, Impulse's forehead furrowed in concern.

"She says the portal is this way, but she can't bring us any closer. The ghasts have seen Night leave this area before. With Stress."

"We'll get her back, False." Cleo says, taking False's hand into her own.

"We don't have much of a choice in that matter." Impulse smiles tiredly, leading them further into the nether rack alcove.

---

The two original creations land, standing opposite from each other. Clouds cover the sky, blocking out the sun and it's light as Night's mask glows. Their brother stands, a sword resting on his hip. He can't use it, he never learnt how to. But the threat still stands. Both sides have a goal, both players know how to win the game. Neither wants to fall to the other. A game of chess is to capture the opposing side's king, but what happens when the kings are the last piece on the board? A careful strategy has to be implemented, but does either side know how to plan? The siblings had not planned for this, they do not know what to do in this scenario. Only their sister had a plan for this, but Builder hid her away. There are stains in the dirt that rain has not washed away, copper against the vibrant green. Blood stains.

"Did he die?" Night asks, knowing that the only other watching is one on their side.

"No." Builder replies evenly. "He has a new arm now. Built by myself."

"When did you learn redstone?" Night's voice is light, an older sibling meeting the younger after a year away. Builder looks uncomfortably around, as though he doesn't want to answer - doesn't know how. "Don't tell me that you still don't know redstone."

"I had help." Builder doesn't lie, but it isn't the full truth.

"Protector? Or a player?"

"Silas." Builder lies.

"Silas," Night laughs. "You trust that old goat? Your loss. He works for whoever offers him the most power."

"He works for Void."

"He will meet Amari on their orders." Night doesn't threaten the Vex King, but threatens Builder. Night offers more power, Builder knows that.

Silas knows that.

"How is Amari, by the way?" Night asks, walking towards their brother. "She still the Queen of the Underworld?"

"How would I know, she rarely makes the trip between life and death." Builder rolls his eyes.

"Pity, you really should know the person you will stay with."

"Are you threatening me?" Builder asks, a frown on his face. "Night, you can't be serious about this. Come back home, Void misses you."

"Don't tell me that you've fallen for their lies as well." Night sounds happy, glee and disgust mixing together. "Xelqua would be so disappointed."

"What have you done to him?" Builder growls. "Leave him out of this!"

"Your son joined my side willingly." Night smiles. "I didn't do anything to him, I just showed him what would happen to him if he stayed with you."

"Night, let him go."

"No, you'll have to take him from me. I'll make sure he personally escorts you down to Amari's doorstep. Unless..."

"Unless?" Builder sounds so hopeful, practically filled with false hopes and pretenses.

"Unless you join my side. Think about it, Builder. You can have your son back. Void cares not for us, only for Protector." Night smiles. "Join us, free yourself."

---

Ren shakes, leaning against Doc. The wither effect hasn't left either of them, Princess leaving them in a daze. It's clear that it was on purpose, the pain not meant to subside until one of them breaks, but Ren doesn't know who will break first. Probably himself, though Doc did break the muzzle. Ren doesn't understand it, who Princess is, why she's possessing Stress.

At least its quiet now.

"What are you going to do when we get out?" Not if. When. Doc still has hope.

"I'll stay on loser island with Pam." Ren mumbles. "I can't expand upwards anymore, so I'll hire the boomers to blow up the downstairs part. How about you, what will you do if we escape?"

"When." Doc corrects him absentmindedly. "When we escape, I'll build more rooms in my half of the mansion. Maybe I'll expand on the pink, any colour is better then purple and black at the moment, so pink and white isn't that bad."

Ren and Doc both laugh, tired and unapologetic. It's the only sound that they can hear, laughter and there's no more fear, not now. Not here, together. It's better, quieter, safer here, without anyone else.

An explosion in the distance stuns them into silence. Yells, shouts, anger mixes and the fear is back. The room feels darker, though the light level doesn't change. Something is terribly wrong and neither hermit can tell why.

Impulse. They can hear Impulse's voice, too far away from them to make out words but too close to not hear them if they scream.

"Impulse!" Ren screams, standing up. Doc stays seated, chained against the wall. "Impulse, we're here!"

"Impulse!" Doc yells, and Ren walks towards the door.

"IMPULSE!" Ren screams.

Silence.

Nobody came.

---

"Get them outta here!" Impulse yells, Tango and Bdubs supporting Xisuma as Grian and Wels shake nervously in the corner. They look terrible, white dress shirts in tatters with blood and dirt staining them. A large bruise has bloomed against Grian's cheek and Wels keeps spitting out blood. Cleo knocks back Beef, trying to protect the team. Impulse quickly turns to False as she fights off Mumbo, lending her a hand. "Tango, Bdubs, get them the nether out of here!"

"Mumbo this isn't you!" False says, trying to snap him out of it. "C'mon, Mumbo please."

"We need to get out of here!" Cleo yells, her sword going through Beef's chest. Beef despawns, a puff of smoke is the only thing left of him. Cleo blocks the swing from Mumbo's sword, kicking out his feet as False kills the man. The two women let out shaky breaths, False giving Cleo a large grin.

"Well, Mumbo hasn't really improved fighting," False laughs breathlessly, holding her side. "So we'll probably be fine."

"Yeah, let's get home." Cleo agrees, sticking her tongue out. They walk towards the door, Impulse waiting for Grian and Wels as Tango, Bdubs and Xisuma make their way out of the room, Xisuma wincing every time he steps, his leg bent at an angle Impulse knows isn't natural.

Grian and Wels watch Impulse with wide eyes, as though they don't know if they're allowed to follow. As though their waiting for permission, or perhaps orders, to follow the group. Impulse's heart breaks, though he doesn't let it hurt for much longer. He has to get them out, and if orders make them follow, then orders will work. He can break the conditioning later.

"Grian, Wels, you're coming with us." Impulse orders, trying to put as much seriousness into his voice. Wels hesitates, fear written across his face, and Impulse winces as he steps in front of Grian as though it's second nature. Grian begins to breath faster, but he steps forward, terror in his eyes. Guilt eats at Impulse, but he watches them as the walk out the door, Wels standing close to Grian's side.

The group makes their way around the building, trying to find Doc and Ren before the two men are lost, though considering how Grian and Wels broke free they wouldn't be lost forever. Impulse wonders, in a brief moment of foolishness, what it would take to free the rest of the hermits. Grian screams as Beef shoots his side, collapsing to the ground with his hands protectively covering his head. As though this has happened a million times.

It probably has.

Impulse moves in front of Wels and Grian, protecting them from the mind controlled man, their friend. Beef doesn't wear one of the masks that Grian and Mumbo sported when they left to kill Scar, but Impulse finds himself wishing that the man did. The masks would hide the disgust written on Beef's face, they'd hide the emptiness in his eyes.

In the distance, Ren screams for him. Impulse can’t get to him. The portal rests behind the door that Cleo stands in front of. Impulse has to stall, to make sure everyone else gets out. He won’t let False make the self sacrifice. He’ll break his promise to Zedaph, but that’s alright. Because at the end of the day, Tango will be back with Zedaph.

“Beef, it’s us.” Impulse says quietly, his hands raised.

“He can’t hear you.” Silas’ voice booms through the room, and Impulse’s heart sinks as tears slip down Wels’ face. There’s a traitor in their midst, and it isn’t a hermit. Is Silas the only traitor? What about Builder, about Protector? Impulse doubts that Rose would betray them, but can any of them trust her?

“Your highness,” False growls, “may I ask you what the fuck you are doing here?”

“Night has offered me something I can’t refuse.” Silas grins wickedly. “I want the mage back, I want to keep my power. Night will win this war against Void, and I intend on maintaining my status.”

Impulse fires at Silas, ready to fight him. Ready to serve as a distraction so the others can get out. Ren and Doc are still screaming as Impulse swings his sword, cutting the Vex King. False joins the fight as Cleo begins to usher the group towards the portal. Beef falls onto False’s sword as Bdubs and Tango get Xisuma out. Impulse is thrown across the room by Silas’ magic as Wels carries Grian through the portal. False screams as Mumbo stabs her. Cleo runs through the portal, and Silas makes his way to it.

Impulse, not knowing what else to do, throws a water bucket over the portal. He’s trapped False here, but the others won’t come back.

They’re safe.

---

“He’ll be alright, won’t he?” Protector asks her wife quietly. “I mean, Night wouldn’t hurt Builder. He always was Night’s favourite sibling.”

“Tori,” Rose sighs.

“And Night wouldn’t kill him, right?”

“Tori.”

“I’m sure he’s fine. He doesn’t need to fulfil the prophecy I mean-”

“Tori I love you but for the sake of my sanity please shut up.” Rose sighs, her wings fluttering as they land near the clearing. Protector quickly disguises her watcher wings, walking over to the tree line. “We’ll be caught if you keep this up.”

“You two are the worst people to try and sneak around I’ve ever met.” Night says, their voice echoing around the clearing. Protector freezes, taking Rose’s hand as the wives step into the clearing. Builder looks alright - he isn’t physically hurt from what they can see, at least.

“How did you see us?” Rose asks.

“You have bright red hair, Protector’s hair is bright blue. You stand out against the trees.” Night takes off their mask, placing it on their belt. Their skin is purple, their eyes glowing white. They frown, stepping towards Rose with a confused look in their eyes. Builder looks away, biting back a laugh. “Do you know that you’re pregnant?”

“No, I had no clue.” Rose lies, a deadpan expression on her face. “That’s why I’m here with my wife, to see the world's most assholish pregnancy test.”

“I could kill the baby.” Night’s smile is unnerving, sending shivers down Rose’s spine. Protector moves in front of her, but Rose can’t move, her heart hammering in her chest. “Right now. I could kill it in your womb. All that magic connecting you two, lost.”

“No, you wouldn’t dare?”

“Wouldn’t I? I hardly think that killing a child is a line I won’t cross. Unless you’ve forgotten, sister, I killed Grian’s planet, children and all.”

“You wouldn’t dare, you over glorified twink!” Rose snaps at him, her eyes glowing blue. “How could you?”

“You’re too soft, Rose.” Night shakes their head. “Your brother was always the stronger one.”

“Oh, fuck off.” Protector snaps. “She’s twice as strong as you’ll ever be.”

“I don’t doubt that for one second.” Night’s smile is unnerving. “Though, perhaps, if you looked at the ground, your lovely Rose would understand why she can’t move.”

The ground around Rose is pitch black, connecting her to Night. The grass wilts, and flowers crumble in the lines path. It doesn’t hurt Rose, though she can tell that it will, if Night wants it too. The surrounding grass begins to wilt, flowers decaying too fast for Rose to properly see.

“I wonder, can Rose wither?” Night laughs, the three others stuck in the clearing looking at him. Builder growls, throwing himself at Night.

Duck. Dodge. Spin. Strike. Block. Repeat. It hurts, something appearing under his feet and sending more damage into his system than any of Night’s strikes. His communicator buzzes, once, twice, death messages mixing with warnings. Strike. He can’t let Protector and Rose get hurt. Dodge. His lungs scream, not used to this type of fighting. Block. Not used to fighting for his life. Spin. Not used to fighting for the lives of others. Duck.

Protector doesn’t want to hurt the player. She won't her the girl, in fact, even if she’s working with Night. The player is wearing a black dress, layers of petticoats under the thick skirt. She wears a black corset outside of the dress - highly impractical, for day wear, though Protector does remember wearing a corset outside her dress when she got married.

Rose watches, helpless, from where she is frozen. Tears slip down her face as she feels the joints in her fingers crack, black ooze leaking out from them. It’s unnatural, it’s painful, it’s terrifying, it’s painless. A scream rips her throat as black ooze falls from her hands. Builder falls to the ground, Protector struggling not to fight the player girl.

“Night, stop this.” Protector pleads. “Please.”

“It will stop when one of you die.” Night says plainly. “But I will not touch you. You must kill someone, your wife or your brother.”

“Protector I,” Builder begins, a hacking cough forcing its way out of his lungs.

“Rose, please.” Protector begs, kneeling in front of her wife. She hands her sword over to the Vex woman. “My life is on your faith.”

“I can’t.” Rose cries, the sword heavy in her heart and hands. The player backs away, towards Night, and the two watch. A tear slips down the players face and Night grins in glee. “I can’t.”

“You must.”

Rose gasps, trying desperately to think of another way. To convince Protector to fulfil Builder’s wish to die protecting them. She can’t, she knows that this is the real reason that Protector came to this wretched place. The prophecy must be fulfilled.

“I wish we had more time.” Rose mumbles as someone exits a nether portal nearby. She can hear the footsteps running towards them. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Through every world,” Rose mumbles her wedding vows, “I will be with you, sickness and health be damned, my love for you will out number the stars.”

“In every universe, I will be by your side.” Protector finishes, kissing Rose’s hands. “You will be in my heart, the thorn in the side of my heart.”

Rose plunges the sword through Protector’s chest as Grian bursts through the clearing. Protector collapses into Rose’s arms, Night laughing in the distance. Rose sobs as Protector lift’s her hands up, brushing some of Rose’s hair out of her eyes. Rose sinks to the floor, resting Protector against her chest.

“I’m sorry, Tori, I’m so sorry.” Rose cries, shaking with sobs.

“Dad are you okay?” Grian asks as Builder stands, his face blank with tears rolling from empty eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“‘Tector.” Builder mumbles under his breath, unable to look away from his twin sister.

“Mum?” Grian’s confused, and he looks over at the scene. “MUM!”

His scream echoes through the clearing, drowning out every other noise. Protector looks up weakly as he runs to her side, bruised and bloody and crying. Tango, Cleo, Bdubs, the admin and a knight stand at the edge of the clearing, tears rolling down the three named hermits faces. The mission wasn’t successful, then. Rose blinks, and Builder is at Protector’s side. Grian sobs, holding Protector’s hand. He’s begging her to stay alive, to stay with him. Rose can’t tell. She can’t hear anything, her heart drowning out any other sounds. Builder holds Protector’s other hand.

There’s a spot of blood in Protector’s mouth.

“Please stay alive, Mum please.” Grian begs, his voice breaking through the sound of Rose’s heartbeats. “Don’t leave us. Please don’t leave us.”

“You’re going to have a younger sibling, G.” Protector mumbles, wiping the tears from Grian’s eyes. “You take care of your other Mum, alright?”

“Mum,”

“Take care of her and your Dad for me.” Builder’s sobbing, his arms shake as his chest heaves. Faintly, Rose hears the sound of fighting in the distance. Protector smiles, a sad affair. There’s pain in her eyes and more blood forces its way past her lips. “And take care of yourself, Bērniņš”

“You’re not supposed to die.”

“I love you. I love all of you.” Protector looks to the sky, a smile on her face. The light leaves Protector’s eyes as she breathes her last breath.

Rose’s world shatters.

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queen-scribbles · 4 years

Text

Opinion On the Gods-Kei

Tagged by @orime-stories to share my Watcher’s opinion of the gods. Starting with Kei, but might also do Adi, and maybe even Tavi and Emiri eventually, even though I’ve talked about the two of them a bit. (disclaimer: it’s been... a while since I played Deadfire since it runs like crap on my laptop, so most of what I clearly remember about the gods is from Pillars 1)

How does Kei feel about the gods?

1. Abydon: Is Kei’s god of choice. She’s a smith by trade, but that’s only part of why she chose him. She agrees with and lives by most of his tenets(the one disagreement is the one about remaining “in your place”; Kei thinks if you can work hard enough to rise to higher social standing it’s your right to do so. Other than that she’s 100% with him). She prays to him often for blessing on her work, has his hammers as part of the tattoo on her back. His main values of working hard, valuing the work of others, and passing on your craft are all central to the way she lives her life, and she agrees with the importance of valuing and preserving tradition.

2. Berath: She can appreciate the role they play in the cycle of life and death. And they have a point; everything--kith, creatures, etc--has its time and then needs to let go. She maybe gets a little pissed when she finds they brought Raedric back after she went and killed Rehstin and Erona for them bc those two had “outlived their time”. It felt a little hypocritical. And she thinks even gods should be held to a standard; if you can just throw the rules out when it suits you there’s no POINT to them. Her opinion sours over the course of Deadfire to... tolerating. They could be a lot worse, but that’s not really saying much, looking at some of the company they keep.

3. Eothas: She wants to like him. All of his aspects are good things, his priests are honest and kind, and she does believe his actions in Deadfire come from a place of genuinely wanting to right a grievous wrong. HOWEVER. Every time he tries to set things right, a lot of innocent people end up dead and he leaves massive trails of destruction in his wake(she personally has some pretty serious scars from one of these attempts...), which sort of cancels out his intentions.

4. Galawain: She’s a little eh on him even in Pillars 1(Seeker, Slayer, Survivor is the only Deadfire DLC I haven’t completed). Survival being a struggle is absolutely true, and she gets wanted your followers to be strong, and of course a god of the hunt is within his rights to preserve the wild places that make hunting possible. Pursing strength or answers or whatever is also fine. BUT. The whole only the strong should survive, leave the old/weak/sick if they can’t cut it rubs her the wrong way. She grew up in a very close knit and...interactive community where they all helped each other and the community was thriving because of it. And her paladin order(Shieldbearer) is kind of predicated on using her skills/strength to protect others. So that part of his philosophy she finds complete bullshit.

5. Hylea: Pretty great. Kei isn’t terribly engaged with most of the things in Hylea’s portfolio; invention, maybe, but she’s not really a singer or terribly creative, and she’s not biologically a mother. (no kids prior to Dyrwood; strong Mom Instincts anyway, adopts Vela) But she feels it’s good there’s someone among the gods specifically watching out for mothers given the risks of childbirth and all.

6. Magran: Kei’s conflicted about Magran. On the one hand, she sticks to her guns and pushes her followers to better themselves through theirs struggles. On the other, she’s so callous and (ironically) cold toward people, including her “children”, and that is a HUGE black mark against her for Kei, who views caring for others and drive to protect as a source of strength.

7. Ondra: Kei didn’t have an issue with--or even a strong opinion about--Ondra til the Abbey of the Fallen Moon. After learning Ondra’s responsible for Abydon’s death, Ondra effectively trying to kill her and all her friends, and all of that... yeah fuck her. She keeps that opinion largely to herself in Deadfire bc she’s diplomatic af and also probably not a good idea to piss off the goddess in charge of the ocean and the moon when you’re dependent on both for your survival and the success of your mission. Also Kei’s handsome fish is one of said goddess’ children soooo she makes the occasional deadpan comment but largely tries to avoid rocking the boat.

8. Rymrgand: Utterly despises him. He just sits there and watches things unravel, presses for the moment of death. She understands the inevitability of death, don’t get her wrong, but to sit there and wait for it just because it’s inevitable instead of doing as much as you can with your life so you leave a legacy(no matter how simple or understated it might be) for the people you care about is abhorrent to her. At least Berath is more rational about it and also feeds the cycle of rebirth, letting people start a new life.

9. Skaen: Yeah, fuck that guy.

10. Wael: She finds it(them?)..... frustrating. Kei loves her straight answers and being able to finish things, feel like she accomplished something, and Wael’s pretty much the antithesis of that.

11. Woedica: Almost everything in her portfolio(the whole law, justice, rightful leadership, oaths, etc list) should appeal to Kei bc she’s very in favor of those things. But the vengeance aspect, and willingness to disregard the very rules she’s supposed to uphold and enforce seem to have overpowered all the rest of it. It makes her look like a raging hypocrite to Kei; “Rules for thee but not for me”, and especially after learning the origin of the gods at the end of the first game, Kei strongly believes even the gods should have standards or rules they should be expected to follow.

Idk, has anyone not been tagged for this who wants to do it? >.> If so, consider yourself tagged.

#tagged #kei ghan #pillars of eternity

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iheartbookbran · 3 years

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Idk if you’ve already talked about this, but I just fell down your bridgerton tag and you seem to have similar thoughts about Colin as I do. Colin was one of my favorites in the books and although the tv version was adorable and of course I love him, he definitely was a completely different character. Unrecognizable.

Hey! Thanks for the ask. I will try my best to answer!

So, to start... oh boy, do I have a bunch of options about show!Colin. I mean my main problem with him I think just boils down to his glaring lack of a sense of humor. Like, he just seemed so... kinda serious most of the time, save some early scenes in which he joked with his siblings, like the farm innuendo to Eloise; that was so book!Colin. I think it’s even pointed out by Violet how Colin’s engagement to Marina made him act ‘solem’, which is fine as a way to show the audience how they wouldn’t necessarily be right for each other, except Colin isn’t really significantly different post and pre engagement to Marina, at least not for me to take huge notice (it’s also funny that he wants to marry Marina because ‘she takes him seriously’ meanwhile my girl Marina is out there fooling him like a mf champ lmfao). The feeling of not being taken seriously is something that book!Colin absolutely struggles with as well but it’s actually something that’s supposed to be super internalized, simmering over decades and then finally it explodes in Penelope’s face in hers and Colin’s book, which is a thing I actually liked a lot, and they could’ve shown us that in little moments over the curse of the seasons and finally have it culminate during his own story.

Okay so this is getting long...

I think that the worst thing you can do to Colin’s character is have him be described as ‘honorable’, and ‘a good person’, the very thing show-only watchers came out thinking him as. And don’t get me wrong, he’s definitely all those things, and that’s centrally how Penelope thinks of him too, but he’s also a lot more than that, and it’s not always good things. The point is that Penelope glorifies Colin to a degree that is not completely healthy, and she needs to take him down that pedestal and see him as he is; a good man, yes, but one that for all his virtues can also be stubborn and petty and even a tad manipulative.

And I mean that’s a side of him that I always felt was also quite obvious in other books apart from RMB. Colin inserts himself in other people’s problems like it’s nobody’s buisness, to a hilarious degree at times, like when he decided he liked Kate and he wanted her to marry Anthony so he was gonna do everything in his power to stir them together or give Anthony an apoplexy in the attempt. Or when he was harassing Michael into getting with Francesca, and considering the fact that WHWW happens at roughly the same time as RMB, we have Colin, in the midst of trying to figure out his own feelings for Penelope, believing it is his god given right to lecture Michael about love, and that’s really quite rich if you ask me lol.

Now those two examples had happy endings because of course they did, but Colin had no way of knowing that, yet he still decided to intervene and hope that for the best. But there’s other examples in which he actually wasn’t right, like with Penelope and the whole LW reveal, and how he just assumed from the get go that he knew how he and Penelope could deal with the LW problem, together (inserting himself in other people’s buisness without asking!), and just deciding that Penelope should let another person take the blame, and then being all baffled when she rightfully calls him out on his entitlement and tells him he had no right to decide for her.

And btw, I’m saying all this with all the love in my heart for Colin. Is because I adore his character that I call him out on his bullshit. He’s at his core a good man, with a good heart, who loves his family to no end and that’s why he meddles. But part of the journey he takes during his book is realizing that his way of escaping his own boredom, by traveling around and by thinking he knows best than everyone around him, but at the same time not doing anything with the immense privilege he posses is no way of living, and instead of mopping around silently feeling sorry for himself he should do something noteworthy with his life, because he’s more than capable of it. And then he does that when he decides to stay by Penelope’s side and support her in her decisions regarding LW, and when he uses all his huge privilege and sway in the London Ton to protect her, but all of that comes after all the character development he has in his book.

I get the angle they where trying to go with him in the first season, I really do: that he was young and inexperienced, but the thing is that being young doesn’t necessarily means being gullible or innocent, which was exactly what he came off as, the exact opposite of his book counterpart who is actually super clever and even a little manipulative himself (I say, lovingly), even as a young man.

Like maybe this is an unpopular opinion but I don’t mind that much that he fell in love with Marina this season; my main issue with that storyline is how they made Penelope unnecessarily jealous and had her do a pretty shitty thing for love~(eeewwww), not that Colin might have had feelings for someone else years ago, I mean he’s only human. I just wish they didn’t have to alter his character so damn much in order to pull it off. Colin is actually one of the few Bridgerton siblings who consistently appears in—almost—all the Bridgerton books (and even some non-Bridgerton books), so is not as if there’s a lack of material for the writers to give him a consistent plot, like why wasn’t he more involved in the duel between Simon and Anthony? I loved how in the books he’s the ONLY brother who listens to Daphne and is like ‘hey, Simon and Anthony are partaking in this dumbassery in Daphne’s name, shouldn’t she like... be included or something?’ and then takes her to the duel himself, he’s not all ‘ohh Daphne but what about your ~honor~’ because he truly isn’t as obsessed about that as say, Anthony for example. In the show none of his closeness to Daphne is shown and instead they had them bond over being broken hearted or whatever... lame.

It bothers me because they could have perfectly portrayed Colin’s personality and all his facets like they did with Benedict: we’re shown his interests, his artistic side, his relationship with Eloise, his desire for more that what society has to offer. He even gets a mistress with an interesting, mysterious past. No biggie. All the while Colin is apparently this dumb green boy who thinks with his dick... lame.

At the end of the day I think that the choices the writers made regarding Colin’s character are going to have big repercussions in the overall story (not only in his and Penelope’s arc, but Eloise’s as well), all for the sake of cheap drama. I get that him and Penelope are mostly introspective characters, even taking into account Colin’s outgoing persona, so that doesn’t always translate well into tv, buuut that’s a writers job, to find a way to translate it, not make a mess out of things just because you need to give a character something to do.

#anonymous #ask #ask pam #sorry this got long #this dumb show really makes me go AND ANOTHER THING in unsuspecting bystanders #colin bridgerton #justice for my man who’s a messy bitch who lives for drama #that’s who colin is at his core that’s why he and pen are so well suited #so.................#polin #colin x penelope #bridgerton #bridgerton netflix #bridgerton spoilers #meta #my meta

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