#the themes of their relationship are more or less a mirror of what happened in the minecraft roleplay

[enneamage]

could you do an enneagram about nikibur? 🙏 I know this relationship was bad and I'm glad Niki is better now, but I'd like to know about them, their problems.

I can give my Spicy Opinion based on what I’ve deliberated about their personalities, but truth be told the two of them are further from their textbook descriptions. Wilbur is less reliable than a healthy three, and Niki has a difficult history that gives her certain reflexes on top of her predisposition. There’s also things that will probably be too specific to guess that happened behind the scenes, but I’m willing to bet that Wilbur’s push-and-pull problems became a big issue between them.

(I will do a writeup in an ask later about how Wilbur collects Nines like stickers, but that’s slightly less relevant here because of the way they met.)

I think they fucked up, together.

The blame shifts to Wilbur as time goes on, but through naivety and badly calibrated strategic thinking, they introduced the stressor of being a public couple who made their content about being a public couple. They knew what their gimmick was, and they both invoked it from the get-go—they would flirt on stream, farm awws, and then play coy when people asked about the obvious. They wanted to do the will-they-won’t-they bit and were in open competition with Carson & Kate. I think people feel morally obligated to forget how blatant they were, but they were incredibly in-your-face, and they mostly did it on purpose. They were more than just a public couple: they were straight-baiting, and they held onto it for a while because it gave them content.

And then the cons outweighed the pros. People started buying exactly what they were selling, finding them cute and investing in their personal lives. The thing is, they weren’t actually prepared to be any more demonstrative than they already were, and they both have a private streak that they wanted to hide each other behind. In a way it was an innocent failure to understand what crowds are really like, and what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. They found that they couldn’t put the toothpaste back in the tube, and at that point it was too late.

As an aside, women are competitive. They’re actually as competitive as men, but we treat the spite they treat other women with as anomalous because we think they’re supposed to be collectivistic or something. (People not noticing the double standard here is something that bothers me :P.) Needless to say, we usually don’t expect a female streamer to roll up and flirt with her Chad boyfriend without chat going nuts, because we know that people can be petty and jealous with the object of their affection. The same logic applies the other way around, but people tend to expect it less because women are meant to be more civilised or something. In the end we’re more equal than we know :P.

Niki doesn’t deserve the hate she got by any stretch of the imagination, but she got it all the same. She was heavily associated with Wilbur and had a personality people offhandedly summed up as ‘wholesome’ and ‘bland.’ She was endearing to some people, projected onto by others, and the object of vicious jealousy to (what I hope was?) a vocal minority. Not much active effort was put into seeing and understanding her as an individual, which has gotta be a mindfuck to go through, especially If you’re going through it virtually alone.

The on-paper ‘healthy’ love story between Threes and Nines is that Nines give Threes a space of unconditional and unjudgmental love. In return, Threes encourage Nines to develop themselves and shine on their own. The ideal is a feedback loop of mutual safety and encouragement, a very comfy duo. I won’t lie, I’ve seen this combination in the wild, they seem to happen more frequently than some other pairings and I can see why. This is also why I can only use the enneagram roadmap for them so much, because these two (or at least Wilbur) went off the rails.

Judging from what we’ve established about Wilbur so far, he’s good at making himself seem reliable, and then the payoff is so-so. To avoid being overly cruel I will say that Wilbur’s mental health was outstandingly bad at certain points in their timeline, so the situation has layers, but it probably activated some of his worst habits and Niki seems to have gotten the brunt of it. He liked being loved by her, and probably loving her back, but he didn’t have the mind to be her safe space consistently, which is a big part of what she needs out of a relationship.

Wilbur’s love interest persona is so distinct from the rest of him that it comes into question how real it is, and what the hell that even implies. The answers can range from ‘maybe he just gets inspired by the people he loves to behave differently’ to ‘American Psycho acting ass motherfucker.’ Threes can be a type that does romance, performs charm and builds fantasies about perfect love for them and their partner to live in. I think he pulled back when he was at his worst, maybe self-consciously hiding himself because he knew he wasn’t living up to his hype, maybe abandoning her when he wasn’t capable of meeting her needs. I don’t think he was entirely synthetic with her, because truth be told he’s not that good at lying for very long, but he did seem to make explicit and implicit promises that he went on to not keep. I remember the ”men are disappointing, actually” Niki clips, and I can tell who they’re about.

Some of the on-screen magnetism between Niki and Wilbur came from her being a cheerleader when he was feeling down. This is something that she elaborates on indirectly in her Dr. K video, she likes finding the places that she can slot into other people’s lives. Tragically for her, this is implicitly tied to the hope that they won’t leave her, which ended badly this time around. Wilbur was simple, in a way, just make the sad boy smile and make him feel better. Niki was on caretaker duty, which wouldn’t have been bad if he was able to match her energy and make things more reciprocal. Whether he was capable of returning her efforts in a way that wasn’t token or performative is up in the air, but in fairness, it looked like he had his moments.

Ultimately Wilbur couldn’t match Niki’s faithful, caring energy. Wilbur gets very self-absorbed in times of stress, and I’m actually kind of worried about what that looked like between them, because abandonment might have only been the tip of the iceberg.

I’m going to do something kind of rare and give Wilbur the benefit of the doubt on a few points. Wil, having a relatively functional sense of cause and effect, could probably put together that he was a big part of the problem whether he wanted to be or not. It was interactions with him and his audience that would wind up getting her attacked, so the simplest answer on that front was to just not do that. I also think he knew that their power gap was sketchy, and he might have been concerned about what it said about him. Ironically this might have caused him to hurt her more in the process as he was wrestling with it, but chat had her call him a nonce in their first date video, and in a roundabout way they had a point.

#I write to music relevant to the topic and I felt Actively Guilty for listening to Half Of My Heart as I wrote this thing #Listen to that if you’d like to smack face first into a wall #Your faith / is strong / but I can only fall short for so long #Down the road / later on / you will hate that I never gave more to you #than half of my heart #Don’t worry the story has a happy ending #She literally found someone to match her energy one-to-one nikifold is the exact same type #They bonded over being similar and in the same situation #wlbr 3w4 #Nki 9w1 #oh also the standard rule applies: Lore Is Real Actually #the themes of their relationship are more or less a mirror of what happened in the minecraft roleplay #which is an insane thing that i get to keep saying about this man's life

[smolbean-17]

Hunter is probably going to die this season.

You know I’ve theorized this if you’ve been following me since Season 1. As the season keeps rolling out, the more and more I really do think this will happen.

We know that the ending will be bittersweet, and we know that the emotions behind the ending has a lot to do with fatherhood in particular (according to DBB)

They are putting a huge emphasis on Crosshair and Omega’s relationship. Particularly how he could fill a paternal role for her. Omega mirroring Crosshair is a huge sign to not only us as the audience, but to Hunter as well, that Crosshair can (and will) become a father figure to her. They didn’t have to show us that Hunter noticed Omega mimicking Crosshair. But they did. They’re masterfully crafting that something is going on in Hunter’s head. He’s thinking about Crosshair and Omega’s relationship, and what that could mean.

Crosshair still has a long way to go in regards to his guilt. They could easily have him sacrifice himself at the end to ultimately quell all of his guilt, but I believe that they’re going the route of subverting everyone’s expectations. Crosshair could sacrifice himself for full redemption (like they do with most Star Wars characters) and he probably would given the chance. But story wise, he doesn’t really need to.

If they were planning to go that route, he wouldn’t have been reintroduced to and accepted by the group so early on in the season.

They are actively showing Crosshair paving the way to his redemption. He’s putting in the work. He is protective, helpful, and actively putting himself in danger for the benefit of his family. He’s redeeming himself already. Him dying isn’t necessary to resolve his story. In fact, I think it would diminish the power behind his change. People can make bad decisions. They can hurt others. They can change. And they can live to see happier days. That is hope. And that is always the overarching theme of Star Wars.

Hunter, on the other hand, has been incredibly uncertain and indecisive throughout the entire show. Where Crosshair knows and acts on his decisions, whether good or bad, Hunter has been unsure of himself and his role in everything. His path is way less cut and dry. It almost feels like, in many ways, he has lost his leadership. And he feels it. He regrets his decisions. He probably blames himself for everything bad that has happened. He clearly doesn’t fully trust himself to keep his family safe.

How can his story be resolved, short of him simply finally deciding to take a stand and fight for the other clones?

By giving up his life for his family, for a cause he never wanted to be a part of, as a leader should. So they can go on and live the life he so desperately wants for them.

I don’t think at this point in the story Hunter would allow anyone else to sacrifice themselves. He would stop it from happening. He’s learned from his mistakes.

My theory is that we will see more and more instances of Hunter recognizing Omega’s growing relationships with others, especially Crosshair. And when the time finally comes, he’ll be able to let go of needing to be her primary protector. He’ll see the growth in her, and in his brothers, and finally trust that they’ll be okay. Whether he sacrifices himself or gets mortally injured in a fight/accident, he will be at peace.

I don’t know if his death will be ambiguous or unseen, like him dying in an explosion or something like that, or if it will be more obvious.

I could see him having a Fives-esque death. Where he can say goodbye to his family, and finally pass off the responsibility he held so close to his heart to Crosshair and his brothers.

And if Tech really is dead, he won’t have to be alone anymore.

They’d put Hunter’s helmet above his grave, the last real symbol of the Bad Batch, and a last goodbye to the Clone Wars (since his helmet resembles the regs’ helmets the most)

They’d leave Tech’s goggles on his grave (if Tech stays dead) along with Lula. Omega would leave a bouquet of flowers from Pabu. What a powerful image that would be.

Omega could then go on to lead her own little batch. She’s made the friends and connections to do so. Crosshair and the others wouldn’t be too far behind.

It would be a touching resolution to Hunter’s and Crosshair’s and Omega’s arcs.

Other clues I think they’re dropping that support this theory:

-Omega’s new hair design. It’s perfect for her to wear Hunter’s bandana.

-Batcher joining the squad. She fills the tracking role.

-Crosshair’s increased screen time with Omega.

-Hunter’s increased desire to do whatever it takes to keep Omega safe, and the hints that he becomes reckless upon doing so.

-The Marauder exploding. Something about losing the home and the head of the home making for great storytelling.

-The idea of passing the torch of leadership to the next generation. From Clone Wars (TBB) to the new SW content (Omega)

-The fact that Jen Corbett said Hunter is her favorite character, and I’ve never known a female writer who doesn’t whump the hell out of their favorites the most (fr one of the most compelling arguments lol)

#the bad batch #star wars #clone wars #sw tbb #tbb #star wars tbb #hunter the bad batch #crosshair the bad batch #the bad batch spoilers #omega the bad batch #tbb theories

[laurashapiro-noreally]

Looking for something to read?

Oh look, it's another recs post! This time I'm featuring two stories per author. These are writers I always make time for, whose work stands out as unusually hot, clever, funny, or smart -- sometimes all of the above.

I'm gonna start you out strong with two by @werpiper: After Hours takes Aziraphale and Crowley to the baths after their oyster supper, and all sorts of interesting pleasures are there for our angel to sample. Piper's Crowley is one of my favorites: always evaluating the situation, not quite aware of what his own heart is doing but feeling it anyway.

Fitting In is a new story, still a WIP, but I am utterly tantalized by Muriel's first taste of love -- and tea. This is already rich in detail, soft and fragrant, and I can hardly wait for the action to get going in earnest. The pairing seems surprising but when you think about it for ten seconds of course it makes sense. Sex workers help the curious, the awkward, and the inexperienced every day, bless them.

If you enjoy these, check out @werpiper's back catalog -- they have done a ton of ineffables-through-the-ages, and their series Miracles and Heresy is worth many delightful hours of your time.

I love what @copperplatebeech has been doing lately:

He's Not My Friend is a T-rated story that explores Aziraphale's constant refusal to acknowledge his relationship with Crowley, and Crowley's mirror of that, and how things glacially shift over time. It is subtle and yet specific, it will make you ache and smile.

All Of The Above, also T-rated, is a warm and fuzzy alternative to that, a hilarious celebration of true friendship that made me laugh out loud and still got me right in the feels.

@copperplatebeech can do everything, from quiet, gentle, and romantic to devastating plotty AUs to extraordinarily horny established relationship to absolutely ridiculous humor. Do dive in if you haven't already.

Next up, @cumaeansibyl, master of kink:

better living through technology manages to shove everything I want in a dirty story into less than three thousand words: uptight Aziraphale reduced to sodden wreck, Crowley gleefully showing him what he's been missing, character-driven erotics, and exceptionally funny dialogue.

indulgentiam peccatorum nostrorum is somehow all that and more, turning the "I was wrong" dance into a kink (something I can't get enough of, recs welcome). This one is post-Bastille so it is extra-juicy. Mind the tags!

@cumaeansibyl has a gift for established relationship one-shots, which readers of mine will know are my entire jam. They also have a mind-meltingly hot inverse!omens AU that features different variations of angelic/demonic Crowleys and Aziraphales for our ineffables to play with.

A new-to-me author, Calico, has me hanging by a thread with their Ineffable Romans series. If you want to remember that your ineffables aren't human, that they are inordinately clever but very stupid, that the feelings they have for each other are truly beyond what anyone alive has ever felt, Calico may be the writer for you. This stuff is deep. Also hot af.

Sub Rosa reads like a nasty shag at Petronius', but there's so much more going on here. It is Extremely Queer, driven by power dynamics, and Crowley is fully demonic here and absolutely in control...or is he?

The Intemperance of Liber Pater continues on this theme, with dialogue-driven smut that reads less like a seduction than an inevitability. There's another story in this series, unfinished, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Last but not least: two short pieces by @ineffabildaddy. I stumbled on their stories just this week and I absolutely love their approach, which I've not seen done quite this way before.

take me as your wife has a tight first-person perspective as Crowley meets Aziraphale for a meal and imagines (or is it his imagination?) that Aziraphale is suggesting Certain Things about how they might occupy themselves later. Indeed, is he suggesting even more? Something about their relationship? Or is it all in Crowley's head?

Only in Dreams is kind of a companion piece, from Aziraphale's point of view -- though hundreds of years later. This one's set after the events of S2 and although just as romantic as take me as your wife, it also offers an ineffable take on the ol' glory hole concept. Just in case you thought I was getting soft. 😏

@ineffabildaddy has a whole series of poems and ficlets like these and I can't wait to explore them all.

#good omens #fic recs #good omens fic recs #ineffable husbands #ineffable partners #ineffable spouses #ineffable divorce #smut #fanfiction #fanfic #crowley #aziraphale #aziracrow #crowley x aziraphale #rare pair #muriel

[naneun-no]

From my drafts so it’s late but:

Today’s delulu thought is that Standing Next to You has too many lyrical coincidences to not be about Jimin.

🫣 I SAID IT WAS DELUSIONAL OKAY

You are free to disagree. You probably should 🤣

I mean we know it wasn’t written by Jung Kook but obviously the version he recorded was arranged with and for JK, and “leave your body golden” can’t be a coincidence right? Like it’s the whole ass album name, plus a word that carries connotations of JK himself, which the ppl who worked with him on Seven must have known.

So if that wasn’t a coincidence… then what about:

1. “How we left and right is something we control” — a callback to both Left and Right by CP feat JK, but also a nod to Butter, a massive BTS hit and a song that he performs alongside his boyfie bestie JM.

2. “When it’s deep like DNA, something they can’t take away” — a callback to another massive BTS hit, interesting. And *delulu warning* also reminds me of JM and JK’s extreme similarities that they themselves have referred to before?? They’re wired the same, they have the same sense of humor, they live and breathe for the same shit and even though they have some very key differences, they really do seem like twin flames (even if you just see it as platonic). They are similar in ways that seem braided into the fibers of their being. Like, in their DNA 🧬 some may say. *delulu warning #2* I’m also reminded of Jimin’s Letter lyrics: “After all this time has passed will we still be the same? Just like we were when we first met.”

Also, “something they can’t take away” is an interesting turn of phrase… more on that later.

3. Okay the real meaty part:

Screaming I’ll testify that we'll survive the test of time, they can't deny our love. They can't divide us, we'll survive the test of time I promise I'll be right here

[I seriously can’t believe how closeted-couple-coded this song is]

First off, again with the Letter lyrics mirrored here with the “test of time.” Then it’s got all this drama about being ripped apart and how it won’t happen and how they’ll be next to each other no matter what and that they have “something they can’t take away.”

Not only does all that line up with other Letter lyrics, but it is so goddamn dramatic and for what?

Be for real, what straight couple in this day and age would have this much working against them?? The only possible explanations are: 1) within the fantasy world of a song I suppose this could be some sort of Romeo and Juliet/West Side Story motif, and to be fair the music video did have a kind of rival gang/crime family look to it? Sort of? With the men fighting below the stage? Idk. Or it could be 2) the fact that idols do in fact often have to hide even their straight relationships, which is wild to me. But I know it’s a thing, so. I suppose there’s that. JK doesn’t seem the type though honestly. I think he’d be even more open about it than V.

On the other hand, the lyrics seem SO fit for a couple who are a) queer, b) closeted, c) currently in/about to be in a legislatively homophobic military and country (am I saying that right? Lol) and d) internationally famous pop idols in the SAME BAND who are both widely regarded as heterosexual sex symbols and would be shunned by many people in their homeland AND internationally if their queerness were to be revealed, much less if they were truly an item and THAT news broke.

Whew. That was a lot but like… that would be a real example of a relationship that would be VERY threatened by outside forces plotting against them and trying to separate them. Not JK and a hot blonde model, not him and a Korean actress, not basically any other scenario but a queer relationship.

Idk I know he didn’t write it but like ??? What the hell is that theme? I’m dying to get inside the mind of the people who DID write it, because are they or are they jikookers at this point like?!

4. Just for fun I’ll also point out the “leave your body golden like the sun and moon” 😏 like. Okay. At this point the songwriters are watching Jikook compilations, drooling over @slaaverin edits like convince me they’re not. CONVINCE ME.

5. “Deeper than the rain”?! “The pain”?! Alright I’m not even serious at this point but ??? Rainy day fight 🌧️?!?! 🤣🤣

6. “Standing next to you” oh you mean like… for 18 months? In a companion enlistment program? Like that?

Alright alright I’m done but you get my point. What even is this song if not an anthem of jikookery?! It’s more on-the-nose than Letter, more sneaky than Still With You. It wasn’t written by JK but at this point I’m calling that the songwriters are as delulu as me.

Hope y’all are well. If you made it to the end of this thank you for donning your tinfoil hat with me and I hope you at least got a giggle.

✌️

#jikook #kookmin #jimin and jungkook #jikook theories #delulu time

[pinkarsonist0]

I just got done playing Dead Plate, here are my thoughts and analysis:

It's so interesting how Rody and Vincent perfectly parallel each other, though Vincent's way of mirroring Rody is shown with metaphors and symbolism.

Rody tries again and again to try to win back Manon, he loves her to death more than anything. He job hops in order to get money to impress her, he waits by the phone hoping she'll answer his calls he even has to hear from VINCENT that Manon has ended their relationship when his love for Manon blinded him of their breakup.

But Vincent's parallel to Rody is shown metaphorically, look at his cooking:

He scribbles out reviews from critics that are less than perfect, when Rody reveals he has been letting Vincent's meals for him collect dust in his fridge he looks as if Rody just spit in his face and he is constantly changing the menu.

Vincent said he lost his taste as a child. The dude literally considers his favorite food to be a lemon. A god damn lemon. He has been shown to become VERY upset over mistakes, big or small in his kitchen (Unless it's Rody).

I'm convinced cooking is a metaphor for trying to impress people and feel accomplished but failing every time. I think Vincent comes from a not very good household, and it's manifesting in his adulthood. Vincent has a passion for cooking and food, I believe this had been the case ever since childhood, but when he saw his families apathy towards it, he grew desperate to impress them. To show them that he could do something GREAT with his talent, he works and works to improve, finding any dish that would wow people, yet nothing.

He starts cooking to impress people, he no longer does it for himself, it's too feel accomplished. This goes on until cooking isn't even considered a hobby of Vincent's, he's doing it for others rather than himself. It gets to point he barely enjoys cooking and food in general, so losing his taste is symbolism for Vincent losing out to his hobby to impress others.

He says after losing his taste, he is desperate for a dish. Everything tasted the damn same. It drove him crazy. He wanted something different if we connected that with Vincent trying to impress Rody with his dish, we can also connect that to the theory that Vincent was in love with Rody. If he did like him, I don't think Vincent saw him as an actual potential lover, he saw Rody as another chance to impress the people he couldn't, could Rody remind him of someone that Vincent was desperate to impress? And seeing Rody, he saw a second chance to be a big shot, to prove others wrong and to finally be accomplished?

Vincent literally agrees to date Manon despite being a gay man, just to cook her and feed her to Rody in hopes that he'll love it. Vincent knew Rody LOVES Manon, as long as she's involved he will love whatever it is, so Vincent sees Manon as his key to his goal and kills her. But that doesn't work, and he dies.

They both mirror each other in such interesting ways, I love it.

Rody probably learned his lesson and eventually moved on from Manon, but Vincent didn't see what was the problem, that there was no unique dish that he needed he just needed to rediscover his passion and stop using food to seek validation, yet he died chasing a goal that would never happen.

In conclusion, Dead Plate's theme is trying to impress people and seek validation that we lose ourselves and don't even think about what we want. At times, it may even end us.

#dead plate #dead plate rody #dead plate vincent #character analysis #vincent charbonneau #rody lamoree

[francesderwent]

since apparently in 2024 I’m just saying stuff

I do not want fictional characters to go to therapy.

therapy is a great way to begin to see yourself more clearly, to pinpoint the ways you’re self-sabotaging and make changes which will allow you to strengthen and deepen your relationships. and obviously, we here at redemption.com want to see our favorite characters do that. after a while a character with no self-awareness starts to grate; we usually want them to figure out what they’re doing wrong and have some positive forward motion.

however. therapy is not the only way to have these epiphanies about yourself, or the only way to learn a new way of living, trusting, being a friend. sometimes a series of coincidences will put you in the one situation which will throw a mirror up in front of you and allow you to see and recognize yourself. sometimes you meet just the right person at just the right time who will love you in such a specific way that you’ll realize how wrong your old understanding of love was. it’s less purposeful and less sustained a method of growing than therapy is, it’s more of a winding road with occasional lightning strikes.

and I don’t know how to explain why I only ever want to see characters growing in this way, except to say that when they aren’t, then precisely what you’ve failed to create is a cohesive story. at best you have a story going on while the character privately sorts out their issues at the same time, with themes and climactic moments occurring in neat parallel. (I think Ted Lasso does something like this in season 2.) at worst, you don’t have any story at all, you have a character study in the form of a soliloquy, which happens to be delivered to a therapist. (a lot of fanfiction is like this.) it might be a very good character study! but it’s not a story.

it seems to me that fiction should be a window into the way we can learn from our experiences in the world and from our relationships with others, by being open to seeing ourselves anew and being open to change. and I’m not saying I want all the supporting characters to therapize the protagonist. I’m saying I want my protagonist to listen to the supporting characters and glean the truth of what they say as if they were a very good therapist—even if what they say is delivered in an incomplete way or in the middle of an argument. I don’t want an oracle to appear and point-blank tell the protagonist their fatal flaw. I want the fatal flaw to become exquisitely, inevitably clear in a moment of terrible dramatic irony, when the knowledge seems to come too late. and personally, I want this to happen always in the most dramatic way. I do not want my friends to reach rock bottom in order to start learning and changing. I do, sometimes, want to see fictional characters reach rock bottom. why? well. because there’s a story there.

I don’t just want to see characters changing. I want to see a story about characters changing.

#‘Carmy belongs in therapy’ I am biting you I am biting you I am biting you #he belongs in the restaurant because that’s where the story takes place!!! #’oh he needs to go to therapy and sort himself out before he gets in a relationship’ ma’am this is a STORY #the relationship is WHERE and HOW he will be sorting himself out!!! (or not!!) #‘he’s causing harm to everyone around him because he hasn’t healed his own damage’ he sure fucking is because. that’s the story #in which cate tells stories

[buckyalpine]

Fake it Till You Make it

18+ minors dni

Bucky x female reader 

*** indicates a time jump or change of location. 

I love this trope, I started and couldn’t stop 🥺

Warnings: some suggestive themes, A little angst? (Bucky can be a little shit, swearing) FLUFFF,

Word count: 4.5k oops 

“For fucks sake” You hissed under your breath, wedging yourself behind a pillar to avoid the newest training recruit who had a massive crush on you. You were great as an avenger, just not so great when it came to social interactions. Therefore instead of just telling him upfront, you were not interested, you’d taken to beating around the bush and straight up hiding from him.

You let out the breath you were holding, continuing to make your way to the gym while mentally scolding yourself. You had a talent for attracting guys you weren’t into, along with the flirting skills of a fish. A fantastic combination which kept you single.

“The hell were you doing?” Bucky had seen you shimmy out of your hiding spot, giving you an odd look as you opened the doors to the gym. “Were you really just hiding there to avoid that guy?”

“What does it matter to you” You countered, uninterested in whatever patronizing remark he’d have for you. Bucky was nothing but grumpy and sassy from the day you met him. At first you tried to look past it but he made it impossible.  Bucky found you annoying. He couldn’t even pin point why. Your presence alone irked him. So picky with the guys you dated, seemingly never good enough for you.

                                                                ***

“Bucky!!”  

Bucky groaned, plastering a smile on his face through it looked more like a pained grimace.

“Hi Janice” Dear God. Not today.

“Do you think you could spot me with my squats?”

“No”

“Buckkkyyyyyyy” Zola was less irritating than this.

“Uh, I’m actually just finishing my-

“Please?! Just my last set, I’m almost done” She grabbed his arm, dragging him over to the squat rack. For fucks sake, put me back in cryo.

Bucky awkwardly shuffled behind the new recruit, his hands hovering under the barbell, trying to keep as much distance from her as he could while she worked through her set.

“Am I doing okay?” Janice batted her eye lashes, staring at Bucky’s shitless form from the mirror.

“Yup” Bucky offered a tight lipped smile, taking a few steps back as she tried to push her ass onto him. “I- I need to grab some water”

Bucky took his very full water bottle over to the fountain, cursing under his breath when he saw Janice wave at him, clearly waiting for him to come back. He always hated the training month where SHIELD recruits got to use their gym and tour the compound. It happened every year but this was the worst, specifically because of the one recruit that was heavily crushing on him. Most girls took his moody brooding as a sign to walk away.  

“What’s got your balls in a knot” Sam snorted, watching Bucky huff, over filling his water bottle as you came over to fill yours.

From the corner of your eye, you could see Janice staring at you both, her eyes glaring daggers into you.

“Aww, somebody’s got a crush on the new recruit” Sam teased, wiggling his eyebrows, smirking at the disgust on Bucky’s face.

“Shut up” Bucky grumbled, reluctantly closing his water bottle. “She likes me, I don’t like her”

“Man, why don’t you just tell her you’re seeing someone. Maybe she’ll finally back off”

“Because I don’t do relationships and I don’t date” Bucky avoided dating like the plague. God bless the 21st century for casual hook ups and porn because aside from that, he didn’t commit to anything. You rolled your eyes, scoffing. Of course he didn’t do relationships.

“I don’t think that matters, she’s been obsessed with you” Sam cocked an eyebrow, watching the way Janice made a show of stretching her legs, bending over while looking around to see if Bucky was watching.

“Dear God” Bucky rolled his eyes, debating on if he should just run around the compound with Sam on his shoulders for his workout. He made his way back his bench, hoping she’d pick up on the hint he wasn’t interested. She didn’t.

“Is that your girlfriend?” Janice made her way over, interrupting Bucky mid way through his set. Bucky’s eyes grew wide, he may have been brain washed for 70 years but this girl had more issues than he did.

“Huh, who?”

“Uh, the girl that was behind you when you were filling your water bottle. Are you dating her?” There had to be a way out of this.

“Yup. That is my girlfriend” What the fuck Buchanan. You’re a trained assassin for fucks sake; there were 100 other ways you could have done this.

“Oh” Janice’s face fell, leaving Bucky alone without saying another word though she looked unconvinced. He mentally face palmed, happy she had left him alone (for now) but now he had a different problem on his hands.

                                                              ***

“So, how’s Paul” Wanda smirked from her place on the couch. Everyone had gathered around the living room for a movie but now their attention was on you. Fantastic.

“He’s…persistent” You played with the hem of your sweater, internally retching.

“You’re really going to turn down the one guy that’s shown interest in you?” Bucky cocked an eyebrow, his arms crossed on his chest. You wanted to smack his gorgeous face.

“I’ll have you know, I’m just waiting for the right person. Where’s your girlfriend if you’re so desirable”

“I don’t do relationships” Bucky shrugged, his lips in a stupid perfect pout.

“Sounds like an excuse, have you ever considered that maybe no one wants to date you” You rolled your eyes, finishing the last sip of your beer. “Anyway, it’s not like I want to stay single for life, I just don’t like Paul” I like you.

“Maybe if you stopped playing so hard to get y/n” Nat sighed; she’d tried to set you up on a few blind dates but they never worked out. It wasn’t that you played hard to get, but putting yourself out there was easier said than done.

“She’s not playing hard to get, she’s hard to want” Bucky snorted, dodging the cushion you flung at his head.

“I’m just selective you prick”

“Sure you are” Of course you are, with your perfect eyes, perfect nose, perfect lips. Too good for anyone including m- no Bucky, bad Bucky.

“Drop it before I call Janice on you”

Bucky choked on his beer, coughing as he sat up. He forgot Janice was no longer the only problem he had.

                                                               ***

Bucky tucked himself into the corner of the bar, sipping on whiskey that did absolutely nothing for him. Tony had insisted on having a mix and mingle for the agents in training (it also gave him a chance to get some good PR), therefore everyone had to attend.

You slipped through the crowd, finding a stool in the corner near Bucky. Having to sit with the moody super soldier wasn’t ideal but at least it was dark. You ordered two shots, hoping to ease some of your nerves; Paul had been trailing after you like a shark.

“What are you doing here” Bucky watched you shuffle onto the seat, downing your drinks within seconds.

“Same as you” You shrugged, “Hiding from someone who can’t take a hint” Paul was the male version of Janice.  Bucky snorted, looking at the crowd, gawking when Janice locked eyes with him.  

“Oh fuck…”

She watched you both like a hawk, speed walking over as if she was on a mission to find out if you were actually together. Bucky put his arm around you, pulling you close to him as you started at him wide eyed.

“What the hell are y-

“ Janice, this is my girlfriend y/n” Bucky looked down at you, his eyes pleading, silently screaming help me. You choked for a moment, before smiling, nuzzling into Bucky’s side. He smelled so….good.

“Oh. How long have you been together for?” Janice narrowed her eyes, waiting for one of your to slip up.

“Couple weeks” You felt goose bumps at the way Bucky’s hand softly stroked your waist, holding you close to him. His lips brushed your temple pressing a soft kiss onto your skin. You couldn’t control the way your face heated up, hiding your face into Bucky’s chest.

“Okay. Well I’ll see you around then” Janice swallowed thickly, giving you a glare before walking off. Paul saw you in Bucky’s arms and walked the opposite way without looking back or saying a word. Bucky let out the breath he was holding, coughing awkwardly as he let go of you.

“Sorry, I-” His face flushed as you crossed your arms, looking at him with a smirk. “She assumed we were dating and I went along with it to get her to leave me alone. I panicked”

“And you’re the trained assassin” You snorted, shaking your head “You’re a fucking idiot”

“Shut up” Bucky grumbled, going back to his whiskey.

                                                             ***

You noted the way Paul had stayed away from you the entire night, refusing to even look your way, all because he had seen Bucky holding you. It wasn’t a secret most people were scared of Bucky. Except maybe Janice. Aside from giving you a number of dirty looks, she also kept her distance.

You made your way down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, only to run into the brooding super soldier who was making a cup of coffee.

“You owe me, I could have thrown you under the bus Barnes” You hopped up, sitting on the counter waiting for the water to boil.

“Please, don’t act like you didn’t like it, Paul left you alone all night” Bucky scoffed; he also noticed you were left alone in peace after he put his arm around you. You thought for a moment, he wasn’t wrong.  You also liked how his arms felt around you but he didn’t need to know that.

“What if…what if we pretended to be a couple?”

“Why would I do that” Bucky’s face scrunched up in disgust.

“Ugh, we don’t have to actually date you idiot. Just pretend for a while and they’ll lay off, they’ll be out of here in a month or so anyway. Just when they’re around”

Bucky thought for a moment. It wasn’t the worst idea. At this point, he was ready to do anything that would keep Janice away from him.

“How’s this going to work?”

“Just…I don’t know, act like a couple when they’re around” You shrugged. What’s the worst that could happen?

“And what about the others, what do we tell them?”

“Just tell them we’re pretending, didn’t Sam tell you to do exactly that?”

“Fine, but one rule, don’t fall in love with me” Bucky smirked, stupidly handsome cocky little shit.

“Why the hell would I- you know what, never mind. I’m not even going to dignify that with a response, you can’t fall for me either”

“Won’t be a problem” Bucky scoffed, making his way back to his room.

You shook your head, wondering what the hell you got yourself into.  

                                                       ***

“Hi y/n”

You closed your eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath in before turning around to find Paul shuffling awkwardly at the door of the briefing room.

“ I-I’m not sure if you’re seeing anyone but I was wondering-

“Hey baby” Bucky pushed past Paul, coming over to hold your waist and kiss your cheek. You gasped as he pulled you down to sit on his lap, reading over the file you were reading.

“H-hi” You giggled, feeling Bucky’s beard tickle your neck as he rested his head on your shoulder. Paul gawked for a moment before running away without saying anything. As soon as Paul was out the door, Bucky shoved you off his lap, going back to reading over a mission assignment as if he wasn’t just nuzzling his face into you.

“What the-

“We leave in 5, lets go”

You remained frozen on the spot, while Bucky walked off to the jet, completely unfazed.

                                                           ***

“Hey soldier” Janice strode over to where Bucky was sparring with Steve, making a show of stripping her sweater off, leaving her in her sports bra.

“Mind if I cut in Cap?”

“Uh, actually- Janice ducked under the rope, ignoring Steve’s protests, sauntering over. “Think you could train me for a bit Bu-

You pushed past Steve and Janice, smirking when you could hear her gasp in offence behind you.

“I missed you bub” You draped your arms around Bucky’s neck, resting around his thick shoulders, pulling him close to you. You could feel your heart beating out of your chest when he wrapped his arms around your waist, nuzzling your nose.

“Hey babydoll” Bucky kissed your cheek, resting his forehead against you, “I missed you too, I’ll see you later tonight?”

You nodded, giggling and biting your lip, trying to ignore the way your body felt like it was on fire under his touch. Janice rolled her eyes, storming off without another word or looking back. Steve’s jaw was on the floor, confusedly watching Bucky look at you with heart eyes.

“What in God’s name…”

“Ew, you’re so fucking sweaty” You pushed Bucky off, wiping your hands on your shorts before leaving towards the showers.  

“So are you” Bucky scoffed, snorting when Steve looked like he was going to pass out looking at you both. “Relax punk, it’s nothing. It’s just to get her and that other weirdo Paul to leave us alone”

“And there was no other way to figure something out?” Steve cocked an eyebrow, smirking at the way Bucky’s face blushed.

“Shut up”

                                                            ***

You heard a knock at your door, putting your book down, surprised to see a nervous looking Bucky.

“Can you be ready in 5 minutes?” Bucky awkwardly scratched the back of his head, looking down the hall before looking back at you.

“Explain” You smirked, learning against the door as he shuffled around, looking at the floor.

“Uh, I said we were going out tonight, if it helps, Paul over heard the conversation”

“Hmm, fine” You turned around to get ready, while Bucky stood at your door. “Ugh, just come in and sit, I’ll be ready soon”

Bucky sat at the edge of your bed, twiddling his thumbs, trying to ignore the way he wished this was real.

“Where did you say we were going?”

“I didn’t specify, just wear anything”

You couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment it wasn’t a real date. You rummaged through your closet, slipping on your classic little black dress and heels, throwing on a black leather jacket on top in case it got cold.

“Aren’t you over dressed?” He sassed, pretending he didn’t want to rip that dress right off you and take you on the bed-

“You’re making me leave the comfort of my bed for this, we might as well actually go somewhere” You rolled your eyes, linking your arm in his as you both left your room.

Bucky had his arm around your waist as you both walked through the common room. Thankfully Steve had filled everyone in therefore they were laying it on extra thick. You were immediately met with wolf whistles from the team as they smirked watching Bucky make a show of holding you close to him, and kissing your jaw.

“Have fun you two” Sam winked, with a shit eating grin on his face. Janice rolled her eyes, ignoring you both while Paul sunk down on the couch, hiding behind the others.

You both walked over to the garage, passing by all the cars, stopping at Bucky’s bike.

“We’re taking my motorbike” Bucky handed you a helmet, waiting for you to climb on.

“For fucks sake Bucky, can’t we just take the car” You pouted. Not that you didn’t trust Bucky but his bike made you nervous.

“Suck it up princess, hold on tight” Bucky smirked, feeling your body pressed against him, arms snaking around his waist gripping onto him for dear life. You were too scared to ask where he was taking you, hugging onto him tightly as he sped through the streets. You felt the bike come to a stop, your eyes screwed shut, still clinging onto him.

“You can let go now”

You opened your eyes, gasping up at the bright sign of the ice cream shop you had been dying to go to, though never getting the time between training and mission.

“Oh my God!! I wanted to come here for so long!” You squealed, hopping off the bike, jumping up and down while Bucky rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile.

“I know, you’re such a kid” Bucky shook his head, holding the door open for you. You grinned, looking at all the flavours, deciding to get a double scoop of your two favourite flavours on top of a waffle.

“What are you getting” You looked up at him with bright eyes still bouncing on your heels.

“I’m okay”

“You have to get something” You pouted, smirking when you thought of a way to change his mind. “Janice will probably ask you what we did…sooo”

Bucky groaned, settling on a scoop of vanilla. You took your ice cream, dragging Bucky over to sit on a bench nearby, moaning at the way the warm waffle nearly melted on your tongue. Bucky looked at our curiously, smirking at the way your eyes rolled back.

“It’s that good?” I could make you moan like tha- shut up Bucky.

“Soo fucking good” You nodded, stuffing down the rest of your waffle in two bites. “How long have we been out for?”

“Like half an hour?”

“Is that long enough for a date?” Bucky shrugged, thinking for a moment. He didn’t specify it had to be a long date but the longer you were out; the better it was for you both, right?

“We could go by the lake side, kill an hour over there before we head back? Unless you can’t walk around in those heels” Bucky snorted.

“Then it’ll be your turn to suck it up and carry me Barnes” You rolled your eyes, making your way back to the bike and slipping the helmet on. You felt a tad more comfortable this time around, keeping your eyes open while you stayed glued to him.

You both made your way over to the docks, sitting near the edge, overlooking the lake. You’d been to the lake plenty of times but never this area. It was more secluded, further away from where most people visited.

“How’d you know about this place?”

“Come here to think” Bucky shrugged, looking at the way the moon reflected off the water.

“What do you think about?” You looked at him with curious eyes, noticing him shift for a moment. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. We can just watch the water too” You smiled softly at him, looking back to the water. Bucky hesitated for a moment. He really only opened up with Steve…what’s the worst that could happen?

An hour passed. Then 2 hours. 4 hours later, Bucky checked the time, his eyes growing wide when he realized how late it was. He started to get up, surprised to find his hand comfortably resting in yours. At some point during the night, your hands intertwined. You looked down, quickly pulling your hand away, mumbling a sorry before standing up with him.

“Should we head back?” Bucky shuffled awkwardly, looking at the ground. You nodded, thankful for the cool night air because your heart was racing and you felt like you were sweating. You felt your heart break a little; you’d both spent hours sharing some of your deepest fears, thoughts and dreams with each other but he just saw you as a friend. He didn’t date or do relationships. Soon, there wouldn’t be any need to pretend.

You rested your head on Bucky’s shoulder, wrapping your arms tightly around him. You loved how it felt to hold him, the warmth of his body, the scent of his cologne. Bucky pulled up to the garage, parking the bike. You groaned, setting your feet down, feeling the soreness from your heels finally setting in.

Bucky wordlessly picked you up in his arms, playfully rolling his eyes. You giggled looking up at him, snuggling into his chest. He carried you through the compound, all the way to your shared floor, setting you down once he reached your room.

“It wasn’t the worst” You smiled shyly, “Didn’t know you knew how to be so sweet Buck” you teasingly poked him, noting the way his cheeks flushed.

“Yeah, I don’t date, doesn’t mean I don’t know how” Bucky scoffed in fake offence. You both gazed at each other, leaning a little closer. You swallowed thickly, stopping yourself before it went any further.

“Good night Buck” He doesn’t date and all this is fake.

“Good night y/n” This is fake and she doesn’t see you that way.

                                                           ***

The team gathered around for another movie night, sans the trainees. Your heart sank a little, when you realized you wouldn’t have to pretend to date for the night and things could be like normal. You stood on your tippy toes, huffing when you couldn’t reach the mug on the stop shelf.

Bucky made his way to the living room, stopping for a moment when he saw you reaching for your tea mug. He couldn’t help the pang of disappointment he was feeling, getting to have a normal night.

“Here, I’ll get it” Bucky easily reached up, from behind you, his hand gently resting on your waist as he grabbed it, placing it in your hands. You could feel your heart racing again as you turned to look at him, his hand still holding your waist. His eyes flicked to your lips before looking up again, his other hand tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

You could feel his hand pulling you closer to him. You could feel his breath fan on your face as he leaned in, his perfect lips nearly brushing yours…

“Movie’s starting- Woah- am I interrupting” Tony wiggled his eyebrows with a shit eating grin while you pushed Bucky away from you.

“Nope”

You quickly resumed your tea making while Bucky sped out of the kitchen. He couldn’t help the little flutter he felt in his heart at how perfectly you fit in his arms. He loved the way your arms clung around him on his bike, the way you listened to him for hours, how soft and kissable your lips loo- what the hell are you doing. Stop. She doesn’t like you.

You made your way over to the living room, pausing for a moment when you realized the only free spot left was beside Bucky on the couch. Stop over thinking y/n. You sat down beside him, ignoring the way the rest of the team eyed you curiously.

You started to fall asleep half way through, your head resting on Bucky’s shoulder. He looked down at you softly snoring, your body tucked against him, the cutest thing he’d ever seen- control yourself, she’s just tired.

“Hes….smiling. Do y’all see that?! Did you see that?!” Sam loudly whispered, grinning, watching Bucky softly smile at you. The rest of the team shared knowing glances with each other, watching the super soldier quickly try to wipe the smile off his face, failing miserably.

“Who are you pretending for now Barnes” Tony smirked, noticing the way you nuzzled yourself into Bucky’s side, sighing contently in your sleep.

“You know, the program ends soon, at least you two won’t have to pretend for much longer” Steve smirked at Bucky, narrowing his eyes to watch his reaction. Bucky silently nodded, shrugging like it was obvious he didn’t care.

But he did.

                                                         ***

“We don’t have to fake it any more” You said lightly, hoping to hide the disappointment in your voice, watching the recruits leave the compound. Janice and Paul hadn’t approached you since you date night but you had made sure to keep things up for appearances.

“Yup. I can finally stop having to run and save you each time lover boy walks by” Bucky chuckled, shuffling beside you, keeping his distance.

“And I don’t have to keep a look out for you stalker” You smiled, swallowing the burn you felt in your throat. No more quick pecks on the cheek or lingering hugs. He’d go back to being happily single and you’d be back to watching him longingly from a distance.

“and we both stuck to the rules” I didn’t. They were pointless, I’ve always liked you.

“Yup. We followed the rules” You quickly made your way back to your room, blinking back tears.

You didn’t want to cry but you did. You never admitted it to yourself before but you’d always had a crush on Bucky and now it was more than that. You had an easier time containing your feelings when Bucky was just a dick to you most of the time. You scolded yourself; you shouldn’t have suggested the fake dating in the first place.

Bucky made his way to the gym, taking his frustrations out on a punching bag. He’d no longer get to randomly pull you into his arms. Hear your giggle when he nuzzles his face into your neck. Sure, you were friends now, but it’s not like you saw him differently…unless…no. Maybe? Fuck it.

You heard a knock at your door, pulling you out of your crying session. You quickly wiped your face, surprised to find an out of breath, dishevelled Bucky looking at you, his knuckles bloodied and bruised.

“Bucky? What hap-

“So. I broke a rule” He cut you off before you could finished, stepping close to you. You breath hitched as he hesitantly put on hand on your waist, pulling you closer to him.

“Hm. And what’s that?” Your hands found their way to rest on his chest, both of your hearts beating erratically. Bucky cupped your face, hold you close to him, his lips brushing against yours as he spoke.

“I did the one thing I told you not to do” Please tell me you feel the same.

“and that is?” Your voice was hardly above a whisper, slowly standing on your tippy toes, brining your lips even closer to his.

“I fell in love with you” Bucky pressed his lips onto yours, kissing you deeply, pouring every ounce of his feelings into you. You ran your fingers though his hair, pressing your body onto his, letting his tongue lace with yours. Bucky picked you up without breaking his lips away, wrapping your legs around his waist, carrying you over to your bed.

He laid on top of you, kissing every inch of your face while you wrapped your arms around him, holding him close to you. Bucky smirked to himself, remembering the exact moment he fell in love with you. When he decided to be a little shit, just to feel your arms around him.

“I have another secret”

You looked at him quizzically as he came down to whisper in your ear.

“I could have just taken a car”

-

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed! (also this is an 18+ blog, I can’t tag nameless/ageless blogs)

Tags: @glxwingrxse @hungryyeyes @sebsgirl71479 @beabutterfly987 @teambarnes72 @witchy-whore @jamesbuckybarneswify @slutforsexyseabass @chrisdrysdale @littlemarvelmenfan @buggy14 @whimsyplaty92 @sergntbarnes @needybabygirlstuff @goldylions @inkedaztec @pono-pura-vida​

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x reader #bucky fluff #avengers x reader #marvel fluff #avengers fluff #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky fanfic #bucky x female reader #bucky x f!reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fan fic #bucky barnes request #bucky fan fiction #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes angst #bucky angst #bucky barnes fake dating #bucky barnes fake dating au #enemies to lovers bucky barnes #bucky barnes enemies to lovers #tony stark #iron man

[014miki]

Hello! I saw your yandere Johnny and Smoke headcanons and I really enjoyed reading them! If it's okay with you, would you be willing to do something similar with Rain? Thank you so much in advance! You're very talented and I love your work :)

omg rain <3 yes, sure and trank you for that!

If you don't like it, let me know so I can modify it and make it more to your liking.

♥︎‹ 𖤩 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐈'𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 .

TW: dark concept, yandere themes, violence, unhealthy jealousy, carefulness, non-gender specific (yippie) and song lyrics (not at all).

rain / zeffeero x reader. (yandere version)

✦ tomas vrbada version here!

✦ johnny cage version here!

a/n: ¡First of all! I'm aware of what the song is about, however since i've seen it on several "yandere playlists" i thought it would be a good idea, apart from if you look at it another way, the song fits in a certain way (or so i think) and thank you for continuing to support me, i appreciate it very much. By follow me, giving heart or make a request, your support me a lot and so... i appreciate it a lot.

> used song: honey i'm home by ghost and pals.

＞﹏＜"he's meet you during the event that empress Sindel had organized, he was amazed by you who felt that need to know absolutely everything about you in a twisted way."

⛈️ ▋୨★« ་. 01.- ¿Who were you? You were someone special to him despite never having spoken to each other, socializing was not his strong point, ¿okay?

⛈️ ▋୨★« ་. 02.- Everytime he's think... ¿what it will feel like to have a relationship with you? ¿have you had anyone else before him? It doesn't matter, he would be responsible for being the last and if not, he would be the first and only one in your life.

⛈️ ▋୨★« ་. 03.- His tendencies are extremely big, bigger than a river, he was aware of what would happen if he took the life of someone in your name but ¿what difference does it make? It has a reason and whoever agrees ¡great! Who's not, will have their lungs full of water very soon…

⛈️ ▋୨★« ་. 04.- The outworld for him in a way it was "his home" but lately that has changed. ¿Why does everyone have a "where to go after work" and he's not? He questions himself about that, however he couldn't help but think ¿How would you receive him after he arrived at "the where"? It must be the most satisfying thing i would feel, without more or less... I would try to persuade you.

One of these days... I could say with complete freedom; ¡honey, I'm home! and make you completely of his property, do not think that he will be someone soft with the punishments he will exert on you, every action has a reaction. Maybe you'll turn a bad night into a good day. Never you escape from him, never...

¿WHATS HAPPEND YOU TRY ESCAPE?

Obviously thats not good end, but not worry, not's losting everyting, not at all. You have a choise or well... you will have to pay but not there wasn't really a chance to escape, rather a chance to go out and see the sun. He never would let you escape from his mercy, you would drive him completely crazy to the point that he is capable of flooding an entire city to make you leave you hiding place. ¿Really you wish that?

─ "To get out of here is to promise me a kiss darling. In any case, you have no other alternatives that do not cost more than what you are able to pay." He looks at you smiling, underneath that facade were hidden desires darker than a stolen kiss.

You look at a mirror from your side, you see your reflection and mentally you say: "Never look behind the mirror again rear-view mirror."

#character x reader #x reader #character x y/n #character x you #youtube #gender neutral reader #love #mortal kombat #mortal kombat x reader #yandere mortal kombat #yandere #tw yandere #yandere male #male yandere #rain mortal kombat #rain x reader #zeffeero #mk1 #mortal kombat 1 #rain mk

[thevelaryons]

The theme of 'family' is at the core of Corlys' storyline. It's the reason behind so many of his actions. He even left the sea behind for the sake of family.

At seven-and-thirty, the Sea Snake was already hailed as the greatest seafarer Westeros had ever known, but with his nine great voyages behind him, he had come home to marry and make a family. “Only you could have won me away from the sea,” he told the princess. “I came back from the ends of the earth for you.”

— Fire & Blood, The Long Reign

It is also, I believe, the reason he had an affair. The perfect family he had envisioned for himself was unraveling before his eyes at the onset of his son's marriage to the crown princess, and at the same time, his daughter was trapped in a betrothal to a man that proved a wastrel.

This might seem an odd statement but I don't believe Corlys loved Rhaenys any less even though he cheated on her. His problem was never with her, but all to do with the family succession. The truth would of course hurt his wife if she ever knew of her husband's actions. But again, the issue is centered on the children of their family.

Lord Corlys did not share Ser Laenor’s erotic predispositions, he points out, and the Hull shipyards were like unto a second home to him, whereas his son visited them less frequently.

— Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons

Personally I don't think the affair was happening exactly at the shipyards. That would have been too risky. It's far more likely that Corlys would visit the shipyards of Hull to go out sailing and that's when he would meet up with Marilda. Corlys came home from the sea for the sake of family and it's at sea that he creates his new family. Not the healthiest of coping mechanisms but that seems to be what's happening here.

Between his dragon wife and his mistress of the sea, Corlys has two children each. As I mentioned before, these children parallel each other: Laena to Alyn and Laenor to Addam. While the wife and mistress seem at opposite ends of a fire/water dichotomy, it's worth pointing out that they were both around the same age at the onset of their relationship with Corlys. It's also possible that they might have shared a slight resemblance (especially if the theory of Marilda being a Targaryen dragonseed is true and that being where her sons get their dragonriding potential). When it comes to his children, I do wonder what Corlys thought about the younger two becoming part of his life in relation to the ones that he had lost. He must have been feeling quite haunted.

Though in the end, Corlys ends up loosing most of his immediate family. His wife dies in a war for the iron throne when incidentally she was herself denied the same throne. His daughter, who he managed to secure a better marriage for, dies in childbirth. His eldest son, for whom he was willing to bend the rules to allow him his freedom at Driftmark, is killed by a knight of his own household. His other son was the perfect heir that Corlys had always wanted but he is unable to truly save him (he was doomed the moment he became Corlys' heir) and they are both condemned as traitors together. By the time the fighting is done, Corlys has only one child left to him: Alyn aka his mirror.

Alyn remains behind but for the remainder of his life, Corlys does not return back to Driftmark or to the burnt ruins of his castle. When Corlys himself dies at last, after having lost so much of his family, it is his mistress who returns him back to the sea.

Afterward his remains were carried back to Driftmark aboard the Mermaid’s Kiss, captained by Marilda of Hull with her son Alyn. There the battered hull of the ancient Sea Snake was floated once again and towed out into the deep waters east of Dragonstone, where Corlys Velaryon was buried at sea aboard the very ship that had given him his name.

— Fire & Blood, Under the Regents

#valyrianscrolls #asoiaf #corlys velaryon #rhaenys targaryen #marilda of hull #laena velaryon #laenor velaryon #addam velaryon #alyn velaryon #house velaryon #meta

[that-ari-blogger]

A Look In The Mirror

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power exists in cycles and spirals, that's part of why I call it an tragedy trying desperately to happen. A ton of the tension is driven by the question of whether or not the characters will break out of the cycle. In other words, the story is about agency vs fate (a bit like Romeo and Juliet, I wonder what else the two have in common).

There are many ways to get across this theme, perhaps with carefully laid parallels and nuanced storytelling, both of which She-Ra does. But Signals takes a different, far less subtle approach. The episode tells the audience overtly what the series as a whole is about, and what exactly can subvert it.

Let me explain.

SPOILERS AHEAD: (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, God Of War: 2018, God Of War: Ragnarök)

Signals opens after Entrapta's loyalties become general knowledge, and I would like to start with Bow's story in this episode, because it is a microcosm of how the story works as a whole. A vacancy is opened in a hierarchy and the new appointee tries to do things the way that their predecessor did. People become caricatures of those they see as powerful in their designated area and have to learn that being themself is just as useful, if not more so.

Bow, for example, seems convinced that failure is to be avoided or hidden. He has to be perfect, and able to fix anything. But, as Entrapta herself explains:

"There’s no reason to get huffy because an experiment fails.  Failure is a vital part of scientific endeavor."

For all of her eccentricities, Entrapta is one of the wisest characters in the series, with only Razz outdoing her in that regard. (Swiftwind comes close). To that end, this is rather decent life advice, sometimes the best way to learn is to get something wrong and experience the consequences for that, instead of being either protected from consequence, or being punished for trying.

Hold on to this thought.

In essence, Bow is a relatively simple character by nature, he is necessary to balance out the entirety of the rest of the cast. But the word "relatively" is doing a lot of heavy lifting there, because Bow is nuanced, specifically in his relationship with obstacles.

Bow begins with a very simple worldview, but Entrapta single handedly complicates this time and time again. With her death, her allegiance, and her legacy. Bow realises that his worldview needs nuance when his top down perspective gets someone "killed", then he realises that his idea of binary morality is skewed when Entrapta defects, and here he learns about failure and tactics by trying to live up to her image.

Bow remains simple, in contrast with the theme park character development of Catra, Adora, and Glimmer, but he does learn and adapt.

So, Bow sets the baseline, to break from the cycle, you need to change. You need to stop trying to be someone else, and instead focus on being the best you that you can possibly be.

God Of War: 2018 and its sequel use the analogy of fate to describe this principle. Thor becomes an absent father because of his own father's abuse, which then leads to Magni and Modi being schmucks as the cycle continures. Odin explicitly gets to see what his future holds and ends up inadvertently causing it to come true in his attempts to subvert his fate.

Fatbrett on YouTube has a video titled Odin - A Deconstruction of Villainy that delves into the character as a whole, but I would like to zero in on Odin's core flaw and the message of the game as a whole. To change your fate is to change your nature. Odin is incapable of change, so the prophecy comes true.

But Kratos and Atreus do change, but their journey is towards learning to not avoid being themselves. Kratos' journey in God of War: 2018 is directly caused by not telling his son about his past, and Atreus spends the entirety of God of War: Ragnarök trying to be either his father, or Odin. The message of the story is this:

"Don't be sorry, be better"

Learn from your mistakes.

Adora takes this in an interesting direction, because it's genuinely difficult to see her as having much meaningful character development in series one at all, and I actually think this is a good thing. Because on a surface level, Adora goes from bad guy to good guy and escapes from an abusive relationship. But does she? The only thing that happens to the parental relationship is a pallet swap.

All Adora does in season one is change her surroundings, but the key part of that is her foundation. Adora spends season one surrounding herself with people who will enable that character development to flourish and not be broken down... and Light Hope. In season two, Adora starts making strides towards actual agency, and that is all because of the setup she has been doing.

I have gone into Depth as to how Light Hope is a bad influence in other posts, but this episode hammers home just how easily Adora internalises things. She keeps Shadow Weaver's tales of the Weeping, Headless, and Undead Princesses in her mind, for example, absorbed uncritically.

But Adora also keeps the obsessive blaming. She sees a problem and immediately attributes the cause of it to the Horde, a holdover from her time there, where she had the same attitude towards Princesses. In this instance, she's wrong, and the problem is more nuanced, and her assumptions get the better of her.

Speaking of assumptions, the first ones make an appearance in this episode, kind of. The messages that they leave behind give a glimpse into their lives that we haven't come close to getting before.

"I’ve been thinking of them as these big epic figures. But they’re regular people, sending messages to their loved ones."

The theme of cycles and living up to legacies continues with the worldbuilding of this story. Modern Etheria tends to visualise the First Ones as great and powerful and perfect, but they were just as human as the rest of the characters. Once again, those trying to mimic their predecessors exactly come up short.

Over on the Horde side, Catra is going through a similar situation, she is trying to become Shadow Weaver, but coming up short because there was more the story than she realised. Shadow Weaver had to do paperwork, for example.

There's also the fact that she is still in the abusive environment. She still regularly visits Shadow Weaver, so the psychological bullying still happens, but she's also around Hordak, now. I said that Adora has just pallet swapped her situation, and I think Catra has done the same.

When Hordak takes the atmosphere out of the room, it is awful, and it's the moment in which Catra should realise that it doesn't matter how high up in the chain of command she goes, she will still be suffering. She should realise that she needs to get out of there for her own safety and sanity.

But she doesn't realise that. Instead, she applies what she has learned in her upbringing. She is convinced that all she has to do is succeed, and she will get that attention and fairness. Conditional acceptance is what she is used to, so she doesn't see anything out of the ordinary here.

"Failure is when something ceases to serve a purpose. When that happens, it becomes worthless to me."

This is Hordak's worldview, and I hate to argue with a villain, but I think he's wrong there. If success is usefulness, and everything will eventually stop being useful to you, then you have a pretty sad life. If you judge everything by utility and don't care for relationships or things that just look and feel nice, then you are alone.

But on a broader, purely utilitarian perspective, this idea is bunk by that standard too. Failure as worthlessness is an objectively false idea, because mistakes are things to learn from. If something doesn't work, try again differently.

In other words:

"Failure is a vital part of scientific endeavor."

Entrapta is back, and this episode actually gives a glimpse into how to subvert the cycles, specifically through Entrapta and Hordak.

Firstly, Hordak has evidently been trying the experiment over and over again without learning anything. So Entrapta, by nature of her ability to adapt, makes the experiment work. It's a tiny metaphor for what I've been saying so far.

But Entrapta breaks through Hordak's barriers because of her sense of freedom. The best way to break free of a downward spiral is to start moving in a different direction, and Entrapta does that easily. The reason she so easily switches sides is because she isn't tied down by anything (not even morality). She can't even be imprisoned because she is impossible to contain. Entrapta is a free spirit, and I think that that is what the series is about, personal agency.

Catra and Adora are repeating the same story over and over again because they think they have no choice, that's what the tragedy of the series is, the two main characters are on a road to destruction and can't change direction. But the story isn't a tragedy, it avoids being one at the last possible moment when the characters finally realise that they have agency, and that thematic is foreshadowed right here, in Signals.

Final Thoughts

In my plan for this post, I wanted to bring up the Darksouls series, of all things, but I think I will save that idea for a later episode.

In any case, this episode manages to discuss some overarching philosophy, as well as explicitly state that this has happened before, this is a story about repetition, learn from your mistakes.

Also, the cinematography in this episode is really cool. It flies under the radar a lot, but the camera placement and movement really heighten the tension and vibe of this episode.

Next week, I will be talking about Roll With It, an episode that is near and dear to my heart for completely unbiased reasons. Definitely unbiased. Not bias there at all. So, stick around if that interests you.

Previous - Next

#rants #literary analysis #literature analysis #character analysis #what's so special about...? #she ra and the princesses of power #spop adora #spop #she ra #spop entrapta #spop bow #spop hordak #she ra catra #she ra spop #she ra adora #she ra bow #she ra entrapta #she ra princess of power #catra #adora #mermista can do no wrong

[nyxronomicon]

Part v: Broken Walls

ex-husband!Geto x fem!reader

reader: she/her pronouns, wears a skirt/dress, tits & vagina pet names: my love, good girl note: I use MC in the place of y/n because I prefer it cw: manipulation, abusive relationship, masturbation, religious themes, yandere!Geto, fake boyfriend scenario

masterlist | ao3 mirror

Two years ago.

"You're late." The house was silent, dark. Except for the dim reading light and your husband waiting for you.

"I was at a happy hour with some of the new hires." You smiled nervously. You were hoping he'd be asleep, though you knew he wouldn't be.

"Oh? Who?" Suguru barely feigned interest anymore.

"No one important, dear." You sighed. This again.

"No one important? Then why waste your time?" Suguru's book snapped closed. "Come here, love. I missed you." He set it on the table, his lap now open for you to join him.

"I just like talking to different people." You slipped your shoes off and set your bag down. "I don't want to rely on you."

"Am I not enough for you?" He frowned, but his expression softened when you sat sideways on his lap. One of his hands wrapped around your waist, the other rested on your thigh.

"Of course you're enough, love." You hated when he got like this. "But what you want... it just feels a little like a cage sometimes."

"A cage." His frown deepened.

"I don't mean it like-"

"I didn't realize I'm so horrible to be around." He interrupted you.

"You know-"

"I know this ring means every day I wake up and I choose you." He hissed, holding up the hand wearing his wedding ring. "Over anything, you alone are the most important thing to me. I'm sorry that's so suffocating for you."

"Suguru, c'mon." You sighed.

"C'mon what? Nanami was there, wasn't he?" Suguru's voice sounded disgusted.

"He's my friend." Anger bit at your words. You'd told him this time and time again.

"He confessed his love for you just last month. He told you I'm too controlling and begged you to get a divorce." His grip on your waist tightened. "Why would you expect me to be okay with you spending time with someone like that?" He spoke through his teeth.

Your chest was now pressed against his, your fingers grasping at the fabric of his shirt. "I'm not interested in him, love. He would never-"

"You don't know that." Suguru's nose pressed against the crown of your head, nuzzling your hair, taking in the faded scent of the perfume you wore to work. "I can't protect you if I'm not with you. You didn't even tell me where you were."

"I..." your voice was weak. Once again, Suguru was wearing you down. "I'm sorry."

"I was so worried." He pressed a kiss to your head, peppering more down to your ear. "Don't be careless like that. Men like him can't be trusted."

"I've told you..." You nearly lost your train of thought when Suguru started kissing your neck. "He's just a friend. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'd prefer he's less." He grunted, his teeth leaving a trail as that familiar tingle of desire bubbled within you.

This always happened. He got mad at you for wanting other people in your life. He saw it as them taking his time with you away. He'd berate you for it, then play it off as being worried or sad. Though your sympathy ran thin, he adapted. After all, doesn't anger feel a lot like lust when his hands are exploring your curves?

"Guru..." You couldn't tell annoyance from desire anymore. You should have just gone to bed. "What are you asking me to do?"

He took his time sucking at the skin on your neck, pleasure buzzing through your body as he left a hickey that would be hard for you to hide at work tomorrow. A few languid kisses along your collarbone followed before he finally responded to your question.

"Selfish of you to lead him on." He mumbled against your skin. A hand slowly slid up your thigh, under that tight pencil skirt that a home-wrecker like Nanami shouldn't get the privilege to see. "Isn't it?"

"I... I guess." Your words were breathy. Suguru loved manipulating your anger into desire. As he watched your defenses crumble, he smirked, showering you with more affection.

"Set him free then." Suguru's kisses dropped to your cleavage. No wonder the poor oaf was so into you. The outfits you wore were barely appropriate for work. He couldn't blame him for wanting to get lost between your tits. He decided to leave a hickey at the top of your breast to encourage a more modest wardrobe. "Remind him you're happy with me. You don't need him."

"He's..." Desire was pumping through you. You were tired. It was barely worth the fight anymore. "... my friend."

"He's not your friend." Suguru pulled away from your breast, satisfied with the marks left behind. "He wants to fuck you. He told you as much." His soft brown eyes searched yours, laced with concern. "Don't you understand?"

"Guru..." He played your heart strings like a prodigy until you were singing the same tune. And he was always successful. "Okay. I'll stop hanging out with him."

"Good girl." He placed a hand on your cheek. "That makes me feel so much better, my love." He kissed you deeply, tongues twisting as you melted against him. His arms wrapped around you, the cage of adoration locking you right where you were always meant to be.

.

Your bleary eyes slid open when Choso's alarm went off. It was a miracle you weren't hungover- apparently chugging water while staring at yourself in the mirror last night was effective in chasing away the mistake of last night.

Oh yeah. The mistake.

"I'm gonna take a shower." Choso mumbled, half asleep. "Unless you wanted to?"

"Yeah." Your voice was hoarse. "If you don't mind."

"Sure. I'll go after." He rolled over, seeming to drift right back to sleep.

You collected your toiletries and clothes and trudged to the bathroom. The light was bright, a mild headache threatening the back of your head when you turned it on. You drank a couple more cups of water and turned on the shower, waiting until it was hot to climb in.

The memories from last night slowly trickled into your head. The kissing. The tender words. The nostalgia. And, of course, the sex. The worst part about all of it was that it still felt good.

Fuck.

You thought for sure last night that you'd wake up and regret everything. That you'd want to grab Choso and go straight home, skip the sermon, never see that bastard again. But you didn't. You wanted to see his sermon. You wanted to see him.

Your hands thoughtlessly trailed over your body, feeling your breasts, your pussy... thinking about him. The way Suguru touched you last night felt so much better than you remembered. It just drilled in your mind how inadequate your imagination and your own touch had been. Of course, the one-night-stands had nothing on him, either.

Your back arched, the memories of last night fueling you. Let me worship you. His words echoed in your mind as your finger swirled around your clit. As your spine tingled with desire, a silent gasp escaped your lips. You kept touching yourself, feeling your body light up as you thought about him.

Choso's alarm went off again in the other room and you snapped yourself out of it.

Last night meant nothing, you told yourself. You took a deep breath, putting soap on the hotel washcloth to cleanse yourself of the stench of your sinful evening. You forced yourself to remember the incident with Nanami.

He was sweet. Worked at the cubicle across from yours. You were friends. You suspected Nanami might have a little crush, but it was obvious you were married. If not for the wedding ring you never left home without, your desk was adorned with photos of you and Suguru. It wasn't uncommon for you to mention him, either. There was a time when he really was your best friend, after all.

Despite your better judgement, you confided in Nanami a few times. Suguru had been a lot more wary about you going out with your friends, so it was hard for you to spend time with anyone outside of work. He was a calming presence, and he always bought your coffee, even though you insisted he didn't need to. That Suguru wouldn't like it if he knew.

You knew for a fact that Suguru detested Nanami in particular, probably because he couldn't really control whether you see him. In retrospect, Nanami was the only person keeping you sane in those last few years. Him and Gojo.

Suguru thinks I'm stringing you along. That's not really fair to you, Nanami. You told him. That pathetic excuse to ending your friendship.

Does he make you happy? Seriously. Nanami asked, his eyes on you. Tender. Soft. An absence of something that was always present when Suguru looked at you, though you still couldn't place it, even in the memory. The long silence said more to him than your answer did.

I'm sorry, Kento. You remembered his face. Like you just stabbed him in the heart. You might as well have. But it was what Suguru wanted. And you always gave him what he wanted. That was the thing he loved most about you.

Negativity swirled in your mind as you went through your shower routine. But you kept landing on the worst thought of all. If Suguru really had changed, if every night could be like last night, then yes. Suguru Geto made you very, very happy.

You wanted to call Nanami. You were no longer coworkers; he stopped talking to you after that day and found a new job shortly after. You'd barely thought about him since, blocking that shitty memory from your mind. Along with countless others, no doubt. You hoped he was doing well, and that he didn't spend as much time hung up on you as you did on your ex-husband.

You took a deep breath after stepping out of the shower. Putting your clothes on, dread swirled within you. You had to tell Choso. The bad memories of Suguru seemed so distant, and your mind kept returning to last night like it was stuck on repeat. You couldn't trust your own judgement, and you were sure Gojo would have prepared him for his eventuality.

Finishing your morning routine, you exited the bathroom. "Hey, Choso?"

"Mmh... yeah?" He groaned, stretching as he slowly climbed out of bed.

"Uh, about last night," His eyes widened as you spoke. "I... fucked up."

"What happened?" Still groggy, he rubbed the back of his neck. Gojo was gonna chew him out for falling asleep.

"We... fucked." You sighed. Might as well tell him everything.

"Shit. Fuck." There was a long pause. "Seriously?"

You looked away. Though it was still dark in the hotel room, he could see the guilt in your expression from the glow of the bathroom lights.

"Let's play hooky then." Choso spoke softly. His tone wasn't accusatory or dissapointed, just laced with empathy. "I hate going to church, anyway." His soft chuckle put you at ease a little, though the reaction you were really worried about was Gojo's.

"You sure? We came all the way here..." You fidgeted a little, though your whole body was on edge at the idea of walking into that church.

"Honestly," Choso grinned, "I'd much rather just leave. This was just a favor to Gojo. And you, of course."

You could feel the stress and anxiety leave your body at his words. You hadn't even noticed how tensed up you were. "Thanks, Cho." You smiled softly, and the two of you packed up to check out.

.

Choso drove the car while you rode in the passenger seat. You agreed to text Gojo once the two of you were on the road.

You: so, uh, bad news Gojo: you're not at church You: yeah. geto came over last night Gojo: no You: ... yeah You: i fucked up Gojo: please tell me you didn't You: ... You: to be fair he got me drunk Gojo: you drank with him?? Gojo: where was choso? i knew i should have been your fake boyfriend You: he fell asleep... he got a little drunk too... Gojo: he's fired. tell him he's fired.

"Cho," You looked at your ex-fake-boyfriend. "Gojo says you're fired."

"Figured as much," he chuckled.

You looked out the window. Not much to be seen out here, but even just the roads reminded you of Suguru. The two of you had driven here to visit his family dozens of times, listening to music, joking around. Your wedding was here, at the very church he was preaching at. Another reason it was best you didn't go to that sermon.

Geto: sorry. i fucked it all up, didn't i? You: it's fine. it's not your fault. i shouldn't have let him come over

Your mind felt so foggy, you didn't even think twice about your response or who it was going to. Of course, Geto had immediately noticed your response was probably not intended for him. He wasn't about to pass up the opportunity for a little insight, though.

Geto: how are you feeling? You: idk. like i'm backsliding. i wish i could hate him. it would be so much easier if i didn't want him so bad

Geto smirked, silencing his phone before his final church service started. Even though you didn't stay, he got what he wanted. He was on your mind again, and he wasn't about to let you slip through his fingers for a second time.

#jjk geto #geto suguru #geto x reader #jjk x reader #jujutsu geto

[seventeenlovesthree]

Hey I thought I would you ask you something about the Digidestined that makes me really wonder about their relationships.

Minus any shipping,

Which Digidestined do you think brings out each Digidestined the best of themselves? It could be as a friend or a love interest.

The show seems to imply that DNA digivolving/jogress means they are matched together well, but is this really the case?

I think an analysis like this would be helpful.

I would agree that the idea of "brings out the best in the other/makes the other better" is not applicable to every single Jogress combination - and sometimes, it applies more to one side than the other, but it also really depends on the time and place the characters are currently at. While there is a certain theme of complementation going on between all existing Jogress pairs ("one is having something the other lacks"), they also don't make each other "perfect".

Personally, I would also always distinguish that Jogress compatibility doesn't equal romantic compatibility - it CAN be a factor, but is not the main theme in my opinion. But let me look at all individual cases... May be a looooong post!

Taichi: For him, it REALLY depends on what timeframe we want to look at, because it's incredibly context-reliant. To nobody's surprise, I gotta name the 3 characters that - aside from Hikari - have the greatest interpersonal impact on him: Sora, Koushirou and Yamato. Sora's influence makes Taichi softer and, as we know, makes him question his cowardice - she is indirectly responsible for activating his Crest for a reason after all and I still maintain that, despite the miscommunication that goes on between them throughout the series (OWG, Tri), him caring for her is pushing him to do his best. Yamato can be seen as complementary here, because, while Omegamon was never formed BECAUSE of their bond, Yamato still challenges his sense of courage, he makes him more contemplative and considerate in times of emergency (Dark Master's Arc, Tri, Kizuna). Yamato also pushes him to rethink his strategies, pushing him to be better - the problem is that they sometimes have to get physically violent for it to happen and that's not necessarily the healthiest approach. Koushirou is here for the simple fact that he enables Taichi to make the right decisions and even if Taichi still has a tendency to do things himself, he knows he can rely on Koushirou's strengths to do so (Adventure, OWG). Similarly to how he relies on Yamato, even though it has less of an emotionally visible impact. Long story short - he can be his most COURAGEOUS self when his heart, his gut and his head are in the right place. (Hikari can be mentioned here because she gets him to try to be responsible and protective thanks to their past experiences, but that should be self-explanatory.)

Yamato: Jyou and Taichi. Similarly to how Yamato has an emotional impact on Taichi, the same goes the other way round - I'm still ranking him after Jyou, just give me a moment to explain. First of all, both Jyou and Taichi used to have their rocky moments with Yamato, some involving punching, others shouting and accusations. You can argue that, as adults, a.) they have overcome most of their arguments and quarrels and b.) Taichi and Yamato seem to be much, much closer than Jyou and Yamato. I still maintain that, personality wise, Jyou is more emotionally compatible to deal with Yamato's temper. As said, most of Taichi's and Yamato's quarrels have been solved by now, Yamato doesn't perceive Taichi as a threat of his own sense of leadership and ability to be a brother anymore; he may still see him as a mirror displaying his own worst qualities whenever he's at his lowest point though. They have become good, close friends, that will always be capable of saving the world together, trusting in each other blindly; as mentioned here, I think that they are not necessarily able to save each other outside of that though. We may spin this into a direction that, Jyou is more compatible with Yamato romantically in my book; because he could look through Yamato's insecurities and, by being inspired by him, inspired Yamato in return as well - and activated Yamato's Crest after all. I know, I know, I may be biased and it's been a while since they've smiled at each other softly like they did in the Dark Master's Arc - but at least the stageplay validated me in how Yamato was eventually able to open up thanks to Jyou's encouragement. Long story short, both Jyou and Taichi tickled Yamato's sense of FRIENDSHIP in very particular ways - and this is remarkable, because Yamato is good at "finding people" (as in, doing investigations and knowing whom to contact), but not necessarily good at maintaining bonds. (Takeru may be mentioned, because he nurtured Yamato's protective attitude, but just like with the Yagami siblings, this can be seen as a given.)

Sora: Mimi and Taichi. I am a big fan of the idea that Sora and Mimi complement each other in the best possible ways - while Sora used to be the mom/big sister friend to take Mimi under her wing, protect and guide her, she encourages Mimi to bloom into a confident flower that got enabled to support Sora in all the ways she needed for once. Granted, Sora still struggles to accept Mimi's help, even as an adult, but the analogy of Mimi being the flower who softens the thorns in Sora's heart is just too beautiful to me. Speaking of hearts, if there is any other character that reaches hers in character-defining ways, it's Taichi. The same Taichi who, after saving her, vanished, caused her to look for him on her own while still protecting everyone in the back, just to end up reunited, with everyone having gotten stronger than before, helping her to realize that she indeed knows how to LOVE. As pointed out here, they are continuously on each other's minds, almost telepathically connected (as implied in the novels) - and similarly to Mimi, Taichi has a very strong impact on how Sora defines herself. Starting off as his football buddy and partner in crime, regardless of her gender, I still maintain that it particularly confused her when she got that hairclip from him, challenging her own identity problems and issues with femininity even more. And while I already said that there is an ongoing theme of miscommunication between them, up until Kizuna, the care and connection between them does not fully vanish. Mimi is the one who tells her to spread her wings freely (To Sora), Taichi is the one who tells her that her caring attitude is not a flaw (Tri) - she still has to embrace both of that first though and since she currently prefers to take a bit time for herself, we gotta wait and see if and when that might be the case...

Koushirou: Taichi and Mimi. I will try to keep this briefly, as you all may already be familiar with my stance on this anyway, but still: Without Taichi, Koushirou would not have gone to Summer Camp. Without Taichi relying on Koushirou's skills, enabling and encouraging him, the group would not have saved Sora, would not have been able to solve the card riddle and get back to the real world, would not have solved The Prophecy, would not have been able to find medicine for Hikari... You see where I am going with this. Koushirou, according to the novels, used to not think very highly of himself as a person who also didn't get along well with other people - and Taichi just naturally took him under his wing, invited him to camp, indirectly helped him to believe in his KNOWLEDGE and skills more and become more of a hands-on person, which naturally led to him become a guidance and eventually a mentor and teacher for his friends and especially the younger kids. Basically, he could open up and become more vocal due to his bond with Taichi (again, literal novel quote), being his best friend, right-hand-man and partner in crime, solving riddles and saving the world together. The other person who makes him get more vocal at times is Mimi - not only does she challenge him to question his own approaches by having a completely different priority system (positive!), but also makes him question his wardrobe (slightly less positive in my opinion and I still wish I could name Sora as honourable mention at this point, because fashion could have been a wonderful bonding and development theme for them, but they simply never got executed like that!). The fact that both Taichi and Mimi cause his polite attitude to fade at various points in the series is a clear indicator that they have an impact on him like nobody else - especially because he is very connected with a lot of people online and makes sure to keep everybody always up to date, but is not necessarily the most social butterfly outside of Chosen Children duty.

Mimi: Sora and Jyou. I'm not sure who deserves spot 1 and who gets spot 2 here, because both of them have such a vital influence on why Mimi is as confident in herself as she is. As already mentioned in Sora's part, Sora has been protecting and guiding Mimi ever since they have known one another and it's quite obvious that Mimi, despite not aspiring to be like Sora at all, still greatly admires her and all her qualities. When Mimi loses her way, she knows she can rely on Sora to pull her out of it - which is exactly why their bond, Sora's kindness and encouragement helped to make Mimi's Crest glow for the first time, making her admit her faults and wrong-doings. And Mimi, despite her outspoken, opinionated attitude, needs encouragement. Which is where Jyou comes into play - not only was he the one to accompany her on her pacifist path of self-discovery once, but he was also by her side when she needed to vent over her insecurities and self-esteem issues twice. Making her be her most SINCERE self. Which in both cases, was a mutual experience, as I will go into detail about down below. Long story short: Both Sora and Jyou are capable of making her open up in the most genuine way, she feels safe and loved by them in ways nobody else can. Because even if they (indirectly) scold her for things she does wrong - they still do so softly, signaling her that she is fine the way she is. (An honourable mention here goes out to Stageplay/Kizuna!Koushirou who inspires Mimi to try out "something with computers".)

Jyou: Mimi and Yamato. Due to the consistent trope between Jyou and Mimi, I am very inclined to put her before Yamato in this ranking, but in the end, the theme between them is very similar. As pointed out before, Jyou decides to join Mimi in the Dark Master's Arc, primarily to protect her - but through witnessing and admiring her for finding her way, he felt inspired by her AND Yamato to go search for his own path, approach and attitude towards basically everything. It's something that both of them trigger in him at various points; even when he ends up questioning his intentions and motivations again, Mimi's sincere way of opening up to him (Tri) is what brings him back on track himself as well, allowing him to be honest to her and to himself. Not only that, Yamato (stageplay) validates him in believing that it all comes down to choosing for yourself to stay on track. Yamato (Adventure) who had once left the group, leaving Jyou in particular with the wish to believe in himself and his qualities. It's just a wonderful theme that keeps coming up, that helps Jyou to develop such a strong aura of confidence, which in turn makes him the senpai others actually feel capable of opening up to freely and safely. Which is significant considering how busy (and/or absent) he is most of the time. He IS Mister RELIABLE for a reason, so his validation causing Yamato's Crest to glow and Mimi to be confident enough to reach Ultimate level does mean something...

Takeru: Hikari (and Iori as honourable mention). You may or may not personally be pleased by the fact that Takeru and Hikari took the longest to conduct here. This can technically be seen as a negative, since it may imply that Takeru's bond with other characters doesn't go deep enough. Don't get me wrong, he DOES have bonds with QUITE a few other characters, he's looking up to Taichi a LOT, he loves to quarrel with Daisuke, he seems to know what is going on in Sora's and Koushirou's lives, his path from despising to trusting Ken is incredibly interesting, we already know that he and Yamato would die for each other and so on and so on... But you get the sense that he's not letting anybody really in too closely - which, as I observed before, applies to his brother as well. On the other hand, it also means what I already said in previous analysis posts: That he and Hikari are too glued together by the hip to let anybody else really come in between. There may have been times when one could have called it codependency, but considering all their parallels, everything they have seen and have gone through together, it can at least be assumed that they overcame some of their communicative barriers by the time of The Beginning. As much of a fun little time-killing exercise it may have been, he still spent his time practicing his fanfiction world-building skills with her and while the viewer cannot tell how much they have been talking about and processing their trauma, their brother complexes, etc., you simply cannot deny that they have consistently been there for each other. So one can only hope that he has stopped projecting his own overprotective brother tendencies onto her (ever since Tailmon called him out on them in 02), taking off the masks he has been showing a lot of people. Allowing himself to be the HOPE to her Light so to speak. I still want to give Iori a small honourable mention, because while I maintain that Iori "profits" more off of their relationship, I do believe that there was a time in 02 when he was also capable of making Takeru softer, offering him a bit of a mirror to himself.

Hikari: Takeru and Miyako. While the same issues apply to Hikari that have been mentioned with Takeru, her case is still a little bit different. Of course she had been hyperfocusing and depending on her brother for big chunks of the series and while she doesn't seem good at letting others in too closely either, her kindness still attracts people around her - including Takeru, who, as described, is both parallel and sidekick to her. You may already refer to them as trolls and partners in crime - and Hikari intended to stop depending on Takeru for protection as well, wanting to be equals ever since 02. Which, by the looks of it, may actually be the case, considering how they have been fighting rampaging Digimon side by side in Kizuna almost in sync. Again, she is acting as the LIGHT to his Hope. On the other hand, there is also Miyako, who, in contrast to Hikari, is loud and brash and tells the world when she doesn't like something - which is a skill Hikari basically longed to develop herself. So her admiring Miyako to at least some degree - while also being admired and encouraged by her in return - may have been a trigger that allowed her to grow more and more confident, balanced and equal to Miyako. As well as to Takeru too. And they may only grow further from here...

Daisuke: Ken. Daiken are probably THE prime example on how a Jogress combination gets the best out of each other. Simply because them working on their bond, their friendship, drags them away from toxic or dangerous habits (playing roles, hiding behind masks to impress others, bragging, catastrophizing, self-sabotage, etc.) and instead helps them to focus on what's really important. Daisuke gets naturally more comfortable, confident, downright happier and more enthusiastic thanks to Ken; his wish to BEFRIEND Ken basically makes him discover his own sense of COURAGE... There simply isn't a better example than this, because nobody else makes him get as honest as Ken does, as he basically plays a role towards everyone else (Hikari, Takeru, Taichi - and especially with the latter, it's a shame, because he used to look up to him, but finds his own style along the way, which never got that much focus...).

Ken: Daisuke. It's the reverse situation as described above, Ken is being enabled to overcome or at least deal with a lot of his self-esteem issues thanks to Daisuke's encouragement. The best thing is that, as soon as he opens up thanks to Daisuke, literally letting all of his KINDNESS shine through, he is capable of forming (potentially beautiful) bonds with several other Chosen Children and may have the greatest growth with the members of his core group (Iori, Takeru, Hikari and Miyako) than any other 02 kid. And in contrast to what I've said at the beginning of the post, Ken and Daisuke may or may not also be romantically compatible after all...

Miyako: Mimi and Hikari. While there are other characters who have an impact on her behaviour, I would argue that these two may have the biggest influence on how Miyako defines herself. Her identity and self-image are basically challenged by how she perceives these two; Mimi is oozing freedom, self-expression and brazenness when Miyako meets her for the first time, which are not only things that make her look up to her, but also things she would like to possess herself. Hikari is on the other end of the spectrum, she appears to be more reserved, collected, lady-like - and still possesses a drive, confidence and courage that Miyako admires. Her bond with both of them makes her more confident and also more SINCERE and LOVING, more aware of herself, her flaws and limitations, while also making her softer. (I would LOVE to add names like Sora and Koushirou here too, but they did not have screentime nor long-lasting "revelation" appeal to her. Sure, they both basically made her see that it's okay not to jump if you don't feel up for the task, but overall, they didn't have too much effect on her in comparison.)

Iori: Jyou and Takeru. Koushirou gets an honourable mention here, because he doesn't get nearly as much opportunity to see Iori at his lower points or have meaningful emotional moments as the other two do. Jyou and Takeru get way more opportunities to get to know and bond with him - we all know he still gets the shortest end of the stick in terms of screentime and relationship development, but it's still interesting to see how he loosens up, softens thanks to what he experiences with and observes through them. Takeru and him both have a lot of pent-up anger, but Iori learns that lashing out for revenge may not be the right path. Likewise, Jyou used to be a lot more tense and stiff on rules when he was younger - and is now teaching Iori that it's okay to take things easier, to be kinder with oneself. Plus, neither of them treats him like "a child/the youngest" and so he gets the best of both worlds, making him become more resilient through the gained KNOWLEDGE and letting him take on tasks to show his own RELIABILITY.

#my two cents #meta #relationship analysis #taichi yagami #yamato ishida #sora takenouchi #koushiro izumi #mimi tachikawa #jou kidou #takeru takaishi #hikari yagami #daisuke motomiya #ken ichijouji #miyako inoue #iori hida #answered #dgmn

[burningvelvet]

Quickly and poorly reviewing and ranking adaptations of Jane Eyre (1996, 1997, 2006, 2011) by their pros and cons:

1996 pros:

Best fire scene, easily. It actually gave me that excited feeling that good cinema gives a person. Much of the cinematic art was enjoyable altogether, including the costumes.

This film probably has ond of the best Bertha's in my opinion. She's truly sympathetic, beautiful, and fierce. probably tied for my favorite Bertha actress with 2006. She and Poole are given little time in the story, however.

Most adaptations shit on St. John. Here, that isn't the case. What little time he has is spent in making him much more appealing than I've ever seen him, both physically and characteristically. I like this, because many forget that Jane did love him in her way, and he is supposed to be attractive and nice despite his zealotism.

1996 has the best Adèle, which is amazing for me as a big Adèle fan. There is more focus on her and her relationships with Jane/Rochester. I particularly love the scene where J draws R and Adèle tries to play cupid a little, and when Adèle is offended when the ladies insult Jane.

Best Lowood plot by far. This is the first time I've been able to stand the Young Jane scenes, and little time was devoted to her early life with the Reeds, just enough to let us know she was abused. I like this choice. The young actresses playing Jane and Helen were the best and most rebelious I've seen yet. Their hair cutting scene brought tears to my eyes, which rarely ever happens for me.

Good Blanche plotline. I absolutely love the cinematography/aesthetic & set design.

1996 cons:

the actors are individually endearing in some ways (the scene of Jane and the mirror is particularly touching, as is their reunion). However, The biggest downside to this adaptation is that the chemistry between Jane and Rochester was lacking in my opinion. this is particularly notable in their meeting scene and first proposal scene.

William Hurt is a fantastic actor, and he's likeable, but he's not my favorite Rochester ever. He's alright. On a rewatch I could see myself warming to him more.

I love Charlotte Gainsbourg more for her music than her acting. Granted, she was young here like Jane is supposed to be, so I do not blame her. Visually, aside from her height, I can absolutely see her as Jane. As the film went on I warmed to her acting style; Jane Eyre is a hard role to perform due to her inwardness. I don't think she was horrible, but Anna Paquin (of later True Blood fame) as Young Jane Eyre somewhat outshined Gainsbourg.

I was disappointed in Adèle being sent away to school before the disaster and her not coming back in the end (why couldn't they have had her running with Pilot in the landscape shot!!!).

1997 pros:

Maybe the most accurate Jane and Rochester. I wasn't expecting to like him at all but he blew me away. excellent chemistry between the actors. The dancing scene was very captivating, as was the scene with him jumping from the walkway, their outdoor talks, him chasing her down the stairs — really, I was impressed, because I thought I'd hate this film. Like in the novel and in 96, both actors are a bit conventionally unattractive (well, compared to 11 and to some extent 06) - and like them, the characters grow on you.

BEST ST. JOHN (although 2006 has the best Rivers sisters) - St. John is described as being nice though serious, and looking like a statue of a Greek God with all the coldness AND beauty - and this movie is the only one who relatively understood that assignment (96 came close emphasizing his niceness). Most adaptations adapt his coldness but not his conventional Eurocentric good looks, which not only symbolize his colonizer attribute but also his appeal to Jane and the others. It's also important to have a conventionally handsome actor play St. John just as it's important to have a conventionally less attractive Jane Eyre because one theme of the novel is the critique of Victorian physiognomy & beauty; Jane/Rochester being unconventionally attractive is a contrast to Bertha, St. John, Blanche, Georgiana being attractive, so I think this element is not inconsequential. The difficult part is that beauty is highly subjective, so relying on conventional standards is key, as is the reminder that Victorian standards were a bit different from our own.

good Lowood plotline, good Gateshead plotline, fantastic Adèle with lots of adorableness & miraculous though OOC bonding between her and Rochester, fantastic costuming (though I don't know about accuracy), good Blanche plotline overall. Probably my favorite Bertha plotline for being sufficiently creepy.

1997 cons:

this isn't really a con for me but many people may dislike 97 Rochester for being passionate to the point of coming off crazy, and physical domineering as when he grabs Jane when she tries to leave — however, this does kind of fit for canonical Rochester & I don't mind it since he's supposed to be that way, but this is still arguably a con nevertheless. he does come off as too forward but i get they were trying to capture the whole overpassionate thing. it does come off as a little more toxic than other depictions perhaps!

I have very few complaints overall. I don't think the chemistry is as appealing as 2006, but it is accurate. I wish there was more Adèle, but you can't have everything.

The posters are bad and make the actors look worse than they are which subsequently turns people away. I think 1996 was marketed a bit better but that 2006 also suffers from bad poster syndrome which had an effect on me also. Presentation is important; marketing and advertising are also important in cinema. The aesthetic isn't as good as 1996 although I don't think the visuals are bad overall.

Jane is a little dissociative seeming, which can be off-putting for myself and other viewers I assume, but to be fair she is described as being like a weird little elf creature in the book, and the actress plays this very well, actually looking quite ill when Rochester asks if she is.

2006 pros:

Best chemistry between Jane/Rochester by far and for this reason will always be my favorite because it actually made me fall in love with Rochester in the end though I didn't like his portrayal at all at first (that's power! — and my love for this Rochester should arguably be a con for the sake of my sanity and pride). best Rochester imo and a fantastic Jane. I love love love the way they did the Rochester storytime flashbacks and fleshed out his character as a result.

Best and most enjoyable Blanche Ingram plotline by far (although no one likes the lack of Rochester-in-drag, the party scenes & insertion of the twin flame theory was delightful).

some of the best dialogue, fantastic Adèle plotline, good Bertha plotline, best Pilot, best Rosamond, good costuming, good sets/locations (the fairytale ambience of Jane walking outside before meeting Rochester! Rochester's weird study!), I like the extra focus placed on themes such as nature/genetics/science, religion, travel, sexuality, etc.

2006 cons:

I dislike the way they did the Lowood and Gateshead plots, and although the Rivers sisters were good, I resent their St. John plotline for the most part. I disliked the lack of mystery surrounding Bertha; I think they made it way too obvious & not creepy enough, especially in showing her perspective from the window and giving her lines (one line, calling Jane a whore in Spanish) which no other adaptation does. I was sorely bored before and after Thornfield and only really revived when she got back to Ferndean (although Jane's flashbacks and some of the St. John plotline [the references to love, reminding us of her inner thoughts of Rochester] kept me alive). I suppose there were prices to pay for the excellence of the Jane and Rochester moments. - in comparison these seem like small prices, but still!

2011 pros:

deciding to go with a non-linear structure was a fantastic choice though I was skeptical of it at first, good St. John plotline for the most part & which they put emphasis on, really fantastic Jane with a lot of good fierce moments & lines, maybe the best Gateshead plotline including Mrs. Reed & the Red Room scene (although the lack of red was disappointing, and the lack of explanation for the chimney monster is conflicting – was it all in her head?), good young Jane, one of the best Richard Masons, star-studded cast, good dialogue, maybe the best costuming, Aesthetic™️

2011 cons:

least favorite adele (not insulting the child actress, this is the fault of the writers/directors)

— this is where i call security to protect me from an onslaught of jane eyre 2011 fans here on tumblr. alright, maybe i should watch it again — but i was expecting a lot more. particularly from michael fassbender as mr. rochester. probably my least favorite rochester by far & the least sympathetic. this rochester captures the dark and dangerous part of him but imo not so much the higher feelings that define him. the lack of humour & lack of unrepressed passion/drama/rage is noticeable - rochester isn't supposed to be quiet; as toby stephens (2006) said in an interview, rochester never shuts up in the book, he's really too eccentric to even be adapted accurately; he has to be toned down to be realistic, but here he's muted too far. - i felt like mia was carrying all of their scenes on her back & that the chemistry really rested on her primarily.

Cinematography-wise, there are some gems in the stills (famous hand holding gif), but I dislike the overall muted palette of the film; many will think this suits the tone and in some ways I agree, however, I will always prefer color and dislike the epidemic of desaturation we've seen so often in 21st century cinema. For this reason, 96, 97, 06 all triumph against 2011 aesthetically for me personally, although I still recognize some of the artistry of 2011, it is not my preference.

My overall ranking: 2006 (primarily for Jane/Rochester), 1997 (excellent overall), 1996 (good but flawed), 2011 (I tried but overall did not enjoy it).

#jane eyre #jane eyre 2011 #jane eyre 2006 #jane eyre 1996 #jane eyre 1997 #mr rochester #charlotte bronte #charlotte brontë #the brontes #movie reviews #film review #film comparison #film reviews #cinema #adaptations #critique #my analysis #my reviews #my opinion

[cloudlessly-light]

i’m so happy you’re back! we all missed you, hope you’re doing okay ❤️ i have a prompt! it is smut of course because you know that you’re the hotchniss smut queen ;)

it may be ooc but i want to see emily and aaron on their wedding day and they follow the traditional rules of not being able to see the bride before the wedding. when aaron sees emily walking down the aisle aaron cannot believe his eyes cause she looks absolutely gorgeous. of course basic biology happens and emily notices, smirks and gets hot and bothered too. they try to keep it in their pants during the dinner and first dance until they take it to their hotel room and aaron tells emily she’s his forever

A/N: Hi Anon! Thank you so much! I know you sent this forever ago but I hope you're still around to enjoy it!

Title: Got all my love (Part 1/2)   Summary: They’re finally getting married, a day they had waited for, for too long. Word count: 3k Rating: Explicit Warnings: Smut, oral sex, multiple orgasms, feelings and fluff, they love each other, they also want each other

“Oh Em you look so beautiful!” Penelope gushes as she walks out of the bathroom of the suite they had rented for the night. She smiles widely at JJ and Penelope who smiles just as brightly back, their excitement clear.

Today was her wedding day, their wedding day, the day she thought wouldn’t ever come. They had almost gotten married four times already, but cases or Jack being sick or just life, had always managed to get in the way. But not today.

“Thank you.” She smooths out the front of her dress. It was simple, a white silk dress that hugged her waist and showed off a hint of cleavage. They hadn’t wanted their wedding to be a big thing, just their closest friends and family, and Emily had opted for a dress that suited their theme. “God is it normal to be nervous?” she chuckles as she looks at herself in the mirror.

“I’m pretty sure that’s standard sweet cheeks.” Penelope comes to stand behind her. “But you’ve got nothing to be worried about, Hotch will die when he sees you.”

“I hope not.” She jokes as JJ comes to stand on her other side and Penelope rolls her eyes.

“You know what I mean!”

“Whose idea was it to spend the night apart?” JJ asks as she picks up the brush, getting ready to fix her hair.

“Aarons.” Emily sits down in front of them at the vanity. “Some traditions are important to him.” She didn’t want to admit to them that it had felt weird sleeping without him as he stayed at their house and she had slept in their suite.

“Never would have guessed.” JJ carefully sections out dark locks between her fingers. “Just light curls right?”

“Yeah.” She nods before sighing. “If it had been solely up to me he would have been with me all night.” She looks at the two blondes behind her in the mirror and smirks knowingly.

“Emily Prentiss!” Penelope laughs and pushes lightly at her shoulder. “You little minx!”

“What can I say, he treats me too good to be away from, even if it’s just one night.” Her smirk widens when her friends laugh at her. “Besides, in less than two hours, it’s Emily Prentiss Hotchner.”

*

“Are you ready?” Dave asks as he straightens Aaron’s tie.

“Never been more ready for anything in my life.” He answers honestly. He couldn’t wait to be married, to see Emily walk down the aisle and finally be able to call her his wife.

“It feels like you’ve been dating forever and yet like no time has passed.” Derek who’s sitting on a chair beside them says and Dave nods along.

“Probably cause you hid your relationship for so long.” Spencer adds and then three sets of eyes are on him and he just smiles and shakes his head.

“We’re not having this conversation again.” He says and is only met by mutterings which he ignores. Instead he takes the scotch that Dave is handing him while Spencer and Derek come to stand beside them.

“To the best day of your life.” The older man raises his glass and when Aaron feels his stomach twist he knows it has nothing to do with the alcohol and everything to do with the excitement he feels.

*

Emily takes a slow breath hearing the piano play and then takes Jack’s hand.

“Thank you for walking with me.” She smiles at him and he squeezes her hand tightly. He’s almost 10 now, and it’s a moment that he feels proud to be a part of, almost like a grown up.

“I didn’t want you to be alone, because we’re a family.” He says simply and Emily feels her heart ache with the love she feels for him.

When they walk down the small make-shift aisle her focus quickly changes from Jack to Aaron, standing with the officiant and eyes locked on her. She smiles at him, her cheeks heating slightly from the way he’s obviously at a loss for words, his Adam’s apple bopping as he swallows hard.

Aaron couldn’t tear his eyes off her as she slowly walked towards him, something about the way the dress hugged her body in all the right ways, the simplicity of how beautiful she looked, knowing that she was his, it was making his brain short circuit for a moment. He always wanted her, always craved her, but right then and there he couldn’t think about anything else but how much he needed her.

She notices it, because of course she does, she notices everything about him and he’s powerless to stop it. She gives him a wink, right before Jack lets go of her hand and instead she takes his, larger, warmer, so familiar to her that she would be able to pick it out of a lineup with her eyes closed.

“Hi.” She whispers softly.

“Hi.” He says just as quiet and then takes a moment to smile at his son who’s gone to sit next to Henry on one of the chairs, nodding quickly to him and getting a toothy grin in return. Then he looks back at her and feels his body warm at the sight of her. “You look beautiful.”

In hindsight, Aaron was glad that Penelope filmed the whole thing, the ceremony going by in a haze. He could barely focus on anything but Emily, want and love and everything in between making it hard to remember any details that weren’t her.

When they kiss, he doesn’t hear the clapping or cheering, all he hears is the soft moan from her, like they hadn’t kissed a thousand times before, like it had been years since the last time and not the previous morning. It’s too short, but he knows that it has to be and when they break apart he smiles so big it almost hurts.

“Finally.” He says and she laughs.

“Finally.” Her hand finds his, her body leaning into his side as Dave instructs everybody where the dinner was being held, the older man knowing them well enough to know that they would want a moment alone. He winks at them before leaving with the rest of their friends and the moment the doors close, Aaron wraps his arm around her waist to pull her flush against him.

“Gorgeous, you’re gorgeous.” He mumbles before kissing her again, this time deep and desperate as she gasps against his lips, her mouth opening to his tongue.

“Should we sneak off?” She’s already breathless, heat in between her thighs just from his clear want for her. To her surprise he looks like he’s considering it but ultimately sighs and shakes his head for leaning his forehead against hers.

“One dinner, one dance, then I’m taking you upstairs.” He rasps and it sends tingles down her spine.

“Let’s get this show on the road then.”

*

Dinner is nice and quiet, short speeches and delicious food. It was exactly what they had wanted. By the time the dessert plates were being removed from the table Aaron was standing up and extended his hand, just as soft music started to play.

“May I have this dance, Mrs. Hotchner?” He could hear Penelope squealing and hear people laugh at her excitement, Emily joining in before taking his hand.

“Of course.”

They start to sway slowly, his hand pressing softly against the small of her back and his hand holding hers while her other hand rested on his chest. She looked up at him, could barely look away from his dark eyes. There was a softness about him that she knows he only really showed her and Jack, but today he was comfortable enough for all of them to see, it made her happy.

“I want you.” She mumbles against his neck and she feels his hands tightening slightly.

“Soon.” He assures her as he lets his thumb stroke over the silky dress, felt her shiver slightly against him in return. The slight blush on her cheeks didn’t seem to go away and he felt the familiar pull in his gut at her proximity. Not for the first time he had to remind himself that they were in public, that he couldn’t touch her the way he wanted just yet. But standing there, holding Emily in his arms he found that he wasn’t in a rush, he had forever with her.

She barely notices when people start to join them on the dance floor, not until Jack is standing beside them and asking for a dance.

A couple of hours later Aaron is pushing open the door to their suite blindly as they kiss desperately. She’s clawing at his suit, tugging on the tie and forcefully pushing his jacket off his shoulders. He’s just as frantic, quickly finding the zipper at her waist and pulling it down. When the dress falls to the floor around her feet he stares at her, the lacy underwear making his mouth dry.

“I had something else I planned to wear.” She says but he immediately shakes his head as he tugs her against him.

“This is perfect, you’re perfect.” He kisses her again, pushes his tongue against hers and she swallows up his low grunt as they move toward the bed.

Her hands are on his belt, getting it undone and quickly unzipping his slacks to be able to push them to the floor while he unbuttons his shirt.

“Lay back.” He rasps and urges her back on the bed. His eyes rake over her, from the white shoes on her feet to the light pink underwear set, to her face, flushed cheeks and parted lips. His hand wraps around one of her ankles and when he presses a kiss against the inside of it, Emily mewls.

His lips are heated, his light stubble rough as he slowly kisses up her leg, soon kneeling on the floor as he sucks on her inner thigh. She’s sure he’s going to drive her insane with dizzying arousal, his tongue sneaking out to lick over her through her underwear before moving down the other thigh.

“Aaron, please.” She gasps when he’s halfway down her other leg, her thighs twitching.

“Going to take my time tonight sweetheart.” His voice is thick with want, the natural rasp of it that she loves slightly muffled against her skin. “Going to worship my wife.”

The word makes her moan slightly, her dark eyes heated as she props herself up on her elbows to watch him. His eyes look close to wild when he peels her underwear off her hips, pupils blown black by lust as his arms wrap around her thighs to pull her to the edge of the bed.

When his tongue moves through her it’s slow, a groan leaving him at the taste of her while her mouth drops open. He dips it inside of her, keeps his arms tightly around her legs to keep her still and as he tastes every inch of her like it’s the first time.

She grips his hair, her fingers scratching against his scalp and when he flicks her clit she moans his name in a breathless plea. He uses his knowledge of her body, and as she starts to writhe on the bed he only holds her tighter.

“Don’t stop.” She whimpers and she feels his lips tug into a smile against her. Then he sucks on her clit and her hips buckles against his face, wanting more. He doesn’t stop, keeps focusing on her clit and building her up until her body is tensing and she’s gasping and moaning in between panting breaths.

“Let go, sweetheart.” He pulls off her long enough to get the words out, but just as quickly his mouth is on her again, driving her higher and higher. He keeps his eyes on her and when she comes with scream she’s barely able to muffle with her hand he feels his cock pulse and leak inside his boxers. Watching Emily fall apart was his favorite thing in the world and he planned on seeing it a lot tonight.

He doesn’t stop, even when she’s whimpering and squirming from his lips on her overstimulated clit. Their eyes meet and one of his eyebrows arches and she knows that he won’t stop until she’s coming again.

It always amazes her, how well he knows her body, how quickly he get’s her to come. She’s sweating and panting, her body flushes as he continues to eat her out, his tongue strong and sure against her. She isn’t sure how much time passes, but she knows that it can’t be more than a few minutes before she’s coming again, her body being held still by his strong arms as he sucks on her clit.

By the time she’s coming down and her breathing has returned to normal, Aaron has pushed his boxers off and is climbing up on the bed, easily lifting her higher on it. Her wetness shines on his lips and chin and his shaft is heated as it presses against her thigh and she quickly spreads her legs.

“I need you.” She whispers and pulls him into a kiss, a moan on her lips as she tastes herself on his tongue. But he doesn’t move closer, keeps just enough space between their bodies to fit his hand between them. “Baby…” She gasps and he shushes her.

“One more, I want to watch you properly.” He pushes two fingers inside of her and groans at the heat of her around them. When he curls them she sucks in a breath and her head falls back, eyes closed. “Just like that.”

The feeling of his fingers curling right up against her spot makes her hips twitch. She grips his upper arms, feels the palm of his hand rub against her clit and she knows that it won’t take long until she’s falling off the edge again. She can tell that he knows it too, a smug smirk on his face as he watches the pleasure on her face intently.

“My gorgeous wife.” He growls and she whines, her back arching. “You like that, being called my wife?”

“Yes, Aaron, yes.” Her eyelids flutter open and she’s met by a predatory look on his face. His fingers are pushing harder against her, her slick sounding close to obscene as he moves them.

“And what am I?” He knows that he’s staining her thighs with precum, can’t help but to rut slightly against her to get some relief.

“My husband.” She moans, loud and breathy and he kisses her messily.

“That’s right.” He mutters against her lips as her body starts to tense. “Now come for me again.”

Her third orgasm is hard and fast, her body straining against his as he keeps moving his hand against her, even as her slick walls tighten around his fingers. He groans at the sight of her coming undone, knows that he needs to feel her around him and doesn’t waste any time between pulling his fingers out and then pushing his cock inside of her.

“Fuck!” She whimpers at the sudden fill of him, throbbing and deep. He’s sucking in a sharp breath, his face buried in her neck as he gives them both a moment before starting to thrust. She clings to him as he moves, her legs around his hips and her nails digging into his back and ribs.

“You feel so fucking good on my cock, sweetheart.” He grunts against her neck, tastes the sweat on her skin and feels how her pulse flutters wildly.

“You do too.” She knows that her nails will leave marks, that tomorrow when he showers he’ll feel the sting of them and want her again. He was insatiable, but so was she.

“Mine, you’re mine.” He pulls back enough to look at her face and is greeted by her heated eyes.

“I’m yours.” She grasps his neck and pulls him into a kiss. She doesn’t pull away until the need for air becomes too much, a whimper drawn from her lungs as he continues to push his hips against hers.

“You’re mine forever.” He’s panting, sweat covers his body as he looks down at her. She’s nodding before he’s even finished his sentence.

“Forever. And you’re mine.”

Her words only push him closer to the edge, something about knowing that they’d have forever together driving him wild. He can feel her clenching around him, and he moves faster, chasing his release and wanting them to come together.

“Aaron, I’m close.” She moans, the heat inside of her building by each thrust of his hips.

“Me too.” His forehead falls to her shoulder, his eyes closing tightly at the pleasure of her around him. “Come with me.”

She can only nod, any words lodged in her throat, the pleasure almost too much. It’s the feeling of his teeth biting down on her neck that sends her flying over the edge with a loud cry, her entire body buckling underneath his. She feels the heat of his release only seconds later, hears his grunt as he lets go and comes as deep inside of her as possible, his hips flush against hers.

For a few moments everything is still, the only sound their labored breathing. But then he rolls to the side and Emily follows him, wanting him as close as possible. She throws her leg over his hip and his arm moves around the small of her back to pull her against his chest.

“A lifetime of this doesn’t sound too bad.” She says and he chuckles.

“Doesn’t sound too bad at all.” He stamps a quick kiss to her lips, something soft and gentle before he lays his head on the pillow. “I can’t believe we’re finally married.”

“Me neither, thought it would never happen.” She pushes some hair out of her face before she mimics him and relaxes against the pillow. But then she feels his hand moving from her back to her thigh, his fingers soon moving through her folds, messy with them. “Honey-”

“What I do believe,” He interrupts her. “is that we are nowhere near done yet.”

#hotchniss #hotchniss fanfiction #hotchniss smut #aaron hotchner x emily prentiss smut #aaron hotchner x emily prentiss #hotch x emily #aaron x emily #criminal minds smut #criminal minds fanfiction #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner smut #emily prentiss fanfiction #emily prentiss smut

[cluescorner]

Thoughts on Canto V

Spoilers ahead. Also, disclaimer that I did not play it but instead watched it because I really like the story but I don't play the game anymore. I do not think playing it through would have impacted my experience, but do keep that fact in mind and let me know if you think my feelings would change if I had played it.

OH MY FUCKING GOD I REALLY LIKED IT! The characters were solid (though there are some problems), the theme of hoping for the future and allowing yourself to discover it for yourself rather than holding onto the past, and there were some incredible fucking moments.

Firstly, Ishmael. She was pretty stellar throughout. Watching her slowly degrade into becoming a mirror of the very woman she sought to destroy was heartbreaking, I felt like she actually had a real arc this canto that helped her become a less burdened person, and some of her deepening bonds with the other sinners were awesome. I particularly liked watching her interactions with Outis because Moby Dick and the Odyssey/Illiad are the two literary works from Limbus that I know well, and based on that info it makes sense that they would both understand and annoy each other. The moments with Heathcliff were also incredible because they've always had a really cool dynamic. Ishmael's relationships with her crew were also interesting and I feel like that could have easily been the best part of this cant, but ultimately that didn't end up happening (more on that later). I felt like the sudden character development 'Oh the other characters are my friends and they are my compass' thing was a BIG JUMP especially for Ishmael, but it's not a bad idea. I think it just needed more time in the oven, let Ishmael interact with the other sinners inside the dungeon and have her work together with them to get through things. Fortunately, Ishmael's VA + the Mili song really carried that ending so I still wound up getting caught up in the moment regardless. Speaking of Ishmael's VA...HOLY SHIT WHATEVER THEY ARE GETTING PAID IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!! Singlehandedly made me like this Canto so much more than I otherwise would have. An incredible performance all around, stand out moments include but are not limited to: Her ranting at the pirates about them not knowing what shame is, the euphoric hatred in her voice as she fantasizes about finding and killing Ahab, the grief as she discusses Queequeg and the hope as she sees Queequeg again, and OF COURSE WHEN SHE GOES AHAB MODE! Bravo Jang Ye-na, you carried this Canto through its weaker moments and helped the best ones become my favorite moments in this game.

Next, Ahab. I liked her a lot, fucking awful captain woman who reminds me of my old pastors. GOOD JOB MAKING THIS A FUCKING HORROR GAME THIS BITCH SCARES ME! I wish we could have seen more of her (and maybe we will in the future) because what we got was incredible. I was expecting a shitty boss but instead got another fucking cult leader. Her design is also a solid mirror to Ishmael's, further emphasizing the point that they are becoming more alike as this stuff goes on AND making the moment where Ishmael breaks the cycle of hatred more impactful. She is an incredible mirror of what happens where you allow hatred to consume you entirely, and the VA really reflects that. The only complaint I kinda have is that she probably should have been a lot more morally grey than she was. I feel like we just kinda got Kromer version 2 in terms of the role she played in the story and in Ishmael's life, granted that might change in the future so I will be very happy to be wrong if that's the case. But after Dongrang, I was expecting something a little more sympathetic or at least nuanced than 'evil cult leader captain lady hates that fucking whale and will kill her crew and makes that abundantly clear'. Again, I do like what we got so I can't complain too much but still.

I LOVE THAT BIG FUCKING WHALE! SCARY FUCKING BIG WHALE COMETH! ELDRITCH WHALE!

The Indigo Elder is so fucking cool. I wish he were here for more than 3 minutes and actually had something to do. They really introduced a man by having him tear the arm off the guy who we were struggling to survive against, said he was a Color and that he killed another Calamity, teased this really cool plan, and then...he's just waiting outside presumably 1v1-ing the whale but we get to neither see nor hear about it at all. I hope he comes back and we can see him do cool shit, because we had an incredible set-up with mediocre pay-off.

Ishmael's crew...I loved them so much I wish they were in the Canto for more than 1 level. They should have been introduced MUCH EARLIER in order to have their deaths have more of an impact. We should have been in the whale for longer, even if it meant shortening other parts of the chapter, just for the crew. Because those are Ishmael's ties and these are the people who Ahab's hatred is robbing the world of. What we did get of them was very strong, but Starbuck and Pip got nothing in terms of character moment and time. Queequeg got a little bit more (by the way I love that Queequeg actually looked like the design team at least LOOKED at a Polynesian person, I'm so jaded from other gacha games that I'm thrilled somebody actually looks like they're from the culture they're inspired from. She looks like a buffer, female version of one of my Polynesian neighbors it's great.) and it made her feel a lot more developed. She was a solid adaptation of Queequeg and her relationship with Ishmael was so sweet. The moments we got of them together were some of the highlights and it made me really want them to manage to escape together. Of course that was never gonna happen, but still. I also don't like how we don't even see Queequeg and Starbuck die. Are we supposed to assume Ahab killed them to manifest the ego? Did we kill them? I see some criticism around the fact that they stood by Ahab's side at the end and wondering why they did that. And I get that criticism because it is weird, but also that's just kinda what cult leaders can do especially when they're the only reason you've been alive for however long + you're slowly being overtaken by BAD WHALE JUICE. I 100% buy that they chose to follow the Captain because the Captain is always right and even when She does horrible things Her understanding is elevated above ours. And if Her fight is our fight, then surely it is ok for us to die here.

I feel like this is also a criticism that only I care about but why is the story suddenly like 'oh revenge is bad don't do revenge'? Like, I get it revenge is bad and that was kinda the point of Moby Dick. BUT WE HAVE LITERALLY DONE SO MUCH REVENGE AND REVENGE WAS KINDA SINCLAIR'S WHOLE THING AND IT'S PROBABLY GONNA BE HEATHCLIFF'S! Why is revenge suddenly bad and 'oh no it makes you just like the other person' no it does not Sinclair did not suddenly become genocidal because he kept trying to murder Kromer. Is revenge only bad when it's successful? IDK, I just hate narrative inconsistency and this immediately jumped out at me.

Overall, I really liked this Canto! I have my problems with it, but they are relatively minor compared to all it does well.

#limbus company #limbus company spoilers #ishmael #outis #ahab #starbuck #queequeg #I love her so much #heathcliff #BIG FUCKING WHALE #the indigo elder

[ksspringfever]

K/S Spring Fever – FAQs and Rules

Why is K/S Day on March 24th?

William Shatner's birthday is March 22nd, Leonard Nimoy's birthday March 26th. K/S Day was originally based on the pattern of Presidents' Day in the U.S. which takes place on the third Monday of February every year. When fans invented K/S Day in 1997, the idea was to pick the Monday closest to Shatner's and Nimoy's birthdays, and that happened to be Monday, March 24th. While President's Day is not on a fixed date each year but can move a few days back and forth depending on the date of the third Monday of February, K/S Day is always celebrated on the 24th of March; it just makes things easier.

Wait, I thought there's a K/S Day in September?

In 2009, K/S fans on social media declared September 15th as K/S Day, as this was the original air date of Amok Time in 1967. It is likely that they had no idea that this fannish holiday had already been created a decade earlier. September 15th is therefore the date most likely associated with K/S Day on Twitter and Tumblr. K/S Spring Fever takes place in time for K/S Day #1, but we wholeheartedly welcome the existence of a K/S Day #2. There can never be too many days to celebrate the delight of K/S! ;-)

Do I have to be on Dreamwidth in order to take part in this fest?

No, a DW account is not required. We have a community on Dreamwidth for announcements and discussion, but schedules and important admin posts will always be publicly visible. The only account you really need for this fest is an AO3 account. You are, of course, encouraged to post/link to your work anywhere you like to after creator reveals.

Is this a fic exchange?

No. K/S Spring Fever is a prompt meme, that means participants will not get matched one-on-one and assigned to a gift recipient as is the case in exchanges. So no one is guaranteed a "gift", but there's also much less pressure on participants. Members sign up and post prompts until the defined deadline (see the schedule). Prompts can be claimed by anyone who has an account on the AO3, and the resulting fanworks need to be posted to the collection until the deadline according to schedule. If you need more detailed information on how a prompt meme works (e.g. how to edit your prompts, where to find your claimed prompts etc), please see this section in the AO3 FAQ.

Do I need to be signed up to claim & fill a prompt? What if I missed the sign-up phase?

Admittedly, the term "sign-up" is a tiny bit misleading. The "sign-up" form is for submitting your prompts; if you would like to claim & fill prompts without submitting a prompt yourself, then you do not need to go through the "sign-up" form. Just browse the list of prompts other fans submitted and use the "claim" button to pick whatever tickles your muse. When you claim a prompt it shows up under "My claims" on the collection profile and under "Claims" on your own dashboard. Use the "fulfil" button to post your work, please.

"Spring fever"? Is this a pon farr fest?

Your fanwork does not need to include fever (pon farr or not) or spring. There is no theme for this fest apart from its focus on Kirk and Spock. Feel free to go wild with your prompts.

Rules

1. K/S Spring Fever is an event for adults as some prompts or fanworks might be mature or explicit. By taking part you confirm that you are 18 or older.

2. The focus of your work should be on the pairing Kirk/Spock or Kirk & Spock. Slash (romantic and/or sexual relationship) and gen (friendship) are equally welcome. K/S has many layers and aspects, and this day is a celebration of them all. No other pairings will be accepted in this fest.

3. When we say K/S, we mean: both TOS (series and movies) and reboot; Discovery and Strange New Worlds content is also welcome (let's hope we'll get some K/S-worthy material from these series one day). No RPF, please. AUs and mirror universe are welcome.

4. Crossovers between different Trek franchises or between Trek and other media are permitted if the individual prompt states this or actively invites them.

5. All ratings are welcome in this fest. However, when you fill a prompt please stick to the preferred rating of the prompter (if stated in the prompt).

6. All genres welcome, including darker subjects if the prompter asks for them (as long as DNWs are respected). Use the AO3 warnings if applicable.

7. Prompts can be filled by more than one person. You can even fill the same prompt multiple times – the "fulfil" button will show up on the prompt you claimed even if you have already used it for posting a work before.

8. Participants can fill as many prompts as they want to. You can even fill your own prompt.

9. Please list your DNWs (Do-Not-Wants) in the prompt if you want to avoid certain types of content, e.g. rape or character death or specific tropes. When you submit several prompts, please state your DNWs for each. We kindly ask you to not abuse the DNW system: keep it short and simple, and don't box in your creator. When you fill a prompt, please respect the DNWs listed in the request.

10. All types of fanworks are welcome in this fest: fic, poetry, filks, art, vids, podfic etc. Made a giant cake with life-size Kirk and Spock marzipan figures? Post the photos.

11. Minimum word count for written fanworks is 100 words. There is no maximum word count. Minimum for art: a doodle or clean sketch (on unlined paper, if you use traditional media); manips are permitted. No banner or icon art, please, unless it accompanies a work of fiction. Absolutely no AI-generated art or fic allowed!!

12. Fanworks in languages other than English are allowed. As this is not a one-on-one gift exchange, but a prompt fest, fanworks in languages other than English are absolutely permitted and welcome! Each prompt can inspire a wide variety of fanworks, and as long as you respect the DNWs and the maximum rating of the chosen prompt, it’s all fine!

13. Please keep your work anonymous until creator reveals and don't blabber about it on social media. Guessing who wrote what is part of the fun.

14. Works posted to the collection must be new (created for this fest and unpublished) and complete. No WIPs or placeholder uploads! If you post a work with more than one chapter, it must be complete before the due date. Podfics of older and published works are allowed, as the podfic itself counts as new work.

15. We allow extra works to be posted to the collection: If nothing among the submitted prompts tickles your muse, and if you missed the chance of submitting a prompt that you could have filled yourself, then you can still take part in K/S Spring Fever by posting the work directly to the collection, without using any "claim" or "fulfil" button. Make sure to put the correct collection name into the appropriate field during the posting process (e.g. for 2024 the collection name is "KS_SpringFever2024", without the quote marks), so that the work stays unrevealed and anonymous until we go live / until creators are revealed. We think of these extra works as treats for the whole community. However, please do have a good look at the list of prompts before you choose to take this road. There are such lovely prompts waiting for creators to pick them, and this should take priority over treats.

16. Last but not least: Be courteous to the other participants, act in good faith and assume good faith. For all questions, please contact the mod (DW, Tumblr, or email: [email protected]). We are happy to help!

#k/s spring fever #space husbands #spirk #kirk x spock #kirk spock #star trek #faq #rules