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where-theres-smoak-2 · 6 months

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Sylvie's Playlist

I've been listening to the playlist Sophia posted and honestly there are some really great tunes on it, she said that these songs were songs that remind her of Sylvie and also songs she thinks Sylvie herself would listen to 'really loud in her green pick-up truck.' And, well I can't sleep, so to kill some time I thought what if we look at these songs from Sylvie's perspective, what could they tell us about how she's feeling, what state of mind and being she's in? As I always say in any post like this, the following are just my own thoughts and interpretation, and honestly this post is mostly just for fun, so feel free to agree or disagree as you like.

Having listened to the whole playlist and having done some research into the individual songs, I think most of them can fall into one of three categories. One is very much the badass rebel woman type songs that I think describe Sylvie's personality really well. The second category are songs that describe feeling lost, trying to search for who you are and feeling dissatisfied and bored with life but still hanging on and having some hope that if you just push through it things will get better.

Then the third category are the love songs, mostly about lost love and feeling hurt but missing your lover, honestly alot of the time this playlist did feel like a break up playlist. It's this category I mostly want to talk about.

But before I get into that I want to summarise what I think this playlist as a whole can tell us about where Sylvie was at emotionally in season 2. I think from the amount of songs talking about feeling lost and bored and dissatisfied its safe to say that Sylvie was struggling to find her place, to find where she belonged and who she was now that she didn't have to keep running. I think no matter how much she tries to live a normal life she's just struggling to truly fit in and feel like she belongs and I think the songs about rebel woman who live wild and free and lead the revolution, is why. As Sophia said in a recent interview Sylvie isn't one to live the quiet normal life for long, she likes the fight and the adventure and sooner or later she will always be drawn back into that world.

I think another thing that is missing is Loki. Which brings me back round to category three, there are so many songs in here about broken relationships and how complicated love is but there are also a few that address the subject of needing a partner, needing love to help you through tough times. There are a few songs I do want to talk about in more detail as they really remind me of sylki and I think can show us what Sylvie's desires and wants and feelings were towards Loki in season 2.

Two songs on the playlist that I thought were interesting, because they have similar vibes but in opposing ways, are 'If You Love Me by Brenda Lee' and 'End of the World by Skeeter Davis'. Sylki fans will likely recognise 'If You Love Me' as its the song that plays at the end of 1x4. But both these songs talk about the end of the world, but in one (if you love me) the singer is facing it with her loved one and is saying that even if the world was ending she could face it because she has her love at her said, its a song about unconditional love but also about the strength love can give us when facing hard times.

In contrast to that the protagonist in Skeeter Davis' song 'End of the World' has lost her love and now even the most ordinary day feels like the end of the world. She's left wondering why the stars are still shining and why her heart is even still beating when the worst thing has come about, her lover was her world and now they are gone. Where the protagonist in Brenda Lee's song feels like she could face the end of the world so long as she has her partner's love, this protagonist is struggling to get through even an ordinary day without hers.

To me these two songs remind me of Sylki in season compared to season two. 'If you love me' reflects their relationship in season one where they had each other's backs and as a result felt like they could do anything, take over the arc on Lamentis, take on the time keepers, enchant Alioth, face HWR at the end of time. They felt like they could face anything so long as they had each other. But in season 2 its much more like 'End of the World.' I think they both struggle whilst separated. Sylvie is trying to find a life and be happy but ultimately is still missing Loki and feeling lonely, Loki is just a bit of a frantic mess without her, especially in those first couple of episodes and is also clearly feeling miserable without her.

Speaking of the end of the world songs, another song on the playlist is 'Purple Rain by Prince'. This is what Prince said about the song's meaning: “When there’s blood in the sky… red and blue = purple. Purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/God guide you through the purple rain,” The first verse of this song reminds me so much of Loki's speech in the citadel in 1x6, where he says he doesn't want to hurt Sylvie and he just wants her to be ok:

I never meant to cause you any sorrow I never meant to cause you any pain I only want one time to see you laughing

I also reflects what Sylvie wishes she could say to Loki because I really don't think either one wanted to cause the other any pain but that was ultimately the result.

Another couple of lines that remind me of Sylki's situationship are 'I never wanted to be your weekend lover' and 'It's such a shame our friendship had to end'. This I think could indicate how they had this deep but brief connection that left its mark on them both but they both wished it had been something more and that it hadn't ended.

Another song on this playlist that made me think back to season 1 Sylki is 'Heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez.' Its a song about a passionate but complicated love. The lines:

One night of magic rush The start a simple touch

Remind me alot of the beginning of 1x4 where they have their nexus moment, which is a simple touch that very much causes a magic rush in more ways than one. Some other lyrics are:

The colors red and blue We had a promise, babe We were in love

This reminds me of the blanket moment in 1x5. In that moment to me they really did look like they were in love but it was also the scene where they kind of made a promise to each other that they weren't going to let each other down and that when it was over they would find a life together. The colours of red and blue, red invokes thoughts of love and passion but then blue is kind of the opposite, its sorrow, feeling blue equals feeling sad. It makes me think of how they started out with that passion and love but it then lead to sorrow and loss. I can just imagine Sylvie sitting in her pick up listening to this song and remembering those moments with Loki.

So one song that this playlist introduced me to which I have never heard of until now is 'Rien Dire by Christine and the Queens'. It is in another language and the title translates to 'Say Nothing' I have decided this is Sylki's new anthem because it is just so beautiful. This is what the writer had to say about the song: “That song is about a conversation of love that carries on even if you don’t see the person or hear the person anymore,” Christine and the Queens told Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. “True love is a conversation that is never interrupted."

I looked up the english translation and there were so many parts that I think reflect Sylki. So starting with the first verse:

Even though I'm not always in your arms It seems you walk by my side My gestures have taken the colours of your motions And I think about it all the time, in spite of my self

Even though they are both separated now I think they've still stayed with each other, like I said above the love they felt for each other left a mark that still lingers even after their fight in the citadel and I think despite her best efforts Sylvie still thinks about Loki a lot and Loki definitely still thinks about her.

The chorus of the song is also really beautiful and again I think it really fits Sylki:

Oh, we learn each other Oh, we wait for each other Oh, we surrender And without ever saying a word Oh, we're pulling and pushing Oh, the way you look Oh, we love each other And without ever saying a word

Even though they've never said it out loud their feelings for each other are plain, even in season 2 they still care deeply for each other, they see each other and they love each other but they also challenge each other.

But my favourite lyrics in this song have to be the second verse:

All the things in the world that we experience together Are you afraid to fall in love as well? And all those places I thought I didn't belong Now there I am, with you

Now this is Sylki to a tee, they've gone through all these experiences together where they have formed a deep bond and have fallen in love, but despite that I think they are both still so afraid of love, of having someone to lose and I think that's why despite showing their feelings they've never spoken them out loud. Also the lyrics talking about not belonging and then saying 'Now there I am with you' I've always believed that they belong with each other, I think that is part of the reason why Sylvie is struggling to find her place without him and vice versa.

Another song worth mentioning is 'Time Is On My Side by Irma Thomas. In this song the protagonist has lost her love but is confident that eventually he will come back to her. She tells him to go and experience life with the confidence that eventually its her love that will bring him back:

Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town And baby, do everything your heart desires Remember, I'll always be around And I know, I know Like I told you so many times before You're gonna come back, baby 'Cause I know You're gonna come back knocking Yeah, knocking right on my door Yes, yes! Well, time is on my side, yes it is Time is on my side, yes it is 'Cause I got the real love The kind that you need

This actually reminds me more of how Loki feels about Sylvie, he wants her to be happy and experience life but I think they've also got that little bit of hope that they'll find their way back to each other.

Then you have 'Don't Make Me Over by Dionne Warwick' which is about wanting to be accepted as you are, flaws and all.

Don't pick on the things I say The things I do Just love me with all my faults The way that I love you I'm begging you

Don't make me over Now that I can't make it without you Don't make me over I wouldn't change one thing about you Just take me inside your arms And hold me tight And always be by my side If I am wrong or right I'm begging you

This one reminds me of their fight in the citadel and maybe how Sylvie feels now after, maybe what she wishes she could say to Loki, that she wants him to love her even if they don't see things the same way. The lyrics 'just take me in your arms and hold me tight and always be by my side, if I am wrong or right, I'm begging you' hit pretty hard if you put them in context of the way they have been struggling to see things the same way this season. I think if given the opportunity they would just hold each other and be with each other.

A couple of honourable mentions now, Beth Ditto's 'We Could Run' which talks about this dream of a couple running away together and leaving all their troubles behind. Again, it reminds me of the blanket scene and Sylki talking about figuring out what they are going to do next together. I could see both Sylvie and Loki daydreaming about running away together. The other honourable mention is 'We Were Rock and Roll by Janelle Monae'. This one is a fun song that has alot of kind of mirroring imagery of things that compliment and work together really well, like rock and roll and king and queen, and is a song about reminiscing about a past love. This idea of being mirrors of each other but also a complimentary pair obviously screams Sylki to me.

Ok last one. The last song I want to talk about is 'If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher.' Now my momma raised me on Cher, she'd play it in the car or in the kitchen whilst cooking, so naturally I know this song well and have often sung it at the top of my voice alongside my mother and sisters, I was super hyped to see it on Sophia's playlist.

The song is about a couple who have had a bad break up and the protagonist is reflecting on the guilt she feels for the things she did and said and wishing she could turn back time and get a different outcome, make it right again:

If I could turn back time If I could find a way I'd take back those words that have hurt you And you'd stay

I think maybe Sylvie regrets some of the things she said to Loki in the citadel, it was pretty obvious that Loki was really hurt by her mistrust and accusations. The next verse really reminds me of the 'love is a dagger' metaphor.

I don't know why I did the things I did I don't know why I said the things I said Pride's like a knife, it can cut deep inside Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes

And how Loki said it was beautiful until it makes you bleed. That imagery continues in this verse:

My world was shattered, I was torn apart Like someone took a knife and drove it deep in my heart When you walked out that door I swore that I didn't care But I lost every thing, darlin', then and there Too strong to tell you I was sorry Too proud to tell you I was wrong I know that I was blind

But this verse also makes me think of how Sylvie is putting on this front with Loki that she doesn't really care and that she has no regrets, that she's living her best life but really I think she's just too stubborn and too proud to say she's sorry or admit to any regret, even if that regret is just that she regrets hurting him. But I think ultimately if they do wish they could go back, they do regret how things turned out and that they have ended up separated. The most heartbreaking part is that they are both to hurt and too stubborn to confess this to each other, and they are struggling to even talk to each other because of all the hurt, let alone find their way back to each other.

Anyway, I've now rambled on enough about song lyrics and Sylki and have run out of things to say. Though if there were any other songs anyone wants me to cover feel free to drop an ask, or any other asks, all are welcome and honestly I am stuck at home bored so any distraction would be welcome.

#sylki #loki x sylvie #loki #sylvie

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akioukun · 1 year

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15 Questions

Thanks for tagging me @neonponders love ya 🖤

Are you named after anyone?

Not that I am aware of. Name means…boy or ancestor of man or something along those lines

When was the last time you cried?

Broke up with my partner like two weeks ago, I cried during that. It sucked, haven’t cried since though been too busy. I get close everyday though 🫠

Do you have kids?

Nope

Do you use sarcasm?

I’m Australian its a big part of how english works socioculturally over here,so…ya (I’m sorry @neonponders I am the red flag 😔)

What is the first thing you notice about someone?

Intensity, either in expression or body language. People who are super intense or major extraverts overwhelm me and I’d rather avoid having that interaction at all and not walk away exhausted or questioning my life after being verbally run over.

What is your eye color?

Blue. Painfully blue. Annoyingly blue. A friend at a halloween party said to me “Man I can’t look you in the eyes they’re so intense” Alot of my friends don’t lmao. Still figuring out what to say when people compliment them. My go to rn is to go “oh these?” and pretend to pull them outta my head.

Scary movies or happy endings?

Scary movies scary moviessss! I love horror films so much. They have so much range in them and the creativity needed to target that fear response within people can range from genuine to bizarre. Ohhh and if they miss the scary mark they just become the funniest shitpost ever. Love em!

Any special talents?

Anything that is considered a talent is probably something I’ve cultivated from a young age so nah

Where were you born?

Australia. I wont be more specific lmao

What are your hobbies?

Drawing, reading, hiking, climbing, surfing, lifting, cooking, piano and guitar, making a million playlists. I also paint murals in the local abandoned dam for fun if I get a free moment

Do you have any pets?

Two budgies! Zico and Ravi. They’re sweethearts

What sports do you play/have played?

I used to be in martial arts, state swimming and soccer stacked with a couple of the things above. Then I had nothing for a while due to medical complications that ruined the rest of my teen years. Now its just bush hiking and surfing. I love solo stuff

How tall are you?

5’8 I think (172ish?)

Favorite subject in school?

Art. Easy. It was the break from the hell that was all the academics. I also enjoyed english and history but mostly coz I slept in the afternoon classes and no one bothered me.

Dream job?

Studio director. Would be dope to run a studio of my own/with my friends. Stuffs kinda happening right now thats gently pushing me in that direction. Idk big dreams and I’m just riding whatever comes my way right now.

Anyone wants to do this just tag me! no pressure on people tagged to do:

@paaansy @prettyboybillyhargrove @bigdumbbambieyes @ihni

#tag game

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megismorallysunny · 8 months

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17/09/23

its been quite a while, i told myself in july i would talk about the barbie movie, but well that didnt end up happening. i felt awkward writing and i feel awkward now, school started 3/4 weeks ago and its been going pretty ok, ill talk more about that. so first things first the barbie movie was spectacular, i loved it so much, it was so amazing no words, speechless. i dont know if i mentioned this but i went on holiday again, i went to mallorca in june for a week and alicante in spain for 2 weeks. i grew sick of my brother after that, i hope someday we can be friends but i just cannot stand him. my mom said that i will regret not being friends with him when im older just like she did, but i just cant stand being around him. my mom may regret not being friends with my uncle then but atleast there friends now (not for long unfortunately, hes sick). Spain was pretty boring, yes i know im a lil spoilt but we went to spain cuz its cheap (cheaper than staying down the road). i started playing a lot of total drama then stopped after the start of school. Im glad that im actually able to focus on my school work better because i genuinely cannot focus, i really struggled last year cuz i did it in silence and always put it off. now i started watching qsmp along with doing my homework cuz now i feel better doing my homework, my brain just works better when its hearing something and my brain is doing something else at the same time doing my hw. i think its due to when i was younger there was never silence around me when doing my hw, there was always talking always a programme, always something. im doing higher level english, im scared about doing shit in it like every other higher subject im in. but i think im doing good in english, or atleast mediocre, my teacher said that some of my work wasnt the best, which fair nuff it isnt. but i wrote something and it was kinda cringe but my teacher said it was good, and it wasnt cringe as in furry abo type shit i wrote it was more me saying "chillingly good use of onomatopeia" omg i just felt so stupid reading it out, i figured out why it feels so invasive reading it out and its because it feels like reading a diary and your specifically asked to read out ur feelings and opinions about it, unless i say something hateful about it i dont feel comfortable saying it. im doing bad in higher maths i just cannot understand somethings but i dont want to spend more time on it so i might i might not, im scared that i just wont understand it and theres people dumber than me in there, and it feels like i shit also cuz im dumb, i struggle with comprehending things, and i just go on my phone all the time, because i just get so bored, i wish that i would be able to learn things at my own pace (fast but slow at things i dont understand) and i just wish i could learn what i wanted to, i know i can learn maths i just struggle and i dont know why. did i mention im stupid? did i? because your bound to think so now, last year in higher irish i got 23% on my summer exam, and this year i got a note from my parents to move to lower, and i went to give it to him and he gave such a good speech i said okay yeah sure, like how dumb am i?? all my friends looked aound at me and were like "that was your one chance" "why didnt you leave" it was a little demotivating but if theres one thing i can do its spite people, from an early age ive discovered people insulting me is the best power for my success, its better if it feels like they mean it. e.g i couldnt hit a ball in pe with a bat, someone tried to take it off me (multiple ppl) and they said cmon you cant do it, that was really a good motivator because as soon as they reached for it i hit the ball super high. anyways im now learning irish and im struggling really. but duolingos helping, alot. were back to talking to our french penpals and i wrote the most complicated english because i got excited she said i was a nice girl, shes so sweet i love her. i wrote way too much so im gonna go now, have a good morning, day or night.

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wesurekilledthepain · 2 years

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1-70

70 horrible questions ... Fuck it

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents? As good as one can i suppose. 02: Who did you last say “I love you” to? you.03: Do you regret anything? wasting time on people who werent worth it. 04: Are you insecure? always. 05: What is your relationship status? i think single.06: How do you want to die? i dont know 07: What did you last eat? roast beef sandwich 08: Played any sports? soccer baseball hockey and tae kwon do for 13 years 09: Do you bite your nails? always 10: When was your last physical fight? like 6 years ago 11: Do you like someone? its complicated 12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours? yes i once stayed up for 5 days to see if i could 13: Do you hate anyone at the moment? no 14: Do you miss someone? yes15: Have any pets? i had two dogs 16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment? a little sad 17: Ever made out in the bathroom? yes 18: Are you scared of spiders? no but i dont like them 19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? yes to medieval times so i can be a knight 20: Where was the last place you snogged someone? in your bed 21: What are your plans for this weekend? to see you 22: Do you want to have kids? How many? maybe a boy but idk 23: Do you have piercings? How many? ihave both of my lobes gauged and i had my labret done. 24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)? English science and history 25: Do you miss anyone from your past? all the friends ive buried 26: What are you craving right now? stability 27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? yea but i did it for my own well being so i'm not mad 28: Have you ever been cheated on? every relationship ive ever been in 29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? yea 30: What’s irritating you right now? filling out these questions31: Does somebody love you? I think so 32: What is your favourite color? black 33: Do you have trust issues? yes 34: Who/what was your last dream about? I dreamt i was falling 35: Who was the last person you cried in front of? i dont know 36: Do you give out second chances too easily? i used to but not anymore 37: Is it easier to forgive or forget? forget 38: Is this year the best year of your life? no 39: How old were you when you had your first kiss? 11 40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? yes 51: Favourite food? potatoes 52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? i don't believe in anything 53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? ate a gummy 54: Is cheating ever okay? no 55: Are you mean? kind of but only if you start shit first 56: How many people have you fist fought? i was in martial arts so alot 57: Do you believe in true love? no 58: Favourite weather? 55 and raining 59: Do you like the snow? for Christmas and new years 60: Do you wanna get married? maybe one day but well see 61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? yes 62: What makes you happy? very little 63: Would you change your name? no 64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? no 65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? depends but probably nothing 66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? i dont know right now 67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? you 68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? you 69: Do you believe in soulmates? not really 70: Is there anyone you would die for? the people i love

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hollyhomburg · 3 years

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noooo dont stop there lmfao who slept with the m/c first in the royal guard au? how did the others even touch on the subject of like, hey yall wanna bang? also is there angst/pining if jk is in love with namjoon but namjoon is in love with hoseok?

(this is really unedited) hmmmmmmm i think that it might have been like- Seokjin and the reader who first started to get sexually involved. since he was like the oldest one he probably felt more than a little conflicted about it. maybe during their etiquette lessons or just before, when she likes- forgets they’re supposed to have one and he walks in on her pleasuring herself.

and he knows it’s wrong- knows he could get killed for looking at the future queen like this but. “show me how to be good Seokjin- I don't want my wedding night to be my first time- I don't want him to be my first time, I want to know what it's supposed to feel like when someone cares about me” and Seokjin- Seokjin might not love you yet- but he definitely understands your desperation. hell- Seokjin is in love with 6 other people and he’s just desperate for them to all get along most days. Seokjin is definitely the one whose the most poly out of all of them.

so he shows her how it’s supposed to happen, and they both cum but no penetration happens (because Seokjin’s still a proper man down to his core), and then after I think she realizes like “fuck- I love sex? sex actually feels really good?” and she starts to slowly explore other things. Decides she actually does want to lose her virginity, not to her husband and probably has kind of a mutual virginity loss moment with Hoseok. Who regrets it a little afterward.

Only because he’s not really sure that he should have- worried that he pressured her or something and only after they talk about it do they both realize that yeah- they both wanted it and there isn’t a problem with what they did as long as her fiance Doesn't find out. and honestly, the king is often visiting his cities and out on hunting trips (where he often kills more people than game). he’s so rarely at the castle and Hoseok is more than happy to help you explore your sexuality when it mutually benefits him.

I think that Hoseok used to be a child Theif- and he had a certain amount of years that he needs to serve to not become a fugitive. and he only has a few more years before he gets his freedom. no matter the kind of bullshit that Namjoon totes about wanting to serve the crown and stay together- no. Hoseok just wants his freedom back. i think maybe namjoon confessed to hoseok recently- and hoseok didn’t take it well. before that hoseok would always try to convince namjoon to run away with him and namjoon would always try to convince hoseok to stay but the fact that namjoon’s in love with him- would feel alot like betrayl to hoseok because namjoon hadn’t been honest.

then he realizes- even after you get married- if you still want him the same way you do now he might have it in him to be something of a courtesan if he so desired. Not that the king would like that very much- it might be beneficial to him to be in your favor in the courts. maybe he could make a name for himself.

of course, he eventually grows to love you- but it complicates his whole situation with Namjoon. because Namjoon’s been in love with him since they where children and while they all fool around (because they all have sex drives and urges that need to be fufilled and long since had the agreemend of helping each other out) making ties isn’t apart of the plan. i picture namojoon peppering kisses and “im sorry’s” down hoseoks chest one night and hoseok kind of melting.

but slowly- when Hoseok starts to see the way you look at each other- when Namjoon’s hand touches yours he starts to get jealous and he’s not sure who of- he finds himself going harder with Namjoon at night, and then fucking you equally as hard and passionately with you in the morning. even when he and Jungkook fool around, trading mouths and hands in a way that seasoned lovers only do.

maybe thats a bit of an i’m sorry in its self- jungkook knows it’s not hoseoks fault- hoseok is beautiful and charming and like sunshine- anyone could fall in love with him. jungook gets why namjoon loves him- he really does- hoseok’s so easy to love. and the affection in jungkook’s eyes weighs on hoseok. he’s not used to strings keeping him places but something in all of you keeps him here. there is somethings squirming under hoseok’s skin and he doesn't realize it until one evening when you talk with Seokjin, Hoseok standing at the door.

“he’s coming home tomorrow night to help with the wedding, I guess we’ll have to postpone our usual etiquette lesson as he’s already written he’s coming to my chambers that night” and Hoseok- Hoseok is just enraged- sitting by the door- at the thought of your husband touching you the way the 7 of them do- enraged at all of it being outside of his control and suddenly- hoseok gets it. he dosent want you to marry your husband. he doesn't want you to have to go through any of it. he wants to preserve the balance you’re starting to have. he’s in love with you and he’s staying- he’ll see this through.

i think the sex with the others kind of starts in a different way, more of a sensual way. maybe one day they go for a horseback ride and she convinces them to swim in a secluded part of the river and though she keeps her underdress on they can still see all of her body through the thin fabric. and tae wishes for once that he wasn’t so obviously large. because he’s Poking out of his pants and he knows you see his errection, jimin licking his lips as he looks at it across the stream. cocking his eyebrows at him in question.

you catch him staring. and i think maybe you tease all like “are you alright officer Taehyung? your uniform looks hot in this heat- are you sure you don’t want to cool off with me?” and he does- even under the watchful eyes of the others. and it's only because it’s Jimin and Seokjin that they watch- that tae feels brazen enough to touch you, finding your wetness under the water and pressing with the pads of his rough fingers in a way that he knows feels good. the same way he fingered jimin open this morning, a look says that seokjin and jimin are staring and squirming. E

specially at the way you’re touching tae- the water warm in the summer heat and so slick against his skin. And though jimin and tae are lovers- there isn’t any mistaking the looks in their eyes. jimin and seokjin want to ravage you and then each other.

on the way home, you ride in between jimin’s legs on his horse because you’re a little wobbly-legged after taking taehyung (the largest out of all of them- a true big dick) and jimin just wants to run his nose along your shoulder- leaving little kisses that make you jump. little whispers in your ear “you looked so pretty together- makes me want to put on a show just like you did for Seokjin” a sharp look at seokjin says that he told- and honestly you’re not suprised. it’s no secret that they’re all involved.

and maybe jimin’s hand slowly comes down between her legs a little, rubbing slow teasing circles through her clothes to tease her. enough that by the time she’s getting off the horse she’s stumbling into Jungkook’s chest by the stables. “come kookie- our lady is tired and must return to her rooms” no one bothers to mention that Jimin’s shift is over.

i think the last one to bed the reader is yoongi- probably soon after her wedding and the first time she and him are alone together without any of the others. yoongi is particularly reserved and i picture him kissing the Backs of her hands and then each of her fingers in the candlelight and slowly grabbing at the ribbons on her dress. and he’s angry- angry that he couldn’t taste her before the king had a chance. though he’s gone away and left her here again. left her to be lonely and left her all for them. and yoongi won’t miss his chance this time.

“its time for you to get ready for bed my queen- let me help you” and he undresses her so so slowly and carefully and then sits her back and slowly enters her. treats her like a husband should on her wedding night, gentle and at her pace. so loving and slow and full of needy breaths and aching touches. thats the first time it’s making love with any of you- because yoongi loved her right from the begining.

i imagine him kissing down her stomach murmuring against her skin “he dosent deserve you”

“the king or the others?”

“both- neither- no one”

her gripping his hair, “what about you then?”

and yoongi means it when he looks up at her “least of all me” but thats something that she can fix. the way he dosent feel deserving of it all or any of it at all. ive got like- maybe a whole idea for yoongi’s chareter arc in this.

#Anonymous

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phoneybeatlemania-bit-the-dust · 3 years

Note

i just can't with this reliable source conversation because people will always find a way to call anyone a liar if they say something they don't personally believe in.

besides the so called reliable sources might be too concerned about getting sued to ever tell the truth while paul is alive.

if something looks like a duck and squacks like a duck, it must be a duck. the only reason everyone is so squirmish about even discussing the possibility is because they were two men.

I didn’t know what book that ask was on about (although @muzaktomyears just informed me which books they are, so danke schoen!), so I was purely just going off of first impressions there.

I think though that their relationship is a lot more complicated then just looks and sounds like a duck = duck. I feel as though that point can be countered with the “aptness of analogy argument” - we have to consider the nuances of human relationships, and that the lines between platonic and romantic can be blurry. To be honest, none of us on tumblr can say for certain that they did or did not have a gay relationship - were all entitled to our own opinions, and its fine to debate and discuss, but I think its best to maintain some scepticism to some degree, because at the end of the day, who fuckin’ knows what went on between those two?

And also, I wasn’t calling either of those sources liars necessarily- I just think though that the reality is, is that people can and will lie about these sorts of things. I havent read either of the books that anon was on about, ive scarcely done any research into their claims - so my wee post isnt the be all and end all of the discussion. But going off of first impressions, it didn’t seem to me like either of them were particularly reliable sources - they could be telling the truth, they could be lying, but at the end of the day if they don’t have substantial evidence to back up their claims, then I will ultimately consider them unreliable.

But im 100% sticking by my belief that whether a source is reliable is a very important and relevant detail (that goes for everything, not even just mclennon - whether we’re discussing if two 80 year old guys are gay, or whether we’re discussing the suspect of a murder trial - reliable and trustworthy sources are absolutely crucial!)

I dont really buy into the idea that the only reason people don’t believe mclennon was reciprocated is because they’re two men. For some people im sure that that is largely why they’re reluctant to even question whether there might have been romantic feelings on either (or both) sides, as possibility. But I think thats more so either people who haven’t really looked into the inner lives and exchanges of the interpersonal relationship, or for the real fans, I think its largely that they’re just straight middle-aged/old men. I loathe the “straight white man” argument, but I feel its somewhat applicable here, because I think a lot (not all though) of older Beatles “scholars” or whatever are going to want to see themselves reflected through J&P, and the narrative that they might have had a homosexual relationship isnt really going to fit with that projection. I don’t think they’re perception is invalid because theyre “straight white men” (again, I hate that argument and I cant believe im actually using it 🤦‍♀️) but y’know - they’re probably going to perceive J&P’s relationship differently to me, a 17 year old girl who was born in the 21st century. Both interpretations are valuable and valid, but they’re probably gonna be different. What they see as “just buddy stuff :)” I might see as “fuckin’ gay bruv” stuff.

I am a child of the 21st century, raised in an area and brought up in a family that has always been tolerant of queer people, (or just, ive been raised in a post-brokeback mountain society guys 😎) so I really don’t think I am uncomfortable with gay relationships, at all! If we were debating whether two characters in a movie or something were gay, id most-likely be alot more on board with it. But were talking about real human beings here. With real lives, and real feelings - and so its a lot more important that we are hesitant in accepting every claim, and that we take the time to assess how reliable a certain source is before putting total faith into it.

And also, I do discuss the possibility that they might have had a gay relationship! Lots of people on this site discuss it! But I also often offer counter-arguments (or just ‘for’ and ‘against’ discussions) for some proofs. Im just trying to get the most nuanced picture I can of these two in any given situation - and so I dont like to jump to conclusions. I try to remain speculative as well as objective - and that does not stem from being uncomfortable with gay relationships; its simply that human beings are complicated, and human behaviour is confusing, and so we cant just go by our gut instincts or what we feel (personally and subjectively) is a fitting explanation.

#mclennon #discussion #asks #opinion

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the-fiction-witch · 3 years

Text

It has its uses Princess p3

TV SHOW THE QUEENS GAMBIT

COUPLE BENNY WATTS X READER

RATING SMUT

I stood in my room packing my little suitcase and my train bag. As a familiar annoyance leant on my door frame

"So? You coming to New york?" He smirked

"Just-'

"You said if you won you'd come to new york"

"I don't have enough clothes"

"I'll do your laundry when we get there"

"I don't have, enough toiletries"

"You can borrow mine, or I'll go out and yet you some once we get to new york. I imagine I'll need milk anyway"

"I don't have…"

"Do you really not wanna come to new york with me?"

"It's not that Benny, I want to come to new york with you-"

"Then finish packing I'll bring the car around princess" he says kissing my cheek before he heads off. I sighed and finished my packing making sure I had all my things and going out into the grounds of the university where a battered old blue beetle sat with Benny putting his stuff in the back seat "hello beautiful" he smiled leaning on the roof trying to look confident and Sexual

"Hi" I sighed before I could even move he took my bags loading them into the car for me and opened the passenger door offering his hand I laughed a little taking his hand as he helped me into his car and he closed the door for me before getting in himself

"You ready?"

"Sure" I answered, he nodded, starting up the car and heading off down the empty roads, the music gently playing from the radio "why?' I asked

"Hu?' he asked confused what I was talking about

"What do you want me to come to New york?"

"Why not?"

"Benny… explain yourself"

"Maybe, I wanna take you out on a… date or two. Maybe share a bed all night. Play chess together you know" he explained "couple stuff"

"We aren't a couple"

"Y/n, we've been having sex for three years. I haven't even been with anyone else for almost a year and a half," he explained "we cuddle, we kiss, sometimes we share a bed, don't you wanna be my girlfriend?"

"I don't know Benny, relationships are complicated"

"We can make it work, I'm sure we can"

"You're not giving up on this are you?"

"I am not princess"

"Fine. Why do you want me to be your girlfriend?"

"Your cute, your sexy, you're into alot of the Me things I am, I rather enjoy the stuff your into, we work well together, you let me talk chess after sex, we think the same way, your good at chess, and I think we'd be cute together princess"

"That all?" I asked

"And you can't deny…." He smirked looking at me "we'd make adorable babies"

"What!" I yelled in shock

"Come on we would" he laughs "they'd probably end up with me eyes because darker colours are more dominant, but they might get your hair, and they'd get your cute nose" he smiled tapping my nose "and they would all be little chess geniuses from birth wouldn't they princess?"

"What the fuck benny!"

"Oi! Just because I can't spank you in the car doesn't mean I'm not going to get mad at you for it princess" he warn slapping my thigh

"What do you mean... have you thought about this?"

"Yeah, lots of times"

"You wanna have kids with me?"

"Someday" he shrugs "if you wanted to, go on why wouldn't we work?"

"We'd argue"

"No I'll let you win"

"Neither of us can cook"

"We can learn"

"We have no emotionally feelings towards each other as we have only been having sex with each other for the last few years"

"I like you, I want you to be my girlfriend. Like proper girlfriend, committed and maybe we can move in together in a few months" He explained

"You're really serious, Benny?"

"Deadly serious"

"Would you… do anything to make me your girlfriend?"

"Where are you going with this?"

"Curious" I smiled

"If it means by the time we get to new york your my girlfriend… I'll do whatever you want me to do princess"

"Give me five bucks"

"What?"

"Want a girlfriend or don't you?"

"Wallets in my coat" he says pointing to his coat on the back seat I smirked grabbing it and getting his wallet counting myself five dollars and putting it in my pocket "are you my girlfriend now princess? I wasn't aware there was a girlfriend fee"

"Well there is but I'm still not your girlfriend"

"Alright" he sighed as he drove

"Punch yourself"

"What?"

"Punch yourself Benny"

"I can't, I'm driving. I'll punch myself when we stop next okay?"

"Fine, I want chicken nuggets and fries"

"Do you? Well my princess gets whatever she wants," he smiled soon enough. We parked at a fast food place and I smirked at him "what?"

"We stopped"

"Fine… where am I punching myself?"

"In the leg I guess" I shrug so he did as I asked

"Oww, I hurt myself" he complained "am I any closer to having a girlfriend?"

"A little bit" I smiled

"Am I close enough I can call you it?'

"Nope"

"Am I close enough to… get a kiss?"

"You can have a kiss either way" I smiled leaning over and kissing him he happily kissed me back the kisses turned deeper and soon enough just became us heavily making out in his car till I pulled back even if I didn't want to getting out the car he followed and grabbed my hand holding out the other expectantly "What?"

"You have my wallet, remember?"

I laughed handing it back to him and he slipped it in his pocket "come on princess, let's get you some nuggets" he smiled holding my hand but I noticed the other hand around and grab my butt thought my dress so I hit him with my hip

We got boat loads of food and got comfy back in the car again driving off down the infinite roads for a good long while, playing chess against each other as he drove.

"Benny? What's with the knife? Really?"

"You like it"

"Other then sex"

"... You really wanna know?"

"Kinda"

"Alright, I had… a little trouble with some guys in Vegas a few years back."

"What kinda trouble?"

"I met up with a few guys at a poker table. Had a pretty good night. I walked away early but they followed me to the bar bought me a couple drinks and we got chatting starting hustling a little got almost a thousand dollars of the three of them at speed chess" he explained "they didn't like that"

"What happened?"

"They followed me back to my room, said I had plaid them wanted there money back, I got a shiner for my trouble and a cracked rib"

"So… for protection?"

"Yeah,"

"What you scared of them or something?"

"No, more if shit hits the fan again I wanna have something to get me out of it. And… to remind me not to be an ass"

"Why?'

"Because sometimes shit comes back to bite you on the ass" he laughs "And because you think it's sexy"

"I don't think it's sexy Benny."

"Yeah sure you don't princess" he smirked "so is it just that you think I'm sexy?'

"Well… I willing and soberly have sex with you that's got to mean your some level of attractive Benny"

"So… if I put my hand under here?" He growled his hand sitting on my thigh stroking my tights gently slipping up my skirt "you won't be wet princess?"

"None of your business" I said forcing his hand away "focus your driving"

"I can multitask" he smirked trying to move his hand back but I moved it away again

"Drive" I told him "you crash the car and kill us because you were horny I'm holding it to you for the rest of eternity"

"How can you tell I'm horny?'

"A Benny your always horny. B you only start getting flirty when you're horny and I can see your Boner"

"Why? You looking?" He smirked adjusting his hard erection through his jeans a little

"I wasn't looking it's just… easily noticeable"

"Yeah sure it is princess" he smirked "if you wanted you could always… fix it for me?" He suggested gently shifting his hips "it would make me more focused?"

"How would It?"

"Well when I'm hard I'm hardly thinking about the road am I princess?" He smirked

"I'm not sucking your dick Benny so kindly change the subject"

"Well why not?"

"Because I don't do that"

"Would you if… you were my girlfriend?"

"Id think about it"

"Would you now?"

"Will you quit it with that stupid word"

"What word?'

'the G word"

"What, girlfriend?" He laughs "come on don't you wanna be my girlfriend"

"Maybe" I snapped

"Maybe?" He smirked

"Maybe…" I sighed

"Come on, I'll do anything. What else do I have to do for my princess?" He smirked

"Anything?'

"Anything"

I smirked as he watched the road so I smiled moving closer and leaning my head on his chest

"Oh, hi" he smiled kissing my head

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vcsecretgifts · 4 years

Text

Wipe his blood from your mouth with mine

(Otp shenanigans based on what could have happened between Armand and Daniel post hunting together in the warm rain - in last chapter of Prince Lestat - {Hope that’s okay not a blood communion fan and Daniels not in it…} Lestat and Louis are nosey, helpful spectators/advisors In that order. A little nsfw, soppy and an essay of angst. Hope you like It! Merry Christmas 🤗)

Gift for: @headfrst4halos

From: @auburnandamberangel

…

A few nights had passed since their reunion, they’d hunted together in the warm rain - eyes had acknowledged them slipping out together but no interference, this felt more solid then previous meetings. A certain Roman not such a prominent Father hen presence. Familiarity was steadfast, much left unsaid between but in the spirit of having survived this latest blip in immortality pushed down to be revived at a later time. Negotiating simply being in each others company was rollercoaster enough. Small glances, heated snatched stares. Measuring the changes in eachother, coveting the lack of them.

The huge cinema room, a ridiculous term as he’d paid good dollars to watch a flick in smaller venues, the latest safe space to catch up. A do not disturb sign hooked on the double doors, a lock across them. Not that this meant much to telekinetic mentalists amongst them. But a polite notice to leave them in privacy. Daniel was eyeing Armands form, at least what he could see beneath the knitted Sweaters neckline. No tanning or change in tone to porcelain perfect flesh. The theory of their healing abilities known, but never tried into practice by himself just yet. Not that he hadn’t had the impulse - Marius ha immolation was beneath him, always made sure his charge was safe and sound come sunrise.

Armand noted changes too, still flushed as marked his age in the blood. But more strength coiled than should have accumulated in the decades since their parting. His blood then, nursing his fledgling. Practicality was one thing, necessity another, but his passionate possessive side said hang being reasonable - the implications of the to and fro between his beloved and his maker. Aside from Louis’ attack post interview only his fangs had tasted Daniels blood, only his fangs had parted flesh in his necks favourite crook. Louis had understood his hesitancy to bring the subject up, close companions coming together in a time of mutual vulnerability. Many happy years spent in New York. Trinity Gate their slice of peace. "It's not as if I’ve ever asked Lestat to compare me to David. Though it doesn’t mean I’ve never thought it. Never ask a question you mightnt like the answer to.“ His response had been succinct. "But Cher they were definitely lovers. This situation is less clear cut.“ Louis had smiled then, shrugged meaning everything and nothing. "Things concerning Marius rarely are, are they."Preaching to this choir had been his reply.

Daniel was recalling his own pep talk with Lestat, not so much a pep talk as the brat Prince not so subtly inquiring as to his intentions towards his blood brother. More being spoken at. "I feel responsible for his last brush with oblivion. I’d rather not stand idle at this potential catalyst to my blood brothers well being.”

Feeling peeved and rather touched all at once, he’d nodded. “Lestat you’re many things but thinking of you as my uncle and I your nephew is too, too much to want to comprehend!" Thankfully the mercurial anointed leader took his words in good humour. Always had quite liked him fortunately, could once upon a time have run away on adventures together. Though whose heart that particular fancy was meant to wound more Louis or Armand - Daniel had never quite fathomed. Hands up in a sign of peace he’d added. "Rest assured I’ve always broken my own heart over him, I’d rather that than breaking his ever again. I was off my noodle for way too long. I have alot to catch up on.”

A strange look had passed over Lioncourts face. “I said something similar to him you know. …‘You break my heart you little fool, you always have…’ I think i prefer your sentiment.” Shudder as if someone had walked over his grave. Memnoch related Daniel had assumed.

“Can I ask a favour. Could you make sure Marius doesn’t try to help us in what no doubt will be a charged, embarrassing and classically devil and minion problematic fest." Brow quirked at this request Lestat had smirked, a twinkle in those famed blue eyes. "Run interference as they say. It’ll be a pleasure." Making to turn heel and leave. Pausing. "You know I can’t decide if you smell different or not… Never mind." With that winking and walking away before Daniel could comment what he’d meant.

Back in the room, Daniel edged nearer, leaning across the plush seat between them to better see Armands face. Rewarded with a wistful tug of lips.

"Of all the vampires in Trinity I have your full attention still. Im flattered.” Eyes warmed in a way they hadn’t been in quite sometime. Flitting to Daniel equally captivated violet ones.

“Always will have it too.” Moving almost to sit on the arm of aforementioned middle seat.

“Its…complicated. Or whatever the get out clause for a relationship not happening is these days…online.” He’d tried to keep up to date with modern jargon. Not as much fun as learning with his minion in the eighties, but he couldn’t wouldn’t allow himself to atrophy again.

“There it is breathtaking in every way yet simultaneously so stupid!” Daniel hitting the seats cushion in a burst of frustration. The seat rocked. Oops.

Armand laughed despite himself. “There’s that sassy mouth I’m fond of coming out to play.” Glancing down at the seat, it had been bent. Ah.

“Give my mouth something else to do. Kiss me. I promise I’m same as I ever was.” Just a plain simple kiss, though usually desire took over and wham they were engaging in full on blood sharing in a blink.

“Let’s not rush into things…” Playing with a stray curl, rapidly teasing it out. At this rate he’d have straightened his locks from the sheer tension of it all.

“I’m not waiting six years again for a snog. The chase ended. We’re way passed third base now don’t you think?!” Edge of something darker in his tone. Lestats words echoing in his mind now.

“We hunted together.. Be- Daniel.” Slip of the tongue he’d nearly uttered beloved. “That was alot.” No lies there. He hunted alone as a rule, Daniel was the only immortal he’d shared with.

“I know we shared the kill. Shared the blood. It was great, lovely. But Im not going to lie I wanted to be responsible for your heart racing…” Wow his throat was dry. Blurting all this oit, no holding back or hiding behind word play. “Is it because I smell different.”

“Smell? What do you mean?” Nose prickling as he’d wondered hadn’t he, a moment before about infusions from a twice millennial source. Did he hesitate because on a base level Daniels blood smelt different because it was…

“Lestat said something about me smelling different. Is it because I smell more like him. Like Marius?”

Deep breath. Right to the jugular of the situation. Flush of pride who the hell else spoke to him like this, no one.

“We were parted whatever happened between you is none of my business. It would only be natural for you to seek comfort in his arms… He’s very persuasive.” The words were coming out, but he knew his heart wasn’t so forgiving or clear cut.

“Well fuck! Your going to quote we were on a break. Really! This isn’t Friends. I doubt either of us matches Ross or Rachel.” Daniel realising bow improbable it was for Armand to be up to date with 90s pop culture. “It wasn’t like that. It was feeding not flirting. I wasn’t exactly following a balanced diet. I don’t want him, it’s you it always has been!” Last hit to the seat and it screeched it’s last. “Shit! I’m sorry.” Staring at his hands like he’d just seen them.

Armands eyes widened. There was that strength again. Not more thsn his own but a progression. Lestats mind voice in his head. *Do I need to come in and break you guys up? Or is this good rough?* That famous timing…*No. He’s broken my furniture, no harm to me. And it’s always good rough between us for the record.* Satisfaction at the too much information wince on Lestats part. *Don’t make me tell on you to Louis, you know he hates you being a voyeur.* Quirk of a brow inside and out. *Its been a while we’re out of practice.* Pleasing ringing of laughter as the brat Prince took the hint. Opening his eyes from a protracted blink to Daniels face and form kneeling right infront of him. Unforgivable this oversight, to allow himself to be this surprised. Hadn’t even seen him move. No threat from this vampire though, no need for high alert physically, only emotionally. Always his heart that needed protection. Minute frown appearing. The urge to reach out and run fingers through Daniels hair almost over powering. Hands death gripping the plush arm rests, clawing into the material and stuffing as well as the metal frame below.

“Don’t you want me anymore. Is that it - Really?” Once he’d thought he’d never get to touch those rosy lips again. Stroke hands through deep russet flaming curls. Hear his voice and those special noises he only made for him. Cold shower for Mr Molloy. “The bloodworks just a primal excuse. The usual vampiric urges BS.” All this aside he wouldn’t force himself on Armand. Never. A time machine to kill any who had. He’d thought him dust to the wind. Well he could feel himself ready to blub. Filled to the brim with so many feelings.

Armand could smell the start of those tears. He could lick them away, like they used to. Drink the pain away. Curled up together after a fight. Entwined. Love through the blood. Strength and stay through that intimacy. “I could never not, beloved.” Time for his own tears, that affectionate term opening his own flood gates. “I don’t think I can love you how you need to be loved, is more the point. What if I make you relapse. I’d never forgive myself…” Nails now through his own palms. Chair two in ruins. His own blood scent filling the air. “My beautiful boy…”

There it was, the spicy scent he could only taste as a mortal, fully appreciating the body of it after crossing over. The aroma. Fearful words sinking in. Shaking his head. “None of that was your fault. It was just our luck to be the tortured star crossed lovers. I’m better, was well on the way to better when I knew you weren’t gone. Not dead. I left, that was on me.. I left you alone, I swore I wouldn’t in our garden but I did. I neber meant to not come back. The rot had set in, nothing made sense. But here you are whole and perfect and as maddening self introspective as ever. Don’t you get it. That was my job as your minion, to save you from yourself. To save my devil from whatever tested you. And I wasn’t there. I’ll be Damned if I ever make that mistake aga-” Words cut off as bloody yet healed hands reached for him, pulling Daniel bodily into his lap. Not an easy task sized as they were.

Armand couldn’t bear him saying one more heart wrenching thing. Broke that physical truce and kissed him as requested. Lips breaking away from his only to lap away falling tears. Poised staring into violet orbs he’d been lost in the moment they’d met, truth be told. Breathy. Quite the achievement for beings who didn’t need respiration. “Mine, you taste like my better heart. With added vintage. Wipe his blood off your lips with mine.” A single bead of blood for Daniels tasting. Hand teasing his lovers skirt buttons, to touch skin on skin.

Years were stripped away and here they were like nothing had happened battle scarred yet together. That’s all the mattered. Familiar elixir warming him in ways he never expected. Picking him up to better remove clothing, they had to map each others bodies like old times.

Sometime later.

Laying on the plush carpeted floor, clothes strewn around them. Not a stitch left on them. A third seat broken on its hinges. Armand was happily listening to Daniels heartbeat. “I think I may need to redecorate.” Glancing around the mess they’d made. Stretching like a cat.

“Agreed perhaps we should make a passion room. But hey we’re super rich so why spoil the fun. At least in this cinema there’s no popcorn stuck in odd places like that time we got romantic in Palm Springs.” Kissing his makers forehead. Basking in after glow. “I’m pretty sure we’ve thoroughly infused each others blood counts.”

“One can never be too careful. We need to hunt. I don’t want you getting peeky as I was so enthusiastic.”

“Agreed, and I don’t mind at all. Drain me I’m your love muffin.”

Armand wrinkled his nose. “Love muffin. Wash your mouth out! We do need to lock this room up tight upon leaving. In case Cupid Lioncourt takes photos.”

Daniel laughed. “He does have a nose in most situations I admit. In this case it’s just as well. How long do you think it would have taken to jump each others bones, without his ear worm about smell?”

Armand laughed at the phrasing, a throaty chuckle sending vibrations down Daniels chest. “Not too long, possibly quicker if I’d gotten that particular ear worm and we’d gone the route of territorial angry me, with your oh so smart mouth baiting. Then we’d have made up, like old times.”

Daniel snorted. “Are we that predictable?”

“Perhaps…Now how he kept a certain others nose out of this… robust reunion is the story I want to hear…” Smiling into Daniels matching grin.

“Now that story can wait.” Winking and gathering Armand closer again. “Round three?”

#2019 VC Secret Santa #VC #Vampire Chronicles #submission #auburnandamberangel #headfrst4halos

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where-theres-smoak-2 · 1 year

Text

OBX Season 3 Review

I just finished watching the third season and honestly I have very few criticisms for this season, I think it was amazing definitely the best season they’ve done yet in my opinion. So just want to put a spoiler warning in here as I am going to be talking about some plot points and big moments that happen so if you haven’t caught up yet and don’t want to be spoiled scroll past this post. I have alot of thoughts so I’ve divided it into sections, if there’s a particular theme or subject that doesn’t really interest you then hopefully that will make it easier for you to get to the ones that do.

Goodbye Island Paradise

This season was a bit different to the other two seasons in that the pogues were actually separated quite a lot this season, particularly John B who spent alot of the season with his dad. However I surprisingly didn’t mind that as I do think it fit the narrative and made sense within the story and for all the characters involved. I think being on the island, or more accurately, coming home from the island changed the pogues and they all struggled to reacclimate, they were on Poguelandia for a whole month, which is a long time so it makes sense that they would struggle to find their feet again once home. I do think they all struggle differently though. JJ seems to have the hardest time because he really had very little to come home too and then when he does get home its to an eviction notice on his home which really does leave him with pretty much nothing and I think the only reason he left that island was to be with the rest of the pogues, it was clear that he didn’t really want to leave. Kiara is having to deal with her parents and whilst at first they are happy to see her it quickly falls back into the same tensions and disagreements they were having before with her parents not wanting her around the pogues and in particular JJ. Whilst I do think part of her wanted to go home and see her parents I do think she, like JJ, ultimately was happier on the island and part of her also didn’t want to leave. I think Pope and Cleo have the easiest time reacclimating, I think he has a more understanding relationship with his parents and Cleo has really helped him appreciate that he really did have a good thing at home. For Cleo I think going to OBX was like a dream come true, I loved that scene when she is excited about having her own room for the first time. In some ways it was really sad because it highlights how tough a life she had previously but it was also really wholesome seeing how happy she was and I think she does fit in really well with Pope’s family and it seems like his parents really like her and she helped them have more trust in Pope. Sarah I think is very much in the same position as JJ in that she has no family or home to come back to, she did have John B but when his dad comes back he is so wrapped up in what is going on with his father that Sarah gets pushed out. I imagine it was a complicated situation as John B and Sarah had become use to it being just the two of them but for Big John it had always been him and John B against the world so its almost like Sarah and Big John and competing to be that person in John B’s life. Meanwhile you’ve got John B who I think obviously is very happy his father is alive but having spent a year without him is having to get used to having a father in his life again which is causing some issues in his relationship with Sarah.

Big John’s Return

I do want to talk a bit about Big John and his arc throughout the season as it did take up a big chunk of the season. I do think they wrote his character very realistically. I loved the reunion between him and John B it was very moving. But the wholesome moments don’t last long as Big John is still very much on this treasure hunt and motivated by finding this big treasure. The relationship between John B and Big John does become tense because of this, especially when Big John makes it obvious that he doesn’t fully trust the other pogues and in particular Sarah. Again though I think this mistrust and paranoia makes sense for Big John’s character given everything he has gone through. He trusted Ward only for him to dump Big John’s lifeless body into the sea instead of calling for help, he thought he was being rescued by Singh’s men only for it to turn out he was being held hostage. It’s understandable after a year of fearing for his life that he will be struggling with trusting anyone and I think the only one he really does trust is John B. Obviously though John B is not comfortable with lying to the pogues as he has gone through so much with them and they’ve survived it by trusting each other and being there for each other. This leaves John B feeling really torn because on the one hand he is over the moon that his father is alive like he always believed he was and wants to be there for his dad but at the same time he doesn’t have that same level of mistrust that his dad does. Also it seems like Big John and John B see the gold very differently. Whilst Big John is very much still driven by finding the gold, John B seemed to me to just want to take a breath and spend time with his dad, I honestly think John B would have been good with forgetting the gold altogether and living in the chateau with his dad and Sarah.

The Gold: An Escape or A Trap?

One thing that I thought was interesting this season was them introducing this question of whether the gold was an escape or a trap and I loved how they explored that through the characters and how they see the gold and how they go about hunting for the gold. I think ultimately the answer to this question is that it is both and all comes down to how far you’ll go to get the gold. You have characters like Rafe and Singh, Limbrey and Ward who will risk it all for the gold (although I will say that Rafe and Ward can be anomalies at times in that they occasionally do have a conscience) they’ll kill and betray and even hurt their own family members if it will get them the gold. Limbrey kills her brother, Rafe tries to kill his sister and orders a hit man on Ward, Ward also tries to kill Sarah. For these guys the most important thing to them is the gold and they will do anything to get it, it consumes them in a very unhealthy and toxic way that leads them to do some heinous crimes but what’s interesting is all of them believe it is their destiny to find the gold whether that gold is the merchant gold, the cross or El Dorado itself. So when anybody gets in the way they become angry to the point of becoming unhinged because to them its not just somebody might get to the gold first and I’ll lose out, its somebody is getting in the way of my destiny. In this way the gold/treasure is undoubtedly a trap, its become such an all consuming part of their lives that they can no longer escape it.

Then you have Big John who I think is kind of in the middle. I think for him the gold is both an escape and a trap. Whereas those I mentioned above mostly want the gold for themselves or because they’ve got some warped idea of destiny in their minds, Big John wants the gold so that he can give his son a better life and I really believe that is his driving force in the search for the gold. One of the most shocking scenes for me in Big John’s story arc was when he shoots and kills those two men from the coastal venture who were then working for Singh. The sudden brutality of it really caught me off guard and obviously its equally shocking to John B. It honestly left me very conflicted because on the one hand as the audience we know that Big John’s instincts were right and those men were going to kill John B but on the other is was upsetting seeing someone who had been painted as this victim of ward or as a hero become a killer. I think the difference between Ward, Rafe and the others mentioned above vs Big John though, is that whilst the others killed to save their own skin or to stop someone else getting the gold, Big John kills to protect his son. I really do believe that he saw that gun pointed at his son and acted on instinct. I think another difference is that whilst the others after killing one person keeps on killing anyone who gets in their way I don’t believe Big John does. I’m pretty sure the only other person he kills is Singh himself and even then its not like he kills him directly he throws the dynamite at the entrance to El Dorado and Singh gets killed trying to get to the stick before it explodes. But whilst I do think Big John has good intentions when it comes to the gold I do still think the trauma he has gone through combined with this desperation to provide a better life for his son has caused the gold to become a trap for him as well. He might not kill just anybody for the gold but he still does some pretty shady things in the name of it. Like for example trying to convince his son to hold up a little old lady to get her key card for the museum and keeping secrets from both the pogues and John B himself. Despite his good intentions he still gets caught in the trap of the gold and lets it consume him to the point where it almost becomes the only thing that matters to him. In his case though I do think that its John B that pulls him back to reality. In the end he chooses his son over the gold.

Which brings me to the Pogues who I do think are on the opposite side of the spectrum. I would argue that when it comes to the Pogues the gold is more of an escape but one that is in danger of becoming a trap. I think the main difference with the Pogues though is that whilst they care about the gold and they want to find it, there never comes a moment when it becomes more important than each other. On several occasions when it has become a choice between choosing the gold or protecting/saving one of their own they have always chosen each other. When someone is hurt or at risk the gold ceases being important to them. An example is when Sarah gets shot in season 2, John B abandons the gold and takes care of Sarah his priority becomes saving her, when Pope gets stung and has an allergic reaction they abandon the cross in the church and focus on getting Pope medical attention and then in this season when Kiara is taken and they find the painting of the boat which held the merchant gold and the cross JJ says its not important as it doesn’t help them find Kiara. When they steal the fake cross off the train and JJ tries to draw the police away, Sarah and the other pogues make Topper turn around and go back for JJ even though that might risk them losing the cross and/or getting caught by the police themselves.

Another difference is that the pogues have a line that they won’t cross which is killing others. When John B had the chance to kill Ward, a man who at the time he believed had killed his father, who he had just seen trying to kill Sarah, and who had tried to frame him for murder, he doesn’t take it. The same with JJ when he had a gun and was tempted to kill his father who had abused him his whole life he chooses not to. In this season when Pope is angry that Rafe melted the cross down and is tempted to kill Rafe again he chooses not to. Even when it comes to those who would harm or kill them, they will incapacitate but not kill them. For the Pogues the gold is that dream of escaping all their woes. Its breaking free from the system where the rich have everything and are treated with respect no matter what they do and how the poor have nothing but judgements thrown at them and are treated unfairly. The gold will allow them to run away and literally escape all their problems, the gold will offer them security for their futures. But the worry is whether it will become a trap for them, will it become an addiction that they can’t break free from. One thing I did notice, that I thought was interesting, is all those who will do anything for the gold are those who are already rich, who have had the taste of being rich and don’t want to lose that lifestyle and the power that comes with money. The question for season 4 is whether now that they have money will the pogues fall into the same trap as those before them and start to do anything to keep the wealth they’ve gained?

Jiara

So now I want to talk about the really good stuff, Jiara. They were amazing this season and so so well written. Like I love their story this season dude. Again I think it also tracked for these characters and there was no point that I thought oh so and so wouldn’t have reacted like that or wouldn’t have done that. As I said above I do think neither JJ nor Kiara really wanted to leave Poguelandia and were both happier there, I loved all their scenes on the island of them fishing together and how they were talking about how being on the island was just like what they were talking about their surf trip being. One of the best scenes acting wise for me was the one in episode 4 when they’ve got home and Kiara comes to talk to JJ after they nearly kiss on the boat. Both actors did amazing jobs this season and this scene was just chef kiss good. I liked that they made the distinction that whilst it was weird for them both it wasn’t bad weird. Like when Kie said it was weird to Pope after they hooked up I think she did mean it was bad weird, she felt awkward and I don’t think she did it for the right reasons really, I think it was more she was confused and knew how Pope felt about her and didn't want to hurt his feelings. But with JJ I think its that things are changing and its different but I don’t hate it kind of weird. The tension in the moment when they are almost about to kiss was amazing and you can see JJ is really struggling to resist her but he is also struggling with all this self doubt and so he backs away and has this whole kind of monologue about how they shouldn’t be doing it and how he’s a loser and how could she care about him before trying to convince himself that she doesn’t care about him. I think this complete freak out makes a lot of sense for JJ’s character, as Kiara says later in the episode, it freaks him out when people get close. He is too used to being told that he’s worthless and no good etc that he believes it to be true and believes he is unworthy of love, JJ is just not someone who is used to having nice things so it makes sense that he would be scared of things changing between him and Kiara and it not working out and that meaning he loses his friendship with her too.

I really hated the scene when Mike starts berating JJ and saying that he ruined Kiara’s life and that she is better off with out him etc and then JJ who actually remained pretty calm throughout all that and only replied that he meant no disrespect then hears Mike saying everyone sees JJ as a thief and no good for nothing and how he’s just like his father. What I hated about this was that everything Mike said is exactly what JJ already thinks of himself and hearing Kiara’s father say the same things only reinforces that in his mind and makes him decide that things between him and Kiara could never work, that he really is no good for her and so he takes the money clip. I do think there is alot more to JJ taking the money clip than just he stole from her dad. Kiara is obviously upset with JJ for doing this but its because she knows him well enough to know why he really did it and it wasn’t because oh if I’m called a thief I might as well get something out of it. It was him deliberately throwing obstacles and roadblocks in the way of their relationship. Its him giving up on the chance of them becoming something more and also making it more difficult for them to even have a friendship. This is really hurtful for Kiara because she is being really honest and open about how she feels and is trying to be understanding of JJ and saying she gets that he is freaked out and is trying to work through those feelings with JJ but he is shutting down and acting like he doesn’t care. It’s almost like he is trying to make her hate him or lose those feelings for him in some misguided attempt to save her from himself.

The money clip comes up again at the anniversary party when JJ is annoyed when Kiara says she can’t leave right then. JJ kind of throws it in her face because he knows it’ll hurt her. But again Kiara sees right through it and knows its not the money clip that’s the problem its the reason behind why JJ did it that is and that’s what is hurtful to her, so she calls him out on it. When I tell you I legit gasped out loud when she said she loves him, I was not expecting it as soon as we got it, I thought there weren’t going to get any confessions or anything like that until the end of the season but I was really happy that she did. It did kind of break JJ though I think, he seemed to struggle to string a sentence together and his thoughts were all over the place. I just don’t think JJ was in the right head space to be hearing it, again JJ just hasn’t been given much love in the past so his instinct to Kiara telling him she loves him is to wonder why? How? What about him could she possibly love? Honestly its really sad how much damage his parents and others have done to him that he can’t accept it when someone does love him. It also really sucks for Kiara and I felt so sorry for her, especially after JJ says it won’t work and that when he gets back maybe he’ll see her at the break. Its like she is pouring her heart out here and he’s being dismissive of her. Yet she knows him well enough to know why he’s behaving like that and I honestly don’t know if that makes it better or worse for her.

I also loved JJ’s whole rescue mission when Kiara is taken to Kitty Hawk. Also side note here but what the hell were her parents thinking with this move?! Their daughter had confided in them that she was abducted and she feared she was going to die and they thought the best response was to have her manhandled into the back of a car while she screamed for them to let her go and cart her off somewhere she didn’t want to go, because yeah that’s not going to trigger her at all, that’s not going to add to her trauma. Seriously they made me so mad this season. But anyway I loved how JJ was able to see the cat photo the camp worker had and then manipulate the situation with the whole her cat died story. I also loved how Kiara figured out that is was JJ and goes along with it, also her little smile when she sat on the bed and knew that JJ was coming to get her made my heart so warm. Their reunion in cabin 6 was also such a great moment, the way they looked at each other and hugged. JJ apologising was also a great pay off. Again because he’s not really apologising for the money clip he’s apologising for not giving them a chance and for shutting her out. Them saying I love you to each other was perfect, like with Kiara she was so happy that he was there and it was almost like you’re a goof but I love you. With JJ you could hear the relief in his voice when he said it like finally he had given in and was ready to take a chance on them. It just felt so real. And of course their kiss was epic too, I felt like they did a great job of building up to it throughout the season so it felt very well earned. Also I couldn’t help but laugh at all the girls cheering in the background and JJ trying to get them to hush up. You just know that was the most exciting thing that had happened to those girls since they had got locked up in that camp, you just know that jiara have become a legend at the camp now where every new arrival hears the story about how one of the girls was rescued by her lover and they tore away in the middle of the night like bonnie and clyde.

There is only one criticism I have when it comes to Jiara and its probably me being greedy but I do wish we had gotten a kiss or something in the finale, they spent a whole season building them up but then there wasn’t really anything in the finale other than some light flirting when they were on the bus and them smiling and making heart eyes at each other in the time jump scene at the end. I’d have liked just one more little kiss or an arm around her shoulders on the bus, something like that. But otherwise Jiara were definitely the highlight of the season for me.

Cleope

The moment Cleo and Pope made that no love club I think we all knew it wasn’t going to last and they’d fall in love with each other. I do think they have great chemistry with each other and I enjoyed their journey this season. I think they had much better chemistry than Pope and Kie and it felt alot more balanced between him and Cleo if that makes sense. I do love how Cleo seemed to ground Pope. I think he was beginning to feel very lost with everything that happened between him and Kie and finding out about Denmark's story and how much injustice his ancestor faced plus losing his scholarship, the gold and the cross. I loved the scene where after finding out Rafe melted the cross down and deciding to take the gun and go after him, Cleo was able to talk Pope down and just give him that hug he really needed. I also loved seeing Cleo blend so easily in with Pope’s family and getting to have nice things for a change. There was a little moment at the table, I think in ep 3, when Pope and Cleo are being a bit flirty and giving each other heart eyes and Pope’s mum and dad just give each other the side eye like hey are you seeing what’s going on here that I thought was really amusing. It was obvious they approved of Cleo and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are already mentally planning their wedding. I did think the way Pope and Cleo fell in love was very natural and it didn’t feel forced at all and I also love how Cleo let Pope know she had feelings for him by quitting the no love club. Their kiss was also really sweet and I am really looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes in season 4.

Jarah

Ok so I have always loved John and Sarah and that romeo and juliet vibe they’ve got going on. This season they are a bit distant with John’s dad coming back and that causing tension between them which ultimately leads to Sarah making a mistake and kissing Topper. Honestly I hated that Sarah cheated on John B especially as she already has this rep in previous seasons of being a cheater with her getting with John B before breaking up with Topper and with Wheezie’s comment about her cheating on every boyfriend she’s had, I was kind of hoping that John B would be different and she wouldn’t cheat on him. That being said I do get how it makes sense within the narrative. Sarah is clearly struggling with the trauma of having both her brother and father try to kill her, she’s home now but John B is being distant with her and I just think she was feeling very lost and had no where to go after her argument with John B. So when she is invited to hang out with Topper and the other Kooks it reminds her of her life before it all went wrong, when her dad was still her hero and her family were all together. She also had been drinking and all of that leads to her making a mistake with Topper. To be fair to her she clearly regrets it in the morning and she does tell John B pretty quick, its not like she tries to hide it for weeks on end. I think she was feeling pretty bad when John B showed up and was really apologetic. It caused some chaos though as John B rightfully was very upset and that lead to him beating Topper and ending things with Sarah. Which then lead to him having charges pressed against him and again this shows that bias towards the kooks because whilst yes it was wrong for John B to beat Topper like that I remember another instance back in season 1 when Topper tried to drown John B and John B didn’t go pressing charges. I think Topper really is as bad as John B when it comes to them getting into fights.

I do think Sarah shows her loyalty to John B when she does everything she can to get him out after he is arrested. I think she felt it was partly her fault that John B was arrested because it was her cheating that lead John B to attack Topper. I think getting him out but also getting her dad’s plane to get them to south america was all her way of showing him look I am on your side and I am still with you. I also did like their reconciliation scene, you know before it all literally went up in flames. I am also glad that we had a few reminders that they are, or at least they consider themselves as, married. I do wish that we’d get a scene of Sarah admitting or acknowledging that John B is her husband to someone as we’ve only really seen John B referring to Sarah as his wife to others apart from that one scene when Sarah tells Kie. I get the feeling that to John B it was real, like he meant those vows and he really does see Sarah as his wife. But with Sarah there are times where it doesn’t seem as serious to her and is almost like a little funny thing that they did. So I would like in season 4 for Sarah to either refer to him as her husband or for them to make it legit and legal, I mean the 18 month time jump must make them if not already 18 then close to it.

Topper

There were moments in this season where I did actually feel sorry for Topper. Like he does get messed around a bit by Sarah and its understandable that he is getting mixed signals from her. I did think that whole sequence of him helping the pogues steal the cross because they need his truck was really amusing especially when he tells her that she’s from a good family how can she live like this because like dude two members of her family are killers and rose is such an enabler always telling ward that he did what he had to do and he’s good man really, the only one other than sarah that you could really consider good is wheezie, that’s your idea of a good family Topper really? It was very obvious that Topper is not cut out for the Pogue life that’s for sure, but it still gave us some surreal yet comedic moments. I can also get that Sarah kissing him would have messed with him a bit too, but any sympathy I may have had for him went flying out the window when he decided to set the Chateau on fire with everyone inside. Pretty sure that would count as attempted murder. I do think that Topper has a really unhealthy obsession with Sarah, I didn’t like how after their kiss he just automatically assumed that they were back together without talking with Sarah. I get that he felt like he had been used after he didn’t press charges thinking John B will be gone and Sarah would stay, because lets be real Sarah was manipulating him there, but his reaction to finding out she was with John B being burning down their house was going way too far.

Rafe

Oh Rafe you sure are a complicated one. I mean there were moments where he does do the right thing this season like helping Kie escape and stopping the hitman on his father but it was mostly him just getting up to his usual antics. I couldn’t believe it when he tried to argue that he was as much a victim as Peterkin, she’s dead dude and you’re still going around killing people to benefit yourself. I mean that poor husband who just wanted to buy jewellery for his girl, dead because Rafe needed his hat and wallet. I also couldn’t believe that he melted down that cross. I have always loved history, I even studied Archaeology at university and went on a few digs before ill health got in the way of me pursuing it any further as a career and so I felt that at a truly personal level like it pained me seeing a one of kind, historical artefact get melted down out of greed, even a fictional one. For that reason alone Rafe is permanently in my bad books. Still I can’t deny that Drew is an amazing actor who really does deliver every time. I am curious to see where they go with Rafe in season 4 and also what happens with his relationship with that girl he was hooking up with, think her name was Sophie, as I do think she could potentially be a good influence on him, it did seem like she was the one to convince him to not kill his dad. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how that all plays out.

Finding El Dorado

Most of the finale episode was focused on them finding and getting to El Dorado. I did think it was a good finale. There was plenty of action but there was also that classic OBX humour, like when JJ and Kie arrive on the bus and straight away see Pope and Cleo but then also immediately have to run, I love Kie saying already but we just got here, another funny moment was when Sarah and John B find Big John because they happen to be under the window of the room he is being kept in and hear him shouting. Sometimes I think these Pogues just get wins through pure luck. I liked seeing Big John start the episode being really mistrusting of Sarah to the point of not wanting to tell John B details that might help to actually trusting her and letting her and John B go on ahead without him and kind of passing the baton over to them. I also liked the look they went for with El Dorado itself it looked really beautiful and the kind of riddle you had to solve from the stone artefact and how you could only see the entrance to it in the dark was really fun. I adored the moment John B and Sarah actually found El Dorado. Like when they found the merchant gold or when they found the cross, you could just see the euphoria on their faces and how emotional they got. There is only one thing I would change about this scene and that is I wish the other pogues were there too to celebrate with them.

Another thing I liked was that when it came down to protecting his son or leaving the way open to come back for the gold Big John chose his son. I knew the moment that we saw he had been shot that Big John was going to die but I do feel like it was the right move for both Big John and Ward to die and for them to close that chapter of the story. I do think that Ward and Big John’s stories paralleled each other. They both became obsessed with the treasure which lead them down a darker, more violent path, but ultimately they both sacrificed their lives to save their children. However even though I think it was right for the story it was still really sad.

I will admit that when first Ward then Singh’s top man showed up I was like oh here we go again they’re going to lose the treasure, because of course they can’t have nice things. So I was pleasantly surprised when they did actually manage to keep hold of the gold. Ward’s death I think was a redeeming moment for him as he chooses his daughter and dies to protect her. I also thought it was a good contrast between when he faked his death in season 2 as in that scene John B was really unable to comfort Sarah because of his own feelings about Ward and as Sarah said he looked glad which made it really hard for Sarah. So I am glad that this time John B was there and was comforting her, up until Pope notices that Big John isn’t doing so well that is.

I did think Big John dying was really emotional, like that must have been really heartbreaking for John B, he spent a whole year believing his father was alive when everyone else was telling him he was dead and now he was having to watch his father die in his arms. I did choke up a bit when Big John takes both John B’s and Sarah’s hands and puts them together telling John B to hold onto this one and that he’s the best son anyone could have, John B putting the gold in his hand and telling him he did it, the whole scene was really heartbreaking but the part that had me full on crying was when Big John said ‘I’ll see you at home kid’ right before passing away and then you hear those damn bells in the background, I had to pause the episode to pull myself together. The memorials they made for both Ward and Big John were also nice tributes to them.

18 Months Later

You know this season did kind of feel like the last season of a series which really makes me wonder if they thought they weren’t getting another season. I mean it seemed like they wrapped quite a bit up, all the pogues were paired off and in love, Ward and Big John’s deaths, the Pogues finally getting the gold. But this time jump scene left me with soo many questions. Like we get some answers, Kie is saving turtles, JJ has a charter boat (which I like to think is where Kie is saving turtles from) Pope is going to school and Sarah and John B own a surf shop. But what’s going on with Cleo? Is she going to go to school with Pope? Is she going to stay with the Heywards and help them out whilst Pope is gone? Where are they all living? Did John B use some of the gold to rebuild the Chateau or did he and Sarah move into that condo her dad gave her the keys to, did they buy a whole new house or have living quarters above their business? What about JJ? I’m assuming he paid off his restitution and Barracuda Mike, did he also get his home back? What happened with Topper, last we saw of him he was pressing charges against John B so how did John B get out of that? Did he have enough money now to settle out of court or did he just threaten Topper that he knew he burned the Chateau down and if he dropped the charges John B wouldn’t press charges against Topper for what would have been a more serious crime? What happened with Kiara and her parents because honestly it made me so angry that they were there cheering after everything they did to her? Also the world knows that they found El Dorado so did they show the gold to someone and then have an excavation team go out and reopen the entrance to it because it seems unlikely that people are just going to believe a bunch of teens even with the gold? What’s the deal with this whole blackbeard guy? Is he genuine or is he a villain? Just so many questions. It’s going to be a long wait until season 4.

Anyway that’s all I’ve got for now. As I said I did really enjoy the season. It had great character development and plot twists and I still really love this show.

#outer banks #obx #obx3 spoilers #outer banks s3 spoilers #jiara #jarah #cleope

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shenlongshao · 5 years

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Guilty Gear 2020 Thoughts:Part 1

Hi Everyone!^_^ I know it’s been a super long time since I’ve posted on here, but I do plan to post more often on subjects so please stay tuned! As a long-time Guilty Gear fan, I'm excited to post my thoughts about the latest game; currently called "Guilty Gear 2020". Since I'll be going into detail about everything, I'm going to separate this into 2 parts. I'll start with the current implemented mechanics, changes, and player accessibility.

PLAYER ACCESSIBILITY

Command List: I love the addition done to the Command List menu of how it describes what an move is, what it's good for, and a visual demonstration all on the right side of the screen.

Character Types: An interesting aspect is each character is now categorized by fighting types. Ky is an All-Rounder, technique expert Balanced fighter while Sol is also Balanced type, but is an Aggressive Striker. For new players, this is helpful with deciding what character to main or try out rather than blindly trying out each character. For older players, I could see them using this for counter-picking in match-ups(although they always did that without this feature, lol) or maybe deciding another main. I could definitely see this staying. I think it's a fun addition to the game. GAMEPLAY MECHANICS(So Far) Dash Button(Optional): Even though this is just an option, why would you want or need a button to dash in a fighting game? Holding or tapping forward on the D-pad is instinctive and easy to do, so it's not really convenient. Gatling Combination Changes: Light attacks don't chain into other buttons anymore except for certain commands and doing long combos starting with light attacks are gone. This sounds kind of familiar....

This is one of the biggest aspects alot of hardcore Guilty Gear fans are worried/upset about. I never understood why some fighting game developers think taking away the aspect of using light attacks to chain and start combos is a good idea. To me, it's like teaching someone the alphabet, but you ignore A, B, and C. It's one of the basic fundamentals of learning combos people remember and take that lesson into other fighting games. It's actually the opposite of making it accessible, XD.

Long combos in Guilty Gear is not fun strictly because it's long or super complicated, but the creativity and the joy of discovering different combinations. The sense of reward for diligent efforts, creating the tension and making the opponent second guess their move, etc. Taking that freedom away is not only limiting, but new players aren't going to get to experience the joy in mixing moves together and using what they've learned against others. Short combos or long combos aren't bad because both have their uses in certain situations against other players. Extra input and execution forgiveness when performing combos and moves would have made more sense. It would achieve both making it accessible, but still allowing the in-depth options and creativity long-time fans love.

Change to Throw Input & Whiff Animation: I'm neutral on this part, I'll have to see how it feels when I get a chance to play it.

Instant Block gives some Tension Gauge instead of Decreasing Block-Stun: This is a rrreeeaaalllyyyy an odd decision. O.o? I can see people are going to try to abuse this to gain meter, XD.

Normal Blocking in the Air and in Mid-Dash is Possible: TURTLE POWER! XD I do think it's nice not to heavily rely on Faultless Defense to block mid-dash or in the air, but I do see this taking away some strategy too. Very mixed feelings.

Roman Cancel Changes: This is one of things I need to experience to see how it is. I do think it's interesting the slowdown and opening opportunity is limited to close range instead of the entire area like in Revelator. Fusing Dead Angle with Roman Cancel is a good idea and since the developers say there's more to Roman Cancel than they're showing, this must be one of the main ways for players to be creative with their gameplay.

Cinematic Counter Hits: I'm wondering does this mean the other player can't counter back if it's cinematic? I want to learn more...

Wall Break: This is one of the mechanics I'm excited about because I always love stage transition in fighting games. It looks exciting, dynamic, and adds the experience in matches. But

instead of it being by a certain number of attacks/combos, it should be by Dust. I'll show this video below as an example.

youtube

Corner Dust in Revelator causes the opponent to be smacked harshly against the wall anyway, so it would better for Dust to also be the Wall Break. It should be either by Dust being the

last hit in a combo and/or hitting the other with Dust 3 times. This would prevent those who may not want stage transition all the time. For reward, I think it building Burst bar by 20%

or 15% would be better since there isn't really anything to build it in comparison to Tension Gauge.

Dust Changes: Speaking of Dust, restricting it to working on counter is a horrible idea. Like one of the pro players said in the livestream, it feels like a "punishment" for successfully

landing the attack cause it sends the opponent back to neutral position instead of being open to air combo attacks, etc. I think Dust is going to revert back to before based on the

negative reaction.

No Kill by Chip Damage: Lol, Daisuke doesn't want players keep using that Faultless Defense, XD.

No Danger Time: Yay!

Wakeup Timing for Characters is the same: Super yaaaay!

No Air-Teching: Does this mean the Weight(light, heavy, average weight characters,etc.) mechanic is completely abandon too? I'm thinking it must be if characters just fall to the ground

after being air-comboed. They should've kept Air-teching.

No More Blitz: RIP Blitz...I'm neutral with Blitz being gone.

No More Stagger nor Stun: Why are they're getting rid of these? Was Stagger and Stun really "complex"? Lol! This is like getting rid of Timers in matches, XD. I don't see the benefit in

removing these.

Stylish Mode Exists: There's two ways I'm looking at this. If Stylish Mode is kept, then it makes me believe there MUST be something that will be complex in the game. In Revelator,

Stylish Mode was there for those who wanted an easier gameplay style. But if it isn't and what mechanics is reduced, it doesn't make sense to also keep Stylish Mode.

Based on these so far, I strongly believe GUTS(the feature with characters having unique damage scaling when low health) is gone too. I'm glad some of the unnecessary clutter is gone

(like Danger Time) and good simplification(like universal character get up). I'm one of the people having mixed feelings with what they revealed so far; some changes are good and

exciting, others make me worried. I don't mind GG 2020 being different from previous games or taking risks with gameplay mechanics, the main part is it being GOOD changes that'll maintain

Guilty Gear's identity. I saw hints of this game straying a bit far(not totally) of its essence just from some of the character designs and presentation, which I'll explain next time.

What's keeping my hope is the player feedback and hoping those who are going Arc Revo to please provide helpful and nice feedback on what's good and bad to the developers to make GG 2020 awesome.

#Guilty Gear 2020 #GG2020 #daisuke ishiwatari #Guilty Gear XX #Let's rock #hype train #thoughts

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yyh-revival · 6 years

Note

Alot of people draw parallels between Kurama and Kurapika, Hiei and Killua, Yusuke and Gon, Kuwabara and Leorio But no one comments on how Karasu is this weird hybrid of Ilumi and Hisoka. ( Also Sensui and Chrollo)

Wish I could help you there, but I only saw I think two seasons? Maybe one season. *shrugs* I could never get into Hunter x Hunter. I have a few theories for why, I think, but it’s all super subjective. One of my friends is the exact opposite, obsessed with HxH and unable to enjoy Yu Yu Hakusho.

If you are a fan of HxH, I strongly advise you don’t read this. These are my personal opinions on why I cannot stand the show, not a detailed analysis of the show itself or objective view of its merit. Will be under cut.

Also I am sleep deprived and potentially tipsy so this will likely not be coherent. *finger guns*

Anyway, for me, HxH always felt… too on the nose? Too Naruto-like, in a way? Here, meet Gon, he’s a super nice and friendly dude, but oh no, he has a tragic past because his dad is missing… And now he wants to be just like his dad, who is missing, so why is he emulating a dude he doesn’t know? And here, meet Killua, he’s a psychopath and he’s like 10. Instead of getting this kid a therapist the older characters around him are going to encourage him to go kill people. Oh yes, these children are also murderers. Meet Kurapika, the Kurama of the group, who is also a bishie, is low-key scary, intelligent, caring, and also has a tragic past! Yay… And Leorio… I confess I don’t know shit about him. But he probably has a tragic past.

Okay, I am probably being too harsh on this show. I know it’s beloved by many people. But the constant pushing of “tragic!! So sad!!” and “child murder! Yay!” Is just not my cup of tea.

YYH did this way better, in my opinion. The tragedy is there, but it’s layered on slowly. Hiei, who arguably has one of the most tragic childhoods a shonen character ever experienced, doesn’t actually tell us what happened to him until the show is almost over. We get to learn who he is, what makes him tick, we get to love him, ponder about his past, get invested. Then we are given the sad. But HxH is like Naruto in the fact that it just shoves it into our face, as if to say, “hey, this character had a bad childhood, you should feel sorry for them and love them.” I just hate that.

And Gon… that friendly optimism is just… weird? He feels 2-d to me, not like a real child. Whereas the imperfect Yusuke acts exactly as you’d expect a child in his position to act. He has daddy issues because he never had a father. He has issues with authority because his mother was awful and he never felt safe or comforted by the adults around him. He gravitates towards male role models and at the same time rejects them. He respects only one authority, Genkai, because she is the first adult who taught him what he found useful. His kindness, his empathy, all that is earned. When Yusuke tells Genkai he cares about her, when he cries over her death, we believe it and we feel it, because we saw what he was like when he didn’t care, when he didn’t have an adult to turn to. It’s like a child that had been neglected all his life who was suddenly thrust into a foster home or an orphanage where one cranky lady is done with life, so she’s honest and raw and doesn’t throw platitudes into his face, and he respects that. He gravitates to it the same way 9th grade students do to the teacher who uses swear words in class and isn’t afraid to show the Romeo and Juliet movie that has the *gasp* boobie in it. His relationship with Genkai is realistic and earned, and genuine like crazy, and when he mourns her, the first and only adult he respected, loved, and felt safe with, we all mourn with him…

But Gon? I don’t know. He just put me off from the start. He doesn’t seem to have a reason for being so damn friendly. He doesn’t seem to act like a normal human being at all. He’s just this weird 2-d cartoon that tries to kill with kindness and be just like his missing dad instead of, ya know, doing the realistic thing and having a complicated relationship with him. Like, Yusuke doesn’t hate Atsuko. But he sure does blame her for lots of things. I can interject my own childhood here, because my feelings toward family are also complicated. I know the “missing parent” thing really well because my parents lived in a different county for half of my childhood, and I can tell you, while I understood why they did it, and loved them, and appreciated with all my heart the sacrifices they made… I still did, and still do, blame them for robbing me of a normal childhood. Of robbing me of a relationship with them. Of robbing me of that mother-daughter best friend dynamic, of being able to tell them all my secrets and feel like they’re part of my life and not just distant parental figures I respect and love the way the religious love and respect their gods. And Yusuke is the same. His relationships with all the adults in his life, even some of the other kids, are complicated and layered and realistic. He knows his mother had a raw dealing having him at what, 15? But he also blames her for not doing more… Hiei, how does he feel, knowing that his mother died, instead of leaving the Glacier Village during her pregnancy or right after birth to go look for him? How does he feel knowing she stayed there, and died there? It wasn’t her fault. She was heartbroken, she was exhausted from giving birth, and she was weak and scared and alone… it’s even implied she committed suicide. And if she did, don’t you think Hiei might still feel complicated about it? Don’t you think he might feel like she should have been stronger, for him, for this small child that didn’t deserve his fate? She should have lived and left the village and searched for him! She should have looked even if she knew he was dead, if nothing else then to bury him! That’s the sort of thoughts I bet once ran through his mind…

But Gon? Nothing. Just… love for mom and idealizing dad. It’s boring, unrealistic, and I hate it.

Killua, my friend’s favorite shonen character (if not favorite anime character) of all time is literally one of my least favorite, and the only character I might have liked, Kurapika, was clearly ripping off of Kurama, whip and all included. So I just could never finish the show.

As for the Karasu question, technically, he came first, so those other characters are based on him. But from what I did actually see of Hisoka… he’s like an evil pedo (right?? I heard something like that??) clown. That’s what he is. How is he threatening? This isn’t even a rhetorical question. Creepy, maybe. But I’d just feel slightly uneased by him and then call the police if he came near me. If Karasu had his eyes on me like he did on Kurama, I’d probably shit my pants, let’s be real.

Karasu was a sadist. He was thrilled by the “intimacy between murderer and victim.” And the scariest shit of all? You can sorta understand him. When you murder someone, you are the only person in the world to see what happens to them. You have complete control over that person. You are their god, deciding if they are worthy of life or death. It’s an urge you can theorize about, can talk about, can even understand to a degree. But Hisoka? He uh, wears clown clothes and chases Gon? Or something? He makes scary faces? Karasu doesn’t have to even show his face to be terrifying. He just has to talk about his hobbies and his beliefs. Hell, the moment she shows up you feel something is up. I saw Hisoka like, at least 10 times and I still don’t know shit bout him. Karasu had like, 3-4 speaking scenes and they all made him fucking scarier with each one. I felt like each scene with Hisoka added absolutely zero to the show. Not to mention how fucking slow it was…

I feel like having a character target your young protagonist and make creepy faces at them is just lazy. Dude is, and I know Naruto came after, but that’s the show I saw first and actually know a thing or two about (till whenever shippuden started). So dude is just like Orochimaru. Now I was never scared of that guy, I just thought he was a total creeper. To me, there were way scarier moments. Hell, even Gaara’s brother, when he like, trapped a guy inside a puppet and then blood dripped out? Was that him? Anyway, that moment was way freakier than anything Orochimaru did. Karasu’s like 3 scenes were way more psychologically scary than all of Orochimaru’s scenes put together. And I got the same vibe from Hisoka as Orochimaru. The, he’s creepy and these kids should definitely find an adult asap, and not “holy fuck that’s a mass kidnapper/rapist/torturer/murderer and holy hell I am fascinated and also terrified and holy shit Kurama run run run!”

*shrugs* Karasu is honestly probably the scariest villain in YYH, too. Only because he enjoys torture and murder, and he explains why. And the explanation makes fucking sense and its so terrifying that I can’t

and he also doesn’t look like a clown. That’s a major plus. I’m not and never will be scared of clowns. Like… its a clown. Its colorful and does weird shit. How is that scary? No, demonic looking motherfuckers with long ass ink black hair and eyes that glow purple with glee at the thought of ripping blood curling screams out of someone in front of a giant ass audience, and lamenting that they wish they could fucking keep him and I dont know fucking fuck his corpse is that what he meant cause holy fuck!??!

Anyway, Karasu gives me nightmares and I love him and I don’t care for HxH and I need sleep and love you all very much please don’t hate me for disliking this show I really did give it like, three separate chances. *shrugs*

- Mod Lola

#ask #anon #mod talk #analysis #please dont hate me #karasu #yusuke #mod needs to sleep and not answer asks #direct all anger toward sleepy mod #or tipsy mod #theyre both jerks #sober and rested mod is not responsible for them #hhd

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maneaterwithtail · 6 years

Text

Character I Love Meme: Axebear

Time to take my own advice, while slow on the adaptation analysis project Fangbone Page II Screen (its tag search for it) That's mainly as I only have a tablet and need a terminal and time to really try to hammer out entries. Which, looking back, haven't been good enough I can't fault a lack of discussionGetting a little down on the project I figured should at least try to have some interest in Fangbone and discussion on it stirring, especially if want robust discussion outside of Fangbill pairing, which I have disinclination for but is easily, and understandably, the most popular subject and stuff on the Fangbone tag.

Still want to Promote @rubyreddraws @g-00lden @cordset and others and appreciate likes from folks but really more of a forum/conversation sort as to socmedia guy. But I hear using standard memetic questionnaires can cause discussion on threads to keep up, if no fanart or theories to really go into...also sucker for design and feel, in a way character needs more love.

Whole series does, but I think appreciation of animated Fangbone's leader-cheiftain is in order for those who like interesting and thick characters who have character and not just a joke either. Though is a joke, but so is EVERYONEon the show, but a nuanced one with lots of valiance

1: Orientation headcanon

Functionally bisexual. Prefers/more familiar with men and dismissive overall of feminity but not *self consciously* macho

2: otp

Triple

Him, Ms. Gillian, and Twinklestick. Likely after some character growth for him, some respect for the last, and Ms. Gillian gets her muscled man meat who knows she’s a prize.

3: brotp

His battle Brother died some time ago and he’s found no replacement worthy for the honor to entitle, so tends to act “alone” or with subbordinates

(bonus points if looks like GN Axebear...or maybe not). Technically is kind of this with Twinklestick but has ISSUES about “softbelliedness” and being civilized and so on. Also it was sort of a shotgun arrangement (needed a wizard, couldn’t pay him in material wealth, position by elderhood/capture-marriage was the workaround) But get along as seen in show with begrudging concession though takes for granted

4: notp

One-eye the Slippery...Just got a thing of “all antagonism is UST” though do see them getting more Bro-like.. but more hate One-eye for being a living conflict ball and asshole

5: first headcanon that pops into my head

Basically the Mighty Lizard Clan, in my head, have taboos on relationships which he follows, if not embodies. That includes same sex relations but to us they would seem peculiar in specificity versus our assessment. (you always sleep with men why freaked out at two of them marrying and raising a kid together? Why mock hetero marriage or think child custody works like dividing lovestock birth!!!)

As Chieftain he’s physically intimate (that oil rub demand) with tribesmen in certain ways. But affection if not codified in writing comes with specific rules/guidance he knows and expected to follow. Also if abusive, well can be challenged or they can leave and spread word of how treated, which is shameful (as mentioned relations not be public, plus other stuf)

Hilariously, while known and universal in Skullbania, committed marriage is rare amongst the Mighty Lizard Clan. Fangbone’s parents are unique or rare in the clan. The clan being predominantly male and most procreating comes through inverted demographic clans, or wandering wench groups, during special days of revelry (which the Chief is expect to lead/direct) and meetups, or “bridal stealing” much like the MLC claims its artisans and teachers which can be true kidnappings or “pay-offs” or similar with no direct obligation to *keep* the target even if must serve kidnapper. Kidnapee may escape (in quotes or this is sincere) and unlike with goats or gear clan not obligated to help retrieve beyond personal bond/wish. Escapee goes back to their clan who can return as will or “reclaim” by their method or way. Gets complicated with the ‘civilized’ societies like out in Minkwater (professional damsel/wetnurse/broodmare is a thing, got a guild and everything)

Recreating with tribesmen is done, its not shameful but not proudly displayed (unless making a statement..or being ‘lazy’ or) compared to other MLC activites (why we don’t see it or introduced as such). Hilariously this is looked down on with battle brothers, as you’re meant to be equals, and there are superstitions about positions, history of exploitation, worries about protege setups, etc (insert our own justified issues with pedophilia, teacher-student hankypanky, and power dynamics/abuse and harassment here) But this is in a “assume not, unless otherwise stated” situation. Those of equal standing can and do marry but this is more for alliance.. sort of.. its complicated.

There are hopes to have more women as a subgroup and thus ‘revive’ the female branch and traditions but most of the women are all warrior and aggro ala fangbone himself (as the MLC leans TOOmuch on warrior and only warrior plus lost a lot of women due to reasons generations before Axebear took the seat, then they keep selecting or slanting things to guys...)

Basically as Village Elder he is sort of married to Twinklestick who, as wizard/shaman from out of the tribe, occupies a weird position regard to elder, barbarian, man or woman, and husband/wife (unlike typical one isn’t expected to be/auto-dumped after x time of no kids produced). Personally has little recreational interest in ladies, but not unattracted to them, more he’s so much about work and already has an atypical spouse AND as chieftain has open “rolladex” if frisky AND has obligations for how he sexually must act out for the good of the clan... well he GETS where Ms. Gillian is coming from. But she’s not like Lizard Clan suitors or women.. but not like Minkwater wenches either...

And now she’s showing not just wisdom (thus a possible good target for bridal and teacher theft) but also feirceness in battle and leadership (that really gets him going). And so forward that’s different and unique (so exotic and new, and Fangbone likes her ALOT). Twinklestick likes her too much though and well that’s a problem. As for one technically Twinklestick is “teaching capture” who by dint of “is a magical storied wizard” who could leave at any time and no one in the tribe could really stop him and recapture be a bitch as his ‘clan’ likely act in defense of his egress as to insist on his return. So how could this relationship work, it isn’t like a man having two bridal captures, or a brood and lifetime-battle-brother or permenant ally or something he gets and familiar with...

what he feels inclined to do he knows he’s not suppose to do. And that’s a sign of going soft/corrupt from Earth, like Ms. Gillian of the Steel Desk who is NOTsoft like he thought Earth was but strong in ways Bill and other Earthlings have shown and helped train Ingrid and defeat drool with...WHat can he DO!!!!

Secondmost? Until mentioned SPECIFICALLY in an episode I thought he was Fangbone’s father (explained a few things about look, Fangbone’s attitude, and so on) but the MLC do communal raising with obvious biases to flesh and blood. That or Fangbone was adopted by Axebear out of the “fighting pits” they stick the kids into until they graduate/prove themselves.

6: favorite line from this character

too many to choose from...

But one that gets the most acute reaction from me?

“I, Axebear, will crush all teachers, parents, AND INTERVIEWS” *smash*

7: one way in which I relate to this character

His hygenic presentation/mannerisms are bold like I wish I was, and while obstinate he is genuine and has method to his madness. Even when makes are harsh authorative judgement when out of his depth, committing to plan and fearing issues or messups will re-assess what feeling and own values and make decision on that. And despite it all WILLAPOLOGIZEand openly justify redecision

I was not a good older brother growing up so liked the niance of him being a leader and that particularly showing strenght and leadership with affection, judgement, and self reflection. He didn’t even need, as expected, any direct prompting to take Fangbone back. And get how he was embodying MLC values not betraying them. ANDlearning to integrate/appreciate new and diverse things. And reassess his views.

Overall just like is bold ANDthoughtful at once and not..a contradiction?

8: thing that gives me second hand embarrassment about this character

Being attached with lamer weirdos or someone with a tendency to not think, ramble, or have to do something “again” as that describes how actually AM and would think see me.

9: cinnamon roll or problematic fave?

More to the latter than the former but not so problematic as given space to grow while staying true to self and, in a way, avoids some problematic cliches about barbarians/less advanced peoples and how respond to things. Its more most comfortable with what he knows and thinks best. As to “too dumb/macho to live”

#character appreciation #character shipping meme #fanwanking #relationship dynamics #mighty lizard clan #fangbone #axebear #ms. gillian #twinklestick #bisexuality #is weird sometimes #marriage politicis

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jbuffyangel · 6 years

Text

The Wedding: [Olicity] Arrowverse 6x08 Review (Crisis on Earth-X)

Notes:

This will be the first of two reviews. This review covers only Olicity. I will discuss pretty much everything else in the second review. I thought this would be easier for readers to pick and choose what content they are interested in. Stay tuned for Review #2.

This is a gif explosion. It will crash your app. Nothing I can do. Open in a browser.

This is very long. Get comfortable.

IT HAPPENED. THE OLICITY WEDDING TRAIN HAS REACHED ITS DESTINATION.

I've been talking about Olicity getting married since the Berlanti interview where he said, "... but there aren’t alot of superheroes who are married." I think the opening question was where Olicity goes to dinner. That was his answer. Work on that poker face, Greg.

We have discussed and theorized this day for YEARS. So much emotion and expecation has been poured into it. So, what did I think of the final result? Well...

Let's dig in...

Olicity (and a little bit of other people)

It may be B*rry and Ir*s’ wedding, but Olicity is the dramatic focus.

Source: @songbin

Things kick off with a cute start as Ir*s and Felicity talk to their men over the comms.

None of our superheroes have RSVP’d for the wedding. There is no truer struggle than this when it comes to wedding planning.

Source: westallenolicitygifs

Oliver is one of the guilty parties, but Felicity gets his act together. Although, if both Oliver and Felicity are in the wedding party there’s really no need to RSVP. Felicity bought a bridesmaid dress. You can never wear those again. She’s coming, Ir*s.

One of the things I appreciate most about this crossover is their commitment to checking off Olicity Wish List. Oliver and Felicity ride the Ducati into Central City together.

Source: @thatonekimgirl

OLICITY ON THE MOTORCCYLE. IT’S THE DREAM. Yeah, it’s a far away shot. I don’t care. I’ll take it.

While the ladies are getting their nails done, Ir*s pops the question to Felicity. Hehehe. Not that question, but a vitally important one nonetheless: Are Oliver and Felicity next for a walk down the aisle?

Felicity essentially uses the “it’s not the right time” excuse because of all the crisis:

City is always under attack

Oliver is being indicted

Oliver is focused on spending time with his son who is still mourning the loss of his mother

I love how sensitive Felicity is to William. She doesn’t want to appear like she’s trying to take the place of his mother in any way. Granted, it's a solid list. I will give Felicity that. But there's always a list. They are superheroes in Star City. There's always going to be a thing.

Source: smoak-and-mirrors

However, as Felicity sips her champagne, and the ladies toast Ir*s’ impending nuptials, there is a look on her face. It’s not just about timing. Something else is going on here.

Oliver is getting a tux with B*rry, who is worried about jamming ten years of love into one vow. He's already at 38 pages single spaced. This pretty much sums up B*rry All*n.

Oliver looks so fine in a tux even B*rry is overcome by the hotness. This pretty much sums up Oliver Queen.

B*rry being forced to acknowledge Oliver's undisputed hotness pretty much sums up their friendship.

Oliver tells B*rry not to worry because Mr. Queen is a cool cucumber. Yeah right, give it ten minutes. Oliver tells B*rry that when he looks into Ir*s’ eyes the words will just come.

Of course, we know Oliver is remembering his failed wedding with Felicity. His impromptu, but profoundly honest and heartfelt vows encapsulated everything Felicity means to Oliver. The wedding may have been a rouse, but the vows were the deepest truth Oliver holds in his heart. A truth that remains to this day. Felicity is Oliver’s always and what he wants, more than anything, is a chance to be hers.

As far as B*rry and Oliver scenes go this one is my favorite. What bonds Oliver and B*rry is a mutual respect and understanding. They each carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. It creates a safe zone for each man to share their thoughts and feelings because they know the other will understand.

Over the years the primary focus of these talks has become about love. There is a connective thread between these men and their great loves through all the crossovers.

Source: westallengifs

It began in the coffee shop with Oliver telling B*rry to let Ir*s go because he had to do the same with Felicity. Now these men are talking marriage. It’s a wonderful bookend to the evolution of both their love stories.

Oliver, of course, is thinking about marrying Felicity. It’s all he’s thought about since he fell in love with her. For so long, Oliver didn’t believe that life was possible. However, if he could attain the impossible then it would be with Felicity. She has always been, and will always be, Oliver’s dream. Felicity is the girl you marry. It’s never been about dating for Oliver.

“Looking at her, he saw marriage, a house, lazy Sundays, date nights, babies, sleepless nights and first steps, little league, dance recitals, spelling tests, family vacations, driver’s licenses, college tuition…grandchildren. Oliver saw A LIFE.

He doesn’t want to die. He wants that life. He just doesn’t know how to have it. He doesn’t know how to live it.” (Arrow 3x02 Review)

Now the dream is a reality. Oliver has the life he never thought possible. It’s not just about survival for him anymore. Oliver knows how to live because Felicity taught him how. Felicity is the reason... she is all his reasons.

“…I get to be like everybody else. I get to make my own decisions, have my own life, do whatever the damned hell I choose. Now here's the good part, so you listen close. What I choose is you. You're who I want to wake up with and go to bed with and do everything in between with. I get a choice now. I get to choose. I choose you… “ Denny Duquette, Grey’s Anatomy

Oliver chooses Felicity. He will always choose Felicity. She is the only person he wants to live this big, beautiful, complicated, dangerous and exciting life with.

When the time is right. Umm…. WHAT?

Listen boy, you are on my last nerve. I reject the “right time” excuse completely. THERE IS NO RIGHT TIME. You run around in leather pants, a mask and shoot criminals with arrows, Oliver. Your extracurricular is very... extra. There will always be some crisis these two will face. What matters is today and the future you will build tomorrow. PUT A RING ON IT.

Source: feilcityqueen

B*rry All*n is apparently standing in for me. Thanks for the assist B*rry. This almost makes up for being one of the main causes of the Olicity breakup in Season 4. It does not in any way make up for erasing Baby Sara. You are still on my shit list for that one Allen. I don't care how much Ir*s likes you.

B*rry asks Oliver a very simple question:

Of course, Oliver cannot contain his smile or the exuberant joy loving Felicity Smoak gives him. This man was once a closed off, brooding, angry and deeply wounded human being. Now he's a rainbow of love, hope and happiness. Oliver Queen is a friggin Care Bear. He wants to shout it from the roof tops.

Source: eka-darville

Love. It’s all that matters. It’s the reason we get out of bed in the morning. It gives us something to fight for. It gives us SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR. That was a hell of a speech B&rry. John Diggle would be proud.

Source: valeriemperez

Joe gives a beautiful toast to B&rry and Ir&s at the rehearsal dinner.

“So, B*rry, Ir*s, thank you for showing me how to love again. For showing me that love is the most important thing we have.”

Source: westallenolicitygifs

As much as the speech was about B*rry and Ir*s, it is also about Oliver and Felicity as the camera not so subtle pans over to them. Oliver is inspired by Joe’s speech and B*rry’s advice, so he decides to propose. Thatta boy Oliver. Go get her.

It does not go well.

Let’s start with the positive? We’re going to look on the bright side friends because that's how I roll. First, there is a beautiful parallel to Oliver asking Felicity out on their first date.

She told him then to speak from the heart and it gave Oliver the courage to ask her out. Felicity says those words again (in reference to Joe’s speech) and it gives Oliver another shot of courage.

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Second, Oliver is the cutest cute to ever cute with his nervously rambling and hedging around the big question. Gone is his cool and confident, "the words will just come."

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He mans up though. Now we're rolling. You can do it Oliver!!!! He doesn’t pull Felicity up on stage, with Christmas trees and bended knee, but the second proposal packs emotional punch because this boy loves her so much.

I understand about the ninjas Oliver and you are forgiven for not kneeling. Mostly because you break out Felicity’s middle name during the proposal and it is romantic as hell.

The whole tone of the scene is exactly like the first time Oliver asked Felicity out. This is the perfect full circle moment.

Until Oliver gets shot down.

Source:oliverfelicitygifs

OUCH.

This is painful to watch, adorable babble notwithstanding.

“I’m not understanding what’s going on here.”

“Are you framing this for a “but?”

“This might come as some surprise, but I’m physically incapable of talking about anything else right now.”

They have switched bodies. Oliver is now the Felicity in the relationship.

Felicity doesn’t feel they need a piece of paper to declare their love and commitment to one another. Oliver agrees, but he wants crab cake and toasts too. He’d also like to declare their commitment to one another in front of all the people they love- legal style.

Felicity’s reversal on the subject of marriage is as surprising to me as it is to Oliver. I wasn’t expecting Oliver to propose this early on in the crossover, but I definitely wasn’t expecting Felicity to say no. Oliver is insistent they talk about it now and it eventually leads to Felicity shouting, “Oliver I don’t want to marry you!” and EVERYONE HEARS.

Oh God, this is cringe inducing second hand embarrassment. Oliver sort of laugh/cries and it sounds like a strangled puppy. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE IT STOP.

Felicity makes it absolutely clear she loves Oliver, their life AND WILLIAM. This has nothing to do with not wanting to be part of this family. She absolutely does. Felicity wants to be committed to Oliver, but she rejects the concept of legal documentation.

So, first we get “it’s not the right time” and now it’s “we don’t need a piece of paper.”

It’s certainly a woman’s prerogative to change her mind and it’s fine if Felicity rejects the institution of marriage – it’s not for everyone. However, Felicity’s reasons are wildly divergent in nature. “Not the right time” connotes “maybe someday” while “we don’t need a piece of paper” has a forever sound to it. Someday and never is a pretty wide gap. Felicity probably didn't want to discuss with Iri*s the reason she rejects marriage the day before Ir*s' wedding. However, neither of these reasons sound like the truth to me.

“Love is Emotional” by Neil Finn

A face in the crowd is watching me

Don't you forget that love cannot be

Taken for granted you'll have to believe it that's alright

But I never seem to work out how it ends

And I think it's almost never making sense

And it's hard to control

'Cause love is emotional

Supergirl knows how to pick song lyrics. Damn.

Source: oliverfelicitygifs

Angst city. The writers managed to make B*rry and Ir*s’ “happily ever after” equally about Oliver and Felicity. That's just... neat. Treats for everyone!

Oliver and Felicity cannot hide how they feel about each other despite the angst. The minister’s words apply to Oliver and Felicity as much as they apply to B*rry and Ir*s. Once again, the camera pans over to them as the minister says, “These two people deserve to be together.” The minister wins Walter White.

Oliver “I Have No Chill Please Make All the Babies with Me” Queen stares lovingly at Felicity.

Source: @songbin

He longs for the moment he can stand up in front of all his friends & family and declare how much he loves this woman. It’s a familiar look. He’s been longing for this for awhile.

Unfortunately, the minister gets zapped incineration style before B*rry and Ir*s can get to the declaration part of the ceremony. Ugh. Nazis ruin everything. I hate them. Ir*s is 100% done. Preach it sister.

All the heroes jump into the fight immediately, except for Oliver. He gets Felicity to safety first.

Source: teamolicity13

FOREVER OTP.

As the team regroups and tries to formulate a plan, Oliver wants to take a moment to talk to Felicity. Despite the madness and impending doom of Earth-X Nazis, Oliver wants to face their problems head on. He doesn’t want to wait. THY NAME IS CHARACTER GROWTH.

Oliver Queen, my son, is so grown it makes me weep.

This is not the Olicity of Season 4 who pretends there isn't any problems between them. This is not the Olicity of Season 5 who pretends they aren’t madly in love with one another. This Olicity faces their issues head on without breaking up. Ya know, like an adult relationship.

What I have always loved about this couple is they talk about what marriage means to them. They discussed it back in Season 4, when Oliver was hesitant to propose. He didn’t know how to be a vigilante and have a functioning relationship. It was Felicity who convinced him otherwise.

It was Felicity who believed with her whole heart they could have it all.

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Oliver reminds Felicity of this fact and desperately wants to know what has changed. Dude, same.

It's not Oliver specific. Felicity doesn’t want marry anyone.

Source: captainheroism

Uhhh... it kind of feels Oliver specific, honey. He agrees with me and immediately reminds Felicity she didn’t feel that way two years ago. Felicity immediately reminds Oliver that after accepting his proposal she was shot. Everything is great now. Why change it?

Now this feels like the truth. THIS I understand. Felicity Smoak is scared. She is absolutely terrified. She uses a poker analogy with Oliver, “Let’s just stand pat with the cards that we’re holding.” Felicity doesn’t want to risk their relationship. When Felicity looks back on their engagement she views it as an ending, not a beginning. A sentiment she will repeat to Ir*s later.

She is right. When Oliver proposed they were already over.

They were over the minute he chose to lie about William.

I know Felicity is saying it’s because she was shot, but actually they handled that pretty well together. What tore them apart was all the lying. Felicity doesn’t want Oliver to feel like this is about William, because it’s not. She loves William. So, she points to the gunshot wound and paralyzation for the "sky is falling" comparison. It doesn't change the fact that the lies, being shot and paralyzed are all one big ball of pain.

To be frank, as much as I love the proposal in 4x09, it has always been tainted because Oliver was lying to Felicity when he proposed.

Her beautiful and heartfelt speech about what marriage means pretty much fell on Oliver’s deaf ears. (Yeah I know there was an ultimatum. Don’t @ me. We’ve gone over this. It was still wrong.) So, I can’t help but feel that some of the rejection and embarrassment he felt after Felicity said no is warranted?

If Felicity knew Oliver lied to her about something so monumental as William, she would have never said yes in the first place. As exhibited by Felicity giving back the ring and calling off their engagement when she did find out. No, wait. She did give Oliver some wiggle room to redeem himself, but then he sent his son away without discussing it with her. That sealed his fate. I feel very Obi-Wan about it.

Have Oliver and Felicity worked past all these issues? YES. 5x20 dealt with all of these issues. Oliver faced the darkest parts of his soul to understand why he has significant trust issues.

Felicity understands why Oliver lied.

Oliver knows it was wrong to lie. (That vow he has kept.)

They’ve learned from their mistakes and built a stronger, more trusting, foundation. As exhibited by facing their issues head on. However, that doesn’t eliminate the element of fear.

If Felicity was really against the whole concept of marriage she wouldn’t hear a peep from me. However, Felicity is making that decision from fear. She doesn’t want to draw another card because it might ruin everything. She’s playing it safe. Anytime Felicity has something wonderful something awful comes along to ruin it. Well, yeah pumpkin. You are on a TV show. That’s how this works.

So, Felicity has decided not to rock the boat. She’s almost being superstitious. Not marrying Oliver Queen is tantamount to knocking on wood or throwing salt over her left shoulder. If they just keep things the same then she can keep all the wonderful. It’s like Felicity is standing on the edge of a cliff with Oliver. He’s ready to jump, but she is content to stay frozen in that spot forever.

Oliver doesn’t want to remain frozen. He wants to move forward. Marriage is important to him. It does mean something. He knows the future is uncertain and bad things always seem to happen, but that’s even more of a reason to marry Felicity. Oliver is ready to live his life and that means getting married. He wants to stand up in front of all their friends and family and promise always.

Felicity promises always. She promises it then and there on the steps.

Oliver has been hoping for a second chance, but it’s not coming in the form he expected it to. This is all she can give though. Oliver has her heart, but there’s no legal document declaring it. Felicity asks Oliver to respect her decision and he agrees,

but is it enough for him?

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No, because he emotionally unloads on B*rry and Ir*s five minutes later.

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Oliver knows there’s something else behind Felicity’s decision. To be fair, she doesn’t put it her reasoning as eloquently as she does with Ir*s a few moments later.

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However, because Oliver is the dumbest oak tree to ever live he decides Felicity doesn't love him as much as he loves her.

Source: oliverfelicitygifs

Lord boy. You try me.

B*rry and Ir*s, who are standing in for our usual anchor couple Dyla (and doing a solidly awesome job), tell Oliver he’s a bunch of nonsense.

Unfortunately, Felicity walks in at the exact wrong moment.

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Oh god. Another cringe inducing moment of second hand embarrassment. My babies. This is so awful. Make it go away.

Felicity wants to do the talking thing again, because apparently the first time didn’t take.

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Sadly, Oliver reverts to form. He needs to get his head in the game. No time for discussing their relationship now. Sigh. Season 6 evolved Oliver was nice while he lasted.

So, Oliver leaves for battle thinking Felicity doesn’t love him as much as he loves her (re: oak tree). But Oliver is right about something. There is more to this.

Source: valeriemperez

In one of her greatest speeches ever, Ir*s tells Felicity she also fears the unknown. So much that it gives her nightmares. What helps her get through it is B*rry being next to her. Ir*s, you are nominated for the #1 Olicity shipper. Diggle is tough competition, but you have a shot. My girl won’t quit until these two are married.

Ir*s is also right. This time it’s different. Oliver and Felicity’s past has built them as much as it has broken them. Felicity’s fear is absolutely understandable as was Oliver’s two years ago. But loss, pain and crisis aren’t without purpose. It teaches us how to lean on one another, trust, compassion, humility, and what is most valuable in life. It makes us hold on to the happy moments and reach for more every chance we get. Crisis shows us what we are living for. It makes us cherish peace. The unknown will always exist. Bad things will continue to happen to Felicity and Oliver, but that’s true for any of us. That’s just life. If they face it together with grace, honesty and trust – they can get through anything.

This is a monumentally large impasse or at least it feels like it. Felicity doesn’t believe in marriage and Oliver does. It’s not unlike Maggie and Alex’s differing opinions on children. So, are we headed for another break up?

No. The writers are just jerking our chain one last time. That said, this storyline isn’t without purpose. It’s simply the last hurdle before Oliver and Felicity say “I do.”

But first, we need to survive some really disturbing imagery. Oliver poses as his evil Earth-X doppelganger to infiltrate the Nazis and find a way home. Earth-X Lance is a Sturmbannführer, a major in the SS, and he decides to test if this is the real Earth-X Oliver. So, he brings in the Earth-X version of Felicity. Oh... it gets worse.

Sturmbannführer Lance tells Oliver to execute Felicity for giving her rations to the work camp children. It’s as horrible as it sounds. I don't love this imagery. I understand why it's triggering for some. I also understand why it may anger others. I will discuss my opinions on the Nazis plot in the second review. For now, I'll just say this. As disturbing as this scene was, it can also serve as a reminder we are one breath away from our greatest loves being our greatest enemy. We enjoy so much freedom in the United States, but it’s fragile. It only takes a moment for hate to separate us from those we love. Thus, we must remain ever vigilante.

It also delivers a pretty emotional scene that propels Oliver to some signficant realizations.There is no universe where Oliver Queen would kill Felicity Smoak. Even though Oliver knows it’s a test, he lets Felicity go and reveals his identity to Sturmbannführer. Luckily, Oliver doesn’t need a weapon.

Oliver starts kicking some Nazis ass (YES! MY MAN) and finds Felicity hiding once the fight is over. This is a familiar scene. It’s very reminiscent of 2x07 and 3x01,

except Oliver’s face is one Earth-X Felicity has learned to fear.

Oliver reassures her the same way he would reassure HIS Felicity.

He finds that quiet, gentle, loving and soft tone. The special voice he uses only for her. Oliver repeats the word that always quells the fear inside Felicity, “hey," and repeats it in a mantra like a lullaby.

Oliver gives Felicity a gun and tells her to run. Before she goes Felicity asks Oliver why he’s doing this. He tells her, in a very Earth-X Oliver way -

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However, Oliver is not talking about himself. He’s talking about Felicity. She is the strong and Oliver knows Earth-X needs her.

This is the point in the story I think the lesson starts to dawn on Oliver. He loves Felicity more than life itself. He believes in her fundamental goodness. Yet, here on Earth-X, Oliver is presented with a doppelganger version of Felicity. This version of Felicity is no different than his. She is brave, selfless, kind and strong. The same cannot be said for his doppelganger - or even Laurel's or Tommy's.

That's not to say there isn't an evil Felicity out there somewhere in the 53 earths (Although the writers are going to have to show me actual evidence. I refuse to believe it otherwise.)

But that doesn't really matter now. Oliver is on Earth-X and on this earth he is a HORRENDOUS person. Yet, Earth-X Oliver is a person who loves deeply. Who is willing to sacrifice anything for the woman he loves. Oliver sees parts of himself in the fuehrer and that is disturbing on many levels.

Oliver Queen recognizes his darkness more than anyone else. Yes, there is innate goodness in this man, but he very easily could have gone another way. If Oliver never met Felicity Smoak (or Diggle) he would have become a monster much like Prometheus. Oliver's entire Season 5 journey was built around this realization and deeply rooted fear.

It becomes blindingly clear to Oliver as he stands in a world consumed by hate. We all have good and evil inside. What separates us are the choices we make and what we do with the gifts we’ve been given. Dark Arrow is corrupted by Overgirl as much as she is corrupted by Dark Arrow. Their mutual darkness feeds one another. It is a grotesque display of “love.” But if Dark Arrow had fallen in love with Earth-X Felicity? Then maybe his soul could have been saved. But he didn't. Dark Arrow chose anger and hatred instead. And a love fueled by it. However, our Oliver did meet Felicity.

He chose to love her and that has made all the difference in his life.

Felicity and Ir*s are facing off with their own set of Nazis in an attempt to save Supergirl. I would absolutely watch a show just with these two. This is fantastic television.

Source: felicitysmoakgifs

Reverse Flash (yeah, he's back. AGAIN)

is about to cut out Supergirl's heart, but the entire lab goes dark. Felicity has locked them out of Star Labs with an encrypted code.

Reverse is going to kill Felicity if she doesn't give up the code. Felicity is a hero down to the marrow and is prepared to die if it means saving Supergirl's life.

Source: https://twitter.com/caitybettlotz

Iri*s fights and screams against the Nazis guard, desperate to free herself. She's trying to save Felicity before Reverse Flash kills her. It makes me emotionally thinking about it even now.

Supergirl refuses to let anyone die for her. She insists Felicity give up the code. When she does we see that Oliver is in her every thought.

When Felicity comes face to face with Dark Arrow she refuses to hand over Supergirl. This time Felicity doesn't back down and tells Evil Earth-X Oliver, in no uncertain terms, to fuck off.

Source :sssssssim

It is a GLORIOUS speech given by the hero who inspires us all. Be gone haters. My girl is a QUEEN.

OUR Oliver arrives with an arrow to Overgirl’s throat just before Dark Arrow is about to shoot Felicity. When Overgirl begins to influence Dark Arrow there is a flicker of fear in Oliver's face. He is prepared to kill Overgirl if necessary to save Felicity’s life. Oliver also knows Dark Arrow is prepared to kill Felicity to save his wife. So, Oliver offers him a peaceful solution instead of threats. The team will help save Overgirl's life if Dark Arrow let's Felicity go. In the face of immense hate, Oliver offers compassion. It’s enough to make Dark Arrow hesitate, which gives Reverse Flash the chance to zip in and whisk them away. I hate that guy, but this works in our favor for the time being.

What happens next is straight out of fan fiction. I do mean this literally. I’ve read scenes like this verbatim. The only thing missing was a field for Oliver and Felicity to run through.

This is the hug to end all hugs.

Felicity immediately apologizes. She’s been afraid from the moment Oliver left that he would die thinking she doesn’t love him. As for Oliver, well our big dumb oak tree, finally removed head from ass and realized Felicity’s issues with marriage have nothing to do with not loving him enough.

Felicity is safe.

That’s all that matters to him.

She is all that has ever mattered.

Oliver wants to be with Felicity. He wanted it then

and he wants it now.

Some things never change. But some things do. Oliver was an immovable object in the past.

He refused to compromise with Felicity and held to his rigid beliefs. It cost him happiness.

It cost Oliver HER.

Now, Oliver has learned he can have a life with Felicity. More importantly, he’s willing to compromise to get it. Oliver Queen bends.

He’s grateful to do it. It is even more clear to him now what a gift it is that Felicity is in his life. She has made all the difference. Felicity makes him a better man and that's what is important. Oliver doesn’t care about getting married anymore. Being with Felicity is more than enough. It’s everything.

See? Nothing like a little crisis to clarify what’s really important. Also, we get an official “in the hood” kiss. Check that off the list too! IT. IS. EPIC. Thank you Stephen and Emily for not holding back. It’s everything I dreamed and more.

The hood is up and the mask is on. Yet, the man shines through. Oliver is every bit the Green Arrow in this scene. A complete and fully formed hero. It's been a long road, but he's finally found the balance between his two selves. What's more, Oliver knows Felicity was the path to that balance. She helped Oliver find the light in the dark. He has become every bit the man and hero Felicity deserves. And that's why Oliver Queen finally deserves her.

The beauty of the Arrowverse is every show is built on love stories. Whether it’s Oliver and Felicity, B*rry and Ir*s, Kara and Alex, Snart and Mick – the central motivation for each character is love. Not all love stories are romantic in nature, but that doesn’t make their power to influence any less. “Crisis on Earth-X” exemplifies this absolutely perfectly in the relationship between Professor Stein and Jackson.

Stein eventually succumbs to his injuries (to save Jackson’s life). In his final moments, Stein recognizes the fragility of life. Death comes for us all eventually. Life is but a fleeting moment, a blink, in the scope of the universe. Stein uses his last breath to thank Jefferson for their great adventure.

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This is a father saying goodbye to his son. Martin wishes Jefferson a long life filled with love. In the end love is all that matters. Stein is able to go because he knows he lived a good life. He used his time on Earth to create, to help and to love. Professor Stein left the world a better place than he found it. His final gift is to give Jefferson the same opportunity.

There is such beauty in this spontaneous wedding and fulfills so much of what Professor Stein wished. His wish isn't just for Jackson. It is for B*rry & Ir*s and Oliver & Felicity too. It is for all of us.

Source: valeriemperez

Life is but a blink and all that truly matters is love. Find something to live for and LIVE FOR IT. Grab hold of life with both hands because it’s gone sooner than we can imagine. Don’t wait for the right time because now is all we have. Live a life full of joy, adventure, friendship, selflessness, compassion and love. Don’t let fear control you. You will be a better person for loving and for being loved in return.

The fragility of life is true for all of us, but especially for heroes like W*stallen and Olicity. Each couple tried to plan the perfect day and find the right time. Those things don’t really exist in their world because their lives don’t belong fully to themselves. There is always a crisis. There will always be a reason to wait, which is exactly why they shouldn’t. When the opportunity presents itself they need to seize it.

The way this wedding unfolds is almost symbolic for the journey Olicity went on the last two years. Everything looked perfect on the surface in Season 4, but in reality Oliver and Felicity were not dealing with their issues. Their “fake wedding” was manifestation of what went wrong. The vows were absolutely real, but they didn’t quite know how to live them yet.

The beauty of this wedding is that it’s spontaneous, even a little messy, and real. Oliver and Felicity's relationship has never been wrapped in a neat little bow. Their road was rocky and even a little messy. It was also real. They’ve dealt with all their issues and know how to live those vows. The image of the wedding may be imperfect, but the reality behind it is not.

Felicity realizes this and it’s why she proposes to Oliver. More importantly, Felicity confesses the fear she’s held in her heart for as long as she's known Oliver Queen.

This is the fear that controls Felicity. It’s what drives her away from Oliver. It’s the reason she didn’t want to get married. But Felicity isn’t going to let fear control her anymore. It's like she's been holding her breath and finally exhaled.

The ace up Felicity's sleeve is Oliver Queen. She believes in him. Felicity saw something special inside of Oliver from the moment she met him.

She saw a light. Underneath all the lies, charm and bravado was a beautiful human being too wounded, angry and scared to be seen.

But Oliver couldn’t hide from Felicity. Her goodness brought out his. Felicity harnessed Oliver’s light

and what reflected back to her was more wondrous than she could have ever imagined.

Felicity may not know the future, but her belief in Oliver and their love, is what holds her course steady through life. It is a leap of faith, but with Oliver by her side it is one Felicity is ready to make.

Whether you elope or spend a year planning your wedding, there comes a point where every couple just has to… jump. All the planning and promises can’t account for the unknown. There are no guarantees in marriage. It's always a leap of faith in the end. There does come a moment though when you realize this is it. This is the moment you are going to jump. You are going to marry this person come hell or high water.

There was a blizzard on my wedding day. I was in the dress and I remember feeling such relief when I heard my husband arrived at the church. I honestly didn’t know if anyone else was going to make it. My mother said to me, “Does it matter?” And… it didn’t. As much as I love my family and friends, I couldn’t account for the unknown. You have this voice inside your soul telling you, “No. This is it. I am marrying this person TODAY. “ And you jump.

Keep in mind their life together began with Oliver hesitating.

Oliver was waiting for life to be perfect and THEN he could be with Felicity. And he lost her. Truth be told, Oliver’s hesitation has cost him Felicity more than once.

It’s different now though. He’s a man who wants to seize life and hold on tight. Oliver doesn’t hesitate. (Well, except for Felicity to clarify her feelings on marriage because he is legitimately confused.)

There is no question in his mind. The time is now. This is the dream Oliver always wanted

and he’s not going to let the moment pass him by.

Source: oliverfelicitygifs

Personally, I am very happy the writers didn’t try to top the vows in 4x16. Oliver and Felicity even reference their perfection. We really only needed to make this official – legal style. After Felicity’s heartfelt proposal and “I’m afraid of losing you” speech, Oliver does feel compelled to offer something in return.

Oliver told B*rry once he’s looking into Ir*s’ eyes the words will come. He was speaking from experience. The words came to Oliver in 4x16 and they come to him now.

He recalls the most important part of his vows and repeats them to Felicity.

Their latest crisis proved to Oliver, once again, how true they are. Why are these words so important? Because they encompass the entire show.

Oliver is a better human being, man and mask, for loving Felicity Smoak. That’s the ballgame folks. This is why Oliver Queen becomes a superhero.

He is almost so overcome with emotion that he can barely get the words out and Felicity smiles happily back at him, with tears in her eyes. They know what a miracle their love is and they are going to live that miracle every day.

And the man who saw them through everything; the man who told Oliver the kind of love that lasts forever

and to be on the lookout for;

the man who watched, smiled and waited;

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the man who encouraged Oliver to grab hold of happiness

and wouldn’t put up with any of his bullshit;

the man who said what we were all thinking;

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the man who fought Oliver’s stubborness and fear when Felicity was too tired and hurt to;

the man who played referee;

the man who was always there to listen

or tell Oliver he’s a big, dumb oak tree;

and the man who taught Oliver life is about more than survival;

is the man who marries them.

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It is gorgeously simple, honest and earned moment for these two characters.

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This is the wonder of a hero's journey.

After all the trials, loss, pain, angst and frustration we arrive at a beautiful destination. And then a new story begins. Oliver and Felicity's journey isn't ending. It's only just begun.

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“Lives Entwined” by Matthew Mayfield

Make me a man Show me how to fight Take that woman Make her my bride Show us the new meaning of lives entwined I am in love I am in love I am in love with you But we've got bigger things to do Chase a new life on the heels of a newfound train Take on the world with a girl and a new last name Fight for you This I can do When we've both grown tired and covered in scars I won't give up on your heart Please don't give up on my heart

It took almost 30 years for one of my beloved couples to not only get married, but for me to be able to watch the marriage. It feels longer.

Oliver and Felicity are married and I am filled with a peaceful satisfaction. Stories can truly go anywhere. A smile turns into an EPIC love. A guest star becomes the female lead. The unthinkable evolves into canon. And lightning in the bottle guides the way out of the dark.

We are all Diggle.

Stray Thoughts On the Double Wedding

Source: valeriemperez

Consider this an addendum to the review. It wouldn't be an Arrowverse wedding without a little controversy. This controversy has been brewing for awhile. Some are very angry about the double wedding. Unsurprisingly, I am not. Primarily because of the message the writers are trying to send.

It’s not about a day, or a dress or the cake or the venue. Don't get me wrong, those things are all wonderful and meaningful. I squealed with delight when I saw Ir*s walk down the aisle. There will be extensively more squealing when Olicity eats cake and drinks champagne dressed to the nines.

But what really matters is the MARRIAGE. This is about wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. These couples can always find a reason to delay because there is another crisis. That's what it means to be a hero.

This is why B*rry and Ir*s have absolutely no problem with Oliver and Felicity jumping in on the love fest.

If you want to be upset about the double wedding that's fine. Who am I to tell you otherwise? However, a couple getting married in the FOURTH SEASON is a rare gem. I'm too busying dancing on sunshine for W*stallen to be crabby about how any of this went down.

Primarily because I'm not crabby about how any of this went down, but that's neither here nor there. Let's look at this logistically.

Yes, absolutely the Arrowverse could have married both of these couples in separate ceremonies on their own shows. It makes complete sense. Except, it leads to guest star appearances. Otherwise we'll be wondering why Oliver isn't at B*rry's wedding? Or how come Ir*s isn't a bridesmaid? Stein went to W*stallen's wedding, but he can't make time for Olicity? And so on.

Inevitably, this means most major cast members in the Arrowverse have to cross over to Arrow and The Fl*sh. I think this crossover requires herculean effort logistically and they aren't going to do it more than once. The actors and crew would strike.

We’re already screaming about Thea, William, Donna, Joe, Cisco, etc. So, they just said the hell with it. Nobody was there except the couples and Diggle. But that’s what elopment/justice of the peace is (B*rry and Ir*s’ plan) and Olicity always wanted a small wedding.

Could they have split both weddings out over two years? Sure! Except, that's the same crossover storyline two years running. Keeping the storylines fresh and new is all part of the crossover gimmick.

Even if they did decided to split it out then which couple goes first? Whoever is first immediately casts a light of prioritization and "more importance."

What if only one couple is married in the crossover and the other is married in a regular episode? If they marry Olicity in crossover (the biggest episode for every single show in the Arrowverse FOUR YEARS running) then the W*stallen fans feel slighted. It's like saying Olicity is more important than W*stallen. And vice versus.

So, both it is. One crossover. One time. To me, the focus of this event was about balance. Everything went down on a (reasonably) even keel.

Both W*stallen and Olicity had their perfect and traditional weddings ruined by outside forces.

Neither couple was married on their own show. Legends of Tomorrow was like Camp David in this scenario or Switzerland if you prefer.

Each couple had their moment in the sun to say their vows. Olicity already did theirs in 4x16 with a little extra added in for good measure during the ceremony. W*stallen slayed their vows in the park.

Source: westallengifs

Each couple had a spontaneous, Diggle officiated, ceremony.

W*stallen was the solid anchor couple, while Olicity provided the dramatic angst.

BALANCED. No couple was more important than the other. This was like my mother dividing out the chocolate bar with expert precision between me and my two sisters. WHO DO YA LOVE MORE MAMA? NOBODY. I LOVE YOU ALL THE SAME.

Speaking as an Oliciter, since they are my OTP, I especially love the message this ceremony sends. Oliver and Felicity are not the comic book couple. Arrow diverged from "comic canon" and went a different direction because that's what worked best for the show. Lord almighty have they received flak for it.

Marrying Oliver and Felicity next to the king and queen of comic book canon, B&rry All&n and Ir&s W&st, says both love stories are valid. Both love stories are important. Both love stories are EQUAL.

B*rry and Ir*s chose to get married on the spot because they recognized the fragility of life. They just came from a funeral of a man who used his last words to say, "Life is fragile. LIVE FOR LOVE." You know Jefferson passed that on to his friends. It's a little ridiculous for them to say to Oliver and Felicity, "Hold up! Only our life is fragile! We need to live in the moment, but not you two. You two have to wait. Diggle can marry you tomorrow. Fingers crossed nothing happens until then! Best of luck!"

Especially when Ir*s and B*rry spent the better part of the crossover focused on convincing Oliver and Felicity to get married. THEY SHIP IT HARDCORE.

Let's talk about the fragility of life. All four characters thought at one time or another they were going to die. Or, even worse, they were going to watch their loved one die. Felicity almost had a hand put through her chest! Oliver and B*rry were almost shot by a Nazis firing squad! Ir*s had bullets flying all around her in a COUTURE WEDDING DRESS. That is Monique Lhuillier for godsake!!!!! Have some respect! They all nearly lost their lives and that's just a regular Tuesday for them.

This is probably my favorite reason why the wedding took place at the same time. From the moment B*rry All*n became a superhero he has looked to Oliver Queen for guidance. That guidance was never just about tactics. It was about love too. And Oliver... had some pretty spectacularly awful advice in that department.

He needed to learn from B&rry as much as B&rry needed to learn from him. Not just how to be a better superhero, but how to be a better man.

Each crossover has shown the emotional progression (and missteps) of these two men. They both found a way to let go of their painful past.

They both found a way to their great loves.

Source: dailydcheroes

In some respects, they did it together.

At the very least Oliver and B*rry understand each other's lives like no one else. Ir*s and Felicity understand each other's lives like no one else.

These couples are bonded through heroism. Marrying them together, each couple being equally happy for the other, is a beautiful display of friendship. And friendship is where both of these love stories began.

Thank You

On a personal note, I want to say thank you to everyone who joined in the fun the last few years. You all very patiently read and entertained all my theories on when, where and how this wedding was going to happen. I was pretty much always wrong, but the train kept on chugging. You all made the wait a lot more bearable. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of Olicity's story with you. I will stop screaming, "BUT THE BOUQUET!!!" now.

Disclaimer: Any gifs on the blog are not mine. If you would like a gif removed from my reviews, please message me. Crisis on Earth-X episode gifs credited.

#arrow #olicity #arrow review #olicity wedding #arrow 6x08 #arrow reviews #crisis on earth x #anti westallen #arrowverse #season 6 review #season 6 reviews #oliver queen #felicity smoak #john diggle #season 6 episode review

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smallmight · 6 years

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1-59 and with 14 you don't have to use sex because fuck biology (ps if you guess who this is I'll give you a special treat)

15. personality description14 Selfie sent2. what would you name your future kids? Good fuckin question3. do you miss anyone? Of course i do. I’m a human with emotions4. what are you looking forward to? Genuinely looking forward to the start of the Overwatch League tbh 5. is there anyone who can always make you smile? this changes alot tbh because honestly snapchats from my friends always make me happy, but also just messages from fwb’s that are also friends make me happy. I have this one friend rn that is major cutie 101 and we are so gay for each other, but they don’t have a tumblr6. is it hard for you to get over someone? i havent had to really get over anyone in a long while. Like my last ex, i just dropped all love and respect for them in an instant after something so i didn’t have to get over them7. what was your life like last year? Good question. Good.

8. have you ever cried because you were so annoyed? Who hasn’t?

9.who did you last see in person? Well, my mom. But the last friend i saw was noah

10. are you good at hiding your feelings? Too good i dont even know them sometimes

11. are you listening to music right now? No, but i should be

12. what is something you want right now? Very much alot tbh. But 1 thing i want is that friend i mentioned earlier but like in person so we can hug and cuddle. Also Planetary Annihilation DLC Titans, Destiny 2 expansion pass, cute panties

13. how do you feel right now? Bored, lonely, sad, and horny

14. when was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you? Good question. Probably mom?

15. personality description: I care

16. have you ever wanted to tell someone something but you didn't?: Did a non-human write this answer? Who hasn’t???

17. opinion on insecurities.Opinions on this stuff doesn’t really matter as thinking “they dont exist” or “they dont matter” doesn’t stop them from existing or having affect

18. do you miss how thing were a year ago?: kind of but kind of not

19. have you ever been to New York?: Nope, i know its gay tho

20. what is your favourite song at the moment? Good question. No clue, probably shelter from porter robinson

21. age and birthday? 19 and August 6, 1998

22. description of crush.: Dyed hair, gay

23. fear(s): Lots of them

24. height: Good question, maybe 5′10

25. role model: Good question, Myself

26. idol(s): People smarter than me but not incels

27. things i hate: God lots of things, but to sum it all up into 1 singular word, America

28. i'll love you if... you gay

29. favourite film(s): Lots of them. Pacific rim, big hero 6, Avatar

30. favourite tv show(s): Ngl, Rick and Morty, Steven Universe, RWBY, i liked Future Man tbh

31. 3 random facts: Nah

32. are your friends mainly girls or guys? yes

33. something you want to learn: No clue

34. most embarrassing moment:No clue

35. favourite subject: Psychology/Sociology

36. 3 dreams you want to fulfill? Yes. live comfortably yes

37. favourite actor/actress: Yes

38. favourite comedian(s): John Mulaney

39. favourite sport(s): Im gay

40. favourite memory: im gay

41. relationship status: complicated but again, im gay

42. favourite book(s): Every percy jackson

43. favourite song ever: yes

44. age you get mistaken for: no clue

45. how you found out about your idol: yes

46. what my last text message says:yep

47. turn ons: ALOT

48. turn offs: not as much

49. where i want to be right now: WIth my gay

50. favourite picture of your idol: no clue

51. starsign: leo??

52. something i'm talented at: Overwatch and video games

53. 5 things that make me happy: video games and friends

54. something thats worrying me at the moment: AMERICA

55. tumblr friends: whomst?

56. favourite food(s): good quesiton teriyaki shit and wawtermleon also im fuckin up heree because i no klonger have been watning to do this since like 32, why have you forsaken me!??!

57. favourite animal(s): gud quesiton penguins, axoloytls. and otters

58. description of my best friend: nani

59. why i joined tumblr: i was like 13

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artfighterblog · 7 years

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1-ALLL I wanna know all about the Mun!!!

OwO lol ok ^w^ *gives diedrie a big hug

1. What is the middle name? *leaves it n/a* owo

2. How old are you? OwO 27 wishing i was younger

3. What is your birthday? september 7

4. What is your zodiac sign? virgo owo

5. what is your favorite color? all the colors of purple >=3

6. What’s your lucky number? would it suprise you if i said 7? cause thats my lucky number x3

7. Do you have any pets? Yes but its my sister’s dog though that is a goldendoodle they are lovely dogs that loves playing with kids. but also good guard dogs.

8. Where are you from? USA kansas xP

9. How tall are you? i am 5′8 owo

10. What shoe size are you? oh gawd shoe sizes are evil if its in womens i gotta get size 12 if its in mens i gotta grab 13, But i happen to lose weight over the 2 years from before so i had to go slightly smaller size shoes. So i am unsure the size right now.

11. How many pairs of shoes do you own? I would say about 5 i think all for different occasion *has lost count cause she kept some old shoes for outside yard work.*

12. What was your last dream about? Hmmm the last thing i remember was that I was talking to black shadows and sparring supposingly it was supposed to be a nightmare but i manage to turn it around i guess *shrugs*

13. What talents do you have? hmmm well i am good at writing some stuff cause i can write a short one and leave a good cliff hanger. But love to draw alot x3. and messing with yarn still learning all of the basics when it comes to crochet.

14. Are you psychic in any way? Now i wouldn’t really call it physic but I often do see ghosts from time to time that would give you guys the chills x3. But the problem having that ability growing up was hard cause i kept it a secret only cause i was scared to be called crazy or insane. But i was taught alot of things thanks to some ghosts i have met but i also learn not all of them are safe to talk to as well. So be careful if you have this ability or if your child happens to have this. Cause some ghosts are not safe and tend to try to lure you away.

15. favorite song? omg this is hard can i just say imagine dragons is the favorite band please? love too many of their songs but if i was to choose it would be raidioactive

16. Favorite movie? spirit away =D

17. Who would be your ideal partner? owo that would be someone who i can chill to hang out with and that we just be ourselfs to be honest. I rather place no judgement if i can between the partner and me only cause i rather have us have fun and be able to relax.

18. Do you want children? x3 me and my hubby has talked about this since ours is a distant relationship we did decide if we ever got to move together to be in the same house its a definate yes.

19. Do you want a church wedding? That i don’t know actually to be honest that would be somthing down later in the future road i rather think of the present than worry about later in the future.

20. Are you religious? now this kind of topic i rather stay away if i can but i am most comfortable talking to my hubby with. Only because i seen alot of wars between people who are religious and some who are not. I rather respect both sides if i can to be honest. even though to being religious i would say i am a little cause i am a wiccan gonna be honest here. But i still respect all religions if i possibly can and i even have respect for the preists as well.

21. Have you ever been to the hospital? Yes i have alot of good and bad memories i have out of going there the last thing i been there for though was worrying about my grandpa which i am still worrying about him even now. Which I am hoping he can live a bit longer. Cause he is a great man to be honest.

22. Have you ever got in trouble with the law? Not really like the last thing i got trouble for was accidently speeding and I had apologize to the officer which he did gave me a ticket but i didn’t have to pay for it just take the ticket in and was warned to be more careful next time. Which i am more careful and try my best to stay out of trouble.

23. Have you ever met any celebrities? nope i haven’t =/ but i probly would freak out just a little but try to stay calm as well.

24. Baths or showers? Can i say both? please =3

25. What color of socks are you wearing? Was wearing black grayesh socks last night but took them off lol =3

26. Have you ever been famous? nope =3

27. Would you like to be a big celebrity? Hmmm i would say yes but i rather work for it.

28. What type of music do you like? to be honest i love all kinds of music but i love the most is country rock

29. Have you ever been skinny dipping? um no I haven’t owo

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? uhhh....*counts* about 5 big pillows and 2 small little ones owo

31. What position do you sleep in? which ever is the most comfortable but mostly sleep on my side.

32. How big is your house? owo....idk.....*shrugs*

33. what do you typically have for breakfast? which ever sounds good but love susage sandwiches the most. but somtimes i would make myself a really fluffy egg omelette =3

34. Have you ever fired a gun? Yes but only because my uncle was teaching me how to use one properly to get over my fear. Cause i rather be able to move if i get stuck a situation one day instead of being frozen in fear. I rather help those in need to get out of the dangerous situation if i can.

35. Have you ever tried archery? Yes when i was little i went to church camp and tried archery there it was actually alot of fun learning how to use the bow.

36. favorite clean word? meep

37. favorite swear word? uhhh.....welp i know some of you will laugh real hard cause i said this a few times and left my hubby laughing alot hearing this. quote “What the flying fuck?!” x3

38.Whats the longest you’ve ever gone without sleep? only one day i went without sleep.

39. Do you have any scars? uhhh.....*hides her scars.* sorry leaving that n/a? owo

40. Have you ever had a secret admirer? hmmm nope owo

41. Are you a good liar? hmm i don’t really like lieing to be honest i only do this only if there is a good reason cause alot of drama does happen quiet often in the family and i only do this to avoid it. so i am somewhat a good one but i rather not do it it if i can.

42. Are you a good judge of character? umm idk?

43. Can you do any other accents other than your own? um no not really although i have a few people in irl who keeps saying i have some sort of accent and idk where it comes from.

44. Do you have a strong accent? um idk again owo

45. What is your favorite accent? owo uhh.....*shrugs*

46. what is your personality type? i would say just a fun loving type of personality with a slight dark humor once a while even though we don’t mean to have the dark humor to happen.

47. what is your most expensive piece of clothing? uhh....i would say a dress?

48. Can you curl your tougue? heck yea x3

49. Are you an innie or an outie? I am both =3 but mostly an innie

50. Left or right handed? i am right handed

51. Are you scared of spiders? uh... I am but spiders and me go to war actually cause i had got bit all the time by them spiders.

52. favorite food? Anything Pasta related! =D

53. Favorite foreign food? Chinese food

54. are you a clean or a messy person? a little of both owo

55. most used phrased? idk owo

56. Most used word? merp =P

57. How long does it take for you to get ready? about 1 hour. to 30 min.s if i rush like mad almost about 10 min. flat.

58. Do you have much of an ego? ego? what ego? *has no ego*

59.Do you suck or bite lollipops? I only suck unless there’s somthing in the middle then i bite it.

60. Do you talk to yourself? I often do only when i am thinking or trying to decide on things to make a right choice. and yes this actually helps me think of a better choice.

61. Do you sing to yourself? owo yes i do when i am by myself.

62. Are you a good singer? ehh? idk?

63. biggest fear? I think i have a slight fear of abandonment i think but i think the worst one is snakes even though i found them cute on the net. the old biggest fear used to be guns.

64. Are you a gossip? I rather not gossip if i can actually.

65. best dramatic movie you’ve seen? can i say the best scary movie please? if i can i would say resident evil.

66. Do you like long or short hair? I like both actually owo but long hairs are harder to maintain.

67. Can you name all 50 states of america? I think if i can i would name all of them but its been a while so i might forget a couple actually.

68. Favorite school subject? owo Art class!

69. Extrovert or introvert? mostly introvert but i still like going outside once a while.

70. Have you ever been scuba diving? nope but would love to one day

71. what makes you nervous? Um not knowing whats gonna happen next if things do get complicated

72. Are you scared of the dark? Yes V w V but mostly if i am outside at night is where its worse but i am fine inside the building.

73. Do you correct people when they make mistakes? only if i can somtimes i am not able to all the time.

74. Are you ticklish? yes sadly lol.

75. Have you ever started a rumor? no and actually i don’t like dealing with rumors.

76. have you ever been in a position of authority? nope but it would be interesting to try i guess.

77. Have you ever drank underage? nope actually i never gone drinking dispite my age.

78. Have you ever done drugs? noppity nope never done them and never will.

79. Who was your first real crush? sorry keepin that a secret owo

80. How many piecrings do you have? one for each ear owo so only 2

81. can you roll your rs? uhh....idk? *has no clue what rs is*

82. How fast can you type? last i checked it was about 60 on the speed scale on that mavis bacon typing program.

83. How fast can you run? uhh idk....

84. What color is your hair? dark brown

85. What color is your eyes? hazel so a bit of blue and green

86. What are you allergic to? eh feathers (sorry bird friends i can’t touch birds owo) house dust might and mold. which i find this silly.

87. Do you keep a journal? nope

88. What do your parents do? eh....sorry leaving that n/a guys

89. Do you like your age? to be honest i wish i am younger but its ok really cause i at least can help my family by having a job and help pay the bills. which allows me to spoil my mom once a while. Why cause she deserves it ^^.

90. What makes you angry? oh well i really don’t get angry really easy mostly if it comes to family members starting drama and start shit up that they shouldn’t be doing and lie and steal yea i can get angry really easy then. And i had people get scared of me before cause i was like angry but looked calm at the same time. I try my best not to get angry cause i rather think clearly if i can to find out whats actually going on to help fix the situation.

91. Do you like your own name?.....*leaves it n/a*

92. Have you already thought of baby names, and if so what are they? um owo.....sadly nope.. i am not good with names to be honest. I try my best to come up with good ones if i do get stuck picking one though.

93. Do you want a boy a girl for a child? Eh?...idk i just rather leave it up to fate of what comes first in the future.

94. What are your strengths? I think my biggest strength i have is helping on calming a person down really and somtimes letting them lean on me to cry if they needed it.

95. What are your weaknesses? owo hmm not sure i think seeing cute things is my weakness lol.

96. how did you get your name? eh? i came up with this name a long time ago when i was younger i loved to draw and do alot of art related stuff but I also love playing fighting games as well. and actually had 1 year of karate as well.

97. were y our ancestors royalty? umm idk? it would be cool to find out owo.

98. Do you have any scars? owo uhh.. *hides her scars once again* why did this question come up the second time?

99. Color of your bedspread? white with a few other colors on it mostly green. been thinking about getting a new different one.

100. Color of your room? white if i had the choice i would paint it purple not only cause purple is my favorite color but also its a calm color to have in the bedroom.

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