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rawwkfingers · 3 months

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Destiny of the Daleks

I wanted to like this serial, it was our first Dalek serial in several years after all. But there was just *something* about it that really held me back, and it took me a while before I could articulate at least part of what that was

The closest reason I can give is that the serial totally depends on the viewer just accepting what's given at face value, with a total disregard for in-universe cohesion. Which is a really weird flaw to have for a serial that lives in the shadow of the previous Dalek serial

Tbh, I dont think expecting viewers to be open-minded of whats in front of them is necessarily a bad thing. Doctor Who is an inherently silly show that demands a large suspension of disbelief to enjoy. But, usually, the episodes that rely most heavily on that are the comedies and this wasnt one. In tone and subject it has more in common with the high-concept scifi stories this show does so well; the best of which understand that you need some grounding within the show's universe to properly engage with

The best example of this is the opening scene I think. First, we have a comedic scene of K9 getting laryngitis. How does a robot get laryngitis? Dont worry about it. Its cute and funny and tells the viewer what they need to know: K9 is out of action this story

This is immediately followed up by the reveal that Romana has regenerated. Now, I understand that Mary Tamm left quite suddenly, leading to Lalla's casting due to Baker already having chemistry with her. I wasnt expecting to see Romana I die or anything

But we're given literally NO explanation as to how or why she's regenerating, she just is. Its followed by Romana testing out a few different bodies before settling on the body of Astra, whom they had just met. This scene is also meant to be comedic, but now dealing with something that at this point in the show's mythos is a much more important subject than K9. (It's also more than a little sexist in what forms Romana takes and the Doctors reactions but thats another point entirely)

How and why did she regenerate? How is she able to have such total control over her regeneration that she can swap between multiple bodies before deciding? Why did she think picking Astra's body made sense? We're given no answers to this and, by now, the show's mythos has developed to the point where we need a better explanation for these things than "just because"

You could argue this is a fan-brained way of looking at this but like, this serial brings back Davros and the Daleks. Its a serial STEEPED in the history of the show. We deserve better than "Daleks are using humans as a workforce even tho machines would.be better because reasons" or "the Doctor and Romana are able to move giant boulders from the Tardis because reasons"

I also wasnt thrilled by the new actor playing Davros. I do wonder how much of that was due to being forced to use props built for a different actor, but even with that I just felt like his delivery was missing the menace of Wisher's original. I did like the dialogue in the final episode though, where you really get the sense that the Doctor and Davros respect each other even if they hate each other

#rawwk on #classic who watch #destiny of the daleks

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ulovemelightsout · 5 months

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spoilers phantom of liberty *a randoms impression*

I like phantom of liberty a lot, but one of the endings were lacking in sense to me, does not make the story bad tho. I have a strong opinion over thinking a show, film, or game story doomed all bad because it didn't end how you wanted to. The story has a life of its own, and sometimes we grow so attached to a certain narrative that we limit our experiences, visions and often forget what the message is all about. I'm not saying we should just accept it for what it is. You can absolutely not agree with it, and that's how I feel about this dlc, still doesn't make it a less magnificent experience.

I understand the world cyberpunk show's us is one of tragedy before our very own eyes, full of heartbreak, deceiving, consumerism, and violence. We shouldn't expect fun and rainbows, there is always a knife twist here and there. I get that, but if you're going to do it, at least make it make sense.

In my first gameplay, I failed most of the time playing the 'bad guy' even when it fits the narrative. My first V was an ambitious Nomad that wanted to be a Night City legend, before the DLC my ending was bombing Arasaka and enjoying the few months left of my life getting to fulfil the dream. I helped many friends along the way, connected with them, they all wanted to see me get a cure, be well, some even risked their lives to help me get there. Why in the fresh dick motherfucking hell would it make sense to have an ending when i finally get to, at least, not die, they would just flip a thousand birds my way? What it surprises me the most was the Nomad's and Panam's reaction, by the way. I'm not even going to mention River's because I haven't digested that yet.

Are you serious?

Okay, I was gone, for TWO years not TWENTY because I was in a COMA. You have the option to call each friend/romantic interest and tell them about saving the president and that you might get the cure, so they KNEW. Suddenly you disappear, and they don't even try to reach you? Or even want to know why you're missing, after saying “hey V you are like family to us, we will never forget what you've done.” BE. FOR REAL WITH THIS.

By the way, my first choice was to help Songbird, but I wanted to try out the cure ending. I knew it would have a catch. It's very logical the government wouldn't get V the cure and leave it at that after that level of killing spree, we're talking about one person being able to bag government militia. It makes total sense to lose the very thing we wanted in exchange for continuing to live. The sacrifice and the strong meaning of that choice, losing Johnny, this alone would have make the right level of bittersweet, especially for a V that was highly ambitious, but they lost the tracks in the relationship department of things.

It makes no sense to me at this moment.

The last conversation with Johnny, I think it requires some level of affinity to get new types of dialogue, ok, but even the neutral ones are out of touch and in my opinion had a blurred tone of Johnny's alternative motives in "wanting V to live."

If i'm not mistaken, there is a scene in a motel room in Pacifica where Johnny talks about the war and how he stayed in that room for days thinking about his life and the friend he left behind that took a bullet in his place or something like that. He revels he wants to be that friend for you (granted that in a way he uses V for getting back at Arasaka anyway, so yeah, is just the truth that v is used throughout the whole game and even worse in the dlc.)

He blames you for not wanting to try the other options, clearly very mad that he is no longer able to get back at Arasaka before going for good and in my opinion that is a bad take in his character's arc. It destroys all the other emotional moments that showed his growth.

To be done with this, my take is: if you want to make a sad/bittersweet ending, fuck yeah, do it, i love those, but don't just throw things, we don't do that. We place them, we build them, we make'm make sense in this house.

#spoilers #spoilers phantom of liberty #phantom of liberty

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king-shango-the-great · 9 months

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Shango's Thoughts:

Know Better, Must Do Better

This past weekend, on Saturday afternoon, I came out of my house to take the trash out. Across the street from my house, there was a young black girl walking down the street; she looked to be between 15 & 17yo. She was very well developed, but I could still tell that she was underage. Its hot out where I live, & She was dressed in semi-booty shorts & a cut off t-shirt.

I live directly across the street from a car wash, which is frequented by older dudes, most of whom just pull up & hang out; most of them don't even wash their cars there.

I dint live in the worst neighborhood (there are certainly ones in my area that sre way worse), but that car wash is definitely an eye/ear sore (banging music all night, fights, occasional gun shots, drug selling, etc).

Having said that, the girl I mentioned was walking past the car wash on the side walk, & all of a sudden just stopped & set up her phone to film herself twerking for Tik-tok/IG/whatever.

She was going full-on buss-it mode; ass cheeks flapping, tongue out 🤪, feeling on her ta-ta's, etc. The entire scene took place for a little over a minute, & I didnt take my eyes off of it, but not because I found what sue was doing to be enticing. Like, not in the slightest (more on that later*).

I watched because I was genuinely concerned for her safety.

The dudes at the car wash (& these are nearly ALL older men, old enough to he her father's, some even older) were cat calling this girl ("Ay, come here bitch"), & one even started imitating her: sticking out his tongue, winding his hips. She ignored the men, & kept doing what she was doing, although I'm pretty certain she was aware of their responses. In fact, I'm sure she picked that spot to do what she did for that very reason.

Granted, she was a safe distance from these men, but thats really not the point.

After a minute or so, she stopped dancing, picked up her phone, pressed some buttons in it (likely to upload what she filmed), & went on her merry way, like none of it ever happened. Meanwhile, the dudes at the car wash were still cat calling her, which she completely ignored.

The moral of this story, IMO, is a complex one.

We know that dudes are trifling; alotta dudes will fuck anything that moves, even if its the age of their own daughters, nieces, or even grand daughters.

My concern is protecting our women. There's been a decades-long epidemic of Black girls/women that have gone missing. Abducted, raped, sex-trafficked, & even killed.

Its important that we teach our women how to protect themselves, especially as those of us that want to see them safe cannot be with them all the time.

What the young lady did this weekend was NOT safe behavior.

I am not a major fan of social media. In fact, the only social media I have, is Tumblr, Reddit (because I like having dialogue), & YouTube (just to watch vids & make comments in the comment section; I dont make any content whatsoever).

I'm of the mindset that social media warps our perception of reality.

This is why I mentioned that I was not enticed by what the young lady was doing; one of the things I've gotten hip to about social media, & that everyone uses "filters" to make themselves look a certain way.

Dont get me wrong: I enjoy the Black Feminine form, but the deliberate "thirst traps" of women with fake bodies, twerking to raunchy rap music is a complete turn off. 👎🏿

Im very wary of the internet deceptions that people engage in online. I'm willing to bet that a large number of the GIRLS on these tik-toks are way younger than they appear.

This is not acceptable behavior to me.

However this is not about victim blaming, even tho I'm sure it sounds that way.

We as a community need to do a better job of teaching our young girls about their personal safety & awareness.

This is my 2nd issue with social media; people (& not just women) lose all sense of awareness of their surroundings when they are on their phones in public. Ive seen people step off of the curb into incoming traffic, & get smacked by a car, because they were liking a post.

Further, we need to do a better job of showing young people that there is more to life than having a social media presence, & for young ladies in particular that there is more for them as women, that they have more value than shaking their ass on IG or OF.

As someone thats that's protector by nature, I cant protect everybody. In fact, the best way a protector can protect, is to teach others how to protect tthemselves.

Especially in the scenario that I described; how do I protect someone that doesn't feel like she needs protecting? 🤔

#Im for the things most of yall are against & against the things most of yall are for #Shango's Thoughts

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cowardstiel · 2 years

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sounds backwards maybe but i think allowing myself to get fixated on media and hobbies properly and not fight it has been good for my mental health

#idk guys dont let cringe win just enjoy urself and go all in for maximum fun and enjoyment #like fully invest #cos the nature of fixations is there’ll be smth new in a while or maybe a week so u might as well milk that cow dry #i started rewatching spn in the background while working on ceramics and its actually so fun to watch a silly show like that with cheesy #dialogue and just enjoy it for what it is and accept even tho its a bit shit its fun to watch #like i may not be 16 and Obsessed anymore but i am 21 and can enjoy it differently #and like buying games i always wanted to play but always put off spending money on #finally getting ps+ to play rdo too #bought re0-5 after playing a demo for revelations2 #im back on my doctor who shit too i love 13 🥺#idk im the kinda person to put off doing things i want and buying things i want until i dont even care anymore bc i cant justify spending #money #or not let myself enjoy something fully bc i dont want to become fixated like thats even a bad thing #but after years i got myself a pocket knife so i can feel cool when opening letters #lol just feeling content w things right now #read a bit of fanfic yk write a bit #this one goes out to the thasmin writers blows kiss #💋💋💋#if anyone reads this ill be surprised and also will propose on the spot #txt #fandom posting #my post

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blackberry-gingham · 2 years

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Molina’s Otto Octavius?

Sksksksksks this is so so late, but sksksksk. Sorry, trying to get back to writing tho 😭

Enjoy this 😌🤲🏻

Favorite Thing:

I like that, in his core, he's actually a sweet and loving guy. Like, he's complex and it's a different spin on the character. Otto is usually a well meaning guy in his other interpretations, but this one is specifically very romantic 💖

Least favorite thing:

His appearance and dialogue in no way home 💀 Like... What is going on with that color palette??? That and the cheesy, over the top lines. It's very "Saturday morning, hand wringing mustache twirling cartoon villain"

Blegh

Favorite line:

Oof, another hard one!

I'd have to say it's close between the part where he's talking about how he doesn't understand T S Eliot, and thus Rosie is very smart and intelligent in his eyes bc she does, and the "I will not die a monster" line at the very end of the movie.

The first one is actually a really great look at his characterization. It shows that he's humble and doesn't feel that technical smarts are the be all, end all. Kind of like the Einstein quote, "if you judge a fish's intelligence on its ability to climb trees, it'll go it's while life thinking it's stupid", meaning that everyone is talented in their own way, and he sees that. Also bc its just another little detail of how he adores his wife.

The second one is great, not so much for the dialogue line itself, but more so bc of the context that it's in. When you consider the fact that, after all the pain and destruction and like robot arm mind control he's been under, he's accessing mental clarity on sheer willpower alone right now, that's impressive enough. But also bc he knows that even though saving the day here will kill him, we get that glimpse again that the Otto we met at the start of the movie is still there and just as strong.

Kind of like an "incorruptible integrity" type of character. Even against all odds, he still does what he knows is right.

BrOTP:

Obviously him and Peter lol

OTP:

I would say me lol, but I think I'll give it to Rosie. They deserve each other

nOTP:

Favorite Picture:

Probably him and Norman. That's a ship only good for laughs imo, but definitely not for anything serious

Random HC:

Before becoming doctor octopus, Otto had never smoked a day in his life. Influence from the arms just made him more willing to give into things he previously thought weren't very great ideas.

Unpopular opinion:

Probably that I don't like how they characterized him in no way home lol. Like, I get that he's technically not the same Otto from the Raimi movies, but still like smsmssmsk

Idk. No excuses, just my opinion

Song I associate:

My Brave Face by Paul McCartney or maybe If I Can't Change Your Mind by Sugar

My Brave Face tracks the slow mental breakdown of a man who's been dumped by his girl and he basically says as much that he can't handle being alone bc all he can think about is her. Despite his best efforts, he keeps getting worse and worse and during each chorus he begs, "Take me to that place... where I can find my brave face". Peak "I miss my wife" content

The second one is about a guy who is being relentlessly accused of being unfaithful by his partner despite his seemingly very genuine insistence that he hasn't, even to the point that he swears he won't find another partner until his original one sees the light and comes back. I just like the angsty idea of doc trying to convince his s/o that's he's back in control again and maybe his partner doesn't believe him/can't accept him.

Particularly for the "How can I explain away something that I haven't done? / And if you can't trust me now, you'll never trust in anyone / with all the crazy doubts you've got, I love you even still / but if I can't change your mind then no one will" part

So hard to pick just one tbh, but I do like this one a whole lot. I like his wrinkles 😌

#ask game #doc ock #marvel hcs

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probably-haven · 3 years

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after binge reading i have come to a new revelation: I’m not a fan of most Xiaoven fanfics

Don’t get me wrong, I love the ship and its one of my favorite to think about.... but most of the fanfiction for the ship just- doesn’t sit right with me for a number of reasons.

Disclaimer: these are personal opinions from my own taste and are in no way an attack against any authors out there, because frankly fanfic authors are great and not like i could do better lol. As these are personal opinions, I acknowledge here and now that a number of people disagree and that they are under no obligation to change their opinions in any way as it is not and never will be my intention to tell others what they should be thinking That said- read at your own risk if you want- meh, anyway-

time to share some opinions that have been on my mind lately

The biggest reason.... is how they handle Xiao. And I don’t even mean mischaracterization because Xiao is such a complex and yet simultaneously simple character that as long as you’re somewhere in the range of “Xiao vibes” it’s really hard to write him out of character because of his complexities. What I mean is something that i actually completely agree with as being accurate to his character. In nearly every single fanfic I’ve seen, there is some element of idolization that Xiao has for Venti, or for the sake of reference, Barbatos. He tends to think himself beneath Barbatos and/or indebted to him, whether that be because he’s an archon, because he saved him, or simply because of Xiao’s tendency to dehumanize(yes i see the irony in that word usage) himself. This by itself isn’t an issue but its often how this trait of his is treated.

Imma just list a few ways I’ve seen this be handled within Xiaoven fics. - It isn’t handled, it’s just there and accepted as a part of who he is in the story - It isn’t handled but his trait is treated as source of humor within the story - Venti(and others) roll with it (finding humor in it, just cant change it, encouraging it, making jokes about it, etc.) - Venti takes advantage of it(whether accidentally or purposely) - it’s actually addressed(by Venti or someone else or the narration- can go a number of ways, but just- even a brief reference to the fact that its not a good mindset fits in here) - savior!Venti(Where venti disagrees with it but the way it’s written gives off “god among mortals” vibes- like he’s just being humble and truly is above him in reality) - its the focus of the story - not directly addressed but shown to be destructive. - they chose not to not include this in the story’s characterization of Xiao(just saying that this is valid ahead of time) Theres others but i have a lot already. Note that I tend to read more ‘serious-toned’(idk if that makes sense) fics so that may skew my perception

Now there’s a few that i have issues with on their own- both instances of it not being handled, Venti(and others) rolling with it, Venti takes advantage of it(purposely(and without good intent)), and savior!Venti. Xiao not only has this trait, but he is unfamiliar with what is normal in relationships or emotions as a result of isolation and inexperience. He is also either not aware of or not concerned with what is considered strictly “healthy.” Combining these makes for a rather dangerous combination and just accepting it as “oh he’s just like that, it’s who he is” or making it out to be something funny- It’s not wrong or bad by any means necessarily, and I could still possibly enjoy it to an extent depending on a series of different factors, but its- not as often. Even in the case where I do enjoy reading it however, I would still feel uncomfortable sharing it with or recommending it to others because in the first instance it feels like normalizing a destructive and dangerous mindset, and in the second case it does the same while simultaneously making a joke of it. It’s the same deal with Venti or other characters rolling with it, but that’s probably gonna be mentioned later too. Not to say that this is a “wrong” way to handle it, that it makes the fic bad, or that authors even are normalizing anything by doing so, just that in my specific instance- not a fan.

I’ll get to the others when i talk more about Venti, but for now: It’s the focus of the story. I think I saw like... 2? where the story was like- focused on this and why its a problem which- power to them, address those real world problems like a boss- but also i wouldn’t actively seek it out or anything- like, good job, but doing so just leaves it open neutrally for other factors to decide how good a story i think it is.

not directly addressed but shown to be destructive. You’d think i wouldn’t like this- but frankly in fanfiction not everyone wants to address every character flaw verbally because it can through off story, narration, dialogue, and general flow to do so. This can be with an event, an action, a dialogue, a mere comment, making it actually fit into the it’s actually addressed category except that its- subtle enough to make its own category. plus i live for show not tell- in everything- its a thing. im- very much a fan of when the fics do this but the subtlety is easy to miss and its not common so-

It’s actually adressed- doesnt have to be a lot- just mention anywhere or imply anywhere that maybe idolizing someone as a god and savior and being in a relationship with them while having little knowledge of standards, emotions, relationships, or healthy behaviors in general- maybe isnt the smartest idea in the word. (”Call me Venti, not Barbatos” by itself is not enough to fit in this category tho as a note)

Now lets talk about Venti...

uh.... those who have followed me for awhile will probably already know this but... I have a lot of opinions on Venti and a pretty- “niche(?)” perception of his characterization that isn’t shared by a lot of others- so I don’t actually read as much Venti fanfic in general as you might expect because I often end up disagreeing with how writers portray him, which again, in no way is their characterization wrong, but- “their perceived truth” conflicts with “my perceived truth” and by extent so does the characterization, though neither is any more correct than the other from an objective point of view, if that makes sense... but anyways now that that’s said, moving on before this becomes a philosophy lecture, as fun as that would be for me. I’ll try to keep my “perceived truth” out of this for the first bit.

Venti’s response to this:

He rolls with it: this depends on the mood of the fanfiction. If they dont put a lot of stress on that trait of Xiao’s it totally fine but if the trait seems to be a major part of Xiao’s character, it seems like normalization once more. (more on this later)

he takes advantage of it purposely: if its an AU or something and Venti’s like a villain(i saw a few) then- villain venti isnt my cup of tea but i have no qualms. If they don’t portray Venti in a negative light while having him take advantage however that’s a bit uncomfortable to read for me because it feels like normalizing taking advantage of that mindset as well as the mindset itself. However, i did see a number of instances of Venti using it as leverage for like- self care- which i definitely have no qualms. Xiao: [insert probably destructive idolizing statement about being indebt] Venti: How bout you pay me back by actually sleeping for once smh or other variations are okay and depending on the vibe are actually a really fun dynamic as long as it doesnt turn into romanticizing or normalizing it, y’know?

Venti accidentally taking advantage of it.... I love angst- and in most of these theres a sense of guilt when he realizes- and i just think thats a lovely way of addressing the dangers of such a mindset for both sides. As long as it doesn’t keep repeating to the point of romanticization its totally cool to read in my eyes(not irl ofc). If Venti never realizes he accidentally took or is taking advantage it feels a bit like normalization, and if he does but just- doesn’t care thats- a rip.

savior!Venti...... i- i hate. the story giving off vibes that Xiao’s mindset is technically correct while Venti oh so humbly tells him to treat him as an equal like the wonderful and charitable person he is.... i just- no. of course thats over dramatizing it- I think the main thing that gives it this vibe is when Venti doesn’t seem either concerned, surprised, uncomfortable, or otherwise have a negative feeling towards Xiao’s mindset. Just- it makes the whole thing weird in my eyes when Venti doesnt really seem to have his own reason to oppose the mindset idk-

fact time!

Venti is the god of freedom. His backstory is freeing Mondstadt from a god’s tyrannical reign. His origin is a windsprite, just another breeze bringing changes for the better. His form is a nameless boy who played an instrument and then died, thus failing at his only dream and only ever accomplishing anything because of the help of others. He slept for a thousand years after the archon war to avoid putting Mond under the rule of yet another tyrannical god. He only even became a god because Andrius chose to let him. He wouldn’t have even had that chance if the nameless bard had survived, he’d remain just another wind while his friend ascended to godhood. Venti sacrifices his own power for his people’s freedom.

now that I’ve laid out a number of canon facts, time for opinions:

Venti has little to no desire to be seen as a god. He thrives in, comes from, and emphasizes a lack of superiority in quite nearly everything. The first Ragnvindir, who canonically turned his back on Venti after Decarabian’s fall, likely did so because one- he anticipated power would corrupt and Venti would soon become just another tyrannical god, two- he suspected Venti used the nameless bard in an attempt to rise to godhood, or three- idk insert other possibilities to acknowledge again that i could totally be wrong.

Look me in the eyes and tell me Venti wouldnt trade godhood for his friend in an instant. His godhood was only granted to him because his friend died and could easily serve to constantly remind him of what could have been and what he lost. Venti takes no enjoyment from being seen as superior and in my opinion, I feel that it could actually make him largely uncomfortable when his divinity and abilities as an archon get involved-

also self promotion for my favorite posts- check out #archon war era venti if thats interesting to you

so anyway Venti rolling with it or making jokes about it just doesn’t sit right with me.-

Okay! enough talking about that mindset!

idk- i have... a few/lot of other gripes and stuff or just things that kinda throw off the vibe for me but that’s the main one plus my general personal pickiness when it come to Venti fanfics- but this has gotten long enough already-

idk i just felt like rambling about it and i haven’t done a long post in a while so-

again, I love the ship and its actually one of my favorites- just the fanfic isnt my thing..... that doesn’t mean i don’t still love it and come up with a whole ton of brainrot and ideas on it tho lmao

#genshin impact #genshin xiao #genshin venti #xiaoven #genshin barbatos #opinions #discourse #? idk ill tag it just in case #dont mind my constant backtracking and justifying and repeated disclaimers-#i just have a crippling fear of being cancelled lol

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romancemoving · 2 years

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🖤 + viko/nirote!

✨ @emptyvictory. meme. super selectively still accepting!

my muse’s initial impression of yours.

charming! in a weird way lol... i don’t know what it is about men walking around looking a little sour / depressed / neutral bordering on slightly sad but he flagged niko down because he needed someone to talk to. and yes the ruse was uh... it wuz Ridiculous, rory. bizarre. it worked tho didnt it.... lmao. it certainly worked! once virote admitted to niko that he lied about needing to go get that uh. you know. the thing. the object in which i will not be typing cuz i dont wanna die from embarrassment LKJGFDKLGHDKJFD. anyway after admitting it was a lie and getting to talk to niko on that night, he really liked his energy. he thought niko was super cool.

my muse’s favorite physical attribute of yours.

his nose, actually... a sniffer with a pretty shape. when they’re chillin in bed in the morning or whatever, virote’s always running his index finger along the bridge. he just thinks its so cute... :”( also very attracted to his semi-permanently furrowed brow. i can’t even tell you why on that one.

my muse’s favorite personality attribute of yours.

tbh???? niko being a smartass lol. its the dry humor for him!!! yeah niko can come off as an asshole. but virote really likes that lol and i guess it's because their humor is really compatible. vi's humor has its ranges in terms of how he expresses it and how he receives it, but there's something about niko's that hits that funny bone and gets him cracking up. niko’s the funniest person vi knows.

a moment that made my muse realize how much they care about yours.

oh oh you know... being at the pier on vespucci, catching a morning sun. talking. and then just seeing niko smile a little bit. that was pretty early on in their friendship too. hes always cared about niko! from a platonic level back then, he cared very deeply about him. seeing niko relaxed and enjoying his day really made virote care. after that, he wanted to make niko smile more often. even at the expense of him being kind of a dummy but vi's a cute dummy so its fine...

something my muse never found the words to say to yours.

he’s pretty blunt with niko... he’s always been open with him. from day 1. sooooo... :)

something my muse wishes they had never said to yours.

he whole butt plug thing, rory. the whole dialogue. that whole thing. the speech. virote really sat there in the sands of vespucci beach, fixed his lips, and opened his mouth to say all of that. and it wasnt even true!!! so not only did he lie, he made himself look like a weirdo and it wasnt even necessary!!!!!!!! just a whole stupid ass all around.

something your muse does that makes mine feel safe.

vi feels the safest with niko just existing in general. niko would obviously protect him with his life... i made a few metas on how virote seeks companionship in men that he knows won't hurt him as badly as his ex did. niko's the exact opposite of that asshole. and sure niko's done awful things. from killing to stealing to drug peddling etc etc, but virote's never felt safer with someone in the wild, wild west of los santos. physically and emotionally. niko being a fortress of strength of the mind and body... ya man that makes vi feel cozy tbh.

something your muse does that makes mine smile.

playing w. kikimora... look he didnt think niko would like her! esp since she has such an unnerving stare, sometimes... he knows it creeps folks out. she can't help it, that's just how she looks. :( but when he sees niko interacting with his cat, he smiles so much... kikimora is his life and his joy. like he wouldnt be as together if he didn't have her. when he says kikimora is his daughter, he means it. so it's so nice to see niko bond with. so much that they will be moving in together because she's clingy... she really is iconic. she does it all. she chose her step dad lkjfldgkjdf.

something my muse wants to protect yours from.

remember that thing i said about virote digging up the dead body of jimmy pegorino and kicking it a billion times. ????? vi's gonna hop on that plane to liberty xcity. how dare you fuck up niko's life like that. like yes, niko did shoot him in the head. but he deserves to be dug up and kicked. vi’s gonna use his skeletal system as a xylophone.

vi, in liberty city, literally kicking a dead body: I HATE YOUR FUCKING NAME. IT SOUNDS LIKE A CHEESE. ITALIAN-AMERICAN RAVIOLI, SPAGHETTI SAUCE ASS.

ways my muse says ‘ i love you ’ without saying those words.

niko's insomnia is really, really bad and virote's insomnia is kinda bad, but he takes medication for it. but when niko forreal can't even think of getting sleep, virote stays up with him. even if they don't talk. not a single word gotta be said. he'll be there with niko, in silence, and stay up with him until he can't anymore. he just don't want niko feeling alone and getting too lost in his head during those times. :( if he can bring comfort during those times, he will. might go get him some water and give him a few kisses.

#( 🌙 OOC! RULER OF THE VOLCANIC DIAMOND PLANET. ✨ )#emptyvictory #/ what i got outta this is that vi will legit dig up a dead body and kick it.

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meetmeatthecoda · 3 years

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I absolutely ♥️ADORE♥️ Scripted and would love to read your director’s commentary for it!

Oh, anon!! 😍 I'm SO THRILLED that you loved Scripted so much, that makes me so happy!! 🥰 Especially that you loved it enough to want to read my "director's commentary" (that phrase makes me laugh, you'd think I created a feature length film all by myself 🤣), so I think I'll skim through the fic - it's been a while since I re-read it - & make a bullet-point list of any special BTS info I can think of 😊 Anddd I'll also put it under a read more cause you know me, I never use one word when one hundred will do 😂

So, the fic itself was inspired by the ending of 5.08 where Liz wakes from her coma to Red reading to her in an armchair as he had been for the past 10 months, it's fine, I'm fine but she still has a ventilator in so she can't talk & instead has to write "how long?" on a piece of paper & her handwriting is super shake-y bc her muscles are so weak (I think Red even helps her hold the pen? It's clearly been a while since I re-watched the ep whoops but ugh, be still my heart.) For some reason, I just latched onto the idea of a mute Liz, really suffering with the implications of everything she went through (since her recovery was so glossed over in the show boo) & Red 1000% being there for her. Mostly, I just wanted to dive into the dynamic of Liz letting Red care for her the way he's always wanted to (without Tom & Agnes btw) to the point where their relationship is unhealthy in its reliance, but neither can see it bc Liz is blocking things out (& unknowingly falling in love with him) & Red is just so thrilled to be able to love & care for her (while already deeply in love with her obvi). So yeah, that was the kind of dynamic & closeness I wanted to explore between them & it was... really fun 😊

The idea of the coma providing the perspective Liz needed to see that Red has always had her best interests at heart & clearly loves her (in addition to the fact that he never left her side or gave up during those 10 months lol peak romance tbh) seemed very organic & logical to me.

I liked the idea of Red & Liz playing board games as a way to pass the time & get to know each other better. It's the kind of casual interaction we were never gifted with in the show & I think they're both competitive in the right circumstances, even if its playfully so.

I liked the idea of Liz being urged to learn ASL, as I'm deaf in one ear & would dearly love to learn it at some point.

The detail of Red sleeping on a cot close enough to Liz's hospital bed that they can hold hands in their sleep was a total guilty pleasure addition & I'm not sorry.

I loved the scene in the beginning where Red is talking to Dembe on the phone in the hallway & Liz is practicing her letters. She's purely doing it so Red doesn't worry & I loved the idea of her being apathetic to everything except Red's concerns, plus I added in the parenthetical of (Red sometimes squints at her k's.) bc I thought it represented that well, but also bc it was just cute af. I also added the little detail of him waving at her through the window at the last minute bc I thought the scene needed something else & once I pictured that, it was too adorable to leave out.

Red handling all the details of Liz's care & transportation without asking (bc he instinctively knew that's what Liz wanted) only to turn around & panic about excluding her seemed like a very RED thing to do & I like how it emphasizes his well-meaning intentions, respect for her preferences, & desire to see her happy, even if she did actually want to leave him lol as if.

I liked the visual of Liz stumbling into Red's arms as she stands from her hospital bed to leave with him (sets a precedent for later) & I also loved the visual of a pen in her ponytail & of course Red using it to flirt a little bc come on.

I remember struggling to write the car ride transition to the lake house. I usually get ideas & visions for specific scenes, moments, or bits of dialogue, so those kind of transition moments are hard for me sometimes. But I liked that I settled on Red helping to ground Liz through touch (again, sets a precedent for later).

Red & Liz playing hangman in the car with Red using the word "fedora" & drawing a suited hangman made me giggle.

I can see the lake house very clearly in my mind, complete with the willow tree, bench, & tiny house (included bc I desperately want a tiny house in real life) & I really enjoyed describing the interior & imagining the joy Red would get out of decorating it with Liz in mind.

Their first night in the house where Liz has her nightmare & Red comforts her - that was a scene I had in mind very early on & I love how it turned out, especially with Liz mouthing "stay with me" into Red's neck, that part gave me All The Feels™.

The "morning after" scene where Liz realizes on some level that she's too dependent on Red is an important moment in the fic & the off-hand detail that at least "she's not going around murdering people & calling it therapy" was a bit of shade to Ruin (which I don't think I ever saw bc I was kind of appalled with the idea lol) I think I posted Scripted after Ruin aired... if not, I guess I'm psychic?? LOL

The breakfast scene - & the fact that Red is preparing every breakfast food known to man bc he's nervous too - is near & dear to my heart. I think that's a pretty pivotal scene since they kind of reach an unspoken agreement & peace &... "things settle after that first breakfast."

I liked the teeny little parenthetical section that comes next as well, which acts as a sort of middle point for the fic.

The next large chunk of the fic was pure indulgence for me. I LOVED writing about all the different things they would do together when it was just the two of them, it was basically a collection of Lizzington headcanons & that's how I sketched them out LOL Here's some notes on them:

I came up with the jigsaw puzzle headcanon (that Liz is bored by them bc they're easy for her bc she's a trained psychologist & easily sees patterns in things) late in the editing process but loved it so much that I included it.

Liz's sandwich preference is actually mine LOL

The Monopoly banter was fun af to write bc I love that game.

The love notes Liz leaves around the house for Red is still an all-time favorite headcanon of mine.

I loved the idea of Red reading to Liz in a foreign language, holding the book only for looks, but not actually reading from it at all & instead professing his love for her. I think I've even used that headcanon in another fic LOL

Their movie nights were also something I was dying to include, especially since they include snacks & cuddles.

Their co-sleeping habits were also something I wanted to include & Liz's newly tactile nature is both a symptom of her dependence on Red & also a guilty pleasure thing for me bc we all wanted more of Red & Liz touching on screen, plus I felt obligated to explain through Red that it wasn't sexual in nature (though if I ever get around to writing part 2, that will change 😉)

Dembe being the one to observe & interfere in their situation was an early scene I imagined as well, that was always going to be the climax of the fic (or at least part 1). I so enjoyed writing about Red & Liz's relationship through his eyes bc he just loves them both & only wants to help them.

Another pivotal scene I imagined early on was Liz having a panic attack with Dembe when she discovers Red has left & that was super engaging to write, as well as the reunion between them which... I pretty much wrote the whole fic with the goal of getting to that lovely angst LOL

Red's resolve to finally urge Liz to speak was heart-breaking to write (so naturally I loved it lol what's wrong with me) & in particular the detail of them eating fruit for lunch before he broaches the topic with her & the parenthetical about it being "a sign from the cosmos that they are meant to be together just because they don't eat each other's favorite fruit" made my heart happy even tho it's stupid LOL & when Red asks her if she would ever try to speak again & she responds with a simple written "Why?" that was a huge moment that I loved the angst of, of course. As well as the absolutely gutting: "Lizzie, I miss your voice."

I liked that Liz needs some time to think & accept everything Red forces her to realize at the end, that was super important to me in the resolution of the fic/part 1 & I tried really hard to include both their mentalities there at the end.

The fact that Red hasn't had a drink since he started caring for Liz also made my shipping heart happy.

And - lastly - the fact that the only thing Liz actually says in the whole fic is Red's name? Yeah 🥲🥲🥲

Welp, there you go, anon, I'm not sure if that was interesting to you at all, but I certainly hope so!! I know that was a lot but... it's a long fic, my longest ever, so I figure it's warranted, right?? 😂 Anyway, thank you so much, both for the compliment of loving Scripted AND for wanting to read more about it, anon, you are so sweet!! 🥰 I hope you enjoyed this & much, much love to you, my friend!! ❤️

Fanfic Writers: Director's Cut

#The Blacklist #Lizzington #fanfic #Scripted #ask game #fanfic writers: director's cut #mine #ask #anon #thank you so much for this my friend!!#:D #i hope you enjoyed this #:)#much much love to you!!#<3

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skinner17 · 4 years

Text

Dissecting Red Spider Arc-The arc that non shipper find it disturbingly (For those who mind) Shippy

I’ve been watching gintama for the past couple of weeks. And since lately I encounter sleeping problem, lets turn this energy to talk about one of my favorite arc. The controversial arc that invite polarized opinion among Gintama fans.

For Tsukuyo fans, Red spider is a certain favorite together with Yoshiwara in flame and Courtesan of the nation. This arc fleshed her background and deepen her bond with yorozuya, especially Gintoki

For casual fans, this arc is the first time they see a glimpse of gintoki past, The first time gintoki in a berserk mode, the first time he act by his own volition. And somehow he appeared like a true shonen hero saving the heroine.

By then tsukuyo was far from heroine status. She just recently introduced a couple episodes back. Yoshiwara in flame focused more on Hinowa and seita story. But Tsukuyo already rose in ranking because her unique character design (in sacchan word, she has a lot of ‘hooks’) aside being badass in general.

For naysayers, Red spider arc is that arc that destroy Tsukuyo character. Reduced her into damsel in distress, mere love interest and what not. Of course its people’s right to interpret a work however they see fit. People enjoying entertainment in a different way afterall. Maybe they are a strict feminist type who wanted a true xena like character? disappointed when a strong female charachter ended up saved by the male hero? (Tho I wonder why they don’t care with preceeding events where Tsukuyo saved gintoki a couple of time)

The other would say this arc is such a big jump from previous arcs. A sudden transition they would say. And heck they’re right. Red spider arc Is different compared to other serious arc before it. Its lustrously dark, whispery, not much emphasis on family nor comedy, not much explosion nor machismo.

And more importantly, its uncharacteristically Intimate.

What do you expect? It took placein Yoshiwara-The Red light District- afterall.

The curtain raised with Jiraiya, the ex teacher of Tsukuyo, the main villain of this arc, On his post coital glow pondering about his object of creation. After enjoying the service of yoshiwara, He looked at the moon and probably feeling another rush of excitement reminiscing his dear beautiful student and the plan he’d set for her.

Not long after, Tsukuyo feel someone dangerous infiltrating her city. She and her Hyakka squad has been working hard to push down the crime that on the rise after the city lost its night king. Nearing their limit, she turned to Yorozuya, wondering if they can help with the drug problem.

Somehow, Tsukuyo and Gintoki teamed up just the two of them investigating the shady group with spider tattoo trademark. The result was assortment of classic romantic comedy skit : To-Love-Ru type of ‘accident’ and pretend couple.

Ok at this point its just natural that people start to see the two as potential couple. When they bicker they’d scream their heart silly, forgetting whatever adult persona they had in mind. Yet when the time come, they play along really well with the others bullshit act. They are on the same frequency already.

Back to the story, Later, they found out the drug lord is Jiraiya who apparently the long dead master (teacher who take care of protegee under their wing) of Tsukuyo. With his unique ability he nearly killed Gintoki and captured Tsukuyo.

Some Naysayers disappointed at this point because Tsukuyo who supposedly a good fighter became useless in front of jiraiya. Ok let me use this opportunity to explain the technicality of how that’s possible.

She was shocked.

It was a surprise attack

Jiraiya, knew his student fighting ability the best and knew how to immobilize her.

Even Gintoki Almost killed because of his weird technique

She used the last of her strength to saved gintoki from jiraiya’s final blow.

“Huh? But gintoki didn’t turned into a useless mess when he met his long dead master alive?”

Lol what are you smoking? The old master would split gintoki’s head from his body if not because Kagura’s help. Also Utsuro/Shouyo goal was to crushed the rebels and nothing to do with Gintoki. While Jiraiya’s goal was to capture Tsukuyo. Understand the difference?

Ok now that its out of my system lets continue.

Later Gintoki learned about the nature of Jiraiya and what this student-master relationship actually are from Zenzou. She-who believed every word of him and followed his foot step- was his creation and his prey at the same time. This method is sickening for Gintoki who loved his master to death.

For Gintoki a master should be more or less like shoyo. Strong, kind, wise and selfless. The kind of sage who gave his life for his student. Its infuriating to learn that a good women like tsukuyo has a psychotic monster as a master.

“see..Its not because of Tsukuyo that gintoki willingly revert to his shiroyasa self. Its because the master-student thingie that made him mad af”

Was the stuff I read from naysayers. And for this one, I kinda agree. The main thing that infuriate gintoki about Jiraiya was that he used master student relationship for some psychotic goal. As we know later, whenever topic about his own master brought on, Gintoki turned into a different beast.

Even I can see this arc’s intent beside telling tsukuyo’s past and cementing her as one of the recurrent character was also to foreshadow Shoyo related arcs in the future.

However among all of that baggage brought by this arc, theres this one dialogue that caught my attention.

G : "give up already, theres nothing in your web. This entire time there was only a pathetic little spider spinning thread into sky while gazing at distant moon"

J : "What are you babbling about?I already knew that long ago"

The ones who ascociate Tsukuyo with the moon are the one who cherish her like hinowa and the hyakka squad or the bastard who obsessed at her like Jiraiya. It’s a secret nickname people gave to her beside Shinigami Tayuu / courtesan of death. Wt

At that moment, Gintoki speak about what Tsukuyo is to Jiraiya existence : A moon to a little insignificant spider. This confirm that Gintoki understand Tsukuyo’s epithet-wich means at that point of story he is familiar toward Tsukuyo more than the viewers aware of.

To add, This is probably just me but the way he said that stuff about Jiraiya, whispering while gazing at the sky, as if its applied to him aswell.

Well, I just think that because throughout the fight he keep rambling about being on the same level as Jiraiya.

G: Do you know how to survive the spider nest? By eating the spider.

G : She is stronger than you ever be. A coward like me is enough for a coward like you

To Fight Jiraiya, Gintoki drew parrarel between himself and Jiraiya. And its not impossible that parrarel extended until that moment.

I came to the conclusion At that moment Gintoki already admire Tsukuyo. Wether her virtue, her face, her quirk or her phisycal attractiveness, it could be anything. The fact is Tsukuyo basically embodies everything gintoki like in a women.

However because of his mindset and his self sabotaging lifestyle, he understood Jiraiya’s point of view of admiring an existence that is too good for them.

The episode ended with Tsukuyo learning his master’s past and accepting his flaw after killing him. The moment when Gintoki implied that he would never be a good student to their master as tsukuyo is pretty touching too.

The last episode of this arc is a short one with majorly comedic skits. Another To Love Ru accident. And a classic wingman setup to force a couple to be alone together.

Lol too much couply stuff happening in this arc.

Later after the crazy terminator drunken stupor, Tsukuyo asked gintoki if she didn’t has this scar, would her life be any different?

At this point I realize the pain endured by her, even though she said she was fine, physically and mentally, she actually struggling with the realization that all her past was something different than she perceived to be, that rather than genuine student master relationship, its an elaborate plan by her master to kill himself.

Its like realizing that we are adopted after all this time living in a loving family. From the surface it might not changed anything because its all in the past, But it changed everything within. It changed the foundation of what we stood upon all these time.

Gintoki then assured her that her life is one that she choose, No one make her choose that. wether it’s driven by a psychotic manipulation or a trust in a teacher who wanted make her strong. The life is still hers to behold and cherish

Gintoki further assured that her face Is not ugly, Its pretty face carrying clean soul. Or something to that effect (since translation vary)

As you see “Soul” is the overarching concept on Gintama. Its like “Adventure” on One piece and “Hard Work” On Naruto. It’s the Idea that the shounen protagonist holds dear.

Shoyo first teaching to Gintoki was how to protect his soul. In the war Gintoki choose to kill Shoyo to save his master’s soul. Means he choose Shoyo over his friends and himself. In effect, one of the friend’s soul was corrupted. While Gintoki turned himself into a vessel whose purpose was merely to protect people he deemed fit and procasinating on his own growth.

Gintoki speak about Tsukuyo’s soul in her face is another testament of how deep their trust and bond has formed.

Even though Gintoki has innate ability to peek into the human character, its not his fashion to directly address it. He usually find a roundabout way to make the others understand that they are being understood. But with Tsukuyo, everything he do about her is direct.

“Don’t be a stranger, Lean on me, laugh with me and cry with me. I’d be there, cry and laugh with you ” Said Gintoki to tsukuyo.

The Gintoki who often avoid emotional baggage from a stranger.

In conclusion, Red Spider Arc is such an awesome arc. The vibe is cool, the soundtrack is awesome and its has an intense emotionally charged action.

It is also the breeding ground for gintsu shipper, wich probably gonna make some part of fandom upset. But it is what it is and we can just enjoy or choose not to.

#gintama #Tsukuyo #gintoki #Gintoki x Tsukuyo #Red Spider arc #gintsu #gintsuki #dissecting #love this arc so much i need it to get out of my system

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spongebob-connoisseur · 2 years

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Who do you think does better job as the showrunner?? Paul Tibbit or Vincent Waller??

Hmmmm gonna say Vincent Waller.

I know this is probably my personal biases. Enjoying modern seasons + dislike of the middle era.

I just find the middle seasons that Paul was responsible for to be so bland and strayed too far away from what spongebob is about.

To be fair, both modern and middle eras strayed far from the original concept of Spongebob but I at least find the modern one enjoyable.

There's a lot of things I could list. The tone for the middle seasons was so mean spirited. Everyone being so cruel and mean to sponge. Even downright violent. Spongebob himself couldn't do a thing without messing up stuff. I can use Patrick as a good example of a character who really became so mean to sponge. Even so much so that there's multiple episodes where they aknowlege Patrick is a bad friend and person over all.

Character designs looked so out of place. They didn't fit the show's style much at all or occasionally weirdly sexualized.

Pacing was really off. Jokes rarely landed and so often there's a weird dead air between characters. Dialogue ends up being so bland.

Animation was so stiff. I get the modern seasons can be too expressive at times but I'd take that over how blank and expressionless the show was during this era. You only ever see them in the same perspective. Their expressions are so boring? Sometimes I feel like you can use the middle eras animation as a guide of what not to do.

I could go on but the middle era already has a lot of scrutiny. Not all of the middle era is like that. There's some good episodes but a lot of it just ain't it for me.

I don't want this all to be just me dunking on the middle era. I enjoy the modern era that Vincent Waller is responsible for. They fixed the pacing issue quickly. No more weird dead air. But they really went in the opposite direction. From nothing going on to EVERYTHING going on. I remember when I was first watching season 12, it made me a little dizzy.

Still the cleaned up most of the issues I had with the middle era. Like Patrick! There's still some duds but I like that they remember Patrick and Spongebob are supposed to be best friends and that Patrick genuinely loves sponge and Spongebob genuinely loves Pat back. I REALLY recommend The Whole Tooth or Patrick's Coupon.

Also the show is finally taking advantage of its bigger budget and actually having movement and expression. Sometimes too much but I don't mind it. When was the last time we had a cartoon with fun wacky expressions? Plus the more extreme expressions were season 12.

Seasons 9,10,11 had a better balance. I feel like expressiveness might dial down with season 13. There's not much episodes have been released for season 13 but the ones that have been seem to be cartoony but less expressive and I like it? I hope they keep going like that.

Oh also forgot to mention. The tone is nicer? Yeah it's not going to be mature™™™ like the classic era is. But its fun and lighthearted. Other characters like spongebob. He isn't treated as a pest like the middle era. Yeah he can be a little annoying but no one is downright malicious to him. It's a lot more fun and I'm also glad we have episodes of Spongebob that isn't just him messing up and destroying things/people trying to kill him ya kno?

Yeah I prefer Vincent's direction for the show a whole lot more. He gets a lot of hate since it isn't classic spongebob. But that's kinda the natural order of sponge. The same happened to Paul Tibbit.

In fact, a lot of the things people say about Vincent Waller is just copy and paste of what they said about Paul Tibbit. Because it isn't classic spongebob.

I feel bad tho for Paul Tibbit? Yeah the seasons he made aren't my favorite but mans got so much death threats and basically people saying weird shit like he should've never been born for what?? For making a few bad episodes?? Y'all okay?? Mans just accepted it. But its so fucked up.

Anyways I'm getting off topic. Who do you prefer and why? I'm curious and wanna know 👀

#spongebob #spongebob squarepants #sb #the spongebob connoisseur #spongebon squarepants #spongebob meme #Ask

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bookwyrminspiration · 3 years

Note

Finally read the new chapter!

-The dragon scale continues to fascinate me. What is its purpose? What strange things will it do?

-Elwin <3

-Finally got to find out what happened to Dex! Ngl I sort of forgot about him, it’s weird to think we haven’t seen him since… chapter 3? I think? I love the mental image of him with half mechanical owl wings, it fits him so well.

-Echo! I have many questions about it/pos. Is it drawn to emotions? What is its connection to Sophie? How much does it know about how the monsters work? I feel like it Knows Things, and I really want to figure out what those things are.

-Is Marella looking for Echo? Is it the dragon scale controlling her decisions to some extent?

-Dex talking about how he needs to accept that the wings are part of who they are now is interesting. Sophie’s spent pretty much the whole story kind of denying the wings? Idk if that’s the right word but it’s like she doesn’t want to see them as part of herself or even as a permanent thing. She wants to distance herself from them and maybe even get rid of them. But that isn’t possible at this point, and probably never was.

Looking forward to the next part!

don't worry about when you read the chapters! no time requirements! but I'm glad you enjoyed it! I actually just got done working on it for the day so perfect time to answer this ask.

-oo the dragon scale. the mystery! what does it mean! is it the dragon scale itself that has meaning or does it represent something bigger? i love dragons (if you couldn't tell from), so I'm very excited to have little elements of them scattered throughout the story. I was overjoyed when I realized how well they would fit in, because originally the only representation of them in the au was going to be in wing form, but then I reasoning if there were dragon wings, there could be actual dragons too!!

-you said it so well. elwin <3. he's so much fun to have around. he's a responsible adult but not like...a responsible adult. if that makes sense. he doesn't mind breaking the rules or the law if it gets him what he wants in the end (healthy children)

- and dex! he's back for a longer interaction with more dialogue! I think the last time we talked to him was chapter...eight? whenever Sophie attacked Biana, because he comforted her after that. But that was a relatively brief interaction, so it was really fun to go more in depth with him. And it also added some lighthearted fun because Sophie just barged in on him and embarrassed herself a little.

won't lie tho I also forgot about him a little. there's ten characters i'm trying to keep track of all the time plus thinking about what all the side characters would be doing during this time. and there are characters I've neglected a little more because we don't know them as well in canon, but once we get through this arc I want to get more to them! I have some ideas for Maruca and I would love to explore them, it's just not a good time in the story at the moment!

oh and his wings have been something I've been looking forward to for so long, so I'm very excited to finally be getting there! his was one of the first ones I decided on after Linh's. I just looked at him and went oh okay you're gonna build your wings, but then I needed a reason why he'd build them when everyone else grew them, which sparked the events of chapter...five? four? whenever I hurt him. and it was something I planned from the very beginning! if you look at the end of the first chapter (you don't actually have to) you may notice that I describe him as separate from the group, farther away, and Sophie notices. While it doesn't specifically mean anything, this was very early hinting that he'd be different from everyone else.

and one more thing about Dex: it wasn't until I got part way into the story that I realized I'd never actually decided what his original wings would be and so I had to figure that out on the fly! I'd just been thinking so mechanical I forgot he needed wings for me to ruin first. but I think owl suits him!

- Echo, my beloved. It's existence was accidental but I love it so much. And it's not just a fun little creature to fill space, it also has a purpose and affects the story. i was actually just writing about it a little! And all your questions and observations are so good that I actually can't answer them. But you're right on the nose! you're asking the right questions! you're noticing the things I want you to notice about it! So much so that I literally can't say anything about what you said about it!! seriously how did you nail it so well I'm impressed

-And Marella...what is that girl doing. The sheer chaos she's exhibiting isn't like her at all! What's going on! She's asking about Echo and there's a scale nearby and she's got dragon wings and ah! so many things! this is another one of those questions I can't answer, but I can say at least part of it will be answered in the next chapter!

- okay okay okay I am absolutely thrilled you've noticed this because there's a detail I've been wanting to point out for so long and now!! I have the chance!! So Sophie does get a little bit of a shock with how casual Dex appears about the whole situation and how he's taken it in stride--specifically, seeing the wings as a part of him.

there's something I've been doing, a really minor thing, throughout the whole story. it's the words I use when Sophie thinks about the wings. looking at the first few chapters, she calls them "the wings," "the things," "the wings at her back," and views them as other from herself. When she talks about them she talks about them like a separate entity that just happens to be attached to her, but not part of her.

At least she used to. gradually, over the past few chapters, she's started calling them "her wings." I don't think she's realized she made the shift yet, but she's beginning to own them and to call them hers. They're not so other anymore, not like they were in the first chapters. And yes, it's still relatively new to her, but it's not as alien as it once was. again, this is a really minor detail but something I've been fairly attentive to and deliberate about. And I don't think is the kind of thing you necessarily would notice you did a whole reread (and that's a lot of words and time), so I thought i'd point it out !!

also, thanks for reading! I'm also looking forward to the next part, so hopefully that one is just as good--little more dramatic than this one, little more confusing and high stakes. But I think these next few are gonna be a lot of fun!!

#someone teach me how to be concise /j #me: I wonder why it takes me a while to answer asks #also me: writes 1000 word responses to every ask #(not every ask but all my responses are several hundred words at least)#i'm very curious to see what you all think of this next chapter #things from as far back as chapter seven are coming back #and I will not be giving these kids a break :)#i will instead break them #it makes for a good story tho #kotlc #keeper of the lost cities #long post #quil's queries #tiergan-andrin-alenefar #kotlc wings au #wings au asks #shattered upside down

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angeltrapz · 3 years

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SAW ASK!!!!!! 💞 n ee wayz as far as Eric/Adam goes i wld love to hear yr thoughts on how their relationship looks @ th very beginning when Eric still v v fresh in his recovery (obvs we’ve talked a lil abt this both but expandin on stuff), n also u mentioned Eric knowing how to bake (at least some things) n id LOVE to hear more abt that!! also for a general SAW polycule question, just bc it’s a dynamic i don’t think either of us have rlly touched on, thoughts on William + Mallick?

SAW ASK!!! (tysm!! <3)

okay so Eric/Adam:

I rly like th idea u had where they meet at one of Bobby’s groups (also throwing in tht I think abt Group Therapy All The Time) bc like. neither of them want to be there, neither of them rly have much in common w any other survivors, n neither of them can stand Bobby Dagen. so tht’s still like, th foundation fr how these 2 meet to me lol. the idea of them listening 2 him talk while rolling their eyes at each other n fake gagging is So Good.

I feel like Adam is just... rly open? w Eric? bc god does he understand how fucking hard it is 2 be around ppl after smth like that - maybe not to the same extent (though they DO have tht solidarity), but like. there’s only so many times u can hear “I’m so sorry tht happened/I can only imagine what u went thru” b4 yr ready 2 just tell ppl to shut the fuck up. so like, on Eric’s side of things, not getting tht frm Adam? not hearing the whole “I’m rly sorry u almost lost yr son and were locked up fr six months”? tht’s foreign territory ENTIRELY 2 him. sorry is all anyone has to say, even other survivors. Adam not saying sorry n instead being like “well I’m glad yr still around” is kind of what makes tht decision in Eric’s head like, yes, I think I want 2 get to know this dude. He Gets It.

n Adam is just patient too. letting Eric come 2 him, making sure he knows he’s there, tht sorta thing, bc regardless of how much he likes Adam, being around ppl again is not smth he can just jump into. it’s a wound tht is still raw n open n aching n he needs to treat it w care instead of rubbing salt in. n Eric half expects tht to turn Adam away, esp when he sometimes goes a day w no communication, but it doesn’t n he’s just sorta like ??? bc Eric never rly... saw some1 making tht kind of accommodation fr him, never expected some1 to understand it. tht’s another region I feel they’re very similar in - contact, sometimes, can b very very hard, even over text. if they don’t speak all day, tht’s okay - they send each other “i’m okay” texts n th other person responds w “good” n tht’s fine. Adam provides compromises when Eric never even knew tht was a possibility. it’s good.

things progress kinda slowly but not in a bad way. they’re just kind of getting used 2 each other - both of them have been alone fr so long, having some1 in their lives tht they give a shit abt n who gives a shit abt them is smth they’re both navigating. fr Eric, it’s being around some1 consistently after his trap. fr Adam, it’s actually having a friend who doesn’t make him feel like shit + having some1 he can definitively say is there. sometimes its easier 2 sit in comfortable silence than it is to force a convo neither of thm rly have the energy fr. sometimes just being in a room together is enough. tht’s smth they both notice - tht it’s like. they find it easy 2 be around each other. which is SO foreign to both of thm so they’re just kinda feelin it out?

n again like u’ve written b4, I also feel one of th turning points is when Eric calls Adam abt his hair + Adam shaves it fr him in his bathroom. tht’s th point where they’re both like “oh, I rly care abt this person.” bc it’s three in th fucking morning, Adam didn’t even have 2 pick up his phone or even answer when he saw it was Eric. but he did, bc he cares, bc he wants to help, n Adam’s just kinda freaking out internally too bc it’s been a looong time since he’s felt tht way abt some1 - he just wants Eric 2 be okay. n it’s then tht he’s kinda like, coming 2 terms w th fact that he truly cares abt someone who he can say without a doubt cares abt him too and it’s just like. oof. ESP when Eric sleeps over bc again, it’s early as fuck, and isn’t it so much easier 2 just have him stay? isn’t it easier fr Adam to make space fr Eric in his bed n home n heart? n Eric actually doesn’t tell Adam abt this later, but tht night he sleeps over after Adam shaves his hair? it’s th best he’s slept in fucking weeks.

I feel like after tht they’re a LOT more comfortable w each other - not tht they weren’t b4; I mean in th sense tht when they’re not doing too great, they’ll reach out 2 each other rather than bottling it up n dealing w it alone. Adam comes over w CDs he likes bc he can’t talk abt it but he doesn’t want 2 be by himself n they sit in Eric’s living room together in comfortable silence. sometimes Eric sings 2 him. they both find tht it helps. Eric becomes more accustomed 2 accepting help when he knows he needs it + Adam offers - dimming th lights n staying close by to keep him frm getting another migraine, having th TV on but w the sound down low enough tht it doesn’t feel like some1′s hitting him over th head w too-loud dialogue, getting things fr him on th days tht his nerve pain flares up n he’s mostly confined 2 his bed. they’re there fr each other. this is what friendship looks like fr them, two Jigsaw survivors who understand each other better than any1 else ever could.

another huge step fr them is like, th first time Adam offers 2 help w Eric’s rashes. I feel like, even as they grow closer, tht’s still not smth he’s vocal abt/comfortable showing often, something he’s ashamed of bc he feels like it’s gross n he doesn’t want 2 like. make Adam deal w that. but like during one of their sleepovers where Adam cuts his hair fr him n Eric’s got his shirt off he just. grabs the ointment he knows Eric keeps in th cabinet above the sink n while Eric’s still sitting w his back to him, he wordlessly begins tending 2 the rash spread along Eric’s shoulders n his neck n back, n Eric just. freezes. Adam doesn’t say anything, just does it fr him, n Eric kinda. Breaks Down a lil bit. like he just starts silently sobbing bc Adam doesn’t have 2 do this. he doesn’t have to help him w one of th things Eric hates most abt his own body. he could think it’s Gross. but he doesn’t think it’s gross n he doesn’t mind touching it and he’s so gentle when applying the ointment n then when he’s done he just kind of leans against Eric’s back bc He Knows. he reaches around front n grabs one of Eric’s hands n just sits there w him while he cries it out, holding his hand 2 say I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere, n that is MAJOR fr Eric. and honestly? tht’s kind of th first time he Rly becomes aware of “oh fuck I love him.” (Adam too, ngl)

basically, the way it starts is a shared experience, smth no one else can rly say they have, an understanding based on tht shared experience. giving each other space until they begin inviting each other in. care, patience, “I’m here.” re-learning th feeling of mutual concern. somewhere along th way, it turns into love, and somehow falling into tht is just as easy.

Eric + baking:

YES I love this hc!! this is smth he picked up during his time btwn jobs during th earlier stages of recovery (but After meeting Adam/connecting w Art) bc he needed smth to do n was just sorta like, “well I guess this works huh?” n like. it was def a learning curve bc Eric can cook, relatively well/at least okay, but baking is a entirely different matter. at frst he was kinda discouraged when things didn’t turn out th way he hoped they would, but w gentle guidance on Art’s side n enthusiastic encouragement frm Adam, he stuck w it n has gotten pretty good as a result!! his fave things 2 make r peanut butter cookies (he does a little design on th top w a fork n both Adam + Art r like Oh My God That’s Adorable) + th aforementioned carrot cake cupcakes!! frosting is usually homemade n it’s usually cream cheese! he makes his own frosting fr cakes n stuff too (Constantly has 2 tell Adam to “keep yr hands off of th frosting/batter/dough! we’re not gonna have any left!!!” even tho tht Doesn’t stop him).

he makes rly good banana bread too! tht one was a lil harder 2 learn but he’s honestly pretty proud of it now. it’s so funny bc Adam typically doesn’t like stuff like tht but if Eric made it? oh it’s Amazing. (he’s like tht w Art’s cooking too kjdfhjs partially bc he is a Disaster in th kitchen, but also bc That’s His BF/Best Friend!!!)

if some1 is feeling particularly shitty he takes requests (Adam usually wants brownies + Art is partial 2 peanut butter cookies but w chocolate chips too) n it’s just a nice lil thing he can do 2 help, which is smth he Always wants to do. he also stress bakes tho so sometimes his bfs have 2 just kinda like check in n make sure he’s doing okay. but! yeah baking is smth he enjoys + is relatively good at!!

William/Mallick dynamic:

yr right I haven’t thought abt this dynamic much but I Am Now!!!

I feel like at his core, William is def a caretaker. Mallick, 2 me, is someone who is just wholly unfamiliar w being cared for. so like, at the Very Least, they’re both dating Adam + Lawrence, right? they spend a lot of time around each other. plenty enough time fr William 2 pick up on this. it just kinda. makes his heart hurt, bc he sees the unease in Mallick’s eyes every time one of thm performs even th smallest acts of kindness fr him - not bc he doesn’t appreciate it/doesn’t want it, but because it’s more that he feels like he doesn’t deserve it. n William Sees That and is just like. I Need U To Know You’re Loved.

they’re comfortable w each other, of course they are! they’re friends, good friends, who happen 2 be dating th same people! who go to bed together at night n wake up w each other in th morning. it’s love, they know tht, but Mallick still always looks so surprised when William makes waffles fr him fr breakfast. William cares.

n Mallick can kinda feel it, and he’s not resistant 2 it, but he’s definitely on edge abt it a little. but William also just has this air abt him that Mallick finds it hard to stay keyed up in, so it doesn’t rly take long fr Mallick to at least be at peace w William’s attention. but the moment he starts to really fathom it is during one of those days he can’t get himself 2 relax n is just shaking out on the couch, knees drawn up to his chest n his arm wrapped around thm, just kinda staring down at th carpet n just Not having the energy to get himself out of his own head. Lawrence + Adam r at work n Eric is taking a quick nap so it’s just Mallick n William.

so Mallick is sitting there spiraling n his breaths r coming out a little fast n William just sits down beside him, a mug of warm tea tht he sets down on th coffee table fr a moment, n he just rests a hand on Mallick’s shoulder. doesn’t say anything, just sort of like. offers tht bridge, opens tht avenue. n Mallick is like This Close to just breaking entirely, but what rly does it is when William just swipes his thumb over his shoulder n squeezes. n Mallick rly DOES break down, almost ugly-sobbing and wheezing, n somehow he ends up w his face in William’s neck, pretty much curled into his side, n tht’s when it truly hits him how much William cares abt him too. tht there are Several People who hold tht kind of room fr him in their hearts n lives. William didn’t even have 2 say anything fr Mallick to understand that, to know it as truth. n tht’s like, one of th events tht actually leads Mallick to building up tht self-esteem, knowing that.

n after tht happens, Mallick is a little less reluctant abt accepting William’s (+ everyone else’s!) help, at least some of the time. like Mallick will catch himself digging his fingers a lil too harshly into th stump of his arm (I’m w u on 10 Pints resulting in at least a partial amputation - like what was tht little scar in 3D???) n then he’ll feel William’s hand cover his n gently curl around his palm 2 be like “I’m not gonna say anything, but I see you, it’s okay,” n his grip relaxes. Eric will notice he’s working himself up too much n he’ll reach out n take one of his hands while he’s pacing + laces their fingers together so tht Mallick has to pause a moment n then he’s able to breathe. Lawrence stumbles across him in th midst of a panic attack n Mallick finds himself breathing easier when Lawrence takes one of his hands, places it over his chest + his heart, n breathes w him. Adam holds him when he jolts awake frm a nightmare. lil things like tht.

one of their fave things to help them both de-stress is they’ll lay in bed n William will read out loud to Mallick, who has his head on his chest n is listening but doesn’t have to put too much energy into keeping up, bc it’s mostly abt being close + having smth to fill the silence tht neither of them feel particularly comfortable in anymore. sometimes Mallick falls asleep n it honestly makes William rly happy bc not only is Mallick relaxed enough to actually close his eyes, he also trusts William enough to fall asleep around him, trusts him during a time he’s at his most vulnerable. it’s not uncommon fr Lawrence to get home frm work to find th two of them curled up against th pillows, sometimes both asleep or just Mallick while William continues reading silently and brushes his fingers thru Mallick’s hair. Adam def has a pic of them like tht somewhere, hung up on th cork board Art had bought specifically fr those kinds of photos. it’s smth easy tht doesn’t really require much energy + has the added bonus of just being close to n held by someone u love n who loves u.

and they help each other. sometimes William has a rly hard time looking at himself, the days where his guilt sits heavy in his chest n doesn’t seem 2 want to anywhere, n Mallick will just sit w him outside on th porch swing and just Be There bc it’s like. “I’m here, I want to b here, Jigsaw was wrong, you are not a terrible person, u did what u could w what u had and I love you,” in a single action. I think William also struggles, like u’ve mentioned tht Eric does, w th guilt of what happened + feeling like it was his fault. so Mallick sitting w him, their shoulders brushing, fr William it’s like, if he was truly as awful a person as John seemed 2 think he was, wld Mallick be this close? wld Mallick willingly lay down beside him some nights n kiss him good morning? wld he kiss him again on th cheek after he makes a fresh pot of coffee + pancakes? n William knows tht Mallick wouldn’t keep himself so close if John was right, so it’s like. proof of tht. n tht means a lot to William. sometimes tht’s all he needs.

they don’t have 2 deal w their struggles alone. they’re both surrounded by ppl who love them n want to see them do well - it’s only natural they feel tht way abt each other, too.

#saw #eric #adam #william #mallick #long post #loved LOVED this ask!!! got me thinkin!!#also I think I might. write smth fr polycule + William/Mallick bc now I'm thinking abt them #ty again adam s4w beloved mutual!! <3 #asks #also update I think I'm gonna. actually start tht masterpost tomorrow lol I!!! crashed hard th other night oops #+ wanted 2 mention I did reference yr answer 2 my Mallick/Eric/Adam ask also!! what w Mallick pacing n Eric taking his hand n all!!

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lockhvrts · 4 years

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Hey Em! How you feeling about tlou2? I'm still sobbing 😭

hi rilee :’) hope you're doing well❤️ i actually wanted to ask you too lmao and same this game wrecked me

..okay so i have many thoughts n things i want to say id actually just would link you a review that goes more into detail and is more cohesive than my messy essay so i’ll try my best and keep this short as possible tho and i apologize for my english lmfao :

SPOILERS FOR TLOU2 OBVIOUSLY

also if anyone disagrees with me and is about to send me an essay why i am a h*mophobic, tr*nsphobic and alt r*ght piece of trash bc i didnt praise the shit out of tlou2

i'm glad that you enjoyed the game so much that its a masterpiece and 10/10 in your eyes , i honestly respect your opinion (and i wanted to love this game too) but maybe rethink what you're about to do and let other people have different opinions without bashing them? it literally doesn't affect you in any way that i didn't enjoy it ( and no it wasn't enjoyable for me bc a character i like died)

postive:

the gameplay is fluid and responsive (there were some minor issues but its still great), definitely improved compared to the first game, id love to have a little bit of more enemy variety bc it got kind of tiring after the 20th encounter that basically felt the same as the ones before (tho i appreciate the stealth gameplay , sneaking around the map and taking out enemies while being prone like in mgsv was thrilling)

animation, graphics , level design, acting, sound design: ND succeeded in creating another jaw dropping immersive cinematic experience is all i have to say, this is one the best looking games i've ever played (i cant believe a 7 yr old machine can run this game)

music: i'm glad that gustavo santaolalla is back for the sequel! it wouldn't feel the same without him, his music adds so much to the experience

negative: the controversial part lmao

story, characters: I’ll be honest i prefer tlou1 + left behind story wise. i personally don't like the structure of it in the sequel, too many empty side characters, some character / plot decisions generally didn't make sense for me, the dialogue/writing felt out of place and kind of odd sometimes (compared to the scenes from the flashbacks with joel and ellie) and the last hours were dragged out for some reason i just wanted to be done as quickly as possible with it tbh

jesse was your typical nice guy™ who will definitely be killed off to move the plot forward. the only thing i remember is that he’s dinas ex boyfriend + father of jj dont get me wrong i like and didn't mind him but he has nothing interesting to add to the story. also funny how they literally did not mention him once after his death

owen and the other WLF members were just kinda there..? i don't have much else to say about them besides that they felt empty i tried to understand them and their stories but i didn't care for them in the end its prob my fault but henry, sam, bill and riley were more compelling to me

lev and yara were great i liked them both , its just that especially lev was just there to make abby seem more humane, i didn't like that ND tried to create a similar dynamic between them like in the first game with ellie and joel it didn't particularly make me like her more speaking of which:

abby shows barely to no remorse for the things she did. what she did show was that she enjoyed torturing joel, killing seraphites and almost knowingly murdering a pregnant women (dina) and now ND shoves us this forced narrative of her being a good person into our face like how she would've accepted to die for the cure, has friends and a dog that she treats well (which we as ellie were forced to kill to make her seem even more like a villain in contrast to abby) , takes care of yara and lev (granted out of guilt for joel maybe? but i'm not sure) also making her seem more humane bc she has a fear of height? but abby would kill anyone who is not on her good side this time without a problem as we’ve seen plenty while playing as her what i'm surprised about is that i weirdly didn't hate her or anything guess they succeeded in making me feel some pity for her in the end

yes i also had some issues with the way tommy, ellie and joel were portrayed but i think i'm gonna stop here and give you a

TLDR:

gameplay ,graphics, animation, acting etc: solid 9/10

story (structure, writing, dialogue,characters etc) : 4-5/10 seems harsh but i am comparing it to the first game, if this was a different ip maybe an 8/10

all in all a its 6-7/10 for me, this game made me feel emotions (not particularly positive ones lmfao) i've never felt in any other medium before, only the first game comes close.

tlou2 is bleak, hopeless and messy at times with some rare light moments like the flashbacks of joel and ellie that i enjoyed the most and wished we’d gotten more of while also exploring joel and ellie's present relationship on her quest of finding the truth about the hospital incident and maybe also learning more about her immunity alas this was not the case as seemingly promoted by neil and some misleading trailers.

would i want to play this again? to be honest not really I’ll maybe try clearing the trophies but going back to just casually play it like i did with tlou1 no i don't think so for now.

#asks #apocalypsekid #finally done this took me way too long #i am actually scared to publish this but f it lmao #also my grammar is awful but yeah #tlou2 spoilers #(just in case)#txt.personal #long post #why was this tagged as g**ingedit DHJSGDG #*edit bc i phrased it weird:#i dont hate tlou2 i can see what nd was trying to do; the story just had pacing and writing issues IMO #(the fact that a character i liked died has nothing to do with my relatively low rating)

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