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safetycar-restart · 1 year

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Back with some more thoughts for our beloved PA!charles. As your relationship continues, Charles runs into a little problem at work. He keeps getting hard in the office and struggles to hide it. He wants to do the best possible job for you and feels so guilty that he might be letting himself get distracted from his work. But he can’t help it, he’s a very horny boy and it’s easy to start daydreaming about how you had him bent over the kitchen counter the night before, or how you promised he could ride your thigh some time in your office, etc etc. Before he knows it he’s painfully hard and wasted a good 30 minutes chewing away at his pen rather than completing his paperwork. The poor boy feels so so bad, this keeps happening and he feels like he’s letting his work slip. Maybe he starts to avoid you a bit at work so he can try and get himself back on track?? You notice he doesn’t check up on you as much, isn’t sporting his sweet little smile as he brings you his coffee.

Like you said in a previous prompt, one time he ends up accidentally double booking your appointments and it all comes crashing down. You have a sobbing Charles in your arms, insisting he’s a bad boy who does a bad job at work. It takes until the evening when you’re home from work and sorted the confusion with the double booking that he starts to blame himself for being too needy and horny. You reassure him that he’s allowed to feel like that, he’s your good boy!! He made a small mistake, it happens. He gets to be needy!! But you don’t want him feeling insecure about his work.

That night you come up with a solution, bringing the idea to Charles that maybe he could wear a cock cage in the office. At first it seems a little scary, but he warms to the thought of giving over that sort of control to you. You ease him into it, watching some videos online and helping him pick out a couple to order. You try it in the evenings after work, building up to the weekend when he feels ready to wear it all day. It makes him feel so secure and subby, loves knowing that you have complete control of his pleasure, that he can’t get hard unless you allow it. He can’t believe he never thought of this before. Soon enough, you putting on the cage in the morning becomes his favourite part of the day. After he’s washed and eaten breakfast he gets to fetch the cage and sit on your lap, blushing as you remark that his cock belongs to you. Now when he’s at work and his thoughts start to drift, the cool metal denying his hardness grounds him and brings him back to the present, secure in the knowledge that you have him under control. (I could literally write essays about PA!charles this is my new obsession)

Right firstly, please write essays about PA!charles. Every person on this blog would eat that up every single time. And then secondly, oh my god I love this?? These are thoughts are fucking incredible. Anon I hope you know I would die for you and so would half of this blog. Anyway, let’s get to this incredible ask.

Of course he’s gonna get horny and distracted all day!! He used to get distracted with thoughts about you even before the two of you got together. But now? Now that his fantasies aren’t just dreams? There’s no way for him to not be distracted!

He thought he would have gotten better and more focused now that you’re actually fucking him, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s always horny now, always thinking about how well you treat him, how much he loves you, how badly he wants to be your good boy.

It’s a matter of time until he makes a mistake, which is why he tries to distance himself from you. But honestly, distancing himself is the worst thing to do?

He thrives on your love and attention. Nothing him grounds him like when you just give him a little smile, or offer him a quick hug. He lives for those moments.

So depriving himself of them only make him more scatter brained? He wants so badly to sit down with you when he brings you coffee, to hear more about your day and plans and to enjoy your company. But instead he just gives you your coffee and leaves, not wanting to tempt himself.

Which only makes the situation worse.

He just keeps on spiralling, berating himself for being horny at work and then making mistakes which makes him more upset and it just keeps on getting worse.

I also think he becomes even clingier outside of work? He burrows himself in your arms the moment you get home, refusing to let go because he’s spent the whole day going between painfully hard and wanting to cry and now he’s just so tired and uncertain of himself and needs cuddles.

It all culminates to him accidentally double booking you. The funny thing is, it’s not even that big of a deal? He double books you for a meeting with a colleague and a meeting with someone visiting from out of town. Your colleague has no problem moving the meeting to over lunch the next day and the person coming from out of town ever even finds out about the mix up.

But poor Charles beats himself up for it so bad that you end up having to take a half day and take him home. The poor thing was literally getting tears on his keyboard.

He doesn’t stop apologising the whole day home, a constant stream of babble and tears as begs for forgiveness and promises to be better. It just breaks your heart because he doesn’t need to be better!! He’s already the best assistant and sub that you could ever ask for.

You don’t realise how bad it is until charles says that it happened because he was too needy, because he couldn’t stop thinking about you.

You hate that he thinks he shouldn’t be needy. He can always be needy!! He’s your sweet sub, and part of his job is to be needy and horny all the time.

The cockcage is absolutely the perfect solution. And yeah he’s scared of it at first, cause it looks all scary and metal but you sooth him and take it very slow. At first you don’t even lock it, just fit it over his cock and leave it there for a minute and then take it off.

Charles loves. From the moment you put it on, he loved it.

He loves everything about it, the comforting weight, the fact that you put him in, the gentle way you handle his cock, how safe he feels. He loves every single thing about it.

You expect it to be a temporary thing, but no Charles adores it so much. He loves that he physically can’t get hard at work anymore, that you take that away from him and will give it back once he’s home and safe.

It also makes him feel so nice and owned? He no longer gets all pouty and jealous when you have long meetings or when people try to enquire with him whether you’re single. No one else gets their cock gently cleaned and tucked into a cage by you, no one else has their pleasure entirely controlled by you, no one else is your good boy.

He’s just amazed at how well he can focus on work now? It’s like that horny side of himself just disappears once you’ve got him in the cage. He still feels subby and needy, he always will, but it’s manageable. Especially because you’re always close to him and he can come gets a kiss and a quick cuddle whenever he wants.

(It should be noted, however, that the cock cage doesn’t stop his desire to eat you out at work. Nothing will ever stop that desire. He’s insatiable about it.)

#PA!charles #cl #nsfw.#soft soft vibes #sub!charles #gn!reader

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psshaw · 2 years

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Making a website when you're young is so easy, y'know? You've just turned 10, and you found this cool new band called My Chemical Romance, and it made you feel emotions, so of course you grind out two weeks to code a website to tell EVERYONE about this band b/c you're dumb and young and sincere. Now you're in your 30s and it's like what the fuck am you going to make a website about: your business prospects? Time kills sincerity, and what you're left with is a functionality that very few of us have reason or interest to serve. Coding is easy; figuring out why is much harder, imo.

Oh dude, I don’t think that’s (necessarily) true at all!

First of all, there’s plenty of 30-year-olds who live to Consume. Society is now VERY interested in encouraging fandom, mainly because it makes you buy more shit. People our age aren’t all coming home from work to lay down and watch sports, they’re coming home from work to write fanfic and buy rayon hoodies with Undertale characters on them.

Second, a lot of the Neocities sites I see are really interesting in how they become personal. Repositories for art and collage and coding projects, lists of book reviews or CD collections or obscure games, galleries of cool outfits they’ve put together or little essays on learning a language or traveling or ethics or refurbishing old electronics. Any hobby is fair game. Anything it makes you feel better to get off your chest.

Coding the site itself is communication! Website design is what piqued my interest in graphic design, which is now my job. Arranging paragraphs and images and fonts and colors is something that can be so personal…….

I do grok you in a way, though— now that social media has taught us to expect 10000 images/ideas/hot takes in 15 minutes, it can be hard to slow down and think of how to communicate something concisely. But I think if it’s worth blogging about or tweeting, it might be worth making a thoughtful webpage about. It’ll certainly get fewer people yelling at you, haha.

#also I thought your math was wrong but turns out:#if you heard their first ep it is ENTIRELY POSSIBLE to be 30 and have liked MCR when you were 10

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keepthyfaithandthylight · 3 years

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Going off of my previous post, have another one (I say, forcing you all to look at the monstrosities of my own mind) (I accidentally posted this in my rush to get into the car in the rain so we’re redoing this.) you all know what is about to happen.

How everyone in frev that I can remember might be as… modern students…

Danton: l o u d. He’s the kid who fights and argues with the teacher, is disrespectful all of that. Copies other kids’ homework because despite the fact that he is a terrible student he doesn’t want to miss the credits for the class. You know the type I’m describing. Fights in the hallways, essentially the main crowd in public school. The loud class clown, if you will. That’s all I can say. His notes would most likely look like a kindergartener vomited up any nonsense that came to mind. Does not believe in studying, uses the “if I sleep on my book the knowledge will seep into my mind and therefore I will pass the test” logic. Sits in the back and eats hot Cheetos. Flirts with all of the girls, especially popular girls but he will go for literally any. Luckily I don’t think he would go so far as to have his pants down at his knees walking through the hallway but who knows (that was definitely not a direct jab at the kids in my school). Maybe he would play football, but probably to get with some of the girls.

Desmoulins: he probably takes decent notes, sometimes participates in class but not constantly. Sometimes he will sit with Danton, other times he will sit elsewhere. Either way he is known amongst almost everyone in class. Exceptionally good in English and writes the school paper, also part of yearbook club. Sits with his girlfriend at lunch, they’re nearly attached at the hip it’s almost terrifying. Studies sometimes, but not always, yet either way he somehow passes each test every time. Has Danton convinced he’s psychic or that he’s pulling a sneaky trick with the teacher (I.e. “I’ll pay you a lot of money to give me an A”). Doesn’t really play sports. Wears things that you might find in stores like vans and zumiez, isn’t really bad at dressing well on most occasions (unlike some cough). Wears vans too. Can charm his way out of an argument with classmates and teachers, but will cry over math homework or a bad grade, then his girlfriend has to come over and bring him ice cream. It’s fine.

Robespierre: takes very good notes, always answers questions if Camille doesn’t first. Very organized, color codes everything, his notes are very easy to navigate and almost everyone borrows them. He doesn’t mind in most cases, but starts to get annoyed with Danton about it as it is a daily thing. Can and will argue with the teacher on occasion (I know I don’t need to describe the situation I’m talking about) has a reputation for this. He’s polite most of the time but if the teacher gets sassy so will he. Studies a lot, sometimes too much and he will end up pulling an all-nighter. All of the girls love him, Danton can not figure out why. He walks in the room and the girls swoon, Danton is entirely perplexed by this. Is also very good at English, though he goes over the word limit for essays quite frequently and can get points taken off for this. The teacher will still give him a pat on the back however. Dresses in pastel colors, but will dress in knit sweaters as well (gen-z fashion icon am I right.) in the colder weather. Doesn’t do sports but will audition for the school musical. Will bring snacks for his friends sometimes, but not all of the time. Sits in the front.

Saint Just: his notes aren’t bad, but no one will go running up to him to borrow them. Mostly just sits in the back corner and listens to music, still does his work though. Will glare at Danton and Camille from across the classroom, does so on a daily basis. Brought Robespierre a pastry on his birthday, tried to make it from scratch at first, key word tried. It’s the thought that counts. Also brings coffee for Robespierre when he pulls all-nighters followed by a “why do you do this to yourself??” And an exasperated sigh. The teachers have marked him absent on multiple occasions because he’s just… in the back. Silently. Studies frequently, but not as much as Robespierre, though they do study together sometimes. Might do some really obscure sport that the others didn’t even know the school had, Robespierre got him to join in on the musical performance wise once, and sure he’s all about supporting Max in his theatrical endeavors but he’d probably rather be in charge of the background jobs, giving Robespierre a thumbs up from the catwalk during practice. Sometimes eats lunch with Robespierre.

Marat: when I say science “is his jam” as well as English. Argues with teachers almost daily but they can’t really do anything about it because every single time he makes good points. Gets along with no one. Will use his backpack as a weapon in a fight (everyone remember that one vine?) has no idea what Charlotte has against him but doesn’t really talk about it much. Just gives really uncomfortable looks when she glares at him and snaps a pencil in half in pure rage. President of the science club and the school newspaper. Camille hates this but doesn’t really question it, and tries to get along. Known for being absent a lot but only due to his skin so the school can’t really say anything about it. His writing is… aggressive. No one can really read it. Don’t even start on his notes. An absolute mess that really only makes sense to him. He dresses like a rat (pun intended) but.. in the “appeal to the gen-z gays” kind of way.

Charlotte Corday: teacher’s pet to the maximum level. As in, to the point where it’s actually a problem. Aside from that just copy and paste my previous post and you’ll get what I’m talking about.

Marie Antoinette: exchange student, you either love her or hate her. Queen bee prom Queen, wears nothing but name brand designer clothing. The “it” girl shall we say. Like Regina George but slightly less bitchy, I suppose.

Louis XVI: kind of a shy nerd kid who got absorbed into the popular crowd because of his girlfriend (and because his.. relative.. is the principal.) again you either love him or hate him.

#frev #french revolution #oops i did it again #claws out for the main 5 #maximilien robespierre #robespierre #camille desmoulins #robespierre protection squad #saint just #georges danton #jean paul marat #marAT #Charlotte Corday is THAT girl and you can not prove me wrong.#can we tell that I don’t like Danton??#is it that obvious???

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docholligay · 3 years

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Please rant/rave (well, we already know which one it will be here) about Harry Potter!

GEE I HOPE THIS WAS WORTH WAITING FOR

OH MY GOD. The level of hatred I have for Harry Fucking Goddamn Potter, the culture around Harry Fucking Potter, extending its poisonous tentacles even to the concept of young adult fiction, fantasy, and the United Kingdom as a country and people.

When you being on this, you may think, “Oh, Doc will explain that Harry Potter sucks because JKR hates trans women” and I will say, oh no, dear reader, that is a fantastic reason to hate the author, and I really suggest we all continue to hate her, and perhaps not purchase the QUEEN’S TONNES of officially licensed merchandise and movies and theme parks that give her stupid little fucking hands all that cash, but no, that is not why I hate the work. There are a number of great works done by terrible people, and the further out the lens of history gets the truer this is.

I hate Harry Potter because it fucking sucks, and mentally stifled an entire fucking generation.

“Well, Doc, Harry Potter was really there for me when--” Oh my god I could not fucking care LESS about your personal emotion connection to “orphan wizard boy turns out to be a rich aristocrat yet somehow less woke than Cinderella though” I have personally emotional connections to hot fucking garbage pails of media properties, and if someone came barreling through talking about the myriad ways in which they were horrible, I would be like, “Oh, you aren’t fucking wrong, pal”

Harry Potter gained wild ass popularity in part due to its magnificent sorting system of Smart, Brave, Evil, and Other, because there’s nothing liberals like more than being able to put everyone’s personality into an easily labeled box, which is why astrology is so popular, or for the intellectuals, Myers-Briggs, which is just as fake but with the veneer of science. This allowed people to give into the tribalism they so desperately liked to pretend they did not possess, and also allow them to write thinkpieces about “The misunderstood Hufflepuff” or “Slytherins aren’t all bad!” or really anything that allows them to write a very real piece about their very imagined oppression for being a part of a totally fake house in a children’s book. Excellent use of your sociology degree, Kai, I thought the addition of phrases like, ‘Content of socialization” and “axes of oppression” really spoke to the struggles you face when wearing a green and silver scarf.

The other reason it became popular is that it’s essentially wallpaper paste formed into characters. I have read all of the books, and I could not tell you even remotely what Harry’s defining personality traits are other than “protagonist”. In American, at least, a large part of it was the fascination with all things British, with the idea of boarding school and prefects and uniforms that aren’t inexplicably chinos and polo shirts for nine year olds. It allowed children to project onto something so bland that it could be anything. And for children, THAT’S FINE. There is a great deal of bland media made for children, but what I’m speaking to is the fandom, which is largely well over the age of 18.

Because if we look at the books, are they...actually good? Was it good, or did I experience it as a child? I mean, honestly, on a literary level, are they, or was it just like we all watched Friends, we did it because everyone else was doing it, because I have a distinct memory of a series that involves such greats as “magical geegaws with poorly defined rules that are quickly forgotten despite being able to solve later problems quickly” or “Everyone loves Harry or is a bad guy, or secretly loved Harry all along”

Oh, speaking of, man, if this was an actual well-written book, wouldn’t it have been wild to have Snape’s whole thing be to teach us that sometimes people do good things for the wrong reasons? Instead of naming your fucking child after the guy who ‘protected you’ because he still wanted to bone your mom? “After all this time” “Always.”

While all this could have been explained, we have Quidditch added into the mix instead because 20 pages of the goddamn Puppy Bowl is exactly what I was looking for while I was waiting for JK to move the goddamn ball on literally any of these actual magical concepts.

Harry Potter is a fucking trust fund baby, star quarterback, who grows up to be a cop and marries his high school sweetheart. (Speaking of, why were we shocked that JKR turned out to be a piece of shit when this was and always has been the conclusion of Harry Potter? Why are liberals so fucking into this series that upholds structures like it ain’t no one’s business? It’s a series that opines that those beneath us “Muggles” should be kept in the dark from us) Literally, he finds out he is a wizard and has a dragon-guarded fucking VAULT OF CASH. At 11. It’s such a series for little tyrants, you are special from birth and need do nothing to prove it, here is a letter certifying as such. Oh, not only are you rich and the greatest seeker and have excellent quips, but also your parents were not only rebels, but the best of rebels, and so deeply involved that your parents were killed by the big bad personally, again, because you are so special. His mother’s love literally saves his ass over and over again, because he was SO SPECIAL. He fought Voldemort FROM THE BEGINNING, and WON. It’s literally the most privilege baby fantasy in the world.

“But Doooooooooooc, it’s for chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiildren”

A) Yeah, and you’re 32, you’re making my fucking point about Harry Potter setting an entire generation up for intellectual failure to launch.

B) Okay, and? I can think of a bunch of kids’ books off the top of my head that in no way require specialness to be given by birth so as to roll out the red carpet for master protagonist. The Hunger Games. Watership Down. A Series of Unfortunate Events. The Chronicles of FUCKING NARNIA, about which I have only a small handful of particularly kind things to say. I’ve never read Percy Jackson, but it’s my understanding that despite his being a literal demigod, the attitudes of the supporting cast are allowed to fall between the extremes of “Appreciates Percy” and “naughty or will learn” Harry does nothing to improve himself even after knowing that he is HUNTED BY THE BIG BAD! “I won’t do this because I don’t like Snape”. So There” which, again, if this series were written with the slightest bit of care or know-how, could be a humbling fucking plot point! BUT NO THAT WOULD BE NAUGHTY.

But the real reason I hate Harry Potter so much has everything to do with the fandom surrounding it, and how it intellectually stunted a generation of adults. The promise of Harry Potter was that it was supposed to make a new generation of readers, and so the popularity of them was pushed, and so there was discussion of teaching them in schools, but I tell you fucking what, I know a whole lot more folks who grew up reading Harry Potter that never advanced beyond reading YA, or even just rereading the entire series every year and that’s pretty much them done and dusted.

In the attempt to recapture whatever it was about Harry Potter that attracted children (A lot of it was your peers doing it. I read them all as they came out, and it was literally the equivalent of watching the game so you could talk at the water cooler. That was never going to be recaptured) people, who by this time were likely in their teens, kept getting recommended stuff at the same and same level. No one ever felt pushed to read things that are challenging, to read things that have some of the concepts or themes of Harry Potter but maybe complicate. I know FAR more adults who read adult books that aren’t into Harry Potter, even if they were as children, than the reverse.

But Doc, why is reading only books meant for 14 year olds a problem??? I mean I suppose I can’t convince you that comfort is not the job of literature or of life, it is the job of an easy chair, because Americans especially are decadent as fuck about being comfy cozy all the time and if anything causes them distress or pain it should be immediately avoided. But Maybe I can convince you that you’re fucking up these books for actual ass children who deserve to have their own writing section without adults bringing their fucking asses into it. They deserve their own spaces. There’s a number of YA editors who have talked about the difficult space YA now occupies because since Potter’s blowup, it’s no longer a niche category, but basically “adult easy reads” and so they have been buying books that are more about the tastes of adult buyers than of literal 14 year olds.

Is that not...sad? To anyone else? Honestly, and this is not part of the essay because it’s a broader reaching problem, but CHILDREN’S MEDIA IS NOT FOR US. CHILDREN’S MEDIA IS NOT FOR US. CHILDREN’S MEDIA IS FOR FUCKING CHILDREN. The fucking 40-23 set really needs to get their shit together and grow up a little bit and engage in some fucking adult media, and maybe, if we support what we’re actually looking for FOR ADULTS, it will come to us. No one is saying you can’t read Harry Potter or watch some Cartoon Network show, but like, search your heart and come the fuck on. Engage in something more complex. If not for yourselves, for the kids getting shoved into simplified adult stories. It should not be about us.

ANYWAY, my larger point is that it was Harry Potter, a badly written series about a magical boy who was chosen and magic and also rich and also a favorite of the headmaster and also more clever than most adults and also spoke the same magical snake language as the big bad and was also star quarterback, but at least there was a system in which you could buy a scarf in block colors and feel like you belonged to a team.

(But not a sports team! lol handegg! I’m cool I don’t get into sports! Except Quidditch.)

#TO say nothing of the fact that I haven't been able to wear gold and burgundy together without some dumbass comment for years #despite being a favored color combination #Anonymous #Eight Days 2020 #Holligay Rants and Raves #I didn't even GET to every point I had but it's been over an hour #GOD I HATE THIS FUCKING SERIES SO MUCH #Doc do you hate me for liking it?#oh sweet thing allow me to reassure you: Yes. Absolutely.#also the prose is god-awful #I've taught teenagers with better rpose

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ready-to-obeyme · 4 years

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[OM!] (American) College!AU Demon Brothers

Scenario: Headcanons on the demon brothers as college students (specifically in the US because I don’t know how college works elsewhere), their possible majors, career goals, extracurriculars, ~GPA~ and whatever else I could think of + how meet you in college

Note: I’m hoping to do a Part 2 with the Undateables but honestly… we’ll see lol. This is based off something ~A~ and I thought of for our specific university but we’ve made it broad enough to share HAHA this turned out VERY long

Lucifer

Majoring in Political Sciences with a minor in Psychology

Pre-Law-- most likely immigration law or child custody (there’s definitely a backstory here)

Initially went to community college for the first two years to save up money to take care of his younger siblings

Rejected an offer to go to an Ivy League because it was too expensive; if his siblings ever found out they’d be furious that he’d give up on that chance, but he knows he can succeed wherever he goes (and besides, family is first)

Transferred into a 4-year university his junior year

Very high GPA-- VERY

In a professional fraternity with Diavolo and Barbatos

He didn’t think he’d join one either but Diavolo was the vice chair when he transferred in and the president the year after so… ~nepotism?~ and also Lucifer is charming as heck so no surprise he’d get in

Also rooms with Diavolo and Barbatos

Goes to the gym regularly just to keep fit; gets goaded by Diavolo and Satan into joining an IM team with his frat brothers and actual brothers-- probably basketball or flag football

Probably meets you at a interclub council meeting and mutters under his breath how useless the board members are and you overhear

“Never have I met more incompetent people.”

“Lmao mood”

“!!!”

Keeps sitting next to you at every interclub meeting then after because at least there’s someone that can keep his mind stimulated (thinks you’re hot if you’re competent btw)

If you somehow meet him on campus, he’s the type of guy to put his hand up and pretend he didn’t see you (just kidding, he always ends up saying hi anyways)

Will Absolutely Lecture You if you are procrastinating on studying especially if your midterm is, like, TOMORROW

Always ends up studying with him because he’s actually focused on studying and glares at you if you get distracted (but hey you get good scores in the end)

Mammon

Majoring in Business Econ/Economics, Minoring in Statistics

(always ends up in the middle of the “is econ a humanities or a STEM major” debate that leaves him left for dead)

Planning to work in Business as Finance -- probably has been treasurer or finance director for a club; can even see him being a banker if it suits his plans better

Goes to a four-year university

Decent GPA (or Lucifer would absolutely destroy him), and does REALLY well in mathematics classes

Would room with Lucifer and his posse if they all go to the same school

Probably in a Business Frat as well because he’s pretty charismatic when it comes down to it but was an RA for some of his years for the free rooming and dining hall privileges

Is a very chill and understanding RA (as in he smokes weed with you when he’s off-duty) but is surprisingly well-versed in dealing with roommate issues

Works part-time (gasp) to buy stuff off of Amazon and go out to places

Spends a lot of time exploring places with his friends, going hiking, rock-climbing, clubbing-- which is expensive, as it turns out, so he needed to be able to afford it somehow

Meets you when you’re eating your lunch outside somewhere and he asks you if you have a dollar he could borrow for a vending machine snack

You exchange numbers with him so he can pay it back (even though you honestly don’t really need it, but why not) and turns out he’s in your GE class

“Heyyy wassup! So glad I have a friend in this class”

“Oh by the way, did you finish the homework? Haha, I forgot it.”

Mammon always repays you for your help in food though so you aren’t complaining

Leviathan

Majoring in Computer Sciences

And honestly that’s too much for me already-- the man is doing computer programming, coding-- WHEW-- and they do NOT rest

Goes to a community college but honestly has no problems cinching internships. The computer is his domain-- online applications are EASY, doing projects NOT as easy, interviews? HARD-- REALLY HARD (someone help him)

Probably intends to work with a big company like Google if only to help supply his income so he can live his life going to AX and buying merch

Most likely moved out of his house mid-college with his online friends (who are luckily compatible with him living-space wise) and visits home once a week

There’s two potential sides you can meet first:

Either you meet him at a convention and you both gush about the same character and anime and somehow find each other online (not college related)

Or his favorite Ruri-chan keychain gets broken off in the computer lab, and you’re the one running after him to give it him

He may or may not owe you his life after that (and if you enjoy anime, well that’s a bonus)

Both of these meetings can happen if he doesn’t recognize you in class because you were in cosplay-- imagine the surprise

The two of you as friends are MASTER PROCRASTINATORS at every assignment the two of you have-- so low-key not a great influence-- but you have fun together watching animes, playing games, talking about life-- anything but actual work

Always ends up scrambling to finish things-- but he keeps doing it because it’s been working for him so far

You help him prepare for interviews because he’s always nervous before each one regardless of how well his application looks

Satan

Majoring in Comparative Literature AND Anthropology (ya boy is doing the whole nine yards)

Planning to get his Master’s and then a PhD in one of his majors (whichever proves to be more engaging for him)-- visibly excited to become a Professor

College was meant for Satan-- like REALLY; the man is in LOVE with learning; most likely to go and be accepted to an Ivy-League after Lucifer but... truly believes you can get a good education anywhere so it depends on his financial standing (and how much scholarship he gets)

Does get a little disgruntled when his classes aren’t available but doesn’t mind learning something new-- if the professor bores him to death, he’ll read the book

Really good at tutoring people; someone suggests that he works as a peer-learning facilitator/writing tutor and he does-- might as well make bank doing something you always do anyways

Joins a writing/journal club as an extracurricular and a club that provides tutoring services to the underserved community-- surprisingly good with kids!

He knows friends in high places, so if he wanted to, could get into any party without batting an eye and his favorite professors love him

Spends a lot of his time going out to the city and exploring places, similarly to Mammon, rock-climbing, hiking, paragliding-- anything

He is VERY well-rounded as you can see; competes with Lucifer to see whose GPA is better though

You probably meet him during office hours, and you can only stare in awe as he asks questions that you had in mind, but better; if you’re visibly confused about something, he’ll take his time to help you too (it’s habit at this point)

Ask him for his contact info and you’ll get it, and maybe repay him in coffee? (You always see him at the cafe on campus.)

Most likely to have a specific spot in a cafe that he is always at that the workers actually save a spot for him or give him his usual order before he even arrives-- may or may not have helped them edit their essays or with their homework as a thank-you so you KNOW they’ll love him forever

The type of person to help you make flashcards and cram if you need it

Asmodeus

Majoring in Dance and Fine Arts (I HC going to NYU specifically)

Considering going for an Master of Fine Arts degree but he might just move to New York and go for being a Broadway Star

College is mainly just training for him and hoping to land gigs in local theater-- and the university theater if there is one-- and building his resume for his big break

Has SO many extracurriculars, all pertaining to his career choice, but also because he enjoys what he does: drama, competitive dance team, acapella, fashion design

Makes an unbelievable amount of friends, incredibly good at networking

The first time you saw him was when he was performing for a local theater and you were in love with his performance, and the next time you saw him in the hallway of a classroom building, you told him how much you enjoyed it

Always accepts compliments about his looks with grace, but there’s something about truly being admired for his acting and singing that has him preening

Invites you to come out to his next performance, and if not his, then to another play-- and it can be a date, but up to you ;)

The man is the KING of Multiple Talents and has big dreams to match

Always finds a way to hang out with you and drag you to every club that he can use his fake-id for (and when he’s actually 21 and above, gets a little offended that he doesn’t get ID’d)

A night in the town with you is always a good night!

Sometimes when he has practical exams coming up, he asks you to watch him perform-- and he likes your compliments but actually takes getting all the moves seriously so you better pay attention!

Most likely to move far away to reach his dreams, but he would take you with him if he could-- his little star

Beelzebub

Majoring in Physiological Sciences

Pre-Nursing or Pre-Sports Medicine

He’s a little undecided, but he’s definitely going to go into the health field because he likes the idea of being able to use his strength to help others

Gets a scholarship from the university because he’s part of the football team, which is actually pretty hard on him because Fall Semester/Quarter he has to keep skipping classes for games

Always brings a snack to eat with him during lecture-- and is not afraid to bring his entire lunch and make it right in the front row, though he tends to stick to the back because they tend to have electrical plugs

You most likely meet him during lecture: he offers you an entire sandwich (not a chip bag, not fruit snacks, an entire LUNCH) because he heard your stomach growl during class

From then on, you collect notes for him when he’s gone from games and even go to games if you aren’t usually the type to just to see how he’s doing; it’s hard trying to find you among the huge bleachers, but he always asks you where you’re sitting anyways

Really appreciate it if you help him study into late at night because it IS hard balancing sports and academics

He most likely doesn’t really have any time for anything else so he usually makes up for it during the rest of the year when training is less to volunteer in the hospital or at the gym as a personal trainer

If you ask him to teach you how to properly lift weights, he’ll definitely help out and the both of you can work out together-- though you feel bad when he has to add four extra weights to each side after you finish your reps

Belphegor

Majoring in Computer Graphics/Animation

Intending to go into making animation or game design-- is one of the brothers who doesn’t really know exactly what he wants to do yet because he’s afraid that doing what he loves as a job will ruin it for him

His family reassures him that they’ll support him whether or not he continues with his path in life, but he’s considering art school and then taking internships in places so he has a better idea on what he wants

Most likely to sell his own original work and become a full-time artist regardless

I think you already know how you meet him-- he’s sleeping in a lecture hall-- either against the wall or on the small piece of wood they call a desk when class ends and he’s still sleeping; and you wake him up

Sleepily thanks you and continues to sleep through every class that you wake him up to; when you ask him why he doesn’t just go home and sleep, he tells you he’s too lazy to walk back and forth from his dorm/apartment to campus (mood)

When you add each other on Snapchat or something, he sends you pics of ‘places to nap’ on campus

You always end up studying together because he’s actually pretty good at understanding lecture stuff despite not being awake for most of it-- apparently he’s used to teaching himself

Will make you art for your birthday and will vehemently refuse payment so he just tells you to take him out for dinner instead

If you talk about how you’re not sure on what you want to do in life too, he’ll probably say ‘mood’ but is most likely to encourage you to do whatever you want to do in life too

#obey me #obey me headcanons #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me satan #obey me leviathan #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #obey me shall we date?#ngl i would date beel in this au 100%

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transformersaesthetics · 4 years

Text

TRAINS

Tumblr, this is sincerely the nerdiest thing I’ve done and that’s a high damn bar. Hope you like trains.

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy trains. You think to yourself, gee, me, I like trains. I wish there were more Transformers that turned into trains. You say, there’s lots of trains out there. Why aren’t there more train Transformers? I have wondered this exact thing many times, dear reader.

There are many factors that contribute to this dearth. First, there is only one prominent character with a train alt mode in the original G1 cartoon. Second, the aesthetic choices made by most elements of the Transformers franchise since G1 have made train alternate modes difficult or unlikely. Third, it is highly uncommon for Transformers to have altmodes more than a handful of years old, or that aren’t famous or widely used at the time of their release. Considered in inverse, these challenges constitute a set of criteria that determine whether or not a train is likely to have a Transformer. The most significant reason that there are very few train Transformers is not, fundamentally, that HasTak simply don’t make many trains because of these challenges. Rather, it is that almost all of the trains toys that can be created with these constraints have already been created.

Although Transformers has featured a diversity of franchises with unique art styles, characters and toy design, HasTak have continued to draw on some of the most successful elements of the original G1 cartoon in almost all of their subsequent media. Nearly every single Transformers cartoon features Optimus and Megatron characters, and oftentimes much of the supporting cast is also heavily inspired by G1. For example, Transformers: Prime contains a Cliffjumper, an Arcee, a Ratchet, a Smokescreen, a Wheeljack, a Starscream, a Soundwave, a Shockwave, and even a Breakdown, all of whom have G1 counterparts. (ItsWalky, Transformers) Even in franchises like Transformers: Armada, where the departure from G1 templates is more pronounced, they are still invoked as a source of character names and broad strokes concepts. Armada Cyclonus is different in many particulars from G1 Cyclonus; however, both are flying evil henchmen. (ChrisMcFeely, Mendou) With the contemporary omnipresence of Generations and other CHUG lines, the already large influence of G1 has grown even more pronounced.

What has this to do with trains, you might well ask? Of all the many characters in the G1 cartoon, only one, Astrotrain, turns into a train. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) Moreover, Astrotrain is not simply a train Transformer, but rather a triple changer; he turns into both a train and a space shuttle. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) As noted in my Transformers: Universe essay, figures of characters with multiple alternate modes tend to be larger (although Astrotrain himself has a deluxe class figure), and often pose more design challenges. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) This added difficulty in producing and selling toys likely has steered HasTak away from using the Astrotrain template. Indeed, although present in various comic series, convention media, and CHUG lines, a character did not use the Astrotrain template until 2020’s Transformers: Cyberverse. (MSipher) Since Astrotrain is the only template, and is demonstrably difficult to employ, the number of new train characters is severely restricted.

Of course, far from everything in Transformers is a G1 homage. Almost every franchise introduces completely new characters and designs based on the aesthetics of that franchise. However, for one reason or another, many of these aesthetics have a difficult time integrating trains. Beast Wars obviously didn’t introduce any characters that turned into trains, and Beast Wars or Machines product was on shelves for a good five years. Micheal Bay’s Transformers films, one of the dominant media pillars of the franchise since the release of the first film in 2007, focus heavily on the most sleek, modern sports cars or the most fearsome military vehicles, leaving little room for trains.

From the perspective of cartoons, Armada, Animated and other franchises largely revolved around futuristic, blocky cybertronian vehicles, which precluded the use of classic steam locomotives or even more modern diesel engines. Of course, this does not prevent the design of a train Transformer with some imagined cybertronian train mode, or a more cartoony train. Indeed, this is a route that Energon opted to explore with Omega Supreme. (RolonBolon) However, a common criticism of cybertronian altmodes is that they are somewhat unfocused, and this is particularly true of the two extant cybertronian trains. Both Omega Supreme and Titans Return Astrotrain stretch the concept of train to its very limits, and the resulting designs can be somewhat challenging to parse.(RolonBolon; ItsWalky, Astrotrain) This is not to say that these designs are objectively bad, or that this potential difficulty would prohibit HasTak from pursuing this avenue altogether. Rather, this argument is to emphasize that HasTak’s primary consideration is to sell toys. If design constraints increase the likelihood that a child will find a toy unappealing, it decreases the likelihood HasTak will create a toy with those constraints.

Trains also confront several core difficulties, independent of the aesthetic idiosyncrasies of a franchise. Trains are much larger than most other common types of vehicle, in turn making the Transformers that turn into trains much larger than their compatriots (although lord knows this doesn’t stop them from making fighter jets). Traditionally, characters that are much, much larger than their peers have, for logistical reasons, limited screen time. It is difficult for that character to be involved in the intricacies of planning a battle when they don’t fit in the same room as their allies. This limited screen time in turn makes it more difficult to sell toys.

Similarly, trains require rails to move. This creates something of an awkward dilemma from a writing perspective. Either all of your action must take place within easy reach of train tracks, or you must abandon a quite noticeable level of realism in your storytelling. The G1 cartoon opted to abandon realism, which was a reasonable choice in an environment where Megatron and the other Decepticons could themselves fly with no visible means of propulsion. However, in a more serious and dramatic show like Transformers: Prime, such a lapse would likely feel out of place and silly. Perhaps even more than size, the difficulty posed by rails complicates the inclusion of any potential train based character in a new franchise.

In the real world, trains occupy a significantly different design space than cars. Cars are a consumer good, and there are significant financial incentives to continually introduce new generations of cars. In contrast, trains tend to be costly infrastructure investments, either by companies or governments. For trains, the incentive structure runs much more towards long lifetimes, and as a result few new generations. Moreover, not only are new trains somewhat scarce, but many of the most iconic train designs are very old indeed; steam locomotives have been around for almost two hundred years.

This is a significant limitation from the perspective of Transformers alternate modes. It is extremely uncommon for a Transformer that turns into a real world vehicle to turn into something more than a handful of years older than the toy. There are some exceptions, of course; Movieverse Starscream turns into an F-22 Raptor despite the age of the plane, partially because the Raptor continues to see widespread use, and partially because it is extremely iconic. However, it is almost unheard of for a Transformer to turn into a Model-T, for example, or even old airplanes like the p-51. This is a natural consequence of the overriding imperative to sell toys; children are more likely to desire a figure that reflects something in their environment to which they have a preexisting connection. Because of both the infrequent generations of train design and the huge body of classic trains, this simple fact presents an almost insurmountable obstacle to the creation of many train Transformers.

With all these challenges, one would not be unreasonable to ask if there are any train Transformers at all. Yet there are! For all the difficulties posed, seven Transformers in the modern era are based on trains, and even more in the later stages of G1. These figures have been created because they manage to slip through all of the barriers outlined above. An inversion of our above challenges allows for the formulation of an explicit set of criteria governing the creation of train Transformers. All of the extant train figures meet one or more of these criteria; more remarkably, almost every single train that meets these criteria has a corresponding Transformer. Phrased a different way, the most fundamental cause for the lack of train Transformers is not that, for one reason or another, train Transformers are not made. Rather, it is because almost all of the train Transformers that can exist, do.

The first criteria for the creation of a train Transformer is, simply put, that it should be of Astrotrain. Although much of the proceeding discussion concerning Astrotrain was focused on limitations, he is still a G1 character, and a popular one at that. Where cartoons have neglected him, media and toylines targeted at collectors have been much kinder. Astrotrain has received a number of figures over the years, and is far from forgotten.

Second, the figure should be in a toyline largely dedicated to licensed, real world alternate modes. This avoids all the design difficulties associated with cybertronian train modes. Moreover, real world alternate modes have something of an existing natural sample space. Where a cartoon has any number of imaginary cars it could exploit, licensed vehicle focused lines can only exploit a handful of real models from a handful of real manufacturers.

Third, the figure should be of a train that is either extremely iconic, or that has come out in the last five years or so. More explicitly, it should be a train that children can have attachment to. Although this criteria stems from age of train, it encapsulates more than that. It is crucial that Transformers has two separate audiences, because of the dual ownership of the property. Hasbro aims at American children, and Takara aims at Japanese children. In the United States, trains are not widely used, and do not have the meaningful cultural impact of, say, cars. In Japan, however, where many Transformers are at least in part designed, trains are a much more normal part of daily life, and have a correspondingly larger cultural footprint. So, for a child to have attachment to a train, it should not only be new and iconic; it should be Japanese.

The first two of these criteria are for figures, and the third is for the trains used for alternate modes. Before discussing each modern figure and its relation to the first two criteria, the third criteria will be applied to gain some understanding of the scope of the crucial limiting reagent, the pool of plausible trains. When the third criteria is applied to this pool, it shrinks dramatically. Almost every train made before 1960 falls away, eliminating most steam locomotives at a blow. Similarly, all American trains are eliminated. Indeed, even most Japanese trains are eliminated. However, there is one group that remains; the Shinkansens.

The Shinkansen is Japan’s high speed rail system. The Shinkansen is iconic, especially in Japan. One of the very first high speed railways in the world, the incredible reliability of the trains, both in terms of punctuality and safety, has made it famous.(Shinkansen) The technology and trains have been exported to other countries the world over. (Shinkansen) These trains are Japanese, they are iconic, and, in part due to their widespread usage, have frequent generations. Because of all these factors, we would expect to find Shinkansens dramatically overrepresented among train Transformers, and indeed, this is exactly what we find. Of the twenty six different train molds, fully eleven are Shinkansens. More, of the eleven, eight are of the hundreds series of trains, the series containing the very first Shinkansen. This is remarkable, because there are only eight kinds of hundreds series trains; every single hundreds series train has a corresponding Transformer. (Shinkansen) Indeed, of the other three Shinkansens, two are based on or modifications of 100 series trains. Not only are the most viable series of trains dramatically overrepresented, they are represented with a stunning completeness.

Having reviewed in general what pool of trains is viable for Transformers production, we will now conduct a figure by figure survey of the 100 series trains and the existing modern train figures to examine how they relate to the first two criteria.

0 series: Shouki

The Transformer representing the 0 series of trains is the Headmasters character Shouki. The leader of the Trainbot combiner team, Shouki was released (exclusively in Japan) in 1987. (M Sipher, Shouki) Although the first 0 series trains began running in 1964, they continued running until 2008. (Shinkansen) Moreover, their status as the very first Shinkansen makes them unquestionably iconic. Although headmasters was not a line focused on realistic vehicle modes, Shouki and his team were originally developed for the pre-Transformers Diaclone line, which was. (M Sipher, Shoki). Shouki, not being Astrotrain, meets two of our three criteria.

100 series: Leaf and Spark

The 100 series of trains is represented by two characters, Leaf and Spark. Both are members of the Liner Team combiner team, and can merge to form Sixliner. Interestingly, although they share an altmode, the two are unique molds. The 100 series began running in 1985, and Leaf and Spark were released in 1991, under the Return of Convoy line, again only in Japan.(Shinkansen; Deceptitran; Repowers) Leaf and Spark are interesting, since though they themselves are real vehicles, Return of Convoy most decidedly is not focused on that. They meet one of our three criteria, namely the third. (Deceptitran; Repowers)

200 series: Yukikaze

Another member of the Trainbots combiner team, Headmasters character Yukikaze represents the 200 series of trains. The 200 series began running in 1982, and, like Shouki, Yukikaze was released in 1987. (M Sipher, Yukikaze; Shinkansen) Again like Shouki, Yukikaze meets two of the three criteria. (Most characters are not, in fact, Astrotrain).

300 series: Desire

Desire is a retool of Spark, and a member of the Train Team combiner team. Although the TFwiki identifies him as a “Hokkaido Bullet Train” , Desire has several features characteristic of the 300 series, primarily the headlights, the high seated windows, the skirt, and blue stripe. (Dr Spengler; 300 Series) Desire was released in 1992 in the Operation: Combination line, the same year the 300 series began to run. (Dr Spengler; Shinkansen) Operation: Combination was retools or redecos of existing G1 toys, many of which were real life vehicles. Desire meets two of the three criteria.

400 series: Windy

Like Desire, Windy is a member of the Train Team, and was released in the Operation: Combination line in 1992. (Rosicrucian) Unlike Desire, and all the other members of her team, Windy is not a retool of a member of the Liner Team; rather, she is a new mold. (Rosicrucian) The TFwiki identifies her as a “Yamagata "Tsubasa" bullet train”. (Rosicrucian) The 400 series was “introduced in 1992 on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services” (Shinkansen). This, in combination with the visual features Windy shares with the 400 series, is a compelling positive identification. With her release coinciding with the release of the 400 series and featuring in the Operation: Combination, Windy meets two of the three criteria.

500 series: Railspike

A member of Team Bullet Train, Railspike was one of the first modern train transformers. (M Sipher, Railspike) He transforms into a 500 series Shinkansen, accurate down to the 500 printed on his side. Railspike combines with the other members of his team to form Rail Racer.(M Sipher, Railspike) The 500 series began running in 1997, and Railspike was released in 2001 as part of the Robots in Disguise line. (Shinkansen; M Sipher, Railspike) RID was not exclusively focused on real vehicles, as it contained many Beast Wars figures, among other things, but almost all of the autobots had real alt modes. (Siax) Railspike meets two of the three criteria.

600 series: No one

The 600 series of Shinkansens doesn’t actually exist. (Shinkansen) It could be argued that Midnight Express, another modern train toy who turns into an e4 Shinkansen, is in spirit a 600 series, as the 200 series served many of the same lines.(M Sipher, Midnight; Shinkansen) However, this argument is tenuous at best, given the 400 series served entirely different routes. (Shinkansen)

700 series: Rapid Run

The third member of Team Bullet Train, along with Railspike and Midnight Express, and one of the seven modern train toys, Rapid Run transforms into a 700 series Shinkansen, specifically, the Hikari Rail Star. (M Sipher, Rapid) The 700 series began running in 1999, and Rapid Run was released in 2001. As with Railspike, he meets two of the three criteria.

800 series: Astrotrain

Although Astrotrain’s G1 toy turns into a JNR Class D51, in 2006 he received an update in the Classics line. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) Instead of his original alt mode, Classics Astrotrain turns into the more modern 800 series Shinkansen. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) The 800 series began running in 2004. (Shinkansen) Classics was a complex line with many facets; although many altmodes were made up out of whole cloth, many were also based on real vehicles at least loosely. (Nevermore) Astrotrain, being Astrotrain, meets all three criteria.

Three modern train figures have not been discussed in the survey of hundreds series Shinkansens. Two of these are Astrotrain figures; Titans Return Astrotrain and Siege Astrotrain. Titans Return Astrotrain turns into a cybertronian armored train, and Siege Astrotrain turns into an approximation of his JNR Class D51 mode. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) Both figures meet only one criteria, namely being Astrotrain. However, this is a powerful criteria indeed and in many ways can replace the third criteria of age and attachment, especially in the current collector driven market. Although children don’t have a connection to Astrotrain’s altmode, collectors certainly do. HasTak are therefore able to sell toys, the primary driver of the third criteria.

The last remaining modern train figure is… unusual, by any metric. Released in the 2014 japanese exclusive toyline Transformers:GO, Optimus Exprime is a version of Optimus Prime that can turn into a train resembling a 700 series Shinkansen, a Dragon, and can combine with other figures from the line.(SanityorMadness) This figure meets zero of the criteria, on its face. Speaking personally for a moment, I honestly don’t know how this exists, or why. It appears that one day, Takara simply decided to… make a train Transformer. In many respects, this undermines the primary thesis of this essay. It is not part of a line oriented towards realistic vehicles, it is not Astrotrain, and it's not readily identifiable as a 700 series, but rather cartoonish and genericized. If Takara made such a thing once, what is to prevent them from doing it on other occasions? Perhaps, as argued with the Astrotrain figures, the sheer power of the name Optimus Prime is enough to overcome all the strangeness of the figure and make it attractive to children. After all, G1 Optimus Prime has turned into some truly silly things. This appears to be a reasonably compelling argument, enough to at least award the figure half a criteria. Although Optimus Exprime is exceptional, the fact that it is an Optimus Prime figure makes it work where a new character might, unfortunately, not.

As mentioned previously, there are some 15 train toys that have not been discussed here, all from G1 or immediately subsequent japanese toylines. Almost every one of these is either part of the Trainbots, the Liner Team, or the Train Team, and almost all of them are Japanese trains. Although many of these are older trains, I suspect many of them, like the JNR Class D51, are iconic in their own way, although this is difficult to verify without much more in depth research. Moreover, despite the age of the trains, these figures were created in an era in which almost literally every figure was based on a real vehicle, regardless of the obscurity. Although this essay is somewhat more expansive, the general scope of the Transformers Aesthetics survey does not include G1; as a result, these figures have not been given as much attention here.

Other than the hundreds series, there is one other primary series of Shinkansens that is not as well represented in Transformers, namely the E series. There are some compelling temporal reasons this series has been ignored. The E1 was released in 1994, in the thick of Beast Wars; Takara would have been unable to release a new train figure at the time. (Shinkansen) The E2, E3, and E4 were all released at the same time, in 1997. (Shinkansen) As mentioned previously, the E4 was released as Midnight Express; it makes sense that Takara could only release one of the trains from this generation, especially given that they had chosen to use two other train figures to make the 500 and 700 series at roughly the same time. Simple explanations are more difficult for the E5, E6, and E7, which were all released much more recently. (Shinkansen) The explanation may to some extent lie in the shape of the E series; unlike the hundreds series trains, the E series does not tend to be sleek and bullet shaped, but oddly duckbilled. (Shinkansen) Perhaps the explanation lies in the aesthetics of the then concurrent cartoons; it would have been quite difficult to work trains into either Transformers: Prime or Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015).

This almost completely exhausts the pool of available trains as defined by the three criteria outlined above. Most of the other Shinkansen trains are either very niche, or some variation of the 700 series. (Shinkansen) Although it would take further research to verify, I suspect that subway cars and regular commuter trains are significantly less iconic in Japan, and therefore suffer greatly under the third criteria.

So, although there are many, many kinds of trains, for one reason or another, most of them are very difficult to make as commercially successful Transformers. Those trains that have the potential to work have almost all already been created. Moreover, those trains, like the E1, that might have at one point been viable but were not made as toys due to an accident of timing are now supremely unlikely to see release; the E1 is almost 25 years old. (Shinkansen) Although Takara has demonstrated a willingness to make a random train in the past, it was tied to Optimus Prime, arguably the strongest single Transformers character. Moreover, Takara acting on their own is increasingly unlikely in the wake of the brand unification initiated during Power of the Primes. While a train figure could theoretically be made for an older train or a less iconic, non-Shinkansen train, the difficulty these toys might encounter at general retail will likely keep them from existing. Moreover, Siege Astrotrain is, in many ways, the definitive version of the character, being hyper accurate to his robot mode and both vehicle modes. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) It is unlikely Astrotrain will receive another update for some time. This means that any new toy of, say, the E1, or a subway car, would require a new character. Given both the aesthetics of the recent Transformers: Cyberverse cartoon, and its recent end, it is unlikely that a new character with a train alternate mode could find a home there.

What does this imply for the future release of train Transformers? Depending on the aesthetics of the next cartoon, we might see a release of an E8 when it begins service in 2024. (Shinkansen) However, given that the last cartoon that meaningfully involved real vehicles was RID 2001, it seems unlikely. It seems that the hundreds series is more popular than the E series; it is possible that if and when the 900 is released, we would see a figure of that in some way, shape or form. However, the gap between the releases of hundreds series trains appears to be 5 or so years, and the 800 came out in 2004, and on a more minor line at that. (Shinkansen) Moreover, JR seems to be favoring upgrades to the 700 series, with the N700 in 2007 and the S700 in 2019. (Shinkansen). A possible 900 series seems a long way off indeed.

Given the limited potential of future trains being released, it seems the greatest chance of new train figures being realized as figures lies in HasTak choosing to revitalise some of the G1 designs. There seems to be something of a good chance of this; Takara revealed a banner with a silhouette resembling Raiden, the combined form of the Trainbots, that appeared to hint at a masterpiece release. (william-james88).

Although Siege and Earthrise have been releasing updated micromaster figures, there has not even been a whisper of a rumor about the micromaster sixteam combiners being revitalized. Updated versions of the Liner team and Train Team seem quite unlikely, especially given the shift in emphasis of Kingdom to Beast Wars. Overall, it seems that the next release of a train in Transformers will come from Masterpiece Raiden.

Well, dear reader, there you have it. Why aren’t there more Transformers trains? It turns out they’re quite difficult to make successfully, and many of the trains that could be used in this way have already been taken. In many respects, it’s truly amazing how many train figures we’ve gotten over the past few years, and how complete in particular the hundreds series is. The past is expansive, the future is somewhat bright, although more limited than one might wish. What more can one ask for?

Well, a really sick steam locomotive. Or one of the BNSF trains. How cool would that be?

Choo choo.

Works Cited

ChrisMcFeely et al. “Cyclonus (G1)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyclonus_(G1) Accessed 9/20/2020

Deceptitran et al. “Leaf” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Leaf Accessed 9/20/2020

Dr Spengler et al. “Desire” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Desire Accessed 9/20/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Astrotrain (G1)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(G1) Accessed 9/20/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers: Prime (Cartoon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Prime_(cartoon) Accessed 9/20/2020

Mendou et al. “Cyclonus (Armada)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyclonus_(Armada) Accessed 9/20/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)”, TFwiki,

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline) Accessed 4/25/2020

M Sipher et al. “Astrotrain (disambiguation)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(disambiguation) Accessed

M Sipher et al. “Midnight Express (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Midnight_Express_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Railspike (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Railspike_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Rapid Run (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rapid_Run_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020

9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Shouki” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shouki Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Yukikaze” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Yukikaze_(Headmasters) Accessed 9/20/2020

Nevermore et al. “Transformers: Classics” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

Repowers et al. “Spark (ROC)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Spark_(ROC) Accessed 9/20/2020

Rolonbolon et al. “Omega Supreme (Energon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Omega_Supreme_(Energon) Accessed 9/20/2020

Rosicrucian et al. “Windy (OC)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Windy_(OC) Accessed 9/20/2020

Saix et al. “Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2001_toyline) Accessed 6/13/2020

SanityorMadness et al. “Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(WFC)/toys#Go.21 Accessed 9/22/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Astrotrain(G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(G1)/toys Accessed 9/20/2020

William-james88 “Possible Masterpiece Raiden Coming” Siebertron https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-masterpiece-raiden-coming/44268/ Accessed 9/20/2020

“300 Series Shinkansen” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_Series_Shinkansen Accessed 9/20/2020

“Shinkansen” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen#Types_of_lines Accessed 9/20/2020

#Trains #Iliketrains #Transformers #Aesthetics #Shinkansen #TFwiki

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justfinishedreading · 4 years

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After having read In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami and hearing about the critically acclaimed film adaptation of another of his novels, Audition, I was excited to read it. At first glance it seems a perfect story for the Me Too era: a film producer hosts a fake film audition with the secret aim of finding himself a wife. But the beauty he selects gradually starts displaying warning signs that others around him, and us the audience, can see, but he cannot.

The novel presents the story solely from the producer’s experience of events, his name is Aoyama, he is 42, a widower and has a teenage son. He is a good creation of a character, what I mean is it would be too easy for a writer to portray him as total lying villain, a man deserving of all the horrors coming to him. But what author Ryu Murakami does brilliantly is make him human, presenting his misogyny and arrogance alongside his vulnerability and hope for a warmer home life. His misogyny is presented in subtly ways, it is important to understand that sexism isn’t always extreme and obvious, often sexism is most damaging when it occurs unnoticed in uneventful daily life.

An example of the duality of his character: in the very first pages he tells us a little bit about his late wife, Ryoko: how she was an amazing woman, he “had nothing but love, respect and gratitude for this remarkable wife of his” and yet in the very next sentence we’re told he frequently cheated on her, and spent large amounts of money on hostesses. He praises Ryoko for maintaining her “cool and quiet dignity” in light of his wrongdoings. Since losing Ryoko, Aoyama also lost the desire to fool around with other women, in the way that an adulterer feels less able to gamble with love and rejection if they’ve lost their guaranteed partner at home.

Aoyama’s biggest positive, some would say his only positive, is his love for his son, Shige. He is frequently thinking about his son and his well-being. And yet in parts of the book when Shige comments that strange things have been happening in the neighbourhood and hints that he’s worried to be left alone, Aoyama leaves him nevertheless for large periods of time without a second thought. Shige isn’t a child, he’s 15, but this love merged with lack of responsibility and lack of thought is typical of Aoyama’s character.

In their first scene together father and son watch a women’s marathon. To watch women as Aoyama puts it. Both father and son lament the lack of beauty on display and in the world in general. Here we have a case of female athletes being judged by two men on their appearance. Aoyama comments that he thinks women will outrun men in marathons due to physiology, praise that women can excel men at something, but still within the physical realm. Physiology is a huge part of sports of course, but so is psychological strength and determination, which is something neither of them think about.

Shige suggests that his father should find a new wife, and Aoyama agrees. He wants a wife. Not a girlfriend, not dating, but a wife and step-mother to Shige. He doesn’t want to go on dates, doesn’t have the time for it, or for match-making interviews. He talks to his buddy Yoshikawa, who’s also in the filmmaking business, and Yoshikawa has the idea of holding auditions for a fake film, but with the sole intention of finding a wife for Aoyama.

The idea of a man wanting the luxury of picking a woman from a swarm of applicants, is very real. As I was reading Audition I heard about real-life Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa, who was looking for a female "life partner" to accompany him on a tourist voyage to the Moon planned for 2023. The 44-year-old had at the time recently split from his 27-year-old actor girlfriend. He was now asking women to apply for a "planned match-making event" on his website. How balanced would this relationship ever be if one of the partners had literally been in competition with hundreds of other women for the “prize” of being a billionaire’s “special someone”?

So, what kind of woman does Aoyama want? “I’m not that particular about age, but nobody too young” Says Aoyama. On the next page he settles on mid-twenties to early thirties (the woman he eventually picks is 24, Aoyama is 42). He wants a woman who has trained as a classical musician or ballerina, but she doesn’t necessarily have to be successful at it. And she shouldn’t be “contaminated” by the entertainment industry. Basically, someone he can show off but who doesn’t surpass him. “Office girls?” Says Yoshikawa “Forget about it, it’s not that there aren’t beautiful office girls, but get a well-adjusted woman with a regular job and it’s just not that easy to pull the wool over her eyes.”

Aoyama does wonder whether they should go ahead, it seems immoral and fraudulent. Yoshikawa is excited at the prospect of having fun organizing a fake audition solely for their amusement and eggs Aoyama on. A radio announcement for wannabe actresses with no previous acting experience is put out and applications for the film start pouring in. “Having them include a brief essay along with the résumé and photo was a brilliant idea. The essay, amazingly enough, gives you a clearer image of the person than even a photo does” remarks Yoshikawa. Duh Yoshikawa.

Amongst hundreds of applicants Aoyama is taken in by the profile of Asami, a beautiful, young and modest woman who trained as a ballerina but was forced to stop because of an injury. That evening, without even having met her, he daydreams of her washing the dishes at his home after a meal, they discuss how Shige has accepted her. Aoyama imagines her asking him how best to drink an alcoholic spirit “is it all right to have it in ice?” she asks, and they relax together on the sofa.

Although they have selected thirty candidates for face-to-face interviews, Aoyama can only think of Asami. He anxiously awaits her interview time, barely listening to the other candidates before her. So what can I say about Asami? For the majority of the story she keeps us guessing, Aoyama can only see his own created perfect image of her, combined with the manufactured image she presents. She appears humble, beautiful but insecure, fragile and needing guardianship and so appreciative of Aoyama’s attentions. The other characters around Aoyama feel uneasy but the author never explanation why exactly. Anyone who reads this book already knows something is wrong with Asami, we’re constantly wondering how much does she know? Or does she have motives outside this story? How much is an act or a plan? What is she thinking?

The more we want to know Asami’s inner thoughts, the less Aoyama seems to care to. And that really is the most fighting of all. As an audience we know something bad is coming to someone falling deeper into his own illusion. Even Aoyama’s 15-year-old son seems to be more mature and clued-in than his father. And yet they both share a difficulty understanding woman, Shige comments that he doesn’t understand the girls in his school and maybe he’ll end up with a beautiful foreigner from Kazakhstan, “Language might be a problem, but-“. We never get to hear Shige’s solution to the language problem but it illustrates the absurdity of thinking that you as a man would get on better with a woman you can’t actually communicate with, and from a completely different culture, than trying to talk and understand the women around you.

Something that works to Aoyama’s, and the story’s, favour is that Aoyama was never a sleazy film producer looking for easy sex, he is looking for a bride. The first couple of meeting are completely innocent. In this way we feel some sympathy for him, stupid as he may be, he is not an evil man, and yet we also want to see what Asami is going to do to him. Or at least I did.

If I were writing an essay (which perhaps this does feel like) there’s all sorts of other moments and even linguistic choices which I’d mention and analyse, but for this review I’m going to wrap it up. I was enjoying this book until close to the last chapters. For me the story goes downhill the moment Asami’s reasoning is revealed, her whole persona is explained in a few paragraphs and the mystery of Asami is resolved whilst the story is still happening. She goes from potentially being intelligent and conniving to being a woman of impulses she cannot control. And the book loses something in the process. I had read In the Miso Soup before Audition and I loved the psychopath Frank, a character we never get to fully understand, complex and full of lies. To have Asami explained away so simply robs her of interest and urgency.

The brilliance of the book is really in the lead up to the final grand event. Not so much the ending itself. In fact regardless of whether things turned out badly or well (I won’t spoil it for you), it still ends on a bitter note, a final comment that the men of Audition, after these life lessons, after feeling the consequences of their actions, still don’t understand where they went wrong.

Review by Book Hamster

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adventuresinstudying · 5 years

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After graduating high school (c/o 2019!), I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my senior year. I wanted to share my wisdom (or at least some of my personal experiences) with anyone currently in their senior year - hopefully these will inspire you and help guide you through your last year of high school!

1. Do not let the college process consume your senior year.

Please, do not let this happen. Slow down. Take it easy. Try to devote less than 100% of your time to thinking about college, because otherwise it will ruin your year. Being a senior is a special time in your high school experience socially, emotionally, and academically - while college is important, it is not important enough to take away from enjoying this unique time in your life. Have a life and interests outside of worrying about your applications.

2. Take a free period (don’t fight me on this, do it).

A wise teacher once told me that every senior has a secret class that’s not on their schedule called “college applications.” While he was kidding around, this advice is accurate - having a free period will give you more time to work on your apps, whether it’s because you use a free to edit essays, study for classes, or simply de-stress. There is no need to overload yourself with courses - I promise no college will penalize you for taking a free period, and your mental health will be better because of it.

3. You will meet people you wish you’d known sooner - enjoy your time with them.

I found some of my best friends my senior year at the start of second semester. Yes, it was scary to realize that my most meaningful friendships were formed months before we would scatter across the country. But I was lucky to have the time I did have with these people, and cherish all the memories I have from my senior year. Be present and have fun with the people around you. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people or hang out with a different group just because it’s your last year - you never know who you’ll meet, and it just might make your senior year even better.

4. Thank your teachers. And your mentors. And your coaches. And the people in the cafeteria. And any other adult who helped you get to this point.

Really, go around and give these people a heartfelt thank you. Write them a note or send them an email. From your favorite teacher to your least favorite teacher, you could not have gotten to this point without all those adults who supported you and advocated for you. The week before graduation I wrote thank you notes to all of my former teachers. Some were short, some were long - but every teacher who received a note responded with an email talking about how much it meant to them. Seriously, say thank you. It takes a village.

5. Try something new! It’s not too late.

It can be very easy to spend your senior year just staying on track. You’ve gotten this far and chances are you want to stay in your comfortable routine. I cannot recommend trying something new enough - take an interesting elective class! Join a club in an area you don’t have experience in! Try yoga! Anything! It is never too late to try something new, and it’s likely that you will have a lot of fun along the way or even find a new interest. Don’t worry about how it will look for college applications; focus on trying something just for the sake of experience, having fun, and going out of your comfort zone.

6. Senioirtis/Burnout is real.

Very often, the students who get hit by “senioiritis” the hardest will be the straight-A’s, 4.0 perfectionists. You may think that will never be you, but anyone who went through high school giving 110% will hit a wall and lose motivation. The best advice I received about senioritis/experiencing burnout is this: senioritis is less of a curse and more of an important life lesson. Maybe you went through high school giving your all 24/7 in order to get into your top choice college or be valedictorian. In the long run of college, graduate school, and a future career, this isn’t sustainable. You need to learn how to function at 75-80%, and more importantly to achieve results that you are happy with at this level. Take senioritis as a learning opportunity to be successful while balancing the aspects of your life.

7. Comparison kills, so don’t compare.

Comparison is one of the most harmful things you can do throughout the college process. Differences are inevitable; someone’s safety school may be your reach, and your safety school may be someone’s dream school. A friend may get into a school you’re rejected from. Someone you feel doesn’t work as hard as you may get into a school that you’re rejected from. These are just a few of the countless scenarios that breed comparison; you can’t avoid them, but don’t allow them to consume your life. First, remember that colleges look at students as a whole. You don’t know anyone’s entire story, so you cannot assume why they are applying to a school and why they were/were not accepted (and that includes yourself!). Second, everyone is on a different path. Don’t beat yourself up because someone seems to be having an easier time applying; everyone will get through the process at their own rate, and it will all work out in the end. Ignore what’s going on around you and focus on what you can do.

8. Be a mentor to younger students.

Ok, sounds cheesy, but don’t be the senior who yells at freshmen and goes around acting like underclassmen aren’t worthy of respect. Yes, you’ve earned some seniority by being the oldest in high school, but in my experience there is nothing gained from being that senior. As someone who spent a lot of time serving as a mentor both formally and informally, it is so much more valuable to be someone that freshmen (and sophomores/juniors) can look up to and go to for help. Whether through a peer mentoring group, a club, a sport, a class, or any other way you interact with younger students, be the senior who goes out of their way to get to know younger students. Introduce yourself, ask how their day is going, ask what classes they’re taking or how their year is going; all these are little actions on your part that can help underclassmen in big ways. Impart your wisdom before you graduate!

9. Find a healthy academic, social, and emotional balance.

Note that in a perfect world, these should all be equal. Study hard, but also spend time with friends and take care of yourself. The college process will be less stressful and your year will be so much more enjoyable if you learn to balance these aspects of your life. It’s ok to go out on a Saturday instead of studying for a test (chances are you can study earlier in the day or on Sunday!). It’s also ok to not go out because you need some time alone to mentally recharge. Find a balance that works for you, and commit to keeping that balance in place.

10. Think about your legacy.

Come May or June, you are going to leave the community you have spent four (or more) years being a part of. No matter whether you hated or loved high school, that’s a pretty powerful image. Although it might seem insignificant, consider the impact you had on that community. Maybe you started a club, or lead a group on campus. Maybe it was something smaller; maybe you always said hi to other students in the hallways or cheered loudly at sports games. I’m not saying you need to fake it in order to have a more significant legacy; I’m saying that it’s incredibly rewarding to spend your senior year being the person you want to be remembered as. This will inspire the people around you and feel more fulfilling than any grade or GPA ever will. Plus, you never know how a former teacher or peer may come back to help you in the future.

I hope all the current and rising seniors out there find this helpful! Senior year has a reputation for being stressful and intense, but it doesn’t have to be. Enjoy your time in high school and make the most of the time you have left! Graduation may seem a world away, but the year will go by so much faster than you can imagine.

#adventuresinstudying #studyblr #studyspo #study space #pretty notes #my posts #senior #high school #advice #appblr #college apps

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mysteriouslyswimmingfan-blo-blog · 5 years

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The Batman x Reader Ep.1 THE BAT IN THE BELFRY

I’ve never done an xReader before, but I’ve always wanted to. So this is my attempt at an xReader.

It is mainly based off of The Batman, meaning most of it will be pulled directly from the show itself and the reader will just be inserted. This is where you can find the series. Some parts will be removed while others added, please watch the show and understand that I am taking things from the show directly.

Please be kind to me when you leave your thoughts on how I did.

*Line Break Inc.*

You hear Rupert Thorne breath heavily as Bruce hid in the shadows, causing the mobster a scare. “He’s here.” Thorne breath out in anticipation, his voice barely being picked up by Bruce’s mic.

You always feel better with his mic turned up all the way so you could hear what was going on while he crusaded around Gotham, so in case anything were to happen, either you or Alfred would be able to respond immediately.

“Where, Mr. Thorne?” One thug with a terrible scratch to his throat, you felt bad for his throat and felt like you should send that thug some cough drops.

The next few moments were confused sounds and soft thuds as Bruce continued to mess with the mobsters.

“There! I-I I saw him!” Oh, Thorne just sounded plain desperate at this pointed, thinking he himself have gone crazy.

“Wha…What’s that?” You started to type into the batcomputer looking up that thug’s name and where you could send some cough drops to. A louder thud this time, something was dropped.

“Take him!” Thorne had demanded his lackeys. You just roll your eyes as you continue to find information on the thugs, apparently there is two of them there. Turning away from the computer once you have sent in the requests of two bags of cough drops to be sent to them, you turn back to the pile of essays that you have to read and grade.

Sounds of Bruce fighting two lackeys that have not had his training, and are such easily taken down, come through as you mark up one essay.

“Okay… uhhh, we split the take 30, 70.” Thorne sounded nervous.

You smirk as you write something on another essay, “Only thirty percent?” You made a noise of disapproval. “Drop his ass.” You could physically feel Bruce restrain himself from smirking.

Your heard Thorne gasp out before stuttering over his second offer. “50, 50.”

“Weak!” You called to no one, not even paying attention to the comm feed anymore trusting Bruce to wrap things up from that point.

Thud from landing and panting from running was heard as Bruce most likely had to pursue the mobster. A loud impact was heard over the comm before Rupert Thorne moaned out, “Whoa… How you do that?”

“I’m the Batman.”

You started laughing at Bruce’s response.

“‘I’m the Batman.’” You laughed some more at your pour intimidation of Bruce’s dubbed ‘Batman’ voice, “Were you trying to intimidate the guy?”

“Yes.” Bruce sounded like he was deeply offended, but you just couldn’t stop laughing.

You had been with Bruce for two years and had been helping him with the whole capped crusader for the past year. A chance meeting had turned into so much more.

You had taken a deep breath as you start to clean up the essay’s scattered around the desk leaving Bruce to drive home in quiet, so he didn’t run over anything or anyone. You were surprised by Alfred placing a cake with three candles on it on one end of the desk. Raising an eyebrow in questioning Alfred simply held a finger to his lips and turned around, hiding the cake from view when Bruce rolled in.

Bruce came up the pole and took off his cowl, smiling at the two of you.

“Surprise.” The first word out of the butler’s mouth. Alfred lead Bruce over to the cake, only adding to both of your confusions.

“I’m touched Alfred. But my birthday is not until October.” Bruce spoke the truth. He was 26 when he became the Batman, and when he met you, Bruce had only just turned 29.

“It’s an anniversary, Master Bruce. 3 years ago, tonight, you first dawned cape and cowl.” The father figure of your lover’s life explained to the two you with disbelief, most likely because neither of you remembered.

“Crime flies.” You mumble as you snuggle into Bruce’s side while you both looked at the three burning candles.

“Chop Chop. Make a wish.”

Bruce stood there for a moment before attempting, “I wish…” He didn’t seem to be able to get them out the first time, so he tried again. “I wish…” Only to meet with the same results. Instead he closed his eyes and hugged you a little closer.

“I wish they were here too. Very much so.” Alfred spoke from the other side with his hand on Bruce’s shoulder.

“To the memory of Thomas and Martha Wayne.” Bruce leaned forward blowing out the candles. “The reason I became the Batman.”

*Line Break Inc.*

“Chief Rojas, can you verify rumors that it was the Batman that apprehended crime boss, Rubert Thorn and his gang last night?” You paused in getting ready to leave for work, a proud high school English teacher, to take in what the police had to say about last night.

“Do you know of anyone who actually seen this Batman?” The Chief of police actually had the audacity to put finger quotes around ‘Batman’. You leaned over the back of the couch that Bruce sat on eating his breakfast.

“I uhm…” The reporter fumbled for an answer.

“Because he’s what’s called an “Urban Legend”.” Those dang finger quotes once more.

“Why that cheeky…” Both you and Bruce looked over to Alfred with slightly raised eyebrows. “Brand flakes sir.” Alfred leaned over and poured more into Bruce’s bowel.

“Easy Alfred. The Batman is right where he likes, hovering below the radar.”

“You never did like taking the spotlight for yourself.” You leaned over even more to give Bruce a kiss on the cheek while the news continued on.

“Well there you have it. In only 3 years time, our crime rate has plummeted to a nationwide low. Thanks to Gotham’s finest. Back to you, Jim.”

“Next up, Billionaire Bruce Wayne contributes an unprecedented sum to Gotham Children’s Hospital.” Bruce held up a hand which you automatically slapped, all without looking at one another. “And in Sports, Gators kick off a new season with tonight’s home game.” Bruce turned the TV off, allowing you to finish getting ready for work, and Bruce to start getting ready.

“Which billionaire Bruce Wayne and his girlfriend (Y/N) (Y/LN) will be there to enjoy.” Bruce set his bowl down as Alfred held out two tickets. “Your season tickets, sir and madam.”

“Ohh, tonight? Aw, but I had…” Bruce started to whine like causing you to straighten your back and fold your arms over your chest.

“Work to do in the Batcave?” Bruce looked behind him to you.

“For the Batman to remain under the radar, Bruce Wayne must occasionally venture above it.” Alfred spoke before Bruce could retaliate.

The billionaire sighed before looking back to you, “Pick you up from your apartment or the academy?”

“My apartment will do just fine.” You gave him a smile and a quick peck on the cheek before finishing getting ready for work.

*Line Break Inc.*

“You know,” Bruce leaned over to whisper into your ear while you tried to make sense of the game. Sports are not a specialty of yours. “I once toyed with the idea of buying the Gators.” You turned your head ever so slightly with a single raised eyebrow, waiting for the punch line. “Buying them lunch.”

“Weak.” You look back to the game while Bruce gave the most offended sounds.

“That is some of my best stuff.”

“Then you need,” You were interrupted by a beeping from his suit coat pocket. You bit your lip and looked over to Bruce who looked at the phone like item. “to be the bat?”

“Major Arkham breakout, all cells in the east wing.” Bruce didn’t look up until he finished speaking. Bruce put the item away and put his arm back around your shoulders. “I can look at the evidence after the police have left, like usual.”

“Bruce, it’s Arkham. The police aren’t going to leave anytime soon.”

“All the better to wait after the game.” A moment of silence came between the two of you before Bruce stood up and held his hand out to you. “The camera just rolled over us, Alfred knows that we were here. So does most of Gotham.”

“Time to be the bat then, I guess.” The two of you smirk at each other before you take his hand and sneak out of the game together.

The two of you got into the alleyway connected to the building, you called the bike while Bruce called the car. The motorcycle stopped right in front of you while the car almost ran over Bruce. “Gotta work on though stops.” You rolled your eyes and went to change behind a dumpster while Bruce changed in the batmobile. Your emergency suit, worn only when Bruce needed a pickup, is skintight and has a marble effect of navy blue and silver.

Just as you are about to put your helmet on you walk over the batmobile and tap on its window. Bruce opens the top, already in his suit and buckled, ready to drive off. You give him a chaste kiss on the lips and said against his lips, “Come back to me alive.”

While you walked back to the batbike you put the helmet on. Sadly no comm in the helmet so you don’t have a chance to talk with Bruce as he heads to Arkham and you to the Batcave.

You get back to the batcave and turn on the comm just in time for you to hear Bruce comment, “That was theatrical.”

“What was?” You asked while changing back into your date clothes. A white off the shoulder shirt with bell sleeves, blue skinny jeans and nude sandal heels, one of your more favored date outfits.

“Someone just blew up the bridge to Arkham, not allowing the police over to prison.”

“Someone wants to be alone.”

The two of you were quite while Bruce slipped through Arkham without alerting the police outside. At the same time you sat the computer working through Arkham’s system to get to the security cameras so you could see everything.

“Takes after his Pa wouldn’t you say?” You heard a new voice over the comm.

“Who is that?” You abandone hacking into the system to focus on Bruce and whoever it is that he is confronting.

“What did you do to him?” Bruce asked instead.

“Just some laughing gas, drag. Don’t tell me you’re… not an inmate? What rational being dresses like you? And speaking of threads, think that this is a good look for me?”

“Who are you?”

“Finally asking the right questions.” You mumble as you get back to the task of hacking into the system. Which is taking longer than necessary, while your father worked IT your whole life and taught you how to fix just about any problem a computer could be having, he never taught you how to hack into another computer or system that wasn’t right in front of you.

“Joker.”

“Not what, Who?” Bruce argued, his patience running thin.

“Smear free. It’s perma-clown! Ohh, tough crowd. Look! Nothing up my sleeves!” The Joker is mentally twisted. You can tell just by the way that he chuckles. “Nothing that won’t put a smile on your face. Say cheese!” The Joker’s pure laugh was worse than his chuckle. “I’m out of gas…”

“And I am out of patience!” You heard something rip and you just hopped that it wasn’t anything important.

“We know how to spoil a coming out party. How do you expect me to spread mirth and whimsy without a proper hideout?!?”

“Bats, he needs help. Like real help and not the kind that Arkham offers.” You had finally gotten through the system and are now looking through the cameras trying to find the one with Bruce and the Joker.

“Listen Joker, you’re sick. You need help.”

“Well, maybe I am a little off.” You heard grunts and a thud like a body landing on the ground. Just as the Joker started speaking once more you found the right camera. “But what are you going to do? Lock me in the loony bin? I’m already here!” No audio from the cameras, but you have audio from the comms, so you weren’t worried, too badly.

You watched Bruce get up and start to fight the Joker.

“You know, I really love this place. My old hideout a shamble, and these digs just scream me!” They stopped for a moment letting you listen to the Joker pant and Bruce breath heavier, like he just finished a workout. “Okay…Take back the asylum but mark my words: this town has happy days ahead!” You had followed the fight through the cameras and had followed the Joker the same way until the cameras had stopped working and you weren’t able to follow him anymore.

“Smile Gotham!” You hear the Joker’s voice and you leap back through the cameras until landing on the one with Bruce, only to find him laying on the ground with some sort of contraption in the hallway.

“Cameras went out a few hallways down and I can’t track him anymore.” You sigh while leaning back into the chair.

“I’m headed back to the cave. With some evidence.”

“I’ll see if I can get Alfred to warm up some dinner for us.”

“Play a bit of buffer for me?”

“Get him use to the thought that we both skipped out the game and that you have evidence that we’ll be going over tonight and possibly tomorrow.”

You stand up and go up to the manor, receive a lecture from Alfred and help him make two plates, one for you and one for Bruce. When you both had gotten back to the cave Bruce was already back with someone on the gurney.

“Sir? A stranger in the Batcave?” Alfred spoke for the two of you, but once you had seen his face you dropped the plates you were holding for yourself and Bruce before covering your mouth with your hands. The feeling of bile in your throat. The mans face stretched to the extreme with a sick smile that had stretched his lips so wide and big they were bleeding, and his eyes, the pupils were barely there, so much of them were white.

“Tonight, we’ll make an exception.” Bruce walked away from the body and over to you, wrapping you up in a hug hiding the body from your view.

“Oh my, chap could use a dentist.” You wanted to smack Alfred for that comment.

“Or a medic.” Bruce looked over to Alfred.

“Right then.” Sounded like Alfred regretted his comment after seeing your state, thankfully enough.

Bruce walked you into the manor and into your bedroom where he took your shoes off and helped you lay down before quickly changing in the bathroom and joining you in bed, wrapping you up in his arms, seemingly to protect you from the world.

*Line Break Inc.*

“Chief Rojas, any suspects yet on this bizarre Jack in the Box hostage incident?” You and Bruce were listening to the news on the radio. Your head in his lap and his finger carding through your hair. You were taking the Saturday to just relax and not fret over the body down in the cave, which you will not be going down to until the body is gone. And Bruce was still working on the case, thankfully outside of the cave.

“I’m not at liberty to reveal whom.” You heard the chief say over the radio.

“They have no leads.” You mumble out being put to sleep by Bruce’s fingers.

“But, I feel confident our best detectives are closing in on them as we speak.”

You heard the radio turn off before you heard Alfred speak, “And Gotham Gator fans Bruce Wayne and (Y/N) (Y/LN) with nearly an alibi.”

“How’s our patient?” Bruce asked about the body instead of commenting on their absences at the game.

“Despite the ghastly grimace, fit as a fiddle. Poor fellow is simply a prisoner in his own body.”

“A sample of Joker’s Gas is our only hope of deriving an antidote. And I need to find it, before this madman puts a permanent smile on all of Gotham.” Bruce didn’t speak for a moment, his fingers stopping in your hair causing you to wake up and look up at him. “If I find the old hideout, I find this Joker.”

Just as you open your mouth to give him hope, Alfred spoke up. “Master Bruce, someone to see you.” You sit up as Bruce asks who it is, the door to the personal family room opened revealing Detective Ethan Bennet, one of the leading detective’s in the GCPD. “The police.” Alfred spoke in the most obvious of tones, some reason feeling the need to announce Detective Bennet’s presence though they all could see him.

“Detective, am I under arrest?” Bruce stood up first hiding the card he was looking at in his back pocket. You stood up as well and grabbed onto the arm that had put the card in his pocket. It was a tense moment before Ethan started laughing and the face you had pulled at the police officer.

“Yo Bruce!” Ethan, Bruce’s best friend since high school. The same high school that you currently teach at.

“Hey! Ethan!” You release Bruce so the two of them could do their strange man hug.

“Where’d you been my friend?” The detective had released Bruce and held him at arm’s length.

Thankfully Alfred answered before either Bruce or your self could fumble out an answer. “Master Bruce and Madam (Y/N) were at the game last night.”

“Speaking of, thought we were on set to shoot some hoops last week.” Ethan faked a punch to Bruce’s shoulder which Bruce dodged and faked one of his own.

“You’re not the only one that he’s skipping out on plans on.” Ethan stopped their fake boxing match and looked over at you for a moment before doubling over in laughter.

“You said that you’d never do that to (Y/N)!” He cackled some more, causing a not fond, fresh memory of the Joker’s laughter. “But here you are! Skipping out on (Y/N)! (Y/N) man! The woman you literally have never shut up about.” Ethan had wrapped an arm around Bruce’s neck and brought his head down so Ethan could rub his knuckles against Bruce’s head.

“Hey, what happens on the court stays on the court.” Bruce was annoying good at that whining thing.

“We never agreed to what was said on the court.”

“Well we should!”

“Not in this lifetime!” Bruce had gotten Ethan’s arm from around his neck just as Alfred came back with a tray of three mugs, emanating steam, and a brush.

You took the brush and helped Bruce straighten out his hair while Bruce took both of your mugs and waited for you to finish with his hair before moving. He gave you your mug just as you handed the brush back to Alfred. The butler placed the brush on the tray and handed Ethan his own mug.

The three walked over to the chairs and couches, on the way Bruce asked, “So, why the sudden visit?”

“Not that we are complaining.” You reassured Ethan while sitting next to Bruce on one of the couches.

Ethan sat on the chair next to Bruce before leaning back into it with a sigh. “Just, I needed to talk to someone. Other than the guys at the station I mean. This is going to sound weird Bruce, but last night, I saw the Batman.” Across the room Alfred had dropped a vase shattering it on the ground causing you three to look over to see if he was okay.

“Only a Ming.” Alfred told the three of you. “And no, Madam (Y/N), I do not need help.” You pouted as you picked your mug off of the coffee table and took an annoying loud sip from it.

“So, he’s for real? What does he look like?” Bruce looked back to Ethan while patting your knee.

“Dude like you or me. ‘Cept he wears Bat jammas.” You hid your snickers in your mug while Ethan got to openly chuckle. “Tough part’s this Bruce, I really believe the Bats helping Gotham. Even if he is on the wrong side of the law, but he is getting a bad rap and the heats on me to take him down.” A moment of silence washed over the three of you, you tried to think of ways to help your boyfriend best friend. A glance at a picture frame on the coffee table had you smiling.

“Why don’t you two go play a few rounds of HORSE in the back?” You gave the two of them a gentle smile while taking Bruce’s mug from him and placed it on the coffee table. The two men looked to one another before racing to the backyard.

*Line Break Inc.*

The next day you were driving in your car on your way to meet up with a friend, after having spent the night at your own apartment not being able to be in the Manor and not be in the Batcave with Alfred and that body, listening to the news as the reporter talked about a hot air balloon in the sky last night over Gotham. The reporter went on to say the culprit was caught in Gotham Bay and was now serving time in Arkham.

Once you reached the park you were meeting your friend in, you looked to your phone seeing that you have received a text from Bruce.

BW: I missed you last night. Still do, and I wish you have a safe day.

(You): I missed you too. Just being in the Manor and in our room when you’re out crusading, doesn’t sit right with me. Even then I didn’t really sleep last night. I didn’t know for a fact that you had gotten back alive and safe. I am glad that you are alive to see another day.

BW: You called it our room.

(You): Don’t you have a meeting or something?

BW: On a Sunday?

You didn’t text him back once you saw your friend and the picnic that they had laid out. You can continue to argue with your boyfriend, once you have spent time with your friend.

*Line Break Inc.*

Mean while in Arkham Asylum. A guard, the same one that fell victim to the Joker Gas, was walking down a hallway checking rooms. “Steiner... Check… Mcswang… Check... 223… New Arrival… Check.”

Joker gave a laugh before speaking, though the guard had already moved on. “They all said I was sick in the head. They said, “I needed help.” Well, maybe I am a bit batty. Blame it on the Bats in my Belfry.” The Joker gave his trademark laugh, even though he is locked up tight.

#batman #batman x reader #the batman #bruce wayne x reader #bruce x reader #bruce wayne #x reader #bruce wayne x you

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gg-astrology · 5 years

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hey gg! can you do capricorn sun-sagittarius moon? i feel like it's a rare combination and i'd love ur input on it! thank u

Aaaah I’d love to talk about it!!! 💕💕💕 This seems so fun! 💕

[Below Cut: Capricorn Sun - Sagittarius Moon 👹]

This is the devil’s advocate, this is the kind of person who embodies both the realities of being someone who can take things easy, makes jokes. but is also highly critical and accessive

Would rather use their prowess for mischievous mayhem and ‘bringing senses’ into others (sometimes through playfulness) at the same time

They can get serious however, they can be extremely blunt and powerful. If you really don’t get where they’re going, they may resort to calling you out right for something.

The type of people who has a hard time mincing their words especially when it serves others better to learn something from what they’re saying. They tie in Capricorn’s observation and practicality with Sagittarius’s perceptive and highly intellectual mind.

If they are (or were) kind of a geek I wouldn’t be surprise-- their minds needs stimulation and often the would have to find them in outlets, in medias, in something they can sink their energy into

Would actually do well in sports, if they have -- um, other things pointing to good co-ordination as well (can be good or terrible at dancing, depends on the person)

Because their mind is rather spontaneous, despite being in a stable sign. These people might need to ‘switch gears’ often in order to keep themselves motivated in doing a task or staying on track with something.

They’re powerful when they can work for like, 30 minutes and get something nearly done, take a 1 hour break and then get back to work again

So make sure to pace yourself, make sure you drink water and walk around. Capricorn/Sagittarius likes to keep their mind on something so they may switch gears from writing essays to looking at the tv to going back/remembering they were writing something again

I think the most important thing people notice about them is their easy-going manner, like these people really try to relax around others

It’s more to do with their wit?? They’re still moody-- they’re allowed to have their exasperated mood, their down time, their introverted-needs. But when they hang out with people, they’d rather be remembered to enjoying their company, bringing their best interaction forward. Having fun together, joking around

What they do in their spare leisure time is up to them, some just prefers to lounge around and have room/space to take/breath in the clear energy. All they need is just to feel good and alone in their surrounding sometimes

So don’t take it personally if your Capricorn/Sagittarius friend doesn’t want to hang out someday--- they have more needs for their alone-time and that might be why those who are completely extroverted may think they’re more introverted than not

Occasionally, they thrive on a lil adventure. The type to feel rejuvenated and genuinely excited for it even though they don’t normally show this pattern. Sometimes you can catch them bouncing on their feet a lil at the prospect of one of the hang out being to ‘go explore something together’

They like adventure, and they like doing new things. They’re much more open to newer experience than you realize (even risqué daring ones that makes more conservative Capricorn gasps in shock) -- so be sure to tell them when you made plans, because these people often try to urge themselves to ‘feel ready’ for it when they’re motivated by something that could be potentially new/an area of activity they aren’t normally used to

They can also get sulky or whiny, if you don’t invite them to something. Even though they love their homes/alone-time and you know they may sometimes just not want people around (scurry back into their space)

Just being invited or feeling welcomed (openly) into a space, like they belong or have a place to go back to is what matters to them. They don’t want to feel like just because they missed out on one, they are immediately losing sense of what happened and they’d have to force themselves into social interaction all the time (it makes them tense, fatigue and nervous if it’s constantly)

Don’t make them feel orchestrated by their difference. Make them feel like you’re also adaptable, open and inviting for them to be there.

(So in a way, a sense of freedom and autonomy is encouraged within the group. As well as just not making a big deal/trying to be passive aggressive about someone having needs/flaking out. Or making them feel like they’re possessed/belong/tied to the group and can’t hang out with their other friends)

Just don’t make them feel bad-- these people are sensitive to their social groups and their sense of belonging. They like structure and has a healthy respect of what it does to tie people together (like a Capricorn) but they also need to have space and a healthy dynamic with their more freedom-loving side, their ‘birds gotta fly’ side as well (don’t tie them in)

They are often good at a wide arrange of activities, talented concise yet witty remarks (maybe satirical even) but the most important thing they seek is to be recognized by others. That others nurture and recognize their value/progress here too

They work hard for it, and they often let others know their sharp insights about their personality/traits to make them feel better. So let them know yours too, they appreciate any subjective comments as well, it makes them think about it and feel good about themselves. Rejuvenated.

These people are generous and kind-hearted, yet at the same time as long as they feel you have no ulterior motive behind you (and is just a dumbass) they often offer to do you ‘conveniences’ to make your life easier for you (like if they have a car, they’ll offer to drive you ‘since you’re on the way anyways’ or if they have a game console then ‘come over i can’t play this by myself’ after literally playing the game solo for a whole day before skdjnfsk)

They’re kinda like?? looking after their friends. They just want to see people happy, and while they may be dragged down emotionally by themselves.

They often know what to do to keep balance between them dealing with their own shit vs everyone seeing it (as in they won’t expose their own problems but they’ll just suffer/keep it contained into two separate personal vs social life-- don’t want to drag anyone into it)

Thus--- these people are often less guarded, more casual around people. They have a way of speaking that doesn’t sound elitist, while coming across as pretty educated and can speak to people from all types/walks of life at the same time.

They’re liberals, like their mind are often liberators of ‘why/how’ things are like this or that. They may be adept at politics or philosophy-- but that doesn’t have to define their advocacy (considering they are still Capricorn so they’ll want to have something ‘independent but long term’ or something)

They’re the type who’s sensible and aligned, their minds are often organized when they have to declutter/do something about it (in preparations for a presentation or something) often much more balanced than other people (will try to actually get some sleep and not be frantic)

They’re the types who keeps cool and that often pays off in a successful ‘job well done’! -- after all the srz bzn is done they’re back into Bouncy Mode again (let’s celebrate! A dinner! Just enjoy!)

These people however-- may piss you off if you’re not into theoretical analysis or discussion of concepts sometimes (when they’re in the mood, their mind is always in the mood but they can sometimes show it out) -- please let them speak and just be happy to discuss in their mental/conceptual adventures (entertain them sometimes, take care of them)

That’s it!! 💕 I hope u enjoy! 💕💕

#sagittarius moon #capricorn sun #capricorn #sagittarius #capricorn-sagittarius #anon #asks

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rocknrollbodhisattva · 5 years

Text

The Paranormal and the Sitcom: A So Weird & Girl Meets World Crossover Essay

Inspired by @fi-phillips | @thats-so-weird | @boymeetsworldconfessions | @rilaya | @rileymatthews-xo

Introduction

From 1999 to 2001, Zoog Disney aired a paranormal show named So Weird, the Disney version of the X-Files. Micheal Jacobs revived Boy Meets World with a continuation called Girl Meets World. On the surface So Weird and Girl Meets World have nothing in common. The former show filmed in Canada, the latter was filmed in California. Cooksney and Jacobs couldn't be more different, Jacobs is known for comedic sitcoms like My Two Dads, John Astole and producer Jon Cooksney, focused on speculative fiction. Astole worked on Stargate, and the 1980s Twilight Zone revivals. Disney Channel hosting their television shows is their only commonalities so far. What made these programs successful was pushing Disney's Astole limits on what considered acceptable. As a result, So Weird was the darkest show Disney Channel aired where Girl Meets World was one of the smarter television shows of modern Disney Channel. Audiences don't think of Disney tackling death acceptance, religion, or feminism

Fiona "Fi" Philips (Cara DeLizia) along with her older brother Jack, join their mother Molly Phillips (Makenzie (Phillips) on her comeback tour. Having a Rockstar mom isn't easy, especially when evil spirits begin stalking Fiona. When Annie (Alexz Johnson) arrives a paranormal panther follows suit. Riley Matthews (Rowen Blanchard) along with her best friend Maya Hart (Sabrina Carpenter) continue the lessons her father learned almost Boy Meets World. At six years old I loved stories about hauntings and dark creatures, so, So Weird naturally appealed to me. Nostalgia over Boy Meets World influenced my decision to watch its sequel and the quality of it surprised me. This cross-over essay's purpose is dissecting these shows popularity and their similarities rather than their differences.

Surface Similarities & Differences

At the surface level SW and GMW's similarities are minor., Fi Phillips and Riley Matthews are our brunette primary protagonists; Annie Thelon and Maya Hart are our blonde secondary protagonists. Fandoms hated Annie and Riley because they interfered with the fandoms' favorites then subsequently blamed for the lackluster third seasons. Celebrities Carpenter and Johnzon used their shows as advertisement for their music careers. Actually Disney gave Carpenter a record deal before casting her as Maya. Carpenter is talented but still sounds like a Disney pop star, however, Johnson has more experience. SW had better music because there was a larger variety of genres like Rock, Pop, Blues, and Celtic music. SW alluded to Celtic and Greek mythology like changelings and sirens. GMW alluded to BMW and nothing else like Cory and Shawn's jellybean scene. Both shows had actors who appeared in crime shows including Carpenter and Eric von Detten.*1

What else SW and GMW had in common was that they had realistic friendships and family dynamics. Friendships weren't used as problem-solving devices but to deepen the characters. Jack (Patrick Lewis) and Clu (Eric von Detten) hung out because they wanted to not because the plot required them to. Parents were written as people. Molly struggled with widowhood and had goals outside of being a mother. Irene felt inferior to her younger sister and Ned Bell was a biker before he married Irene. In addition, Cory taught History yet offered fatherly advice to his daughter and her friends. Single mother, Katy, struggled with her part-time job and caring for Maya. As siblings, Jack/Fi and Riley/Auggie neither fought constantly nor always got along. 'Singularity' Jack and Fi do nothing but argue but in 'Medium' Jack uses "colourful language" when a psychic angers Fi. In GMW, Riley and Auggie argued in 'Forgiveness' then have a touching moment in 'Christmas Maya.' When writing only children Jacobs and Astole never relied on only child stereotypes instead showing the complexity of being one. Not to mention, as an only child myself, I loved this. Maya and Annie weren't spoiled were confused over siblings concepts, like sharing. Trapped in endless detention, Annie's confused by Jack standoffishness finding out that he falsely believes that Annie's replacing his sister. After assuring him that was never her intention, she and Jack become friends. Likewise, Maya confuses Rucas' (Riley/ Lucas) relationship with that of a brother-sister one because she doesn't understand how siblings act. Siblings are loving and friendly but also bicker like Lucaya (Maya/Lucas). Eventually, they develop sibling dynamics with other characters, Annie/Jack and Maya/Lucas.

Neither show's focus was on romance. SW focused on family while GMW focused on friendship and love interests didn't appear in more than one episode. Jack's girlfriend, Gabe, appeared in 'Angel.' Ryan was Fi's first kiss in 'Second Generation' and GMW had two date episodes. 'Brother' was about Cory and Topanga's date night; 'First Date' was about Lucas and Riley first kiss. If romance wasn't plot important then why did GMW develop a shipping war while SW was immune to such disputes? In comparison to GMW, SW had limited couple options meaning there weren't many options before couples became slash or incestuous Those options are: Annie and Fi with either Clu or Carrey. GMW avoids this pitfall with a diverse amount of characters but started shipping wars by introducing the leads and love interest simultaneously. Fanon favourites were Jack/Annie, Carrey/Molly, Lucas/Maya despite the intended couples are Cory/Topanga, Riley/Lucas, and Fi/Clu.

Why did Anti-Annie fans hate her less than Anti-Riley fans? Again, the fandom hated Riley more because of differences in character casting. If a Jerkass character is among the main cast the fandom automatically absolves them, giving their retribution to the kinder characters. Maya's the "broken bird" so fans will prefer her and discount Riley giving fans reason to pair Maya in a love-hate romance. For extra information on this, TvTropes offers an analysis using Nickelodeon television as examples. SW main characters aren't jerkasses toward their friends meaning Annie gets less hate and Friend-Lovers are on equal levels with Love-Hate ones.

Seekers: Fiona & Riley

Seekers of the 12 Archetypes are constantly searching for expanded knowledge of the world at large or themselves. Riley and Fi want to understand other people's perspectives in a worldly sense (Riley) and supernaturally (Fi). However both are open-minded toward unproven phenomenon as opposed to our blond protagonists who rather "go with the flow." Also as the primary protagonists they possess the most contradictions of their worlds. Fi's an amateur parapsychologist but wants a normal life to protect her family. ('Lightening Rod') Fi is a computer geek struggling academically but loves learning new subjects ('Tulpa', 'Escape', 'Vampire'). In comparison, Riley succeeds with her schoolwork but is naïve to the world around her. ('Pluto') She insecure often becoming victim to peer pressure but craves uniqueness away from her peers ('Popular', 'Jexica') Riley and Annie love feminine hobbies – makeup and shopping – but love masculine pursuits too. Both of them love the outdoors, athletics, but are terrible at sports. ('Ski Lodge' in GMW and 'Sacrifice' in SW) Riley can't make the cheerleading team but loves basketball; Fi fails at baseball but tries appreciates the sport. ('Singularity', 'Rah Rah') Contradictions make them rounded characters but causes internal conflict when they attempt to form a stable Ego.

Upon waking up in the middle of the night, Riley eavesdrops on her parents where she doubts if she's good enough compared to her parents. After all Topanga is a successful lawyer, Cory is a successful teacher, and have a perfect fairytale love. ('Cory & Topanga') Unable to connect with her father, Rick, Fi seeks resemblances between herself and him. Just like Riley's atelphobia, Fi feels disconnected from her family because of her paranormal interests. An example is 'Strange Geometry' where Fi feels betrayed that her mother kept Rick obsession a secret. Since Lucas doesn't differentiate between Riley and Maya during the love triangle, Riley further doubts her worth as a girlfriend. In the pilot and a deleted 'Upstate' scene, Riley molds herself into Maya so she'll have an identity. Constant identity searching is another aspect of the Seeker archetype.

Caretaking drives our protagonists to seek out the world's answers. Fi wants closure with her father yet her investigations aren't just for her benefit, but for the benefits of her loved ones. Molly's friends Rebecca left when she was Fi's age, thus Fi confronts Rebecca's "daughter" so Molly will have some closure of her own. Reluctantly, Fi leads the two of them to Rebecca's house where history repeated itself again; Rebecca's family disappeared again leaving Molly more betrayed and confused. 'In Forgiveness' Riley back talks to Kermit wanting answers as to why he left her best friend when she was younger. Town members become annoyed by Fi when she forces them to remember the alien invasion the day before. ('Memory') Fi helps a coma girl's mother and grandmother with technology to revive the girl from her coma even though these people are strangers to her. ('Lost') Riley invades her friends' boundaries so Maya will have hope ('Master Plan'), tries jumping into a bull pen to save Lucas ('Texas'), and keeps her friends in a stairwell so they'll reflect on their surroundings ('High School'). Fi challenges Bricriu to hangman so he'll stop possessing her brother. ('Will-o-Wisp') Riley gives up her relationship with Shawn, her godfather, so Maya will have a father. She forgets her affections for Lucas so Maya will have a chance at love. ('Texas', 'New Years') Occasionally their actions cause annoyance among their friends but its for the greater good. Sacrificing one's own desires is the key component in the Caretaker's goal.

Creators: Annie & Maya

Creators turn illusion into reality and similar to Seekers, Creators are invested self-identity and possibilities. When we're introduced to Annie and Maya both are immediately drawn to creative fields. By the ending of 'Lightening Rod', Annie confides in Fi that she's always had an eerie connection to music and find inspiration from something as insignificant as a stick. Furthermore, Mr and Mrs Thelon inform Molly that Annie has the ability to master most any instrument. 'In the Darkness', the theme song, shows Annie playing as well as popular instruments like the guitar. Maya gained that same artistic guidance from the stars or a paint war. ('Meets Boy', 'Upstate', 'Maya's Mother'). Partly due to Carpenter portrays her, Maya masters singing and guitar quite easily. ('1961', 'Creativity') An added bonus to Annie's is that they act as retrocognition from her past.

Both blondes quickly give up old lifestyles for chances at an art or singing career. For example, Annie's ecstatic she'll join Molly's band on tour, granted her parents reason this is so Annie will have a normal and balanced life. ('Lightening Rod') Impulsive, Future Maya leaps at the opportunity when she receives a SoHo gallery internship. ('Bay Window') Creators share the fear of not having an identity. When a recording agent steals Annie's voice and likewise when the art teacher grades Maya's painting as incomplete, the girls doubt their self-worth. In 'Carnival' Annie's reflections mock her abilities when she rescues her friends from an evil ringmaster. Season one Maya wonders if Riley was right and Maya's troubled past is responsible for her artistic ability. What's more is that the Creator archetype gives the character a dangerous duality; either they're practical with their art or they drown themselves in their disillusion. Which is why the Orphan archetype lurks beneath the Creator.

The Thelons and Hart families are alive but their actions produce an orphan effect on their daughters. Traveling across the globe before the So Weird eventsprohibitedestablishing permanent roots somewhere. Kermit's physical abandonment compounded with Katy's emotional abandonment ensured that Maya wouldn't have a support system. Although being an only child isn't problematic, not having someone to depend on made connecting with others difficult. Neither would form a real connection until they made surrogate families out of the Phillips and Matthews families. Its not surprising their friends would find them selfish at times.

Death Acceptance

The major difference between Cooksney and Jacobs is Cooskney never intended lessons for So Weird whereas Jacobs' moralizing hindered character development on Girl Meets World. Jacobs's lesson was the vague statement, "People Change People" I'd argue his actual moral is not taking people for instead. Cooksney's moral, if you could consider it one, was sacrifice. Fi gets lost camping and sacrifices immediate help to save Big Foot. ('Sacrifice') Barring those morals, the writers over-arcing themes of both were acceptance. SW's primary theme was death acceptance for the Phillips and Matthews family with the minor theme of childhood acceptance Annie) and Maya. All stories lead back to sex and death, Disney's not going to discuss sexuality, but death resounds through every film since Disney's inception. Also no SW or GMW character was exempt from death confrontation. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief: Anger, Sadness, Denial, Bargaining, and Acceptance aren't linear and one may never gain acceptance. All the characters are stuck in one of the stages and only Fi gains acceptance.

Earnest Becker's seven reasons why people fear death are as followed:

1. Fear of pain

2. Fear of not knowing what becomes of our bodies

3. How our dependents will manage after our death

4. How our loved ones will cope emotionally after our death

5. Fear of an afterlife, such as eternal oblivion, or Heaven/Hell

6. Fear of dying with an unlived life

7. Fear of dying with uncompleted projects

Thantophobia is why humans behave the way they do. Rick's untimely death when Fi was three-years-old affected her because she has no memories of her father. She often resented her brother and mother because they knew him and she did not. Rick/Fi's shared fear is emotionally coping of his death. Maya struggled with coping with the metaphorical death of her father, possibly thinking he's dead to her. Kermit intentionally abandoned his family, whereas Rick intended on returning to his family, but he didn't plan on evil spirits murdering him. Fi and Maya are stuck in the anger phase of grieving. When her grandfather is visited by a banshee, Fi tracks the creature down and asks Death personified the fairness in taking her father away from her. Death responds that it will even the imbalance by extending her grandfather's life for a time. But for seasons 1 and 2 Fi copes with death by actively seeking the paranormal afterlife to escape and accept death.

Jack's death phobia is similar to Fi's except he fears losing his sister and mother like he lost his father; his nightmare is a manifestation of that fear. In the midst of gang's lucid dream, Jack leaves them for a method to awaken from the dream but is transported to the night of Rick's. Dream Rick promises he'll return, but knowing the future Jack chases after his father. Fear trapped Jack in Grief's denial stage subsequently causing his resentment of the paranormal his dad loved so much. And it's not until 'Changeling' when Jack accepts his dad's death when he starts singing again. Surprised, Clu comments that Jack hadn't sung since Rick died. Jack responds with, "Well, maybe it's time I started again."

Minor episodes such as 'Fall' (SW) and 'Gravity' (GMW) discuss death on a smaller scale. 'Fall' details Ned and his childhood friend, Sam, on the death anniversary of their other friend's drowning. Haunted by the memory, Sam is literally haunted by Pete's ghost leading to Pete's recent. The men's responses to death are vastly different; Ned would rather forget Pete's death and Sam tries to confront it. Both are part of the grieving sequence but overall, 'Fall' discuses the myriad of complex emotions after death. Childhood deaths are rightly considered "Bad Deaths" whether or not loved ones are complicit with the death, we often feel that we could've prevented it. Sam is stuck in the bargaining and grieving stages before he can move on. As the men relive that fateful day admits he was scared of dying and can finally accept death now. In 'Gravity' the teens are crushed when a beloved bakery owner dies leaving the bakery to Topanga. The episode ends with Auggie opening his gift with a note reading "It's not My-Kranian bakery, I'm dead." Cory phones telling him that he is glad Feeney isn't dead, perhaps this was an allusion to 'I Dream of Feeney' when Cory wished him ill. Riley gives the eulogy and everyone learns to cherish their loved ones while they're alive.

Next is Molly and her death phobia in the series. Molly's emotions toward her husband are erratic in all three seasons. It's been over a decade since Rick's death and she still hasn't accepted it. In the Christmas episode 'Fountain' Molly admits to a young Fi that her loss bothers her. In 'Medium' Molly began to resent Rick's memory because she felt haunted by him wishing that she could forget him. Molly misses being a lover but is guilt-ridden because she feels like she is betraying her husband. ('Fathom') And in season 3's 'Muse,' Molly and the band travel to the town of their first concert to recapture the inspiration she felt there. Molly never gains acceptance over death and I loved that this option was shown as well. Not everything is wrapped up in a happy ending.

The final lesson is accepting your own death. Self-death may be literal like the episodes 'Rebecca', 'James Garr', 'Angel' or 'Grave Mistake'. Or death can be metaphorical like Riley becoming new personas, Maya losing herself, or the death of love. The former episodes dealt with the concept of immortality and coming to terms with one's final moments. Fi investigates a girl claiming to be Rebecca's daughter in truth, she's Rebecca herself. Amazed at how much this immortal girl knows and has seen in her years, Rebecca refutes this saying that she hates her immortality. She can never marry, she had to leave Molly, her only friend, behind. Who wants to live forever? 'James Garr' is about the titular character undergo cryonic preservation as a cancer cure. The procedure's successful, but James Gar hasn't a soul anymore with this realization he gives his life to an elderly patient Jack met. In the subplot that elderly man dying of cancer beleives that whenever death comes for him he will greet death with willingness and bravery. James Garr realizing his hollow life switch places with the man so he can live a little longer. 'Grave Mistake' is about a family friend of the family who's been receiving death threats and runs to Annie and the Phillips for help. With Annie's guidance, the woman discovers her dead husband wrote "You're dead" so that she'd remember she died. It's rare that a children's show relays the message that death isn't ominous, it's part of life.

During an interview Cooksney admitted that if Disney had allowed them to, Fi would descend into Hell to rescue her father's soul.*2 Jack would have discovered his past life as a Celtic knight who begged that his next incarnation would be as Fi's older brother. Moreover, it explains that dragon's fear of Jack in 'Strangling' and aside from familial bonds, knight life explains his overprotection of him mom from a mermaid siren. ('Fathom') A tenet of the Order of the Good Death's death positivity is "I believe that my open, honest advocacy around death can make a difference, and can change culture." Cooksney probably didn't intend for SW to have so much death focus but it's applicable to the show.

'Yearbook', 'Triangle', and 'Ski Lodge' are examples of metaphorical death. Whenever Riley embraces different personas, she's undergoing an Ego Death in an attempt to discover her true self. She becomes a Goth Girl so her classmates visualize her shadow side. Contrary to her masquerade, Riley's shadow side isn't Goth but is a metaphor of her dark side coexisting with her light side. Maya lost herself during her dalliance with Lucas to understand her relationship identity contrasting he singular identity. Later on during the love triangle's conclusion, Riley's first comment is "This love triangle needs to die. Nature knows that it needs to die." Of all her friends Riley mentions death the most, examples are 'Yearbook', 'Gravity', and 'Pluto.' Continuing with this death theme involve the teenagers' fantasies as a metaphor for the death of their romance. During their respective daydreams, Riley and Maya inform each other that their dream romance isn't reality. In Dream Riley's fantasy she dies, in essence, the girls kill their ego and their romances to grow.

Childhood Acceptance

Transforming themselves from childhood trauma are Annie and Maya's ultimate goals within the series. Annie's panther and Maya's hope are key in reaching their transformations. For this essay portion, I'm using Widow's Walk', 'Pen Pal', and 'Annie's Song.' For Maya's episodes, I'll use are 'World of Terror 3', 'Forgiveness', and 'Goodbye.'

Symbolically the panther represents the death-rebirth cycle and confronting fears. According to Spirit Animal's website, those with the panther guide are blessed with powerful protectors. In addition, panthers indicate supernatural journeys with occult leanings. Therefore her character's introduction served a purpose in So Weird despite being unplanned. Finally as Annie's panther endows her with strength to confront any obstacle before her.

'Widow's Walk' acts as a transition between death acceptance into childhood acceptance. Tired of her age limiting her privileges Annie swaps ages with an elderly woman. Shocked by her transformation she finds a bottled message from the woman's husband. Desperate for her youth back Annie begs the woman to reverse their ages. Selfishly, the woman refuses due to her thinking that her husband's waiting for her at home not realizing he died in sea storm that turned the woman into a widow. Growing weaker daily Annie knows if she can't convince the woman of the truth she will die. When Annie feints in an attempt to reach the woman and true to its nature, Annie's panther appears at her side giving her strength to continue on. Obviously Annie's successful getting her age back. What's interesting are the contradictions between the elderly woman and Annie. Both characters fear death desperately clinging to life, but Annie's aware of death while the woman would rather delude herself of human mortality. At the climax the women's remorseful of her selfishness wishing she knew how to reverse her wish. Annie's regrets her wish understanding living in the present is better than living in living in the future.

Similarly 'World of Terror' along with 'Pen Pal' shows the girls' adolescence if their positive influences were absent in their lives. By befriending Jennifer and not meeting Riley, Annie and Maya become rebellious Goths. Maya no longer believes that she deserves good things; Annie pushes her friends away. Following this change, Alternate Annie's panther is a worthless tattoo, Alternate Maya begins bulling Riley for not letting her in her bedroom. . Deprived of hope or understanding our alternates protagonists cannot accept their pasts. Being Disney, these girls defeat their alternates. Annie through using her panther power, Maya through befriending Riley in the parallel universe.

These last three deal with Maya and Annie discovering the truth and making amends with their childhoods. In 'Forgiveness' Maya writes and letter to her father, Kermit, in an attempt to forgive him as part of Cory's homework assignment. That following day Kermit returns to town hoping what his daughter said in her letter was true. Unable to forgive Kermit, he leaves once more reducing Maya to tears. As a result Maya realizes she's forgiven herself for believing she had caused Kermit's departure. By forgiving herself, Maya's ability to accept her past and find a new father figure in Shawn Hunter when he adopts her in 'Goodbye.'

In the penultimate episode the characters travel to a Native American reservation as a break from touring. Unlike her friends Annie can't enjoy her day off with strange flashbacks coming to mind. Coyote possesses the tribe's leader when a little girl becomes lost in the forest, forcing Annie to remember her childhood memories. Years earlier the Thelon family visited a jungle for a research assignment, little Annie awakens before her parents do and wanders into the forests. She happens across a petrified tribal man and it's only when a poisonous snake attacks her she realizes the danger she's in. As her parents discover their daughter's disappeared, the man rushes her to his village in an attempt to save her life. With shaman magic, the man's father removes the venom and takes Annie to a location where her parents will find her. Grateful Annie sacrificed her life to save his son, the father promises to protect her all her life in the form of a panther. With full understanding of her childhood, Annie manages to accept her past as Maya did.

Conclusion

Girl Meets World and So Weird are different shows catering to wildly different audiences. Still, each character follows similar archetypes as well as themes people wouldn't expect of Disney Channel to allow on their network. More importantly, the fact that it does shows its capability to portray mature, darker subject matters for all audiences. Readers may disagree with my argument but these are shows the current generation should watch. Girl Meets World is a television show that my generation should watch. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my essay and I would love it if you gave me your opinions on each program, as well.

End Notes

*1 – Many Disney Channel actors starred in Law & Order: SVU episodes. Von Detten, Carpenter, and Kimberly Jean Brown as examples were in that Law & Order spinoff. Someone even wrote a crossover fanfic of GMW and SVU. If a fan theorist could invent a theory that Disney and any crime universe are connected I would be ecstatic.

*2 – Walt Disney has had hell landscape stories since the 1930s. Silly Symphonies' 'Goddess of Spring' had Satan-Hades drag Persephone to Hell. Fantasia ended with the song 'Night on Bald Mountain' where Demon Satan tortures souls only stopped when Holy light/God intervenes. Frollo damns Esmerelda to Hell if he can't possess her and little mentions God and Satan. (Hunchback of Notre Dame) CoCo takes place primarily in the afterlife. Disney Channel could've done a Hell episode.

Links

www . orderofthegooddeath resources / death-positive-movement

so-weird . proboards

Disney . wikia wiki / So_Weird

www . youtube user / OrderoftheGoodDeath (Ask A Mortician)

www . youtube user / littlemissfuneral (Little Miss Funeral)

www . youtube user / UnderTheKnifeShow (Under the Knife)

www . fanfiction s / 6178294 / 1/Love-As-True-As-Time

www . fanfiction s / 6067416/1 / An-Ultimate-Hey-Arnold-Essay

www . spiritanimal . info / panther-spirit-animal /

post / 125280313440 / so-weirdgirl-meets-world-parallels-these-are-my (SW & GMW)

#so weird #girl meets world #mine #fi phillips #annie thelen #alexz johnson #cara delizia #maya hart #sabrina carpenter #riley matthews #rowen blanchard #disney #disney channel #the disney channel #comment leave notes #reblog

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elenatria · 6 years

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Headcanons and fan fiction aside, what’s your personal opinion about Chris and Tom, both as individuals (what type of persons they are, how you think they come across) and their relationship with each other (whether it’s a genuine friendship, played up for cameras, well covered dislike, one sided friendship, etc.) Sorry if this doesn’t make sense I’m just curious :)

Well… I can’t possibly have an OBJECTIVE opinion on two individualswhom we only see in interviews, promo tours, press conferences and premieres.

But after reading/ watching interviews and having longdiscussions with my friends I’ll tell you my SUBJECTIVE opinion on how theycome across to me.

Part 1: Chris

Chris grew up in nature, his family moving all the time, and they werenever well-off. Chris always remembered his folks stressing over how they’dmake ends meet. His mother was a teacher so he learned to appreciate herprofession, at the same time he wasn’t a good student. He admits that hisbrothers are better than him at studying and reading books, plus he never went toan acting school, he’s self-taught and, with looks like his, who needs it,right? :-P But as soon as he started working he helped his parents pay offtheir house loan, it’s the least he could do.

From the way he’s so fidgety with everything he gets his hands on whilefilming (umbrellas in the Brisbane streets, hammers, Valkyrie’s sword) I mightsay he gets bored/distracted easily so he wants something to keep his handsbusy (so there might be traces of ADHD in there but AGAIN that’s just myspeculation - for all I know only Tom Holland has admitted he’s dyslexic). Kidswho are not good with books are usually good with sports or arts, and Chris is exactly that.

I believe that all that freedom, his ties with his family and growing upin nature made him the man he is, laid-back, warm and funny. Some of us believethat one of the reasons he uses self-deprecating humour so much is to prove tothe world (and the ladies) that he’s not just a piece of meat, he’s more thanmuscles and good looks. That he’s smart.

Plus I have a feeling he secretly (?) enjoys male attention as much asfemale attention. He might have a praise kink (I mean which actor doesn’t) andI’m sure he’s a major tease and a flirt with both men and women. However,although he doesn’t mind making heart eyes at his male co-stars, directors andinterviewers all the time (Anthony Mackie, Tom, Taika and Jimmy Fallon toname but a few), when people question his sexuality he’s firm like when a fanasked him to comment on Tom having seen him naked (after he was done joking hegave her a big fat “NO”) or during the IW premiere when he was asked to playfuck-marry-kill and he said “It would be weird because they’re all maleand I’m married”. So yeah, a major tease. :-P

He feels bad when his non-Marvel movies aren’t as successful as hisMarvel ones, at the same time he knows Marvel is a safe bet and he can go backto it whenever things aren’t going so well

Everyone says he’s a great friend, a person you can rely on, someoneyou’d like to go on an adventure with, and he can be endlessly silly. At thesame time he’s a serious and devoted family man.

Part 2: Tom

About Tom, apart from being one of the nicest people in the industry anda true gentleman, he seems to be very very sensitive. He always comes across asvery humble although he was the son of a chemist who was able to send him toEton, so admittedly he got a head start. His mother seems to descend fromartistocracy as well so maybe his aristocratic behaviour has something to dowith that. Of course one does not just go to Eton, and Tom was (and is) thestudious type. I’m sure he was one of the best students in class. He remembers everything, he’s good at memorizing stuff and he also wrotearticles for the Eton journal or something. The thing is that he was sent awayfrom home while his parents were divorcing and that must have been quitetraumatic to him as he himself admitted. Being away from home for months on endat the age of 13 while your family is falling apart isn’t easy.

It is said that he was very shy during his school years (maybe withgirls too) but acting helped him cope with his parents’ divorce (as well assome of his insecurities, I might add).

The tabloids like to call him ambitious, I’d rather call him aworkaholic who’s more devoted to his art than anything else. He has made manysacrifices to become who he is (he confessed he had a fall out with a goodfriend because he didn’t go to his wedding in order to not miss an audition)and I suspect his dedication to acting doesn’t allow him to commit to long-termrelationships.

As I read in his Esquire interview, “in the novel of The NightManager, Pine is described — here Hiddleston quotes — as “a perpetualescapee from emotional entanglement, a collector of other people’s languages, aself-exiled creature of the night, and a sailor without a destination. I readthat to my sisters and they said, ‘It’s you!’” You may draw your own conclusions from that.

My personal (and very subjective) opinion is that he talks abouthumility a lot but in reality he knows he’s good at what he does, there’s no hiding that.

Plus he has developped a very complicated relationship with the fans andthe media despite himself. His enthusiastic nature, impulsiveness and eagernessto please, as well as his worry to “not miss a chance, not lose anopportunity, to not regret not doing something” perhaps pushed him to be tooopen. I believe he gave too much too soon to the media and the crowds, and thestudios and PR people endorsed that behaviour. I don’t know if they shouldhave “protected” him as some people say but I do believe he was somewhatnaive, trusting people more than they deserved. Because he always had the bestintentions, and perhaps he thought people were the same.

He’s a tease as well, and he relished every moment of his success asLoki. I think he might be a bit insecure deep down but when he puts on thetrickster costume all his insecurities fade away. I do believe that with Tomand Loki we have a clear case of Ego (who he is) and Supergo (his ideal self). WithLoki he lets go, he’s free to be sassy, chaotic, irreverent. In real life he’svery reserved, diplomatic, polite. Maybe with Loki he finds some kind offreedom and confidence that he normally doesn’t allow himself to have.

He used to care too much about what people think of him but I think he’spast that now, I think he’s grown a thicker skin after he saw how ungratefuland canniballistic people can be.

I also believe, after months of speculation, that his feelings for TS weregenuine but his own insecurities matched with her entitled behaviour left himdisillusioned and heartbroken.

Part 3: Hiddlesworth

I’ve said this before, I don’t think they’re each other’s bestestfriend. They can’t, they live in different continents plus they have very differentpesonalities and lives (Chris is married with kids, Tom doesn’t have a familyof his own yet and that, sadly, sets people apart). Tommentions “his best friend” a lot but that’s not Chris, otherwise he’d justsay “Chris”.

Also people like to say that Tom is more fond of Chris than Chris ofTom, and that, imho, is -wait for it- BS. Tom is always always prone to overshare, even Tom Holland himself said before Tom arrived atthe Shanghai press conference that he likes to talk.

Tom likes to describe even the glacier and the volcanic soil he andChris walked on while filming in Iceland so yeah, every in-depth interview hegives is like writing an essay.

Chris, on the other hand, won’t reveal “the deep dark places inside him”to directors who try to bring out “the unseen Chris” because he believesthat stuff is personal and no director has the right to know, just to extract aperformance from him. So why open up to interviewers, right? Plus he’s notoverly sentimental with his own wife, he doesn’t write elaborate love letterson how and why he loves her, let alone open up about his friendship with Tom tocomplete strangers.

I believe that Tom is a bit more sentimental and needy than Chris andmaybe maybe his insecurities are soothed by Chris’ light-hearted nature; let’s notforget that what we have here is a boy from a broken family and a boy whosefamily stuck together. Tom has his own family of course, his sisters, but henever had a brother so who knows if he sees in Chris’ relationship with hisbrothers something he doesn’t have. A sense of belonging and “complicity” perhaps?

I don’t think their friendship is played up for the cameras, no, whywould it be?

There’s no doubt Marvel used their chemistry to promote theirfilms with the help of the Hiddlesworth bromance but c’mon, just because their friendship is public that doesn’t mean it’s not private as well.

And no, I don’t think it’s one-sided at all.

#chris hemsworth #tom hiddleston #hiddlesworth #infinity war #avengers #loki

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thehappymessproject · 5 years

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71-73/100 - On dancing with our shadow

What does it mean to face and sit with our pain and discomfort?

I’m often talking here about the need to face our darkest parts in order to grow and change. But know first hand that this concept is hard to grasp for most of us.

Not only is facing our darkness and weakness super uncomfortable and scary, but it is also very counter-intuitive in our Western culture, urging us to be happy and to power through even our most normal and human emotional processes like grief. “Keep yourself busy and get back to life already! Be productive, you’ll feel better!”

When we add on top of that cultural toxic soil the hardship of trauma or mental illness, it is not hard to understand why most of us avoid our unpleasant feelings more than we face them.

Too often we assume that people who seem to be doing better than us have the privilege to not suffer from bad things, negative self talk, bad self esteem or toxic patterns. That’s simply untrue. But they are very privileged to know how to deal with them in our emotionally illiterate world.

Regularly in my life, as many others, I am confronted to bundles of hardship, those periods where the Universe itself almost seems to be against me, making sure I learn one more time that there is nothing I can do except for facing all of it to give myself the chance of growing through it.

Right now, I’m stuck in one of the positions I hate the most : utter helplessness. I sprained my elbow when I fell a couple of days ago. My disability makes my balance unsteady and this used to happen quite a lot before I took better care of my body and physical health.

The last time I was stuck with a sprained elbow was 9 years ago, around the same time of the year. I never thought about it that much afterwards except for what it brought me, it was just that thing that happened to me once.

At the time, avoiding my shadow was kind of a sport for me, and one I was really committed to. Now that I am in a very similar situation, and specifically since I never really dealt with it then, I am dealing right now with feelings I had then but wouldn’t face. It’s one fucking mess, believe me.

I remember now vividly how much I was sad and lonely. How much I hated from my very core feeling helpless and needy.

Back then, my whole life was outside of my home. To feel alive, I needed to see people, to learn at school, to dance carelessly. I enjoyed some time alone watching movies or scrolling on the Internet curled up in my bed, reading and taking warm showers after long days of hustling and interacting with a lot of people. Sure.

But that was when time alone would happen only a few hours per day, and by choice, not when I was stuck at home, taking three times longer to do anything, feeling uncomfortable AF and in pain 90% of the time, unable to rest properly because of the pain and discomfort, with the few people I knew at the time away from Paris for the holidays.

Without my cat and the Internet, I wonder what would have come out of this personal mini hell.

These days, everything is very different. I moved on this tiny island a few months ago, with the cat (and my partner). I work from home, and I had a very quiet and low-key lifestyle for the past few years. So I’m not alone. Someone I really enjoy can help me and take care of me. I also have an inside life that is filled with daily moments of deliciousness, play and joy. I don’t need to go out to feel alive anymore.

But that’s not what is the most different. I am a completely different person. My Parisian life seems to have existed 3 lifetimes ago. Facing my shadow, that darkness we all have, has become my new favourite combat sport. A major part of my life has been dedicated to it. I learnt to work on my self-esteem, and my mindset. I learnt how I enjoy taking care of myself.

I also faced so much shit in the past few years that it really feel almost ridiculous that I was so bummed by these few weeks back then. But wouldn’t it be too easy to beat myself up for everything I didn’t know 10 years ago? How would that being helpful?

I was talking a few essays ago about how to face our vulnerability. That’s a major change to operate in our life, but it’s one that makes us so much braver and strong. The only path to living fully our humanity.

How dancing with our shadow can change our experiences

I still feel super uncomfortable and in pain, obviously. But now, I don’t have to stay super tense, grind my teeth and wait desperately for it to pass (it won’t pass) like I did back then. I can use my breath exercises and meditation to make the pain as minimal as possible. I can also listen to my body now that I spent years connecting to it in different ways. I could then feel from day 1 that my arm needs a lot of rest, but also a little bit of movement to not stay too rigid. So I made up short yoga flows to compensate for what I can’t do, alleviate the toll my body has taken by the fall, and by being so restricted.

I can also talk pretty freely about my pain since I’m letting myself feel it, and cry about it. I let myself having all the big emotions that come up. Feeling so helpless and not in control always bring up strong depressive emotions (discouragement, despair, body dysmorphia, negative self talk...) : we can’t deal with such force by ourselves in our head.

So I speak up about that pain around people who can support me and help me (even if imperfectly). I also push myself to journal about it. I’m writing this to make that pain even more useful (to me, and hopefully another soul or too).

I also slowed down tremendously. I can feel how my whole body is traumatised from that fall. So I made my body my priority. I rest a lot, I take naps, I don’t ask myself to be productive, I cut myself some needed slack. There’s only so much we can do, especially in a healthy enriching way. This physical recovery has to be a priority if I want my body to heal the best way it can.

That being said, I have to be careful. My brain will use this as a way to distract me from everything that matters to me, but still is scary. In those periods, my brain hates the fact that I meditate first thing in the morning when I wake up. If I do, right at the beginning of the day, I have to pay attention to what’s happening inside of me. So all the excuses and distractions are good to derail this and instead lie down in my bed, scrolling.

This happened after such a lovely week playing with my paints and finding creative projects to have fun with while progressing, preparing the new way I want to share my work with the world. Yes, my body is a priority right now, but giving up everything we love because it feels harder is self-abuse disguised in self-compassion. So I keep myself focused by choosing everyday one tiny thing that is important to me and my brain finds excuses to not do.

I need to be a loving mother to my inner child here. Tell them “Yes my Love, it sucks and hurts. We need to go slow, and still make sure we don’t forget what matters to us. It will be harder to do them this week, and probably longer, but each time we will do them, it’ll help us healing in all the ways. We’re hurt and in pain, not in a coma, paralysed or dead. We are lucky enough to still be able to do some of the things we love. Let’s take a bit of strength for that everyday, it will make us even stronger when it’s finished.”

When we are sick or hurt, and give up every aspects in our life that makes us happy instead of finding what we can still do, we learn over and over that being sick or weak means not deserving a life. We make those moments so much more dreadful that they need to be. We feed a phobia of weakness and vulnerability.

But if when we are feeling so weak, helpless and vulnerable, we allow ourselves to do little things that count, we show our inner child that there is nothing to be scared about being human and imperfect.

That no matter state we are, we can always choose to grow, make the best of it, and make our lives easier. I don’t know, but in our Western culture, I and a lot of others, especially those that aren’t able-bodied, who suffer from diverse chronic disabilities and illnesses, we are in great need of that kind of inner strength.

To help me do just that, and this is very important : I am also taking the time to remind myself how much I learned about myself all those years ago. That I was more self-sufficient than I thought. Another reminder that I wanted people I could count on in hard times, not just people to party and have fun with. That pain and loneliness gave me the courage to be bolder in my interactions. It helped me being grateful to be able-bodied, after years of despising my disability as well. That pain had meaning.

Once we look our monsters in the face, we can stop wasting our time and energy on the uncontrollable, and finally focus on healing and changing the very few things that are in our control.

Speak soon, Love, L.

#vulnerability #recovery #darkness #anxiety #depression #eating disorder #addiction #healing #counselling #therapist #psychologist #writer #the happy mess project #100 days project #100 days of writing

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anon-e-miss · 6 years

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A Matter of Convenience 8

It occurred to Jazz, rather belatedly that he had not planned for where Prowl was supposed to recharge. There was a sinking feeling in his tank. Maybe, maybe down the road recharging with the mech would not seem so nauseating, but right this nanoklik the Polihexian could not imagine doing it. Next ‘cycle, he would take the Twins to the store, and pick out berths for Blue and Smokey, next dark-cycle, Prowl could maybe borrow one of those. Sure, it was only delaying the inevitable, but that was not automatically a bad thing. For this dark-cycle, Jazz did not think he could just let the Praxian have the couch, the mech was fragging injured. He would have the berth, Jazz would have the couch, that would work. Unless his berth was too firm or too soft or… just what were Praxian berths like? Where they like Seekers or what?

He really had not planned this. Saving Smokey and Blue from a rotten situation, and in the same measure guaranteeing that the Twins would be cared for in his absence, had been all that had been on his processor. Jazz had not really considered what it would mean for him, neither had he considered what it would mean for Prowl. Though the saboteur had a reputation for winging it, his second and best friend could attest to long orns long planning sessions coming up to missions. There was no question Jazz was good at thinking on his peds, he did not go into his missions with nothing more than an endgame in processor. This? This situation he had thrown himself into? No, he had not thought this through at all.

Realistically speaking, he could still back out. Jazz could still pay for a lawyer, get some housing sorted out, and it would probably end up okay. But that would not solve his fears for the Twins’ futures should anything happen to him. His younglings were being so good, they seemed to really have latched on to the idea of having their Praxian friends as their quasi-brothers, and that might have been what was keeping the Polihexian from backpedalling. For some reason he did not yet understand, they seemed to need this, need Blue and Smokey, and so Jazz held his ground, and his glossa.

Prowl was silent. Maybe he was in pain, or maybe he was scared, or sad, or any number of things. His brothers had spoken about him to the Twins more than they had to Jazz. All the progenitor had ever really known about his creations’ friends was that they guardian, their brother was an Enforcer, a no nonsense mech whose job kept him away more and more. It had been Bluestreak that had murmured about missing Prowl, not even so long ago, quartexes, no long before their habsuite had been destroyed. They had been oddly silent about that, about the custody battle, about the death of their originator. As far as Jazz knew, they had not mentioned it to the Twins. Could their guardian have asked them to keep it quiet, or had they simply been too stressed to speak about it. That made the most sense to Jazz, because speaking about it would have made it more real.

“Um… we didn’t know what you like… Prowl,” Sideswipe said, looking at Prowl. He had a pair of cubes, one in each servo, Sunstreaker followed behind, carrying another two cubes. “Smokey said sweet… Hopes this is okay.”

“Thank you, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker,” the Praxian replied, he took his cube from Sides, as Sunny gave Jazz his. “I am not picky about my fuel. I have no doubts this will be fine.”

“Thanks, brightsparks,” Jazz said. “Ya don’t gotta worry ‘bout thinkin’ up all yer questions on the spot. Ya got time.”

“They never told us they were ‘sposed to be leaving,” the red twin said. “No until they should’ve been gone.”

“I do not believe Smokescreen and Bluestreak wanted to believe the court would rule against me,” Prowl replied. “They do not have fond memories of Barricade.”

“What if the court still says no?” Sideswipe asked. “Are you gonna accept it?”

“No,” the former Enforcer said. “I would, I will appeal if necessary, until they are with me… I suppose with us, permanently. They are Praxian in frame, but Iacon is their home.”

“What about you?” Sunstreaker asked. “Blue said you lived here for vorns, that’s why he never met you. You never went home? Not to meet your brothers?”

“I was not entirely welcome in their home,” Prowl explained. “I went to school in Simfur as a youngling, and attended the Academy in Iacon. Praxus has not been home to me for a very long time.”

“Because their origin wasn’t yours?” The brash twin asked. “That’s what Smokey said. We aren’t yours, that gonna matter to you?”

“No,” the Praxian said, and it was so unequivocal, Jazz actually believed it. “I will treat you equal to Smokescreen and Bluestreak. I am not fun, I am, however fair.”

The conversation went back and forth, no necessarily easy, but not tense either. A couple of time, both his twins questions took accusatory tones, but every time Jazz thought he might need to jump in, to act as moderator, Prowl even answers seemed to take the ease it off. He painted himself as a devoted, but imperfect guardian, and he may not have known it, but the lack of self-praise was earning him some points with the younglings. As their questioning eased off, the Praxian added his own: their favourite subjects at school, their favourite games with Bluestreak, and Smokecreen. Art was Sunstreaker’s favourite class, athletics was Sideswipe’s. It came as a bit of a surprise to Jazz that Sunny was actually truthful, but then he saw the flare to his creation’s plating and the defiance in his optics.

“I have great admiration for artists,” Prowl replied, and the progenitor was again surprised by the Praxian’s answer. “I have no creative talents to speak off.”

“What was you favourite subject?” The yellow twin asked.

“Science,” the Praxian said. “Followed by math.”

“Never heard someone admit that they liked math,” Sideswipe replied.

“I can assure you I did not admit it at your age,” Prowl said. The three Polihexians laughed.

“Probably wise,” Jazz said. “It was music for me. Hated lit. Never much cared much for analyzing poems ‘n stories.,. But I really hated math, those rules for rules… Gah. Ain’t be a great help to the mechlings, right?”

“You’re more hopeless than me,” Sunny said. “That’s why you have Mirage manage your credits.”

“Hey! I have a financial advisor,” the saboteur countered. “That Mirage picked out. And I pick his processor for stock tips… ‘N for the record, I can count!”

“Ya, you’re pretty hopeless,” the mischievous twin said, and grinned. “History is fr… is boring. It’s the same sl… over and over. I hate writing essays defending what some idiot thought was a good idea a millions stellar-cycles ago but was really probably pretty stupid.”

“Perhaps the next essay you are assigned, rather than argue in favour of the act, but counter argue why it was flawed,” Prowl suggested. “It will generally fit within the guidelines of the assignment, and a well crafted counter argument is infinitely better than a poorly crafted argument in favour.”

“Hmm,” Sideswipe hummed, and he grinned. “That’s an idea… Might ruffle some plating too.”

“I apologize, Jazz,” the former Enforcer said, looking just a little uncomfortable.

“Nah, I like it,” Jazz dismissed the apology. “Don’t want’em thinkin’ they gotta be puppets. What didn’t ya like?”

“Oration, and fine arts,” Prowl replied. “I am not an adept public speaker, and I have approved in adulthood, I was hopeless as a youngling. It you need assistance with your math assignments, or classwork in general, I would be pleased to assist.”

“Thanks,” Sunstreaker said. “Sometimes Smokescreen helps me. He’s not an after about it, so that’s cool.”

“I am glad that he has been able to assist you,” the Praxian replied.

“I know Smokey don’t like school in general,” the Polihexian said. “But since he showed me his last report card, ‘m thinkin’ it’s more ‘cause he’s bored.”

“Smokescreen does best when he is challenged,” Prowl confirmed. “He is not agreeable to doing work for work’s sake.”

“What about Blue?” Jazz asked.

“He struggles with public speaking, as I did,” the injured mech explained. “And he is not fond of athletics. I believe he is intimidated by his classmates, and the sports they play.”

“Funny thinkin’ o’m havin’ stage fright but now ’m thinkin’ he’s a nervous talker, ain’t he?” The saboteur said. "Maybe I can help’m a bit. Was on stage wit a lot o’ different mechanisms ‘n learned a few tricks.”

“He and I would be grateful for any assistance you might be able to provide him,” Prowl said.

It mattered that Prowl had expressed an interest in the Twins, that he had offered to tutor Sunstreaker, and oh how it mattered that he struck the progenitor as sincere. Jazz was second guessing his impulsive offer less and less. Though it remained to be seen how well this was going to work between him and the Praxian, he was beginning to really think this was, if not the right move, at least not the wrong one for the Twins. Richocet would attest to what a terrible student Jazz had been. Not because he had really struggled at all with the subject matter, but the stillness. Jazz had always been meant to move. The educators at the youngling centre had not liked his fidgeting, or his smart-aft commentary. He had been the class clown, even in music. The old classics were fine, but the former performer had always preferred groovier beats. They had learned to never give him solos, because he had always done his own thing, consequences be damned. Of course it had worked out well enough, Jazz had been a headliner, until he had decided he did not love life on tour, and when he and Free Wheeler had decided to bond, had decided to have a family right away, touring had seemed like a lousy idea.

Rather than miss the stage, Jazz liked being able to perform when the mood struck him, instead of when a tour manager decreed it. Adulthood had not stopped the Polihexian naturally inclination to thumb his olfactory ridge at authority figures. It was funny thinking of himself as planning to bond with one such mech. Though Prowl looked every bit the Enforcer, even without the insignas he would have only had stripped, he was a misfit, by his own admission, and misfits were exactly the sorts of mechanisms that Jazz had always attracted. Free Wheeler had been a pacifist at spark but a soldier by career. Mirage was a noblemech who preferred to work for a living, the list went on and on. When he thought of it that way, the former Enforcer fit his pattern.

“Power Run’s gonna be by in a bream,” Jazz explained to the younglings. “I don’t think it’s gonna be your scene. When he turns up, why don’t ya have a tournament in yer berthroom.”

“Sounds cool to me,” Sideswipe said. “Bet I’ll cream you, Sunny.”

“Don’t call me that,” Sunstreaker retorted. “I’m gonna wipe the floor with you. Like always.”

The banter escalated as the mechlings raised immediately for their berthroom, not bothering to wait for the lawyer to arrive to make their exit. Jazz smiled. To an outsider it would have seemed like the Twins loathed each other have the time. They teased each other mercilessly, and physically tousled maybe more often than most brothers. But for whatever reason, this was how they communicated with each other, it was how they loved each other, how they always had. This was one of the things that had actually survived the living Pit in Polihex. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were still the Twins, still two halves of one spark.

“Math?” Jazz asked once the Twins had gone to their game.

“I liked the order and certainty of it,” Prowl replied. “Apart from metaforensics itself, my preferred subject at the Academy was statistics.”

“Ya like findin’ the answer,” the Polihexian said, considering the admission. “Student loans for the Academy woulda been brutal.”

“I took out private loans,” the injured mech explained. “Due to my progenitor’s income, regardless of the fact he was never going to assist me financially, I did not qualify for bursaries, or federal loans. It would have been insurmountable without merit scholarships.”

“Smokey’s made it out like ya got a processor like no other,” Jazz said. “Ya didn’t get a full ride.”

“I had poor marks in enough subjects to make that impossible,” Prowl revealed. “Athletics, and language arts were my worst.”

“Athletic, h’uh?” The saboteur asked.

“I refused to participate in team sports,” the Praxian explained. “Bluestreak is not wrong to be weary of overzealous or blatantly hostile classmates. I preferred not to be a target. My essays were always dull, enough to put a mech to recharge, according to my professor, and my public speaking was that much more atrocious, I did put him into recharge, on more than one occasion.”

“Bet ya had the facts right,” Jazz said.

“I did,” Prowl confirmed. “So far as my research led me. My progenitor may have wished me to be a lawyer, but I would have been a terrible one. There is a certain level of charisma required to excel in that function. He had it, as does Smokescreen, I am severely lacking. I had concerns it would hamper me in the Enforcers. I was not wrong.”

“’Cause even there ya got politics in play,” the progenitor said. “But if y’re right ‘n there’s a serial killer at work in Iacon, Enforcers got a duty to investigate, frag whether or not the victims are addicts or prostibots.”

“I may well be wrong, I do not believe I am,” the former Enforcer replied. “Friends or kin have reported some of those I believe have been murdered missing, others have never had their disappearances reported. Due to their lifestyles, and lack of Autobot ties, investigating their absences is not a priority to Enforcer Command. They have vocalized the belief on more than one occasion that they believe these missing mechanisms have merely returned to their Decepticon or Neutral brethen in other states.”

“I don’t know how much I can push, but I don’t like the idea mech can just disappear, ‘n no one’s botherin’ to look,” Jazz said. “Looks like a pretty big blindspot, somethin’ Cons could exploit if they ever noticed. I might be able to nudge the right mechanisms. At least, I can try.”

“I hope you are more successful that I,” Prowl replied. “Being betrothed to me may hamper your attempts.”

“Maybe from the Enforcers’ angle, but I got audials in Autobot HQ, ‘n those are the Bots I plan on nudgin’,” the saboteur explained. “You said ya got you casefile saved to your battle computer. Think ya might be willin’ to give me a condensed version?”

“If you have a datapad available,” the Praxian replied. “I have a sanitized report, detailing each missing mechanism, when and where they disappeared, where that information was available, and a timeline.”

“Sounds good,” Jazz said, and he pulled a datapad from his subspace, and handed it to Prowl.

The injured mech did not speak, there was no need to. He released a data cable from his wrist and plugged it into the datapad. As a matter of programming, his anti-viral systems scanned the datapad before dropping his firewalls enough to make a two way connection. Prowl already had the desired file pulled up from his orderly memory banks. Though he was confident that the report did not go into too much detail. It was always vital to keep some information back, in case the wrong servos got a hold of it, or if it was leaked to the press. Admittedly, the disgraced Enforcer had considered anonymously giving the report to the media but he had held back. It was his hope that his wrongful termination might be righted, when they finally had to admit they had a serial killer, at least one, preying on the transient mechanisms in the parks, if he spoke to the press, even anonymously, it would come back to him, and he would have to chance of serving any Enforcer unit ever again.

“There,” he declared, and returned Jazz the datapad.

“Ya got some serious processing power, don’t ya?” The Polihexian observed.

“I do,” Prowl said, there was no logic in denying it. “I have an eidetic memory. Even those memories I might erase are save within my battle computer. Very simply, I cannot forget.”

“Sounds like a burden,” Jazz replied. “We all got things we’d rather forget.”

“It can be,” the Praxian confessed. “I make the best use of it as I can.”

Prowl remembered, despite numerous attempts to erase the memories, he could not forget the medicentre in Praxus where his originator had died. As keenly as if he was still there, the Praxian remembered the sounds, sights and smells. Most clearly he remembered the scent of antiseptic, over rust. Corrodia Gravis had stricken his originator, and had spread rapidly through his systems. Camshaft had had no siblings, his procreators were long dead, and Goldfire’s systems were not compatible for the spark boost that might have slowed the disease, or put it into complete remission. There had been no time to search for a donor amongst friends or strangers. There had been on match, Prowl had convinced a nurse to test him, and he had been a perfect match for his originator, but the medics, and his progenitor had been unwilling to allow the second-tier youngling to boost his originator, arguing that he was too young, the possible complications to risky to chance. Risks be damned, he had been willing, determined really to save his originator, and to prevent him from wearing some nurse or medic down, his progenitor had barred him from the hospital, and Camshaft had died. As an adult, Prowl might have respected the medics’ duty to safeguard him, but maturity and reason still did not enable him to forgive those medics, or his progenitor, and he likely never would.

#a matter of convenience #maccadams #marriage of convenience #queen of tropes #tf jazz #tf prowl #fanfic

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