#i.....can't... stop.... drawing...these knuckleheads

[somewhat-naturetrio]

((Guess who made a FoN blog, this one right here!

And the trio is ready for any asks you got for them!))

[themostimportantnight]

I can't stop drawing these knuckleheads, Anxiety has me chained up at a desk drawing stuff like this (AND SOME DOODLEZ!!!! + EYESTRAIN WARNING BELOW THE CUT)

She's fun to draw in a suit, wowza!!!! WOWZA, YOU GUYS!!!!!!!

[calinaannehart]

Can't stop rereading Time is Shortening....any chance for a snippet tease?

What a coincidence, I just happen to be working on it right now!

As they emerge outside into the blinding sun it’s to find the accessibility ramp to the left of the stairs flanked by all of their guests. Everyone cheers when they appear, camera’s and phones poised, and as Buck carefully steers the chair down the ramp the two of them are showered in confetti.

“Ok, when we have our redo we have to do that again!” Tommy grins, collecting a few flakes of confetti from the shoulder of his jacket and slipping them into his pocket.

The town cars are still parked by the curb and Maddie directs him to the one that will take them back to the hospital. It’s another twenty minutes at least before he can get Tommy into the backseat, every single person present wanting to embrace him and wish him well for his surgery tomorrow. Buck hangs back and soaks in every second of the smile that’s painted on Tommy’s face, the smile that’s been so absent the last two months as his condition deteriorated.

“You still own me $20,” Eddie remarks as he sidles up next to him, hands deep in his pants pockets. “Don’t think I’ll forget about it.”

“What? Why?” Buck scans his admittedly hazy memory trying to recall when over the past year he would have needed to borrow cash from his friend. He hasn’t set foot in a grocery store in months, Maddie and Bobby having taken over that task between them, and with Tommy effectively bed bound since July Buck’s only trips out of the house have been to the station for a shift or the hospital for appointments.

“Tommy’s birthday? Bobby and Athena’s kitchen?” Eddie clarifies when Buck blinks blankly. “I bet you twenty that he was still in love with you. I was right.” He adds smugly. Buck dissolves into laughter, Eddie joining him a breath later, and it’s not long before the two of them are gasping for breath holding each other up.

“You were right!” Buck wheezes, clutching at Eddie’s arm for support. “Oh my god, you were right!”

“That’s what I’m saying! Time to pay up, Buckley,” He hold out a hand, waggling his fingers. Buck makes a show of patting his pockets, knowing full well he didn’t bring his wallet with him. Something about the motion has Eddie falling apart again. “Maybe your husband can spot you!”

“My husband! I’m married!” Buck waves his hand, the ring on his finger glinting in the sun as he sobers a little, the laughter dying down to chuckles now that the hysteria has passed. “I’m married.” He repeats a little breathlessly, both from the disbelief and the laughing fit.

Eddie’s look turns fond and he wraps a hand over Buck’s shoulder. “Yeah, you are. Go on, go be with your husband,” He nods his head to where Sal is helping Tommy lift his feet over the doorframe. “I’ll collect the money later, I know you’re good for it.” Eddie draws him into a hug before pushing him away in the direction of the car.

“What were you two knuckleheads laughing so hard about?” Tommy asks as he reaches them. “I thought you both might pee your pants.”

“I’ll tell you later,” Buck promises.

[jacquestar]

someone said yes to the tf2 post so fuck it we ball with

general merc relationships hcs!!!

(friendship & dating)

i'm trying to make this as gender neutral as possible. also no romance w pyro bcs i hc him as aroace :) s/o means significant other, but in this case, a petname for a gf, bf, etc!

Scout

() scout is the friend ever

() he has got your back!!!

() adhd icon

() maybe with enough convincing, you teach this man how to READ.

() ...& then he falls for you.

() he just sees you one day & is like "wait why are they cute now"

() he just starts joking about wanting to date like "yo what if we kissed lol" as a joke

() & YOU ACTUALLY KISS HIM.

() he's red now

() like

() redder than a cherry & tomato combined

() he makes it real obv that you both are dating, he means well though </3

() "GUESS WHO'S GOT A (s/o) NOW!!! SUCK IT!!"

() will stop if it makes you uncomfy or embarrassed :)

() huge on pda & petnames but they're corny petnames

() only problem is that he is easily jealous.

() "HEY! that's MY (s/o) pally, find ya own!"

() if some knucklehead even thinks of flirting with you, he will give them a very strongly worded speech about his s/o being his

() not to the point of being a yandere though, he will fight a dude for you but he won't (intentionally) kill someone!



Solly

(bear w me i'm not too good w soldier)

() this man. is autistic. i can confirm because i am autistic with adhd

() no convincing will change my mind

() ANYWAYS you are the most active person on the field other than scout

() & brave at that

() when this guy yelled at you, you kept a straight face

() no reaction or tears

() if you hate loud noises, he will be a lil more quiet to you after that :]

() also you became soldiers favorite person in the base bcs of that

() but the exercises are NOT easier but the only exception is that if you aren't really fit or you have a medical condition. he is NOT a monster.

() "MAGGOT!!!! JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND FOREVER DOES NOT MEAN IT SHALL BE EASIER!!!"

() this man can GRILL

() he has some good grilling skills, but not cooking skills.

() solly slowly falls for you but doesn't even know it.

() & when he DOES realize it's love, he is IMMEDIATE to ask you

() "HEY CUPCAKE! DO YOU WANNA DATE ME?"

() you are VERY flustered

() but you return his feelings ofc & now when someone slightly insults or teases you, he will yell at them.

() "MY (s/o) IS NOT A BASTARD, YOU ARE!!! NOW DROP & GIVE US 20!"

() you are his chill pill. you're the only person who can calm him down

() like scout, he easily gets jealous.

() he thinks you're a blessing to 'murica & he NEVER says that to anyone so he means it <3

() he has a hidden soft side that you activate in him & it is the most adorable thing ever <333333



Pyro

(nonromantic btw)

() you became besties the day you understood him.

() he isn't really a bad guy :)

() he is roommates w engi.

() "ah, ya here to see pyro again? don't stress about it, hun, come on in." :)

() you LOVE drawing together

() he compliments everything you do & hypes you up!! :D

() MANCHILD

() despite being besties, he will NEVER. EVER. show what's under the mask.

() only engineer & medic know, & they will NOT tell you. >:(

() "sorry kid, i can't tell ya what's under the mask."

() "HAH! do you zhink I vould tell YOU?! not in a MILLION YEARS!!"

() you're one of the only people stopping him from "going into pyroland" (committing arson)



Engineer

(tw: amputation mention!! just one but STILL!!!)

() you show a heavy interest in scientific/engineering stuff

() so

() you attract him

() he shows you his gunslinger, short circuit, etc., & you're all impressed

() you then ask if he had no arm at birth so he made the lil hand attachments & he just goes "oh hahah yeah yeah..."

() he had it amputated by the medic turns out. he keeps it a secret between himself & the doctor to this day.

() he has

() the best

() cooking

() ever.

() like fr

() LET. HIM. COOK.

() when he falls for you, he immediately knows

() but he's been heartbroken before

() so, he just stares at you with loving eyes, daydreaming about a future life that may never happen...

() ...until py(b)ro does eventually make him confess because he learned from the doctor that compressing feelings is bad & it is big nono bad >:(

() he couldn't say no to that level of cuteness! so...

() he confesses to you via love song on his guitar

() ain't no way you're saying no to this. if you do, no you didn't you said yes shhhhhh

() every once in a while, he'll let you hold his gunslinger hand :')

() it's cold but also warm?????

() but fyi, he is a busy man

() you have to remind him to sleep or he will accidentally pull an all-nighter

() but his cuddles make up for it ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

() SOFTEST TUMMY EVER <33333333333333333

() you help each other with burnout ofc



Demoman

() you stole his last scrumpy

() oh boy was he PISSED at you

() you two both yelled at each other & it almost got physical

() ...

() then you two became best friends.

() like WHAT IN THE HELL?

() so now you both share drinks every night together <3

() which is how he fell for you

() you're tough, strong, & also a lil sassy!!

() he took a lil too many drinks one night &-

() "eruhhhhhh i think i love ye man..." & then proceeds to slur his words furthermore

() you're cuddling him when he wakes up & he almost has a heart attack

() but he doesn't leave your arms

() he snuggles closer to you <3

() this man is tied w engineer for the best cuddles imo they are TEDDY BEARS

() protects you at all costs

() oh btw his eyelander hates him being so lovey-dovey

() but you two will have small talk

() do not touch eyelander

() DO NOT TOUCH EYELANDER

() DO N O T TOUCH EYELANDER

() eyelander will be pissed & trying to attack you while demoman will worried

() not fun. 1/10. do not recommend



Heavy

() you were fluent in russian & english

() so you served to him as a translator for a bit

() he seemed intimidating

() one day you were doing your workout in the base & heavy noticed & was like " little person strong??"

() so you & him are gr8 friends now

() will give you a crumb of the sandvich

() that's it though

() you are always complementing sasha/sascha & apparently heavy can speak gun because heavy is saying that sasha/sascha says thanks :)

() idk if it's sasha or sascha i seen both so bear w me

() he eventually, like everyone else on this list, falls for you

() like engineer, he makes some sort of art with words for you

() unlike engineer though, it's a poem <3333333

() it's specifically in russian so no one but you or him can understand it

() became lovey lovey with him FAST

() he is the equivalent of a bear

() a lil intimidating at first

() but depending on who you are, he loves you <3

() will stop guys flirting w you UNINTENTIONALLY

() "hey sweetch- HOLY SHIT-" *running* () "hm? why..why was little boy running?"

() if he ever forgets a certain word in english, he comes to you :)

() lifts you up A LOT

() he means well by it

() if you tell him to not do that, he ofc will stop for you



Medic

() you didn't take his bullshittery. you were thinking:

() "MAN IF YOU DON'T CUT THAT SHIT OUT-"

() but instead of thinking it, you accidentally said it.

() oops.

() thankfully it was just you & him.

() you knew a thing or two about medical stuff so you two bonded!!!

() you, him & engi helped w experiments that either of you had!

() you also talked about random things

() he is secretly a softie & falls HARD for you

() like with engi, he's afraid to tell you because he's been heartbroken as well,

() but he does want to be alone with you more often than usual,

() so you figure him out & wait

() he does eventually confess, & was very relieved that you felt mutual with him

() yeah you two spend a lot of time together more, but ofc you still hang out w engi!!

() it wld be very rude to just leave him behind like that >:(

() although he will accidentally pull an all-nighter too if you forget to make him come to bed.

() calls you "mein Täubchen" or any other german petname he can think of

() you & his doves are close friends

() OH one time you & him were practically cuddling on his chair while he was working right, & then archimedes flew on down to your head & rested there

() you're sure it was to just get medics attention but medic LOVED it

() you were asleep though :(



Sniper

() loner

() you become friends after making sure he isn't being attacked by a spy

() you give him a warning sign that there lies a spy

() now he lies behind sniper

() "ey, thank ye for earlier"

() "ah no worries, i'm always glad to help!"

() you'll visit his van & chill

() doesn't even realize he's fell

() he just zones out on you a lot more.

() you confess first & he's like "wait that was the feeling?"

() he's never felt this way give him a break </3

() shy, at first

() he does branch out to you more

() takes you out on camping & maybe hunting dates if you're comfy with it :)

() keeps the relationship PRIVATE

() "ey look luv, as much as i love ya, if we share this with anyone, our careers are done for"

() means it in the best way though



Spy

() flirts with each other abound

() started as jokes, ended in actual love

() you eventually ask "hey are we actually dating?"

() he says "maybe, if you want to" to mess w you & flirt

() you SWOONED just by those words

() so you two are ALREADY dating

() you go FAST with him friendship & relationship wise

() by the second date, you two probably 👉👌

() of course, he is taking this relationship TO THE GRAVE.

() if ANY rumor were to get out about "spy has a (s/o)", he will deny it until EVERYONE is convinced.

() he loves you oh so much

() he TRULY means well & will protect you by any means necessary

() after he checks everywhere to be sure nobody is looking, he'll show you what's under the mask & tell you his real name

() the only rule with that is to call him by his name in private

() & ONLY in private

() outside, you two may never be alone

() he'll ramble to you about his life as you sleep on his chest <3



sorry it took a bit, school & life always kick my ass

[1000sunnygo]

#ロック・リー バカと天才の夏休み - PEYOのマンガ - pixiv

※再掲

[Fool and Genius's Summer Vacation]

A wonderful comic focused on Neji and Lee by PEYO, a talented artist who passed away in 2020.

I loved it and wanted to share its translation. I don't want to repost arts so I'm posting the translation separately, hope it conveys the story.

Translation starts below the cut.

Page 1.

[Fool and Genius's Summer Vacation]

°Drawings by PEYO

2.

Neji (studying a scroll outside his room, notices Lee):

Lee. You're here again.

Rock Lee: Neji! Today, it's a match!

N: I thought I told you not to come again.. Leave.

R: \\A match! A match!//

Neji:

[During summer vacation, this boy, with two sheets of seaweeds stuck on his face, would always be louder than cicadas.]

3.

R: *wearing a rubber float* Neji, we decide by swimming.

N: I decline. You can't swim anyway.

R: *bringing Shino* Neji, let's settle by catching bugs. I've brought an expert from neighborhood, he's unbeatable.

N: Declined. Why is it 2 vs 1 all of a sudden?

R: *brings a bowl of shaved ice* THEN IT'S A SHAVED ICE EATING COMPETITION!

*Lee shoving shaved ice into his face*

What's up? If you don't catch up, I'll win!

Uwgh.. stomachache...

N: SHUT UP! JUST STOP THESE NONSENSE!

R: *jolts*

4.

N: You're an eyesore.

R: *sweats worriedly*

N: ...

... Rock paper scissor to settle this, so go home already.

R: *beams up*

GOT IT! 200 laps around the village on handstand before sunset if I lose. It's a promise!!

5.

(rocks paper scissor result:

Lee = paper, Neji = scissor)

(...)

R: *standing on his hands*

I'm off! Also, Neji, once I'm done with it, please consider accepting the next match!

N: Sure.

(200 laps before sunset? That's ridiculous. How far will he take this Guy-imitation?)

R: HERE I GOOO..!!

*Lee bolts away on his hands*

N: A real fool.

Honestly, I'm rather jealous of him.

6.

(Lee walking on handstand around the village festivals as promised, Tenten accompanies him while having some sweets.)

Tenten: Did you mess with Neji again?

You big knucklehead. You step on landmines without knowing a thing.

R: What do you mean?

T: Isn't he in a terrible mood lately? I wanted to invite him to the summer festival, but his atmosphere wasn't welcoming at all. It was impossible.

If I remember right, he had the same mood around this time last year, as well.

... Come to think of it, tomorrow is Mukaebon*, isn't it?

(*Mukaebon is the first day of Bon festival, when departed souls are believed to return home.)

Maybe, for Neji,

7.

It's a bit complicated time.

-

*Neji alone inside a shrine, door slides open. Hinata walks inside.*

Hinata: Excuse me,

Um, Neji ni-san...

8.

I've made these with my sister, so, if you don't mind...

*lifts a plate of offering for the shrine*

N:... Thank you.

*Hinata places the platter and offers a quick prayer*

H: Speaking of which, Neji ni-san... about tonight's firework display...

N:

H: ... Neji ni-san?

*notices Neji fast asleep*

-

9.

H: it's rare for him to fall asleep all of a sudden... Neji ni-san seems worn out lately.

(!)

*Hinata notices Neji's notebook and picks it up*

This...

A-amazing.. Such a dense note, all to the details of the Meridian system...

.. Could it be that Neji ni-san is trying to acquire Head family's secret arts by himself?

...!

-

"Neji,"

*scene changes to Neji's dream. A young Neji is surrounded by Hyuga elders as lamps are floating away on the water, tribute to the departed during a Mukaebon ceremony*

"come here, Neji"

10.

*A Hyuga elder pats the back of young Neji*

"Here, Neji, Send Farewell to your late father."

*Young Neji stays silent, crying by himself*

N: Bunch of lies. He didn't come back.

Obon? Greeting the departed souls, sending them off?

Stop joking with me.

You people killed my father.

And now you want your redemption with these rituals?

11.

*flashbacks of Hizashi being Punished by Hiashi*

Hizashi: "My head!!"

Hiashi: "Leave. I'll tolerate this foolishness only today. Never forget your place again!"

*scene changes to young Neji*

N: One day, I, too, will become one of them...

-

(gasps)

*Neji wakes up from his slumber inside the home shrine*

N: A dream..

...

12.

*Neji notices a piece of paper tucked under Hinata's offerings, Hinata isn't around. Neji picks it up*

[Hinata's note:

To Neji ni-san,

you seem very tired lately. Please don't overwork, and take care of yourself at times.]

N: I was tired?

Why does any of it have to be the headache of a Head family member? Did she think father would return home riding on these-

.. Darn it.

*Neji takes off his headband, walks to the sink and washes his face*

-

I should've known.. that there was no point in making an effort.

Trying to do something for own future is meaningless.

After all, it's about living for the Head family and getting killed if I oppose.

My life had never been my own.

13.

And yet, the reason I desperately try to catch at straws at this specific time of the year, is perhaps, that I can't let go of the glimmer of hope of his return.

Perhaps just that, if only once I could hear him say,

*Hizashi's voice is heard from the back of the room:*

"Neji, you've worked so hard."

N: ... that's all I could wish for-

*Neji realizes he just heard Hizashi from behind him*

!! ...FA-

14.

-ther...

*quickly turns his head in anticipation, there's nothing.*

...

Why do I work hard?

*cicadas buzz away, as the scene changes to Rock Lee still venturing the village streets on his hands*

15.

R: Haa... Haaa..

*villagers whisper to each other*

(Uwah, he's still at it? That kid is circling all over the place on his hands since daytime!)

(He's under Guy's tutelage, isn't he?)

(Mom, that boy...)

(shh, don't look!)

(is he okay?)

(he bought some stuff from store a while at ago..)

R:.. One more lap...!!

.. Neji... Wait for me!!

(!)

16.

*Sun is setting. Neji finds Lee slumped at his doorstep*

-

N: Oi, Lee.

Why are you sleeping here? Wake up.

*Lee doesn't respond, his entire body looks banged up and dirty.*

Don't tell me, did he really run 200 laps?

...

*Neji walks to Lee, then grabs his shirt and yanks him up*

17.

N: Why do you keep coming back?

(How are you able to do this?

If I were a fool like you, would I be unafraid to make an effort? Had there not been a mark on my forehead, would I be able to believe in a future like you?)

*Tears drop from Neji's eyes*

Lee, stop chasing this mediocre me until it kills you.

18.

I... can't work as hard as you do...

(Neji calling himself mediocre is a reference to ch. 197 quote, "I can't give up for those who believe this mediocre me is a genius")

19.

R: !

*wakes up as Neji's tears trickle down his face*

...NEJI!

N: *jolts*

W-what?

R: A rematch! As promised, now you have to accept it!

N: A match, you say...

*brings out a pack of firecrackers*

R: Tada! Let's decide it with firecrackers!

I bought them from a firework stall during my run.

Rules are simple! One whose firecracker extinguishes first loses, so..

... Neji?

*Neji rubs his forehead in resignation*

N: I don't get you. Did you run 200 laps to return with these?

R:..? Yes.

...

*Night falls quickly*

R: The Obon lanterns will be up soon.

Ah, I've brought the matches!

N:....

20.

*Neji sits idly, his firecracker still burning. Lee is tensed. His firecracker is out*

N: You know, even your luck is terrible.

It's my 5th win on a row.

R:...........

N: Why don't you give up already?

R: I won't!

Not yet!! Until effort (?) triumphs over the genius....!

N: You should stop seeing me as an obstacle because people call me a genius.

Coming up with childish games one after another...

How long do you want me to cater to your self satisfaction?

It's starting to annoy me.

21.

R: Please don't be mistaken. It's not like I don't want to lose to you because you're a genius.

I don't want to lose to you because you're a genius who also works hard.

-

N: Wh...

*Neji snaps*

What are you talking about?? What do you know about me?

R: True. I don't have the slightest idea about things going on in your family.

But,

22.

What it feels like to try hard while being bound by fate is something I know really well.

N: ...

R: But I keep losing to you.

Again, and again...

Just when I thought I could win and let you see a glimpse of a different world, even if I'm not able to save you, still...

...At the very least, I had this thought for a second.

It's another summer that you dislike so much, but you won't be able to enjoy it once it's over!

*Neji recalls Lee buzzing around trying to challenge him*

\\A swimming contest! //

\\bug catching contest! //

\\eating contest!//

N:....!

23.

R: It's okay if it's for just a while. At least, right now,

*grabs Neji's hands to give him a new firecracker*

Rather than living for someone else, live at the moment for these matches against me!

Deal?

24.

*Neji looks at the firecracker*

N: Was it..

always so beautiful?

-

*the atmosphere lights up*

R: The fireworks have started.

Man, I really don't want summer to end..

N: Oi, don't take your eyes off.

R: Eh?

25.

N: I've lost.

R: Huh? Wha-??

*Lee notices that Neji's firecracker is out, his own is still burning*

I DID IT!!! GUY SENSEI...!!! OWOW... HOT!

N: Hey, we still have few more firecrackers.

Let's do it again.

I'm not gonna lose this time.

26.

*Neji smiles to himself*

N: Really.

... a big fool.

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Eda's Requiem" from The Owl House

Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons.

...

...

...HOW IS SEASON TWO SO GOOD?! WE'VE HAD SEVEN EPISODES SO FAR, AND EACH ONE OF THEM WAS A HIT!

Take "Eda's Requiem," for example. It's yet another episode where I have NOTHING bad to say about it! That's two weeks in a row where that happened! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

HOW!

HOW!

...But anyways, "Eda's Requiem." It's another fantastic episode, and I'm about to dive into explaining how and why. Just keep in mind, it's gonna require spoilers to do so, so be wary of that as you keep reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Eda’s Checklist and Grom Photo: Within the first second, "Eda's Requiem" perfectly sets up Eda's central conflict in the episode. Despite spending years being on her own and looking after herself, she now has two kids that she's constantly caring over. Eda can try all she wants to say that she doesn't care, and I bet she has in the past. But given the hard work she's putting into getting King and Luz what they need and having a grom photo of the three of them together pinned in her mirror, it's pretty clear that those two knuckleheads wormed their way into her heart and are never getting out.

Eda’s Worried About King and Luz Leaving: And thus, that's precisely why something like this bothers her so much. Eda inadvertently adopted two rambunctious rapscallions (Yeah, I know. I'll get to it), so the idea of them not being around her anymore is going to be terrifying. That is a situation most parents, especially mothers, can identify with. It’s called empty nest syndrome and it proves just how much Eda loves Luz and King that she can't stand the thought of her babies leaving the nest. It's yet another well-made, wholesome, found-family moment that this series continues to excel at each week, making me extra excited for more like it to come...while also readying myself for heartbreak when one of them eventually does leave Eda.

Eda and Raine’s Music: Ok, I don't know the exact instruments that were played during this episode, but I also don't care because it was all (for lack of a better term) music to my ears. Every time Eda and Raine played resulted in melodies that are so beautiful and filled with so much emotion and feeling that I'm honestly tempted to listen to them again, multiple times, on repeat. Shows rarely do that for me, as background music doesn't always draw me in as much as lyrical songs do. Usually, it takes something so extraordinarily composed to give me the desire to listen again, and that's the case here. So huge congrats to Brad Breek for doing so. Seriously, the man's been killing it this season.

Eda’s Bard Magic Causing Things to Turn to Ash: This was assuredly a surprise side-effect of the curse. The fact that Eda can sort of do magic at all was its own shock. To then reveal that a specific type can do dangerous things to people and environments is...Well, it definitely brings up its own fair share of questions. Like, how can she do this? Will she do it again, one day? And are there other types of spells that can be negatively affected by Eda's curse? We don't get answers for any of these questions, and odds are, we never will. But that's alright with me. Because if a show makes me consider these many possibilities after a brief amount of time, it is a show that has to be doing something right. Even if I don't get the answers I want, the fact that it caused such a reaction makes me less willing to care.

Raine Whispers: Hey, would you look at that. Another fun, interesting, and compelling character added to the list of this shows' other fun, interesting, and compelling characters...how is this series so good at this!?

Joking aside, Raine's pretty good. I like Raine. They could have been this super serious leader who lost all their fun after years apart from Eda, but I'm glad that they're not. There are moments when Raine takes their job as leader of the BATs seriously, as one would, but I still prefer the fact that they kept a jovial nature despite how grim their situation is. It's an admirable trait to have, and it avoids the trope of making leader characters boring just because they're the ones who have to take things seriously.

Oh, and also, Raine's Disney's first non-binary character who has a stake in the plot. This is a tremendous deal, as you don't usually see that many non-binary characters in children's animation, let alone ones that hold importance to the story. So it's pretty cool for the writers to feature Raine, as it helps several kids feel as though they're finally seen and respected. And the fact that Disney of all companies gave the thumbs up is even more impressive. I hear people say that Dana Terrace should have pitched The Owl House to more progressive networks to avoid pushback, and while I absolutely see your point, I'll have to respectfully disagree. Disney is the largest entertainment industry of all time, so if you want to make LGBTQA+ representation normalized, you gotta stop making splashes and start making waves. Because if the same company that made three racist cats in the span of a few years manages to say that being gay is a-ok, then you know there's something wrong with you. Yes, Disney ended up screwing over the show anyway. But for that one moment, when kids felt pride after seeing a character like Raine, then, in the end, it's kind of worth it.

Also, if you're still having issues with more representation like this popping up in kids' shows, then allow me to redirect you to the complaint department.

...I made that post earlier today for this bit. YOU HAVE BETTER APPRECIATED IT!

Day of Unity is meant to be a Secret: At least, that's what I got when Raine stumbled over their own words. So if it's true, then I wonder why? Why does Belos want to keep the most critical change in the Boiling Isles a secret? Does he want to make it a surprise for his grateful subjects, or does he not want to spread worry and fear amongst the wild witches? It has to be something big if he doesn't want his followers to even say the words "Day of Unity." Whatever reason he has, we most likely won't know until the future. A future that I grow more and more afraid of each week.

Hooty Eating Echo Mouse: My heart sank in that brief moment when I thought that Hooty intensely screwed Luz over in getting back home. But looking back...it is pretty funny.

Just the suddenness of Hooty eating the poor creature that Luz desperately tried to earn its trust is priceless in how shocking it was. And also, Luz's expression.

That was the look of a young girl who immediately shoved her hand down an owl demon's throat the second the scene cut away. The Owl House may not always be a hit in the comedy department, but scenes like this prove that when it's funny, it is hilarious.

Luz and King Entering the Grand Prix: Not much to discuss here. It's just a cute subplot that adds frivolity to the intensity of what's going on through Eda and Raine's story. But I will say that I love how both stories occasionally interconnect with each other through the many moments of Eda being worried about King wanting to leave to find his father and avoiding any conversation about it. It helps both plotlines feel like they belong together, without being something like "Through the Looking Glass Ruins," whereas both stories could have been in their own episode. Which is neat.

How Bard Magic Works: I really love how this season is diving into how the other magic types work. More specifically, the ones that seem a little vague. I mean, stuff like healing, potions, and plants are easy to figure out, but what does it mean when a witch's talents are construction, beast keeping, and bard magic? We've been getting a lot of clearing up lately, with bard magic looking like a witch can control their environments and enemies through the power of music. Which is fair. Music is pretty powerful in the metaphorical sense, and I actually love that it's powerful in the literal sense when in the Boiling Isles.

The BATs: Not much to comment on these three either. The BATs have the potential to have an entertaining dynamic, but they do very little in this episode that I can't say much other than I hope they make a return in the future. But I will make this claim: Amber is my favorite. I'm sorry, but her screaming "You're not our mom!" to then go, "Bye, mommy Eda" is just too precious for me not to love.

I'm a simple man who falls for cute s**t. Leave me alone.

Raeda (RainexEda): Well, EdaxCamila, you were a fun crack ship while it lasted, but I'm afraid that this is now goodbye. The current canon has provided an incredibly adorable and believable relationship that I would be a monster not to support with my whole bi-heart. It's been real.

Ok, back in serious mode: I love these two together. Eda and Raine are grown-ups, and they still act all flustered near each other as if they were still Luz and Amity's age. It's definitive proof that you're never too old to get flustered near a crush, and seeing them interact adds a sense of wholesomeness when seeing them together as well as heartbreak when they're forced apart. Plus, we get confirmation that Eda's LGBTQA+! Whether she's bi, pan, or whatever, now that we know Eda can catch feelings for someone like Raine, it's yet another case that The Owl House is the most important series to the community. Because having the main character be queer is fantastic in its own right. But having the same apply to the motherly mentor figure? That's is an extra bit of normalization that anybody would be willing to appreciate.

Unique Guard Designs: Not many fans are going to appreciate this, primarily compared to everything else this episode does perfectly. For me, I actually like that you see a few Coven Guards looking differently from the others, as it helps make them less like clones and makes it seem like anybody of any body type could be a part of the coven.

Gus Looking Uninterested when Presenting Grand Prix with his Dad: I am positive that you didn't notice this (I didn't even notice it until someone else pointed it out), but there's something to dissect here. It hints that perhaps Gus isn't as interested in his father's field of work as one might think. If he did, he would look a lot less bored and much more excited to be helping Perry Porter present the race. It could just be the race itself, but judging from Gus' expression, it really seems like the kid would prefer to be anywhere but there. And why would he have that reaction to a race that his best friend is competing in? To me, this seems like an inkling of what Gus' relationship with Perry could be, which may not actually get time to shine, what with how little wiggle room the series has now (Thanks Disney). Regardless, it is interesting to notice, and it will certainly have fans thinking for a while.

Bump Being Smug of Luz Being in the Lead: That's it. Principal Bump looking smug as his human student is beating the students of his rivals is yet another moment that proves why Bump is easily the best cartoon principal.

Darius: First of all, this guy is f**king fabulous, and I love him. *Snaps*

Second, he is definitive proof that you do NOT want to f**k around with Coven Leaders. Lilith may have had her intimidating moments, but none of them compare to the guy who can turn himself into an abomination monster where only magic that hasn't existed before can take him down. It's genuinely scary to see Darius lose control, and I fear for the day when Luz inevitably ends up in his crosshairs.

With that said, Darius' still a ton of fun! He may be threatening, but he's just a flamboyant guy that hates the idea of getting his outfit the tiniest bit dirty. And I love that. I love that these Coven Heads have actual personalities instead of being generically evil. I consider it preferable to make villains entertaining rather than blatantly scary as I'll remember the personalities first and the villainous acts last.

Eberwolf: But this one's my favorite. I told you: I'm a simple man who gets easily swayed by cute s**t. And Eber? I mean, just look at her:

She's just a cute widdle rascal! I just want to pinch her cheeks, give her a belly rub, and--

...Eberwolf is not a cute widdle rascal. She is a strong, independent woman, and I will respect her as such from this moment forward...lest I feel her wrath.

That is all. Let's move on.

Eda and Raine Attempting a Final Performance: This was the best scene of the episode. It looked gorgeous, it shows the dedication Eda and Raine have for stopping Belos, and it says so much through so little. Go back and look at how Eda and Raine regard one another when performing Eda's requiem. Through their expressions and a few short words, you know they understand that if they complete the song/spell, they probably won't make it in the end. And yet, they don't care. They both know bad stuff will happen if Belos wins, so Eda and Raine put everything to the side, both their feelings for one another and the people they leave behind if it means putting an end to a tyrant. That level of dedication...Words can't fully describe how powerful that is.

Raine Sacrificing Themselves Instead: But in the end, Raine can't do it. Not when they know the life that Eda has and the people she'll be leaving behind. It's an extra bit of nobleness to the character seeing that Raine refuses to take away a woman from two kids who need her the most. A tad bit selfish, sure, knowing what Belos has planned. But when it comes to love, the romantic, familial, or platonic, the best decisions aren't always the logical ones.

Eda Crying: Luz crying tears me up, but seeing Eda cry is a whole different level of heartbreak. Like Lilith, Eda has her emotions locked up tight, with the closest she came to weeping were those two tears in "Young Blood, Old Souls." In "Eda's Requiem," she cries but almost quickly stops herself. As if she knows that doing so isn't going to save Raine. That is...even worse than seeing Luz break down after losing Eda. The fact that Eda refuses to give herself time to mourn losing someone she loved is tragic because crying is the most natural way of showing grief. Turning that off isn't healthy, and seeing her do it with little resistance is sad to me. It's sad to see a character I love can easily shut off all emotions despite how badly she may want to embrace them. It's one of those moments that, again, by doing so little, it shows so much.

“No one watches Crystal Balls anymore. It’s all about streaming.”: Oof. Even I felt that burn towards cable.

King’s Message: King's message was the pick-me-up I needed after the heart-wrenching sadness this episode put me through a few minutes ago. Seeing King say who he is and listing all the things he loves is nothing short of adorable. On top of that, I adore that Eda willingly recorded the whole thing. She may not want King to leave, but that doesn't mean she'll sabotage the one thing he wants. Especially not after Raine gave up everything so Eda could be with her kids. The opening scene may prove how much Eda cares about a rascal like King, but this heartwarmingly sweet moment reveals just how far she'll go to make him happy.

King’s Dad Reveal: ...ok, I'll be honest, I did not think we'd get that reveal this soon. Dumb of me to say, considering the number of times I've said that these writers don't waste time getting to the s**t, I know. But still, it's pretty cool knowing that King's dad is alive and well, added with the fact that we've got a fair idea of what he looks like. At this point, it's only a matter of time before we see him figure out where the Clawthorne residence is and witness the tear-jerking moments that will follow.

King Changing his Name to King Clawthorne: Not the official adoption I was expecting Eda to make...but DANG IT, is it still diabetes-inducing levels of sweetness!

Personally, I feel like the main reason why Eda breaks down this time is not only because she shouldn't be worried about King leaving her life, but also because Raine's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Her kids really do need Eda because no matter how far apart they'll be, she will always be a part of their life...dang it, I'm going to cry too!

What those Coven patches really do: Well...that was horrifying to see.

...Writers, if you kill off the best non-binary character in animation (it's a short list, I know), we are going to have PROBLEMS!

IN CONCLUSION

"Eda's Requiem" is--surprise surprise--another A+. The emotions hit hard, the representation hits harder, Raine is a fantastic addition to the cast, and it was all surprisingly cute at times. Season Two is currently on a hot streak, constantly winning with every episode that's come out so far. When a bad episode does eventually show up (IT'S GONNA HAPPEN!), I'll be sure to sing my requiem then. For now, I'm just gonna enjoy the ride.