#so she does

[crypticmushroom]

DeadStan!au where Stan dies escaping from Columbia after being betrayed by Rico and his gang. But instead of going to whatever afterlife there is he just says “no” and continues on like nothing happened.

Because nothing happened, he’s ‘fine’ and he can still drive. Sure people tend to ignore him a lot more than they used to, but he’s homeless so it’s not like it hasn’t happened before. And maybe it’s weird that he doesn’t get hungry or thirsty anymore, but at the end of the day it’s more of a plus since Stan doesn’t have to shell out on buying or stealing food anymore.

His car, being the amazing girl she is, needs basically no fuel to drive. So Stan wanders the USA aimlessly, sometimes picking up people and driving them around till they disappear. But that’s normal, he’s just being nice and they always offer him something in return before they disappear.

Then the postcard comes and Stan answers its call. Sure he’s states away but that doesn’t matter, and Stan steps out of his car for the first time in what seems like forever and knocks on Ford’s door hours after receiving it.

Then Ford fires an arrow through his chest after opening the door, but it passes through like Stan is nothing but air.

Basically Stan becomes an unconventional ferryman to the afterlife after dying without realizing it. Also, everyone is in denial about Stan being dead, no one is happy and Ford’s plans of just handing Stan his journal are ruined.

[junewongapologia]

The fact is tho that no matter how you look at it, no matter how insufferable she is, no matter how Out Of Touch, regardless of whether she’s doing herself no favours: Eloise is right about society and just about everyone else in the show is wrong.

Like, she’s not got the full picture, she’s blinkered and her political philosophy is not very in depth or well thought out. But she’s right, and I think that’s why a lot of people watching really don’t like her because she’s breaking the illusion. All in all, the 1810s were a shit time to be alive for most people, and you can “well actually” it all you like, but the Luddite movement existed for a reason, the Chartists existed for a reason, Porto-feminist writers like Wollstonecraft and de Gouges wrote what they did for a reason.

So when you keep being reminded that it was a terrible social order for women - in a show targeted mainly towards women for escapist purposes then that character is going to come across as irritating, because she’s ruining the immersion.

Really, her attitude isn’t more anachronistic than the dresses, or the hairdos, or the diamond necklaces (men and women had been advocating women’s right to vote since before Eloise was born, lads), but it’s a problem because people are watching the show for the sweeping romances and the general regency vibe, they don’t want to think about how the regency was for most people. Which inevitably leads to some incredible projection, when watchers of a show with the central conceit of only being interested in the love lives of the top one percent of the one percent of the British aristocracy acting as though Eloise is the only privileged person on the show.

And yeah, she is better off than most of the people who exist in all of Regency Britain (though if you were to take the show as read, Britain is made up of about 70% aristocracy, 1% gentry, 5% urban bourgeoisie and 24% urban workers), but she’s the only one whose privilege is harped on out of her whole family and social circle. 99% of the speaking characters in the show come from a posher background than Beau fucking Brummell.

And! Eloise is literally just about the only main character who ever has to question her privilege! And when she is in season 2 she doesn’t throw a shitfit, she’s willing to learn! She goes out of her way to hear perspectives that she wouldn’t have heard in her social circle! But the narrative punishes her for that, and that’s because for all the criticism she gets about needing her privilege checked, they don’t actually want her to learn, they just want her to shut up and enjoy the trappings of regency decadence as much as they do.

Also - I know it’s really fashionable to rag on “pick-mes” and “Not Like Other Girls” - but actually, no, “traditional femininity” has never been socially unacceptable for women the way being GNC is, and it is in fact ruthlessly socially enforced against GNC women, even more so in the 1810s. Eloise is a teenaged girl in a society that stigmatises her for her wish for more legal autonomy, the idea that she’s somehow the villain for not being able to enjoy “feminine” hobbies without seeing them as just another element of the way women’s education is trivialised as ornamental, is farcical. “Sewing is a valuable and useful skill” so is cooking, but there’s a reason my mam, and not my dad, had home economics lessons, and that reason is still misogyny, despite the fact that it set her up better for being able to operate independently as an adult.

Idk I’m just kind of uncomfortable that in a world of rising reactionary political sentiment towards women, and this seemingly increasingly re-normalised view that women need to be wives and homemakers, people feel that the person on the show who needs to do the most introspection regarding their politics is an eighteen-year-old who is vocal about the fact that she has limited legal rights, and not any of the adult men in the show (a lot of whom probably have seats in the Upper House!!!) who never mention politics at all.

And frankly, given the shower who were Having Political Opinions in the long eighteenth century, Eloise’s brand of semi-anachronistic protofeminism is infinitely preferable to Hannah “I refuse to teach the poor how to write in my schools” More, or Edmund “don’t read my big thesis on revolutions too closely it’s definitely not all lies and junk history” Burke, or even a load of prominent members of the Bluestocking Society.

[wingsyliveblogs]

Oh, this is interesting. I was expecting that they’d spare a bit of time to work out their troubles (well, mostly Luz’s), but perhaps now’s not the time. 

(And perhaps Luz needs to work out her troubles alone.)

Although she has plenty of reason to be upset with Luz on a personal level, Amity seems to be prioritising the practical side of the situation. As Emira said before, she has bigger problems.

Amity can’t waste time discussing what they’ll do, and she knows Luz doesn’t have any spells that will be useful in this scenario, so she thinks she’s more likely to be successful on her own without someone else to look out for who can’t really do much to help. 

While she is mad that Luz put her siblings in danger, that’s not the only reason she’s insisting on going alone; she’s simply thinking logically.

oh nooo 

she’s angry at first and then the energy goes out of her and she just looks... sad and worried...

It can’t be easy for her, even if she thinks she’s making the right decision. She doesn’t know if she’ll be able to manage alone, and the idea of having company is likely comforting. If she thought Luz could do anything, she might be tempted to let her come along, as dangerous as it may be.

But she doesn’t, so she goes with the option that she feels is most likely to keep someone she cares about safe, at the very least. She’s upset with Luz, but she’s worried for her, too. 

[enbysiriusblack]

mary macdonald wrote a book after the second wizarding war. she wrote about her time at school, how hard it was to leave her friends behind knowing they likely wouldn't make it, and how hate it was to leave the world she grew up in.

she wrote about being acesexual/aromantic and about being in a queer friend group during the 70s and how they had all helped each other discover that part of them.

she wrote about her grief and asked her readers to mourn with her. she wrote about how she felt like she had ran away from the war and how horrible she felt for it, even though she knew it was the right decision. she wrote about trying to move on, trying to forget a large part of herself.

she wrote about the good times and bad times with her friends. she wrote about how it felt finding out one of her old closest friends had betrayed the rest of them. finding out they had all died and she hadn't been there. she wrote about trying to forget about her school life, the war, and her friends. she wrote about the first time she visited the graves of those that had one.

she wrote about her life story; so that the memories ot her friends would never be forgotten again.

[galaxa-13]

So I was without a working computer for six months. What did I do as soon as I had a new one? Spend the next five days drawing every outfit of my current D&D character.

[Full Size]

[psycho-pass-lists]

Psycho-Pass Groundhog Day

What if one day in Akane’s life was on a loop - forever? And that day is a very particular day?

First day

Akane: Kogami, don’t go!

Kogami: Goodbye, Inspector Tsunemori.

Loop 1

*next day, morning*

Akane: Good morning, Inspector Ginoza. I’m happy to see you’re out of the hospital already. Although your arm looks uninjured. Weird...

Ginoza: Hospital?

Akane: Yeah, your injuries? Anyways, what’s the schedule today?

Ginoza: ...

Ginoza: What we were doing for the past couple of weeks... capturing Makishima and Kogami...

Akane: What? Makishima’s dead. Kogami’s gone.

Ginoza: Tsunemori, are you okay? I know it’s been rough for you, but perhaps you should be put off this case.

Akane: What...

Loop 2

*next day*

Akane: Wait, Kogami, do you remember yesterday when you did this exact same thing? Like, I can tell you right now that Makishima is in that truck over there, ready to ambush us.

Makishima: *looks out of the truck* Wait, what?

Kogami: How... did you know that?

Akane: I lived this day three times already! I’m not kidding!

Kogami: Okayyyy... maybe Gino was right, you should be taken off the case.

Akane: Why won’t you believe me? I thought you trusted me!

Kogami: I do, just... you’re kinda spouting off nonsense.

Akane: You’re one to talk!!

Makishima: Guys, I’m right here.

Loop 3

*next day, morning*

Akane: *in complete denial* No. No. No, no, no.

Ginoza: Tsunemori? What’s wrong?

Akane: I can’t do this again. I can’t see Kogami leave me again, I can’t stand seeing Masaoka killed - 

Ginoza: Wait, what?

Akane: I can’t stand seeing you in pain.

Ginoza: Maybe you should stay behind for this case.

Akane: No, this is my duty. I am an Inspector, I should do this.

Akane: Hey, maybe I can prevent the deaths from happening. Maybe that’s why I keep repeating this day. Maybe I can stop Kogami!

*later that day*

Akane: That was a big fat no...

Loop 10

*a few loops later*

Akane: I’ve tried everything!

Akane: I’ve tried killing Makishima sooner, I’ve tried letting him get away successfully, I’ve tried tying you up, I’ve tried knocking you unconscious, I’ve tried somehow steering you the wrong direction, I even tried revealing Sibyl to you!

Akane: And somehow I can’t stop you from running away! Or stop Masaoka from dying!

Akane: I keep failing everyone!

Akane: *shakes Kogami by his jacket* TELL ME WHAT TO DO. WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STOP PLEASE I CAN’T DO EVERYTHING I’M JUST ONE PERSON

Kogami: You can stop shaking me like that for one.

Loop 14

*more loops later*

Akane: Wow, this day sucks. Just because I got lazy in this nth iteration of this day and forgot to bring my papers to work, suddenly everyone is mad at me.

Ginoza: Let’s go, Tsunemori!

Akane: Huh. Does the day automatically reset if I go to sleep right now?

Ginoza: Tsunemori, we have to go!

Akane: Yeah you go ahead, Imma take a nap.

Loop 15

*another loop later*

Ginoza: Ah, good, Tsunemori, you’re finally here. We got Kogami’s position, we need to head out now to find him.

Akane: *slouches on her chair, appearance totally unkempt* What’s the point really. 

Ginoza: ...Tsunemori??

Akane: I can’t do anything right anyways and I make things worse for everyone. I don’t want to see that again. So you guys go ahead.

Ginoza: Oh... okay.

Ginoza: I’m sending you to see a therapist afterwards though.

Akane: Sure, whatever.

Loop 20

Akane: Is it you? It’s you, isn’t it? You’re testing me! You don’t believe I will keep my end of the bargain!

Chief Kasei: What are you talking about? Shouldn’t you be trying to find Kogami?

Akane: I want you to stop it right now. I promise that I will deliver both Kogami and Makishima to you.

Chief Kasei: I don’t understand.

Akane: Ugh! Let’s hurry this up a little - I know the truth about Sibyl, you want me to bring Makishima back and I promise I’ll bring back Kogami, but you don’t believe me.

Akane: So you put me through this game. And I am so, so tired, so please stop.

Chief Kasei: You should watch your Hue, Inspector.

Akane: So you’re going to continue denying it? Fine! Watch me reveal Sibyl to the public!

Chief Kasei: Given our precarious situation, we do not need that kind of mayhem that that will bring.

Akane: Oh I’m betting we do.

Loop 21

Masaoka: You are acting very weird, missy.

Akane: I am fine. But if you are really concerned, check my Psycho-Pass.

Masaoka: It says it’s over 100. You...

Akane: Whoa, really? Let me see. That never happened before. That’s so cool! Now I get to be an Enforcer for a day!

Masaoka: For a day? This will be your whole life. Why aren’t you devastated?

Akane: *starts to mutter to herself* Hm... wonder why it went so high up? Never did that before. Maybe my Hue transfers through the loops? Will it go back down tomorrow?

Masaoka: She’s gone mental.

Ginoza: Just what we need.

Loop 24

Akane: Say, Kogami... since nothing in life matters .... let’s get married.

Kogami: Excuse me?

Akane: You love me right? I love you. Let’s get married. Have some kids. The whole deal.

Kogami: I never said - why would you think -

Akane: It’s so obvious, Kogami, come on.

Akane: I was just too shy to ask you but now that I’m stuck in eternity, I might as well spend it with you, right?

Kogami: I’m an Enforcer. A criminal.

Akane: Honestly, Kogami. You think that’ll stop me?

Akane: Come with me. You think a priest will be up for marrying us at such short notice?

Kogami: Tsunemori, I like you, but please ... calm down.

Kogami: Is this your guilt over what happened with Yuki manifesting? It is not your fault.

Akane: *suddenly starts feeling the urge crying* I just let it happen...

Kogami: I know. It’s horrible what happened. But the hands that pulled the strings were not yours. It was Makishima’s. You were forced to watch and that was unfair for you. I am truly sorry. I wish I can remove your guilt. But sometimes the guilt is part of life and you cannot let it control you. It is making you want to help others. But you are hurting yourself.

Akane: *starts crying* What the hell, Kogami, all I asked was to get married...

Kogami: But I think you needed to hear that. At least once.

Akane: I’ve been so busy trying to stop you from being stupid, I never realized that ... I never bothered talking to you about what happened...

Kogami: It’s good that we did. We should have done so earlier. Right?

Akane: Yeah...

Kogami: Now, about our situation. You know we all are competent. Let us handle ourselves. You need to help yourself first.

Akane: Are you... are you saying what I think you’re saying?

Kogami: To get married? Um, not the time, Inspector.

Akane: N-no, not that.

Kogami: To stop pushing people away and actually talk to them? Yes.

Akane: Oh my God. That’s it.

Loop 25

Akane: Ginoza. May I uh have a word with you?

Ginoza: We’re on really short time, Tsunemori.

Akane: I know, but it’s about your father and I -

Ginoza: Okay, now we really can’t talk. Let’s move out.

Akane: ...

Akane: Okay, this is harder than I thought.

Loop 28

Akane: Ginoza. Before we leave, I need a word with you.

Ginoza: Is there really the time?

Akane: It is important, please.

Ginoza: Alright. What is it?

Akane: I have been feeling a lot of guilt lately. I know that’s part of the responsibility of being an Inspector but what’s not a part of the job is keeping it inside me. I think you have a lot of guilt built-up in you too and I now know it’s because of your father.

Ginoza: This is getting a little too personal, Tsunemori, really -

Akane: *firmly* What happened to you sucks. I’m not denying that. But your father knows that. And you two not talking about it and glaring at each other does nothing. If we want to capture Makishima, we have to work as a cohesive unit, not broken apart. Please consider talking to him. Today preferably.

Ginoza: I - what? Tsunemori, I don’t want to -

Akane: I know. You’re allowed to feel bitter at him. But at what cost? Your happiness? Or your mental health? You can’t sacrifice those things. Please, promise me you will talk. Soon.

Ginoza: ... Alright.

Akane: Great. Now let’s go.

*later*

Akane: Kogami, I just wanted to say something.

Kogami: What?

Akane: Sasayama. Your friend. You feel guilty about him, right?

Kogami: I mean, no shit? What do you think this vendetta against Makishima is about?

Akane: I know how you feel. Ginoza even knows how you feel. But you never once considered letting him in. Now it’s kinda too late. But I want you to know that I will not force you to come back after killing Makishima. I want to believe you will come back because you have friends here who will listen and understand. We’ll protect you.

Kogami: I can’t come back though, after I murder Makishima.

Kogami: But... thank you.

Akane: No problem. *cocks gun* Let’s kill that white-haired dude.

Present day

*next day, morning*

Ginoza: Tsunemori. I just wanted to say thank you for talking to me yesterday. I made peace with my father before he died. I accept my demotion to Enforcer.

Akane: You’re ... you’re being demoted? So ... yesterday actually happened? I’m not in a loop anymore?

Ginoza: Not sure what you mean by the loop, but that’s right. Everything that happened with Makishima yesterday was too much for my Psycho-Pass. But I have no regrets. You are a good Inspector. You will do well.

Akane: Th-thank you so much. For your guidance and everything. I want us to remain good friends even if I am your boss now. And talk more, not just about work. Kogami hurt us both.

Ginoza: Of course. Now let us prepare for the new members of our division. Makishima did a number on us.

*later*

Mika: *salutes* Reporting for duty.

Akane: *smiles* Welcome to division 1, Inspector Shimotsuki. I know we will work well together.

[redgravewarden]

Beatrix confirmed for "most dramatic witcher this side of the Yaruga pre-Geralt".

Pattern haul.