*Cerberus get kidnapped*
Persephone: i took him for a walk and puff he was gone.. It must been 15 minutes.
Hermes: Right, and in dog years that's only seven hours.
Persephone: WhY wOuLd YoU sAy ThAt?
Hades*hyperventilaiting*
Iris: This is why they prefer the dog over you.
Hermes: Calm down. If we can trace his location we can find your fuzzy boy.
Hades: Not fuzzy, he's fluffy.
Persephone: We don't know what he is anymore... He could be fuzzy, he could be anything. HaDeS... He could be scruffy!
Hades: Now you've upset Seph. I hope you're happy.
Hermes: Why would I be happy? I just mixed two words.
Hades: Just. Your fired.
Hermes: That seems a little extreme for a dog...
Persephone: He's right. Just suspend him without pay.
Hades: Whatever you want my love.
Hermes: Again why did you ask for my help?
The Rogue and Gambit Project: The Basketball Game (X-Men #4)
Alright! Here we are! That pivotal moment we've all been waiting for! The introduction of Omega Red.... Wait, no, that's not why you guys are here? You don't want me to dissect another Wolverine story that digs into the seemingly never ending well of his past? You aren't really interested in the creepy twins that make up Fenris? And you don't really care all that much about what's going on with Moira?
I mean, fine, if you'd rather I get into all the other boring stuff going on in the issue... ;)
Today we're going to test the limits of how much of an issue Marvel will let me repost without getting in some kind of trouble....
X-Men #4 Ladies and Gentlemen....
I believe I said this previously, but one of the best parts of X-Men comics is really the soap opera shenanigans that go on in-between all the big villains. The inner personal relationships that happen among the X-Men are really the best, and often the most delicious part of the comics. I honestly think fans would be entirely happy if we got full issues of them just playing basketball, or baseball, or hanging out at Harry's Hideaway, or getting therapy.... Because these personalities are so much fun and play off each other so well that sometimes they are far better than the endless 'save the world' story lines we often get because - apparently - all published fiction needs a plot to hang on.
But I digress. It's a post-Claremont world now, and all bets are off. It's kind of interesting that - despite Gambit and Storm's initial friendship, the two X-Men Gambit has been spending the most time with lately are Wolverine and Jubilee. There's no surprise, really, that Wolverine and Gambit have an antagonistic relationship. Jubilee, however, due to her relationship with Wolverine, has been somewhat of a sass master towards Gambit as well. Except now we have Jubilee on the same team as Gambit, which, turns the dynamic a little on its head. And it's a delight.
And then we throw Rogue into the mix. How did this game even get started anyway? My guess - Jubilee wanted to play and taunting and teasing of some sort got the four of them paired off as they are. I kind of love that not only is Gambit goading Wolverine about relaxing, but Jubilee is, too.
Remember when I said Gambit spends most of his non-uniform time half naked? Continuity! ;)
Wolverine is not the only one who needs to relax. Rogue is wound tight - and I really doubt it's about wanting to adhere to a non-powered game of basketball.
All that skin and sweat? The girl's got some pent up needs that haven't been met during the entire previous decade. Probably time to rectify that.
I love Jubilee's commentary, she is so obnoxiously sassy, and I love it. Also, I kind of love that they are taking the time to set up Gambit's athletic skill.
Btw, I love the kind of smirk he gives Rogue as he easily tosses the ball over her head. He's having fun. Is she having fun? Hard to say - mostly she just wants to win. And Gambit is most definitely getting under her skin. The hilarity coming from Jubilee isn't helping.
Is this a good time to bring up the whole -- he's playing games and messing around with her and she takes things seriously part of their whole story? Is this entire game just a metaphor for the early part of their relationship?
I mean - you can read into it as deeply as you like! I have a feeling the writers didn't think think that hard about it - and this is merely just a way to show off all of their skills. But it definitely can be interpreted that way. I mean, what are we even doing here if we can't extrapolate intended and non-intended things from the text?
Of course, this is an X-Men story, so we can't go too long without the usage of powers. Everything is going to get thrown up a notch. Is Gambit using his powers of agility? Well, idk how he couldn't be using them since it's a natural thing.
But man, does Rogue hate losing or what? The escalation of this whole thing goes from 0 to 100 like that.
Jubilee lowering her glasses kills me every time.
I do think Gambit was just taking it easy and playing around at the beginning of this. I think he liked getting Jubilee on his side and cheering him on. He liked driving Wolverine crazy. And more than anything, getting under Rogue's skin is a challenge he really seems to take pleasure in.
But Rogue did take it up a notch, so Gambit does what he always does - and ups the ante.
It's interesting - I think if we hadn't had the little bit of flirting in X-Men #3, this whole thing may read a little differently (up until this point). But I think we're at the point where it's clear that they physical one-upmanship is masking the sexual tension.
I mean, their screwing around literally blows a hole through the mansion wall. Idk why, but this always has me dying, too. There's some very serious stuff going on with Moira - meanwhile Rogue and Gambit are at the playground throwing dirt at each other because they like each other.
No, but here's one of the things I like about them. It was all fun and games, and then Rogue did throw the first punch. And then Gambit pushed back. There's going to be a lot of shifts in power dynamics as we go through this, but the thing is, they don't really back down from each other. For better or for worse.
Ah, the infamous panel!
You saw how angry Rogue was just a second before, and then Gambit scoops her up in his arms and starts spouting all this romantic stuff she's longed to hear and for a moment, she's just kind of gone.
Btw, I love the details of this panel. The mansion is in ruins. Cyclops is like, uh, dude, you may want to throw some cold water on yourself. Jubilee, child that she still is, is like - ew bleck, they're gonna kiss now.
I love it!
I love that Gambit does not care that there is an audience (in fact - he may thrive on it), he's getting under Rogue's skin and it's worth all the fooling around. Meanwhile, Rogue maybe not really realize it yet - but she's getting someone who is not running the other direction due to her powers.
Plus, look, they're both just attracted to each other. And sometimes that fact is just fact.
I realize the above panel is the more famous one, but these ones. Man, they get me every time.
The first panel - Rogue just lets herself go with it. The second panel, though. That's a smirk. Rogue is 100% smirking because in that moment she is happy she is in the exact position she's in. And for that half second, she's enjoying it.
Which leads to an interesting thought experiment -- what if Rogue didn't have the powers she has. Would this whole thing end in a real kiss? (The answer is yes - some fucking around would have surely been had!) Would their relationship be as deep and real if they could act on their physical attraction? Would they have developed the good friendship they get over the years if there wasn't that initial barrier there?
Hard to say, but I think the story becomes richer having to work around her powers.
And.... we're back to the status quo as Rogue does have a skin condition that sucks the life out of everyone she touches. It's no longer a game, but the reality she has to face every day.
Also - I do kind of love she knocks him sideways. He does deserve being knocked down a peg every once and a while. Good for his humility.
The basketball game is now over, but I do think this is the real beginning of Gambit trying to win over Rogue's heart -- and yes, I think at first, it's merely for the sake of the challenge of it. I don't think he takes in account that he's going to change his own heart as we go along.
Just for completion's sake -- here's the last little bit of this part of the subplot. I do roll my eyes at the fact that Wolverine always has to come out looking the coolest. But it works for a nice tag to this particular scene.
So.... later...
Now, how did we get from the basketball game to what looks like a date? Especially since when last we saw Rogue was knocking him sideways? SHAMELESS PLUG TIME - I WROTE A FIC ABOUT IT. Or, you know, come up with your own headcanons. ;)
Of course Gambit rides a motorcycle - because this is the 90s, and this is the height of cool, lol.
I love Rogue in this moment. I love that she's owning him here. She knows she looks good. She knows she wants to go out and have a good time. She may even know she wants to have a good time with /him/ but won't think too much about that -- and instead enjoy the possibility of her own happiness first. Having an attractive man at her side is just a bonus. Go get it, girl!
This is why I love X-Men. Because they are such a family dynamic. Everyone is getting into everyone else's business. Jubilee is the younger sister just wanting to hang out with her ridiculous, cool older brother. Wolverine is that watchful, old uncle. Beast is the next door neighbor who doesn't care that he's butting in, he's just there for a good time. I love all of it! And I do love that there is a tad bit of protectiveness for Rogue. Gambit is still new to this dynamic (not that Rogue and Beast have spent any time together, lol).
The point is that they all love each other like family, and I adore that.
I love that Gambit just is not here for that family dynamic. This is almost a sitcommy moment, and it's delicious. I also love that Rogue is completely on board with this whole date aspect. Sure, her friends will be there, too. But she's not opposed to Gambit whisking her away for who knows what. Maybe she'll get that candlelight dinner and champagne and a little lite romance he's promised her.
I love Jubilee pouting! It also makes me wonder if he's already taken Jubilee out for a spin for the fun of it. He would.
So, her line is fascinating because there are different ways you can read it. Skeptical that he could actually out maneuver Beast. Or hopeful that he will. Read it any way you like! But the smile on her face says she won't be unhappy to lose her friends.
And BAM! Hit by the plot!
Stupid plot.
It's funny, because his first thought is to see if she's okay. Of course she is, she's invulnerable and she can take the hit. But I honestly think that in that moment, he is concerned for her. There is a bit of genuine care there -- even if she is quick to dismiss it.
And... as Omega Red inserts himself into our fun loving drama, the issue ends, with Rogue and Gambit tied up (and eventually in chains) which is going to become the norm for them, so get used to it. ;)
Honestly, I love this issue - and it's such a fun way to start their story. And I had forgotten that at least half of the issue is comprised of Rogue and Gambit development.
Shame we have to stop the development to get into the Omega Red arc that will take up the next few issues...
every now and then i look back on this GIF i have of nalu during tartaros arc and cry about how this particular scene alone solidifies the beauty of their relationship (natsu holding lucy's hand gently in the face of chaos and panic did wonders to my heart)
clary and jace are probably decorating the institute together right now, and jace has clary on his shoulders because she is too short to reach the higher part of the tree
God, the dramatic irony in chapter 350 is fucking delicious.
Endeavor really did have every chance to stop what he was doing and admit that what he wanted wasn’t possible and would destroy his family. He instilled the idea that his son was only worth his time and love if he was an exceptional hero to the point of clearly self-destructive extremes in Touya, then denied and deflected responsibility at every possible turn and put in less than any kind of real effort to undo what he did to Touya and make him understand he was loved anyway. Not that that was likely to have worked, since Touya had already worked out this “family” existed solely to be of use to Endeavor’s one sided dick measuring contest with All Might.
Endeavor would’ve had to lay down his treasured dream and recommit himself to being a good father and person, but it could’ve been done, and he saw and knew what continuing was doing to Touya, but he pressed on.
EVEN AFTER TOUYA “DIED”, if Enji had taken the right lesson and made sure that none of this other children would destroy themselves trying to get him to love them, he could’ve had Touya back. But instead he just made sure his family would reckon for his mistakes in this worst way possible because he couldn’t let go of his selfishness. His family is really in a Hell of his own making.
God I’m going to be so fucking frustrated when his family forgives him. I already can see Izuku’s joyful face seeing Shoto forgive his father and hug him, knowing Shoto was “kind” enough to do it after all. It makes me want to fucking vomit.
Sometimes I just think about how small Clary is, she's described as small and short, multiple times. And her boyfriend is this tall buff (iirc he just keep getting taller in all his new appearances from other characters pov xD) guy.
Then I remember when Clary said that Jace looks at her like she's a small miracle, he looked at her as he always had, as if she were a small miracle, the kind you kept close to your heart. (Cohf)
This tiny, strong girl is his entire heart and universe, he loves her sm, i can't
Clary : *exists*
Jace :
when they're tiny and tol and she's his world, brb sobbing
One thing I will always love in X Men are the humanxmutant pairings. It provides that gentle feeling of joy that the mutant found someone, a human, they deeply love, who doesn't look at them like they're freaks or abominations.
Two of my favourite human love interests are TChalla and Mariko, the love interests for Storm and Logan. For those of you who ship Storm and Logan, that is perfectly fine and they seem like an incredible pair. But I personally loved the romance and love between TChalla x Ororo and Mariko x Logan.
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TChalla x Ororo
TChalla may be the Black Panther, and technically holds superhuman abilities from eating the Heart-Shaped Herb. But he is a badass fighter even as a regular human and is the one I ship Ororo with, though spoilers, they have an annulled marriage at the moment. There may have been many rocky obstacles and situations in the relationship, but its still my favourite. I have kept reading the comic about when they met when they were kids and not once did I NOT SWOON over the romance.
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Mariko x Logan
This is not me being partial (maybe it is 100%), but she is the only woman I love for Logan. Mariko may not have been born with abilities like Jean (whose relationship with Logan I found nothing but WEIRD!) or Storm. But she has strong ferocity in her that connects with him in many ways. And unlike most of his other love interests, she is not normally portrayed as a fighter. She is a kind and gentle soul with a soft heart and a fierce sense of grace and loyalty. During her time with Logan, she helped him grow as a character. Even Logan, in Mariko's presence can turn gentle and soft. He always seemed to be more calm and happy when he was with her.
I've come across posts stating that Minerva only tortured Lucy as revenge against Natsu for storming their Guild. And while I strongly believe that is not the case, there are a few things I'd like to point out.
1. Even if she had done it as revenge, one must look at the differences between Natsu and her.
2. Natsu DID storm the guild, but he did it to defend Yukino, and also, (while he did cause a mess and take down many fodder members) he made it perfectly clear that he was only there for Jiemma, the 'master' who had cruelly kicked out Yukino for a single loss and made her erase her own guildmark.
3. He wanted to fight and take down Jiemma, and he only fought Dobengal because he was in the way.
4. But Natsu didn't outright torture or fully attack any other member other than the man he was mad at. He specifically stated, as he finished off Dobengal easily, "my fight ain't with you!"
5. Minerva on the other hand had no right to attack and torture Lucy so brutally. Lucy had never, prior to this day, given any reason for enmity and vengeance.
6. Minerva could not have known, prior to this, that Lucy held a special relationship with Natsu. Because of that, if it were an act of revenge, why didn't she go after Juvia, who was also in the battle?
7. While Lucy is incredibly powerful with her Celestial Spirit Magic, with the team she is on (Gray, Erza, and two dragon slayers, one of which is a child, but still) she was actually an easy target for the guild to attack. She has a kind and gentle heart, and is very merciful and forgiving to her opponents.
8. Take Flare for example. Lucy was humiliated and suffered a rigged defeat by her on the first day (due to Raventails cheating) of the games. Once Flare was arrested, alongside the other members of the dark guild, Natsu and Gray were only upset that they didnt get a chance to fight the members themselves. Lucy however, didn't show any signs of hatred, satisfaction or relief. She was instead worried for Flare and hoped she wouldn't be abused by her master. Erza herself called Lucy a kind and gentle soul (in the dub) in this scene.
9. When I say Lucy is an easy target, I don't mean she is useless or weak. Lucy is incredibly knowledgeable and strong in her magic, but when compared to Natsu, Gray and Erza, who are not always known for being merciful when they go all out in a fight, her kind heart and powerscale beneath them can easily be taken targetted. Which is why the rest of her team is extremely protective of her (and Wendy, for that matter)
9. Also, if Minerva's sadistic attacks were an act of revenge, then why were Kagura and Milliana put through the same thing? Neither of them attacked the guild. If it was in regards to Yukino's defeat then I can maybe understand Kagura (though that had been a fair fight between her and Yukino).
In short, I dont think Minerva attacked Lucy because of Natsu, but because of Lucy's words about not giving up, her tenacity, and desire to fight for her friends. And her desire to put the might of Sabertooth on a pedestal for the audience and guilds to see.
Also, SPOILER ALERT
Sabertooth was damn lucky that Natsu didn't turn into E.N.D right then and there for the torture being inflicted upon his future wife.
Emerie (glaring at the inner circle): Let's get one thing straight. If Nesta were to ever be executed, or threatened with such in the future, then WE WILL WALK!
Rhysand (frowning, confused): Wait-walk?
Mor: What do you mean? Who will walk?
Gwyn (gazing sadly at Azriel, then at Mor, but shaking her head and glaring): Me.
Azriel (frowning with slight hurt): Gwyn...
Emerie: Not now Azriel, we're making a point.
Roslin (arms crossed): And me.
Ananke: Me too
Emerie (sarcastically grinning): All us Valkyries. We will walk right out of this court. We won't tolerate threats made to our friend.
Amren: You guys gotta be kidding.
Emerie: No, we gotta be deadly serious. We'll start our own Court and Inner Circle. The NESTA-EMERIE-GWYN-ROSLIN...(she drags off, realising she'd have to say every name)...VALKYRIES INNER CIRCLE!!
Valkyries: HEY!!?
(Nesta, having overheard, walks in)
Nesta: Calm down guys. What's done is done. And I'm alive. So there's no need for this. I'm the one who messed up, like always. (She walks out the same way)
Cassian stares at his mate's vacant and defeated expression sadly. The Valkyries glare at him as Nesta leaves the room. As they leave and pass by him...
Emerie (silently growling): Fix this now! Or I will ensure someone has to fix YOU up in the next few minutes. Or are you STILL mad at her?
Cassian had a pained expression. He knew she was right. He had to make it up to his mate.
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Dialogue (top portion) inspired from The Office "Casual Friday Episode"
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For those of you who love the Inner Circle. I want you to know that I do to. But there were times in the book where I really couldnt understand their logic or actions, especially when it came to Nesta.
And when it came to HOFAS, and EMBER, a character from another universe with no powers was one of the only ones to defend Nesta, I was more than a little shocked. More so that Cassian was said to be incredibly mad with his mate, and I am a hard-core Nessian shipper😭!!
I know that what she did with the mask may seem highly irresponsible and stupid to some people, but she had to make a snap decision! Would Feyre or Elain have received the same execution threat if she had committed the same act out of kindness?
Choppers bounty better shoot up the roof after this! I'm not talking in millions! This is a member of a yonkos crew who can reverse the effects of a domi reversi with a non lethal slap!!
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