JANUARY 10! I Cant Wait.

JANUARY 10! I can’t wait. 

As usual, kingofthewilderwest presents a thoughtful and detailed analysis. I just want to mention the scenes in the post that screamed Royai to me. 

-Grumman suggesting that Roy marry his granddaughter. Whether Roy knows who the “girl” is or not, I think it implies Royai. Either the joke is on Roy, because he is being pushed to marry the woman he loves, or Roy’s reply means that it’s not the right time (can’t remember his exact words) yet.

-The conversation with Madame Christmas about Elizabeth- what else could it mean than go spend time with your love? Of course, he can’t. Roy looks so devastated in the scene. To me, this scene straight on states that R&R are :) a known couple to Chris. 

-When he holds her on the Promised Day. His face. Her face. His face. How he holds her (and more so in the manga, I think.) Also, he’s holding her, but she’s also comforting him. That’s a close couple. 

-I also love the scene when (after he has broken protocol to save her from the homunculi attack), he tells her that he feels most human when fighting monsters (or wtte). There is something so intimate about this. I can’t imagine him saying it to anyone else. 

-Finally, I’ve participated in or observed three first times watching FMA:B. All three novices said things like, “I felt the heat between those two,” or, “They are together by the end, right?” 

Damn right Royai is canon. 

Why Royai is Objectively Canon

I love this topic so much and had to enthusiastically yak about it. I’m also nervous making this post… but you know what? Life’s too short to not talk Royai. I said about a week ago that I’d write a post demonstrating why canon material presents romantic Royai as objectively canon. Haha, I don’t believe this is Royai shippers perceiving skewed information for what we want! ^.^

For my perspective, I’m someone who tends not to be drawn to romantic ships, canon or fanon. I rarely ship and I’m almost never gungho about ships. I’m aroace and I find the greatest celebrations in familial platonic and familial relationships. Those are the things I emphasize and look into in my own fictional fixations. I’m slightly cynical by nature that authors intend a close relationship to be implicitly, implied romantic unless there’s obvious sign posts demonstrating that. I’m more likely to argue something implicit isn’t romantic rather than argue it is, honestly. Even if I find myself shipping something (and I do hardcore ship Royai), I keep a strong distinction between what’s canon and what’s fanon, and I don’t care if my ships become canon or not. It doesn’t mean I’m without my bias, but hopefully this gives everyone an angle on what my biases or not are.

Regardless, I firmly believe that Hiromu Arakawa - and in fact every iteration of the FMA franchise - intends Royai to be perceived as romantic interest. It’s written subtly at times, but it’s written intentionally.

Some points I make below will be more objective, undeniable, concrete proofs than others. For each section I’m writing, I’m (generally) putting the strongest, most concrete evidence on top, alongside asterisks to say that this is a VERY important point. But my list also includes minor moments that on their own wouldn’t “prove” Royai. However, in the context of everything else, they provide a gestalt understanding of how Royai interact and are intentionally written/drawn throughout the franchise and especially the manga/FMAB.

I could honestly write essays over EVERY bullet point on this list, but I’ll restrain myself. Yes, this long post is me actually restraining myself. XD

A BRIEF STARTING ESSAY SUMMARIZING KEY POINTS

Grumman, who’s rather keen in sensing motivation, suggests Roy marry his granddaughter, Riza. Roy’s foster mother Chris suggests that Roy should “play with Elizabeth” when he’s feeling blue. When Roy says another man takes Elizabeth-chan away from him, Vanessa asks if this means Roy’s now romantically available - indicating that Riza is where Roy’s romantic interests lie. In fact, both Roy and Riza demonstrate occasional moments of jealousy when someone shows romantic interest in the other. Roy gets disproportionately defensive when Barry hits on Riza. Riza, meanwhile, tries to sabotage one of Roy’s dates by overloading him with paperwork. When she fails to prevent the date, she goes to the shooting range to noticeably vent, catching both Falman and Fuery’s attention for her abnormal behavior.

Royai tend to use formal language to one another, Riza almost exclusively addressing Mustang as「 大佐 」 (colonel). Roy makes sure to put in「 中尉 」 (lieutenant) lots amidst various second-person pronouns. However, when both are emotionally vulnerable and speaking from their heart about each other, like when Riza thinks she might have to shoot Roy, they drop formalities. Roy then never calls her “lieutenant,” instead exclusively uses a term that can be endearing and affectionate, 「 君 」, and uses this word when he says, “I can’t afford to lose you.” Riza, even more tellingly, calls Mustang 「あなた」- something she never calls him in formal situations - an affectionate term wives use to call their husbands. 

The body language and facial expressions Royai give each other is notably different from how they interact with family and close friends. Mustang isn’t someone who engages in much physical contact, be it with his aunt or his best friend Hughes. He sometimes appears irritated if Hughes hops in for an arm around the shoulder. Riza in turn doesn’t reach out for notable physical contact with Rebecca or other friends. But the look of affection Roy gives when Riza is injured in his arms and he realizes she’s safe… is a look he gives no one else. He cradles her and embraces her so tightly that Mei has to remind him Riza’s still injured. When Mustang loses his eyesight, he doesn’t just grab Riza’s hand to get some navigation guidance… but manages to sling his arm around her shoulder. And while it makes sense for Hawkeye to hold onto him in the final fight to keep him oriented, there is a certain level of intimacy to not just holding him by the shoulder, but putting her hand on his chest, too.

Royai demonstrate extreme closeness for one another and preference for the other above all else. Romance doesn’t have to be your closest relationship, but the fact that Royai are so emotionally close only adds support to the rest of my points. Riza would be devastated at the thought of losing Mustang, so much she starts crying and gives up on life in “Death of the Undying,” and then in “Beyond the Inferno” says she’d kill herself alongside Mustang. Roy, in turn, has traumatic flashbacks imagining that Hawkeye might get killed by Gluttony, and is so frantic about her health in “Lost Light” that he is oblivious to an enemy almost attacking and killing him from the back. Mustang even admits to Bradley that he almost risked his physical health and the entire country’s safety… because he wanted to do human transmutation to save Hawkeye’s life. He would risk all that for one special woman.

Multiple characters beyond Chris Mustang, Grumman, and Vanessa indicate that they know Royai is close. Envy immediately believes Riza when she suggests she and Mustang are intimate. The gold-toothed alchemist and Bradley both know that Riza is the specific way to get to Roy’s heart. And throughout the story, Royai is written as a parallel point to Edwin. Riza tells Winry that she sticks with the military in support of one man, which helps give Winry the resolution to support the own man she loves. Riza understands Ed’s desire to protect Winry - a woman Riza knows Ed loves - because Riza, too, has someone dear she needs to protect. Everything from in-story parallels to official art often put Edwin and Royai as counters to each other.

An oft-quoted interview with Hiromu Arakawa published in the thing manga art book has the writer answering a question of why Royai aren’t married. If they weren’t romantically inclined, Arakawa would have said that. Instead, she explained that the thing preventing them from joining in matrimony was military anti-fraternization regulations. 

Other material outside of what Arakawa wrote herself or was placed in FMAB depict romantic Royai as well. 4Koma Theatre (which Arakawa also drew panels for in Chronicle) contains jokes where Mustang shows attraction to Hawkeye. The 2003 anime ends with Mustang reaching out to Hawkeye’s hair and calling her beautiful, and the two of them sharing smiles in the marketplace that show emotions they’ve given no one else. The 2003 character song “Rainy Day No Thanks” contains extremely flirtatious lines from both - it’s in fact a love song. Hawkeye calls Mustang’s actions “cute” and says she wants to hold him close, while Mustang says Riza is “a sexy lady to escort with a kiss.” Art from Daughter of the Dusk and Conqueror of Shamballa show Riza with her hand on Roy’s arm, much as you would see couples walk down the street. Mustang, sparkling and grinning in flirtation, calls Hawkeye so beautiful she takes words away in Prince of the Dawn, and is rather keen to hold onto a sexy photograph of her in a stunning dress in (I believe) Daughter of the Dusk. Maes Hughes seems rather interested in the idea of Roy and Riza pairing up for a team event in Dream Carnival, and teases them to the point of suggesting he could see them making out - which gets Riza abashed. 

All this material combined presents what I believe is a clear case to canon Royai romantic affections, regardless of whether or not you wish to ship it! (and no worries, we can all ship what we please!)

Now, this isn’t about the idea that romance is inherently “closer.” Roy and Riza are clearly close. Familial and platonic bonds can be just as close as romance, though. But the proof that this is coded as implicit romance is clear throughout the franchise, and clearly intended by the creator of the characters herself. So many of these things I mentioned would never be the case if not intended to be romantically coded. Vanessa asking if Riza’s departure means Roy’s now romantically available; Hawkeye sabotaging a date; Riza calling Mustang an affectionate term that’s not familial or platonic in nature; Arakawa herself saying Royai would get married if not for work regulations. Roy and Riza might never be able to act upon romantic interests in one another, but their affections are nevertheless underlyingly romantic. 

And now… the list I have. It’s not even anywhere close to comprehensive. But it should more than enough get the point across.

Keep reading

I pledged for a deck, today. I love FMA art, and the contributors are so talented. 

Equivalent Exchange Tarot is the passion project of over 80 artists and writers brought together by our love for Fullmetal Alchemist. This full tarot deck serves as both a beautifully crafted set of art cards and as a divination tool for those who practice Tarot.  It is our fondest wish that this deck leads you to all of the information you seek and brings you the secrets from beyond the door, without the high cost.

Each deck comes with:

78 unique and beautiful tarot cards inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist

A custom top-bottom box

A tarot guide booklet

A digital pdf of the entire deck

With 10 different tiers, there’s something to be found for everyone whether a fan of FMA or someone looking to grow their collection of decks!

Kickstarter will close on December 31st, 2018

PRE-ORDER HERE!!

This is a for charity project. The charity will be the Jordan Thomas Foundation. The mission of the Jordan Thomas Foundation is to provide children affected by limb loss with the prostheses they need throughout childhood and adolescence and serves as a caring resource, advocate and support system for the children and their families.

More information on the project can be found here.

Some of Brett's older paintings are very different. They look like they were painted by a European master. A lot of them were portraits and still lifes. Check them out, if you can, on his Tumblr. 

Inner Conflict (2017-2018) oil on linen, 9″ x 12″

This is the best comedy! (That’s the name of my s3x tape.) 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: First look at season 6 (EW.com)

Like Gina, the Nine-Nine is aiming to keep it 100: After being cancelled by Fox in May and quickly revived by NBC, the beloved cop comedy returns to the air on Jan. 10 at 9 p.m. ET with a new set of cases and conundrums to be tackled newlyweds Jake (Andy Samberg) and Amy (Melissa Fumero) and precinct captain/possible NYPD commissioner Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). There’s much to preview, including the departure of Gina (Chelsea Peretti) and the return of the Pontiac Bandit (Craig Robinson), so start reading to see what to expect in season 6.

Did Holt get the big promotion, or will he stay with the precinct? “We resolve the cliffhanger in a very funny way, which will be the most satisfying way for the audience,” says Goor. “It’s a surprising resolution to the cliffhanger.” Hmmm, the squad looks a little concerned here…

Everyone looks happier here, so are Amy & Co. raising a glass to…. good news?

Whatever the verdict is, Jake will clearly strike the right tone. In related news, “There are some big moves in the premiere that set up the season,” says Goor.

Peretti announced earlier this year that she’s leaving the show sometime during season 6, which means that the Nine-Nine will be down a cocksure civilian administrator and former Floorgasm member. Don’t despair, though; Peretti will return as a guest star. “She’s not gone and her presence lingers over the show,” says Goor. “While I miss having her in every episode, there’s no question watching the show that she’s still a part of it.”

“Before Gina departs the precinct,” teases Goor, “she and Jake go on an undcercover mission to one of New York’s swankiest locales.”

Familial relations between Charles (Joe Lo Truglio) and Gina (Peretti) become strained, as well as strange. “The marriage between Charles and Gina’s parents causes drama between the two of them, as stepbrother and sister — and former lovers,” says Goor.

Yes, this means that Charles will don a disturbing Gina mask.

Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) came out as bi in a winning story line last season, and her conservative parents had a hard time embracing the news, especially her mother. This season will continue to explore her sexuality and relationship with her parents. “We’re trying to honor the truth of how hard that can be,” says Goor. “We see how the schism between her mother and her has affected her.”

Jake and Rosa team up again, which may or may not explain why Rosa is wearing that wig. “In an episode that has echoes of ‘The Box,‘” teases Goor, “we spend an entire episode at a crime scene as Jake and Rosa try to figure out how a murder occurred.”

The Pontiac Bandit is back in action and full of misdirection! The ever-elusive and always charming car thief named Doug Judy (Craig Robinson) returns, with Goor sharing: “The Pontiac Bandit is back for more high jinks and songs about smushing.” What brings him back into the fold? “The question is: is the Pontiac Bandit back to his car-stealing ways, or is there a copy cat out there who’s stealing his moves?”

Jake’s star-crossed friendship with Jake “is tested once again,” says Goor, who also hints at a “shocking twist.”  

Speaking of shocking, prepare to drop your jaws (no, not your drawers, Hitchcock) when an early season 6 episode transports you back several decades to bring you the story of Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller). “Jake and Charles work a case and discover what made Hitchcock and Scully who they are today.”

What could these two possibly be talking about?

The Contest

This bit of silliness and OOC-ness is based on the Seinfeld episode “The Contest.” I have no idea why I wrote a fic based on that episode (well, maybe because I love it), but I know that I could never get close to that episode’s perfection. If you haven’t seen it, you are really missing out.

Havoc is caught doing something very private, and the incident prompts a competition among the Mustang Gang plus Rebecca. 

0-0-0-0-0

Happily for Havoc, it was Breda who found him. Sadly, it was not the most embarrassing thing that had ever happened to him (but that's another story for another time.) Jean had gone into the men's locker room to shower after his workout. He'd felt tired until he noticed the magazine. The issue of Guns! Guns! (Guns!) was open to a page showing a brunette with long curly hair and a blond with short hair. They were skimpily clad and holding new rifle models. Maybe, if they hadn't looked so much like Catalina and Hawkeye, it wouldn't have happened, but they did sort of resemble the two best friends. And he did have a thing for one of them- the one that he was a little less afraid of.

He figured that he had a few minutes before anyone else showed up, since the others had just begun their workouts when he'd left.

He hadn't taken into consideration the degree of Breda's dislike of exercise (which rivaled his fear of dogs.) Havoc was so close when his cohort walked in, but that was that. Havoc was caught in the act, and Breda regretted that the seen could not be unseen. The red head did not say a word. He really didn't need to. They showered, and as they left the locker, Havoc whined, “You're not going to tell anyone, are you?”

“Hell, yes!” said Breda with an evil grin.

Hawkeye noticed that Havoc wouldn't look her in the eyes. He seemed to be avoiding looking at her at all. He just sort of looked beyond her. She also saw that Breda's attempt at a nonchalant mien was sure to fail. She realized that it was one of those times where she didn't want to know what the problem was, so she just went back to work.

Breda sauntered over to Fuery's desk with a mischievous look in his eyes. He spoke lowly. First Fuery's eyes grew wide, magnified by his thick lenses. Then, his face grew beet red. Then he started giggling nervously, averting his head from Havoc's direction. That was about when the Colonel stepped out of his inner office.

His gaze took everything in: Hawkeye diligently working, Breda talking to Fuery, Fuery trying to control himself, Falman working, and Havoc working... Havoc working when something was going on? The Colonel instantly analyzed the situation. “Master Sergeant Fuery, I need you in my office.”

Breda paled, and Havoc nearly fainted. They knew that Mustang would break Fuery like a marshmallow-roasting twig. He had gone right for the weakest link. Breda mouthed , “Sorry Hav,” across the room.

Mustang preceded poor Kain into the inner office and had him shut the door. He sat at his desk and feigned interest in his paper work, saying nothing. After about five minutes, he said, “Sergeant?”

“Sir?”

“Do I really need to ask?”

“Please don't make me tell you, Sir.”

“I'm afraid that I can't grant that request.”

“It's really not my story to tell, Colonel.”

“It is unless you want the rest of the team to stay until 2200.”

“That's not fair, Sir!”

The Colonel just stared at the poor communications officer who finally sighed. “Okay, Sir,”

0-0-0

Mustang called the men into his office. Hawkeye rose, too, but his look sent her silently back to her seat. She really did not want to know.

The Colonel was trying to look serious, but there was definitely a twinkle in his eyes. Havoc looked sick, and Breda was trying not to snicker. Poor Fuery looked abashed, and Falman... well, you know. Mustang, usually not at a loss for words, seemed to be mentally formatting a sentence. Finally:

“What the hell, Havoc? What if it had been anyone not from our team? What were you thinking?”

“He wasn't,” Breda whispered but was silenced by Mustang's I want to burn something look.

“If you had seen the magazine, Sir... Do you want me to go get it?” Havoc ventured.

“You've got to be kidding me!” However, Mustang was curious. “Did you see it, Breda?”

“The models did resemble the Lieutenant and 2nd Lieutenant. However, they didn't have enough clothes on to show whether they were military or not. They didn't exactly hold the rifles like they were professional... shooters.” Breda was looking at Havoc as he was answering Mustang.

The Colonel turned to Havoc and asked, “And which lady did you find more attractive?”

Nearly choking, Jean replied, “I think that brunettes are really hot!” It was the truth, but more importantly, it was the right answer. Mustang seemed to relax a little.

“I can't believe that you could not control yourself!”

“C'mon Colonel! Didn't you ever just have to... take care of business?”

“It's not what you did as much as it's where you did it.”

“I bet you would have done the same thing, Boss!”

Before Roy could reply, Breda cut in. “I think that I have an idea.”

0-0-0

Whoever held out from spanking the monkey the longest would win the pot. Each of the five men would ante up 2,000 cenz. The Contest would begin the next Monday so that the men could prepare for it. Falman would handle the money. Reporting of failure to master ones lapse would be on the honor system.

And that's how the Contest would have proceeded had Havoc not run into the darker model's doppelganger. What ensued was emblematic of why he had problems with the ladies. While he had the presence of mind to not blurt out the incident that had inspired the Contest, he did tell her about the Contest.

“I want in!”Rebecca yelled as she poked him in the chest.

“You're not part of our unit, and, anyway, you're a girl,” explained Havoc.

“What about Riza? She's a girl?”

“Lieutenant Hawkeye is not part of it. She doesn't know about it, unless Mustang told her.”

“I see!” Catalina snapped and stalked off. Right to talk to Hawkeye, of course.

0-0-0

Ten minutes later, the men were called into the Colonel's inner office. Catalina and Hawkeye had clearly double teamed Mustang, who did not appear to be pleased.

“The participation in our Contest is being expanded. The 1st and 2nd lieutenants will be joining us.”

“Wait a minute!” interrupted Breda. “That's not fair! Everyone knows that women don't have the same need for relief as men.”

Havoc added, “Plus, Hawkeye wouldn't...”

“I wouldn't what, Havoc?”

“Um. Nothing.” If she kept looking at him like that, he'd win with ease.

Falman suggested that it would be fairer if the women put in 3,000 cenz each. Everyone agreed, and they piled their hands to seal the deal.

Tuesday 0830

“We have 2000 cenz in the kitty,” monotoned Falman.

“Already? Who... is not a Master Sergeant?” quipped Roy.

“Was there a new Wonder Woman comic book, Fuery?” asked Breda.

“Not me!”

A sigh came from Falman's desk. “I'm the one who's out.”

“You, Falman? How?”

“My lady friend called from South City. She said some things. I said some things. When we hung up, I did a thing.”

“This calls for a moment of silence,” said Breda.

Tuesday 1215

Riza decided to go to the gym for a workout and just heat up some soup to eat at her desk later. She changed into her shorts and tee and trotted to the gym. She was still standing in the doorway when a grunt drew her attention to the Boflex. There, glowing with the sweat of effort, was her commanding officer, clad in shorts and an A-shirt. She stared, mouth open a little. One could easily forget what a desk jockey might be hiding under his uniform. She gazed at his biceps, bulging in an un- Armstrong but alluringly strong way. He was clueless of her presence, lost in the zone. After a few seconds, she backed away silently.

Wednesday 0850

Fuery emptied his pocket onto Falman's desk

“The new Wonder Woman comic came out.”

Wednesday 1030

Everyone watched as Hawkeye rose from her desk chair and placed an envelope tidily onto Falman's desk.

“Et tu, Lieutenant?”

“Hawkeye? I had a side bet on you for the win!” Havoc moaned. “What drove you to... No! How exactly do you... tune up your equipment?”

The look that Hawkeye gave may have been her most intimidating yet.

The colonel abruptly turned and retreated to his office. It wouldn't do for anyone to notice his bobbing Adam's apple or his dilated pupils.

But, Hawkeye had noticed. She may have looked like her mind was 100% on her work, but she was grinning evilly inside. She was sure that her plan for revenge would work.

Wednesday 1830

Only Mustang and Hawkeye remained in the office. They would have been able to leave on time had Mustang not sat at his desk staring much of the day.

“I think that you should just go home, Sir. You are mostly caught up. You can make up the rest tomorrow morning.”

“That's a good idea, Lieutenant. I'll drive you home. Let's go!”

“Is it okay if I stop in the Lady's Room for a minute?”

“Sure. I'll meet you at the door to the parking lot.”

He listened to the soft thud of his boots echo in the empty hall. All he could think about was the lieutenant. He would give anything to know whom she had found so irresistibly seductive. He thought that she was the hottest, smartest, prettiest, everything good-est woman he knew. He knew that she liked him and was pledged to follow him, but she seemed to think of him as a bit of an idiot. He was not the kind of man that she would fall for.

He heard steps, and a moment later, she turned the corner into his sight line. He smiled. As she got closer, he realized that she had let her hair down and put on some lip gloss.

He opened the car door for her, and she put her hand on his arm liked a lady being helped in. He shut the passenger door and got in himself.

They always had had good communication, both silent and not. She told him a cute story about Hayate and her neighbor's cat. He pulled up in front of her building.

“Don't forget that you still have work to make up, tomorrow, Sir.”

“I wo...”

She grabbed his jacket lapels and pulled him into a kiss. Her breath was fresh. The kiss was not too soft. Not too hard. Not nearly long enough. She jumped out of the car, slammed the door, and glided into her building. Had she actually swayed her hips a little? He banged his forehead on the steering wheel.

Thursday 0800

Havoc walked in whistling a jaunty tune and looked around at everyone diligently working. “Is the Boss in?”

“He's in his office,” said Fuery.

Havoc shrugged and plopped into his seat.

Thursday 1650

Mustang showed his face in the outer office for the first time that day. He reached into his pocket and counted out 2000 cens that he handed to Falman.

“Just now? In your office?” cackled Breda.

Mustang's glare rivaled Hawkeye's best. “No! Last night at home.”

“What... triggered it, Boss?”

“Just shut up,” mumbled Boss.

Riza's smirk rivaled Roy's best.

Friday 0820

Breda paid his 2000 cenz. He had gone to a topless bar alone, because Havoc had been otherwise engaged.

“Looks like it's just Havoc and Catalina. It doesn't make any sense.”

Havoc smiled and whistled.

Later, Breda passed Catalina in a hall. She looked more mellow than he thought was possible for the excitable woman.

The following Friday 1450

“I can't believe that you and or Catalina are being honest. You've caved, haven't you, Havoc?” Breda was turning a shade of purple. “ I even put that pinup calendar in your desk.”

“I can only speak for myself,” stated Jean. “I have not spanked the monkey since the contest began. Lieutenant Hawkeye, has Catalina said anything to you?”

“She said that she's been good. Then she said 'Really good.' She refused to explain what that meant. She was... preternaturally- for her- calm. Also, she canceled our dinner plans. It's very strange.”

Friday2300

Havoc put his arm around Catalina and kissed her cheek. She slid onto his lap and tipped her wineglass to his lips.

“This contest is the best thing that ever happened to me.” He kissed her mouth. “I think that I fell for you the first time you called me 'jerkhick.' You made up a name just for me.”

Catalina kissed his neck. “Yep. We might never have gotten close if it weren't for this stupid contest, you jerkhick. You're not half as dumb as I thought you were. And your body is twice as hot. And I even like you. How long do you think we should wait until we just ask for the money?”

“I don't know, but I do know that you don't have to wait for...”

“Then don't make me wait.”