I can handle it!!!! (she said, clearly not handling it)

it is a PRISON and one I WILLINGLY CHOSE

BUT I CANNOT DO THIS ANYMORE

That One Scene But With A Cameo

Zuko tries to confess something to Sokka but instead of the Happy Ending they were both hoping for Sokka completely misunderstands and as a result Zuko completely misunderstands and they spend six days running circles around each other before they finally get their Happy Ending. (Innuendo intentional)

Carter seeking Benton's approval and literally begging that "I earned your respect!" because he wants nothing more than Benton to See him- especially since he left Surgery and they aren't interacting as much anymore

Benton confessing that he gave Carter everything- that he went above and beyond what he normally would have done for a med student- that he cared for Carter beyond the normal realms of what was appropriate and how when it mattered Carter did not go to him but instead went to fucking Anspaugh and how that genuinely hurt him (and he seems to be near tears like HELLO)

The way Carter immediately clocks it and apologizes for it because "You're right. I'm sorry." He was just afraid Benton might be the only person who could talk him out of it because he respects Benton that much more than everyone and anyone else

Benton's parting words of "Stop seeking my approval" and the way they both know it isn't possible in the slightest

And then the immediate next episode having Benton approach Carter after shift first and then immediately within like the first two sentences scoffing about the other surgeon Dale and saying "You're twice the surgeon he'll ever be." And the way Carter is surprised but pleased and manages to play it off cool because he's trying not to Seek Approval the way he was told to do (inherently seeking approval for doing Good and not seeking approval)

The way Carter is like... the only person who was told/knows about Peter having a child and Benton actually being open and willingly talking about it when he asks and shutting down anyone else who talks about it

They need to be fucking terrifying. To everyone.

He/She needs to be absolutely horrified and terrified and fucking scared out of their mind of them.

They need to change, for them.

I would be kind for you.

It's absolutely ridiculous that someone is The Bad Guy or the Morally Grey one and everyone except the love interest is scared of them. No.

The love interest needs to be equally as terrified as everyone else. Maybe they're better at hiding it, maybe they're a good liar, sure, I'll buy that. But they need to be afraid.

It is necessary for the Bad One to do something scary and to turn around and see that they are scary. See the impact they have.

Don't piss me off with that 'no no its hot'.

No it isn't.

There is nothing attractive about someone Being Scary and Striking Fear. That's a toxic mindset.

If it's protective- yes, sure. If they're scary only to specific people who deserve to be scared- yes, that's great I love that.

But if they are a Bad Person/Morally Grey who is just scary in general to everyone then their love interest should not be the exception. That takes away so much opportunity for growth and just frankly is unrealistic. Let them be horrifying and let them hate it. Let them hate it enough to change.

Then Sam asks the age old, classic question, leaning heavily on Bucky and slurring his speech a little "Hey Stevo, would you suck a dick for a million dollars?"

Steve chokes on his drink. Bucky and Rhodey and Thor are laughing. Bruce is shaking his head, rolling his eyes at them. Clint is already yelling 'Yeah I'd do it for fifty bucks bro are you kidding Ive got rent to pay'

Meanwhile Tony is suspiciously quiet, watching him.

Steve laughs it off, shakes his head. They move on from the topic

Later he's heading back to his room, its an empty hallway, and Tony appears.

"Two million?" He asks.

Steve stares at him, uncomprehending.