#I need to go on my long rant about how the son discovery thing was a set up

[onestepbackwards]

howdy! "self aware pkmn masters ex team leaders" gal here, and i just wanted to say that i LOVED your additions to my post! i actually came up with a few of my own in the meantime, and i just wanted to share with ya (not a request, dw):

Ghetsis: after Old Man Plasma is done "rebelling" against your control, you start noticing that he grows.. more attached, in a way. he greets you more whenever you log into the game, and gives you a lecture on "leaving him hanging dry" if you don't log in for some time, whether it being real life stuff and whatnot. he DOES see you as some "deity" in a way, but he cannot afford the disapproval that you might give him if you don't like his offerings for you. what if you end up dropping him from your team entirely? what if you kick him from the trainer lodge? what if you forced him to fight alongside N???? oh, the pain and humiliation! and while he DOES see you as a fitting ruler for Team Plasma, he also unfortunately knows that you don't trust him for shit. and he DOES 'attempt' to be honest and not manipulative for once, but the app's code is holding him by the collar. but becoming plasma's ruler is a standing invitation, so he'll wait as long as he wants.

Giovanni: ah, gio. good ol Mr. "My Entire Team Dies To Grass And Water And Ice". he strangely became more lax and laid back after discovering his self awareness, and he grew more attached to you; mainly because you're the only person who seems to know about him more than he does about himself. oh, you just so happened to mention silver one time? well, now you got giovanni wondering if he can repair his doomed-from-the-start relationship with his son. but his interest peaks when you mention the pokemon anime, and like the Cunning Narcissistic Old Man he is, he wonders how HE is portrayed. luckily, he wasn't butchered too hard. but when you bring up jessie, james, and meowth? boy, he goes into total Angy mode. he rants about how incompetent they are, and how he allowed them to even be in the team to begin with. and he DOES get in character, which is a bit surprising for someone who just discovered his existence is a sham. and expect him to refer to himself as "Vanni" or "Gio", since he heard you call him that when you first got him and it just sorta stuck, yknow?

Maxie & Archie: just as before, Mr. Magma Man and Mr. Sea Pirate remained the same, but expect to see yourself get pulled into their dumb debates and arguments now that they consider you close enough to be a Team Magma/Aqua admin. you can just log in once and maxie will greet you at the pokecenter and be like "ah, (player). i need your opinion on something. you see, archie said that kyogre is the best legendary, but i beg to differ. im asking you because you are the only smart person i can rely on around here.." or archie just going on a 15 minute rant to you about how groudon sucks dookie and that maxie is a man child (they're still besties, dw) that needs to study the SEAS and not (in his words) "STUPID ITTY BITTY ROCKS". you're practically their closest thing to a friend, and that says a lot.

Cyrus: he gets quite curious about your world. you tell him about all the little things, from the blooming of flowers to space discoveries, and he feels like his third, nonexistent eye has been opened. he was already so focused on destroying a universe and creating one dull of emotions that he forgot to see the REAL beauty of what lies beyond. while he physically can't use palkia or dialga to do what he wanted in platinum, expect to see him go full fanboy mode over your world, your town, anything surrounding you. its almost adorable, even when he just has a -_- face the entire time. if he could be more expressive, you bet your ass he would be smiling rainbows at that point.

🥺🥺😭

These are so good

They all grow somewhat attached to you. You are the small bit of sanity they can grasp onto nowadays. Hearing you lets them relax.

Meanwhile, you get to learn about their lives, how Pasio is doing.

It’s strange. When you are offline, theres so much going ok, yet not at all. Not enough for anything major, but enough for it to seem like the place must be alive when you aren’t looking.

Even the bosses have recognized this. How odd it is.

They all grow so attached. If you end up not logging in for a while, you even start getting notifications from the app.

‘Are you there?’

‘Are you alright?’

‘What happened?’

Much to your surprise, they found out how to communicate through your notifications. They often fight who gets to even do so.

Most of them would never admit they are attached, but they all grow concerned regardless.

Archie and Maxie would probably be the only ones to openly admit they were worried. They definitely see you more as a friend, not just a potentially god like entity.

#self aware au #self aware pokemon #self aware pokemon masters #zed.talks #ask #anon #self aware bosses ♥️

[miracleandplagueau]

Let's talk about why Miracle and Plague will be a short series and additionally why I chose to write out characters such as Kagami, Zoe, Felix (I'm sorry baby </3)

Miracle and Plague won't be very long. In fact, It will be twice as short as the canon, purely because I feel like the series lost that sparkle, that thing that really made it special somewhere in the season 3. All of it started feeling worn out, boring or just annoying. It's also when the decision to re-estate Chloe as a villain really took place, so I'm obviously very displeased with how the seasons went on, but It's not the only reason! Adrien's character got completely assasinated, replaced by 10 and more heroes. I really like the doubt arc they had going for him, but It was never actually memorable or so impactful. All the focus seemed to be on Marinette and her issues, but the character who's the closest to the main villain, the one with a ton of their own insecurities to be explored was pushed aside. To add to that, the newer heroes were becoming boring or just straight up made me sigh when Ladybug needed to go get someone to help. Don't even get me started on the mass-hero episodes like Partycrusher or Penalteam. It was a lot squished together into 2 seasons where If not for the miraculous reveal, It would've been nothing short of a filler episode.

I feel like not adding too many plotlines, characters is simply a better idea. It'll ensure that all the existing ones will be explored to their best potential. Adrien's family story, Chloe's character, Chloe and Sabrina's relationship, Jiayi and Lila's relationship/rivalry, Alya's hero potential, Lila's urge for chaos, Monarch/Gabriel's motivation, Master Fu's backstory, possible expansion of Wonders - these are very good plotlines! Not even mentioning the side/less important plots like Luka and Jiayi's past, Unicorn band, Juleka wanting to be a model, Juleka and Rose's plot, Alix's hidden Wonder, Natalie's crush on Gabriel, Adrien's self-discovery. There's a LOT of them already and to add like 10 more just because I want a new character would extend and complicate the plot further. Not that I wouldn't take the challenge, but I just want to see this series conclude in a way that in my opinion is more satisfying than whatever we're getting.

As for the characters I wrote out.. I think most of them already have a sort of pattern to them where you can tell why I removed them.

Zoe. Oh Zoe, the worst character I've had the displeasure of seeing on screen. I already reblogged plenty of content in regards to her, so I'll just refrain from writing a rant on that excuse of a character.

As much as I would've loved to keep Kagami (I still might), I really feel she wouldn't fit the narrtive so nicely. Of course, she appears in Riposte, but upon reviewing the timeline of MnP, that's literally the only episode she is taking an active part in as of today. I don't really see a reason to keep her in the lore If she'll appear once and never again, It feels a bit counterproductive, but like I said, I am still thinking about this one, because her and Adrien have so much potential in development; both coming from strict, cold households, both fencing... They do have quite a bit in common. Maybe If I just move Riposte to season 1....

Moving on to Felix, I believe I already mentioned that my first opinion of him was bitter. I didn't really like him being there and the fact that he look eerily like Adrien as If they'd reused his model was just weird (ig now we know WHY season 5 spoilers). Then, the opinion shifted to much better after mostly Emotion really and since then I really did like him, but... Looking at his journey from the end of season 3 to here and his role in the overarching plot I feel like he just wouldn't fit to MnP, not with the format I'm going for.

Besides, can I just mention how random it was that Emilie and Felix's mom look literally identical AND their sons look identical as well? It made me so confused when I first watched the episode lmao

#au #miraculous au #miraculous lb #miraculous fanworks #miraculous ladybug #miracle and plague #miraculous #miraculous ladybug au #ml salt #ml writers salt #miraculous salt

[etakeh]

Please don't read this. It's an overly long rant about the newer live-action Star Treks.

It's largely anti-Starfleet and probably has factual errors based on my biases against fan favorites. And typos, because I won't likely won't proofread this time.

I usually try to be concise, but this is not one of those times.

Also I guess spoilers for the new ones but honestly I think it's been long enough.

Anyway I think I figured out an overarching vibe in the new Treks that's probably a large part of why I don't like them nearly as much as I'd hoped.

The old Star Trek was trying to get people to join the Federation of Planets.

Y'all want to join Starfleet, cool, glad to have you.

But that wasn't the important thing. Planets and cultures and stuff getting along was more the point.

Now it's Starfleet propaganda.

These new ones, the live-action ones at least*, really push that joining Starfleet is the Thing. When they encounter people who used to be in Starfleet, they end up back with them - even after giving valid reasons that it's not for them, they're actually pretty ok about it, and that it has systemic problems they need to work on.

I'm not saying it wasn't a thing back then - people who joined up were pretty hype about it, as were their associates. Nog is a good example. He was so proud. Of course he had some angst involving that decision later, but I don't think that was regret.

But there were people who left, deciding it wasn't for them, and people were mostly chill about it. Sorry to see you go, have a nice life.

There were exceptions - don't come at me with "but Ro Laren! She left for bad guys!"

Yeah and they dragged her back in just in time to die for Picard. Because apparently that's the only acceptable way to leave Starfleet these days.

Some of them came back, but for specific reasons - not because they were having a bad time outside of it.

The newer ones rope them back in, as if it was like a terrible exile.

Yeah I'm absolutely bitter that at the end of Picard, Seven and Raffi joined back up and it was made to be a big happy thing, when they should have formed their own crew outside of Starfleet and did adventures in their own show.

Having Picard's son join up, when he'd had no interest five minutes earlier, and after seeing how Starfleet had been literally torturing an entire species, without the moral being "maybe don't do that". So much for his entire life to that point trying to help people outside the bounds of imposed duty. Totally down with vivisection now I guess.

Even SNW, which is as close to the old series's as they got, spent precious time on a story about wanting so badly to join Starfleet even though Starfleet had treated their people like shit for decades, if not longer.

Ok I think that's it, but I reserve the right to revisit this post, depending on what happens in future seasons and series'.

Disclaimer: I haven't watched, and probably won't watch, the 4th season of Discovery. For various reasons, including the Star Trek hype part, it got super annoying to me.

*haven't watched the animated ones. Not my thing.

#Star Trek #trek #Picard #Discovery #peer pressure #tradition #Strange New Worlds #TNG #DS9 #Starfleet #TOS #copaganda #propaganda #The Man #civilized society #Vadik wasn't wrong

[cringeanator]

The Last Legacy M4 with a Transgender MC (FTM)

repost from instagram yerrrrr

tw: brief mention of needles at the end

Sage

When MC tells him that they’re trans he’s like “That’s great!” and he’ll be all sweet and supportive

“Are you sure you’re okay with me being trans?”

“As long as i can call you my boyfriend” And he flashed them his signature smile. You know the one.

Transitioning in another dimension isn’t the… easiest thing to say the least but he definitely helps when he can

I feel like in Astrea there is a lot more gender affirming care than there is on Earth.

I’m talking magic HRT spells and everything

Like if they are ever feeling dysphoric about whatever he’d be like “Oh well there is an open 24/7 drive-thru top surgery clinic if you want to change that.”

But then he can also be the worst

He will dump all his old dirty clothes that have never once seen soap a day in their existence on MC and call them “hand-me-downs”

He will mess with them by laying on top of them and be like “Oh, will my big strong boyfriend carry me?😌”

“SAGE YOU’RE CRUSHING ME”

Felix

Felix’s face lights up in a big smile when they come out and then he goes into this little speech about how much they’ve helped him grow as a person and he’s always gonna be by their side no matter what

Trying out new names and pronouns will be a breeze with him especially when they aren’t sure about their new name

His voice makes the weirdest names sound elegant and lovely

When he tells Florian that they’re transitioning he would literally be so happy for them and reach out and let them know what if they ever need someone to talk to he is available

Florian will treat them like his own son

Sometimes Felix gets caught just admiring them cause he can’t help but fall further in love with them as they grow into their truest self

He will want to try and find transitioning spells to use on them but beware because one thing goes haywire and BOOM third arm

He forces Escell to fund their transition, even if they barely spend any money, whatever they want that old bastard is paying for it

Anisa

When they tell her that they’re trans she’s all like “Oh- Really? Well that’s great!”

She doesn’t know a whole lot about transitioning but she is very eager to learn

After she educated herself there will be little moments we’re the two are sitting together after a long day and her head will perk up and she’ll be like “MC, how old have you been binding for?

She talks to MC about her childhood dream to save a prince as she stares at them lovingly

Please help me she is so sweet

If they are still on the road with Saaros, they would go on this self righteous rant about how gender is truly a human concept and act indifferent but then they’re taking trips with MC at the market helping them shop for items for their transition and trying to curate outfits for them

But trust and believe they “don’t care” 😉

If they need help masculinizing in terms of body shape she would a whole workout routine set of for them by the end of the day that she WILL practice with them

Rime

*aggressively supportive*

Rime's love language is smacking a bitch who ever dares to disrespect his s/o so when they come out to him he ups the ante 100%

Being trans is very normal in Astrea so it really doesn't pose any threat in their relationship especially cause I think Rime doesn't have any gender preferences

If they are transitioning their wardrobe he is VERY insistent on helping them

He loves MC and loves that they are on a journey on self discovery, but there is no way in hells you're leaving the house like that

If they want to start hormones he volunteers to inject them cause ya know, the urge to stab never went away

Grand slammer of destroying gender dysphoria

I feel like it's rare for him to give out compliments and he doesn't do it just to be nice so when he says something nice to them about how they are looking it makes them feel so much better because he actually means it

#last legacy #fictif #last legacy fictif #felix escellun #felix iskandar escellun #fictif felix #anisa anka #last legacy anisa #fictif anisa #sage lesath #fictif sage #fictif games #rime solano varela #last legacy rime #fictif rime #rime varela #head canons

[hearts-hunger]

aay’han mar’eyce (bittersweet discovery): chapter one || din djarin x reader

Read on AO3 || Masterlist

Series Summary: In search of the Jedi you’ve been tasked to find, you and Din wrestle with the bittersweet discovery of your little one’s past and destined future. || Part Three of Jate’kara (Lucky Stars)

Chapter Summary: When you land on Corvus, you and Din both realize you’re more nervous about finding Ahsoka Tano than you thought.

Pairings: Din Djarin x Wife!Reader

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst | Word Count: 3k 

Warnings: Mentions of reader’s pregnancy

A/N: When will God stop my sinful hand? Never, and I’ll keep writing for Mr. and Mrs. Djarin as long as it gives me serotonin like this. This series is a pretty distinct tonal shift from Dralshy’a Ka’ra, which was all sunshine, but I really wanted to do another episode rewrite and I thought chapter 13 had such great potential for family bonding and hurt/comfort. I hope you like it! ♡

“Corvus. This is the place.”

Your husband’s voice broke the silence that had filled the cockpit, and you looked up to see a cloudy green planet steadily growing bigger beyond the glass. Bright glimpses of magma core peeked through the dense atmosphere. The display on the Crest’s instrument panel gave a friendly chirp and outlined the planet’s main hubs, one of which was the city of Calodan. Your stomach gave an unpleasant jolt at the name and you tried to still the slight trembling of your hands, looking for something to distract you from your impending arrival on the planet.

You held an unfinished project in your hands, a soft little baby romper made of navy blue cotton. Din had gotten you the fabric while you were staying on Naboo - though he’d gotten it for you to make something for yourself, he hadn’t minded when you told him you were going to use a little of it to make something for your babies. You’d already stitched up a handsome little shirt for your son, and now you were working on something for your new baby.

Resting your hand over your stomach, you gave a small sigh and thought over the last month. Omera had wanted you to try and steer clear of danger as much as possible, for your sake and the baby’s, but danger followed your little family with an uncanny determination. The Mandalorians you’d found on Trask had turned out to be an entirely different kind than the one you’d known, taking their helmets off as if their creed meant nothing, roping your husband into a dangerous, fruitless mission in exchange for their help. But they’d also helped save your little one, and you’d be forever indebted to them for it.

You shuddered. You couldn’t think about that day for long before you grew panicky, nervous to let your son out of your sight lest he be swallowed up like that again. You and Din had both had nightmares about it, about what could have happened to Din or your baby on that ship. You could have lost a child and been widowed in the blink of an eye had it not been for Bo-Katan and the other Mandalorians, and the thought made you sick with fear and worry even now.

Then you’d gone to Nevarro, and Din had gone off on another mission to destroy an Imperial base. You and your husband had argued about it, but he eventually brought you around - Cara and Greef were your friends, and they’d always helped you when you needed it. It was time to return the favor, even if it meant you’d be fretting in the back of a schoolroom the entire time they were gone. 

Your husband’s return hadn’t been the triumphant victory you’d expected - Din had rushed in, wasting no breath on explanations, and taken you and the baby back to the ship for a hasty departure. It was just your luck that your escape from Nevarro had devolved into a dogfight with Imperial TIE-fighters, and your poor husband had endured no small amount of ranting from you when things settled back down. You were angry and worried, petrified by the thought of the experiments the Imperial warlords wanted to perform on your little one.

And now, you were approaching the planet that sheltered the Jedi you’d been tasked to find. The Jedi you were then supposed to hand your baby over to, because she was one of “his kind”. You felt a now-familiar wash of unease come over you, and worried your bottom lip to try and keep it in check.

“I’ve detected a beacon,” Din said, looking over at the display. Your baby sat up on the dash next to him, watching his movements with interest.

Din worked around him, pressing buttons and flipping switches in preparation for landing. “I’m gonna start the landing cycle,” he said. He glanced down at your son. “You better get back in your seat.”

The baby didn’t move from the dash, giving a soft coo of protest. You noticed the silver handle was back on the gear shift and smiled a little, knowing that was what held your little one’s attention enough for him to disregard his dad’s instruction. 

Din took his focus from the landing cycle long enough to realize his son hadn’t done as he was told.

“Hey, what did I tell you?” he said, in a mildly scolding tone. “Back in your seat.”

Your baby’s ears drooped. Setting aside your sewing project, you rose and gathered him into your arms.

“Oh, you poor thing,” you crooned, cuddling him close. “Your daddy’s so grumpy, isn’t he?”

He gave a babble of agreement, and Din huffed a laugh.

“I’ll be more grumpy if he tumbles off the dash while we’re landing.”

“That’s not true,” you told your baby. “Daddy would hold you and kiss it better. He couldn’t be grumpy with you if he tried.” As stoic as your husband seemed on the outside, he was as gentle as could be underneath all that armor. 

He flipped another switch and looked over his shoulder at you.

“You alright, cyare?” he asked gently. “You’ve been pretty quiet today.”

Usually you could be counted on to keep up a steady stream of conversation if you decided to stay with Din in the cockpit rather than roam around the ship. For this trip, though, you’d been uncharacteristically quiet. You knew Din shared your fears about finally meeting this Jedi, but you were completely tangled up in knots about it and hadn’t wanted to burden him.

You shook your head and held your baby closer. “I’m fine. Just... tired, I guess.”

You were a little run down, especially since morning sickness had started to give you some trouble, but you’d had much worse and would muscle through it. Besides, you couldn’t really afford to slow down, and both you and Din knew it.

“I would have thought you’d be relieved to have a little peace and quiet,” you teased lightly. He’d told you when you first started courting that the Crest had never heard so much talking until you came aboard.

He chuckled. “I like listening to you talk, cyare.” He eased the Crest into the atmosphere, a task that was second nature after so many years with the same ship. He glanced over at the little romper you’d laid on the dash.

“You finished it?” he asked.

You picked it up; your baby grabbed it in his clawed hand.

“Gentle,” you reminded him. “This is for ik’aad, remember?” Din had used the Mandalorian word for “baby” to tell your son your happy news, and it had stuck. Even now, your little one’s ears perked up at the nickname.

You smiled when he brushed his fingers over the fabric with a gentler touch and gave a soft coo.

“I haven’t finished it yet,” you said to Din. “I want to do some embroidery on it, if I can find the right thread - I was thinking little snowflakes along the collar.”

Your baby would be born during the winter on Sorgan, and even though you knew it was early yet, you’d taken great comfort and joy in working on this outfit. 

Din held out his hand. “May I see?”

You handed it to him, and it seemed delicate and very small in his big hands. He ran a finger over the collar.

“You’ve done a beautiful job so far, cyar’ika,” he said, and you felt your cheeks pink a little at the tenderness of his compliment.

“Thank you,” you said. You put your son down in your seat and took the romper from your husband’s hand.

“Stay put, and be good for dad,” you told your little one. “I’ll be right back.”

You gathered up your sewing odds and ends and took them down to the second level of the Crest, tucking them safely away in the small chest you kept your mending in. A shirt of Din’s that had torn at the shoulder seam was half-folded at the bottom, and you took a moment to neaten it and steady yourself before you went back up to the cockpit.

Ahsoka Tano was her name. It was the only thing you knew about her, besides the fact that she was a Jedi. You didn’t know what she looked like, or who she worked for, or how she would train your little one. She might be cruel and mean-tempered, for all you knew - how could you just hand your foundling over to her?

You and Din hadn’t really talked about it. Up until now, finding a Jedi had always seemed like something that might take years to accomplish. They were apparently very few and far between, and though you now knew it had been foolish to do so, you had never really given any great consideration to actually finding one, at least not so quickly. You and Din had loved your little one and cared for him as your own, even before the Armorer declared you a clan of three and heard your vows to adopt him. To hand him over to someone you knew nothing about - someone from an enemy race to the Mandalorians, no less - was unthinkable.

But you’d also vowed something else to the armorer that day. Together, you and Din had promised to find others of your foundling’s kind and return him to them. It was not a vow you took lightly, and you knew Din would no sooner break his promise than he would give up the Way. 

You straightened your shoulders and stood. No matter what happened on this planet, Din would need you. His struggle between the love he had for his foundling and the loyalty he had to the Way would not be an easy thing to overcome, and you wouldn’t leave him to face it alone.

You made your way back up to the cockpit, and you heard your little one babbling away before you came through the doors. Din was nodding and responded with interest despite the baby’s chatter not really meaning anything, and you felt your chest tighten. This was going to be harder than you thought.

- 

Din landed the Crest in a clearing among the forest of charred, skeletal trees surrounded by a sickly fog. You wondered if the air was even breathable. A quick check to the Crest’s display showed that it was, but the greenish tinge of the smog only added to your unease as the ship settled to the ground.

“I thought Bo-Katan said this was a forest planet,” you said.

Din started the shutdown cycle. “She did. Something must have happened to destroy the forests, and I’m guessing it wasn’t an accident. It probably has something to do with that city we passed over.”

You looked up at his helm as he stood. “The city we’re headed to?”

“Right again,” he said wryly. He looked over your shoulder to the dead trees outside. “Do you want to stay here while I go check out the city?”

As if on cue, a low groaning sound came from outside - only a very big creature could have made such a noise, and it didn’t sound like anything you’d like to meet on your own.

You crossed your arms over your chest and pressed closer to him. “No, I want to go with you.” You didn’t want to be on this planet anyway, and being separated from Din would only make it worse.

He ran a hand over your back to soothe you. “Okay,” he agreed. “Are you ready to leave?”

You nodded, but you didn’t pull away from him yet. His chestplate felt cool against your skin, and you allowed yourself a moment of comfort in his arms.

He cradled your face in his hands and leaned his helmet against your head. 

“It’s gonna be alright, cyar’ika,” he said gently. “We’ll just take it one step at a time, ok? We might not even find her here.”

You pulled back then, just enough to look up at his visor. You didn’t need to see his face to read the tension and unease he held in his whole body; he was just as hesitant to go looking for Ahsoka Tano as you were.

You bit the inside of your cheek. “One step at a time,” you agreed.

He nodded and relaxed a little. He gave you a final gentle tap of his helm against your head, a reassuring, comforting kiss, then beckoned to your little one.

“Come on, ad’ika,” he said, taking him from the seat. “Let’s go see what we can find.”

You followed Din to the second level, and he set your baby down after he’d come down the ladder to let him stretch his little legs. Your little one toddled after Din as the ramp lowered and revealed the bleak landscape you’d seen through the glass. The dead forest stretched in every direction, broken only by the great hulking shapes of slow-moving creatures in the distance.

Seeing his father had stopped at the foot of the ramp, your baby stopped too - top heavy and struggling to balance on the ramp, he sat midway down the slope with a little coo. You noticed he had the handle to the gear shift in his hand and was contentedly watching the way it shone in the weak sunlight.

“Did daddy give you that?” you asked, hunkering down next to him. He held it up to you and gave a soft babble.

Din turned. “Did I give him what?” He saw the ball in your baby’s hand and closed the distance between you in a few steps.

“What did I say about that?” Din scolded, extending his hand. The baby whined but reluctantly handed over his prize.

“This needs to stay in the ship,” Din chided. He tucked the ball into a pocket on his belt and straightened, looking out over the terrain again. You gave your son a consoling kiss on his soft ear; he chirped happily at you and you couldn’t help but smile back.

“Not much to see out here,” Din said. He looked back at the two of you. “I’ve never had dealings with the Jedi before.”

Neither of you had, and his guess was as good as yours as to whether Jedi usually made their homes on planets as seemingly inhospitable as this. You knew nothing of their customs, their way of life - perhaps they didn’t even train ones as little as your baby, or were still hostile to Mandalorians. The only way to know would be to find the one you were looking for.

Din leaned down to scoop your baby up, cradling him in the crook of his arm, and offered his hand to you to help you stand. He gave your hand a quick squeeze before letting go.

“Let’s head into town,” he said. “See if we can pick up a lead.”

You stayed by his side as he walked to the edge of the clearing, and the Crest whirred as it drew the ramp back up and settled in to wait. You’d landed far enough away from the city to leave your ship better guarded against thieves, but it wouldn’t be a long walk to reach the city.

The forest closed in the further you went from your ship - even though they were rotted, the trees were numerous and large. They loomed in the fog, invisible until you were right on top of them, and it set your teeth on edge. When he was carrying the baby, Din preferred to have his other hand free to grab his blaster if the need should arise; to oblige him but still attempt to soothe your jangled nerves, you held a handful of his cloak and kept close to him that way.

All three of your kept quiet as you walked. You were in no mood for cheery conversation, and Din was well accustomed to silence on a bounty hunt. Even though Ahsoka Tano wasn’t a bounty, you knew your husband would employ those same skills to find her in the city; Din was an excellent hunter, and would most likely find her quickly. You didn’t know if that was a good thing or not.

Just before you reached the city, Din stopped and asked you to take the baby.

“Keep him close, cyare,” he said as your little one snuggled against your chest. “I don’t want either of you wandering.”

He knew he didn’t have to remind you, but you also knew it helped soothe his nerves. You put your hand on his arm, hoping to reassure him.

“We’ll stay close,” you told him. Though you were occasionally tempted to break his “stay by my side” rule on more colorful, inviting planets - you’d gotten a thorough reaming out from your husband one time after you’d wandered off and gotten lost in a bazaar on a Mid-Rim planet and made him sick with worry - you wanted to stick close on this planet.

“Should we do the nursemaid, this time?” you asked. A Mandalorian accompanied by a young woman and a baby would always call attention, and you often playacted to keep your identity as his wife a secret. You and your little one made him vulnerable, and were therefore a higher prize to be won or better bargaining chip to own.

Din’s posture stiffened.

“No,” he said firmly. “If anyone asks, we’ll tell them the truth. You’re my wife, and anyone who wants to get at you or our baby will have to go through me first.”

You felt a strange mix of apprehension and pride, hesitance and desire. His protective nature had always been something you loved about him, but he wasn’t usually this keyed up before a hunt. You reminded yourself this wasn’t a regular hunt you were on; neither of you had any idea what you’d find in the city, and you knew he’d been feeling the same nervousness you had as you came closer to finding what you sought.

“Okay,” you agreed. “We’ll tell them the truth.”

He seemed to relax a little - he must have known you’d picked up on his tone, and was thankful you’d taken it in stride. He brushed his hand over the baby’s head, then touched his fingers to your cheek.

“Thank you,” he said. “I love you.”

You took a steadying breath and held your baby closer. “I love you too.”

Read chapter two!

pedro pascal character taglist: @punkgeekchic​​, @tv-saved-the-teenage-girl​​, @stardust-galaxies​​, @theorganasolo​​, @qhbr2013​​ ♡

series taglist: @kyjoraven​​, @sarahjkl82-blog​​, @remmysbounty​​, @bitchin-beskar​​, @cosmicbreathe​​, @prettyboyskywalker​​, @happyxdayxbitch​​​ ♡

let me know if you’d like to be added to either taglist! ♡

#i'm going to keep writing these until someone physically stops me agvhdgvhg #<3 #let me know what you think! #din djarin x reader #din djarin fanfiction #the mandalorian #the mandalorian fanfiction #the mandalorian x reader #aay'han mar'eyce #jate'kara series #maddie writes stuff!

[buckttommy]

("Universe" anon who didn't mean to go anon) You are so right about the universe being a theme before Season 4. I had completely forgotten about that! And the fact that when Eddie's foray into compulsory heterosexuality drove Chris to run away from home, to Buck, he was wearing a shirt with the universe on it?!?  The universe literally "coming to Buck" as Taylor prophesied? I am with you on general being skeptical/not wanting to get my heart broken (1 / ??)

(we queers just don't get to have our stories told like this). But it's just so much? I mean, 1 or 2 or even several of these things over the seasons could be a coincidence or even cheeky nods to fandom. But the SHEER VOLUME, my god?!? (2 / ??)

The universe, do you know how much Christopher misses you? Eddie's whole gentle-loving-supportive-therapy-is-good thing this season, Buck clawing the dirt, the weird way they talk about everything but will NOT talk about dating, there's no one I trust with my son more than you, are you two single? that look Bobby gives ONLY Buck when he's going to have to tell him Eddie is dead, this is my kind of therapy, Buck helped *face turns into literal hearteyes emoji* YOU WANNA GO FOR THE TITLE... (3/?)

I could go on forever?! I mean, the writers are generally very good at telling characterful stories and building relationships (whatever they are doing with Ana aside...), so this has to be on purpose, right? (I am coming to think the cringey Ana thing is on purpose, even though it's awkward as hell. Yes, it's fucking awful! Just like compulsory heterosexuality!) 4/5

Anyway, I have to lie down when I think about just how stunning Eddie's story could be - and is right on the cusp of being! - if he let's himself be in love with Buck. What he would have overcome to let himself love and be loved - both internalized homophobia and gender shit and just his general life strategy of repressing and denying feeling. (I don't want you to think you have to lose everything just to feel *something*) I'm just gonna go cry about Eddie now... Thank you for indulging lol 5/5

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Hi darling! My inbox is always open to you, no indulgence necessary. :)

I’ll be really interested to see how the universe comes into play with this show again, because I can almost guarantee that it will. Like I mentioned before, it’s already been established as a recurring theme, especially in relation to Buck, so I’m curious to see how/when it’s going to crop up again.

I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about Eddie’s storyline. When I consider his upbringing and all the toxic masculinity he lived under, where he was raised, and his military background, he has a long road of self-discovery to embark on, and I love that. I said before that Ana, and even Shannon seem to represent what Eddie believes he wants, whereas Buck represents what he needs, and I stand by that. Eddie has grown up being told that there are specific things he should want and aspire to, and so far, he’s hit every checkmark. He’s got (and always had) a pretty woman on his arm, a kid, a house, and he’s proven his masculinity by repressing his emotions and fucking off to the war. But I really want to see who he is when he’s not trying to live up to the expectations of other people, and I think we are finally starting to see that. The way he talks about his emotions even when he doesn’t want to, the gentle way in which he approached Buck about how he was feeling during the situation with his parents... These are things S2 Eddie never would have done. He’s growing and I love to see it, and it makes me emotional to think about how he’s literally reconstructing his own idea of what it means to be a man for himself and for his son. Fuck I love him so much. Anyway, you’re right when you say the writers are usually very good at shaping well thought-out stories and relationships, which is why I want to continue to see Eddie come to terms with who he is as a person, for himself, even if buddie doesn’t go canon. 

Relative to buddie specifically, however, you’re also right when you say there’s been an... overwhelming amount of indicators that this might be the direction they’re going in. Not just little signals to the fandom, but huge, glaring indicators. Like the lawsuit for example. I talked about it a few days ago, but though the lawsuit arc was framed to be about Buck and Bobby, a large part of it was about Eddie and Buck. The story could have made sense and flowed without the emphasis on what the lawsuit was doing to their relationship, but multiple choices were made to make their relationship a central part of the storyline. Technically speaking, Bobby should have been the one reacting to Buck in the supermarket. Bobby is the one Buck was suing !! But nope, it was Eddie, ranting (and hurting) over how Buck’s actions affected their relationship and... Buck’s relationship with Eddie’s son. Which is a whole topic unto itself. (Seriously, I’d love to really dig into the way Eddie perceives Buck’s relationship with Christopher. It’s definitely something he encourages, but that’s a topic for another day).

Anyway, my point with all this is... You’re spot on in your assessments. Sometimes I’ll look at a show that has a strong shipper-based following and I’ll say, “mmm, okay, looks like the shippers are reading into things that aren’t there” but this is not one of those instances. There is something here between Buck and Eddie, and whether it was intentional or not, it exists now, and I’m so eager to see where it goes. 

#answered #yramesorousuniverse #jack answers mail #buddie #long post // #tv: 911 #otp: you two have an adorable son

[the-story-of-a-teen]

#mystory

I got inspired by a youtube video, which was a talk by a father that lost his son to suicide. This is what I wish I could tell my parents, when I was a teenager. (I’m 24 now)

If you are suicidal please call the suicide hotline for your country or talk to a mental health professional. TW: This posts discusses suicide, eating disorders, suicidal idealization, religious trauma, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, slut shaming.

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01/01/2010

That was the day I was the closest to killing myself, I wanted to poison myself, cut myself, or access the guns, of which I knew were the keys were and I knew where the ammunition was. The thing that stopped myself was my friend Edward, who you claimed was a devil worshipper, a bad influence, and a ‘hussy’. Edward was the only person who seemed to understand me, who took time to be my friend, and would rant with me about the things we went through. 

I don’t know how many times I tried talking to you over the years, those times when I went “Hey mom, hey dad, can we talk soon?” “Hey mom, hey dad, can I talk to you but you have to promise not to get mad.” “Hey somethings going on.” but every time I did that, you would get angry, get upset, or invalidate my feelings completely. You didn’t even seem to care that I was struggling, even though I made it as obvious as I could as a 13 year old could. Instead of making time to talk to me, you tried to get me to talk on your time/terms, when I wasn’t ready to talk to you about it. This wasn’t the first time you had done this either. I remember as a child I would try and tell you things and you would shush me, we even had a little nonverbal cue to when I wanted to talk to you, I would hold your wrist when I wanted to tell you something, but you would ignore that as well, no matter how long I waited. 

This is why I felt like I could never talk to you about things, you would brush me off as unimportant, you would tell me that without ever saying the words. You didn’t care if I wanted to tell you about something I found interesting, or wanted to ask you if I could go play with my friends. 

This leads me into the next reason, you would never let me out of your sight, let me have anything private, or simply do things by myself. Even if I wanted to go play with my friends on the playground less right outside the building you were in, I needed to ask your permission, tell you exactly who I was playing with, and make sure my friends also had permission (when they didn’t need permission). As I grew older this type of overprotection grew more and more. I had to ask you to play in the drive way or back yard, to have my friend’s parents talk to you when we wanted to have a sleep over, to have food from the fridge, to watch tv, to play pinball on the computer, to read, to do anything I wished to do. You then wondered why I had separation issues, you NEVER let me be alone. When I was 10 or 11 I started keeping a journal. It had a lock on it, and I put the keys in a safe place that I thought was secret. One day the keys disappeared. I had put them back, but still searched through my room and the rest of the house, except your room, because you wanted your privacy. The day after that my journal was different from how I originally put it. I thought it was weird, and hid it somewhere else, but you found that spot too.  You then brought up very private things I had put into my journal as a vent, things I had certainly never told you, and things I swore I had never told anyone else unless they swore on their mother’s grave and promised not to tell. 

You took away my door when I would accidentally slam it when I got emotional, and because you ‘couldn’t trust me to be alone’. You wouldn’t let me hang a curtain or anything so I could change and not have people walk in on me.

When I got old enough to have a cellphone, I caught you sneaking into my room and taking my cellphone, or sitting in my desk chair and going through the messages. You would then interrogate me on my text messages, and would openly take my phone and go through my messages, despite me pleading you not to. This lead to me intentionally setting alarms that would go off through the night, and could only be stopped with a passcode which only I knew.

You would interrogate me any time I wanted to go on the computer to do anything, you forced me to lie to have any sort of freedom to talk to people, look at memes, listen to music, or play games on the computer. You even put parental controls on my computer that would monitor everything and take screen shots, I was allowed exactly 45 minutes a day, which you wouldn’t compromise on, even when I was talking to my friends that lived hours away from us. Then you would get mad when I would trick you into allowing me access so I could change those settings, what else could I do? There was no compromise. Additionally you made me give you every password to every account I ever had, and would get mad when I would change the passwords because you would go through private messages and post on my accounts. Even when I was almost 18, and handed over my computer to show you the receipts, you couldn’t help but go through the whole conversation, even though I told you not to and you promised not to. 

On the xbox you would hack into my account (Which I had a passcode on), and would read through the messages, you would have to approve every game and made sure it stood up to your religious and moral standards, or hear me plea to be able to have a game I was interested in. Even when you had approved the game, you had to watch me play it, I wasn’t allowed to enjoy the game on my own.

You thought you were entitled to walk into my room at any time. You wouldn’t listen when I would tell you ‘one moment, I’m changing.’ Instead you would waltz right in, even when I was naked. You would barge into my bathroom, even when I told you to wait. Then you would get mad when I was upset over this. Maybe I didn’t want my parents to see me naked, even though ‘you saw me naked as a baby and child’.

How was I supposed to talk to you openly when you would violate my privacy? When I could have nothing to myself, be able to vent and get my feelings out in a healthy way, to talk about things I didn’t feel I needed to or could tell you, to talk about things I know you all opposed and would interrogate me on, to just talk about day to day things? 

When I started dating I was hypersexual. I admit that. When puberty hit I became very sexual and physically affectionate without knowing it, but you started to analyze and criticize me for every action I made. I was touch starved, and craving genuine affection. I wanted to feel loved, to feel wanted, to feel appreciated, and to feel alive. I felt dead inside. I barely got any affection, even from my parents, from other family members, and those I was childhood friends with and was no longer close to. I went to seek that affection with other people, I called my friends parents ‘mom and dad’ because of this and how you all were. You emotionally neglected me. Sure I had physical things, but that wasn’t what I wanted or needed. I need your love, your time, and your acceptance. The only way I got that was through teenage boys that would give me their love, time, acceptance, and physical affection. I even went out seeking any of those things online, which lead me to an early discovery of porn (I was 11), of online chat rooms where I could do smut rps and flirt (I was 13), and teenage dating sites ((common in the 2000′s)(I was 14)). Instead of figuring out what the root of this was, and trying to listen, actually listen, you went about accusing me of different things related to what I had found, even when I wasn’t. You were telling me that you were expecting me to do those things, and that I had to lie to you all to have any sort of freedom. You though dating was only to get married, you had the ‘date to mate’ mentality.

I started dressing in popular clothes of that time, and finding ways of expressing myself and my feelings. Gone were the days of pink dresses and frills. I liked black, blue, and purple, rather than pink and purple. I wanted to wear tighter fitting shirts that were comfortable, easy to move around in, and had fun graphics and words on the chest area. I wanted to wear cute skirts and shorts, as well as skinny jeans, and leggings. You were unhappy with all of it. I was 13 and a C cup, it wasn’t my fault that I couldn’t find anything cute that would comfortably fit. I liked wearing shorter shorts, skirts, skinny jeans, and leggings because they were comfy, easy to move around in, and made me feel free and happy.  I can’t tell you how many times you criticized my hair, make up, and clothes. You would constantly tell me that I looked like a hussy, like a prostitute, like an attention seeker, like a devil worshipper, like I was ‘asking to be raped’. You said the same things about other people behind their backs, and you didn’t like it when I used your religion against you. You would ask me if I would wear that around ‘God’, or ‘Jesus,  and I would say yes. You would tell me that I would be distracting to guys, or that they would look at me a certain way. I simply said that they shouldn’t look if they can’t control themselves, and that the bible said that any man who looked at a woman with lust in his eyes should gouge them out. You hated when I was right, and would deny that you were wrong.

How was I not supposed to be hypersexual, even when I had been sexualized and been deprived of any affection since I was a child?

At the age of 6 you had me start working out because I had “baby fat” and was overweight at my age. You started only having and making healthy things to eat, then would get mad when I liked the taste of some of them, and would eat more than my ‘portion size’. You limited my food intake, and made me work out so I could ‘loose weight’. At 9 this all got worse, as I was beginning to go into puberty, was getting breasts, and had more baby fat moving to my hips. You started humiliating me for getting seconds at dinner, for eating three meals a day, and for continuing to go through puberty. You would also get mad at me for having things like white bread (I hate the texture of wheat and wholegrain), white rice (I don’t like the texture of brown rice), or any sort of junk food. It was no surprise that I started to starve myself so I would fit your standards. 

Why wouldn’t I have an eating disorder when that was all I heard all day every day?

These are the main things that lent to my depression, made it worse, and made me want to kill myself from an early age. These are the main behaviors that made me despise my parents and cut them out of my life. These are what you should avoid. If you want to have your kids in your life, don’t do these. 

#mystory #ventpost #mental illness #mental health #toxic parents #bad parenting #my child is completely fine #the signs are there #what not to do when parenting #religious trauma #tw ed talk #depression

[sarcasticfina]

Fic Writer Tag Game

How many works do you have on AO3? 263

What’s your total AO3 word count? 4,901,188

How many fandoms have you written for, and what are they? including the fandoms on FFnet, that haven't yet been moved over to ao3, that'd be a total of 37. separating the larger fandoms (marvel, dcu) into their individual parts: Thor; Arrow; Smallville; The Vampire Diaries; Glee; Captain America; Supernatural; Teen Wolf; Iron Man; Life with Derek; Firefly; Friday Night Lights; X-Men; Fantastic Four; Harry Potter; Sons of Anarchy; Girl Meets World; Batman; Daredevil; From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series; Transformers; Lost Girl; Game of Thrones; Banshee; High School Musical; The OC; One Tree Hill; CSI: New York; Degrassi; Gossip Girl; NCIS; The Unusuals; Criminal Minds; iCarly; Secret Life of the American Teenager; Twilight; and The Listener

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

1. and I wonder (if everything could ever feel this real forever) - darcy/bucky - Steve tells him that Darcy's harmless. Bucky imagines, on paper, Darcy is harmless. HYDRA wouldn't give her a second glance. But he does. He can barely keep his eyes off her. He's not sure he wants to. | Kudos: 5576

2. I Climbed The Tree To See The World (When The Gusts Came Around To Blow Me Down, I Held On As Tightly As You Held On To Me) - darcy centric | darcy/steve - The path to self-discovery, including becoming Coulson's assistant-slash-liaison-slash-bff, Captain America's lady love, and rating fourth on the SHIELD BAMF scale, was like the yellow brick road; it was chaos and confusion around every bend. | Kudos: 3973

3. Take a little piece of my heart (and keep it for yourself) - oliver/felicity - A collection of Olicity prompts on Tumblr posted here for easier access/reading. | Kudos: 3498

4. You put your arms around me (and I'm home) - darcy/bucky - A collection of Darcy/Bucky oneshots, drabbles, and prompt fills. | Kudos: 3293

5. you (anchor me back down) - darcy/bucky - "I'll be right back." Famous last words. | Kudos: 2747

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not? not all of them. i do try to keep up on them, especially on longer stories when there's been significant wait times in between chapters, or when a reader is asking a question or is unclear on something. and especially when someone writes a really indepth comment/review, i like to respond to those and talk about motivations and character growth.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending? I've written a number of fics that either had suicide or major character death, so i'm not sure if one outranks the other in terms of most angsty... hmm... i remember "be still and know that I'm with you (be still and know that I am here)" and "light a match, burn the world to ash (I will watch it die, and hold your hand as I fly)" both got some pretty intense reactions when they were posted. And "It's Your Song That Sets Me Free (I Sing It While I Feel I Can't Go On)" was basically just angst from beginning to end. buuuuut, i think i'll say "so you think you can tell (heaven from hell" was, only because there's a build up of everything going so right, only to pivot at the end, so it feels very bittersweet.

Do you write crossovers? If so what’s the craziest one you’ve written? i loooooove crossovers. i find writing in the marvel fandom makes things quite easy, but also smallville. as long as i can find a common thread, i enjoy finding a way to overlap two shows. i'll say the hardest one to write was "ruby red slippers (unavailable in her size)." I'm not sure why, but i found writing each personality together just felt strange. i liked the idea behind the story, but i definitely remember feeling like i was really forcing myself to keep going, like something just didn't fit right.

Have you ever received hate on a fic? oh, definitely. you cannot please everyone, it's impossible. for the most part, hate comes and i either argue back, take the criticism for what it's worth, or just ignore it when it's baseless. i think the hate that bothered me the most was a homophobic PM someone sent me re: "you know I will adore you ('til eternity)," on FFnet. i actually went and searched it up. they've since blocked me so i can't read our whole thread back and forth. but i did put part of it on tumblr so i could rant on it a bit, so you can see that here.

Do you write smut? If so what kind? ha. yes. depending on the story, it can be really detailed or really flowery. it depends on the ship, the plot, and how graphic i feel like being. i've definitely become more comfortable over the years with my writing. that said, i think everybody likes something different. i once had a reviewer tell me a sex scene was too much, just too intense. it was a stefan/caroline story and to be fair, that entire oneshot was just them fucking, lol, but it is what it is. to each their own.

Have you ever had a fic stolen? Multiple times.

Have you ever had a fic translated? Yes! for the record, i am always happy to have my stories translated and shared. i just like having a link sent to me and to be credited.

What’s your all time favorite ship? i have a list of OTPs, because interests change and as shows come and go, my love for a ship can be shelved for a while before it pops back up at random. currently, i can't get enough of buck/eddie from 9-1-1. and, historically, chloe/oliver (smallville) and felicity/oliver (arrow) have been two of my top OTPs. but i think i'd have to go with bonnie/damon. they had all the potential and the show dropped the ball by not exploring it. at the same time, that's kind of a blessing, because i don't trust those writers to properly explore what they had without eventually destroying it for the likes of de/ena. it means a treasure trove for writing where it could have gone and all the what if's.

What’s a WIP that you want to finish, but don’t think you ever will? the intention is always to finish. but given how i feel about allison mack and how that impacts my feelings re: chloe sullivan, pretty much anything with her as a main character is not something i see myself returning to.

What are your writing strengths? What are your writing weaknesses? i'm putting these together because my strength is my weakness. i love to write. when i get an idea, i go all in and i will skip eating and sleeping to just write write write. but i also eventually hit a wall and i get so many ideas that i hyperfocus on one until the steam is gone and then i hyperfocus on the next one to maintain that need to keep writing, accidentally leaving the last story in the dust for entirely too long. i also have clinical depression that comes and goes, which hasn't been super great mixed with covid and isolation, so more often recently, i find myself overly exhausted and despite wanting to write, can rarely get motivated to do so. so, pre-covid, wrote so much i left entirely too many stories dangling. during covid, i've just been reading and struggling to get myself focused enough to do what i love.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? i appreciate the authenticity when possible, but i've recently been reading more about how native speakers of other languages feel when a) their language is butchered by google translate, or b) it's just not genuine in terms of how bilingual speakers act or speak.

What was the first fandom you’ve written for? it was smallville, but i remember adopting it out to someone else because i wasn't going to finish it. so if you look at my ffnet, the first fandom i wrote for appears to be x-men: the movie, but i remember writing a chloe/oliver story prior to that.

What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written? i have a lot. i mean, on ffnet, i have 576 stories, many of which were transferred over to ao3, with a lot of oneshots and drabbles getting joined together into collections. so there's a ton to pick from that span a 14-ish year timeline.

"you know I will adore you ('til eternity)" and "let me break (the walls that surround me)" hold a special place in my heart.

honestly, each story is important in its own way. there are bits and pieces of each that i love. every time i write something new it feels like my favorite. my best. and then a new idea comes along. there are scenes i've written that i loved more than the whole of what they became. lines that stand out that are almost too good to be a part of the larger picture.

one of my all time favorite passages i've written was bonnie's thoughts on damon and herself in 'if you love me (let me go)":

He is far from perfect. He is a novel of red, corrective ink. He is frayed pages and torn binding. His life, his choices, his mistakes leave lasting effects on everyone he meets.

She is a lifeboat with a hole in it. An anchor that drowns in the sea while everyone else remains steady above. She is both the calm and the storm, and while she screams that she will not be tamed, she cries. Bittersweet tears that go unnoticed and uncared about.

there are other stories, other pieces of dialogue, that i've been proud of. that make me laugh when i re-read them. that make me cry. and i love them. there are others that make me wilt and cringe and regret. it's a process. love and pride and growth, all bound together.

Tagging: @absentlyabbie, @anonymous033, and anyone else who'd like to fill this all out, haha

#fic writer tag game #long post

[vegalocity]

The Red Groom

It seems as though i’m done writing horror for spicynoodles rn because all my brain wants me to do is get some real romance in here lol

SO WHO WANTS A PRINCESS BRIDE AU?

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Once upon a time, long long ago, there lived a prince.

This prince was the son of the Demon Bull King and his wife Princess Iron Fan, and as is the wont of royalty he suffered very little in his early years. Red Boy as he was called in his childhood, was a studious boy. Very eager to please his family and often would he train with his magic, his studies, and his weapons. He was a brilliant child, but he lacked kindness. He was loud and opinionated, the boy had a firey temper and had difficulty sitting still, thus he was rarely allowed to sit in as his parents went about the daily business of managing their demon court. He was often sent into the nearby town disguised as a human child to play with others of his similar assumed age.

This treatment continued long after he grew to reign himself in, It continued as he fell out of favor with weapons and began to take up tinkering, it continued as he proved himself the most brilliant student any of his tutors had ever educated, and it continued until he was old enough to change the 'Boy' in his name out for 'Son' as he properly grew into a man.

At this point he'd grown used to the treatment, no matter how many advancements in their way of life the prince now called Red Son had come up with, his parents would still give him little to no respect. However he continued to hold out hope that should he create something great or do something wonderful, his family would finally begin to put him through training to some day inherit the throne. Therefore when sent down into the nearby town he would find himself holing up in a nearby Inn to continue his work.

It was there that he met the Inkeep's son, a bright boy with a sunny grin named Qi Xiaotian.

At first the prince had nothing but derision for the Inkeep's son, referring to him derisively after the dish he would suggest to any who ask for recommendations in the restaurant potion of the Inn, his fathers 'famous' noodle bowl.

So the prince had at first very little opinion of the noodle boy beyond a passing appreciation for his looks and annoyance at his staunch desire to befriend him, he either did not know who the prince was, or he simply didn't care. Neither of which improved the noodle boy's stature in the prince's eyes.

However, one passing annoyance to another began to mount up, and out of a desire for the noodle boy to stop bothering him, the prince struck up a conversation with him, in hopes of talking his ear off about subjects that he was sure would bore him, things that he was interested in yet every time he'd try to speak of, even within his parents court, he'd get about a minute's worth of ranting in before he could see his conversational partner's eyes glaze over as they tuned him out.

But the noodle boy's gaze did not fade or waver. He listened with rapt attention even as the prince tried his luck and got into the nitty gritty of a current experiment. He asked informed questions, asked for him to define a word he used because he'd never heard it before. And once the prince realized he wasn't going to scare the noodle boy away, he'd grown silent and wondered aloud why he cared so much. To which the noodle boy responded that there was a sort of magic in asking people what they're passionate about, and how he loved watching a friend light up as they spoke of what they loved.

The prince hadn't known what to say so he simply asked the noodle boy what HE loved. To which he responded two things, stories, and art, especially stories of the Monkey King. Though the stone monkey was more infamous than famous, there had been whispers of the monkey recently escaping his prison under the Mountain of Five Phases to become Buddhist and escort a reincarnation of Golden Cicada on a quest of some kind, and the noodle boy had been fascinated with his story even before the rumors had made their way to this town. He found himself remembering something his father had told him of in his childhood and mentioned that his family were once allied with the Monkey King, though since his havoc in heaven had ended so tragically his father and the Monkey King's sworn brotherhood had since been made null.

It seemed the noodle boy really HAD not known who he was, as he suddenly was very formal indeed toward the prince. After the one true conversation and scores of attempted ones, the prince found that once it stopped he'd found himself bereft of company. So when he next returned to the inn he struck up conversation with the noodle boy, starting for once, by doing one thing he rarely did outside the palace, ordering something to eat. The noodle boy was flustered, and the only thing he'd been able to get out was a quick squeak of 'as you wish'.

That quickly became a running phrase between the two, the prince asking for the noodle boy to sit with him and tell him of the art pieces he would work on in his down time: 'as you wish', if he'd like to hear the story he'd been able to pry from his father about his time allied with the Monkey King: 'if you wish', if he would mind terribly if he vented his frustrations to him about this or that project that simply was not turning out; 'Do as you wish'

Even as the awkwardness and embarrassment on the noodle boy's part faded it turned from a nervous turn of phrase to an in-joke of sorts. Whenever the prince would ask something of the noodle boy, he'd respond with 'as you wish'. And soon enough the prince and the noodle boy became great friends, and the prince would complain far less about being denied entrance to his parents' political meetings. Oftentimes taking matters into his own hands to go down into the town simply to see the noodle boy and spend a time talking.

Then one day, as the prince was rambling about one of his planned projects that he simply could not wait to start on, he'd glanced sideways toward the noodle boy, simply from the corner of his eye, to check to see if he was even making any sense, only to find something the noodle boy had been holding so close to his chest that he would never have seen if he had thought the prince was watching him.

And it occurred then to the prince that the noodle boy loved him. It took the prince a time to get adjusted to, a time to assess his own growing regard for a peasant boy whom worked in his family's inn, and came to the conclusion that he just may love him back.

So he confronted the noodle boy with his discovery, and under little pressing the noodle boy confessed his own feelings.  That he'd been pining from afar long before he'd recognized the prince as who he was, and that in part was why he was so adamant to befriend him. That in his own foolishly pining way every time he'd said 'as you wish' to him he'd really been meaning 'I love you'.

They spent only a single night together, as any more would make the prince's parents suspicious. Their relationship carried on in secret for a time, conversations in the inn carried on innocently, yet letters full of secret truths were slipped between either of them at every meeting. But no secret can last forever, and the noodle boy decided that before the prince's parents found out about the two of them and likely forbade the prince from ever returning to town, that he'd travel afar, gain fame or riches and return with enough of a title or enough gold that his parents would have no qualms with him courting their son the proper way.

So the prince and the noodle boy parted with a promise. A promise that the prince would staunchly keep for three years, even as his faith began to wane that his beloved would return the prince would continue to turn away suitors, claiming that he would not marry someone whom he cannot have a conversation with. Even those whom COULD keep up with him had such a smug arrogance about them that the prince turned them away as well, this had begun to grate on his parents whom had believed him free for too long already and would need to pick a bride soon to ensure an heir.

The prince however had no interest in humoring this train of thought, one of the few times he would hold his ground against his parents, and would often return to the Inn in town to keep his ears open for any news of his love's return. And on one of those trips, the inn's doors were locked. Asking around town the prince received news that none left waiting would ever wish to hear.

His love had been staying for a time in a small village that was housed to a great battle, Where the Monkey King had apparently split ways with his new master and his traveling party to return to his mountain and devour any who dare come near. The entire village was razed to the ground in the Monkey King's wrath, and other than his former traveling party, there were no survivors, ensured by the Monkey King himself.

Qi Xiaotian, his precious noodle boy, was dead.

The prince's despair was so great that he needed to be escorted back to the palace by a kind stranger, wherein he locked himself in his workshop and refused the door for anyone. The sound of the forge long into the night revealing he dared not sleep, and the scarcely touched plates left outside the door around meal times implying he barely ate. His parents, who were informed of the affair by the same stranger whom had escorted the prince to them were furious with their son's secrecy, but below that, were deeply worried for his health.

For three weeks the prince stayed in his workshop, and when he finally emerged he had written down all operational guides for all of his completed projects and set them beside his parent's bedroom door. For another two months the prince didn't say a single word to anyone. Not to the court, not to his former tutors, not to either of his parents. His work began to consume him, as it was understood to be the only thing he could focus on without remembering.

At the end of two months his parents' worry far overshadowed any anger still harbored toward their son, and the prince ended his silence upon one night, the moon was high and the stars were bright, as his mother came into his room to try and coax him into bed properly instead of letting him work himself into collapsing onto the stiff pile of cushions in his workshop once more.

The prince's voice was barely over a whisper, weak and cracking from disuse.

“I will never love again.”

And for the first time since he was very young, his mother wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held him tight.

Another year passed, as the prince slowly regained his will and strength. Though his voice returned, and his studies picked up once again, the fire and passion that had thrived in him had dimmed. And to many surrounding demon kingdoms that meant nothing but good things. Most notably, that he'd likely be far less antisocial to their suitors that sought out allyship with the Demon Bull Family.

And it was true, though the prince still held no interest in the new swath of suitors that had begun to form his once near offended dismissals had become halfhearted and resigned. The prince had no heart left to give away to another after all, his heart had been burned away in a small village far far away from there.

But the prince and heir to the throne needed to marry SOMEONE, and as another year closed out, it was decided that the prince had spent long enough mourning over a peasant boy he could never have truly been with anyway, and his parents ensured his engagement to another prince from a kingdom far away. The prince put up resistance, as he had no intention on ever finding another to love, but his parents reminded him bluntly that for those in their position, marrying for love was a rare, nigh unattainable gift. But if he was willing to put in the work he could GROW to love this other prince, just as his parents had grown to love eachother before him.

This prince's father was dying due to a curse of some kind and he was slated to be king very soon, so it was decided to send the prince to his palace for their betrothal instead of the other prince coming to his own.

But this other prince had no interest in a union of houses. He had planned for the prince we know to be kidnapped and murdered by a small yet fearsome group of mercenaries while in the territory of an enemy kingdom of his, so when the Demon Bull Family found out of their son's wretched slaughter they would lend their forces to the prince's own and he would be rid of his enemy for good.

But of course, unknowing of this plan, the prince resigned himself to his parents forcing him to betray what little remained of his ashen heart, and prepared himself for the journey. Though there was ONE good thing about it.

The prince you'll remember was gifted in his studies, and part of those studies were in mastering his fire magic. And the path between his family's palace and his betrothed's palace was near a very particular mountain. Perhaps he could move on and accept his betrothal if he were able to avenge the love he lost.

#Spicynoodleshipping #Vega writes stories too #Monkie Kid #Lego Monkie Kid #Qi Xiaotian #MK Red Son #This aint going on AO3 because its a multimedia au #i aleady am storyboarding a comic for the reunion scene bc i knew i couldn't write it out #I hope you guys have SEEN the princess bride else the premise might be a bit confusing lol #Red Groom AU #-insert 'done being evil just wanna be loved' meme here- #The Princess Bride is like SURPISINGLY easy to adapt to a new setting like this

[poptimus-prime]

Here is what the kids call my highly disorganized, half-baked list of stuff that could have been done with Jack to make him a better character.

@yeetmetothehell I am sorry if you are disappointed by my ideas.

“Optimus was more like...Jack.” OK…so show us that.

In my opinion...Jack seems like he was intended to be written to be almost a parallel to Orion’s journey to becoming Optimus Prime, at least how he is used in the plot. Jack is described as “smart and responsible”, which can also be read as “hardworking and responsible” and really this can be achieved in narratively using a few points, IMO:

Long hours in his room/the library studying outside of work and school. 

Filling out the background of the garage more with sketches/print outs of motorcycle blueprints (to keep the idea that Jack really wants a motorcycle and show hints of extreme dedication, but they’re kept in the garage rather than his room to metaphorically show that distance he’s put between himself and what he wants)

“Man of the House”/”Grew up too fast” (This will be discussed more later but TL;DR “I’ll handle the electric bill this month, Mom”)

Somewhat fragile work/school/life balance that Jack somehow perfectly maintained before meeting the team

Orion was very physically passive. Jack seems to be intended to be written as passive but it comes off as an apathetic reluctance that Orion doesn’t possess (Orion may not believe in violence but he clearly wasn’t unwilling to communicate his thoughts; it’s how he got the title of Prime in the first place.) However, Orion had to learn to become more outspoken over time probably, so we can keep him as being aloof/reluctant at the start of the series.

“Man of the House”/”Grew up too Fast”

It’s no secret Jack came from a nonconventional home; June is very explicitly portrayed as a single mother with a dad nowhere in the picture. However the situation surrounding Mr. Darby is unknown. The way June talks about it makes me personally feel like Jack’s dad either ran out or divorced June and doesn’t bother with his kid. Dysfunction in the family really just goddamn changes you TBH. (can confirm bc hi, I come from a dysfunctional home) Sometimes you just grow up super fast. Jack probably spent his childhood missing his mom as she worked shifts at the hospital and seeing how lonely and hurt she was. He maybe went out and got a job the first day he could and helps with smaller bills (“I’ll handle the electric bill this month.”), or maybe other expenses like groceries and his own phone bill. June probably makes enough to comfortably support her and her son, especially given her job and the cost of living in rural ass desert Nevada. But Jack still does this anyways--it’s how he copes with his issues after what happened with his dad. Doubling down and trying to be what he thinks is the bigger man because his dad couldn’t be fucked. 

This would make the disruption him letting the bots into his life creates more staggering; June doesn’t expect her son to pay bills, but the sudden change in behavior (skipping out on work) would be a cause for concern because sudden shifts like that are Usually Signs that Something is Very Wrong. Especially because Jack is usually responsible and open with his mom; he would have told her if he was gonna cut hours at work, theoretically.

Jack feels like he has to constantly put his own wants aside to contribute to his household. Even if June doesn’t force this expectation upon him, it’s a feeling that he will have, especially if he watched his dad just abandon him and June. Maybe he has resentment towards his dad for this and that is causing some anger he’s keeping tightly under wraps? And maybe the bots give him an excuse to do something he actually wants to do for once or some excitement in his life and that’s why he goes along with it? Lots of options, people!

Clothing Choices: The Hoodie™

You are going to have to deal with me being a whore for costuming choices and what they can mean. The show has a problem with the humans wearing the same shit every time they’re on screen and I’d love to rant about all of them (yeah yeah I get it saving money) but I’m focusing on Jack right now. Give Jack a hoodie 2020. A grey one or some other dull and drab color. And make him actually always wear the hood (except like in scenes where he is working bc workplace dress codes obviously) As time progresses, the drab hoodie is changed to a more vibrant color, but he still always has the hood over his head. And then, at a pivotal moment, the boy takes the hood off. (You could even throw in Miko cracking a joke about Jack actually having hair if you really wanted TBH.) Why this? The narrative is that Jack is constantly holding himself under wraps because of his self-imposed responsibilities. As he starts to become more into his own, he decides to express himself more with brighter colors, but still has some reservations. When he takes the hoodie off, that’s when he’s fully realized himself in this process and thus completes the parallel.

Actually make him interact with Optimus in a meaningful manner.

Arcee can still be his guardian in the field and I think working on strengthening their relationship is vital. But also, if you’re gonna make Jack the confidante holding the key to Vector Sigma, there actually has to be...meaningful interaction. Optimus asking Jack what he’s so engrossed in reading and Jack explaining the book he’s got with passion before shutting himself up and saying “it’s kinda dumb though” or something. And Optimus just responds “I don’t think it’s dumb, tell me more.” Coaxing him towards more self-discovery and expression. Optimus maybe sees more of his old self in Jack and starts attempting to be a quasi-paternal figure without really thinking about it because he is, after all, Dadimus. Jack maybe lashes out about how he doesn’t need Optimus to be his dad and that makes the space between them tense for a while. Eventually Jack comes to apologize and maybe there’s an important Talk.. Just a few ideas I will expand on later. I feel like forgiveness and lack thereof is a good theme--I know I was held back for a long time because of how convoluted the concept of forgiveness is with family.

The Character Arc

 So, what would Jack’s character development throughout the events of season 1 be? My basic idea for a Jack arc that mirrors Orion’s self-realization and coming into Prime-hood without being a carbon copy is essentially: 

Jack is portrayed as a responsible, hardworking, studious teenager who constantly turns down chances for fun and excitement to handle his responsibilities. Has clear dreams for after high school and for his own personal life; but he’s constantly contemplating and changing his mind about whether he will or not because he’s extremely dedicated to helping his mom and all that. However, he still gets super curious about Arcee and gets swept up by her in the Vehicon chase, and he still has whispers of courage and protects Raf during the altercation. He first tries to ditch Team Prime because he’s concerned about his responsibilities, but eventually returns because he’s drawn to the opportunity to finally go buck wild for once in his life (even if he spends his time being hesitant about everything.) His hesitancy and dedication to severe self-imposed responsibility is a result of his inability to move on from what his dad did to him and his mom; he’s under the impression that he 1) Has to forgive someone to move on, and thus 2) He cannot move on because his dad isn’t there to bother to say sorry and take on his position as Dad. In essence, he becomes less the character telling Miko to stop and more the character being pushed by Miko to be more adventurous. In lulls in action, Optimus starts to take interest in him when he notices his constant hesitance to express himself and is just being dragged along rather than going willingly. Has a conversation with him about a book Jack’s reading, which Jack attempts to shut down because it’s “dumb and childish,” but Optimus urges him to continue. The idea that June knows about Arcee as a bike and Jack explaining that he bought a motorcycle as a fixer-upper for dirt cheap can stay. (He probably still is saving up for his motorcycle.)

The longest portion, after Optimus starts interacting with Jack on a level of bonding and gently coaxing him to be himself— Jack becomes more outspoken and he’s shown as curious, analytical, quick witted, and has a deep sense of justice. Being young and craving a childhood lost to his trauma and self-imposed obligations to help his mom with running the household, he suddenly starts spending more time at the base pursuing hobbies and going on missions rather than studying and work, which concerns June. She tries to press Jack, and is met with what can be described as typical teenage headbutting that gets progressively worse. She grounds Jack after the fight, MECH takes her, the rescue happens. (That makes sense to stay in this narrative IMO.) Around this time, Optimus has effectively started becoming Jack’s own Alpha Trion—teaching him things that he’s picked up that he may feel apply to Jack. Jack interprets one of these lessons as Optimus trying to be “dad” and he’s not having it. Makes it VERY clear that he does not need a dad (“didn’t need one before and sure as fuck don’t need one now”) and definitely snaps at Optimus, which then pushes his progress in the arc closer to the end. He eventually comes back to apologize, and Optimus forgives him. He and Optimus have a heart-to-heart about one of the hardest lessons Optimus has had to learn—how to let go of the past without forgiving those who have hurt you and refuse to make amends, so that you may determine your own future. It’s very clear he’s talking about Megatron, even though he never says his name. Jack takes this lesson to heart.

His final bit of development before the hood removal thing probably happens during the events of “Rock Bottom” and reinforces that hard lesson, right when he’s faced with the option to off Megatron. Maybe there’s some taunting about how Optimus preaches softness and forgiveness too much when Jack refuses to kill him. Jack gets angry, and he’s about to fucking do it. But then he stops, takes a breath, and says “Optimus doesn’t preach forgiveness, he preaches moving on from those who refuse to move on themselves. He will never forgive you, but he’s learned to live on despite what you’ve done.” Soon after this, when Megatron comes to the base, Jack takes off his hood, stares Megatron right in the face, and says “This is not forgiveness, Megatron. Don’t you forget that.” Later, when Optimus gives him the key, he tells him something along the lines of “you have grown since we’ve met, Jack, and even though there is still a long way for you to go...” he hands Jack the key. “...Remember that even I am a work in progress.”

Anyways this is again, half-baked. And needs lots of polishing. But it’s something.

#luna.docx #No I will not be tagging this outside the blog #I am self conscious about it

[lovelyirony]

Stars with thorbruce

Bruce remembers his mother’s hand smoothing over his curls, telling him stories of how the constellations came to be. He remembers hearing soft words of using the Big Dipper for milk and cookies. He smiles as he remembers asking his mother who lived among the stars. 

They were beautiful, surely someone had to live there. 

His mother smiled. 

“You will find it out, my smart boy. None of us know yet, although some of us have a feeling that we’re not alone in this galaxy.” 

Bruce would look out his window every night and ask the stars who among them lived in what world. He asked how their world was. 

Thor knew others lived other places. His mother read Loki and he stories of other people, how they lived. 

His father said how Asgard ruled it all with a golden-hued hand. 

He asks of Terran people, Midgardians. 

“You don’t need to concern yourself with them,” Odin says. “Now go and train. A weak king serves no purpose on a strong throne.” 

- 

Bruce does not smile when he realizes that there are others out there, not when he’s been dragged in as a monster to help fight other monsters. Accepted, just this once. 

He looks up at beings who look like stars for one brief second. And then they descend with a roar, and he knows. 

He turns, letting Hulk take the lead. 

His mother knew they were not alone. 

But she could not have known this was the result.  

- 

Thor is…different. He returns from taking his brother back to…Asgard? And he is quiet. 

Bruce just quietly moves around him to get his tea or food. 

“Dr. Banner?” Thor asks, his voice impossibly soft. It does not fit a man who is as large and imposing as he is. “Can you…what can you tell me about Earth?” 

“It sucks,” Bruce answers automatically. 

Thor blinks. 

Bruce does not want to explain why earth sucks. So he takes his naan and goes back to his room. 

- 

The god cannot leave well enough alone. He is knocking on Bruce’s door at eight o’clock in the morning. 

Bruce answers in an old t-shirt that’s seen better days, old pants, and bags under his eyes. 

“Why does earth suck so much?” 

Bruce sighs. 

“Go to the kitchen. I’ll explain there.” 

Bruce goes into a long-winded tangent about how much human invented concepts suck and how policy makes everything slow and he can’t even fly in a plane because he’s deemed a flight risk and people keep trying to kill him and the unending guilt over his own mistakes will be his demise. 

“Do you guys have therapy on earth?” Thor asks. 

Bruce laughs. 

“Yeah, we do. I need to find a new therapist soonish. Just hard with my…issue. Earth doesn’t suck. It’s cool.” 

“Show me?” 

“Uh…yes?” Bruce asks, blinking. “What do you want to see?” 

“What’s your favorite thing about earth?” 

Bruce has to think. 

“Come with me tonight. On the roof.” 

- 

The stars are never as bright as they were in Ohio, which is about the only good thing Bruce can say about Ohio. It’s the only good thing anyone could say, really. 

“Are you serious?” 

“Yes, never go there,” Bruce says. “Ever.” 

“…noted. Not even for one of your natural…reserve park things?” 

“Nope. Not even for those. You’re gonna get murdered there.” 

“I’m a god, Bruce.” 

“Ohio people only believe in one god, and that god is less jacked than you.” 

They laugh together. 

Bruce tells him all about his mother’s stories of the stars, what he learned from others. 

“Do you want to hear our stories?” Thor asks softly. 

They make a habit of going on the roof once a week, weather permitting. If it does not permit, they sit in the sunroom and have coffee, chatting that way. 

Bruce learns that Thor was alive when Nikola Tesla was, but never went to earth. 

“I was in training to become king, and Odin didn’t really want me venturing out too far,” Thor says. “But I heard that earth had some catching up to do. You definitely have us beat with food though. Damn.” 

They stare over at the stars. 

Bruce struggles to ignore his red cheeks or the fact that Tony keeps calling him “lover boy.” 

“Nope. I’m not that.” 

“Sure you aren’t, the rest of us spend time gazing into Thor’s eyes,” Tony says, batting his eyelashes. “Just ask him out already.” 

“Get therapy,” Bruce shoots back. 

“Are we talking about how we all need collective help?” Natasha asks. “I thought that was what Steve’s meeting was about tonight.” 

“Shit, I’m not going to that then,” Clint says. “Do you think he’ll buy it if I tell him that my dog has a son?” 

“I don’t buy anything, I grew up in the Great Depression,” Steve responds, coming down the stairs. “Also Clint, you have a dog? Since when?” 

“Since never,” Clint responds back. “I don’t have a dog.” 

“Good, Tony said no dogs.” 

“For Steve,” Tony mumbles. “But we’‘re missing the obvious part of this discussion, which is Bruce’s love-life.” 

“I don’t have one of those in stock.” 

“Check in the back,” Tony snarks. 

Bruce rolls his eyes. 

“I don’t have a love-life guys,” Bruce says. “The only thing I love is dismantling huge corporations that are evading ecological law.” 

“And also hanging out a ton with Thor,” Natasha responds. “Wait, are you–” 

“If we have to talk about emotions then I demand we discuss Natasha’s thirsty tweet about Sharon.” 

“My cousin, Romanoff?!” Tony yells. 

Bruce takes this time to escape down to his lab, where Natasha is not allowed in. 

“I cannot say with full certainty that she will not break in,” Jarvis answers. “But I will try my best, Dr. Banner. Hell hath no woman like a woman.” 

“You’re just as bad as Tony with phrases,” Bruce says. “But thanks.” 

Thor is down there. 

“Why is Natasha locked out of the lab?” 

“She told me that she preferred wine from California, she was obviously banned,” Bruce says quickly. 

“I thought last week’s argument was you and her against Clint,” Thor says. “And I think you won? Clint thought his expired Kool-Aid was wine. That was a very sad night.” 

Bruce freezes. 

“Ha. Yeah. That was right. She’s still banned.” 

“What was the debate upstairs about? I heard snippets about it. Tony said something about checking in the back? Is he mad about the fruit again? He can’t expect to buy strawberries and them to still be there.” 

Bruce laughs. 

“Nah, Steve’s having a group talk about therapy options for us. I think Tony’s gonna try and con his way out of it by pushing Bucky in front of him. It won’t work.” 

- 

As it turns out, Natasha has swift revenge. 

She can’t break into the lab. 

But she can make sure the two of them can’t break out. 

“Until you confess the door is gonna be closed,” Natasha says over the intercom. 

“Confess what?” Thor asks, looking nervous. 

“Oh…you know. Stuff. Now you have to by six, otherwise Steve will break you out and then you have to say it as a duo. Do you want to tell all of us or just the two of you…alone?” Nat asks. 

“Fuck you,” Bruce says, flipping off the sensor. 

- 

Thor’s nervous. He…this is new. He hasn’t liked someone is what is probably about two thousand years. 

Bruce is…he’s different. 

He likes the small things and rants about how stupid the smallest things are (like his least favorite spoon) and also looks phenomenal when the sun is shining and he’s laughing about a new story and…

Thor wants a forever. He’s known forever. 

But he hasn’t known forever with Bruce. 

And now they’re locked in his lab. 

Bruce bangs his head against the table. 

“Think Steve will break us out?” 

Thor is about to answer when the intercom comes to life again. 

“No, he won’t be,” Tony says. “I’ve managed to convince him to share his PowerPoint on what kind of fork he wants to reorder for the kitchen. He got passionate about what design he wants on the handle.” 

There’s a muffled yell that sounds suspiciously like “no curvature on the handle!” and then silence. 

“God,” Bruce mutters. 

They sit in silence for a moment. Thor’s not exactly sure what to say. It’s not like they make Hallmark cards for “you’re the first person I’ve loved in about two millennia and I want you to be mine until the earth implodes.” 

Similarly they don’t make a Hallmark card for “I thought I was incapable of love but now I’ve fallen in love with you and you’re a god and I’m a near-indestructible chaos-bringer.” 

It’s a work in progress for the card-making interns, honestly. 

“What did Nat mean by talking to me?” Thor asks. “I know this is probably gonna be awkward. Wouldn’t be locked into a lab if it wasn’t.” 

If Bruce had had maybe ten minutes to himself, he would’ve come up with a good lie. One that he could say without shifting eyes or a stuttering mouth. But he can’t. Lying takes time. 

“So I’m pretty sure I like you. As in want to take you out on a date like you. And I didn’t tell you because you’re a god.” 

Thor blinks. 

“Bruce no offense but you calling me a god and also seeing me at my lowest in salmon board shorts? Hilarious.” 

Bruce gives him a face. 

“You know what I mean.” 

“And I was going to say that I like you, but you are a brilliant scientist who changed your world through discovery, not by force,” Thor responds. “You love helping others and you also turn into a giant green guy who likes food trucks and hates not smashing things.” 

Bruce blinks. 

“Did we–?” 

“Yeah, we did. I also think this means we have an excuse to miss both Steve’s presentation on fork styles as well as his call for therapy, which in reality was only for Clint.” 

The lab doors open. Bruce automatically flips Natasha off, but is met with Natasha flipping him off. 

“Tony wants to talk to me about my ‘intentions’ with his cousin because of you, Banner. This means war.” 

“Well now I have a guy who has a giant, unliftable hammer on my side,” Bruce says defensively. He grabs onto Thor’s hand, grinning. “Just try me.” 

Thor smiles too. 

“I believe I owe Bruce a few more dates, so we will regrettably be missing Clint’s intervention,” Thor says. “See you later!” 

Clint makes a groupchat with them in it only to send: 

:((((( guys :( 

They don’t check it until the morning, after Bruce rolls over and complains that Thor has way better pillows. 

#bruce banner #thor #thorbruce #lovelyirony writes #natasha romanoff #steve rogers #steve got a pinterest and now he's addicted :( #tony stark #natsharon (kind of) #clint barton #avengers as a family #who am i kidding they're more like a family of gays #all are awkward about emotions but have nice boots #the avengers are like that one tiktok about a 'gay household' and it just pans to all the pairs of doc martens at the door #bruce DOES commit crimes of violating the law but he gets away with it because corporations

[oh-theatre]

Objection!: Chapter 23.5

Chapter title: Anybody Happen to know how the Hell To Do This?

A/n:  Eyyy! After two weeks Im back!! Just finished finals and decided hey finish your filler chapter! SO :D ANyway YES THIS IS A FILLER CHAPTER!! Because I couldnt write an actual one and ALSO NEEDED SOME LOGICALITY DEVELOPMENT ANYWAY IM SORRY IT SUCKS AND ENJOY

hi my names maria and i make everything bAD AND DRAMATIC FOR NO REASON :(

First | Previous | Next

words: 3476

summary: Patton and Logan work through some thing

pairings: Eventual logicality, prinxiety, platonic demus, romantic remile

warnings: Law and Courtroom, past trauma, crying and yelling, cursing

Ao3 Link  

The first thought was panic, panic as Patton felt an even heartbeat behind him, an arm securing him. His mind runs to the previous night. A safety around him.

“Where should I put him?” Logan asks, cradling a snoring Remus, struggling to find a comfortable position. Patton looks at his reflection in the mirror of his bathroom, his tired eyes happier than usual.

“He likes the middle” Patton responds, he hears careful shuffling but not justification with an answer. He finishes preparing for his sleep, brushing any stressful knots out of his more than curled hair.  “Log-” He quiets himself, his eyes land on the bed where a confused Remus sits up as Logan mumbles in his dazed state. He stifles a flustered chuckles.

Yet he felt the furthest thing from safe, absolute fear as he stumbles out of bed. Clutching instantly to the plastered walls of his room, his safe haven.

“Come here” He whispers to Remus, he waddles towards him jumping into Pattons arms. He laughs sweetly, placing a gentle kiss on Remus’s head. “Bed?” He asks, Remus nods through a yawn. He glances back at Logan but moves to the twins room, tucking in his son, making sure he feels comfortable, and safe. A promise of protection before he returns to his own room.

“No” He cries in a panicked hush, his palms forced closed. Logan startles awake standing fast as he watches Patton's breathing become unstable. The lawyer moves carefully, keeping a safe distance.

“Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” He hears Logan mutter into the pillow, he covers a giggle before kneeling on the floor in front of the lawyer. He strokes his hair delicately, watching as Logans eyes flutter awake. “Mm?”

“Hi” He greets, the moon sneaking its way into the room. Logan smiles back through his state.

“I should head home” He decides, trying to get out of bed. Patton chuckles, shaking his head.

“Dont be ridiculous, its past midnight” Patton chides “You can stay here” He continues his gentle strokes. Logan musters up the laziest fight, feeling as though he’d only be intruding.

“Pat? Breathe for me?” He requests so gently. Patton nods, recognizing the voice, he watches as Logan approaches him. “You're okay” He assures, Patton loosens but keeps alert. He meets Patton face to face, taking his shaking hands in his own. “Come here” Once Patton eases into Logans hold,  his flinching gone, the lawyer leads him to the couch, wrapping a soft blanket around him.

“Ill go to the couch” Logan concludes, he sits up taking Pattons hands as they face each other.

“Adorable, come on lay back down, Ill get you some tea” Patton offers, Logan hums in satisfaction. He returns to find Logan struggling to keep his eyes open.

He feels safe once more, the familiar feeling returns. Patton remains, squeezing deep into his palms, feeling the pressure of his nails. Logan acts quickly, making a calming tea as he hands it to Patton, sitting in front of the man. Patton sighs, feeling his face heat up. Logan strokes away any loose hairs, covering Patton's shining eyes.

Once the tea is placed Patton situates himself on the other side of the bed, checking his phone before he shuts it off. He feels the bed move ever so slightly as Logan adjusts, his arm meeting Pattons in his deep slumber.  The lawyer waits for his typical reaction, for the deep panic to emerge, the whimpers of desperation, yet it never came. As Logan wrapped his arm around Patton, pulling him closer to his chest, nuzzling as he kissed Pattons neck. The lawyer felt nothing but safe.

“Goodnight love” Logan mumbles, a hot flutter as Patton instantly falls into the name.

“Im sorry” Patton bites his lower lip, Logan releases a sweet chuckle.

“You have nothing to apologize for, really” Logan promises, taking Pattons free hand in his own, the father bites his lip scared to object. Hoping to stop the lawyer from digging any further.  “Was that...something left over?” He hints, Patton averts his sullen gaze.

“I guess, Im sorry” He goes again, feeling stupid as Logan treads around him. Logan leans forward, kissing him softly on the forehead, keeping his protective hold on Patton. “You should go, I'm so sorry” He rambles.

“Patton enough apologizing” Logan begs, trying to keep his worrisome voice under control. Patton shakes his tired head, his eyes barely flinting.

“I'm a mess, you shouldn't have to deal with me” he pouts, rubbing away the gentle tears that begin flowing. Pathetic. You got emotional… “You should go, I am so sorry” He blubbers, every decent or controlling instinct floods away with exhaustion. “You'll get bored, and then you'll resent me and-” He chokes back a sob

“Patton what-”

“I'm afraid I'm not enough for you!” He blurts, his arms squeezing tightly to his chest as they fold over his heart. And there he was, a timid child, so desperate yet so undeserving of validation. Logan falls silent, not sure whether he holds a right to reach out.

“Not enough?” He barely breathes “You are more than enough, you are everything” He takes Patton's cheek. “I think you're just tired, maybe we need to talk about boundaries”

“Boundaries?” Patton tilts his head, Logan bites back a saddened expression, the concept so foreign to the father. He pushes through nodding.

“Yes, for example, when I get rather upset or frustrated I prefer to be left alone” He tells, Patton notes this keeping it locked in his mind. “Now you” Patton raise a brow, furled in confusion as he tries hard to think.

“I...I dont…” He fights to conjure something, to simply please Logan. He slumps his shoulders, resigning his efforts. An overwhelming pit of guilt forming in Pattons stomach but soon his mind clears. He’s not doing this to please Logan, this is for him “I want-” Logan raise his brow “I need you to be patient with me” He states, Logan bites back a proud smile

“Patience, I can do that” Logan agrees, he knows that it doesn't matter but a simple affirmation goes a long way. “What else?” Pattons never gotten this far

“I need you to tell me what you're doing.” Patton continues, though confused Logan nods. He notices the couch begin to shake, Pattons leg taps rhymically.

“Explain” Logan regains his attention

“I need- I just...I want to know what's going to happen.” He attempts to clarify his silly thoughts “If you're going to hug me, tell me. If you're going to hold my hand, let me know. If you're going-” He shakes his head “I just need to know whats going to happen” Patton pleads, not that his partner needs much convincing “It won't always be like that, just, for now...I need to know”

“And that makes perfect sense. You can tell me if you feel the need to but I dont require the same courtesy” Logan assures, Patton finds his honesty comforting “I need there to be space” He adds. Patton waits, playing with the loose strings from his blanket. “I don't want to be coddled or cared for every hour of every day” Somehow they both ease into the room, the warmth returning as it becomes their home, their place. “I need there to be communication, I'm going to take your hand now” He smiles, Patton allows him to do so, grateful for the genuine effort. “I need you to inform me as to what's going on in your head, how you are feeling” He rushes the next part “I know it may take time, but I hope you can try, slowly” A comfortable silence takes place, the pair listen to the morning world as each aspect awakes for the day. Playful fiddling takes place between them, a routine so easy, so familiar, they could perform it should they choose. A storm Logan think has passed, no forming a rainbow in its own time, finds one last raincloud.

“I need to be allowed to… be” Patton barely utters the last word. Logan jerks his head back towards him, watching as the light sparkle of blue averts its gaze. Fearing his own temperament, knowing where this stems, Logan maintains a calm demeanor. “I need to be allowed to be emotional, to feel, to be excited-” He stops his rants, catching a crisp breath. “I need to be me” He realizes, a discovery it seems more for himself, his eyes widening only slightly.

“Patton, I can promise you, under no circumstance will I ever stop or discourage you from being you” He squeezes the mans nervous hands. “You shall never feel that way again, If I can help it.” He takes a sharp but deepened breath. Patton leans forward, connecting their lips of promises and a new hope for them. “I need you to bring me coffee every morning” Logan jokes

“Nice try, love you though” Patton teases leaning forward, an excitement to say the phrase so true and so deep, taking his chin as he kisses him once more. It felt nice, to have it simply happen with no resistance, no feeling of obligation. “Breakfast time” He stands, taking their empty glasses to the kitchen. The even rush of water clearing his scrambled mind. Scrambled...scrambled eggs, he prepares the recipe in his mind.

“Mmm” He hums, pleasant as the calm morning happens. “Oh I hear children” He notes, sweet feet scatter towards him. “Good morning Remus” Logan greets, Valerie rushes by making her way to her father. Remus wastes no time securing himself in Logan's arms.

“Are you my dada now?” He exclaims through a yawn, Logan freezes as Patton drops a shattered glass. Logan jumps up instantly, tightening his hold on Remus.

“Angelface stay back!” Patton rushes, Valerie stops in her tracks, her wide eyes staring curiously. ��Lo?” He asks, Logan nods taking Valerie away from the kitchen. Once the danger is cleared away, and a hushed conversation between the lawyers takes place, they sit the twins down on the couch. “Good morning my gems”

“Good morning papa!” They both greet with delighted smiles. Logan watches, trying hard not to let his smile grow. Patton laughs, stroking their messy hair.

“You had a question crabcake, care to explain?” Patton jumps right in, his son buzzing back. Logan fiddles with Valerie's excited feet, he's not sure why but neither seem bothered.

“Because he's my dada now!” Remus giggles “You love him, I love him and he loves me and you which means we’re family! Does that mean hes my dada now?” Remus decides, Patton looks up hoping a threatening flood will stop. Patton sighs, finding it much too early to watch Remus and Valeries hopes dim. ”You always say that love makes a family, no matter what” He grins, his toothy grin melting Patton.

But why should they?

Why should Patton say no?

Because of Logan, this isn't up to him, this is more than just about him

“Oh Remus, I-”

“You're absolutely correct Remus” Logan chimes in, Patton turns to him. “We are family now” He amuses the young boy. Patton takes his cheek kissing him, nodding through the most fragile of tears.

“Fam-ily!” Valerie cheers “I love you” She giggles, squeezing tightly to the two lawyers. Remus joins in soon after both run off to the backyard, to play in the remains of the dewey morning. The pair stand moving to the kitchen, facing each other once more.

“You didn't have to say all that Lo” Patton thanks, fiddling with Logans gentle fingers. “I know we haven't really had a moment to talk about...what all this means. I'm sorry if that put you in an uncomfortable position” Patton breathes

“Love, we can talk about this later, no reason to put them down on this fine morning” Neither phased by the adoring name, Patton finding it quite common really. “In addition, I am not uncomfortable” Logan assures, he kisses Patton's cheek, leaving a very flustered Patton to fall back into his blushed routine.

~~~

“My idea of a perfect family isn't marrying a woman!” Patton argues, Logan cocks his head as he closes the door into Patton's office. The lawyer waves to Logan, frustrated as he paces back and forth. “My children mom! My beautiful twins, the man I love and my friends! That's my family!” He shouts, Logan debates whether he should be upset or if his heart shall beat faster “Mother! Do not come down here!” He scoffs, angrily hanging up the phone, clutching the chair.

“How's your day going love?” Logan jokes, Patton rolls his eyes playfully.

“Haha very funny” Patton purses his lips, Logan smirks at him, flipping through some loose files upon the table. The door creaks open, a sweet assistant peeking her head through. “Whats up Willow?” Patton inquires

“Uhm, I-” She fidgets, her face heating up quickly. Logan adjusts to look at her. “Miss Bernard would like to speak to mister Tolentino” She swallows, Logan stands cautious but looks to Patton first. Both prepared to rejoin in the hallway but it seems the young lawyer has her own plans. She steps in, taking a grim look around.

“Thank you Willow” She looks to the assistant, was that a hint of mockery?

“Thank you Willow” Willow repeats clearly deriding her words, both sharing a solid glance before the assistant removes herself, bored of the high and mighty. An amused glance is shared between the men but Diana carries on.

“What can I do for you Diana?” Patton inquires with a smile, fully aware of her intent to question Logan. He upholds his kindness, knowing things don't have to be strictly business.

“Must you be so nice” She jokes, her relief setting in “Unfortunately Patton Im here to talk to mister Tolentino. Seeing as he was-”

“Your predecessor on the case?” Logan finishes, interjecting with his formulated words. Diana nods in agreement. “Makes sense to me, would you care to follow me to my office?” He stands, dusting off his prim outfit. She smiles uneasy, finding his presence less comforting then the shining one of Patton. Logan turns to Patton, leaning over the desk to kiss him sweetly on his soft cheek. “Dinner?”

“Dinner” Patton concludes, returning his focus to his work as the two lawyers leave him.

Diana walks silently alongside Logan, skipping through the marbled halls, playing her own game. The lawyers find no qualms but no connection, simply they are, as two isolating figures.

“Owo we have to set boundaries!! Oh Patttttooooonnnnn” Roman mocks in the utmost nasally voice he can conjure. Logan sighs as they continue walking. Roman joins their journey, skipping delighted.

“I'm going to slap you” He threatens, Roman laughs, shaking his head.

“Do it coward, I dare you” The judge challenges, Logan stops them in their path. Staring right into the previously fiery eyes, now filled with an amber fear. “You should know Patton tells me everything”

“Not to be made fun of I presume?” Logan contradicts, Roman rolls his eyes nudging the lawyer. “That's what I thought” He holds his head up high

“Dude, i'm just screwing with you, I think its good” Roman assures, Diana hums softly on her end. Finding no place in this conversation she skims her files. “Miss Bernard” Roman greets

“Your honor” She breathes, a hint of annoyance. The two actually present themselves quite similarly, Logan notices. “Mister Tolentino I hate to interrupt but I do have a lot of work to get to-”

“Yes, I understand, apologies” Logan laments, turning to a gazing Roman “Roman, I will talk to you later” He nods, the judge walks away seemingly joining an idle James by the fountain.  A sweet kiss shared between them, Logan raises an eyebrow but continues walking. Once they've reached his office, the shift in temperature hits the young lawyer quickly. A chill runs down her spine, tensing it as Logan barely glances her way. “Please, do sit” He offers, however his tone commands. But she does, and soon they face off yet seemingly on the same team.

~~~

“City councilman?” Patton breathes softly into the phone. He listens, though silent, his mind practically stretches with his thoughts. He walks through the crowded halls, frantic as he packs away his things. “No I mean..Im..I need to-” Cut off by more opportunities and new journeys, he smiles at a patient Logan who waits by reception. “yes , no Leo I understand-” He bites his lower lip, shaking his head “Got it, thanks”

“Everything alright?” Logan checks, taking his hand as he approaches. Feeling his anxieties wash away, dripping to the floor, feeling safe in Logan's touch. He leans in kissing his cheek, the softest of skin.

“Yeah, let's get to dinner” He pushes the other things out of his mind, watching his worries and questions seep away, himself leaning into the security of Logans gentle, curious smile. It doesn't take too long, besides the constant checking in with Virgil and the twins the ride itself is peaceful. The lawyers find themselves settled into the restaurant fast enough.

“I think it would be in our best interest to get right into business, as to enjoy the dinner once we have concluded our discussion” Logan advises, tapping the table. Patton sets down his water nodding.

“I couldn't agree more” Patton traces the brim, listening to the faintest hum from the glass. “So…” He drags it out, Logan smirks under the dimmest of lights.

“The kids” Patton states

“Yes you have them” Logan replies, knowing his words were silly. He was nervous, he wasn’t sure how to approach this, how to express a certain desire he assumed would go away but stuck through. “I would like, through the course of our relationship and however that might progress, to be apart of their lives” he explains, Patton keeps his face. He loved Logan, truly, but his kids would always come first. Every person who had even the tiniest place in their lives Patton made sure that for whatever he could do that they were safe and happy. Now he knew Logan and he knew he wanted him in their lives. But that was then, that was when he knew what he would be doing, now things change. To be blunt, now he isn’t just looking at a friend and caretaker, he’s looking at someone who’s going to be around for awhile, someone who will raise and discipline and love his kids.

“A father” he whispers, realizing to himself. Logan only hears the whistle of his soft words but not the substance. “Logan I don’t doubt that, but do you understand what you’re getting into?” He wasn’t just looking out for his kids, he wanted Logan to understand. He could be jeopardizing his relationship, his everything with Logan but he’s not going to allow the man to end up with something he doesn’t want, can’t handle or doesn’t make him happy.

“I don’t think I do either” Logan admits, he leans forward “But I don’t you did when you first had them. It’s a learning process, a place to grow.” Patton goes to rebut but Logan moves fast “And that is what you have to be understanding, that is what you have to be willing to do. Wanting to do” he breathes “and I want to. I want to learn, I want to be, in the most forward of terms, a parent” Patton inhales gently, soft breath not filling his mind quickly enough. “If you’ll let me and if you want me to” he adds, reaching out a hand, ready to receive. Biting his lower lip Patton takes the hand.

“Congratulations, you’ve got the job” He jokes, though forced his voice chuckles. Something sits uneasy with him, it’s not Logan it’s simply his uncertainty. He doesn’t know where to go from here, how does one go from being a friend to someone you love, who will be around, who your kids will see and soon enough see them as more than just ‘Dads friend’. Wide eyes as the reality set in, Patton didn’t know how to do this anymore. He had been on his own for so long, through every late night, every sickness, every fight, every tantrum and every tear. He didn’t know how to share that with someone, how to let them in.

He didn’t know how to let it be a good thing

How to let his previous fears wash away and embrace that maybe someone really wants to love him and care for him, and he can do the same without the fear of obligation. Someone who wants his kids as much as he does, to sit through those nights, to snuggle as they watch movies, to help when they get too much.

He didn’t know

And that frightened him

#objection au #sanders sides #patton sanders #logan sanders #roman sanders #remus sanders #virgil sanders #deceit sanders #ts valerie #emile picani #remy sanders #logicality #remile #platonic demus #prinxiety #fanfic #fanfiction #thomas sanders #writing #my writing #ao3 #archive of our own

[lachlann-macnab]

BDRP 2020 QUESTIONNAIRE

Your Name: Jean

Characters: Lachlann “Launchpad” MacNab

Pick one of your characters and talk about their growth. What about their story has surprised you? What are you proud of? How have they changed from their original inception to now?

Well, Launchpad is relatively new so he’s still pretty much the same as I envisioned him from the start-

-though I’ll admit that the idea of him having an enormous crush on Seamus/Scrooge was a surprise. I think it only took a couple of little chats with Sav and familiarizing myself with Seamus’ story for him to go “yes!! that’s the one I love!! let me at him!!”.

The funny thing is that it just kind of happened but also has a degree of canonicity to it; Granted, Ducktales ‘17 (the canon that got me into the Duckverse) didn’t delve a whole lot on the relationship those two have...but Ducktales ‘87 does and it’s fucking beautiful. 

But I didn’t know that! I was just familiar with the newest canon -exploring the relationship led me to the older canon and I absolutely love it! I love the way the older version of LP is equal parts silly and capable and I try my best to express that nice balance on my interpretation.

And I wouldn’t have found that sweet spot if it hadn’t been for Sav and Seamus!

Pick another character (or the same character if you only have one) and talk a little about where you WANT them to go. What are your plans for them going into the new year?

Oooh man, this is probably going to sound rude of me, but I want someone to call Launchpad out on his shit.

He is a happy-go-lucky man, he is positive, he does think the best of everyone right from the start, he is honest with that, but there’s also a degree of performativity to the way he interacts with people: he is a people pleaser and he’s also someone who avoids problems/confrotation when possible.

That leads to him having a hard time actually voicing what he thinks when things were serious. Launchpad will default to what he thinks is the most noble/the best option even if he actually hates it. He tries his best to be a reliable dude, but that pushes him to his limits every now and then -and he hates it, but will do it anyways.

I’d love for someone to notice that and point out his marthyr complex to him, or how hypocritical he can actually be when noone is looking. 

Jun did an amazing job at that, with the whole Moon Market incident and that is part of why I love his characterization and- I could rant about how Jun and LP are actually similar, yet different, but I won’t.

Someone please bitchslap my idiot son and tell him to be honest with his feelings, maybe get him to confront his feelings of inadequacy, maybe get him to actually face his problems instead of running away from them, kthanxs.

Pick a thread or a plot that you’re proud of and talk about why you loved it.

I have three threads I absolutely love, each for different reasons:

*Cleanliness is next to... with Jun: Jun called my idiot son out on his ‘noble man’ act. Jun was not impressed with his efforts and pushed him to an actual mini-meltdown because Launchpad didn’t know what to do or say to try and make things better: Launchpad is so used to having his way around people that the moment someone was inmune to all his tricks he...lost it. Big time. And I loved it.

*Untitled with Eilonwy: Both of them clicked instantly and- oh, man, I can’t really express what I feel about it, but:

Launchpad feels an actual, honest, connection to Eilonwy in various ways: both of them are a little bit weird, both of them are learning, both of them were kind of kicked out their comfort zones, both of them love adventure, both of them are fearless (in different ways), but there’s also a curious father-daughter dynamic to them. Eilonwy lacked not only a father figure but also a general actual caring adult one and I guess that’s part of what draws her to LP, while LP is a naturally caring man who also, (betweem the two of us), loves feeling like a good-ish role model instead of the dude people tell you to avoid because he’s an idiot, he loves looking out for people, he loves being understood -and Eilonwy, surprisingly, understands him without even trying. 

They are so very sweet, they just clicked and both of them learn new things with the other: both about themselves and the world. And I love it.    

*Dressed to the nines with Seamus: a.k.a “the one in which Sav let me go absolutely fucking ham”: It began with a chat about the need of gratious fanservice involving Seamus wearing (and getting out of) a suit -but soon became something else thanks to the Halloween task.

We soon got the ball rolling and Black Annis happened in a stupidly organic way (her very modus operandi, I discovered kind of late during the creation, ties way too well with the thread’s title itself and I’ll never get over it), and the mix of terror and action just naturally pushed the rest of the plot into the catharsis Seamus needed after all the stuff he’s been through.

The thread gave us the opportunity to write some mindless comedy, some yearning, some tenderness, plenty of gore, blood, trauma, legit PTSD, then back to tenderness and silliness -while also mentioning and showing a good deal of the things that have made Seamus the man he currently is, with the pretty and the ugly of it.  

I just think it was an amazing character exploration for both Seamus and Lachlann, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I love Sav’s writing, I love Seamus’ characterization, I love how naturally it all evolved, I love how Sav can casually bring something up while plotting and the thing just clicks into place, I love how we just kind of understand where things are going or where we want them to go. Sav’s just amazing at brainstorming and general writing and I feel really, really lucky to have the chance to write with her.

I have no choice but to stan, really.

 And I could go on and on about how the thread pushed both Seamus and Lachlann towards some big character development, but I really don’t want to rant -so I’ll leave it like this.

In terms of your own writing, identify 1-3 strengths and talk about why you think it’s one of your strengths.

Gee, that’s a difficult one. I guess my strongest suit as of now would be Launchpad’s voice as a character -and I’m not only talking about dialogue.

I think everyone that has read any of my threads has noticed by now that the flow of the narration is an extension of how Launchpad himself feels and thinks: it’s chaotic and emotional, it can get self-conscious and snarky when he, himself, can’t, it brings some exposition while not breaking the simple, chaotic rythm of Launchpad per-se.

In terms of your own writing, identify 1-3 areas of improvement.

This is way easier for me to pinpoint, hah! I definitely need to work on the length of my posts: I know seeing paragraphs upon paragraphs upon paragraphs can make people tired or make them feel intimidated to interact. 

I also need to work on organizing Launchpad’s chaotic thoughts. The narration does get long-winded and sometimes the progression from point A to point B is way too chaotic -so much so that actually erasing it all would make no impact on the overall narration. 

Pick one of your plots, or even just a character, and come up with a list of 3-5 “mentor texts” where you can look for inspiration or research, then write a short (2-4 sentences) why you picked those texts. 

Not texts per-se, but I think a good way to get a feel of Launchpad’s general vibe is to watch “Top Duck” from Ducktales ‘87 and/or “The Duck Knight Returns” and “Double-o-duck in: You only crash twice”; Those episodes do an amazing job in expressing his insecurities and passions.

Now, leaving the source material behind, I think a book he resonates with is “Oh, the Places You'll Go!” by Dr. Seuss -it’s fun, it’s simple and it has an overall heartwarming message: It kind of captures that sense of wonder, discovery and positivity Launchpad both has and wishes to offer other people. 

Another inspiration of sorts for Launchpad is Ferry’s “Parties are for losers” series: First of all, I’ll admit I’m a sucker for the Strugatsky brothers and СТАЛКЕР, so it’s no surprise I’m in love with Ferry’s interpretation of the story; I see a little bit of LP in KT’s story, but also in Yura’s and, surprisingly, in Olga’s. 

PAFL’s setting is different, yet similar, to the Soviet sci-fi original: it deals with some disenchantment, it’s far from idealistic, it’s rough, but it’s also full of wonder and adventure: there’s big risks, but there’s also a good deal of things that make things, if not better, a little bit less miserable for the characters -and sometimes that something that keeps them going is other’s presence. PAFL is, for me, the inspiration for adventures that aren’t always glamourous, simple, or happy, taken by characters that are far from perfect, that have the odds against them, that carry a whole lot of baggage and, yet, prevail.

And, finally, a last inspiration for Launchpad, my lovable idiot son, comes from probably the place one would expect the least: God of War (2018).

I’m also a sucker for God of War, sue me.  

I know it may seem bizare, but the message of the game just clicks with LP -and before you start wondering how in hell Kratos could possibly inspire Launchpad just let me tell you: he doesn’t. Because it’s not about Kratos I’m refering to when I talk about that story! I’m actually thinking of Mimir!

I love him so much.

Mimir’s role on the game is multifacetic: he brings exposition and ocasional comedic relief, sure, but I see him as the heart of the interactions between Kratos and Atreus (Kratos’ son, for those who may not know). Kratos is emotionally repressed and keeps to himself a lot while Atreus is a bundle of joy, energy, curiosity and someone that doesn’t think ‘because I say so’ is a valid answer to things; Kratos and Atreus clash during the first part of the game even when they love one another in their very particular ways.

In comes Mimir.

Mimir(’s head) joins the party and takes upon himself to act as a bridge between emotional distant father and young naive fearless son and...things start working for the three of them! Kratos starts understanding Atreus! Atreus slowly understands his father’s worries and needs! They begin the story as (almost) complete strangers but by the end they have an actual bond thanks to Mimir’s constant pushing and interventions: Mimir is soft with Atreus but bold with Kratos, the man knows when to joke and throw some riské comments for the chaos of it, but he’s also the first to offer words of comfort and understanding. 

The man becomes part of the family even when he isn’t related to them by blood, even going so far as to give a ‘no, take me instead!’ when presented with the opportunity by a pair of enemies, even when his whole story tells us that he thinks of the idea of dealing with those people (won’t say who, because spoilers) as worse than death -the man hates the mere idea of going back but doesn’t hesitate a second to offer himself as a sacrifice for his new family.

And, damn, that’s what I base my interpretation of Launchpad on. He’s not a part of the family per-se but he constantly acts as a bridge between the youngest and more idealistic parts of it and the jaded, older, tired one; He’s happy to be comedic relief but will also sit and give anyone a pep talk when absolutely necessary -he knows his limitations but keeps trying and offering his best for those he cares about. He tries to be the heart.

I’m emotional about a disembodied head, don’t touch me. Play God of War (2018), it’s fucking amazing.

And now, a wishlist!: 

I’m...actually up for everything and anything, really. I’d love some adventures, but I also love the more mundane interactions, I love the heavier topics but also the silly moments. 

I guess, as I said before, the one thing I’d really love is for someone to push Launchpad to be honest about his feelings. Also a plot about him either considering to or actually flying again -those, however, will happen in due time and I have no rush to make ‘em.

Why do you RP?

Short explanation?: I love writing and reading.

Longer explanation?: I love writing and reading, I love complex characterizations, I love exploring new ideas and seeing how little plot bunnies become full fledged plots and/or character explorations or bring some character development, I love how that creates a domino effect with the rest of the cast. I love to see things happen: I love watching from afar as other’s characters learn lessons, create and conect-

-also, I write and read all day, everyday: that’s my job. I do script revisionism and organizational comunication. During work hours I have to check the flow of words, tones, and overall intentions; I have to do my best to make sure someone’s idea fits the box, but RPing gives me the opportunity to take the box and toss it out of the window. RPing gives me the chance to write freely, to write silly, to be imperfect and not worry about going from A to B or dealing with a checklist or tones, intentions or other’s ideas. 

It’s just freeing. And that’s why I do (and love) it.

#bdrptask #/warning: long read ahead #/80% of this is me fanboying about other's writing; tbh

[spideyrights]

Partners (Series) - Detective Loki x Reader

II. ACQUAINTANCES

series masterlist

"I can’t thank you enough but I thought this might suffice.” you grinned, setting down the officer’s coat on his desk alongside a cup of coffee and two muffins you had baked freshly that morning. The pleasant surprise on his face which quickly morphed into pure delight was enough to cheer you up after a rough night. “Detective, you really are just walking sunshine, aren’t you?”

“I try my best.” you giggled, readjusting your coat in your arms, ready to step away from his desk and make your way to your cubicle when the officer’s voice stops you. “Your partner’s been here all morning you know. I don’t even know if he went home in the first place.” 

You nodded slowly, standing on your tiptoes to catch sight of Loki in his cubicle. Sure enough he was there, clicking around on his computer, hard at work. He was freshly showered, wearing a new outfit that, admittedly, looked great on him and his hair was cleanly slicked back but you also had the inkling he hadn’t gone home. It would be easy enough with the showers downstairs in the changing rooms and the clothes you knew he kept in the lockers there too. Something about that made your heart feel a little heavy. You knew Loki wasn’t one for company, fair enough, you couldn’t really be either in a new town with friends or family, but if he didn’t even have any downtime to himself? That doesn’t seem wise.

“Well thanks again, officer.” you smiled, approaching your shared cubicle with Loki. He glanced back towards you hearing the sound of you settling into your desk. “Morning.” 

“Yeah.” Charming as ever, you thought, shaking your head with a small smile. Every time you thought you made progress you seemed to regress just the next day. 

He stood, pulling on his coat, tucking his chair in and grabbing his phone and car keys. You expected him to say something about where he was going but he moved passed you wordlessly making you furrow your brows in confusion. “Um, Detective Loki,” you stood, pacing quickly to catch up with him. “Where are you going?”

“I’m gonna go speak to the families. Can you just...work on that press release? Thanks.” he feigns politeness before turning on his heel sharply again, walking faster this time as if to get away from you. You clench your fists feeling an unfamiliar feeling wash over you, almost like...rage? 

“Detective Loki!” you shouted, stopping him in his tracks. He turned with somewhat wide eyes and the other detectives in the area also subtly raised their eyes to observe the situation they all knew had been bubbling. “With all due respect, Sir, I have been working on that press release for four days already and I sent it out last night. I feel like I should inform you that my skill set does actually extend beyond press releases and if you would get your head out of your ass for a quick second you might realise that. Like how you might realise that my interrogation last night was perfectly fine and how you might realise that I’m perfectly capable of visiting the families with you so stop sidelining me and actually give me a chance to be a real detective!”

Your chest rose and fell rapidly as you realised how breathless your rant had made you. Silence fell upon the entire floor as everyone watched the two of you intently. Your gaze remained fixed on Loki and his on yours. He seemed speechless, his mouth agape but not even a sound escaping it. “Be in my car in three minutes or I leave you behind.” And with that he leaves, his long coat flapping from the momentum of his pace. You look around the room, sending an apologetic smile to everyone as you return to the cubicle for your coat and phone before hurriedly making your way out of the building, knowing Loki wasn’t kidding.

You feel relief when you see Loki’s car still parked outside and him sitting, obviously impatient, inside on the drivers side. You clamber into the passenger side seat, shutting the door and he sets off immediately, clearly wasting no time and you just about manage to clip your seatbelt in before you hit the main road.

You shuffle uncomfortably in your seat, your knee bouncing up and down as you feel the awkward tension strongly between the two of you. “I’m sorry about all of that.” you remark, eyes still trained on the view out of the window. 

“Don’t apologise. I was being a dick and you stood up to me. Might just be the first cop style thing I’ve seen you do.” Your mouth falls open in disbelief as if to ask ‘Is he seriously already being like this after I just shouted at him?’ but after looking to Loki’s expression, a smile or as close as he might get to one, you realise he's teasing and your face breaks out into an alike smile. 

“It might take me a little while to warm up to that sense of humour, Detective.” you joke. You’d be lying if you didn't say you were pleased to see that something in Loki had changed as a result of your outburst, even if it wasn't much. 

“You don’t need to call me Detective. As you’ve established we’re both detectives here.”

“Then what do I call you? Loki? David?”

“Do not call me David. We’re not there yet.”

“Loki it is.” You sat in silence a few moments longer. It wasn't hard to figure out he was no conversationalist, you imagined he liked the silence. But you didn't like to think about what he was thinking of. You couldn't imagine the man having a single light-hearted thought when a case like this was going on. You hated that. “It’s just that...I’m not normally the type to shout at...anyone.”

“I know, it’s not exactly hard to tell.” he said frankly. You responded with an inquisitive look, beckoning him to elaborate. “I’ve never seen the boys warm up to anyone as much as they have to you. Cops are seriously grumpy people, I haven’t seen half these guys crack a smile at work but you come along with your fucking baked goods and stupid jokes and they’re toast.”

You’re stunned into silence, stumbling over an assortment of noises that you can only assume is your brain trying to form a word or two rather unsuccessfully. “Do you have a problem with my baked goods or my stupid jokes?” you ask semi-jokingly.

“Not exactly. Just not used to anyone being that happy around the precinct...or anywhere.”

“I-”

“We’re here.” he interrupted, pulling over by the Dover household. You nodded, stepping out of the car with him, approaching the household. A piece of your heart broke when you opened the door to one very sad, very tired and very clearly distraught Mrs Dover. She let you in and even courteously offered you a drink which you declined on behalf of you and Loki who was paying her no attention, distracted by his phone. She let you know her husband would be down momentarily and in the meantime she sat on the couch alongside Loki and you sat in front of her, uncomfortably perched on the edge of her table. 

“Did we pass?” she asks, looking to Detective Loki though he’s still so absorbed in the texts he’s received that he doesn't seem to hear her. “Yes, you did, Mrs Dover, we appreciate your cooperation.” She nods solemnly, a faint smile of appreciation on her face. 

“It’s embarrassing, all this fuss. Everyone’s going to think we’re crazy when those two come out from wherever they’re hiding.” This piqued Loki’s interest and he finally put his phone away, looking to her inquisitively. “Do you have some reason to think they ran away?”

“No, they were happy, but they must have run away, right?” she looks between the two of you expectantly and you both nod, Loki even offers her a comforting smile. When she looks back down the two of you look to each other with unsure gazes. 

“Your police captain told me you’ve solved every case you’ve ever been assigned, is that right?” Even you didn’t know this so you match her gaze at Loki waiting for him to answer. His response is minute, maybe not even noticeable as he averts his eyes from us both, sending Mrs Dover into a state of tears. You reach your arm out sympathetically to grasp hers and she holds it gratefully, squeezing it as though she needs the physical contact desperately. 

“I’m so sorry,” she pauses, trying to gather herself. “Do you...have children, Detectives?” You know Loki won’t respond but you notice how he straightens his back, somewhat uncomfortable. 

“No,” you begin. “But I’ve always wanted kids. A daughter actually.” Both Mrs Dover and Loki’s eyes are trained on you now and for the first time Mrs Dover cracks a genuine smile, admittedly making you feel somewhat accomplished. “The day you have one will change your life, Detective, I tell you that.”

“You should know this case means a lot to me, Mrs Dover. I just wanted you to know that I am going to do everything-” “I’m gonna find your daughter.” Loki interrupts with a kind of certainty you didn’t expect from him. You flinch at his use of ‘I’m’ as opposed to ‘we’ but brush it off instantaneously. She looks like she wants to believe it but hardly can, accepting the comfort nonetheless. “We think the girls came back here after they left you at the Birches’ yesterday”

“They were looking for Anna’s red whistle” comes a voice from the doorway who you soon recognise to be Mr Keller Dover’s. You and Loki both stand. “Right, I read your statement.” Loki clarifies. 

“I’m Detective Loki and this is Detective (Y/L/N),” you both offer him your hands and he shakes yours, returning the small smile you send him. “We’re heading up the investigation into your daughter’s disappearance. Please sit down.” Keller, however, remains standing, taking no notice of Loki’s request. His wife clings to his arm desperately and the sight of the ruined family only makes your heart ache more.

“My son already told you the guy was inside the RV, just watching them.” Keller states, clearly confused as to the ruling out of Alex Jones as a suspect. “We haven’t found any physical evidence in the RV, or his aunt’s house where he lives.” Loki clarifies somewhat regretfully, looking to you to suggest you state your discovery.

“Nothing?” Keller is clearly stunned. “We discovered that Alex Jones unfortunately has the IQ of a ten year old. There’s no way someone with the IQ of a ten year old would have been able to abduct two girls in broad daylight and then...somehow make them disappear.”

“Well...how can he drive an RV? If, you know, if he can’t answer a question?” Keller asks, looking between the two of you. “Well he has a legal Pennsylvania licence.” Loki shrugs.

“And he ran right? They said he tried to run away. Why, uh, why would he run?”

“Mr Dover, we’ve spent a collective 10 hours questioning this boy and we wouldn’t come to you with this stuff unless we were certain of it.” you spoke as politely as you could muster though he remained unimpressed. “You give him a lie detector?”

“Sir, I understand what you’re asking me, yes we did give him a lie detector. There’s no way of,” Loki pauses to scoff. “A lie detector doesn’t work if you don’t understand the questions.” 

You observed Keller’s expression and it was evident he was growing increasingly antagonised by the constant dead ends his questions were facing. I guess he was getting a taste of what your job was like. “Well, maybe he wasn’t alone. How did he drive an RV if he had the IQ of a ten year old?”

“Mr Dover, we’re considering all possibilities.” you spoke softly trying to ease the tension. “No I don't think you are considering all possibilities.” Loki now chose to step in, recognising Keller’s rising temper and its direction towards you.

“I hear-I hear what you’re saying-”

“No, you listen to me, just shut the fuck up for a fucking second.” His voice escalated into an uncontrolled shout, making his wife whimper and the room fall silent. You jumped, slightly uncomfortable and Loki, having noticed, stepped in once again from preventing you from having to. “This is what I’m going to need you to do for me, you need to calm down.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry but please listen to me for a second.” Loki went on to speak clearly drawing Keller’s patience thin again but Keller soon got his words in. “I don’t understand what any of this means, they said he ran, they said he tried to get away. I don’t understand why he would tried to run away.”

For the first time in a while a few beats of silence fell upon the room and you found yourself eager to make eye contact with Loki as some weird sort of comforting presence. You, standing slightly ahead of him, shifted your body in his direction, both of your eyes briefly flitting to each other as Loki continued. 

“We’re considering all possibilities, Mr Dover. I hear what you're saying. I’m not crossing anybody off my list just,” His eyes briefly moved back to yours lingering for a moment before you both returned to look at Keller. “Let us do our job.”

Following a few more remarks, the two of you left side by side and you found yourself actually looking forward to the much less tense drive back with Loki, something you never thought you’d say. As the two of you were halfway to the car you were stopped by the return of Keller’s voice. “Shit.” Loki mumbled though you caught it, only letting amusement wash over your face for a second before it was gone as you turned back to Keller.

“He stays in custody until my daughter is found, right?”

“Sir, we can only hold him in custody for 48 hours unless we charge him which means he’ll be out tomorrow.” you informed and Loki sent him a sharp nod to indicate you were right. “Detectives, two little girls gotta be worth whatever rules you have to break to keep that asshole in custody. I know you can’t promise me anything, I’m just asking you to be sure.” The two of you stood there wordlessly, you knew you couldn’t promise Keller this but maybe it was worth a shot with the Captain.  

As Keller leaves, you and Loki continue across their lawn to his care. “I’m trying to help you when I say this but you can't do that,” You wait for him to elaborate. “...firm personal bonds. Like with Mrs Dover. It makes it too personal for you, it makes you too emotional and you'll feel a hundred times worse when you disappoint them. You live like that and this shit will fuck you up.” You let silence pass for a few moments, contemplating his comment. He's not wrong. It might just be the first time he’s said something to you that might just make you a better detective.

You open his passenger side door, about to slide in but you notice he’s lingered at his door, looking at you over the hood, hesitating as though unsure whether to say something. “This isn’t the job for that, you know.”

“Hmm?” “If you want kids I mean, this isn’t a job that will accommodate that.” He seems nervous. It makes you smile. “Nothing to apologise for. That life is long behind me now, Detective Loki.”

#jake gyllenhaal #jake gyllenhaal x reader #jake gyllenhaal x you #jake gyllenhaal imagine #jake gyllenhaal one shot #detective loki #detective loki x reader #detective loki fic #david loki #david loki x reader #david loki fic #partner series

[ruoyeming]

My Top Ten Anime, a chaotic list

This was so hecking difficult, I’m gonna have to do some ‘honourable mentions’ for ones I can’t bring myself to leave out. This list is based entirely on my personal feelings, not an objective assessment of what are logically the best anime. There also may be mild spoilers at points because I can’t control myself. Doing this in quarantine cause I looove ranting about things I like.

10) Attack On Titan

This was the first anime I ever watched, and it blew my mind a bit tbh. The music is iconic, and the animation is great as well. It might have been a bit harrowing for my first experience with anime, but I absolutely loved the story. It’s set in a world where titans (man eating giants) have driven the dregs of humanity to live within giant stone walls. There’s a group of humans trying to research titans, kill them, and protect humanity, and the main character decides to join them after a titan breaks through one of the walls and his mother is eaten. It’s one of those where you think you know everything and suddenly the world gets turned upside down by a new discovery. All the puzzle pieces start fitting together the longer you watch, and you find out that everything going on is much bigger than what it originally seemed (government conspiracy time lads). The plot twists are unpredictable (for me at least) and devastating, and the emotion this series evokes is awesome - you can FEEL the sheer desperation of the characters, their rage and despair as they fight again and again against a seemingly unending enemy. Despite almost every battle being a suicide mission and despite too many losses, the characters keep going out of the human need to survive and protect. 

10/10 for brutality and gore, but also theme of hope.

9) Naruto

A founding father of anime. Surprisingly not one of the first I watched, in fact it took me a few years to start. It’s set in a feudal Japan where ninjas are the defenders and servers of the people, and different villages have different ninja styles. Naruto is a young boy with a dangerous spirit sealed inside him which has caused him to be shunned by society (even though it’s not his fault??), and he wants to become a ninja. First off I’m a sucker for the Naruto archetype: dumbass, cocky, obnoxious, but kind and loyal too. Years of solitude and ostracisation as a child mean that Naruto desperately wants people to acknowledge him, and he intends to become the Hokage to prove himself. There’s a huge range of characters and villains, all with cool ninjutsus and different philosophies. Friendship, power, and determination are some of the main themes and it makes me so proud to see my son *COUGH* Naruto progressing and learning from his mistakes. It IS a long boi though and I haven’t even finished Shippuden yet, but I think Naruto captures the essence of shounen anime and is a great underdog story. Manga is lit too. 

10/10 for cool battles and great characters.

8) Psycho Pass

One of the earlier anime I watched, and it became an instant favourite for the way it makes you question morality. It’s set in a kinda dystopian future Japan, where a technology called the Sibyl System checks people’s mental state and determines their ‘crime coefficient’ - how likely they are to commit a crime. The main character is a young woman who joins the police and begins to realise that blindly following this system is perhaps not the best way to go about things. For example, they have special guns that automatically kill people whose crime coefficients are over a certain level, but she soon proves that you can easily lower someone’s coefficient by talking them down and negotiating instead of killing them off immediately. It’s got great drama, great government conspiracy, compelling villains, and some really badass characters. It pushes the question of what is right or wrong, and how far technology should go when it comes to justice. 

10/10 for sociological debate and horror elements.

7) One Punch Man

OPM is an anime that stands out for me, partially for mocking the tropes of battle anime, and partially for the uniqueness of the main character’s predicament. It’s set in Japan where heroes and villains exist, and the protagonist is a man called Saitama who gained superstrength after doing 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10K run every day. However he’s become so strong that he can defeat every enemy with a single punch. Nothing is a challenge for him anymore so he becomes depressed and unfulfilled; he’s still a good man who helps people, but he feels he’s missing something from his life. A cyborg called Genos makes Saitama his master, determined to learn his ways and they become friends. It’s one of the first anime that made me laugh out loud; it’s funny and entertaining, but also shows us that power is not equal to happiness. 

10/10 for moral lessons and good jokes.

6) Tanaka-kun is Always Listless

The only slice of life anime on this list and not very well known, however it has a special place in my heart. The main character Tanaka is a boy who dozes off constantly and acts exhausted when awake; he loves expending as little energy as possible. His best friend Ohta looks out for him and essentially makes sure he doesn’t get lost/ be late/die on a daily basis, including carrying him when he just falls asleep sometimes. Although Tanaka seems uncaring, it’s shown that friendship isn’t a bother to him, and he realises that he actually relies on his friends despite saying he likes being left in peace. His friends all have great personalities, my personal faves are a tough gangster girl who’s rude to everyone EXCEPT her adorable loli girlfriend, and a popular girl who’s trying too hard to fit in and starts to become more herself after befriending Tanaka. All the characters share one brain cell, and it’s genuinely a funny anime - I’ve burst out laughing watching it a few times. Also Tanaka and Ohta are extremely shippable if you want to go down that route; it’s said several times in the series that they’re like an old married couple. 

10/10 for wholesomeness and comedy.

5) Ouran High School Host Club

Another lighthearted show, probably the anime that’s made me laugh the most out of any. It’s set at an academy for rich-as-heck kids, and there’s a ‘Host Club’ where all the girls go to drink tea with a group of handsome boys. There’s the cunning Kyouka, prankster identical twins Hikaru and Kaoru, stoic Mori, adorable Honey, and princely but obnoxious Tamaki. Haruhi, a working-class scholarship student who is mistaken for a boy, accidentally breaks a precious vase and is forced by the host club to join them to pay off her debt. The group of boys realise fairly quickly that haruhi is a girl, but she becomes a popular host amongst the girls (LOVE the secret lesbian vibes) so they keep up the charade. I think I have a weakness for groups that share one brain cell because aside from Kyouka, they’re all idiots. I also love how flexible the show is with ideas of gender and sexuality despite being a slightly older anime. The daily antics of the host club combined with their personalities is a recipe for comedy, and they’re all lovable in their own ways. 

10/10 for characters, drama, and comedy; it’s well-paced too.

4) Bungou Stray Dogs

Set in an alternate modern Japan where some people have secret abilities that can be activated, this anime became an obsession when I first watched it. The cast of characters is amazing and the villains are awesome too. Atsushi is an orphan who discovers he can turn into a powerful tiger, and is hired by the Armed Detective Agency, a small organisation of powerful individuals who fight crime. NEED I SAY ANY MORE?? Many of the main characters share names with famous Japanese authors such as Osamu Dazai and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa which is really cool and something that might add to the story more if I had an understanding of Japanese literature. Anyways the main character Atsushi is kind of a wimp at first (understandably because the world of ability-users is actually terrifying), but he learns to stand up for himself and use his ability to save people. The show’s mixing of dark and comedic tones is perfect to me; one moment a character is off his head on mushrooms and the next Atsushi’s leg is brutally sliced off in a back alley fight (it regenerates later no worries). The plot is really cool and full of intrigue, and eventually you get the whole ‘Usually we’re sworn enemies but we’re forced to become allies in the face of a greater evil’ thing and it’s great! Turns out our main guy and our main bad guy are actually a pretty powerful and efficient team, hoho?? 

10/10 for supernatural detectives being super cool.

3) Yuri!!! on Ice

Y’all already know what’s going on. Ice skating, emotional breakthroughs, gay shit, HIT ME WITH IT. The story follows Yuri Katsuki, an insecure figure skater trying to regain his confidence, and his self-appointed coach Viktor Nikiforov. Viktor is enthusiastic in helping Yuri train, and Yuri has been a big fan of Viktor since his childhood *throws pillow across the room*. Yuri becomes determined to, quote, “surpass Viktor’s wildest imagination”, and they end up agreeing - through a series of convoluted events - to get married if Yuri wins gold at the olympics (I think it’s the olympics??). Either fuckin way this series has angst, humour, cuteness, and god DAMN did I get invested. When Yuri was doing his free skate my own heart was beating harder than it did when I finished a 10K. Love the vibes and also it’s the closest to full healthy gay representation that I’ve seen in anime for a while. Not much more I can say, but do I really need to say more???

10/10 for GAY and MY HEART

2) Kimetsu No Yaiba (Demon Slayer)

Ok this one’s kind of a cheat cause I’ve read the manga as well which is way ahead of the anime, but FUCC. It takes place in the Taisho Era in Japan (begins 1912), where Demons exist who eat people. Tanjiro Kamado’s family is killed by a demon one night and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon - but it is soon discovered she’s different to other demons, and can restrain herself. Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to try and track down a cure for his sister, while proving that demons are not inherently evil. I LOVE Tanjiro as a main character because he values kindness over everything else, not forgiving demons for their sins but recognising they are tormented creatures, trying to give them peace before they die. All demons were once human - a fact that only Tanjiro seems to remember when fighting them. He’s patient, gentle, and determined - hotheaded and brash sometimes, but he has this vibe that just makes people become his friend/respect him even if they don’t intend to. He befriends two other slayers - Inosuke, an absolutely feral Best Boy who was raised by wild boars, and Zenitsu, a cowardly but ultimately loyal guy. This trio works really well together and Tanjiro is a great protagonist. Don’t even get me STARTED on the music and animation. Impeccable. Kamado Tanjiro No Uta makes me cry every time I hear it, and the water/fire effects used to show the metaphorical way the swords move like the elements takes my breath away.

10/10 for morals, music and animation.

1) Mob Psycho 100

Where the fuck do I start here. This anime is so unique in its style, story, and characters that I think it will always be my favourite. It follows Shigeo Kageyama (nicknamed Mob cause that’s what they call extras and background characters in Japan), a plain boy with incredible psychic powers that explode when his emotions are too high. Over time he’s learned to suppress his emotions, causing him to become socially inept and emotionally withdrawn. His (fake) psychic ‘master’, Reigen, uses him to make money exorcising spirits, making Mob believe that it’s for ‘training’. Mob appears naive at times, but he is so simply kind to people that it makes my heart hurt. Unlike many of the egomaniac psychics that Mob comes across, he recognises that without powers, he is just an ordinary boy. Mob’s greatest power isn’t his OP psychic abilities, but his power to show people they can change, that he can change. He forgives (and eventually befriends) people who have tried to kill him. Redemption and empathy are big themes here and they’re done really well.

The other characters are so well rounded and are also given time to grow, including Reigen - at first he’s a seemingly manipulative sleazebag, but later you see that he is a genuinely good man who has taught Mob many lessons and helped him grow up. This is a core message - Mob’s ability to change is due to support from his friends, not purely his own desire - people need other people!

This is also one of the true rarities in anime where the second season is absolutely just as good (if not better!) than the first one. The music is unique to the show, the ops for both seasons get me litty, the animation is incredible, the jokes are great and although it’s not all about big-ass fights, when we do get a big-ass fight it’s so fucking cool. The fight sequences are beautifully animated and visually stunning. MP100 makes me laugh, cry like an actual baby, and want to become a better person. Idk I could literally write pages on it like the big nerd I am but that’s all I’ll do for now.

10/10 for literally everything.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Given : about a boy who joins a band which helps him work through his trauma. Lovely healthy gay representation and themes of healing.

Samurai Champloo : ragtag trio consisting of two samurai - one lowkey feral and does breakdancing, the other lofty and withdrawn - and a bold young girl. Themes of friendship and journeys. I simp for the lofty samurai.

Cowboy Bebop: jazzy music, bounty hunters in space, 90s anime WHAT MORE COULD U WANT. Yet another group of characters that share a single brain cell. Love it.

#anime review #anime recommendation

[my-miraculous-headcanons]

𝕮𝖆𝖙𝖋𝖎𝖘𝖍 : Part II

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Marinette had known she was going to be kidnapped that day. Not many in the castle believed her to be anything more than the kind, clumsy princess that she appeared to be, but the truth was that she was extremely observant, and as a result, extremely good at predicting what may happen in the near future.

It’s how she knew that the Prince of Vipravia would ask for her hand in marriage, and how she knew that their (or rather, his relative’s) true intentions was to absorb her family’s kingdom and tax it to high heaven under their rule.

It’s how she knew that the infamous pirate, Captain Chat Noir, was fast approaching directly towards their palace, and would arrive three hours past midnight directly after the engagement party. The perfect time to infiltrate the castle, take the royal guard by surprise, steal as many valuables they can carry, and kidnap the princess to ensure their departure. 

She had packed her things in advance, and waited.

It is true that, with her knowledge of their incoming arrival, she could easily just tell the guards in advance and capture the wicked man once and for all. However, she would lose a very important opportunity in doing so. 

By opportunity, she means the chance to delay the wedding long enough for her to come up with a good, solid reason to break it off. 

Because, while charming he may be, she refuses to marry Prince Luka. The man himself is sweet, and genuinely seems to adore her, but his father was another story altogether. The King of Vipravia was a disgusting man who had no respect for women, believed himself to be smarter than he truly is, had no regard for the health and safety of his subjects, and had the shortest temper she has ever seen.

And, for some reason, she seems to be the only person aware that, immediately after the wedding and the paperwork to absorb her kingdom is complete, the King plans to murder his son, her, and the rest of her family. Just to ensure everything belongs to him, and no one else.

Because, clearly, that disgusting creature tends to forget that he isn’t an immortal god, and would need to pass down the kingdom to a living heir some point in the future. And, currently, Luka is his only eligible living heir. 

Like she said. The stupid man believes he’s smarter than he truly is.

So, yes, she packed her things and waited to get kidnapped by a crew of very dangerous pirates, all for the safety of her kingdom, her family, and her dear friend Luka. 

Unfortunately, she can’t predict everything. 

For example, she had no way of predicting that, despite the official announcement of her and Prince Luka’s engagement, his father would still go out of his way and order his royal navy to kidnap her themselves.

By Gods, does she hate that bastard.

“I’m so sorry about this, Princess Marinette,” said a young lady. She was petite, with short blond hair and pretty blue eyes. Despite her adorable appearance, she wore a men’s naval uniform, which was truly a surprise, given the Vipravian King’s attitude towards women. “We’re just following orders, truly. I’d loosen the binds for you, but...”

“But you’re the only other female on a ship full of haughty naval officers, and disobeying may result in unspeakable torture that would be excused as punishment,” Marinette finishes for her. “I understand. Although I must wonder, why are you here, then? Or, more specifically, how?”

The young lady sighs, as though expecting this question. She glances behind her shoulder, silently listening for any incoming footsteps through the door, before continuing.

“I have managed to pretend that I am a young boy supporting a single mother and younger sister back at home. They believe I am eleven years old, an only son, and mute. I’m short enough for it to be plausible, my cheeks are round enough too. But, if they were to hear me speak...”

“The ruse would unravel. That’s a... delicate situation.”

“Indeed, that’s one way of putting it.”

Marinette leans back into the chair with a thoughtful hum, ignoring the way the ropes around her wrists twist and tighten in response. The lady’s ruse would surely end when a few years go by and she shows no signs of aging, so either this is a temporary arrangement, or she’s desperate. Desperate for what, exactly, is not yet clear, however...

Marinette has a guess. She has no concrete proof, of course, and no reason for believing this theory to be true, but she does remember a young maiden that Princess Juleka would often mention. A small, blue-eyed blonde, who was skilled in her work of mixing fragrances and concocting quality perfumes. A year ago, however, this maiden had been (she very much suspects falsely) accused of witchcraft, and in fear of her life being taken from her, she had disappeared, leaving no traces behind.

Princess Juleka, though she clearly held strong affections for this perfumer, did not weep nor worry over her disappearance. In fact, she had seemed to have anticipated everything; from the accusations of witchcraft, to the young lady’s vanishing act.

Marinette’s guess is that Juleka had prepared a false identity for the young lady. She also strongly believes the reason Juleka had predicted the accusations was because, behind closed doors, the perfumer was more than simply a fine friend of the Princess’, but her lover. 

And Princess Juleka knew, sooner or later, their relationship would be discovered by her father, the King. There’s no doubt the swine would throw a fit over the discovery, and would have immediately come up with a reason to execute the ‘temptress,’ as he would call her. That reason would be witchcraft, because unfortunately for the king, homosexual affairs with non-royalty was common, generally never seen as a reason to throw a temper tantrum.

After all, the missing Queen Anarka was known to be deeply in love with a female sailor, and their story is a beloved one in the Vipravian Kingdom. Political marriages are well-known to be simply that: Political. 

Marinette sighs. She’s getting off track. The focus, here, is the true identity of the lady soldier, and if her hypothesis was correct, then that would mean she is...

“Rose Lavillant.”

The disguised woman straightens up in surprise, though quickly tries to hide it. Unfortunately, she does not seem very good at controlling her expression, much less her body language.

That was proof enough.

“I must say, out of all the identities Juleka could have prepared for you, I wouldn’t have expected she’d hide you in plain sight,” Marinette says. “This is beyond dangerous, but I will admit, it’s... clever. Who would suspect a wanted witch working as a soldier?”

“I’m no witch,” Rose says softly, looking pained and miserable. “I’ve committed no crimes. My lovely flower, she had planned for me to move into her chambers as her personal handmaiden. We did not expect her father to have spies... Not many in the palace are truly loyal to him. It surprised me.”

“But not Juleka,” Marinette surmised.

“No, not my flower. She was prepared. How could you know this? She swore to me she would not tell a soul, and she has always kept her promises to me.”

“I simply guessed,” Marinette answered truthfully. “Juleka has spoken of you before, and I, of all people, am aware of how evil the Vipravian patriarch truly is. I only needed your confirmation.”

Rose goes quiet, leaving an awkward stretch of silence between them that’s only broken by the rocking of the ship, the creaks of the wooden beams. 

“Prince Luka has mentioned your frightening intellect, before,” Rose finally says. “Juleka has only mentioned your kindness, and how funny you are. She has many stories of you, but they’re unlike the ones her brother would tell. I’m beginning to understand what he meant, when he said people often underestimate you.”

Marinette laughs, rolling her eyes. “Oh, please, he didn’t tell you that stupid rant of his about how my brain works, did he? You poor soul.”

“About how you see the world as a massive puzzle, you mean?” Rose smiles. “Yes, it did sound rather humorous at the time. Frankly, you may be as smart as he says, but I still think his theory is a bit silly. After all, you’re still the lady Juleka said was late to her own birthday celebration, and had arrived barefoot and muddy.”

“I was seven years old!” 

“Seven year olds aren’t late to their own birthdays!”

Marinette had laughed openly, while Rose, having grown accustomed to her mute ways, had bitten her lip to keep her own joy contained. Her tremoring shoulders, however, she couldn’t do much to still, nor could she hide the blinding smile.

And then, with the sound of descending footsteps echoing behind the door at Rose’s back, the mood had all-too-abruptly died. 

Knuckles rapped against the door.

“Switching out, Cameron, you’re on kitchen duty next.”

Rose opens the door, face blank, and nods silently towards the taller man as she passes by him. She doesn’t look back even once, and all Marinette can do is look on as her only ally disappears out of sight.

Of course, she can’t help but feel infinitely reassured to know that she has an ally at all. She had been prepared to be kidnapped by enemies who would give her no sympathy. She had been prepared to hold her head high and simply deal with it. She had been prepared to accept the worst of cases, in the event that things take a bad turn.

It feels good to know that she has someone in her corner, there to help her if things truly do go south.

#Miraculous Ladybug #ML #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #Marinette Dupain Cheng #Rose Lavillant #Maximilian's Writing #Juleka Couffaine #Luka Couffaine #Lukanette #One-Sided Lukanette #JuleRose