#completely ignoring how my appreciation for the ship became more complex

[asongofhopeandjoy]

Mai and Ty Lee for bingo! Or Zutara if no one has asked that yet 💖

MAILEE!!!

This ship has a lot of nostalgia for me because they were my first femmeslash ship the moment Ty Lee leapt to hug Mai at Ba Sing Se. 🥺

I had never really shipped two female characters before because I was quite young, ATLA was my first real fandom and back then femmeslash shipping wasn't as common as it is now due to heteronormativity, lack of exposure to wlw content and two female characters not getting that much screen time together in kids TV in general (it was the 2000s after all), but I couldn't help thinking "these two are so soft for one another!"

So imagine how delighted I was when Ty Lee risked her life to save Mai's at The Boiling Rock, when it's been established that Ty Lee is deathly afraid of Azula and would do anything to avoid her wrath. I was screaming at the screen guys!

And now... for my feelings about Zutara...

Anyone who follows me knows that I love this ship, but what you might not know is that this was my first serious OTP. Like, reading and writing fanfiction for OTP and hoping that they get to kiss on screen OTP. Because when I saw them on screen together my kid brain was like: "They should kiss. 😍" and would hang out on fanfiction.net to sate that need. I remember those days fondly. <3

During season 1 I shipped Zutara because I thought "these two look cute together" and I enjoyed all the potential drama that could arise from their relationship, but then season 2 happened and I saw the writers developing Zuko and Katara's characters and my kid brain was like "Oh wow... Zuko and Katara sure have a lot in common... I bet if they got to talk about their mums and other stuff in their life these two would get along and maybe get to comfort one another because I'm soft for that shit!"

Boy did my brain explode when the trailer for the Crossroads of Destiny dropped. 😫 I not only got a scene of Katara touching Zuko's scar (THE TRUST! THE INTIMACY!), but of Zuko and Katara being vulnerable and emotionally intimate with each other when they talked about how the war impacted both of them negatively! And to this day I still think that scene is *chef's kiss*.

I will not talk about how disappointed I was when Zuko went back to the Fire Nation because I'm keeping this post a positive one and boy did we get a feast in season three to make up for it!!!

There's so much I like about their season three interactions that I won't list them all here because I don't want this post getting too long (but let's think about the fact Katara took Zuko's betrayal so personally, how she teases him in the Ember Island players, the fact I KNOW Zuko would have supported whatever decision Katara made in TSR, THE FACT THAT ZUKO AND KATARA RISKED THEIR LIVES TO PROTECT AND SAVE EACH OTHER IN THE FINAL AGNI KAI-), but I'll just say I love it. All of it.

This ship confirmed to me that I don't need a pairing to be "canon" to like it because sometimes I find personal, thoughtful and selfless acts of devotion (whether you think that devotion was meant to be platonic or not) more romantic than what Hollywood tries to sell us and I think that's neat. <3

I've also made a life-long friend from this ship who I wouldn't trade for the world and it ignited a passion for writing and literary analysis that helped me get a English Literature degree, which is an achievement I'm really proud of considering I have a learning disability which used to effect me so bad even my parents wondered if I'd be able to go to a mainstream high school.

So uh... yeah. Zutara as a ship means a lot to me.

#atla #mailee #zutara #mai #ty lee #zuko #katara #asongofhopeandjoy #speaking into the void #watch some idiot zutara anti come to this post and say ha! I knew zutaras only liked zutara for shallow reasons #completely ignoring how my appreciation for the ship became more complex #just watch #because they don't have any reading comprehension #lol #anyways #long post #hope you enjoyed my rambling #and isn't great how wlw ships have become more popular and liked over the years?

[f3296]

Hi I just feel like I need to ramble and maybe some one else out there feels the same way. So in the AOT I’m not all that big on ships just because shipping really isn’t my thing but I do enjoy it to an extent. I consider myself to be a multi shipper because again the relationships in AOT are so complex and I love all the characters and their dynamics. My biggest “ship” would be Eurihan just because that trio to me is all sorts of fun and I love their dynamic.

But with that being said, I find myself to be drifting farther and farther away from the Eruri aspect just because as I continue to reread the manga and pay attention to the themes of the story canonically speaking I don’t actually see any “romance” between them. The Fannon concepts of Eruri are fun and beautifully tragic with the fan arts and stories especially in modern AU. They are a very attractive couple and I fully understand the hype but canonically speaking I just don’t see it anymore. I love their dynamic as a whole and brings such a complex look to both Levi and Erwins character that their friendship is something to admire.

And with that being said I feel their complexity of characters and their story gets lost within the fandom. I think the term that is used is “shipping goggles” when canon stuff of the original story gets lost or replaced for the sake of the ship. Which in this case I feel happens a lot in Eruri specifically.

Now I really don’t want people to feel I am bashing Eruri. I’m obviously a fan with my own fan art and my interactions with mutuals so please no one take offense. This is just a quirk I have in every fandom when canon material gets lost for the sake of a ship.

Specifically with Levi.

Now I understand my biases consider Levi is my favorite character and I truly Kin him. But when I watch edits or read DJs or even just scrolling through things like tumblr or Twitter I find myself avoiding the Eruri tags because I get so frustrated when all I see if Levi’s entire character being based around Erwin. The concept that Levi is only alive to fulfill Erwins promise or he only fights for Erwin and completely derailing his character to be centered around Erwin is frustrating.

Levi fights for all the scouts since the very beginning. When else first meet him and he promises the dying scout he would eradicate the Titans, this is a shared dream the scouts had and has said he will do what he can for All of them. Not just Erwin.

Now this isn’t to disregard Erwins importance to Levi. Erwin gave him a purpose to live, he was his friend and trusted comrade and felt he was the best for humanity. Erwin is important to Levi no one is saying other wise. He just isn’t the center of Levi’s world.

Levi trusted Erwin because he saw something bigger than himself and Levi wanted to help Erwin get there because Levi himself if a very loving and selfless character. This I find to be so beautiful of Levi’s (and mikasas) character.

When Levi learns the truth behind Erwins actions and his selfish reasons to fight for humanity was for the sake of seeing in the basement really sent Levi into turmoil. (I feel this is WITs fault for not expressing this properly in the anime) this is why he continued to pester and push Erwin to know his motives past the basement, because Levi wanted to believe he was this selfless leader he had been finessed into believing he was (because we can’t forget canonically speaking Erwin is a con man and enjoys gambling which makes him and great leader)

Levi tells Erwin to die so he would continue to go down with the facade he was a selfless leader and to continue to live up to the expectation. Levi accepted this fault of Erwin just as he had accepted the faults of all his comrades and their selfish actions.

Levi was canonically devoted to Erwin, but not in the romantic way.

Erwin also never expressed a “interest” in Levi in that matter outside of their friendship and Levi’s abilities. It also should keep in mind that Erwin was ultimately in love with Marie, and chose not to have a family and a wife (which he actually wanted) to avoid having a widow. We can head cannon all day long about how “he realized in his last moments” or “behind the scenes” or interpreting smart press stories a certain way to fit the narrative but it’s just important to remember the difference between cannon material and your own HCs.

Now I know a lot of people will read this and think “wow a levihan shipper wrote this” and you would be right I also ship levihan as well. And they are also not cannon in a relationship as well but the romantic implications for them specifically cannot be ignored because you don’t like them. Levi and Hange are canonically best friends. They are known as the “abnormals” of the scouts. They know each other the best. Their relationship is so complex it cannot be defined as a friendship. (Even Moblit admits he doesn’t have a bond with Hange like Levi does) and it’s okay if you just see them as friends, and I honestly don’t blame a lot of people who do considering WIT really bit the bullet with missing key Levi and Hange moments to better fit their dynamic (I’ve seen people say they aren’t even good friends and that breaks my heart they are besties )

And honestly why wouldn’t you want to ship levihan? This ship in my opinion is the least problematic with the least controversy to it. It’s comforting and sweet and gives a sense of love and family. It’s literally a best friends-> lovers trope. Their friendship is what makes this ship in my opinion so pure and honestly why I fall in love with it more everyday.

And I know some will say “what about Moblit?” And honestly, it bothers me how much he is used to argue levihan because I ultimately feel his character also gets dumbed down as a default for Hange just for shipping and it bothers me too.

*and honestly guys Hange and Moblit isn’t even that great in a ship since considering Moblit became an anxious alcoholic trying to take care of Hange and Hange would get so caught up with their work they wouldn’t even notice. NOTE: they obviously cared for each other as comrades and Moblit felt Hange was needed for humanities survival and cared for them obviously but just my opinion I don’t see that ship working in my opinion.

But in reality guys, I never saw any of these characters “getting together” because they’re soldiers. Their hearts were dedicated to the cause of saving humanity first so that’s the beauty of AOT and the ambiguity of the characters relationships with one another because ultimately they all have attributes to love and benefit each other. Even with the forest scene and the plane for Levi and Hange, I never expected A “happy ending” for them in the sense of platonic or romantic because that doesn’t fit their canon narratives. Levi was destined to be the last soldier standing and brings the complexity of being the perfect soldier with a human heart.

*though the implication of romantic feelings never being acted on were there because they indeed paralleled with eren and mikasa

Levi’s literally means “attached” he attaches himself to the people he cares about and dedicated his strength and ability to help others gain their hopes and dreams.

Erwin tragically lost his humanity to become the devil for the sake of humanity which ultimately left him fruitless to his venture.

Hange taking on the burden of making the tough decisions and shouldering the weight of the deaths of the soldiers and Erwins legacy left them feeling loss and useless until their sacrifice.

All these characters have such complexity to them, they are all deeper than their fannon ship and should be appreciated and the narrative shouldn’t be shifted for the sake of a ship.

Levi didn’t fight to the end for just Erwin he did it for all of them.

So again, sorry for my rambles and I hope there will be those who read this and understand where I am coming from with this and understand though I will continue to ship all three, it still makes me sad I feel I can’t interact with some without them destroying entire characters for the sake of the ship.

So again love ships not ship wars. That’s the fun part when ships aren’t cannon you can just mix and match whenever you feel like it ❤️❤️

#levihan #I’m only tagging levihan just because I feel Eruris might hurt me lol #erurihan

[sitp-recs]

Do you know of any fics under 10k that aren’t too angsty? ❤️

Hi anon, I most certainly do! Thanks so much for sending this ask, I was super excited when I saw it because I’m always happy to celebrate short fics - they could use more appreciation! I’ve wanted to do a proper shorts reclist for a while so I indulged myself and went big, hope you don’t mind! Putting this together was quite hard - going through my bookmarks I realized that I usually go for angsty shorts 💀 so I tried my best not to include anything too extreme, I hope these are okay!

This became a lil monster with 40 recs (and I have lots more hehe) so I decided to sort them by genre - the last category includes light angst (more on the contemplative side) because I can’t help myself. Shout-out to @tackytigerfic for giving me a 2nd opinion and helping me polish this - and for being a darling in general. Happy readings!

ROMANCE/COMFORT

1. Sun Stroke by @peachpety (2020, E, 3k)

Warm, sexy and wholesome, this fic makes my heart soar with the magical beach setting, amazing friendship dynamics and the sweet get together with a delicious side of smut!

2. oxygen [Fic & Art] by @maesterchill (2020, T, 4k)

Tentative acquaintances become something more over a shared smoke at the balcony. Sexy, mature, deliciously atmospheric and full of promise - plus Healer Draco is always a treat!

3. Catch the Snitch (No, Catch My Heart) by @prolix- (2020, E, 4.5k)

Gorgeous bath fic where Harry and Draco just... take care of each other. The raw emotion packed here! Lush and vivid build up with stunning body worship, hot and intimate and breathtaking.

4. Thermodynamic Equilibrium by DorthyAnn (2017, T, 5k)

This quiet comfort fic gives our boys some well deserved healing through physical touching and late night companionship. Love the 8th year atmosphere, soothing and familiar.

5. Blue Sky Is Living Here Today by ignatiustrout (2018, G, 5k)

The loveliest kid fic you’ll see today - real characters, gentle longing, soft understanding. It’s a joy to watch dad Draco through Harry’s smitten eyes, as he realizes there’s no rush to live that love.

6. Gravity Centered by @carpemermaidtales (2019, E, 6.7k)

Possibly my favorite Quidditch fic, this has an original premise and amazing Drarry dynamics, casual and organic, sassy and familiar, with a perfect lil twist at the end!

7. Up The by @shiftylinguini (2018, E, 7.5k)

One of the funniest PWPs I’ve ever read, clever and charming with easy banter and delicious smut. A sweet and sexy glimpse into the Drarry married life! Cw Mpreg

8. And a Malfoy in a Pear Tree by lauren3210 (2015, E, 8k)

Sweet sweet coffee shop Christmas romance! Love the light and fun atmosphere, the easy banter and cute wooing while supportive Ron cheers in the background, what a treat!

9. Ice Snakes, Glow-worms and Wolverine Stew by khalulu (2015, M, 8.4k)

Khalulu writes the softest Drarry, it never fails to put a smile on my face. This has a gentle and sweet get together, with lovely slow burn, a gorgeous San Francisco setting and matchmaker Kreacher 💗

10. Life goes not backward by @shealwaysreads (2020, T, 8.8k)

This delicate comfort fic has a special way to tug at my heartstrings - a gorgeous tale about found family and the unexpected wonders of life. Gentle, magical and breathtaking in its simplicity.

HUMOUR

11. in charge by @bonesliketambourines (2020, E, 2.4k)

The ultimate brat Draco, bossy and confident and absolutely gorgeous with his long hair and impossible snark. Charming and funny, this packs so much character and domestic bliss under 3k! Perfect spoiled Draco is perfect.

12. The Morning After by birdsofshore, capitu (2015, M, 5.3k)

This is hysterical and so delightfully creative - Draco exploring Harry’s kitchen and charming a prudish appliance is the kind of cute, silly endeavor I need with my morning coffee!

13. The Spoiling of Sex From Enthusiastic Ignorance by @cibeewastaken (2020, E, 6k)

I’m impossibly enamored with Cibee’s drama queen Draco and his passionate missions! This time he’s decided to get some good diq, and the dialogue and mutual pining will make you smile from beginning to end.

14. All Tied Up by MyNameIsThunder (2020, M, 6k)

This is a secret relationship delight! Sneaking around gets so much better when dramatic Blaise is losing his shit to protect the Council of Serpents’ integrity! A+ faux-drama, super fun and sweet.

15. Luckiest Fucking Size Queen Alive by @l0vegl0wsinthedark (2016, E, 6.2k)

My favorite brand of thirsty and chaotic Draco; being inside his mind is such a crazy ride and you won’t stop laughing for a second. Amazing dialogue and insanely scorching smut as per loveglows’ usual 🤤

16. Sex Ed for Aurors by curiouslyfic (2010, M, 8.7k)

This is a Harry triumph, so fun and charming! Here he’s the one chaotic and thirsty, for a change - I’m obsessed with his internal ranting under the lust potion. Brilliant narrative and top notch characterization, a classic!

17. Ferocious Determination, Insufficient Deliberation, and a Slightly Wrong Destination by Faith Wood (2012, E, 9.5k)

Drunk Draco has never been so absurd and I LOVE it! This goes from hilarious to vulnerable and sweet in a heartbeat; pining Draco is a precious thing and Harry’s gentle persistence made my heart swell.

18. Stand Back: I'm About to Perform Archaeology by Blowfish_Diaries (2018, E, 9.7k)

This fic could definitely use more appreciation - I had a blast with Draco’s hilarious voice and their cute married banter! The plot is quite original and I love the 8th year domestic vibes.

19. The Full Monty by @magpiefngrl (2017, E, 9.8k)

The calendar fic we deserve 👏🏻 this is ultimate thirsty Draco being completely obliterated by Harry’s casual attractiveness but mostly by his kind heart and big smile. One of my favorite comfort reads, hilarious, sweet and so damn sexy, the full monty combo is here!

20. Aural Gratification by birdsofshore (2014, E, 10k)

This fic is a classic, charming and hysterical with an adorable Harry thirsting over Draco’s smooth voice. Such an original concept and engaging read, not to mention the rewarding shade of smut!

SMUT

21. Tense by Faith Wood (2013, E, 3k)

Me, reading smut for the dialogue? It’s more likely than you think 😂 this fic is hilarious and hot all at once, with perfect banter and clever dialogue, really a smut triumph!

22. Under Your Skin by @p1013 (2020, Explicit, 4k)

Great premise and the sexiest build up, ugh so much teasing and anticipation as pierced Draco takes Auror Harry’s control away 🔥kudos at the A+ twist and promising ending!

23. The Slytherin Urn by @icmezzo (2015, E, 4.6k)

This fic’s geniality slaps me in the face, what a fascinating concept! Redemption kink and magical theory walk together as Harry loses his mind over competent Draco doing some badass curse-breaking ritual.

24. Once Bitten by Frayach (2012, E, 5.6k)

Still one of the hottest things I’ve ever read, lush and raw and absolutely breathtaking. Dark and tender at once, it explores biting kink with unapologetic precision and I love that!

25. Matched Set by astolat (2016, E, 5.7k)

One of my faves by the genius astolat, this is a perfect mix of hot size kink, A+ dirty talk and a brilliant and nuanced plot showing how Harry navigates his post-war reality. A must-read!

26. Teeth by @amelior8or (2020, E, 6k)

This fic is an emotional rollercoaster and goes from light-hearted and casual to vulnerable and tender in a second. Hot and intimate feat scorching wall sex, gut-punching lines and enthusiastic consent🔥

27. Born Slippy by @dracoladon (2020, E, 8.3k)

My favorite clubbing fic ever, clever and sensual, a master class in UST including the drunk haze confusion and panty kink as a treat! I can’t even talk about this fic without blushing 😳

28. The Page Eleven Wars by fireflavored (2010, E, 8.5k)

Competitive boys fighting for dominance both in bed and at the gossip column’s first page This is peak enemies to lovers: witty banter, hot smut screaming switching rights and feisty stubborn idiots finally getting over their asses.

29. The Things They Never Say by @bixgirl1 (2017, E, 9k)

Angry porn with (many) feels, this feels like a punch to the solar plexus. The explosive Drarry chemistry gives way to something quieter and gentler and full of longing, ugh but it aches so good. Absolutely exquisite!

30. Sweet Indulgence by @the-sinking-ship (2020, E, 10k)

The title says it all; this is a lush and charming read, with chaotic but nuanced Draco pining over authoritative, edgy Harry 😳 steaming pent up tension that culminates in glorious semi-public smut, is your body ready?

CONTEMPLATIVE/SOFT ANGST

31. Sharing a Pack by sugar_screw (2016, E, 2.7k)

A fully fleshed-out love story in less than 3k, with complex characters and powerful feels. Raw, poignant and unbelievably romantic.

32. Still Life by orphan_account (2019, M, 3k)

A superb and gut-punching story where Harry realizes all the little things that make Draco so very different from him - and falls in love anyway. Powerful in its simplicity and concise elegance.

33. Harmony (Left-Handed Melody Remix) by mindabbles (2010, M, 5.8k)

Draco finds his way post-war and Harry meets him in the middle. Aching and bittersweet but also hopeful, with a delicious side of coconut cake, Harry in black robes and Romeo & Juliet as soundtrack.

34. Let Me Have You and I'll Let You Save Me by Frayach (2012, M, 6k)

Enemies to lovers deluxe version! Come and feast on this original narrative, amazingly clever, rich and detailed, telling us an unlikely but inevitable love story.

35. A Pain of Our Choosing by @lqtraintracks (2020, E, 6k)

Broken boys fucking through their issues and healing together during the post-war is so my jam! A+ LQT goodness, this fic is evocative and quietly devastating, but full of feels and hope.

36. Our Little Life by @tackytigerfic (2020, M, 7k)

I’ve screamed about this brilliant fic recently; inventive, poignant and utterly romantic, this fic shows all the ways in which Harry and Draco find each other across space and time.

37. the keys to your kingdom by thistle_verse (2016, E, 7.5k)

A beautiful love story packing an impressive amount of character, conflict and emotion. We are invited to witness as work partners Harry and Draco finally take a leap of faith and grow out of their casual arrangement.

38. Clear As Mud by scoradh (2005, M, 9.8k)

Subtle and heart-wrenching, the sharp and clever narrative creates fascinating dynamics between this brilliantly written Draco and poor oblivious Harry trying to make sense out of it. An all-time fave. Cw: infidelity (not Drarry).

39. fine i'll hold my breath / til i forget it's complicated by teatrolley (2015, E, 10k)

Fucks buddies gone wrong but make it soft so we get to watch as pining Draco patiently waits for Harry to get the memo. Sweet and intimate, with lots of late night talks and comfortable silence.

40. Tidings of Comfort series by @blamebrampton (2012, G, 10k)

Quietly cathartic and atmospheric, this fic is a poignant balm to the soul; such a beautiful tone, such lovely interactions! A must-read for those who enjoy church settings, honest talks and redeemed Draco. All-time fave.

#anon #asks #drarry reclist #short fics #fics under 10k

[olivarryprompts]

Fanfic Friday #11

Welcome to Fanfic Friday! Each Friday I post a new here and on A03. Enjoy x

Read and save it on A03 here https://archiveofourown.org/works/33567529

{fancy suits from dad}

Ships: Peter Stark & Tony Stark, Pepper Pots/Tony Stark

Warnings: swearing, just fluff otherwise :)

Wc: 2,319

Here’s the thing, Peter Parker grew up in Stark Tower, which eventually became Avengers Tower of course. So whilst his whole class was buzzing about their field trip, all he could think was, “shit, shit shit.” His dad was going to embarrass the hell out of him. His Aunts and Uncles were going to endlessly tease him.

So, no Peter was not looking forward to the field trip. Not in the slightest. He still wanted to go, though. He knew that the rumors of his internship being fake were started by Flash, the annoying teen. He also knew that Flash had not once said his real name, preferring the name Penis Parker. It didn’t bother him as much as it used to. Also since highschool began, Flash had calmed down with his bullying. Well, maybe Flash hadn’t calmed down and high school was just bigger and he had thicker skin. And a new support system with plenty of people to go to.

Peter had been adopted by the Starks when he was a mere ten years old. At first, he was terrible at receiving any gifts or even too much attention. Slowly but surely, he got more and more used to it. Now, he wouldn’t not know what to do if any of that was taken away. Plus, he really did find a liking for expensive suits, however shallow. He looked good in them, and his father always insisted on buying him more and more. Tony would always find an excuse to spoil the kid a little more, however much Pepper tried to stop him.

“Peter, please see me after class regarding an urgent matter.”

Brough out of his thoughts, Peter swiftly nodded his head.

He looked at the board to see the words from before still written on them, “Field Trip to Stark Industries!” It might as well have said, “Dig Peter Stark’s Grave!”

“So, let’s get started with today’s lesson, graphing imaginary numbers on the complex plane!” He’d done this one a while back with his father. Something about not only learning applicable science and engineering. Peter tapped his glass, and the episode of Arrow he’d been watching on the car ride over began playing. He’d be ever grateful for his father’s gift of EDITH to him. Pepper had tried to ban him from wearing them to school, but hastily gave up when Peter pulled the spiderman danger card.

“Alright, class dismissed. Please remember to do this homework pages 11-18 on this unit’s homework handout.”

Peter, forgetting his teacher's previous request, was very glad to be on his way home. He was one foot out of the door when the teacher called his name. Now, his day had gone pretty well up to that point. Bucky made pancakes for breakfast, which were delicious. There was wayyy less traffic on the way to school. He’d aced an essay and a couple of quizzes, and then he even participated in PE effectively. But alas, all good things had to come to an end.

“Mr. Parker? The discussion.”

“Right,” Peter thought, joining the teacher at his desk.

“Peter, you are truly a great kid. I know you’ve been through a lot recently and in your life, but it is no excuse to make up an internship. We both know that it is not real. Now, acknowledging that you have a bright future, the administration and I have come forward with an offer. If you agree to write an apology, expressing that you understand what you did was wrong and immoral, you will both be allowed to come on the trip and no punishment will be given to you. If you choose to not take this opportunity, you will be banned from the trip and will be chastised.

Peter just stood there, not really comprehending. Apparently Flash’s little rumors were a lot bigger than he anticipated.

“I-i-I’m not lying,” was all he could manage. He had filed all the right paperwork and proved his internship.

“I’m sorry to hear that you will not come forward with the truth. You have up until the day before the trip to hand in the letter if you change your mind. Goodbye Peter.”

Peter just let his legs take him out of the classroom, then out of the school, and then to the road, a couple blocks away, where his dad picks him up from.

“Hello mini-me.”

“Hey,” Peter said, jumping into the passenger seat.

“‘Hi Dad, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to pick me up each and every day. Sick new car by the way! I’d love to drive it sometime!”

Peter just rolled his eyes with a smile, “Car looks great dad. McLarren’s are superior yet.”

“Ungrateful, so so ungrateful. What’s got you in a mood then?”

“Nothin,” Peter said, pulling out his phone.

“Oh come on, tell me. Tell me or I’ll call Ted.”

“Ned, Dad. We’ve been friends for like three years.”

“Not the point.”

“Just something at school.”

“Wow how very descriptive. You know I’m trying to do the whole feelings thing here, and you should appreciate that coming from my emotionally stunted self.”

“You’re so dramatic. Basically we’re having a field trip to your tower, and I’m not allowed to go because the teacher doesn’t think I really have an “internship.” Which, to be fair I don’t but that’s on you and not me.”

“Nah na na. I offered you an internship, and you said I’d be bored.”

“It would be. Doing a project for your company under strict supervision of some person would be sucky. I mean I can do anything I want from the lab you built me.”

“I know, but remember technically you are my intern. Remember we did that whole personal intern bullshit for the school.”

“Oh right. Is that why you keep harassing me about submitting all my completed projects.”

“No, that’s all your mother. Something about not wanting a lawsuit over a fake internship.”

“Make sense. She tends to be a lot smarter than you.”

“Ah, I feel so attacked. The abuse I suffer.”

“You’re terrible.”

“I am internally crying, kid. Sobbing.”

“Shut up,” we laughed.

“Who’s home?”

“You saw Buck and Sam this morning. Nat and Steve came back from their mission this afternoon. Thor and Loki are back for dinner tonight.. Strange might be coming round, not sure though. Cliff and the family aren’t back for at least a couple weeks. Oh and Bruce is wholed up in his lab as usual.”

“Shit. Everyone staying till the end of the week.”

“Yeah, oh the field trip. You’re screwed. You should have not told me.”

“Ughhhhh!!!”

“I love your life Petey.”

Peter walked into the kitchen and saw Steve reading a newspaper.

“Uncle Steve! Your back!” he smiled, dropping his bag off near the sofa. Steve got up to give the smaller boy a hug.

“Yep. Mission completed.”

“Nice. Can you tell me about it?”

“Yeah, it was nothing too interesting. We just needed some more intel into a terrorist organization stationed in the US. Most of the mission was recon. The next steps are being taken in a couple weeks.”

“Good to know there’s an active terrorist organization out there,” Peter said lightly.

Steve just smiled, not quite understanding the modern humor.

“Where is everyone else?” he said, realizing the living room was not in it’s normal chaotic state that he’d come to love. The chaos was his favorite reminder that he had so many people. He liked having lots of people, even after all this time.

“Nat and Buck are training, they invited you to join if you want. Bruce is in his lab, and dont worry he slept and ate last night. Not sure about the rest.”

“Right, thanks. I think I’m going to go train.”

Before he knew it, it was Friday morning, and his school was coming to his home. He was going to try very hard to ignore them. To do so, he asked his mum to let him sit in on some meetings. He had an easy in to the R&D and mechanical side of the company via the other interns. He was actually planning on hanging out with some of the “other” interns later that day. They were always happy to let Pete in on their projects and let him give them a hand. But he was always interested in getting more detail about the business side of the company, and he liked to get a window into it. Pepper was always happy to show her son the ropes. I mean he was heir to the company after all, even if he didn’t know yet.

He asked his mum to only schedule meetings after 12 as he requested a sleep in. Pepper was always happy when Peter slept as he was a little too much like his father. So, he woke bright and early at 11:00 o’clock.

After a scroll through his phone and a quick shower, he was ready to pull on his far too expensive Brunellio’s custom suit. It was one of his favorites. His father had got it custom made when he was in Italy, and told him he simply could not resist getting one for the kid. Pepper just smiled.

He had a large breakfast (enhanced metabolism) and headed towards the 34th floor where his first meeting was located. He’d been shadowing his mum for almost a year now whenever it was convenient, so he had the rointine down. He was almost sure he could take over a few of her meetings.

“Hi honey,” Pepper said, giving the boy a quick kiss on the cheek on the way to her own chair beside him. Peter blushed before resuming his professional posture and facial expression.

“Good morning everyone, as you can see Peter will be joining us today. I want to talk about some of the services we provide for our employees and their feedback. I’m aware we have a large portion to talk about so Kendra please take it away on that front.”

The first meeting went smoothly as planned. It was a discussion on the progress of the internal services, aka the IT department. Peter hadn’t learned much about their IT department, so it was good to listen in to. Pre these meetings, he, of course, does research into the background stuff, so he’s not completely lost. Pepper’s assistant usually provides him with a packet of info about the Stark Industries side of things. He is also given a list of key words and concepts he might want to make sure he understands. The research is fun for him, it makes him feel all professional.

Usually he spoke during the meetings, asking a couple questions and suggesting some ideas, but for this one he just learned and took in. The next meeting, however, was very much so his field. He’d spoken a lot with advertising, becoming very interested in the data analysis behind it. He even took a stats class so he could keep up. In that one he asked questions Pepper was on the verge of asking twice. He also contributed to the analysis of data once. Pepper usually liked him to participate as it was good for him, but he always felt bad suggesting stuff to the senior adults. He usually spoke to his mum or dad about projects for the company, preferring that.

They hung back in the room of the second meeting.

“Good job in this one Pete. Took two questions right off my tongue.”

“Thanks ma,” he said, always appreciating some approval.

“That’s all I’ve got for you today, kid. Rest of the stuff is, ya know.”

“Course. Thanks for these two. It was good to learn about internal affairs a bit more. Have a gap of knowledge there.”

“Yeah. Was that the first time meeting our CIT?”

“I believe so.”

“Well, next time we have a broader IA meeting, I’ll pull you outta school,” Pepper suggested.

“Really? That’d be epic.”

“Course, hun. Jarvis, sort that out please.”

“Of course Mrs. Potts.”

“Thanks J,” Peter yelled.

“Anytime mini-boss. No need to disturb the entire floor.”

“Are AI supposed to be so snarky?”

“Dad programmed it, what else would it be?”

“Valid point.”

“Right, got to run. See you later.”

“Bye, love you mum!”

“Love you too, Pete.”

“Jarvis, could you send me the tour plan for the visiting tour today?”

“Absolutely, sir. They’re on your phone now.”

“Thanks J.”

Looking at the plans Peter smiled. He had successfully avoided them the entire day. It said they were supposed to head back to school at 2:30, and it was about to be three. Smile on his face, he trotted down to the lobby to grab a coffee before going to meet Loki at the arcade. Don’t judge them, it was their thing. Taking the private lift down, and then walking straight to the coffee stand and ordering.

“Mr. Parker!” he heard the angry voice of his teacher, “How dare you show up here aft-”

Shit. shit. Shit.

“Edith, call dad, and tell him it’s urgent in the lobby.”

“Of course Peter.”

“Peter, are you listening to me! You are going to face extreme consequences for this.”

“Your coffee,” the man said, not realizing it was Peter, level ten personal of the tower, that was being yelled at.

“Thanks.”

“How dare you get coffee! In this building! Security!”

Tony arrived spotting his son instantly.

“Kid this best be impor- I see.”

“Hey Mr. Stark,” Peter said weakly.

“Mr. Harrington is it? Please stop harassing my intern.”

“H-he, he is y-your intern?”

“Yes. My favorite. Please exit the building and never question him again. You will be hearing from me.”

Let’s just say, Monday was an interesting day. At least Flash backed off, he was definitely an intern at SI, and no one embarrassed him on the trip.

#peter parker field trip #irondad #ironfam #iron man #tony stark #pepper potts #steve rogers #natasha romanoff #avengers fanfiction #the avengers #mcu fanfic #bucky barnes #domestic avengers

[pub-lius]

The 1775 Campaign: Lexington and Concord - Siege of Boston

Last we left off, the British had just arrived in Lexington, Massachusetts from a long March through Brackish Water. Now, we shall discuss what occurred at Lexington and Concord, as well as Bunker Hill, the Battle of Quebec, and the Siege of Boston.

*Several crucial Individuals will be discussed, but separate Posts will only be made on a Few. If you would like a detailed, but still relatively Brief, Biography on anyOne in particular, or any Events, for that matter, send an Ask, and I will see it done (if I have the time). Of course, any additional questions or requests are accepted and encouraged.

Prior to Lexington and Concord, Governor General Thomas Gage was tasked with suppressing the Revolt started by Colonists in Opposition to more strict British law Enforcement. In order to do this, Gage enforced the Coercive Acts, which were even more strict. Obviously, this only made Things worse.

In April 1775, orders for the seizure of Weapon Stores in Concord, Massachusetts were issued, but it is not known if the British intended to arrest Patriot Leaders, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, who were taking refuge in Lexington. On April 18th, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott set out on their ride to warn Patriots of the British Approach as two Lanterns were lit in the window of the Old North Church. Meanwhile, British Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith assembles 700 regulars to march on Concord.

Lexington and Concord

The Patriots were led by John Parker, and massed at about 3,960 Men by the end of the Battle. The British totaled at around 1,500 men under John Pitcairn and Francis Smith.

At 5:00 am on April 19th, the British march into Lexington, and are faced with 70 of Parker’s militia. The British charge the Patriots, and Parker orders his Men to disperse. There is a Gunshot, but which side fired it is unknown. The British fire a Volley, striking 8 Militiamen, and walking away with a Victory.

The British enter Concord at 8:00 am. The officers order around 220 troops to secure the North Bridge, then to go to Barrett Farm. Around 400 militia gather on the high Ground to see Smoke rising from the Town, and falsely presume the British are burning the Town, which leads to an Advance. The leading Company was led by Isaac Davis, who is quoted as saying, “I haven’t a man afraid to go.”

In response to the Patriot Assault, the British retreat to the Shore of the River. The British open Fire, and kill two Men, one of which was Davis. This Volley is referred to as the “Shot heard round the World”.

The British then retreat back to Boston, all the While being harassed and attacked on all Sides by Patriots along Battle Road. When they make it back to Lexington, they are attacked once more by Parker’s men.

The Americans faced 93 casualties: 49 killed, 39 wounded, and 5 missing. The British suffered 300 Casualties: 73 killed, 174 wounded, and 53 missing. Ouch. The British conduct a running Fight, and unclear Orders on behalf of the Patriots allow the British to escape. But, this left a 20,000 man Militia opposing General Gage.

The next event occurs on June 17, 1775. Gage is facing excess pressure to suppress this Rebellion. He plans to launch an Attack on the Heights North and South of Boston. Unfortunately for him, the Details were leaked to the Patriots, and the Patriot Militia gathered to defend Charlestown, Massachusetts. Many of these militia included free and enslaved African Americans. The sheer Number of the Militia intimidated the British Leaders, Gage, William Howe, Henry Clinton, and John Burgoyne. From June 15 to June 16, the Patriots move to Breed’s Hill to prepare a fortified Position. Their left Flank was exposed along the south Bank of the Mystic River, and, despite being disorderly and ill-equipped, the Patriots assemble a makeshift Fortification.

Bunker Hill

General Israel Putnam leads the 2,400 Patriot troops against General Gage’s 3,000 Regulars and Grenadiers. The British move across Boston Harbor and disembark in lower Charleston for the Assault on Breed’s Hill (the Battle didn’t actually occur on Bunker Hill). Sir William Howe leads the Troops up the Hill, and, allegedly, William Prescott says, “don’t fire until you see the Whites of their Eyes,” in order to save Gunpowder.

Once the British are within Range of Patriot Guns, the Militia unleashes an unforgiving Volley. According to one Patriot, “They advanced toward us in order to swallow us up, but they found a choaky mouthful of us. (sic)” This volley was repeated once more, until the third Assault when the Patriots ran out of Ammunition, allowing the British to break through their Works. 

The two sides then engaged in intense, close-combat Fighting. It was at this Point that a “black soldier named Salem” shot and mortally wounded Major John Pitcairn, who allegedly ordered the Fire at Lexington and Concord.

The Patriots faced 450 Casualties: 115 killed, 305 wounded, and 30 missing. The British, on the other Hand, suffered a whopping 1,054: 226 killed, 828 wounded, and 0 missing. Big Ouch. It was then that the British abandon Plans to seize another High Point.

As the Battle of Bunker Hill was occurring, on June 14, the Continental Army was established by the Continental Congress, and on the following day, Colonel George Washington was made His Excellency General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

George Washington was nominated by a Massachusetts Delegate, John Adams (not something to boast about). Washington graciously accepted his Commission, but did not feel as though he was fit for the job. But this wasn’t just because Johnny appreciated Washington’s toned Muscles and supple Hamstrings. Up until this Point, the War was almost entirely fought in the New England Colonies (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island). In order to inspire other Regions, namely the South, to support the Effort, they needed a noteworthy Southern Leader. Other Colonies (as they were still known) and Regions were placated with Appointments as well.

Siege of Boston

Washington arrives at the Cambridge Encampment on July 2 to find the “Continental Army” in disarray. The Militia were entirely ignorant to military Tactics and Standards of Discipline. His first Objective was to establish Order, gather Provisions, and instill Discipline. 

Some of his subordinate Officers include Horatio Gates and Charles Lee, two highly esteemed Veterans from the French and Indian War. Additionally, there was General Nathaniel Greene, and Colonel Henry Knox. Washington’s Aides-de-Camp included Thomas Mifflin and Joseph Reed, two Crucial Players later in the War (not in a good way). None of these Men had worked together, or separately, on something of this Scale.

The first General Orders of the War include the excerpt, “The Colonels or commanding Officers of each Regt are ordered forthwith, to make two Returns of the Number of men in their respective Regiments; distinguishing such as are sick, wounded or absent on furlough: And also the quantity of ammunition each Regimt now has.” (sic), showing how quickly Washington began sending out Instructions to better organize the Army. 

Washington also had to strategize how to get the British from Boston, while also obeying Congress, which often went against the best Interest of the Army, and dealing with Natural Enemies. Provisions were scarce, the Continental Army lacked ammunition and had no artillery, and Diseases such as Smallpox were plaguing the Men.

For several Months, the Army saw only some small-scale Skirmishes, which only lasted for a few volleys before a Ceasefire was called, with a few Raids thrown in for Color. Also during this time, Washington sent 1,000 troops to Canada under Generals Arnold and Montgomery, which will be discussed after this. 

General Washington also ran into a Problem that would last him the Entirety of the War: Enlistments. Congress conjured a System for the Army, where Militiamen could enlist for only a year. Thus, Washington couldn’t guarantee that he would still have an Army after December 31, and if he was lucky enough to have one, they were completely untrained once more. The beginning of 1776 was one of these Lucky Times.

Meanwhile, the British were stuck in Boston. Although Howe was ordered to evacuate the City in November, they were short on Ships, and had to transport, not only the Army, but Hundreds of Loyalists, who flocked into Boston, causing Overcrowding and Scarcity. Smallpox and dysentery were rampant among the British. Additionally, they have limited Access to mainland Resources, leaving them with only exhaustible Supplies of Food, Water, Firewood, and Clothing.

In late January, Colonel Henry Knox arrives with captured Artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, which had been recently taken by the Patriots. Washington decided to bombard the British from Dorchester Heights, the Hills (including Bunker and Breed’s Hills) south of Boston. Washington devised an complex Amphibious Assault, but was overruled by his Subordinates, which became a usual Occurrence.

In Early March, the Artillery was moved to Dorchester Heights. Since it was hard to dig through the frozen Ground, the Continentals hired Carpenters to build timber Breastworks.

On March 6, Howe sees the suddenly-built Fortifications, and is quoted as saying, “My God, these fellows have done more work in one night than I could make my army do in 3 months.” From how quickly these Fortifications were built, the British supposed that the Americans had at least 20,000 men.

The British attempted firing at the Americans, but they were out of Range. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Charles River, around 4,000 troops under Generals Greene, Putnam and Sullivan prepared to block the North Side of the Boston Peninsula, following Washington’s Amphibious Plan.

In addition to British fears of a Second Bunker Hill, a large Storm ruined the Chances of a full Engagement. On March 6, the British vote to evacuate, and on March 8, How writes to Washington, bargaining that he would not burn Boston if Washington allowed his Army and Loyalists to leave unharmed. Washington granted this request, and on March 17, Soldiers and Loyalists numbering around 11,000 left Boston for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

"I shall feel no pain from the toil or the danger of the campaign. My unhappiness will flow frok the uneasiness I know you will feel being left alone." -George Washington to Martha Washington, June 18, 1775

Quebec Campaign

As mentioned before, General Washington ordered an Attack on the Colony of Quebec. The Quebec Campaign lasted from August of 1775 to July 1776. 

Congress wanted Quebec to become another of the rebellious Colonies for two Reasons. The first being that English Protestants saw Quebecois Catholics as a physical and cultural Threat. Additionally, the Early Americans wanted Continental Unity across North America. Thus, Congress pushed Washington to capture Quebec, and he eventually complied.

On August 25, General Richard Montgomery ordered 1,200 troops from Ticonderoga into the Quebec Territory, settling at the Ile aux Noix along the Richelieu River. On September 17, Montgomery laid Siege to Fort St. John’s, which was under the Command of General Guy Carleton. 

Carleton attempted to lift the Siege of October 30, and chose to surrender on November 3. Then, Montgomery surrounded Montreal, which was surrendered without Resistance on November 13.

Then, Washington ordered 1,100 men under General Benedict Arnold to move around the enemy’s Side towards Quebec City. Arnold set out on September 15 to the Mouth of the Kennebec River. His Troops faced a 400 mile March through largely uninhabited Terrain. By the End of the March, Arnold only had 600 men, after many Deaths and a large scale Desertion. They finally reached Quebec on November 14, and waited for Montgomery, who arrived on December 2, bringing their Numbers to 1,100.

Montgomery ordered a multi-pronged Attack against the Fortifications on December 31. He separated his Men into 3 Divisions, under himself, Arnold, and General Livingston. They attempted to use a Snowstorm as a Cover, which blinded the Continentals and clogged their Guns. The Engagement ended with Arnold wounded, Montgomery dead, Aaron Burr unemployed, and 400 captured Americans.

Consequently, Arnold took command of the Campaign, and continued the Siege for several Months. In May 1776, John Burgoyne added Reinforcements to the British Garrison. Burgoyne drove Arnold back to New York.

Meanwhile, Congress had to come up with an Excuse for their lack of Judgement. Delegates such as John Adams and Richard Henry Lee (Virginia is his home) blamed an Outbreak of Smallpox. All of the Smart People blamed themselves because it was, in fact, their Fault. A report from a Committee made to consider this Issue (consisting of Franklin, Chase, and Carrol in May 1776) stated that Congress’ Indecision and lack of Organization prevented necessities needed to execute the Strategy. This will become a Reoccurring Theme.

Americans still believed Quebec could be added to the United States up until the early 19th Century, especially those who had served in Congress during this period, such as Thomas Jefferson.

“...I hope our force, add the benefits of skill, the acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Quebec, will be a mere matter of marching; & will give us experience for the attack of Halifax, the next, & the final expulsion of England from the American continent.” -Thomas Jefferson, August 4, 1812

Sources:

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/lexington-and-concord

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/bunker-hill

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/siege-boston

Texts for first set of images: https://www.loc.gov/item/rbpe.10800500/

Images and texts for second set of images: https://www.loc.gov/resource/dcmsiabooks.accountofbattleo00dear_0/?sp=5

https://www.thoughtco.com/american-revolution-battles-2360662

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-05-02-0231

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/quebec-campaign/#5

George Washington’s Indispensable Men by Arthur S. Lefkowitz

#American Revolution #amrev #amrev history #1775 #lexington and concord #bunker hill #siege of boston #quebec campaign #continental army #george washington #thomas jefferson #John Adams #sir william howe #henry clinton #shy bitch henry clinton #john burgoyne #thomas gage #aaron burr #richard montgomery #henry knox #tw// war #tw // death #tw// disease #tw// guns #tw// violence

[malepresentingleg]

is it 2013 again? cause i have a rant about teen wolf coming and i feel 16 y/o.

so due to dome heavy procrastination I've consumed a lot of teen wolf content, i skipped a bunch of episodes and a lot of scenes in the ones i haven't but i still have some Thoughts TM

it's good??? i had a Good Time watching, it was funny but intense and dark and i felt Feelings watching, some of the plotlines were meh (or maybe i just skipped them heh) but a lot were interesting and i loved the characters and their interaction

scott. my sweetheart. my baby. such a cutiepie, such a great protagonist 10/10 i love him and would die for him. he's so pure and cute and his little smile melts my heart. i love how he's fundamentally Human no matter how non human he is. he's a great character all around and i kinda wish they didn't do that shit to him at the end (imma get there) or treated him like he ISN'T the protagonist for such big parts of the shows

people KNOW. Stiles knows from day one, allison finds out soon, his mom finds out in season 2! the sheriff in 3, and they just become part of the gang and can help them with stuff bc they UNDERSTAND. shows like that get really tiring when the teens constantly lie to everyone around them and it was very refreshing. the running gag with the coach ruining things tho was funny and I'm ok with it.

Ok this is mellisa appreciation time. she's SUCH a great, complex and unusual mom-of-hero character. i absolutely love her and her attitude, i love how she's not simply being used as a tool to cause scott pain (just.. sometimes) and their relationship is parenting goals.

also isn't it fucking hilarious how she's a nurse but she just knows everything medical. she's also a surgeon and a mortician and a doctor. ik it's for plot reasons but it funny af.

in general women on the show.. had a lot of potential, i love them, but i hate how they were treated.

allison was all around great imo, her and scott's relationship was built very well and was two sided from the start (unlike... yeah), she has emotions, she's smart and brave, but also human and scared, she kicks ass and, again, exists outside of Scott's GF status (mostly). andddd they killed her. idk if the actress had to/wanted to leave or it was a pure writers decision bc they needed to keep just her father or something, but that would have been ok if not for all the other things

we have 3 main kickass ladies with powers- lydia, kira and malia. lydia spent close to FIVE whole seasons not knowing anything about her abilities/not knowing how to control them. cmon, it gets old. scott masters his powers after a season or two (and had control a lot sooner), parrish finds out what he is like half a season after it becomes relevant etc.

malia- do i need to explain? she was CONSTANTLY struggling controlling her abilities, no matter how badass she supposedly was. and kira oh boy, they did her dirty, didn't they?

kira was such a cute adorable character. i loved her and her little crush on scott and wanting to make friends and being freaked out about relationships, i love her discovering her past and heritage and learning to fight and gaining control and becoming a badass. but. what? they just undid all this? oh no the fox is taking over she has no control no agency of her own she needs to disappear for years now bye :( again, idk if the actress needed to leave but it was so unsatisfying and was insulting to the character. she wasn't even mentioned later a bunch like allison was, just they needed her mom for a plot tool and didn't even acknowledge it was her sword they were breaking. uhm rude?

LET WOMEN HAVE POWERS AND BE AWESOME WITH THEM. and not just minor/bad characters thanks.

i love the concept of a pack on the show and how you don't have to be a werewolf to be a part of it, how scott becomes a true alpha and how he cares about his friends. i kinda feel like in later seasons him being an alpha was more talk than show which like /: meh. like i said, he stopped BEING the main character, just talked about as if he was.

i love how friendship is valued, but i think it could be more.. i mean the scene in the motel, all season 3b, scott and lydia, all the girls with each other.. i love it. too many times tho it "wasn't enough" and only romantic love worked which SUCKS. in 6a i was so happy scott went in to try and remember stiles and the memories hit me right in the heart. then when it "wasn't enough" i was SO pissed and frustrated goddammit. i guess that leads me to the next point-

ships, should i talk about ships? i don't want hate in my asks but oh well it's been a few years maybe there's no fandom to care. I'll start with the end

malia and scott. what. the. fuck. when, out of fucking no where, they had like a lingering look or something i was just "nope. no thanks". and then every scene they had together i had to cover my eyes bc it felt so wrong and bad and awkward. jesus. no build up at ALL, they're like family, i just. ew. no. it felt way too much like "oh we gotta pair off the leftovers" or "the main character can't end up single" well guess what, he fucking can. it was. god. i can't even explain the disgust. when he needed to heal and all she had to do was kiss him ugh. it felt so fake and empty of meaning. i would 100% prefer for it to be stiles (I'll get there) or his mom who snapped him out of it.

melissa and chris, i could get aboard with that. def cute, def weird af since his dead daughter was dating her son but, well.

stiles and lydia is a ship i have conflicting feelings about. i absolutely hate the concept of "the nerd" is in love with the popular girl since freshman year and he's borderline being a creep ("oh but it's stiles! he's a dork and he's harmless" no.), completely obsessed with her and she ignores him but then they end up getting together.. i mean, it sends a bad msg to obsessed boys about how it's worth it in the end, and it makes the whole relationship feel unbalanced from the start, makes her reciprocation feel unatural. BUT, i have to admit the show did kinda make me warm up to this ship by the end, curse them. it was kinda cute. i wish there was more mutualness before it became such an important part in 6a tho.

just gonna put it out there: malia/kira and lydia/allison. i wish we saw more girl on girl interactions in general but the ones we had were very good, great dynamics.

i won't get too much into it but i.. i don't ship st*rek. i understand why they're the biggest ship (two white hot boys that interact with each other, i mean.), and i see the couple of fan service-y moments the show throws at us but just. they don't have my heart, i don't really care about them. not the characters, the characters i absolutely love! (tho this watch i skipped most of season 1 and 2 and 3a and i think that's where derek is the most asshole.. didn't he do really bad things? idr) idk if you want a bad character on the way to redemption with someone you should ship liam and theo who had way better shippy chemistry imo, even tho their ship probably wouldn't be healthy given their dynamic history, huh.

the ship that does owns my heart? scilies. I'm a softy when it comes to best friends to lovers, and their bond and relationship is just. so. pure. don't get me wrong, i love me a good platonic relationship, but there was just one to many homoerotic interactions between them for me not to ship it, hard. (not to be that person but my guess is that if Scott was white it would have been a way bigger ship, but who knows?) i love their love, i love they would do anything for each other, and i feel like there were a bunch of very missed opportunities for them in later seasons :(

so representation. this feels like a show that is trying to be Woke TM but it's not going so well. the main character is supposedly latino but it's never ever addressed. idc about "oh we want a world without prejudice" you can still fucking address it. i mean they went to Mexico a couple of times, stiles keeps saying "Mexican cousin" i mean. god. give us something. did i mention scott was told he'd make a great "nazi youth" ..

and you don't need to be a genius to see the most characters are very white or at least very white passing. and when you don't address their non whiteness they might as well be..

i already mentioned how poorly i feel kira was treated, but also mason, who is a wonderful character, gets no depth? we know nothing about him other than being gay and smart pretty much.

i also spoke about the women already but, they were really really great women characters, but not enough of them, not enough that lasted.

there's not much to talk about disability bc it just wasn't on the show. the only blind character was healed which. /: same with epilepsy and asthma..

i think the show is probably very proud (ha) with their LGBTQ+ rep bc they're like "oh let's make this insignificant couple gay bc hey nbg". examples are lydia's grandma, La Bete and marcel, i think nolan and jiang were exes and then nolan and gabe were a thing? idr if it was explicit. the couple of girls in the tent.. probably a couple more. it's nice, def better than all random couples being straight but that's not satisfying as rep.

Danny was great. i think he and ethan were.. cute? i think he was awesome, i loved danny so much and was very excited to learn he KNOWS at the end of season 3 and was waiting to see him join the pack. instead he fucking disappeared?! wtf. #WhereDidDannyGo

brett was cute rep, especially being bi but i feel like it could go into the insignificant pool which, again, is better than nothing.

mason and corey i just don't have strong feelings about. they were definitely cute and I'm glad they were together, i love mason A Lot. i think this relationship could be explored more, or at least the characters could be explored more to give this relationship more depth.

very interesting how there's no wlw canon couple, not even hinted. just fan servicey hot malia kira dance which /:

not to mention transgenderness. god can you imagine the interesting plotline of transitioning while being a werewolf 0:

i think the rep i was most happy about was ethan and Jackson. even tho i don't think there was build up or clues in the first couple of seasons, I'm happy for the actor who i know was struggling with coming out publicly, and it was very fun and refreshing for the ending. even if we got very few scenes with them the dynamic was 10/10

the biggest problem is obviously stiles. i just don't understand why, if they're so supposedly progressive, they went to that length to queerbait without following through. the whole gag of wanting to be attractive to danny and to gay guys, the whole "aww danny want to have sex with me that's so nice", the whole "do you like guys too?". it's a gag. his alleged bisexuality is the butt of a joke, and it pisses me the fuck off. they don't have to make it a big deal or have him get a bf for it to be official. it wasn't subtle subtext. it was a CHOICE. to put a spotlight on his sexuality but not deliver. -100/10 would not recommend.

also they could talk about his mental health more.

and about Scott's, please and thank you.

and everyone's.

i had some more feelings, like villains changing sides without getting a proper redemption and having no consequences, the wholesomeness of the sherriff and mellisa being each other's kids second parent eichen house (wtf??), and more, but i think i wrote enough for now.

tl;dr- good show with A Lot of problems, will always have a place in my heart bc I'm a nostalgic gal.

#teen wolf #scilies #scott mccall #stiles stilinski #allison argent #kira yukimura #malia hale #lydia martin #rant #fandom #werewolves #I'm sorry i couldn't add a read more thing on mobile but I'll edit it when i get the chance

[misssunflowersandsangria]

Please Have Snow and Mistletoe- Chapter 2

My deers!!  How are you my loves?  Thank you for letting me share this story with you.  I mentioned in a comment that I’m not a huge fan of cheesy Christmas movies but I love reading them lol and apparently writing them haha.  So for this chapter, we have more snowy fluff and some InoShikaCho interactions.  Hope you all like it! If you haven’t read the previous chapter I have them linked below :D 

Summary:  Memories are made while the snowflakes fall.  

Chapter 2: A Scene from a Snowglobe 

**

Temari’s eyes took in the pristine glittering white snow from outside their window.  She’d woken up that morning wrapped around Shikamaru and despite her embarrassment, she continued to cling to him.  He was just so warm and she was committed to her role as the loving girlfriend.  If Shikamaru minded he didn’t mention it when he woke up.  

Even though she knew that she was awake, being there felt like a Winter dream. 

Last night had introduced her to all the key players. Today would be the real test of whether they could pull off being a happy couple.  At breakfast, Yoshino wrapped her in tight as though she was thankful that he hadn’t disappeared in the snow.   The Nara matriarch could be demanding and Shikamaru complained that she was a nag but Temari admired her.  She loved her family and would do anything for them.  Shikaku was more laid back, calm, and collected.  But he was strong and wise.  The Naras remained powerful and successful because of his leadership.  Shikamaru was made up of the best part of his parents.

The day would be a whirlwind of events and activities but she looked forward to what the day would bring.

“I’m sorry I didn’t think ahead. We’ll have some things shipped tonight for you.”  The clothes that she’d brought along weren’t quite suited for snowy weather. She had a pair of long pants and a sweater to wear for the day. 

Shikamaru placed an old snow jacket over her shoulders. The coat had completely swallowed her up but she looked adorable drowning in the fabric. 

“It’s okay Shikamaru, I think that this should suffice.  So what are we doing today?”

He grinned adjusting the hood over her head. “You’ll see.” 

—

Temari panted hiding behind a tree. They took this snowball fight far more seriously than she could have imagined. And she absolutely loved it. Everyone in this family was far too competitive and she fit right in. 

There were only a few minutes left and she’d managed to get everyone with a snowball except one. 

“I hear you.”  Temari turned and both she and Shikamaru had a snowball poised and ready to be thrown. She lowered her hand before she felt the snowball hit her arm. 

“I can’t believe you threw that at me!” He just laughed at the incredulous look on her face. 

“Loosen up my dear girlfriend.” Surprising him she lunged forward and tackled him into the snow. He just laughed, grabbing at the snow below them and raining it over her. Temari laughed breathlessly as they wrestled in the powder of white. She fought valiantly until he got the upper hand and was straddling her waist.   Holding his weight above her, her back pressed into the snow. 

“I think that I won.” He teased her with a handsome grin. His hands held her wrists above her head. 

“Is that right?”  She breathed looking up at him. She noticed a strange shift in his eyes as he began to lean forward.  Her eyes fell close before she felt her hands suddenly become free. 

“Shikaku! They were having a moment.” Yoshino scolded her husband who had just thrown a snowball at their sons back 

“He should know better! No time for flirting!” Temari laughed seeing Shikamaru chase after his father 

“Let’s go Temari. Shikaku will be annoyed if Inoichi wins.”  Yoshino offered her hand to help her up. 

By the end, there was no clear winner. Apparently, there never was. Their parents would just argue about which family won while they warmed up in the Yamanaka home. 

Before ducking inside they built snowmen and made misshapen snow angels. Sledding and more snowballs, all the fun you could possibly have in the snow.  

Her fingers were frozen and her cheeks and nose had turned red but Temari refused to go inside too quickly.  Everyone else had gone in but Shikamaru remained there with her to help finish building their snowman. 

“Oh no, he looks terrible.” She pouted taking in the pile of snow that could hardly be considered a snowman. 

“It was much more difficult than movies make it seem.” The “snowman” was an abomination in comparison to the one that Sai and Ino had made. She couldn’t compete with Ino’s sheer determination and Sai’s artistic abilities. 

“It’s okay Tem, let me make a few adjustments.”  Shikamaru took off his scarf to wrap around its neck. Added more snow and adjusted his arms and eyes 

“There, now he’s perfect because we made it together.” She smiled at how easily he indulged her, letting her experience all of this as much or as little as she wanted. 

She pushed aside the memory of their interlude during the snowball fight. He wasn’t trying to kiss her. That wasn’t what that was.  Maybe they both were just caught up in the moment. 

They took pictures out there in the crystalline white, their snowman between them. It was practically imperfect in every way and yet it was just right for them. 

*

**

“Look how cute you are.” 

Temari grinned seeing a photo of a young Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji playing out in the snow. She took an offered cup of steaming hot chocolate from Shikamaru. 

“You’re lucky that you have all this Shikamaru.”

“I agree.  I don’t have siblings so I’m thankful that I have the two of them at least.”  Seeing those snapshots was just a reminder of the memories he was no longer making.   He’d become so wrapped up in his own life and career. 

“What was it like growing up with your brothers.” 

“They’re the best, as annoying and obnoxious as little brothers could be but I love them. I always had a partner in crime. Being away from them this year has been tough so I’m thankful that I’ll be seeing them soon. Christmases together were always the best. Loud, chaotic but we were together so it was peaceful in a weird way.  I think they would love all the things your family does together.” 

She knew that it was a foolish statement. Their agreement would be over in a few days. It was silly to imagine integrating her family and traditions with the Naras. 

He remained silent, unsure of how to respond.  There was a part of Shikamaru that wanted to assure her that they could be part of it next year.  That his mother would be delighted to have even more people around, especially if it was her family. 

That wasn’t what their arrangement entailed though. 

Instead, he took her hand in his.  “Come on, movie time.” 

They settled into the plush chairs in the Yamanaka theater room. She tried not to gawk at how ridiculously wealthy they all were. 

“Here Temari, Karui, and I made the snacks for tonight.”  Chouji handed her a large assortment of snacks and treats. 

“Appreciate it, Chouji doesn’t share his snacks with just anyone,”  Karui informed her with a grin. 

“Then thank you Chouji, I’m honored.” 

Before the movie started Shikamaru’s arm wrapped easily around her. She automatically leaned into him a shared blanket over them.  This was all to prove themselves a happy couple right? 

“So you’d do this every year?”

“Yes, up until the last few years, especially when we were kids.  It was more eating snacks and me sleeping than actually watching the movies but it became a tradition of ours.” 

“My brothers and I would do this all the time too. If one of us were watching a movie, we would just naturally gravitate towards each other.”  Them being together, it didn't matter what they were doing, it was enough.  

“You’re really close to them?”

“I’d say so.” 

“Think that they’d like me?”  

She smiled to herself thinking about what her brothers' reaction to Shikamaru might be. “Of course my dear boyfriend. Gaara for sure, Kankuro would be an annoying prick about everything but I’m sure at some point he’d warm up to you too.” 

“That actually makes me really happy to hear.”  He admitted. 

“Temari! Bring them next year!”  Ino interjected hearing their conversation.

“Ino!”

She ignored Shikamaru’s protest. “They’d love it. More people to torture our beloved Shikamaru.” 

“Ino they have their own holiday activities.”  He tried to explain without revealing why that wouldn’t be possible.  

She wasn’t pleased with the response but nodded.  “Okay, but we have to meet them soon okay Temari?”

She nodded with a soft smile.  “Sure Ino, I think they’d be happy to meet you all.”

They all settled back down as the movie played. Temari picked at her nails anxiously. It should have been enough to just learn about his life and family. Now having hers being brought up was increasing the stakes and complexity of this situation.  

But when Shikamaru placed a steady hand over hers and pulled her further into his chest the worries melted away. 

Shikamaru was hers for just a few more days then they’d go off to live their separate lives. Just how it should be. 

Her eyes though lingered on their intertwined hands. Praying that at the end of this her heart would come out whole. 

The levity of familiar holiday classics eased any tension they felt.  She was just enjoying movies and snacks with her friends and “boyfriend.”  Something nice and simple. 

“Lay down Tem, it’s okay,”  Shikamaru told her softly.   She nodded surprised that he noticed her dozing off.  She rested her head on his lap.  He gently ran his finger through her blonde locks as her eyes fluttered closed.  He smiled remembering how happy and carefree she was playing in the snow.  The image of her with apple colored cheeks and snowflake kissed hair would forever remain in his memory.  If that errant snowball hadn’t hit him, would he have kissed her?

Shikamaru could feel his blonde friend's eyes boring into him. “What Ino?”

“Nothing, it’s just nice to see you all coupled up.  Your mother and I almost died when you told us you were bringing home a girl. Part of me thought that she’d just be some hired actress you brought along to get us off your back.  But the way that you two interact, how you look at her. This is real. Now someone else can worry about your dumbass.” 

He glanced down at Temari’s peaceful form.  How tightly she clung to him even while sleeping.  “I guess we both just got lucky.”

“You don’t believe in luck.” 

“She made me believe in it.” 

His friends were stunned speechless by the simple comment. 

“Whoever thought that Nara Shikamaru would be such a romantic.  When you two get married your mother is going to be ridiculous.” Chouji teased him already imagining the Nara matriarch on an absolute tear. 

Shikamaru’s eyes shot wide open at the statement.  “Married?”

Ino laughed off his surprised look.  “Of course! Then babies, the next generation of InoShikaCho!”

The other couples began to chat excitedly about the prospects of weddings and babies. The talk was to be expected now that he’d brought someone home. For generations, their families had shared weird traditions one of which was having kids all around the same ages. Part of him knew that Ino and Chouji were both waiting for him before they could start their own families. 

He never thought about just how much of an impact bringing someone home would have. So many hopes were being raised and soon they’d come crashing down once he and Temari “broke up.” 

Maybe after all of this, he’d eventually find someone but that person wouldn’t be Temari. And the idea felt utterly disappointing. He couldn’t imagine his family welcoming someone else so easily.  He doubted that anyone would ever measure up. 

So he just held onto her. That inevitable future would come but he still had her at least for right now. 

*

**

That night Temari laid in bed restless and awake. She wasn’t sure what happened when she’d fallen asleep during the movie but Shikamaru seemed a little more distant when she woke. 

That should have been okay. This was just a business arrangement but the cool way he regarded her for the latter part of the evening stung. His family didn’t seem to notice the change but she did. They still had two more days together and she didn’t know if she could handle him keeping her at arms distance. 

Surprising her his voice range clearly in the darkness.  “Come here Tem.”  His strong arms drew her in and her head settled against his heart. His warm hand cradled her head as he placed a kiss against the top of her head. 

“We’re okay.” 

She bit back her smile of relief and nodded against his chest.  His heartbeat steady and strong against her ear. 

Whatever this was, however it all ended, it would be okay. 

*

**

Please Have Snow and Mistletoe 

Chapter 1: Flight 4XMAS

Chapter 2:  A Scene from a Snowglobe

*

**

Shikamaru, lies have consequences...Does anyone else play Animal Crossing? It’s so hard to make a snowperson!!! It doesn’t snow where I live so it’s something that seems so magical and wonderful to me.  Oh to play in the snow with your rich “boyfriend.”  If you’ve read any of my stories before then you know that I love the giving your love interest something of yours to wear trope. Okie, the next chapter out tomorrow or today depending on your time zone. Thanks again for all your love and support.  Love you my pretty deers! 

@wargraymon0709 :D 

#shikatema #shikatem #shikamaru x temari #naruto #naruto fanfiction #naruto fanfic #christmas fluff #holiday fluff #modern au #fake dating #playing in the snow #wear my jacket #inoshikacho #home for the holidays #please have snow #wheres the mistletoe #just you wait #sangriaslips #sunflowerstalks #i'll be home for christmas

[siren1song]

In Which Jo Loves Content Creators

I’m in a mushy mood. This means it’s time to snipe people with my love for their work and affection for them as people. (People I don’t know that well/talk to regularly won’t be as personal as people as I’ve made good friends with! All to avoid making anyone uncomfortable <3)

I’m going to start with @sleepless-in-starbucks, because of course I’m starting with Lia. I know I’ve made a literal collaboration post with Max about how much I love them and their work, but Also how can I not mention once again how sweet and funny they are? I vowed that one day, I would rick roll them, they don’t believe I can, but I will, one day. Also they’re really good at comforting people??? And let me scream about some of my favorite fics/tropes to them. I also really enjoy talking to them about stuff I’m working. Listen. Lia is great, okay?

Speaking of @max-is-tired did you know they’re an incredibly sweet datemate who’s super considerate and easy to talk to and gosh I love them a whole lot? Not to mention their writing and ideas are phenomenal!!!! Max is so big brained!!!!! I will never stop expressing my love for them ever.

Oh, oh, oh!!!! @thechildoflightning is also really super sweet!! I became a huge fan of their writing through their daemon prinxiety au!! And my love of their work just kept expanding as I read the jksf verse they’ve worked so hard on! Their research is expansive!! And did you know they’re really cute when they info dump? I asked them to tell me about the bird facts the other day because I wanted to hear their info dumping and it was really cool information!!! I learned a lot about a really cool bird!!

(This is going to get long... time for a cut!)

Another segue! You know who else I’ve learned a lot from? @lilfellasblog who is so cool? And kind???? And smart? Sometimes, I’ll ask them questions in a joking way and then I’ll end up learning something and wow! That’s so cool! And they don’t mind simplifying things for me when I ask! And their fic, Healing Broken Wings? An actual masterpiece, though if you check it out I recommend reading tags thoroughly. And if you have questions about a tag, ask them! They’re so willing to elaborate to make sure you’re able to stay safe!!! They care more about your safety than your readership!!!!! And that’s so awesome! I love Lil so much! A great friend and an amazing writer!

A friend I don’t really talk to nearly as much as the others but who I still care about a whole lot is @illogicallyinclined. They say they can’t write, but bullet fics are a Valid Form of Writing, and also their art? Stunning? They’re the reason I started appreciating Logan a whole lot more than I used to, and their hockey au  is really good (and Jam Packed with Logan Angst if you’re into that.) They’re also hilarious to talk to. I have chatted about Virgil and Logan being huge ass meme’s with them on multiple occasions.

Someone I’ve only recently started talking to is @sign-from-god-complex who’s actually really cool? I was talking to him about my love for fandom content creators before I decided to make this post and of course I had to include him? I’m literally going to be bingeing his writing as soon as I finish this Love and Appreciation post because it’s amazing! I can’t believe I haven’t read more of his work before! A travesty, honestly!!! And oh my God his music is good? Literally the whole reason I joined his server and started talking to Lo in the first place was because he was really nice when I asked him how downloading music worked because I’ve only ever done that onto an MP3 (I know, I’m old) and even then I had to have help because I’m not adept with technology. A great singer and writer!

Now for people I’ve never talked to personally but really want to show my appreciation for... Goodness, there’s so many?

I’m gonna start this section with @princeanxious who’s writing, art, and ideas in general are amazing? Have you seen his coma au? Heart wrenching. His Lost Guardian au? Beautiful world building! His punk lo/pastel dee au? Adorable oh my goodness I can’t get enough!! I tried to talk to him once, but I kind of got scared I was bothering him, but he seems really nice!!!!

Did I mention soulmate au’s earlier? I did. You know who writes really cool and great soulmate aus? @not-so-innocent-bi-sander and MAN is their writing great! Have you read their vampire soulmate au? That was so cute??? I loved Logan’s internal conflict with changing Patton and Roman, gosh? And they have such interesting au ideas too? Like I have actually never heard the concept of Lockets before, and it was such a fascinating idea for a soulmate au? I mean, obviously they have other fics that aren’t soulmate aus, like their prinxiety fic Overcoming a Legacy? Stunning, I am pretty sure I stayed up really late reading that one.

Speaking of fics that made me stay up late (so many segue’s) @impatentpending ‘s fic Powerless had me up from 5:30 pm when I started reading it to 2:30 am when Max finally woke up and distracted me long enough to make me shower and go to bed cause I had work in the morning. Do I regret it? No. Powerless is a stunning fic with an amazing concept. I can’t tell you how excited I was to read a fic where Virgil willingly took on a villain role to protect his loved ones. And also I’m going to physically fight Missy, she can catch these hands. I can’t really give much else on the rest of her fics, because I tend to avoid anything that might not end happy (I’m five chapters away from finishing Powerless, and I’m only just now getting skeptical they might not get their happy ending so count me scared) but I have no doubt everything she’s written is just as good, if not better since this fic was finished in 2018? Wow.

Another fic that had me up super late was @lovelylogans gilmore girls au where you lead, i will follow. Don’t be fooled by the eleven chapters, that fic is over 100k words but God is it so worth it to read every single one. You don’t even need to be familiar with the show the au is based on, it’s amazing either way. The characters, the plot, the romance, all absolutely stunning. I will personally fight Patton’s mom. And the rest of her fics! Wow!!! Stunning, amazing, wonderful, beautiful, I’m running out of adjectives. I loved their princess bride bullet fic a whole lot, that was fun.

If you ever see me gushing about mermaid aus, please know that @voidsides au is Probably my favorite take on it. The prinxiety! The sassy virgil!!! The Logan being so done with Roman’s shit. Literally the one comic with Logan interaction I could practically see “Roman I swear to god if you don’t stop flirting with the fish I’m going to push you into the water” in his words. He didn’t say it, but man he was definitely thinking it.

Oh man, I can’t forget to mention the person who got me into g/t-slash-borrower sides @infinimay cause his content? Amazing, really. I found him when someone I follow reblogged one of his halloween fics and I fell in love and proceeded to binge the rest of their writing. Amazing, really. I really love the giant hermit virgil and hiker logan ones a lot. There’s more that I definitely love a whole lot as well, but I can’t currently match content with titles right now and if I go through I’ll get caught up and forget to come back to this post, but just know I love

Another giant/tiny writer I really love who I fell in love because of his amazingly written alien au- @delimeful WIBAR is currently one of my fic obsessions and I might reread it soon because it’s so good? I love the world building and how he’s written the characters so much. The rest of his work is Also Great? The fic where Virgil turns into a dragon when stressed? Amazing I can’t wait for it to continue.

@tulipscomeinallsortsofcolors You got me so in love with laoft I think about it often. Scary Virgil?? Changeling Logan???? Witch Roman???? Gifted Patton????? I want to cry I love them so much. And God, May! May Gage is a disaster of a woman but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love her. I just. I love this au so much and it’s gotten me to love fae lore so much like I used to. I want to reread this au now, crap. Wait I need to read Lo’s stuff first. Double crap.

Oh man. speaking of writer’s who keep bringing up fae and reminding me how much I love them, @lefaystrent I hope you know your parental shenanigans on my dash bring me life. I didn’t know carbonated milk existed until last night. Kind of wish I was still ignorant on that particular topic. Either way, your fae virgil fic? Amazing. I got so super excited every time I saw an update, and that epilogue? A beautiful ending, if you ask me.

@stillebesat I start screaming in excitement, reading your Interview fic. When I found it, I became so in love with the fic I had a really hard time reading anything else and I frequently checked your blog looking for an update. I am so in love with it, and honestly there’s lots of questions I have about it but if I ask all of them this post will be even LONGER and it’s so massive already.

@today-only-happens-once You’re writing is amazing. So many of your fics are so stunning?? I fell in love reading The Only Exception. Still need to go through your masterlist thoroughly, but man everything I’ve read from you so far is so well written and takes my entire heart.

This post wouldn’t be complete without @notalwaysthevillian who actually got me to start shipping Logince with her fic Shattering Stereotypes. And then there’s of course her tangled prinxiety au??? Which I actually really gotta finish but what I’ve read of it? Amazing. 

Oh crap. If void has my favorite artistic mermaid au, @teacupfulofstarshine has my favorite written au. LDAD is a stunning fic and I would die for it. And also her recent atla au fic? I was screaming over it. Also also her moxiety dad au series she did for halloween had my entire heart. Every installment of that series had me so incredibly soft I probably could have cried.

And finally, @randomslasher I really love your writing. Your fic, Starved was one of the first I read in the fandom and I adored every single word. I haven’t actually had the chance to really sit down and binge any of your work that I could find, but I plan on fixing that soon. It’s also?? Really nice to see an older fander! As someone in their twenties and constantly seeing how young everyone is, it’s comforting knowing I’m not the only one!

That’s everyone I wasn’t scared of bothering! Everyone who I wanted to shower in my love for their work (and affection for the people I talk to!) This isn’t really in any particular order, beyond me separating the people I talk to from the people I don’t. This post is massive, but I hope everyone enjoys my appreciation for their content!

#jo speaks #jo really loves content creators #long post #i cannot possibly tag everyone here #and i definitely linked fics where i could because obviously ppl reading this post need to read my faves #i had so many tabs open trying to make sure i had pronouns right for everyone #i really hope i dont suddenly remember someone later oh jeez

[theenjoninecollective]

Hey, I'm just asking this out of interest because I want to understand other people's thoughts. So I don't mean to be rude or anything, ship whatever you want. But why did you choose to ship enjonine over enjoltaire, as the later is such a popular one?

Mod @viridescentlights 

Is this your way of flirting, hmm? If it was, it’s not working the way you want it. That aside, you say you want to understand and that it’s out of interest, but if it was, why the question at the end? That’s downright condescending. Simply put, your ask never meant to respect our opinions, in the end. In what way does this benefit you at all, hmm? I ask this because the timing of this ask, though given in January, is suspect. Fandom activity in Les Mis has been quite low, but it always has been given the fluctuating interest of people towards it. Furthermore, there are different factions in the group, and I’ve observed that your group is very active. So why bother us, when your group has enough fan art, fanfic, and whatnot? We’re busy enjoying on our own. It does not matter if it’s popular because that is our interest. Unless you want another fic war because you’re bored? Pfft. You could’ve asked in a better way, you know? We could’ve organized a sort of fic exchange and whatnot! Instead you go ride on your high horse and be demeaning. It’s annoying already. 

So, if you want an exchange, just let us know, mate. It’s not that hard to do. Plus, it’s fun. I’ve been able to do one with a good friend who ships enjoltaire. Why destroy when we can make art, mate? Let this be our enemies-to-friends-to-maybe-partners story, yeah? Haha. But seriously. Do not do this rude ask again. 

Anyway, I’ll let my friend do the nuanced discussion. Ta. 

Mod @decembersiris: 

Just because a ship is popular that does not mean I’m going to ship it. Often times now most of my ships are not the popular ones because in the fandoms I am in, the more popular ones end up being really toxic, I have found. And this includes Les Miserables and the enjoltaire ship as well.

Why I don’t ship enjoltaire: the ship itself

I have watched the musical and read the book. I have also watched multiple films and TV series such as the 2012 movie and the French 2000 miniseries. Of course there are more out there and more that I have watched but I’m not going to go into detail, because the point is that I am well reversed in the mediums of the story itself. And in all that I have watched and the book that I have read, the ship does not appeal to me. In the book, it is explicitly said that Enjolras hates Grantaire. And that immediately puts me off against the ship because why would I ship a couple where one of them completely hates the partner. That does not tickle my fancy, regardless if Grantaire loves him. I understand that there are multiple Greek references to homosexual couples to represent Enjolras and Grantaire, but frankly, I don’t care. And I’m allowed to not care. For me, just because there is symbolism, that does not mean the ship is without a doubt canon.  Because as Hugo wrote, regardless of the symbolism, Enjolras hates him.

As some enjoltaire shippers throw at enjonine shippers, that we are homophobic because it is written in the book Enjolras has not interest in women. Yep, I understand that that is there. However the way Hugo shapes this information leaves a lot to be interpreted. Enjolras may not be interested in women RIGHT NOW because he’s so focused on his revolution. That is very possible and very real, that he may not want to establish a relationship because he knows what is at risk, that pursuing a relationship will only lead to further tragedy because he knows what he is doing is putting his life at risk. The way I interpret this sentence though is that he is not interested right now because of the revolution and also because Enjolras, to me, is asexual. Just because he isn’t interested in women DOES NOT MEAN (and many enjoltaire shippers willfully ignore this point) he is interested in men. Enjolras could very well be asexual and not interested in anyone at all.

As for the musical, I appreciate the friends dynamic and I enjoy the interactions they have. But for me, that is not enough for me to ship them. Often times friendships and especially male friendships are default labeled as homosexual which to me is erasure of genuine male friendships which isn’t right. So I appreciate the friendship between them, but that isn’t enough for me to ship them.

Why I don’t ship enjoltaire: the shippers

A huge reason I do not ship enjoltaire has to do with the shippers. At first I could tolerate the shippers but as they became more and more harassing of pretty much the smallest ship in the Les Mis fandom, I began to get pretty frustrated with them. Which resulted in my hatred of the ship as well. Granted, not all enjoltaire shippers are intolerant fucks, but a lot love to overstep their boundaries. They, for some reason, cannot stay in their lane, and continuously harass enjonine shippers and infiltrate the enjonine tag with their bullshit. It’s almost as if they’re so insecure because not everyone ride or dies with their ship that they have to go and ridicule the enjonine shippers. And they frame in the guise of “enjonine shippers are homophobes!” and cry about it in our tag. Calling us homophobes just because we don’t ship their ship is incredibly ludicrous because shipping is FUN and HARMLESS. I don’t care what you ship as long as you stay in your lane and don’t try to force your ship onto others! Those who can’t differentiate between real life and fiction and real life and shipping need to take a step back and reevaluate their lives.

I think it’s funny because many enjoltaire shippers call us queer erasure in an attempt to come off as “woke” which is quite hypocritical on their part because they know that many of us enjonine shippers either view Enjolras as bisexual or asexual. For them to call us that, to me, shows just how ignorant and pigheaded they are; they are fake woke, bashing us for not believing what they do when people are allowed to have different opinions. They’re the ones blatantly ignoring the possibility that Enjolras is asexual or bisexual or even both which, I could turn onto them and call them acephobes and biphobes. But I don’t go to their tag and post a plethora of reason as to why I hate enjoltaire and call them acephobes and biphobes.

Regardless of whether or not enjoltaire is implied in the text, that does not mean I have to ship it either! The ship does not appeal to me. Even if they frickin kissed in canon, the ship would not appeal to me. Victor Hugo could rise from the grave and scream that Enjolras and Grantaire fucked and I would not care. I would not ship them because I don’t like them! For some reason, enjoltaire shippers have their heads so far up their asses, demanding we ship their ship because it’s “canon” through symbolism. They critique us for “not have comprehension skills of the book” but guess what, there are so many people who don’t ship canon! There is nothing wrong with that! And enjoltaire isn’t even confirmed as canon! As far as I’m concerned, it’s all headcanon because nothing confirms a solid relationship. Symbolism can be interpreted. The great thing about literature is that everything is up for interpretation and not everyone has to believe the same thing. There are so many ships out there that go against canon but for some reason enjoltaire shippers think they should get a free pass and everyone needs to ship their ship because their ship is homosexual. But that’s not how fandoms work. Enjoltaire shippers do not have the  right to ridicule enjonine or any other ship just because they think they’re more woke than others for shipping a gay couple.

There was a point where I came close to multishipping Enjolras with Grantaire as well as with Éponine but that concept sank so quick. It’s because of intolerable enjoltaire shippers that I refuse to ship Enjolras with Grantaire and ship him with Éponine even harder.

Why I ship enjonine

In all the different mediums of consuming Les Miserables, I always found myself absolutely adoring Éponine and that’s because I found myself relating to her more than any other character in Les Mis. She is an endearing character with many flaws, feelings, and complexities about her. When I actively found myself liking a character, I’m most likely going to find a ship for that character because I want my characters to be happy and paired. I was also drawn to Enjolras for the very reasons his friends are drawn to him. He’s inspiring, charismatic, and someone who has his flaws as well, who has done wrong for what he believes is right. Both characters are complex because of their beliefs and who they are and I adore them for that. Because of this I want them both to be happy and why not let them be happy together? Éponine could not be happy with Marius because Marius loved Cosette. She could find that happiness with Enjolras! Yep he might not be interested in women because he is focused on his revolution, but the beauty of fanfiction allows authors to tweak canon to suit their fantasies. And there is nothing wrong with that. That’s the whole purpose of fanfiction. The idea of having my two favorite characters get together makes me happy and anyone who thinks they can police my happiness can fuck right off. This ship has gotten me through some of the toughest times of my life and I’ll be damned if I let other peoples’ shitty and harmful opinions devalue that.

The fact that both of these characters have not interacted makes things even more interesting because of the potential they have! I also believe that if they had interacted, their dynamics would be very interesting to see unfold. Because they are both so headstrong and firm in their beliefs, it would make for such engaging fics and it has. I’ve read many enjonine fics and they are so well written and so fun to read because they feel so genuine and sincere to the characters that it makes me ship them even harder. While sparse, there is beautiful enjonine art out there and as a shipper, it makes me giddy.

Not only that, I have met some very sweet and interesting people in the fandom. While very small, most enjonine shippers are so openhearted and encouraging and because of this ship I have met beautiful people made a few friends as well. They have been nothing but kind and have helped me grow as a writer. Because of them my love for enjonine is as strong as it is. While I may not actively participate in the fandom for now, enjonine is the hill I’ll die on. They are my otp because they have helped me through such hard times and as a result made me so happy. So what if I don’t have canon to validate them? So what if other people adamantly despise the ship? If they despise me too, fine by me. I don’t need that negativity and toxicity in my life. I’ll do me and ship what I please and that’s enjonine.

[lunaathorne]

As a fellow Amy March fan, I'm curious what your opinion on Jo is? Her and Amy's relationship? I do like Jo but personally I think she gave at least as good as she got with Amy (who was 3 years younger anyway)

Hmmm. Jo has always been the one sister about whom I've had severely polarising opinions through the years. Little Women was pretty much the first English book I ever read and since then Amy has always been my favourite while Jo, despite our mutual love for books and dislike for overtly sentimental issues, has always been a grey zone for me. I love her as a character and kinda hate the reception and portrayal of her in media and by fans. Obviously, it's only in very recent times that I've come to appreciate her for her complexities and nuances. She's a well written character, but also a flawed one (as the best characters are always.)

Carrying over from my Amy post, where I spoke of how much I related to Amy as the baby sister of my family, I could see Jo in my older sister. Fiercely brilliant, very loyal, completely no-nonsense about issues in life and love and often coming off as terse or brash. I quite loved her and I also loved her and Amy's dynamic. It's a well-written sibling relationship that's neither completely saccharine nor murderous fratricide. I also liked her friendship with Laurie (although never shipped them romantically).

The reason I began feeling meh about her was really some Jo March fans who always sought to single her out from the rest of her "inferior", "girly girl" sisters with their "homely ambitions". I have spoken about this internalised misogyny before, I'll not elaborate here but it quite spoiled the experience of reading her POV for me, which is funny because Louisa Alcott CLEARLY didn't want to glorify the "not-like-other-girls" thing that Jo does display in flashes in book 1. However, because Jo's fate comes off as less glamorous and less satisfying than fans would've liked, they make her the martyr of bad writing and the One Wronged Woman of Good Wives who Was Obviously Better Than Her Sisters Because She was Not Like Other Girls.

It's easy to point out Jo's great qualities but she has an equal number of flaws that stan Twitter and Tumblr ignore. Assuredly her defiance of suffocating social norms was great but in turn they make her a tool to demonise or simplify Amy and Meg. Her quotes are empowering, theirs are sentimental period drama nonsense. The 1994 film was an offering at the altar of Jo March, with practically every other character reduced to bland one-dimensional roles.

This is not right. Amy and Meg are not to be held accountable for everything Jo does. It's not Amy's fault that she is well mannered around adults and is offered the Europe trip by Aunt March. Jo is reckless with her opportunities, speaks rudely and obviously loses her chance. She often antagonizes Amy whenever she can (especially in the early Good Wives chapters). She is quite juvenile initially about the way she treats Brooke and Meg's relationship. People just forget this. Because she is the quirky heroine archetype for them. In doing so they oversimplify her. Just as Game of Thrones oversimplified Show Arya, who said stuff like "most girls are stupid" where her book counterpart would NEVER. Jo loved and admired all her sisters. She was actually in awe of Meg and Amy's grace and classy attitudes. She was wholeheartedly happy for them when they got married and found happiness. And she loved Laurie but didn't care for him as more than a brother (again, when will people understand it was HER choice to reject him) and yes THEY WOULDN'T BE COMPATIBLE. Sorry but that's the truth.

The thing is- a) since Jo kind of takes up centre space in the latter half of book 1 and 2, she plays a pivotal role in how the audience sees her world. As a result many people are biased to like and dislike what she does. b) many compare her to Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, which is ridiculous because that was a social satire novel where the other sisters where clearly objects of ridicule (except Jane) and the story was centred on love and marriage much more than sisterly bonds, whereas LW is based off Alcott's own sisters and is a much more sombre and reflective tale, heavy in nostalgia with its focus on all 4 sisters. Elizabeth is also much more poised and mature than Jo, who is only 15 when the story starts. I went on this tangent to show that much of Jo's character is fundamentally misread and misinterpreted by many.

I love Jo and Amy's relationship the most out of all the familial relationships in Little Women. We never actually got a proper bonding scene between Beth and Jo to appreciate their love for each other before Beth became ill. Meg and Jo almost always have Marmee as a third person moderator in their conversations. But Amy and Jo are real, actual siblings with a raw, honest bond. They are the two primary March girls in Good Wives. They work as foils and parallels to each other. They both are somewhat self conscious about their perceived "lack of beauty" (Jo after her haircut and Amy's nose), are both creative and ambitious, brilliant verbal sparrers, quick to notice and deduce, their stories are quite intertwined. And people just reduce them to ships.

So in conclusion, I do find her an interesting, very human character. However I am unable to relate to her and a majority of her stans piss me off a LOT, therefore I do not emotionally connect to her as I do with Amy.

I have other thoughts too (about her New York storyline and Bhaer and her dreams) but then we'd be here all year 😅😅.

#answered ask #good wives #little women #spookysylphinthehauntedforest #not sure if i should tag this as j* m*rch because her fans are Really Mad

[randomfandomimagine]

Fate Is Sealed. Chapter 7

Fandom: John Wick

Ship: John x Elizabeth (OC)

Previous Chapter - Chapter Index - Next Chapter

Read it on AO3!!

Aurelio put his jacket over my shoulders, stopping to comfortingly rub my back.

“Fuck” He muttered, passing a hand over his mouth, after John was done explaining. “No wonder she’s such a wreck”

“Yeah” John walked through the garage, offering me a glass of a thick liquid and peering at me with worried eyes. “Can you think of anyone who-?”

After little consideration, I snatched the glass from his hand and downed it in one gulp. It burned like hell and it made me cough, but it helped me numb all the overwhelming sensations that were taking over my mind and body. The crawling in my skin, the fuzziness in my brain… Just… everything.

“Holy shit, Elizabeth...” Aurelio uttered, heaving a deep sigh. There was a loud silence in which I felt them intently watching me. When I rolled my eyes, my friend continued speaking, directing his words at John. “To answer your question, yeah. I don’t know the details, but she's in trouble with this guy, Gaige Stoakes”

“Smiling Gaige?”

“That’s him. I think he’s the one who sent her to kill you”

“He is”

“So whatcha gonna do about it?”

“Take care of it” Retrieving a gun from his belt, he adamantly cocked it.

“No” Every fiber of my being felt unstable, but I still spoke up. “You’re not doing that, I don’t want your charity”

“It’s not charity” John frowned, watching me gravely. “I owe you a debt; you’re involved in this because of me”

“I didn’t help you because I wanted you to owe me” I stood up, ignoring how weak and shaky I felt and how my legs seemed made out of jelly.

With the corner of my eye, I caught Aurelio tensing up at my sudden movement, but I completely ignored him and faced John. He observed me in silence; his eyes were piercing as though he was trying to read my mind.

“I just helped you, John, because it was the right thing to do” I said to fill the silence, sitting back down when I felt myself swaying. “Because I wanted to”

Even as he towered over me, holding a gun in his hand, his gaze was stern yet somehow soft at the same time. His head slightly fell forward, forcing the curtain of dark hair over his features to hide them.

“Fine” John budged, saving his weapon. “But this isn’t over”

“Maybe, but it’s my problem, not yours” I wrapped myself with Aurelio’s jacket, averting my gaze under John’s attentive stare. “And I don’t work like you do”

“I’m going home” He paused, sending me a significant glance with his following words. “It’s safe there”

I averted my gaze, flustered by the invitation. While a part of me was glad that I had somewhere else to go, somewhere where I wouldn’t feel on edge given the circumstances, the other part of me was too conflicted to even admit it.

My relationship with John was itself too strange and complex. I knew there was some kind of connection, he had to feel it too. When we were together there was a different atmosphere now, electric almost. My thoughts inevitably evoked those moments in which I treated his wounds, and I became rattled at the memory of that intimate closeness.

Footsteps claimed my attention, although I repressed the urge to look up. I knew John was leaving, slowly, giving me the chance to call him back. I didn’t.

“You good?” Aurelio rested a hand on my shoulder, patiently awaiting a response.

I sighed, quickly lifting my glance just in time to see John’s tall figure disappear outside.

“Yeah” I locked eyes with my friend, forcing out a smile. “I’m fine”

“You were lucky John was there” Aurelio let out an awkward chuckle, allegedly to relief the tension. However, I scowled at him.

He was right, but he didn’t have to say it. It made me feel helpless, like a damsel in distress. Like I had no power, like I never fought for myself. And I was done with that.

When Aurelio stepped away from me, I stood up. I took his jacket off me, placing it on the chair instead. He was already a few meters away, but turned around with the unexpected movement.

“Hey, where you going?” He asked me, giving me a wary look.

“John’s” I only replied, exiting the garage with determination.

I didn’t really like lying to Aurelio. We had been friends for a long time and I appreciated his support. But I needed to do that alone. If I told him my plans, it would have complicated everything. And he might have involved John again.

Standing before Gaige’s place, I took a deep breath. It was insane, but there wasn’t much else I could do other than pull a John Wick and kill everyone. And that wasn’t really my style.

I came in, trying to remember the things I mentally planned to say while I walked all the way there. The sight of that place that I had been in so many times was strange. It was probably the first time ever I was willingly there and not being threatened. Or tied up. Or serving as a punching bag.

The building still gave me the creeps. I could feel the evil there floating in the air. None of these people were up to any good.

Once inside, a blonde woman with wild brown eyes and a ponytail watched me half amused and half disgusted. I did my best not to even glance at Simone as I went straight to Gaige’s office.

The adrenaline once again made an appearance as I lifted my fist to knock. My knuckles made contact with the door, and I opened it immediately after as not to get cold feet.

Inside the room I was received with a nasty sight. I used to think that Gaige’s lively face was bad enough because of the fake nature of it. That was until I read a clear anger in his features. 

“Elizabeth Dawson” Gaige only said, setting his wide brown eyes on me.

“I want to make a deal” I valiantly said, making myself loud and clear. “Let’s end this bullshit. I’ll do anything to settle it”

“I gave you a chance” There was a dangerous edge to his usually falsely cordial voice. “But you didn’t kill John Wick. In fact, you sent him to me and he killed many of my men”

I took a step back, closing my hands into fists when the realization hit. This was a terrible idea, obviously. That I wanted to act on it didn’t mean I thought it was smart. It clearly wasn’t. But I had to go and do it anyway. I had to do something.

“Then you two kill two of my closest, most loyal men” My heart hammered inside my ribcage with the mental image of Delfino and Dominic’s dead bodies. “And now you expect me to forgive you just like that?”

“I’ll do anything” My voice shook, aware of what I was promising.

“It’s too late for that” He clapped his hands twice, making me jolt up in alarm.

I jumped up again when the door to the office opened behind me and a certain woman walked in. There was a tense pause in which the three of us waited for the other to act. Until I did, trying to gain the upper hand.

First shielding my face with my arm just in case, I advanced towards Simone and shoved the hard part of my palm against her nose. I heard gunshots as I made a run for it.

The scene was all too familiar when the goons outside stood prepared to intercept me. This time I ran for the window instead. It was a few stories up, but I went for it and accepted my fate.

I screamed as I fell, landing on my feet but losing my balance. My ankle twisted, but I was sure I had only sprained it slightly. My knees received the true impact as I fell forward, painfully breaking my fall first with them and then with my hands and my arms.

I looked up, stopping for a second to catch my breath and analyze the situation. I had forgotten with the rush of the moment, but just then I realized I had walked there from the car shop. I literally had no way of making a quick escape. I should have thought about that before. I was fucked.

I was too into deep in that shit and I could not think straight. I had just wanted it all to end once for all. Stupid! I had to go and do that reckless bullshit. I just made everything ten times worse.

Standing there alone in the middle of the street I probably looked like a fool. I frantically thought what my options were, but there wasn’t much to do.

A pair of wedge heels resonated near me, so I slowly turned around to face her. I was surprised she came alone, but she could probably take me on her own.

I could clearly read the contempt in Simone’s brown eyes, more intense than ever. I never really thought she was close to those two, but apparently she was. Like she needed another reason to hate me.

She pulled out a dagger and walked towards me at a too calm pace. I gulped, forcing my mind to focus on the scene that was about to develop.

All I had was my trustworthy knife and gun, my fists and the medium amount of self-defense knowledge I had. I didn’t know if it would be enough to survive an actual confrontation like that. Especially if she was that pissed at me, more than ever.

I pulled out my gun from my belt and pointed it at her. Simone didn’t bat an eye and continued to close the distance between us, the fire in her eyes only growing more intense by the second.

Watching the tattoo that peeked from under my sleeve, I gathered the courage necessary to cock the weapon and set my finger on the trigger, ready to pull it.

Before I could, she moved at the speed of light and drew a revolver, not hesitating not one second to shoot. The bullet barely graced my wrist, but it burned my skin as it peeled some off and caused me to drop my weapon.

“You’re gonna pay, Lizzie” She scowled at me, not lowering her gun. “And now you don’t have your dear Boogeyman to protect you”

I wished I had told John what my plans were. Or even Aurelio. They might not have helped, but at least they probably would have stopped me from this madness.

I knelt on the ground, clutching my raw skin to my chest. Watching her point the gun to my head was when the adrenaline once again came to the rescue, triggering all my instincts and self-defense abilities.

Throwing myself backwards so my back slammed against the ground, I sent her a high kick that deflected the bullet. The gunshot echoed around the empty streets and the projectile got lost above me.

Lunging forward and desperately holding on to her wrists, I pulled myself to my feet as I forced her gun up and away from me. Simone grunted in frustration, struggling against my grip. Our forces were almost equally matched, but knowing that I would eventually lose, I changed my strategy.

I twisted her arm over my head and forced her in a lock, pressing her back against my front and taking ahold of all my strengths to keep her in that position. That way, the gun was aimed away from me entirely.

Simone shot a couple more times as she wriggled in my grip, now screaming in fury. I grit my teeth, trying not to listen to my heart pounding in my chest and ears.

I loudly cried out when I suddenly felt an excruciating pain in my upper arm, subsequently making me let go of her. My head began spinning when I saw the hilt of a dagger sticking out of it. It took all the self-restrain within me not to pass out at the harrowing sight.

My heart thumping inside my ribcage, faster than before, reminded me that I still needed to focus. It must have been just two seconds but to me it felt like several minutes before I recovered.

Simone was ready to retaliate, but all I could do to stop her was kick her in the stomach, yet that only bought me a couple of seconds as she caught her breath again.

I took a step closer to face her, but I stopped in my tracks when a gasp left my throat. A gunshot had sounded, and I had felt the impact. My eyes widened and my throat instantly dried as I cautiously looked down to myself.

My side was gushing blood, and I got so light-headed for it that I fell to my knees once more. My entire body had gone completely numb, including my brain since it could not comprehend the fact that I had been shot, except for the acute burning sensation in my left side. It felt like the bullet had been on fire and was consuming me from the inside.

My hands moved on their own as they clutched the bullet wound, staining my fingers with a sickening crimson. Helpless squeaks escaped my lips in anguish.

“Oh, how I hate to see you suffer like that” Her voice was overly sweet, in a clear fake tone that made my blood boil. “Maybe I’ll stretch it out before I kill you”

Her venomous words gave me enough strength to stand up to her. I rapidly pulled out my knife and slashed it against her wrist. I felt nauseous when I felt it deeply cut through skin and tendon. Simone groaned and her fingers automatically lost the strength to keep wielding the gun.

When the weapon hit the floor, I kicked it hard, sending it as far away from me as possible. The damage was done, but at least she wouldn’t be able to finish me off with it.

“You pathetic little girl” I yelped when her fist made contact with my temple, causing me to literally see stars as I lost balance and landed sideways on the floor. I heard the metallic sound of my knife landing close to me.

Taking advantage that I was down, Simone punched me right over the eye. As she threw her arm back, I weakly pushed her shoulders to get her away from me. It didn’t do much and she unleashed her fist against my face again.

Not knowing what else to do, I wrapped my hands around her neck as tightly as I could. She immediately gasped for breath and reached out to hit me again, but I pushed my knees against her to create some distance.

Her face was becoming blurry, but I couldn’t tell if it was because of the blood loss or the tears that were starting to form on my eyes.

I grimaced when her long nails managed to scratch at my face, painfully digging in my cheek and causing me to inevitable let go of her as they dug deeper into my skin.

As soon as she was freed, she pulled out the dagger from my arm. It had felt so numb after I was shot that I had forgotten it was still lodged in there. The action was so quick and ruthless that it literally blinded me from pain, and I shrieked in response. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t see, I couldn’t function. For several seconds, there was only pain. That also got rid of my numbness and made every other wound to join in a collective wave of agony.

“You think you can get away with it?” I felt her blade, warm with my blood, against my throat. “You worthless, insignificant piece of-“

I was barely aware of what I was doing as I stretched out my arm and took hold of my knife to blindly sink it in her. Not aiming, just wherever I could reach, whichever body part was the closest.

It gave me enough time to get her off me as she struggled to breathe with a knife to her chest, and stumble to my feet. I watched her for a few seconds, ready to strike back.

I had never felt so alert before, somehow managing to ignore all the pain I was going through and how so many places in my body throbbed. I felt like an animal, pure instinct and adrenaline that took over my conscious self and moved without warning.

As soon as her eyes directed towards me, pulling the knife out of her chest, I acted without thinking. I tiredly punched her on the jaw, knocking her out cold. She limply fell backwards onto the ground.

I made it. I had no idea how, but I had made it out alive and dodged her. I was –allegedly –safe then. For the time being. My mind seemed to work on autopilot as my feet tiredly dragged across the ground, moving in a direction I wasn’t entirely sure about. I couldn’t focus; every thought that popped up in my head vanished before I could grasp it. Everything was hazy and distant; the whole world spun around me and challenged me to keep my balance.

A somewhat lucid thought stayed in my mind long enough for me to realize where I was going. I smiled, hopeful, when I was received with a warm comforting sensation at the thought of him.

Turned out I didn’t technically lie to Aurelio, I just took a detour. A long, torturous and traumatic detour. I would have gone to him in the garage, but I didn’t really want to get him in trouble. Besides, I felt safer there with John. It was that stupid connection I felt with him, like I was drawn to him. So I kept walking to his house, glad that I remembered his address from back when I investigated him. But overall, relieved it wasn’t too far from there.

Tag list: @lea-kenneth / @lookinsidemyhead / @ciccithedreamer / @writerandee / @contanto-que-voce-me-queira / @recentcrib8422 / @anita-e-taylor / @elena-mayfair / @fyspidey / @mell-bell / @yes-captainstark / @quentinbecksass / @buckysjuicyplums / @misfvit / @e-lysium / @alluna-naozumi / @alainabooks143 / @superbateclipseclod / @angelenemies / @hopeinahotbox / @deaadenn / @spacepari / @piaeforever21 / @thecraziestcrayon / @homeybadger // Let me know if you want to be added or taken off this tag list!!

#fanfiction #john wick fanfiction #john wick fanfic #series #john wick series #john wick x reader #john wick x oc #john wick x original character #original character #no reader insert #suspense #action #romance #drama #enemies to lovers #fate is sealed #fis

[love-takes-work]

I shouldn’t argue with people on Reddit

My clown encounter

I was talking to someone about the Camp Pining Hearts graphic novel on Reddit, and among other things, I made a joking comment about how Mr. Frowney appearing in the audience of the Camp Pining Play to watch Mr. Smiley perform might mean they’re married now. Someone in the comments had this to say to me:

Reddit clown: 

That would imply that anyone on SU cares about developing characters.

Follow the jump if you would like some bloviating about how this show fails at complex relationships, a funny conspiracy theory about how fan response directly controls which characters appear and what plots the Crew writes, and a smug conclusion that No One Can Answer This Deep Question and Therefore SU Is A Bad Show.

Reddit clown:

It’s clear that the author is trying to prop up their ship by purposefully making Amedot out to be unhealthy and problematic, even if it means derailing established personality and history. It’s pretty childish really.

“Does that imply what I think it does about Mr. Frowney and Mr. Smiley? Hey, maybe they’re married now. :)”

That would imply that anyone on SU cares about developing characters.

I addressed part of the Amedot comment and also said this:

Me:

Re character development: This graphic novel was not written by anyone who writes for the show. There's not really any constructive conversation I can have from here if your position really is "no one on SU cares about developing characters," though. This just seems like such an unnecessarily negative "lol this show sucks, edgier-than-u" comment that I don't know where it can go from here and I'm not planning to follow wherever you're trying to take this.

Reddit clown:

Well in general, the show doesn’t have a good track record for character dynamics

[link to a blog post on Tumblr which is literally a one-sentence repetition of what they just said about bad group dynamics]

And given that Frowney only appeared once, sadly there’s zero chance of him and Smiley ever getting back together. Same with Mystery Girl and Pearl.

lol ok

people who have only shown up once obviously won’t ever show again

no source needed on having a good track record, we’ll just believe it’s obvious if you can find an example of someone saying this on a Tumblr blog somewhere agreeing with your assessment

Me:

I have no personal stake in whether a rare character appears again--I'm not yearning for either of those people to return--but it's straight-up weird to say someone will never show up again because they only showed up once.

Then again, I remember how confident people were that Bismuth would never return (and how consistently they coupled their absolute certainty with sneering comments about how the voice actor was surely too expensive), so I guess it's not too surprising to me that some folks still think certain characters are guaranteed to never return. Bottom line is you never know when the throwaway mailman character in episode 3 will turn out to be a regularly returning character starting in episode 56. It just doesn't make sense to pretend such things are obvious. You do not know.

As for the continued weirdness of claiming that this group of characters has no character dynamics to speak of, I mean, it's literally one of the things I've appreciated the most all along about the show, and . . . I don't have to exaggerate or read into what I see to find it, nor am I confused about whether it's actually there. I again have no personal stake in whether you feel that way. It just strikes me as a bizarro world kind of comment. You're having a VERY different experience of this show from the one I've had.

Reddit clown:

That’s different. Bismuth was brought back thanks to fan demand. Meanwhile, these are specifically one off characters, especially considering the show’s halfway over. Not everyone can rise above a one shot character.

And can you name any notable character dynamics not attached to Steven? Compare that to say Adventure Time which had great character dynamics.

Oh god

“”””Bismuth was brought back because of fan demand””””

““““Can you name any notable character dynamics”“““

Dear lord what show is this cheese log of a person watching?

Me: 

It's really weird that you think Bismuth was brought back because fans "demanded" it. You don't know how the show works at all. 

And "then name character dynamics not attached to Steven" is a bizarre request. If you truly did not see the literal thousands of years of history between characters that enhanced who they are and how they act long before Steven was there, me trotting them out isn't going to help you believe it's there. Steven being the strict point of view character creates a situation that Adventure Time doesn't have, so it's weird to expect the show to diverge significantly from the lens it's designed to be viewed through, but believing you've presented a gotcha here is basically admitting you haven't noticed any of the relationships between the characters that Steven actually spent a ton of time discovering--whole episodes were even dedicated to relationships between characters who aren't Steven or aren't relating to Steven when they're revealing such things. It's not even subtext.

Reddit clown:

Well after fan backlash from the episodes Bismuth, they basically had no choice but to bring her back. And given how expensive the VA is, it hurt their budget. And really, what relationships? The whole thing revolves around Steven. The Gems are Steven’s moms, Connie is Steven’s love interest, the town is Steven’s friends. The only interesting dynamic is Lars hating Steven and even then he joined the Steven cult. Look how wasted Lapis and Peridot became when they escaped Steven’s clutches.

Oh 

Oh this person is one of those

““““the steven cult”“““

The objectively only interesting thing is when someone hates someone

Cartoon Network’s budget was exploded by hiring a voice actor oh god

Me:

Wow. Your obliviousness and misplaced confidence is baffling, but . . . to be honest I feel like I'm watching someone who doesn't understand they're embarrassing themselves, and it's getting uncomfortable.

I know that you don't know what's going on behind the scenes of this show, but it is really bizarre sometimes that fans believe their behavior and their outrage is changing the writing or influencing what characters they use.

You really think fans raging about things is an actual "demand" they respond to. That they "had to" bring back Bismuth because of something FANS DID. Yikes. But I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that people are still saying things like this. Some people still think the writers stole plot elements from fan theories. I don't know why some people in fandoms think they're that important or relevant. The show is not being controlled by our responses in any way. If "fan backlash" worked to bring characters back, there are many others who would have returned long ago. 

And isn't that lovely, you've got a little conspiracy theory about how paying the scads of money you imagine are required for Bismuth's voice actor have "hurt the budget" (oblivious to how many voice actors on this show have done more episodes despite being more famous/having higher net worth). You clearly have zero clue about how any of this works, and you shouldn't keep pretending you have knowledge about it, especially not while talking to people who do.

As for relationships, you're not really asking me. Like I said, if I wasted my time trotting out descriptions of relationship dynamics that you should have seen for yourself if you watched the show, there's no way that would convince you they were worthwhile, well-developed relationships if the show itself didn't. I see complex and multifaceted relationships, growth, change, conflict, and resolution, in so many relationships, like Greg and Rose figuring out what love is to them, Ruby and Sapphire growing into a healthier version of who they are together, Pearl learning to think independently of serving Rose even as she struggles with her nature, the long history of Pearl with Garnet, Amethyst with Pearl, even Greg with Amethyst (all things Steven has to discover and understand only partially as the show goes on) . . . but if you truly believe characters in this show who existed before Steven appeared 14 years ago have shown no evidence of having layered relationship dynamics that do not focus on him or depend on him, I don't know what show you're watching and I can't help you.

I don't know why you're even here since just about every bit of content you've posted here is "the thing you like sucks" and completely unsupported comments about why, sourced in nothing. It's just like . . . not even an argument, it's just a weird demonstration that you don't get what's going on so you've concluded nothing is. It's weird, and normally I've got no problem with criticism or spirited discussion, but these comments are just . . . they're empty. They're demonstrations of obliviousness or willful ignorance. It's just so, so weird to talk to someone who thinks they're laying down critical points but reads as so ignorant of what even happened in the source material or behind the scenes.

For the record, this person was going on in other threads about how Amedot is better than Lapidot “objectively” and partly because “it looks cuter,” saying the writing on the entire series is garbage, that “Steven as a character doesn’t make sense,” and that the show’s writers have no standards. Wow edgy.

Reddit clown:

I mean think about it; a famous celebrity gets more likes around the same the animation goes down hill?

And I would consider the following on the writers stealing fan content; keep in mind that Rose being Pink Diamond was a widely circulated fan theory and people were very stubborn about it. It could be that the crew felt like they needed to validate them. This lead to them to an unsatisfying and out of left field twist.

And I simply don’t see the powerful character interactions people brag about. What’s the character dynamics of the Gems? Again, the blog post I posted is the gotcha moment that no can answer.

I reiterate that the blog post referenced here is one sentence, and it says, “For a show that revolves around a group of characters, SU doesn’t have very interesting group dynamics writing (when they bother having them at all).” That is this person’s “gotcha.” That is this person’s “NO ONE CAN SATISFACTORILY ANSWER THIS” criticism.

omg I’m so confused and weirded out by this.

But

THINK ABOUT IT

A CELEBRITY “GOT LIKES” AND THEN THERE WAS A SPECIFIC TIME WHEN THE ANIMATION GOES DOWNHILL

It’s obviously because Cartoon Network was bankrupted in their ANIMATION BUDGET because they had to pay Uzo Aduba

And this was “”””forced”””” to happen by FAN BACKLASH

When we whine about wanting a character back we decimate the animation budget and make it go downhill guise

AND THIS PERSON ALSO ADMITS TO BELIEVING THE SHOW WENT IN A DIFFERENT “UNSATISFYING” DIRECTION THAN THEIR ORIGINAL INTENT BECAUSE THE CREW NEEDED TO VALIDATE STUBBORN FANS. AND THEY THOUGHT THE PINK DIAMOND REVEAL WAS “OUT OF LEFT FIELD.” YIIIIIIIIKES. 

I had to stop replying here (and should have much earlier) because like

wow, how can someone have NO ABILITY TO INTERPRET THE CONTENT OF A SHOW and then still be this smug about thinking they’ve got its mediocrity nailed? While also being so confident about thinking they know fans control the structure of the storytelling? Unnggggh 

#steven universe #negativity #su critical #myblog

[enkelimagnus]

🔥 about relationships in SH bc I'm emo and I really like reading about your thoughts/opinions.

Okay this is going to be a BIG answer because, I dunno what you mean by “relationships”

Romantic Relationships

When it comes to romantic relationships on the show, I find them relatively nice. If you forget that from 1x01 to 3x22 (year later not included) there’s maybe 3 months, and that as a result, Magnus and Alec got married 2 months into their relationship, Clary and Jace have dated for a month, and Simon and Izzy 3 days, of course. 

The romances are interesting. Though some parts are badly written (in season 3, every thing that Malec has a couple gains is done through Magnus as a person losing something), I find Malec especially very interesting. Clace has also a good dynamic, with a true development from Jace’s character, which is very interesting to see. And the third ship I’d say is probably in the top three writing wise: Saia. Saia is amazing, for some of the same reasons that Malec and Clace are, actually. Saia, Clace and Malec all have one interesting in common. Healing. 

Jace, Clary, Simon, Maia, Magnus and Alec all have an healing journey as they go through their relationship. They all grow, and heal old traumas and pains, and I find it very beautiful and comforting to me. Victims of abuse like Jace, Maia and Magnus finding trust and love and support and being able to open themselves to vulnerability again? That’s GORGEOUS. 

Family dynamics

I enjoy the family dynamics a lot too. Especially the Lightwoods. Though the Luke/Clary bond is amazing, it is often the only plot that Luke gets: something to do with saving Clary’s ass. And I find that sad. Luke tends to be only Clary’s dad, not his own character. 

You can have characters who put family first without it becoming their only personality trait. Because who is Luke if not someone’s dad? Maryse gets to have this growth, this enormous change in the way she portrays herself and the way she loves her children. Luke doesn’t get that. And you can probably peg this more on racism/people not knowing what to do with Luke, but it’s sad. 

As said before, I love the Lightwoods. I love the dynamic between Jace, Izzy and Alec, and the way Maryse, Max and Robert add to the trio. I find the maturing and the changes in that family the most interesting. And Izzy going from a daddy’s girl to a mommy’s girl is the best. 

Had it not been this outrageously incestuous, I would have enjoyed the Jonathan/Clary dynamic so much! I think there was a lot of wasted potential with Clary there, with the reasons behind her going dark. It’s a little too “the demon made me do it”. Too magic based, no matter what she says in 3x20. 

And of course the Asmodeus/Magnus relationship is GREAT. It’s one of the best and most fascinating parent/child relationships on this show, at least to me. There is such a history between those two, and a deep deep resemblance. it is BELIEVABLE that Asmodeus is Magnus’ son. 

They have a way of carrying themselves, a theatricality that is just similar. I love the way they move, and talk. Magnus gets some of that slow, deliberate diction sometimes, and I LOVE it. I love the feeling you get that Asmodeus raised Magnus. And I also love the enormous differences between them. It’s so GOOD. 

Ships (gonna go with canon ones here)

Malec

Obviously gotta start with Malec. The show wasn’t originally made for them. The show became theirs though, so easily. There’s gravity in that ship, and depth, and this sense of history-making. Not only in TV, but in the Shadow World. 

It’s far from perfect. Magnus gets the short end of the stick so very often, and the writing glosses over Alec’s flaws so often that it feels like they are actively trying to erase them. 

I very much dislike the way they went with Malec in season 3, even in 3A. It was just not what I wanted for them. Magnus losing his title, his magic, his home, all for Alec... this isn’t what i wanted. It’s what I got. 

And I got some very nice things with this. This building of them as a couple that happened, of them knowing each other’s habits and wearing each other’s clothing, and the wonderful, sweet domesticity of them. 

They are a ship that manages to be both extremely dramatic and extremely domestic at the same time. And it’s so nice to see, how complex it is. 

Also, like... Alec’s immortal. I’m not having it any other way. He deserves that. 

Clace

I don’t like Clace. I don’t think I ever have, and I don’t think I ever will. My dislike for Clace was born out of dislike for Jace, mostly, then was fueled by the way Clace fans tend to act.

I do get why it’s a good ship. I do get how nice it is for Jace to be able to be okay. Do I think it’s rushed? yes, of course it is, Jace deserves therapy but... yeah. 

Sizzy

Sizzy was built on friendship chemistry, addiction, and blaming Maia for taking care of her mental health. It was built out of nowhere in season 3, because the writers thought they needed to satisfy those who wanted to see them bang. I guess they are both hot and close enough to being white that it’s sexy. 

Simon/Maureen

Could have been very cute. That’s all? 

Meliorn/Izzy

In my top 3 Izzy ships. There is an understanding and comfort between these two, a deep caring, and just something that could have been so genuinely beautiful had it been given any chance at all. 

Climon

Cuter than Clace. They were sweet together, and honestly, I could have seen it become a real interesting ship had they been developed after the cute stage. These two share history, they share memories and interests, but they have this big break, when Simon became a vampire. It would have just been wonderful to truly see that history go further. 

Too bad it fell to both antisemitic tropes and the love triangle. 

Jocelyn/Luke

I don’t see the appeal to them? I think they don’t have much romantic chemistry at all. 

Izzy/Raphael

Canon them? Bad, worse than bad. It was horrible. Just something that was wrong on a lot of levels. 

I think it could be super interesting completely in another context. Especially in regards to Raphael being asexual and Izzy being a character known for being very sexual. 

Saia

Saia is just.... everything Sizzy wishes it was. It’s healthy, it’s sweet, it’s built on mutual understanding and trust. it’s built on two people finding each other. it’s built on two people who understand the other’s experience. Traumatic events and fear, anger and pain. it’s built on people who have the tools to build a future together. 

Saia is the kind of relationship you can see going far. They fit perfectly. They are different enough that it’s not like dating a copy of yourself. They are sweet, and fun, and they care about each other and RESPECT each other, and I love that about them. 

Saia is comfortable. It’s the kind of love that’s just... wholesome. That seems to be built from steady foundations. 

(yes I’m ignoring the hellfire that is 3B). 

Marcian

Luke and Maryse. What can I say? These two kinda came out of nowhere but... it works. Luke appreciates Maryse for everything that she is. Strong, smart and beautiful. Something I think Robert didn’t appreciate enough. 

And Maryse trusts Luke. She cares about him. They went through similar things, they have shared past and shared regrets. I love that about them. That they get to build what they deserved to have in the first place. 

Heline

I don’t get it. The only reason they are together is because they were written to. They seem to have 0 stuff in common. But I guess I would know more if they were more than blank slates with “science one” and “combat one” written on them. 

aaaaand. think I’m done. 

#malec #clace #sizzy #saia #climon #melizzy #marcian #maruke #rizzy #lucelyn #heline #shadowhunters #opinions #ask game #thanks for asking #cap-mars

[quintessence-sentimentalist]

quintessence-sentimentalist Takes on 30 Days of W.i.t.c.h.versary!: Week One

So I’ve been way too swamped as of late to keep up with this challenge day-by-day, even with only written answers (because guys, I write long answers, even when I cut myself short). As a solution (at least to start), I’m going to lump my answers for days falling within the same week together. Here’s Days 1 through 7!

Day 1: Favorite Guardian

Well, glancing up at my username and icon, I think it’d be remiss not to say Will Vandom, at least in some respect.

Will was my favorite from the beginning, back when I only had the chapter books with comic inserts. I can’t quite put my finger on why I gravitated to her, though I get the feeling that my love of energy/electricity-based powers had something to do with it. Plus, she got the cool transformation trinket! I’m sure there are many, many more reasons why she became my favorite, but this was also a good 15 years ago and even my obscure-detail-focused memory is having a hard time tracing back.

I’m not as passionate about comics Will as an adult, just in terms of how they loaded the poor girl up with so much drama that it’s just overwhelmingly exhausting, and she has some pretty immature reactions to her problems with her mom and Matt (pre-relationship). But animated Will is still my girl, with her awkwardness and quipping (of a different sort than Irma’s) and the way she grows as a leader, to the point where she’s basically set up a long con on even the viewers as a battle strategy in the latter quarter of season 2. This was the Will I grew to love as an adult rewatching the series after many years.

Since I’ve always been a Will Girl in some form, this has to be my official answer, but very honorable mentions to Irma and Hay Lin across both media. 

Day 2: Favorite Villain

Alright, if we’re talking the animated series and you aren’t new around these parts, we all know it’s Shagon. Listen, this arc is 90% of the reason why I love the cartoon as much as I do, because they took a character from the comics with a nebulous backstory and a spooky, badass design who was relatively underused even with being Nerissa’s strongest/preferred minion, and decided to pull out all the stops. They gave a recurring character (who, okay, I already loved) with very strong ties to the girls - and who’d already evolved out of his role in the comics at the time - his own challenge/story arc about literally facing his inner demon; they gave the Guardians a deadly enemy to face off against (distract them) while Nerissa is off plucking up ex-Guardians one by one; they gave Will and Matt some brutal emotional turmoil that’s actually new and refreshing for the two of them (let’s send the repeated comics jealousy plotlines back to the kitchen, yeah?). And, uh, they made an already spooky, badass character design EVEN SPOOKIER AND MORE BADASS. 

(The darker colors all around? The brilliant gold mask? The dark angel wings? I have been in love with this design since I was 12, alright?)

But! If we’re talking comics, then I’m going with Yua. I’ve talked about this at length before in a different ask game, but I think I gravitate to Yua because a) I’m largely not about full-on villains in any media and b) she’s a beautifully complex character in the context of the third arc’s narrative. 

I’m not going to reiterate everything I said before and just redirect to that post, but I just find it fascinating that the banshee - whose species we’re repeatedly told are eeeeeevil by nature - shows more humanity than the actual human antagonists in this arc. She never wanted harm to come to Maqi, taking him away the second she’s freed as both revenge on her oppressor and a means of keeping this little boy safe from his father’s single-minded crusade. Yua even directly expresses this sentiment when Maqi falls, horror-struck and swearing that it was always about hurting Ari and never Maqi. And even when Maqi is... eurgh, “healed” (yeah, there are a lot of problems with the resolution to this arc), Yua has the opportunity to strike Ari at his happiest and complete her vengeance, but seeing Maqi so delighted makes her retreat, at least for now. 

So yeah. More humanity than Ari and his blind rage in his quest to “cure” his son, and more humanity than Riddle & Co. in abducting an innocent teenage girl on the mere suspicion that she has powers with the intention of putting her through human experimentation. Yua takes Best Villain in my heart because she’s not a villain, not really.

Day 3: Favorite Love Interest

Again, unless you’re new here, it’s no shock that - if we’re talking animated series - it’s Matthew “I’m Arguing With a Housepet” Olsen. 

As wildly different as it is from the comics, I do so adore his character design, with his dark hair (which, uh, may have been the first indication that I have a Type when it comes to my favorite male characters) and purple hoodie. His personality is so endearing too, because he’s not just the idolized older boy we initially see him as in the comics, but like... a legitimate dork. He’s sweet and plays guitar and generally exudes Cool, but you get to know him and it’s easy to see that he and Will are like souls. Not the best about expressing their feelings to the person they like, but always ready to step up and fight.

That’s another quality I love about cartoon Matt. Even before the Shagon arc, very shortly after even learning of the Guardian secret, Matt wants in on the action. It’s not in a “living out his action hero dreams” way, or even really a matter of impressing/protecting Will: it’s more about not being the guy who sits safe on the sidelines while everyone else is risking their lives, and trying to prove (largely to himself, in the end) that he’s worthy to be Will’s boyfriend when she’s a honest-to-Kandrakar warrior and he’s just “Funny Matt.”

I’m going to skip the Shagon arc for now because I assure you I could probably talk for ages about cartoon Matt, and we don’t have that kind of time now.

As for comics, I definitely have to go with Eric Lyndon and - technically a pseudo-love interest - Joel Wright. Oh, and Peter Cook!! Basically, all the sweet guys who don’t get quite as much attention with the comics and whose romantic relationships developed a bit later.

Day 4: Favorite Ship

Surprise, surprise: it’s animated Will/Matt. I’ve blubbered about them before, I will blubber about them again (please give me reasons to do so?), so I’m going to spare you all this time around. Just know that they’re my longest-held major OTP, and that it normally takes a hell of a lot to get me to full-on ship something.

(Real quick though: mutually pining dorks? Matt’s insecurity about being enough for his badass electricity-flinging girlfriend? Will’s drive to just blast shit down to find and save Matt? “If this all goes south, I’m gonna be beside you”??? Please ignore my choked sobbing.)

Anyhoo, there are a couple different comics ships I’d say qualify, though I might not be as passionate about them as I am cartoon WxM. Hay Lin and Eric are positively adorable, and I love how their relationship was slow but not agonizingly so. Hay was the only one not to get a love interest of sorts from the very start, taking us all the way to issue 18 before a guy makes her giggly. And I really appreciate that it wasn’t just a superficial crush, that while Eric was cute, it was his kindness and the time he spent with Hay that made her go, You know, I think I like this guy. It was a refreshing change of pace, they’re both adorable, and we ignore the fact that Eric was mysteriously written out and Hay has that one issue in the Dark Times late in the series where she falls head-over-heels for this rockstar-ish guy for no real reason and changes her style to try to impress him. 

Honorable mentions go to Irma and Joel, who had excellent potential and should have still been kept as friends even if they decided to give Irma a different SO (we ignore the later issue where Joel just wistfully looks at Irma with his “We used to be friends” thought bubble and no actual explanation for why they aren’t anymore); and Cornelia and Peter, who I don’t give enough credit and definitely need to reread.

Day 5: Favorite Friendship

This is a tough one - can I say all of the W.i.t.c.h. girls together? Because outside of the first arc, there isn’t really a whole lot of focus on the smaller group friendships. 

Cornelia and Elyon is a good one, though, literally spanning worlds because Cornelia is dead-set on saving her friend. I’ll toss Orube and Will into the mix as well, because Will was crucial to Orube’s initial character development and they seemed to have the closest relationship moving forward.

Day 6: Favorite Cover/Pinup/Promotional Art

Oof, giving me the hard questions, are we? I have a few favorites, but one of the first that came to mind was this one of Will. It’s the cover of the 21st chapter book, which I think is actually the pinup for issue 21. They must have changed it up for the US release in order to keep it more in-line with the actual plot.

Day 7: Favorite Episode/Issue

Hrm. Let’s change it up and start with the comics on this one. Off the top of my head, I have a soft spot for issue 32. It’s the zenith of the Sylla sub-arc, so the stakes are high, the girls get cute semi-formal clothes when they go to the opera to spring and hopefully evade Riddle’s trap, Sylla double-crosses Riddle and teams up with Medina and McTiennan (and I still think there’s a missed opportunity here with wiping that particular team’s memories of the girls), and we get the most iconic page in this entire comic with Orube beating up Riddle’s goon while brushing off a suitor and then coyly asking him to be her arm candy. 

Issue 50 is another one I like, though largely because I enjoy the futures presented for each of the girls (I particularly love the concept of park ranger Cornelia and writer Will). And as a lingering vestige of my young, comic-Will/Matt-shipping heart, issue 40 is another nostalgic choice.

As for the animated series, I routinely consider my favorites on the chance that Greg Weisman still sells scripts at cons and I get the chance to buy that of a favorite episode. But true to form, basically all of my favorites are heavy Will/Matt episodes...

“D is for Dangerous” is fun because it’s the first time Will gains her quintessence lightning (yay!), the running gag with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Mr. Huggles is amusing, Elyon’s deadpan “Barehanded folding. My one talent” still kills me, and Matt and Caleb’s epic failures of training montages are great. “M is for Mercy” is brutal, with Shagon at his absolute deadliest and taunting Will with Matt’s disappearance, the utter hatred Will has for this demon who’s taken on the form of the boy she loves (and, unbeknownst to her, is legitimately a twisted reflection of Matt), and the sight of Shagon at his lowest while at Will’s mercy and her offer to teach him just that. “S is for Self” has not one but two musical numbers for Matt, and we finally get the resolution to the Shagon arc, so of course it’s a favorite.

But what the hell: I’m going with “T is for Trauma” as my favorite. I watched this episode three times the day it aired, and I still love it to this day. We get the introduction of rejuvenated C.h.y.k.n. (who wipe the floor with the W.i.t.c.h. girls at first), the Egyptian-themed costumes for no actual reason (“Could someone tell me how that man could look at me and think camel???”), Matt getting to fight as the badass normal for the first and last time since “L is for Loser,” etc. But most of all, this is Hay Lin’s episode, and it is absolutely soul-destroying but with a magnificent payoff at the end. It hurts to see the naturally lighthearted, high hopes member of the crew with her spirit absolutely shattered by her grandmother’s apparent betrayal, Eric’s brainwashing, and Nerissa’s general existence, and it’s just as painful that this was the way they gave her character development, but I have to commend this episode for one of the heaviest lines ever: “That’s how you survive the trauma - not by knowing it will be alright, but by having no other choice. ...I don’t have the luxury of breaking down right now.”

#30daysofwitchversary #30 days of witchversary #w.i.t.c.h. #quintessence-sentimentalist rambles

[starwarsnonsense]

Some thoughts on Phasma, redemption and the Rey and Kylo connection

I’ve just finished reading Phasma, and I very much enjoyed it. There’s a long lull in the middle where a flashback drags on for far too long and Phasma is easily the least interesting character in the book (newsflash! Phasma is a pitiless badass with no scruples! Who knew!?), but despite those deficiencies it’s an interesting story with some pretty great original characters.

In this piece, I’m going to be focusing on the dynamic between the characters of Cardinal, a high-ranking First Order captain, and Vi Moradi, a Resistance spy. In particular, I’m going to consider its potential implications in relation to the pressing questions of Kylo Ren’s redemption and the connection between Rey and Kylo going forward.

The premise of the book is that Cardinal takes Vi captive and interrogates her for information on Phasma’s background, but to say more than that is to venture into spoiler territory. In other words, dive beneath the cut if you want to read on!

In the book, Cardinal is fixated on uncovering dirt on Phasma’s past - she is viewed as the shining, untouchable poster child of the First Order. Cardinal feels that Phasma is gradually supplanting his position, encroaching on his responsibilities as an instructor to the child recruits of the First Order. He captures Vi because he knows she has intelligence on Phasma’s background, and he uses brutal interrogation techniques to extract her story, sending powerful bolts of electricity through her body. The descriptions of the torture are very vivid and visceral, to the extent that Vi is described as being too weak to stand unsupported. 

But what’s really interesting is the complexity added to this dynamic - Vi is shown to know that Cardinal was recruited as a child soldier, and she picks up on his self-doubt and inexperience as an interrogator. Even as he subjects her to extremes of pain in order to extract information from her for his own ends, she continues to banter with him and clearly views him as something other than a complete lost cause. She recognises that he truly believes that what he is doing is right and has had his views warped by the First Order’s doctrine, and she uses this insight in order to talk him around and win his sympathy - he gives her better food and better treatment, and eventually lets her go free.

The story between the two characters is resolved with a striking act of forgiveness and compassion - instead of just saving herself, Vi disguises herself as a stormtrooper and lingers, saving Cardinal from bleeding out after a brutal confrontation with Phasma and helping him escape the First Order for good. In short, Vi saves Cardinal despite how brutally he treated her. Vi explains her reasoning:

“Why?” is all he can manage.

[...] “Because I am an infinitely hopeful creature, and I still think you can be flipped.”

Now, I’d like to think that the relevance of this to the lingering questions concerning Kylo’s redemption and the Rey and Kylo connection would be pretty self-evident. In both cases, you have a (male) senior figure in the First Order who interrogates a female member of the Resistance. And while we have yet to see the full story of Rey and Kylo play out, the example of Vi and Cardinal demonstrates that members of the First Order can be forgiven and even helped by the people that they harm. (It’s also worth mentioning that Vi’s interrogation is clearly far more brutal than Rey’s, which was conducted so as to cause as little discomfort as possible, at least if you believe the novelisation.) In the new canon, redemption and reconciliation - particularly when portrayed through the humanisation of the proverbial ‘other’, whether Imperials, First Order recruits or dark siders - are clearly the order of the day.

By recognising his humanity, Vi is able to tap into Cardinal’s potential for good - at first in relation to her personally, but also in relation to the wider Resistance cause going forward. After Cardinal has set her free, Vi makes him a remarkable offer:

“There’s another option [...] Defect. Escape with me. Come join the Resistance, or at least take their cash for some intel and run. They’ll give you a full pardon. If you can’t do that, I can still help you get off ship and onto any Outer Rim planet you like. Start a new life. You don’t have to be on the losing side here.”

This is a fascinating proposal, and I believe it suggests something very powerful and significant about the Resistance’s attitude towards defectors - instead of being treated as war criminals, they are seen as potential assets. I find this worth pointing out given that an argument I have frequently seen is that Kylo’s only future (if he were to be redeemed and join the Resistance) would be spent on the wrong side of a set of bars - Phasma suggests a very different eventuality by implying that a full pardon is possible, even for high-ranking First Order personnel, if the person being pardoned can make themselves useful enough.

But what is really more interesting to me is the portrayal of the personal dynamic between Vi and Cardinal, and how we see a growing affinity and sympathy develop between them despite the fact that they are a torturer and a captive. Vi’s piercing insight into Cardinal’s interior life, her ability to dig down to what makes him tick and find the goodness hidden beneath his armour, allows her to understand him as a human being and manipulate him accordingly. She knows he was an orphan of Jakku, and she recognises his quasi-religious fervour for the First Order cause. And she ultimately uses this emotional intelligence to manipulate him - both to win her own freedom, and to get him to take a long, hard look at the grim foundations of the military machine that he worships.

I find this aspect of their interactions particularly interesting and illuminating in relation to comments Daisy Ridley made to EW about Rey’s lack of understanding of Kylo:

She just doesn’t understand Kylo. When all she wanted was parents, why would a person who has parents do that? It’s so beyond comprehension, it’s ridiculous. So she has grief for the loss and then there’s anger. To be honest, she couldn’t understand doing something like that – let alone to your parents.

So, whereas Vi - thanks largely to her maturity and experience with the Resistance - has understanding and empathy that she is able to apply to Cardinal and use to both their benefits, Rey starts out The Last Jedi uncomprehending and struggling to understand how the beloved child Ben Solo became the father-killer Kylo Ren. This, in my opinion, is the perfect set-up for Rey to develop that understanding over the course of the film - I anticipate her journey taking her from baffled ignorance to understanding and empathy. Just as Cardinal’s armour hides an essentially good man whose outlook had been warped by years of indoctrination, Kylo’s mask conceals the story of an innocent child who was gradually lured away from grace.

Vi’s appreciation of Cardinal’s humanity is portrayed as her greatest weapon in Phasma - I like to think that Rey’s empathy, optimism and compassion will be depicted as strings in her bow in The Last Jedi.

#phasma #reylo #the last jedi #rey #kylo ren #the redemption question #meta #sw meta #star wars #star wars eu

[nightingveilxo]

Why Love Sherlock?

With all the recent posts about who really loves Sherlock, and what ship makes sense, I’ve been thinking of the main character himself. Besides the point that he is the central character, why does everyone want him in their ship?

Going back to the original template for the character, we were told he was meant to be “Byronesque”. It’s in the official guide, and even Benedict’s own mother questioned her son as being handsome enough for the role. She also said Benedict changes when he is playing Sherlock “I do get affected by it. There's a sense of being impatient. My mum says I'm much curter with her when I'm filming Sherlock” and "She sees a lot of me in Sherlock," Cumberbatch said, "which both makes her laugh and is slightly embarrassing. I suppose it’s my rushing around, my impatience." ( x )

Claire Pritchard-Jones:

"All Steven and Mark said to me was Byronesque. [She refers to Lord Byron]  They wanted him to look like a poet. […] he was a creature of the night, so he [Mark] wanted his complexion very pale.” Benedict’s rough time schedule didn’t make it easy for Claire. And for each new series she had to deal with what previous productions had left over. Moreover, Benedict’s hair had grown again for each new series to get the length everyone loves with Sherlock. ( x ) Because, of course Benedict is always fighting the curls.

In the pilot, we get the rooftop scene (complete with the gothic moon), and this close-up. We also get John’s fascinated response. Which he either looks around to make sure no one else sees him appreciating before succumbing to it or he looks around to see if anyone is sharing in it with him. You decide.

For the actual series, this was scaled back though, and the scene where Sherlock conversationally explains to Lestrade to put a blackout on the information revealed is removed, with the series version having Sherlock just making fun of NSY and dashing out to find the suitcase. Sherlock is portrayed as being more abrasive, and in both versions, John is left behind.

In the pilot version, John delays in going to meet back up with Sherlock at 221B, but when he finally gets into the cab to do so the driver asks if he’s in a hurry, and comments about how John looks “a bit wired”. John gets defensive about it, even as he rocks back and forth in need of the fix.

TRF Rooftop

Sherlock: No, stay exactly where you are. Don’t move. John: Alright. Sherlock: Keep your eyes fixed on me. Please, will you do this for me?

TSoT

Sherlock: It’s always you. John Watson, you keep me right. *Sherlock paradigm shift where he ignores Mycroft’s method that involves solving a puzzle, and uses John’s human attitude to save a life, so now the guests have TARGET written on them*

T6T

Lestrade: Yeah; and this one to a Doctor Barnicot in Holborn. Three in total. God knows who’d wanna do something like this. John: Yeah, well some people have that complex, don’t they – an idée fixe. *pointed look at Sherlock* They obsess over one thing and they can’t let it go.

Everyone gives up after three, but Sherlock is more concerned with why the culprit is only breaking the busts, not all images of Thatcher.

His Last Bow

Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age. There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared.

John’s blog:

TRF

John: Um... Mmm, right, you... You told me once... that you weren't a hero. Umm, there were times I didn't even think you were human but let me tell you this, you were, uh, the best man and the most human... human being that I've ever known and no one will ever convince me that you told me a lie. That so... there. *pause* I was... I was so alone. And I owe you so much. *starts to leave, but then turns to add* Oh, please, there's just one more thing, right? One more thing. One more miracle, Sherlock, for me. Don't... be... dead. Would you, just for me, just stop it? Stop this.

Right, but how far does the Sherlock being based on a Byron template, actually go?

Byron might have been physically handsome, but he wasn’t a very nice person at all.

‘LORD BYRON, the poet who scandalised England with his hellraising exploits, was actually a psychopath, according to new research by a leading psychiatrist.

George Gordon, the sixth Baron Byron, was famed throughout Europe for the dramatic personal style of his poetry and his biting satires. He also became notorious for his dissolute way of life, propelled by drink and drugs, which led to a broken marriage, claims that he slept with hundreds of women - and debts equivalent to at least £600,000 today.

Literary scholars have argued that Byron was a tortured genius, struck down with regular bouts of depression. Now, a detailed study of his behaviour has led to a less romantic diagnosis: that the poet exhibited so-called anti-social personality disorder - the technical term for a psychopath.

Professor Michael Fitzgerald, a psychiatrist at the Beside Health Centre in Dublin, reached his conclusion after examining accounts of Byron's life. Born in 1788, the poet had an unstable upbringing - seen as a key factor in the development of psychopathy.

The abandoned son of John "Mad Jack" Byron, a wastrel who fled to France to avoid debts, Byron was raised by his emotionally volatile mother Catherine Gordon, and appears to have been denied emotional warmth at a critical stage in his development. As a child, he showed symptoms of emerging psychopathy: habitual lying, a callous disregard for others, truanting and random acts of cruelty - including sticking pins into his mother as she prayed in chapel.‘ ( x )

Hmm, who does this sound like?

Molly’s blog:

By TSoT, she seemed to have been doing a good job of moving on, aware that Sherlock wasn’t good for her. Which begs the question of what exactly was happening in TFP, and is it healthy to continue carrying a flame for someone that years earlier you said you know you should tell “to stop...but don’t”? For that matter, is she still carrying a flame or was it just having an old wound reopened that caused her to delay answering the phone, and then act as she did?

As for Irene, we don’t have much to go on, other than being told she became emotionally invested during ASiB and she still texts Sherlock by TLD. From her side the dynamic might have shifted, but we have nothing to go on.

Sherlock does develop over the course of time, and we see he isn’t the psychopath that Anderson and Donovan harp on for two seasons, but it doesn’t mean he’s easier to love. Get along with perhaps, depending on which character you are, but not necessarily love. He’s still demanding, rude, arrogant, and prone to being exasperated when he comes across the intellectual shortcomings of others. He does not seem emotionally drawn to people like him though, perhaps aware that he needs a balance.

I saw someone mention yesterday that every other character in the show is a plot device for Sherlock, because he is the main character. It’s a show actually named after him. But, is this true? We know John was given a larger role than Watson had in canon, and Molly was originally only supposed to be in one episode, but her role was also expanded. So, then it becomes a matter of contemplating what those characters do regarding Sherlock with the amount of time they are given. In S4, they both seemed to have regressed until the last possible moment, and then had growth about themselves. Open to debate how much that internal growth involved their understanding of their love for Sherlock.