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barry-j-blupjeans · 2 years ago

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2022 TAZ Fic Recs!!

There has been so many bangers I've read this year, oh my goddd. This list is mainly just me going through my bookmarks to share everything that's on them, because other people deserve to see them. I will not be @-ing every author, because honestly, I don't know if all of them have Tumblrs or what their usernames are if they do sldfsdf. But they'll be linked with the story!

Fics with a black heart emoji (🖤) in front of them have content warnings that really need to be adhered. I'm taking warnings from what I remember and what is in the tags of the story already. If I need to add anything else, let me know.

On the Deck of the Starblaster by papergardener - The Starblaster crew takes a well-deserved break in the sun. It's so soft that it makes my heart kinda ache, tbh! Could not recommend more.

parlay, as a gamble by anistarrose - Lucretia doesn't erase the concept of Parley as well as she meant to and Merle reaches out to the Red Robe. This one is beautifully heartbreaking and hilarious, I'm in love with it.

🖤 Symptoms by The_Fanfic_Train - The crew has defeated the Hunger and now they must through the mortifying ordeal of healing. This one got me real good, ngl. It shows so much growth and strength and adds a very realistic side to the characters that I very much enjoyed reading.

Warning for suicidal tendencies, negative thoughts, and self-destructive behaviors, and mentions of blood.

Who Have You Become In The Wake of All That's Happened? by ArtsyRiv - Magnus and his experiences with his hair and the styling of those around him. As someone who has also written an entire fic about hair, this is so beautiful. It captures the feelings connected to hair presentation so, so well and, to top it all off, T4T Magnulia, hell yeah.

🖤 I Tried To Do The Best That I Could by ArtsyRiv - Lucretia's been having nightmares in the wake of the Redaction. She's not coping with it well. This story is so beautifully written and pulls you along with all the feelings and emotions mixed in. It's soul-destroying but in a beautiful way.

Warning for self-harm, EDNOS/Eating disorders, some suicidal ideation, and an emetophobia warning.

Caves and Cypress by crowsong - In the simplest of terms, a character study of Barry between the end of Stolen Century and the beginning of Here There Be Gerblins. It's amazingly complex and so well thought out. It tossed me between angst and yearning so quickly that all my emotions jumbled up and came out as tears. There are some fun Barry and Lucretia interactions in here, as well as some very fun Barry and Kravitz interactions.

it's my party and I'll mope if I want to by Grabbingatpowerandkissingit - Angus and Lucretia make Taako a birthday cake. It's fun and funky and fresh, with a very nice little dash of angst sprinkled in. I adore it in every way.

Someone I Have Loved, But Never Known by anistarrose - A fucking fantastic AU of Barry and Lup also being voidfished and remembering their married but don't remember it's too each other. It's hilarious and so in character, I could not recommend it more.

I Saw Seven Bounties by umbraastaff (jothending) - Kravitz took all seven bounties because things like this usually come as package deals. He soon realizes he's sorely mistaken. This one is so fun. I have so many thoughts about Barry and Kravitz's interactions between Stolen Century and HTBG's and this fulfills like, half of them at least. The writing style is so charming and nice, I very highly suggest you read it.

leaving, as an injustice by anistarrose - Another absolute banger by Rose. Sort of a spiritual successor to "parley, as a gamble" further up the list, this is another fantastic Merle fic. With Mavis as the main character, we get to see Merle in a light that not a lot of people choose to write about. It's fantastic and deep and beautiful, an amazing read.

Some of my best friends are liches by Grabbingatpowerandkissingit - So, so, so good. What if Lup had gotten out of the umbrastaff really early? What if they had to deal with two Red Robes instead of one? Everything Reese writes is delightful and zesty, but I have a special place in my heart for this one.

if the grim reaper takes your professor before class starts then you're legally allowed to leave

if the grim reaper takes your professor before class starts then you're legally allowed to leave by anistarrose - Such a good take on another Barry lives after the Redaction AU. It's so funny and so good.

Scamming me, scamming you by Noodyl - Taako thinks he's flirting with Kravitz. Kravitz thinks he's being scammed (and he's kinda loving it?). This is so hilarious and I love the way Noodyl writes Kravitz, it's so very good. A perfect fun fic to wipe away all your sorrows.

🖤 Immortal Mortality by vacuumfluorescentdisplay - I just discovered this author and I'm going wild about them, just a little. This is such a good take on various deaths throughout the Stolen Century. It's so lived-in and refreshing to read and it brings a lot of humanity to the Starblaster crew, dealing with the most living-being-oriented problem: Death. Fantastic read and fantastic writing.

Warning for character death, including drowning and extreme hypothermia. There are also blood mentions and injury descriptions.

unreliable narrator by owlinaminor - An older fic but such a powerful one. It shares Lucretia's POV throughout her entire life up until just after Story and Song. It has given me a new way to view Lucretia and the way I write her and is such an impactful story. The writing style is fantastic and beautiful, I cannot recommend this more.

but the strange lights in the sky were shining by anistarrose - Barry knows things are off but he can't pinpoint why. This one so perfectly captures the feeling of offness from being in a new world but not being able to remember how or why you got there. It's very quick-paced and really captures you in the moment of it all. So good.

Live Like This by Grabbingatpowerandkissingit - Reese has once again taken an already brilliant AU idea (Tuck Everlasting-based AU, my beloved) and made it amazing. Barry's reoccurring encounters at the Fair and his life in between. It's an amazing story and so lived-in and thought-out. It's so very good.

Offworld by vacuumfluorescentdisplay - Last but certainly not least, this masterpiece. I just finished reading this the day I'm writing this and it's incredible. Barry is trying to escape his (criminal) pass and Taako and Lup are just trying to stay alive. This story follows their trip and their slow fall into trust. Tom is so good at world-building and making the characters feel multi-dimensional. The world(s) here are fantastically built and the storyline is even better. Again, I would very highly recommend it.

And that's it!! This got a little long but I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anyone on my list sldkfsdf. Shout out to all these amazing authors and all the ficlets I've been seeing all over my dash. There's so much life and love in this fandom and I adore reading every single thing I come across.

#taz #taz balance #<- since they're all taz balance sldkfjsdf #the adventure zone #the adventure zone balance #fic recs #save #i am speaking #fr go read all of these they're fantastic

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asmrbrainrot · 1 year ago

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The Gator boys & the Moon Witch~ Ch 2

That night had been tiring. Fun, but tiring. Seven Divines she wasn’t what she used to be. Although only in her late thirties the woman had the body of an old spinster. Guess dark magic does that to a person. As she walked down the Inn corridor she wanted nothing more then to kick off her shoes, plop into bed, and cuddle up with- *BARK BARK BARK* Bella! Esther made a mad dash for her room as the sounds of clattering and barking emanated from it. “Git back!” Whisper yelled a voice from the other side of her door. With that Esther readied her best self defense spells and threw open the door. The scene that greeted her was…unexpected to say the least.

Perched atop her dresser was a young halfblood gator with her bag of holding grasped in his left hand, and her broom in the other, brandishing it like a weapon against Bella who was going bananas at the prospect of a new friend to play with. The whole thing would be pretty hilarious if her room hadn’t just been broken into and her belongings in the process of being stolen. Suddenly she snapped back into reality and so did the gator by the looks of it. He had turned to her and seemed to freeze as their eyes locked. Bella was utterly unaffected because as soon as Esther had quickly, but quietly, shut the door behind her the excitable puppy made her way over to her mom. The thief took this as his opportunity to escape, for as soon as Bella had left the foot of the dresser he slung her bag over his shoulder and made a dive for the open window. He was a split second too late though, for as soon as he made a move Esther was quick to throw a spell that instantly shut and locked the window. With that her intruder fell face first into the window and hit the floor with a painful thud.

The young gator let out a pained groan before peering up at the figure before him. Esther was a tall woman that bore richly dark skin with cool undertones. Her head dawned thick ringlet curls pulled back by a single violet headscarf, neck laced with a heavy silver necklace that boasted a pendant of pure obsidian. Her deep aubergine dress pooled beneath her imposing figure in exquisite velvetine ripples. She was hastey to take up her broom, engraved with all sorts of glyphs, holding it as a white robe mage might hold their staff. The boy gulped as the figure approached him, amber eyes flitting around the room looking for a possible escape route. “Young man, what are you doing here?” Esther spoke sternly. The halfbloods’s expression turned downcast at her tone, the same way a child might after they've been caught doing something naughty. He opened his mouth to explain but before he could a loud knock at the door startled the two

“Yes?” Esther asked as inconspicuously as she could, she put a finger to her lips in a shushing position while looking at the boy. “Some guest said they heard noises coming from your room. Came to check that you were alright.” the gruff voice of the Inkkeper responded from beyond the door. Esther sighed with relief as she thought of a story to cover for her, “Oh it’s nothing! Just a…” she glanced at the gator boy who looked terrified at the prospect of being found out. “A particularly large spider is all. I’m sorry to bother you. It won’t happen again!” She lied. “You sure Madam? You don’t need any help?” The old inkeeper asked, clearly concerned. Esther looked around the room to see the young gator now hiding behind to bed before replying “No thank you, I’ll just let it out the window.” At that the softening footsteps of the Inkeeper trailed down the hall. Esther turned back to face the halfblood, now on top of her bed where Bella couldn’t reach her new friend. “Boy! Get down from there! You have some explaining to do.” She demanded. How a strong, young, halfblood gator could be that scared of a tiny King Charles cavalier was beyond her.

“Nuh uh!” The boy blurted, eyes fixated on Bella who didn’t know any better. “I’ve heard of you witches and you’re familiars! That thing could be a demon in disguise!” He spat. “A demon!” Esther chuckled. “That dog wouldn’t bite a biscuit. Now..” Esther rounded the corner to pick up both Bella and her bag. “What are you doing here and why are you stealing from me?” She turned stern again. This seemed to remind the young man of what he was here to do because before Esther new it his mouth was running a mile a minute trying to explain himself “Youseema’amIwasntyrtyingtostealfromyouwellIwasbutIheardyouwhereawitch!AndwitcheshavepotionsandspellsandmydadissicksoIneedtogetbacktohimbefore-” He was cut off with a hand to the shoulder. “What happened?” The halfblood took a breath, looking at Esther with big glassy eyes. It was only now that the witch noticed how disheveled the poor boy looked. His rich curly locks strewn about his face, his pants stained with swamp mud. If he had really come to steal from her he wouldn’t have been so frantic.

“It’s my Da-err freind! Them hunters got’im with a crossbow! At first he was fine! But now he's so sick he can’t hardly walk and I’m scared he’s…” the boy stopped, fighting back the tears threatening to roll down his cheeks. “You thought I might have something that could help…” Esther breathed. “What’s your name, young man?” She queried, brushing the unruly locks out of the boys face. “Timothy Ma’am… but everyone calls me Timmy” he sniffled, still blinking back tears. “Well Timothy,” she sighed picking up her broom, “It seems like we don’t have any time to waste.” Esther fixed Bella’s basket on her broom before grabbing her bag. Wasting no time she opened the window, making sure the coast was clear. With that she commanded her broom to her and hopped on, motioning for Timmy to follow. The bewildered halfblood took a few steps back, “Wait, what?” He gasped, surprised to say the least. “Hop on, it’ll be faster if we fly!” Chided the women. Timothy appeared both nervous and confused, “Wait wait wait… so you’re just gonna help me? After I, a halfblood you’ve never met, broke into your room, threatened your dog, and tried to steal from you!” He gawked, flabbergasted. Esther rolled her eyes as she grabbed the boys hand leading him to the broomstick. “Young man, If you really wanted to steal from me you wouldn’t care what I thought about it! (Probably would’ve been a little more sneaky as well.)” she assured him, making space on the broom. As much as he was grateful for her help, the boy still looked unsure. “Are ya sure that thing will hold us both Ms….” He trailed. “Dupree, but you may call me Sybil. And you don’t have to worry. I enchanted this thing myself, though you will have to give me some directions as to where you’re friend lives.” She explained as Bella poked her head out from the blankets lining her basket. Timothy nodded in response and carefully hopped up on the broom, wrapping his arms around Esther's waist. “You alright back there?” Esther checked, fastening her own bag in place. “Yes ma’am.” Timothy reassured her. “You ain’t afraid of heights are’ya?” She asked nonchalantly as they floated beyond the window. “No Ma’am.” Replied the halfblood, his grip tightened ever so slightly. “Good, cause here we go!” And with that they set off into the night.

#chapter 2 y’all!#siren son asmr #gator boys belongs to obsidian lantern #obsidian lantern #the gator boys and the moon witch #gator boys #🐊🌙✨

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ostrobothnianoccultist · 1 year ago

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OKAY THE THIRD ONE OF ANECDOTE NIGHT! I went all in and got bad stock photos for this one. It’s gonna be a longish one because the whole situation was.. absurd. It’s all funny and stupid nothing bad dw :]

I’ll put it under read more so I don’t flashbang ya’lls dash with a long post!

So. Okay gather around children and let me tell you a story that sometimes comes back to haunt me and makes me cringe inwards like a sponge left to dry on a sunny day

It was late spring the year I was fifteen years old. Me and my best friend were hanging out at my house, bored out of our minds. We’d blogged on myspace already too much and crash bandicoot 3: warped started to grow boring after having played it for too long. So we decided, let’s do something fun.

And being fifteen, we were going trough the infamous ”Rawr O-o XD so RaNdOm lul ^_^” phase that every teenager goes. (You did too you filthy liar.)

So we decided on doing something random that we tought would be really funny. We got two of my mom’s colorful ikea flower vases (pictured below)

And stole my brother’s pepsi max from the fridge. Packed them in a backbag. Then decided to add a metronome I had lying around from earlier. I was practising for my flute matineé as I had to get a good grade on it to qualify to the school orchestra. You know, like all the cool kids. To those not in the realm of music, a metronome is a little machine that ticks on a certain tempo you set it to, to keep you on pace when playing. Example picture below.

Throw that in the backbag too and head out. My house was near this nature path-park-thingy that has statues on it. Fairly popular place for nice afternoon outings for those old couples with matching windbreaker jackets. We found our way to the nature path and set up camp. Set the metronome on the ground ticking, filled up the vases with the stolen pepsi and toasted the drinks. We pretented to greet bypassers like we were in a party, only noice being the goddamn metronome ticking on the ground. All this for the sake of being ”random”. All people walking by looked us weird (because we were being very weird and annoying) and we tought it was absolutely hilarious.

So after a moment this old gentleman approaches us, intrigued. He looked a little peculiar and had a certain oddity vibe to him. A stock photo of a man with his likeness attached below

Well something looking like that anyway.

So he apporaches us and asks, is this a contemporary art installation? Me and my best friend glance each other. What? Is it a whatingy what now? Goes trough our heads. But some GODFORSAKEN REASON we decide it’s a good thing to tell him that YEAH THIS IS EXACTLY THAT. We did not even know what it meant but decided to go with it.

So he starts praising us on the novelty and modernity of it, and giving us constructive critisism. He goes on about some artist who have done something similar and how our constellation differs and what he thinks of the meanings. Me and my best friend just kinda freeze in place and try to look like we know exactly what he’s talking about and we definitely are not just two morons with one shared braincell and too much time on our hands.

So turns out this bearded gentleman was the art professor of our town’s highschool ( we were still in junior high so we didn’t know) He had like, a bajillion degrees in art. How did we find out, you ask?

Well. We did post photos of this whole ordeal on facebook, and our older friend informed us this professor was using our ”installation” as an example on a course she was attending. Like describing it as art. We blackmailed said friend with very heavy implications of stuffing her in a box and mailing it to jamaica if she ever told A SOUL that she saw our photos and knew the story behind this bizarre installation the professor kept referring to. And we kept hearing rumours even years after that this installation was still a reference talked about on an art class. I never dared to check if the rumors were true.

And that concludes of the story on how I became a contemporary artist at the ripe age of fifteen accidentally

#snowanecdote #story time #story #true story #tw art professor #tw teenage idiots #snowpost #me #my life #i enjoy storytelling btw

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jacquelinemerritt · 10 years ago

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Aladdin, and changing the expectations of the Disney Renaissance

Originally posted September 27th, 2014

And now, to appease the Robin Williams fandom. And piss off the Aladdin fandom. I’m going to enjoy this week.

See, Aladdin is not a great film. It’s an entertaining animated spectacle, and it touches on all those little feel good notes a (Hollywood) film is supposed to touch on, but it doesn’t do anything particularly new or particularly well. There is only one aspect of this film that I would qualify as “great,” and that would be Robin William’s performance. But I’ll get into that soon enough.

Aladdin

Aladdin was the most successful animated film of all time at its release. It received critical praise, and was the highest grossing animated film of all time until The Lion King’s release. it also marked a departure from the storytelling precedent set by the previous two films of The Disney Renaissance, as I’ve mentioned before. That departure is the reason that I love this film; if Aladdin had not deviated from the precedent set by The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, we wouldn’t have gotten The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Tarzan, which all ultimately told much more interesting stories than these first three films of the Renaissance.

Also, no, this week I am not comparing Aladdin to The Prince of Egypt. I’ll be back to that format when I do Mulan two weeks from now. I needed a break from talking about the same thing four weeks in a row.

Characters and Characterization

Aladdin is not a bad character. Neither is Jasmine. Or Jafar. Or Iago. Or the Sultan. But all of these characters are simple. They have no real complexity (Genie is the only character with a unique and interesting character arc).

Let’s look at Aladdin. He’s a dashing rogue with a heart of gold. But without any of the interesting roguish characteristics. He is a sanitized Byronic Hero, who has had every aspect of his life’s struggle (in this case, poverty) watered down so that he is completely unoffensive.

Jasmine fares a little better than Aladdin. She has a number of interesting tropes that apply to her, but she’s ultimately defined by two things: her unwillingness to conform to her father and society’s expectations about marriage, and her romance with Aladdin. She’s still better than anyone but Genie though, since she plays a much more proactive role than even our title character (because while Jasmine’s actions spur the plot along, Aladdin’s actions are primarily reactions to her actions, Jafar’s actions, and Genie’s actions).

Jafar is also better than Aladdin for the same reason: his actions and decisions work to drive the plot forward. Jafar is still simple though; he wants (unlimited) power for no reason other than self-entitlement, and he wants Jasmine (primarily as a path to gaining that power).

Iago works well enough, primarily because his job is to provide comic relief. Gilbert Gottfried does this very well (though the show in this category is once again stolen by Genie), and despite Iago’s lack of agency, watching his reactions to the events of the film is entertaining.

The Sultan is just bad. He’s a complete idiot. He doesn’t know how to relate to his daughter, he hasn’t dealt with the clearly major poverty in his kingdom, and he trusts Jafar (maybe chalk that up to Jafar’s magic, but honestly, it seems like the kind of power that only works on the weak minded (otherwise why would Jafar disguise himself to convince Aladdin to go to the Cave of Wonders, or convince Jasmine to marry him by hypnotizing the Sultan?)). He’s also primarily reactive (and even then his actions are almost worthless), and we never see the Sultan do anything to take control of his kingdom, or try to understand Jasmine better. I really don’t like this character, if you couldn’t tell.

All that said, the Genie is perfect. Robin Williams plays this hilarious, pop culturally relevant deity trapped in eternal servitude to whomever happens upon his “itty bitty living space.” The charisma that Williams brings to the Genie is astounding. Through this character we see a complex look at immortality, omnipotence, and the nature of forced servitude.

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The brilliance of that introduction cannot be put into words. Robin Williams brings his A-game, and we get to meet one of the most lovable characters in any animated film.

If only the other characters came even a little close to his brilliance, this would be a much better film.

I’m not bashing any of the other actors though. This is an issue I have primarily with the writing. Linda Larkin, Scott Weinger, and Jonathan Freeman all do solid jobs as Jasmine, Aladdin, and Jafar, respectively. Even Douglas Seale manages to make the Sultan’s foolishness tolerable by playing up the “loveable oaf” side of his character. But the issues with these characters start with their almost total lack of agency.

“But [Jacqueline], doesn’t the Genie also have a lack of agency, since he is bound to only do whatever his master wishes?”

Yes. He is. And that is brilliant.

Themes

The strongest theme of the film is the dichotomy between power and agency. And this theme is pulled off perfectly by Genie’s arc.

Genie begins as an omnipotent deity unable to use any of his power for himself. Since (we can assume) the beginning of time, he has only been allowed to use his power to grant the wishes of his masters. As he mentions, the only way for him to gain his freedom is for his master to wish for it, which has clearly never happened.

Genie’s lack of agency doesn’t bring him down though. He’s still incredibly upbeat and energetic, and does everything he can to make his master happy (probably as an effort to get them to empathize with him, and increase his chances of being released). And this time, it works. By treating Aladdin as a friend, and not just a master, Genie is able to convince Aladdin to grant him freedom at the end of the film. He finally gains agency of his own, and is able to live out the rest of eternity as a free deity.

This theme is executed phenomenally in the character of Genie. But it is missing, and fundamentally flawed in regards to almost every other character. The Sultan never uses either his power or agency in any way. Iago has absolutely no power or agency. Aladdin, having very little power or agency, only ever uses either to react to the situations other characters put him in. And Jafar wields a ridiculous amount of both magical and political power, while having nearly unlimited agency.

The only character whose arc builds off this theme in any way is Jasmine. Jasmine has a good bit of agency, but very little power. The expectations of both her father and society keep her locked in the palace, with her only visitors being potential suitors, her father, and Jafar. She, however, gets the final say on whether a suitor is acceptable or not, and after seeing a particularly pathetic suitor, she decides that she doesn’t want to be locked in the palace anymore. So she leaves.

She’s ultimately brought back to the castle, but even that is her own decision, since she only reveals herself to the guards when they arrest Aladdin. Unfortunately, after that point in the story, Jasmine has most of her agency removed. The closest she comes to regaining it is when she acts as if Genie had made her fall in love with Jafar in order to distract him, but because the rest of the film focuses on the love story between her and Aladdin, we don’t get to see this theme further developed with her.

Animation

This is a Disney Animated Feature. So it looks great. And the fact that it’s animation means that Genie’s magic is able to look as grand as possible.

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I feel like that scene speaks for itself.

Music

I hate A Whole New World.

So. Goddamn. Much.

Sure, it accomplishes it’s purpose. It lets us take the place of Jasmine and join her on a magic carpet ride around the world. And as a result, we’re supposed to fall in love with Aladdin right along with her, since he took us on this adventure.

But the purpose of the song works contrary to the best theme of the film. It forces Jasmine to give up her agency so that she can be swept off her feet by this wonderful prince, when earlier, her agency was central to her falling in love with this street rat, and him falling in love with her. Sure, Aladdin saved her in the market, but Jasmine paid him back quickly by appealing to her father when he was captured. Even though she was powerless to do anything, her agency in trying to save him was crucial in establishing her feelings for him. And this song takes it away so we can go on a cheap thrill ride meant as the Grand Romantic Gesture that inevitably wins Jasmine over (my hatred for the Grand Romantic Gesture is a topic for another post, however).

Other than that song, no complaints. The music is used to great effect to sell the grandiosity of the tale and of Genie’s magic. See the video above for the perfect example.

The Verdict

This film deserves praise for securing the legacy of the Disney Renaissance. It was Aladdin’s success that allowed the Renaissance to continue for years afterwards, giving us some truly amazing animated films.

But that doesn’t remove the fundamental flaws of Aladdin. It’s two-bit characters and lack of dedication to it’s best theme are sins that I cannot forgive. Despite that, I still love watching this movie, and singing along with its (mostly) perfect soundtrack.

And I’ll never forget Genie, either.

Next week, I’ll be taking a break from the Disney Renaissance in order to do a collaborative post with a fellow film critic. Our topic will be The Greatest Western of All Time. And I will be arguing in favor of No Country for Old Men, the best film I have ever seen.

If you liked this, consider supporting me on Patreon, or donating to my Ko-Fi.

#disney #disney renaissance #aladdin #film criticism #robin williams #jasmine #disney princess #gilbert gottfried #sep 27 2014 #god okay #where to begin with this one #obviously i have to start with the wildly unnecessary hot takes #because aladdin is not a bad movie #it's a pretty good movie #and i rather like it #also my analysis here is just missing so much #like i think i do a decent job conveying the themes of genie's story #and how it is an exploration of agency #but then not even think about how jasmine is a character will a lot of power but limited agency #and aladdin is a character with no power but a lot of agency #who can explore the world and act as he pleases #something amplified when he runs into Genie #a character with unlimited power and absolutely no agency #and how transforming aladdin into prince ali increases his power #but fundamentally decreases his agency #there is clearly a lot to dig into here and i just dropped the ball big time

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sonic-spirit · 2 years ago

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Fire & Rescue Shifters series, by Zoe Chant

Book reviews? Book reviews!

So, my lovely mate is fuckin’ prolific about reviewing and logging media: Books, movies, TV, comics, their big Pokemon playthrough project—it’s all so damn awesome. So, watching them and hearing them share their writing? I wanna play, too!

So, I’m trying to record and review the books I read and listen to, too. ^_^;; Even though the amount of times I’ll revisit the same book series is pretty excessive. But hey, you won’t know that! Yet…!

Anyway. I read a lot of shifter romance novels. I got into it looking for some good smut, and stayed for the stories. The cheesier and lighthearted fluff (with an underlying Actual Story), the better. I am but a simple lad.

So yeah, the Zoe Chant books (actually a shared pen name for several authors) are a regular go-to for me, since they usually have the tones I’m looking for, and there’s a ton of them.

^_^;; These quickly started to balloon out from simple blurbs to something more thought out, so it’s kinda hilarious to watch that progression.

Firefighter Dragon (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #1)

Dates Revisited: December 21-22

Format: Audiobook

“Re-read” the audiobook of this again to give my mind something to do while working on some stuff. I always forget that the female lead, an archeologist, is called Virginia Jones. And that she’s OBVIOUSLY called that because of Indiana Jones.

It’s not subtle, but I keep missing it anyway.

The inadvertent and somewhat anti-colonialist subplot is hilarious in light of Indy and Virginia’s reverence for museums. “The Queen’s a dragon! Her hoard is the British museums! Oh, at least your family’s ancestral treasure isn’t the results of grave robbing and pillaging! But the Bad Dragon? His hoard is TOTALLY stolen spoils. And he doesn’t even take CARE of his artifacts!”

Welsh is cool and all, but I still always want a red dragon named Dai to be Asian. He can be Welsh-Asian, I’d take that.

Firefighter Pegasus (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #2)

Dates Revisited: December 22-December 23

Format: Audiobook

This one’s WAY better than Firefighter Dragon. For one, Connie, the female lead, gets to do more in the plot than get kidnapped and menaced. I like that she gets to actually be the pilot for the race her future hinges on, instead of Chase swooping in to do it. I also like that this one sets up Ivy, and that she’ll come back into the orbit of these characters going forward.

The sex scenes do start falling into the “He hilted and she came immediately,” thing that I have a problem with in several Zoe Chant books, but they’re still pretty good.

I started reading the Wildfire Shifters series before this one, which follows this crew’s kids, and it’s SUPER obvious they didn’t work that hard on making the logistics of that work. Connie calls Chase “Rainbow Dash” at one point, placing this firmly post-2010, rather than like, the 80s that this would have to be set in to make the timeline work if the Wildfire series is present day, when the offspring are all in their 20s and stuff. But that’s more of a nitpick than anything else, it does distract me a bit sometimes, though. Especially when Ivy’s goth gear would be more at home in the 1980s than the 2017 this book was written in (or at least the audiobook was produced, admittedly I’m not checking the publishing date right now).

Firefighter Griffin (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #3)

Dates Revisited: December 23-December 27

Format: Audiobook

Hecc. I got suuuper sick with appendicitis and had emergency surgery to fix the problem Tuesday the 27th through Wednesday the 28th, and I’m still dealing with a lot of post-surgery brain fog (as of writing this on the 30th). ^_^;; Naturally I wasn’t really in a state to log a review when I finished the book, and advanced on to the next book in the series, Firefighter Sea Dragon, immediately upon finishing so that I could use the story as distraction from the pain. So that was fun.

This one is…I dunno. Look, I’m still recovering, and have a lot of brain fog.

Again, I read the Wildfire shifters books first, so the reveal that Griff is a Griffin? Yeah, I already knew that. That he was born with 2 inner animals who constantly fight and try to literally rip each other apart and NEARLY KILL HIM? Well, that I did not expect.

Anyway, Hayley’s cute, Danny’s cute, and I like the non-traditional family they end up having with Danny’s bio-dad, Reiner, even though every time he blustered about how nobody thought he was fit to be a parent, especially during his bid for sole or primary custody I wanted to knock his damn teeth in. YEAH, NO ONE THINKS YOU’RE FIT BECAUSE YOU WERE COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED AND NON-CONTACT WITH YOUR KIT FOR THE FIRST 5 YEARS OF HIS LIFE, AND IT WASN’T UNTIL HE HAD HIS FIRST SHIFT THAT YOU GAVE TWO SHITS. So no, you aren’t fit for sole or primary custody of your kit. But you do clearly care, and you are trying now. Moreover, I get that he comes from an abusive background, and is doing his best within his understanding of how to do that.

And that, canonically, his understanding of what a good pride (as in lions) looks like is wrong (and that Danny’s is right).

So I can respect every part of that. I liked Reiner’s visceral horror when he realized he nearly hit Danny when the kit stood up to him. I liked that everything he’d been taught about how to be an “alpha lion” was blatantly wrong, and that the story knew it was wrong…even though it still takes “alpha” as an actual concept, and not super wrong information formed by observing the behavior of captive wolves in mixed family groups. Fuckin’ WHOOPS.

Also, props to Danny, “999 told me not to call for a firefighter unless there’s a literal fire, and I really, really need to be rescued by the firefighter I know? Okay, got it, will set a fire.” What a fuckin’ great kid.

Firefighter Sea Dragon (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #4)

Dates Revisited: December 27-December 30

Format: Audiobook

This one’s another that’s not as fresh, because again I was listening to the audiobook to distract myself from a lot of pain in the ER waiting room before I could get in for emergency surgery. Like, I’ve read or listened to the audiobook for all 7 of these books at least once before, but that doesn’t mean I remember everything super well.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one, it’s complicated. There’s some things I really like about it, some things that I think are missed opportunities, and some that I think are pretty bad mis-steps…and I’m not always sure which is which.

John Doe (and his future son, Joe Small) are some of my favorite boys in these related series, but I think John’s at his best when he’s a wise, supporting character threatening to force-feed his oath brother terrible soup or singing to the rain? And this book’s delving into his home and background ends up, heh, washing those vibes away a bit. At least I kinda feel that way. I dunno. Something makes me not vibe as hard with John in this book, possibly from just going from the more open to interpretation feeling regarding sea dragon culture to actually defining how striated and frankly sterile the daily life of at the very least a knight is. Like. I’m always gonna rankle at vows of chastity being a requirement, especially for an entire class/rank of person. Those being a requirement to become a knight is wild to me, and then the abusive, racist, controlling knight commander (who is admittedly The Bad Guy) just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

It’s not super fair to judge Atlantis’ flaws on this and the later books in the Wildfire series, but the more we actually see of sea dragon culture the more basic and less interesting it even is. I think mostly it’s just not terribly well-developed, since a lot of these books are based more on aesthetics, “Which flavor of sexy beefcake do you want to sweep you off your feet, lady reading this?” than deep exploration of the cultures involved with these hot shifter boys. It’s just more glaring with the sea dragons, since they do live entirely apart in a hidden secret world that can operate on its own. But even in text, it goes from being firmly established as a culture where the inhabitants spend most of their time in their non-human forms, only shifting to treat with dignitaries since using human language is often the only way to communicate to…IDK, shiny be-pearled Ren Faire stuff. I’ll try and dig into it more when I get to Wildfire Sea Dragon, since that’s where the shallowness of Atlantis’ culture/development as a real place really becomes obvious, or maybe where the efforts to develop the Pearl Empire as a real culture stopped.

Otherwise…fuck royalism. Fuck the monarchy, fuck all that shit. Like, it’s bad. Glad Neridia’s actually a professional conservationist, and therefore has both training and knowledge of how to address the population problems Atlantis is facing, and a scientific background with which to approach leading. But fuck. It’s not like scientific grounding is genetic and lasts beyond one generation. Hereditary leadership. What a stupid fucking concept.

The Master Shark’s Mate (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #5)

Dates Revisited: December 30-? And then again January 17-18

Format: Audiobook

I literally cannot interact with this book without thinking about Knives Out anymore. I ADORE that the titular Master Shark’s Mate is called Marta. I fuckin’ love Marta. She’s fuckin’ wonderful.

I love that Marta’s a coyote. I love that she’s a grandma, and a widow. She already had the “Love of her life,” even if he wasn’t her One True Mate, and still feels loyalty to those vows. I love that memory of Manny, her dead husband, is what allows her to let go of her self-imposed stagnation to embrace her mate.

I love that the Master Shark’s given name is fuckin’ Finn! And that it’s that because his mom, a human, had a sense of humor! I love that despite being almost totally socialized in undersea society he has such warmth and respect for others under his stern outward presentation.

I love seeing the everyday turmoil of Marta’s coyote pack vs. the local rattlesnakes, and how, though it initially feels so much smaller than the big problems we’ve seen elsewhere in the series…it’s the same. I love that Finn bridges that gap with the same empathy and ability to peacekeep, THROUGH his power and shark-itude, as he does for the sea kingdoms, and that he never once treats their struggles like smaller or lesser ones.

I fuckin’ love this book, guys.

Like, it’s not flawless. And a lot of its strengths come from the context it exists within. But inside that context? It’s so, so damn good.

Firefighter Unicorn (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #6)

Dates Revisited: January 18-January 19

Format: Audiobook

I HATE the Unicorns Need Virginity thing. Hate, HATE, HATE. With a bloody fuckin’ passion I hate it, and I refuse to shut up about it. I especially hate that the whole damn trope comes from fuckin’ christianity, which, in my very ardent opinion, is a religion of abuse. It’s almost cliched that actual articles about unicorns would make a point to state that the “purity” thing was changed to “virginity” with the rise of christianity, and that before that “You could be a mother of 12, so long as you were pure of heart.” So like. C’mon.

So having Hugh’s struggle stem from his inability to handle sexual impurity…? UGH. The issues being tied to orgasms is…interesting, but I still hate that we have to dance this dance.

But FINE. We’ll DO THIS.

Unicorns, if you didn’t know by now, are KINDA MY JAM. I’ve been a lifelong unicorn boy, and Wildfire Unicorn was the first book of these series I picked up.

So like, it was interesting to see that Hugh had hidden that he was a unicorn from the rest of his squad for so long, that shifter culture held that unicorns were make-believe in a world of dragons, pegasi, and phoenix, and that they took THIS LONG to finally get to the Hugh-nicorn pun. Also strange and interesting that they had unicorn hunting as an imminent threat in a setting where most believe unicorns don’t exist. Always a weird choice to hold those plotlines simultaneously…but whatever, I guess, it gives us some of our conflict.

Though honestly? Even though the virginity and the unicorn hunting are such huge unicorn tropes, and I’d find it weird if they didn’t get mentioned in passing or lampshaded for your Unicorn Outing of the series…the book’d be tighter and the story’d be better if Ivy’s struggles were the ones we worked on, without both those plot threads muddying the water.

Cuz Ivy’s struggle with her wyvern, with class, with past homelessness, with the loss of her emotionally abusive (or at least neglectful) mom, her guilt over and love of her sister Hope (first prominent gay character, cuz I don’t count Marta’s daughter as “prominent”!), and her past of scraping by in shady dealings…that’s where the good meat of the story lies.

I don’t think the book went far enough in paying off how wrong Alpha Team had been about her, how shitty they were to demonize her, and how she’d just been jumping from bad situation to bad situation, struggling to get by, while Chase is a billionaire’s son, Hugh is an earl’s son, Griff’s family has land and a distillery, and John’s never had to live in the evils of capitalism and had Griff to live with and get him culturally acclimated when he came up from the ocean. Super easy to be judgy when you’re rich and have no clue, have never had the threat of homelessness hanging over your head. So while that theme is there, it’s not quite prevalent enough for me.

Then Hugh’s virginity thing swoops back in and eclipses everything again. Because that’s the important part.

I just really can’t hammer home how much of this book is about whether Hugh and Ivy should bone, and the fallout of them boning, and how the secret all along was boning, but like, the right way. It’s…seriously fucked, honestly.

Firefighter Phoenix (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #7)

Dates Revisited: January 19-23

Format: Audiobook

My feelings on this one are…complicated. Like, there’s a ton to like about it, but also…

In the good column, I always prefer when both parties are shifters. I just like the dynamic better, when one doesn’t have to induct the other into this hidden world, they’re mutually powerful, they know the ins and outs of having, in this series’ case, an animal inside them, and that just…lets us cut to the place I’m interested in. Especially the “ways the different animal natures interact.” That’s a huge part of what I come to shifter stories for, I want the POV through the eyes of these animals. (Chaos, is the specific vibe I’m looking for hard to find.)

I’m not super in love with the One True Mates thing this series has going (and not just cuz I’m polyamorous), but it’s a staple of shifter romances, and it gives the authors fewer excuses to arbitrarily separate their pairs—which doesn’t stop them from still doing it, but means they have to get more creative than the annoying sitcom-style “Overheard the wrong statement out of context,” type tripe you often get in your cheesy low stakes romance. Look. I’m here for cheese and low stakes, not morons who can’t have a conversation. Them caring enough to have an uncomfortable discussion is definitely a perk.

(Halp. I just finished Jennette McCurdy’s “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and now I have her narrative voice stuck in my head!)

In the…not bad but personally fraught category: OOF. Like, the narrative doesn’t dwell on it as hard as it could, it’s got cheesy romance and sex scenes to get to, after all, but CHAOS, IS ASH’S ABUSER CORBIN A FUCKIN’ GARBAGE MONSTER OF DEATH. Just…coming from my own abusive parents, and having been sucked into a few cults and cult-like situations…FUUUUCK. So yeah, it gets close to being a bit triggering. Triggering adjacent, if you will. Where it doesn’t cross the line into bringing forward any of my specific trauma, but it has me tense and ready for it. So that gets a bit rough.

But again, the book doesn’t dwell on it, so neither do I have to. Yay!

In the Actually Bad, even though it’s making a solid effort to justify itself, though I’m not willing to give it that generosity: Ash Fucking With Rose’s Memories, and fucking her 20 years later with her NOT KNOWING about their first actual meeting and that she ACTUALLY LOST HER VIRGINITY TO HIM 20 YEARS PREVIOUS AND HER THINKING THAT SHE’S STILL A VIRGIN NOW AND SHE HAS NO IDEA!!!??? AND THE BOOK TRIES TO DWELL IN THIS AS ROMANTIC!? DON’T TRY TO TELL ME THAT THIS IS ANYTHING BUT A HORRIFIC PILE OF NONCONSENT! “Oh, but she never was anything but loyal to Ash, even though she knew nothing about it and thought, WITH GOOD REASON, that her One True Mate was dead!” SO THIS WOMAN WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE INTERESTED IS TOO EMOTIONALLY SCARRED TO TRY AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE!? (Or even have a casual hookup!?) UNTIL SHE’S IN HER 40S!?

Like, it’s one thing entirely if you’re ace. Being ace and uninterested for 20 years, cool. Hell, being demisexual and uninterested for 20 years! But THAT IS NOT THE CODING WE’RE WORKING WITHIN, HERE. We have an individual we have no reason to believe is anything but allosexual, who is too traumatized by loss to try and look for connection…who is mourning someone she HONESTLY BELIEVES DIED BEFORE SHE MET HIM. Oh, also? HE’S BEEN HANGING OUT IN THE PUB SHE OWNS AND LIVING NEARBY AND A FIXTURE IN HER LIFE FOR 10 YEARS.

Yeah, fuck that plotline straight to the earth’s core. Yeah, Ash’s stupid fucking idiocy does end up being A Problem for him. A Big Honkin’ Plot Problem, even. But no, I’m sorry. This is not okay, and doesn’t get a pass from me. Like, there’s enough narrative retribution that I wouldn’t begrudge anyone else for forgiving this utter bullshit, but it doesn’t get absolution from me.

Anyway. The epilogue is kinda hilariously long and all about setting up the Wildfire Shifters series, passing the torch, as it were. And I’d probably have been annoyed to spend such a long epilogue in fankid hell territory, but again, I read the Wildfire books first, so joke’s on them, to me this was a prequel series the whole time.

#my stuff #review #book review #writing #shifter romance novels #fire and rescue shifters #fire & rescue shifters #zoe chant

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zalrb · 2 years ago

Text

Here Is The Thing About Movies Now Vs. Then

There is a certain darkness to ‘90s movies, which is just not the trend right now and as a child of the ‘90s, I prefer the former.

So, for instance, Hocus Pocus 1993 starts with the witches murdering a child by sucking her life force

like they dance in front of her corpse because they’re younger

her older brother failed to save her

and calls the sisters hags and so his punishment is to live forever as a cat so he can always remember his guilt for not saving his little sister

and when the mob from the village comes to burn them, they hide the dead child under a blanket while yelling that they aren’t witches

it’s HILARIOUS because it’s SO dark but also slapstick just like when they’re about to be hanged, the boy’s parents just want to know what happened to their son

and she makes a joke

Like, if you think about it that’s pretty fucked up.

This Hocus Pocus starts with Winnie not wanting to marry a boy and setting some houses on fire

In the original movie when it’s current day, Max and Dani are being hassled and get their candy stolen

Max gets merked

Thackery is murdered but then comes back to life because he’s an immortal human in a cat’s body

they kidnap Dani

like it’s a Halloween movie.

Hocus Pocus 2 is a movie that happens to take place on Halloween. There’s an undercooked storyline about friendship and an obligatory heavy-handed lesson about being sensitive to others’ differences with a dash of the power of sisterhood at the end. There are, like, one or two cool visuals and some atmospheric shots

but overall it’s very safe and very sanitary. It’s like what they did with Aladdin. From two other posts of mine:

So I watched the “A Whole New World�� clip for the Live Action Aladdin

youtube

and I get that the live action isn’t going to be the exact same as the cartoon but one of the things that I really loved about the original animation is the dark sense of humour. So before Aladdin takes Jasmine on the carpet ride, I kind of love that Jasmine thought Aladdin killed himself because she told him to jump off a balcony

and the fact that they changed that is unsurprising but still has me like, eh.

[..] and one of my favourite parts of the animated version is that when they’re on top, we see Jafar and Iago humiliate the people, namely Jasmine

and the sultan, who they thought looked down upon and humiliated them, which included Iago shoving crackers down the sultan’s throat.

I do understand that the above scene might be considered too dark (it’s probably why I love it so much) but this Iago is just a parrot that literally did not need to be there.

Or it’s like the original Jumanji, I answered an ask about why I considered the original dark and the full post is here but an excerpt:

imagine being a kid who watches her friend being sucked into a game and then is chased out of the house by bats

And no one believes you when you explain that your friend is gone because he was sucked into a game so then you have to go to therapy to convince yourself that what you saw was impossible because it technically is impossible and you even change your name because you don’t want to be associated with ANYTHING about that night because it was the night you saw your friend get sucked into a GAME but then he comes back twenty years later and asks you to continue playing that game and you legitimately think you’re having a psychotic episode

and then you have the remake --- and don’t get me wrong I absolutely adored the first instalment of the remake, Jack Black was hilarious --- where, like, yeah you can potentially die in the game if you lose all of your lives but there aren’t really any nuances or implications that make you go, that’s pretty fucked up once you think about them, it’s just a fun movie

which is, I mean it is what it is but I definitely finished Hocus Pocus 2 thinking it left no impression

#hocus pocus #hocus pocus 2 #aladdin #jumanji #Youtube

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flurrys-creativity · 3 years ago

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Okay I got this idea not long ago. So can you make something we’re the reader return all Yugyeom’s clothes that she have stolen from him. Like she goes to him house ( the boy are there too ) and she place’s a bag full of his clothes in front of him and he panics and asked why she’s return his clothes and one of the boys ask if their going to braking of with him and your like no they just don’t smell like Yugyeom so I don’t want them anymore unless they have his smell and yugy get all happy and proud that his s/o is all needy for him and he feels a lot better knowing your not braking up with him 🥺😩 (sorry if it’s confusing)

This wasn't confusing at all!!! And it is such a cute and angsty idea?! I loved it! I once again wasn't able to keep it at drabble length but I think it's okay. I hope you like it!!

Return to owner

Pairing: Kim Yugyeom (GOT7) x Gn!Reader; Genre: established relationship au, slice of life, fluff, angsty; Rating: sfw, PG - 13; Warnings: a real short moment of angst and some self doubt if you squint; Wordcount: 1.032

Summary: You thought nothing by it, bringing Yugyeom’s clothes over to his place. So seeing Yugyeom falling into a panic mode wasn’t something you expected.

You heard them even before you reached the entrance door. A small smile spread over your lips as you searched for the apartment key. Of course the guys would be over at Yugyeom’s, since he had the biggest apartment.

Not only because you were living half the time there as well but because Dalkyum lived there too and needed space to dash around. Especially when the small fur ball had its five minutes, running around while yipping, stopping somewhere for a second to stare at anybody with a challenge in its eyes and start dashing around again. Hilarious.

You turned the key in the lock and opened the door, the laughter and hollers immediately doubled in volume. They probably didn’t even hear you enter the apartment. You closed the door behind you and moved the bundle full of Yugyeom’s clothes from your shoulder to your front, carrying it now with both arms.

“Hey guys”, you greeted the group as you stopped at the entrance of the living room.

Four of them were currently playing Mario Kart while the other three cheered them on. You saw Jackson totally immersed in the game with his tongue between his lips, while Mark held the console only with one hand and joked around more than concentrating on the road.

“Hey, perfect timing! You can join the next round!” Bambam called without looking at you.

You glanced at the clock on the wall towards the kitchen and contemplated his offer for a moment. You had to be somewhere else soon since you had promised your best friends to go out with them again. “Actually, I’m only here to drop these off”, you mumbled and shortly raised your arms to turn the focus to the bundle in them.

“What is that?” Youngjae asked and stared at the white sheet you had wrapped around the clothes.

“Yugyeom’s stuff.”

Your boyfriend, who had been occupied with the game before, pressed the pause button, resulting in a few curses and groans, and turned to you. He stared at you with wide eyes, panic written all over his face.

“Uh-oh, are you guys breaking up?” Jinyoung teased with a knowing smirk on his lips.

“Wha-?” Yugyeom jumped up and hurried towards you, grabbing your arms. “You’re not breaking up, are you?” He didn’t even let you answer before he opened the bundle in your arms and saw all of his clothes. All the sweaters, hoodies and jackets you’ve been secretly stealing from him the past few weeks.

His heart sunk to the bottom of his stomach. Why would you return his clothes unless you were about to break up with him?

“Wait, are they really breaking up?” Jaebeom whisper-shouted, worry edging over his features once he saw Yugyeom’s shoulders shaking violently.

Yugyeom tried as hard as he could to keep his composure, not wanting to break down in front of his hyungs yet again. Still, the tears pricked at the corner of his eyes and his breath involuntarily became more shallow. White noise filled his ears and his mind was running in circles. What happened that you decided to break up? Was it something he did? Something he said? When did you make the decision? Why haven’t you said anything?

Sure, you haven’t stayed over for a while now. Both your jobs have occupied most of your time, but he still thought everything was alright. Though now that he was thinking about it, he definitely wished to have made more time for you.

He kinda missed the evenings where you would come over and walk straight to his closet, grab a hoodie and put it on before you would cuddle with him on the couch. He missed the way you looked in his large clothes and he missed how giddy you were whenever you hid your nose inside the sweaters. He also missed your very obvious pretending of you forgetting to take off the stuff before you leave.

“A-”, Yugyeom swallowed harshly, “are you breaking up?”

You sighed deeply, pity playing over your features and a very short death glare towards Jinyoung, before you raised one hand and cupped Yugyeom’s cheek. “No, you dummy. I return your stuff cause they don’t smell like you anymore. I don’t need oversized hoodies. I have more than enough on my own. But I need oversized hoodies that smell like you. So even when we’re not together I have you with me, idiot.” You got on your toes and pecked his lips with a small smile.

The rest of the guys broke out into loud laughter while Yugyeom stared at you dumbfounded. It took him several seconds to understand what was happening and once he did understand, he started to cry for real. Yugyeom cried out of relief and laughed at the same time, happy you wanted to have him with you all the time. He grabbed the bundle out of your arms and placed it on the ground before he pulled you into a bone crushing hug, crying into your shoulder.

You rubbed his back in comfort and kissed the side of his face over and over again. “I would never just break up with you out of the blue, you big dummy.”

“I’m glad”, he whispered, his voice breaking at the end from crying so hard.

“This calls for a group hug!” Jackson called and ran over to the both of you, hugging you just as tightly. “You really scared us there.”

“Not my fault Jinyoung loves to create drama”, you mumbled and glared at him once more while he and the others walked over and hugged you as well.

“Not my fault Yugyeom can’t see the obvious reason for returning clothes that don’t smell like him anymore,” Jinyoung countered.

“How was I supposed to know Y/N likes to wear my stuff because it smells like me?!” Yugyeom cried out, making the others laugh loudly.

“It’s only the most common reason in real life and any fiction you might read or watch.”

“Don’t tease him”, you giggled and playfully hit Bambam’s arm, “he knows he is a big dummy.”

“Your big dummy”, Yugyeom sniffled and hugged you even tighter.

“My big dummy, yes.”

#got7writerscollective #kwritersworldnet #kdiarynet #kpopscape #wkcnet #got7 #kim yugyeom #got7 yugyeom #one shot #return to owner #ask #proudaghase-got7 #flurry answers #thank you for the ask #ask me anything #kpop #idol

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inevitably-johnlocked · 4 years ago

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Hi Steph! reading your blog has become a sort of guilty pleasure for me. Thanks for everything, it’s so clear that you put a lot of time and energy into your content. I was wondering if you have any johnlock fics that feature a particularly well-written or memorable original character? I always love to see how authors integrate their own character creations into johnlock stories!

Hey Nonny!

Ahhhh!! This is a GREAT request, because I like well-written OC’s in fics, so yeah, this is a great list to make. Here’s what I recall from my bookmarks. Please add your own faves, friends!

MEMORABLE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS

Ex by Itsallfine (T, 1,248 w., 1 Ch. || Angsty Fluff, Love Confessions, Coming Out, Exes, First Kiss, Fake Relationship, Getting Outed) – One night, in the midst of their post-case high and on the cusp of something more, John and Sherlock run into John’s ex. His ex-boyfriend.

The Prize We Sought Is Won by deathfrisbees (E, 4,610 w., 1 Ch. || First Time, Mild D/S, Oral, Military Kink, Bottomlock) – Sherlock's in love, or in lust, or both--unfortunately, the object of his affections is not only his completely oblivious flatmate, but said flatmate would probably run screaming into the hills should he find out. John's been invited to a wedding--unfortunately, the groom used to serve under him back in Afghanistan, and requests that John wear a uniform he's honestly not sure he fits into. Unfortunately for both flatmates, Sherlock's got a military kink the size of Kandahar and John wants to know if he actually can fit into this uniform or if his eyes are deceiving him. It goes from there.

Time on my hands by Mildredandbobbin (M, 7,179 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-S3, One Night Stands, Mutual Pining, Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Sexual Exploration / Discovery, Desperation, Body Worship) – Virginity’s a construct, a concept—what does losing one’s virginity entail for a gay man anyway? Sherlock wants to fill that particular gap in his knowledge but John won’t, can’t, never will assist and there’s only so much desperately unspoken pining even Sherlock can take.

High and Tight, Soft and Loose by cwb (E, 7,429 w., 1 Ch. || Jealous John, Miscommunications / Misunderstandings, First Kiss / Time, BAMF John, Insecure Sherlock, Clueless Sherlock, POV John, Embarrassed John, Adorable Sherlock, Junk Size, UST / RST) – John pressed the knuckle of his index finger against his mouth and sighed. “So, you're coiled like a spring and ready to be ... sprung?” “If you want to be pedestrian about it, yes.” “Like I said, you should do something about that.” “And like I said, pedestrian. What would you have me do? Take up jogging? Yoga? Oh! Unless you mean –” “I don't mean anything. Let’s drop it.”

Matters of National Security by mistyzeo (E, 8,465 w., 1 Ch. || BAMF John, Doctor John, Jealous Sherlock, Dating, Bisexuality, Arguing, Stupidity, Teasing, First Kiss/Time, Hand Jobs, Frottage, RST, Idiots in Love) – John starts dating a male client of Sherlock's, and Sherlock can't figure out why he's so incensed about it.

High Tide by stardust_made (T, 8,540 w., 1 Ch. || Jealousy, Angst, First Kiss) – A little favour Sherlock stupidly agrees to do for Mycroft leads to John meeting a handsome, affluent man, who is going out of his way to woo him. Sherlock struggles with the situation and with his own reactions to it. Part 1 of The High Tide Series

Iris by slashscribe (E, 11,948 w., 1 Ch. || Parentlock, Pining Sherlock, Post-S3) – Sherlock does his best to make John happy when John comes back to 221B with his new baby after the events of Season 3, but Sherlock has a track record of getting things wrong in this area. This story is an exploration of their gradual shift from friends to lovers, told from Sherlock's perspective, full of a lot of pining and lack of emotional awareness.

A Brand of Gold by aquabelacqua (M, 12,757 w., 1 Ch. || Mutual Pining, POV John, Phone Sex, Texting, Masturbation, Long Distance, Drunk Texting) – What am I doing? he wondered. The answer came back at once: Flirting. He let the vital, missing piece snap into place as surely and as cleanly as if it had always been there. He was flirting with Sherlock Holmes.

Twelfth Night by yourdykeinshiningarmor (E, 15,139 w., 5 Ch. || Fake Relationship, Christmas, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, Angst & Fluff, BJ’s, Anal) – John is invited to his aunt's Twelfth Night ball. Sherlock offers to attend with him as a friendly face among strangers, but John's family force him to address his true feelings for Sherlock.

Vessel by Rhuia (E, 15,695 w., 1 Ch. || Cancer, Medfic) – That was the surprising bit – the way his doctor said it, eyes shining with sympathy but breathing it out, shifting it off her shoulders and thrusting it onto his, making him take it like an unwanted gift.

A Life Well-Lived by Kate_Lear (E, 20,121 w., 1 Ch. || Original Male Character, Sherlock Woos John, Jealous Sherlock, Reluctant Bi-John, Past Abuse, Insecure John, Reassuring / Caring Sherlock, Protective Sherlock, Understanding Sherlock) – John got scared off men by an abusive past relationship. Sherlock has to try and woo him while not scaring him off with protective possessive rage.

Winter's Delights by Kate_Lear (E, 21,173 w., 1 Ch. || Holmes Family, Christmas, Fake Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Bed Sharing, Domestics) – Sherlock takes John home for Christmas to meet the extended Holmes family. Part 1 of Winter's Delights

A Shipless Ocean by myswordfishmind (M, 22,135 w., 4 Ch. || Post-TRF, John has a Kid, Angst, Reunion, Falling in Love, Open Ending) – Ten years after the fall Sherlock goes back to London to find that John no longer lives there. Instead, he resides in a seaside town, a widower, and the father of a seven year old son. Now, Sherlock must struggle with the fact that there may no longer be a place for him in this new world.

Maintaining A Personal Life by Gingerhermit (E, 24,284 w., 6 Ch. || Alternating POV’s, Bisexuality, BAMF!John, Jealous Sherlock, Romance / Drama, Sort-of Case Fic, Peril & Angst, Love Confessions, Toplock, Soft Idiots in Love, Post S3) – Sherlock and John discover some interesting revelations about each other’s sexuality, which lead them both to question the assumptions they've made about one another for years. In the midst of their mutual discoveries, a dangerous psychopath looms on the side-lines who threatens to destroy their new beginning.

26 Pieces by Lanning (E, 28,236 w., 1 Ch. || H/C, Torture, First Time, Happy Ending, Schmoop, Past Abuse) – Mycroft gives Sherlock the apparently simple task of solving a puzzle box containing a stolen microchip. It isn't simple.

Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (E, 34,910 w., 10 Ch. || Retirementlock, Domestic Fluff, Falling in Love, Parentlock, Fluff and Smut, Reminiscing) – John and Sherlock's five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.

Classified(s) by blueink3 (E, 36,153 w., 4 Ch. || Wedding Date AU || Fake Relationship, Jealous, PIning, H/C, Idiots in Love, Happy Ending, Mary is not Nice, Escort Service) – Clara's American father is the ambassador to some such territory that Great Britain probably used to own, but she (and Harry’s undying love for her) is the reason John is getting on a flight at 12:30pm, flying across the second largest ocean in the world, and pretending to be in a perfectly happy, healthy relationship with an undoubtedly perfectly coiffed stranger. See, Clara is not only American (and wealthy to boot), she's also best friends with John’s ex-fiancée. Whom she's placed in the wedding party. As Maid of Honor. And John just happens to be Best Man. Bloody brilliant.

Nothing to Make a Song About by emmagrant01 (E, 36,833 w., 10 Ch. || Post-TRF, First Time, Reunion, Jealous John, Pining Sherlock, Romance, Angst with Happy Ending, Sherlock Has a Boyfriend) – When Sherlock returned from his faked death, John could not forgive him for the deception and broke off their friendship. Ten years later, John returns to London in search of yet another new beginning. Sherlock, not surprisingly, is waiting.

Set in Stone by SilentAuror (E, 39,309 w., 1 Ch. || Romance, Wedding, Therapy, Fluff and Angst) – Sherlock and John are back from Ravine Valley and planning their wedding. However, as they move past the trial of the human traffickers, Sherlock can't help but wonder if he's imagining that John is becoming a little distant. Surely he isn't getting cold feet about the wedding... Part 2 of The Ravine Valley series

Only To Be With You by SinceWhenDoYouCallMe_John (M, 40,768 w., 4 Ch. || Black Mirror / Future AU || Character Death, Future Technology, Sickness/Cancer/Illness, Heavy Angst with Happy Ending, First Person POV John, Pining John, Heart-Wrenching Angst, Promise of Forever) – I tell myself that next time I’ll come near this same place again. Wait around for the mysterious stranger in his coat to dash past me, hot on the heels of a new criminal in black. I think this all the way back to my Exit, planning where I’ll wait and what I’ll say when I see him. Scheming on how to get his name. It’s only once I reach the Exit Point door that I realize two hours and forty-five minutes have passed, and I realize that this won’t be the last time I Visit. It won’t be the last time at all.

Corpus Hominis by mycapeisplaid (E, 47,709 w., 12 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Case Fic, Fluff, Romance, Frottage, Angst, Anal, Blow Jobs, Rimming, Spas / Massages, Shampoo, Jealousy, Fake Relationship) - John knows the human body intimately. He’s had plenty of opportunity for study as a doctor, soldier, and lover. There’s one particular body, however, he knows very little about. When Sherlock launches himself head-first into a new obsession and they get sent on a case in an unlikely location, the pair discovers each other’s bodies with confusing yet delightful (and sometimes hilarious) results.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by SilentAuror (E, 50,635 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4/S4 Divergence, Case Fic, For a Case / Reverse Fake-Relationship, Conferences, Marriage Equality, Travelling / New York, Pride, Homophobia, Bottomlock, Marriage Proposal, John POV, Sexuality, Love Confessions, Emotional Love Making, Public Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Passionate Kissing, Needy/Clingy Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Touching / Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Little Spoon Sherlock, Intense Orgasms) – John and Sherlock go to New York to attend a conference run by the National Defence of Traditional Marriage Coalition in order to investigate the potential bombing of the annual Manhattan Pride parade. As the conference unfolds, John finds himself repulsed by the toxic ideology being presented, which becomes relevent to his own unacknowledged issues and his friendship with Sherlock...

Coventry by standbygo (E, 52,020 w., 26 Ch. || Dollhouse AU || Case Fic, Slow Burn, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, First Kiss / Time, Attempted Rape/Non-Con, BAMF John, Falling in Love) – “Let me get this straight,” John said, wondering when his life had become a science fiction film. “Some guy orders up a personality, a person, to his specifications, and they program this into a real live person, who has consented to do this, and she goes to this person and acts as his wife, or lawyer, or Royal Marine, or Navy Seal or what have you, and she has all the skills, all the knowledge, everything? Then you say the magic words, and she follows you back to The House, and they erase it all until her next appointment?”

Albion and the Woodsman by Glenmore (NR [E], 54,437 w., 50 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S3, Parentlock, Pining Sherlock, Angst, Family, Drug Use, Depression, Sherlock POV, Light Humour, Reconnecting, Declarations of Love) – Sherlock and John are devastated after Mary Morstan makes her final moves. Sherlock relapses at the crack house, John walks around the world … and a lot happens in between. Parentlock, in the good way.

Wars We Fought, Things We're Not by blueink3 (M, 55,204 w., 10 Ch. || Post S3 / Post TAB, Parentlock, Fluff & Angst, Kidnapping, Whump, Post-TAB, UST/URT, 3G, Mild Peril, Slow Burn, Couple for a Case, Protective Mycroft, Infant Death Pre-Story, Friends to Lovers) – Five months after John's world has fallen apart, Mycroft sends the consulting detective and his doctor on a case that neither is prepared for.

Isosceles by SilentAuror (E, 56,609 w., 7 Ch. || Post-S4, POV John, Original Male Character / Sherlock Dates Another Man, Love Triangle, Jealous John, Virgin Sherlock, Sexual Coaching, Angst, Romance, Domesticity, Unrequited Feelings, Miscommunication, First Kiss/Time, For a Case, Friends With Benefits, Bottomlock, Love Confessions, Spooning) – After solving a case for a major celebrity, Sherlock gets himself asked out. When John asks, he discovers that Sherlock has no intention of going, at least not until John agrees to coach him through whatever he might need to know for his date...

The Great Sex Olympics of 221B by XistentialAngst (E, 58,611 w., 10 Ch. || First Time/Kiss, Experiments / Sexual Experimentations, Multi Pairings, Voyeurism) – John Watson thinks Sherlock Holmes should admit that he, Watson, is more of an expert on sex than Sherlock is. But Sherlock refuses to concede the point. He comes up with an experiment plan that will resolve the issue. The results will determine who wins the prize. But sometimes even the best thought-out scientific study has unexpected consequences.

Bridging the Ravine by SilentAuror (E, 58,887 w., 3 Ch. || Post S4, Couple For a Case, Bed-Sharing, First Times, Confessions, Awkwardness, Sex Trafficking, Massages, Wet T-Shirt Contest, Group Therapy, Past Loss of Child) – Sherlock and John go undercover at Ravine Valley, a therapy centre for same-sex male couples in an investigation into a possible human trafficking ring. As they pose as a couple and fake their way through the therapy sessions for the sake of the case, it quickly becomes difficult to avoid discussing their very real issues. Set roughly six nine months after series 4.

The Bells of King's College by SilentAuror (E, 64,019 w., 5 Ch. || Post-S4, Missed Opportunities, Angst with Happy Ending, Fake Relationship, Case Fic, John POV, Jealous John, John in Denial, Travelling / Holidays, Virgin Sherlock, Wedding Proposals) – It's only been two weeks since Eurus Holmes disrupted their lives when Mycroft sends John and Sherlock to Cambridge to pose as an engaged couple at a wedding show in the hopes of solving six unsolved deaths...

Summit Fever by J_Baillier (M, 78,802 w., 18 Ch. || Mountain Climber AU || POV John, Angst, Tragedy, Suicidal Ideation, The Himalayas, Mountain Guide / Doctor John, Mount Climber Sherlock, Loneliness, Drama, Suspense, Slow Burn, Injured Sherlock / Sherlock Whump, Pining John) – After graduating from medical school, John Watson followed his heart to the Himalayas. Ten years later, he's a haunted cynic working for his ex-lover's trekking and mountaineering company. Will leading an expedition to Annapurna I—the most lethal of all the world's highest mountains—shake John out of his reverie, and who is the mystery client added to the group at the last minute?

Secrets and Revelations by Hisstah (E, 83,535 w., 9 Ch. || Sentinel / Guides Omegaverse AU || Adventure, Violence, Anal / Oral, Omega!John / Alpha!Sherlock, Case Fic, Politics, Mild DubCon) – Dr John Watson has some major secrets that he's kept from his flatmate, Alpha Sentinel Sherlock Holmes. Now the Sentinel Tower is after him. Can John stay out of their hands until he can reveal his secrets to Sherlock? Part 1 of Secrets and Revelations

Thermocline by J_Baillier (M, 83,557 w., 14 Ch. || Scuba Diving AU || Adventure, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Marine Archaeology, Asexual Sherlock, Horny John, Relationship Drama, Technical/Scuba/Wreck Diving, Slow Burn, Underwater / Medical Peril, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, John POV, Protective John, Body Appreciation) – John "Five Oceans" Watson — technical dive instructor, dive accident analyst and weapon of mass seduction — meets recluse professor of maritime archaeology Holmes. As they head out to a remote archipelago off the coast of Guatemala to study and film its shipwrecks for a documentary, will sparks fly or fizzle out?

Maintenance and Repair by patternofdefiance (E, 106,650 w., 71 Ch. || Future AU, Augmentation || Augmented John, Depression, Body Modification, Slow Burn, Worldbuilding, Sci-Fi, Self-Care, Body Dysmorphia) – John wants to explain the rush of sensation and data, which is just another form of sensation (or is it the other way around?). John wants to say: Augmentation circuits report temperature, pressure, various forms of quantitative input. Sudden changes are reported as pain, since sudden changes are dangerous, and pain is the quickest way to encourage reflexive extraction. But all John can manage is, “Nng.” Because this sudden touch is not reporting as pain. Part 2 of STATIC

The Burning Heart by May_Shepard (M, 119,150 w., 21 Ch. || Canon Divergence, Post-TRF, John’s Sexuality, S3 Rewrite, Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, POV John Watson, John’s Gay) – When Sherlock dies, John Watson feels like his life is over too. He’s completely shut down, until Mark Morstan, a new nurse at John’s medical clinic, catches his attention, and helps him uncover the long buried truth of his attraction to men. Although he’s certain he’ll never get over Sherlock, John plans to move on, and build a new life with Mark, unaware that Sherlock is not quite as dead as he appears, and that Mark is hiding secrets of his own.

The Swan Triad Series by Pennin_Ink (T, 121,660 w. across 3 works || Swan Lake AU || Magical / Fairy Tale AU, Romance, Falling in Love, Pining, Psychological Torture, Transformation) – Sherlock and John grow up spending every summer together. Their mothers' attempts to play matchmaker only fuel their mutual resentment and scorn. But then, one summer.

Colors by Quesarasara (E, 140,537 w., 17 Ch. || Pleasantville-Inspired AU || Soulmates, Colour Bonds, Alternating POV, Angst, Fluff, Pining, Case Fic, Medical Procedures) – Everyone on earth is born with eyes that see in black, white, and an endless series of greys. When you meet your soulmate, you finally see the world in color. We're all searching for the person who brings color to our lives. John and Sherlock are no exception. Part 1 of The Colors 'Verse

The Adventure of the Silver Scars by tangledblue (NR [M], 142,458 w., 41 Ch. || S3 Fix-It, Post-HLV/ Post-TAB / Canon Compliant, Case Fic, No Baby, Angst, Humour, UST, Slow Burn, Angry John, Reconciliation, Not Nice Mary / Leaving Mary, Dependent Sherlock, Pining Sherlock, Caretaker John, Fist Fights, It’s An Experiment, Virgin Sherlock, Dancing, Drugging, John Whump, Pet Names, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Scars) – It’s been thirteen months since Mary shot Sherlock and John finds he’s still pissed off about it. Sherlock had thought everything was settled: John and Mary, domestic bliss. But when John turns up at Baker Street with suitcases, the world’s only consulting detective might not be prepared for the consequences. A new case. Some old scores to settle. Certain danger. Concertos, waltzes, and whisky.

The Lost Special: Family Matters (As Do Relationships) by ShirleyCarlton (M, 144,688 w., 40 Ch. || S4 Fix It Fic, Unreliable Narrator, John’s Mind Bungalow, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending) – Sherrinford is not really the name of some high security prison. That was just a figment of John’s frantic coma dream. And Eurus is not actually Sherlock’s sister. That’s just something random she said to John before shooting him. Sherlock and John were never actually estranged. That was just their act to cover up what really happened to Mary – or Rosamund Moran, as her real name has turned out to be. Sherlock does have a secret sibling, though, and his name is Sherrinford. After finally eliminating Moran – though in a rather dramatically different way than they had envisioned – and exposing the truth about Eurus, John encourages Sherlock to delve into his past and to find out whether the reasons to keep Sherrinford away from Sherlock were the right ones, and to discover what really happened in 1981. Along the way, Sherlock and John gradually, finally, stop keeping each other at a distance, and eventually become a proper family of their own. (SC’s version of Sherrinford may as well be an OC; he’s well written and different from Canon)

Sketchy by serpentynka (E, 184,053 w., 83 Ch. || Post-TRF, Post-Mary, John Whump, Slow Burn Love Story, Case Fic, Art, Porn With Feelings, Switchlock, Travelling, Career Change, Family Secrets, Illness / Health) – What (and who) will be left when nobody cares about your Work? A slow-burn fic with cases, places, mistaken identities, unfair choices, essential changes, violent feels, blatant lies, fearless portraiture, family secrets, high-risk bespoke gifts, durable friendships, bedtime stories, foreign travel and tongues, sickness (and health), and the significance of things which are slow to unfurl -- but cannot be ignored. Oh, and...porn. Part 1: Sherlock takes on an obvious case (barely a 4) and meets someone who will force him to re-examine what it means to see. Part 1 of Sketchy

The Gilded Cage by BeautifulFiction (E, 326,887 w., 31 Ch. || Omegaverse || Omega Sherlock / Alpha John, Friends to Lovers, Dub Con, Reproductive Rights) – In a world where Omegas are the property of the elite Alphas, locked away and treasured by those wealthy enough to buy them, John never questioned his flatmate's secondary gender. Sherlock Holmes was an Alpha through-and through. Wasn't he? A chance discovery turns the world on its head, and John is left grappling to come to terms with Sherlock's past as events conspire to threaten their future.

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #original characters #my fic recs #Anonymous #long post

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lvrexe · 3 years ago

Note

Henloo shrimp! May I request for a fic/hcs (whichever you prefer) on Kisame meeting his fem s/o adopted father for the first time? I thought it will be interesting if the father is also sort of like missing-nin or Kirigakure civilian just like him.

Thankiess🦈

Sooo I added some extra details, I hope you don’t mind..! ^^’’.... but this was honestly realllll fun to write, thank you so much for the request..!!

Kisame x fem!reader Genre: Fluff Point of View: Second POV Word Count: 2.1k

You were a low-ranked criminal born outside a village, roughly on the edge of the Land of Fire. You never really knew your birth parents; you just knew when you were little and starving, a man from Kirigakure took pity on your weak and trembling state. He was supposed to be there for a week, hiding away from the ninja from his home village, but seeing as he couldn’t just leave some starving kid alone in the woods. His moral compass couldn’t allow it, no matter how fucked up it was.

And so, he taught you some of his ways. Nothing too gruesome, just theft and stealth. Things to aid you and your survival. Not like you needed to do much as a kid, the man stayed week after week until the two of you were living on the edge of the borders, tucked away and well hidden by one of several forests.

“Hey! Get back here, you damn thief!” the shopkeeper shouted, waving his fist at you.

You stumbled around the corner before bolting down the streets of Konoha. Glancing behind you, you got a good glimpse at the shinobi who had lept into action. You scoffed and began to speed up. You whipped around corners, dashing down alleyways, anything to throw the shinobi off your track. They were stubborn though, they followed you through everything you did. As you turned another corner, you immediately dipped into a dango shop, wheezing and huffing. Silencing your chakra— just as your father had taught you—, you watched as the shinobi bolted down the streets, looking for you.

Knowing how keen shinobi were, you knew they’d be circling back when they realized they had lost track of you. Unless they decided you weren’t worth their time. Either way, you weren’t risking it. You flicked your hood up and stuffed the stolen foods into your jacket pocket, ignoring how awkward it looked. You took a glance around the shop before spotting two unusual figures in cloaks. One of them seemed to notice your stare and peered his head up; under his woven hat was palesh blue skin and piercing white eyes. He cracked a grin at you, he seemed to be able to read you like a book. He murmured something to his friend whose back was turned to you and after a short wait, the other shifted to the side. Taking the sign to sit, you planted yourself at their table.

That’s how you met the man known as the Tailless Tailed Beast, Kisame Hoshigaki, and his partner, Itachi of the Sharingan. Two S-rank rogue ninjas working in the Akatsuki. It was supposed to be a simple five minute interaction and the only interaction you had with them. But after a conversation started by Kisame, the two realized how useful you could be. Intel. You weren’t that high-ranked of a criminal, a petty thief in the Land of Fire. You’d slip right into the crowds of other villages.

Kisame took an immediate liking to you and Itachi tolerated you. You never paid Itachi any mind, though he came around when you had come back from Iwagakure with specific information on the Four-Tailed Jinchuuriki Kisame was assigned to. After a while, Itachi had warmed up to you a bit.

You were supposed to leave, supposed to head back to the Land of Fire, but Kisame had insisted you continue travelling with them.

“What?” you questioned, raising your brow.

Kisame chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. “Uh, well, you know, we may need intel again… For other missions,” he replied, explaining his offer.

You crossed your arms and thought back to your family. You were usually the one who got the necessary items. But you assumed your father could easily take care of himself. You looked back up at him. “Alright, sure,” you nodded.

Apparently, Kisame hadn’t even said anything to Itachi, as the Uchiha was confused upon still seeing you travel beside them. If he had any complaints, he never made them known.

You eventually learned that the reason why Kisame was so insistent on you sticking around was not because the two needed intel— in fact, you were only sent out to gather information once more after the first—, but rather Kisame ended up falling for you hard during your travels.

It took you some time to come around, but after a rather… enjoyable night, the two of you decided to try out dating. It ended up working out pretty well. Kisame, despite what his frightening appearance may imply, was a rather gentle lover. His touch was tender, his words were soft whenever he spoke to you, he never raised his voice even in heated arguments. But he’d be damned if he let anyone put their hands on you. He was highly protective, and, as you soon found out, was easily jealous of any man who dared to approach you with the intent of wooing you away with their charm.

It was a strong relationship, the two of you mixed well together, and after a year, you felt ready enough to introduce the man to your father.

“Hey Kisame, we’re headed back to the Land of Fire next month, right?” you asked one night. “Eh? Yeah, Itachi needs to head back for— eh, personal reasons,” he replied to you, shifting his body to face you.

“Do.. Do you think we’ll have time to make a quick stop?”

“Quick stop? What do you need?” he inquired.

“I… I want you to meet my dad.”

Kisame’s breathing hitched and his shoulders tensed. “Er…” he mumbled before turning his back to you in the futon. “I.. I’ll check with Itachi, we might not be able to.”

After that, Kisame avoided the topic altogether. Each time you brought it up, he’d turn his head to avoid your eyes and murmured an excuse or just changed the topic. Eventually, the month came to an end and it was time for the trip back to the Land of Fire. You were annoyed with your boyfriend, to say the least. The trip back was silent, filled with an awkward tension between you and Kisame that Itachi had to bear through.

The moment the three of you crossed the borders, Itachi came to a halt and turned around. His sharp gaze flicked between the two of you before he let out a sigh. “The unresolved issue between you two is bringing me a headache,” he stated simply. “I’m going ahead. You stay and figure out your relationship problem.”

“Eh, but Itachi—”

“I’ll be fine, Kisame,” the Uchiha snapped. He sighed and turned on his heels. “I can handle myself.”

You watched as Itachi left the two of you alone, disappearing into the woods ahead. Once his silhouette was far and out of sight, you wasted no time in turning to Kisame, hands on your hips and glaring a hole deep in the side of his head. “What is wrong?” you angrily demanded answers.

“Me? Nothing!”

“That’s a lie and you know it!” you huffed, “Everytime I bring up my father, you get all weird and it’s annoying.”

You crossed your arms and sulked as a frown grew on your face. You averted your eyes, avoiding his own. “We’ve been dating for a year now, Kisame…” you murmured, “Weren’t you the one who said you wanted something serious?”

“Yes, but…”

“So what’s the issue? You can’t just ignore my family like this,” you sighed.

Kisame grumbled and scratched the back of his neck. Fuck, he hated seeing you like this. He sighed, tempted to reach out before he dropped his hand. “I…” he uttered, “Babe, you know it’s not like that…”

“So what’s the issue, Kisame? Why don’t you want to meet my dad? You’ll have to eventually!”

He took a deep breath and a blush grew across his cheeks. “I don’t… Well, it’s embarrassing, y’know.”

You stopped for a moment, taking in his unusually timid posture. The way he averted his gaze to the ground, tilting his head from yours. Then it clicked. He’s afraid to meet your parents. Once the realization hit, you found it hard to not to laugh. You let out little giggles with attempts to silence them but as you continued on to look upon your embarrassed boyfriend, you couldn’t stop your laughter from bursting out. You clutched your stomach, hunched over and laughed to your heart’s content while Kisame watched in utter confusion and horror.

Kisame Hoshigaki; the Tailed Beast without a Tail and Monster of the Hidden Mist, afraid to meet your father.

The idea was hilarious to you. To Kisame? Not so much.

“He-Hey! Don’t you laugh!” he interrupted your laughing spree.

“Kisame, he’s my dad! He’s not going to do anything to you!”

“It’s not that!” he sighed.

“What if your dad doesn’t like me?” he eventually admitted. “I mean, look at me, y/n, I’m hardly human. I’ve got sharp teeth, gills and I’m a criminal!... Don’t even mention my gray skin…”

Now you felt horrible for laughing. You rubbed his arm and frowned, trying to get him to look at you again. You knew his appearance was an insecurity of his, Itachi being his partner likely increased that insecurity tenfold. “Hey…” you spoke in a hushed tone. Your hands reached up and cupped his cheeks. “Come on, Kisame, you don’t need to worry about any of that, I told you my family doesn’t care about appearances.”

“Yeah, for normal looking people,” he butted in.

“You’re normal, Kisame,” you insisted.

Kisame knew you weren’t going to relent, you never seemed to. He sighed and shook his head. “Alright, alright, fine… Then what about me being a criminal?”

You smiled. “Relax, Kisame… I feel like you and my dad would have a few things in common.”

“This… is it?” he murmured under his breath, a little taken aback.

You nodded as you pushed through some bushes. “Yup! Ever since I was a little girl, you know,” you clarified as you slipped into the front yard of the small cabin your father had built years ago.

Kisame stood in front of your home, staring upon the front doors, timid. Shit, he was nervous. His body even flinched as you placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Looks beaten down…” he commented.

You hummed. “It does… Dad’s probably been skipping out on the repairs…” you huffed.

Digging through your pockets, you pulled out your keys and unlocked the door. “Hey, Dad?” you called out the moment you swung open the front doors.

“Y/n?”

A middle-aged man poked his head through one of the rooms. His gloomy face lit up as he laid his eyes on you. “Ah! Y/n!” he called out as he walked out into the main room. “Come in, come in,” he insisted.

You entered the house, ready to embrace your old man, but knitted your brows in confusion as your father stopped and stared behind you. You remembered your boyfriend and turned around. “Hey, Kisame, come on—”

Kisame and your father stared at each other in shock. You glanced between the two, watching their stare-off. “Eh, is that the Monster of the Mist?” your father piped up. “Ehh… what was your name again? Kisame…?”

“Kisame,” he replied, “Kisame Hoshigaki, sir.”

“Ah, yes! I heard about your doings while I was raising young y/n here,” your father murmured. He walked closer to Kisame and leaned into the man, eyeing him up and down, scrutinizing his every action. “But what’s a man like you doing with my daughter?”

You scoffed and rolled your eyes. “Dad, quit it. Leave my boyfriend alone,” you said, peeling your dad away from Kisame.

“Eh, he was a student of mine! Allow me to see how my student has grown!” he grumbled at you, but he reluctantly agreed as he made his way back to the table.

Slowly, you turned to your boyfriend. He stepped in and slowly shut the doors behind him. He noticed your stares and let out a short, nervous chuckle. “Heh, yeah… Your father trained me for a year when I was still in Kirigakure… He left because of his crimes…” he quietly explained.

Your father chimed in with a hum of agreement, confirming Kisame’s statement. “Now, come! Sit!” he instructed. When Kisame was taking off his shoes with timid movements, your father groaned. “Now, Hoshigaki!”

“Yes, sir!” your boyfriend blurted out as he quickened his movements, basically bolting over to the table. You sat yourself down beside Kisame and glanced over to your father, who analyzed you and Kisame with little subtly.

His eyes were more focused on Kisame, his eyes shooting daggers into him. Kisame shifted in his spot, visibly uncomfortable. This wasn’t the kind of student-teacher reunion he was expecting. You sighed and smacked the table as your other hand intertwined with Kisame’s. Upon hearing the smack, your father shook his head and quit his glares. He beamed a bright smile and sat up straight. “Now, tell me about this relationship of yours,” your father demanded.

#kisame x yn #kisame hoshigaki #naruto #naruto imagine #naruto fanfiction #naruto imagines #akatsuki imagines #akatsuki x reader

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kaitoujokerscans · 3 years ago

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The Night the Silver Cape is Set Ablaze CH6

<6> The Lady Spy and Phantom Thief Girl

At the same time as when Spade was talking to Noir, a minor commotion was taking place aboard a luxury sleeper train coursing through a European ravine.

"Stop! Don't let her get away!"

The train shook with a clunking noise, and stern-faced men in dark uniforms trampled through the carriage. They were chasing after a tiny silhouette dashing ahead. The silhouette opened the door connecting to the next carriage and ran into the hallway. Although the hallway floor was made of old wood, the silhouette's footsteps were completely silent.

There came a loud bang from behind her. A pistol bullet streaked past the side of the silhouette.

"Tsk!" The silhouette clicked her tongue, then opened the door to the next carriage and jumped in. This was the first class carriage — a passenger car with numerous private cabins. Through the earpiece she wore, she heard an order to the uniformed men — "The target's headed towards the front! Cut her off on both sides!". She was listening in to their radio comm.

They'll be coming from the front too, soon enough...

The tiny silhouette came to a stop in the middle of the carriage. Right next to her was the door to a guest cabin.

The silhouette was a little old lady in black tights. She would have been at least seventy years old. Yet her hair was a glistening white, and her skin had a healthy sheen. Least suggestive of her age was the look in her eyes. She was keeping watch for enemies in front of her and staying cautious of enemies approaching from behind at the same time.

Her name was Agent Purple. She was a veteran spy of a country to remain unnamed and was still an active intelligence agent. Purple had just stolen a top-secret file from an influential person in a certain country. She had received intel that it was being moved on this train and, putting her petite stature to good use, had skillfully swiped the file without alerting anyone. It was an easy job for Purple.

But it so happened that a newbie spy allied with her country had been caught elsewhere and let slip that Purple was on board.

Good heavens... Young'uns these days have no backbone... Purple sighed and, focusing her attention to the front, reached for the small firearm lashed around her leg.

Anxiety bubbled within Purple. The round of enemy fire had grazed Purple's arm. It was only a scratch, but still, moving it even slightly made pain course through her arm. Usually she would have no issue with firing at this range, but if enough enemies stormed her from both front and back, she wasn't sure she'd be able to make every shot.

Though it doesn't look like I have a choice... Purple steeled herself. She heard bellows come from both in front and behind her. Just as Purple's hand hovered over her firearm... the guest cabin door swung open, and someone grabbed Purple's arm.

"...!" With her opposite hand, Purple immediately reached for the knife at her hip. But she didn't stab anything. Because the person grabbing her said this to her:

"Come with me, Grandma."

When the uniformed men stepped out of the linked cars into the first class carriage, the target they had been pursuing wasn't in the hallway. The train was chugging along at high speed. She couldn't escape out the windows. Which meant that she had to have entered one of the cabins along the hallway.

The boss gave the order to his men to search the cabins. The men didn't know anything about the spy who was their target, other than that she was short. They entered the rooms one by one and inspected who was inside. Because this was the first class carriage, the occupants all had posh appearances. None of the passengers looked like they could be a spy. But it was possible that she was disguised.

Politely and carefully, the uniformed men examined each individual guest. Eventually, they stood in front of the cabin at the very middle.

One of the men knocked on the door.

"Yes?" came a young woman's voice from inside.

"This is the railway authority. We've received word that an intruder snuck on board, thus we are presently conducting an inspection of all cabins."

"I understand. Come in," responded the female voice, not suspecting the man was lying.

Two men entered and saw that there was a girl and an old woman inside. They were sitting across from each other on plush emerald green seats. The girl, her blonde hair done up in twintails, turned to the men with a puzzled look. "Has something happened?"

The girl was wearing an aqua-colored dress. She gave off a refined air — probably the daughter of a rich family. Then suddenly, one of the men took a frightening tone and demanded, "Hey, did anyone come in here?"

"N-No..." The girl replied, startled.

"She telling the truth, Grandma!?" The man said menacingly to the old woman sitting across from the girl. But the old woman's eyes were focused outside the window and she wouldn't face him.

"My grandmother is hard of hearing. I can answer your questions!" The girl nearly shrieked.

"Check their luggage."

The other man tried to pick up the large traveling bag next to the old woman. Then the girl stood up, shouting. "Stop! Not that bag!"

"Shut up! You're hiding something, aren't you!"

"Of course not! Please, just don't!"

"You're sounding more and more suspicious to me!" The man took out his gun and pointed it at the girl. The girl gasped, her face paled, and she sat back down.

The other man undid the clasp of the traveling bag and slowly opened it, when...

"BARK BARK BARK!" A white dog bounded out of the bag and jumped at the man's face.

"WAUUUGH!?" The man threw his head back in a panic. The dog wouldn't get off him.

"Aahhh! Stop that, Corn!"

"W-What is up with this mutt!?" The man peeled the dog off his face, and the girl spoke.

"He's my pet. Pets aren't allowed on board, so I hid him in my bag..."

"Huh?"

"But now that the authorities have found out, there's nothing I can do... You can arrest me," said the girl resignedly, looking up at the man.

Then the men tsked, not having found what they were looking for. "Hey, let's go. Onto the next one," one said, and they left the cabin.

"Phew... that went well." A little after the men left, Queen stopped holding her breath and plopped down on the seat. The girl who had talked with the men was Queen.

Then Purple, who had pretended to just be an old woman, looked at Queen and smirked. "That was quite the fib. I'd give you a passing grade."

"Teehee, thank you."

"Queen, what was that 'Corn' name about?" Roko, who had been pretending to be a normal dog, asked from beside Purple.

"Well, I couldn't call you by your real name, Roko. You got your name because you liked toumorokoshi — corn — right? So that's why I called you 'Corn'," Queen explained proudly. Queen, Purple, and Roko had put on a performance so the uniformed men would pass them by. Playing the parts of a granddaughter, her grandmother, and her pet, they successfully fooled the pursuers.

"Still, I was surprised when you appeared out of nowhere." Purple turned her gaze toward Queen and broke out into a happy smile. It was a warm, gentle smile, hardly an expression befitting a cold-hearted spy. She was said to have been quite the looker once, and it wasn't impossible to imagine. According to Silver Heart, no man had been immune to her wily charms. Silver Heart himself had acted smitten whenever he recalled Purple, until he met with her again...

"You're Silver's granddaughter, aren't you? You came with us to Jackal's hideout."

Indeed, Queen and Purple, along with Silver Heart and Joker, had previously broken into the organization called Jackal, headed by Doctor Neo. Purple had been introduced then to Queen as Silver Heart's partner during his spy days.

"You remembered me."

"A spy doesn't forget intel. So, since you've come out of your way to see me, I assume you need something?"

"Yes, that's right. There's something I want to ask about..." Queen lowered her voice a little. "I want to know about someone who used to work with Grandpa. Someone called Noir."

"Noir?" Purple's pitch rose. So she was familiar with Noir after all.

"You know him?"

"Yes, he's an old friend. I know him well."

"To tell you the truth, it seems Noir took a treasure from Joker, and I was wondering if it had anything to do with Grandpa..."

"Hmm..." Purple remarked in surprise.

"Did something happen between Noir and Grandpa? If you know anything, could you please tell me?"

"Hm, well..." Purple folded her arms, brooding on something. Suddenly, her eyes glinted mischievously, and she grinned at Queen.

"W-What is it?"

"When you get to be as old as I am, you get awfully tight-fisted. Giving information away for free feels like it would be a wasted opportunity."

"Huh...?"

"It makes me want to tease kids, especially a girl like you."

"O... kay..."

"If you want to hear about Silver and Noir, then do something for me. Something that'll delight me."

"HUH?" Queen drew back in surprise, ruffled.

"Do something to entertain me. Then I'll give you the information you want."

"Ergh..." Queen's gaze veered. She wasn't a veteran spy for nothing. This wasn't going to be that simple. The unreasonable demand made Queen fall silent.

What should I do for her...? I can't tell any funny stories, and I can't do tricks like Joker can... I'm not an encyclopedia like Spade is, so what can I do...?

Queen's mind started to spin in circles. Thinking hard wasn't her forte. But then, Roko cut in from beside her. "Then how about making a funny face like the one you did recently, Queen?"

"Fu... nny... face...?"

"It was hilarious! Purple-san might just like it!"

"N-No! Absolutely not!" Queen stood up to refuse, her face bright read.

"Oh, why not, that sounds fine. Please, show me." Purple bent forward and gave a provoking smile.

"I don't want to! It'll ruin my marriage prospects!"

"Nope, I've decided. That's the only way you'll get information out of me. You can't change my mind!"

"You're kidding me...!" Queen stood at a loss for words.

"..."

"Well, what will you do?"

At Purple's prodding, she gave in. Queen took a breath and faced back towards Purple. Queen was about to forsake her prized feminine sensibilities when...

"Shh...!" Suddenly the look in Purple's eyes changed and she put a finger to her lips, shushing.

"...!" Queen and Roko immediately piped down and listened closely.

Conversing voices were coming from the earpiece Purple was wearing. Apparently she had still been listening to the radio communications while talking to Queen.

"It seems they're coming back this way... My cohort seems to have blabbed that I'm an older woman. If he makes it back alive, he's in for a real reckoning," Purple muttered as she listened, a terrifying look on her face.

"What do you want to do? Do we act our way out again?"

"No, it won't work this time. You two can escape out the window onto the roof. I'll handle the rest on my own."

"With your arm in that state?" Roko asked.

Purple looked over at him in surprise. "You realized?"

"You've been stroking your arm at moments. Probably without even realizing it yourself."

"Then you won't be able to fight those men single-handedly. Let us handle it!" Queen said, getting back up.

She threw off her disguise, revealing her usual white coat underneath. She then took out her diamond sword from where it was hidden underneath the seats. "Purple-san, if I fend off those men, tell me about Noir, okay?" Queen winked sweetly. She was sincerely relieved. Thank God I didn't have to make a funny face!

Just as five black-suited men neared the door of the room where they had seen the young girl and old woman earlier, Queen and Roko sprang out of the guest cabin.

"...!"

Queen glared at the men. The look in her eyes was completely different than the girl who had been in the room earlier. She was wearing different clothes, too, and the biggest difference of all was the great sword she held in her hand.

"She's got the secret file!" shouted one of the men. Indeed, in her other hand, Queen was holding the secret file disc case that she had received from Purple.

"Get her!" Their boss barked, and the men all fell upon Queen. But Queen and Roko deftly dodged them and ran off in the opposite direction. The men rushed after her.

There were no men in the direction they were headed. Purple had found this out by listening to the radio comm. That was why Queen immediately set off in the opposite direction — towards the read end of the train.

Queen sped through the train, passing through one car after another on her way to the end. The men followed after, shoving aside the confused passengers, giving chase to Queen and Roko.

"How long are they going to run for!?"

"Don't lose your head. There's no way they can get off the train when it's going this fast. The girl's trapped like a mouse!"

Just as he said, soon enough Queen and Roko reached the rearmost carriage. It was a coach car, with booth seats on either side. Baffled by Queen bursting in, the seated passengers began to murmur.

"Everyone out! Or else you'll get hurt!" yelled Queen, thrusting her sword up overhead.

Shrieks rang out, and the conductor and passengers all started to rush towards the forward cars. At the same time, the men in black caught up to where Queen was. Wading through the waves of passengers, the men entered the rearmost carriage. Now the only ones inside of it were Queen, Roko, and the men.

Queen stood at the very back of the carriage, standing off against the men.

"Say your prayers, missy." Five suited men stopped in the middle of the carriage and took out their guns. "We're gonna turn you into Swiss cheese!"

"Now, Roko!"

At Queen's signal, Roko stepped forward. Then he unhinged his jaw and let out a prodigious cry of "ARFFFFFFFFFFF!!"

His bark shrilled in the ears of the men. Their faces scrunched up and they clutched their heads in agony. "URRRGHH! W-What was that!?"

This was Roko's ability.

Roko's throat has a special organ that enhances his canine howl. He can use this organ to vibrate ultrasonic waves and assail anyone in front of him.

While the men were gripping their heads from the pain, Queen swung her sword at them. She struck their napes with the back of her sword and mowed them all down. The men were knocked out and collapsed onto the carriage hallway with successive thuds.

"Roko, let's go!"

"Okay!"

Queen and Roko stepped past the unconscious men and ran back towards the front of the carriage. They were just a step away from the next car ahead when...

"Hold it right there!"

The two of them turned around once they heard the voice and saw that one of the felled men was getting back on his feet. The man's gun was pointed at a little girl. She hadn't been able to get away while everyone else was running.

"Wha...!?"

"Throw down your sword, right now! Unless you don't care what happens to her!"

"Bah... you really don't play fair. This is the problem with spies!" Queen bit her lip and glared at the man.

"Hurry it up!"

At his behest, Queen twirled her sword and left it on the floor.

"All right, good. Bring the disc here!"

Queen clutched the disc, vexed. Things had been going according to plan up until she knocked all the men out, but she hadn't foreseen that they would take a hostage. While Queen stood still, seemingly at a loss as what to do next, Roko whispered from beside her.

"...Queen, do that."

"Huh?"

"That thing we were talking about. Your special move! You know!"

"Whaaat?" Then realizing what he meant, Queen rejected it flat out. "Absolutely not!"

"Then do you have any other way of making him drop his guard?"

"No, b-but..."

"What are you two muttering about!? Come here, now!"

"Argh... fine!" Queen shouted in annoyance, and slowly walked toward the man with disc in hand.

"Leave the disc there," the man pointed to a seat, just as Queen spoke.

"Hey, Mister."

"Hm?"

As soon as the man saw Queen's face — he snorted out a hearty "pfft!", followed by a "GYAHAHAHA! What is wrong with your face!? BWAHAHAHA!", laughing uproariously. Queen had demonstrated her famous "funny face" to him.

As the man burst out in laughter, Queen crouched down and delivered a swift kick to the man's shin.

"Ghwaaa!?" The man's guffawing face contorted with pain, and immediately after, Queen grabbed the girl and ran back towards the front of the carriage.

"W-Wait! Bwahahahaha!" The man went after her, but was still snorting from the memory.

Without another word, Queen picked up her sword and swung it. The train's coupling split apart with a clank. The rearmost carriage with the unconscious men and the laughing man aboard lost speed and gradually became more and more distant. The sound of the man's unceasing laughter mingled with the sound of the wheels, and eventually faded away.

Roko grinned and looked up at Queen. "Nice going, Queen! Now that's what I call looks that could kill!"

"I'm not happy about this at all!" Queen puffed up her adorable cheeks and stared at Roko accusingly.

#kaitou joker #light novel

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shadowofthelamp · 3 years ago

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Somebody on my dash did one of these and said ‘tagged if you wanna do this’ for the ao3 fic writer interview and I wanted to do it, SO... under the cut to not be annoying

How many works do you have on AO3?

159, although 138 are under the shadowofthelamp pseud.

What’s your total word count on AO3

Uhhhh 338,085, 405,437 if you count both accounts.

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

In order of most to least fics on ao3, Invader Zim, Yugioh, Steven Universe, Sonic (General, Archie, Satam, X, and Underground), Gravity Falls, Jack Blank Adventures, Venom, Danny Phantom, Generator Rex, Rick and Morty, H.I.V.E, Spongebob, JTHM, Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel, Wander Over Yonder, Captain Underpants, Yugioh Abridged, and Milo Murphy’s Law. So, 27. (On ao3, on tumblr I have a few more scattered throughout my writing tag, like Randy Cunningham 9th Grade Ninja and Dude That’s My Ghost)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Adventures in Parenthood, One New Fact (which kinda surprised me), Little Things, Quiet Revelations, and one of the smutty ones, not gonna say which.

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I didn’t always used to, but I’m trying to now, since I always like getting replies from other authors, and it’s kind of my way of thanking them for commenting.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Wrong, probably? There might be an older one but I’m not trawling back for that. Realizing you fucked up your one chance at happiness kinda sucks a lot.

Do you write crossovers? If so, what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever written?

Yep! Probably the most ‘out there’ one was one that I dropped pretty quickly, and IZ/PNF crossover where Dib was an exchange student at the Flynn-Fletcher house. I still like my IZ/DP one though, even though it’s probably never going to be finished either.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Discounting the ones on ffnet that I think were spamming everybody who posted in the zim tag (although ‘derping mpreg whore’ was very funny), a few, yeah, but nothing that was memorable enough to stick. Plus, does hate sent to tumblr/raiding my fic’s discord server count? Because I got a great one on tumblr the other day that accused me of being horrible for enjoying a relationship that was unhealthy in canon (something they’d know I agreed with if they actually cared to check) and said mpreg didn’t make sense. For demons. Ah, tumblr.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yep. Take one look at my whole Deal and take a guess.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yep, twice! The hilarious thing is one was in a TINY fandom (Jack Blank Adventures) and it was on ffnet, which had less than ten fics at the time. The other one I don’t even remember what fandom it was, just that at some point the thief got pissy because they were being homophobic and I was like ‘why did you like the ideas of a lesbian (which was what I identified as back then) if gays are so awful then’. That was kinda funny.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yep! A couple of times, both to Russian for the site ficbook.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nnnnnot really? I’ve written stories inspired by conversations with friends, but never co-written one. (If that flower shop sonadow one is still linked on my profile, it was my idea but Rosy did all of the writing.)

What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Zadr, probably.

What’s a WIP you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

REINVENTION AND CRUSHING THE CODE MY BELOVEDS...

What are your writing strengths?

Characterization, 100%. I’m really good at dialogue, I think, and I have a lot of fun with action scenes even though I don’t write them too often.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Atmosphere, I suppose? Setting the scene can be difficult, I just kinda wanna... be in it already.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I’ve only done it in Reinvention with Ceasar’s dialogue since him and Rex pepper Spanish into their speech in canon, and I’d just advise running it past a native speaker if possible.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Sonic! I was writing Sonic fic in my head years before I knew the concept of fic existed.

What’s your favorite fic you’ve ever written?

I kinda have differing levels of favorites? Reflecting is probably my favorite short one, and I have a lot of affection for AIP, but I really, really like my new one (heh, new, geez it’s almost going on a year now) because it feels like it took what I learned from AIP and built on it, so the funny parts are funnier and the emotional stuff is tighter. (Also it just crossed AIP in viewcount and probably will in kudos at some point, and I’m screaming a little at that.)

#shadow says stuff

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thebookwormfairy · 5 years ago

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Captain The Retired Police Dog Part 6 (Final)

BookwormFairy: Sorry for taking so long, but I'm here with the final part of Captain the Retired Police Dog. I just wanted to thank everyone who've read, like, reblogged, commented, and wrote their own stuff with Captain. When I first started this I had no idea how big ot would get. I will be doing more stuff with Captain, but this is the end of this story. Thank y'all so much for accepting both me and Captain into the fandom.

-------------------------

The rest of the trip was like a dream for Marinette

Every chance they got Marinette and Damian would spend time with eachother

And after Ace met Captain she would come along on all of their outings as well

Damian would take Marinette every where in Gotham

From the fashion district to the zoo Damian made sure Marinette didn't miss out on anything

They couldn't explain it, but something just clicked with them

It was like they were meant to be

Damian even met Marinette's parents

Kinda

He video chatted with them and was actually invited over during the summer

Which he whole heartedly accepted but warned the bakers that his family might "unexpectedly" show up with him.

Only to be told that they would be more then happy to meet them as well

Basically Damian took up all of Marinette's free time

Though sometimes, much to Damian's annoyance, the other batboys would come and "kidnap" Marinette and Captain and take them back to the manor.

Marinette didn't mind it so much, except when they didn't even wait for her to get back to the hotel

When the class was done touring Luxcorp, Jason rode up on his motorcycle and took Marinette and Captain

Jason picking up Marinette and grabbing Captain's leash: Hey French people I'm taking her and her dog. Bye

Ms. Bustier: Are you okay with that Marinette?

Marinette: Yeah I know him

Ms. Bustier: Okay have fun

Jason was less then impressed with the teacher's response but took the duo anyway

Another time Tim hacked into the schedule and change the bus route to drop Marinette off at Wayne Tower

Then Dick feeling left out did the responsible (and legal) way and called Marinette's parents to get their permission to take Marinette back to the manor.

Damian was not impressed with his brothers

Neither was Bruce

On the outside at least

On the inside he was so happy to see Marinette and Captain again

Captain wasn't sure how to respond to these strange new people in his and his girl's lives

After a couple of days they did grow on him

But he still didn't let Jason pet him

Mostly because Captain found the older boy's attempts hilarious

And his girl seemed to blossom in this new pack

Captain could see that the spark that he brought back into his girl's eye turn into a whole galaxy

She was almost always smiling and laughing now

To top it all off Alix and Kim finally pulled up their big kid briches and tried to reconnect with Marinette

At first Marinette was very weary of them

And Captain out right growled at them

But slowly they were able to earn Marinette's trust back

Not enough to be able to come on Marinette's adventures with her, but enough so that Marinette would seek them out when stuck with the class

And they would seek her out

Not even Lila could bring her down

And she tried

On this trip alone Lila has stolen several of Marinette's projects, tried to get her sent home with no success, has tried to get Captain detained, and has even tried to lock Marinette in several closets throughout the city, but Marinette somehow always got out.

All in all Lila was harmless

Until the last night of the trip when Lila went too far

Damian had tagged along with the class on their finally outing in Gotham

They went to a teens club somewhere near crime alley

Which is why Damian was with them

They made sure to leave the dogs with Alfred so he could take them back to the manor.

The night was going great

Marinette spent the night dancing with Damian, Alix, and Kim

But mostly Damian

Everything was perfect

So of course Lila had to open her big fat mouth

Lila: Oh yeah I've helped super heroes all over the world. I've even helped Batman put away a few rogues.

Villian kid (Edwin) near by: Oh really who?

Lila: You know all the big guys the Riddler, the Penguin, Two-Face,

Edwin: Hm, the Riddler.....

Lila: Yeah he's not so tough.

Lila continue to bad mouth the Riddler as Edwin called his dad to tell him all about this little, french goody goody who helped but him in Jail.

Riddler over the phone: What an interesting development, I wonder if she would like to play a game? *evil laugh*

Marinette slow dancing with Damian: This has been a great night

Damian: I have to agree with you there Angel. *Damian nuzzles Marinette's hair* I don't know what I'm going to do when you leave.

Marinette: I don't either, but I know I never want this to end.

Damian: Even with my annoying brothers

Marinette: Partially because of your annoying brothers. You know I'm an only child, but I always wished I had siblings, so they're like the brothers I never had.

Damian chuckling: don't let them hear you say that. You'll never get rid of them.

Marinette: Who said I would want to. Especially with how close Captain, Ace, and Titus has become. We'll have to fly out to eachother just so they can see eachother again.

Damian smirking: oh most definitely we be terrible pet owners if we didn't

Marinette catching on: You are so right. You'll be coming to Paris during the summer so I guess I'll be coming back to Gotham during the winter.

Damian pulling Marinette closer even though it didn't seem possible: That's not soon enough.

Alix: Hey love birds you do realize that the slow song ended 2 songs ago right?

Damian glared at the pink hair girl as Marinette backed up slightly blushing

Kim: I don't think they did Alix. How cute?

Damian: Yeah yeah let's go get something to drink.

As the small group made their way towards the bar

But before they could reach it chaos erupted in the club

Teenagers were running towards the exit trying to get away from something the group couldn't see

Somehow in the made dash out Marinette was separated from Alix, Kim, and Damian as they got pushed out of the club, but Marinette was pushed further in the club and gets corralled by a group of minions dressed in green

She scanned around the group of teens that were left seeing that all her classmates made it out except for Lila who was standing in the front of the group, but was trying to get behind the frightened teens

Marinette ended up standing next to her facing on of the famous rogues of Gotham the Riddler

Riddler: Hello kitties so sorry to interrupt your night out, but I heard one of you tattletells are the reason I was thrown back in that hellhole we call a prison so I'll give the little pest a chance to step up and we'll play a little game if they win you will all be let go and the pest will die, if they lose, well you all die. Either way that person dies so come on speak up or should I just kill everybody right now.

Lila without a second thought: It was her Marinette!

Marinette: What?!?!

Lila: Yeah it is all her she was the one who was bad mouthing you.

Marinette whispering to Lila: I knew you were mean Lila, but this is just pure evil

Lila smirking at Marinette: Why so shocked Dupen-Cheng? I know you, you wouldn't put innocent lives in danger so there's no way you'll deny it and this way I can get rid of you for good.

Marinette continued to glare at the evil girl as she was pulled up towards the Riddler

Riddler: Well aren't you a little cutie. Is what the loud mouth said true are you to person who helped put me in jail?

Marinette through clenched teeth: Yes

Riddler: Well here's the game goody goody I'm going to tell you a riddle and if you answer correctly we're going to play a game of Russian rullet *Riddler holds up an old revolver* you might get killed, you might not, but if you get on wrong then you get shot with this *Riddler holds up a newer hand gun* instant death. Are you ready?

Marinette trying to hide her fear: Yes

Riddler: Oh what a brave little girl. What is full of holes. But still holds water?

Marinette a little surprised by how easy the riddle was: A spongue

Riddler holding the old gun to Marinette's forehead: Correct

Riddler pulls the trigger as Marinette flinches but only a click is heard

Riddler: Well you live for another riddle. What can you break without picking it up or touching it?

Marinette: A promise

Riddler : Correct again

Riddler repeated the process and got the same result

This process continued for another 10 minutes and both Marinette and the Riddler were starting to get annoyed

Marinette because the riddles were to easy and Riddler because she wasn't dead yet

It should be impossible for her to be still alive

The gun did not have this many rounds

Riddler growling: Okay, Jim and Kate go to the zoo and get eaten by the sea lions but nobody freaks out, why?

Marinette rolling her eyes: Now you just stealing riddles from TheOdd1sout. They're both fish.

As Marinette answers she hears a loud crashing sound

Riddler and his goons look up at the noice and Marinette takes the opportunity to escape

She swiftly pulls Riddler's belt off him causing his pants to fall

She then uses the belt to knock both the guns out of his hands the wrapping the belt around of one of his hands flips over his shoulder grabs his other arm and tie them behind his back using the belt

To add insult to injury she kicks him in the back of his knees bringing him completely down

As Marinette looks up she sees the goons being tied up by Batman and his sidekicks all with shocked looks on their faces

In fact everybody was completely shocked by what Marinette just did

Though unnoticed by her Robin's shocked faced soon turned into a lovesick smile

That's his girl

Batman walking up to Marinette: Good job civilian, we'll take it from here, there are some people waiting outside for you.

Marinette: Thank you Batman

Marinette and the rest of the captured teenagers ran out of the club as soon as possible

They were so busy trying to get away from the trauma they just experienced nobody notice Robin slipping away trying to meet his Angel up front

As Marinette made it out she was bombarded by police officers and camera flashes from reporters

Gordan: Okay boys break it up I'll take this one

Gordon wrapped his arm around the young girl who reminded him of his daughter

Gordon: I know you've been through a lot tonight but can you please tell me what happened?

Marinette nodded her head going over everything that happened including what Lila said to her

Gordon was shocked by what Marinette told him both about how she took down the Riddler and how Lila basically tried to kill her

Gordon: Okay thank you, you go over to your friends while me and my officers gather more information.

Gordon pointed her towards Alix and Kim

As she runs towards her friends she was engulfed in a group hug

Marinette pulling back from the hug: Are you guys okay? You're not hurt are you? Where's Damian? Is he okay?

Kim chuckling: Classic Marinette worrying about others instead of her self

Alix: We're fine Marinette. We got out pretty quickly but we got separated from Damian in the mad rush

Marinette got a worried look on her face as she started twisting around searching for the man she loved

Damian bursting through the crowd: ANGEL!

Marinette running towards Damian: DAMI!

The young lovers ran to eachother embracing eachother in a long hug

Marinette buried her head in his chest letting out a sob as everything caught up with her.

Damian burying his face in her hair: Shh Angel everything's okay now. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you. I should have never let go of you

Marinette sniffling into Damian's chest: It's not your fault Damian you had no control of our separation

Damian: I still should have tried harder to stay with you.

The two stayed together refusing to let eachother go afraid that if they did so the other would be lost

They stood there for 30 minutes just hugging eachother as Kim and Alix joined them trying to cheer Marinette up

Gordon walking up to the small group: Several other people collaborated with your story. Ms. Rossi will be takened to the French embassy to be held until your classes flight back to Paris tomorrow we just need to know if you want to press charges?

Damian angry: Of course she'll want to press charges! That girl tried to have her killed!

Marinette softly: I'll handle this Damian. *Marinette turns around to face Comissioner Gordon with Damian's arms still wrapped around her* I would like to press charges Mr. Gordon this has gone on too long, I would also like to look into getting a restraining order on her.

Gordon: of course, we'll make sure that Paris police force understand what happened and your request.

Marinette: Thank you

Ms. Bustier yelling: Okay everybody time to head back to the hotel.

Gordon: Wait one moment Miss but Ms. Rossi is going to be retained at the French embassy for attempted manslaughter of Ms. Dupen-Cheng

Alya: What? Is that what Marinette told you? You shouldn't listen to her she's nothing but a liar.

Gordon: Actually we're doing that not only on Ms. Dupen-Cheng's testimony of events but several other witnesses who heard and saw Ms. Rossi threaten and admit she was trying to get Marinette killed and we also have video from the security cameras showing the same thing. Boys take her away!

Lila most certainly did not go quietly she was yelling all the way to the police cruiser threatening that as soon as she was back in Paris she will be Akumatize and finish the job that Riddler couldn't

Marinette watched terrified as Lila was taken away knowing very well that she would keep her promise if given the chance

Damian tightened his hold on Marinette trying to comfort her: Dont worry Angel I won't let her do anything to you

Marinette pressed herself to Damian trying to get as much comfort from him as possible.

Ms. Bustier grabbing Marinette's arm: Come on Marinette it's time to go.

Marinette looked over at her classmates seeing the murderous glares directed towards her from some of Lila's more dedicated followers

Marinette: I don't want to go back to the hotel Ms. Bustier

Ms. Bustier sighing: Please don't be difficult Marinette. You've already caused enough trouble tonight just get on the bus before you ruin the night for everybody else

Damian: EXCUSE ME! ARE YOU-

Marinette: I'VE CAUSED ENOUGH PROBLEMS?!?!? ALL I'VE BEEN TRYING TO DO IS NOT CAUSE PROBLEMS!! AND IT'S NEVER ENOUGH! WELL I'M TIRED OF BEING YOUR PERFECT EXAMPLE! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH PRESSURE THAT PUTS ON MY SHOULDERS! IT'S YOUR JOB TO TEACH YOUR STUDENTS TO BE BETTER PEOPLE NOT MINE! AS SOON AS WE'RE BACK IN PARIS I'M DONE! I'M TRANSFERING FROM YOU CLASS HELL I'M GOING TO TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT SCHOOL IF I CAN BECAUSE I AM SO DONE! I'M DONE WITH THE BULLYING, I'M DONE WITH THE PRESSURE, AND MOST OF ALL I'M DONE WITH YOUR PACIFIST BULLSHIT!

Marinette was huffing from her outburst finally letting everything out after such a long time.

Marinette could her some clapping throughout the crowd but ignored it turning her attention to Damian.

Marinette: Do you mind if I stay at the Manor tonight?

Damian: Of course Marinette let me call Alfred to come get us and I'll escort you to your hotel room so you can gather your stuff

Marinette: Thank you

After a couple of minutes not only did Alfred show up, but so does Tim, Jason, and Dick

All ready to to kick ass and take names of anybody who even dare look at her the wrong way.

When they got to the hotel they surrounded her like a wall blocking her from reporters and classmates

Marinette gathered her stuff as fast as she could thanking herself for being smart and packing ahead of time

Once they got back to the Manor Captain tackled Marinette

Licking and cuddling into her trying to comfort his girl

He couldn't believe he let her be put in so much danger

He should have never let her out of his sight while is such a dangerous city

Captain let out a whimper trying to convey how sorry he was

Marinette: It's okay Captain I'm fine, I'm safe and everything is going to be fine better than before even.

Captain still stayed close to her side

Titus and Ace did also sensing the distress rolling of the girl followed her

As Marinette slipped into the bathroom she was finally able to comfort and thank Tikki for saving her life by using her power to make sure the bullet never got shot

And also promised to slip some cookies to her as soon as she could

After getting a good hug from each of the Wayne's and Marinette grabbing some cookies for Tikki she made her way to her guest room just wanting this night to be over.

When the Batfam was sure Marinette was in for the night they made their way down to the batcave to discuss what happened

Damian: Father if you think I'm going to let Marinette out of my sight after what happened tonight you're crazy

Bruce: Think this through Damian smothering isn't going to make her any safer it's just going to make her resent you.

Jason: I dont like it anymore than you do Demon Spawn but he's right. You can't hover over Marinette her whole life, but we do need to look into what's going on in Paris more.

Dick: You're right Jason, Rossi was saying something about being Akumatized and killing Marinette that can't be good.

Bruce: Your right Dick. So when Damian goes to Paris in a couple of weeks we'll come along and assess the situation and see if we need to step in

Damian: If Marinette gets even a scratch on her I'm going to do more than just step in I'm going to find whoever responsible and dual them to the pain

Tim: Did you just quote Princess Bride

Damian: I watched it with Marinette a couple of days ago

The rest of the batfam: Awwww

Dick, Jason, and Tim giving Brice a weird look

Bruce: Don't judge me

Marinette tried her best to fall asleep that night cuddling up to Captain but she jus couldn't

When the clock showed it was 1am Marinette decided to seek out Damian

Marinette: Captain? *perked up and looked at his girl* Can you please help me find Damian?

Captain jumped off the bed and headed to the door

Before Marinette opened the door she turned towards Tikki

Marinette: Tikki I'm going to go see if I can sleep with Damian do you want to come with or stay here?

Tikki: I'll stay here Marinette. I don't want you stressing about keeping me hidden tonight

Marinette: Okay Tikki good night.

Marinette followed Captain down a couple of doors before they stopped in front of the door

Marinette knocked on the door and after a couple of minutes Damian opened the door looking a little ruffled from sleep

Marinette: Sorry to wake you Damian, but can I please sleep with you tonight

Damian: Of course Angel come on

Damian and Marinette settled into Damian's bed seeming to fit together perfectly as Marinette rested her head on Damian's chest and he wraps his arms around her keeping her close

Captain made himself comfortable next to Titus but also lays across the young couple's legs

The next day Lila was sent on a later flight back the Fance to a town outside of Paris so that she wouldn't be akumatized by Hawkmoth and she can face the consequences of her crimes

Marinette shared a long goodbye with the Wayne's in the airport

They were nice enough to upgrade Marinette's seat to first class and even got Captain a seat so he didn't have to stay in the cargo hold

And as Marinette said her goodbyes to the people who've became her second (or third is you count Jagged, Penny, and Clara) family Captain was saying goodbye to Titus and Ace

Captain: I'm going to miss you guys so much you have become my pack and I wish I could take you with me

Titus: And I wish you could stay, I love you

Titus gave Captain a big lick to the side of his face

Captain: Thanks Titus, I... love you too

Titus: I'm going to cry

Ace giggling: Thanks for that Titus

Ace nuzzling Captain's neck: I love you Captain I wish we can stay together.

Captain nuzzling her back: I wish I could to your my mate and I hate to be away from you for so long, but my girl needs me, but I heard our humans talking and they do plan to visit eachother again so we will be together again. One day permanently I can tell.

As the girl and her dog boarded the plane they may be leaving their loves behind today but it won't be forever

Thanks to this trip Marinette is a stronger person, and Captain learned to be a little softer

As Kim pass he tried to give Captain a pat on the head only for Captain to give him a little growl before he could

Like I said he learned to be a LITTLE softer

Bonus

2 weeks after returning from Paris Marinette recieved a very interesting call from Damian

Damian: Hey Angel weird question but is Captain fixed

Marinette: Oh no, after everything that happened to him it just seemed cruel to do that to him too. Why?

Damian: Because Ace is pregnant Captain is the only one who could be the father

Marinette shocked: What?

Marinette looking at Captain: You little hound dog.

Captain: What?

@felicityroth @northernbluetongue @mystery-5-5 @sidefrienda @tbehartoo @hypnosharkrebeldreamer @sonif50 @t-nikki10 @dawnwave16

#captain the Retired police dog #Captain the Retired Police Dog #maribat #daminette #Damain x Marinette #pet headcanon

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writeraquamarinara · 4 years ago

Text

as with everything else in life, I’m late to making this post. I tend to make one around Jan 1st every year, but it’s now a few days after that, and all i can say for myself is that time is non-consequential during a pandemic, right? right.

anywho, this is my usual “thank you for keeping me going this year” post, but with even more fervor. 2020 would not have been nearly as tolerable without you all in it. and when i say all i really do mean all. thank you to anyone who follows me here or has read and supported my work on AO3 or has sent me a message or an ask or even just likes my posts. you can never know how many people’s hearts you’ve touched, lives you’ve made better, but i’m telling you now: you made me smile and laugh and feel love in a year that could have easily stolen all that. thank you for sticking around.

a few more specific shoutouts are under the cut to keep from flooding your dashes. i hope you’re all having a wonderful start to the new year.

much love, mari

to @anniemurphys: ria, i cannot thank you enough, for so many things. you played such a vital role in turning this year around for me. your friendship, and the friendships you’ve helped me make through book club, kept me smiling from week to week. i never wanted to leave our meetings, no matter how long they’d already gone. I could listen to your literary analyses and life advice for days on end. you’re such a kind, patient, loving person, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. here’s to another year of freaking out over taylor swift albums and the power inherent in voluntarily turning oneself into vegetation.

to @bigdsgirl: heidi, you’re one of the sweetest, most hard-working people i know. you amaze me, and you graciously humor my latest hyper fixations—somehow always knowing, always reblogging content related to what i’m obsessing over at the moment. you give such great advice and have such a calming presence that i love being in chats and on calls with you. i cannot wait for more zoom movie nights in 2021.

to @hellodinoflower: raptor, you’ve supported me for so many years now, and whenever i feel down about my writing i’ll go back through the comments on some of my old fics and yours always make me tear up. you’re so thoughtful and kind and excited about my work that i cannot help but be the same. i hope you enjoyed the little dino reference in pride & publishing—i tried my best, i really did—and i hope you’re doing well. sending you so much love.

to @soyforramen: soy, i promise i’ll get to your head canon asks some day. i promise i haven’t forgotten them; i’m just uncreative and uninspired, but what else is new. you, however, are brilliant and kind and thoughtful, and your guidance in making both life and fic-writing decisions has been so important to me this year. wishing you so much luck with school this year, and even more happiness.

to @ithoughtyoulikedmereckless: rach, where to even begin? you’re the person i talk to when i’m feeling happy or sad or annoyed or angry or pretty much anything, really. our FaceTime convos are my favourite, no matter what time of day we have them at (somehow, the ones at 10pm are just as crazy as the ones at 3am, and i don’t really understand how or why, but i love that for us). i’ve learned so much about myself through my conversations with you, and you keep me level headed when i start doubting myself too much. you understand me on such an amazing level and i’m so lucky that you reached out to me so many years ago. i’m so lucky that we just happened to find each other on here and just so happened to move near each other this year. i still cannot believe i get to see you in person and go on walks in the woods with you. you’re such a talented photographer, writer, painter, baker, and all around artist; an incredibly kind and funny person; and i aspire to be you. i’m rambling now, but just know that i love you.

to @catthecoder: lav, my light, my love. seeing your icon and username on my dash makes me smile so hard. you just give off the best vibes and chatting with you always leaves me feeling like i’ve been basking in the sunlight for the past few hours. we need to make a resolution to sprint with each other more often this year, even if 2021 is going to be as hectic as ever, as i find so much joy in reading your snippets as we go along. you’re such a wonderful writer, and i often read your gift to me from years ago for inspiration and comfort. i hope you’re doing well and am sending so much love.

to @stirringsofconsciousness: stirrings!! i know you’ve had a super busy year, but you still made time to chat with me and i’ll be forever grateful. i often think about the advice you’ve left for me and the thoughtful responses you’ve given to my personal posts and find so much inspiration in your own words and actions. i also still cannot get over the time when you sent me a post of artful vases because you thought of me when you saw them. mortifying ordeal of being known who? anyways lol, i just wanted to thank you for being in my life and wish you a happy 2021.

to @heavy-lies-the-crown: alex, i just wanted to thank you for putting your time and energy towards answering my incessant questions this year. you’ve been an inspiration to me as a writer ever since i first found your work, but you’re also an inspiration to me as a person, and i’m always thinking about the advice you’ve given me. i hope you had a wonderful end to 2020, and that 2021 brings you even more joy than seeing your posts on my dash brings me. much love.

to @stonerbughead: maria, you brought so much happiness to my 2020. your support for my work took my breath away every time, and I swear I nearly cried when I saw your latest comments on pride and publishing. you put so much time and energy into this fandom, and into supporting the people in it, and I hope you know that it doesn’t go unnoticed. we all love you, and we’re so lucky to have you; your fics are brilliant, your podcast highlights are a joy to read, and your disdain for ras is hilarious. thank you for being you. sending lots of love.

to @sullypants: sully, it’s been years and i still marvel at how lucky i am to know you. you’ve taught me so much, from how to be more thoughtful to how to navigate therapy and self-love to how to be a kinder person in the world. you introduced me to ask polly and you send me really nice asks and you’re one of like four people who interacts with my posts on a consistent basis, which makes me feel a little less alone in the world, if that makes any sense. i’m going to stop myself from rambling on or else i might cry, but i just wanted to thank you for—here comes the cliche—changing my life (doesn’t everyone we meet change our lives, in some way or another? but you’ve changed mine considerably, and for the better). sending you so much love (in the form of both yellow and blue heart emojis)

to @justcourbeau: mel, our paths cross less frequently now than they used to, but that doesn’t mean i don’t think about you and the conversations we’ve had, or smile when i come across your posts on my dash, or when i happen to open up instagram once in a blue moon and see you’ve posted on your story. please never stop sending me sparknotes memes—especially cask of amontillado ones. your words of advice from the night i called you, distraught, a few years ago live in my brain rent free, and i will continue to carry them into 2021 with me. i hope 2021 treats you well, and that you achieve all you want and more. sending you an immense amount of love.

to @protectorofthesmoll: your string of comments on pride and publishing made me cry multiple times, i swear. i still read them back every so often, when i’m trying to muster the courage to start up on the new chapter. your support means so much to me, and it amazes me how far back it goes: I’m pretty sure I have at least two asks of yours sitting in my inbox, from back in 2018 when I had barely any followers or supporters, both of them writing prompts that I never filled. i promise i’ll get to them one day. anywho, i just wanted to thank you for your support this year, and every year before that. wishing you so much love and happiness in 2021.

to @panalegs27: 2020 was the year of figuring out that we have so much in common: a hatred of dating apps, confusion over tumblr’s obsession with the raven cycle, and an attraction to logan lerman with gray hair. thank you for chatting about all of these things, and more, with me; seeing that you’ve sent me a post always makes me smile, and our conversations make me laugh. wishing you even more love and laughter in 2021.

to @indiebughead: maria, it’s been so lovely getting to know you more over the course of this year. i love listening to your stories and living vicariously through you, lol. (i want updates on new neighbor boy, asap!) thank you for listening to my petty rants and for encouraging me to make bad decisions and be salty on main when i want to be. i couldn’t have asked for a more supportive conspirer ;) sending lots of love.

to @redundantoxymorons: iz, you’re one of the smartest, most eloquent, most supportive people i know. i know 2021 will be both stressful and exciting in many ways, and i wish you all the best. i know you’re going to thrive wherever you end up, and i’ll cheer you on as you navigate this new world, just as you’ve done for me all these years. i’m so lucky to have you as a friend, supporter, and beta, and all of our conversations bring me so much joy. pls continue to gush about taylor swift and rec books and send uquizzes with results that make me feel Known in 2021. i love you very much <3

to @cracklr: leda, i’ve missed your passive aggressive smiley faces, but your gushing insta comment more than made up for that, i promise :) sending you so much love and happiness in this new year <3

to @dottie-wan-kenobi: dottie, the posts we send each other make me so upset, but in a good way—the “if i just had to see this nasty shit then so do you” kind of way—and i love that about our relationship. who else would understand how disgustingly hilarious something is other than my wife? no one, that’s who. i often think about how you were the first friend i made in fandom, and i’ll be forever grateful for that: i couldn’t have found a better person. i love you so much, and am sending you all my love.

this list of shoutouts is really much shorter than it should be, but my brain is currently friend and i cannot seem to think properly anymore. therefore, i’m going to call it a day and reiterate my above statements that I love you all, and I hope you have a fucking amazing 2021.

#i can't find my 2019 one of these so i've decided i need to start tagging them with something so i can read them back #so for posterity:#end of the year appresh #anywho #none of this is edited or read over #so if it's embarrassingly cheesy or there are typos... welp

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