starshippingweek

[starshippingweek]

On the ninth day of Starshipping,

we go retro and revisit one of our favorite mediums of Stashipping fanworks: AMVs! If you've been a Starshipper for 10+ years (like me teehee) you might remember the days when you'd comb through video hosting sites, looking for Starshipping AMVs to fuel your obsession. Sometimes, one became a Starshipper because they happened upon that one video that delivered them to enlightenment: "Yeah, Judai and Yusei should be together!" (Maybe you were one of those talented souls wrestling with a video editing software to bring about said enlightenment?)

Unsurprisingly, a lot of them use clips from Bonds Beyond Time, and this one here pairs the gorgeous action scenes and effects from the duels with the music so well:

This next one is my absolute favorite, because the combined clips from both GX and 5Ds walk us through the parallels between Judai and Yusei's stories, and show us why they're so perfect for each other. "Because you live, my world has twice as many stars in the sky." Yessss 1000% for ever and everrrrr (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ ) ‧°⊹₊⟡⋆

This one's such a banger that it even escaped the intended demographic based on the comment section. But ahh, the transitions and clip selection are impeccable; a classic shipping song and so perfect for the spicier side of thing between them ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

And we cannot neglect to mention the tunes that echo the zeitgeist of the early 2010s:

ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ "Hey, I just met you / And this is crazy / But here's my Neos / So fuse me maybe." ᕕ( ᐕ )ᕗ

Killer cover of this classic tune, and the edit (⊙ _ ⊙ )★ ˎˊ˗

And by no means is this a thing of the past - here's a very recent gem that's so heartbreaking but so, SO gorgeous!!!

This was by nowhere near an exhaustive list, but hopefully if you're an old school Starshipper, this has taken you back to the glory days - and if you've only recently joined us, here's an entire wonderful side of this ship for you to explore!

[starshippingweek]

On the eighth day of Starshipping...

Neeko gives to us a delicious cup of hot chocolate featuring our lovely boys!!

On the eighth day of Starshipping, I drink a very elaborate hot chocolate out of my Starshipping cup <3333

If you were around in 2022 you'll probably recognise these arts. While I was crippled away from fandom on the internet, I decided that this year, I'd finally take the plunge to bring things to rl! Now they can always be together on this cute little mug and I can stare at them all day while at work 💖💗🥰💞

(aka an excuse to discreetly smooch his Yusei's face whenever I take a sip ( ˘ ³˘) 💕)

For @starshippingweek's 12 Days of Starshipping event! Hope everyone's sipping on hot chocolate this weekend.

[starshippingweek]

On the seventh day of Starshipping,

the amazing Taruchinator finally let Yusei and Judai reveal their gifts to each other!!

“When We're Together” A Starshipping Fanfic 🎄

🎄 General Audiences

🎄 1k Words

🎄 Written for @starshippingweek!

Spending Christmas in a different time period was interesting to say the least.

Yusei sat on the soft carpet flooring of his boyfriend's home, with a mug of hot cocoa in one hand as he took in the sights of the small apartment. It was the first time he'd visited Jaden's home—not because he didn't want him to, but rather school didn't allow him to leave the dorms until the holidays started.

And so here they were, ready to do their Christmas gift exchange.

On the seventh day of Starshipping... 🎄

I'm not late in posting for once! Huzzah!

Enjoy the wrap up to this little story I built up over the last few days—it was truly an experience to get to come up with little prompts to go off of for each day.

Happy 12 Days of Starshipping and a Happy New Year! ^^

🎄 AO3 LINK 🎄

[starshippingweek]

On the sixth day of Starshipping,

Yusei and Judai takes you on a little adventure!

Hitching a ride on a sleigh~~ 🦌🛷

But it's better to feel the wind up front, right? ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

"Come on up Yusei, the view's great here!" "Please be careful!"

"You're right, it is beautiful..."

...And somehow, the perfect moment just came along... ⋆꙳·̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆꙳·̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

But then - an unexpected guest shows up:

"I see you guys have been keeping each other busy." "Yugi-san!?" 0/////0 "Wow, it's the legendary Yugi Muto in the flesh! Again!"

*15 minutes later* "...And that's how grandpa's soul got trapped in a machine similar to this. Quite unbelievable, huh? Your generation probably doesn't have this anymore - oh wait, should I say "generations," because you guys came from different times? Haha~ By the way, does that kind of thing still happen where you came from? Trapping people's souls in TVs and such?"

"That was so much fun! But I guess it's time for us to go home." "Hold on tight, Judai-san!" "Yeah, onwards to 2025!"

[starshippingweek]

On the fifth day of Starshipping,

Junmo gives to us a very soft and cozy art! Love the pattern in the background and their expressions - especially Judai, he looks so content being wrapped up with Yusei ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)

A little drawing of our favorite star boys🌟 🦀🍤 for @starshippingweek event (⁠＾⁠∇⁠＾⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♪

[starshippingweek]

On the fourth day of Starshipping,

Taruchinator does it again!

I couldn't help giggling at your vivid depiction of the carnage in the kitchen. The interactions between the characters are so lovely - everybody's rooting for our bois in their own way ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡

“Bread Winner” A Starshipping Fanfic 🍪

🍪 General Audiences

🍪 Jaden POV

🍪 Written for @starshippingweek!

Jesse Anderson wasn't sure what he was expecting to see once he entered the Slifer Red dorms’ kitchen after hearing loud commotion and yelling coming from within. But it was most certainly not this.

All counters were piled to the brim with an assortment of used kitchen appliances ranging from bowls, to trays, to spatulas. Cookie sheets were lined with what appeared to be gingerbread cookies, charred beyond recognition as far as the eye could see.

And in the midst of the chaos stood two individuals he knew very well.

“Jay?”

On the fourth day of Starshipping... 🍪

I bring you the next chapter of my Christmas saga, feat. Jaden trying to bake (and failing miserably)! I apologize for my tardiness in this one but I hope you'll enjoy! ^^

🍪 AO3 LINK 🍪

[starshippingweek]

they weren't expecting you here🤫

[starshippingweek]

On the third day of Starshipping,

Mod B gives to you a little silly analysis essay on the topic of: the boys’ “favorite” foods.

It’s a widely accepted and/or portrayed idea that Judai’s favorite dish is エビフライ (fried shrimp) and a less prevalent idea that’s nevertheless also found in fics and arts that Yusei loves milk. Some parts of the Asian fandoms even use the 🍤 emoji as a shorthand for Judai (thus making Starshipping 🦀🍤)! But where did these ideas come from - and how much of it is actually based on canon? 

(Note: This analysis is sourced from the subbed version of both shows. I have not watched the dub of either and cannot account for how the dialogue may influence the conclusions drawn here.)

The fried shrimp dish first appeared in GX in Episode 66 (Judai’s First Dream Duel!). It is said to be a special, once-in-a-month treat at Slifer Red Dorm.

Earlier, in Episode 63 (Kenzan VS The Curry Fiend! A Spicy Duel), Manjoume complained that the food at Red Dorm was the same everyday. We can see that it basically consists of fish, pickles, rice, tofu, and miso soup. However, Kenzan remarks that no matter what the meal is, Judai just digs right in, and without his enthusiasm it is hard for the others to have the appetite. So, even though Sho calls this meal Judai’s favorite in Ep 66, it’s not hard to imagine that if you have to eat the same things every single day, you’d come to appreciate something rare and more indulgent like this fried shrimp meal in comparison, right?

I personally think that Judai is the kind of guy who loves to eat, who enjoys the experience of tasting food of all kinds, and he’s prone to excitement towards things that are hard to come by (another example being the Golden Egg Draw Bread - an very nice detail to reinforce the worldbuilding). Perhaps, outside of the context of Duel Academia, fried shrimp wouldn’t particularly stand out as Judai’s absolute favorite amongst all the other food options he may have at his disposal.

However, Judai must’ve developed a sentimental connection of some sort to fried shrimp. It’s entirely reasonable to imagine that after the show ends, as he travels the world, he will come to crave this dish as it reminds him of the memories he’s made at Duel Academia.

Yusei’s connection with milk, on the other hand, is considered as more of a meme that originated from Episode 11 (The Special Pursuit Deck Returns, Regain the Bonds with a Friend), where he walked into a bar at the direction of Himuro to meet Saiga. The bartender got pissy when Yusei ordered milk, but upon seeing the card that Himuro’d given him, complied and gave him a glass on the house.

Now, there’s practically no information to deduce why Yusei made this order in particular. The beverage never came up again in the series (unlike fried shrimp, which made another appearance at the very beginning of GX’s Season 4). Some on the interwebs have speculated that he was not of legal age to drink, so he ordered something non-alcoholic in order not to attract attention, but why not order something else less outrageous in the setting of a bar - such as juice or soda?

Here's my speculation: Since right after he’d been born, Yusei’d never been outside of Satellite. And Satellite, as it’s portrayed, is basically a colony, kept under blockade and sanctions by Neo Domino City. Food is hard to come by, and there is probably not enough agricultural land to keep cattle at a scale where dairy products would be widely available (given that the “island” was a part of the City not long ago). Based on living conditions during wartime and sanctions irl, and based on the fact that there is a black market in Satellite where goods are illegally transported in from Neo Domino, it is likely that dairy products were only available in processed, non-perishable, and lightweight forms such as milk powder or condensed milk. 

Perhaps Yusei's always wondered, at the back of his mind, what fresh milk tasted like ever since he was a small child - the stuff they give the babies at the orphanage having all been formula/powder, and was also hard to come by. Perhaps the very first stop (aside from jail) he makes in Neo Domino presented him with an opportunity to quench his curiosity - and he took it. And, perhaps there might not be any meaning to infer at all - it was just an inside joke that the script writers and animators were making amongst themselves. 

Whatever it is, he quickly downs the glass and leaves, the letting the plot move on to more serious beats - but this for sure became one of Yusei's most iconic moments because it seems to give us a glance into something about his character that we don’t often get to see. I, for one, would love to know all about the things he likes to eat/drink, as well as any emotional connections he might have to them because of his upbringing - similar to Judai’s attachment to fried shrimps, and I think it's great fun to keep thinking that he really is into fresh, whole milk.

These little details get me imagining so many ways they would show love and affection to each other. In Episode 152 of 5Ds’, Yusei is seen taking charge of shopping and cooking up a feast for Team 5Ds - an expression of the love and care he has for his friends. When they're together, he will learn how to prepare a perfect meal of fried shrimps for any time Judai’s cravings arise. On the other hand, Judai’s enthusiasm for food will definitely open up new avenues and culinary adventures for Yusei, who probably does not put as much care into this aspect of his life due to his origin. I especially love it when people touch on this kind of complementing differences between them in their arts and fics.

What do you think? What would a perfect Starshipping meal consist of? What will become their new favorite foods once they get together and get to know each other’s eating habits? Hopefully if you've read all the way to the end (woah!) your head is now filling up with ideas regarding this topic - feel free to share, I'd love to hear 'em!

[starshippingweek]

On the second day of Starshipping,

the awesome Taruchinator brought us an adorable, holiday flavored fic!!

“Wrap Your Heart (in mine)” A Starshipping Fanfic 🎁

🎁 General Audiences

🎁 Yusei POV

🎁 Written for @starshippingweek!

Yusei brought forth a small box wrapped in snowflake patterned wrapping paper, and even though the material itself was nice to look at, the way it was arranged was… well, interesting.

Bent corners, wrinkly sides that appeared torn, and a messy crooked bow on top that looked like it was tied by a toddler. The teen raised a questioning eyebrow while presenting the gift to his fellow Signer. “Does this look okay to you?”

“Yikes.”

On the second day of Starshipping... 🎁

Yusei Fudo is trying to wrap a present without it looking like forgotten trash.

How will that go?

🎁 AO3 LINK 🎁

[starshippingweek]

On the first day of Starshipping,

Yusei and Judai (along with the Starshipping Week team) give to you the warmest greetings! 💝

We know that this year has come with challenges and difficult times for many, but we hope that it has also given you plenty of wonderful experiences and memories to cherish. As🎀12 Days of Starshipping 2024🎀 officially kick off, we'd like to wish you a jolly, merry, happy, and 🌟starry🌟 holiday season. Enjoy the ride! 🦌🛷⛄🎄🎁🎉☕

[starshippingweek]

12 Days of Starshipping - Posting Schedule

Thank you for your patience - here is the official posting schedule for this year. Make sure to tag @starshippingweek and #12 Days of Starshipping on your posts. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us! 💝🌟

[starshippingweek]

We're having quite a busy week, so the posting schedule will go live on December 7th!

[starshippingweek]

Sign-ups closing soon!

12 Days of Starshipping Sign-ups Are Open!

Simply reply to this post, send us a message, or email us at starshippingweek@gmail.com with your name, handle, what you will be posting (fic/art/edit/HS/AU/merch pics - see full list in our FAQs), as well as any preference you have regarding posting dates. As a quick reminder, here's the schedule:

Sign-ups: November 15th - December 3rd

Posting schedule announced: December 5th

Posting dates: December 13th - December 24th

We're also doing this on Twitter @StarshippingW. Let's make it festive, everyone!

[starshippingweek]

Hello starshipping nation, have some starshipping doodles 🦀🍤

[starshippingweek]

4/12 days filled! 🌠

12 Days of Starshipping Sign-ups Are Open!

Simply reply to this post, send us a message, or email us at starshippingweek@gmail.com with your name, handle, what you will be posting (fic/art/edit/HS/AU/merch pics - see full list in our FAQs), as well as any preference you have regarding posting dates. As a quick reminder, here's the schedule:

Sign-ups: November 15th - December 3rd

Posting schedule announced: December 5th

Posting dates: December 13th - December 24th

We're also doing this on Twitter @StarshippingW. Let's make it festive, everyone!

[starshippingweek]

This made my day 💞💞💞

MY MUNCHKINS HAVE ARRIVED💙❤️😍😍

Let me make you kiss💋💋

[starshippingweek]

12 Days of Starshipping Sign-ups Are Open!

Simply reply to this post, send us a message, or email us at starshippingweek@gmail.com with your name, handle, what you will be posting (fic/art/edit/HS/AU/merch pics - see full list in our FAQs), as well as any preference you have regarding posting dates. As a quick reminder, here's the schedule:

Sign-ups: November 15th - December 3rd

Posting schedule announced: December 5th

Posting dates: December 13th - December 24th

We're also doing this on Twitter @StarshippingW. Let's make it festive, everyone!