#((I'm unsure how to answer some of these xD;;))

[jellymish-art]

IT IS HAPPENING LADS!! SAM VIMES COSPLAY!!

I've dreamed of doing this for years and now that I've finally gained the Secret Knowledge of Foam Armour, I can finally go for it!

Jokes aside, I asked a couple of cosplay pros for advice at the last con and they were all super nice & answered every single one of my questions, in detail!

So far the breastplate, backplate and badge are done and I'm super happy. Detailed process under the cut!

How it went:

First, the pattern! Shoutout to the guys at cosplay-atelier for the recommendation. They pointed me to kamuicosplay, because they sell downloadable patterns for all sorts of things, including armour. Which is how I got to this:

Downloaded two of their breastplate patterns, smooshed them together and altered them to fit my body and the look I wanted. I did all of that with thick paper. Then I took it apart again and traced the bits onto 5mm EVA foam that I ordered from a cosplay store.

Then I numbered and cut all the pieces and glued them together! I used hot glue, cause it's more accessible and less intimidating for me than other types of glue. It isn't as strong as other recommended glues, but works fine for me. (used many pointers from this tutorial.)

However, safety point: I've seen it recommended to wear breathing protection when heating up foam in any way whatsoever, and that includes hot glue, heat shaping and heat sealing. Use a respirator or other breathing protection that is made specifically for chemical fumes & work outside or in a well ventilated area (i.e. open ALL the windows)! Ask at your local hardware store if you're unsure.

PSA over. Now to the painting stage!

The scratches I made with my fingernails and the tip of a pair of scissors. XD Then I covered everything in 2 layers of black flexipaint (which is a water-based flexible paint/primer that works really well on foam). After that, I worked with regular artist's acrylic paint. Above you can see the first layer being applied with dry-brushing.

Then I went over it with a dark brown wash to make it look dirty (mix black & brown acrylic paint with water & apply liberally)

Then I went over it again with bronze by applying the paint with my fingers, wearing a plastic glove. (Same tutorial as before.) making sure I don't get any paint in the scratches. And then finally, another dark brown wash to make it all look nicely weathered. I did accidentally remove some paint by going over it too often with the wash, but it wasn't too hard to fix.

And this is the costume test, after adding velcro! It's really easy to put on and take off. I'm a bit worried about the velcro on the sides, but I can always add straps on the outside if it doesn't hold up.

Next was the badge:

I referenced a pin badge that came out as a collectible a few years ago (sadly out of stock), cause I love the design! Carved in the letters and lines by drawing on it with a ballpoint pen and applying a lot of pressure. Then painted it with the same process as the breastplate, just with copper instead of bronze.

And just for funsies: here's the back of the breastplate in all its glorious mess XD

On the right side you can see how I attached the badge: By cutting a slit through the breastplate and making a velcro attachment. That way I can remove the badge and add, say, a sprig of lilac, should my fancy take me there. Reason being that our biggest con is in May.

If you know, you know.

Annnnd here it is; the finished breastplate with badge:

I'm honestly having the time of my life. It's a super fun project and I am very excited to see how it turns out! I'm already working on the cape with a good friend of mine (I despise sewing, she loves it XD) and have materials on the way to make some bits of chainmail.

[ijwrsmff]

Gachatober Day 1. Djinn - Zhongli

Day one of the monster fest!!! As stated in a previous update, the reader will usually be gn to apply to more people, and it'll be entirely fluff to make up for the kinktober I'm also doing XD

I did a lil bit of research on Djinn, and one of the main results when looking them up is how they can look like anything they want, so I leaned further into the shapeshifting aspect rather than general magic and other qualities. So with that said! Thank you for reading <3

Word Count: 1,241

You always knew something was a little different about your boyfriend, but you couldn’t put your finger on it. Despite being a couple for several months now, there were still some aspects of him that were a mystery to you. He always seemed to know your favorite foods, and it was almost like he was reading your mind sometimes. But it wasn’t like you had any proof, so you kept your thoughts off the matter. Surely he wasn’t something inhuman…right?

Though today you thought you saw a small shift in his appearance. It wasn’t a different hairstyle, nor did you notice him getting any taller…but it seemed like something was completely wrong about his appearance. You were stumped, and stared at him intensely at the dinner table. Any other day and you might have dropped it, but you were determined to know the answers to your questions that had been building up for the majority of your relationship. 

When you saw traces of red and orange across his face for a split second, you couldn’t deny those nagging thoughts anymore. Though as soon as you opened your mouth to speak, you hesitated. What were you supposed to do? Ask him if he was even human? That wouldn’t go over well, but neither would sitting here contemplating if you should just ask the question or not. With a deep sigh, you looked at him with a mixture of hesitation and overwhelming curiosity. 

“Zhongli…this might sound stupid…” You tried to give him a small smile, but you were worried you’d look like a complete idiot for even thinking about asking your question. “Are you…entirely human?” It was hard to maintain eye contact with him, but it left you with your jaw dropping when he responded casually. 

“No.” 

You gasped, but gulped and tried to gather your courage to continue on with this train of conversation. “So what…are you?” It had your full attention, knowing he wasn’t one to joke around when you were being so earnest…or even joke around at all. “Sometimes I see you look different. Like a different skin color for a second, or you always seem to know what I’m thinking or what I like.” You felt the need to explain, trying to prove to him and yourself that you weren’t crazy. 

“I’m a Djinn.” He spoke, matter-of-factly. As he took a sip of his drink, he waited patiently for your response. When he didn’t get one, with you stumbling for words, he continued. “I’m sure you’re aware of what that is. Though I’m a bit different from the others, in that…I sought a relationship with a human. And I don’t regret that choice.” His words held no hesitation, but there was a small glimmer of vulnerability in his eyes. He was genuinely scared you’d react harshly to it. 

“Oh…” You muttered, unsure of what exactly to say. Sure, you’d heard of Djinn, but you had no idea they were real. And even moreso, you had no idea you were dating one. “I don’t really know much about them-I mean you! I mean-wow I’m really messing this up…” You sighed, and looked at him apologetically. “Is it true you can look however you want to? Is it a mirage or do you actually become what you want?” The traces of excitement were clear in your voice, and he gave a soft smile in appreciation. 

“It may be easier to show you.” He coughed, and let you pay for the meal as per usual, though you didn’t mind. As soon as the bill had been paid, he held your hand and led you to the outskirts of your small town in Liyue. 

Normally, you’d be afraid to go this far away with someone you didn’t know. But in that moment…you were sure you’d always known the real Zhongli. You may not have known WHAT he was, but you knew WHO he was, and that was far more important. Still, you’d be lying if you said you weren’t nervous to see him potentially shapeshift in front of you. Would he be something dangerous? Something cutesy? Maybe even something small. Though when he did change his form, you couldn’t have been prepared for what you saw. 

In a matter of seconds, he had changed and become a long legless dragon. Despite not even having wings, he floated effortlessly a few feet above the ground. Your jaw dropped once more, and you reached out to feel his face without thinking twice. To your surprise, it seemed as if he really did change into this creature. You could feel every scale, and the structure of his bones through your fingertips. 

“That’s so cool…” You mumbled, and you heard a soft chuckle. It made you jump, somehow even surprised at the fact he sounded the exact same, except for a slight twinge of roughness in the tone. “S-Sorry…I just don’t know what to say.” You staggered a bit, but leaned into his touch with a laugh as his tail wrapped around you loosely. 

“If you’d like, I can show you the skies. I’m overdue for a flight anyway.” He didn’t portray any preference, as if it was completely up to you or not, and he didn’t mind either response. Though he could pick up on your question easily, continuing. “I wouldn’t let you fall. Not in a million years.” He leaned his head forward, and relaxed himself as he gave you a small reassuring squeeze. 

“I think…I’d like that. But I’m gonna hold you to your word!” You playfully poked his nose and let out a giggle. “I’ll never forgive you if you let me fall.” But as you grew more used to his form, you ran your hands along his scales in a display of affection. Your eyes were still wide in awe, but your face held a wide grin, as you felt like you’d been able to see something very few in history have. You swelled with pride, and you promised yourself you’d never do anything to break his trust. 

With his help, you got on him, grasping tightly around him with your arms and legs. A surprised yelp left your lips as he moved slowly and precisely further into the sky. But true to his word, he never got you anywhere close to falling off. If you neared that point, he grasped you firmly and helped you stay in place. It was the first of many flights, and you got to see just how easily he could look like anything he wanted to. 

One question stuck though, and you had to ask a few months after you learned of what he was. “Why…this form? You could look like anything in the world! So why do you choose to look like that?” You hummed, your head in his lap as you looked up at him. “I’m not complaining! I mean you look great, but I wanna know the thought process behind it. 

It caused him to let out a chuckle, and he cradled your face in his hands. His eyes were full of adoration, and he stroked your cheeks with his thumbs. “Because…I believed this was the kind of man you would speak with.” His confession had you blushing red, but your look of shock was replaced with a grin. 

“You’re really sweet and sappy, beneath that apathetic facade you know.” You giggled, and leaned further into his touch. 

“Only for you, my love.” 

[parvulous-writings]

AHHH YOU WRITE FOR BILL AND TED !! there's so little of them on here or anywhere else it's so sad.

If it's not too much trouble, could you write some Bill fluff hcs, or like a mini fic about gn or fem reader tutoring them both and Bill has a crush on them/her?

If not, no worries just ignore. And if you do, thank you for your service 🫡

OKAY OKAY - I'm going to combine these a little bit- so, you tutor both Bill and Ted, and Bill has a bit of a crush on you- as headcanons!

Apologies the sides of tutor/relationship are a tad uneven, I wrote most of this in the early hours of the morning, and muse was... all over the place XD

Not my gif

Bill had always just scraped by when it came to his grades. He was just about average for the majority of his education - but his teachers had always had an inkling that he could push himself more, the same with Ted as well. Neither of them particularly minded being average grade, though - they weren't failing, so why try change anything?

It's only when they start getting further into their High-School education that they have this... Nagging feeling, that something needs to be done- but, no matter how hard the pair of them try, nothing seems to change. Nothing... Grabs them, or holds their attention for very long. They try again and again - drilling each other, testing one another on the right answers to all the questions they've made based on the subjects. It never works, nothing sticks.

Starting to get desperate, Bill starts to turn to you - not explicitly, initially, though. He sits next to you in a couple of classes, so he starts looking over your shoulder every so often, scribbling down as many notes as he can without being suspicious. He manages it - but nothing makes sense to him OR Ted when they look back on the notes.

Unsure of what else to do, they keep up this little scheme. They've no better ideas, and though they have absolutely NO clue what half of it means, they cannot see any other option for them.

Unfortunately, Bill was not as sneaky as he thought that he was. Nowhere even close. You'd noticed a couple weeks ago- and you'd just let him continue, assuming that he would be able to go up at least a grade with the notes you'd essentially given him. But as you watched, his grades never changed. So, you decided to take a more active hand in it.

You approached him and his friend Ted one day, whilst they sat in the corner of the courtyard together, surrounded by books and notes they had made. "Bill, my most excellent friend," The darker haired one began, looking up from his work. "I can't understand a single thing any of these books say..." Bill looks up at this, looking equally as disappointed. "Neither can I, Ted... Neither can I..." He sighs, before returning to his little endeavour.

You clear your throat, startling both of them. They both turn to look up at you. "Uh... Hello?" Ted breaks the silence, "Can we help you?" He doesn't mean to sound rude at all, and if anything, he just sounds like he's attempting to sound like he's a gentleman of a bygone era. "Well, I was actually wondering if I could help you..." You chuckle back at them. Their eyes light up simultaneously.

And that's how it begins - your tutoring lessons. Twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any subject, and all of them - you leave it to Bill and Ted to decide what you cover, and you spend however long they need on it. You actually begin to notice some remarkable improvement with this method- they finally start to understand and build on the knowledge you help them to gain. They start to improve in class, and you couldn't be prouder of them.

Ted thanked you to know end - and often showed his appreciation with a non-stop flow of all the musical facts stored in his head. Bill, on the other hand, was a little bit quieter. He often just... Gazed at you. He often stayed longer than he needed as well, thanking you for your time and making sure his notes were correct.

It was roughly two months of this before Bill actually decided to make his move on you. "So... Are you doing anything this evening?" "I don't think so... Why d'you ask, Bill?"

He tries to overlook the way his heart flutters - as it has started to more and more in the past few weeks - when you say his name. "Well, I was wondering if you'd like to catch a movie with me, there's this drive in theatre not too far away, and.."

You barely have to hear the rest of the sentence before you say yes - and you don't regret it. It was a sweet little evening - Bill even got you popcorn. He drove you home after that - and over the next few weeks, it became your thing. Go out to the movies, have some popcorn. Ted even comes along with you a few times!

You always looked forward to your movie night with Bill - whether it was at the theatre, the drive in, or even at home. Neither of you minded where it was; it was more of the fact that the pair of you were spending time with one another, outside of the tutoring. Even though it sometimes bled over into your study sessions- with Bill often going, "Hey, isn't that like when we saw..." when it's relevant (and even sometimes when it's not) - it's a nice getaway for the pair of you, and it's a little weekly tradition you have to yourselves for a very long time.

[venelona]

💜Ghost Macaque update (02.06.2023)

(if you want your own desktop monkey man, check out this post!)

✨To update Macaque, double click his body, open 'run errands' menu and click the top option that is 'Check for Macaque updates'

Fixed a bug where he would be silent on boot unless you talk to him, pet him, or sit him down. Since nobody reported this I assume when people open Mac they interact with him right away, but, before update, if you boot him and click on 'say something' right away, he won't. But now that fixed! So update him and we pretend he never ignored you until you paid him attention 💦

Fixed a couple of spelling mistakes (thanks Anony), though i found it in the 'watch videos' section. I scanned his hw dialogue but didn't notice anything, so hopefully it's all should be good xD

Since this is just bug fix update allow me to answer some asks <3

💜Answering asks💜

It's a button to make him say another idle dialogue (he says something every 5 minutes, but if you press that button he'll say that thing right away)

Balloon folder should be in the same place as the ghost folder. If you want to install MacBalloon manually, unzip th zip the 'balloon' folder and it should be good

(ignore LMK_Macaque balloon i have its another balloon I was working on for him but got disappointed in)

This is suggestions for his dialogue - but you see, for these I would have to get more headcanon-y? For initial release I tried to stay as close to canon as possible, at least how I viewed it (apart for dad-Mac headcanon. Dad Mac 🙏)

If people don't mind more of my interpretation of Mac I guess I could give it a shot?.. But I'm hesitant for now. Waiting for more of the show to add stuff, too.

If more people want it, sure! I was also hesitant to make him too friendly (since this man is full of trust issues), but I guess something like this can be unlockable once you befriend him enough.

@atropa13, @bootyyyshkr9000, anony and all the kind people from the OG post comments - thank you so much!! 💗💗💗😭✨

Since he's been made so fast he doesn't have a lot of polish or much stuff, but he got way more popular than I anticipated 💖🙏

I kinda got hardcore backlash on Twitter the other day (the 'creator of this thing ships stuff, dont support them or this free toy they're posting for fun!') and witchhunted over. My fictional romance preferences in other fandoms? Not even LMK? But yeah, dumb stuff.

So, seeing people enjoy my little monkey man makes me very happy :') I'm still unsure if I've done a good job with him, but your feedback makes me smile. Really, thank you 💕

I hope I can add more stuff to Mac later on, as well as perhaps work on another LMK themed ghost?~

For those who read the whole post, have one of upcoming update's sneak peek:

Thank you for supporting me 🙏✨

[gomzdrawfr]

HELLO!

I just wanted to pop and here and ask a Lil smt, I'm unsure if you've been asked this before and if I'm being honest I don't want to spend hours trying to find smt that idk if it's been asked before lmao-

But! I was wondering If you could describe your OCs Jelly and Raven's personalities and how they act?! If that's okay ofc, thank you!!

*casually slides back through the window waving enthusiastically*

Hey there! thank you for this ask, it's going to be a long answer so buckle up and get some tea xD let's start with Jelly first because she is still a relatively new OC, I haven't develop her story completely yet.

cw: there'll be mentioned of suicidal idealisation on Raven's part, some canon-typical violence here and there

Jelly's a silly gal, initially the one OC that I want to make it so that she's relatable to most people (around my age at least) and project my chaos and goofiness on. She's bubbly and kind, a bit awkward and sometimes a dumbass but this kindness isn't born from naivety but rather it's a choice. Shaped by her tragic upbringing (when can I make an OC that doesn't suffer? likely never, anyways), she has felt and seen first hand what it's like to be disregarded and overlooked, knows how it feels to be underestimated, to be someone you're not, thus this makes her perceptive to emotions and empathetic. She's the type of person who will go out of her way to help someone, even if it means putting her own needs aside.

She's a bit of a geek, anime, gaming, figurines, fan fiction, you name it she'll love it. Though she doesn't show it outwardly in fear of judgement, you'll see trinkets/merch in her workshop. Though if you approach her on those topic, she'll gladly yap about it with you.

Think of her like a mix of orange cat and golden retriever.

Now when it comes to Raven...oh boy, this one's a lot to unpack here.

The short answer is she's the fem version of Ghost, minus the muscles and repressed gayness (wheeze, no really, I made Raven using Ghost as a blueprint and then slowly expanded her story from there, lazy character making so to speak) but that may offend a portion of people so *cough*

Where do I even begin? xD

Raven's life has been hard since the very start, so she has a different level of mental toughness so ingrained that she often pushes herself past the point of exhaustion, has faced anything and everything from psychological pain to near-death experiences (multiple times). This makes her fiercely independent and rely solely on herself most of the time, viewing dependency on others as a weakness. So she doesn't like getting approached, and would likely ignore anyone who tries doing so.

Despite so, if you earned her loyalty, she will commit and submit to you wholeheartedly. While her past has taught her that loyalty can be a weapon used against you, she still chose to willing go to great lengths protecting the people she thinks are worth protecting for. So, let's just say she has some possessive tendencies. This trait however, is dangerous as well because that made her value her life a lot lesser, her own life is a pawn on the chess piece, a weapon that should be sacrificed for the greater good. It takes a lot of patiences and love on John's side to resolve a big part of that. (Raven goddammit it you are important just as much as Price and everyone else is, doesn't matter if you are useful or not because simply existing, is enough!!)

Ambiguous moral complex, I think that's the word, instead of operating in the black or white, she operates in the shades of gray. She's disciplined and highly analytical, ruthless and heartless when she does, so she can be coldly logical (stole this description from Jack). She has no qualms about deception, manipulation and dishonesty if it meant achieving her goal. This sort of...behaviour of her would make her unpredictable at times, and creates a tension between her and other operators, because can you trust a woman who wouldn't hesitate when necessary?

She has a cynicism perspective in live, which often isolates her from those around her, I could go on and on about this but she views empathy with suspicion, questioning the motives of kindness, which is why she's more reserved and distant to others, detached even. She copes by compartmentalization, which is basically isolating thoughts and feelings separately, think of Raven putting anger, sadness, happiness in different boxes, it's some form of dissociation to avoid feelings because they get in the way of life. So sometimes she doesn't react emotionally towards situation, which makes her seem like a monster. (at some level, she is one)

But despite her being a hardass, she does have a softer side that's hidden. Buried, deep-seated empathy of hers is quiet, almost reluctant, they appear when she least expected, and thus she has a hard time to express her feelings directly. Actions speaks louder than words, afterall. She's the type that shows her appreciation rather than speaking them.

This also, kind of make her awkward in some ways, especially when she's flustered. She wouldn't how to respond to heartfelt compliments or simple act of kindness.

Oh you bought her tea? She'll stare at you for an uncomfortable amount of time before she drinks it and tell you to get the same one next time.

You dust off her uniform? again, stares at you before she awkwardly pat your shoulder with a nod.

In short, she's quiet and reserved, emotionally guarded and cynical. But beneath that hard exterior she's a loyal person who cares more than she likes to admit.

[partywithoutsmiling]

Here's a fun idea you said that if he wanted to branch could make his own tribe. well what if he did, where do you think the tribe would live? I'm thinking something like the lash caves from minecraft because underground, and what if that was hundreds of years ago? What do you think folk trolls would evolve to look like? What about their culture? Would the leader position be passed down through bloodline or successes? What would their leader even be called? I feel like it has to be chief. Aaaahahahhah this ideas so funnnnn

Hi!

Sorry for late answer, I had a late shift at work, and that didn't leave me with much energy to do anything but have midnight dinner and then sleep XD

The thing about Branch, and his Folk String- yes, he could form his own Tribe and his own genre of music, but I am unsure if he would. Not at least while he travels, and while the events of the first and second movie are taking place.

First it comes down to the fact that he has no idea that the Strings exists and what they even are- and that knowledge would probably change somewhere around when World Tour happens. Even as he travels through the other territories, the topic of Strings just... doesn't come up, so he has no idea what power he holds in his hands (paws XD).

He also just still feels very connected to his own Tribe, no matter how badly they treated him. Especially after he realizes that Poppy actually missed him and was devastated to see him gone. (And sorry to say but my Branch will always be a bit of a simp for her, he is a lost cause in that)

BUT, all that said, entertaining the possibility of him forming his own Tribe...

Him straying underground once more would be very in character- especially as apparently Rock Trolls are subterranean people, in that most of their dwellings are underground and I do headcanon Branch as having a rock troll blood. So he would have never felt comfortable high in the trees like a full blood Pop Troll, but he also wouldnt want to be without any access to sunlight or plantlife.

The Lush Caves are a good idea certainly- and I raise you the possibility of their dwelling be more like the Hidden World from HTTYD XD

Not to the full fantastical extent as in the movies- but with the definition on whimsy and calm, some bioluminescence and giant crystals would be a great conversation piece XD

Chief being the title of the leader also fits- that, or more specifically Chieftain. Branch definitelly doesnt think of himself as coming from line of kings and queens (He is wrong about that in my headcanon buuut that's for another post XD), and so he would never think to use those titles. I think the position would be hereditary- but definitelly not going to the 'firstborn of the firstborn', but based on suitability. Culturaly, I think that would also be most familiar to any troll who who migrates from the large Tribes, where the leadership is definitelly a hereditary position (I think even Country Trolls, despite the Fandom calling Delta Dawn a mayor, do regard her as their queen).

Now for the fun part, the physical changes XD

Honestly that by itself requires a whole another post, since this need to encompass all of the Trolls tribe by tribe, but let me sum it up based on the Major Genres:

Pop: - Colourful little menaces as we know them from the movies XD - Largely arboreal- that means long tails that compensates for balance, and paws with retractable claws used for gripping onto tree bark - All trolls- apart from Classical and Techno- are in possession of fur, or (as one AO3 fanfic writer called it) in possession of 'flocking' XD - Pop Trolls grow thicker pelt in winter and shed it with the coming summer- but in general, it still grows rather fast for some so those trolls took to shaving it down to keep it need (Poppy is one such with unlucky ancient genes when it comes to that) - Before they evolved to use their Hair to the exten they do now, they largely counted on their own agility and ability to jump from branch to branch, and chipped away burrows into the trees - so powerful leg and arm muscles, and comparativelly amazing strenght for beings so small -They definitelly used to be taller than any non-funk trolls, slightly shorter than Biggie, but with the Pop String creation, their hair abilities and the selective survival of the smallest (after all, smaller trolls hid from Bergens' better), they've been getting on average shorter - They do have small hint of fangs, but are largely leaning towards non-meaty diet, though still very much omnivorous

Country: - Centaur-ish; I know movie depicted them with horse bodies, but I headcanon them more in the way unicorns are in old medieval illustrations, ie Artiodactyls - Long tail hair, almost as luscious as their own hair - Pointier ears, clear fangs on top of their large front teeth (since meat seems to be large part of their diet), but not really paws and claws; I would say they are the most carnivorous of all the trolls, raising livestock both for milk but specifically for meat - (diving into the territory of evolution, if they were hunters of prey, they probably chased them and kicked them to death XD) - All in all, not that different from how movie showed them

Classical: - More fairy-like/Hummingbird-like than in the movies - Definitelly still smaller and glittery, but with the idea their skin is not actually glitter like with Glitter Trolls, but either some kind of scale like feathers, or more durable version of the scales like butterflies have on their wings -Two pairs of wings instead of one, and definitelly beating faster to keep them up in the air - No tail- a rarity out of all the Trolls- and their hair is more like bird feathers/crest, in that it can puff up or lay flatter depending on situation - Most likely nectarivous and herbivorous? Making something like 'honey' from their farming efforts XD - The gemstone in their belly is an accessory and not something they all grow naturally- meant to show the troll is grown and ready to join the Orchestra XD

Techno: - Not much to change there- I just imagine their neon and digital looks came much later after decades/centuries being influenced by their string, they used look a little bit down to earth before that - Omnivorous, with crustaceans and molluscs making up for the majority of their animal protein- and probably necessary source of compound their bodies need to be bioluminescent

Rock: - Being looks wise the most similar to Pop Trolls, there was probably some speculation they both came from the very first same ancestor- before the Strings were created - Their flocking/fur is thinner and sleeker, and they don't grow a thick undercoat in winter, but similar to Pop trolls they have paws with claws- only theirs are not retractable - Their tail is also shorter and not as luscious in fur, used more for display than for balancing - Pointier ears for sure, more visible fangs; as mentioned, I think they are supposed to be subterranean? So most of their dwellings is underground- probably to avoid the volcanic ash on top- but I imagine living so close to the sea, they are largely focused on fishing (their angler ships suggests that they have no issue going underwater), probably hunting whatever critter lives in the cavern bellow, and maybe they are using the advantage of volcanic soil to grow some hardier crops? - Living underground with no direct sunlight for days probably gave them killer nightvision while their colours dulled to make hiding in the caves easier

That said, Branch is half and half. Despite his ear deformity, I would imagine they would always be a little pointier than on any other Pop Troll, and he cannot retract his claws (and thus took to filing them down to keep them blunt for safety sake- still sharp enough to help him climb, not sharp enough to hurt) Even if he grew up with his true colours, I'd imagine they would dull as he grew older, going vibrant only if he indulged in the poppiest of songs (or if he performed on stage) He has the tail and the luscious tail-hair of a Pop troll, but his flocking never grows a thick undercoat so he is almost always chilled to the bone in winter, forced to wear padded clothing to keep warm

With the Folk String coming from him, and representing him.... I imagine some of these things would change He'd grow hardier- more temperature tolerant at least- and similar to Rock Trolls, his night vision would grow better. Would any potential Folk Trolls change the same? Maybe? Perhaps more bioluminesce similar to that of Techno Trolls, while their general basic colouring grows more grounded- more into muted pastels and leaning towards greens/aquamarine tones

Culture is hard to pinpoint, as it would be evolving from various established cultures of all the other Major and Minor tribes; who knows what hodge podge it would end up as XD

My mind is full of various headcanons pft- ones that are blanket for all my AUs and ones that are just part of that one specific one- so be on lookout for more regarding that

[tiny-tini-imagines]

Hey, I saw your post and just realised you're new here🖤.

I saw that you take requests so I was wondering if you would mind to write some headcanons about the fellowship members and how they would react to a female fighter from our world. (Maybe refuses to wear dresses and is very emancipated) Hope that's understandable & thank you 🖤

Re.: Thank you for your request! Never thought I'd actually get an answer xD. I tried my best and hopefully its what U wanted.

Headcanon Request - Lord of the Rings

incl.: independent female fighter, fellowship

(added: character art, what they would say to them, or about them)

Aragorn:

Respectful: Aragorn recognizes her capabilities and respects her as a fighter, acknowledging her contributions.

Gravitas: He conveys his seriousness through his tone and demeanor, showing her that he considers her an important member of the group.

Empowerment: Aragorn empowers her by entrusting her with important tasks and responsibilities, boosting her confidence.

Guidance: He provides guidance by sharing his extensive knowledge of the world and offering advice on surviving in challenging situations. He's secretly protective (just as he'd be with Arwen)

Comradeship: Aragorn actively involves her in decision-making and treats her as an equal, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

"Your strength and determination are truly remarkable, my friend. In this fellowship, we stand together as equals, comrades bound by a common purpose, and I hold your skills and character in the highest respect."

Legolas:

Curiosity: Legolas' curiosity leads him to engage her in conversations about her world, learning from her experiences and perspectives. (based on reciprocity)

Admiration: He frequently compliments her combat skills and courage, demonstrating his deep respect for her abilities, especially since she's a human

Grace: Legolas appreciates her fluid movements and agility in battle, often complimenting her grace under pressure. (however he always keeps an eye on her, although he knows it's not neccesary

Friendship: Through small gestures like sharing stories (and defending her in battle - if ever needed), he builds a strong and trusting friendship, sometimes showing her how she can do better

Teamwork: Legolas actively collaborates with her during fights, highlighting her importance in their team dynamics.

(same "who can kill more?" competition as with Gimli)

"Your grace in battle is as awe-inspiring as the dance of the leaves in the forest, my friend."

Gimli:

Skepticism: Gimli's skepticism is rooted in his initial doubts about whether she can keep up with the group, which he gradually overcomes. (get's actually impressed by her)

Curiosity: His curiosity about her world leads to lengthy discussions, and they bond over shared interests and differences. (He'd often talk about his folk, and would rave about dwarves)

Loyalty: As she proves herself, Gimli becomes fiercely loyal, actively supporting her decisions. If a man ever appears who doubts her or doesn't take her seriously, he is immediately at her side

Surprising Friendship: Over time, his skepticism turns into a deep and surprising friendship, marked by trust and camaraderie.

Mutual Respect: They both earn each other's respect through their actions, setting aside prejudices and working together effectively.

"Aye, lass, ye've a fire in yer heart that matches the forges of Erebor. I doubted at first, but now I see - ye're a true warrior, fierce and capable, and I'm honored to fight beside ye."

Gandalf:

Wise Mentor: Gandalf recognizes her potential and takes her under his wing, teaching her about the world they traverse and imparting his wisdom.

Guidance: He guides her in decision-making, fostering her growth and helping her adapt to the challenges they face. (However he keeps an watchful eye on her, unsure about her intentions)

Empowerment: Gandalf instills confidence in her abilities, believing that she can contribute significantly to their quest. (Thinking that she might have another point of view/ sees things and details that the others don't notice or think are seemingly unimportant)

Trust: He trusts her judgment, showing it by relying on her insights and respecting her choices.

Strategic Ally: Together, they strategize and plan, viewing each other as indispensable allies in the pursuit of their goals.

"In you, my dear, I see a spark of inner fire, a potential yet untapped. Embrace your strength and let it blaze like a beacon in our dark journey, for you have the power to change the course of this quest."

Boromir:

Initial Skepticism: Boromir is initially skeptical of her abilities and her commitment to their quest, as he worries about her impact on the Fellowship's safety. (Believing they'd have to protect her)

Gradual Trust: Over time, her actions and determination gradually earn Boromir's trust and respect, and he slowly starts to see her as a valuable member of the group.

Protectiveness: Boromir develops a protective attitude towards her, ensuring her safety during dangerous situations (offering to train with her to improve her combat skills, however shes the one to beat him in a battle)

Mutual Respect: As they share the trials of their journey, Boromir and her come to respect each other's strengths, skills, and dedication to their common cause. He'd open up to her (when alone) and talk about Gondor and his fears

"Your strength is undeniable, but in this perilous journey, remember to heed wisdom as well, my friend."

Frodo:

Protective: Frodo feels responsible for her safety and wishes he could protect her in dangerous situations, although it is absolutely not neccesary. He might feel guilty to, however she is quick to sense that and makes sure to tell him, that he should not worry about her

Trust: He trusts her unconditionally, evident in his reliance on her during crucial moments and his openness about his concerns and fears. (He only trusts Gandalf and Sam more, however Aragorn might share the same level of trust with her)

Friendship: Their deepening friendship is built on shared experiences, mutual trust, and unwavering support for each other.

Empathy: Frodo's understanding of her struggles (as a woman) fosters a strong sense of empathy, and they confide in each other about their personal challenges. (him as a hobbit/ her as a woman)

Courage: Both exhibit courage in their own ways, inspiring each other to persevere and face adversity head-on.

"Your courage reminds me that even in the darkest of times, the light of friendship and determination can guide us through."

Sam:

Respectful: Sam respects her independence and appreciates her combat skills, addressing her with deference and showing admiration for her capabilities.

Trusting: He trusts her judgment and decisions, often turning to her for guidance in challenging situations.

Friendship: Their friendship flourishes as they share personal stories, trust each other implicitly, and develop a profound bond during their journey. (it's also a bit like a mentor - protégé relationship)

Loyalty: Sam's loyalty to her is unwavering, always putting her safety and well-being above all else. (He'd instantly worry if she would not eat something and insist, even if it was just a bite)

Kindred Spirits: They connect on a deep level, understanding each other's motivations and providing emotional support when needed.

"Ye've got a heart as brave as Frodo's, and I've seen it in action more times than I can count."

Merry:

Curious: Merry's curiosity about her world leads to inquisitive conversations where they exchange stories and knowledge.

Supportive: He is supportive of her choices and actions, often backing her up in debates and ensuring she feels included.

Friendship: Their camaraderie transforms into a genuine friendship marked by laughter

Encouragement: Merry frequently offers words of encouragement and praise, boosting her confidence and morale unknowingly

Wit: Their friendship is sprinkled with witty exchanges and playful banter, creating a lighthearted atmosphere (that she actually treasures)

"Blimey! You've got a spirit as fiery as a dragon's breath, lass! I reckon you'll give even the bravest of us a run for their money on this quest!"

Pippin:

Playfulness: Pippin's playful nature adds a touch of levity to their journey, lightening the mood when things get tough.

Friendship: Their friendship deepens as they share adventures and form lasting memories together. (He'd occasionaly offer her his pipe, but she'd politely decline)

Loyalty: Pippin's loyalty is unwavering, standing by her side through thick and thin. (She's often the one to watch out for him and safe him from dangerous situations)

Admiration: He admires her determination and independence, often expressing admiration for her spirit.

Growth: Their experiences together lead to personal growth, making them more resilient and capable adventurers. Pippin learns a lot from her, might get a bit more serious

"Y'know, I've never met anyone quite like you, lass. Your spirit's as fierce as the fire of the Shire's finest pipeweed! And I reckon that's saying something, coming from a Took like me!"

[sickness-health-all-that-shit]

thank you @callivich for sharing the idea of making fic dvd commentaries! I thought I'd give it a go 🥰 @shamelessdvdcommentary

Broken things

summary: When Lip brings home an advanced android in order to test it for the company he works for, Ian doesn't know what to make of him. MIK-940810, or Mickey, seems virtually indistinguishable from a human being, throwing Ian for a loop as he feels an undeniable connection to the android. Their relationship deepens when Ian finds out about something that Mickey has been keeping from Lip and the people who built him.

There’s a faint blue light shining from the place where Lip’s thumb rests for about two seconds. Ian’s expecting some kind of whirring noise, like when you turn a computer on, but there’s just silence.

And then suddenly the blue eyes come alive.

some stats: I started writing this about a year ago, as part of the latest shameless big bang and finished it around january this year. it's a multichapter of about 28k words divided into 8 chapters

What was the initial inspiration for your story?

probably something I was watching at the time. I love sci-fi! I think I would've had the initial idea in the spring of 2023 and then let it marinate for a while, until the big bang came a-knocking lol. I'm pretty sure it was always gonna be android!Mickey and human Ian, and when I remembered Lip's canon interest in robotics it all started slotting into place for me

If the story is written from a character’s POV, why did you choose this character?

like I said it was always gonna be android!Mickey and I really wanted to explore Ian trying to figure out what made him tick and questioning what makes us human in the first place

What was your favourite scene to write?

probably their initial conversation when Ian asks all sorts of questions that make his brain explode more and more, while Mickey sort of watches him spiral and just seems to have an obvious answer for everything lol. that and the scene where Mickey heavily flirts with an increasingly flustered Ian, that was a lot of fun

How did you come up with the title?

one of the main themes of the fic is the coming together of these two individuals who meet at a time when they both needed it because they were feeling broken, for different reasons. there's a parallel especially between Ian's relationship with his bipolar disorder and Mickey's feeling that he's malfuctioning as an android and that he'll be seen as a broken toy. in both cases it's because of heightened emotions compared to what's considered 'normal', but they heal each other throughout the fic and overcome that sense of brokenness together

Are there any little moments or references you hope readers will notice?

hopefully all the little references and parallels to canon! (things like Mickey's serial number for instance) I had a lot of fun with those, it was like winking at my fellow fans like 'get it? it's like in the show!' lol

Was there anything you struggled to write? If so, how did you overcome this?

I struggled a bit with the resolution of the main conflict/angst, especially explaining how Lip suddenly decides to help them in the end, after being a dick for most of the story lmao. hopefully it doesn't feel that sudden or rushed, but yeah. I still think about it at times lol

Favourite line in the story?

“Well, ask away, doc. You studyin’ human anatomy all day, right? Bet you’re curious as fuck to know all the ways they replicated that shit in this hot little android body o’ mine.” - like I said, I really enjoyed Mickey shamelessly flirting xD

Did the storyline change in any way as you wrote the story?

I just checked my original (handwritten) outline, and I think I had meant to make Ian catch on more to the fact that Mickey is a different type of android, even with Lip's reassurances, but I think in that version he ended up being suspicious in a way that didn't gel with his blossoming feelings for Mickey, and maybe as a result I made Ian a little bit more unsure of himself, which goes back to him feeling broken because he feels like he can't trust his brain too much. also when I was still gathering my ideas for the story I initially thought Mickey might turn out to have memories of a human Mickey Milkovich who had died, but I scrapped that because I wanted this Mickey to be the real Mickey, android or no

If you are writing a particular trope or genre, was it your first time writing this?

I'd definitely never written sci-fi or an android fic before! I might delve more into science fiction in the future though, who knows 😌

What are you most proud about in the story? (plot, characterisation, dialogue, twist/cliffhanger, etc)

overall plot and dialogue, probably. I'm really proud of how I developed my original idea, and some of the lines still make me laugh (or cry)

Are there any deleted scenes that didn’t make it to the final story?

going back to my original outline, I apparently had a whole chapter that never came to be? here's what I'd written down: "Lip's boss shows up at the house. Mickey needs to pretend to be a regular android despite his anger. Ian defends Mickey. The police gets called. They have to make a run for it." maybe this would have helped the resolution feel less rushed/anti-climactic but it also seemed to complicate things a bit too much for my taste, so it got scrapped

Would you ever write a sequel to this story?

I think the epilogue leaves things in a good enough place!

Were you nervous or excited to post this story?

both!! but more excited overall, I think. it's probably my favourite story I've written

Ask your followers to pick a snippet (no more than 500 words) and share your thoughts about it.

please!!!! I will love you forever <3

this was great, I highly recommend it to all writers 🥰

[velvetrogue]

Starter Call - Round Un

Do you want a thread with me?

Have you been following me for a while but unsure how to make the first move?

Do we have a thread or two already, but you'd like more?

Do we have a million threads but you'd like a million and one?

Have we written before but you're keen to get back in the saddle?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, here's an idea for you! xD

I've looked through my open starters since I launched this blog two months ago, and I've found over a dozen which have either not had any replies so far, or whose threads have gone cold.

I'd love to start threads from any of these, so I'm advertising them here for any current or new followers to consider!

Cassandra Burnwood - 37, bisexual, heist crew leader

Esme Kennedy - 35, bisexual, actress

James Bond - 36, heterosexual, 00 agent

Jasper Breeland - 32, bisexual, photojournalist

Killian Taylor - 27, pansexual, dock worker

Leo Christ - 40, heterosexual, consulting detective

Javier Cuevas - 29, pansexual, criminal fixer

John Marston - 34, pansexual, rancher / bounty hunter

Alexei Calvet - 35, heterosexual, ballerino

Kyle Davenport - 47, pansexual, President

Lyndon Hamilton - 35, bisexual, tech CTO

Truman Rutherford - 33, heterosexual, archaeology professor

Daniel Walden - 44, bisexual, political consultant

Feel free to ask me any questions before replying, and please read my 'core rules' and styling rules here too.

I hope these starters can spark some inspiration so we can get writing together soon!

[twistedtummies2]

How would your twst ocs react if your s/o ended up sleeping on their stomach? Like they just fall asleep out of nowhere because it's comfortable, without telling them. Would they be worried or happy XD

Well, unless said S/O has narcolepsy, I'm just gonna presume the scenario is that they were sitting down somewhere, relaxing, and suddenly the OC of choice realizes their S/O has fallen asleep against their belly. Also, I'm not entirely sure how "kinky" you want these answers to be, soooo I'm gonna try my best to play it safe as much as I can. XD Nakoda would honestly feel touched that his beloved trusts him so much to just fall asleep like that. He'd wrap his coils around them (presuming he's in naga form; if not, maybe he changes in that moment) and hold them close, softly singing a lullaby as he lets them rest. He knows he COULD take advantage of this situation in a LOT of ways...but right now, he just wants to hold his "sssweetheart" close. Billy will probably take a bit to realize his S/O has fallen asleep on his belly. Once he does realize, he'll just think it's the cutest thing ever; depending on size difference (whether he's in his true giant form, or his human "just sort of big" form) he'll either lightly stroke them with a finger, as if they're a little pet mouse, or he'll drape an arm over them to hold them close and steady. He'll probably clock out alongside them, at some point; they'll wake up to a drooly, snoring giant. Elias would find it sort of funny, to be honest. He'd probably be pretty casual about it, trying to carry on with whatever he's doing, but unable to keep himself from running his fingers through their hair and wagging his tail. If he falls asleep, he'll probably curl up protectively around them. Reno would be rather flustered; he's not used to intimacy like this. Most likely he'd blush and try to wake his S/O up. If they do, he'll quickly regret ruining the moment; if they don't, then he'll just grumble and let them sleep...and probably enjoy it. Either way, when they DO wake up, he'll be teasing them about how he must have made a good pillow...while also trying to hide his own embarrassment. James and Theodore I think would both have the same reaction: each would be startled and unsure of how to react. They might try to wake up their S/O at first, like Reno (James would be much nicer about it than Theo). If that doesn't work, then they'll just...kind of accept it, huffing and blushing and just...holding their S/O's head close, letting them rest. They will NOT admit how good it feels. I'm not EXACTLY sure how Smitty would react, but I'm pretty sure he'd be rather flustered. Probably giggling a bit and adjusting his glasses as his cheeks grow flushed, wiggling a bit as his beloved snuggles into his little potbelly...he knew they liked to snuggle, but this is a bit different. XD Maelstrom would have similar physical reactions to Billy, depending on the size difference...but instead of going all "D'awwww," his attitude would be more smug and cocky. Sort of smirking and chuffing through his nose - "Heh. Cute little guppy." It does occur to him that INSIDE his belly or his maw would make a nice "bed" too...but he honestly likes this feeling too much to ruin it. As for Grit, he wouldn't really know how to react. He never expected to have a human mate, nor did he expect to feel them nuzzling against his abs as they sleep against his soft-but-resilient skin. He'd probably just...let them rest, maybe placing a hand over them possessively, not totally certain what else to do or say. He'll probably still be a bit flustered when they wake up, but he's going to try hard not to show it.

[dennydraws]

27. Is there a particular "trope" for relationships that you especially enjoy - e.g. enemies to lovers etc - and is this something that you set out intending to explore?

I got KO from migraine before I could answer this aaa...!!

Favorite Tropes! ---------------------

It really, really depends how they are written of course. Bad writing can turn my fave tropes into a mess and good writing can turn tropes I don't normally enjoy into something super inspiring to me! When I write it is almost always character driven plots so their dynamics are very important. I try to set them in a way like little cog wheels that will pull the cart (the plot) in the direction I want to go and for that reason I do pick tropes that will work to move the story. I'm also unsure of proper names for those but...

Grumpy Grouch x Cinnamon Roll I love when the grumpy/tsundere type gradually falls in love and has difficulty processing or expressing their feelings. It's always so much fun to write/read! Not so much when people write the Grump as a Bully, there is a line that makes me very uncomfortable when crossed.

Enemies to Lovers Of course this one is here! Although I've never written this type - I often delude it to Rivals to Lovers. But I do very much love this trope when written well cause of how turbulent and intense it can be. I think because I'm such a softy, I fail to create the proper intensity for such ship dynamic xD;; Maybe one day!

Brave Adventurer x Shy Bean Ok, I have no idea how this one is called and I know it's used like a lot and everywhere in like every dang disney movie or such. One side is brave and courageous and the other needs their help to come out of their shell. It is very plain and very boring at first glance but it is a comfort dynamic that I enjoy playing with and twisting it around like a silly putty. xD; Does the adventurer get burned and suffers great loss during their antics? Does the shy one grows and the dynamic shifts? Does the adventure one becomes a villain in the process or vice versa? I feel like this one is like the base that I can always work into something interesting for me.

Fix me!/Save Me! Can't have a list without this one. One side had already descended into a path that will lead to tragedy and the other side pulls them out. Is it cliche and overdone? Yeah, it is. Am I going to stop writing it because it is? Hell, no! I think fundamentally we do want to see people rise above their vices, above their mistakes and errors - we want to see hope and kindness triumph. In fiction we are in control, we can weave such narrative and it can be cathartic. I think people labeling characters weak for needing help is giving the bad message of - hold your pain and never seek/accept help. It is kind of silly to me. Does it have to strictly be romantic? Nah. I absolutely love this one as platonic just as much and looking back at some characters I've written over the past? I've used this one as platonic a lot more xD;

[otaku-tactician]

2, 14, 23, and 44 for cu chulainn/lancer

Hello, thank you very much for the ask!! I am very grateful. I wish you well, too. These are some pretty tough questions, so I'm just going to roll off by vibes.

Some of my responses may be a bit random lmao, Lancer Cu drives me into the very depths of the abyss, and leaves me questioning many things.

Cu Chulainn (Lancer) Character Asks

2. 2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

I will die on the hill that I think Lancer Cu is a little bit more emotionally distant than the external image he projects to the world. I agree with all the people who say he'd be the best ally ever, but I just have a feeling deep in my gut that despite this, he still gives me a vibe of being very 'far away'. I'm not sure how to word this. I am staking my soul on the hill that he can be both overly familiar and intimate at the same time as being hard to grasp onto. He reminds me a bit of the sea, endlessly flowing into horizon.

Er I don't know really, I guess I think what I'm saying is that he definitely does strike me as good company, just that I do have these strange feelings regarding him as well.

Also I don't think he's monogamous, myths aside- he really does seem like he's out to indulge in a variety of experiences with different people, to shoot the breeze for a fair moment until it ends. I don't think he settles down easily, even if he does give an impression of being able to quickly form relationships and ties with others.

WAUGH LANCER CU REMINDS ME OF THE MIST ON A HAZY SUMMER MORNING ;; I FEEL LIKE HE GONNA FADE AWAY!!!

14. Most heroic moment

OOF. This question is extremely difficult. Cu has many heroic moments, he slays so hard so often- that I feel kind of envious at times...taking on Gilgamesh for days, rescuing Rin/enacting vengeance upon Kirei, being a major key that helps Emiya to have more ease of access when taking on larger foes- he is a very nifty and handy guy in many situations. It was also very interesting seeing how his actions can even be dangerous for the general public at times, such as in Heaven's Feel (damn the exploding cars etc that was chaos!)

But one thing that has struck me deeply is his story mode in Fate/Unlimited Codes. This is just my personal feelings, but I felt choked up by the scene in which Lancer says he was willing to go to the extremes because 'there was a woman who believed in me'. The way he honors and carries Bazett's will until the very end, despite the horrendous bullshit his story arc takes him through; left a very strong impact on me. Even in death, he never forgot her. He carried her will, up until the very last moment.

To me, that's a truly heroic thing to do. To ensure that Bazett is remembered, even after her death. Lancer's way of honoring and covering for others' wishes and needs feels very heroic to me, but also deeply tragic.

23. If they were a scented candle, what would they smell like?

Gwah, this is another really difficult question! My instinct says sandalwood and pine. I'd also add in the ocean breeze. In this sense, I think my answer reflects what scents I associate with him, more than what he smells like (LMAOO CUZ THEY SAY HE HAS A BEAST-LIKE SCENT IN F/SN? WHAT DO BEASTS SMELL LIKE?!!!) To me, I also feel as if he smells like the sun when its rays shine upon a surface for a long time, but this is just indicative of my undying thirst for him.

I have a feeling Cu Chulainn may smell like the outdoors and of a metallic tang- like iron- and the smell of the game (guilty gear reference). But I doubt this would make for a nice candle...

In other words, I have no clue XD

44. Their happiest memory

Oof, this question is extremely difficult. To be honest, I am completely unsure what Cu Chulainn Lancer's happiest memory is. That is an extremely good question.

Is it memories of his loved ones? His childhood? Of the shooting star that birthed his prophecy? His boyhood deeds and early adventures? I am honestly unsure. I wish I could answer this. He does also seem to focus on the small joys of life, though. So I also wonder if his happiest memory could be something that I could possibly be overlooking.

If you or anyone else has any ideas on what the answer to this question may be, I'd love to hear it. To be honest, I would declare I don't know Lancer Cu's personality very well. And it took me like 8 years just to see past his surface by a tiny inch! So I've got a looong way to go when it comes to understanding him.

Thank you again for these asks. Whenever I think about Lancer Cu, I feel as if I'm being paddled along an epic journey, into seas that are both yet so unknown yet so profound.

IN OTHER WORDS: IM DOWN BAD BARK BARK AWOOGA

[gendervapor14]

8. What song would make a great fic (to either write or read)?

9. How do you find new fic to read?

10. How do you decide what to write?

(if not answered already), and 37 & 38! Fanfic ask meme❤️

ooh hello!! thank you for these!! i did answer #38, but i'll answer #37 for sure!

8. What song would make a great fic (to either write or read)?

ooooo as a music nerd i love this question and i apologize for how longwinded my answer is XD i don't do many songfics or much song-related writing [*shoves the title of two fights for freedom under the rug*] but i do have a ton of playlists and songs that make me think of specific characters or fics. to answer this question, i'll just pick one called "Fever Dream" by Dirt Poor Robins. specifically the part starting just after the 4:00 minute mark. the lyrics make me go INSANE with this idea for a dark/horror dq bros fic where doflamingo realizes that corazon is just a false identity and he can't do anything to get his brother back and it drives him even more insane. these lyrics make me crazy Now here comes the liar (lion) Clawing at your door Drunk on the blood of your brother And he's back for more (apparently the lyric is actually "lion" rather than "liar", but i hear "liar" so therefore i declare it is "liar" for the sake of my own brainrot) imagine a fic where rosinante is the one psychologically tormenting doflamingo!! unsure if i'll ever get around to writing it, but it'd probably have a similar vibe to blood gone sour.

9. How do you find new fic to read?

i usually do a nightly prowl under the one piece fandom on ao3 and either filter by most recent fics with rosinante or bell-mere. otherwise i read recs that are bumped on discord servers, or stories friends write! i'm actually terrible at reading tho i don't read nearly enough. when i have free time, i usually use it to create.

10. How do you decide what to write?

excellent question. i make a list of priorities. sometimes it's disorganized lists on my phone, sometimes i use calendars. first and foremost are things with due dates, so zine work, or gifts for exchanges, birthdays or holidays. next i prioritize stories that are works in progress, but already posted on ao3. i hate having incomplete works posted on ao3, so i strive to get them wrapped up asap. then it's a rabid thunderdome of all my other wips and ideas all wrestling for victory for who gets to be created XD i'm constantly bursting with ideas i never get to work on, unfortunately.

37. Promote one of your own “deep cut” fics (an underrated one, or one that never got as much traction as you think it deserves!). What do you like about it?

i'm gonna go ahead and promote spitfire and ice because i busted my ass on this for the crackpair event and i was actually really happy with the result? i was assigned makino x kuzan, so i threw bell-mere in there too just to shake things up, and then i fell madly in love with bell-mere x makino and their flirty banter. it captured my heart in a way i was NOT expecting. i guess the tags aren't particularly interesting to most, so it's relatively unknown with only 4 kudos and 31 hits. but look at this!! “Hey, I’ve gotta ask you something.” She leaned over the counter once Makino settled herself and refilled the pitcher for the next round. “Would I still be wanted here…after hours?” With a tight smile, Makino rested her hands over the tabletop. “We’re closed for customers after hours. I need some time to tidy up the place.” “Right, right…” Pretty gray eyes wandered. “But in this situation, I wouldn’t be a customer.” With an amused chuckle, Makino folded her arms over her stomach. “What do you want me to say, Miss Bell-mère? Do you want me to welcome you to my private quarters upstairs?” That exposed chest filled with air. “I wouldn’t be against an invitation.” smh. well, at least i'm proud of it!

ahhh sorry i got so rambly XD i had fun answering these! thank you so much for the questions!! here's the list if anyone else has a question, or wants to reblog it for themselves!

[dicenote]

I really want to know what song you would pick for Ide :> (or if that's possible for the Matsuda/Ide ship)

And maybe for Namikawa too. He’s quite an interesting character!

Of course, and thanks for the ask! I'll admit I had a lot of trouble with picking stuff out, but I'm pretty happy with the songs I found. I've got one for Ide, one for MatsuIde, and one for Namikawa.

Ide: "Hiding" by Modern Baseball

Ide's difficult! He seems like such a simple guy, I'd bet he wouldn't even listen to music all that often, lol XD I wanted to find something that reflected his more reserved personality but also nodded to his complicated feelings about the Kira case. This song is quiet and kinda comforting in some places, but loud (and almost violent) in others.

Overall, it feels like "Hiding" is a song about the past, about happy memories that are long behind you. And for Ide, who spends a good chunk of the plot unsure about what's going to happen next, it feels fitting, in a weird way.

Some of the lyrics that I think fit him the best from this are:

"Entertain the cancer, we all answer upwards either way The waiting game is tied again. Backs of hands and phrases, misplaced gazes Things we still deny to selves and hesitate to talk about"

Those second 2 lines could definitely be interpreted in a more shippy context, but I like the "things we still deny" line referring to Kira's identity. Ide's stance on things is... kinda weird, isn't it? Like, he seems to hope that Light isn't Kira, but also he kinda sees it coming in the end. I dunno, he's such an interesting guy.

MatsuIde: "This Side of Paradise" by Coyote Theory

I was originally gonna look for something much angsty-er, but this one works just fine. Yes, it sounds kinda sad, but also happy at the same time? Something about it just screams MatsuIde to me.

I think part of it is the fact that the Task Force after the time skip (and particularly after Soichiro's death) is... kinda tragic. Like, we as the audience know that nothing they do is going to matter as far as finding Kira goes, but they still keep ongoing anyways. And since they're spending so much time on the case, they all pretty much isolate themselves from the rest of the world, especially Matsuda and Ide.

I can't remember who it was (I think @/tinycrescent?) but someone had the headcanon that Matsuda was, despite how social and bubbly he appears, a lonely person when it comes down to it. Honestly, I can see it- especially after Light is revealed to be Kira all along. He'd probably have a hard time trusting people after all that, with a few exceptions. And Ide is definitely one of those exceptions.

Ide doesn't seem like a social person to begin with, but I think Matsuda joking around with him gets him out of his shell a little bit. I think that the two of them get to be more comfortable around each other, like it "feels right" to exist together, if that makes sense.

"If you're lonely, come be lonely with me"

Namikawa: "Machine" by Regina Spektor

Gahh I really wish I knew Namikawa better, or this would've been easier 😅

(I was originally gonna go with "One-Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy 7, since Sephiroth was my little bro's nickname for Namikawa. But I figured that Namikawa deserved something a little better. So I went with "Machine".)

I picked this one because of the instrumentals. Namikawa strikes me as a methodical, intellectual kind of guy, and the piano in this song makes me think of that. At the same time, the pounding drums give off the impression that there's a lot going on beneath the surface, something darker that needs to be explored. This instrumental version sounds like something that would play when he's onscreen to me.

As for the lyrics... eh. They kind of fit him? Maybe if you squint. I dunno if it's accurate to say that Namikawa is "hooked into [a] machine", but there is something that's just a touch messed up about the whole Yotsuba thing. Like, the group is stuck cooperating with Kira during these meetings, no matter what- if they leave or disagree with Kira too much, they risk dying. It's kind of like they're stuck going along with Kira, not that Namikawa minds. As long as he stays on top, which he will.

[naffeclipse]

So here we are! The beginning of the end! Aaaaah, I know I said I was so ready for the finale, but I actually don't know if I am ready for it to end fgdskjhh What a journey this fic has been!

So many important conversations in this chapter!

The tension is so present as everything gains a new context and the only way for all of them to remain calm was to fake it till they make it fdkjghdñkjhg It's just about all those normal moments mixed with the world tilting knowledge that makes it feel like such a surreal experience.

And yet the familiar is definitely present. There's the care that the boys show by being so aware of their body language, like passing y/n a sugar packet to stop them from potentially hurting themselves by digging their fingers in the table, or glancing constantly at their heart. (And I do wonder if after being so confident about what they can know from hearts, the boys suddenly wish they could sense even more, because while they might accurately guess some things, their nervousness shows they really were unsure about how everything could go. They never felt the need to know information that a heartbeat couldn't provide them. And right now it seemed it's something they really wanted)

(First sidenote [there will be several XD]: it was so funny to me how the waitress was all "tee hee I see you lovebirds" about this, and meanwhile y/n is having the most critical conversation of their life fkgñjhsjdfg)

And aaaah, I'm sure it's not a priority for Eclipse right now, but like, they were really able to get a good look at the hunters insecurities and self doubts. As readers we are very familiar with them, and perhaps the boys had been able to suspect them, but y/n always liked to act confident about them. Whenever they were harsh on their own "failings" it was mostly internal. Right now, the hunter is at the most vulnerable. They ask if they were hoping they would fail to protect people so they could get more hearts ("did you think I was incompetent all this time?"), if they found it funny how they would claim to protect them when they clearly don't see the hunter as a threat towards them, easily taking all their weapons away ("I'm not that strong, I must have looked like a fool"), their comment about failing to protect so many people, when they actually do protect so many.

But of course it's not just about that. Y/n is also in desperate need to know their intentions. They did just found out that there was a big part of their relationship that was a lie. They really need to know what their answers are and to make sense of them. To look back at everything and decide if it all sounds right and fits. To know and try to decipher if there really is no cruelty hidden deep down, or if they can trust this whole thing at all. There's so many conflicting feelings right now, including everything they thought they knew. It must be very wild to them, how being a hunter they were used to knowing more than the average person about a certain part of the world, only to suddenly feel like they know nothing at all.

(Sidenote 2: On the more technical side, I really love how you managed the pacing of the conversation. There is such a careful back and forth, both wary of the reactions of the other with every new piece of info revealed! One side desperate to seem honest and worthy of trust while knowing it’s a lot to ask, and the other wanting to believe in what they’re told but unable to fully just yet because of the previous hurt and a lingering sense of betrayal. Oh and also I really loved how you used the hand touches as the conversation progressed! Like at first it was very distant. Hesitant and only getting close but no contact. Then it was light taps and softly laying a hand on top of the other, and then advancing to actually taking each other’s hands and lacing their fingers together! Very nice visual representation of how things were going!)

(Sidenote after the sidenote because yes: Kudos to y/n when they spoke about mothman because I would have devolved into hysterical giggles after realizing the big scary demon across the table, which has been trying to very seriously make a case for themselves and their true nature, is basically pouting at remembering the short-lived one sided rivalry they had with a cryptid neither the hunter nor said demon had encounter before wheeze. Ironically, I think this is one of the most important parts of what they discussed, because it demonstrates that they can be more than just the frightening being they know demons to be. There really is no possible objective if their intentions were only malicious to act so sour about the whole mothman deal. It makes them seem genuine and nuanced and not so dignified and distant to what the hunter themselves are.)

But AAAAAAA then there it is! The truth about the murdered nameless hunter. I’m just gonna say “Stepping over fear, you open your eyes and face Eclipse”, was such a banger intro line for this part, because gosh if that’s not what this chapter is all about. No more denial, no more choosing to leave it be. It’s all about the truth right now, no matter how much it might hurt or suprise. Ahhh, the taking a step away from them and dropping their hand hit so hard, especially because of what I mentioned before of the hand touches. Of course that would be what the neuter would take the hardest! And oooh I do have to wonder if their reaction took Eclipse by surprise, not because they weren’t expecting y/n to be horrified by it, but because y/n immediately blamed themselves. 

Sun and Moon have witnessed how much the hunter cares. How the suffering of others is something they wish to stop at all costs and take it hard when they can’t stop it. And they’re suddenly confronted with the reality that something they did without a second thought, even delight, now has their kind heart looking at their own human hands and seeing blood. Blood y/n feels responsible for because it derives from the decision of trusting them. And hoo boy do I imagine that hurts badly. They seem to handle better the idea of the hunter hating them than the hunter hating themselves.

And ahh that vow! It really is the culmination of all those months together. All that time building that bond and how much the journey they have been through together means to them. Just a couple paragraphs before the hunter is suddenly having doubts again. Doubts that there might be affection now and they’ll be discarded as a toy later. But all those big and small moments can’t have been nothing. So they put everything on the line by choosing to believe them as long as they swear they’ll never cross again the line of what they cannot stand for. It’s the very reason they do what they do after all. And for the boys that’s such an important vow to accept. Because it’s never been part of their morality or something that bothered them too much. It’s promising that no matter if they are starving like they experienced before, they will not kill someone who doesn’t deserve it. It’s trusting that now that the truth is out, the hunter will also help to not let them go hungry. It’s a big enough deal to deliberate for a while. But they accept, because they know it’s the one thing that determines whether their heart is willing to let them stay or not. The one unshakable boundary.

(sidenote: it occurs to me that, worst case scenario, even if the hunter did not have the hope that all of it had been real, that they would have still said yes to them tagging along. Because if the vow would save innocent people, then that’s the only option they would feel is right. But that’s just a slightly sadder alternative because I’m sure the boys would prove themselves to be serious about it either way XD)

Of course it’s not a vow that immediately fixes everything. I have a feeling the boys will be faced with questions like that one about them leaving while y/n is asleep. It can be harsh to not be believed when they have promised to be honest, but they know their word has yet to earn their trust and that the time after the rake attack cut very deep. But there’s a sense of things being settled and it’s clear how they all really missed the familiarity and companionship they were all used to.

But this is getting very long! XD So the last thing I wanted to comment on is that now the search for Vanessa truly begins! I am vibrating in my seat waiting not only for the final confrontation and the reveal of who this demon really is, but also to see what the cooperation of the hunter and Eclipse will be able to achieve in a hunt! And also, I have a feeling that saltshaker is definitely gonna come into play. How? I don’t know! But I am keeping my eyes open!

(Last sidenote: I suddenly thought of the demonic “family gatherings” and how the others might notice how meeting the hunter has changed the boys. They themselves say they are inspired by their kindness and that they want to do better. So will they seem a bit softer around the edges when they meet their family again? I imagine that after thousands of years of not changing much, the difference would be noticeable to the few they hold dear, right?)

But aaaah, that’s it for now! Awesome chapter, Naff! I imagine things will not be half as calm from this point on and I still don’t know if I’m ready but I do know I’m looking forward to it! :D  

I'm gonna explode from all your analysis sand catching the little details! I'm vibrating at the speed of sound in my seat as we speak alsjdfalsd

AHHHH THANK YOU SO MUCH!

A few things I want to touch on: For your worst-case scenario, first off! Ouch, you poked my heart ;-;. Second off, you're right that the hunter wouldn't want Eclipse out of their sights regardless of their current relationship status! Even if Y/N didn't believe Sun and Moon were genuine in all of their dealings, Y/N couldn't have them out and about, doing whatever a demonic cryptid does (not exactly bloodless things).

Ahhhh, demonic family gatherings is something the cryptids should slap on some shirts when they do get together pfffft! The others, the 'glamrocks', would notice how much Eclipse has softened, especially for this adult! Just, wow, they're bringing a little mortal back so they can introduce them to the fam? Who is this human that's stolen their darling Eclipse's, non-existent heart? They're all very excited to meet you! Though, it is a bit overwhelming to meet so many demonic cryptids gathered in one place, but don't worry, you're sweetie knows when to take you away for a break from their big, spooky family hehe

Thanks, babe! ♥

[yuuana]

Music Monday #252: BE:FIRST x ATEEZ - Hush-Hush release: July 2024 genre: Jpop cw: flashing, cyberpunk surrealism

It may or may not even be Monday any more by the time you read this (probably not), it's been one of those days, but I am determined, dammit. XD Or maybe just exhausted. Or both? Could be both...

As is all too common in Jpop, we didn't get a whole lot of lead time on this release, though looking back, it's pretty obvious this was one of the things ATEEZ was working on earlier this year and why they seemed to be spending extra time in Japan during NOT OKAY promotions. I knew it was going to be something special, because ATEEZ always bring innovation to the stage, but I wasn't prepared to be completely blown away.

I feel like I should start with the caveat that a lot of collaborations coming out of Kpop right now tend to feel less like a cooperative project and more like someone doled out lines and even if there is an MV, there's very little interaction between collaborating groups. Combined with the trend starting in late 3rd gen of lines being treated like the sole property of one member at a time, and that ability to interact gets even smaller. It's never zero, there's always the chorus (in theory), and the Japanese idol system has its own expectations ... that I am, admittedly, not as current on for reasons, so I was coming to this with that Kpop experience and expectation.

In hindsight, that was a complete mistake because of course ATEEZ brought Edenary with them to this project to co-produce at every level alongside the BMSG team. From the first line, we get a genuinely collaborative vibe that flows through the whole song where the rapping sections are the majority of the solo lines, traded between the two groups equally. BE:FIRST and ATEEZ share such similar tone and range that until the video came out, other than the raps and Jongho's signature high notes, I spent a lot of time being very unsure who was singing what. And surprised and pleased at how often it was at least two voices blending together. And don't think I didn't catch that line about the underdog who now wears the crown. ;) The lyrics are pretty meta, actually, talking about working hard and not backing down but also not looking to fight about who's the best because they already know the answer and don't feel the need to argue it out with anyone.

Speaking of the music video... look, I stopped counting how many times I've watched this days ago and I'm still stunned and amazed and picking out little things. Obviously this was a whole lot of green screen ... which actually makes it even more impressive in some ways because any time you have to green screen in an element (or two or ten), the artist is acting against a blank. At best, they might have had some early animatics to give the artists some idea of what would be going on around them, but a lot of the video was filled in after the fact. And yet all fifteen of them sell it like they really are in grand sweeping spaces.

For obvious reasons, I'm not ticking this as lore, but if you told me it was, I would believe you. Between Z-team's history of cyberpunk aesthetics and A-team's history of dreaming... I could easily buy this as the start of an alliance - eight men can't save the world all on their own, after all.

2024 is definitely shaping up as the year ATEEZ takes on world domination with a vengeance. BE:FIRST are still relatively new to their career, having only debuted in November of 2021 (plus their youngest is an '06-liner, oh god, the babies are taking over) and are already dominating in Tokyo and see this as a first step onto the world stage. Which is both fair and wise. ;) This one-track single is available now for streaming and/or digital purchase on most of the major platforms, as is a remix by m-flo's Taku Takahashi.

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