#I like when the narrative is a little haunted even if all my fanfics are about fixing that so the haunting doesn't happen

[goron-king-darunia]

Annon-Guy: Hope you like this. I feel this does Shadow, Rouge, Omega and Maria justice.

Tell me what you think when you get a chance.

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Voice Cast:

Shadow: Kirk Thornton

Maria Robotnik: Stephenie Sheh

Rogue The Bat and Abe: Karen Strassman

E-123 Omega and The G.U.N. Commander: Roger Craig Smith

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Sonic X Shadow Generations - Dark Beginnings; https://youtu.be/S7RTnNygRqE?si=7wV1L1r5lx9u2bj9

The choreography for the fight scenes are incredibly snappy, and Shadow, Omega, and Rouge have that great Team Dark synergy going again. The fact that Rouge wants to manipulate Shadow into doing something as silly as attending Sonic's Birthday Party is kind of funny, but I really doubt Shadow would go otherwise, so fair enough.

Omega constantly calling dibs and being upset when Shadow gets to explode a robot is pretty fun, and Shadow actually visibly pulling the escape pod lever to evacuate the G.U.N. mook was a really nice touch.

Commander Abe grew so much as a character off screen than he did in Shadow the Hedgehog, it's almost insane. But I love that they're paying attention to their own lore here. Also while Shadow was technically in stasis for 50 years, I like that they're still treating the loss of Maria as something that affects him like it's fresh. Because there's still so much that happened between then and now in the time Shadow has been awake, and in a lot of ways he only regained the memories of losing Maria recently on top of a lot of new trauma. So, like. I guess I'm just glad they're letting Sonic characters have realistic trauma again. Like, the comics are notorious for having Sonic's actual children literally disappeared from the timeline because timeline and time travel shenanigans meant they were literally never born, and Sonic has to tank that emotional hit with, like, the sadness of a guy that lost his favorite record collection in a fire and not, like A PARENT THAT HAD ALL HIS CHILDREN DIE IN A FREAK ACCIDENT. "Oh but it all turns out okay in the end they just get born later." NO. Sorry those are totally new kids and even if they were cell for cell the exact same kids that doesn't justify Sonic not being allowed to experience the crushing anguish he definitely would experience because "Sonic's not that kind of character and can't be too sad."

Like, nah, actually. They are funny little haha bouncy super-fast alien hedgehogs but they are STILL FUCKING PEOPLE. You do not get to put one of the literally hardest things a human can experience in the narrative and have the character shed 3 tears and shrug it off. "Oh but it's for kids--" who will grow up into adults and who will lose people important to them. Painting a character who is meant to be a children's role model as a guy who either can or HAS TO shrug off that kind of pain is basically telling kids "you might go through literally the hardest thing there is to experience in life. Don't cry too hard about it okay?" Like FUCK THAT. Not to even mention adult audiences that clearly read the material too who, you know, might ALSO have had such a terrible thing happen to them and the narrative barely gives that thing space to breathe before they go "Okay, everything's fixed now!"

So, yeah, I'm always going to be a little salty with narratives treating death as this cheap thing they can throw in to be like "oh a bad thing happened, but it's gonna be okay." As if death is a thing that exists for 10 seconds and then you get over it. I dunno, I've just never wanted death in narratives as something treated cheaply which is why in my own work I always think long and hard about whether characters need to die, even in my fanfic where my ultimate retcon is usually bringing a dead guy back to life. So I guess I just have mad respect for games and movies and shows that take this shit seriously. I know for a long time movies and games and shows for kids were supposed to be pure entertainment. The bad guy dying is just a way to eliminate the danger, the death of parents or community members or the fridging of women all serve as motivation for the heroes but aren't given much consideration beyond that, or death isn't mentioned at all and characters are subjected to fates worse than death so that darker themes can fly under the radar. And while I think it's noble and perfectly natural to want some children's media that focuses more on the adventure, pleasure, and fun of life and the narrative makes no allusion to or mention of death, I feel like we get so much of the other side of the coin too, where death is a flourish for easy fear and anguish that get plastered over with a happy ending but you're still not asked to consider it.

I think we get very little media that actually addresses something that most humans will go through. The deaths of people they care about. Even natural, expected, quiet deaths are painful. And it feels kind of strange that instead of offering audiences a safe and comfortable place to grapple with that unpleasantness, a lot of media asks us to skirt past it because it assumes doing so avoids the most unpleasantness and pain. And I really don't think it does. Grief, I think, is like a buckshot wound, and you have to do a lot of picking around in painful places to get all the bits and pieces out before any healing can happen. I'm not saying all media needs a designated 2 hour crying session where they play sad music and invite you to mourn the character that died or whomever in your life you have unresolved grief about. But I am saying that I think it's cowardly to not allow the deaths of important characters to haunt the narrative.

I recently had the opportunity to watch the Sonic movie. I know, I'm massively late to the party. I waited for it to show up on Netflix because that's the only streaming service I currently have and I'm morally opposed to and economically prevented from having 12 different subscription services just to watch everything as soon as it releases or else pay every time I want to see something in theaters no matter how old or new it is. And it's a good movie. But it bugged me a bit that the movie spent so little time on Longclaw. We skip all but the direct impact she had on Sonic. Maybe it gets addressed in the second movie. And I know a lot of time passes and it's meant to be his backstory, but we spend so little time absorbing that Sonic was chased out of his home and his initial mother figure literally died or at least seemed to die saving him. She lives on through the advice Sonic follows to stay safe on earth. But we're really expected to believe this tiny kid tanked both the loss of his home and his adoptive mother that easily? The only real resolution we get for that is the parallel of Tom thinking of leaving Green Hill and Sonic being shaken up by that because Tom is thinking of choosing to leave his home when Sonic himself had no choice in that. Longclaw gets one or two passing mentions.

We never see a body in the first movie so I'm assuming it's entirely possible they bring her back later on and they don't want us getting too sad about a character that isn't actually dead. But it still bugs me.

I suppose it's a personal thing for me, but I've always felt like if I have to or want to cause people pain in a narrative, I need to have a reason for it beyond "that's how you make this narrative work, that's the way stories are written." Then again, I'm the sort of person that almost unilaterally writes fluff and fix it fics, so maybe those are just the stories that resonate with me most. Maybe those are the stories I need, and everyone else needs stories where the narrative isn't haunted by characters long past. But, then again I resonated with Shadow before I even lost a grandparent, so maybe it's very little to do with personal circumstance at all. Maybe I just like suffering, any and all suffering, to be acknowledged for what it is and to ask the audience to consider the unfairness of a world where suffering exists because maybe it's just in my nature to want to beg the same from others, to consider how the world is unfair in the hopes that enough of us thinking about it will help the world to change.

[pascaloverx]

BORN TO DIE

Summary: In a tense political setting, a Targaryen bastard working as a prostitute is summoned by Prince Aemond to the Red Keep. Aemond wants her to approach his dragon, Vhagar, as a test of her worth. Although he plans for her to claim another dragon in the future, her immediate challenge is to survive Prince Aemond demands while trying to stay alive.

Author’s Note: This work is set in the world created by George R.R. Martin, as depicted in his book Fire & Blood, and none of the characters belong to me. The story will follow some events from the series House of the Dragon (2022), but with changes to fit the fanfiction narrative. Therefore, it will not adhere strictly to the series' storyline. This fanfiction is a work of fiction and may contain inappropriate language, adult content, and violence. Readers be warned. I hope you enjoy the story and interact with it. I apologize if there are any errors in the High Valyrian sections; I used a translator and am unsure of its accuracy. Thank you and happy reading.

Warning: This chapter will contain violence, as well as inappropriate language and adult sexual content. Minors should not read or interact with this chapter or this fanfic.

TWO FOUR (+18)

THREE (+18)

The horse continues its steady trot, the rhythmic sound of hooves filling the silence between you and Prince Aemond. Since you had declared that only he or a dragon could take your life, neither of you had spoken. The images of the ragged commoners still haunt your mind, the blood of one of them staining your skin. The scent lingers, almost as though it corrodes your very soul—if there is any soul left to corrode. Aemond, in contrast, remains unnervingly calm, as if such violence is second nature to him.

"When I was younger, my mother taught me to always adapt. Kings and princes like you were not born to be contradicted by people like me. My mother was a woman who adapted well, and that is how I was conceived. The man who fathered me sought a replacement for his dead wife, and my mother shaped herself to meet his desires." You can sense that your words mean little to Aemond Targaryen, yet for a fleeting moment, you feel compelled to share them. Perhaps it is the honesty, or perhaps the looming realization that this might be your final journey—the last stretch before the war claims you. It has never been clearer that your end is near, whether by the hand of a one-eyed prince or the flames of a dragon. The manner of death is inconsequential now; it is merely a matter of time.

"My silence must have been misunderstood by you, gundjabo. I have no need to hear your lamentations." The prince’s low voice carries a hint of irritation as he lets out a frustrated grunt. You exhale sharply, frustration building within you. There is something dreadful about being condemned to a war that is not your own, dragged along by a man indifferent to your very existence—one who does not even deign to bed you.

"Unless you plan to kill me for speaking, I shall continue. These may very well be my final words, for all I know," you say, your tone steady but defiant. "As I was saying, I always knew my fate would lead me to the brothel, as a whore. But when the man who fathered me came to weep over his legitimate children, I discovered I was a bastard of someone of importance. And that I had a sibling who bore a resemblance to me. That is why I speak High Valyrian, for I was meant to be the perfect replacement for someone’s trueborn daughter. Tell me, Your Highness, how did you know I was a bastard?"

Your boldness stems from a desire to have your story heard, to have someone in this world know the truth of your existence. And you are certain Aemond will not kill you—not before delivering you to the dragon.

"What gave you the notion that I would be inclined to engage in conversation with you? Know your place, Y/N," Aemond snaps, turning toward you with a sudden, fierce movement, as if poised to strike. His single eye fixes on you, sharp and unwavering, and there’s a dark satisfaction in the way he watches your reaction. He seems to revel in the way his abruptness unsettles you, savoring the fear or hesitation he provokes.

"What led you to believe that I would be disposed to engage in conversation with you? Understand your position, Y/N." Príncipe Aemond pivots abruptly to face you, his single eye piercingly fixed upon your countenance. His demeanor is one of restrained menace, and he appears to take a grim satisfaction in the disquiet he has stirred within you.

The horse comes to an abrupt halt, causing your body to jostle against Prince Aemond Targaryen, who seems increasingly agitated. He dismounts with a brisk movement, signaling the end of your journey by horse. Before you lies a solitary figure, stationed by a boat, standing guard with an air of grim duty.

"My esteemed Prince Aemond, I present to you what you have requested. Should you follow the prescribed route, you shall arrive at the location where it has been reported that your future dragon was sighted. I wish you a successful and prosperous journey." The peculiar man, clearly seeking to flatter the Prince, elicits a noticeable expression of disdain from him.

"Then your presence here is no longer required. I suggest you keep your lips sealed regarding my business here. Additionally, worm, should I fail to find the 'safe' path to the dragon, be aware that you will face a most unfavorable encounter with Vhagar." You are unable to observe their exchange directly, as you are preoccupied with dismounting the horse, given that Aemond appears to be indifferent to your presence at the moment.

"My prince, I would never lead you into an ambush. I wish you a successful journey and hope you acquire the dragon," you finally manage to dismount from the horse, nearly falling onto the ground. The peculiar man watches you with a smile, seemingly amused by your misfortune, while Aemond, though visibly irritated, remains unyielding. His irritation persists even in moments when you are not actively provoking him.

"Rise from the ground at once, gundjabo. If this is your feeble attempt to gain my pity, you are failing. And as for you, Larys, you should have already removed yourself from my sight. Of course, if you hold no regard for your life, you are welcome to remain." Prince Aemond's voice was laced with irritation, the impatience in his tone unmistakable. The peculiar man, now silent, awkwardly retrieves the horse you both arrived on and departs clumsily, leaving you and the prince alone once more.

Yet you remain on the ground, lost in contemplation of your wretched circumstances, bound to the will of Prince Aemond. Your gaze drifts away from him, drawn instead to the waters that flank the path to Dragonstone. The sight of the water, so free and fluid, captivates you. It seems to beckon, offering a silent sanctuary, a world away from your current plight. It had been so long since you had been near the water, and now it appeared almost sacred, a reminder of peace in a life devoid of it. Though you hear Prince Aemond’s voice, it feels distant, as if muffled by the pull of the serene waters. In this brief moment, it is as though you and the water are the only things that exist. You rise, however; not to obey any command but to delight in the water. Slowly, you begin to strip away your clothing, letting the fabric fall carelessly to the ground as the cool wind brushes against your bare skin. A deep sense of freedom, unfamiliar and intoxicating, washes over you. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, you taste the sweetness of liberation, a brief escape from the chains of your fate.

It does not matter that Prince Aemond will see you in such a vulnerable state, nor does it concern you that his inevitable anger will rise once more. His threats of death hold no sway over you in this moment. As the last of your garments slips from your body, you stand, unburdened and untamed, indifferent to the consequences. For now, you are part of the wind, the water, the air—untouchable by any prince or king.

"What do you think you are doing? I did not bring you here to gaze upon your nakedness, nor for any such entanglements," Prince Aemond snaps, his voice sharp as steel, while his hand grips your arm, halting your movement toward the water. His touch, firm yet restrained, feels different for the first time—no longer cold or harsh, but strangely… grounding. Though his grasp is strong, it does not hurt you. You turn your gaze to him, your lips curling into a relaxed, almost defiant smile. The tension between you, once a barrier, now seems to shift subtly, as though something unspoken lingers between the two of you.

"It seems, Your Highness, that you are under the mistaken impression that I have any interest in such entanglements with you," you say, your voice soft yet pointed, as you step closer to him. "If it appears otherwise, you are gravely mistaken. You have made it abundantly clear that you are here as my possessor, not my lover. But the blood on my skin reeks of decay, and if I am to face a fatal destiny by your hand or another, at the very least, grant me the decency of being cleansed for it. I do not believe I am asking for much." Though your tone is measured, almost submissive, your gaze remains sharp, as if daring him to challenge your words. Yet beneath that facade of defiance, there is a clear falsehood—you wouldn't mind if he took you here, on the cold, unforgiving ground. The threatening look in your eyes, too, is a lie; in truth, at this moment, you pose as much danger to the prince as a child would. You know this, and so does he.

"Ao kostagon jikagon, gundjabo," Prince Aemond finally responds, his voice carrying an edge of authority. As he speaks, you offer him a faint, resigned smile. Without another word, you run toward the water. The cold is biting, eliciting a drawn-out gasp as you immerse yourself, but as you cleanse your body with the water, you feel the burdens you have been carrying begin to lift. When you look at Prince Aemond, he is naked; coming towards you. For a moment you can't believe what you're about to witness. Or rather do.

"Your excitement at my presence here is a disgrace to yourself. I have no intention of expanding the bonds of our relationship, gundjabo." Prince Aemond speaks as he steps closer and closer. He certainly wants to dispel any lust that is taking hold of you.

"Tell me, Your Highness, are you so afraid of fucking me?" In moments of the prince's presence, the cold that was taking over your body turned into heat; burning deep within your soul. The prince smiles mischievously as if he liked her question; even if in a diaceous way. Your gaze then shifts to Prince Aemond's member, which appears to be quite erect for a cock that isn't considering entering you.

"If you must know, there has been no fear under me for some time. What I have, is caution. You think I don't notice that your desire for me lies in the need to manipulate me," Aemond approaches you quickly, his hand then roaming over your face, almost as if he was scrutinizing you. "A whore like you must be as thirsty as any other to have the privilege of being taken by me," Prince Aemond stands directly behind you, his cock lightly touching your ass. As his hand moves from a light, affectionate touch to your face and moves downwards, touching your neck with a certain dexterity, in a firm way.

"Dear prince, my intentions towards you are the most pleasurable possible. What risk can a mere prostitute bring you?" What you say comes out of your mouth like a whisper, as half of your concentration has already been lost. Instinctively you turn around, still feeling Aemond's hand on your neck. A drawn-out moan is released by Prince Aemond, who holds your breasts tightly with both hands.

"Say, gundjabo, would you like me to take you here, in the middle of the water? That I would use these hands to fuck you? To satisfy you?" As Prince Aemond aggressively touches your breasts, you let out somewhat scandalous moans. It looks like Aemond's hands are massaging your breasts in a teasing way.

"By your hands, Ñuha Dārilaros; I would accept any fate. Death or pleasure, whatever you decide; it will be to my advantage." You drawl, trying to seduce Aemond. Between your legs, if there was already water before; now everything was wet. Your pussy is ready to receive Prince Aemond's cock. And then abruptly, he grabs your ass firmly, pulling you towards him. Almost like climbing a mountain, you climb up Aemond, wrapping your legs around his waist. Once you secure yourself around Aemond, It's like your pussy is throbbing just from feeling his cock pressed lightly beneath it. In a desperate act, you pull Prince Aemond's face to yours, kissing him. A thirsty kiss, as if there was an uncontrollable thirst within you and only Aemond Targaryen's lips could quench it. At first he seems apprehensive, controlling his tongue so as not to lose his rational side even in a simple kiss, but as soon as you press a little on his cock, which is already hard, he gives himself over to the kiss; body and soul. The prince's long fingers firmly gripping the top of your ass, creating a pleasant friction between your body and his. And just as it seems like he's finally going to give himself to you, he pulls away from your lips and drops you into the water.

“Certain privileges must be earned before they are received so impulsively, gundjabo. Tame the dragon we are about to seek, prove yourself indispensable to your King, and you will gain some worth in my eyes. Until then, savor this moment. There may not be another opportunity for you to experience such freedom again in the future.” Prince Aemond speaks as he holds your face up after you finally manage to catch your breath from being thrown into the water. You are seething with anger inside—frustrated by the way the one-eyed prince has treated you, by the inability to grasp the full magnitude of his presence, and by your own intense yearning for him that has made you lose all sense of absurdity.

In silence, the prince exits the water, gathering his garments from the ground and donning them once more. You watch him attentively, struggling to suppress the anger that is consuming you. Fortunately, as the desire ebbs away, your good sense returns. With a sense of urgency, you leave the water and dress yourself. No words are exchanged between you and Prince Aemond during the journey to the boat, nor during the voyage to Dragonstone.

Certainly, you had to be discreet, feigning the role of commoners while you followed Prince Aemond to the location where he hoped to find his potential dragon. The journey took hours, leading you to a nearly forgotten place amidst a quiet fishing village. Against the prince's will but driven by strategy, you had to repeatedly obstruct the view of curious onlookers who tried to recognize Aemond. Through a bit of your own charm, you managed to divert their attention, effectively becoming his shield. In the tempestuous atmosphere, you finally come upon the dragon. It is enormous, with black scales that blend into the shadows. Its eyes are closed, indicating it is resting.

“Your Highness, I cannot... Find another bastard,” you say upon seeing the dragon so close. The fear of death outweighs any sense of duty at that moment. You step back, trying to distance yourself, but Prince Aemond grips your arm with a harshness. This time, he pulls you close with aggression.

"Swallow your cowardice, go over there, and claim that dragon. And if this seems like a request to you, know that it is an order, and should you disobey, you will die by my sword, gundjabo." Prince Aemond threatens, looking at you with impatience. His menacing tone frightens you somewhat, but as a final act of bravery, you grab the dagger from the Prince’s waist and point it at him.

"Your Highness, regrettably, I must clarify that I have no intention of obeying you. Let me go, and I assure you, you shall never hear of me again," you say, your voice trembling somewhat, though not from cowardice. The thought of death, at this moment, feels unsatisfactory to you.

"Go to that damned dragon and claim it for yourself, or you will die here. There is no other option, gundjabo. My patience is wearing thin, so drop this dagger and go now!" Prince Aemond bellows with all his might, his demeanor fierce and ready to strangle you if necessary. As you remain indecisive, contemplating your options, Prince Aemond suddenly throws himself at you, causing both of you to tumble to the ground. He grips your neck tightly, while you still hold the dagger against him, the weapon trembling in your hand.

"Your Highness, you are squeezing my neck...with a certain unnecessary firmness." You speak between attempts to catch your breath as the air escapes you. Aemond's blank stare tells you he might kill you. So while you still have strength, you hold the sharp dagger against the neck of Aemond Targaryen, who is lying on top of yours. He only seems to notice that he is hurting you more than necessary when you cut him, more specifically cut a small but significant part of his neck. And then his hands lose their grip on your neck and his attention seems to be elsewhere. It could be that the pain from the cut is bothering him, or the fact that he is bleeding and the blood is dripping down your face. The taste of Aemond's blood is surprisingly sweet, but you worry that you've seriously injured him.Then you drop the dagger you were holding and look worriedly at Prince Aemond. He removes his hands from your neck and slowly holds both of your hands at the height of your head.

“Do you feel powerful for having managed to make me bleed, gundjabo?” Prince Aemond’s words are laced with a cruel edge, as if your injury to him has only heightened his thrill. The dangerous proximity of your faces is palpable. However, before you can respond, the dragon stirs and awakens. You both quickly disentangle as you hear the dragon's roar, followed by a burst of fire that sends a shiver down your spine. It may seem like madness, but you could swear the fire that it spewed was green, an unusual color for dragon flames. The dragon's eyes are also green. It appears to be the most magnificent dragon you have ever seen.

"What should I do, Your Highness?" you ask desperately as you feel the hot breath of the dragon's nostrils blowing over you and Aemond. You recall the commands for summoning dragons that your father taught you, but without knowing the dragon's name, it will be impossible to call it.

"Command him, tell him to calm down; if he obeys you, he will be your dragon. His name is Cannibal. I suggest you act quickly before he kills us, gundjabo," Prince Aemond commands authoritatively as he gives you instructions. After a moment of effort, you take a few steps forward, under the watchful gaze of the dragon.

“Naejot Māzīs, Canibal,” you say, approaching the dragon as you notice your hands stained with Prince Aemond’s blood. Despite the bloodied state, you persist in your attempt to claim the dragon. “Lykiri, Canibal. Nyke daor dangerous. Sȳz taoba.” You raise your blood-stained hand towards the dragon, which responds with another roar. Despite the force of the roar nearly causing you to fall, you stand firm, determined to show the dragon that it will have a fearless—if not reckless—rider. The dragon spreads its wings and positions itself in front of you, undecided on whether to accept or attack. It then unleashes a powerful flame into the sky.

You close your eyes tightly, resigned to your fate, but also emboldened by the attempt to claim a dragon, an unprecedented advance from your life as a bastard prostitute. As you brace for the dragon’s attack, it approaches, waiting. You glance back at Prince Aemond, who stands behind you, observing. He gestures for you to place your hand on the dragon. With a deep breath, you gently and slowly reach out to touch the dragon’s face.

As soon as your hand makes contact, a powerful surge of energy envelops you. Your eyes shut again to fully experience the bond forming between you and Cannibal. Though it feels like mere seconds, you sense that more time has passed. Prince Aemond’s voice reaches you through the haze, calling you several times. When you finally open your eyes, both yours and the dragon’s meet in unison. Turning slowly, you face Prince Aemond, who appears astonished. You and Cannibal now stand united, as one.

"Congratulations, gundjabo. You have just bestowed a significant advantage upon your King in this war," Prince Aemond declares, his expression betraying genuine satisfaction. Yet, there is no joy within you. The gravity of your new reality is apparent: you are now irrevocably entangled in a conflict that, though not of your own making, could very well claim your life. Moreover, your evident lack of experience with dragons only compounds the danger you face. Officially, your existence has been altered beyond recognition.

TO BE CONTINUED

GLOSSARY

Ao kostagon jikagon - You can go

Gundjabo - Prostitute

Ñuha Dārilaros - My Prince

Naejot Māzīs - Come Forward

Lyriri - Calm down

Nyke - I

Daor - Not

Sȳz - Good

Taoba - Boy

[camelspit]

Biana Vacker by @aspenaspenaspenaspenaspen

Jolie Ruewen by @camelspit

Propaganda:

Biana Vacker:

"she’s literally the sweetest person ever!!!! also she was uplifted because of her looks for her entire life and then when she got her scars, she learned to embrace them!!! which is NOT easy so shes one of the strongest ppl in kotlc imo! she’s an amazing character who has a heart of gold" @venux777

"Please please please vote Biana pleeeeeeeeeeease she’s so cool she was my middle school self’s gay awakening she’s Shannon’s favorite little plot convenience she’s every fanfic writers favorite plot convenience to host a sleepover so Keefe and Sophie can kiss she’s not just a girl she’s SO GIRL vote for Biana Vacker" (anonymous)

"she’s the best. literally the definition of gaslight gatekeep girlboss. she kicks ass and looks cute while doing it. 🔥" (anonymous)

Jolie Ruewen:

"my girl Jolie deserved so much better, I lover her sm she's so underrated ugh. I hope we will get to see her more in book 10" (anonymous)

"guys she literally haunts the narrative like no other. sure, prentice was kinda haunting the narrative for a few books in his schrödinger’s-dead state, but jolie has been *dead* dead since before book one, yet she feels more alive to us at times in the series than some living characters.

we know what her favorite treats were, we know she loved gremlins, we know she was scared of the dark as a kid, we know she was the life of the party, we know where her dresses and makeup were and still are decades later. we know her wedding was going to have a butterfly theme. we know she was willing to write in a diary in a secret code backwards because she needed to confess somewhere but couldn’t confess to the people she needed to. we know she loved so much it killed her and she was loved so much that part of grady and edaline and brant and maybe even vertina (A PIECE OF AI) and others died with her.

sophie never even met her, and there’s a part of her that loves jolie and thinks of her as someone safe, given the times prentice appeared as jolie and sophie went “this is a sign i’m gonna be alright”. jolie was a source of goodness so palpable that prentice feels safer taking her shape. and grady and edaline see her in sophie more than they’ll ever say out loud. sophie is a warped reflection of some of who jolie was and could’ve been.

jolie is an inspiration and a warning to all in the same breath. and it’s been almost twenty years since her last breath was full of smoke." @synonymroll648

[bunny-hoodlum]

👩‍🏭 🌈 ( what usually inspires you to write all your fics?) 🧠🖊 👀 📥

Fanfic Ask Game Answers!

👩‍🏭 If one of your fics was going to get you arrested, which one and why?

Omigosh, huhhhhhh... My Genin!Hinata/Jonin-sensei!Naruto dubcon WIP, I guess? 😅 50-50 either stuff happens when she's 12yo or 14yo, but the part of me that's a coward and doesn't want to invite drama gonna shoot for when she's 14. 😅 12-13yos gonna be emotional manipulation stuff. 🤔

🌈 What inspired you to write all your fics?

The age regression sequence in The Last is solely at fault for my Age Difference obsession. Sometimes it's something I see, for example, "be the end of me" is only because I saw an Asian female customer with super long hair but most of it was bleached blonde. Or "Handsy" is because I saw yoga equipment. My brain just handles the rest. I get hit with a semitruck of narrative and it's a WIP! Soaking up online discussion or other people's fics help too. Sometimes I'll jinx myself in reverse and tell someone "I'm stuck, I don't know how to handle this part, it's sooo boring", and then something hits me after and it's kind of embarrassing because I have to tell them "Nevermind" and ugh. 😅 Songs, too ofc! So many songs! I have playlists and everything.

🧠 What’s an idea you have that you can’t quite call a WIP yet?

I answered this one with Wicker-Mayne's ask, but let me see if I don't have another. 🤔 Maybe my Shibari AU? I still have to read the rest of the book and taking notes will help me remember the material, so I really got to find the time and do that. But it shouldn't be a hard one to write. I have an old post with the 3 or 4 variations that I thought of before, but all-in-all, it's just hentai doujin material. Hinata and her Shibari Instructor or sShibari Partner, whichever one I choose to do.

🖊 Post a snippet from a current WIP.

From Work Friends Chapter 3

She thought porn stars were supposed actors. Her previous co-star certainly was. The penetration was real. His hands on her body were real. But the angles weren’t for her benefit and his thrusts had been too shallow. Even with his decently sized cock, she felt like very little sex had ever occurred. She thought she wouldn’t mind if the next five years of this went on like that. Even though the world would doubt her purity and consider her used goods, someone out there would know better. Someone out there wouldn’t find her disgusting. Because it was all just acting. But this man. This man… She squeezed her thighs tighter together and nibbled on the hard lip of her water bottle. God, were they done yet? Menma was busy going over details with the director as they watched the playback together multiple times, sitting where she had been earlier, right behind the front passenger seat. He sat with one leg bent, his thick, muscled arm perched atop his knee, the other leg laying straight out. He took up twice the space she did, had to hunch beneath the ceiling when he stood up earlier, giving her a tantalizing show that made her mouth water. She tipped her bottle back, taking a furtive sip of chilled water to clear the unrestrained insanity plaguing her imagination. His commanding voice in her ear was going to haunt her dreams later, she was certain of it. That hungry aggression telling her to grab his cock. And he stained his sweats when she touched him. Was he really that aroused by her? Or was it something he was on? He’s old enough to need to pop blue little pills, but she doesn’t know much about them and how they work otherwise.

👀 Do you have any WIPs that you would never let see the light of day? If yes, what are they about?

Only the WIPs inside my mind, lol. 🤭 I honestly don't have anything I've written that I'm too scared to post. If I'm writing it, I'm usually planning on posting it. 🙈 Any WIPs that are ancient or incomplete count, I suppose. And so far, I still haven't properly shared the entirety of "Kotatsu" something-something. It was a flash in the pan kind of thing and I just lost all motivation to clean it up. 😅

📥 What is your fave fic to receive comments/messages on?

All of them! 💖 But especially anything that's new, haha. I need that first chapter reception to feel like I'm good to move forward. 😁

Thank you so much for all the questions!

[llycaons]

Section Four: Part X

Wicked tricks and beyond: modern with magic AUs

*hide fox, and all after* by blackfeather (oogenesis)

summary: this fic!!!!! so this modern cultivation AU is mxy pov, he’s on the run and he’s going to get his revenge on the jins! this loosely follows canon so it involves dealing with nhs and bringing wwx back. this mxy is phenomenal, the worldbuilding and magic system is super cool, the action/thriller aspect is so gripping, the characterizations for nhs is incredible, the modern twist on canon events is really fun, and the kindness with which sensitive topics are handled is beautiful this is one of my alltime favorite cql/mdzs fanfics - it’s so beloved to me, which is funny since it focuses on characters I otherwise don’t care much for, and follows the novel while I prefer cql. the last time it updated it was right near my birthday, so I have even more of a personal fondness for it. even after years, I still find this fic so fun and compelling that it makes me lose my mind, so it’s a shame to say it’s unlikely to ever be finished, as the author has moved on from the fandom. I still think it’s worth a read. check notes: sexual assault/harassment/blackmail, suicide, and homophobia are mentioned work issues: none author issues: none

*NIGHT HUNTING* by detention_notes

summary: in a universe otherwise without magic, wwx and lwj start being haunted by mysterious references to cql canon. some drama but mostly lighthearted references and shenanagins. jc is hilarious in this one, and so is lxc. one of my old faves - spooky, tender, and silly. a perfect halloween read. cql characterizations work issues: none author issues: none

*this river runs to you* by aubreyli, sundiscus

summary: so wwx is a disgraced curse-breaker and lwj is a dragon in human form searching for something taken from him. the way that the cql plot was integrated into this narrative was so fun and surprisingly faithful to canon, and despite lwj being a bit too normal, I enjoyed the characters and their developing relationship. there’s some fluff, there’s some h/c, there’s some angst, there’s a dramatic finale. the misunderstanding at the end surprised me with how emotional it made me. a little schlocky, but a really good time. and I spent so long avoiding it since I didn’t like shapeshifting AUs, too. more fool me I’m reccing all works in this series; the first is the main fic and the others are shorts and oneshots. cql characterizations. work issues: none author issues: has written fuck or die and genderbends

*hold the fire in your palm by oogenesis

summary: wwx is an infamous demon a la bartimaeus, and lwj is a demon hunter. they’re magically bonded together when wwx is accidentally summoned to the human world, and have to figure out how to send him back to the demon realm while keeping his identity a secret. the better lwj gets to know wwx, the more he has to face his assumptions and principles regarding demons. the plot is really interesting and the romance is wonderfully developed. action scenes are a bit shaky but I think the worldbuilding and tantalizing mysteries more than make up for it. another sadly discontinued work, but I think it ends at a nice place anyway. novel characterizations, but not for the bad stuff there’s some discussions of homophobia, so mind the notes work issues: none author issues: none

*see you yesterday* by glyphic

summary: oh, boy. modern AU with cultivation - a russian doll-style death timeloop set in new york city following a wwx (believed to be dead) and lwj (studying for his doctorate) a few years after the roughly-canon adjacent events of nightless city. there’s some memory manipulation involved to make wwx and lwj forget each other after the war, but it’s easiest to just read it and see how it all comes together. the novel-inspired worldbuilding is absolutely incredible, and I was also impressed by the more cql-leaning characterizations and the wonderful relationship development. absolutely lovely descriptions of the characters falling in love and finding joy amidst some of the darkest lives I’ve seen them live. this is a very dark and difficult version of the story and I did have to fight back tears more than once, but it was so worth it. currently unfinished but the last chapter took a year to come out so I’m holding out hope the final two chapters before hiatus went a little off the rails imo, wwx became just a little self-pitying for my taste and the plot was stalled in favor of longer-than-necessary flashbacks, repetitive descriptions of the showdown, and plainly stating the emotional state of the characters with writing less sophisticated and more cliche than I had come to expect. I hope that the next installment brings the higher quality of early chapters expect everything that happened to the wens, wwx, and mama lan in canon, plus child death. see notes for each chapter’s specific warnings work issues: none author issues: none

a bite of a vow, a taste of the truth by occultings (microcomets)

summary: kind of a guilty pleasure tbh because this is schlocky and tropey but modern AU wwx and lwj are cultivators who are assigned a case on the disappearance of all these couples and they have to pretend to be a couple in order to infiltrate and…yeah there’s succubi involved they have to ‘prove’ they’re a couple. so they pretend? but there’s no actual sexual activity forced by situation or under the influence of magic when they do eventually get together I thought it was really sweet. the characterizations are good, there’s fun interpersonal drama/angst, and the ending made me smile a lot. I also liked the exploration of wwx’s backstory and I thought it tied in well with canon. what can I say, sometimes this fanned fiction is kind of embarrassing but it’s still fun. work issues: several allusions to wwx’s cnc fantasies. the actual sex scene isn’t very appealing imo but nothing terrible author issues: allusions to cnc, genderbends, sex pollen

*give up your shape to the falling snow by thistleghost

summary: a moody and introspective modern with cultivation work - wwx is experiencing serious derealization and depersonalization, which I think were portrayed quite effectively. it doesn’t have much of a plot but he finds lwj and they spend some time together and explore his needs and get together, and he ends up in a better place than where he starts. cultivation magic is present but more background than than character drama this is indeed the petplay fic I had to abandon despite it otherwise being very compelling, then came back to because damn, the good parts really were very good. this one is heavy, so mind the tags/notes work issues: none author issues: has written genderbends and xiyao

silt, or scurvy by astronicht

summary: a modern take on post-sunshot wwx, who’s living with jiang cheng and, without a golden core, grappling with his chronic pain while using dc as a tool to keep his body semi-functional. a loose couple of vignettes with no overarching plot, it’s introspective and quite sad in a way that I think characterized the canon arc very accurately. I esp thought that wwx being resigned to, but not comfortable with, his experience of being exposed and without privacy, and his mental health in decline with loneliness and isolation on top of his pain was a good choice the wangxian here is well-written, but they don’t get together and the work has been abandoned, and wwx is not a headspace where it seems possible that it’ll happen anytime soon. so their relationship is a comfort and a relief, but it doesn’t go anywhere further even if the implication (in the tags, at least) is that it eventually will. moody, reflective, rather painful, but not devoid of warmth and comfort, and a worthwhile read for all that work issues: none author issues: genderbends

*a tide in two seas by occultings (microcomets)

summary: modern AU with cultivation and interdimensional travel (think the golden compass). lwj and wwx, high school acquaintances, reunite on a train as adults late at night. after a strange incident, they stumble into a mystery that tears them from their reality and forces them to confront their relationship. tagged cql but definitely novel-verse, though not in the bad ways. the character writing is incredibly good and avoids every single annoying pitfall I see in fic, especially novel fic. the plot isn’t the focus, but it’s quite thrilling and the worldbuilding is really cool as well check the author notes for further warnings. it’s impossible to review this further without spoiling the big chapter 1 twist, so SKIP THE REST OF THIS REVIEW IF YOU DON”T WANT TO BE SPOILED - - - they’re sent to canonverse and meet their married novel selves. both of them, esp wwx, is fucking incredibly written. I love when he rags on his younger and more ignorant self, I love his confidence and his air of danger and his love and his protectiveness for lwj. he’s in mxy’s body and the modern AU wwx is in his original body, so that makes for some interesting scenes. and the novel wx is impeccable. they’re joined at the hip, deeply loving, respectful of their guests but not embarrassed about being married or sexual. it’s some of the best parts of canon, no rape jokes or treating them as sexual maniacs who traumatize children. wwx does gloss over his past actions a bit but it’s clear he knew what he did was wrong. he and lwj can clearly see what’s happening with their AU selves, so they guide the other set of themselves to admitting what they want. they did steal the show a bit so by the end I was more invested in them than in the modern AU wx, but it was a nice romance anyway. and it was funny when they have to explain wuxia concepts to the modern characters and vice versa. there’s a lot of explicit scenes in this, including an entire chapter where the four of them have sex. I thought it would be weirder than it was but the closest to ‘selfcest’ was just the wwxs making out. and it’s a chapter that’s easily to skip if you’re not interested in it - - - work issues: well wwx calls himself a wife once author issues: allusions to cnc, genderbends, sex pollen

counterpart by queensmooting

summary: similar to the fic above - parallel universes collide when a modern AU, single father lwj finds a canonverse wwx suddenly in his backyard. the two of them end up on a romp through time and space as they try to get him home, and become closer in the process. along with lwj’s young daughter, they see how again and again, versions of themselves find each other, and sometimes lose each other. it’s a little bittersweet, but definitely has a happy ending. the anxious 'wangxian endgame 🥺?’ part of me was not disappointed cql-specific characterizations, and really good ones at that. lwj is subdued but genuine, his daughter is a delight, wwx is a riot, and all the other versions of themselves ring true to themselves. original worldbuilding with exciting different worlds. and lwj is trans! work issues: one of the universes had a lxc who was together with a jgy but it was a very brief mention and no details about their lives were given author issues: A/B/O

And you must keep your soul/ Like a secret in your throat by athena_crikey

summary: vampire wwx! modern AU where he’s living peacefully in the boonies and cultivator lwj approaches him for help on a case against the wens. lovely romantic development, wonderful h/c, and once the author decides to make it rated E, a LOT of sex scenes. great characterization - wwx retains his independence and doesn't trust lwj for a while which is nice - and exploration of trauma, and an utterly devastating take on the canon yunmeng sibling situation. avoids a lot of the more cliched vampire romance tropes and is actually quite unpredictable in a lot of ways. satisfying and fun work issues: none that I recall except they made wlj kind of booby a la the donghua and wwx kind of rude about it. yeah we get it you’re gay author issues: omegaverse, forced courtesanship….egg-laying

salt, fat, acid, heat by thefireplanet

summary: a charming dungeon meshi AU, in which the beginning of the story is retold through the dungeon meshi universe, the flashback plot is alluded to and given some scenes, and the rest of the story is left to the reader’s imagination. grounded squarely in the two series’ shared themes of food, this delightful little fic gives you a taste of what mdzs/cql might look like if it happened in another universe. the attempt to adhere to the food theme stretches the dialogue a bit beyond belief at some points, I’m disappointed that there’s so little wuxia blended into the western fantasy world of the dungeon, and the fact that all the cultivators are elves is a little weird, but overall it was a really fun time with hilarious juniors and a very sweet and organic romance, with excellent characterizations and heart-wrenching flashbacks author issues: none work issues: none

Thicker Than Water by athena_crikey

summary: sort-of cultivation AU with lwj pov, with a lots of nods to canon plot beats. set in vancouver, lwj is a cultivator, wwx is a disgraced cultivator-turned medium, and the story starts with their meeting. initially it’s about their developing relationship, and how it was impacted by improperly managed trauma, but the plot picks up later in the story. but I enjoyed the mix of personal and spirit mystery-based drama. lots of difficult conversations, but refreshingly emotionally open and nuanced. while there’s still the drama of wwx’s situation in canon, wwx has a lot of confidence and self-respect in this one and I appreciate that. wwx and lwj are both mature and self-aware, and the relationship is grounded and satisfying, as is the finale of the story. either canon definitely deep an eye on tws - there’s direct references to suicide, PTSD, attempted sexual assault, addiction, and overdose work issues: they made songxiao cops 💀💀💀 song lan is so ooc also author issues: A/B/O. uh, egg-laying. man idk. I say forced courtesanship but idek how that was handled

never love an anchor by tardigradeschool

summary: ah, the classic selkie and fisherman love story. while a little lacking technically, I found the style and the romance quite lovely, and I was excited to find out what happened. good for a nice time but don’t expect it to have the strongest plot or the most dramatic scenes. ending was a bit weak as well, though sweet. in this fic lwj is kept prisoner by his family away from the sea, suspected of harboring the same mental illness that they thought led his mother to her suicide. they threaten his autonomy throughout the work, and it was quite distressing in some scenes note about the setting: definitely not a modern AU, but didn’t fit anywhere else. I’m not even sure it’s set in china. don’t worry about it 👍 work issues: none author issues: xiyao, niyao, 3zun, jl/lsz

Lan WangJi Baby Fever Nightcore Remix by foxcassius

summary: modern AU with cultivation, lwj pov - wwx reappears after years of the world believing him to be dead, and he’s got a baby! wangxian get-together, baby bonding, and a family reunion ensues. wwx is trans and written by a trans author, and I thought the intimate scenes were really well written. novel-verse work issues: none author issues: none. tho this is novel-only, the author is strongly mxtx critical

mdzs daemon au by natcat5

summary: you know I gotta have a daemon AU on here. this one is more well-researched than any other I’ve read. unfortunately it only covers CR arc and a bit of sunshot campaign, but the characterizations are great. cql specific work issues: none author issues: none

Back to Start

[jabberwockprince]

Y'know what hello, how're you doin

This is a free ride to ramble about Any subject that's been plaguing you lately. Go off.

HIII NYM TY FOR THE ASK, IM DOING GOOD

just got back from a trip and I spent most of the time thinking about some obscure ass fandom I was in that just suddenly came back to my brain???????? this fucken movie out of all things came to HAUNT me

red shoes and the seven fucking dwarfs - that movie about body positivity and the pressure of being perceived as ugly in a society that values appearance over everything else and the double standards that come with that, whose marketing royally fucking sucked and made everyone think this movie hated fat ppl???? when the main character is this girl

and she loves herself and is confident and knows that people are most likely to help her when she puts on those red shoes that make her skinny. and the movie pokes fun at all those makeover / sexy protagonist moments in romcoms and shit with genuinely funny recurring gags. like its not a revolutionary movie, but its a pretty good movie with very nice rep and i just KNOW that if it came out during the time ppl were making edits of merida, jack frost, hiccup and rapunzel, they would've ADDED the twink ass love interest guy because LOOK AT HIM?

mf is so 2010's fandom bait its not even FUNNY

like i was obsessed with this movie back in 2019-2020 or so and then a few weeks ago my brain was like "didn't you have. an OC for this?" and i went to check my art folder AND YEAH. I DO HAVE AN OC FOR THIS. I DID MAKE AN OC BASED ON THE QUEEN OF HEARTS AND THE JABBERWOCK

WHY? because theres a character in the movie that is literally. Prince Average. thats his name. hes based on the hunter from snow white and hes the lamest funniest bitch in this movie. i have zero respect for this blond lanky ass twink. his VA made a GREAT job at voicing him and adlibbing his lines bc hes so very hateable in a way thats super fun. i grabbed him by the back of his stupid ass shirt and decided he was my favorite and that i was going to inflict him with infinite amounts of projection and development and depth based on two lines in the movie and a single scene in the credits sequence

and he fucking lives in THIS castle???? sir???????? SIR?????????

"how is this related in any way to your OC, Prince?"

ITS SO VERY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS I LOVE DYSFUNCTIONAL HOMOSEXUALS WHO ARE AWFUL PATHOLOGICAL LIARS, IMMATURE AND SHITTY, AND FULL OF EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE THEY INSIST ON IGNORING TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CANT TRUST THEM WITH THE NARRATIVE BC THEYRE TWISTING EVERY LITTLE THING TO WHATEVER IS CONVENIENT TO THEM.

AND ??? I JUST HAVE. ALL THIS ART ABOUT THEM. AND THEN 5 DOCS DETAILING SO MUCH SHIT ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND HISTORY AND PARALLELS AND MOTIFS ???

and then i got possessed to rewrite an old ass fanfic about them and i dont even know how i got here i havent thought about this fucking movie in a year or so

long story short i love latching onto Some Fucking Guy that is Painfully My Type and making him into my own little OC. everyone consider watching the movie, it rlly is pretty funny lmfao

[random-conspiracy]

The funniest ship I can think of in Percy Jackson universe is fucking Percy x Luke because Jesus fucking christ hahahaha.

Forget about Leo x Who cares or anything like that. Not only is an old ship. It's an OOOOOOOOLD ass ship within the fandom ahhshas and it's absolutely bonkers.

Percy x Grover? Old as shit but man! At least they talk or something, you know. But weedbrain and the other stupid? Are you serious??? Fucking old because they're only close (like actually close) in FUCKING BOOK ONE. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Luke haunts most of the narrative because he isn't always there but his repercussions are. And fuck, who cares about Luke? Like literally. Leo, Hazel, and all of them are the "new" (relatively) faves. But no one gives a shit about Luke these days hahsa. He appeared so little and with such efficient placement that what else is to say about him?

An arch like Zuko would have been interesting but what is done is done and he's pretty done. Hahaha. No one cares about Luke. And you go and ship him with Percy? HAHAHA. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. It's the Draco x Harry of the Percy Jackson books.

Even Percico is something. God, even Percy x Nakamura or Beckendorf are SOMETHING.

But Luke and Percy?????!!!!!

:0 <== My honest reaction when I found fanart/fanfics about them. It's like finding your grandma's diary

This sounds like I'm and anti of the ship but nothing remotely closer! I'm without words about how this ship is not more popular

[namazunomegami]

OMG NOOOOO I FEEL YOU SO EXACTLY THERE ABOUT GOJO'S CHARACTERIZATION

in my opinion at least the potential is THERE. i actually didn't realize that gojo killed the higher ups in ch 261 due to not seeing catching all the leaked panels, but now that i know it all makes a lot more sense.

gojo has HINTS of being a much more 3d character than he actually is but you're 100% right that gege doesn't really earn it.

when yuta goes "you're forcing gojo to be a monster all by himself",, that could have been SUCH a heavy hitting emotional beat, but it fell a little flat because like... gojo actually has a TON of agency in jjk? more than anyone else, even?

like "gojo had to be a monster" falls a little flat when gojo very outright is choosing to be the person he is. canon gojo is the poster child for "i do what i want". to wit:

-riko is supposed to become star plasma vessel? gojo says if she doesn't want to, she doesn't have to, and no one can make her.

-geto breaks up with him at the kfc? gojo can't kill him bc of his emotional attachment.

-yuta shows up possessed by an ultra powerful murderous spirit? don't kill the kid! keep him and train him! gojo says so!

-geto dies? gojo doesn't dispose of the corpse, which will surely never come back to haunt him.

-yuji swallowed one of sukuna's fingers? don't kill him! wait until he's swallowed all the fingers (he will never swallow all of them bc gojo hid the last one).

gojo doing what he wants is the cause of like 90% of the plot of jjk, it's hilarious. this guy is NOT a weapon. he's an individual actively shaping the people and world around him to create the future he wants. no one is "using" gojo. he chooses to do what he wants.

so yuta's connection, his similarities to gojo, they SHOULD really resonate more than they do. but gege is allergic to characterizing gojo so we only get to see his depth through the lens of others like geto or yuta or even shoko.

or nanami saying "why can't we let gojo do everything by himself"! if we'd gotten more development of that idea it would have been SO impactful but gege just slipped it in there and did nothing with it.

one of the nice parts of fanfic is that you get to treat your faves better than the og author did, and gege missed so many shots in regards to gojo's character development.

and you're so right that like. jjk has always been a VERY realistic/pragmatic sort of dark urban fantasy; the heroes CAN lose and when they lose it can mean deeply fucked up shit happening to innocent people.

yuta possessing gojo's body isn't even a blip on the radar of messed up stuff going on. gojo is dead, he's not hurting. it makes sense to be sad for yuta but the alternative is "die and watch all your friends die too".

the plot is definitely struggling at this point. gojo had a really really good "message" with his whole idea of revolutionizing jujutsu with his students, and he had good students, great, well-developed characters with strengths and ideals of their own.

sukuna as a character is effectively a natural disaster that is sentient; he's not there to argue or moralize with, just to provide a challenge and stakes, and he's doing that really well.

plot wise though sukuna has the weight of the entire narrative riding on his ability to stand against the heroes and IT SHOWS. the flashbacks happen DURING the fight, not before, and all the action is split up with scenes of gojo or someone explaining something that's happening currently.

jjk has always relied heavily on exposition but there WAS wayyy less in shibuya - and come to think of it, there was almost NONE in the star plasma vessel arc. you have a really good point about those two arcs.

sdkhfgsdhg SORRY i am avoiding my wips so i wrote an essay in your ask box sdkfhglshdfg hope your weekend is going well, lovely chatting with you

It's jjk my dear ofc a lot of characters are not fleshed out and you can find some holes in the plot here and there and some contradictories as well lmao. I still have no idea what Gojo did to Geto's body after he killed him.

One thing that I can tell you is that Gojo is an anomaly even within his own narrative.

Sukuna is still a lackluster villain compared to my liege Kenny because we have no idea what he wants to achieve. Which is kind of a bummer because I truly want to fear him, he has the potential but Gege does almost nothing to make it happen. I say almost because I honestly couldn't predict that he will possess Megumi and tries every awful thing to break his soul.

And I'm sad that a lot of characters have no chance to be in the spotlight, get a bit of dimension, momentum and it's especially true for the women. Okay, Maki's story arc in Perfect Preparation is good, but I wanted the same for Shoko, Yuki, Utahime and Nobara too. At least Kubo knew how to handle his female characters even if they were sometimes relegated to the background but they had their own arcs and motivations. And my goat Ishida Sui deserves the goat title because almost every character got their well deserved time and development in TG:re.

Gege can come up with a good idea, he did a lot of research on Buddhism and ancient japanese history, his storytelling can be layered with symbolics, his exposition is good, he can be really creative sometimes but he fails at the execution. I'm sure that the root problem in his case is that he has a bad editor or maybe that said editor doesn't oppose him when it's needed.

It's really good to chat with you too! <33 I'm sorry that I'm momentarily slow on answering but I've got a lot of problems to deal with right now. I plan to work on some of my wips next month, I'm thinking about participating in @ficsforgaza once I got my assessment and when I'm sure that my mental health is in good hands.

Hope you have a wonderful week my friend!

[astorythatwritesitself]

Mass answers!

for @aceghosts @mxanigel and @teamdilf !

A: Of the fanfic you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

At the moment? Honestly... Same Difference is the one I actually like going and reading the most. Irikah's been a fascinatring character to me since the beginning, and I've already been cobbling a little sorta roleswap AU where she's the assassin picked up in ME2 instead of Thane, so that exercise in the server wound up being a really fun sort of... 'origin' for it, and a great way to work more with a character who'd only been haunting the narrative before.

E: What character do you identify with most?  Is there a certain fic of yours that captures these qualities particularly well?

-loud shrug- I project like a motherfucker on everyone at all times, so.

J:  What’s your favorite fanfic trope?  Have you written it?

Oh I am a slut for whump and it's almost exclusively what I write 😂

L:  Which of your fanfics was the most emotionally challenging to write?

Of the extant ones... eh, honestly, all of them are about equal? This Is Fine might have been the 'most' since it's a very anxious mindset?

Q: Do you like getting prompts from your readers?

Oh god yes - I am constantly pulled in a billion directions, so anything that helps narrow focus is great, even if all it accomplishes is 'ehhh turns out I don't wanna do this'.

U: Is there a pairing you would like to write, but haven’t tried yet.

My main Hellsing ships tbh, particularly Yumikel, though I do want to give Alutegra a shot sometime too - I have like. Ideas! But Hellsing is a beast to match tone for, so backburner and constant ramblings it is.

V: Are there certain comments you’ve received on your stories that have stuck with you?

A few! Particularly on a couple of my pieces with Thane & that GLaDOS monologue fic - more than one person said I nailed the voices, which is honestly something I crave hearing when I'm writing fic lol. Like - hearing anything else is good is nice, of course, but my biggest turn-off for fic is a character just not feeling Right (not synonymous with canon-compliance, more the. 'He Would Not Fucking Say That, Nor Have You Adequetely Gotten Him Into The Situation To Say That' vibes?), so. It's always a delight getting a good grade in writing the blorbo xD

Y: What are your thoughts on your personal satisfaction with something you’ve written vs. the popularity of your stories?  Do you tend to be most satisfied with your most popular stories?  

... I'll be real here like I'm Fucking Trying but I uh.

I'm like. Never actually satisfied with my writing 😂 Like I'll get to a point where I Am Okay With It, and there's bits I do like to share, but the imposter syndrome is still very real, very loud, and to this day the furthest I've gotten is an 'okay I don't want to throw myself into the sea if somebody Percieves this'.

That said I am a little surprised Data Decay got such a strong response, since I fired it off literally over a lunch break at work. Like - I'm pretty satisfied with it, but. Huh xD

Z: Is there a story you’ve written that doesn’t seem to get much love?

is it whining to say 'most of them' lmao - very little since the SU fic days gets beyond like 40 hits, but what can you do?

That said goddamn it I actually really like the general vibe of Broken Faith and while I haven't done the deepest of dives, I've been in this fandom for like 12-14 years and have seen so little fleshing out Thane's history let alone the drell at all-

[allthegoodusernamesaretakenagain]

Hi Holly, my favourite favourite author! 👋

I came to poke you with some interaction stick. You can ignore me ^__-

BUT, if you are ok with answering a few Get To Know The Author questions:

What is the first Zelda game you've ever played?

Hopes about TOTK?

Do you have a book that you think impacted you the most? Or one that you think back to most often (can be a fanfic)?

Favourite fanfic of course ^^?

Oh my god this is so sweet, little old ME??? Of course I will answer best I can <3

1. The first ever Zelda game I played was the DS games, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. My Nan was a very big fan and I have fond memories of sitting in her kitchen and playing the games and she loved helping me with all the boss fights. I know they aren’t the best games in the series, however, they hold a lot of nostalgia for me. I never did complete them though, I just watched my Nan do it instead.

2. Oo that’s a good one. One of my main hopes for TOTK is to see a really well developed story. I know that’s super basic but one of the things I loved so much about BOTW was the memories and characters, so I really hope there’s some sort of memory adjacent gameplay that develops the characters more. Also, I kind of got tired of shrines in BOTW so I’m hoping for something new to explore in this game. But my main hope isn’t anything too specific other than a good game. What I want might not be what fits, so I just hope the years of waiting are worth it!

3. A book that genuinely impacted and stayed with me was Little Women. The narrative of following four strong, unique, and amazing woman through a little domestic life really made me reflect on myself. I’m a child of five (much like Quentin) and it made me think about what relationships like that mean. It made me want to write about domestic relationships and environments as much as others. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is another, which is a story narrated by death. It has a one line at the end: “I am haunted by humans.” and I think there is so much beauty and wonder in that. The idea of ‘humans’ can mean so much, and it always sticks with me when I write. And I can’t not talk about my favourite, albeit very sad, book. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. It’s a shorter novel but it’s so beautiful. It tells the meaning of letting go even when you don’t want to, and acknowledging how you feel. My favourite quote ever from that book is: “I wish I had a hundred years. A hundred years I could give to you.” And that book has just stuck with me.

4. Omg favourite fan fiction is so hard. I go through so many hyper-fixations. One that I always come back to is this fan fiction called Sorcerers Bane by BeautifulFiction for the Merlin Fandom. I remember reading it like crazy and nothing has topped that mad rush to finish it since. I can’t believe that fandom is still alive today tbh.

Thank you for the great questions, the ask made me all happy it’s so cool to have people interested, I get all flustered. Never feel like you’re bothering me haha I will always answer :)

I hope those answered your questions!!

[thelanor-s-astame]

You're generally incredibly lgbtq+ friendly, so I have to ask, why is it that you consistently misgender the vessels?

I promise I'm asking in good faith. You trust me, don't you? I'm random anonymous person on tumblr, your most trusted confidant!

Very good question! And unfortunately with a good question the answer is a little complicated. But I'll do my best to try and explain Now I'm amusing that you're talking about how the Vessels are non-binary, if it's not, then I'm not sure what you mean. And if that's the case it's because I did not know I was misgendering them and legitimately do not know what you mean lmao But assuming the former is true. The answer is, because, at some point, I couldn't tell you when, but HKR became a different story then Hollow Knight. And quite a bit of that story is about the Dude Currently Haunting The Narrative, The Pale King In HK proper, The Pale King was *correct* about what he was doing. Moral implications aside, he did create void vessels that could trap or even destroy the radiance, he was trying to save his kingdom, no strings or frills or secret plots. That's what he was doing. The vessels are nb, because they are Void. They Were Built For A Job kind of like a machine. The Pale King just chose the wrong one. When The Hollow Knight started feeling, even if it was a little bit of love for his father, the machine broke. Despite it all, he was a good enough father that one of his kids loved him, and thus into downfall, and horrible tragedy. The Main Character Vessel, especially after turning the kings soul into the voidheart and being able to capture the Voids essence, was proof that the plan did, actually, work, it just took some more time. In HKR the pale king, spoilers, is kind of a Lying Bastard who is mostly interested in continuing his hegemony at any cost. He created children who he beveled were empty vessels that he could put anything into, that would continue to grow his empire. Charlie is not that. He chose a name and a gender for himself (and did for his compatriots too, even if they didn't entirely like it.) He was a person even if the world saw him, and constantly told him that he was a tool for his father's plans. (Big reason I'm lgbtqia+ positive is because I'm queer as shit myself, and so I got daddy issues that go STRAIGHT into the fanfic lmaooooo). when he got out of that he met several men that were kind, and caring, and honorable and he wanted to emulate them. Hornet did the very same thing except there were women around her, and that's who she felt most conformable identifying as. They're both extremely similar in that regard, but, like the siblings they are, took very different roads to the same destination. That's why I voice both of them! As for everyone else essentially immediately assuming Charlie and the rest of the vessels are male, That one is easy. Hallownest is a patriarchal society that used to be a matriarchal one, is bordered by matriarchal societies, many that it has subsumed into itself, and is, even after it's death, trying to assert cultural dominance. You know how it is. This sort of didn't really come up as a thing in the game, because the game wasn't terribly interested in that aspect of it's world and didn't really need to be. I'm just a freak about that sorta thing. So, I guess the main answer is, due to the theming of these two stories and how I sorta divested from cannon somewhere along the way The Knight is Non-bianry Charlie is not Now, does that mean that the other vessels might've been non-binary if they were given the same opportunities as charlie?, and charlie might be jumping the gun a little by just gendering them all as male? Yeah. But he's not the brightest bulb in the box. Or even thinking about any of this consciously. The only one who is, is Hornet. And she's only thinking about it in, like, an early 2000s girl power sort of way.

[largedenominationsplease]

G,K and M for the fanfic asks if you like <3

G: Do you write your story from start to finish, or do you write the scenes out of order?

It really depends on the story! When i get the initial idea, it usually revolves around One Scene i have in mind so i usually write that one first, then fit it into the narrative.

Sometimes (like with SHA au) i’ll write scenes out of order to get ideas down and then never use them (don’t worry, what y’all actually got was much better!)

when it comes to my actual writing process, i just sit down and try to get from the beginning to the end, then go back and edit. 😁

K: What’s the angstiest idea you’ve ever come up with?

hmmmmmm i’ve got a couple… an original idea that involves a guy marrying another woman and the first woman he ever loved dying later on (who knows if that’ll ever get written at this rate)

and for fic… i have an idea for Jiara, involving JJ dealing with addiction and all the mess that comes with that. HOWEVERRRR that is a sensitive subject, and one that must be handled with care and respect. so if that fic ever comes into being it’ll be with lots of research and feedback from people who have experienced addiction.

M: Got any premises on the back burner that you’d care to share?

oooohhh i’ve got lots of little tidbits! let me dig through my folders …

Midnight has always been JJ’s favorite time. The darkness engulfing him, hiding him away from the world’s problems. No one else awake to see or care what he does. He is truly himself after dark, or at least that’s when he feels most himself.

Unfortunately darkness also brings with it the quiet, the deafening silence. Space to explore his own thoughts and memories, things he’s tucked away and willed himself to forget. The thoughts he can usually deal with. It’s the memories that haunt him. He likes to imagine himself being untouchable, unaffected by the decisions of his younger days. But, like everyone, he has regrets, even at only seventeen years old.

He likes driving at night. It’s the darkness combined with enough distractions to keep him out of his own head. The radio plays softly, some local country station John B had landed on before he drifted off. JJ would have turned it up, if not for the fact three out of four people in the Twinkie are passed out cold. So he’s stuck, driving along unfamiliar roads, only able to see as far ahead as the headlights will illuminate, and with all his past fucked up decisions nagging at the back of his mind. Two of his favorite things turning against him.

from i dreamt of you all summer long, unfinished

[believemetheodore]

I posted 336 times in 2022

That's 336 more posts than 2021!

44 posts created (13%)

292 posts reblogged (87%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@thisismysecondrodeo

@ilovejasonsudeikis

@seriouslybelieveinbelieve

@ledtasso

@urbanhiking

I tagged 107 of my posts in 2022

#ted lasso - 36 posts

#💕💕💕 - 30 posts

#ted lasso x reader - 28 posts

#fic rec! - 21 posts

#ted lasso x rebecca welton - 19 posts

#ted lasso fanfic - 19 posts

#tedbecca - 14 posts

#ted x rebecca - 12 posts

#responds - 11 posts

#cozy day - 10 posts

Longest Tag: 90 characters

#i literally just want to hug everyone in the community and smooch you all on the foreheads

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Night shift

Ted x Reader OR Ted x Rebecca

When she feels like a ghost in her own life, Ted is enough to make her feel alive again.

Warnings: I don't think any specific warnings apply, but I was mildly depressed when I wrote this, so it does have some kind of melancholy themes; let me know if you want me to add any warnings.

Sometimes, she feels like she's haunting her own house. Moving room to room without a trace. 

She's tried making the place feel more domestic, but all the throw pillows, new drapery, and knickknacks in the world couldn't make this house feel like a home.

 She's tried making a mess, leaving a trail behind her. Dirty dishes are left in the sink, and clothes are left on the floor, but any evidence of a life lived is washed away, swept up, and laundered when the housekeeping service comes by.

 She's tried drinking away the quiet, but it only feels like floating, and she feels more like a spectre than ever before, a shadow of herself carrying around the old bones of the past. 

During the day, there's enough distraction, enough on her plate from the moment she enters her office for her to feel useful. She can see the impact of her actions with each item crossed off her to-do list. She sends emails, sets up meetings, returns calls-- keeps herself busy. She's never alone with all her friends and co-workers. Even on the quietest days, she can hear the whistles blowing and the laughter and cheering on the pitch during the team's training hours. 

After hours it's easy to fill the void, socializing with friends; going out for dinner or drinks; having girls nights with Keely; long walks and pub nights with Ted. 

Every responsibility, and every interaction is a reminder of who she is. Every task, every text message she sends, every bought of laughter, each insecurity confessed, and every drink past her lips is a step closer to her becoming the woman she’s always known she could be. Compassionate and loving, bold and powerful, confident, she’s incredible, and she’s healing. 

She's never wanted her identity or personhood to be reliant on others. Having spent so much time in her past, allowing herself to fall victim to the pattern of living just to support other people's narratives. She doesn't feel like that with the people she chooses to surround herself with now. She's no longer a side character in her own life; instead, she's taking charge, loving and being loved by those who make her feel like the best version of herself. 

But the moment she steps foot in her house, the silence hits. The absence of the warm and comforting love, and zest for life settles heavily on her shoulders, and she craves nothing more than the company and companionships that make her feel the most like herself. 

It's not that she's become dependent on others, but a house isn't a home without any love in it. 

She makes dinner, swaying to music as she stirs in ingredients. She sips wine while she watches her favourite film. She takes care of herself, doing her skincare, and face masks, giving herself the time to relax in a warm bubble bath before calling it a night. 

Her bed is comfortable, with sheets she probably spent a little too much money on, and a plush duvet. Still, she can't help but notice how empty the other side of the bed is. How quiet the room is without the sound of another person breathing. She gives up on trying to find sleep, grabbing her phone off the nightstand, scrolling through social media and firing off emails she doesn't expect to be answered until business hours. 

One to some of the club's shareholders, a reminder for an upcoming meeting. Another, to Ted and the coaching staff, clarification about lodging and hotel rooms for next week's away game. 

You're up late.

She's almost startled by the text from Ted, but she can't help the smile that crosses her face. 

Couldn't sleep. You?

The same. Tried to get some shut-eye, but it was like I was trying to make pancakes driving up a twisty road . 

You're going to have to translate that for me, Lasso. 

Tossing and turning.  

She wants to roll her eyes at the ridiculous joke but is betrayed by the snort of laughter that leaves her instead. 

She's not sure what's actually going on between her and Ted. Part of her is too nervous to ask, too afraid that whatever it is, he doesn't feel the same, or worse, that her feelings are rooted more in desperation rather than affection. She doesn't want to hurt him. So she shoves those extra feelings down, holding tightly to what she knows for sure-- he's her friend and probably the best one she's got. 

She tries to imagine Ted now cozied up in his flat. She wonders what's keeping him up, what thoughts are rattling around in his mind. It's easy to picture his apartment, having been there a few times for dinners, and movie nights. She knows how inviting the space feels and how easy it is to relax, surrounded by the little bits of his life scattered around the place. Photos of Henry, his favourite books, and an abandoned jumper on the chair in the corner. Ted's flat is unmistakably lived in and instantly comforting. She allows herself to imagine the vitality and energy he'd bring to her own space.

She treasures the time she's spent at Ted's house. A picture of domesticity she yearns for, the instant peace that seeps right into her bones there. It's the same calm and reassurance that his hugs bring her, and she wishes she could bottle up the feeling, and drink it down before bed. 

In the last couple of weeks, it's become clearer to her that love and company aren't just things she desires but things she needs. She deserves to feel safe, to be held, to find someone else's clothes in drawers alongside her own. And for the first time in a long time, she wants to reach out and grab onto that reality. 

Do you want to come over for a nightcap? 

 She sends. Three dots appearing shortly after. 

See the full post

14 notes - Posted November 23, 2022

#4

Where she stood, she stood tall

Ted Lasso x Rebecca Welton

Rebecca's adventures in healing. Or 3 times they hugged, and one time they kissed. (title from the song Slow It Down by The Lumineers)

Warnings: Rupert, themes of healing from psychological abuse, let me know if there's anything else you want me to add

He hugs her outside the gala. 

She wonders if he can hear her heartbeat as he crushes her against his chest, it pounds in her ribcage, and her blood rushes in her ears. 

She remembers, as a child, pressing her ear to empty shells at the beach, the sound of the ocean surging within them. Somehow, learning that the sound was, in fact, nothing more than the amplified echo of her own pulse never made it any less magical or comforting. It was still a confirmation of life, a simple reminder of the blood in her veins or the breath in her lungs. 

For so long now, it’s felt like she’s been living in the shadows, sleepwalking through her own existence, a body without a soul. But without even trying, Ted seems to have been able to jumpstart her heart. The sudden hug he’s wrapped her up in reanimates her, the most gentle reminder of her personhood. 

The parts of herself that she’d stored away and pushed down to satisfy Rupert’s constant need for control and attention flash back through her like a shock down her spine, and there’s nothing she can do but breathe deeply in the hopes of slowing her tears. This was not part of her plan. 

She’s not sure what to say to him. This man who, without prompting, chooses to comfort her in the wake of her ex-husband’s cruelty instead of enjoying the open bar the gala offers up inside. His admission that he can see straight through Rupert’s false niceties and acknowledge the man’s backhanded compliments for the callous commentary it really is.  

The sudden fear that Ted Lasso might be able to see through her just as well has bile rising in her throat, afraid that this ridiculous American might not be the fool she took him for. She finds herself terrified, thinking that worse than seeing through her plans of sabotage and revenge, Ted may be the only person capable of dismantling the fugazi walls of rage and intimidation she’s built around the loneliness and insecurity she’s been working so hard to keep contained. 

As she dries her eyes and fixes her make-up in the mirror, the warmth of his embrace lingering, she vows that won't allow this single act of kindness to distract from her goal of destroying Rupert. No man will ever have that level of sway in her life or emotions again. 

She wraps an arm around him outside the karaoke bar in Liverpool. 

Electing to ignore the thrumming weight of guilt playing with her heartstrings, she crouches next to him as he continues to work on his breathing. One of his hands clasps hers as she assures him he will be alright. 

It had been instantaneous, her limbs moving without instruction, pushing her way through the crowd with the singular goal of finding Ted. A switch flipped inside her, the selfish desires that had begun to fade this weekend gone completely from her mind the moment the coach had rushed from the room. Her heart clenches, the need to comfort him trumping all else. 

How cruel can the world be? She thinks as she watches him pull himself apart at the seams. The same man who always has an anecdote or joke to tell and who brings her biscuits each morning because he’s kinder and far more selfless than anyone else she’s ever met. She fights a sudden bought of nausea as she wonders how much pain of his own Ted might be carrying around, tragically aware of how much of his warmth and goodwill is designed to keep those around him content. 

She doesn’t try to coddle him. His breaths becoming more even, less frantic. He appreciates her offer to walk back with him or take her car but declines all the same. He’s a grown man; she’s sure he’ll get back to the hotel safely, but the concern that’s been rushing through her doesn’t dissipate. 

It strikes her standing out in the cold that she hasn’t cared for anyone like this in years. A shameful vindication fills her with the confirmation that she is still capable of compassion, strength, and kindness; she does, in fact, have a protective streak. She is not the cold-hearted bitch Rupert so desperately painted her to be. 

Surely, this is what friendship and affection should be. Support, freely given through good times and bad. She’s forced to crack a smile thinking of Keely’s unwavering adoration, and the renewal of Sassy’s bold love. Ted’s benevolence is so welcomed, and she curses herself for trying to break it. She hadn’t given herself an opportunity when she’d been married to Rupert to weigh the impact of her isolation, only allowing herself to become further withdrawn of her own accord. It had been too painful, but it was easier than letting herself love and be loved only to have the rug swept out from under her when she returned to a silent home, devoid of comfort or care. It is difficult to miss what you don’t allow yourself to have. 

She hugs him in his office. 

Never has anyone forgiven her with such ease and without conditions to boot. Her life had become such a minefield of avoidance. Learning to tiptoe around arguments, shrinking herself down to prevent conflict. She’d been bracing for confrontation as she laid out the details of her scheming and betrayal, steeling herself to react with robotic logical responses, doing her best to shove down her emotions as she told him she would understand if he went to the press or quit. But Ted meets her with compassion. 

The air is forced from her lungs. Like jumping into an ice-cold lake, the confession of her manipulation and lies has left her chest aching, her body shaking as she tries to refocus on the situation at hand, begging herself to keep her head above the water. 

His forgiveness has her stunned. It terrifies her, waiting in silence for the hammer to fall, so certain there’s a twist or a stipulation coming. She resents the way her mouth questions his motivations, the way she asks for punishment. 

She waits for him to say he’s joking, to belittle her with a casually cruel comment about her naivety. Instead, he only wonders aloud if she’s actually going to shake his outstretched hand anytime today. 

It’s like she can breathe for the first time in months when she wraps herself around him, ignoring his offer of a handshake to hug him tightly instead, with complete abandon for her own propriety. It only takes him half a second before he hugs her back, and she can’t help but think how easy it is to stand there in his arms. 

Much like when they shared outside the gala, she’s caught off guard by the safety he provides. She remembers all the times she found herself begging for Rupert’s forgiveness for disagreements and perceived slights, subjected to days of silence and loneliness. Her penance for Rupert’s insecurities. 

And yet, while her ex-husband's influence haunts her, it feels so distant now, her conscious mind occupied by the firm but tender press of Ted’s fingertips on her shoulder blade and the smell of his aftershave. 

She can’t be entirely certain of who kissed who first. He had told her last year that she was starting to form a habit; two truth bombs in two years. Now in their third year together, they seem to have shared the effort of dropping the third.

She hadn’t expected him to say anything in return, which in hindsight, was a ridiculous miscalculation. When had Ted Lasso ever truly been at a loss for words? Like clockwork, she’d made her way downstairs to the empty locker room, shutting his office door behind her. At first, he looked like he was about to make a joke, probably about the fact that it was truth-bomb-time, but after taking a moment to look at her, her hands clasped together so tightly (she’s sure she still hasn’t regained feeling in them), he rounded his desk to stand in front of her. 

It was impossible to keep any of it in any longer, not with him looking at her so tenderly. How could she not allow herself to be completely vulnerable when he looked so happy just to have her in his company? Of all the things their friendship has endured, surely a bit more love wouldn’t hurt. 

See the full post

17 notes - Posted November 2, 2022

#3

'Tis the Damn Season

Ted Lasso x Rebecca Welton

Based on Lover by Taylor Swift and THIS tweet

Warnings: Mentions of Rupert and past emotional abuse, otherwise mostly fluff (let me know if you want me to add anything else)

He resents the way his nerves creep into the gentle call of her name. Hates the way his own fears make the three perfect syllables feel heavy on his tongue. He’d only popped out to buy more eggnog, but the house seems empty at first glance.

“Rebecca,” he calls again, his shoes and coat at the door, polka-dot-socked feet padding across the hardwood. “In here,” she responds this time, her voice soft and calm, instantly quelling his anxious thoughts and mild concern. 

“There you are!” he can’t stop his grin, seeing her in her coziest knit loungewear. Flat on her back, looking up at the Christmas tree from below. 

He’ll admit that the sight of Rebecca laying on the floor, her hair loose, her face make-up free, isn’t something he could’ve ever imagined. But, his heart feels unbearably full, knowing how big of a deal it is that she’s comfortable enough to be so relaxed and so free. He’ll always be beyond grateful for the privilege of being able to see her so vulnerable and natural. 

In the three years he’s known her, he’s learned how much damage her relationship with Rupert had done to her self-esteem and watched her battle with her own insecurities and fears. He’s been honoured to be in her life, by her side, as she’s learned to break down the walls she had built up around herself. His place in her life is something that he’s never been inclined to take for granted. 

It takes him mere seconds to lie down next to her. One hand resting on his stomach, his left hand free at his side, knowing she’ll probably reach for it, but only if she doesn’t have to ask. When her knuckles brush his, he takes the initiative to intertwine their fingers making sure to give a reassuring squeeze. The lights woven through the branches above them cast a warm golden glow, leaving the ornaments to sparkle. 

“I’ve gotta say, this is a mighty fine tree you’ve decorated”. She hums in response to the compliment, but he doesn’t ignore how she leans over to kiss his shoulder, snuggling closer to his side. 

Content and comfortable with Rebecca’s hand in his own, he takes the time to study each of the ornaments overhead.  Like with everything she does, the decorations on the tree have been clearly thought out in terms of placement and colour scheme. Not a single bauble or crystal snowflake hangs out of place. It’s perfect. 

His eyes linger longer on the tiny paper angels and faded felt decorations. They’re older than the silver bells and metallic red baubles that litter the tree, but they seem far more personal. Finally, his attention lands on a small wooden horse ornament hanging only a couple of inches from his face, and he wonders how he didn’t see it first. Painted in red and gold, chipped along the edges. Upon closer inspection, he sees it’s missing an ear and part of its tail; obviously, it’s been well-loved, and he can’t help but wonder why it’s been tucked so far back into the plush greenery, hidden away out of plain sight. 

“Who’s this little guy?” Ted can’t stop his own curiosity, reaching up to poke it. It rocks back and forth on the branch as he lowers his hand. 

“That was my first Christmas ornament. Picked it out at a shop when I was a little girl. Dad would lift me up because I always wanted to put it as close to the top of the tree as I could manage,” her smile grows slowly until her eyes crinkle as she recalls the memory, “probably would've replaced the angel with it if I could”.

He wants to smile and laugh along with her, but he finds himself with furrowed brows, staring at the little horse. Imagining the pride and joy Rebecca must've felt as a little girl, making sure her favourite decoration was on display as close to the starring role as possible. It only makes the pit in his stomach grow. 

Carefully as possible, he takes the horse down, “It sounds like he's in the wrong spot then, doesn't it?”

Her eyes are soft and full of emotions he’s seen before, quiet and complex, years worth fear and questioning bubbling to the surface. He locks his gaze with hers long enough for her to object or shy away from this moment. But when he shimmies out from under the tree, his hand is still holding tight to hers. He helps her to her feet, and she's instantly wrapping her arms around him, her face pressed against his back as he hangs the horse on the highest branch available. 

“It's perfect. Thank you”.

Ted hums, tugging her around in front of him. 

“Happy to help. He must've just gotten lost”.

She nods, “must've”.

Metaphor .

“Ya know, twinkle lights are my favourite things about Christmas time-- besides the food, and family, and fun, and the holiday songs--” “I think the list of things you don’t like about Christmas might be shorter,” Rebecca teases. “You’re probably right about that-- wouldn’t it be fun if we could have all this cheer all year ‘round?” “Absolutely not. It’ll clash with my decor. We can leave them up until January”. “Ooh! Compromise. I love that,” Ted grins, giving her a chaste kiss. “I knew you would,” Rebecca smiles, kissing him back. Who knew love could be this easy?   

In the following days, Ted takes notice of the extra tinsel and holly popping up around the house. The gigantic wreath that takes its place on the front door and the cheeky bunch of mistletoe hanging above the doorway to the kitchen (that’s his favourite). 

They hadn’t actively made any Christmas plans beyond her usual deliveries for Santa. But Ted’s pleasantly surprised when she asks him to stay at hers, even more so when she expresses an interest in hosting a dinner for their friends on Christmas eve. Rebecca had suggested she would hire a chef for the evening; Ted had insisted they would make dinner together. So, here they are, festive music playing through the kitchen, the two of them singing along, turkey and ham both in the ovens, cookies and puddings baking, potatoes being mashed, and the sound of cranberry sauce in the air. 

With everything warming, it’s just a waiting game. I’ll be home for Christmas , plays and she tugs Ted close, insisting they have a dance before they have to get ready for their company arriving. It’s easy to relax with him, her breathing falling into rhythm with his, inhaling the smell of his aftershave. Sugar-sweetened kisses and the warmest hands she’s ever known; it’s safe, and she wants nothing more than to stay in this moment forever. 

When the night rolls to a close and the party has migrated from the dining table to the sitting room, Roy and Keely are the only guests left. Rebecca knows she’s somewhere between more than tipsy and absolutely plastered; Keely is in a similar state, and their laughter is probably loud enough to be heard on the other side of the green. 

Her heart is so full of joy. It’s not lost on her how significant it is that her anxiety isn’t rearing its ugly head. She never felt so free with Rupert. Never allowed herself to let loose, to get pished, to be loud with her best friend. Despite being a co-owning of their house, Rebecca had never felt at home when Rupert was around. 

When she asks Roy and Keely if they want to stay in the guest room, Ted seconds her offer; sipping on his glass of whiskey. There’s not an ounce of condescension or mollification in his voice, and Rebecca swears her heart grows three sizes. 

See the full post

18 notes - Posted December 6, 2022

#2

Rom-Communism For The Win

Ted Lasso x F!Reader

“I've got a date,” it's the first thing out of her mouth when she enters the coaches’ office. The rubber band ball Ted and Coach Beard had been tossing back and forth falls and bounces across the floor, rolling to a stop by her stilettos. 

Warnings: None? let me know if you want me to add something If you know me in real life, don't read this.

A year ago, it would've been easy to laugh at the prospect of seeking meaningful life advice from a Premier League gaffer. Football had never been high on her list of priorities or interests. Of course, the sport was difficult to ignore. The passion, energy, and dedication of those involved in the sport or in the pubs cheering on their club inspired awe. So, when Keely had reached out and asked if she'd be interested in signing on to help with the growing media and marketing responsibilities, it had been a no-brainer. The opportunity to work with such a good friend had been enough of a blessing; forming bonds with everyone at AFC Richmond and being able to look forward to going to work every day. It's been a dream come true. 

Richmond's highs and lows had been widely televised, and near impossible to miss in print or online. Coach Ted Lasso, admittedly, seemed too good to be true. How could anyone be so compassionate? So patient?

She'd been done for the moment she met him; Lost for words; Enamoured. The media's perception of him paled in comparison. His ability to see people for who they are, for who they could be, is as comforting as it is disconcerting. His friendship comes without conditions and provides safety from judgement, and the freedom to be one hundred per cent authentic that she fears too many people have taken advantage of. 

So now, she takes a deep breath, trying to still her trembling hands as she makes her way through the locker room, exchanging playful ‘hellos’ and ‘how are you’s with the players. 

“I've got a date,” it's the first thing out of her mouth when she enters the coaches’ office. The rubber band ball Ted and Coach Beard had been tossing back and forth falls and bounces across the floor, rolling to a stop by her stilettos. 

Roy is the first to break the awkward silence, “and I'm leaving”. 

“A date!” Ted’s quick to recover the energy,  “who with?” 

“That's the problem. I have no idea. I let Keely convince me to try that stupid Bantr app, and now I've got a date and no idea what to wear”.

Saying it out loud made it feel silly. An infinitesimally small concern in the grand scheme of things. But the nerves and fears had been rattling around her head all day, stealing her focus and breath. 

Ted once told her that if you're worried about it, that makes it a real worry. Doesn't it? She tries to remember that now, pushing her self-induced feelings of embarrassment aside. 

“Well, I ain't much of a stylist myself, but I've watched the MET gala red carpets enough times that I'm confident forming ungrounded opinions on fashion,” Ted offers. 

“Twenty-Eighteen. Heavenly bodies,” Beard adds.

“Best of the best! Zendaya! Best Joan of Arc since--well, since Joan of Arc probably”.

“I don't think I'm going to the MET--” she takes another deep breath. Ted and Beard don't deserve her snapping at them. Keeping them on topic had always been a welcomed burden of conversation with them, but she's serious now. A date? A blind date?  This is huge. This is terrifying. 

“It's been a while since I've been on a date, and I don't want to look stupid,” 

“Stupid? Not possible,” he seems genuinely shocked, “you've been talking on that app, and he wants to meet you, then what you look like has nothing to do with it. Show up looking like the paper bag princess, and anyone worth knowing would still like you for you”.

Good lord, the man always knows exactly what to say. She tries to ignore the warm relief that fills her chest; suppresses the urge to preen at the compliment. He doesn’t mean anything by it, she’s sure. But the way he looks at her feels like he’s looking into her soul. It’s nearly impossible to deny how special he manages to make her feel. 

After more than a year of working with the team, she’s positive she’s half in love with Coach Ted Lasso. The truth is, it’s not the first time the weight of his passing glances, friendly smiles, gentle actions, or kind words have wormed their way into her heart. That was the point of signing up for Bantr; a hopeless attempt at believing that there might be someone out there who could ever come close to stealing her heart the way Ted had without even trying. 

“This is ground control to Major Tom. Anybody in there?” Ted’s chuckle at his joke snaps her back to the conversation. 

“Sorry—yeah, I was just thinking about a potential outfit!” The excuse seems to placate Ted, but Beard squints in contemplation.

“With all that focus, I’m sure it’ll be great!”

“Thanks, Ted,” she can only hope he’s right. 

Sipping her glass of wine at the bar, she waits for her mystery date. 

There had been several moments of doubt and hesitation. Messages to cancel the date had been typed out, only to be deleted once more. In the end, Keely and Rebecca’s tough love and unbridled encouragement won out. Outfits had been sampled and then abandoned, and tears had been shed until finally, she settled on a classic little black dress: cute, classy, elegant, it had the potential to be sexy. The dress has been a godsend; the last thing left hanging in her closet. She has to admit; she looks fantastic. It's been a while since she’s had an excuse to get dolled up, and the time she’d spent fussing over her hair and makeup had paid off. In the moments of reprieve from her nerves, she dares to let herself be hopeful. 

My paper bag is at the dry cleaners, but I think everything will be alright. Thank you for your help today.

She shoots the text off without much thought. Her date is now nearly an hour late, but she stays hopeful. 

See the full post

37 notes - Posted October 13, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Two Sides, One Story

Ted Lasso x F!Reader

Very, very, very loosely based on (but definitely inspired by), the film Tumbledown.

Warnings: None that I can think of (let me know if you want me to add something)

See the full post

38 notes - Posted October 22, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[asfearlessasamango]

💯 or 🔁 for the fic rec ask meme?

omg hi!!! :)

okay since this an ATLA blog but i am an all around curious bitch who reads fanfic for movies i haven't even seen and such, i'm going to do 1 fic from non-atla, and 1 fic from atla for each question!

💯 A fic that makes you think #writergoals

non-atla: "blood, bones, voice, ghost" by @sunsmasher (now @lambergeier on tumblr.)

this is a captive prince fic, and if you haven't been exposed to what that is, let's like... not even get into it. well, we'll get into it a little bit. i somehow got recommended a fantasy/historical lowkey slavery/bdsm au NOVEL on ibooks as "good gay rep!" when i was snorting raw 2010's tumblr into my 14yo brain, and i accepted, and you know what, the writing isn't bad, and the fandom tends to have really good writing too. whatever. i never read the sequels.

"blood, bones, voice, ghost" is this post-canon fic that is just... look, i love a good plot-driven, tense narrative, where the events really matter. i mean, i love good introspection and angst, but when the characters and the events just seem to be drifting about and bumping into each other on the same page occasionally, and everything is clearly arranged just to provide the characters space to slowly, perfectly work through what the author is doing in therapy, i'm like ugh. PLOT and TENSION and WHAT THE FUCK are qualities that some fanfics ignore. especially when they're trying to get to emotional therapy.

"blood, bones, voice, ghost" doesn't do that. it really keeps you hopping until the end! all the characters are very real humans! "character is fate" is so true in this one! the plot both tangles and wrenches the characters around (you won't get ahead of the mystery!) and works out nicely and believably by the end. the writing is so nice, too. and real, true emotion is here. it's really good.

atla: "boomerangs and rainbows" by @mindbending.

"At Sokka’s behest, the Gaang skips rescuing Zuko during the Siege at the North Pole. Instead they leave him, unconscious, buried in the snow.

In completely unrelated news, Sokka’s haunted by a ghost now."

delicioso, is all i have to say abt this.

🔁 A fic you’ve re-read several times

non-atla: "a year in the life" by @vamillepudding. this is a peaky blinders fic, and peaky blinders is like if game of thrones met the great gatsby met breaking bad met the great gatsby again. it's this super gritty, bloody gangster show, following one british family between ww1 and ww2.

"a year in the life" is the highly traumatized girlboss main character and gang leader thomas shelby turned into the owner of a small bookstore, somewhere in a much chiller world. it's sweet and fluffy and kind of... does the characters and all their little quirks so well, translating them from the 1920s to today. i've re-read it a lot despite having watched just a few episodes of the show just bc..... it's so nice!! a genuinely calming, chill fic. the fanfic equivalent of lighting a banana-bread scented candle. the fanfic equivalent putting your face into your friend's goodwill couch. i think the writer should write a real small-town romance novel one day. the book would feel like lavender lotion that could tell you jokes.

atla: "at the top of the world" by lady_of_the_flowers.

"Zuko is sent in disgrace to Alaska's Northern coast to ensure nothing stands in the way of Sozin Oil Company’s new offshore drilling project. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make his father see he’s worthy, even if it means fighting against the one person he's met who actually seems to give a damn about him."

i mean... right!! it's unfinished but it's so good. again, plot is real. and zuko is translated so well as that miserable little bitch he is. so is his sad relationship with mai, and so is, i felt, the cultural difference btwn executive texas and small town alaska. the tension between zuko and sokka is delicious. and i appreciate how this one touches on addiction, which is a very under-represented issue in fandom.

[foolondahill17]

Top 10 SPN fanfic favs of 2021:

My top 10 2021 SPN fanfic recs (all but honorable mention updated/finished in 2021). Not pairing specific, but weighted toward Destiel. 

Pater by TaraxacumWine

Summary: Dean hasn't seen his father in ten years. And now, he and his partner Castiel have been invited to spend Christmas with John and his new family.

The invitation stirs up feelings and memories for both Castiel and Dean, of the good times, and the bad. A lot can change in ten years - and a lot can stay the same.

How did we end up here?

Commentary: Established Destiel. WIP. It’s been stuck at 9/10 chapters for the past six months, so I don’t know if it will ever be finished, but this is one of the most captivating “normal people” AUs I’ve ever read. Perfectly encapsulates our beloved SPN characters and their many traumas in a world without monsters.  

the remembered earth by a_good_soldier

Summary: 25 years later, Dean returns to Riverton, Wyoming.

Commentary: this is about a lot of things – personal and generational trauma among them. Sometimes all we can do is just bear witness. Startling and lovely and painful. Established Destiel, but that isn’t the focus. 

 if it all fell to pieces tomorrow by spocklee

Summary: After the Empty, Cas has to spend some time alone. Orpheus tries to convince Eurydice over the phone that it’s okay to turn around now.

Commentary: For once it’s Cas that leaves Dean waiting, instead of the other way around. Gutting angst and a beautiful ending. Destiel finale fix-it.

 Half Empty by sinnabonka

Summary: Raging storm, boundless cornfield surging, churning, like an angry ocean crashing its waves over steep shores. Dean comes to in the passenger seat of his car with no memory of what could have possibly brought him to the oddly named bar on the outskirts of the small town in the middle of nowhere.

Investigating what first looks like a regular, run-of-the-mill missing people case and trying to bring back memories he’s lost, Dean ends up discovering truth he’d rather remain hidden.

Welcome to Half Empty, where nothing is as it seems, and even shadows have secrets of their own.

Commentary: a painful and beautiful exploration of grief. Atmospheric and eerie. Technically Destiel but it takes a while to get there. 

 Strandlines by aeli_kindara

Summary: It’s September 18, 2008. Castiel is being deployed to rescue Dean Winchester from Hell.

He lands in Dean Winchester’s motel room in 2003. Things go from there.

Commentary: 2021 seemed like the year for Destiel time-travel fics, but Strandlines was my favorite, with heartfelt metaphor and a very clever canon-bending plot. 

 Plain Language by thalius

Summary: Charlie sets her beer down hard on the counter, making him flinch. “Are you trying to invent a problem?” she asks incredulously.

“What? No, dude, I’m telling you—”

“Your boyfriend turned down sex twice, once because you were concussed and your arm was broken, and once because he was about to drive out of state to help your brother,” Charlie summarises, brutal and unrelenting. “And you think that, what? You can never ask him for sex again because of that?”

Dean’s been playing catch-up his entire life, and he’s still figuring out the whole “asking for what I want” thing.

Commentary: Angst? Whump? Schmoop? Charlie??? What more can my little Destiel-heart crave?

 the cheapest room in the house by biggaybenny

Summary: what if instead of a very sincere and earnest love confession dean just found out cas was gay? no confession, no god-jack endgame. just post-s15 stupidity. just dean being deranged.

the dean downloads grindr for cas fic

Commentary: WIP (7/8 chapters, fairly consistent updates). It seems like this is THEE Destiel fic nowadays, and for good reason. Not only a beautiful exploration of a complicated relationship, but also a gut-wrenching depiction of Dean’s internal monologue and a haunting narrative about learning to let yourself love.

 Like They All Do by kalliel

Summary: When that cult thing down in Arizona goes bad, it goes real bad. What Dean wants now, showing up at Swayze's bar like a body from a grave--well. That's anyone's guess.

15x07 "Last Call" tag

Commentary: No pairing one-shot. Wait 'til you get to the end, kids, it's a line worth the read.

 Pillow Talk by HaganeNoMorals

Summary: Crowley gets personal. Just a quiet evening vignette from the infamous summer of love.

Commentary: Just some short and (bitter)sweet Deanmon Drowley angst in which Dean is even more of a dick than Crowley is.

 Mary Winchester, Working On It by alittleduck (amidsizedfrog), amidsizedfrog

Summary: "I thought, I dunno, that you might be,” Dean paused.

“A lesbian?” Sam suggested at the same time Mary said, “a sodomite?”

“Actually,” Jack piped up into the complete silence that followed Mary’s words, “sodomy refers to both oral and anal sex. Even though it’s used as an outdated term for homosexuality, it doesn’t actually mean homosexual. I learned that from Google,” he told them all proudly.

“Very good, son,” Cas said in a dazed voice.

Or, Dean comes out to Mary. But not without a few major misunderstandings along the way.

Commentary: Very funny and charming one-shot. We all deserve some laughs after the year we’ve had.

 Honorable mention:

Personal Space: The Final Frontier by oldmaker

Summary: "Captain's Log, Stardate 10918.8. Captain Ellen Harvelle reporting, First Officer… Castiel… attending. After a month of bargaining with the Gehennian government, efforts to permit a search party within the Rack facilities still proved unsuccessful. Although Starfleet’s orders dictated we tuck tail and leave, I elected to disregard this decision and beam a rescue operations team down for the recovery of Lieutenant Commander Dean Winchester.

The life of Commander Rufus Turner was lost in the efforts, but the hostage was recovered, severely injured but alive. Although I have not escaped unscathed for disobeying a direct order, Starfleet has redirected their attention to understanding the circumstances surrounding Winchester’s imprisonment and rescue..."

 In the middle of a milk run mission to retrieve powerful artifacts before they can fall into the hands of galactic terrorists, things go, as always, horribly wrong — and Dean and Castiel are mortified to discover their bond, if they even have one, is all that stands between the galaxy and its annihilation.

Something is rotten in the state of Starfleet.

Commentary: Star Trek Destiel AU. WIP with its 8/? chapters updated last on 12/30/2020, so I don’t know if this one will ever be completed, but its an exceedingly excellent AU. A crossover not in terms of borrowing Star Trek character, but in transplanting the SPN characters into TOS.

[diyeoracha]

fanfic recommendations

for @kittensocute bc i heard “atsukita” and “iwaoi” in reference to fanfiction and i am There

i took your “i love slow burn or slow build fics... so i like relatively shorter burn fics (20-30k). If its a 10k oneshot slow burn hELL SIGN ME UP” and absolutely ran with it.

i listed my fav iwaoi fics (17) with a longer word count (longest is 80k) that are all mostly either canon compliant or divergent with only two straight up AUs. none of them feature heavy nsfw content and most if not all are tagged as friends to lovers lmao. feel free to read the my thoughts or just go into them blind!! and they’re all in order of how much I absolutely adore them :^)

now atsukita is not a big ship *sobs* but here are some of my favorite fics (7) of them! a lot of them are shorter bc i guess that’s just. what happens when it’s a small ship LOL. 

the formatting in this is fucked if you open it from ur dash but if it’s on my actual blog it should be fine!

Iwaoi

the courtship ritual of the hercules beetle

Word count: 66k

thoughts: my absolute absolute absolute favorite iwaoi fic. the characterization, the fact that oikawa’s a bastard but because he and iwaizumi are older (late 20s i believe), it feels more realistic and sad rather than oikawa being a bitch for the sake of it. spoiler alert it’s slow burn and pining and mostly oikawa not realizing his feelings. this world building is pretty cool bc iwaizumi is the professional player while oikawa is an entomology professor! also i love non-linear narratives bc of This fic. there’s mutual pining in this fic but it’s really really really subtle to the point where you dont even know if oikawa likes iwa. this made me cry like twice.

sunset towns

Word count: 33k

Summary: In the summer of 2020, Oikawa Tooru returns home from his first successful stint as captain of Japan’s national volleyball team. In one hand, he holds the undisputed weight of an Olympic medal, and in the other, his unresolved feelings for a childhood best friend.

thoughts: the tone in this is So similar to the courtship ritual that I liken this as an alternate story even though it’s still oikawa’s pov. professional player oikawa and regular guy iwaizumi and oikawa is just. bumming around at iwaizumi’s place and naturally he messes up but things happen.

told before and told again

word count: 4k

thoughts: i looked through literally all the tags i could’ve thought of for this and nearly cried when i found it agian. outsider POV!!

In damp earth my body

Word count: 15k

Summary: Onscreen, the nation’s favorite setter has arranged himself so that he’s bowing, forehead pressed to the court, like he’s thanking everyone for their kindness thus far, like he’s asking for forgiveness. Hajime thinks: shit, it’s really happening

thoughts: oikawa retires and moves in with iwaizumi and they blur the line between roommates/best friends and being fwb. this is an iwaizumi pov and the pining is obvious on his end. as a iwa stan the tone made me feel weird bc it makes it seem like iwa cares more abt oikawa than he cares abt himself but. its a good fic

i grew up, you grew down

word count: 19k

thoughts: this is also SO funny bc basically oikawa retires and moves in with iwaizumi and becomes his stay at home wife and a bunch of shit happens like people think that oikawa is dating ushijima and oikawa basically loses it every time. here’s one of my favorite quotes:

“Oikawa also bought a new ultra-strength vacuum cleaner he’d decided to name Ushiwaka out of sheer spite, because it sucked all the air right out of the room. Iwa-chan didn’t think the joke was that funny when Tooru told him, which was frankly very hurtful and insensitive.”

Mint

Word count: 19k

thoughts: iwaizumi is moving and oikawa planned a perfect last hangout and it goes to shit featuring matsuhana. oikawa pov where he pines more than iwa which is something i can get behind!! and this was written in 2015 and iwa’s moving bc of a sports medicine program so iwaizumi stans know and love him sm ;;

Almost a Stranger

Word count: 16k

thoughts: same premise as mint LOL except they’re on a trip together and there’s more non-linear narrative!! this one is a little more mature in tone than mint i would say (funny how people just like splitting them up and throwing them in different countries huh)

with every second that you could give

Word count: 9k

Summary: The journey of Iwaizumi and Oikawa going for gold.

Quote: He knows they’re too close. Iwaizumi knows it too, and they both decided to move in together anyway.

thoughts: iwaoi roommates and they’re both obviously and really pine-y for each other and everyone sees it but them. srsly. they’re sleeping in the same bed. like my god

Lost in Translation

Word count: 9k

Summary: Because misfortune come in threes, Iwaizumi Hajime starts his Thursday having a screaming fight with Shittykawa, spends his lunch break listening to the UCI women’s volleyball team gossiping about how Ushijima Wakatoshi had gone public about his longtime love affair with Oikawa Tooru, and closes out the day by drunkenly dropping his phone into a sewer grate.

thoughts: so funny. so sososoosso genuinely funny. the tone is so snappy and iwaizumi honestly just sounds like a confused teenager (which he is in this) and it gets extra points for including a lot of american culture that a lot of the other iwaoi college au ones don’t include for like. obvious reasons lol.

Something Borrowed

Word count: 16k

Summary: In which Oikawa and Iwaizumi have always been a foregone conclusion to everyone else, but a massive, unanswered question to one another.

thoughts: iwaoi roommates thats abo but it’s like. mentioned twice. whiny and possessive oikawa makes an appearance in this but it’s done really well

things that change, things that stay the same

Word count: 8k

Summary: Oikawa realizes he’s in love with his best friend; it sucks for a while. (But only for a little while.)

thoughts: high school getting together!! my second iwaoi fic ever and this one is just. so sweet. just an unsure oikawa realizing iwaizumi might be more than someone he wants as a best friend. this fic is honestly really really lovely.

galaxies, within you

Word count: 21k

Summary: Hajime and Tooru move in together at the start of university. Too bad they’re stuck with the two gremlins that haunt their apartment.

thoughts: ok this fic was so funny. theyre uni roommates and matsuhana just come fuck shit up and they all act like idiots together even though they go to different schools. and this really throws me back to university days.

Thirty Years and Change (the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad)

Word count: 19k

thoughts: pro! oikawa and iwaizumi haven’t been close for a while until oikawa invites iwaizumi to go to the games with him. there’s a lot of frustration and pining and actually talking about feelings (aka iwaizumi losing his mind and getting advice from people like akaashi)

when it starts to rain, they go inside

Word count: 33k

Summary: “Where?” starts Iwaizumi.“ My parent’s old lakehouse, silly, didn’t you hear me the first time?” OR: Oikawa takes Iwaizumi to his lakehouse for two weeks, post-graduation.

thoughts: this was actually my first iwaoi fic which is funny bc the author doesn’t even like oikawa much and i didnt even ship anything in haikyuu before i read this fic and now im in iwaoi hell. oikawa is really frustrating in this in that it’s basically a really good character analysis on how oikawa comes off as a Mean person all the time bc he’s manipulative and there’s some explicit content

shiver

Word count: 16k

Summary: Oikawa was always the brave one. Hajime just followed two paces behind.

thoughts: iwaoi roommates with oikawa admitting his feelings first back when they were in middle school and iwaizumi putting that thought on the backburner until. obviously. things happen.

Desperado

word count: 80k

thoughts: one of my favorite aus. it’s all from kyoutani’s perspective and it’s almost so au that they’re original characters (if that makes sense). basically iwaoi matsuhana are ex-grifters except iwaoi are estranged and daishou somehow brings everyone back together. excellent world building and reading the pov from someone not involved with the iwaoi drama was refreshing

sing with me a song of conquest and fate

word count: 26k

thoughts: a mythical kings au that’s just. so pretty. iwaizumi ends up becoming oikawa’s servant for some reason and the world building is a+ because you can feel the trust and frustration from both of them build

Atsukita

dreams of me and you

word count: 10k (incomplete)

my second atsukita fic that rly sent me down atskt hell ;; what is essentially post-break up when atsumu gets signed to msby and he’s just Pining and sad for the most part. but the established relationship pre-break up was written really nicely because it just fits my hc of them just being domestic and atsumu being blatantly head over heels

take me home

word count: 4k

i read this this morning and it wrecked me. domestic relationship atsukita?? sign me up

No time like the rest of my life

word count: 19k

mythology au with kita as a regular person and rest of inarizaki as fox spirits! it’s cute and the world building is absolutely lovely but it is an au so they might seem ooc but their core character values are still there

wild blue yonder

word count: 6k

literally full of similes and metaphors and it’s more of an abstract read i guess? but it’s so beautiful and soft and this is exactly how i imagine their relationship

reap and sow

word count: 8k

atsumu confesses and kita ignores him and it’s a couple years after the fact and it’s mostly just weirdly domestic almost roommate like except for the fact that atsumu makes it clear he likes kita LOL. they’re really in character for this!

weightless souls

word count: 2k

pillow talk before atsumu’s first game! the atsumu pov and voice is amazing

if we were both alone

word count: 7k

now this was actually my first atskt fic that sent me down this rare pair hell. it’s an explicit chat fic (both tropes i usually try to avoid) but atsumu types like me (except for the nsfw parts alksfjd) so i guess i like. feel appreciation LMAO.

if you do read like any of these fics pls let me know so we can discuss

♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡