#I was gonna make this like the mike art I did a while back

[katimanki]

I don't think I've ever drawn a mermaid for Mermay, but I saw people drawing mermaid Will and- I drew mermaid Elmax instead... Yeah that wasn’t the plan but here we are lol

[flownwrong]

chaotic ckr c6d squee propaganda (?) post

This, started half a year ago for @ds30below, was initially a general c6d short reviews post but kinda skewed majorly towards CKR's repertoire and wasn't too review-y. So I gave up on making sense and on including the non-CKR works. I don't know who the audience for this is, because I never give basic details for people who don't know about this stuff but say too much for those who do. I giffed what I could and tried to avoid what I know a lot about but haven't actually seen. Here goes.

Frank's Cock (1993)

Not much to say. It's only 8 minutes, it's beautiful and you should see it if you haven't. I won't spoil the subject, but you can likely guess. Watch it, cry a little. Then go watch some more of Mike Hoolboom's stuff, the vimeo link above is from his channel.

Two X-Files episodes (1994 – 1995)

Well, I haven't actually seen X-files since I was about fifteen and watched the like two seasons, and I remember none of it. I rewatched the two early episodes CKR appears in and they were fun. I did not watch the, the movie or whatever where he's doing the evil gay thing. But really, this one is on the list so I can show you this self-indulgent gif of him being Very Long:

Double Happiness (1994)

You shouldn't watch this one for CKR. I mean, you absolutely should see him here, looking like he's barely out of his teens and playing up the insecure act and having devastating chemistry with devastatingly beautiful Sandra Oh, but this is not why it's great. And it's really, really great. It's touching and funny and sincere. If you wanna have some feels about complicated family relationships and identity and growing up (at any point in life), you'll find them here.

Curtis's Charm (1995)

Don't regret watching it, can't recommend. Not gonna lie, I was emotionally affected. But I usually am by things as in-your-face bleak as this. Mostly, it's trying very hard to be smarter than it is, I think.

However: CKR's One Wild Curl is everything to me (see above, on the right. It was, like, actually curly. I was rendered speechless). And like two seconds of Hugh Dillon made me do a double-take, lol. Incredibly weird knowing this was shot like half a year before HCL began shooting. Feels like it must've been a decade earlier.

Hard Core Logo (1996)

I could make three separate posts about this one, so of course I have no idea what to say.

This one, you should watch for CKR, actually, he's something, but so is every single other aspect of this film. I wouldn't change a thing about it. It hits you like a 16 wheeler. Perfectly cast, unimaginably beautiful, hysterical and melancholy and disgusting and compelling.

Related recs:

A wonderfully fun article/retrospective/interview for its 20th anniversary a while back.

You should also absolutely read Hard Core Roadshow if you enjoyed the film. It's a book documenting the whole thing from conception to release. It touched me for its own sake, not just a backstage glance, full of love for the craft and the people and carrying this tangible bittersweetness about the heightened and fleeting nature of this kind of work.

(here, I feel compelled to include a quote from another c6d-related interview on Slings & Arrows, which I read after the book and went like man, it's really a universal experience isn't it.

Coyne: <...> But I also think, and this is my experience, what we were all experiencing, because we were all talking about our lives, our life in the arts — there’s something very melancholy about doing something you love, because it will never be good enough, it will always break your heart.

McKinney: Or it will be fleeting.

Coyne: It’ll be fleeting. You come together with people you feel passionately connected to and two weeks later they’re tearing down the sets.)

Quotes from the article and the book respectively include:

McDonald: So there was a kind of mutual dependency society with Hugh telling Callum, “Don’t worry, man, I got your back, I’ll tell you how high or low to wear your guitar, I’ll tell you how you should dress, I’ll tell you what you should drink…” and Callum was like, “I’ll tell you what hitting your mark is, I’ll tell you why they pull out fucking tape measures, I’ll tell you why you have to do it again, I’ll tell you about not overlapping dialogue..” and you know they clung to each other, like the other one was gonna fucking save them.

And:

A final gathering at the back of the tour bus with Bruce, Callum, Hugh, Bernie. We listen to the tape of HCL songs, all the way through, one last time. And we belt the words out. Bernie sings loudest, performing for Salerno's camera. Hugh and Callum sit back, looks of sadness. I get the sense that if they could do it, they'd chuck their lives and be Joe Dick and Billy Tallent forever. Callum leans to Bruce and says exactly what everyone else is thinking: "I don't want it to end."

There's much more to both texts than *gestures* the whatever those two had, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

And Xeriscape is the best HCL fic I've read. Granted, I read very few because it's not a source that creates in me a craving for fic. But this one perfectly matches the film's fucked up beauty with its language while also adding a quieter, more fraught layer of humanity that we only get glimpses of in canon and that perfectly fits John. 10/10, would recommend.

Anyway. Watch it. Read it. If you haven't. Otherwise, come scream with meeee! And go reblog my gifs or something. Idk.

Letters From Home (1996)

Mike Hoolboom strikes again, with another short. This goes into the "don't watch it for CKR, watch it because it's great" box. Yes, you will cry.

For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down (1996)

Another bleak one! It sucked to watch, I mean, on purpose. There were a couple of very effective scenes. I really enjoyed the opening. They say the book is decent too, I haven't checked that out.

Actually, let's just switch back from coherent thought to undignified staring at his mouth with this one. What the fuck is that cigarette thing. I couldn't help myself.

Last Night (1998)

These gifs are not representative of the whole movie. There is more happening than CKR kissing or hugging people. He's also doing more than just kissing and hugging. It's all very... impressive.

Guess who's also here again? Sandra Oh! And say hi to Don McKellar, who is an absolute champion for writing/directing/starring. You'll be seeing more of him.

Another one for the "watch it for its own sake" box. Seriously, that late 90s indie stuff is banger after banger. It's so beautiful! Look at those colours! Look at those shots! It's very uneasy and charming and melanchioly and itself in the best way.

Twitch City (1998 – 2000)

Don McKellar is back to murder you with discomfort! Bruce McDonald lends a hand. Molly Parker is also here. And Daniel McIvor, who'd go on to direct, for example, Wilby Wonderful. It's a party. If you watched some stuff from above (or below) on this list, most faces and names will be familiar to you, tbh (another Hugh Dillon double-take happens).

If you liked Spaced, you'll love this. You might also love it because it commits to its weirdness with an admirable resolve and is genuinely hilarious. (Honestly, CKR's outfits alone warrant a watch.) The idiosyncrasy is definitely Don McKellar's doing 200%. It couldn't be more different from Last Night, but if you've seen one, you'll recognise the other.

Battlestar Galactica (2003 – 2009)

I don't think a person should be allowed to look this pretty in the sweaty-and-dying makeup in that light (this sentence probably looks very weird to those not under the CKR magic spell).

I don't know what to say about BSG because I really, really enjoyed early it initially, but by the middle of S2 it got... well, whatever that was. If you know you know, if you don't, still give it a go. You might get invested enough to suffer through it all, as I have been, slowly.

The unfortunate thing is that CKR got to be there mostly in the "what the fuck" years and not the "wow that's so cool" years. That, as you might be aware, is a pattern with him. But! When he was here, he was so genuinely, wonderfully creepy not in the typecast-baddy way, but in this slow, half-absent way, which really worked. You can also see him tortured a little, as a treat!! <3

Also, a wild John Pyper-Ferguson appears! If you're looking at him thinking you know him from somewhere but not immediately remembering, you'll figure it out, I believe in you. I was very happy to see him.

Wilby Wonderful (2004)

Another win for the put CKR in more good shit team!!! Guess who's here again? Sandra Oh! Also, Paul Gross. Don't watch it for him either though haha.

Another one for whoever wants to look at pushing against the weight of others' (or your own) expectations and growing into who you are or reconsidering who you are or finding meaningful connections with others even when you're kind of a mess and they are too.

Not nearly the first time CKR's gotten to play a queer character, but man, this one really is the heart of the in-universe community, and, through that, of the film. A rare chance to see him so far out of the prickly persona! He's just so solid and calm and there for others in this one and, and soft, ough. It's awesome.

By the way, if any of you have the commentary track or know someone who has, please drop me a line here or on discord (emotionalrisotto), I really wanna hear that.

Supernatural (2005)

I love Supernatural a lot. It was a formative experiences (albeit a very late one) and I owe a lot of my favourite stuff about fandom-ing to the buddies I met through it. I can't believe I'm telling you this (because who hasn't seen it, not because I'm reccing it), but you should really try it if you haven't. It's pretty rad.

I had no idea who this guy was when I saw that episode (the second ever one!), though. I simply cannot fathom what @nigeltde-fic felt when she first saw it. I think I personally got very lucky she didn't combust on the spot. It would've been unfortunate.

On a sillier note, CKR's character has weird tension with both Sam and Dean in this episode, which is par for the course. I personally think they should've... no, I shan't say it. You can probably imagine.

Californication (2008 – 2013)

I haven't actually seen it, lol (and I suspect I won't enjoy it, but I'm very curious and also CKR looks really really good).

The real reason for this one on the list is to share a fic rec. Really, it's a due South F/K fic featuring Lew Ashby. It's ridiculously hot and very satisfying in its romantic resolution, too (but then, I'm kind of big on selfcest. And consensual voyeurism. And pretend relationships when done like this. And sublimated yearning. Erm.)

Shattered (2010 – 2011)

I wish this never happened. I badly, badly wish this never happened. I can't turn back time, but I can warn those luckier than me: do not go there. Yes, even for this dude. You'll sleep better not knowing just what it is he was the EP on. And the only important part — the mascara — can be seen above (yes, the show does look that bad, it's not just the gifs).

Just kidding — I watched it, didn't I? You'll have fun hating it! Just prepare for industrial grade cringe, lower your expectations (No, lower. No, still lower than that. And just a bit more.) and you'll have a great time!

Star trek: Discovery (2024)

Or, as I call it, Star Trek: The Mediocre Show. Discovery S5 was... what it was, but it was a wonderful viewing experience — mostly thanks to the gang (@kittkatk and @feroxargentea especially!)

What a joy it is, to follow a show week by week, yelling and laughing and discussing the whole time. And giffing, too. I was very happy to contribute to the Disco fandom from my own little obsessive corner, and I was glad to see people adoring Rayner, haha.

He's a pretty neat character — very much a stereotype, yes, but with CKR's usual twist of odd vulnerability and weirdness. Also, I loved the ears. I miss the ears. The ears were great.

I even wrote a fic! Although it's not within my usual range to write for canons and universes I don't know well — and back then, I'd only seen S5 of Disco. It was a lot of suffering, and a lot of fun.

Closing thoughts

I'd really love the dude to get a better agent. And possibly better taste, but I realise that's a tougher ask. Seriously, it's been too long since he was in something majorly cool. I'm grateful to him, at least, for not making terrible music on the side. And I still have a lot of his back catalogue to get through, some of it even good, so there will be more insanity. Until then!

[mable-stitchpunk]

I'm back with silly fanart of the home series! because it's one of the few things keeping me sane this semester. I'm planning on doing some character notes before I do another comic practice, it's gonna be Foxy and Jeremy, so I am going to need it, anyway-- FANART!

Less this time, because the other one I did was one of the character notes but I wanna have them all before I share them, and I totally did not start with a certain clown trio (with honorary bunny member) because I am totally not biased.

OOOOO, I COME BACK ON TO POST LINKS AND I FIND ART WAITING! 8D And such good art! GOD THESE WOULD MAKE EXCELLENT COVERS- especially the first one! 8D The third one for the Clownwell spinoff, because Ennard looks so ominous I love it so much ahsgdjsksk!?! You wouldn't have any idea that these two are actually so soft and that's such a cool angle, I love it!

But don't let me pass over the second one! I love this angle of Mike- that's the smirk of a man who knows he has a lovable attack puppet, and that the menacing smile of a lovable attack puppet if I've ever seen one! You make them look like such a good team! 8D

I have GOT to start paying you for these, my friend! YOU ARE FEEDING ME TOO WELL, NOW I SHALL USE THIS TO KINDLE THE FIRE! Really though, you have helped me through some rough times, your art too! I went through a rocky patch a little while back and seeing all the care you've put into these, and seeing the story actually come to life before my eyes, it's helped a whole lot. Really.

*Hugs tightly* Oh, thank you so much for this! These are beautiful, and I look at them often so every time I see that you sent something I get so excited. 😊 Now I'm going to go show these off! 8D

[spaceorphan18]

The Rogue and Gambit Project: Previously On X-Men... Gambit

It's time to talk about Gambit! The nice thing about Gambit is that he was, at the time, a relatively new character, having only been around in the comics for about a year. Which means there is way less to cover! Boy, are we going to have to deal with some questionable art, though.

The Basics:

Name: Remy Etienne* LeBeau

*Okay, so, this is the funny thing about the name Etienne. Apparently, it started out as fanlore, and - as so many things that happen in fandom - gained popularity as fanon from a particularly well known piece of fanfiction from way back when. I believe it's actually been used in canon at this point. It is on Marvel.com - which is the official site. I'll keep a look out for it to show up.

Also, in case you didn't know (and I'm sure you did), Le Beau is French for The Beautiful.

Backstory: Just like Rogue, Gambit's backstory is shrouded in mystery. He's a thief. He's from New Orleans. He's Cajun. That's all your getting for now. Don't worry, we'll peel back the layers. ;)

Power Set (via uncannyxmen.net):  interkinetic power allows him to produce bio-kinetic energy within his body and use it to convert any inorganic object's potential energy into kinetic energy on contact, making the object highly volatile and explosive on contact, internal energy also grants him heightened agility and creates static interference that shields his mind from detection

I should also give the obligatory comment of - these powers are toned down from his full abilities because of /reasons/ which we'll get to eventually. He had Mr. Sinister give him a lobotomy and, we've all been suffering the consequences sense.

Alright, let's dig into Gambit's pre-Rogue run...

Uncanny X-Men 266-267

Uncanny X-Men #266

I have to start by appreciating the fact that Gambit is a thief who wears bright pink and metal boots. It's a bold look.

Anyway, the funny thing about Gambit is that the character he turned out to be ended up being a lot different from creator Chris Claremont's initial ideas. Apparently, he was supposed to be, ultimately, a villain and, while he was supposed to be a love interest for one of our characters, it wasn't Rogue, it was... Kitty Pryde. He was also supposed to be a Mr. Sinister creation and a third summers brother. Yeah, I'm kind of glad Claremont left before any of this stuff really came to fruition.

Also, I once read that Claremont claim that original artist Mike Collins made Gambit too pretty. Which is funny, because ngl, I really am not a fan of the look in his debut, and it will be a while before he really earns his name.

Uncanny X-Men #266

I also want to note that Gambit's powers were a little different back then. He didn't have playing cards yet, and instead used metal spikes as throwing devices. The powers were designated in green. And were charged from his eyes. Also, interesting to note - his eyes aren't red on black yet, either.

There's also 'hypnotic charm' thing that was kinda used in the early appearances. He does use it in his first appearance to tame some of the Shadow King's Hounds.

Uncanny X-Men #266

He's gonna be calling her 'Stormy' for years. She's gonna love it. ;) (Btw - he calls her Stormy 4 times in this issue alone.)

Okay, so... Gambit shows up, crossing paths with Storm at a mansion of some rich person. Storm is de-aged (for... reasons) and is running from the Shadow King and his minions. He's busy stealing art from the rich dude (who apparently is not home and has no security, lol).

And thus, one of my favorite comic book friendships is born. And really, this first appearance is a lot of fun as Gambit and Storm play off each other's strengths to get away from the Shadow King.

Uncanny X-Men 267

Jim Lee is going to add some of Gambit's more iconic features -- such as throwing playing cards (Gambit's Ace of Spades shows up in this next issue) and using some kind of staff (hilariously, it's a broom in this issue).

Storm and Gambit's adventures continue. He takes her to New Orleans for a while so she can recover from the Shadow King. They go thieving -- playing Robin Hood -- stealing from rich people because they can. And then the Orphan Maker comes along, who makes Storm a teenager? (Idk - the whole thing is weird - she'll become her real age again in the next story arc.)

Uncanny X-Men #267

And then Storm is like, hey, I have a crazy idea....

Uncanny X-Men Annual #14

Fun fact: Because of release dates and such, Uncanny X-Men #266 wasn't the first comic released to have Gambit in it. The Annual technically came out first, though it clearly takes place after Uncanny 266-267. But this is the first time we see Gambit among the X-Men team. Not that he does anything remotely interesting during this whole thing. He doesn't even speak, kind of hides awkwardly in the background.

X-Tinction Agenda (Uncanny X-Men #270-272; X-Factor & New Mutants)

Uncanny X-Men #270

Welcome to the X-Men, Gambit! Hope you survive the experience!

He's in the credit roll now, must be official. ;)

Gambit joins the team just as the mega X-tinction Agenda crossover starts. (Uncanny X-Men joins New Mutants and X-Factor for this one) And, I'll be honest, this isn't one of my favorite crossovers. The whole thing revolves around the nation of Genosha, how they're using mutants for slaves, and how all the teams come together to change the status quo. And of course, mutants get capture and tortured and a few killed. Fwiw X-Men: The Animated Series did do this storyline.

Uncanny X-Men #270

Gambit and Cable don't (won't) get to cross paths very often, so I found this an interesting panel. Anyway... Gambit really has very little to do during this crossover. When Storm gets captured, he is really concerned for her (as he considers her his partner at the moment) but he's not really vibe-ing the whole team dynamic yet.

Uncanny X-Men #272

This is arguably the coolest thing Gambit's done as of yet. Dude pulls a spike out of his leg to use as a lockpick and gets himself rescued. I'm glad they give him this, because, again, for the most part he's just kinda hanging around in the background not doing much.

I will say - he and Jubilee get to cross paths, which is going to be a source of fun in the next arc.

Space Shenanigans (Uncanny X-Men 273-277)

Uncanny X-Men 273

Some of my favorite issues are when the team is regrouping. Post- X-Tinction Agenda, it's clear that things in the X-Office were changing. Claremont is at this point sort of being pushed out, while Jim Lee and Co are becoming more the driving force behind the books. On panel, the teams are kind of merging. X-Factor's first era is drawing to a close, and the X-Men are resolidifying after being in flux for so long.

We're about to get a Space Soap Opera, as Claremont so dearly loves, but this issue is a bit of a breather between the arcs. And we get this bit of tension between Storm and Gambit - where Gambit is ready to move on, but Storm is back on solid footing again. They don't explicitly state why Gambit sticks around, but he definitely does...

Uncanny X-Men 273

I swear, this is Chris Claremont's favorite joke. He's used it before this moment, and he'll do it again. It's impactful the first time, but it does get old the more Claremont does it. However, we get the first highlight of the dynamic between Gambit and Wolverine -- which will be antagonistic for a while, but is fascinating.

Uncanny X-Men #274

Doesn't Gambit look sexy in his yellow team uniform?? ;)

Btw - as I mentioned earlier, this is the first issue Gambit and Rogue appear in together. Though they be miles and miles and miles apart.

Uncanny X-Men #275

The whole crux of this arc, that I've been kind of ignoring, involves Xavier being brainwashed in space (or something) and of course the X-Men get involved in space politics (again). Honestly, space stories are Claremont's favorite trope, so it doesn't surprise me that the end of his run are filled with a couple of them.

Anyway -- if there's one person impervious to Gambit's charms - it's Jubilee. They get to hang out a lot during this arc, and it's really delightful since they team up to kind of figure out what is going on with Xavier acting weird and all the odd space kool-aide people are drinking.

Uncanny X-Men #277

I actually really like this cover. Gambit's got a sword and a spear! Plus, he looks like his 90s cool self now. The blue and yellow uniform doesn't suit him AT. ALL. But we don't have to deal with it too much longer...

Uncanny X-Men #277

See... I told you Claremont was gonna do this again, lol.

Uncanny X-Men #277

The nice thing about this whole space arc is that Gambit really gets to come into his own. He now looks cool (note the red eyes are here!). He's doing fun stuff. He's taking on Wolverine and holding his own. He's being smart and tactical and an asset. They've paired him with some great X-Men to start off with, and it's paying off.

Meanwhile, we don't really know much about him. As many of the other characters state, his background is shrouded in mystery... (whether you like what it actually is can be debated as we get to it). But for now, he's intriguing as a new comer.

And this is where we're at as two story lines come crashing together and our two romantic leads get to meet for the first time.... off panel.

But I'll get more into that next time when I discuss... The Muir Island Saga!

[steddieas-shegoes]

Headcanon: Steve & little Holly Wheeler remain really close after Steve/Nancy break up. During an intense storm she calls Steve in tears while Nancy & Mike watch is shock. They didn't know she was still close to him.

"Hello?" Steve answered the phone on the third ring, hoping it was Robin letting him know she got home okay after band practice.

The storm came out of nowhere, and since everyone was still a bit on edge after Vecna, he needed to make sure everyone was alright.

"Stevie?" Holly Wheeler whispered on the other end of the line.

"Holly? Are you okay? Where's your mom?" Steve was suddenly even more worried that Holly was somehow alone at home during this storm.

They never left her alone, she was way too young, but if something happened-

"She's not home. Nancy's in her room. I'm scared."

Thank god. She just wanted to talk to him like they used to do during afternoon storms all the time.

"You're safe, Hol. Remember it's just some angry clouds. They must have had to wake up early today, huh?" he smiled to himself. "What about you? Did you get up early for school?"

"Yes and my teacher was late." He heard thunder on her end and hoped she would keep talking. "She said it was because her no good husband left with her keys."

Steve bit back a laugh.

"Oh yeah? I bet she was mad at him."

"She was so mad! And then she yelled at Rose two times cuz she kept getting out of line on the way to lunch!"

"Isn't Rose the one who always colors on other people's pictures in art?" Steve loved to hear about the 1st grade drama as much as possible.

"Yes, and then Ben always distracts the teacher for her so she can say mean stuff to everyone. She is so mean."

"It sounds like it."

"Holly, who are you talking to?" he heard Nancy's voice on the other end.

"It's Steve!"

"Steve? Did he call for me?"

"No, I called him."

"Steve? Did Holly call you?" Nancy's voice was on the other end now, and Holly could be heard arguing about wanting to talk to him more.

"Yeah. She calls sometimes when she's upset or scared. The storm must be freaking her out a lot," Steve said.

"Hey, I need the phone," Mike's voice could be heard in the distance. "Who are you even talking to?"

"It's Steve," Nancy replied.

"Our Steve?" Mike asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. Apparently, Holly calls him when she's scared."

"Why?"

Steve rolled his eyes.

"Is it so hard to believe that Holly and I are storm buddies?" Steve asked.

"Yes!" Nancy and Mike said at the same time.

"Put Holly back on the phone," he said, slightly irritated now.

"I think the storm is going away," Holly said into the phone. "Do you have the teddy bear?"

"Of course I do. He always sits right next to my bed so if I get scared I can hold him. Do you have yours?" he asked.

"Yes, but he has a hole in his leg and mommy has to fix him."

"Okay, well I can hug mine extra tight for now so he knows you're safe."

"Okay! Bye Steve!"

"Bye Holly," he laughed.

"I don't understand," Nancy said just as he was about to hang up.

"What?"

"Why does she call you? We're right here."

"I guess it's just our thing. I dunno, Nance. But I'm gonna go. I'm waiting on Robin to call. You guys good?"

"Uh-huh."

"Great. Bye."

Steve hung up and smiled to himself. Holly Wheeler was probably, almost definitely, his favorite Wheeler.

[m-jelly]

Hey can you do an underground reader x Levi? Like the scouts go down in the underground to look for someone like Levi and they find reader and Mike catches them and they start asking questions ( like they did to Levi when they found him) but they are very aggressive and upset so Levi goes and calms them down and they have a cute moment in front of the scouts! You don't have to if it's too much! Thank you 😊

@kenkopanda-art <3

With you again.

Levi x fem!Reader

Canon world, fluff, romance, reuniting, together again, hugs, kisses, tears, Levi being sweet.

Filled with fear and panic while pinned under the scout Mike, you think the end is now and you'll never see your Levi again. While trying to fight, the man you missed dearly returns to you, soothes your racing heart and flooding tears.

@ladycheesington @levisbrat25 @nyxiieluna @li-anne @galactict3a @youre-ackermine @thebobaprincess @2moth-anon2 @cypidity @nbinairyn @bts-spnlvr12 @notgoodforlife @demonic-bird

Part 2

Mud and sludge covered your chest and cheek as you were pressed down against the dirty ground. No matter how much you kicked, screamed and fought the big man pinning you down was not letting you go. The pressure he was placing on your arms and back was beginning to hurt and you were sure something might break.

You screamed and shifted under him to try and break free. The more you struggled, the more you cut up your body on the rough floor which led to the dirty water and mud seeping in. Everything stung.

"Tch, oi! Mike you're gonna break something. Ease off!"

You gasped as the weight was shifted. "Ow."

Levi jogged over to you and crouched. "Fucking big oaf. Hey? You okay?"

You leaned on your arms and raised your head. You locked eyes with the man you never thought you'd see again, the man who you'd loved with all your heart. "Levi?"

Levi's eyes widened. "He grabbed you..." He softly said your name as tears filled his eyes. "I can't believe it."

You sat up and began crying. "I thought I'd never see you again!" You rubbed your tears with your arms that were clean. "I longed for you so much. I thought about you every single day. You promised you'd come back and I never gave up hope."

Even though you had mud and dirt on your face, he cupped your face so lovingly. "I made a promise to you and I was going to make sure I followed it." He tapped his forehead against yours. "I missed you so fucking much. I'm sorry I couldn't take you the first time, but I didn't want you to fight titans. I want you to live."

You whined and began crying harder. "Leviiiii."

Levi wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly. "I'm here now. I'm here and I'm going to free you."

You shook in Levi's arms. "Don't hug me. I'm covered in dirt and mud. You hate dirty things."

"I do hate dirty things, but I love you. You're never a dirty thing. We'll just take a bath together, okay?"

"Okay." You hugged him back. "Okay."

He pulled back a bit and kissed you. "Commander Erwin is letting me look after you at the scout base."

"I'll work for you. I'm a great cook and I know first aid and, and, and, I can read and write."

Levi helped you stand up. "I've told him all this. He's happy for you to be an attendant at the base doing odd jobs like cooking, basic medical and admin." He walked with you. "You'll be looked after now, okay? Our future starts now."

[digoload]

the paladin line up!!! (click for better quality)

This is a part of my voltron AU that I already did a bit of art on this here. i'll probably update my foolish design at some other time but there he is for now.

Under the cut -- my reasons for these particular characters, plus some sketched story ideas i had for them/their backstories prior to canon.

(also, yes - qtubbo tucks his jeans into his socks)

Green Paladin - Tubbo. He's green already, fantastic. Also, a nerd like Pidge and naturally curious. I considered other Create-oriented QSMPers for green lion but I think Tubbo fits the best!

Yellow Paladin - Missa. For a while I was gonna make Forever the yellow or blue paladin, but then I realised the whole cast would be wayyyyy too zany or weird. We needed a sturdy, relatable character. Someone who was scared. Someone who didn't really want to be there. Someone who would have an unlikely romance with a menacing purple rebellion-leader alien in space. I knew Missa was perfect for the job.

Blue Paladin - Etoiles. We don't know the specific qualifications for someone to be the blue paladin (thanks Lance), but there are some clear similarities between Lance and Blaytz (I know Allura doesn't really fit with the pattern towards the end of the series, but work with me here), so I sort of made up my own requirements. 1. screams with joy when they get to pilot their lion. 2. dogboy. 3. ready to throw down. (season 1 allura fits all 3 of these, but arguably not really towards s6-7-8). I kinda relate him most to Blaytz out of all the blue paladins.

Red Paladin - Roier. You KNOW it had to be Roier. Who else. Literally who else. The man is red. Ready to throw down. Trusts his instincts. Angsty backstory. Right-hand to the guy who takes the lead in most situations. Also, just in general, I have a vivid vision of qroier in the red lion's cockpit. He could totally pull it off.

Black Paladin - Cellbit. The other characters I considered for this role were bbh and philza, but in the end I liked them more with having alien roles mainly due to their backstories (BBH as an immortal soul-guide demon and Philza as an avian). I just think that Cellbit would fit this role better. He already sort of heads the Order, is associated with the colour black as well. But most of all. I think there's a lot of potential for an angst arc where he goes off on his own for some dumb self sacrificial reason I guess, or maybe because of his extremeee trust issues, and neglects his leader duties because of this. and then there's a whole lesson learned kind of thing, maybe roier brings him back, etc.

Now for some backstories:

I think Tubbo would follow Pidge's backstory and motives pretty closely, given his penchant for breaking into the federation offices and snooping around (very Pidge-like behaviour). The thing I struggled with was getting someone to be kidnapped by space aliens that Tubbo cared enough about to go searching for. I already have plans for Fred, Phil, and the eggs, and they're the main things that drive qtubbo. Also, ideally, they'd have to be somewhat older than Tubbo in order to be on the Kerberos mission in the first place. For a while, I thought about somehow having Tubbo and Pierre being connected, but they're not super close in canon, even if he would make an Excellent Sam Holt.

BUT THEN I REMEMBERED: MORNING CREW. ITS PERFECT. I don't think they'd be directly related, but Pac as Matt Holt just works so well. I think Fit and Ramon would be rebel fighters that free Pac from the Galra and they sort of fall in love that way, but Mike was on the Kerberos mission too and is still missing, and that's Pac's main motivation.

So I think the best people for the Kerberos mission crew would be Pac (technician), Mike (engineer), and Cellbit (pilot). Cellbit obviously takes Shiro's role (sans robot arm, that's Etoiles' duty later on - this AU would divert from VLD canon pretty early on). Roier never gives up on Cellbit, just like Tubbo never gives up on Pac (and Mike). Except unlike Tubbo, who has to purposely get enrolled at the Garrison as a cadet in order to get intel, Roier is already graduate from the same class as Cellbit. He KNOWS there's a coverup of some kind, but he has no way of proving it. Fortunately, an old upperclassman/ex-tutor believes in him enough that he believes in Cellbit too, and together they get to work on figuring out this mystery. When an alien pod crash lands, they know they've got to get a closer look.

Missa is an unfortunate decontamination unit first-responder who gets in the way. They can't just leave him behind to sound the alarm - he has to come with them while they rescue Cellbit! Unbeknownst to them, Tubbo has already taken out the alarms and is also on his way over. Miraculously, they all escape with their lives, and magic space lion adventures ensue.

I feel like none of them would really have any time to change into casual clothing, so they're all in uniform. Cellbit would probably still be in prisoner clothing but tbh I just didn't think of that lol. Also, I wanted to draw him in a garrison uniform that wasn't detox or combat oriented. There are so many cool garrison uniform designs out there so drawing the same one twice was kinda soul crushing lol. cant wait to show you guys their individual character sheets!!

[bylerbigbang]

The Heat I See In Your Eyes

Fic by @reo-bylerwagon | Art by @fluffyfangirl

Rated Teen | 37k words

What if Mike and Will got the November 1983 Jancy treatment? (but with a twist)

Mike and Will are stuck together on patrol under Hopper’s orders and are left aimlessly wandering the woods, hoping they won’t encounter any monster-shaped surprises. Mike’s top priority is to not let Will out of sight, which is no problem for him- yet maybe that is the real problem here. Coupled with his embedded pledge to protect Will, he’s totally successful in making a fool out of himself. But, Will’s not his only audience, not for long anyway…

With that being said, Mike’s protectiveness is, to his misfortune, challenged. Our boys get themselves tangled up in a crazy (together) little side quest that’ll ultimately lead to a familiar pair coming to their rescue, with serious deja vu.

Warnings: Gay Panic, Gore, Internalized homophobia, Mentions of abuse, Usage of firearm, Hints at suicidal thoughts, Slight Dark humor

Read on Ao3 | View Art

Read an excerpt below:

Mike emerged from the ground, and was greeted by surrounding woods. An overwhelming wave of nausea overcame him as he spun around, absorbing the decayed atmosphere.

Immediately, he traced back to those grated sobs from a trapped Will all those years ago:

“It’s like home—“

Spores fell here like snow. More native and comfortable here in its own twistedly beautiful way. The silence was disturbing in the kind of way that if Mike decided to take another step, it would actually cause an echo.

Unlike the trees in Hawkins, these seemed alive somehow. Mike had the strangest feeling while scanning the hazy woods. He felt as if each one had a pair of eyes, somehow. And all those eyes were on him. Praying on his every move. Like, if he did something wrong, the trees would come alive and grab him. Pull him into the depths and darkness ahead.

He couldn’t put his finger on it, but this whole place just felt like it was holding its breath. Stalking, waiting for him to make an incorrect movement. Shoving down every detail Will had etched into Mike’s mind about the Upside Down, the Mind Flayer, the cold air vacuuming every splotch of warmth left on your skin, and-- wait--

“WILL?” Mike spun around, screaming to the invisible and unresponsive tree canopies. “WILL?!” He repeated, more shrill than the first time.

His attention was drawn to the hole he’d just popped out of, not yet sealed off. “MIKE?” Mike was on his knees instantly, skidding and scraping them against the coarse earth until he was hunched over the hole, “Will! I’m here!”

“I’m not gonna be able to hear you soon enough, so you’re gonna need to follow my voice so we don’t lose each other, okay?” Will explained, his voice grainy and filtered.

“How will you know I can hear?” Mike asked.

“I still have my flashlight! It’s already picking up on you, just don’t go off course too much!” Will’s voice was beginning to get more choppy, like he was being submerged underwater.

“Shit…holy--holy shit…” Mike panted, swallowing what could have been a spore or the residue of cottonmouth.

“You’re gonna be okay, you’re gonna-- j-just watch the--”

“Hive mind. Yeah, yeah.” Mike understood, feeling Will slip away. “Be careful down-- up-- there!”

“You too.” and with that, Will’s voice shriveled away with an electronic-like ripple, leaving Mike temporarily dumbfounded.

[campbyler]

hi, i just wanted to write a comment to yall bc i am so unbelievably in love with the way this story is written it's insane! i just started to reread ch 9 (part i) again in preparation for the next chap tmrw and i CANT with the way you guys started the chapter w/ woodpeckers. having it build up to will calling mike a new fucking species of indiana woodpeckers is just. so good. it flows so naturally and feels like such a clever way to show how will's relationship with mike is serious and similar to will's dedication to that specific school project. yall make it seem as if mike is a new kind of woodpecker that will needs to study in detail, learn about, and take his time with - i fucking adore that comparison so unbelievably much. it says a ton about their relationship and the characters, and man. i just love that you guys all have such beautiful writing styles and ideas, it's so incredible to read! i've said it before, but this fic was the main reason i got back into drawing for the fandom bc i was gonna make a piece of acswy fanart to post and dip before i started watching the show again - anyways, i'm so glad you guys have been enjoying the fanart i've been making for this fic (i intend to make more for each chapter :D) bc i love seeing the comments you guys leave in the reblogs!! they're always so sweet to read and i'm glad i could give something to yall when you've been making such an incredible story to share :) sorry this is a bit long, but i just wanted to tell you guys that you're doing such a great job with this fic and i cannot wait to see where it goes!

SAMMIIIIIIIIII every comment you ever write makes us CRY and then you'll draw something and we cry even MORE so just know that we are weeping whenever we interact w you btw. if you careee.

TYY for the commentary abt the woodpeckers <3 i was for sure projecting bc i did a project on belted kingfishers when i was in sixth grade which i know are not woodpeckers BUT i did draw and redraw them three hundred times and now thea would for sure dunk on 12-year old thea w my art skills so 12-year old thea better watch OUT!! i am also attached to tht scene bc i did write it while sitting Next To suni which felt very special <3 i'm really glad that this scene hit all the marks i wanted it to and that you enjoyed it so thoroughly!!

we literally cannot believe that we got you back into the fandom 😭😭😭😭😭 genuinely it has been THE biggest joy to see you not only recreate scenes from the fic but also draw other byler fanart!! we are beyond honored and glad we could be a part of it!! you kill us both on the daily in the Best way 💗

we hope that you continue to enjoy the fic as the rest of it plays out!!!

[b0ttled-r0zez]

STRANGER THINGS SPOILERS

Erm…season 5 hcs/predictions 😔😔 (in my stranger things era) Also long post

So. We know a glimpse of the script got leaked? Well if you didn’t here:

So we know it’s Will, like duh. I think it’s gonna be a flashback to season 1. I have/had a few Headcanons, since Yk how season 4 ended.

It’s gonna take place in a dangerous upside down like, post apocalyptic environment.

Dart might make a comeback, like in the tunnels, Dustin giving him a three musketeer broke its connection with the mind flayer.

He might befriend the group

After he tries to rip Mike’s arm off

Because he tries to pull a Jurassic park move and got Tessa’d

Mike gets seriously hurt 3 seconds into the apocalypse, Dart puts a huge scar/bite mark on his wrist and hand and get his calf bitten and torn by a demogorgan

Will helps (duh)

All the demo creatures get released

People die

El and Mike split up cuz toxicity (and El is an independent woman)

The kid gang is 17/18, the older teens (Steve and Jonathan for ex) around 23/24 and the adults don’t really matter, and Erica is 14

We have a heartfelt Byler coming out scene

The byler kiss takes place in the worst and angsty time possible

Will gets taken by vecna

Idrc if Eddie comes back

Max is permanently blind with messed up bones

They live in Hopper’s cabin

The byler kiss I want to take place in A) The rain while they are having a dispute about whether one goes to save or kill something or B) In castle Byers in the upside down before it was destroyed

Kinda want Rockie, Jopper, Jancy, Lumax, Duzie, and of course can’t forget Will and Mike.

I want a mutual break up between Mileven

No hard feelings between them

I want them to fight Vecna and close the gates

I want them to find Lonnie’s dead body

Dart could be a pet

Will did not agree and Mike doesn’t like dart

Angela dies some how

We get a bunch of fight, fear, and flashbacks

Some angsty romance

Suzie comes back

And a happy ending

Will almost dies

So silly. I doubt my Apocolyptic theme is going to happen but I really like this and have made fan art so yup!

[chirpsythismorning]

Will Byers Analysis - Between S3 & 4

Something I always think about, is how Will probably didn't even know Mike and El were back together at the end of season 3.

When they had last spoke, part of Will probably thought Mike was talking about something else, which is understandable bc both him and Mike were speaking in code, whether they realized it or not (I didn’t say it/You didn’t have to).

At the very least, Will thought things could go back to how they used to between them; friends (best friends).

When the Byers arrived to Cali, I imagine within the first day, or within the first few days after they settled, it was most likely Jonathan who made the move to phone the Wheelers to talk to Nancy.

Then maybe Will decided he would call Mike once the phone was free or even asked Jonathan to have Nancy just hand the phone to Mike so they could catch up too.

But once Mike got on the phone, something was off. He sounded kind of distant and awkward and it left Will feeling confused.

Maybe Will tried to chock it up as them just needing to get used to living far away from each other, since this distance thing was indeed new for them. They'd been friends for the last decade and hadn't experienced being apart for longer than a week (the week of his disappearance). So, it was bound to be a little weird, for a little while. Right?

But honestly, just thinking about their fight in s3 and the events leading up to it, I wouldn't blame Will for being slightly worried.

Before the rain fight, Will was putting almost all of the time and effort into their relationship. He was fighting for it and Mike was leaving him behind. And that really hurt Will.

And that's what's honestly so incredible about Will's arc in s4, because he's not putting himself through that again.

Yes, he's growing up and he's matured, but he's also come to accept that, based on Mike's actions as of recent (despite what he might have sensed from Mike over the years), those romantic feelings he has for him will NEVER be reciprocated. If he's lucky, Mike will still want to be his friend, and he would be relieved to stay in his life in that way if it's something Mike still wants.

(Which also makes the GA's argument about how they think Will's arc in s5 is going to be about him accepting that Mike will never love him back, fall flat??? Because, Will's already realized that, sis. S4 ending the way it did was in part to make as clear as possible to Will (the unreliable narrator) that Mike cannot love him that way... And so why the hell would s5 confirm that for a second (3) time now? Where is the shock? Where is the value? What is satisfying about that? And why do that, while also holding off on Mike finding out about Will's feelings until the very end? Like... just let that simmer for a second and think about what that actually means in terms of the story going in a satisfying direction that also manages to surprise you... there is literally nothing satisfying about proving Will 'I'm not gonna fall in love' Byers, right...)

So, after about a week since they last spoke on the phone since arriving, a bunch of letters come in the mail: one for Jonathan, four for El, and three for Will (you can probably guess who from the party didn't send a letter to Will...).

And it's as if Will's worst fears are being (re)realized.

In his casual letter exchanges between the party, he talks about DnD and a new art class he's taking with Dustin, joining the basketball team with Lucas and how everything she'd told him about California was right with Max. Super casual catching up with some of his best friends. And yet still, nothing from Mike, arguably his best friend.

And so Will is understandably devastated.

He doesn't understand. Or maybe he does, he just didn't want to believe it.

And so, how Will chose to go about his contact with Mike over the next 'year' makes sense to me (and I support him fully tbh).

I think Will's arc in s4 is beautiful because he has some of the best development of anyone on the entire show. He's not the gay kid being used as a plot device for a heterosexual couple (stay tuned for s5). If anything, we're seeing this character who tried his best to mend his friendship with his best friend (also secret first love) after Mike presumably rejected him (ITS NOT MY FAULT YOU DON'T LIKE GIRLS!), and so, Will is not going to put himself through that again.

He's not going to let himself have hope that there could ever be something more between them, even if he thought so many times before there were moments or signs that Mike could feel the same (BC MIKE DID!!). He has already accepted it's not possible.

He's not going to 'stand in the way' anymore. If Mike wants to be with El, he's going to support them, even if it hurts him and his own feelings.

It's tragic, but it feels so in character for Will and his qualities as a person.

I know a lot of bylers argue that both Mike and Will were in the wrong when it came to them both not staying in touch, and I do agree, completely actually. Especially knowing Mike tried to call Will. HE TRIED. So it's not like he didn't. The miscommunication trope is doing it's magic. We just have to accept that.

And so, fittingly, when confronted, Mike doesn't tell Will he called (a lot). He lets Will think that he barely called and deflects and pushes it back on Will. But then almost instantly, he regrets it. Because it's in this moment he's only now realizing that Will did want to talk and missed him and is quite literally confused why they're not best friends any more. And suddenly it's all clicking. He knows deep down Will has every reason to be insecure, to not reach out to Mike after what happened last summer. It's just that he also thought Will had every right to move on because why wouldn't he, what's so great about Mike? Will could have anyone? Mike was so distracted by his own insecurities that Will had inevitably moved on, while also trying to hide his feelings, that he didn't realize Will actually did miss him. They've both got it all wrong.

As of now, we don’t know for sure if Will called at all, and so me assuming he called first, is just that, an assumption. But I’m giving Will the benefit of the doubt here. (It's also likely the Byers would have called the Wheeler's first because they know their number by heart most likely, while the Wheelers would've had to wait to get their new number).

Based on the story presented though (Will's unreliable narrator POV), he had a lot more reason to doubt Mike wanted anything to do with him. Will literally spent all of s3 fighting for their friendship, even if it meant coming off as slightly clingy and annoying and ‘childish’. And look how that turned out?

What else was Will to do in this situation? Just repeat all of his behavior in s4?

Was he just supposed to call Mike first, write him letters first, even though Mike was showing repeat signs of wanting to distance himself from him again?

And so, Will waits. He waits for Mike to make the next move, just in case his insecurities are right and that Mike doesn't want them to be best friends like they used to be.

One evening, about a month since the move, the phone rings and Will answers it. It's Mike.

Will is obviously surprised and thrilled. They talk for a bit, and yeah it's awkward. But still, it gives Will hope.

Now, it's still not enough to give Will the confidence to reach out first, fearing he'll come off too strong and scare Mike away again, and so he continues to give Mike space. But that doesn't stop this gesture from giving Will the inspiration to try one more thing, one last ditch effort to save their friendship; he's going to make Mike a painting.

So, all while watching El receive a new letter in the mail every few weeks or so, with him and Mike talking once (or if he's lucky maybe twice) a month over the phone, Will spends his time working on the painting, knowing that Mike used to appreciate his drawings when their friendship was at its strongest. And so, maybe this will be the thing that finally fixes things for them once and for all?

All too soon, it's Spring break and they're at the airport waiting for Mike to land.

In the months leading up to their reunion, Will made sure no one saw the painting he was working on, least of all El. Not even because he was scared she might figure out his feelings, but because he wanted it to be a surprise. We also know Will presumably had no problem with the others seeing the painting eventually because he literally brought it to the airport for Mike to open in front of all of them? And so... to him this was clearly an attempt at platonic reconciliation, even despite Will having romantic feelings for Mike. What he wanted was their friendship back.

But suddenly, Mike is standing before him and Will is so excited he can't hold back anymore. I mean, he's been holding back for MONTHS and he just wants to hug his best friend.

But then Mike is being awkward again, almost like he doesn't want to even touch Will at all, contrasting greatly from the last time they hugged during their goodbye only just a year ago (6 months they're so dramatic, i swear).

All this does is prove to Will that, despite them apparently ending on good terms, it seems Mike is just repeating last summer all over again.

Understandably, Will jumps to this conclusion fairly quickly, as his insecurities are being proven right in real time. Mike doesn't want the friendship they used to have. He doesn't want to hug, doesn't want to write to him, barely even called despite writing El a book worth of letters. He wants to talk to and focus on his girlfriend and Will is just an afterthought now.

There's no way he's gonna want this? A painting? Not a chance in hell.

So when Mike points to it and asks him about it nervously, Will panics and brushes it off.

How could he be so naive. Mike is making it SUPER clear he doesn't care about him, not like he used to. And still he's holding onto some misguided hope that maybe there's still a chance for them to be best friends.

How could he be so stupid.

[i-got-bad-knees]

Some notable moments from the show (an evening with Bob Odenkirk, guest hosted by David Baddiel) on Monday:

Mike was created because Bob couldn’t shoot a fourth ep due to HIMYM conflicting, he commented that it ended up making a lot more sense because “Saul would never move a body”

Said Saul’s only real “human” (Jimmy) moments in BrBa in his opinion were 1. When he tries to encourage Jesse to go talk to Andrea and Brock rather than waiting in the car, he said “there’s no incentive or benefit for Saul, he won’t make any money and it’s a risk for Jesse to be seen” (imo Jimmy more than Saul speaks to Brock and Andrea anyway) and 2. When he’s telling Walt to just quit while he’s ahead, because “Saul doesn’t care, he doesn’t care if this guy dies or if he’s family dies, why should he?”

Said the Saul hair (“combover on top, mullet in the back”) was his idea after reading the script

His agent apparently told him “please do not say no” to breaking bad and his response was “well I’m gonna” and he turned to us and continued “because that’s how I am, I’m difficult”

The first scene he shot was the Walt and Jesse in the desert scene, he said it was during a sandstorm which didn’t pick up on camera but every time they opened their mouths they were full of sand.

The desert scene with Mike took 14 “gruelling” days to shoot, out in the ABQ desert.

They had a snake wrangler on to clear any areas they were filming in (and obtain a snake if one was needed) but during the desert trek they didn’t come across a single snake in the entire 14 days and the wrangler said it was because it was too hot. For the desert snakes.

His heart attack occurred during the Lalo/mcwexler confrontation scene in the final season, and parts of it are from after his recovery months later. It’s been said a lot, but hearing Bob personally say out loud that he was “out” for 15 minutes and that his training for Nobody saved his life (which he explained how and why in detail) was Wild. I lost my dad due to heart complications, I’m really glad he was able to pull through.

David didn’t know about the heart attack, he was taken aback and stated Bob looked “damn good” and we all applauded

He essentially confirmed that Kim likes Jimmy because she’s also insane. He said it in a very roundabout way (“they’re both damaged, weird loners” and “she hides it better but she was more into it than him at times” lmao) but that was the gist.

Credits Giancarlo Esposito as perhaps the best actor he’s ever worked with and spoke about the wine bar scene for a good 5 minutes. The women behind me whispered “Gus is gay” during this.

Said the first time he met David Cross the man turned up to his home holding a basketball (at around 27 years old) asking if Bob wanted to play. He replied that he’d just made a sandwich.

He’s a huge Monty Python nerd and kept speaking about it at lengths during random intervals. Someone in the audience shouted that he was saying “Python” wrong (because he’s, ya know, American and says it with an American accent) and he attempted to say it “properly”. He could say Python, he could not say Monty. He thought Python was spelt Pythun, though.

He then did the same when David said Ree-ah instead of Ray for Rhea’s name lmao

He said “I might be slow but I’m not stupid” and briefly chanted “slow is not stupid!”

Apparently hates parody comedy (doesn’t care enough about popular culture. Relatable)

Didn’t expand on it much (because Baddiel hadn’t finished the series before literally interviewing the main actor) but said one of his favourite scenes is the breakup scene, and that he loved when Saul was thrown in the trash, saying “he deserves it”

Told Vince to “beat the shit out of this guy” (JimmySaul) in bcs

Enjoys shooting in difficult locations or circumstances (man likes to suffer for his art ig lmao)

When asked about the piss drinking scene, stated “I refused to drink my own piss, I’m fed up of the taste, so I had the whole crew mix a little of their piss into the bottle so it was a complete mystery” did not explain what was actually in the piss jugs

His wife was just offstage the whole time which was very sweet

Called the Trumps the worst family in America

Didn’t think we have Marmite in the UK. It’s literally British aksjdhekdjf

David Baddiel doesn’t know about Dr Suess. Not relevant to Bob but wth.

Bob said he’s nothing like Saul/Jimmy many times and the central reason he said so is because “Saul needs everybody to like him, Jimmy just wants the respect and admiration of his brother, and I don’t care, I just wanna make myself happy”

His favourite show is BBCs Royle Family

We could submit questions during interval and he answered a couple, one was “do you eat at Cinnabon” to which he replied “no, I had a heart attack” lmao. Baddiel was surprised Cinnabon was a real place.

We all got a free copy of his book (tho apparently he didn’t know?) with our tickets so that’s cool. Will be reading in the next 5-60 months

He got 3 people up on stage to read him questions he’d written and one woman, Claire, was absolutely amazing and actually successfully matched Bob’s stage presence and energy when reading this (hilarious) script he gave her. The others did great too but Claire is the MVP of the evening

Right near the start he said the word cunt. I was thrilled.

[erikiara80]

3x03 analysis: Byler and other theories

In this episode there are so many things that this is almost a masterpost of everything I talk about here, lol.

I’m gonna start with Will. There’s so much about him, starting with the title of the episode, The case of the missing lifeguard - The vanishing of Will Byers. Not a coincidence, in the episode where the Mind Flayer(Vecna) is officially back

1. Will and dragons

The Will the Wise drawing + dragons at Castle Byers. No surprise there

When we see this, we hear Mike saying his 1x01 line: “Something’s coming...”

But I found something else here, one thing that is connected to three theories! Willel twins, birthdaygate and Will and dragons. I’m gonna talk about dragons first.

So, this is one of the lifeguards El and Max talk to while they’re looking for Heather. The name on the magazing is Rick James. A singer who in 1985 released his 8th album: Glow. I was like, what? This can’t be a coincidence.

So.

Glow. We know that Will’s been associated with lights/electricity since S1. And he’s also associated with dragons.

In the movie The Last Dragon, the Glow is the power that a martial artist develops when they reach the final level of martial arts, known as... the Last Dragon. They’re basically able to concentrate so much mystical energy that their hands start to glow.

In S4, Steve and Robin talk near the poster of that movie at Family Video. So, Will, dragons, and energy that makes your hands glow. Like this?

My theories on Will and dragons: 

Will, dragons and Gozer, a ST-Ghostbuster-DnD parallel important for S5

The Last Dragon and the power of the Glow

2. Byler

Many people have analyzed Will and Mike in this episode, and the rain fight, that mirrors the fight at Rink-o-mania in S4. This is a very important episode, I’d say one of the most important. For many reasons. 

1) The episode starts with Max reassuring El that Mike will come crawling back to her in no time, begging for forgiveness. But not only we immediately see that that’s not the case, and that Mike is complaining with Lucas about girls and showing that he doesn’t even think he did something wrong.

The episode ends with Mike riding in a storm, at night, to beg Will for forgiveness, because he knows that he’s been a total asshole. And he doesn’t care if Joyce or Jonathan can hear him. It’s true and he’s gonna tell everyone that what he did was wrong. (I love that Lucas is there too and wants to apologize. I love their friendship)

2) But all this happens because this is the first time Mike has deeply hurt Will. The shock in Mike’s eyes tells everything. That he’s never seen Will so upset and angry.

And then this. He didn’t want Will to go away. He wanted him to stay with him. He wants to play games with Will in his basement for the rest of his life. And seeing him leave like that under a storm. Hurt. Angry. That must’ve really hurt. 

And if Will hadn’t told him that the Mind Flayer was back. If Mike and Lucas had found him and talked with him, showing him that they were truly sorry and didn’t mean to hurt him, maybe the next day, Will and Mike would’ve spent time together and talked. But in any case, Mike wasn’t ready to understand. Yet. 

Now, let’s talk about Willel.

3. Billy-El-Will parallel 

Here Billy’s eyes, when he’s fully possessed. The color doesn’t change (same for Heather and the other Flayed) Only El and Will’s color eye change. And if El’s eyes change when she’s using her powers, maybe the Mind Flayer was using Will’s in S2. 

I wrote about this here

Billy, El and Will’s eye color

Did Will really cast Fog Cloud in S2 in the tunnels?

4. Willel twins

@chirpsythismorning​​  I don’t know if you noticed this. Third theory the magazine is connected to. El and Max are talking with the lifeguards and there are two interesting details.

One is the Happy Birthday on the poster and the TWO on the magazine. So the birthday of two people? In a scene with El. Interesting.

 Here it’s more clear. 

And the other thing is the date: ‘76. The only two numbers we see. 76, like 1976, this mysterious year they keep mentioning. 

In S1, when this reporter is talking about Will’ “death” and says this:

“...Byers isn't the first person to drown in Sattler's Quarry. You'll recall only seven years ago...” 1983 - 7= 1976

(screenshot by shippingfangirling013)

And in S2, in the article about Terry Ives. I think it’s also the year she said that Brenner stole her baby daughter. Mid-1970s. Not early 70s (1971). But in no timeline El was born in the mid-1970s. She would’ve been seven in S1. So maybe that’s the original timeline, and that means that Terry isn’t El’s mother.

Other possible hints. I love this shot

El and Will’s same reaction

The Happy Birthday cup that we see often throughout the show, since ep 1 (it’s also in the next ep, near Will, when he talks about the Mind Flayer)

This shot with Hopper and Joyce and the pic of a baby between them (not the only time it happens. We also see two babies between them at Malvald’s in 3x01) But there are even bigger and more interesting hints imo in other episodes of S3, and throughout the whole show.

What I like in this ep is how Hopper mentions Sarah. “After Sara I had to get away. I had to get the hell out of that place... Outrun those memories, I guess.”

Always interesting when they mention memories. Especially since we’ve only seen the same memory of Sara for years. And they never explained why Hopper was at the lab when she died.

These are the theories to understand what I’m talking about: the Willel Twins theory and the many reasons we can’t trust what we see: 

chirpsythismorning theory on the parallels between Joyce, Terry and two real victim of MKUltra

Will and Sara Hopper 

Terry and El’s flashback are different

All the signs in 2x07 that make the whole Kali ep sus

Parallels between Kali ep (2x07) and 4x07 (The massacre at the Lab)

There’s so much more, but this post is already so long.

In Part Two I’m gonna talk about the parallel between Will’s kidnapping and El at Heather’s house. The parallel between the Creel House and Heather’s house. The dnd campaign as foreshadowing of S5. The clocks and other things. What an episode!

tagging you, as always : ) @lilitblaukatz​

[littleoddwriter]

Some of my favourite things about the FNAF movie (spoilers below cut):

Everything. It was perfect.

the intro art style being the one of the FNAF minigames. It felt nostalgic and I loved it!

William clearly recognising Mike's name and connecting the dots and thus offering him the job as a night guard and being persistent about it.

"it's me" in the mirror (i think it was a mirror. or window?)

the ghost kids

Abby. just. Abby. she stole my heart, oml, I love herrr, what a cute sweetheart!!! protect her at all costs, please and thank you.

Mike and Abby together. perfect sibling representation.

Mike trying So hard to keep everything together and to keep Abby happy and safe, while struggling as much as he does, like... gosh, I wanna hug him, wrap him in a blanket and let him rest.

the whole dream thing. I dig it.

the scenes of Abby playing with the ghost kids and... just... the animatronics being so adorable with her. my poor heart!!! I nearly cried.

Freddy going CHOMP on Max and effectively cutting her in half. (poor Max, actually, she was cool. but it was a really neat kill; especially with the way they filmed it to not be too explicit!)

me being right about Vanessa. I just knew she was gonna be William's daughter, since they changed it with Mike not being his son to make the movie work the way they wanted it to. and it worked well, honestly!

MATPAT BEING A SERVER AT THE DINER!!!

generally just the way they worked so many lovely things into the movie that involved the fandom and some of its most important figures/things. it was magnificent!

William's influence over the ghost kids being somewhat plausible and used against him in a way that ties back to the beginning of the movie with Abby.

SPRINGLOCK INCIDENT!!!

"I always come back" HE SAID IT. HE SAID THE THING!!!

the vengeful spirit. THE MF VENGEFUL SPIRIT!!!

oh, also! the possible storyline for a sequel. with Mike and Abby helping Vanessa and saving her, like in Security Breach with Princess Quest, now that Vanessa is in a coma and it was heavily implied that William has a very certain kind of influence over her that she has a difficult time fighting on her own.

that's all I can think of right now. my mind is still reeling. like. this was real. this is a real movie. that exists now. after nearly a decade of FNAF. we did it! it just makes me so happy and my fan heart was utterly satisfied in the best possible way. i went in with excitement and came out with satisfaction and more excitement! <3

[m-jelly]

hello . Can i make a request for Levi x reader . She found out that she's pregnant and told Hange about it. Levi still doesn't know the news. And it turns out Levi is the last man to know it. Some chaotic fluff... Thanky. If you feel don't like doing this request it's okay 😊.. Just let me know.

I'm gonna change this a little because I feel awful for Levi being the last to know that his lover is pregnant, so I'm gonna twist it a bit with him knowing a bit last but due to a certain reason. Aka Hange not being able to contain herself.

@kenkopanda-art <3

Bad time to gossip

Pairing: Levi x Fem!Reader

Genre and tags: Modern AU, CEO Levi, fluff, romance, Dr Hange, Hange gossiping, established relationship, relationship talks.

Concept: You go to Hange to get the results of your blood test only to find out you're pregnant. You're very excited to be a mother and can't wait to tell Levi, but he's away for the day at a meeting. You don't want to tell him over the phone or by text, but in person. However, while you're planning on cutely telling Levi, Hange can't help but share the news causing the information to spread a bit like wildfire.

@ladycheesington @levisbrat25 @nyxiieluna @li-anne @galactict3a @youre-ackermine @thebobaprincess @2moth-anon2 @cypidity @notgoodforlife @demonsimp6 @nbinairyn

You stared at Hange as she grinned at you. "Say that again."

Hange jumped to her feet. "You're pregnant!"

You welled up and gasped a little. You covered your mouth with your hands as you felt so happy. "A baby...this is amazing. Levi and I really want kids." You fumbled with your purse and yanked your phone out. "Oh, but I don't want to tell him over the phone. I think I'm gonna set something up." You jumped up. "I have to go prepare something for him when he comes back. I'll see you in a bit!"

Hange waved to you and squealed. "Baby! Levi is having a kid!" She scrambled to her phone and called up her husband. "Moblit! Levi's gonna be a dad!"

Hange talked to her man before ending the call and dialling Mike's number, she just wanted to talk to people about Levi Ackerman becoming a dad. She couldn't contain her exciting and as a result, everyone knew about the baby except Levi and a few others that were with him at the meeting.

You hurried to Levi's office and started decorating it and placed a few baby-themed presents on his desk. You clapped your hands in delight at what you'd done and turned to the door to see Eren and Mikasa. "Hello, you two."

Eren grinned. "Congratulations. I can't believe it."

You frowned. "Huh?"

Mikasa patted her belly. "You're pregnant."

You gulped hard. "How did you know? Do I look it?"

"Hange told us."

You stared at her for a while. "Hange...told you?"

Eren tugged on Mikasa's top. "We should go."

You pulled your phone out and called Hange. "Hange? Did you tell everyone I'm pregnant?"

Hange went quiet for a moment before speaking. "Oh so sorry, but I kind of did. I just...I'm sorry. I got so excited and happy...I'm really fucking sorry."

You sighed. "I was planning a surprise for Levi and it's sad he's the last to know. Can you call everyone back and tell them to pretend they don't know? This is a big deal Hange. Levi's been wanting this for a while and I wanted to make a big thing out of it. He'd want a little announcement too and this..."

"I messed up big time. I'm so damn sorry."

You sat on Levi's desk. "This is a big deal to Levi and I. It's our special moment."

"I'll make it up to you both, I swear."

You let out a long sigh. "I'll tell Levi today. Call everyone you told and tell them not to tell Levi the news, okay?"

"I'm sorry again."

You sighed. "I normally say it's okay, but I just...I...I love you Hange. You're an incredible friend to me and you mean so much to me. You've helped me out when I struggled a lot. I am upset about this, but we'll move past it in time. I know you'll help me fix this."

"I will! I swear!"

You looked up through the double open doors of Levi's office to see Levi walking closer. "I've gotta go. Levi's here. Talk soon!"

Levi kept talking to Erwin and Jean. He looked ahead and lit up when he saw you. "I've got to go gentleman, but I believe I'm needed." He smiled and hurried over to you. "My sweetness."

You jumped to your feet. "Levi."

Levi closed his double doors and locked them. He threw his blazer onto his sofa, yanked his tie down with one hand and walked fast towards you. "Sugarplum."

You squealed in delight as he hugged you tightly. "Hi, my love."

He held your hips and kissed you with a happy hum. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"You did? Good."

You giggled. "So! How was your meeting?"

He caressed your cheek as he massaged your hip. "It was like others." He dragged his lips across your cheek to your ear. "I want to focus on you. You look so sexy. I want to eat you up."

You moaned as he nipped your neck. "Levi?" You panted and shivered in delight. "Levi, I have something for you."

He pulled back. "Is it you naked on my desk?"

You hummed a laugh. "No." You turned in his arms and smiled as he held you close. "I have gifts for you."

He looked at his desk at the three presents. "Oh, you got me gifts?" He nipped your shoulder. "Thank you."

"Open!"

He released you as he chuckled. "All right." He unwrapped it and opened the box. He frowned a bit and picked up a soft blanket. "Cute."

You pushed another closer. "This one."

He opened it to reveal a soft cuddly bunny. "Adorable. What's this all about?"

You handed him the last box. "Not telling. Just open."

He laughed a bit as he opened the box. "This is fun." He gazed into the box and stared at the little baby onesie with a bunny on and small socks. He welled up as his heart fluttered. He looked up at you. "Really? Are we really having a baby?"

You nodded. "I found out today."

He put the box down and picked up the onesie. "So tiny." He hugged it. "You really are?"

"Yes."

"No joking."

You giggled. "Not joking."

He put it down and tackled you into a hug. "This is amazing! I'm so happy! We're going to have a baby." He picked you up and spun around with you. "A cute baby." He kissed you and moaned against your lips. "I love you."

"I love you so much." You nibbled your lip. "So umm..."

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

You sighed. "Don't get too mad."

He put you on your feet. "What's wrong?"

"So, you know how I said Hange got my results? Well..."

Levi stared at you. "She told everyone."

You nodded and welled up. "I'm so sorry."

He cupped your face and kissed you. "It's not your fault, okay? Hange got super excited and just exploded. I'm sure you told her off and she'll make it up to us."

"You're so calm."

"Oh, my sweetness, I am furious with her." He sighed. "But I know her and she does get very excited about things. I want to focus on us. I know you and I know you wanted to tell me in person in a cute way instead of over the phone." He kissed you and smiled. "I love how you told me." He chuckled. "I'm so happy. So, shall we go to a baby shop? I want to buy more."

You nodded and grabbed your bag. "Yes!"

He gathered his presents, blazer and bag before holding your hand. He lifted your hand and covered it in kisses. "Let's go home."

You cuddled up to him. "Yes."

He walked out to see people waiting and whispering. He sighed. "They're pretending not to know, right?"

"Yeah, Hange tired to fix this."

"Hm. I hope none of these lot go into acting."

Erwin approached you and Levi. "Hey both, so..."

Levi pulled you close. "Hange's rumour is true. I wish I knew before everyone else, but she got excited. We're heading home for the day. That okay?"

Erwin nodded. "Go right ahead. Oh, and congratulations. You're both going to be incredible parents and your child will be so beautiful."

You smiled softly. "Thank you, Erwin."

Levi bowed his head. "Thank you, godfather."

Erwin welled up. "God...I'm honoured."

You blew him a kiss. "See you soon!"

Levi yanked you close. "Kisses are for me and our baby only."

You kissed his neck. "Of course."

[recurring-polynya]

Writing/Art Update 3/14/2023

So. The fanfic.

Man, when I started writing fanfic, I would just think up a story and write it, no plan, only write. It was fun. I think most people write fanfic this way. Anyway, I don't know if my brain broke, or if I just used up all my good material, or what, but the more fanfic I wrote, the more work it takes. I am now a regular outliner, even though I hate it. Anyway, I have reached a new level of Using Things I Learned in English class, in the sense that I think I'm going to actually make a second (third?) draft.

I hate this for me.

Anyway, the upshot is that I've got, like, 90% of the scenes written. There are still 4 that need endings (including the final one), and I think I might need a few more scenes, but I'm not sure exactly what they should be. I have some notes for what they might be. I realized while writing this that the penultimate scene/chapter of a fanfic is often the most important one, and I'm not happy with the one I have, so I gotta figure that out.

In any case, though, the problem I have at the moment is that, partially as a consequence of writing this thing one sentence at a time, is that it's not necessarily coherent. The first thing I need to do is actually read it, top to bottom. Some of the scenes need to get moved around chronologically (I knew this when I wrote them). I need to figure out if this thing has any sort of trajectory or arc to it. If I can do that, I think it will help me figure out what scenes I still need, and how to end the ones I need to end. I am mildly embarrassed, but I think I am going to start yet another doc for this, but maybe if I call it a "draft", it won't be so bad.

I feel like once I get to the other side of this process, I'll have the end in sight and I'll feel a lot better about this thing, but it's very intimidating at the moment. Among the worst writing feelings I have is "there is something wrong with this story and I don't know how to fix it" and I know I have to pass through that valley.

Weekly numbers: Current word count is 15,457 (which includes a few hundred trash words). I guess I didn't write down my exact word count last week, but that somewhere on the order of +2000-2400. I guess that also includes some that were pasted over from the original doc. It doesn't really matter, a lot of those words were hard fought, and I feel okay about the amount of effort I put in this week, especially considering I had other stuff going on. I also wrote 500 words on the spicy fanfic.

I said I was going to draw this week and I didn't do a lot, but I did do a couple of Mike Mignola skull studies. Little P said these were "some cool skulls, Mom", which was nice, since she hated my Menos ("I don't like the hands. I don't like the witch nose. I don't like them.") Anyway, a lot of improvement between sketch 1 and sketch 2 and I finally found an excuse to use my "photocopy error" brushes. Gonna try to do a few more of these, maybe even see if I can manage to do an actual drawing in this style.

Hrrrnnnngggh, did I promise you a preview this week? This would be easier if I had already read the fanfic, the thing I have been dreading.

UGH, brb.

Okay, I'm back, I found one that'll do. If you missed it last week, this story is about the time Rukia and Renji spent at the District 70 Consolidated Shinigami Recruitment Station, trying to get pre-approval to travel north and take the Shin'ou Entrance Exams. The title is either going to be Go Places or Stay with Me, Go Places, I haven't decided yet. Either way, it's after the New Pornographers song that I listened to incessantly while writing this.

They have each been given a set of practice clothing-- sturdy cotton kimonos and hakama. Even though she’s wearing the smallest set Mr. Mochida had, Rukia’s hakama are pulled up under her armpits and still drag on the ground. This is somewhat humiliating.

Renji, on the other hand, looks perfect in his, like whoever invented hakama did so with him in mind. Furthermore, he’s holding an actual wooden practice sword like he died with one in his hands. Renji has been habitually picking up sticks and swinging them around the entire time she’s known him. It is obvious to Rukia that he belongs here, that he was meant for this. His face looks like all his dreams have finally come true.

Mr. Mochida holds his own sword expertly and calmly. “Go ahead,” he says, patiently. 

Renji runs at him swinging.

Mr. Mochida blocks the blow, pushing Renji off to one side. He shakes out his sword arm. “Good. Again.”

Renji has no skill at swords, but he has a lot of enthusiasm, and he has a lot of strength. Mr. Mochida doesn’t seem to have even broken a sweat by the time Renji is panting and exhausted, but he claps her friend on the shoulder and tells him he has a lot of talent.

Don’t tell him that! Rukia wants to scream. He’ll be unbearable!

“You’re next, Miss Rukia.”

Renji comes to take her place on the sidelines as Rukia takes up her own sword. It’s puny compared to the one Renji carries, and it’s still too long for her.

“You can do it,” he tells her. “You just have to push part of yourself into the sword, make it stronger.”

She nods, as if that makes any damn sense.

Rukia tries to imitate Mr. Mochida’s stance, knees slightly bent. She contemplates the weapon in her hands. It’s not a rock or a shard of glass or even a shiv. It’s just for practice, but it’s the size and shape of a weapon and you can certainly hurt someone with it. You and me, Rukia thinks at the sword. We can do some damage, you and me.

Push part of yourself into the sword. Maybe that’s not such nonsense after all.

She charges.