#This is a human version of one of my other characters

[mad-hunts]

if barton tried hard enough, he thought, imagining himself being literally anywhere else but the warehouse right then was easy. this place was never meant to be lived in for an extended period of time after all; despite the fact that it had appliances that you might see in an every day home like a fridge.

it put him on edge instead of at ease, and it certainly didn't better barton's mood when he stayed in it either, after all. but so long as he was allowed to dream within it to some degree... it was tolerable. plus, he had company here, courtesy of nico, jack, and barton also supposed jervis counted. nico had complicated feelings towards the doctor, though, and spending time around jack whilst in it thus far gave barton an unfortunate impression; which was that his own son was made nervous by him.

and the irony of it all was, barton only gathered that because he could feel cognitive empathy towards him. something that didn't include feeling but reasoning. therefore, the hopes of him somehow patching that up with jack someday were drastically decreased. barton vaguely listened to jervis respond to what he'd said about him being in the warehouse solely because of them; all of the words but one not quite having any actual impact on him, this being 'nightmares.'

the smell of the yuja tea that jack prepared for jervis, as fragrant in the air that it was, seemed to be the one thing keeping him from being sucked down a unpleasant train of thought. for someone who didn't feel human half the time, barton sure as hell experienced his own fair share of seeing 'ghosts' from the past and mourning the way some things had gone in his life. and regret, as well as sorrow, were practically intertwined in every single 'normal' person's life that he'd known.

speaking of regret, once he'd closed the curtains, something from the small cabinet hanging on the wall next to them fell to the floor. barton picked it up and was immediately reminded of why he kept this photo here instead of at his home. hiding it away helped alleviate the pain of not only loving someone and losing them, but also knowing that at the time it was taken, everything seemed fine.

'my 19th birthday party - spent right, with my handsome fiancé!' was written on the back in marcy's handwriting. barton felt like screaming and smashing something simultaneously. the photo was instead placed in his pant pocket, whilst he dragged his hands down his face and thanked his lucky stars that jervis wasn't exactly expecting any big conversations from him. barton's hand flexed by his side before he was changing his shirt, wondering just what the hell he was supposed to do after seeing that again.

grief was a thing he'd never been able to pend down how to deal with 'appropriately,' unfortunately. from marcy, to the momentary blink of an eye that felt like his bittersweet friendship with yves, to his son julien's death - barton thought he'd be destroyed by all of those losses for the longest time. but he supposed he was still here, god willing, or laughing at him more like if such a being did exist. barton noticed the fabric that was splitting on the blanket and how jervis very much appeared to be in his own world.

it was at that moment that he reached for something in that same cabinet he'd opened to change his shirt, finding that sewing thread and needle he'd stored in there long ago. barton kept it there because the shirt he was wearing had actually torn at some point and he'd fixed it. though, he had no use for it now, so he decided to put it on the edge of edge of the cabinet if jervis wanted it. but he didn't really know what he wanted. that night seemed to be a series of gut punches now as the other touched upon how jack was a good person and barton should be proud of him.

he blinked several times as he felt this sensation like something ugly was swirling within him. jack had always kind of gotten the short-end of the stick, and for what? ❝ ahh. well, sometimes i've found myself practicing behaviors towards him that my father used to use on me... but i try to stop myself when that happens. jack has come a long way, as the first time i met him, he was a scared two year old who was on his own with his brother. but now jack's a young man and very brave, despite maybe still being scared sometimes. ❞ barton cleared his throat then, ❝ that's normal though. so yeah, i am proud of him. ❞

barton turned his attention back to jervis and tilted his head at the other's sluggishness. being vulnerable like that surprisingly didn't feel too nerve-wracking, as he added just a bit more to the equation. barton gave the iv bag jervis was hooked up to a good squeeze, ❝ hmm. are you still in pain, jervis? or are you just tired? ❞ he observed the other silently and looked down at the cards before the both of them. that is, before barton heard jervis approve of him reading his fortune.

he drifted a hand along the cards then. choosing one that felt 'right' came without much difficulty to barton, and when he did, the reversed 'wheel of fortune' card for jervis's past. the next card he chose was the reversed 'six of swords' for jervis's present. barton flipped the last one for his future and was greeted by 'the sun,' which made him let out a soft 'huh' and smile a bit. ❝ well... i hate to start off with the past when you got this card, but i guess we have to. ❞ he was about to start interpreting jervis's fortune when jack came back into the room with the breakfast he promised the other. well, talk about convenient timing.

Jervis merely rolled his eyes at Barton’s remark, fingers biting into the fabric of the blanket as he pulled it around his shoulders like an old shawl. The plush material was a little threadbare at the corner; a tear disrupting the otherwise seamless fabric.

Sea-green and white plaid. Utilitarian, impersonal.

It sufficed perfectly; his thin frame was almost terminally intolerant to the cold. 27 years in Gotham had failed to inoculate him against the frigid rains and bone-chilling air sweeping off the harbor.

“Trust me, I’m well aware where I would be, if it weren’t for you both. I see enough of the place in my nightmares… so I don’t require any reminders.” He flexed his fingers around the teacup, feeling the warmth seep into his hands as he cautiously tipped the liquid into his mouth. It had a strange, but not unpleasant consistency, like warm, thin honey that slid smoothly over his tongue in a tangy blend of sweet and sour. Tiny bits of softened citrus peel floated in the syrupy mixture.

Barton’s IV pole scraped slightly along the concrete floor, a sharp metallic sound that mingled with the sudden rasp of the curtains being jerked shut. The room was clean and sparse, a sterile space designed to be free of clutter, yet a faint, telltale mustiness clung to the air—a lingering scent of damp fabric and stale dust that disinfectant alone couldn’t quite mask. Beyond the makeshift partition, the rest of the warehouse stretched out in vast, dark emptiness. The floor was cold, unpolished concrete, marred with cracks that split like spider webs. Dim, flickering fluorescent lights cast a harsh, uneven glow, barely cutting through the haze of dust that swirled in the air.

But, of course, beggars couldn’t be choosers when it came to hideaways—especially when you’ve learned to take shelter wherever you can find it. Or when you were part of the criminal element.

How far he’d come and how little had truly changed.

Jervis glanced across the room at where his coat, shirt, and gloves rested neatly on the desk, carefully folded with almost surgical precision. He flexed his hands again around the teacup, feeling the phantom prickle of sensation where the wool-lined leather should be—an exposed vulnerability that gnawed at him, made his skin itch with invisible grime.

He sank his teeth into a particularly broad piece of yuja peel, the bitter tang releasing as he bit down; meanwhile, Barton’s voice drifted in one ear, out the other like the static hum on a faulty wireless. He chewed slowly, savoring the rind as he turned his attention back to the small tear in the blanket. Nodded intermittently.

Jervis’ callused, scarred fingers found the frayed edge; the fabric was worn thin and splitting, and he traced it absentmindedly, feeling the uneven fibers beneath his touch. For a moment, his thoughts shifted to the sewing kit buried somewhere in his bag, imagining the small spool of thread and the thin, glinting needles; each one ready to pierce the fabric and pull it back together.

As if stitching this small wound would make any real difference, he thought bitterly; like it could somehow soothe the cold reality pressing in on them from all sides… It was a small, pointless task, a flicker of control in a situation that felt like it was slipping away, unraveling faster than he could sew it back together. He knew it wouldn’t ameliorate anything—wouldn’t solve the problems looming larger than this tiny, frayed corner. And yet, his fingers lingered there, desperate for something tangible to fix; something he could make whole again, if only for a moment.

Jervis gave no reply as Barton moved to change his shirt; blinking hard as he gazed down at the floor, but the darkness behind his eyelids refused to stay empty. Flecks of indigo light bloomed in the black, shifting like dust motes that twisted with each beat of his heart. The room swam as he opened his eyes again, the ceiling blurred and murky like the styrofoam cup Alice stored her wet paintbrushes in. He scratched absently at the IV in his arm, feeling the tug of the thin plastic embedded in his skin but barely registering the discomfort. The bright pinpricks danced at the edges of his vision, trailing like little comets whenever he turned his head.

“You ought to be proud of him, I imagine. Your son… he seems like a good lad.” Jervis’ voice was a wisp of silk, smooth and thin, like it might unravel into nothing if he spoke too loudly. He tilted his head slightly, almost resembling a marionette on a slack string, the hint of a smile touching his lips but never quite reaching his eyes. He ran a finger along the rim of his teacup, the motion delicate and deliberate as he pondered Barton’s final query.

“Hmm… can you?” Gray eyes blinked slowly, the lids heavy and sluggish, further dragged down by fatigue. The question lingered in the air, softly innocuous. He glanced over at the tarot cards Jack left behind on the desk—arranged in a rough, careless spread, but somehow feeling deliberate, as though the cards had fallen exactly where they were meant to. The edges were worn, curling slightly; the images esoteric, half-familiar symbols. Stars, sun, moon, cups and swords, animals and human figures rendered in faded colors.

He paused, gaze narrowing, subtly curious despite the exhaustion that weighed down his expression. For a moment, his hand tightened around his teacup; twitched like he might reach out and touch them, as if by brushing the surface he could glean some hidden answer buried beneath the painted ink.

‘Why, they're only a pack of cards, after all.’

His grip on the blanket slipped momentarily, fumbling at the worn edge before he reached for his collar instead. He dug beneath the charcoal fabric of his T-shirt, searching with a practiced motion until his fingers found the tarnished silver chain again. He drew it out slowly, the weight of it comforting against his skin as he absently ran his thumb over his and Sylvie’s rings, threaded side by side on the links.

The metal was dull, no longer shining with the luster it once had, but it carried a certain softness now, smoothed by years of worry. His eyes dropped for a second before he let the chain slip back beneath his shirt. “By all means, if it tickles your fancy…” Jervis gave a short, rough half-shrug, the motion stunted as though his shoulder couldn’t quite decide whether to follow through.

[jinbeisluffy]

I see so many posts over different social media platforms about sexuality/gender hcs for the strawhats and i want to add in my own two cents because i believe im very correct (but anyone’s opinion is valid so long as it doesnt go against canon coding)

Luffy - the most aroace and trans guy to ever BREATHE. i dont mean aroace in that hes somewhere on the spectrum where he can still be attracted to people, because he cant. this guy had never grasped the concept of romance and never will, because theres no reason for it to him. hes trans because i say he is, i dont have many reasons for THAT but its just the signals hes sending me. trans to trans communication trust

Zoro - gay. thats it thats the post. no but i dont ship luffy with anyone but zoro is just attracted to literally any man who is strong, thats his criteria and thats all he ever needs. is he aware of it? not at all, he has no idea that its not normal to get bricked up by the thought of other men

Nami - i havent seen a bigger lesbian in media ever, genuinely i dont think any other character is as obviously lesbian as she is. she loves girls unapologetically no matter what, supports all girls at the end of the day (cough kalifa) . i also hit her with the asexual beam because i can, specifically demisexual because i THINK so

Usopp - while i wanna consider kaya, i wanna consider sanji too and thats making me lean between bi or omni even if omni is a label under the bi umbrella. its more a question of if he recognises his preference for men or not, because he does prefer then at the end of the day. the ace beam bounces from nami to usopp because he too doesnt feel anything and doesnt think about it either

Sanji - oh my god where do i begin. maybe just the blatant queer coding of wci as a whole?? of course hes attracted to women, thats not an aspect you can remove or just toss around to being something else. he loves and respects women, but he is so QUEER. all of wci is just queer coding, its a queer story and sanji is a queer character i will die on this hill. he probably has some kind of gender issues too, what specifically? no clue, but he likes people of multiple genders and is in deep denial about it all the time he wont ever truly accept it but he can one day as a treat live with that fact

Chopper - oh hes a reindeer he cant really have a sexuality DID WE FORGET THE FACT HES HUMAN TOO ISNT THAT LIKE HIS WHOLE THING, NOT BEING A MONSTER BUT ALSO A HUMAN. HE IS BOTH? i dont have any specific labels to slap onto him, just that hes a people lover and encourager of literally everything. ace beam bounces onto him too

Robin - trans trans trans trans trans trans trans trans you will accept robin transfem into your life right here right now. she can like anyone, she has no label on it, she just likes people and cant bother with genders or anything like that. the ace beam actually skips her because if they were doing a hear me out cake she’d be the one putting all of the crazy things. freak. (lovingly)

Franky - HOW TRANS CODED IS IT NOT TO REBUILD YOUR OWN BODY TO BECOME A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF AND TO REBUILD YOUR LIFE IN A WAY YOU WANT, BUT GOING BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVED ABOUT YOUR OLD SELF, AND EMBRACING IT. literally, trans goals. he modified his body and went i might as well give myself top surgery and an awesome dick while im here!! sexuality wise hes a lover of everyone, but he has preferences for women (robin) but encourages all bromances (with brook)

Brook - THIS IS WHERE IM MOST PASSIONATE!!!! people can say that hes the token straight grandpa. but theyll never understand the joy of old gay brook had a romance with his captain, the joy of brook trying to subtlety let the other strawhats know he accepts them (he isnt subtle at all and everyone knows). look at brook in drag twice for no reason and tell me he isnt queer, in some way. the ace beam finally hits someone and its brook, insert skull joke here

Jinbei - very specifically old gay man who didnt really do much throughout his youth, he always knew he liked men but he never had TIME to do anything, too busy being awesome and a father i fear. now that hes with the crew he isnt automatically gonna seek anyone out, but hes also not gonna restrain himself from finding interests in people, hes being more selfish now and thats good for him. finally the ace beam hits jinbei and proceeds to fly off towards other op characters that i might talk about some other time

can you tell im asexual and love projecting onto characters with it !!!!

[rei-ismyname]

EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN #3 FTA

After a pretty disappointing week of X-Men comics it's a delight to read and analyse Eve Ewing's Exceptional X-Men. The repeated issues I have with the other titles are just not present here and after three consistent bangers Ewing and co have my trust.

Emma is right

We pick up exactly where issue #2 left off, and this opening scene of all the main characters makes me realise how tightly the execution is. We know where each of them is at and (at least broadly what they want) - we're getting to know the kids organically. Where the other two books feel like action figures isolated from each other for no good reason, Kate Pryde's need to get away from the X-Men was established before the title even began. She just wants a normal life, to date girls and process her trauma. Emma Frost showing up to answer the call she refused throws her off immediately and they briefly scrap. The kids aren't just saying nothing because they didn't get a script today (hi Jubilee) - they're frozen by Emma. It's a small thing, but it's purposeful and flows elegantly.

Priti, Kate's housemate/friend from school, breaks up the fight for the most relatable reason - she doesn't want to lose the security deposit. Perhaps a sign that Kate doesn't fit into the 'norma'l world as much as she wants...or Emma just really knows how to push her buttons. I think Emma is hurting too, though she hides it under her usual scene-stealing exterior. I can't wait for more of their dynamic. Yeah, they'll almost certainly figure out a working relationship but their pain isn't being dismissed either. I feel like the pair are a successful version of what Gail Simone is doing with Rogue.

They stop fighting and have a little tea party, then Axo asks the question I'd been dreading the answer to - 'do you trust Emma or not?' Kate grew up being terrified of Emma with good reason and never let her forget why she did not trust her. Emma spent decades earning that trust and proving herself a hero, leader and teacher - but the First Krakoan Age had them grow closer than ever before. They worked well together and became friends, they were a force for good on Krakoa (mostly.) It's a shame that this is a metric, but two thumbs up for not rolling any of that back. These feel like the members of the resistance who were there for each other in Fall of X. Kate herself is regressing a little, but it's believable as a trauma response.

Kate doesn't want to train young mutants and Emma does. Prito even has a space they can use and the kids are keen! Everyone is happy then, right? Well, I think that's going to be the core tension for a while. Everyone except Kate wants this, but I think Kate needs this.

This 'getting to know you' circle does a lot of work in centering the young mutants, reminding us they're here to stay while showing us who they are and the beginning of their social dynamic. I haven't been a teen for a long time but their voices sound authentic, even to the point of highlighting that Bronze/Trista is a bit younger than the other two.

Agreed, do not read the comments.

They want to be doing this! One of the most challenging parts of being a teen is navigating peer groups. Solidarity in experiencing the same kind of otherness plus scary body changes is healthy, and it's lovely to chalk up a W despite the fact that 'people hate us.'

This issue also asks the question Rogue did in Uncanny #1, but as organic dialectic. It introduces the tension between self defense and being a superhero when you have powers - the difference between Emma and Kate externalised. Kate is excited despite herself until Emma shows up with costumes, and I think she's right to push back or at least be wary. But is this about her or the kids? It's not the most admirable contradiction but it's very human. They're both right that the old ways were flawed and they need to try something new.

Is she talking about Colossus? MF is not that gentle. Their costumes look amazing.

Unsurprisingly, Emma and Kate are a great team. There's tension underneath there, but they wouldn't be doing this if their friendship didn't run deep. New kids in relaunches past have often had their powers explained by Cerebro or a nosy telepath. Learning about it from their mouths as they're starting to use them in a controlled environment achieves the wiki entry, shows them learning to use them, and importantly gives us more of their personality.

Emma conjures up some Brood-like baddies and everyone freaks out but some growth is evident. It's Axo that figures out they're not real. Kate is not impressed. I doubt they'll throw down, but her sending the kids away feels like an extreme reaction. Good, she's got shit to say and hurts that need to be spoken. The kids don't leave, but we're left with all this tension in the air to be resolved next issue.

I LOVE that the three kids cuddle/huddle in the background.

Who better to break the ice (sorry) than Bobby Drake? Having him just fly in the window and cooling down the tension (sorry again) could feel random and silly but it works. These two have a lot of history and it makes sense that he'd seek her out. Kate has been turning her back on anyone X-related - will she freeze Bobby out too? The kids are awed by him and it's half the Marauders back together, so I don't think he'll get the cold shoulder.

I feel very confident in calling Exceptional X-Men the best X-Men book in From The Ashes. It's got an honesty and sincerity to it while remixing the hits of first arcs and adding plenty of new. The art style is colourful and emotive which adds so much to a book taking people's feelings seriously. If you pick up nothing else, this is the one.

[keiirauuu]

The demise of Au Inflorence

Inflorence, was created 25 September 2023. Originally it was called Deflowered(Hanafell), the name was changed due to what it meant.

The right most was the first concept art for it, the middle one was when it remade, then leftmost was the current.

Inflorence was inspired by aus like underfell, flowerfell, underswap. I really liked swap aus, due to Chara being my favorite character. I wanted a world where gets to have a life.

Inflorence was a Chasriel au, I liked what I like. I really loved both Chara and Asriel in original their tragedy was something alot amazing. Asriels obsession with chara. Charas martyr behavior. But these ship posed the downfall of my au.

Inforence, specifically deflowered was supposed to be a undefell au take, following the canon one, where Chara teaches asriel, all mosnters sometimes love and kindness is enough. But Asgore poisons chara, with flower curse. Where all of charas body would be covered with golden flowers till they die. Later asriel would absorb charas soul to cross barreir but they return. Chara dies Asriel surives and banishes his dad to ruins. While, he declaires war on humanity. Charas reincarnation Frisk, comes to knock senses in their king boyfriend. Both survive........ But welp that was all scrapped as another au was taking my brain

These nameless swap au. Mostly I really likes these au, which resulted in mashing these up with deflowered which created Inflorence. The designs in these are canon for inforenece except for asriel, Chara. yes deltarune was also here alot specifically.

As you might have guessed Frisk took Asriels place here, while Noelle took Charas. Noelle was supposed to be the narrator of these au, Frisk the first human was at first gonna be temmie, but later became a voice which you can only hear through echo flowers and mirrors.

As you also guessed Frisk and charas dead lead to events here, many people may have noticed Flowers on Chara and frisk.

Well These flowers are like flowerfell they grow on humans body killing them. But the reason is different, Humans souls here were quite fragile while monsters had stronger souls. Monsters ability to love was overwheming to humans soul as they cant handle monsters compasion resulting in the determination and love given by monsters to humans to pour out. In the flowers, these flowers were the result of humans loving monsters, romantic, platonic, family all type. All humans here died due to loving too much.

They loved too much, the more you love the more flowers you get till killing you. Despite that these humans never tried to harm others and died sacrificing their souls to free monsters.

There were some desgin changes I tried but then they were scrapped I prefered the old stripped sweaters better.

As its canon chara is a teenage here, while frisk was a child.

The end of the au

Sadly these au, will be abounded. why?

The fandom is too toxic, I had gotten repeated backlashes, death threats, art stolen, and hate commets.

for the following reasons:

Chara:

Greatly the reason lies because of the view of chara, their morality is ambiguous. There are versions debates, that their evil, pure good, traumitzed child, are narrator, your partner.

My portrayal of Chara was on the good side, because of that many commets came like, "Chara cant love", "Chara is evil", "Chara cant be that kind", "Is frisk evil?", "Noelle is manipulative then", "Chara was abusive to Asriel" etc.

I know I know, There are many versions and all. But I really created these au for personal reasons Chara is meant to be Hope, the savior who gave up their soul here to just to free monsters, they loved too much hence the flowers they loved became the reason for their own death in Asriels arms.

I do know Chara in canon undertale, may have different reason but these is AU ALTERNATE UNIVERSE.

Chasriel

Here we are the final reason, Chasriel, the most hated ship, claimed incest. Got in in canon they might have been siblings. so what? Asriel and Chara always refer to each other as best friend, they are two different race, Asriel is literally obsessed with chara, the only one who can understand him, the only one who he cares about the most, the only one who he idolizes unhealthily, which he only realizes at the end of pacifist.

But these things do point towards at least a childish crush, or idolization.

But I respect people who don't ship them, not everything thinks the same, there are some who are with sibling side, I'm totally alright with it, if you don't like my ship that's FINE just don't fucking for the sake send me death threats, long messages explaining why they aren't siblings, I drew incest and all. I myself don't like incest, but if I don't even see it as incest cause its left ambiguous, and in the au their not even met till chara the eight human falls underground.

Asriel was here a cold, introverted Ice prince as he lost his two siblings Frisk, and noelle. He knows the effect of love how if he loves a human they will just die. But Chara broke through his walls, and taught him to love again. But despite that he lost chara to the flowers.

That was his whole character arc.

He had a happy childhood with frisk, noelle till they both died, and he grew up alone partially till ralsei was born. He had first hand saw humans after frisk who all died. He knows loving humans will just hurt him, yet he ended up falling for chara anyway. Chara had alot love to give which killed them. They wanted to be the kindess which they never received.

Yet, the people here ended up demotivating me. These au was left uncontinued.

No I wont be continuing it.

What happends to the characters?

The Characters have become my personal oc, their designs are pretty different to begin with

Chara, now is 'Anzu'. Frisk is 'Fuu'.

Further characters, which have been turned to personal characters are

Asriel -> Arin (rei)

Ralsei -> Razzy

Sans who takes alphys place -> Benny (Ben)

Papyrus who takes monster kids place -> Ivan

Asgore taking toriels place -> Alfen

Toriel taking Asgores place -> Roferria

Alphys taking papyrus place -> Daphan

Undyne taking Sans place -> Ulys

Mettaton taking napstablook place -> Magus

Napstablook taking mettatosn place -> Cyrus

Noelle taking Charas place -> Evelle

Further more the fallen humans,

Kris (justice soul) -> Chris

Clover (kindess soul) -> Meadow

rest humans name will remain same as they already were oc (cole, jasmin, alice, kelsey)

While these were turned to personal characters as I dont want them to be associated with undertale anymore.. So I hope you respect that.

THESE is ment to be archive post, and a bit rant post. All the art belongs to me do not repost

[absolutebl]

Given the wide range of BL you've consumed and analyzed. I am curious at your perspective when comparing BLs made/written by men and those that were written by women, in a different direction, comparing BLs directed by men in comparison to women.

If you could have the time and give your perspective in this two sources of BL , that would be great.

Hum, I'm not sure how to answer this. Except in a kind of avoidance way because I question the premise.

I think, in general, in most of the film industry, the original writing has very little to do with the final result, because so many new voices and povs are imposed on it the moment it begins to be adapted. After a BL leaves its author (predominantly female) it goes to script, a writers room, and eventually into the hands of director and team. All those people are different genders (predominantly male). And all of them have a significant impact on the end result.

Sometimes the author has unprecedented influence (mame for example) but that's pretty unusual.

Statistically speaking, the origin IP (whether novel or graphic) is most likely written by a female and the resulting BL most likely directed by a male.

There are always exceptions, of course.

Even putting aside all the other people, mostly script writers, in between the two primaries (which I just don't think you can) it would be statistically challenging to draw any commonalities amongst female directors (since there are so few) or amongst male writers (for the same reason). In other words, we have many many examples of really only 1 of the 4 possible combinations, and all those examples are muddied by the nature of the filming process (not to mention the nature of gender).

In other words, it would be challenging for me to say things are generally preferable in any one version of the pairings.

I have liked BLs written and directed by women, written by a woman directed by a man, written by a man directed by a woman, or written and directed by men (although those last two I would struggle to name any BLs).

However, I have also liked and then disliked BLs from the same general team and combination of genders behind the creatives.

For me, at least, there doesn't seem to be a reliable team or a reliable writer or a reliable director whose BL product I will reliably love.

I would hesitate to place a predictor on my BL taste (or anyone else's) based on the gender of any part of the team behind a BL. That seems..... weird. Especially when queers and 3rd gender etc are involved (and we have always been involved in artistic spaces for as long as humans have existed, I suspect).

But then I feel that way about most entertainment, from music to books to plays to comedy to fashion. I can be a fan of a director's style but not like some of their shows, just as I can be a fan of an actor's performance but not the character they're playing, or a fan of a pair's chemistry but not in those roles, and so forth.

I think what youth and influencers and the internet age has forgotten is that it's okay to admire a creative individual and not slavishly adore everything that they produce. (For fuck's sake though, don't tell them that, you absolute troll.)

Creatives and creative teams also have their own taste, and that may conflict with yours. Especially with newer IP where you might want the same old same old and they need to evolved. Consumers of entertainment are remarkably resistant to creativity, innovation, and change (so oxymoronic) .

It's okay, maybe you'll like their next BL, song, book, painting, performance......

I have no idea how I got here but:

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

I do have some stuff on a queer lens here:

[wisefoxluminary]

Arcane Season 2 Act 2 my thoughts (+analysis)

Wow just wow…this show really is a rollercoaster and this set of episodes really delved into the family dynamics of Vi and Jinx, two broken characters trying to fix what was lost between them. Jinx being forced to reckon with who she is as a leader in Zaun, inspiring those to stand up against the injustice wrought by the enforcers and this time we get to see the innocent and more soft side of her as she realises all these people look up to her as their saviour when all her life she was led to believe she was a monster who gets everyone she comes close to killed but she realises that she is making an impact on everyone around her including Isha who reminds her of her past self that she buried and is bringing that back out to the surface. Their sibling relationship was really beautiful to witness because they would save each other every damn time. It was cruel watching that get taken away from us because Isha’s final act was saving Jinx from Warwick’s rampage, though her life was short lived just like Powder’s, her sacrifice really showed the impact Jinx had made on her life and that act of preservation and love will help her finally embrace the role of a saviour complex the people of Zaun need, in the shadow of Viktor’s passing, a fallen messiah who used his power of healing for good. Jinx takes that chance and must weaponise her own destruction for good, to liberate her people and what remains of her family from Ambessa and the Piltover Guard and also Jayce who seeks to wipe every last remnant of Hextech.

I really liked the twist that Vander was Warwick as it added loads of tragedy to his character and really fuelled the emotional beats for the reminder of the story, in particular Vi and Jinx’s journeys respectively. The idea of Vander's love being the one thing that ties the sisters together was really beautiful to me because every time he saw Jinx, he was reminded of Powder which brought back his humanity which was slowly being corrupted by the beast. Powder is his tether to humanity thus why he protects her with all his might (“they don't touch my daughter” scene comes to light). This link to humanity, his memories of Ponder is what helps him overcome his monstrous impulses. He's a dead man who has turned into something unrecognisable and yet the memory and warm love Vander once embodied still resides within him and Vi and Jinx are working so hard to persevere that. This is shown in the memory sequence Viktor observed in his mind because Vander's impact is always felt on Vi and Jinx. He gave Vi her name, he was a loyal friend of their mother. His dying words to Vi was for her to protect Powder. That's why he recognises Jinx and sees her for who she used to be, why he saved her. Jinx may blame herself for his death but that only brings him closer to her. So when that perfect image of family was taken away from them, the monster from within won and every last memory of Vander is stripped away from him because that light Viktor was trying so hard to untangle from him was gone the moment he was killed.

Jayce really lost his mind because who knew one senseless action could cause this horrific chain of events to happen because being trapped in that anomaly caused him to see a false and corrupted vision of the future and it descended him into madness. Jayce is the reason Viktor loses his humanity because as he said in his dying moments the greatest good can also become your greatest evil. So what Jayce believed he was doing right by killing Viktor and stopping him from going down the wrong path only was the fuel to the fire that caused it. Betrayal and the tragedy it brings and how it melds us into the worst version of ourselves is a very integral theme in Arcane as seen with Vander and Silco, Vi and Powder, Vi and Caitlyn etc. Jayce and Viktor is just another representative cursed by the narrative and the ramifications of this betrayal will be dealt by them in terrifying ways and how they'll overcome that is going to be very central heading into the last three episodes. There is no changing the past, but there must be a way to make a better future with it as well.

The only way this show can end is if Vi and Jinx finally forgive each other and themselves and finally use love as their greatest weapon against the evil that threatens to supress them, how sacrifice impacts them and encourages them to carry on what the people who are gone had taught them. Love is what united them rather than hate and I think that's a beautiful thing. The resolution of their arc would be those two sisters reconciling, living in peace knowing their family is in a better place. For Vander to be ressurected and for Zaun to return to what it used to be under his resistance, finally at a peaceful agreement with Piltover where no more blood is shed. Where Hextech isn't used as a weapon anymore.

But overall, this episodes truly were a masterclass in storytelling and animation with its vibrant and colourful visuals. Truly can't wait for Act 3 because the symbolism of this show goes crazy.

[yournaothings]

The Fight Part One

Dream wasn't a Sans.

He was a Guardian of Positivity made to look like one.

How strange it was to finally see what it was like to fight another version of yourself.

---

@bored-animator

Hello everyone~ Sorry for the long wait!

Oh. That was a long break in between chapters. I kind of did a little summary in this chapter.

I had to be in the right mindset for this one. Rollercoaster of emotions are not fun, but here we are! I'm excited for you all to read this chapter! Please be aware, there is violence and death in this chapter. So, please take care while reading. <3

Characters and their Creators: Nightmare Sans: Jokublog Dream Sans: Jokublog Shattered Dream: galacii

Atara Sol: @cactobutt

The memories played over and over again as if it was a loop. 

She knew they were not her memories, but the one who attacked her; the one who put this spell over her soul that caused her to fall ill. 

A tree full of golden fruit stood tall and proud on top of a hill; at the base were two young skeleton monsters. One with a smile that was as bright as the sun while the other frowned with nervousness. The villagers were once again asking for a share of the delicious Golden Apples; “We can’t let you have the fruit.” The meek skeleton explained. “It is our duty to protect the tree and her fruit.” 

The villagers were unhappy with this, but the brighter skeleton chirped with eagerness that he could aid them. If they couldn’t have the fruit, they would just have to do with the help of one of the Guardians. 

Soon enough it became clear the villagers’ greed got to them and they planned to take the tree whether the Guardians liked it or not. It was a terrible fate; the Negative Guardian was beaten and very near killed. He ate from the tree, an apple that immediately rotten and corrupted as he took a bite. His body breaking as the corruption filled and swallowed his body whole. 

A being like the one who had hurt her. Yet, this one was different. His cyan eye was cruel as he killed all of the villagers. And when his brother came to stop him, he ate a Golden Apple that turned him to stone- the corrupted brother left him and the Multiverse was filled with such darkness. 

Fate was cruel for these two brothers, and it broke her heart to watch. 

The moment the Positive Guardian woke from his stone prison, he was overwhelmed with the power of Negativity and knew he had to stop his brother. With little knowledge, the Positive skeleton ventured out into the Multiverse to hunt for his brother. To stop him. 

On the way, he met so many monsters and humans who helped him on the way. But, nothing could stop him from making that dreadful decision of living through what his brother had. The Positive one ate from the corrupted Apple and the roles were reversed. 

The Positive Guardian became stronger than before, feeding from both Negativity and Positivity. He was angry, yet he wept for the pain his twin brother had faced. From the villagers, the Multiverse, Fate itself. He was angry at his brother for letting him choose this path. He was angry at the villagers for hurting his brother. He would make them pay- 

 “How unfortunate for you, my dear. You are the only one left alive to pay for your ancestors' crimes against my family.” 

It’s not fair. 

It’s not my fault. 

It was so long ago, why attack someone who had nothing to do with that incident? 

It wasn’t fair. 

“I wish I had never been born…” 

“Don’t say that.”

That voice. It was familiar, yet not… 

But, it’s true. If I hadn’t been born, this wouldn’t be happening to me. 

“That’s exactly what he wants you to think. He wants to tear you down until there is nothing left. Don’t let him win.”

The memories faded and once again Norah was in darkness; yet before her was the sun- no. An angel. His presence was comforting and gave her a taste of peace. The darkness all around flinched but did not scramble away. Black tendrils wrapped around her arms, but they were weak and she could see her angel reach out for her. 

“I think it’s time to wake up, Norah. Your family is here with you.”

With the bright light like the sun blocking her view of his face, Norah hadn’t a clue as to who was here saving her. But, she knew he could be trusted. She slowly reached her hand out for his, and when her delicate fingers wrapped around his hand, his closed around hers and he pulled her onto her feet, the tendrils ripping away from her. 

The peace that surrounded her was like a fresh breath of air. He pulled her forward as gently as he could, his arms wrapping around her body and embraced her. He was warm. He was so warm. Norah felt herself ease into his embrace, her eyes closing; She felt painless, peaceful. Her delicate arms wrapped around his middle and she rested her head on his chest. For once in the last… Stars knows how long she was able to rest. 

“I got you, Norah. I got you.”

“It’s time to wake up.”

—---

Norah was in a daze. 

Everything was happening too fast; she was surprised she could even remember how to speak. 

The Skeleton monster who pulled her from her slumber looks so much like her attacker. But, he lacks the black goop that dribbled down his body. Instead, he was as bright as the sun. Her angel. He looked a lot like that young skeleton monster in the memories she was forced to watch. 

You will watch! You will remember what you did to me and my brother!

She remembered how he screamed at her. How angry he was at her- no, not at her. She was sure he saw someone else then. Still, it wasn’t her fault. She wasn’t to blame. 

“You.. You’re not the doctor, right?” She asked, she had to be sure. “He can disguise himself.” 

The room fell silent, the four humans had to take a moment for that to settle in their minds. Dream tensed, he looked so worried now. “I am not the doctor, Norah. But, the way you describe him… Tell me, have you seen his face?” Norah nodded, and she gestures towards him. “He looks just like you, but with black goo.” 

Felix was up on his feet in an instant, his anger returning fast. “You’re the attacker?!” Dream raised his hands to try and calm Felix down. He was so confused; the only one he knew with black goo was his brother. But, he supposed there could be a possibility someone could shapeshift. But with black goo? 

“I am not the doctor.” He repeated to Felix. “I do not have the corruption she is talking about either.” He turned his attention to Norah then. “Did he tell you his name?” Norah shook her head at that. She paused and closed her eyes as a dizzy spell hit her after such a small motion. “When he is a doctor, he looks like a normal monster. But, when no one is around, he is back to his black goo body with those tendrils behind him. He wears a crown on his head, or… Not a crown, but a circlet? It looks like two hands reaching for each other in the center- ah, like this.” 

Norah demonstrates what she was meaning by bringing her hands together, one with the palm turned up and the other with the palm turned down, both in a cupping motion as if they were reaching to grab onto each other. ((Or to fist bump))

Norah lifted her eyes from her hands to look at Dream and she felt her heart skip a beat before picking up its pace. His face paled and the fearful look he gave wasn’t helping ease her panic. Still, she continued to explain; “His one good eye was golden, like yours. But, he holds no compassion, no happiness in that eye. He said that my ancestors had hurt his family long ago and that I had to pay for their crimes.” 

“What the fuck-?!” Felix shouted, Maria snapped at him to not shout or curse in the hospital. Norah ignored Felix’s outburst as she watched Dream slip into his thoughts. She frowned and as she reached her hand out to touch his shoulder to comfort him, the doctor walked in. 

“Well, this is quite the surprise.” 

Everyone in the room turned their attention to the entryway where the doctor stood. His false smile stretched across his lips as he studied the room.  “What a relief, you are awake, Norah-” 

“Enough pretending, you prick.” Felix snapped, his anger targeted at the doctor now. “We know you’re the one who hurt Norah. Drop the fucking act.” His tone dripped with venom, he sounded ready to fight. To tear the asshole into pieces. 

“I see.” The doctor said gently, his smile falling for a moment, before he grinned cruelly. “What a relief. This play-pretend was getting old.” The six of them watched in horror as the disguise fell away to reveal a skeleton monster; his black goo, the corruption dripped off of his body and the tentacles at his back swayed like a cat’s tail would.  

Just as Norah said, the monster looked exactly like Dream, but with the corruption covering his entire body. Dream noted how the damaged eye socket was opposite of his brother’s. “Who are you?” Dream demanded, stepping in between the monster and the small family. He balled his fists at his sides- he wasn’t all alarmed when his weapons didn’t materialize in his grasp. He left them behind, after all. 

“Dream~” The monster purred, his grin widening. “I was surprised you showed up here. At first, I thought you came to stop me, but when I noticed the depression and sadness, I knew you were simply following the same path I did.” 

“What are you talking about? How do you know about me? Explain yourself!” Dream demanded, panic settling in his soul that he refused to show. However, this monster before him seemed to know exactly what he was hiding.  “Do you not get it, yet?” The monster laughed. “I am you. My name is Dream- well, not exactly. See, I used to be like you. Until my last fight with my corrupted brother. After he accused me of not knowing his pain, I ate the black apple, and my soul shattered; I became corrupted myself while my brother was back to normal.

“So, yes. I am Dream, but I go by a different name now; I am called Shattered Dream.”

“Why have you attacked this innocent woman?” Dream asked with a stern frown. He stood tall, a barrier between the human mage, her family, and this monster. 

Shattered found it interesting that his variant didn’t summon his weapons; and what’s this? No circlet? His cruel smile widened, his tendrils at his back swayed with amusement. “It is truly unfortunate for her. I have tracked down every family that has ever hurt Nightmare. Each one fell easily, without much pain. I was at least merciful with them. But, with her. Sweet little Norah? Her ancestors were the ones responsible for striking Nightmare down. The ones who lied to my face and used me. Fate was cruel to Norah-”

Surprisingly, Dream kicked off the tiled floor and threw a punch at Shattered. The corrupted Guardian didn’t expect Dream to do such a thing. Dream quickly backed away to take his place between Shattered and the mortals, his stance wider and ready for a fight. 

“Heh,” Shattered chuckled as he slowly turned his head to smirk at Dream, he wiped away the little mana that leaked from his wound on his face. “Are you really that angry at me for a mortal you have just met? Dream,” He clicked his tongue in disappointment, his eyes closing as he shook his head. His smirk widened as he looked at Dream with such a wicked gaze. “When will you learn that you gain nothing from helping these fools?” 

“Traveling the Multiverse and saving Universes that never repay you? Always take, take, taking! You’ve not changed! It’s the Apple Event all over again!” Shattered exclaimed, his tentacles whipping behind him as he raised his voice to Dream. 

Norah cowered on her hospital bed, Felix staying as close to her as she could to protect her. Lily and Kai stepped in front of their mother, keeping her behind them in case things got bad. Maria remained in the back, fearful not for herself, but for everyone. For Dream. Each and every mortal remained silent, fearing what the corrupted monster would do if anyone were to break the silence.

Dream’s stern look dipped into a glare. Sweat was beading at his forehead; he was beating himself up mentally for leaving his weapons behind. He didn’t think anything like this would happen! 

“I have retired from my duties as a Guardian, so no. It’s not the Apple Event.” Dream narrows his eyes at Shattered. “What I do with my life is of no concern to you.” 

Shattered raised a corrupted brow. “Oh?” He looked amused. “How strange, you broke the loop, then?” Dream kept his glare set on his features, but he was confused. What loop? Sensing his confusion, Shattered dived into Dream’s emotions, pulling out everything he has been feeling these last few weeks- and oh~ How delicious~ 

Dream gasped when Shattered suddenly teleported behind him, his hands grasping Dream’s shoulders and his tentacles surrounding the Guardian. Dream flinched and attempted to break free, but the tentacles found new purchase elsewhere. “You poor thing. Has Nighty really beaten you down enough to make you think all of that?” 

“Shut up! Get off of me!” Dream shoved Shattered away, but he didn’t budge. “Poor Dreamy~ Do you truly believe that you’re so weak?” Shattered laughed. “In this form, you are weak. But you can become stronger! You can defeat your brother and take over the Multiverse!” He leaned in, whispering in Dream’s ear canal all while Dream struggled against him. “We can work together. We can rule the Multiverse! There are many others like us out there, Dream~ Think of the possibilities!” 

“I said,” Dream growled and with a burst of magic straight from his soul, he shoved Shattered back and across the room. “Get off!” 

Kai was quick to pull his sister and mother out of the way as Shattered flew past them and hit the wall. The impact was strong enough it fractured the thick hospital windows. However, it didn’t hurt Shattered as bad as it did the wall. “Such anger~” He laughs at Dream as his tentacles freed him from the wall and he stood tall, his hands held behind his back as if he wasn’t just thrown across the room. His cruel smirk found its way back on his jaw, he looked pleased. “See? Using that negativity will make you stronger, my dear Dream. If only you had used it against Nighty before, you would have won.”

“Shut up!” Dream snapped at him, his anger finally boiling over. He balled his fists as he confronted his newest enemy. “Anger gets you nowhere! It does not win the fight!” Shattered chuckled and raised a brow. “Oh? So, you plan to lose to me?” Dream’s shoulders relaxed as he inhaled deeply and exhaled. He blinked and tried to focus. “I will stop you, Shattered Dream. But, I will use the magic that was given to me. I will use Positivity to stop you.” 

“Even if I can feed on either?” 

The startled gasp that Dream released was enough for Shattered to know; Dream didn’t know. Shattered’s smirk widened cruelly and his tentacles shot out from behind him, grabbing Dream and slamming him through the windows until he was shot out from the second floor. 

“Dream!” Maria and Lily yelled; Lily and Felix were quick to summon their magic, preparing to fight Shattered. He turned to them and laughed. “How cute, do you honestly believe you can defeat me?” 

“Mom! You and Kai take Norah out of here. Get somewhere safe!” Lily barked the orders, her glare fixed on Shattered. Maria hesitated, but knew she had to get Norah out of here. “Come on, Kai.” She said quickly, her son hurrying over to pull the IV and blood pressure cuff from her before scooping her up and hurrying out with his mother. 

“Foolish.” Shattered laughed. “I will find her. I will always be able to find her, until she takes her last breath.” He smirks at the couple and opens his arms wide, his tentacles splayed out behind him; their pointed sharp tips directed at them. “Let’s see what you’ve got!” 

—

If Dream wasn’t used to Nightmare tossing him around in their fights, this would have been way worse than it is. 

Groaning, Dream slowly pulls himself from the wet bushes that caught his fall. He had scratches and bruises all over his body. The glass had sliced through his sweater and pants. Mana flowed from his wounds as he moved to stand on his feet. 

This wasn’t good. 

Like an idiot, he left his weapons behind. They were so far away- 

He raised his hand and tried to call for them, but nothing happened. “Crap.” He hissed and tried to see where he landed. He didn’t go too far, the glass having stopped him from being shot out across the parking lot of the hospital. Thank the Stars he landed in the bushes. 

“Oh no! The others!” He exclaimed in panic and started to make a run for it, but his leg gave out suddenly and he fell with a yelp of pain. Panting hard, he took a moment to let the pain pass before he rolled over onto his bottom and glanced down at his leg. It didn’t look broken, but it could be fractured.. He could feel his magic begin to heal himself, but he didn’t have time to wait-

“Dream! Oh thank heavens!” 

Startled, Dream raised his gaze and glanced behind him to find Maria and Kai with Norah. “You made it out!” He blabbered in surprise. “W-Where are the others? Felix and Lily?” Kai nodded his head towards the window the Guardian had fallen out of. “They’re facing off that bastard.” Dream gasped and tried to stand up once more. “They’re going to get killed! I have to stop them! I have to lead Shattered away from here! It’s not safe for everyone!” 

“Don’t move, sir!” Dream was surprised to see a few of the nurses come out from the hospital. “We have the authorities on the way. Please, sit down so we can take a look at you!” Dream shook his head. “I can’t do that. I have to stop Shattered Dream before he hurts or kills anyone else.” The nurses weren’t having it either; “Sir, we understand you want to help. But, you fell out of the second floor window. Please let us check you over!” Dream sighed and raised his sweater sleeve to show that he was healing.  “I can heal myself. It’s alright, I’ll be okay. Please, let me do my job.” 

He gently pushed them out of his way as he limped towards the entrance- 

“I see why you’ve retired.”

Dream grew tense as he stopped in place before spinning around to see Shattered had slipped out of the broken window with Felix and Lily caught in his tentacles. “You’ve let them fight your battle and now look at them.” 

“Lily! Felix!” 

“Shit!”

Felix and Lily were unconscious in Shattered’s hold. Both bleeding and bruised up. They really didn’t stand a chance against him. He carelessly tossed them to the ground in front of Dream, his smirk sharpening ever so slowly as he felt the rage build within Dream. 

“Ar-Are they alive?” Maria asked breathlessly as Dream knelt down to check them, his magic immediately soaking into their bodies to begin healing them. “They’re alive, Maria. They’ll be okay.” He sighed in relief before raising his gaze to glare at Shattered. The bastard stood there waiting, watching in amusement. “What are you gaining by hurting these people?” Dream asks. 

“I already explained my reasoning.” Shattered said with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’m only here for Norah. The others just got in my way.” His own gaze shifted away from Dream and watched Norah cowarded in Kai’s arms and he grins. “Now, if you don’t mind. I’d like to finish my task and leave. I think you’ll be coming along as well, Dream.” The Guardian hissed at Shattered; “Like hell I will!” Without turning away from Shattered, Dream commanded the nurses to get the two unconscious inside, and for Maria and Kai to get as far away as possible. 

He straightened and started to walk towards Shattered, all the while trying to come up with a plan to stop him. Shattered chuckled in amusement and readied his tentacles. “You won’t be able to defeat me like that, I’m afraid. If you can’t summon your weapons, how are you going to stop me?” Dream tightened his fists as he tried not to show Shattered his nervousness- he probably felt it. 

Before he could speak, a strange crystal like portal appeared to Dream’s right ((Shattered left)) and a thick boot came through, stomping onto the wet grassy ground. A young woman about Lily’s height ((without the boots)) stepped through and grinned. “What did I miss?” 

Her hair was two colors, black and red; her bangs were a blood red while the rest a pitch black. She had many piercings on her ears, her nose- there were too many to count. And let’s not get started on her tattoos… Her outfit was rather revealing- a crop top that showed off her midriff, her bellybutton was pierced too and her shorts were well.. Short. Her boots only stopped above her ankles. Dream averted his eyes quickly from her exposed legs, a yellow flush dusting over his cheekbones. 

The woman glanced around the group, taking in the scene before she closes her eyes and nods. “I understand it.” Then, with a sudden burst of rage, she darted forward, a boot raising and slamming hard into Shattered midsection; the corrupted monster choked back a pained sound as he went flying back and hit a parked car, setting the alarm off. 

Spinning around, the woman glared at Dream with fire in her eyes. “You’re next, goldie.” 

Dream gulped as he backed away slowly, trying to explain that he wasn’t the enemy here- 

“Holy fuck, Atara!” Kai snapped, his eyes wide at how powerful that kick was. Norah cried in relief. “Atara!” Her soft voice calmed the enraged woman. “Norah! You’re awake!” 

Atara rushed past Dream and hugged Norah, making sure to not hurt her. “Are you alright? I’ve been so worried! When did you wake up?” Norah laughs softly and smiles wide, tears in her eyes. “I just woke up, thanks to Dream.” She points towards Goldie. Atara glanced over and grinned. “Hey, nice work, goldie!” 

“G-Goldie??” Dream asked, confused. Everything was happening too fast for his liking. 

“What’s the goopy guy’s deal, huh? He hurt my besties?” Atara asks as she crosses her arms and gives a stern glare. Dream glances back towards Shattered who appears to be dazed for the moment, before he moves to stand with the others. “He’s the one hurting Norah and is another version of myself. I need you all to get far away so you won’t get hurt anymore. This is my fight-” 

“Like hell it is!” Atara snapped at Dream, making him flinch at her volume. “He hurt my best friend! I’m going to pound him into the ground! He’ll be part of the fucking asphalt when I’m through with him!” She threatens and pounds her fist into her hand. “He’s strong, Felix and Lily weren’t able to stop him.” Kai explained. “That’s okay. I’m strong. I can do it.” Atara grins; Dream couldn’t help but think of Undyne. This woman was too much like her. 

Turning around, Atara shakes her arms and stretches out, readying herself for a fight. Her look an excited determined one; “Besides, Red won’t let me go to those underground fights anymore. I’m dying to get some punches in!” She explains. Dream is surprised by the name she dropped- “You mean… Underfell Sans?” 

“Yes,” Maria sighs, exasperated. “She is in a relationship with Red. She always says they’re fine, but I worry.” Dream blinks as he looks at her before glancing towards Atara, watching her stomp her way over towards Shattered. ((He was slowly climbing to his feet, anger boiling through his corrupted body))

“You disgusting mortal!” Shattered snapped, his tentacles whipping around from his irritation. “You dare touch me?!” Atara grins eagerly, her fire back in her eyes. “You hurt my friends. I’m just repaying the favor. Come at me, wuss!” With her hands raised, one a fist the other beckoning Shattered to come at her, Atara prepared for a fight. 

Panicked, Dream called after her to wait- to get out of harm's way. What happened next, Dream didn’t expect. Angry, jagged tentacles flew at Atara and she deflected them each with a burst of magic. Upon impact, the sound of shattering glass was heard and if you looked very carefully, if you squinted… It looked as if walls of gems were shattering where the tentacles hit. 

With sadistic glee, Atara charged forwards and threw a punch at Shattered, missing. She kicked at him, and met a tentacle. She spun around and blasted the goopy skeleton with a burst of her magic. Shards of gems embedded themselves into Shattered, slicing through him and cutting down his tentacles. Of course, more grew immediately after, but Atara was keeping up with him. 

“You might have known her mother.” Maria began to speak. “Astraea was a very powerful sorceress. She enchanted crystals and gems and gave them to those in need of their power, as long as it was used for good.” Dream nods, the name is familiar. “The name rings a bell.” He tells Maria. “That is her only child, Atara Sol. She was raised in Underfell, has learned to fight and to be strong. After her mother passed away, she had gone through so much trauma. It has been a few years, but she has finally found her place with those skeleton brothers, Sans, or “Red” as they call him, as her partner.” 

“I can sense her strong soul.” Dream nods. “She shouldn’t be fighting, though. I should be fighting Shattered. And you should be leaving.” Dream lectures Maria and gives her a stern look. Maria couldn’t stop herself from laughing softly. “You have a determined spirit, Dream. But, you don’t understand. We’re here to help. You’re not on your own, Dream. Your friends are here to help you.” 

Dream glanced at Maria, her bright smile warmed his soul. Her positivity gave him strength. 

“Let us help, Dream. It’s the least we can do.” Norah’s soft voice caught his attention and had him turning to look at her. She stood in front of Kai as he helped balance her. She smiled and reached out for his hands, gently taking them in her own and gave them a squeeze. “You get stronger when you feed on Positivity? Let us help keep your strength up, then. Okay?” Her smile was just as bright, even after being asleep for so long. Her eyes sparkled even with the evening sky hovering over them. The parking lot lights were the only lights illuminating them; the clouds above covering the moon and stars. 

Dream sighs, his gaze falling to stare at their joined hands and he gives a firm squeeze back. “Okay, but the moment it gets too dangerous, you leave.” He says, looking up and back in her eyes, then to Kai and Maria. “I won’t have anyone getting hurt while I’m here.” The three nods, agreeing. “We will, Dream.” Maria promises. 

-

Tentacles covered the young woman, pointed tips ready to pierce her skin. With a yell, her magic burst forth and cut down the tentacles and a boot met his chest this time. Shattered was ready and used his freshly grown tentacles to roll himself back up right. He was getting angrier by the minute. This woman seemed to not grow tired! 

His teeth ground against each other as he used his magic to make copies of himself; one copy on his left, one on his right. “Okay, now it’s getting more interesting!” Atara snarked and readily met the first attack.

She used the tentacles to swing up onto them and ran down the length towards the first copycat, her boot meeting his face. His face separated like liquid before it eased back together around her ankle. Startled, Atara tried to pull her foot out before it was too late; the copy’s face stretched out, morphing into a tentacle and it threw Atara away from it. She hit the ground hard, but was quickly back on her feet. Growling out of frustration, she ran towards the copies and used her magic to tear them apart. 

Just like a Hydra, each time she split them in half, more copies appeared and soon she was surrounded. “Fuck!” She growled, having no time to react when tentacles rained down on her and gripped at her body. Holding her in place, they repaid each strike she gave them, and more. When they had their fun, they threw her out of the goopy pit before they returned back to Shattered Dream. 

Dream was at Atara’s side first, quickly checking over her wounds. “Are you okay?” He asked her, his magic already seeking out her wounds to heal. “I’m fine- ow.” She groaned when he accidentally touched a tender spot. “Looks like I’m out.” She said with a weak grin. “I’m tagging you in, now. Kick his ass for me, okay?” 

He couldn’t help but laugh softly. Even after getting beaten, this young woman could still joke around. “I’ll take care of him. Thank you.” He glanced back at Maria and Kai, both hurrying over with Norah. “Take her into the hospital and don’t come back out.” Maria began to argue; “Now, what did we just agree on-” 

“Maria.” With a stern snap of his voice, Dream gave her a serious look. “It’s time to go inside. I will take care of him.” Maria frowned. “Dream, please be safe.” She tells him and he nods. “I will do my best, Maria.” 

“Ugh,” Shattered grumbled as he suddenly appeared beside them. “It’s disgusting- why do you care for such lowly mortals, Dream? Look how fragile they are-” 

The motion was quick and no one knew it was going to happen. 

A tentacle, sharp as a blade, shot between Dream and Atara and plunged deep into Maria’s midsection; the tip poking out from the otherside. 

Shock was the first emotion Dream felt from all of the mortals. Then, rage and fear and panic. Screaming was heard, a mixture of Maria’s name and pure rage. Maria was raised high above them and tossed aside as if nothing but garbage. 

“Weak. That’s what they are, Dream.” Shattered spat, his grin cruel and sadistic. Blood dripped from the tentacle that pierced the caring mother. Rage filled Dream, he was so angry- “You didn’t have to kill her!” Shattered laughed loudly; “Oh, but I did. To prove my point, Dreamy~” 

“Get everyone into the hospital, Kai.” Dream commanded, his voice left no room for arguments. Kai shook as he felt lost; what was he supposed to do? If he left Norah here, she’d die too. But, he couldn’t leave his mother dying on the lawn of the hospital. Then, there was Atara- “Come on, big guy.” Atara’s beaten body was suddenly beside him. “Let’s do what Goldie says. It’s important, let’s do this. For your mother’s sake.” 

Kai trembled as he held back his tears, his sobs that wanted to come. He had to be strong.  Thankfully, a few staff of the hospital were able to come out to help bring the injured into the hospital. Leaving behind Dream and Shattered Dream. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Dream repeated, his anger now under control, yet his glare remained. “And I told you, I did. You’re acting foolish, Dream. Forget about these mortals. You want to become stronger? Leave them, and come with me. I will make you stronger. You will overcome and defeat your brother.” 

Dream remained silent for a moment longer before saying, “My intention isn’t to defeat my brother. It’s to save him. I know he’s in there, waiting to be saved.” 

“Dream!” Shattered shouted, his tentacles slapping on the ground in irritation. “He doesn’t want to be saved! Or have you not figured that out yet?” Shattered snapped, his grin long gone and replaced with a scowl. “It’s too late. Your brother is gone. I will show you that. If you come with me, we’ll go see your brother, and I will put an end to all of this nonsense!” 

“I don’t want your help.” Dream says. “I want you gone. To stop hurting my friends. You may have given up on your brother, but I haven’t.” 

Shattered sighs and rolls his eyes. “Fine. Then you leave me no choice.” Dream was ready this time. The tentacles shot at him, ready to grab him and stab him. He dodged each one as best as he could, receiving more scratches and gashes. But, he carried on. Running towards Shattered, the best he could do for now was blast him with his magic and throw punches. 

He miscalculated an attack and was thrown back again, slamming into the ground. He raised his head to glare at his variant, the goopy version of himself raised high with his tentacles as he looked down on him. “Pathetic. You’re weak, Dream. Stop this now.” 

Refusing to give up, Dream climbed back onto his feet and got back into a fighting stance. Shattered snorted and rolled his eyes. He shrugged and grinned. “Stubborn boy.” His tentacles shot at Dream once again, ready to knock him down for good. 

However, blue strings suddenly wrapped around Shattered, startling the goopy Dream. “What the-?!” His tentacles were caught and strung up, before he was yanked back onto the ground where another goopy version of himself hovered over him. 

“How the tables have turned, brother. Looks like it is I who is saving you from bullies.”

[sunnova-art]

Guess who got real into ff14 and forgot about everything else for way too long ^^'

[scatterbrainedbot]

redraw of one of my very first tmnt drawings!!

had meant to do it exactly the one year later mark, but i blinked and suddenly april was may was june -- so ended up being more like a year and 1.5 months lol

May 11th, 2024 vs. April 6th, 2023

its so funny seeing them nest to each other now, but i remember when i finished the first version last year, i was so proud to have finally made a proper 'finished' piece.

like, yall, i struggled for years to every be able to create a piece i would ever call close to 'done'. part of that is me being a very knit-picky kinda person, and wanted to continue to tweak everything all of the time forever, but on top of that i also do work slow af, and before last year i didnt really have access to any digital media. and i love traditional mediums, but im defintiely not practiced enough to be able to get the results i was looking for with any sort of speed. like im genuinely not sure i created a single 'finished' work in my life -- not in school, not in work, not even in the free space of silly fandom doodles.

and then this piece happened!

and i knew even then that it was messy and rough af, but it had a background!! and color!! sure, the linework wasnt polished at all but still, for a silly little fanart? it was defined enough to distinguish the separate characters, and read expressions! there was even a little tiny bit of lighting!! i hate lighting!!

seeing the two versions side by side honestly i kinda have to laugh at how Rough the first version looks now. but you know what. im still so so proud of it. the colors are muddy, theres no shift in value; their clothing designs arent at all defined, leos teeth look weird af and theres lines on caseys face that are definitely from me accidentally dragging my fingers across the tablet when i didnt mean to but like. its there! its finished! i did it!

idk. ive never had a piece ive ever wanted to hang on my own fridge before. :)

[evenmyhivemindisempty]

My controversial opinion about Hob Gadling is that I believe he’s absolutely the sort of guy that “puts things behind him”, and tries to wash his hands clean of the things he feels icky about. This is implied pretty well in the show, with him blithely moving from soldiering and robbery to printing, from slaving to… whatever it was he was doing in the 19th century instead. That being said, this is not at all the same as actively trying to atone, or even making a concerted effort to be a better person, and I really wish fandom could tell the difference!

[moeblob]

They're soulmates in every single universe and I miss them at the most random times.

[tomaturtles]

I thought I was gonna be normal about Evangelion but then I got to Kaworu 

[miraclemioart]

mashing together my two teenage years interests for dopamine

[callsthefaithful]

wip. the visceral urge to give every character the cuntiest eyelashes won out 2day

[cookinguptales]

just spent an hour telling my mom why heathers (the musical) is superior, actually, to mean girls (the musical) lmao

they are very similar in a lot of ways, but I do prefer heathers!

(she was texting to ask about the new mean girls movie lmao)

[july-19th-club]

love an ending that is 'happy' in that a desirable outcome is produced, but made complicated by the fact that the protagonist has given up something integral to themself in order to make it so. it's sort of uncool in some circles to admit you LIKE when characters give up something really cool for something pretty basic, but it's all about context and quality of storytelling, right? that sort of conviction - this is a part of my personality that i am permanently renouncing access to, and it's my choice, and i'm going to miss it, but i'm not going to regret it - that's compelling. ending in which a character who loves nothing more than the rush of finding the answer to a question is handed, one day, a puzzle they just don't want to solve. and that part of their life is over, but it's not a bad thing. maybe the answer doesn't need to be known. maybe not knowing it opens you up to a creative mindset you never had before. character who gains some kind of special power chooses to give it up not because they no longer love the ability, not because it hasn't improved their life, but because this thing they love comes with costs, is getting in the way of a life someone they love or loved and lost would want them to live. i'm glad it turned out this way. i miss the missing thing with all my heart. i would let go of it again if i was asked to choose.