#With an undercurrent of serious drama

[theluckywizard]

WIP Wednesday

Thanks for the tag @greypetrel 🥰

OPE today I have some Kiss Me Moonstruck for the first time in ages (for the uninitiated it is a ridiculous romantic comedy set during DA2, Act 2 where Leandra Hawke and Alsatia Trevelyan attempt to fix up their children Garrett and Rose over Satinalia week). I whipped this scene up this morning and I'm still working on it, but godddd it is so fun to write. BELOW THE CUT 👇

The leaden force of Rose’s hangover had done nothing to stop mortification from claiming her at breakfast. Instead she sat unable to stomach more than a few spoonfuls of porridge and suffering an excruciating blush across from the man she vaguely remembers trying to accost with kisses on a few too many occasions. The Nug King. Every bit of enchantment the night before was now twisted by her own doubts. They’d danced for an hour or more, faces plastered with heady grins. And as ill-advised as that first kiss had been, she remembers it being rather delicious. But he’d declined more. He’d been kind about it, she recalls that much, but she’d clearly misinterpreted all his attempts to be a proper host.

And to add to her bewilderment he’d done nothing but pitch her mushy, solicitous looks across the table. He’d discreetly sent his manservant for a tiny corked vial, a cure for what ails her, she correctly assumed, and ferried it across the table toward her behind the teapot. Still, he was mostly tongue tied and chagrined, so when he invited her to take an unchaperoned stroll her surprise was genuine.

But it was not to be.

Instead, Prince Sebastian Vael of Starkhaven himself shows up to call on her. Of all the things! Of all the people! Her mother may never recover from the honor.

And worse yet, his Majesty is outrageously handsome. His dark auburn hair and tanned skin set off his eyes like mystical blue flames. She found herself glancing back and forth to see whose eyes were bluer and wound up blinking away a minor headache.

A tour of Kirkwall’s chantry was proposed and the prince was so brimming with genuine enthusiasm for it that it almost sounded appealing to her. She was mentally on the fence about it until he mentioned the gardens and the archery range, which perked her up better than the mysterious cure-all she’d been given earlier.

On the walk to the Chantry, strolling between slushy puddles, the prince proved to be fearsome in his earnestness. His language was so imbued with Andrastian reverence that Alsatia was reduced to near wordless simpers and nods, but it was not so devoid of charm that Rose was immune. Indeed, the combination of the wry twist of his conversation and piercingly genuine looks felt like some kind of witchcraft. Despite the high polish of his manner, he seemed inexplicably captivated by her. And who was she to dismiss the attentions of a prince?

But it was also clear Garrett Hawke was twitchy about the whole thing.

And she relished that a little bit too.

Inside the splendor of Kirkwall’s crowning architectural achievement, Prince Sebastian slips into a practiced tone as he expounds upon the history behind it, his voice echoing in multitudes. Rose glazes over, too focused on the lilt of his singular accent to bother with actual learning at the moment.

“Kirkwall’s thurible is the largest in Thedas, made to commemorate the end of the fourth blight sometime in the Exalted age,” explains the prince, gesturing at the golden cauldron in the center of the nave that a pair of sisters load with incense before a small crowd of pious Hightown residents. “The daily ritual is a Satinalia tradition.”

Plumes of white smoke pour from the slots in the massive artifact.

“As if the foundries need the competition,” snorts Garrett quietly beside her, as joyfully blasphemous as he’d been the night before. She only rewards him with a raise of her brow.

The mothers gaze upon the ceremony, rapt. The sisters lift it on a pulley system before sending it swinging in an extravagant arc from one end of the chantry to the other, bathing everything in its cloying holy smoke. Rose can't deny its impressive. If she had to guess it had grown to such excess to outshine ceremonies in the Chantries of the surrounding Marcher states. Kirkwall did everything in excess.

As Prince Sebastian stands beneath the smoldering absurdity, expounding upon its top speed, Garrett leans into Rose and speaks again in a low voice. “I’ve always wanted to ride that thing to be honest,” he remarks.

Rose bites down on her smile. “Watch you don’t burn your arse.”

Tagging @nirikeehan, @monocytogenes, @leggywillow, @crackinglamb

@ammoniteflesh and @skyeventide

Let me see your work!

[rainandandy]

could you pls do some rainxfem!reader pls?? There is a serious lack of rain fics on this app and I need more😭😭 just some HC’s, fluff, angst, nsfw, love it all. Take it and bby😘

(btw LOVE your work, ur keeping me alive rn)

Thank you for the ask!😘 I will have more Rain Carradine X FemReader coming! Hope you like this

Pairings: Rain Carradine X Fem!Reader

Warnings: Jealous Reader

Word Count: 1027

Life on Jackson's Star was a gritty mix of endless work and fleeting moments of reprieve, where the dusty, metallic corridors echoed with the clanking of machinery and the chatter of miners. Amidst this stark backdrop, your relationship with Rain Carradine blossomed into something that felt almost out of place with its warmth and genuineness.

Rain was strong, capable, and fiercely protective, not just of her synthetic brother Andy but of you as well. Her friendship with Tyler, her former partner and a prominent figure in the mining crew, had initially seemed unremarkable to you. However, as time went on, their easy camaraderie began to gnaw at you, the seeds of jealousy sprouting unchecked.

You'd watch them during breaks, sharing jokes and reminiscing about past missions, their laughter a stark contrast to the usual din of the miners’ mess hall. The more you observed, the more your imagination painted pictures of a past perhaps better left behind, stirring a restlessness within you that you couldn't shake off.

One evening, compelled by a mix of curiosity and unsettling thoughts, you approached Andy. Despite his challenges with speech and the obvious difficulties his synthetic nature sometimes posed in social settings, Andy had a way of understanding human emotions, perhaps better than most humans themselves.

"Andy," you started, hesitating as you chose your words carefully, "did Rain and Tyler... were they together? Like, before?"

Andy's eyes, always so expressive despite the rest of his face remaining eerily impassive, flickered with something that might have been discomfort. "Yes," he stuttered, his voice mechanical yet tinged with a hint of warmth. "But it was a long time ago. Things change."

His confirmation hit harder than expected. You tried to laugh it off, to dismiss the tightening in your chest as just a silly overreaction. "Thanks, Andy. Just curious, you know?"

But curiosity wasn't easily sated. At the next community gathering in the recreation hall—a rare moment of leisure on the harsh mining planet—you spotted Kay, Tyler's vivacious sister, and decided on a reckless course of action. Flirting with Kay, you hoped, might just give you the answers you needed, or at least draw some kind of reaction out of Rain.

Kay, with her easy smile and flirtatious demeanor, was a willing participant in your charade. You laughed at her jokes, touched her arm lightly, and played the part of someone smitten. From the corner of your eye, you could see Rain watching, her expression unreadable.

Later, as you and Rain walked back to your quarters along the dimly lit paths of the colony, she broke the silence. "Seems like you and Kay were getting along well tonight," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of something else—was it amusement? Concern?

You bristled, defensive and still wound up from your own concocted drama. "What about you and Tyler? Seems like old times, huh?"

Rain stopped walking, turning to face you under the faint glow of the overhead lamps. Her laugh, when it came, was genuine and full of warmth. "Are you jealous?" she asked, stepping closer, her eyes searching yours.

As Rain's question hung in the air between you, a cool breeze whistled through the narrow passages of Jackson's Star, stirring the dust around your feet. "Are you jealous?" she repeated, her voice a gentle tease that echoed slightly off the metal walls surrounding you.

Caught off guard by her directness and the earnest look in her eyes, your initial reaction was to deflect, but the sincerity in her gaze held you in place. Before you could respond, Rain stepped closer, closing the small gap that the conversation had widened between you. Her hands reached up, resting lightly on your cheeks, her touch sending a familiar warmth through you that contrasted sharply with the chill of the evening.

With a tenderness that always seemed at odds with the harsh environment of the mining colony, Rain leaned in. Her lips met yours in a kiss that was soft at first, hesitant, as if giving you room to pull away. But you didn’t. Instead, you found yourself leaning into the kiss, deepening it, your hands moving to encircle her waist and pull her closer.

Rain responded in kind, her movements confident, her lips pressing more firmly against yours. The kiss grew from tender to fervent, a mingling of relief and passion. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of deep connections and unspoken promises, a reassurance of her feelings amid the whirlwind of doubts that had clouded your mind.

The world around you seemed to quiet, the usual hum of the colony fading into a distant backdrop to the intensity of the moment. Rain's kiss chased away the shadows of jealousy, filling the spaces with an affirming warmth that seeped deep into your bones.

When you finally broke apart, breathless and a little dazed, Rain’s smile was radiant under the sparse light of the colony’s lamps. "I mean it," she said, her forehead resting against yours as she caught her breath. "It’s always been you."

In that moment, with Rain’s affirmation still tingling on your lips, the earlier tension dissolved, leaving a clarity that brightened the dark paths of Jackson's Star. Her laughter, light and freeing, bubbled up between you, and you couldn't help but laugh with her, the sound mingling with the night air.

The path back to your quarters was filled with a comfortable silence, the type that comes when no words are necessary to fill the space between two people. Rain’s hand in yours felt like a vow, a silent promise that no misunderstanding could break the bond you shared.

As Andy turned to give you both a subtle thumbs up before heading off to give you some privacy, you realized how deeply integrated into your life Rain had become. Her presence was a constant source of strength and comfort, just as you hoped to be for her.

Your journey together on Jackson's Star might be filled with challenges, but moments like these, stolen under the artificial stars of the colony, reminded you that as long as you were together, there was nothing you couldn’t face.

[laufire]

I listened to "Batman: The Lazarus Syndrome" for the second time; it's an audio drama from 1989 and here are some Jason mentions in it that make me want to chew glass:

Barbara: I could try to tap into his computer... it may still have my voice print on file, unless he trashed it when the Joker put me in this chair Gordon: Now Batman may seem a cold-hearted son of a gun, but I don't think he'd ever erase Batgirl from his files. Barbara (whispering): Yeah, I wonder... he's tried hard enough to forget Jason.

//

Dick: Jason's left him a hell of a legacy. First he throws himself into his work with a suicidal intensity, and now he's- he's planning to quit? Alfred: Um, Master Dick... Nobody knows that anything has happened to Robin. You know- I often think back to the sight of you both leaving to go on patrol- Dick: No! Never again! Alfred: He always seemed happier with you... Dick: Things are different now. I can't make this a fairy tale with a happy ending. Even if I came back, would that wipe away the pain of what happened to Jason? I can't change what's happened, and now that I've got my independence, I'm not sure I want to.

//

Bruce: Happiness isn't what I seek. Gotham city is where I belong! Where I'm needed! Maybe Jason was the only one who really understood that. Talia: Jason? The other boy who worked with you? The second Robin? Bruce: He knew Gotham city the way I do. He was a petty thief; he used to hang around here stealing the wheels off cars. On the day I met him, he was trying to boost the tires of mine. He'd been orphaned, like me. But whereas my parents' money shielded me from starvation, he had to live by his wits. I knew if I left him here I'd find myself running him in later on for something more serious... so I took him back with me, gave him a home, trained him the way I trained Dick Grayson... seemed logical. Nobody had guessed the original Batman-Robin team split up. Once Dick left to go to college, we drifted apart. Then Jason came along. He was young, fit, eager to learn... and apt student. For a while it was as if I'd never been without a Robin. But there were undercurrents; he had a dangerous amount of aggression to work off, he became moody, resentful, reckless! I began to realize I'd made a mistake. (flashback) Alfred: I've noticed some disquieting things about Master Jason myself. The lad never mentions his parents, yet I've come across him crying over his old photographs. Being your partner is hardly the best situation for a teenager still adjusting to such a loss. Bruce: Then I must try and rectify the situation. Jason's going off active duty immediately. Jason: And I don't have a word to say about it, huh? Bruce: How long have you been hiding there, Jason? Jason: You can't be serious about this! Bruce: I am. You've got a lot of anger and pain inside of you. Jason: I can handle it. Bruce: We can work this out. Jason: You want to talk? Talk to Alfred. (end flashback) Talia: The poor child... and both parents long dead... Bruce: So I thought. But then Jason discovered that his late father had remarried. His real mother was still alive. He used the computer to track her down, and set off after her, alone. He never thought she might be involved with the Joker; never guessed it might be a trap. By the time I got to him, I'd lost him. He was beaten half to death and then blown up trying to save his mother's life. Talia: You mustn't blame yourself. Bruce: He'd still be alive to day if I'd left him where I found him! In Crime Alley... Talia: How can you say that? You saved his life, my love. You delivered him. Bruce: I delivered him- right into the hands of the Joker. I've got to pay for that.

enjoy :)))

[multi-fandoms-posts]

Training Chaos

X Men Masterlist

It’s a quiet afternoon at the School. Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr are standing in the large training hall. Both are focused on training their powers or at least trying to. But as soon as Y/N enter the room, you know that focus won’t last long.

Charles stands upright with his arms crossed in front of his chest, while Erik stands next to him with a skeptical expression. They both look serious, but you know them well enough to understand that they’re quite easy to tease behind that façade. And that’s exactly what you’re planning to do today.

"Hey, guys," you call out with a mischievous grin as you close the door behind you. "Who slept upstairs last night? Or did you switch again?"

Charles’ eyebrow twitches slightly, but he holds back and replies calmly, "Y/N, we’re trying to train here. We should—"

"Train?" You interrupt him, your gaze deliberately wandering over his body. "So that’s what you call it? That explains why Erik always looks so… tense." You wink at Erik, who exhales deeply as if trying to maintain his patience.

"Y/N," Erik says calmly, though there's an undercurrent of humor he can’t completely suppress. "If you’re going to distract us, at least try to do it with some class."

"Class?" You laugh softly and move closer to him. "Oh, Erik, I thought you liked direct approaches. You know, how… ‘specific’ I can be." Your finger lightly trails over his chest as you circle him, feeling his muscles tense slightly.

Charles clears his throat, trying to regain control. "Y/N, we really have work to do. It would be… better if you—"

"Charles, Charles, Charles…" You slowly move toward him, placing a hand on his shoulder and looking deeply into his eyes. "I thought you liked it when I… challenge you." Your tone is deliberately ambiguous, and you see his eyes flicker before he regains his composure.

But before Charles can respond, the door suddenly opens. Wade Wilson—Deadpool—bursts in, wearing his typical red and black suit, and his face lights up as he sees you, Charles, and Erik.

"Ohhh, jackpot!" he exclaims loudly, theatrically rubbing his hands together. "I was actually just looking to mess with Logan, but THIS? It’s like Christmas and Valentine’s Day all rolled into one!"

You grin at Wade and make a theatrical bow. "Wade! You’ve come at just the right time. I’m having fun throwing Charles and Erik off balance a bit. Want to watch?"

Wade promptly sits on a bench, propping his chin on his hand as if he’s at a show. "Of course, Darling! You know I love drama. So, what did I miss? Any hot comments about Xavier’s telepathic ‘abilities’?"

You throw Wade an amused grin, then turn back to Charles, whose face shows a hint of embarrassment despite his usual composure. "Oh, Wade, you have no idea. Charles here isn’t just good at reading minds; he also… well, let’s just say he knows how to twist someone’s brain in other ways."

Charles clears his throat again, this time a bit louder, trying not to react to your cheeky grin. "Y/N, I really think that—"

"What? That I talk too much?" You lean closer to him, almost brushing your lips against his ear. "Or is it that you just have a hard time focusing on other things when I’m around?" You playfully slide your hand along his side, and though Charles remains outwardly calm, you feel his breath catch for a moment.

Erik, who has been trying to stay serious, finally shakes his head and lets out a soft laugh. "You’re driving him crazy, Y/N."

"Oh, Erik, you know that’s nothing new." You give him a meaningful look. "But don’t worry, I’ve got enough energy to throw you off balance too. We all know how much you like to keep control… at least most of the time."

Wade claps his hands, thrilled by the dynamic unfolding before him. "This is better than any soap opera! So, Charles, when are you finally going to let her have at it? I mean, we all know you’re just trying to look professional."

Charles sighs, but this time he can’t hide a slight smile. "Wade, if you only came to stir up trouble, then—"

"Trouble?!" Wade jumps up and dramatically approaches Charles. "Darling, I LIVE for trouble! But honestly, what’s happening here is the real reason I’m here. I mean, three sexy mutants pushing each other to the edge of insanity? I should have brought popcorn!"

Erik, who has been silently watching, steps forward and crosses his arms, his eyes on you. "Maybe we should kick Y/N out of the training hall if she can’t behave."

You grin at Erik, moving closer until you can feel his breath. "Oh, I can behave… but you know you secretly enjoy it when I don’t." You let your hand glide lightly along his arm. "And honestly, Erik, you don’t mind giving up control every now and then. At least sometimes."

Erik raises his eyebrows slightly, but the smile on his lips shows that you’re right. "Maybe you should focus on what you really want."

"Oh, I know exactly what I want." Your gaze shifts between Erik and Charles. "Two of the most powerful men I know… and neither of you can resist me."

Wade interrupts your playful banter with an amused laugh. "Wow, Y/N, I’m really impressed. You manage to drive two guys crazy at the same time. Respect!"

Charles sighs deeply and puts his hands on his hips. "I think we should end the training for today. It seems someone has already caused enough disruption."

You wink at him and back toward the door. "Disruption? Oh, Charles, that was just the beginning. But you know where to find me if you need more."

With a cheeky grin, you leave the training hall while Wade, Erik, and Charles watch you go. Wade calls after you, "You’re my role model, Y/N! I could learn a lot from you!"

Erik just shakes his head, while Charles shows a gentle smile that expresses both affection and amusement. Despite all your teasing and cheeky remarks, they both know that you have their hearts as firmly in your grasp as they have yours.

And so, the unusual trio remains intact, in a strange but beautiful balance of love, chaos, and a bit of madness.

[olympeline]

@endlesscolddreams and @liemurienn dropped some really good replies on my USUK vs. FrUK post and it’s made me think about the differences between both pairings and why they might attract their respective fans the way they do.

Let’s begin with USUK, which nearly from series start has more canon on its side. Or rather it has more “serious” moments. Hetalia is a gag show at heart and its non-jokey parts are few and far between, ship tease included. The first gut punch most fans will encounter is Alfred and Arthur’s battle during the American War for Independence. That will definitely stick with a lot of people if for no other reason than it’s so unexpected. The funny, silly anime about pasta and gag war abruptly pivots to a main character sobbing his heart out in the rain while another looks on, stony faced, with no joke at all. This can’t not leave an impression. Even fans who loathe Alfred never try to pretend his effect on Arthur isn’t huge. Then the series carries on teasing the things left unsaid between them in both serious and silly shapshots. With all this is mind, it’s not hard to see why USUK became the big, swinging dick of Hetalia’s ships. Aside from the borderline canon Gerita, nothing else really has the weight behind it I think.

This definitely makes it what I would call an “easy” ship to get into. That sounds bad because fandoms can be very judgey about pairings they find to be basic. Just like everything else in the arts, there’s a perception among some people that if something is popular then it must be dumber/less deep/worse. Pure elitism basically. And it’s bollocks. Just because something is popular with the masses doesn’t make it worse. It just means it’s popular. Plenty of people hate USUK for the perfecly legitimate reason that it just doesn’t gel with them. But there’s always been a minority undercurrent of “I hate this just because it’s the fandom’s most visible ship!” Seen this happen a million times with other communities over the years.

USUK also has the almost universally beloved tropes of Happy, Gregarious, Extroverted one loves Moody, Gloomy, Introverted one. Who loves him back but can’t say it because tsundere. FrUK on the other hand is more subtle. It has Slowburn, Rivals/Enemies to Lovers as its bread and butter. These tropes are well loved but there’s no big, attention grabbing dramatic moment early on that makes use of and cements the FrUK interpretation of them in the minds of fans. Francis and Arthur share a lot of screentime but it’s all jokey and fun. Even the ship tease is all gags relating to Francis being comically pervy and Arthur being comically stuffy and flustered. Francis gets some heart rending moments later (Joan of Arc, the wish for a mortal life) but Arthur isn’t included. Even though he could have been because of what happened to Joan. It’s left up to the fans to add him. In another universe the Closet Cleaning arc was replaced by a Bitter Hundred Years War arc, and FrUK subsequently took the top spot in the fandom’s ship rankings as a result.

Leaving plain, old personal taste aside, I think all this divided the fandom between shippers who wanted something they could leap into and get early gratification (USUK) vs shippers who wanted to expend a little more energy on interpretation (FrUK). Because there’s plenty of drama to be had with Francis and Arthur thanks to the French/English historical rivalry (see above). But it’s not offered up on a plate in canon like with Arthur and Alfred. A USUK shipper gets drama given to them while a FrUK shipper has to dig deeper and make their own fun. Different strokes.

This kind of thing is very interesting to me. Please feel free to add on your own interpretations if you like ☺️

[mostowa]

Castle's Charm

So finally, after almost 4 months (The Olympic Games and an enormous life change) I finished binging Castle. And well, yeah, I'm late to the party like 7 to 10 years or something, but I was still hype'ing and loving the journey. And now I think this is one of the best series I've ever watched. Here is the list of reasons. It's gonna be tl;dr, as always!

Thanks @makeitastrength for making me do this ;)

Castle/Beckett dynamic is absolutely timeless. It has Darcy/Lizzy's initial disdain turning into respect and trust, it has Sherlock/John-level crime solving and mutual understanding, it has Meredith/Derek's drama and my beloved Chenford's level undercurrent emotions. And so much more!

There is something unique about them, too. This is one of the most important things that I learned from the series. It's the simple fact, that one can make annoyance a love language. I absolutely love how much childish Castle can be and how much Kate just... lets him be one, without giving up her own boundaries. You can be annoyed at your partner and secretely love that about him/her. Kate Beckett, thank you for showing me how to stand my partner's dad jokes. Or just really really bad jokes.

There is no doubt that the series is about those two (and it's a little bit of a shame for me, I'll explain further). And what made it very enjoyable for me was the fact that I've never doubted they are endgame. Their love and fact that they like each other very much was never in doubt on my side (except for the beginning of course). Even at their worst moments I was sure they will find a way to each other. I kind of wish it was the same with Lucy and Tim. Because, well, that made me continue to wanting to watch Castle, despite Rick being an absolute 5-year-old ass sometimes ;)

Someone here on Tumblr wrote that great series is not about will they do it as it's always about "how they do it" - without breaking major relationships apart etc. Castle is a great example for that and I had that in almost every episode. Pretty much no MCD and it still kept me on edge of my seat for most of the drama!

Castle will be my ultimate reason for the fact that I love watching series in which characters like each other. Be it The Good Place or The Rookie or Castle, I always love exploring relationships and different kind of -ships, where there is very little cheap miscommunication drama and where characters grow without sacrifacing each other. This is one of the best examples. Both for Castle/Becket, Castle/Alexis, Castle/Mom, Ryan/Esposito, Esposito/Lanie, name any relationship there, honestly.

I wish Kevin Ryan had more storylines. Because this Irish undercover episode was one of the best in the whole series with Kevin taking unexpected (but very much in-character) risks and used relationship he created to strengthen himself. I think Kevin is my favorite character, despite being underwritten for like 95% of the time. :D

I wish all Ryan and Esposito and Alexis and Lanie got more storylines. They were wonderful characters ready to be explored and while I understand the characteristics of the show was to explore Castle/Beckett, but sometimes it was just tiring :)

I absolutely loved the concept of the show with repetitive episodes and funny episodes and serious episodes and then (mid)season finales blowing our minds off. The Rookie kind of repeats the same pattern, but short seasons don't really work with that.

It was great how they made the series set in New York by different problems and storylines. I loved all mentions of Broadway, all cases connected to sometimes very crazy things connected to this one-of-a-kind city. And let me just say at the end that my favorite episode was the Old Haunt one. It made me realise how sentiment is a strong part of my husband's personality and how it can be a really lovable and charming thing.

Well yeah. Kudos if you made it that far. And if you did, let me know if you agree :)

[best-underrated-anime]

Best Underrated Anime Group G Round 4: No Doubt in Us vs The Royal Tutor

#G6: No Doubt in Us (Liang Bu Yi)

Emperor and Empress bodyswap in ancient China

#G8: The Royal Tutor (Oushitsu Kyoushi Heine)

A tutor tries to teach eccentric princes for the throne

Details and poll under the cut!

#G6: No Doubt in Us (Liang Bu Yi)

Summary:

Within the Chinese imperial court, stern-faced Emperor Xiao Jinyun and spirited Empress Xu Yu are at constant odds with one another. But the universe has an interesting way to solve their issues: an accident causes the two to switch bodies, forcing them to put themselves in the other’s shoes—literally. Now responsible for unfamiliar duties and court dynamics, the Emperor and the Empress must navigate the maintenance of their identities, unruly concubines, and the nation itself. In doing so, Xiao Jinyun and Xu Yu’s personal qualities and unconventional skills find new purpose, and a sense of understanding and compassion grows between the two.

However, great threats loom within and outside the court. If the imperial astrologer cannot discover the key to switching them back in time, then internal strife and suspicion may lead to the duo's untimely demise.

Propaganda:

Liang Bu Yi/No Doubt in Us is one of the most interesting donghua I’ve ever watched. The characters have varying personalities and, because it’s set in ancient China, are rather unique. Considering that Emperors had to keep harems and the fact that this is a straight couple rom-com makes the drama rather spicy. Plus, the Empress is far more qualified in the things a woman in those times wouldn’t be interested in, like sword fighting, archery etc.

To be honest, the contrast between Xu Yu (the Empress) and Xiao Jinyun (the Emperor) results in the show being far more interesting than other ones with the same trope.

Trigger Warnings: None.

#G8: The Royal Tutor (Oushitsu Kyoushi Heine)

Summary:

Equally charming and stern, Heine Wittgenstein is a brilliant man who commands respect, despite his short, childlike stature. Thus, the king of Grannzreich has called upon Heine to undertake a daunting task that has driven away many before him—become the new royal tutor to four princes who are in line for the throne.

The four heirs each have very distinct and troublesome personalities: Licht, the flirtatious youngest prince; his immature older brother Leonhard; Bruno the studious third prince; and Kai, the oldest of the four and the most reserved. Hilarity ensues as Heine attempts to connect with each of the princes in order to groom them for the throne. However, Heine's mysterious past and dark undercurrents in the present may threaten the harmony within the kingdom.

Propaganda:

This is just such a feel good anime, and it teaches important life lessons through the daily struggles each of them princes go through. The princes each go through some kind of development, be it overcoming a weakness or feeling more sympathy for the common people. And despite it being much lighter in tone, it doesn’t shy away from sometimes delving into more serious topics, since of course one of them is supposed to run the country one day. They all have exaggerated personalities, and despite being seen as too posh or selfish at first, it develops so well.

And let’s not forget the glossy art style that’s just eye-candy or the comedy, which is a primary genre of the series. Just the way Heine structures his lesson, starting with more traditional methods and then delving more into each of their passions, makes me want to have him as a teacher. Despite being strict sometimes, tho.

Overall, it doesn’t present many new ideas, but it just makes you feel nice and warm inside, and maybe you can learn a lesson or two, even if you are not royalty.

Trigger Warnings: None.

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how it’s presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form with your revisions, and I’ll consider adapting those changes.

New: Starting round 5, screenshots will be included in the poll post. You can submit screenshots through the form linked above, or through here, via ask or dm.

Guidelines in submitting screenshots:

No NSFW or spoilery images.

Pick some good images please. Don’t send any blurry or pixelated ones.

You may send up to 9 screenshots, but not all may be used.

[theaawalker]

melodies in bloom. [crybaby x y/n]

Pairing: CryBaby x fem!reader Song Inspo: We Fell in Love in October by girl in red Word Count: 1,728 Summary: Your return to K-12 Academy brings a mix of nostalgia and apprehension, amplified by the enigmatic presence of CryBaby, whose haunting music and mysterious aura seemed to mirror the school's unsettling undercurrents. As they gravitate towards each other amidst the eerie backdrop, you sense that CryBaby holds secrets that could unravel both the school's mysteries and their own intertwined fates. Warnings: extreme fluff Masterlist: see fandoms (pc-friendly)

The sun blazed overhead, casting a golden hue over the school grounds as Y/N strolled through the courtyard of K-12 Academy. It was a new semester, but for Y/N, everything felt familiar yet filled with untapped possibilities. She adjusted the strap of her backpack, the weight of her textbooks a discomforting reminder of the academic challenges ahead.

Returning to K-12 felt like stepping back into a suffocating routine.

"Fleur!" Y/N called out, spotting her fiery-haired friend chatting animatedly with Angelita under the shade of a cherry blossom tree. Fleur turned, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she hurried over to Y/N.

"Hey, Y/N! Ready to tackle this new year head-on?" Fleur exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious even in the face of Y/N's skepticism.

Y/N smirked, tossing her hair defiantly. "Sure, let's see what kind of chaos K-12 throws at us this time."

Angelita looked up from her sketchbook, her hazel eyes observing the duo with quiet amusement. "At least we can count on it being eventful."

As they walked towards the school building, Y/N couldn't help but notice the familiar faces of Celeste and Magnolia sitting under the oak tree, their usual air of sophistication and drama already in full swing.

"Did you hear CryBaby's back?" Magnolia whispered excitedly as Y/N approached.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued despite herself. "Already? I wonder what she's been up to."

Celeste rolled her eyes, stirring her salad with practiced nonchalance. "Who knows. She's always been a bit... unpredictable."

Y/N nodded, silently agreeing. CryBaby��Melanie Martinez—had always intrigued her with her unique style and the aura of mystery that surrounded her. Y/N admired CryBaby's individuality and rebellious spirit, qualities she found herself drawn to amidst the conformity of K-12.

Later that afternoon, curiosity got the best of Y/N as she found herself standing outside the music room. She could hear the faint strains of a piano and CryBaby's haunting voice drifting through the closed door. Intrigued, Y/N pushed it open quietly.

Inside, CryBaby stood by the piano, completely absorbed in the music as she poured her heart into each note. Y/N leaned against the doorframe, captivated by the raw emotion in CryBaby's voice. The song was a melancholic melody that echoed Y/N's own feelings of restlessness and longing.

CryBaby finished the song, her eyes fluttering open as she turned towards Y/N, a surprised yet gentle smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, hey," CryBaby greeted softly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Y/N smirked, her usual spunk coming to the forefront. "Hey there. Didn't mean to crash your solo performance, but damn, CryBaby, you've got some serious talent."

CryBaby chuckled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Thanks. I guess I just needed to blow off some steam."

They fell into easy conversation, discussing music, art, and their shared disdain for the stifling atmosphere at K-12 Academy. Y/N found herself opening up to CryBaby in ways she hadn't with anyone else, drawn to the authenticity and defiance that defined her.

In the dimly lit music room's corner, Y/N and CryBaby found themselves surrounded by a hushed atmosphere, broken only by the soft strains of a piano melody CryBaby was playing. The room seemed to shrink around them, cocooning them in a world of their own.

CryBaby's fingers moved effortlessly over the keys, each note carrying a hauntingly beautiful quality that filled the air with melancholy and longing. Y/N leaned against the wall, her gaze fixed on CryBaby, captivated by the raw emotion pouring out through the music.

"You have such a gift," Y/N murmured softly, breaking the silence that hung between them. CryBaby paused, her fingers hovering over the keys as she turned towards Y/N, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice a gentle whisper that echoed through the room. Y/N stepped closer, drawn to CryBaby's vulnerability and the unspoken connection that seemed to bind them together.

"It's like your music tells stories that words alone can't express," Y/N continued, her eyes searching CryBaby's face.

CryBaby's gaze softened, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and understanding. "Sometimes, music is the only way I know how to make sense of everything," she confessed, tracing the piano keys.

They stood in the quiet embrace of the music room, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them like a delicate melody waiting to be resolved. Y/N reached out tentatively, her fingertips brushing against CryBaby's hand. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through Y/N, a silent acknowledgment of the emotions stirring within her.

CryBaby turned towards Y/N, her hand instinctively intertwining with Y/N's, their fingers interlocking in a silent promise of solidarity and understanding. In that moment, amidst the echoes of piano keys and the warmth of their joined hands, Y/N knew that their bond was something beyond words—a harmony that resonated deep within their souls.

And as the music continued to play, filling the room with its bittersweet melody, Y/N and CryBaby found solace in the quiet communion of their shared passion and unspoken desires.

She turned to CryBaby, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You know, CryBaby," Y/N began teasingly, nudging her shoulder gently. "You're not as mysterious as you think you are."

CryBaby raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, really? And here I thought I had everyone fooled."

Y/N chuckled, the sound echoing through the quiet night. "Nah, I see right through you. Underneath that mysterious exterior, there's a softie who secretly loves cheesy romance movies."

CryBaby laughed, a genuine, unrestrained sound that made Y/N's heart skip a beat. Their eyes found each other naturally, fingers intertwining as they sat in the comfortable silence of the pastel parlor. Y/N felt a sense of ease and belonging she hadn't felt since she left home.

From that moment, Y/N and CryBaby's bond deepened, their unspoken feelings hanging in the air like a shared secret. An unsaid promise. To navigate the challenges of school life together, supporting each other's dreams and finding solace in their rebellious spirits.

Just then, a sharp feedback played in the school speakers. It must've went on for five minutes, way too long for Y/N and CryBaby to have to cover their ears.

"Attention, K-12 students," the Principal's raspy voice arose, "all must report to the grand auditorium for a final orientation before the hour. Any children who object will be sentenced to six weeks detention! ...That is all." So much for rebellious spirits.

As they walked hand in hand through the corridors of K-12, Y/N couldn't help but ponder how this semester would play out. Cruel professors. Power-abusing principals. Bratty boys. Cutthroat girls. Ghouls in ballrooms, snakes in covers, melodies of death, and worse. Despite the dissonance of their surroundings, she knew that her connection with CryBaby was a melody of its own—a vibrant tune that resonated with the beauty of two souls unafraid to defy expectations and embrace their true selves.

And amidst the chaos of K-12's relentless drama, Y/N knew that their bond was a testament to the power of authenticity and the magic of unexpected connections, even in that academic hell.

• ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ • ♧ •

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[sibylsleaves]

how do you think the team would *actually* react to a buddie relationship? Like, obvs, they’d be happy and supportive overall, but do you think they’d ever be surprised by it? Most fics tend to play it more like ‘silly boys we knew you were in love years ago *eyeroll*’ and yeah I love that as much as anyone, but I’m also coming around to the idea that it catches everyone completely off guard. Everyone knows how close Buck and Eddie are, they’ve been best friends for years, but this is also a team with Chim and Hen on it, who are obviously the most platonic of platonic soulmates and kinda set the template for Buck and Eddie to be what they are. They’re partners! I feel like it would make for some great comedy or even more serious introspection if buddie show up one day, announce their relationship, and everyone suddenly has to reevaluate the past 6-7 years. Buck and Eddie have been so solidly *Buck and Eddie* for so long — bros, friends, best buddies (heh) — and nothing about their relationship seems to have changed, so it never occurred to anyone that there was this undercurrent they hadn’t fully explored yet.

like, they're all thinking about what is this going to do to the team dynamic? Better yet, bring in some drama, and they’re thinking what happens if they break up? Neither have great track records. There could be great potential for drama if someone, particularly Bobby, was concerned they were rushing into something that could blow up their lives and their friendship with each other if it goes wrong. Why risk all of that on (what looks to him on the surface) a whim? Until of course he sees that nothing really changes in their dynamic, this is how they’ve always been, they’re just fulling understanding their relationship now and acting accordingly, and this isn’t just a whim, a silly fling between friends, but something profound that they are both committed to making last long term. And then bobby officiates their wedding and everyone lives happily ever after

well in my heart of hearts i do not think bobby would be worried about them rushing into things. i think his relationship with buck has grown a lot and he's much more willing to trust buck to make choices for himself than he was in seasons 1-2.

but i completely agree with what you're saying about some of the 118+ (probably not all--i do think maddie's starting to get a vibe...) being caught off-guard. Ravi, Chim, maybe Hen although idk she has a sense for these things. And I do think it's pretty realistic for people to be like wait--what?? when two very good friends get together romantically. It's not always an immediate "oh yeah of course that makes perfect sense." and of course the presumption of Eddie's (and until recently, Buck's) sexuality would also play a role in them being caught by surprise by the change in relationship.

[nothing-suspicious-in-there]

Slightly more dramatic than necessary for what we know so far, but still, maybe it will finally deliver on some more Good Koga Trauma as I hoped it would, to make this drama look more appropriate.

The way this is going has the potential to address a number of less-than-ideal things that i had an issue with in this manga, even if nothing big enough to make me stop reading a story I understand to be casual:

After the renewed attention given to Koga not studying, and then this I start to have hope that I can engage with this story on a slightly higher ground than just cute gay fluff. (Slighlty, it's still a romance manga not fucking. utena or something. but my expectations are so low nowadays that the co-occurrence of something I like also being decently written is akin to a miracle to me.)

So I'm not raising my hopes too much, but potentially these things would be real good if they happened (so Incredibly basic I feel dumb by typing them out like it's complex analysis, but again my bar is low):

Small setups

First of all a number of things that happened casually in the last few chapters seemingly without much bigger significance about them or seemingly solved could be leading up to this and make matters worse.

We have Koga having a dramatic moment of being jealous of herself. All very irrational and silly. But it's clearly been shown to be rooted in trauma (that again I hope it'll explore better to give it more weight than it currently has, it's very vague and not well defined enough to keep up these moments of drama as effectively as it should.) This clearly serious moment for her is created and resolved in the span of 3 4-pages chapters, barely anything.

Many previous plot points that have been raised simply get "resolved" extremely quickly and/or easily like this one, or her social anxiety, her feeling of not belonging, her bad grades, aya fearing koga will relocate. In an episodic story where the author is not concerned with exploring stuff or giving it time to stew or a realistic length for its resolutions. it means the story is just like that, it's a matter of what you like and want to write. And I personally don't enjoy this episodic-ness as much as the alternative.

In a story concerned with having satisfactory earned resolutions and a long development, those issues are shelved for later use, and given the last chapters I'd really hope the author is showing that she's writing the latter type of story, since it's what I prefer. Having a dramatic moment with Koga and then telling us it's resolved in .5 seconds without exploring it deeply just feels like a missed opportunity for me and I'd love if this and other small details would come together to do just that.

The fact that her social problems are resolved so anti-climatically is. fine for a casual story, but it would be more juicy if they were not solved as easily as just her hanging out with a couple more people, since the story is also trying to sell me that these issues are pretty bad and somewhat traumatic in nature. Maybe this will go somewhere more interesting now that it's getting de-shelved, and hopefully it wasn't supposed to be a neat and tidy resolution before.

The last fer chapters also has a very small undercurrent that I could have done without, specifically something like that small aya remark on how she likes Koga in the girls' uniform while knowing full well Koga's not into it (not Aya's fault, but also not ideal to say to a butch lol), or the fact that Koga's clearly-serious-if-still-irrational-and-obviously-dumb fear on how she's not really why aya keeps hanging out with her was "resolved" by being dismissed as a dog whining for attention. I myself made Mirror Dog Comic jokes literally the second i finished chapter 76, the story doing that joke themselves was funny and Koga's hilariously wrong ofc, but also huh, then the dog joke went on for like 3 chapters and idk. With how it was all framed it doesn't give off the best respect-for-the-character-vibes specifically because it's also framed as the result of some serious issues.

I always thought that this manga, unlike some other stuff, kinda give the impression it respected its butch character enough, or butchness in general, none of that "haha let's give the butch character girly clothes and laugh at how uncomfortable they are lol" manga loves. She does dumb shit and is called out for that, but she feels like an actual person, neither a complete dumbass nor the coolest person on earth. Recently though there was this slight movement toward "what a dumbass" in a way that doesn't feel earned and clashes against the subtext of why she's acting like that, this or the thing with aya just randomly saying she likes her in the girls' uniform were kinda strange. I'd really like if this is less of a falling into bad habits with depicting butch characters and more a setup for what'll happen after the end of this chapter, adding to the pile of things thanks to which Koga will feel misunderstood.

The premise

Another thing that developing her trauma does is solving an half-issue that has been there since the start of this manga and is kinda a problem of this type of premise unless you do a really good job at making sure to solve it. When you're writing a standard romance story where two people are, more or less, still supposed to get together in the end and You the audience are supposed to Want them to get together, it's important to not write the story in such a way that makes the audience Not want them together. And when you're writing a story where one of the person, knowing full well they're doing this, lies about significant aspects of themselves and who they are while also trying to pursue a non-casual relationship with them either platonic or romantic with no sufficient excuse about why they're doing it, you're writing one of the two people the audience needs to be on board with being together just. Being an Asshole. Full stop.

Especially if they know the other person have a crush on them, they see each other in another setting (school) and have no indication to believe they are not straight, but that last thing would make no difference about them still lying. Unless you give that character enough of a reason on why they can't but do that, if they have any freedom to not lie to who they want to be friend and/or partner with, they are fullstop an asshole who you don't in any way want to get together with the other person in the end. (I'm talking about normal romance plots and their audience, not toxic romance stories and their audience, which by definition need the opposite to happen to get the story they want ofc).

All manga I previously read with the same premise as kinioto had this issue, which honestly I don't think it's that wild to understand and correct, but apparently it is lol. So kinioto fortunately is at least miles away better in this regard for a number of reasons, but it's not exactly perfectly ideal either because while it does try to set up an excuse for koga to act this way and it's technically a solid one, for now it has been expressed in very vague and wishy-washy ways that don't sit as well with me.

We have an entire bonus chapter about Koga being bullied for her gender non-conformity with Ryhthm B, which would give her a very solid case against being an asshole (she's just a temporary and involuntarily one.) If the issue is that she was very afraid that, by saying the truth, aya would not care to keep being friends and would had no reasons to keep to herself Koga's gender-nonconformity, so Koga was afraid of the consequences of the whole school knowing, plus the story telling me there's trauma in there, her lack of any other platonic relationships and loneliness, general self-worth issues, being Gay(tm) and wanting to interact with aya, but also still looking only for a platonic relationship (or it'd be way way worse to justify), and being a teenager with no idea about what she's doing, it's a reasonable amount of leeway.

None of this excuses Koga from lying to Aya but it does paint a picture of her not Being an asshole, just accidentally acting asshole-y, which give her the opportunity to stop not too long after they become friends, repair the damage and do better later.

Another thing it does right is that Aya is Pissed when she finds out, and for good reason. It's still kinda eh that she's doing a 180 so quickly after the school concert and I'd have preferred if she had more time to reflect but still, at least the story says it was fucked up and aya is obviously angry at being lied to constantly by someone that knew she had a crush on them and that Aya thought Koga was a guy but said nothing while pretending to be said guy. There was no romantic relationship previous to this, they were just starting to be friends, and Koga asks her to start anew with their friendship after doing something she was terrified of doing as goodwill. Works fine enough in these circumstances.

Given it's very crucial that one of your protagonists doesn't become an asshole accidentally while you write it's important for Koga's motivation to lie to be sufficient to bear the weight of this premise. And until know she only vagued about being afraid Aya would not want to be friends with her, a very dumb thing to say since if you're lying 1. she's not actually friends with You, 2. she won't want to be friends once she eventually finds out, and if she's in the position of not finding out she's barely a friend, more like a casual acquaintance. The reasons Koga gives to why she's afraid of saying the truth doesn't do enough to escape the asshole allegations, it's either she's an asshole or she's Dumb of Ass in a way that's not well-written trauma induced and it's just random Idiot Ball induced. As I said Rhythm B thankfully starts to give a solid reason on why she would want to lie, but while I can infer it from there, this is too crucial of a point to leave only as a subtext sorta-text vague contradictory thing, and I need it to be fleshed out more so that it's unmissable that that's the reason she's lying, and that said reason is solid. If now there'll be any exploration of her issues we may be getting this clarity that would retroactively solve this half-issue for me.

Ok I'll stop typing about shit we don't even know will happen, peace

[sailorspica]

oh my oh dear i see so many juicy questions asked to you already; i cannot wait to read them but first i Must add to them.. in the fic sense.. 🌦️☕️🛌

of course darya i'm having a blast 🫡

🌦️: Would you be accompanied by mostly fluff or angst fanfics? Both? Explain why.

i think both, and fluff has an undercurrent of hurt/comfort because! idk. i'm still pretty new at this selfship business but i'm very serious about the "self" and bringing my genuine issues along, so we match a lot of trauma and guilt and destructive patterns. literally the only edge he has on me is more life experience; if we were peers i would dump him and never look back

☕️: What are the most common plots of shipping fics between you and your f/o?

i'm just in canon AU land so i see two possibilities for kind of "fix it" canon divergence. first, a bizarre scenario in which kenny is honest/discloses important information (shocking) that lets me bully him into bringing levi up to the surface. it wouldn't be a co-parenting situation because kenny sucks too much for that, but he might visit every so often, so we have the energy of divorced parents—i think i'm 12 years younger than kenny and 10 younger than kuchel, so if she had levi around 25... i'm 15 years older than levi. lmfao. second, a kenny lives ending! i can't imagine him hanging out in prison with sannes (what... happened to the walls' incarcerated population during the rumbling, i ask), so he's either a cushy political prisoner who sells out the rest of the old guard OR a fugitive and we live in the wilderness, barely aware of what's going on. i also have a crack theory that ackermans injected with titan serum could become weird non-titan mutants, perhaps ghouls

AUs are endless! are you joking! i mean looking at myself my list of AUs with skeleton plots and backstories is like, almost 10. the imbalance is so ripe for drama from age to race to the frequent boss-subordinate relationship where people with such an age difference would be likely to meet. i also think historical AUs are very potent because of the chivalric/courtly undertones to the ackermans

🛌: What tropes show up in fics involving your ship?

whirlwind romance, matching kinks, mutual pining, mutual obsession/jealousy—frankly conservative monogamy, wikipedia tangents in dialogue (this is just me flirting irl), uhhhhh size difference (190 cm to my 163; yams' weight for him makes no goddamn sense so i assume his dick is 50lbs). not a trope per se but i'll serenade someone i'm in love with in any AU. i also think a fandom would take the age difference to its logical foul extremes which is. well

i think you all have asked almost every single one of these 😽

[rearranged-fanfic]

Chapter-By-Chapter Part 1; The Prologue - Unfinished Painting

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*Spoilers Below*

This fic starts off incredibly melancholy. let's properly set the tone, shall we?

"When death strikes, it’s sometimes a long, slow cut.  And sometimes, it’s swift as the blink of an eye.  It does so efficiently, without remorse, and without discernment.  We all die, in the end."

This is the opening paragraph, the reader's first impression of the story and of our protagonist. We cut to Reader-chan (our Reader Avatar) in the hospital directly after her mother's death. There's a sense of shock and upset, but ultimately, resignation.

We know from the story that her mom had been sick for a while.

 "It wasn’t sudden, nor was it unexpected.  Mom had been sick for a very, very long time."

"Mom’s death had been a slow cut, festering over months and months until it was long overdue."

This is something she's been preparing for quite some time now. But there's still the undercurrent that she's not dealing well. You'll notice that she has no support structure; there are no others in the hospital with her.

Reader-chan is very much alone. She has few friends, and most of her family is distant or has since passed on.

"I was nineteen when I was made an orphan."

"After Dad had died unexpectedly from COVID complications..."

"And then [the younger sister] become an adult.  And she’d left me behind without a backwards glance."

I know you're thinking, 'Author-san', why would you give us such a depressing start? This is so sad'. And, primarily, it's to ease the transition when Reader-chan transmigrates to the JJK world. If she'd have had a family who loved her and supported her, would she have wanted to stay in her new world - which, in this story, is portrayed in an incredibly dark way? For me? I'd say not. I'd claw and scrape and scream to get back to my family, hot fictional men be damned.

When isekai stories have protagonists that just go 'this is my life now', it really tanks my immersion. Especially when they're supposed to be serious dramas. Comedies are a little less glaring, because there's a suspension of disbelief that allows me to excuse more. But dramas? Oh boy, if you have family in your old world, you'd miss them too.

So, her losses before the start of the main story justify her lack of desire to return home - because it is something she struggles with in the first few chapters. Not only that, but it also reinforces her mental strength. She lost her dad and mom within a few years of each other and her sister is globe-trotting, so what could I possibly throw at her that's comparatively worse?

A character that has less to lose or less to return to is easier to manipulate emotionally for the author. There are less hangups, less connections to keep in mind, and less loose ends to tie up when the isekai inevitably ends.

Not only that, but the grief she experiences gives readers an immediate point of connection with her. Most everybody can identify with the loss of a loved one. Whether it's a parent, grandparent, or sibling that has passed away or simply lost touch, that sort of mental anguish resonates with humanity on an intrinsic level. We, as the readers, see her pain and understand it.

And we want to see her pick herself back up and move on from this.

We go from the hospital to her apartment, where she unpacks the last of her mother's belongings.

Reader-chan reveals that she'd been taking care of her mother before her death, for some unknown amount of time. And, in doing so, had let her own life fall by the wayside.

"I’d been able to see my ribs at one point, and my collar bones had become pronounced in the v-necks of my shirts."

"I’d neglected other things, too."

"An easel and canvas lay covered in the corner of the room, doing little more than collecting dust. [...] My book collection was little more than decoration at this point, too."

"I’d just lost my job. [...] I’d gotten fired for taking care of her."

"I wasn’t exactly qualified to do anything else, since I’d dropped out of college [to take care of her mother]."

Things like her health, career, future goals, hobbies, and interests were all discarded. Reader-chan, in dedicating her life to her mom, had completely derailed it.

This is the characterization we get of Reader-chan: she's toxically altruistic. Reader-chan is an incredibly kind person. She's hard-working, fiercely loyal, and selfless. This is to set up not only her desire to save those around her, but her own personal conflict within the story itself.

She can easily be viewed as a doormat, letting others take advantage of her. She bends under pressure, gives pieces of herself with terrifyingly little asked in return, and is unconcerned about her own wellbeing. Which is... very much not okay.

Despite this, we see that she's surprisingly resilient when faced with seemingly-insurmountable odds.

"And I resolved that I was going to go back into the store and talk to my boss"

"I could’ve started doing murals for the businesses in town again. [...] I could’ve paint windows for offices or the brickwork facades downtown, or done commissions for smaller pieces [to pay for her expenses]."

Reader-chan almost immediately starts to make plans to get back up onto her own two feet. Which shows that she's mature for her age, and able to deal appropriately with setbacks as they come. She's also not prone to getting overwhelmed and giving up.

Cut away again, and we find her in the parking lot of her old job, intent on talking to her boss to get it back. And she's trying in vain to get a hold of her distant sister.

She leaves a voicemail, to no avail. And for the first time, we see her truly angry...

"Snapping in anger, gripped the phone so hard that the fragile class façade threatened to break.  Part of me hoped it would, that spiderweb cracks overtook it and the screen shattered in my grasp.  So I’d lose her number and never have to call her again.  Then I’d never have to see her again, either."

... and her immediate regret.

"I’d never see her again, just like Dad.  Just like Mom."

"Was that what I really wanted?  … Maybe not."

Because, despite the fact that her sister left her behind, she still very much loves her. And, if she cuts her sister loose, she really will be all alone.

I included a strained sibling relationship because, initially, I wanted there to be something that Reader-chan would be conflicted about. Should she rekindle her relationship with her sister - forgive, forget, and move on? Or should she hold a grudge in her heart, even if it leaves her miserable?

When she gets isekai'd, the conflict becomes: should she put forth the effort return home to her sister, knowing that their relationship is only hanging by a thread, or resign herself to her fate in her new universe?

We catch a glimpse of fandom. We know that Reader-chan enjoys a myriad of media, but that it's fallen by the wayside in recent months.

"Only a few manga volumes had been touched, when I’d take them to the hospital to read with Mom; she’d liked looking at the pictures."

"On the rearview mirror, little chibis of my favorite anime characters hang and jingle together."

I made eye contact with tiny Tsunade from Naruto [...] the blindfolded gaze of Gojo [...] next to Levi Ackerman.

So we know that she has a keen interest in manga, specifically, judging from her collection and from the characters she keeps in her car.

After getting off the phone, frustrated and angry with her sister, she attempts to calm herself down by reading through her curated stories page. Which leads to this:

"And I saw a headline titled 'JJK: Fan-Favorite Character Killed in Battle', with a picture of Sukuna next to it."

"Out of curiosity, I clicked on the article and scrolled down, looking for the manga panels in question."

"Because it wasn’t Sukuna dead.  Gojo Satoru had been bisected, cut clean through, and left in a pool of his own blood."

Reader-chan reacts like this:

"“Th-that’s not possible, right?”  I inhaled through my nose.  Out through my mouth.  Trying to calm myself."

"I stared at [the tiny Gojo keychain] for a bit, and yanked his chain off the mirror, tossing him into the back seat where I couldn’t look at him anymore.  Then I pressed my face into the backs of my hands and screamed at the top of my lungs."

"Because the universe was so fucking funny that it had to play some sort of cosmic joke on me.  Because Gege killing off that character just had to happen now!"

Up until now, we've seen her handle everything with a surprising amount of grace. We can tell that she's deeply upset by the loss of her mother, sure, but she's putting on quite the brave face. Or maybe she's simply too shocked to be anguished. yeah... definitely the second option.

"I watched the doctors rush around like I was a thousand miles away, observed from outside of my body as they tried in vain to bring [her mother] back from beyond the threshold."

 "I went about my motions like I was piloting myself remotely."

"Even as I unpacked her stuff, I didn’t cry. I was just… empty, I guess.  Too tired, or maybe too shocked."

"I still didn’t cry.  Not when my whole world was collapsing around me."

But the moment she reads about Gojo's death, it acts as the metaphorical straw. And she's the camel.

"Unable to help myself, I laughed.  I laughed so hard that my shoulders shook.  And I laughed so hard that the laughs turned to sobs, and then to wails."

"I cried."

"It was ugly, and violent, and so stupid. [...] I cried for what felt like hours."

Initially, I was kind of wary of putting this chapter out into the world because of this moment. Because, yeah, her mom died, but she's going to cry over an anime character? That's the criticism I honestly expected.

"I was an idiot, losing it over some fake guy when I couldn’t even shed a tear for the woman who’d raised me.  And though I tried to stop, the waterworks kept coming and coming and coming."

But it makes sense in my mind, because we humans displace our emotions all the time. We get irrationally angry or sad at things and take our emotions out on them. Have a bad day at work? Get mad and kill something on a videogame. Upset? Watch a sad movie and cry about it.

I do this with 'The Fox and The Hound' all the time! I'll put it on and just weep until my eyes and head hurt. And, man, does it feel good! Like, on the days when my emotions are going haywire, like when I'm on my period, I just want to vent.

Gojo's death isn't what makes her sad enough to finally cry, but it gives her the perfect outlet for her emotions. It's a way for her to finally experience the emotional devastation of losing her mom without touching on the raw wound itself. It's a catharsis that she so desperately needs.

Crying really does help her. Sometimes, all you need is a good breakdown to realign your axis.

"And, little by little, I came back to myself."

"In the aftermath, there was a bit of clarity, of peace.  The buildup and the release of pressure. [...] Weight lifted off my shoulders and I felt a levity that I hadn’t in months. [...] I felt like I could breathe again.  Like my lungs were expanding properly and my heart was beating in my chest instead of my throat."

"Turns out that crying is good for you; who’d have guessed?"

After she cries, she picks herself back up and resolves to push forward. Starting with getting her job back, then ending with possibly rekindling a relationship with her sister.

This is one of my favorite parts of this little chapter because it perfectly encapsulates the whole vibe of 'post-nut clarity'... but for sobbing like a crazy person, obviously. Like, we all have that moment after we cry where everything just sorta clicks into place.

Reader-chan, for a solid moment, is standing tall. And she's putting her own emotions and needs first.

She calls her sister, getting out of her car. And while she's leaving a voicemail, she finally meets her fate.

"But I never got to finish my ultimatum.  The screeching of tires cut me off as I whirled around just in time to see the grill of a large truck barreling toward me.  And then there was the sickening crunch of bones breaking and somebody screaming."

This is where the isekai truly begins. Because when she dies, she winds up in a black void. And this void is where the next chapter opens.

We have a callback to our first paragraph.

"When death strikes, it’s sometimes a long, slow cut.  And sometimes, it’s swift as the blink of an eye.  It does so efficiently, without remorse, and without discernment.  We all die, in the end."

Keen observers may also notice that prior to being run down, the story is in past tense. Everything past getting struck is in present tense. This is to reinforce the idea that Reader's old universe and life are permanently 'was', while her new world and life permanently 'are'. A little bit of author psychology for you guys.

There's also one of my favorite side stories ever in this: 'The Saga of The Shopping Cart'!

"I scowled when one person pushed their empty cart into another parking spot instead of the cart return.  Idiot."

"A gust of wind blew the loose shopping cart in front of me, and I let it cross before making my way towards the building." 

"Because that shopping cart had blown onto the road, in front of a vehicle going way too fast. [...] And in a bid to avoid hitting it, the driver had cranked their wheel.  And hit me instead."

I love this introduction chapter, because I feel like it gives us a solid foundation for Reader-chan. We immediately know what her motivations are, how she reacts in the worst situations, and whether or not we'll personally identify with her during the series. It also sets the tone really well, in my opinion: dark and sad with a shining glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The title, 'Unfinished Painting', is a reference to both her neglected work in her apartment and to her life being cut short before she can be fully realized.

"Every morning, I gave [the easel with her painting] a nasty side eye, wondering when I’d just get rid of the stupid thing.�� Maybe it’d be good to start fresh on a new piece."

"I [..] crossed over to where my easel had remained untouched [...] The painting on the canvas was half-finished, a work-in-progress that’d never quite made “progress”.  It was an ambitious landscape painting: colorful sunrise breaking over the Colorado Rocky Mountains, with clouds encircling the highest peaks and rays caressing the jagged edges of the cliff faces.  It’d been detailed, almost obsessively so, and vivid."

"I traced the edges of the painting fondly.  It was supposed to be my best work yet.  And it had been.  For a time."

The parallels become even clearer when digging into the color symbolism of red paint.

"[..] in a fit of rage, I’d thrown an entire tube of red paint at [the painting].  Crimson splatters dot the scenic mountains like blood spray."

"All the hopes and dreams inside my head smear across the pavement like paint spatters on a canvas.  Just a red, red stain."

But, there's also the implication that death isn't the end. That she can take this and make it better.

"The painting wasn’t necessarily ruined; I could still restore it if I worked hard."

"Maybe it’d be good to start fresh on a new piece.  If I ever found inspiration to draw or paint, anyway." 

When we consider that 'The painting' is acting as a parallel for her life, it essentially changes this to mean 'My life isn't necessarily ruined; I could still restore it if I worked hard.' And 'Maybe it'd be good to start anew. If I ever found the inspiration to live, anyway.'

Which all points to the idea that a fresh start is, perhaps, a good thing?

All-in-all, I'm super happy with how this turned out. Of course, that could just be my own personal bias, since I wrote it. Who can say?

[commando-rogers]

last post I’m gonna make re: ofmd s2 teaser for now- tl;dr David Jenkins is not letting ANYONE think this show isn’t a serious romance anymore

a phenomenon that really struck me about season 1 was that a lot of people didn’t take it seriously. so many of us, myself included, went into this show thinking “oh! taika series, we know what we do in the shadows, this is gonna be a hilarious, lighthearted, silly funny show.” of course, most people (especially queer audiences) caught on to how serious it actually was as the romance plot grew, and then by episode 8-10 knew that oh, this is a romance, this is a drama. (don’t get me wrong, it’s a comedy, but you know what I’m saying.)

but a lot of people didn’t realize it (read: straight audiences). I rewatched the show with a straight man who was watching for the first time, and he was SHOCKED at the kiss. I said “you couldn’t tell they were falling in love? you couldn’t see all the signs? the other characters comments? the tropes?” and he literally said to me “yeah, I thought they were joking though. I thought they were buddies who were close and people were making fun of them.”

like. wow. straight men.

(to his credit, he caught on quickly and was very emotionally invested by the end. straight redemption.)

so when I rewatched the show again, I made a deliberate choice to flip the switch in my head between serious and funny. the thing is, if you choose to, you can ABSOLUTELY read it as all funny, tongue in cheek, comedic shenanigans. that lens is absolutely there and valid, and if you’re not looking for the serious undercurrents, you don’t see them.

and the season 1 trailer enforces this! there’s drama but it’s still silly! it’s all “ha ha funny man tries to be a pirate and adventures ensue.”

but with this first season 2 teaser, there’s none of that. it is serious, it is dramatic, it is intense. of course there’s some comedy thrown in, but it’s the heartbreak and the longing and the dramatic music and the danger. we see characters screaming, firing guns, actively in peril. the tone is dark. there’s no silliness here. David Jenkins took away our ability to be ignorant to what this story is at its core.

all us fans were stunned by the end of season 1, we thought it was funny why are our hearts ripped out!! (and I just made another post about this, but we were shocked that it wasn’t just queerbaiting, so this trailer literally makes clear from the beginning it’s a love story between Stede and Ed.) and so many other viewers of the show didn’t get it, they were surprised and didn’t understand how this funny show was trying to be serious.

season 2 isn’t gonna let us do that. David Jenkins is clearly showing us that this is a love story, but it’s dramatic and sad and intense. the laughs will happen because that’s what’s at the heart of this show, but make no mistake, this is a queer love story with all of the highs and lows that come with it. and I’m thrilled.

[uselesslilium]

Eh, what the hell. Potential list of fics I'm thinking about writing once Mimesis is wrapped up, to organize my own thoughts:

ExValk Hunger Games AU, Part 3 Pros: Last part in the trilogy, finally wrapping it up would be very satisfying. Will not be longer than maybe three chapters. I still feel bad about how I left Mika in part 2, so getting him off that cliffhanger would be great. More ensemble cast scenes, and a chance to write Rinne+Shu interactions. I’ll finally get to write ExValk OT3!!!! Cons: Mimesis was largely a stressful downer all in Shu’s POV, and this would be Even More Of That. I think I could use a break from that vibe before going back to it. Still no Mademoiselle. Also would have to reread Mockingjay to make sure I got District 13 down, which means I can’t write right away.

Scum Villain AU Pros: I have been thinking about this fic on and off for like over a year now and I still want to write it, so I’m motivated. A balance of silly and serious. Would be fun to play around with fantasy genre conventions and the meta of ‘Eichi as the author’. A bit of a dynamic flip where Shu has secret knowledge about Mika rather than the other way around. Huge ensemble cast and lots of POV options! Can write Mado-nee as her own person! Have full narrative justification to write Mika’s kink awakening! Cons: Dear fucking god would it be long. I haven’t even begun outlining. Huge ensemble cast and lots of POV options. Fight scenes.

Arranged Marriage AU Pros: Fluff! I can write fluff again!!! Still with a nice undercurrent of angst and drama, of course, but it would definitely be lighter in tone overall. Could start off in Mika’s POV right away. Never written an arranged marriage AU before, and honestly I’m hankering for it. Potential for fun Seiya+Mika awful mentorship. Cons: Would have to think about politics. Have not really sorted out the plot at all. Possibly too much thematic overlap with Awakening Hermitage?

Momo leaves to work for Ryou AU Pros: Ohhhh I could make everyone soooo miserable. :) I want to dig into Ryou and Momo’s weird awful friendship so bad. Want to dig into Momo’s terrible self-sacrificial tendencies and his fawning reflex and how he’s the worst person to try and fix Ryou. Want to examine Yuki’s passivity and self-loathing and then make him actually Do Something. And I have actually managed to outline it, so there’s a solid base to start with. Cons: It would take at least 8 hefty chapters to finish, and that is a long time to stew in abusive relationship dynamics. No getting around what a huge bummer it would be to write. Also, haven’t written for i7 yet, worried about whether I know the characters and Japanese entertainment industry well enough to pull something this messy off.

Ciel AU Pros: It’s a Ciel AU!!! The characters would let me play with the setting in interesting ways. Gender. The mythology allows for really fun canon parallels. I have an outline planned, and have actually written the first chapter already! Cons: Maybe two people would get it lmao. Can I stop myself from letting it bloat? Didn't know The Truth about Grandpa Itsuki when I started and that'd need serious adjustment.

Shape of Water AU Pros: Mika finally gets to be a monsterfucker. Shu is the focus of the misery for a change. And also a beautiful octopus mermaid. Pure Mika POV would be interesting. If I try hard and believe in myself, this could possibly be a one-shot. Cons: Another very limited cast and setting. Would be hard to work in the parts of their relationship I find most compelling.

[pink-carnelian]

Showgirls is the perfect movie. It’s as hilarious and shocking as it is genuinely enthralling. I’m laughing both at and with it. It’s exactly the right level of homoerotic—a consistent undercurrent of implicit sapphic energy without making any clumsy dated statements. I love how ridiculously kind and forgiving Molly is, it’s the ultimate feminine solidarity wish fulfillment. It’s an extremely sensorial movie, I can practically taste it with all the bright colors and environmental details. The outfits are gorgeous and the 90s camera makes glitter and rhinestones look fucking ethereal. The women are stunning, but most importantly, they’re the only characters whose decisions actually matter. Every male character is a trophy, an obstacle, or some other kind of plot device. It’s all girls and glitter and drama and homoeroticism and it might be one of my favorite movies ever I’m so serious

[agoddamn]

@gffa it especially kills me because the bones of it--the bones of it all work fine! A character who was written off as a pawn or tool even by her own allies, a kid forced into an adult position, her desperation for approval all while screaming that she's fine on her own--that's the foundation of a solid character arc!

You can even look at the basic facts of the War Games arc and shape it into a compelling tragedy--Steph made a bad decision, but she did it because everyone around her misjudged her as someone content to be under control. I've long argued that Bruce deserves a lot of the blame there because how did the world's greatest detective have one conversation with her and fail to deduce that she wasn't going to listen to him, to observe that she had never treated vigilantism like a profession? That situation was caused by willful blindness and a refusal to accept that Steph wasn't Tim.

Of course, this reading can only take place in the alternate universe where War Games (and most of Steph's stories from the same era) doesn't have that undercurrent of sneering disgust regarding her. It's funny that she thinks she's competent, that she thinks her family drama matters, that she thinks she deserves respect. Tim has much more serious and real problems, she's just a silly girl playing dress-up! Why wasn't she content being a pawn in Bruce's weird mind games with Tim? Why did she think she mattered?

In that alternate universe we could have had everyone realizing their mistakes and growing past them; Bruce getting the system shock of recognizing his own behavior in someone wildly unlike himself, Steph confronting her fear of needing guidance and resulting toxic self-confidence, Steph growing past the Robin role and moving on--

But no, DC isn't competent enough to write a woman experiencing an emotion so instead we get hashtag girlboss.