#and fandom is sadly not as much of an escape as it used to be

[somuchbetterthanthat]

some days the world is just exhausting

[generalsdiary]

gays are so tragic.

any gay ship, any queer ship in any form of video game, anime, tv show, or movie where they're censored or made by homophobic ppl is so tragic.

the way they yearn to be together, which is shown by actors/voice actors/animators/writers. and, of course, we all grasp at the tiniest crumble, and the fanbases are the ones that recognize them and keep them alive- that is where the couple escapes the constraints, restrictions, and homophobia.

ex. in gi they said they will explore more same-sex couples by labeling them in game as 'best friends'. (kavetham, cynari, etc.)

so, of course, we, fanfic writers, write them as tragic, or even cursed yaoi, and yearning and all the heart-wrenching pieces because there's pain in their existence. they are our escape and something we relate to but we also offer them an escape, making them alive with our funny words and silly au's.

also some honorable mentions of good depictions of queer couples; good omens, shadowhunters (malec), our flag means death, the originals (freelin). (feel free to add more)

also, only pure hatred and disgust at the queerbaiting seen in media (I'm looking at you supernatural). furthermore, gender identities in media are a whole different issue and topic; where is the recognition overall, especially in video games, for enby's and similar?

honorable mention to bg3 for having great body options (trans friendly) and more gender options than the usual f/m.

there's also tragedy in queer characters, who fandoms depict and destroy by ignoring their sexuality, ex. yelena from marvel's black widow who is confirmed asexual. (which pains me as an aroace individual)

thus we write them as tragic and pained because, just like us, they also have to be hidden or censored, many queer ppl cannot come out due to so many varying reasons. sadly, we aren't safe everywhere and have to be careful. media is a nice escape, so I guess we can relate to our sad gays who are so much more like us than we thought at first hand.

dear writers, artists, and creators keep creating art and keep giving them life. we give them air to breathe and the hope that they give us. that is how this relationship with our favorite fictional characters transcends all bounds, we keep each other alive and comfort each other.

this rant was inspired by my mutual commenting on how homosexual my love confessing fic is (here if you're interested).

[no-where-new-hero]

omg I need your thoughts on the terminally o line author culture bc ngl it makes my eye TWITCH, there are authors I deliberately avoid even tho I've heard their stuff is good bc they're like that 🙈

HHHHH oh good lord, okay, from how I see it, there are two angles on this, both aggravating and sad: the official decree one and the spontaneous ecosystem one.

The officious one is that the nature of publishing nowadays demands an author have an online presence. You need Twitter/X. You need to let every potential reader know your book is coming out. You need engagement through reviews and pre-orders incentives (if you buy now you’ll get a special keychain!!) and word of mouth assurances from your peers that yes your book is as cool as you say it is. You need a newsletter with links (more buying! more voting on lists that are simply popularity contests!) and promises you’re still working on the next thing, don’t forget about me in the morass of everyone else doing the same thing. You need an Instagram and TikTok now to post pretty pictures and videos because one or two authors made it big off this kind of promotion and now everyone thinks it’s the ticket to the bestseller list (sadly, it seems to be working). You need an OnlyFans (a joke but I do recall a twt spat that was a joke/not joke about how rupi kaur will always be more beautiful than her critics and people who took issue with the conflation of beauty with talent). At the end of all this, you’re basically an influencer, a content creator creating content for the content you should be focusing on creating, the finished novel. And the novel itself seems to be disappearing behind the masks used to promote it (fanfic-style tropes, moodboards, playlists, memes) until I now no longer trust the book that I’ll pick up to have any resemblance to the enticements that brought me here. I’ve seen an author or two complain about the stress all this self-promotion generates, but it’s become such an entrenched part of the industry, I think people just accept it. And thus spend too much time online hoping that if they tweet just a little more, produce just one more reel, maybe that’ll be the difference between a sale and no sale.

The other side of this, distinct but obviously connected, is the ecosystem created by this panic of being perpetually visible coupled with the fact that so many of the new authors came of age during the rise of internet fandom culture. That opinionated community mindset that blurs the line between anonymity and friendship is the lens they bring to their own work. I mean, it makes sense I suppose—if you love yelling about characters and words, why wouldn’t you do that once you start to produce your own? This really came home to me hearing about that reviewbombgate “scandal” and how people involved were in reylo circles and that was used to provide receipts. You’re interacting with your readers and peers about your intimate work but they are also all strangers. They will not always give you the benefit of the doubt, and now—as opposed to the past when maybe the worst that could happen was a handful of bad reviews in newspapers—you will either be tagged in hate reviews, sub-tweeted, explicitly called out, demanded to atone for your sins. It’s no longer the morality of consumption but the morality of production. Of course, the easy answer is just log-off, touch some grass. But that can work only when you and everyone else are separated by anonymous accounts or when you have no platform to maintain. As an author trying to make your livelihood from this, suddenly it’s do or die. We’re in a strange moment of authorship bringing the Internet’s echo-chamber and claustrophobic into the real world (this is a lie: publishing now is no longer the real world. But it looks like it) and thus you can kind of no longer escape things.

Will the average reader who isn’t aware of all these machinations care about reviewbombgate? Would a reader browsing at Target think about the controversies around Lightlark? Very likely not. But the impression I’m getting more and more is that the average reader isn’t the one buying all the books. Or shall we say—a bestseller’s status relies on bookstore stock. Bookstore stock is only huge when they know a book will be a good investment. They’ll only know a book is a good investment if it and its author has street cred based on booktokkers, bookstagram, bloggers and reviewers (have you noticed how many books out these last maybe 1-3 years have these kinds of accounts thanked in the acknowledgments? Yeah), and THESE are also chronically online people who will Know. And decide the cast of fate.

Honestly, @batrachised, I see why you avoid these kinds of writers, though I wonder how long it’ll be before the disease becomes epidemic.

[velvet-vox]

The complete and utter alienation of Tai Lung: Part 1

First thing first: I am not a Tai Lung defender so consider this an unbiased post.

So, Kung Fu Panda color theory is pretty much well known across all of the fandom, and it's obvious even from an outside perspective.

Po and the heroes are yellow/gold

Then Lord Shen's red

Kai's and Oogway's green

And finally Tai Lung colour is blue

(Also Chameleon is also yellow but this ain't about her).

And this is the one I want to touch upon in this post.

You see this graphic?

These are the three primary colours /yellow, cyan and magenta/ that come together to form the main secondary colours /blue, red, green/.

If you are in the fandom, or you just simply pay attention, you'll also know that:

Tai Lung's backstory has ties with Shifu.

Lord Shen's backstory has ties with Po.

General Kai's backstory has ties with Oogway.

But Kai backstory doesn't just simply have ties to Oogway like we were simply led to believe at large, but it also has ties with Po, because of his ties with the panda village and its effect on Oogway's reformation.

And with that, as you might have noticed, both Kai and Shen have, according to the chart, the colour yellow as a part of their secondary colour scheme.

With Shen in particular it goes a step further in that Po has red as a complimentary colour to yellow in some scenes.

Shen is also the least isolated of the villains (mental state doesn't count); always surrounded by his goons who he's going to use to conquer China and the Soothsayer, Shen is only truly alone at the end of the movie on the boat scene where he's just been defeated.

And Kai, despite the fact that he doesn't have goons that can bounce off his dialogue, is also never truly alone whenever we see him; he was a warlord leader of a huge army, he now has a jade zombie army and he often speaks to the Oogway amulet and narrates him whatever is happening, and, like Shen, he only becomes alone during his death scene.

They do tend to isolate themselves from others of their own volition...... but Tai Lung?

He has absolutely nothing. Nobody. Never had.

Returning to the colour wheel, his main colour is blue and he has ties with Shifu's backstory who, after the first movie, loses relevance for the rest of the movies. And blue itself is a pretty alien colour in the entire series (extended material included), it doesn't have any ties with yellow, much like Tai Lung doesn't have any personal ties with Po despite being in opposition, and Tai Lung itself doesn't interact much with the setting besides being a looming threat.

And it all ties back to his isolation and how it probably tied back to his turn to the dark side.

From the glimpses that we see of his childhood, Tai Lung doesn't interact with anyone else aside from Shifu and possibly Oogway, and I'm pretty confident in saying that he probably lived a sheltered life in the Jade palace. A childhood like that can inflict serious damage on a person's mental health in the long run as you don't have anyone who you can confront your experiences with, and it clearly carried on into adulthood, better explaining his fit of rage after being denied the dragon scroll.

Sadly, his loneliness carried on for the 20 years that he spent in jail. And after he escapes, he tries to claim back the dragon scroll by himself since he doesn't have an army or ways to gain allies, so he just carries on with nobody to support him and then he dies of a lonely, gruesome death that reflects on the way he lived.

The franchise itself then continues to portray Tai Lung less as a character and more as a figure of power in Po's journey, completely and utterly dehumanising him in every possible and conceivable way.

Ok, I must admit, maybe I gained a brand new appreciation for Tai Lung while writing this.

Next Part>>>>

[mj-iza-writer]

Maybe too specific for a request but...

I'm thinking about a vampire used as a bait by hunters for more powerful/dangerous/valuable creatures.

I mean, most creatures hate vampires and would love an occasion to hurt a vulnerable, chained up vampire. Also they can regenerate, so they're reusable!

Whumptober Day 7

Only for emergencies - unconventional weapon - magic with a cost - "it's us or them."

Though I liked these prompts, I couldn't think of any stories, so I used a prompt from the alt list with the used as bait prompt. I'm also using this to answer a request. - Mj

This story delves into Vampire: the Masquerade. So I used some mythos, terms, and lore from that fandom.

Whumpee shuddered fearfully as the sound of heavy steps echoed outside of their cell.

The heavy door screeched open.

"Okay bloodsucker. Are you ready to earn your keep?", Avril, Whumpee's owner, chuckled.

"Ple... please, I just want to die. You've caused me to be an accomplice in the murder of my own kindred', Whumpee hid in the back of their cell.

"Exactly why I won't let you die. You're too useful. A pitiful bait that other creatures can't help but mess with", Avril pulled out a bowl, "why do you care about what happens to the other kindred? They don't care about you. They attack you, even when you are clearly being used as bait. They just can't help themselves. Then the ones that do escape don't give you a second thought."

Whumpee looked at the bowl. It smelt intoxicating.

Whumpee licked their lips, causing Avril to laugh.

"Stupid bloodsucker. Such a dumb mind. You are supposed to be some powerful being, but here you are...  groveling for leftover meat and blood from my dinner", Avril stirred the blood around, causing the aroma to infiltrate the air more, "what do we say?"

"Plea... please may I eat Mas-master", Whumpee shook with adrenaline. They knew they would be sweating if their body could do it. Blood had become an addiction, and they had to rely on Avril to give it to them. Blood was so limited that it couldn't even be considered as a meal anymore, just something to keep them going, or something that was withheld if they didn't act right. They craved fresh blood. To be able to bite into someone... they couldn't remember the last time they had fresh blood.

"Earth to Whumpee", Avril glared at Whumpee.

"I-I'm sorry... bloodlust", Whumpee whispered, "I-I'm so hungry."

"I bet, so I hope you remember this smell. You are not getting anything until dawn when the hunt is over for the night", Avril stuck their finger into the blood and smeared it across Whumpee's upper lip.

The smell was too much. Whumpee lapped violently at the blood, then lunged forward at Avril.

Avril lifted their foot and kicked Whumpee down.

"I don't think so", Avril chuckled.

Whumpee was led out into the night by a chain. Their hands were tied behind their back. A muzzle pressed tightly against their face. A metal bit held down their tongue.

Avril talked amongst their partners as they made their way to a bridge that was prone to have kindreds stopping to rest.

Avril watched Whumpee's reactions for any tell-tale signs that kindreds were nearby.

"I know you sense something. What is it?", Avril saw Whumpee's head turn quickly.

"Anire" Whumpee let out a muffly, struggled reply.

"Vampire", Avril looked around, "get ready. This one might be a bit stronger with how fast Whumpee's head jerked."

Whumpee was shoved to the ground, and the hunters scattered. Whumpee winced as they looked around. They could hear strong wings beating against the wind. It was coming closer.

A well-dressed vampire flew over a few times before landing in front of Whumpee.

Whumpee looked up at them sadly, then looked back at the ground in defeat. This vampire was a very powerful being, the strongest yet. Whumpee would be a fun play thing for a few minutes until Avril made a move. This vampire would no doubt get away, and Whumpee wouldn't get their meal.

"My, you poor thing. I've heard quite a bit about your predicament. Captured by a human and used to hunt us. Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of power as it is, but the human has definitely kept you in a weakened state", the vampire knelt down.

Whumpee nervously looked up. Why was this vampire talking, an-and being nice?

Whumpee whimpered a little when the older vampire reached and cupped their face. They had soft, gentle fingers.

"It's okay, I've been hoping to find you. Let's get rid of these pesky hunters first", the vampire smiled. Six fangs were revealed.

Whumpee realized just how powerful this being was. Four fangs on their top jaw, two on their bottom. Avril wouldn't stand a chance.

Avril and their team made a move when it seemed the vampire was trying to remove the muzzle.

"This is locked on quite well... oh, I was wondering when they would come out", the vampire stood and looked around.

"Seven against one... hmm, what is a vampire to do?", they acted as though they were nervous but chuckled after.

"I'm Caretaker, of the Ventrue clan. I'm afraid tonight is your last night of hunting. The seven of you have messed with way to many of us now. They have asked the clan leaders to step in to put a stop to this", Caretaker announced.

"Ven-Ventrue?", Avril nervously gulped, "uhm you know what, can we just, you know, forget this ever happened. I'll just collect my property there by your feet, and we can, you know, be on our way?"

Caretaker chuckled, "no, as I said, I've been bothered to have to come here to deal with you and your team. You have bothered all of the clans. All thirteen. Normally hunters don't get the honor of facing off against a ventrue, as we find you hunters to be trivial, but we are quite done with your group."

One of the hunters tried to sneak up behind Caretaker and stab a spike into their back while they talked.

Whumpee muffled a scream, but Caretaker was already grabbing the person. They were on the ground in seconds.

"My dear", Caretaker glanced at Whumpee, "which one of these has caused you the most grief? I'll let you drink from them."

Whumpee locked eyes with Avril.

"You wouldn't dare", Avril glared at Whumpee, "you little sh...."

Caretaker grabbed Avril's face, and with a quick jerk, their neck was snapped.

Avril fell to the ground.

Whumpee stared fearfully at the body. Avril's eyes were still wide open, looking at Whumpee. Their pleadful expression unchanging now. Small gasp caused their lips to quiver.

"Two down, five to go", Caretaker started toward their next target.

Whumpee tried to roll away from Caretaker. They were thankful but terrified of this vampire.

Caretaker finished off all seven of the hunters. They took first choice and drank from one of their necks.

"Normally I don't take my meals like this, but I used up a lot of energy with this mess."

Vampires started to fly in to see if they could eat.

"Master, may we partake in this feast?", one flew lower.

"Yes, you vultures can eat up... except that one", Caretaker pointed at Avril, "that one is reserved."

Caretaker looked around for a moment before they saw where Whumpee had hid.

"Come now, I won't hurt you", Caretaker gently pulled Whumpee out from the shadow.

They finally managed to get the gag and other bindings off of Whumpee.

"Tied quite tightly, hmm", Caretaker helped Whumpee over to Avril, "take your meal. You look famished."

Whumpee stared into Avril's eyes. Tears streamed into the dirt.

"I-I can't", Whumpee looked away, "I haven't earned my meal. It isn't right."

"You don't have to earn this meal. If you are coming home with me I'd prefer for you to eat something beforehand. This will probably be the first of many meals I'll bring for you so you can get your strength back. Please eat."

"Go home wi-with you, but I-I'm not worthy... you're a ventrue... I don't even know what I am. I'm a mutt. Why would you want to take home some mere mutt?", Whumpee looked up at them, "I'm nothing master."

"I can do what I please. You may not question my decision to take care of you. Now eat", Caretaker knelt down.

Whumpee only kept their eyes on the ground. They figured that the vampire was more than likely taking them as a slave. Whumpee lowered themself even more to show reverence.

Suddenly, Caretaker sliced their claw like nails along Avril's throat.

Avril's shallow breathing turned to a shallow gargle.

The smell of fresh blood permeated Whumpee's nose.

They couldn't help but lunge towards the open cut and gulp down the blood.

"That's it. Just needed a little push", Caretaker smiled as they licked away blood from their nails.

Whumpee looked up at them as they drank.

Their puppy like eyes seemed so sweet to Caretaker.

Whumpee released when they could feel Avril's pulse weaken.

"Are you full?", Caretaker watched as Whumpee looked up.

"Their pulse is weak... I-I shouldn't tak..."

"I asked if you were full, not if they were done. Whatever is left of these hunters will go to the werewolves stalking us just past the tree line. If you are still hungry, then continue eating", Caretaker folded their arms.

Whumpee looked down at Avril. They were weakly looking around. Eyes glazed over. Already very close to death.

"I-I uhm, I am still hungry", Whumpee whispered, "I haven't eaten in a long time. Especially fresh blood."

"Then eat some more", Caretaker pushed.

Caretaker helped Whumpee up to their feet.

"You sucked them dry", Caretaker looked at the dried out corpse laying at their feet.

"I-is that okay?", Whumpee continued to carry themself lowly.

"Yes, it's perfect. You needed a full meal", Caretaker turned and saw how they were carrying themself, "you needn't worry about carrying yourself so low. I'm not one of those ventrue. You respect me, I earn my respect." Caretaker looked around and saw several vampires had flown away already, "so come with me. It is almost dawn. We need to get home."

"Home?", Whumpee whispered.

"Yes, you are coming with me for protection until we figure out what is going on with these blasted hunters. They have become a little bold lately, so we will need to put them back in their place. You can sleep in my coffin until we find you a replacement. I'm sure you don't have your own?"

"No master", Whumpee shook their head, "you're sharing your coffin... with me?"

"Yes, of course. You will feel well rested. Nothing like a good rest in a coffin to help you gain your strength back."

Whumpee looked back at the corpse before they followed behind Caretaker.

Several werewolves came out and pounced on the bodies after the remaining vampires flew away.

"I've never met a ventrue before", Whumpee hurried to catch up to Caretaker, "you are so much nicer than I thought."

"Well, there are few ventrue that will act exactly as you imagined them to act, but there are a few of us that are quite nice when we need to be."

Whumpee nodded, "thankyou for saving me."

"You're welcome dear", Caretaker smiled, "now let's get you to my home where you can rest and heal."

"Master, I have one more question. If you would allow it?", Whumpee followed Caretaker's long strides.

"Yes", Caretaker nodded.

"How did you know about me, and what was going on?", Whumpee frowned.

"Several vampires who escaped those hunters brought to the masquerades' attention. To many were being killed by those hunters. That's why we acted so quickly", Caretaker sighed, "I also wanted to get you out of the situation. To be honest, some of the masquerade had intentions to murder you for being an accomplice, but I and a few other leaders denied them. Though everyone is now in agreement that you did not have a choice, there are still some who want you dead. I, of course, will not allow that to happen, but I do fear you will be with me for a long time."

Whumpee shuddered at the thought.

"Are you sure. Maybe I'd be better off dead. I'd be less of a problem for you... and others."

"Yes, you would be, but I would like to give you this chance to enjoy some freedom. I wish to take on responsibility for you if you'll let me", Caretaker grinned, "I'm old. I've been around for a long time, and am quite bored. I will take care of you. I promise."

Whumpee mouth opened to answer, but words were lost. They had never had someone who wished to take care of them.

"It's okay", Caretaker turned when they sensed Whumpee's uncertainty, "you don't have to say anything. I understand."

Whumpee nodded with a weak smile, "th..thankyou."

Caretaker nodded, "you're welcome."

Taglist. As always please let me know if you want to be added or taken off of the list. It's not a problem at all.

@villainsandheroes @the-beasts-have-arrived

@sacredwrath @porschethemermaid

@monarchthefirst @generic-whumperz

@bloodyandfrightened @freefallingup13

@notpeppermint @cyborg0109

@idontreallyexistyet @painfulplots

@whumpbump @everythingsscary

@skittles-the-whumpee @expressionless-fr

@theforeverdyingperson @legendarydelusiongoatee

@candleshopmenace @whumpanthems

@lavndvrr @ivymyers

@starfields08000 @a-living-canvas

@lumpofsand @watermeezer

@indigoviolet311 @whumpy-mountains

@3-2-whump @risk606

@electrons2006 @paperprinxe

@whumprince @kaz-of-crows

@mis-graves @decaffeinatedtimetraveler94

@sausages-things @ragin-cajun-fangirl

@isikedmyself878 @daffyduckcommittedtaxfraud

@valravnthefrenchie @glennemerald

@jasperthecapser @does-directions

@deafeninglittlecrown @jumpywhumpywriter

[tired-night-owl]

Tech died get over it

I’m a tech girlie and yes I kinda wish he wasn’t gone but lets be honest, it’s getting old in the Star Wars fandom and marvel and pretty much any piece of media anymore that when a character dies, they can come back at any time…

Yes tech deserved to live his peaceful life with phee on pabu too and I would pay a lot of money to see him as a dilf but it takes away the heaviness of his sacrifice if he was meant to come back anyway. A trope that is sadly used too often nowadays.

Death is sad but it’s literally a part of life and even if these shows are very enjoyable at any age and I admit I myself watch them for confort and escape from our already harsh reality, they’re meant for kids who kinda have to be exposed to these difficult truths to better cope for them in life later on…

So don’t be mad and shit on the crew that worked hard to bring us such a beautiful, action filled story for 3 years just because they followed the laws of life for once and your fave character’s death was a real one. It’s unfortunate but tech would tell you to accept and adapt so do that :)

[criticallyacclaimedstranger]

About Today [a Jay and Frankie fic]

Read on Ao3

Fandom: Triple Frontier

Ship: Frankie Morales x Jay ‘Lady’ Ray (OFC) **Series masterlist**

Warnings: ANGST. Mention of drug use.

Words: 931

Summary: Frankie is sleepless on Benny's couch and misses Jay.

A/N: This was written solely because About Today by The National is about Jay and Frankie and that's that.

Today

You were far away.

Benny's couch is uncomfortable, but Frankie could be in a Duxiana bed and still not find rest. He stares through the darkness at the ceiling, eyes following the occasional headlights that hit it when cars pass. He hears Benny snore in the bedroom and envies his ability to sleep.

Not that Frankie deserves to sleep. He doesn't deserve anything, except every bit of discomfort and agony that he is currently in.

He turns onto his side, grimacing at a strain in his back. He misses his own bed, the one he shares with Jay. Misses Jay so badly it hurts. Misses Alma, and the unborn baby in Jay's belly. Misses them all so much that he can barely breathe.

He's been on Benny's couch for two weeks now, and it doesn't get any easier. In his darker moments he thinks that it would be easier if he hadn't stopped using cocaine. If he were still using, he could escape all this. But he doesn't want to use, doesn't need it, never wanted it in the first place.

All he wants in his family back.

He looks at the dark shape of his phone on the table next to the couch. Reaching for it, he unlocks it to check for new messages. There are, of course, none. The sound is turned on, so he'd hear immediately if someone - Jay - tries to reach him. He flicks through old messages, reading Jay's name over and over. He looks at the lists of last incoming and outgoing calls. Incoming: Jay. Outgoing: Benny, then Jay. Last missed call: Jay. It's always Jay.

It's always been Jay. And he did this to her, to him, to them. To Alma and Bianca, his unborn second daughter.

Tonight

You just close your eyes

And I just watch you

Slip away

His thumb hovers over the Dial symbol next to Jay's name. But he obviously can’t call her now, it's in the middle of the night, she needs her sleep, she's pregnant and she's taking care of energetic little Alma, she needs all the rest he can get.

But he so desperately wants to hear her voice. Can practically hear her now, her drowsy voice when she picks up, says his name, wants to know what's up.

Which she wouldn't. She doesn't want to talk to him, he knows that. He has to give her space, has to work on himself, stay clean, take care of Alma the days he can have her, and wait.

He sits up, swings his legs over the edge of the couch. Leans his elbows to his knees, phone in both hands as he opens the photo album. Picture after picture of Alma smiling at the camera, or that pouty frown she sports when she's unhappy about something, the one that's so hard not to laugh at because it looks so out of place on her sweet face, yet you know that it's with all the seriousness a small four-year-old can muster, and you can't laugh at that...

He smiles sadly as he looks at that one perfect photo he managed to take of Jay, standing in the kitchen in soft morning light. She's wearing pj pants, and her t-shirt is straining against the baby bump. She has one hand on the bump and one line between her eyebrows, that typical Jay line that makes her look slightly skeptical. He loves that look, loves how she's always ready to speak her mind, even if it makes things uncomfortable. This is a great snapshot of her, one he hasn't even showed her because she'd just shake her head and say that it looks too much like those pregnancy photos that so many women insist on having, and Jay isn't about that at all. Frankie can allow her that, never insisted on a pregnancy shoot because it's not Jay, she wouldn't be comfortable in a setting like that. She has no need for retrospect, doesn't care about looking at photos of herself with a baby bump. She's always in the now, or looking ahead, never back.

Frankie stares at the photo until the screen goes dark. He sighs deeply, unlocks the phone again, and swallows hard when he sees her again.

How the fuck could he fuck this up?

Leaving the photo album, he opens the inbox again, thumb hovering over "Write a new message".

He just wants to know how she is. He just wants to know about today. What did she do? What did she and Alma have for dinner? What book did they read at bedtime? How is the baby? Is she still living la vida loca inside Jay's womb, only calming down at the sound of Frankie's voice? Is it hard to manage without him?

His palms are sweaty, his mouth is dry, his heart is beating so fast he can hear it. If he only fucking could talk with her. He wants  - needs - to know where they stand. Is he about to lose her? Did he fuck up so badly that she can't see a way past it? The thought is unbearable.

He puts away the phone, hides his face in his hands. His body shakes with each quiet sob. Not a sound escapes from him; he can't wake Benny.

Eventually, he lies back down on the couch, closes his eyes, and tries to sleep.

Hey, are you awake?

Yeah, I'm right here

Well can I ask you

About today?

How close am I

To losing you?

How close am I

To losing?

[twst-hottest-takes]

Am I the only one that thinks that Vil being human DOESN'T make any sense? I still stand by the fact that he should've been a half fae that uses a glamour to look human in order to keep his job. Vil has an intimidating allure about him that ironically pushes others away from him. That’s great and all. But every single character in the canon is inhumanly beautiful minus Grim and Ortho, so why would Vil be the only one to have this issue and have a wholeass complex about it? That makes no sense! I get that he can be a bit…much, and even people in the fandom commented about that, but that doesn’t seem like it would be enough to cause all that in universe. But if he’s a half fae, that makes FAR more sense, because that’s happening due to supernatural reasons beyond his control. 

He also has some of the hallmarks of the fae personality wise. He’s rather harsh, domineering, stern, can be quite impulsive at times, has a cruel temper and is overly just very…intense, for the negative. On the positive side, he’s fair, just, kind to those dear and genuinely wants to help others in his own ways. 

Plus, we learn in Vil’s Birthday Bloom Card and the Tapis Rouge Event that Vil has no idea who his mother is and has no interest in ever finding her. Usually in fantasy stories characters with that same backstory as Vil are either long lost royalty or a half supernatural creature of some kind, and the latter makes the most sense with Vil. You think something would pop off with that information, but it doesn’t. It’s fucking bizarre. 

It would give Vil's arc more weight and realism. I always felt that Vil's story boiled down to #richwhitepeopleproblems. Yes, he was bullied and that was terrible. But, his main problem in life was that he's typecasted and doesn't get the exact roles that he wants. When his arc sandwiched in between Jamil, who is practically a slave and wants to be free, and Idia, who blames himself for his brother's death, it makes him come across as incredibly shallow. Whereas if he was a half fae, pretending to be human to escape public outcry, that would give his arc more weight and intrigue. Humans seem scared and hold a grudge against the fae in that world, so it's possible that Vil would want to hide himself to avoid the drama and pretend to be completely human. It would align to real life. Sadly, there are plenty of cases of old Hollywood stars pretending to be white in order to have a career and avoid typecasting. Rita Hayworth is one such example.

Idk, that's just me.

Anon, you're just straight up cooking with this one.

This picture will also be used for the next take which is more or less a follow up to this.

Heck, Vil doesn't even need to be half fae, he could be a quarter or less. There could be just some slight fae ancestry in there. Just a tiny bit would be enough to make Vil self conscious about his heritage. To make him second guess whether or not his ethereal beauty is his own doing or not. To make him wonder is the world would say he's cheating if they knew.

We've got some good stuff here!

It's too bad the developers will never do anything with it.

Or if they do I'll just be more mad because that's an element they need to actively include in a character like this A LOT earlier.

Thank you for your take.

[misrepresentedmorallygrey]

PROPAGANDA

Rose Quartz Propaganda

"We saw her character arc in reverse!! We first saw all the good she did and then learned of her terrible actions in the past. If her story was told the other way around, it would have been a great redemption arc. Yes, she did some terrible things, but she had no choice. She did everything she could to stop the colonization of earth peacefully buy nothing worked. Blue and yellow diamond just didn't listen to her and when they did, THEY were the ones who made the zoo and shit. Rose wanted to free them but couldn't get to them after the war! And with the corruption, there's no way she could have known that'd happen. There's so many things she wanted to do but just couldn't. And with spinel, yes it was shitty to leave her alone for so long, but again, between running her court, running the rebellion, dealing with earth, she likely wasn't a very high priority and like with the zoo, there was no way to get to her after the war since the galaxy warp was destroyed. And don't forget, she was practically a child around this time. You're saying you didn't do any stupid, selfish, or harmful things as a kid? She learned from her experiences and grew, we just saw that growth in reverse, leaving us as viewers with a poor perception of her."

"Rose Quartz is Steven Universe’s dead mom. Initially, she’s set up as sort of an ethereal perfect figure who everyone misses and compares him to. Later we get to see more of her backstory and discover that she’s actually like, a person, with flaws, who has done some bad things, but she did those bad things largely in the course of trying to escape an abusive home life and save the people and planet that she fell in love with. It’s very clear that despite her flaws she was trying to do the right thing and that she deeply cared about others. Unfortunately, a woman who was not a Perfect Martyr was way too much for the Steven Universe fandom to handle. She pretty much set off the wave of SU crit blogs because these people were furious either that she had taken violent measures to solve her problems, that she hadn’t taken violent enough measures to solve her problems, or both somehow. Lots of “Why didn’t she just murder her abusive parental figures?” Lots of “She was evil for having a baby even though she knew she’d die in childbirth!” Lots of “She should’ve been able to protect everyone from a magic nuclear weapon with the power of love somehow.” Lots of “She shouldn’t have rebelled (even though not rebelling would’ve meant the destruction of Earth) because her abusers retaliated and that’s her fault.” LOTS of people drawing her as stick thin even though she was fat in the show. People treated her like she was on the same level or even worse than her abusive parental figures who were also the main villains of the show. It was unbearable to witness."

Katara Propaganda

"She's smart. She's powerful. She an eco-terrorist. She's got the ability to grow as a person. She's a victim of misogynistic fans who codify her as an annoying bitch (sadly not affectionate) cause she's the "mom character." And that's all she will ever be is "The mom character." She bested Azula and could blood bend your ass but won't cause she's chosen not to be a monster! But she's the annoying mom instead."

"if i have to hear ONE MORE *touches necklace* joke i’m gonna mcfreaking lose it"

"despite being one of the most well-written feminist characters of children’s TV, the fandom decides to define her based on her very realistic 14-year-old girl flaws. Ignoring her complex independent arcs and motivations, people love justifying their hatred towards her based on her one line directed at Sokka that he didn’t love his mother as much as she did. Which, if we’re being nitpicky, isn’t so harsh given that it was Katara who shouldered most of the burden of her death, as well as Sokka’s admittance that he doesn’t even remember his mother. Not to mention that ALL the characters make selfish mistakes given the fact that they’re all aged 12-15??? (Aang hiding Katara and Sokka’s father’s letter, anyone???) She really is an elegant breakthrough of the typical female character molds of “girl who is badass” and “girl with a crush on the mc who sits on the sidelines” and it’s so frustrating to see her get the most hate out of the Gaang"

Mabel Pines Propaganda

"[insert "i am 12 years old" comic]"

"You probably already know about this but back when the series was airing people were really pissed at Mabel because she was supposedly selfish. Yeah ok guys asking for a fucking megaphone to help a merman find his family was TOTALLY unreasonable. Dipper giving up one (1) "date" with a girl way older than him to save Mabel's pet was SO not worth it. (This is sarcasm btw. Side note a lot of these have to do with Dipper's crush on Wendy which is a whole other discussion.) And then there's the big one. Mabel causing Weirdmageddon. What people fail to realize with this is that 1) she was extremely stressed when she handed Bill the rift 2) she was tricked by Bill, a being that is A MASTER AT TRICKING PEOPLE, into thinking that she was being handed a magic solution to what felt like the end of the world to her, and 3) she was TWELVE. Not to pull out the "she is literally neurodivergent and a minor" card but do you really expect a 12 year old who's just been told that she's gonna have to face a big and difficult transition WITHOUT her brother who's been there for her all her life to make a rational decision? Y'all seriously fell for Bill's empty words in Sock Opera. Absolute bufoons. You would not survive Weirdmageddon."

"Oh wow, a preteen girl under extreme distress acts like a preteen girl under extreme distress. Whoda thunk?"

[witchie-writings]

Alright bestie last one I SWEAR THIS TIME. I’m curious, what is Megatron’s human pet’s day to day life like? How do they get their food, water, do they bathe, do they have other clothes or do they just stay in the same ones? Where do they sleep, etc?

Took me a little bit to think about this one, but please, keep sending in more asks if you have any ideas for them! I enjoy writing about Transformers, even if I’m not too terribly active in the fandom at this moment (plus, Bayverse!Megatron deserves more attention, imo). Not proof-read.

When I think about the daily life of Bayverse!Megatron’s human pet, it isn't… awful, merely tolerable. When it comes to their living quarters, they take residency in Megatron's habsuite; perched upon a narrow bar of oxidized steel is their "room", haphazardly cobbled together using the remains of destroyed weaponry or deceased corpses of fallen cybertronian warriors; for comparison's sake, their resting chambers bare resemblance to a bird cage. Bed wise, it's likely whoever designed the prison didn't have a care for whatever stuffing the human!reader laid upon, so it's a combination of all sorts of shredded fabric or discarded wool. It isn't pristine either, it would have a noticeable odor that is quite putrid, but its softness was preferable over the unsanitary jagged edges of the floor. For where their "humble" abode is, the human!reader would reside in Megatron's habsuite. Far enough away to where the warlord has his own space, but close enough to his berth to where he could crush their feeble body should they attempt an escape.

The human!reader's food and water is, thankfully, covered, though I can't speak for the edibility of such nutrition. The food that would be fed to them would likely be whatever Megatron or the other Decepticons would deem "consumable without risk of immediate death", probably food scraps from the store that's about to turn rotten or maybe some other unorthodox stuff… I can't think of much here, so use your imagination. If the human!reader was particularly good, they'll maybe be rewarded with some "treats", think of fresh fruit or possibly even ice cream, but it isn't something they should grow accustomed to. For now, they'll be scraping off the bottom of the barrel. Water is okay, I guess. They'll just get a scrap bucket, fill it with whatever water is nearby, boil it to get rid of the nauseating parasites, then give it to the human. Easy!

This leads into the bathing situation. The human!reader gets a bath through one of two ways: their wounds are pretty severe and need to be cleaned or Megatron wants them to be presentable for their circus act. It's essentially the same way to get the water, as stated in the last bullet point, just the human would be picked up by their frail body and dunked into the bowl without a second thought. Better hope they can swim! Sadly, the human won't get any sense of privacy, as there will always be a Decepticon to monitor them to make sure they don't try to perform an escape attempt or to take their own life via drowning. 

Now, Megatron isn't one for dress up or looking "nice". Being a tyrannical dictator that's locked into a cataclysmic war doesn't allow such novelties, nor does having a barbaric mindset help either. But that doesn't mean he wants his pet to look absolutely appalling during their shows and acts - it takes the fun out of their humiliation. Likely he'll have a more fashionista Decepticon (cough) go out to hunt for a suitable attire for the human!reader's showing; pick a few that have hints of spice yet undeniable lure, bring them back to slap them onto the pet and bam. Perfect for the occasion! I can't say the outfit will come out unscathed however. More than likely it'll be another pile of scrap for the bed pile. Ah well. Besides that event, there is a high chance the human will be stuck in their same clothes, even if they're in dire need of cleaning. Maybe they could convince a Decepticon to go shopping for them… after all, there are a few who pity the poor doll.

And since you asked about the daily life of Megatron's pet… well, I imagine that there are a special few amongst the Decepticon cause that would be open, or at least semi-open, to having a discussion with the human. Megatron isn't always present, obviously, so despite having assigned a "pet sitter" to the human!reader, other Cons might have their curiosity peaked and take the opportunity to interact with the fleshling (much to the guardian's dismay… it's probably Barricade and he's sick of the sudden attention Megatron's pet is accumulating). Some aren't as cruel as others, offering some form of conversation, for their own benefit or out of good faith, who knows. Sometimes conversations could develop into hour-long talks about whatever bubbles within the mind, and it can be quite enjoyable for both the Con and the human - quite possibly a friendship blossoms. Which would always be cut short due to Megatron's arrival. Such a shame.

Being brought into this chaotic hellscape with nothing more than the clothes upon their skin, the human!reader, outside of their entertainment value and talks with a few of the Decepticons, would have to find a way to develop their own entertainment in order to not go insane. Sure, if Megatron was particularly generous one day, he'd throw the human!reader a bone and get them something as "idiotic and pointless" as a card or board game, but usually it's a mangled mess to where it was barely visible as a game anymore, so the human would have to put their noggin to work. Doesn't always want to function, but something is better than going out with a small whisper because of boredom.

[pillarsalt]

Hello Ms Pillarsalt, I feel awful at the thought of using you as a pseudo-therapist but I just don't know where else to turn (no one knows I'm gender critical) and you are extremely thoughtful and kind every time you answer asks.

I've become very good internet friends with who I suspected was a trans-identified woman and I just got confirmation of it today. She's sadly long since begun the "" medicalization"" process, but she uniquely has absolutely never mentioned her gender identity at all to me. She doesn't even do pronouns in bio, pronoun introductions, making trans headcanons in her fanart/works, nothing. She even completely ignored my noticing that the indie zine she writes (completely non-trans-related) oneshots for has a website that makes it very very clear they're by and for genderists (which caught me off guard when she sent me the link to it!) like it wasn't even A Thing Central To The Org she's part of.

She has so many common interests with me (which are very much fandoms that are mainly populated by gnc and/or trans-identified women), she's very kind, and we both really enjoy talking to each other for hours and hours. (I really do enjoy our talks, outside of the few times she says something misogynistic of the trans-ideology variety, like tying femaleness to femininity and sexualization "but because I'm *celebrating* it I'm progressive, serve cunt queen 💯 but the deep sense of despair I feel when that gets applied to me it must mean I'm not female, there's absolutely nothing inherently wrong with gender roles of course but the feminine one is just not for me", you know the deal.)

So I'm not at all conflicted about being friends with her from an interpersonal standpoint, I've never ever felt like I couldn't befriend trans-identified people because of my beliefs. (Exactly the opposite in fact! I hope that just being Me while being """cis""", and not at all mentioning my gc views ever, can be a positive influence to them!) But this is the first trans-identified friend I've gotten this close to and I was surprised to feel this deep sense of depression and despair about it. Like I feel this way knowing about how widespread misogyny is in general, but when it's affecting someone you know and care about it makes it more real. And less escapable.

It's hard to turn my brain off and not think about how her syntax and fandoms and idolization of male artists and characters to the point of roleplaying and cosplaying are so... female. Her analysis and interest of characters' relationships, her career, her hobbies in general, it's just female all the way down. And yet because it's not *feminine* (it's stereotypical gnc and/or autistic introverted female stuff) she must not be a woman. (I know the thought, I've had it myself.) Her voice is so deep I second-guessed myself about her being a woman at first, and now that I know she is for sure I fear so deeply for her health knowing what she must have done to get it that way. I guess it's possible she used a filter, it was a voice call, but I don't know.

It's just a special kind of despair to see her talk about the things that make her happy and now as she does, she's using that enjoyment as reinforcement that she can't be a woman. It's what all TIFs do (I know, I was one), I think it's partially why they get so invested in their fandoms (aside from likely being autistic, guilty again): indulging in their interests when, according to misogyny, they're "abnormal" for a woman to like, is like they're crafting a big Bat Signal saying "Look everyone, I can't be female, I like [X]!!!" as they do it.

I'm sorry, I'm rambling so much. I just intimately know and empathize with what my friend believes about herself and women as a whole. I want to help her, but because I was (almost) her once I *know* I can't. I can say "I'm being a good influence by being a gnc non-trans-identified woman ^w^" all I want but honestly I don't know if it works. I've never worn makeup or expressed hatred of my body, and yet my sister-in-law still wears a full face every day and got plastic surgery. I think someone has to want to change to be able to. Unfortunately.

I'm rambling again, sorry.

Like I said, on a person-to-person level, my friend and I are so fine. It's just depressing to be reminded of the pervasiveness of misogyny if I want to voice chat with her or see her. Or hear about her passions, knowing they're not just things she enjoys, but also "proof" of her non-female-ness to her. Even if I thought I could say something to change her mind, it'd be completely out of line to say it because she, again, never brings up her gender identity. I just don't know what to do. I love being friends with her, but I hate the misogynistic voyeur inside her that joins all our conversations.

Hi anon, no worries about venting here, I'm always happy to give some input but also don't forget I'm just some guy.

You seem to be a compassionate and intelligent person, and you obviously care a lot about your friend. I've been (and am currently) in similar situations like the one you've described, and I know how distressing it can be to try to balance both your concern for your friend, your moral conflict with their viewpoints, and trying not to offend them lest they push you away or accuse you of phobe crimes. There's no real great solution to your problem, I think you probably already know that.

People with deeply held beliefs are not going to be open to changing their minds if they aren't ready to do so yet. It does really suck not to be able to say what you're thinking, but in my opinion, the best thing to do is stay the course - keep doing what you're doing. Keep talking to her like you always have, show her she can trust you. There may be a reason why she never brings up trans-related topics with you; maybe she's already questioning the rhetoric behind the ideology? I know from my own experience and what I've heard from others, when you start questioning gender ideology, the first instinct is BAD THOUGHTS SHUT IT DOWN and to lean into it even harder. That's by design. But you can show her that you are a safe person to talk to about the Bad Thoughts. I know you said that you don't know if "being a good influence" works, and I'm sorry to hear about your sister-in-law. I really believe that modelling feminist behaviour does work to influence your female peers, but it might take her escaping bad influences first for her to realize the misogyny behind her thought processes. It might take years too, that's normal. I think pushing back on her sexist flawed logic without getting too overtly "terfy" could help too. Or you could throw in a "It's nice to see that so many woman are interested in [subject she thinks isn't for women] nowadays!" Anything that encourages self-reflection.

You said "I don't want it to have to be my responsibility, women's responsibility, to combat misogyny alone. But the unfortunate reality is that we're the only ones who care so we're the only ones who can make a difference," and it seems to me like you're taking it on yourself to fix this woman's misogyny problem on your own. Sometimes this just isn't possible. Ultimately, even though she's your friend, you aren't responsible for her actions. She's hurting herself, but only she can choose to stop, so you cannot blame yourself for not digging her out on your own. You're just one woman! Let go of your sense of obligation; you're doing what you can. And if her internalized misogyny gets to be too much for you, take a break and take care of yourself, it doesn't make you a bad feminist. Patience and understanding towards other women and towards yourself are the feminist practices to employ in this situation.

Be well and take care 💜

[livmondcole]

BYE 2O23

This year is finally coming to an end. A year that if I had to evaluate it and give it a grade I would not pass, even though it has improved in the last few months, but even so I have continued to have moments that I want to leave behind. One of the good things about this year has undoubtedly been using this account as I am using it now. It has helped me to escape from moments when my head couldn't cope, it has helped me to disconnect and have fun and, of course, to meet wonderful people here. You have no idea how happy you make me with all the content you provide every day. Stories that make me smile, enjoy, cry and suffer. Gifs, gif creators, what a shame I feel that people are not able to recognize the AMAZING work you do, without you any fandom wouldn't be the same, I'm so grateful that you make so many gifs to enjoy and remember.

To be able to chat with people from other countries and even learn because you can learn here too. You have made me very happy and I am very happy to have had the courage to turn this account into what it is now, although I had a lot of doubts about it because I felt that I should not be here, I overcame those thoughts and it has been one of the best things that has happened to me in this 2023. I can't thank you all enough for how you have helped me this year, from a gif of a certain boy with a patch to a story that I ended up crying over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could repay you in the same way with something but sadly I don't have your talent to do all those things, I can only thank you for being part of the best of my 2023. I wish you all a happy new year and that next year will be a brilliant one for everyone although I know if we're talking about fandom it's going to be a wonderful year for all of us.

With much love - L💋

[itsdragonfire13]

Young Justice Crossover Rec

Been reading Young Justice fanfics again and wanted to deliever some of my favorite crossovers with different fandoms. Almost none of these are on AO3, or at least I didn't find them on AO3.

Justice League/Justice League Unlimited

How to Outrun Death by Lore55 Website: Fanfiction.net

Summary: Being dead was different from what he'd thought it would be like. In fact, as far as Wally could tell death felt an awful lot like laying on the snow in an insulated, friction proof suit.

Chapters 22; WIP. This is like the fic of Wally being the JLU Wally it's one of my favorites and I re-read it a lot.

They're Us by Goldenbrook15 Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: When the Young Justice land themselves in another dimension by accident and then manage to escape the entire Justice League (who strangely don't know them at all) and flee into the world outside, Batman can only come to one conclusion, "They're us, from a different world."

Chapters 27; WIP. The author did post their outline for the fic in the last chapter explaining how it was going to end, so in a way it is 'complete'

Better Late by Kyogre Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: In Endgame, Wally accidentally transports himself a universe or four over, into a world where there is no Flash or Justice League. At least, not yet.

Chapters 10; Complete. This is a short but still good one

We Meet Again by Takebuo Ishimatsu Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: Young Justice is accidentally transported to another dimension in which their mentors have no idea who they are. Things get complicated. Fast. YJ cartoon crossover into a world similar to JL cartoon.

Chapters 5; WIP. It's so good, but sadly only 5 chapters, even if the chapters are pretty long.

Of Masters and Students by monroesherlock Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: The Young Justice team wakes up trapped in another universe, one where their team has never existed. It's up to them to prove themselves worthy all over again to a group of rather unwilling mentors. AU TeamFamilyCentric

Chapters 28; Complete. This has to be one of my all-time favorite of the original Team getting sent to another dimension fics. I always love when I re-read it.

Return Stroke by viecamille Website AO3

Summary: No one in Young Justice has ever heard of the Speedforce. No one on Earth-12 has ever heard of the Flash. Super-speed isn’t always an easy power to handle. None of these facts are conducive to Wally’s return home.

Or: Wally’s stranded, Dick’s haunted, the JL are confused, and superpowers have a tendency to drive physicists insane. Oh, and Wally West is a founding member of the Justice League now. Whoops?

Chapters 1 WIP; Only 1 chapter so far, but it was made in March and it's so good.

Catching Icarus by Fantasyfire Website AO3

Summary: A bad encounter with magic banishes Superboy into another world. Stranded, the Kryptonian clone must deal with a whole new league and a much different Superman.

Chapters 13 WIP; I'm only on ch3 but I really love how it's going the relationship that building between JLU Superman and Conner is top tier.

Teen Titans

Brick by Brick by HookahPop Website AO3

Summary:

The Team was just trying to tie up loose ends. The light had been defeated, so they needed to make sure they stayed down. Robin was never supposed to be caught in the blast.

The Titans were just going on a simple mission. Control Freak would take two minutes tops, then they'd go out for pizza. Slade wasn't supposed to interfere and single Robin out.

The two Robins switch places, and no one is prepared for the consequences.

Chapters 12 WIP; A fun birdflash one, but also it's 12/15 chapters, so close to being finished.

Avengers/Marvel

Child Soldiers by McKennaC Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: When the Avengers investigate an illegal lab that's putting off radiation similar to the Tesseract, they find three young boys from another universe. While trying to send them home, they discover that the kids have abilities that rival their own. How can they handle having three child heroes in the tower?

Chapters 17; WIP. This is set before the start of Young Justice, by a few years, when Robin, Speedy, and Kid Flash were the only sidekicks.

Away From Home by JJ100051 Website: fanfiction.net

Summary: During a run in with Klarion, Young Justice is sent to an alternate universe where the Justice League doesn't exist, But instead the unorganized and scattered avengers do. Inspired by the great Avengers movie and Sparked by Canaryhowl

Chapters 10; WIP. Fun to see how the team would hold up against SHIELD when they let loose.

[ladyvaderpixetc]

your top 15 favourite tv shows can say a lot about your personality

Tagged by the epically fab @lolahardy

this genuinely kept me awake a bit last night until I realised what was happening and stopped trying to recall every show that ever struck me right in the feels or shaped me lol and yes, I know no one asked for any reasoning behind it but when you've mulled it over all bloody day long, you feel like sharing :P

M*A*S*H - used to be on everyday at 7 and my mum had adored it when she was younger so brought me and my sister up on it, still makes me laugh and cry to this day.

Star Trek TNG (& Picard which might be cheating but really is just an extension all told) - loved all the Trek's, Honourable Mention goes to ToS because kid!me loved it so much, only to have TNG blow the roof off my head. Lt Cmdr Data was my first love and I am unashamed ;)

Red Dwarf - for many reasons but mainly Arnold Rimmer (more reliable than a garden Strimmer, he's never been mistaken for Yul Brynner - he's not bald and his head doesn't glimmer...) who my teenage self was certain could be redeemed with the power of love, or a very determined snogging if nowt else.

The Good Place - because I (and many of us) needed it as a concept, whether for personal growth, coping with grief or just cos 'forking shirtballs' never gets any less funnier for me.

Firefly - the best show to ever be cancelled before it's writer could ruin it. I adored the show and the ensuing film, mourned its early cancellation for YEARS until I heard about Whedon's general twattishness and what had been his intentions for the series and characters, now am happy it exists as it is, still problematic but so worthy in so many ways, and on that awkward note...

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - problematic on 800 gazillion levels in this day and age but still a forerunner of many awesome things to follow and I'd be lying if I said I hadnt been glued to it, obsessed with it, shipping folks, dling the soundtrack, buying the jewelry etc and even now if I see a reaction vid on YT for S5 I can't help myself but watch and weep along with them.

Merlin (BBC) - Umm'd and Ahh'd over this for bloody ages lol but it was my happy place (literally, had a run of bad years as have we all, so I'd watch an ep before bed every night to make me smile) and it got me through the difficulties I had right up to the finale where they took me and my happy place out back and shot it in the face in front of me lol. Despite my escapism route being put down in those heinous raw weeks immediately following a parents funeral, I'm still listing it here for being wonderful, silly, heartening and heartbreaking, whilst giving every last Fuck You to the writers for their surprise, abruptly canon-compliant ending.

Stargate SG1 - daft sci fi with it's heart trying hard to be in the right place plus eminently shippable characters in almost every combo going? Yes, please.

Heroes - because I was OBSESSED. It picked me up out of my OTP in a diff fandom (sorry drarry, I still love you honest) drained me of any and all urge to write for anything but them ever again until it got shat on by its own writers, breaking the spell.

Brooklyn 99 - NINE-NINE. *sadly doffs cap to Captain Holt*

King of the Hill - from a show I used to avoid when I was younger to one I ration myself viewswise so it won't lose it's impact. Superb.

Schitts Creek - only watched due to encountering a clip on tumblr of Moira's stonefaced manaical laughter and ended up crying with happiness over the finale, am an easy crier sure, but not normally because something is just so lovely.

Cheers - was only a kid when it finished but I bawled my face off when Sam said 'sorry, we're closed' (was too young to know it'd be repeated ad infinitum lol) and the opening theme still feels like coming home.

Golden Girls - sole reason D+ gets any money from me, the bastards, it was my only access for a bit there but it was worth it, lightyears ahead of it's time and just wonderful to boot.

Parks & Rec - somewhere my sister is elated with no clue why. Took her years to talk me into it, but having watched it on repeat a few times, I now can't live without Leslie, Ben & Ron.

Other honourable mentions (sorry I know, longpost, my bad) go to Quantum Leap for being a daily delight growing up, What We Do in the Shadows which would have made the list but I've only just got around to watching it and am only on S3 so have yet to find out if it's going to rip my heart out, Eerie Indiana for getting me started hyperfixationwise, Caroline in the City (S1-S3... S4? I don't know her - no seriously, I didnt realise for YEARS it didnt end at S3 and as this purported S4 fucked that up [supposedly] yeah I don't know her), The XFiles for my first actual foray into fandom & fanfic, and I know am missing another gazillion shows I'll remember later that seem much more worldshaping than these and I'll gnash my teeth lol so yeah *waves hand vaguely towards future me's frustrated rememberings* them too ;)

Tagging a) anyone who fancies a go should they feel like it, and b) [no pressure natch] @theangrykimchi @amazinmango @thesaltofcarthage @buckydunpun @kalika999 @gracerene @helaheim @dls-ao3 @emorgan5061 @bananaempanada

[blueinkphantom]

YOU DONT GET TO ESCAPE THE BINGO HELL. Dreamza, DNB, Awesamdream, Awesamdrunz, Drunz, Sampunz, DNF, Dreamnap, Doomsdaytrio (romantic), DNN, Dreambur, ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF. Do as many as you want. I await your opinions with delight

Happily :D this took awhile to write out especially cause braincells got lost for a bit. and due to length i put it all under "keep reading"

1. Dreamza:

I find the idea of them together funny but also at some point what was meant to be a joke turned to actually shipping them outside of any joke. Because listen i love admin c!Dream, and that with admin c!Phil can just lead to so soft moments especially post-prison here c!Dream gets assistance from c!Phil as long as Dream is accepting/tolerating it. And also i love winged c!Dream and c!Phil has his wings and just imagine them preening each other. Consider Dream's wings after prison pretty much in shambles and he hasn't preened them in so long cause it took time he could use for more important stuff and he also can't reach all places and Phil sees this and alarm bells ring in his head. Consider Dream slowly learning to trust Phil as he recovers in the arctic and at some point lets Phil near his wings to preen them and at the end of it he's so sleepy and tired and surprisingly comfortable that he just falls asleep leaning on Phil. (a few more dreamza thoughts might follow in the romantic Doomsdaytrio section) Not one of my favourite ships but definitely amongst those i love the most. I could read 100 fics about them. I love them.

2. Dreamnoblade:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM BECAUSE LISTEN THEY ARE PERFECT WONDERFUL PRECIOUS AIJDAKLSJKDFOKJSEFINSFE As noted by my blog title i am absolutely completely normal about rivals duo :D AND LISTEN THEY WOULD BE SO CUTE AND AMAZING AND GREAT TOGETHER LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN YOU CANNOT TELL ME THAT THEY WOULDNT BE ONE OF THE CUTEST AND WONDERFUL AND BESTEST COUPLES! I dont know if i already read 100 fics about them but i 100% would because listen THEM <3 I need so much more of them. I really hope i manage to write my one Dnb fic i have in progress right now soon. and listen listen listen imagine c!Dream crushing on c!Techno early on and c!Techno too and justjsnm, ndfksdnfvkdf I have many demons about them. If only my brain worked everytime i did then i could do more, write more about them. (and i nearly could mark it as Fandom once ruined them for me but thats just due to how some annoying people sent hate for shipping these two fictional characters.) They aren't canon except in my heart. They need to talk because i need to see them interact more. I love them so much. My favourite characters <3 Probably my favourite ship of all DSMP ships. They are already my favourite duo platonically and i dont see much of a difference between romantic and platonic due to aroaceness i think, so there's honestly no surprise

3. Awesamdream:

Love them. i need to hold gently and squish and put them in a box (ideally with a c!Punz). They would make each other worse but also i love to see scenarios where they could make each other better. I really really really love the flavour of Awesamdream you write. I could read 100 fics of it. They are unhealthy and i love them for it Sadly don't have many thoughts on them rn.

4. Awesamdrunz:

You sparked my love for them. You started my (mild) obsession with them. I need to put them in a box together and shake it. I would read 100 fics about them. I need more of them. Them just, them <3. Braincells have gotten lost when i went to write Awesamdrunz so it's pretty short.

5. Drunz:

My babies. My little guys. Im a sucker for characters that are them against the world basically. I’m a sucker for characters that get left by basically everyone except that one, the one that sticks by them, that doesn’t leave, that trusts them and follows them and gods the scene where c!Punz tells c!purpled about c!dream’s torture. THAT GUY WANTS TO AVENGE HIS BF AND IM HERE FOR IT! I need them to talk properly about their goals and still stick to each other after. I need them like a fish needs water. Them. One of my favourite ships no doubt. A bit below c!dreamnoblade if i had to rank them.

(I like Sampunz but i don't have many opinions on them rn outside of Awesamdrunz .-. or at least my brain doesnt remember any right now)

6. DNF:

*I don't like DNF that much.* Only under specific circumstances so this is going to be more negative. Willing to smash them together like Barbie dolls but mainly due to me wanting to give c!Dream as much love as i can via other characters. In this case romantic love via boyfriends. i dont really like c!george that much. i find him interesting but thats it. I would say the fandom has somewhat ruined it for me. Partly just due to the shippers that use the cc!dnf dynamic for c!dnf, the ones that focus so much on c!dnf for c!Dream (and ignore many other important relationships of him like with sapnap, punz, etc.) and some more reasons. All pretty small and petty reasons i think. They could probably make each other a bit better but it seems more likely to go the opposite route. I probably read 100 fics about them but not for the ship, just cause i found the story interesting so i dont count it.

7. Dreamnap:

HEAVILY underrated. They canonically fucked. In public. (as part of a treaty iirc but still). They’ve been friends since before the server. They both have a book with divine power (and I wish there had been more done with it). They both yearn for each other but one of them is too stubborn in his current belief and the other is too stubborn to stop the path he’s one. I need to shake them.

8. Dreamzablade aka romantic Doomsday trio:

:D So as above stated i already love Dreamza and Dreamnoblade. I also love Techza (though brain is very very focused on c!Dream so it's a bit more in the background). And i do love polycules because listen so many characters fit with so many characters and they have often two hands and a mouth and two feet and- you get the point i hope. Like with Awesamdrunz, i love mashing my favourite ships together to polycules so i obviously love Dreamzablade. I'd imagine the way they get together is Techza probably first. Decades long friendship with romantic feelings brewing and Phil is pretty nonchalent about it, asks Tech who blushes a bit and is happy. So they get together and then enter Dream. And Techno notices "ah, similar feelings to Phil. fuck." and Dream develops same feelings for Techno and Phil notices first that Dream has possibly the hots for Techno and Phil is a bit possessive and very much *this* and Dream finds it hot and then also develops feelings for Phil and is just fuck fuck fuck. Tries to avoid thinking about it but stuff happens and idk how yet but they all get together. Phil notices how Dream finds his possessiveness hot and finds it amusing. and listen listen listen consider them all cuddling together. and consider with shapeshifter c!Dream who unconciously shifts to have traits of his loved ones and his small wings he has from the parrot and c!Bad gets bigger due to c!Phil, and he has hooves like a piglin and consider them cuddling and Phil has a wing over both of them, Dream has his either tucked in or also somewhat around the two and Techno is very much enveloping them both. I think i can confidently state that i love Dreamzablade as much as Awesamdrunz i should maybe find my one dreamzablade AU again and draw something for it or write

9. Dreamnotnap:

They are a package deal. They've been bestfriends and they've been hurt and split and i need to shake sense into c!snf (and technically also a bit c!Dream but mainly snf) i think they deserve to hold hands and kiss and fuck and also cry into each other's arms because they miss each other but they are so far split it’s probably gonna take an act of god to get them to talk more peacefully. Maybe put them in a box. Sam should put them in a box to talk. Consider AU where George and Sapnap get trapped in the prison with Dream for a bit. I could read 100 fics about them getting back together and become boyfriends. Or AUs where c!Sap and c!George stick with c!Dream and don’t basically abandon him.

10. c!Hannah x c!Dream:

i can't really explain why but just *gestures vageuely* them. Its probably partly cause i really like c!Hannah. And i like shipping characters together that i like. Also both like roses.

Besides c!Sampunz I also skipped c!dreambur. Don’t really have many thoughts on that ship besides Dont Like It, Hiss

[dropintomanga]

Do You Revisit to Heal?

When it comes to a new year, everyone's talking about doing new things and resolutions to become better. But what if revisiting stuff can actually help you a lot more?

I was inspired by two posts I read - Japan Powered's The Value of (Re)watching and (Re)reading and Use Your Damn Skills' "Comfort TV and trauma recovery". The first post talked about how it's okay to look at past stories you were interested in back in the day. There may be times where you might cringe, but you might get a better appreciation of what that story meant for you at the time. The second post focused on how adults who grew up feeling neglected as kids turned to and rewatch comfort TV a lot to escape whatever trauma they were going through.

On the subject of rereading and rewatching, I've been thinking a lot about revisiting Gintama and Fullmetal Alchemist. Both are considered two of the top most popular manga ever by Japanese audiences. Both series have amazing characters and stories that resonate with readers. I remember a great deal of lines and moments from FMA and Gintama. Even back then, I re-watched and/or re-read those two series to a great degree. Nothing else mattered.

Compared to now, where there's so much manga released, I sometimes wonder because of the amount of manga out there, nothing seems to stick in my head as much. Although I love current hits like Chainsaw Man, there's nothing about them (yet) that brings out a sense of emotional catharsis that I feel compared to when I read something older like Fullmetal Alchemist. Or should I say, most manga haven't hit me as hard. I nowadays get that from video games.

But when I think about it, I'm a different person back then compared to now. While I think it's a good thing, you can lose something during the process.

I want to now address "comfort TV and trauma recovery." I've used anime and manga to "escape" depression. I've also used them as outlets to process feelings that I never told people at the time. I think the beauty of revisiting your favorite series is that everything is predictable when out in the real world, not everything sadly goes your way.

I sometimes wonder if I'm doing this with playing K-Pop songs over and over again. They take me back to a place where I know for certain that I'll be feeling great. Those songs take me back to my younger years when I wanted to be a DJ and blast music at parties with no drama. People piss me off and while I'm able to resolve interpersonal situations at times, I just feel mentally fatigued and sometimes scared over how some people behave. What if my emotional wounds led me to get sucked into fandom in the first place?

There's a lot of value to revisit things you liked back then. Every work has lessons to learn. Every story reminds us of how human we are. We need other people to share stories in order to feel that we matter in the grand scale of things. You also might learn something new when you revisit a story due to your own changes in perspective.

I'm always looking back into my memories as a hardcore fan when I was a teen to young adult. It's been fun. I realized how grateful I am to be able to experience those joys even when they weren't accepted as they are now. Maybe I didn't have as many friends to share those interests with at the time, but I know being involved in fan interests helped slowly shape the way I wanted to view life and act around people.

I hope it's the same for you guys. No one should shame you for revisiting older works. What's important is they help you feel alive and make certain parts of life worth revisiting years down the road.