#and that would be a hilarious bit of miscommunication...

[awlwren]

[id: comic featuring Luke and Han post-Endor. Luke (with the caption "He forgot Han doesn't know") while telling a story says, "When I fought my father on the Death Star--"

Han breaks in, hands on his hips. "I thought you fought Darth Vader on there??" Luke (offscreen): "Yeah..."

Han is very confused, trying to make things fit.

The panel behind him turns red as his eyes go shocked and his mouth flat, and he thinks, 'Wait a kriffing second']/end id.

They never show on screen Han finding out Luke and Leia are Vader’s children. I would pay to see that happen. Bro just got out of carbonite, the wounds are still fresh

knowing luke he probably just dropped it accidentally

(commission info // tip jar!)

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

You and Eddie get into an argument about the girl he's giving guitar lessons too. Angst, misunderstandings and bad communication ensues.

Warnings. Mdni. 18+ only, angst. Miscommunication and misunderstandings. Idiots in love. Jealousy.

💞

You and Eddie had been together for a few months and up until this point you had never had a cross word.

He had been giving some girl guitar lessons, her name was Britney and she was gorgeous, amazingly cool and hilarious.

Tonight you had walked in on them laughing together and looking all cosy. Something in you kinda broke inside, it was ridiculous because you knew Eddie would never cheat, but you still felt your stomach bottom out.

Hearing Eddie gush about Britney and how metal she was and was like a rockstar on the guitar didn't help either.

You weren't proud of it but you were quiet and a little less warmer than you'd usually be and when Britney made excuses to leave, you were left wracked with guilt.

Eddie had rounded on you asking ''Why were you being such a bitch?" and that had made you even more pissed and the argument ensued.

"I'm sorry that walking in on my boyfriend looking so fucking cosy with someone else put me in a bad mood" you bite back at him and Eddie's big brown eyes darken in rage.

"You're being fucking ridiculous right now you know that?" it hurt hearing Eddie say that and you lashed out without thinking about what you were saying.

"Oh so I'm ridiculous because I hate seeing some girl make gooey eyes at my boyfriend, I'm such a bad girlfriend for being a little bit wary" Eddie shakes his head and the temperature in the room turns colder.

"Or it's obvious that you don't fucking trust me. So if you don't trust me then what's the fucking point?" your breath hitches and there's a deep pit of gloom and dread, in your stomach.

"Are you breaking up with me?" you whimper and want to take back everything you said, tell him that of course you trust him but you're so stunned, your heart is breaking.

Without another word you storm out before Eddie can confirm your worst fears.

❤️

Instead of going home you go straight to Nancy's who immediately digs out some ice cream and let's you cry out all the heartache, you both stay up most of the night but end up crashing around 5am.

Nancy is ready up and getting ready for school, you have the worst headache and just want to sleep a little longer so she leaves you to sleep, brings you up some pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice that Mrs Wheeler kindly made up for you.

In return you help her around the house, trying anything to take your mind of your heartache about Eddie.

When Nancy comes back home she gently explains that Eddie has been calling you and is worried that you haven't answered.

"I think you need to listen to what he has to say honey, he looks a wreck, I think he's driving Mike and the rest of the kids here after Hellfire so if you want to wait"

Nervously you nod and try to calm your anxious mind that Eddie is going to break up with you for good.

By the time that you hear Eddie's van and he's parked outside, you're on tenterhooks. Eddie looks like he's barely slept, his hair is messier than usual and he has the saddest look in his beautiful brown eyes.

That look makes you want to burst into tears there and then. You hate that you're the cause.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry, his voice is rougher than normal, his hands are shaking and you reach out to steady them.

"I'm sorry too Eddie. I was a bitch and rude and of course I trust you, I trust you with my life and I hate that I made you think otherwise" his eyes fill with pain and he swallows.

"I shouldn't have called you a bitch. I've been a mess since you left and I was worried as shit when you weren't answering your phone, Mike told me you stayed here last night with Nance so I knew I would come here as soon as I could"

The tension slowly begins to leave your body and you feel soothed as Eddie pulls you in his arms

"Also Britney has just started dating Gareth, she was learning guitar to impress him and I was teaching her how to play his favourite song."

Fuck. "I'm so sorry Eddie" he softens and kisses your forehead.

"Even if she was interested I don't care. I'm not interested in her. How could you think I'd want her or anyone when I already have the most amazing, beautiful princess"

A warm fluttery feeling pools in your belly and you cuddle into Eddie and peer at him sadly.

"I just got insecure when you talked about how badass Britney was on the guitar and how metal she was" Eddie strokes your cheek and you melt into his touch.

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I didn't realise that was bothering you. Honestly yeah she's metal and pretty badass at the guitar but she's not you. She's not the one I'm head over heels in love with. You are"

"Oh" well shit, you'd definitely fucked up and misread everything. This is the first time Eddie has said I love you. It's a big deal for him, you know that and it is for you too.

"I'd never cheat on you or hurt you princess, I'm so in love with you" Tears roll down your cheeks and you kiss him fiercely.

"I love you too Eddie, I should have tried better at communicating with you" You sigh and cuddle into him, feeling calmer than you have in days.

"We both should learn to communicate better" he corrects you and you nod. It feels like a weight has been lifted of you.

"I really should apologise to Britney too" he hums in agreement.

"She thinks your really cool by the way and she put up with me constantly gushing about you"

Shit. Yeah you definitely have to apologise. In fact you make that your next mission first thing on Monday morning.

For now you were just going to bask in Eddie's love for a little while.

Britney as it turns out is a total sweetheart about the whole thing when you speak to her first thing on Monday and excitedly tells you about her dates with Gareth and how she played him the song Eddie taught her.

Not only do you gain the start of a friendship with Britney but you and Eddie are more in love than ever.

🫶

[brucewaynehater101]

DUDE.

WHAT IF BRUCE THOUGHT THE RED HOOD WAS JOKER JUNIOR???

Oof. I am seriously vibing with this idea, but you'd have to change the timeline around a bit. JJ was a kid, and RH is built like a shit brick house. So, there would need to be a few years (maybe 4) between their appearances. I vibe with the hc that Tim was tortured as Tim Drake (not Robin) and escapes Batman's custody before Bruce can figure out. Bruce didn't know how old JJ was, partial due to all the face makeup, but put the upper estimate at 13 (Tim was maybe 10).

It would be hilarious if Bruce kept saying comments like "You've grown so much," or "Just cause you're angry at what your father's done doesn't mean you have to do this." The amount of miscommunicated would be hilarious.

Jason thinks Bruce knows that he's Jason and is weirdly talking about himself in third person. Bruce thinks RH is JJ grown up and taking revenge (which is accurate besides the JJ part).

Then we have Tim just chilling as Bruce and Jason keep miscommunicating.

When Jason, who thought Bruce knew, just casually takes off his helmet or something, Bruce does the equivalent of a bluescreen. His first words are not about how glad he is that Jason's back or anything like that. No. Instead, he says, "But Jason was Robin at the time of JJ and thus couldn't have been him."

[babyleostuff]

Hi!! I rlly love your fics and i saw your requests are open so can i request svt with idol reader that gets shipped with another idol that reader is friends with?? Like what would their reaction be I hope this isn’t too much thank youuu !!

idol partner gets shipped with another idol | OT13

I'm SO sorry you had to wait so long for this one, but I've just started my vacation and wanted to take some time off. Still, I hope you enjoy this one <3 !

☾₊ ⊹ currently playing: i miss you, i'm sorry by gracie abrams

𓆩♡𓆪 CHOI SEUNGCHEOL 

As a leader and an idol himself, he’d know that there was nothing he could do about it. Of course, he’d be jealous and very protective of you, but I think for the most part he’d be sad. Sad because HE’S the one you're supposed to be shipped with, HE’S the one that’s supposed to show you off 24/7, HE’S the one who should be allowed to share your adorable face on Weverse with his fans. But in the end, he would be very mature about the situation and keep your relationship as low-key as he could, still showing how much he loves you in every way possible. 

𓆩♡𓆪 YOON JEONGHAN 

For the most part, Jeonghan wouldn’t really have a problem with you being shipped with other idols - friends or not. He knows that situations like these might occur, so he’s ready for any new headlines with you and someone else's face in it, but it usually never really bothers him. Sometimes, especially if he’s feeling particularly insecure, it might slightly get to him. He will always tell you about it though, he doesn’t want to keep any of his emotional insecurities from you, nor cause any miscommunication that might arise from such a situation. 

𓆩♡𓆪  HONG JOSHUA 

Does not care. He is very confident in the relationship that you have, he trusts you with his life, so there is no reason for him to be jealous of someone else that you’re getting shipped with. He knows that there is no point in doing so because if he were to focus on silly stuff like shipping he would spend all his energy on that instead of you. So in his mind, let them ship you with whoever they want to because at the end of the day, he’s the one you’re going back to. 

𓆩♡𓆪  WEN JUNHUI 

In the beginning of your relationship when situations like that happened, he would get a little bit sad and distance himself from you for a while. You’d tell him every single time that he’s the only one that you love and want and that you would never choose anyone else over him. Thanks to your reassurance with time he stopped paying attention to any “shipping news”, realising that they’re a lot of bullshit anyways. It’s not like you’d run away with a random dude from the headline you’ve never even met.

𓆩♡𓆪  KWON SOONYOUNG 

Might get a bit insecure and a bit sad. He would try to put on a brave face for you, not wanting to add any more worries for you, knowing that you wouldn’t REALLY leave him. But inside, he couldn't stop the insecurities from getting to him. Every time he’d see any new news with you and another idol, he’d be really torn and full of worry, especially if it was a friend of yours. What if one day you decide that he’s better than him and leave? You’d quickly realise how sad your boyfriend seemed and get him back to his usual self with a lot of reassurance and kisses.  

𓆩♡𓆪   JEON WONWOO

Nah, he doesn’t care. He knows that you're his and he’s yours, period. There is no point in dwelling on stuff like that, he knows that it’s bound to happen eventually, both to you and him. Sometimes you’d even laugh about the absurd shipping and dating rumours, finding it hilarious how you could be accused of dating someone you haven’t even met before. If you were shipped with one of your friends, the situation wouldn't be that much different, he’d be just a bit more touchy with you in the presence of your friend, reassuring himself that you weren’t going anywhere. 

𓆩♡𓆪  LEE JIHOON

Another one that wouldn't bat an eyelash. Does not care in the slightest. You’re both very confident in the relationship that you have, you trust each other and always talk about any insecurities you have when it comes to your relationship, so there is no reason for him to be jealous of you. Both of you find the rumours hilarious, making some kinds of bets on who's going to be the next person you’d get shipped with. You’d turn these situations into games, making fun of it and not taking it seriously whatsoever. 

𓆩♡𓆪  XU MINGHAO 

Couldn't care less. He finds the whole “shipping” concept funny, because how can people ship you with someone you just GLANCED at? And you’re supposed to be in love just because you looked at each other? Please. He knows the consequences of your jobs, that you’d get shipped with other idols, so you both had to be ready for any new rumours that were bound to happen. He would be the one to reassure you every time anything happened, that he is IN LOVE with you and nothing could make him leave you. 

𓆩♡𓆪  KIM MINGYU 

Even though he trusts you COMPLETELY and tries explaining himself that you wouldn’t leave him, he’d get sad and really heartbroken. He’d be pouting every time he’d see any new news of you being shipped with a new idol, getting a bit insecure about himself. He’d try to cover his emotions about the situation around you, trying to be strong and unbothered, but you’d know immediately how he was feeling. You’d baby him and kiss him endlessly, telling him that he’s the only one you love. If you were shipped with an idol friend though, he’d be VERY touchy with you around him, showing him that you were only his. 

𓆩♡𓆪  LEE SEOKMIN 

Another one that would need a bit of reassurance. In general, he wouldn’t spend that much time focusing on any rumours or scandals that might occur because of shipping, but from time to time he’d need a bit of extra love from you. It happens usually when he’s away on tour or doing promotions when thousands of kilometres are between you two and he can’t be with you in person. He’d try to distance himself, but you’d know immediately what was going on. You’d stay on FaceTime for hours before one of you didn’t fall asleep, and you’d text a lot, more than usual, trying to silently reassure him that he’s it for you. 

𓆩♡𓆪 BOO SEUNGKWAN 

Soooo dramatic. Wouldn’t be jealous, but a bit angry. Not on you of course, but on the people shipping you with other idols. He knows it’s normal in the field of your work, but non the less, gets so annoyed every single time. He’d walk around your apartment with his phone in his hand and talk his head off, about the edits and photos he’d seen on his feed, bitching on the people that made them. Just because you breathed around another man doesn’t mean you’re in love. In the end, he would still seek a bit of reassurance from you, which you’d happily grant him - kisses and cuddles always brightened his mood. 

𓆩♡𓆪 CHWE VERNON 

He wouldn’t even know that you were being shipped with anyone. “Babe, did you I’m being shipped with Wonwoo?”. “What? 🧍” Neither of you cared about the rumours, you didn’t even bother checking any headlines or news. Jealousy wasn’t a big thing in your relationship, as you both had a big trust in each other and the communication between both of you was at its finest, so there were no reasons to feel any insecurities or doubts. If you were shipped with any of your friends, you’d just laugh about it, not making it a big deal. 

𓆩♡𓆪  LEE CHAN 

He would reassure you that he didn’t care every time you’d get shipped with other idols, but you knew he was actually sad about it (as if the big pout on his face wasn’t the biggest giveaway). You would give him a lot of kisses, telling him again and again that he was the only one you loved. Then, when all of his doubts were gone, he’d laugh with you about the situation. You’d probably go on TikTok and make fun of all of the absurd edits of you and the person you got shipped with. Even when you were sure he wasn’t feeling bad about it anymore, you’d give him some extra kisses, just in case. 

[theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin]

How do you write comedy? I am lost and confused about how to be funny.

I am so flattered, unbelievably so, but also mostly stunned that people would consider me funny enough to be any kind of expert. Thank you, anon.

Though I'm going to say I am not an expert on comedy, and I can only speak for myself here, everyone is more than free to disregard.

That said--

At least for me, it's something I have a hard time putting into words of what's funny and what isn't. I can say "yes" and "no" to something I've written or read, but I can't tell you exactly why. I have no set formula of "if I do this, this, then this, the punchline will be fucking hilarious".

And note a lot of people disagree with me on what is and isn't funny. There's a lot of things people think are hilarious that I'm not too hot on. Friends comes to mind, I have never been able to get into Friends and people I know LOVE IT. I also love It's Always Sunny, which is well-acclaimed--but it's also a show that's not for everyone because it centers around such mean dirtbags of human beings. This isn't a bad thing, to each their own, but it is also something to keep in mind. You're never going to be funny to everyone.

Figure Out What You Like

But I think that's the best advice I can give: figure out what you find funny and try to think of why. What have you watched, and especially what have you read, that's fucking hilarious. The reading bit is important because writing is a completely different medium, and there's no direct translation from different mediums to it. Maintaining the joke with adaptations is difficult and requires a lot of thought about pacing and how it comes across.

But if you first figure out what you've read that's funny, you can then begin to ask yourself why and also how the writer pulled it off.

One thing I'm fond of, which is a reoccurring thing in pretty much everything I've written because I can't help myself, is miscommunication and a lack of introspection.

Character A has some internal goal 1 that for various reasons, mostly due to internalized conflict and stress as well as outside pressures, they must disguise as goal 2. Character B, on the other hand, genuinely has goal 2, and has no idea that Character A thinks any differently.

Therefore, Character A is in an increasingly desperate spiral trying to maintain the illusion that they want goal 2, which turns out to be diametrically opposed to what they really want of goal 1, while Character B either has no fucking idea or is slowly wondering "Does... Character A really want goal 2? They have to. Why would they lie about this? That's ridiculous".

I love that shit.

Some of the funniest stuff in the world to me.

Other things include Character A is in an awkward situation, some terrible polite nonsense, but they can't leave because then everyone would think they're rude, so they have to pretend they're enjoying themselves at this stupid dinner party, oh god.

And then the good old reliables like "Character A is confidently and consistently wrong and--oh--oh no--you want--hm--Character A has to prove it right now? Right here? In front of a national audience? And everyone genuinely believes Character A is the world's best expert because Character A has been bragging about this for months. Well." or even just "Character A says something so, so, stupid".

Never underestimate the comedic power of someone saying something really, really stupid.

But that's me, figure out what makes you laugh and try to figure out what it is about it.

Keep Characters Consistent/The Joke is in Service of the Story

This one's a bit more specific, and obviously people are free to disagree, but comedy works best when you know where you are and who's there.

Even for things that rely on a lot of gags like old Looney Toons, it works because Bug's Bunny, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner, everyone is consistent.

If someone acts outside the realm of what they'd naturally do just for the sake of a joke, the joke doesn't work, it falls flat. It becomes "he would not fucking do this" and your audience just gets distracted.

Similarly, you can have a great joke going on, and it can even deviate from the plot/not wholly be necessary, but that has to be done very carefully otherwise it comes off feeling pointless and unnecessary. It shouldn't turn the characters into people they're not, and shouldn't take the audience so far out of the story they feel like they were slapped with a wet fish.

Don't Write Too Much but Don't Write Too Little

Timing is everything in comedy. A great joke can fall apart if it isn't delivered correctly.

Of course, "write gud" applies to everything else like prose, dialogue, and narrative, it's not exactly groundbreaking advice--but in terms of comedy for me the thing to watch for is a) if the joke takes too long/is explained in too much detail b) if it's not explained enough and the reader misses it.

In the case of (a), in writing, a joke can easily get bogged down by words. I can't tell you what is and isn't too many words, but it's one of those things you know when you see it, mainly that there's so much on the page that the readers forget the joke even happened. It gets buried which kills the joke.

The joke also dies if you repeat it too much, if in the prose or dialogue it consistently comes up and is reused, not so much as a running gag but a "did you get the joke?!" It's surprisingly easy to do and something to always watch out for.

However, in the case of (b), you have to have enough words on the page to convey the joke to the audience. You don't want to bury it or treat your audience like idiots, but they also do have to have enough to go on to realize a joke happened.

TL;DR

Watch and read stuff, learn by example

[shu-box-puns]

OH TO SHOW TSU’TEY HUMAN CUSTOMS UGH

this man would nawt be able to comprehend how many languages we have, or just how complex they can be; “wdym there’s a language of pictures? 🤨”

MUSIC OMG MUSIC he would deffo be intrigued by classical, but his ears would flatten once something like heavy metal comes on shuffle and you try to stifle your laughter; “why would you listen to someone scream? they’re saying words??”

DANCING i wanna tango this bitch or grind on him (his eyes would be BULGING at a lap dance, but that tail would be a thump-a-thumping), or something a bit more cute along the lines of slow dancing

proposing to him :( his partner wants to mate with him as they would on earth, so they get down on one knee, neck STRAINING, and holding out a ring that he glances at with a beating tail behind him; “what is this” “i’m proposing, you idiot. accept it before something eats me out here” he’ll eventually accept the ring (do they wear rings? if not, he will struggleeee to get used to it, but finds comfort in playing with it) and nearly hisses when his partner asks if he’d prefer something else. jake nearly toppled over when he sees it and is now wondering if he’s supposed to be doing this with his own mate

AHHHH I LOVE THISSSSS!!!!! ANON, THIS IS BLOODY AMAZING!

Tsu'tey would be so intrigued to hear more about your life on Earth, even if he's a little grumpy about it in the beginning. But once you've warmed that man up, he wants to know EVERYTHING! He is hungry to know more about you. I like to think he's nosy just like Mo'at but he's more subtle about it. As in he's more careful about how he pries information out of you, whilst Mo'at will just straight up demands what she wants to know, whether you plan to tell her or not she will find a way.

Maybe Tsu'tey overhears you or a co-worker speaking in a language that he doesn't recognise and that opens a whole new conversation about Earth and how there are about 7000 spoken languages back on Earth. And of course he's nothing short of impressed. He's like "what do you mean you know English, Na'vi and (insert however many other dialects here)?!"

(Bonus points if Reader learnt Na'vi on duolingo or some na'vi speaking app they found in the app store instead of going through an intense learning course run by Grace).

I feel like the music and dancing would come hand in hand. And you'd test out what he likes by playing him random genres whenever he visits the lab. And depending on if his tail wags or if his ears flatten you can pretty much guess what he likes and dislikes, even though he pretends to be neutral about everything. I feel like anything with a strong beat would have him craving to dance regardless of whether he feels he can let himself or not.

As for slow dancing, there's a height difference, but that's easy enough to get round since Tsu'tey has no issue holding you and fumbling the steps on his own whilst you sway together and let the music set the mood.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, if you get this man flowers, he will not at all get your intentions and think you just don't know which flowers are useful. Where you might be thinking, "I picked these because they're as beautiful as your eyes," Tsu'tey is having a mild panic attack because that specific species of flower has a pollen that could down an ikran in seconds, and the only reason you're not dead yet is because you have an exomask on. Whereas if Tsu'tey inhales any of that he'll be seeing Eywa instead of romantic gestures.

The miscommunication between human courtship and na'vi courtship would be hilarious to anyone who's familiar with both, and painful to either party who thinks their S/o is being dumb.

THE PART ABOUT THE RING!!! HELL YES! Of course you're mated by na'vi standards, and to be fair, you also have to be married by human standards. Tsu'tey will weave that ring into a custom necklace to have it on him at ALL times, and although he has no desire or access to metals, he's definitely off to find a pretty rock to whittle into a ring in return.

[thebuckybarnesvault]

Not a Fairy Tale Kiss Catch-up

I've been a bit busy the last many updates (edit: way more than I realized) of NAFTK by @azriona so I was reading them in the small moments between life so here are my chapter-by-chapter thoughts starting after Team Dinner (which is the last thing I remember commenting on and I can't find evidence otherwise) through chapter 47. (Note: I tried to keep this to the thoughts I had at the time I originally read each chapter so if there are comments that seem like I should know the answer to/how that went by now, that's why.)

Chapter 38

I entirely forgot that no one other than Bucky and the Reader knew about Project Springboard that being said I feel like Steve is being kind of hard on Bucky here (Reader too kinda, but mostly Bucky). The pair did everything he could to protect themselves and my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) was that he wasn't even thinking about Springboard when the pollen incident was going on. I really appreciate that everyone else very much has her back about staying in the field until she's either ready to or required to leave. Natasha saying "You can have this kid in the field, as far as I'm concnerned." was simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. Tony continuing to do his best to be supportive warms my heart and I'm really looking forward to how he progresses.

Chapter 39

OMG THEY'RE FINALLY TALKING!! COMMUNICATING!!!! YESSSSS!!!! I'm especially glad she's getting a moment to explain her nightmare - that little bit of miscommunication has been very frustrating for me as a reader (in a good way). I also loved hearing her voice her other fears (even the silly one about the kid being a New Yorker/liking the Yankees) - it's a really nice look into her character and interesting to read as someone who wants to be a mom one day.

Jarvis' Locked Door Protocol (with stats) is hilarious, and I am here for it, please use it again in future. It was further made funny by the Readers taking advantage of Jarvis to make her point about being kidnapped and possibly grounding the whole team to make a point. What stat(s) does the amazing end of this chapter contribute to for the LDP?

Also, protective Bucky is Best Bucky "And I sure as hell wouldn't be rational if they got their hands on either of you" I swooned a little bit on the inside when I read that.

Chapter 40

Jarvis is a little shit, definitely programmed by Tony Stark

The "I don't want to just be friends" speech he made had to be one of the most romantic things I've read up to this point.

She felt the baby!!! *happy sobs*

Chapter 41

Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'pillow talk', but the fact Bucky has been thinking about their relationship (even if he near refused to talk about it previously ) AND thought about it in the context of the time he's living in and what Reader would want is amazing and I love this bit of his character (partially because it's not one I've seen much if at all in accidental pregnancy fics with Bucky as the dad). What makes this extra interesting is seeing the Reader process in real time what she wants for their relationship since she's held so tightly to the promise that she and Bucky originally had with each other to just stay friends. The dichotomy is fabulous, and I love it.

Also, Bucky's faith in the Reader and her ability to be her no matter what is very heartwarming and him using her own words against her is absolutely not cheating.

Chapter 42

Them taking bets on who'll figure it out first (as if all of them hadn't already, which they did) is so cute but also Bucky would be walking into that dinner with absolutely no shame even if it was in his mission clothes. And Romantic Bucky? Hell yes please!

Steve just appearing out of seemingly nowhere gave me life this chapter, it got a legitimate giggle out of me and Bucky getting the shovel talk from his own bestie was hysterical. That being said, one of these days I NEED to know what Steve said to Bucky (please?).

Sam setting Steve right about things he missed while in the ice is cannon for me in all timelines and I appreciate seeing it here, even if it's more from a historical context perspective since it seems like Steve was never going to permanently keep her from field work.

Bucky: *Admits he wants to propose again later*

Bucky, immediately after: Welp time for Team Dinner can't miss it! Bye!

Chapter 43

“What’s the difference between canoodling and making out?” you ask Bucky one day. “The expression on Steve’s face when he finds out we’ve been doing either, mostly,” says Bucky.

This is cute and so funny but I do wonder the difference between the expressions. Is canoodling a little blush while canoodling has a greater undercurrent of "get a room" discomfort or?

Clint being loud as he comes into rooms/around blind feels very Dad Behavior Coded and I am Here For It.

I'm enjoying Tony's response and, honestly, I think he's handling the sort-of-officialization of Reader's & Bucky's relationship really well for him.

I think the characterization things I appreciate the most about this chapter are 1) that you didn't give Bucky the spartan barely adorned room he has in most fics. The fact he has so many books that he has to clear them from his bed to sleep (relatable) and that he has art and posters on his walls is amazing and I love that for him. And 2) that he's open and willing to share his past with the Reader, granted, they are in a well-established relationship by this point but that's still not something I see as often as I think we should (also parts of it made me tear up how dare you).

I'm glad to see Arnie get some love and am excited to see what you do with him.

Chapter 44

The Old Man Bucky jokes just keep getting better and better. Thank you.

This chapter made me crave tacos. (I ended up making burritos the evening this came out, actually).

The laptop proximity alarm didn't bother me until you then said "Because the plan to keep you close to the front lines, but not immediately on them, has worked like a charm. You’re close enough to be helpful, and being on-site means you aren’t flailing to keep up like you are when you’re on the comms. And no one’s caught on yet. Well. Once, but everyone agrees that was just bad luck and you tranqued the goon almost immediately so all’s well that ends well, right?" what when my own personal "Oh shit" alarm started going off. I was (rightfully so) anxious for the rest of the chapter.

"Uh-oh" There it is. Queue the most anxious several minutes of my life, made worse by the conversation the AIM goon has on the phone (sus), with the added anxiety of wondering how Bucky feels after he solves the problem.

Chapter 45

Bucky comforting the Reader while he also "glares at anyone who doesn't come bearing tacos" is amazing, thank you for that visual.

Considering what she's done to stay on the team/in the field, the Reader's ability to bite the bullet and own up to the fact she knows that AIM was after her (meaning she's likely going to be out of the field from here out) is amazing and I love her more for it. Especially since in the midst of it, Nat is like okay problem identified (the not blinking morse code/trying not to cry/fear response bit) we'll train on that and her commitment to keeping Reader in the field/keeping her ready for when she does come back makes me SO HAPPY!

Bonus kudos to making good on that buried lead from the AIM goon's phone call last chapter - that shit gave me chills, both times.

Changing of the Guard (ficlet)

I'm not sure if this is the Tony-centric one-shot you mentioned in late December but it still Blew Me AWAY!

I enjoyed Tony's points for/against "Barnes" that he has going on in his head like a little pros and cons list.

"There’s no tech in the world that can keep either of them safe from themselves." Why must you hurt me like this?

I know that it's literally the title of the ficlet but the fact Tony has grown (both outwardly and in the background) enough that he manages to go from 'I'm off to be her shoulder to cry on and help pick her up to' being able to be 'Bucky's got this for now' is amazing (even if he does listen in on most if not all of their conversation).

Also (jumping to the end a bit here)- Bucky somehow having the presence of mind to go 'Tony's probably losing his shit right now' and offering to take her over to the lab to see him, acknowledging BOTH that it would make Tony feel better AND might help get Reader into a better headspace is 100%, *chef's kiss*, perfection.

Tony and Bucky's relationship (what it is and could be) fascinates me in any iteration but the way you write it is so nuanced that it's one of the few versions where it feels right, striking that balanced begrudging acceptance that could one day be better that I think they could have had in (MCU) cannon given enough time (and good writing).

On that note Bucky trying to keep it together for the Reader followed up by "I. Would. Have. Found. You. " & "There's no where I wouldn't go - no one I wouldn't become - to keep you safe" broke my heart and stitched it back together again.

Chapter 46

Your chapters that start with nightmares/dreams are the most ominous but for this one in particular - are some of those flashes (particularly the ones that seem to be from childhood) memories? And if so, are they to some extent suffering from what Wanda did all those chapters back? (No, I haven't forgotten about Wanda I'm living in mild suspense/fear of her return.)

The Indian food may not sound good to her but it sounds great to me....

The paparazzi are evil in all universes.

"...being too stubborn to know when to quit is why you’re in this Tower in the first place" This is so accurate to almost everyone on the team that it HURTS.

Tony knowing the Reader well enough to be able to cut through the red-tape that is her thought process(es) and coming with solutions and suggestions with the level of finesse Tony does is the kind of trait I like to see in a mentor-mentee relationship (too many go the battering ram or throw-them-in-the-deep-end routes tbh, in all genres). Plus OMG Tony's actually quantified his level of forgiveness that is SO Tony, I love it; and only seething for the rest of the decade? Progress if I ever saw it.

Soft sleepy Bucky is adorable but these two's conversation about how to handle announcing that their having a baby together especially since the Reader is still navigating their feelings for Bucky is a really nice touch. I'm looking forward to see how confirming the relationship goes for both Reader and Bucky.

P.S. Is it silly that I kinda want Chad & Jessica's backstory/lore?

Chapter 47

THE BANTER oh how I love good banter

Using "I'm on medical leave" against him immediately followed by "Resting Murder Face"? Gold

“Yeah, she and Laura are chatting daily, ... And they both think you should stay on topic.” GET 'EM CLINT!!!

The "chatter" during missions, CAP getting "chattered"? XD

Clint trying to give Bucky advice about talking to a pregnant lady gives me life.

Tumblr is cannon in this fic omg yessssss.

Bucky unable to find the market since 1943? Yeah, I don't believe that 😂 - what I would believe is by the time he may have been interested in said market he already had someone in mind.

Sam pointing out that Reader hasn't quit the Avengers, just changed to a non-field roll for the time being directly to the press is another nice touch, as was the excess of presents going to charity (although I too would want to keep one or two of the one-armed onesies).

The end of this chapter makes me irrationally angry like I know (and so did Reader) that it's just people being shitty because of who she is but come on there are military women that get pregnant/have babies while in the military, and I'd be willing to bet they're not always able to be 100% clear of danger and I don't (usually) hear people shit-talking them (I've no doubt they exist I'm just fortunate enough to not have them (dis)grace my screen/life).

Azriona if you've gotten this far:

1. I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts/ramblings

and

2. Why would you do this (read said extended ramblings) to yourself?

[scoops-aboy86]

Fanfic Writer Interview

Thanks for taging me, @steviewashere and @queenie-ofthe-void!

What fandoms do you write in? Just Stranger Things.

~

How many words did you publish in 2024? 172,626, which is pretty good for an inaugural total.

~

What are your top three fics you wrote last year? I’m cribbing off steviewashere and answering this in a few different ways. Partly, not going to lie, because #1 was hilariously consistent.

Hits:

Secret Admirer | T

Not Dating | M (chubby Eddie)

All About the Bounce in My Step | M (chubby Steve)

Kudos:

Secret Admirer | T

Last Party of the Summer | E (chubby Steve)

Your Smile Is My Favorite | Thing (chubby Steve)

Bookmarks:

Secret Admirer | T

Wear it like a Collar, like a Ring, like a Lock (and Toss the Key) | M (chubby Steve)

All About the Bounce in My Step | M (chubby Steve)

Comment Threads:

Secret Admirer | T

Love Spell (No Go) | M (chubby Steve)

Not Dating | M (chubby Eddie)

~

What was your biggest pit of despair moment? Missing a steddiemicrofics prompt in January.

Because, like… the last six months have been pretty bleak what with breaking my wrist, moving while on painkillers, the ringworm and missing two holidays because of it, still the ringworm, being laid out by something that felt like the flu but wasn’t for a week, unexpectedly and unceremoniously getting fired so hard I don’t qualify for unemployment, financial crisis, and maybe having to rehome our second dog because she keeps getting too overstimulated by the cats for us to feel they’re 100% safe around her which is breaking my fucking heart.

BUT. It was the only microfic month I missed amidst all that crap, and I saw it coming at the time and felt it was the insult added onto injury. Like, okay ability to write, kicking me when I’m already down I see. Bastard.

~

What have you learned? That more people like weight gain kink fics than I realized. Like, I’m not doing big numbers, but I am still doing more numbers than I would writing far less kinky niche in a smaller fandom and ain’t that something.

~

Did you beta any fics last year? Any faves you want to shout out? I did not, but I’ve had the honor of bouncing ideas back and forth with some cool cucumbers, including but not limited to: @hotluncheddie, @wheneverfeasible, @victorclays, @cherrygyals-blog.

~

What three fics from last year did you love? Oh man, my memory is dogshit. Let’s see…

it must be something in the water by rosefire | E (omegaverse). Love me some athlete omega Steve and angst with mutual pining miscommunication. Which I swear is not a real spoiler, it’s in the tags.

I’d Meet You Where The Spirit Meets The Bones by aaliona | E (omegaverse). Also omega Steve. Look, I will never not be enamored with a/b/o fics where the character is exactly the same as in canon and like also there are secondary characteristics in there too, worked in seamlessly without changing anything. I think this was actually the first fic like that I ever read that did that (this list is not in chronological order) and it is secretly the golden ruler I hold all other a/b/o fics. Steve keeping his designation a secret and regardless of his actual designation everyone just assumes he’s an alpha? Yes please. Specifically pointing to him as an example of, this big strong omega has been protecting the shit out of y’all for years and bullshit stereotypes are bullshit? I’m eating it with a spoon. Alpha Eddie is a size queen? I’m using my hands.

At a medium pace by dartlekey | E. There’s something so cathartic to me about Eddie being very cranky while recovering from his bat injuries. And also, of course, there’s the silliness during hot, hot sex. And the bit where Eddie thinks he “needs to introduce Steve to a few bears, get the guy some inspiration for what he could look like, in a few years.”

~

What ideas are percolating for this year? Yes.

I know this is not a yes or no question, but… Yes.

~

Sending some no pressure tags to: Anyone who wants to, plus anyone I tagged in my answers above.

[n-fblog]

Reo, Nagi, and Differences from the Main Manga

Thoughts from Episode: Nagi, chapter 17

Reo:

This chapter was kind of needed for him to "abandon" his ego of becoming the best with Nagi (and we can see it sort of fading in the textbox) -- and simultaneously get rid of that growing attachment he has to Nagi. Really sad to see him say, "thank you" as if he doesn't even have the strength to break them apart himself (and he didn't)

The chameleon makes its first chronological appearance so we can clearly see him start to 'adapt' his thinking and playing even though it's not fully fleshed out yet, which is exciting! I wasn't sure if that was something he made up with Shidou before, but it's hilarious to know it all started with Nagi, AGAIN. Or maybe this is the manga trying to convey that he's changing himself to help Nagi walk away lol

His inferiority complex with Nagi makes itself kind of known here, with the monologue- "Those are the words *I* wanted to say,," but was unable to...

Somehow, Nagi being able to encourage Reo makes him the stronger one mentally -- which is tough for someone who subconsciously already thinks he can't go very far without Nagi skill-wise.

Poor guy... and he still has so far to go before he starts to think he can fight on his own.

Nagi:

Man, this chapter pretty much confirms that their mischaracterization and miscommunication goes both ways lol. Nagi spitefully admonishes that he isn't Reo's 'toy' when Reo flips from "wanting to be the best" to "wanting to stay together"-- These guys have such a hard time acknowledging their friendship outside of football, it's actually painful.

I can't tell if he made any sort of connection betweey 'toy' and being Reo's 'treasure'. But that's almost definitely a metaphor on Reo's part. What a lot of people misuse is that Reo calls Nagi his 'treasured possession' when I really, truly don't think he meant viewing Nagi as a literal object. But how else do you expect a rich boy who's only been shown love through material things to describe something he values? *(see tags for a rant on this lol)

I do wish we'd gotten more insight into how he felt when he heard what Reo said in the moment, but this chapter was already long as it is. I do think Nagi's expressions sort of speak for themselves.

I mean, he straight up looks like he's about to cry here. 

I would argue that part of Nagi's promise to 'stay together' during the entrance actually includes 'believing in each other' like he says here:

 And if that's the case, then what did Reo's claim of abandonment mean to him? Was it that Reo didn't believe in Nagi's newfound drive to win? Or was he mad that Reo didn't believe in himself? I think it's a bit of both, but I really want to see more thoughts in the manga or from the fandom

Blue Lock vs. Episode: Nagi

So... Nagi definitely seems more angry in this chapter, right? When you revisit Ch. 76, you can see that Nagi is a lot more apologetic towards Reo

( Here you see him lament not growing alongside Reo, but fired up and excited to work with Isagi)

vs. what we saw this chapter

(Nagi saying sorry and acknowledging he's changed, but looking less toward the future and more resisting the past)

Maybe this is just a difference in translations, but "I can't [am not able to] go back" feels a little different from "I won't go back" -- the former just feels like an admission (to Reo), while the latter feels a lot more confrontational, a downright refusal to go along with what Reo wants.

And that's fine, but it does reshape how I thought about Nagi, and I think it really emphasizes just how pissed he was at Reo by the end of 2nd Selection.

This reframes their interaction during U-20 tryouts for me. I originally thought it was mostly setting up Reo's chameleon style defense and Reo's internal conflict (which it is) but EpiNagi really just shows that Nagi also has a ways to go before they reunite in Manshine

I think this could be the panel (from Ch. 107, 3rd Selection) where Nagi forgives Reo -- it's the point where Reo sort of shows he understands Nagi's drive to win, and that he doesn't value staying together over improving anymore. After that, they have no issues (in Nagi's eyes) so it was probably easy to imagine walking up to Reo during MC v BM and asking for his help ... but man, we still have a long way til then, and I can't wait for EpiNagi to probably prove me wrong :p

[lafiametta]

Something I love about Ani and Igor in those scenes is that both their points are understandable.

Like of course Ani is scared of getting assaulted, she tries to fight off who she believes is an attacker and is overpowered. The positioning of that scene is very deliberate, reminding Ani (and us) not just of the immediate possible danger, but the reality of how powerless she is, as a working class women and sex worker). She has everything she (thinks) she wants taken from her without her say and she's hurt, angry and humiliated. From her point of view, he's making fun of her fear (bless his clueless heart I think he thought they were bantering a bit), so of course she wants to lash out in response.

But we are also shown clearly that Igor is not at all prepared for the situation that goes from 0 to 100 in seconds, from his POV she physically attacks him unprovoked (and honestly while it's completely understandable that she felt threatened, she is the one who escalated it to violence) and he tries every other option before tying her up (not very well but still). Its clear he does this because he knows she'll run (immediately proven right) and he knows that means more trouble. I also don't think he really gets that she was scared when he tied her up. He knows she's angry and he knows it wasn't right, that's why he looks so disturbed on the couch and tries to apologise in the car. But because he cant see her face, he cant see what she's actually feeling (good set up for the final scene). Also, since he's ESL, he's probably taking certain phrases literally and her saying he WOULD'VE raped her instead of she was SCARED that he would just confuses him even more.

Again, great writing, great actors.

Great points, Anon! And I think that's why the home invasion scene is so good: on different levels it's terrifying and hilarious and sometimes it's both at the same time. Ani is just a “little girl” (at least according to Toros), but she draws first blood and bites a guy in the shoulder. Igor's a big scary henchman who also says “please” when he pleads with her to stop trying to run. And, yeah, he doesn't see how really scared she is for much of that scene because he can't see her face. It's only when Toros shows up and orders Igor to let her go that it becomes more clear to him and he starts looking much more abashed. (But part of the miscommunication in the scene when they're talking in front of the TV also stems from Igor's inability, because of his perspective as a man, to see that threat of sexual violence as an actual harm. He would never have thought of doing it, and so, at least at first, he can't imagine that she would have had that particular fear. And of course the language barrier just complicates things even further.)

But, yeah, he totally thought they were bantering. She's talking to him, at least, and for Igor, that probably felt like a massive victory.

Ani: Would you shut the fuck up, you psycho rapist? Igor: *mentally composing the stories he's going to tell their grandchildren about how they met*

[shyspider]

I know that this is kind of late, but how do you think Sunstreaker and Sideswipe would feel about Valentine's Day? ❤️💝

Like they see that Eva might be a bit upset about something and they want to cheer her up, and then they find out that an Earth holiday called Valentine's Day is near.

For some reason, I can just imagine a miscommunication about the traditions and the twins think that they need to give Eva an actual human heart. That would be both hilarious and horrifying. 😅

I love questions like these because it feels like those cheesy cartoon specials that kind of just set the main plot of the story aside just to have a holiday-centric episode. Like, the big evil bad guy is trying to take over the world - but there's only seven days still Critmas and all the trees are sold out! Shenanigans ensues, and we all move on and learn an important lesson we'll never speak of again.

ANYWAYS! Your question.

I hc that the twins go about it on their own in different ways.

💛Sunstreaker:

- He would know of Valentine's day, only because of those 'earth' memories. He wouldn't jump on it unless you showed interest or expressed a bit of nostalgia. - And he would go over the top, if only to be the best damn date you've ever had. He wants to be number one, even if its for some silly earth custom. Forget everyone before him. - Paper hearts? Cheap candy? No, there's going to be writing in the sky and artisan treats. If he can show off, he will. And if he can't show off, he will. -The only issue is, he'll expect you to reciprocate. He worked hard to impress you, now you got to do it back. Wine and dine him just as hard. Better hope you can get a loan.

❤️Sideswipe:

- Now HE'S the one that would be like, "Wait, you give those fleshy blood-pumps to your romantic interests? Like... the hearts of your enemies? COOL!" - After explaining and possibly saving someone's life, he would kind of just smile and nod and be disappointed for a bit. But then he would make the custom his own and throw his own spin on things. - Instead of giving you anything heart shaped, he would give you things that were sparked shaped. He would find candies that looked like energon so it would look like you two were eating the same thing. - His dates would be more of what he knows you like, but he's not opposed to suggestions or trying new things. Sideswipe is easy, casual, and low maintenance... so long as you knew how that date was going to end.

[hallucinateonpaperspines]

How do you think cybertronian society would react (pre war) to ashlyn like unleashed on their planet, because personally I think that would be hilarious and also terrifying. Do I ask this mainly because the thought of young D-16 and either current story Ashlyn or pre story Ashlyn interacting is both terrifying and interesting? Yes.

Honestly, it could go so many different ways, *evil cackle*

Speaking of the new movie, is everybody else hyped? CAUSE I AM SO EXCITED! FINALLY, we are getting a fun animated Transformers film ヾ(*´ ∇ `)ﾉ

I saw that cross-eye megatron reference from Bumblebee, tfp anyone?

ᕕ(⌐■_■)ᕗ ♪♬

ehem, happy dance aside, here's what I think a Golden Age Ashlyn would have been like...

Presuming that she fell into this situation as a Human things get awkward very quickly. Organics aren't very well received on Cybertron nevermind how their products are luxury goods apparently

Running through the streets, ducking under vendor stalls, and darting between peds like a literal street rat, Ashlyn is very very confused on what the utter frag happened to her.

Unfortunately, as an organic alien lifeform, especially as one that is currently undiscovered, she is VERY distinctive. Her small size helps her a bit with sneaking, but eventually, it becomes common knowledge that a weird creature is hanging around. It doesn't help that her need for breathable air severely restricts potential roaming areas, and only a handful of stores/merchants carry edible food items.

Already making a name for herself as a pest... in a surprisingly literal sense.

When she's eventually spotted and caught by a Cybe with particularly good reflexes, Ash is forced to come up with something fast so she doesn't get squished. By now, you all know where her self-defense tendencies tend to point to.

On the plus side, the twerp survived. On the negative, he's going to need a new servo since the wiring that articulates his digits is beyond saving. Also, a small feral organic that goes for joints is apparently entertainment enough for these people. Welcome to the mini and illegal gladiator battles, Ashlyn! The unregulated leagues for those who can't afford to go watch the real thing.

Look at her go, gaining all the XP fighting alien bugs and other mini-bosses.

Of course, 3 things occurred during this time period. 1) Ashlyn is actually picking up on Neocybex and proving surprisingly adept at it. 2) She's starting to gain a legitimate reputation and doing Humans Are Space Orcs proud via creative/brutal takedowns of her opponents, and biological features that can be terrifying to an alien. 3) Someone in Iacon has quietly been looking for a creature resembling her specifications, but due to the fact that Ashlyn is in Kaon and an asset of an illegal fighting ring, she is unidentifiable.

Of course when Ashlyn finally gains enough of an affinity for Neocybex, (with a very thick kaon accent) she wants to wait to reveal her sentience until it's at a point where she can't be knocked off or ignored. That plan does not last. No.

Because Ashlyn Moore, covered in robot gore, looks up one day to see a very familiar outline.

"ɎØɄ"

D-16, for his part, is very confused as to why the little alien just looked at him and started chittering like a sparkling while shaking.

The crowd is in an uproar.

See humans do look very similar in structure to a basic Cybertronain model. Even more so when you compare it to a sparkling model which is squishy. eh, Unicron connection?

The point is, an unidentified, kinda sparkling-ish thing, that sounds like sparkling, has also just fulfilled one of the oldest Sparkling-Guardian rituals of choosing an adult to protect them. Look at ze adult, go to ze adult, don't let ze adult leave without you.

Ashlyn might not have had such... noble intentions when she launched herself at D-16 while rambling, but such is the beauty of cultural miscommunications. And dehydration and malnourishment. And an almost chronically activated stress response. You get situations like these!

"ɎØɄ!-гЅ₮₳₭Ɇ ₴Ø₥Ɇ ⱤɆ₴₱Ø₦₴ł฿łⱠł₮Ɏ! …-₣Ɽ₳₲ł₦₲ ฿Ʉ₲₴ ł'VɆ ₭łⱠⱠɆĐ?"

Ashlyn is only half understandable in this state, but it's fine. D-16, and soon all of Kaon understands perfectly.

A scrappy deformed sparkling, likely originating from an unidentified hot spot, beat the odds and has chosen an ex-miner and soon full-time gladiator to be her sire/mentor. What a spark-warming story.

Oh yeah, and someone in Iacon is still hunting that human.

The end result would probably culminate in an overly suspicious Ashlyn accidentally causing a chain reaction that would lead to a Decepticon Orion Pax, a proper coup of the High Council, probably Emperor of Destruction Starscream, and Big Villian Shockwave. The Autobots would not exist. Does anyone want to try and theorize why?

D-16 would realize pretty quick that this tiny bundle of chaos isn't an actual sparkling, but it's an argument he'd use to keep her should any outside influences try and take Ashlyn away. Why? Because a highly intelligent and vicious mystery just dropped into his lap, and someone on the Council wants it really badly. That's more than enough of a justification.

Now, if only he could find out why the organic hates him so much... and why she's so valuable.

Now Ashlyn as a bot would be VERRRRRY different.

Same as the first, she pops up in Kaon (may or may not be a narrative reason for that (・ω<) )

Unlike the human version, the poor girl is caught almost immediately.

Turns out, stumbling around a foreign area, being unable to speak the language, and lacking identification doesn't get you the best treatment. Unfortunately, her more bestial-looking design doesn't help much either in a Functionist society.

Actually, the Enforcers processing her are pretty confused by it, the wings and taloned servos say Seeker, but the spines and fanged denta hint at something else completely... and the subject refuses, or is unable to, transform into an altmode...

Oh well, can't put it in a category, and then toss it out.

Flagging the weirdness for the bosses to deal with, the anomaly is sent to the mines, and a record containing her image and newly given designation is sent to the higher offices. YN-013 is soon forgotten.

Ashlyn, by the time she figures out written translations for Neocybex, finds the designation hilarious. Her fellow miners don't understand why she giggles when she introduces herself.

The mines are horrible, that much is undeniable, but at the same time, Ashlyn can't help but feel like it should be worse?

Her form proves adept at collecting energon, her claws far more efficient than the half-rusted pick-axe she's handed every day. The energon is easy to find too, almost like there's a sixth sense in her brain for where those shards are hiding.

She doesn't realize that the tunnels she's stationed in quickly gain a reputation for being more productive. That her peers end their days not quite as run down anymore. That miners switch shifts and bribe to be in the same branch of tunnels. She's quickly become an omen of good luck and temporary revival.

Ashlyn also doesn't realize that someone in Iacon is tearing through every rumor on Cyberton looking for her... or the organic her.

D-16 hears rumors about the newest unfortunate spark that's been sent to join them in the dark, but he doesn't believe it. Not until he sees it.

There is something about this individual that's different, maybe the stories are true. Solus reforged, perhaps? The missing Thirteenth? Or is this a new prime, come to save them and bring Cybertron back to its glory.

Ashlyn for her part is vibing collecting pretty rocks, and would prefer the future genocidal maniac to stay far away from her, please.

The not-yet-future-genocidal-maniac does not leave. Instead, he talks.

D-16 is actually the one that teaches her proper Neocybex, not the fragmented version she's been getting by with. In return, she tells him what the surface was like for the brief bit of time she was there.

Over time, the strange happenings around YA-013 are normalized and forgotten, but not by D-16. He knows she is not just some wild-forged thing that had the bad to stumble into the wrong city-state. He knows that she can't just be some bestial new-forged, because her optics are far too aware, too knowing. She hesitates, as though shuffling through information when she speaks. The alien babble she talks to herself in, while basic, is too natural to be anything but a primary language. Her smiles are sad even if the laughter is easy. She says things, and calls him Bucket Head, and Mega-arse.

She already knows who his favorite Prime is.

YN-013 never comments when he explains his plans to become a gladiator and gain his freedom. But he can feel the judgment. The resignation. Like she already knew. "Forget about me when you become one of the most famous bots to walk on Cybertron, yeah? Little old me will be nothing compared to the masses that'll scream your name."

YN-013 never talked about her own future, not in a way that sounds lasting. "I'd like to sightsee while I can. Never know when city walls will go tumbling down."

Megatronus doesn't forget her. Not in the Pits as he battles against foes and realizes how much healthier his frame is compared to his opponents, how much stronger, despite them all feeding off the same scraps. He doesn't forget as he meets an Archivist and hears all the snide jokes about his type being "boys in red and blue. Sweet nerds that take forever to commit to ending you."

Orion Pax, quickly becomes a close friend. Megatron never comments on his paint job. He's yet to see Pax exhibit anything but an agreeable and slightly excitable disposition... but he can't help but hold back even as he chides his own superstition.

"I don't think you'll have much luck in the friend department, Bucket. "

Why had he never gone back for her? Why had she never joined him in the arena?

"That's your origin story, D, and I'd hate to incinerate your undefeated record."

Megatron doesn't forget the stranger hidden in the mines. Not when he meets Orion's mentor, not when he stands before the Council, not as every veiled barb, sorrowful mutter, or hidden revelation comes true.

Even when he goes back for her and finds her gone, the Warlord never forgets the seer of the mines.

YN-013 had never realized, that just as D-16 had taught her a language, so too had she taught him hers. Every private word, every thoughtless exclamation, he remembered.

No, that unfortunate spark in the mines was not a wild-forged femme with bad luck. She was not a prime, remade, or replace. She was something different. A puzzle, a friend, an asset.

Lord Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, never forgot.

So how strange was it, to find a planet that spoke that same tongue?

The Autobots seek a relic and the Decepticons search for a seer. Optimus inherits a charge that can only be fulfilled through a missing person and Megatron wants closure to the fate and identity of someone he might've considered a friend.

Ashlyn struggles with guilt over choosing to not change the timeline and has been hiding on Earth since the last few centuries of the war. She's spawned more than a few stories in her wanderings, triggered some changes she never realized. A shifter who went rogue after a drunken conversation at a bar and never swore his loyalty. Bartering fuel with an Autobot vessel, allowing the Ark to avoid Decepticon Scouts and remain unharmed. A Prime who learned the truth about his predecessors early, and resolved to do more than simply restore his planet to what it used to be.

Ashlyn can't hide from the plot forever. War or not, things have changed, and now she's part of that story.

[noitsbecky127]

rebecca watches ds9: sanctuary

interesting opening! dropping us right into sisko’s office

poor kira’s been in a zoom meeting lmao

ugh what does quark want with her

that bajoran has no earring!

is this the fuckin pied piper or something

why did he call kira about this. tf is she supposed to do. just fire him if it’s that big of a deal

who is he to kira? why is this so important to her?

hello there gamma quadrant aliens

uh oh their language isn’t translating

odo the being that you are

handling these guys is like herding cats

what happened to taking them to the infirmary?

oh ok they’re still en route there

why is kira the only one they trust?

when in doubt, offer food

man i’m hungry. i didn’t eat much last night

the translator had better figure out their language soon

ok good it’s getting somewhere

that’s a lot of people in need of help!

matriarchy! yay!

ohhh that’s why they would only listen to kira

terogarans? gamma quadrant’s got its own occupiers i guess

again with the dominion! when i asked what they were a couple episodes ago i got some interesting reactions in the reblogs. i feel like i should be worried about them

“don’t you sleep with your males?” she is a LESBIAN

oof that dress is an exercise in miscommunication

nvm they bonded over hating it, that’s oddly sweet

jake and nog!!! love their friendship

“the study of bugs” “she wants to be a chef!” that’s one way of interpreting it

why are skrreeans so bumpy

and why do they have such atrocious hairstyles

i think there might be too many of them

odo is trying to keep order on the promenade. that’s the definition of a losing battle

odo dragging nog away by the ear is hilarious

quark is the WORST influence

they flake? that’s weird

oh christ how is the musician guy gonna tie in with this

haneek’s leader now! good for her!

i’m not sure we’ve ever seen kira as happy as we have this ep

varani doesn’t look old enough to have been a musician before the occupation. was he playing for cardassians? or has he just aged really well

shoutout to jake for trying to mediate

oh god things are about to go bad between the skrreeans and the station aren’t they

nog’s tiny hisses are hilarious

you found kentana???

i don’t think kentana can be bajor

what’s the population of bajor? how big of an increase would three million skrreeans be? that definitely affects things

guess it’d be enough that it’s not an option!

i think they should at least get a chance to make the land thrive. trial run maybe. give them a teeny bit of land and see how it goes

maybe i’m supposed to take the projections as gospel but as a viewer in 2025 i do not! ai is flawed!

i don’t think they want draylon 2

the skrreeans have figured out the replicator

ah. guess someone’s taking matters into his own hands re: no bajor

general you’d better fucking rescind those orders

well that was a depressing outcome!

[walkingstackofbooks]

DS9 5x07 Let He Who Is Without Sin thoughts (I’m re-watching, so beware spoilers for future episodes!) [14 Sept ‘23]

Odo and Sisko ribbing Jadzia about her sex life XD

It's so cute that Worf still calls her "Commander" around others.

Hmmm, I was firmly against Worf last time - and I still don't like his whole thing against Boday - but also Jadzia is pretty disrespectful to what he wants, immediately telling people after Worf says it's a private matter.

"Have you ever noticed all the stars look the same?" I love Leeta so much, I can't wait to see more of her when she and Rom pick up.

"What's jamaharon?" "I'll show you later." XD that look!

Their "casual" outfits! Oh, 90s fashion crimes... I miss you

"Aren't you uncomfortable in your uniform?" I mean uniforms and not having to decide what to wear are The Best. (And also I am very much on the autistic Worf headcanon and can imagine uniform gives him a sense of comfort in a very uncomfortable environment.)

Worf! That was Very Romantic! I did not expect you to compare Jadzia to a nebula, ngl.

As much as I think Jadzia should be allowed to reconnect with a friend without Worf's jealousy, she's also not very considerate of his feelings. Blagh.

I actually kind of like this episode more now that I'm not just anti-Worf? I do wish Jadzia was allowed to just be the single, flirtatious woman - or polyamorous, flirtatious woman - she was meant to be, though.

Worf's scowl upon finding his "bathing suit" is Very Justified.

Worf's dumbfoundment at Leeta not being with Dr Bashir is hilarious. I do still like messing with his sense of what is "right" and "wrong".

Ugh, this man wants to paint himself as a "victim", doesn't he... "I can only imagine what you must think of me." Yeah, no, it's not that people hate you because you know some secret "truth" they don't want to hear, but because you're an awful, paternalistic, condescending killjoy.

"I may be wrong, but didn't he just insult us?" I love Julian.

Boy, do I want Jadzia or Julian to stand up and speak about their experiences with the Klingons or Dominion that he couldn't begin to understand.

"You two dishonour each other with your actions!" "You mean... We didn't tell you why we came here." Actually hilarious, Julian, how?

"I hope we proved our point." You wouldn't have if Worf hadn't stopped Jadzia attacking back, you'd be on the ground.

"I did not say you were doing anything wrong. It's just that some of your behaviour-" Aghhhh, I actually hate understanding Worf because this speech is awful but also it's coming out wrong. What he *wants* to say is he's feeling hurt by her disregard for his feelings but he can't put it like that.

And what he actually says IS awful - "At times, your are too impulsive. You act without thinking. You have no self-control." - because HE'S just as impulsive as her, and in ways that have actually hurt him and Starfleet - look back to his trial!! His fight with the Jem-Hadar when working together on the Defiant! He cannot stay himself when it is his Klingon pride at stake.

And Jadzia is rightfully hurt by these words, and how Worf has generally been acting, because if he meant it the way it sounds it would really not be great of him! I hated him the last timei watched this, and I really wasn't expecting that to change!

"Jadzia you are my par'machai... and everything you do reflects on me." That was not how that sentence was supposed to end 😅

I hate it but I'm actually liking this episode quite a bit - it's the classic miscommunication trope, but genuinely not from lack of trying on Worf's part, simply from lack of ability.

Leeta's so vicious in smashing the dish!

Quark is so hopeful with Leeta's revelation that he might see some of those "fireworks" he was taking about... xD

Hmm, not so sure even the Bajoran ceremony quite makes one ready for that sort of honesty, quite so soon, Leeta...

Worf calling her "Dax" as he spots her with Arandis. Seeing her as the symbiont and Curzon, not Jadzia.

Ugh, "you're too much work". Why did you have to say that? Though I guess if the situation was reversed and it was Jadzia saying it, I'd just take it as good natured teasing...

"What I want is Worf." "Why?!" "Because he has the courage of a beserker cat and he has the heart of a poet." "And the brain of a pigheaded idiot." "Yeah, sometimes." She says that last sometimes so fondly though... maybe if she loves him that bad she does jut need to put more effort in... (Also loving 'beserker cat' rather than simply 'beserker' or 'beserker warrior' XD)

"Maybe we have forgotten how to deal with adversity." Maybe the point of having a civilization where adversity is rare is making the most of happiness? And maybe those who do face adversity - like the Starfleet staff - deserve a fucking vacation? Most people on Risa are on holiday - they have jobs and other life stresses, even in automated space communism utopia. I think Fullerton is probably the one who needs a little experience of *true* adversity. -_-

Last time Worf's story made me go "booo, a little not of tragedy doesn't mean you're allowed to be a massive misogynist." But actually, Jadzia is right, it does explain a lot. And I do give most of the other characters some slack in the misogyny area given they were written in the 90s...

"Or at least get out of this room." "... Very well." Fullerton actually sounds disappointed to be asked to leave the room that's about to collapse. Oh god, he wants to be a martyr, doesn't he? 🙃

"I will do as I please." *throws him across the room* FRICKING IMPULSE RESTRAINT WHAT, WORF?

"I am on holiday." I'm glad that amused you, Jadzia, but what?!

"I better go find Bashir. He brought a horga'hn down to breakfast and that's the last I saw of him." Quark looking out for Julian is not something I realised was a thing? But that definitely sounded a little like concern. (Unless it's a hope he can join in, I guess... 😅) (Was not expecting to get on the Quark/Julian train either but if there was a time when it was going to happen...)

Huh, the worst thing this time was actually not Worf, but Julian and Quark objectifying Jadzia... and at least on Julian's part, I think it was in jest, given I don't think she was being her best self at that time?

Alright, well - for all that people hate that episode, which had included me… I enjoyed that, genuinely! Surprises never cease...

[yukiwhitetm]

An update on how I'm doing!

I finally had my Personal Independance Payment (PIP is a non-work-related disability benefit in the UK) Tribunal last Thursday and I basically won, although I still feel I didn't win everything I deserve but my Review is next year again so I'll fight it then. Still, whilst intellectually I knew I should be happy or glad, I mostly just felt unheard, a little tricked, a bit stupid (because of miscommunication) and very worried about the future because they're changing PIP (and it's ridiculous). I am very grateful, though.

As a bit of retail therapy, I bought myself my very belated birthday present that my friends all had given me giftcards towards of a Kobo Libra Color ereader! I wanted one because I struggle to read (whether it's on paper and on my mobile) due to serious chronic pain I get in my hands - but I love a good book! I thought that an ereader would be lighter and so easier on my hands, plus there's clip-and-button attachment too (as well as a stylus). And I was right!

I've already read three whole books!

They were volumes one to three of Scum Villain's Self-Saving System by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. A hilarious action-packed, villain-redemption, BL, isekai story by the same author who wrote the books that the popular and excellent C-Drama The Untamed is based on (called The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, which I am also planning to read). I will probably still buy physical books because I love them but they'll be more for display and to support the author, as I'll be reading the ebooks.

The weather has been beautiful lately so I've been reading outside in our back garden. Blessed by Isabelle cuddles.

As to my own writing. Well, I haven't been well enough to write in months, to be honest. But I'm hoping the lessened anxiety from the PIP Tribunal being over and soon the DVLA (basically sorting out necessary adaptations for my car and on my licence) and Universal Credit (my type of UC is a work-related disability benefit in the UK) will be over too, hopefully, and the good weather might slightly improve my health. So that I can do something.

What I am uncertain about is if:

a) I should focus on correcting my proofread version of my completed novel Shattered (my proofreader removed all my purposeful repetition so now I have to go through all 50k words and put it all back 😭) . Note that Shattered is a High Fantasy YA novel (with very subtle GL vibes atm) that is the first in a five part series.

OR

b) I should put that aside for now and focus on continuing to write my work-in-progress Truth, Lies and Butterflies. To those who have been following me for awhile, I'm on chapter nine, the sleepover chapter if you read the fanfiction version. To my newer followers, Truth, Lies and Butterflies is a Fantasy YA, Magical Girl/Guy, Redemption, BL standalone novel that is being adapted into an original work from my crossover fanfiction between New Danganronpa V3 and Miraculous Ladybug called You will always be Monarch Butterfly!

[aranarumei]

tag game

thanks @purplecelestial-buddy for the tag!

Last song: Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert

Favorite color: crimson. yeah it's the color of blood.

Last book: i read some short stories from dragon age: tevinter nights, which is hilarious considering that i have never played dragon age. i still need to read vol 9 of jeweler richard

Last manga: recently i caught up to oofuri (ookiku furikabutte / big windup) which has been a really fascinating read. i read it originally back in 2016, and loved it. connected with abe and mihashi a lot in terms of emotions. got frustrated at their torturously slow miscommunication but also enticed by their relationship. like 8 years or so after the fact, i think i'm at a place where i'm much more fascinated by the mundanity of oofuri's setting. like actually i love this slow tension. it's not like i didn't love it before, but there's things I can appreciate about it that i didn't see before. and also, in the 80 or so chapters that i missed, there's been a lot of interesting things.

Last movie: sonic 3. saw it in theaters w/ my siblings. i am not immune to live & learn.

Last show: well. technically it's season 17 of rupaul's drag race. but like if we are counting webseries then drawtectives.

Sweet/spicy/savory: spicy. i don't have the best spice tolerance but i do like the flavor of spice. i would say i'm like, above average in terms of tolerance but not crazy.

Relationship status: this is a boring question for me so i'm just gonna say smthing to the person who tagged me. that's a "relationship" in some sense isn't it. aster i think you're very cool and i am kind of amazed that you've actually checked out my recs in a timely manner, considering i'm awful at that stuff. personally to prevent binge reading and forgetting the contents of an entire manga, i like to take notes every few chs and get my reactions down. this is also supremely helpful for rereading bits i like and remembering certain chapters.

Last thing I googled: "ijbol" bc i didn't know what it meant.

Current obsession: hm... the 2 pg hanzawa bday comic? i have a lot of obsessions i could work up some feelings for but i am running on a steady hanzawa & tashiro mood these days. kind of related to a year-long project i wanna work on... oh this is so self-obsessed but i've kind of been rotating violeta fantasy (fake game i made up) around my head lately

Looking forward to: i have so many tumblr posts i want to make...

will tag @sunnnfish and @dirtbra1n to see if they'd like to do one.