#at least i remember reading about it once

[idliketobeatree]

So I originally wasn't planning on responding to that, but because I feel like several boundaries have been crossed here, and I don't want a repeat performance, I have to say something.

Please don't do that.

Tumblr is a social platform even if you treat your blog like a personal diary, people can and will see what you're posting, especially if it's done under an art post. I can see people's reblogs. I also read the tags because I love to talk in the tags myself. And this addition felt like a punch to the face, because it not only has nothing to do with "some payneland art" (that I put hours of my free time into creating out of love for the show), it's also harmful and inappropriate in a way that I wouldn't wish to be associated with.

Once again, Tumblr is not your private chat or a discord group. It's a public space. A local and small one, but with the potential to reach further than that. And if you have anything bad to say about the art, any kind of art from this fandom or otherwise, or any of the characters that the poster has clearly grown to love — do not treat them this way. At least, Christ, not so I can see it, keep it in your private messages. I personally don't find it cute or quirky to hear anyone, fictional or in real life, being called "a bisexual fuckface", being threatened with an iron cane and the f-slur. Would you say that to my face?

And by the way, that's not what reclaiming means, using a slur offensively towards others is not eradicated by putting up a disclaimer.

What I ask all for is to please remember the basics of internet etiquette. That when you put a post of someone else's on your blog, it's still their original post. They don't control what you do with it, but you have the means to be encouraging and kind if you see something you like. You can also treat it like a plaything, but then just know that there's a high chance the author will see it. If it's a stranger, don't say anything you wouldn't say to a regular stranger. Simple as that. Thank you.

merry crystal (jingle bells, if you will) to my fave kiss i drew this year in particular ‧₊°🎄✩₊°🦌⊹♡

+ a special shotout to brilliant @dear-monday who said "just thought about edwin hooking one finger into the ribbon and pulling him in for a kiss" and i went wait, i do have something just like that

[fieldofdaisiies]

A Bargain pt. 2

paring: Azriel x Reader | type: angst | words: 4,5k | warnings: this story explores a little darker themes like the loss of eyesight due to fire. thank you so much for beta reading @moonlightazriel 💛 here you can find part one (I'm sorry it took me forever to write the second part)

Heart rapidly thrumming against your ribcage, you follow the shadowsinger, listening to every step you take, your fingers not once lifting from the railing. 

Every sound, every scent, settles into you, making you hyper aware of your surroundings. Except for light and darkness there’s nothing your eyes can tell you, so relying on your other senses is what keeps you alive.

"We‘re almost there." Azriel’s low voice sounds in front of you but he seems closer now, no longer and having stopped so you could catch up with him. 

It‘s time now for the  doubts to come creeping into your mind at full force, making your palms grow damp and cold sweat break out on the back of your mind.

You know Gwyn will be here and you are safe, but you haven’t left the library in… you haven’t since you arrived here all those years ago.

Speaking of Gwyn—you feel her presence immediately when the first strays of sunlight fall upon you, warming your skin and making an involuntary smile appear on your lips. It has been so long without feeling sunlight on your skin.

"You came," Gwyn’s voice sounds beside you as her fingers gently take your hand into hers, and she guides you along. "I‘m so glad you did, although a little sour that it took Azriel to convince you and that I wasn’t persuasive enough." She laughs, a playful note in her beautiful voice that makes you join in.

Listening to her and the other priestesses sing has cured many moments where the dark memories threatened to reach the surface.

You allow her to guide you to a place where more people are, your mind tells you that, feeling the presence of at least ten other people. The other priestesses who begin to silently greet you, the warmth and kindness in their voice palpable.

"I‘m Nesta Archeron," the last female voice tells you. "I‘m Gwyn‘s friend and—"

"You won the Bloodrite alongside her. I have heard all the stories about you! It‘s a pleasure to meet you, Nesta Archeron." You are scared the excitement in your voice will scare her off or make her believe that you are strange, and for the first time in a long while you are happy you can’t see her expression. But she takes you by surprise, gently taking your hand into hers, the one Gwyn formerly was holding. 

"And I‘ve heard stories about you, Y/N Y/L/N. It‘s my pleasure to meet you." She is smiling, you can feel it and mirror her expression.

As you let all the sounds, the scents, the noises settle into you, you slowly find your grounding in the now new surroundings. You haven’t been here before, you know this, but somehow it is still part of your home. Both Gwyn and Azriel have explained exactly where you would be going and what it looked like — a training field for the Valkyries and the Illyrians.

A male voice, loud and commanding, shakes you out of your thoughts. It comes from somewhere further away and you remember it. You have heard it somewhere before. It‘s Cassian, the general of the Illyrian armies and Nesta Archeron‘s mate talking. 

He is giving some instructions that all make no sense to you before he claps his hands and people begin to move around you, shuffling into probably every direction. 

You can feel how your throat clogs up, making it hard to breathe and swallow.

Suddenly the doubts come back, making the back of your mouth ache.

Leave! Go back to the Library! a voice loudly says in your mind, making you want to move but your feet are you rooted to the ground. It feels like something is keeping you here, making it impossible for you to lift your feet—like an invisible pull that wants you to stay.

You feel like everyone is rushing around you, away from you, toward you, you don’t know. Your head starts to spin, fingers curling towards your palms in an attempt to steady yourself. It fails until—

A soft brush, featherlight and barely palpable makes the skin of you upper arm tingle. Azriel’s shadows, undoubtedly. 

He is close as well, you feel his presence before you hear his voice. 

"Are you alright?"

"I am!" 

He can sense the lie, you know it. You can feel it. He moves closer, stepping into you and his hand lands on your elbow. "Tell me, do you want to return?"

You want to go back down to the Library, but at the same time you also want to prove to yourself that you are stronger. That you won’t just give up. You can do this, you can face whatever Azriel has planned for you. You are a fighter.

You want to be strong. You can be strong.

"No…no, no I don’t," you splutter, knowing your voice is shaking as much as your knees. "I want to stay and try out what you have planned for me … remember we have a bargain." You lift your arm, the one he is not holding, wiggling it.

"I don’t want you to do something you are not comfortable with just because—"

"What’s my first task?" You swallow your worries, your doubts, the fear, amd now step even closer. There is really no distance between the two of you but the closer you are, the easier it is for you to read people. Your palm lands flat on his chest, feeling the fabric of his Illyrian leathers and the solid muscles beneath.

"You are here, Azriel, and so is Gwyn. You promised to keep me safe and so did Gwyn. I know I‘m protected and nothing will happen to me." You know and really want to believe it, but it is hard, and not yet completely possible. But that's alright, as long as Azriel believes you that you are alright. 

Additionally, you know a bit of nervousness is always healthy, without it you would do the most reckless things without a second thought.

At first you start with some grounding exercises—Gwyn helps you with them, while the Illyrians train with the other priestesses, but you can always feel a certain shadowsinger’s presence close to you. Taking off your shoes, you can feel the soft grass beneath your feet when you start on some grounding exercises. You‘re mostly doing these exercises for balanace in the first days of training and they really help — in all honesty, you start to like doing them more and more; your self-confidence grows.

You have been so afraid, so terrified of going outside, but slowly the tension starts to ease and you realise that your life has so much to offer that you would have missed had you stayed in the Library forever. 

You are very grateful for Azriel, and Gwyn. Without them you would have never gone this step. 

Especially without Azriel, and the bargain you made. 

Absently, your hand reaches for your upper arm, traces over the place where you think the tattoo is. Azriel’s fingers on your skin still linger phantom touch, and tell you where your bargain tattoo is. 

A smile appears on your lips as you allow yourself to enjoy the moment, until—

"I think we should go a step further today." Azriel‘s ever so gently takes yours into his, holding on lightly. "Of course, only if you want to."

"What does it include?" you find yourself asking, tipping your head back slightly so the sun can warm your skin again.

You may not be able to see anymore, but you can still feel everything and you will take pleasure in it.

"I want you to try out something, show you how good your balance already is. I want you to try and walk over a beam."

A beam!

"How far up is it?" The question immediately bursts from you.

You hear a small laugh from him before he answers. "Not that high and I‘ll always be by your side. Just like my shadows."

Drawing in a deep inhale and letting it fill your lungs, you decide to trust him. He won’t  let you fall, or get hurt. You know this.

"I won’t let you fall, Y/N.“ He squeezes your hand. "I would never let you fall.“

You want to trust him, you really do, but for a moment your doubts gain the upper hand. It is a huge step, and you need a moment to consider it. 

Inhaling deeply, you listen into yourself. Into your heart, the soft thrumming of it telling you that you don’t need to be afraid. Azriel is here for you, he will make sure you are alright no matter what.

So, you allow him to guide you over to where the beam is, a soft wind caresses your face as Azriel helps you climb up a few steps.

The wood is smooth beneath your bare feat, cool, when you take your first step onto it, not once letting go off Azriel’s hand. 

"Are you ready?“ the shadow singer asks beside you and you dip your chin, your jaw set so tightly you’re unable to answer. 

With another deep inhale, you once again steady your breathing, but the faint creak of the wood beneath your foot sends a jolt of unease through you.

Another cool breeze brushes your face, and then you take a step forward, now both your feet resting on the beam, one after the other.

Another step forward. Another brush of the cool breeze against your face. Your breath catches as you suddenly see a bright light in your vision and you’re taking right back to the fateful day. 

Fire. Nothing but unbearable heat and blinding light, like icy spikes piercing your skin. The brightness was overwhelming until everything went dark. Blank. Plain. No colour. No shape. No figure. Only darkness. And deafening silence.

Your steps waver, too slow, too uncertain, and your body starts to tremble. You loose your footing, slip, your weight tilts and your balance is lost. 

Panic spikes when you start to feel how you are falling and— 

Strong hands catch you. Your body is pressed against a solid chest as quick breaths escape your lips, your demeanour shattering, laying the panic within you bare.

“I’ve got you. Don’t worry, you’re safe,” Azriel says against the top of your head, his voice steady and low, but you can barely hear it over the buzzing in your ears. 

Your breath hitches and you bury your face in his shirt, hoping that listening to the soft thrumming of his heart will calm your own. 

But it doesn’t help. The memories are back, the fear you felt when you stood atop the beam brought back memories you never wanted to revisit. Hot tears spring to your eyes and sobs rip itself free, leaving your trembling lips. 

“Azriel, I’m sorry,“ you whisper and pull away. “I can’t. I can’t do this.”

Frustration coils within your stomach, and you step back lifting your hands to cover your face.

He reaches for you, however, tugging your hands away from your face and pulling you into him again. And you let him to it, let him embrace you in his warm, tight hold. 

“Don’t apologise. Never.“ You can feel him rest his cheek against the top of your head. “It was my fault. It was too soon, we should have given it more time.“

You don’t want him to blame himself or feel bad about the moment. You don’t even want to cry, it feels silly and excessive, but you can’t stop it. There’re so many unresolved emotions within you that you kept hidden and locked away for so long, sometimes it is hard to just stop them from rising to the surface and shattering through the shell.  

As your tears start to become less, and then sobs grow quieter, you can hear footsteps coming closer. 

A soft palm lands on your lower back and then in a calm voice, Gwyn says, “You’re allowed to be scared.“

You pull away from Azriel, so you can turn to her.

“You’re allowed to be scared, but today you must also be proud. About everything you’ve done, you’ve achieved in such a short time. I’ve fallen of the beam so many times even though I still have my eye-sight. You walked almost half of it without using your eyes. Y/N, when you go to bed tonight, I want you to be proud of yourself for what you have managed to do today. Don’t let the fear win the upper hand. Never!“

>>>>>>>

"You shouldn’t think about what happened today," Azriel’s deep voice sounds over the great expanse of the rooftop training area. It brushes your goosebumps-covered skin and you turn to him.

You‘ve heard him approach a while ago, his footsteps something you remembered very soon.

"I meant what I said, you shouldn’t be proud of yourself and look forward to doing better next time."

He is close then, so close you can feel the warmth of his body. 

"My step-brothers poured oil over my hands and set them on fire. I have never felt greater physical pain than that day. I grew in an abusive household with a step-mother who would delight in locking me into the basement for hours, sometimes days. 

"I remember often thinking that my life would end right there and then, that I didn’t have an ounce of happiness within me and that I would never be able to live a normal life."

He swallows roughly and the first tears fall from your eyes as his words, his revelation, sinks into you.

"And then I met Cass and Rhys. They showed me how good life can be, what love is and … that no matter what I should never give up. They showed me what I am capable of, the things I could do. They showed me my strength and I learned to understand it. I wanted to be strong, never weak again, never vulnerable again. I was strong and I was ready to prove it to everyone, especially myself."

Without a further thought, you reach for his hand, taking it gently into yours and squeezing softly. "Azriel…" 

The words die down in your throat. After everything he has revealed, you find it hard to answer him.

Gods, the things he has experienced… 

Your heart is crying for him too, loud and unyielding and a shiver courses through you—not from the cold of the evening wind, but because you can feel his pain.

"I don’t ever want to be weak again either," you whisper after a moment of silence, and close your burning eyes.

"What happened? What happened that day?" Azriel‘s voice is hoarse, as if he struggles to speak too.

"I was an apprentice at a locksmith near Sangravah. When the Hybern soldiers came they destroyed everything in their way." You need a moment to breathe as slowly the memories return—one after the other, and each more painful. 

"I don’t exactly remember what happened, but one male came close to me, turned to the fire I had just lit, put a torch in it and set the whole place on fire. I wanted to run, but couldn’t escape fast enough. The windows burst and the glass splinterd …"

You know he can imagine the rest.

"I‘m so sorry." His hand trembles on yours and you can hear the tears in his voice. 

"I was just lying there, everything hurt. I was at my lowest point until Morrigan found me."

You can hear him swallow, roughly, before clearing his throat.

"Do you trust me when I tell you that after our bargain is completed you will no longer feel weak."

"I trust you." And you really do. It‘s no lie. You trust him and you know yourself that the training, all the exercises you do for balance and to sharpen your focus, are beneficial for you and your wellbeing.

You blow out a long breath, tipping your head back, your eyes facing the sky above you, and despite not being able to see you know it is covered in a million stars.

"Speaking of the bargain," you begin and a sheepish smile forms on your lips. "You haven‘t completed your task yet."

"You really want me to sing for you?" He chuckles softly.

"It‘s part of the bargain, and you know what happens when you don’t fulfill your part." The smile turns into a grin.

"Well, so shall be it." Azriel tugs at your hand and together you sit down on the ground, so close your shoulder is resting against his. 

Do you think I'd give upThat this might've shook the love from meOr that I was on the brink?How could you think, darling, I'd scare so easily?Now that it's doneThere's not one thing that I would changeMy life was a storm, since I was bornHow could I fear any hurricane?If someone asked me at the endI'll tell them put me back in itDarling, I would do it again, ah, ahIf I could hold you for a minuteDarling, I'd go through it again, ah, ahI would still be surprised I could find you, darlingIn any lifeIf I could hold you for a minuteDarling, I would do it again, ah, ah(Francesca by Hozier)

For a moment you don’t know how to react, eyes wet with tears. His voice is more beautiful than you could have ever imagined and it touched your heart and soul. A shiver runs through you, not from fear or cold, but from the beauty of his voice and the words he sang to you. 

You swallow, and draw in a deep breath. Your fingers tremble and then you say, “Thank you.” You don’t really know what exactly you are thanking him for – him singing to you, the training, getting you out of the Library. Probably all of it, and your heart begins to glow. You know you are falling in love. Falling in love with the shadowsinger and it’s a beautiful feeling.

"Can I … I would like to touch you." Your eyes are still wet with unshed tears from how beautifully he sang.

A soft cough slips through Azriel’s lips.

"Your face. I would like to trace your features to create a picture of you in my mind," you immediately clarify when the innuendo in your request screams loudly at you in your mind.

He doesn’t answer, not in words, at least. His hand closer over yours before he brings it to his face. You feel the stubble on his chin beneath your palm, and then start to explore. Gently, you trace his eyebrows, his jawline, his nose and lastly, his lips.

He is beautiful, you know it without actually seeing him. Stunning, most definitely.

A sigh that has him parting his lips, fetches you back and you realise your thumb is still resting on his lower lip, no longer moving.

"Thank you." You pull your hand back, and heat flushes your cheeks. "I like you, Azriel."

There‘s a pause and Azriel doesn’t answer. It doesn’t unsettle you, you don’t expect him to say it back, you just wanted him to know. 

"I like you too, Y/N," he finally admits. Once again you can hear the smile in his voice. And the honesty. And you can feel how his hand reaches for yours again, gently taking it into his much bigger one, lacing your fingers. 

“What a coincidence,” you snicker, leaning into him. "And I like this." A small pause. "Being here with you on this quiet night."

Now, Azriel is the one to lean in, you can feel the press of his body against you and then he leans his head against yours. 

"I like this a lot too," he whispers and his voice sounds a little sleepy.

"Maybe we could do this more often?" Hope laces your voice as you pose your question.

With a small laugh he agrees and you know that you have never heard him so joyful before.

>>>>>>>>>

“Let’s do it differently this time.“ 

Azriel is standing so close, his chest almost touching yours and even though you have hugged him the day before, this feels different now. More intimate. Yesterday his arms offered comfort as you cried, today … it feels different.

“Close your eyes,” he murmurs. “Feel the way the wood feels beneath your fingertips. Listen to it, feel it, imagine it.”

You let your fingertips brush over the wood until you feel a much bigger hand wrap around your, its calluses scraping against your skin. Azriel is guiding your hand over the beam, slow and deliberate. 

“Think about how you feel, think about how it will feel beneath your feet, imagine yourself walking over it. Be in the moment and forget about everything else, about your fear.“

Easier said than done, you want to say, but you allow yourself to trust him, to follow his lead and let his words settle into you. 

Your fingers curl around the edge of the beam as your imagination sharpens. You have done a lot more grounding and balancing exercises in the days between your almost-fall and today. The confidence hasn’t returned fully, but partly and so you find yourself standing right next to the beam once more, ready to face it again. Soon. Not yet.

“You don’t have to see it. You just have to feel it,“ he whispers and he is so close you can feel his breath against your ear. “Be in the moment and feel it, every step. And when you’re ready, we’ll try again.“

You do as he tells you, almost as if becoming one with the beam. Underneath your palm you feel the faint humming of the wood, and become hyper aware of ever little splinter, every hole and every fibre.

Your breath evens out, your mind sharp and focused, the task ahead a clear vision within your brain and a sense of willingness fills you.

You want to do it. You want to manage walking this beam. Not for anyone but only for yourself. You want to prove it to yourself that you are ready, that you can do it.

And so, in a voice full of confidence, you say, "I‘m ready to try again."

A proud hum sounds from Azriel, his hand slipping away from yours so he can give you space to turn. He once again helps you climb the few steps, and so you find yourself in a similar position again as a few days ago. But this time you won’t let your fear win.

Your breathing steadies as you place one foot in front of the other and take a small break, balancing yourself in the moment, feeling the wood beneath your bare foot, becoming one with the obstacle ahead of you.

"I know you can do it," Azriel says from beside you, his presence as grounding as ever. "Don’t let your fear win. Never let it take the upper hand."

Determination takes root in your chest, and you step forward, each movement deliberate, strong and still careful.

"Use your senses,“ Azriel says. "You may not be able to see, but you can always rely on your hearing. On what you feel."

Your focus narrows, sharpening as you start to move with the beam — it sways and you sway with it. 

"That’s it!" Gwyn cheers from the other side of it. "Move with it! Find your rhythm."

And you do as told. One step after the other, always in balance, every movement in sync with your breaths. Your puls starts to hum —not with fear, but with confidence— as you walk, forward and forward until you stop. 

You stop and give yourself a short break to arrive in the moment. To grasp what is happening. You’re truly doing this and a smile blooms on your lips.

"Don’t overthink,“ you can hear Azriel say beside you and you give your head a small, barely there shake.

"I don’t,“ you hum. "I’m just enjoying the moment. I can do it!“

If he answers something, you don’t know because you start to walk again, driven by confidence and a fire within your soul that you thought has long died down.

You know it’s only a few more steps, you know it without Azriel having to tell you. You can feel it, you can see it in your mind. Every last step you take is measured, your muscles remembering every movement you practiced even though the beam starts to wobble. 

You won’t stop, you won’t give up and you won’t fall this time. You can feel a small shift, knowing that now you’re almost at the end the beam will start to sway even more. But you’re not afraid. You breathe through it, and keep going.

Until!

Strong arms catch you before you can take the next step, lifting you off the wood and onto the ground, a heartfelt laugh embracing you like a warm coat. "You did it, Y/N! You fucking did it!“

"I did,“ you breathe, and it sounds almost a little like a question. Like you can’t quite believe it. But then joy fills you, every fibre of your being and a smile breaks out on your face. "I did it!“

He takes your hands into his, squeezing them lightly and you can hear the smile in his voice when he says, "Yes, you did it“. 

There’s also pride in the shadowsinger’s voice and it does something to your heart. 

Bliss spreads throughout your entire body, raw and overwhelming, and before you can stop yourself, you rise onto your tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek—or at least, to where you hope his cheek is. 

He stiffens immediately, you can feel it, his demeanour shifting. 

Azriel’s shadows start to swirl frantically around the two of you as heat flushes your skin.

“I—uh…” His voice falters, and Azriel clears his throat.

If you didn’t know better, you would say you could hear Gwyn snickering in the background. 

The smile on your face turns into a big grin, you just can’t help it. "Thank you, Azriel!“ You take a step closer to him again. "Thank you for helping me and showing me what I am capable of!“

"You don’t need to thank me. This was all your doing! I took no part in what you managed today!“

"But you did, Shadowsinger!“ you insist, closing the distance between you and pressing your palms flat against his chest. "You showed me how to find confidence in myself, you gave me strength and you … sang for me. So let me thank you! Let me show you my gratitude.“

"I sang for you because I wanted to, Y/N. And I helped you because I knew that there was so much you could do and that you have the strength to do something great,“ he hums and it sounds joyful. "But if you insist, will you allow me to take you out for dinner?”

tags (crossed-out I couldn't tag) : @juulle987 @marimorena06 @danikasthings @younxii @nightcourtwritings @mrofontaine @lunalilyf @whor-3-crux @tired-all-the-time @anni-was-here @j-pendragonx @hollyismentallyillhelp @famousbasementpainter @lena-davina @red-highlady @thesugatoyourtae @azrielsbabyg @aroseinvelaris @moony-thoughts @wrensical003 @cherryjain17 @moonfawnx @crushedcloudsx @devilsfoodcake22  @valeridarkness @mulansaucey @cynicalpotato95 @eerievixen @feyretopia @brekkershadowsinger @girasoli-e-sorrisi @kennedy-brooke @highladyofillyria @theworthlessqueen @marina468 @illyrian-dreamer @eos-princess @courtofjurdan @a-frog-with-a-laptop @insufferablebookaddict @cadiawrites @bookishbroadwaybish @tele86 @fuckingsimp4azriel @berryzxx

@cataclysmica @its-sam-allgood @sstrohma @sidthedollface2 @anuttellaa @vaf24 @arcticfoxxes @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @velarisnightsky444 @weirdo-fun

[immaturityofthomasastruc]

IOTA Reviews: Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie

Once again, I'd just like to apologize for the lack of activity the past few months. The holidays have kept me busy, especially at work, and I've officially decided to go back to school next month. Don't get me wrong, one of my new year's resolutions is to at least try getting back to consistently working on this blog, which is one of the reasons why I'm going to tackle She-Ra in the future. Either way, I'd like to thank you for supporting me this past year even though I haven't been as active as I should be.

When I heard Miraculous Ladybug was getting a movie, I didn't really pay too much attention to the news due to all of the side projects that have been canceled left and right, but then I saw the trailer. It looked decent, and while I had issues with the animation, I was willing to give it a shot since Astruc wasn't on the writing team. Then the movie came out, and while it got mixed reviews, this was how a lot of people in the fandom saw it after suffering through Season 5.

Yeah, a lot of fans hold this movie in high regard. It's nothing as groundbreaking as other animated films that came out the same year like Across the Spider-Verse and Nimona, but for a Miraculous Ladybug project, it turned out pretty well. That is, except for the brief schism it caused in the fandom. While it's mostly subsided, when the movie came out, there was a debate on which handled the story better, the movie or the show. As always, fandom arguments tend to get complicated, and things only got worse when Thomas Astruc himself decided to throw his hat in the ring by claiming that the show he worked on was better.

Yes, even though fans enjoy a movie based on his characters, because he isn't the one who made it, Astruc thinks his version is better. Just remember, he tweeted this about a month after “Derision” premiered. I feel like that speaks for itself.

Thankfully, the argument has died down for the most part, though there's still discussions on which is the better version. Before I really get into the movie, I just want to remind everyone reading this that my opinion shouldn't be taken as fact. I am not the authority on what people should like, and I don't want anyone to use my review as an excuse to bully other people online for having a different opinion on the movie. While I've made jokes about the show's decline in quality, the show and movie both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and we should be able to discuss them.

With all that out of the way, let's get into Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie

Just to be clear, I'm not going to tackle this like my usual reviews. Instead, I'm going to break this review into three sections: what I liked, what I didn't like, and what I'm mixed on.

Things I liked

For one thing, the characterization is pulled off very well. None of the characters are really as annoying or incompetent like they were in the show's later seasons. Part of what I think makes it work is that there's more focus on character arcs that have to be completed by the end of the film. Marinette has to learn to step up as a hero, Adrien has to learn humility while dealing with the loss of his mother, and Gabriel struggles to resist the allure of villainy.

Marinette's anxiety is more pronounced in this movie, especially since in this continuity, Chloe is just starting to harass her, so she's not used to this kind of treatment. While Chloe is a minor antagonist in the civilian plotline, the biggest threat to Marinette when she's not Ladybug is her own self-doubt. Her status as an outcast is used to add to Marinette's lack of confidence in herself. The whole reason she even meets Adrien here is because she tried to hide from Chloe in the library, and she was too nervous to really speak up to Adrien. Hell, the first time she transforms into Ladybug, it's only because Tikki forced her to transform.

I like how Marinette's insecurities transition into her origin as Ladybug, where she's put in a situation where she has to take charge and be more confident. She still gets frustrated with her situation and her new partner's ego (more on that in a minute), but she struggles to really get her head in the game at first compared to how things were in “Origins”. It makes her development into the confident hero we're all familiar with feel more natural, as the climax of the movie shows her fully asserting herself as the protector of Paris and a beacon of hope for those to look up to.

Adrien is also handled very well here. As much as I liked “Origins”, I have to admit it didn't really do much with him as a character. With the exception of wasting his first Cataclysm, he just goes about the two-parter like it's another day at the office for him. That's why I'm a huge fan of the movie actually giving him stuff to do. Unlike the show, his arrogance is shown in a more negative light and is shown to be a major character flaw he needs to overcome. Nobody tries to excuse or deny his actions, and he learns how to become a better person.

This is what makes his dynamic with Ladybug so interesting. For their first battle together, he's overconfident and assumes that he's the leader, even though he's just as new at this as Ladybug is. The two trade insults and bicker while fighting their Akuma and even when they meet Master Fu afterwards. While Cat Noir does fall for Ladybug, Marinette still isn't open to it, not because she loves someone else, but more because she finds him to be unbelievably annoying. She doesn't really hate him the same way she does Chloe. It's more like that one coworker you can't stand but have to tolerate regardless.

Both Ladybug and Cat Noir help the other improve as they gain each other's respect. Ladybug gains more confidence in order to keep Cat Noir from bossing her around, while Cat Noir becomes more humble to become a better hero. Eventually, Cat Noir reverses his position and assumes he's the sidekick, only for Ladybug to deny that claim and declare that the two are partners. This statement also reflects how both of them are responsible for saving the day in the end. While Adrien ultimately reaches through to his father, Ladybug saves Adrien and repairs the damage caused by Hawkmoth. Both played a role that was instrumental in the climax, and neither one feels ignored by the narrative.

Another character who really got a much needed revamp is Chloe. Yes, she's still Marinette's primary bully, but it's more downplayed than in later seasons. She stays a challenge exclusive to Marinette's civilian life instead of trying to be a challenge to Ladybug. The closest thing she does to opposing the heroes is kick Cat Noir off a runaway Ferris wheel out of fear, and even then, she gets her comeuppance through Ladybug throwing her in a dumpster while saving her. Chloe is also much smarter than in canon, being able to read the room to mask her emotions and maintain her image or to prey on someone's insecurities if they get in her way. Don't get me wrong, she's still a source of comic relief, but the movie treats her slightly more seriously than canon does.

Speaking of comic relief, here's something that I think made this Chloe better than the one seen in the show: The jokes were actually funny. Yeah, it's not laugh out loud, but I like how rather than make jokes about how immature and stupid Chloe is, her jokes are focused more on her own ego and self-image. Well, that, and wanting to kick Marinette's ass. I'm not making this up. Chloe in this movie threatens Marinette several times, and it's honestly amazing.

She unironically put the fear of God in Marinette's eyes in her first scene alone.

I also like how they handle her role as a love rival to Marinette. Unlike the show, Chloe and Adrien never interact, and it's implied that this continuity won't use the childhood friends element introduced in Season 2. It's a good way to show the difference between her and Marinette, how for all her boasting, Chloe doesn't know Adrien the way Marinette gets to know him.

Gabriel is easily the best part of the movie. This version is more fleshed out compared to the show. Rather than flip-flop between sympathetic and pure evil, the movie leans more on the sympathetic side for Gabriel's character. His very first scene shows the grief he's going through while thinking about Emilie, and Keith Silverstein gets to show off more emotions than just over the top sociopathy. You understand why he chooses to become a supervillain, but you want to see him get better, making for a very somber character. I especially love the delivery of the line where he finally gives in and transforms for the first time.

Gabriel: If chaos is the way, I will burn the world and lose myself in the flames to do so!

That line has no right to go as hard as it does.

We see him descend more into villainy as his appearance becomes more disheveled. Despite claiming to care for his son, the Gabriel and Adrien don't interact until the 70-minute mark. By the time the two do talk, Gabriel looks like a mess compared to how he looked at the beginning.

I really like this writing decision, as it highlights the distant relationship between the two, and how being Hawkmoth has only made things worse for Gabriel. Seeing Gabriel finally realize how unhealthy his coping mechanisms have been when he learns Adrien is Cat Noir is a satisfying scene, as it feels like a natural way to put an end to his arc. Compared to canon where he wins and never really feels bad for what he did, this version of Gabriel is far more remorseful at the sight of his son battered and bruised and breaks down sobbing. Remember, this was the version Astruc said we “wanted” and not the one we “needed”.

As for the Miraculous, things were changed to better fit the story, and I like most of what they did. I like how there's more focus on the teamwork between Ladybug and Cat Noir. Their Miraculous don't just grant a wish when used together. They literally become stronger when the two work together, and it makes a lot of sense. I like how the teamwork aspect is rewarded in-universe, because it shows how the heroes can do more than create and destroy stuff. I also think the addition of a call function on their Miraculous makes perfect sense, and clears up a ton of potential communication errors.

The fight scenes are also pretty creative. There's a lot of focus on using the environment to fight the Akumas. The very first fight has Ladybug and Cat Noir defeat the Akuma by letting a train hit it, and the second major fight involves a Ferris wheel going out of control. This leads to more varied action and well choreographed fight scenes. I especially like how with the exception of the Mime (and a brief reference to the Bubbler and Guitar Villain), all of the Akumas are brand-new, so older fans don't know what to expect with these guys.

This level of action also extends to the climax. Hawkmoth uses an Akuma on himself, sending out a massive flock of butterflies. You'd think it'd be like this movie's take on “Heroes' Day”, right? Nope! Instead, the Akumas become tiny attack drones that swarm over Paris like the eight plague of Egypt. I don't know how the animators managed to make an army of purple butterflies menacing, but by God, they did it.

Speaking of animators, my thoughts on the animation have changed drastically. While I still have minor gripes with the character design, I still love how the city of Paris is brought to life, making it seem more populated than in the show. I never really held the limited amount of civilians against the animators in the show, but I'm so happy we can see this show's environment on a cinematic budget. The animation is another reason why I think the action works so well in this movie.

Things I didn't like

When it comes to the changes to the Miraculous, one thing I'm not a fan of is Ladybug not getting her Lucky Charm. It misses the point of her having the power of creation. Yeah, she still has the spotted vision thing she had in the show, but it takes away what made the way she defeats Akumas interesting. She doesn't just beat them into submission. Sometimes, she outsmarts them or reasons with them, and part of the fun with the Lucky Charm is seeing just how she'll use something like a coat hanger or an old football trophy to defeat them.

I also don't like this movie's take on the Butterfly Miraculous. The very first scene has Master Fu build it up as an evil artifact capable of turning people into monsters. Remember, “Origins” established the Butterfly as something capable of creating superheroes, a power Gabriel twisted to create villains instead. Hell, I hate this rule, but the Paris Special made it clear that Miraculous can be used for good or evil, and it all depends on how the power is used. In other words, Miraculous don't kill people, people kill people. Bottom line, I prefer the idea of the Butterfly being the same as the other Miraculous, with the user and intent making it evil.

The one character who I felt the movie absolutely misrepresented was Plagg. This version of the character has none of the heart he had in the show. Yes, Plagg was crass there too, but he had just as many scenes showing how he cared for Adrien like a little brother or a nephew. He was Adrien's primary confidant and wanted to help him however he could. Even bad Plagg-centric episodes like “Kuro Neko” or “The Kwamis' Choice” made it clear he wants what's best for Adrien and is capable of coming up with plans if they'll help him.

Here, Plagg is mostly just there to make snide comments and fart a lot. Say what you will about the show, but at least it didn't make Plagg farting into a running gag. Plagg only gets a handful of lines in the entire movie, to the point where even Tom has more lines than he does. Tikki gets plenty of scenes with Marinette and an entire song, while Plagg feels like an afterthought.

Things I'm mixed on

This might be a little controversial, but I have mixed feelings on the portrayal of the Love Square as a whole in this movie. Don't get me wrong, the Ladynoir scenes are great, but there's not as many Adrienette, Ladrien, or Marichat scenes. In fact, I don't think there were any Ladrien or Marichat scenes in this movie, which is weird. I can at least excuse those, but it's weird how little Adrienette scenes there are. Not counting the masks, they only have four major scenes together before the end, and one of those is a deleted scene that had the dialogue cut over a montage.

While I'm glad the entire movie wasn't about the Love Square drama, the romance between Marinette and Adrien specifically feels a little rushed. I think it would have benefited the movie to have ten or fifteen more minutes to flesh out this subplot a little instead of only focusing on Ladynoir.

I'm also unsure what to say about the songs. Most of them are pretty catchy and have great visuals, but the dissonance between the singing voices of Marinette and Adrien throws me off. I don't get why neither actor for the French or English dub was asked to sing. For some reason, Tikki and Gabriel's voice actors got to sing, but not Marinette and Adrien. At the very least, Drew Ryan Scott's singing voice sort of sounds like Adrien, but Lou's singing voice makes Marinette sound twice her age. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the songs, but this choice was very jarring to me.

And now, because literally nobody asked for it, here's every song in the movie ranked.

8. If I Believed in Me

A very dull “I want” song that's just Marinette wandering around Paris on the way to school. Compared to “Little Town” from Beauty and the Beast, where you can easily follow Belle and understand how she goes about her day, it's not clear what kind of route Marinette is taking. Even the lyrics are pretty bland, just talking about wanting to follow her dreams and be more confident. The issue is that her dreams of being a fashion designer barely factor into the plot, and she only becomes more confident thanks to being a superhero, something she didn't dream of. The only real dud in the soundtrack.

7. Opening Remix

Not much to say here. It's a remix of the opening theme with the new singers. It sounds nice.

6. Reaching Out

This is a much better song than “If I Believed in Me”. It does a great job expressing Marinette's doubt and how she feels pressured to be somebody she's not. Great way to follow up on her heart getting broken by Adrien.

5. My Lady

This one's a quickie, but it's still fun. I love the visuals in this one and how it gradually crescendos, reflecting the new feelings Cat Noir has for Ladybug developing.

4. Stronger Together

Surprisingly, Ladybug and Cat Noir's only duet in the movie, but it's still really good. I love the use of the set in the theater Cat Noir took Ladybug to at the beginning before they run around Paris. The lyrics do a great job showing how far the two's relationship has come, making it clear how close they are, only for reality to metaphorically kick them out of the sky.

3. You Are Ladybug

Another duet, this time between Marinette and Tikki. While I still think Cristina Vee should have gotten to sing this one song given her chemistry with Mela Lee, Lou still does a great job expressing her anxiety. The back and forth between Tikki and Marinette makes this a blast to watch, especially with it using the same music as the theme song. Even the rap part with Tikki was fun to watch. I especially love the part where Tikki excitedly tells Marinette about how dangerous the job is and how close she'll come to getting killed.

2. Chaos Will Reign Today

The villain song in this movie had no right to be as good as it is. The visuals are eerie and fit the more menacing tone of the song. Keith Silverstein gives his all to make up for his crime of singing the Hawkmoth Rap. It's also a hell of a lot better than the villain song Disney had to offer that year.

1. Courage in Me

Easily my favorite song in the movie. The visuals of Marinette struggling to hop across these black spots symbolizing her yo-yo before her transformation into Ladybug is awe-inspiring. The lyrics are a great way to solidify Marinette embracing her role as Ladybug, and it's such a triumphant song to listen to.

Other things I noticed

During the first Akuma fight, Ladybug and Cat Noir pass by some guys with stereotypical French accents while almost every other character speaks like they're in America.

Careless Whisper plays one time in Cat Noir's mind as he develops feelings for Ladybug. The fact that he listens to it after getting his heart broken has to be one of the most subtle jokes I've ever seen in this franchise. Of course, it's clear what the best superhero cover of Careless Whisper really is.

Cat Noir says he has the power of destruction in his introduction while being impressed when Master Fu says the same thing.

There's a Volkswagon tie-in that actually features the two heroes promoting some cars in-universe. This is a real shot from the movie.

I think Chloe ships Alyanette, judging from this exchange:

Marinette: Seriously, Alya, you think Adrien would say yes?

Alya: Of course! I'm gonna ask Nino.

Chloe: I think you should go together, 'cause Adrien is coming with me, not with some baker girl.

I don't think Ladybug ever learned Cat Noir could play the piano, so seeing Cat Noir try to woo her with a little piano number is a nice inclusion.

When Cat Noir's mask is destroyed in the final battle, his exposed eye is still green. Was this where the chibi shorts got the idea from?

Other people have pointed this out, but the picture of Adrien as a kid is traced from a character from The Boss Baby. That's an automatic ten point deduction for making me remember that movie exists.

The post-credits scene with Nathalie was weird.

Did Master Fu not know he lost the Peacock Miraculous too?

Why isn't Emilie in any form of suspended animation?

Is the Peacock still damaged?

Did the Peacock still kill her/send her into a coma?

Was Adrien still created by the Peacock?

Why didn't Gabriel use the Peacock or at least consider it?

Did Gabriel forget to tell anyone about the other Miraculous he has after turning himself in?

Why did Gabriel choose to tell Nathalie when she didn't seem to help him while he was still Hawkmoth?

Final Thoughts

Overall, this was a really good movie, and a fresh take on the show's universe. I had issues with it, but I still think this movie series has promise. The animation was great, the songs were catchy, and the characterization was on point for the most part. It even manages to be a better musical than the ones big names like Disney and Warner Bros have made in the past two years. It's one of the best things to come out of the franchise, no question. I wouldn't mind future installments set in this continuity over whatever Season 6 churns out.

[pholla-jm]

Meet My Wife

IMAGINE: MEET MY WIFE~ LUFFY X F!READER GENRE: FLUFF warnings: f!reader implied. not proof read. slight cursing ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luffy seemed more excited than usual. I mean, he’s always bouncing off the wall. But it was like he was expecting something and he couldn’t wait for it. 

“What do you think he’s excited about?” Chopper asks Nami.” She just sighs and waves her hand around, “knowing him. He’s probably excited about food.” 

Little did they know, they were about to be in a world of shock. 

Luffy did not waste a single second jumping off the boat as soon as it docked. He continued to run straight into town, like he knew exactly where he was going. 

The rest of the crew just watched him, some in confusion and some of them looked exhausted. Sanji sighs, taking a deep breath of his cigarette. “He’s most likely going to cause trouble.” Nami sighs, already feeling a headache form because of her idiot captain. 

However, it wasn’t food or a new adventure that got him this excited. No, it was someone who was very important to him. He remembered the instructions very clearly. He couldn’t forget it. Just follow the path, there are going to be white flowers along the path. It should lead all the way down to a small house with flowers and different plants all around the place. 

His eyes grew wide seeing the variety of plants and flowers, knowing that you had planted these yourself. The door opens and a large smile covers his face. 

“(y/n)!” He shouts, grabbing your attention. He ran at you, full force and it looked like he wasn’t going to stop. You drop the empty basket you were carrying, fully prepared for him to throw himself onto you. 

And you were right. His body crashes into you. His arms and legs wrapping around you, and he nuzzles his face into your cheek. The first thing he notices is how soft your skin feels against him. The second thing he notices is how sweet you smell. You smelled like fresh laundry, but with a hint of something sweet, like you were just baking. 

“Luffy.” You softly say with a smile on your face. “I didn’t know you were going to be here so soon… I missed you.” You whisper the last part. “I missed you too.” Lufffy pulls back, letting you go a bit. “Are you making something?” He asks. 

You nod your head, “yes. It’s actually almost done. Would you like to try some?” He immediately nods his head yes and you laugh. “I don’t know why I asked. Of course you would. Come inside.” 

He completely lets you go now, and you pick up the empty basket heading back inside. 

The sweet scent is stronger and Luffy basically salivates at the smell. You grab a cloth, pulling out the fresh strawberries and cream croissants. There were only a few, since you weren’t expecting company. 

“Careful, they’re hot.” You say but he doesn’t care. He’s already stuffing his mouth with a croissant. 

His eyes widen and there’s a smile on his face. “They're so good!” He says while grabbing another one. You laugh, “wait. Save one for me.” You grab the last one, taking a bite of it. You were glad how good they came out. 

Once he scarfs down the second croissant, he looks at you and clears his throat. “You should meet my crew!” He says like it was another Tuesday.  

Your eyes widen. “Really?” You ask and he nods his head. “Of course!” You suddenly got nervous and wondered what his crew was like. They had to be nice, right? Luffy only accepted the best of the best. So what would they think of you?

“Like right now?” 

Luffy stands up, “yeah!” He grabs onto your arm and drags you out of the small house. 

“W-wait! Wait! Let me at least clean myself up.” You try to tell him but it falls upon deaf ears. 

You were now leaving your property, and Luffy must've thought you were moving too slow because he suddenly picks you up bridal style. His arms securely wrapped underneath your legs and the other one supporting your back. 

You let out a small gasp, surprised at the action. It had you a bit flustered as he ran back to what you could assume was his ship. 

He was running for about five minutes until the both of you arrived at the port. Multiple ships lined up on the dock, but there was one that stood out to you. A ship with a sheep head. It was… cute. 

You could see people walking on the ship, minding their own business. Until they spot their captain holding some girl. 

The redhead girl gasps, gaining the attention of the other crewmates. 

“Holy shit, Luffy! Did you kidnap someone?!” Nami shouts, a bit horrified. 

Luffy just laughs as he jumps onto the ship, causing you to let out a short yelp at the unexpected height change. 

“No,” Luffy laughs while placing you down, “I want you to meet my wife.” He announces causing everyone on the ship to gasp. Your eyes widened and your cheeks warmed up at his announcement. There was no way he still thinks that the wedding was real…

“What?!” A blonde male shrieks, “you’re telling me that this idiot right here is actually married.” “Yup!” Luffy says with a proud smile on his face and his fists on his hips. “No, I don’t believe it.” Another male says while shaking his head. 

“Well believe it. We kissed and everything. It was official.” He says, causing you to cover your face in embarrassment. You had no idea that Luffy was going to introduce you like this. 

The blonde male cries out, shouting how unfair the universe was. 

“(y/n).” Luffy says while grabbing onto your wrist. He pulls you forward, “I want you to meet my crew!” 

He points at the blonde, “that’s Sanji, our cook.” He then points at the woman, “Nami, our navigator.” He then points at the curly headed man, “Usopp, aaaaand,” he points at the sleeping man with green hair, “Zoro.” 

“Everyone, this is (y/n). My wife!” He pulls you again. This time you were pressed up against him. You honestly felt like you were on fire. 

You wondered how strange this must've looked for them. And you honestly wanted to clear things up.

“B-but Luffy.” You whisper, gaining his attention. “We got married as kids. Kids, Lu.” You emphasize the words kid, hoping that he would get the hint. 

“Oh, yeah.” He says like he almost forgot something important, “I have these.” He pulls out two rings. The same poorly made rings that were made as kids. 

You grab one of the rings, feeling the familiar flutter in your heart. Luffy smiles, “I think they’re too small now. But that’s okay. We can make new ones.” 

A blush dusts your cheeks. It was really sweet that he still considers you his wife. “Yeah… that actually sounds really nice.” 

“Shishishi, I knew you would like that.”

Well... maybe things didn't have to be cleared up right away. Let the crew think the strange things.

[hgeeky]

My year in books 2024 - book series

Over the year I managed to read 140 books (including audiobooks), not including the 4 I started and still have on the go, and 3 that I started and abandoned.

I read quite a few series, here are some thoughts on those (spoiler free). I'll probably follow up with another post or two for other fiction and non-fiction.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaranovitch

I've now read all 9 of the main novels (although I read the first two in 2023), plus Tales from the Folly and What Abigail Did That Summer, all as audiobooks.

Kobna Hollbrook-Smith is an incredible narrator

I absolutely adore the blend of magic, folklore and police bureaucracy. The acronyms and procedure are set out in a way that feels so true to life - with all the quirks that come with how these things translate into practice. And it makes the magic somehow more believable. Plus the characters are so often charming.

I'm looking forward to working my way through the novellas and graphic novels while I wait for the next instalment.

The Aubreyad/Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian

I managed all 20 of the completed novels, my first complete circumnavigation (at some point I'll try to get my hands on the unfinished 21st book)

This is very much thanks to @elodieunderglass posting about it here, which encouraged me to seek out the audiobooks (my library has the Ric Jerrom ones)

I had attempted Master & Commander once, many years ago, because a lot of my family like the books. My grandfather especially liked them, and I wish I had known him better (he died in 2000). But I couldn't cope with the naval jargon at the time and gave up.

I did enjoy the film, and I've enjoyed Hornblower on TV and the Sharpe books, so I do generally enjoy that sort of thing and the audiobooks turned out to be perfect for me.

Ric Jerrom does a wonderful job with the characters and I could let a lot of the naval jargon wash over me (occasionally I did look things up to try to get a better handle on things).

Jack and Stephen are now my blorbos for sure.

And I absoutely love how much O'Brian managed to fit into these books - the natural history, the mores of the time, even the politics, as well as the action, adventure and romance.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I find these books rather moving, as well as fun

The combination works wonderfully for perking me up, helping me embrace life and find the joy in it, and that's always worth something

In fact it's remarkably impressive

The blend of characters is wonderful, the range of perspectives and personalities really helps me look at the world afresh, and not take things for granted so much.

Jackson Brodie by Kate Atkinson

I read the first one in 2023, and 2-5 in 2024

I've long adored Kate Atkinson's books, and I've read at least two of the Jackson Brodie books before (1 and 4) but thought I'd give the whole series a go

Perhaps not entirely as successful as some of her other books, I did still enjoy them all. I think Big Sky (number 5) was my favourite.

Phryne Fisher by Kerry Greenwood

I really enjoyed the TV adaptation a few years ago so I thought I'd give the audiobooks a go when I saw that my library has them

They are light and easy-going, with grate narration by Stephanie Daniel

I read the first one last year, and got through 2-8 this year. I particularly enjoyed 3 (Muder on the Ballarat Train), 4 (Death at Victoria Dock), 5 (The Green Mil Murder) and 8 (Urn Burial). I didn't mind a bit that I could remember some of the plots from the TV show.

The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir

I gave Gideon the Ninth a go after seeing a lot of posts about it on here, and finding I could get it through Audible plus (which I get occasionally when I can get a discount)

It was an absolute headfuck of a fever dream for most of it and I loved it

Eventually I used some credits to get Harrow and Nona and loved them too. Harrow was also a headfuck but I think I'd got slightly more into the swing of things for Nona.

I went back to relisten to Gideon to see what I made of it, after having more context and it was good in a different way. I enjoyed having more things make sense and I appreciated many of the characters a lot more.

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkein

When I found out my library had the audiobooks read by Andy Serkis, I thought it would be rude not to borrow them

I enjoyed The Hobbit the most.

I found Return of the King a bit of a slog. It all felt too ponderous when it was focused on humans, elves or dwarves, but fortunately the hobbits, ents and orcs gave it a lot more life and helped get me through.

Edit: Oops I forgot The World of the White Rat!

World of the White Rat - T Kingfisher

I didn't start at the beginning and I've not read everything

I gave the books a go thanks to Audible Plus and now I'm in love with them

Swordheart is my favourite, I've now listened to it twice

I've also covered the first 3 Saint of Steel books and have number 4 ready and waiting

I've also listened to quite a few other T Kingfisher books which aren't in the same world (or at least, not obviously) and loved those too - more on those in a separate post (if I manage it)

[princeloww]

This probably won’t be very eloquent, it is 3 in the morning, but I wanted to make a little (slightly more serious) new years post, because there's something I want to talk about.

I have got to meet such wonderful and brilliant people this year. Life is hard — the world is a terrible, terrible place — but those people, friends, mutuals, seem to make it worthwhile. I wanted to thank everyone who has been a part of my life this year, no matter how frequently or largely. Without you, without connection (even over the silliest, stupidest of things) I don’t know how I’d cope. Thank you for being part of this year. I hope, next year, we can stick together — no matter how hard things seem. No matter how rough the world gets. We will always have each other, and, in the end, that’s all there really is.

I also wanted to take a moment to highlight the people — person — we’ve lost this year. I did not know Tori, @dtmsrpfcringe, very well. We hardly ever interacted. However, when we did, it was unbelievably clear how bright and passionate she was. Even if you disagreed with her, with her takes or opinions, it is undeniable just how caring she was. She poured time and passion into the things she cared about, and used her time, her valuable, useful time, to defend others. She fought, even in small ways, for what she believed in. If that isn’t admirable, I don’t know what is.

Again — we didn’t know each other particularly well. She once shared kind words with me, but aside from that, we never really spoke. Despite it, I find myself thinking about her very regularly. She meant a lot to a lot of people. She brought brightness and wit into an otherwise drab world, and fought on — despite the cruel words she often received. 

I don’t think it matters whether or not you agreed with Tori. I think, regardless, her passing is a devastation and a huge loss to our community (or whatever you wish to call it). She was a loving, friendly, and passionate person who cared until the end. This must be an unbelievably hard time for the loved ones she left behind. The children. The family. In this time, in this period, my heart is with them. My thoughts are with them. I hope yours are too, as we push on and inevitably keep going.

It’s cruel, the way it has to go. It hurt, watching that queue slowly end. I know the people close to her, her dearest friends, must really be struggling. My thoughts are also with them. Grief is a horrible and strange creature. Sometimes it never goes away. Despite not knowing her, not personally, I don’t think I’ll ever forget Tori. The small impacts she made on my life. The large ones she made on others’. 

I remember reading, once, a horrible ask she received. Somebody told her they wished her new-born baby would die. I think about that quite regularly too. I think about the horrid, miserable person you have to be, to send a message like that. To think it up, and think it socially acceptable to send to someone. To tell anyone — let alone an exhausted mother with a new-born baby. 

I don’t know who sent that ask. I probably never will — that’s just how things go. But I hope, somewhere, wherever they are, they learn to wake the fuck up. Even if you disagree with someone, you never know what they’re going through. There is never, ever, an acceptable situation to say that to someone. Would you walk up to a mother in a hospital and tell her you hope her baby dies? I’d hope not. What makes it different? Is it because your name isn’t attached? You feel invisible, labelled as anonymous? It’s, frankly, really pathetic. I hope whoever sent that, even if just in the tiniest way, takes something out of this tragedy. I hope, at the very least, that they feel an ounce of regret. 

That’s probably being far too polite. I hope they wake with regret. I hope they struggle to shake it — but they probably won’t. Some people are just horrible. It’s a horrid, rotten truth of the world. It’s the reason Tori fought. The reason she kept posting, sharing kind words and challenging what she thought wrong. 

I think we all, sometimes, need to challenge the things we disagree with. Speak out. Give others, those too shy, a voice. But at the same time, I think we need to realise that these people are human. Is empathy really that difficult? Behind every comment, there is a human being. Someone who thinks, someone who breathes, someone who feels things just like you. How is that so hard to understand? How could you type up a horrible message, a message like that ask, without an ounce of perspective? 

It’s really baffling. I don’t mean to be negative — but I really think we should take something from this. Realise just how human we all are. I mean, some of these things we fight over are petty as fuck. That’s, unfortunately, the reality of it.

When it comes to admittedly silly things like fandom discourse, I think we should take a moment to remember just how fleeting this really is. Fight for what’s right, speak your thoughts, funnel that passion into something useful — use your voice to speak for others’, to share your kindness and make someone’s day, but also remember that, underneath it all, we’re just people. People who think. People who feel. People who used to play stupid games as children and learn the same things. 

If you disagreed with Tori, on anything at all, I don’t want to hear it. Not on this post. You’ll be blocked, immediately, if you do. There’s a time and a place. This is not that time and not that place.

Going into this new year, into this new part of life, I just hope our thoughts can remain with Tori. She was such a bright, caring person, despite whatever she might have been going through.

Children are without their mother. That will always be hard. Devastating. 

I just hope, maybe, we can try to have a bit of perspective. Remember those that we love, those that we’ve lost, and that everyone, underneath it all, is just a human. 

I’m beyond grateful for the people I’ve met this year and had the privilege to interact with. This includes Tori. She will be missed — infinitely, I’m sure — but she will also be remembered. 

Send someone a nice message. Ask how they’re doing. You never know what will happen. 

Happy new year. May we push on together. 

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

I think my girlfriend's Odile hates me. Every time I come over, she keeps glaring at me, and every once and a while I'll say something I see her start writing in her notebook. Any advice for getting on her good side? I'm well aware that my relationship hinging on having a good relationship with her isatling.

Odiles can be pretty hard to read sometimes. From what I can gather, your girlfriend’s Odile has found something interesting about you. If this is good or bad I truly cannot say: but she’s not ignoring you! The worst offense you can take from an Odile is for her to find you uninteresting in any capacity, so at the very least, she’s willing to observe and change her mind to something more positive.

There is also potentially a very good chance that this Odile is messing with you. It’s a well known fact that Odiles enjoy small pranks, a common one being the mental game of “what is she writing about”. If this is the case, it’s likely that the Odile quite enjoys your company, and is simply having fun tormenting you for laughs. This is a positive method of communication for Odiles.

If you’re this concerned, then here’s some suggestions for getting on her good side.

First off, you can try treat bribes. Don’t overdo this though!! Odiles are not food motivated, but do appreciate offerings. The best way to go about this is to be the one to give treats, and make sure she can see you. Bonus points if you bring them from your own home. Treats also include gifts like new books or puzzles.

Also, treat your girlfriend really well!! Give her gifts when you visit, call frequently, and be present in general! These are things you should already be doing of course, but still! The Odile WILL notice, even about things you may think are small or inconsequential. The Odile knows more than you: always remember this.

Furthermore, you should engage with the Odile, though do keep her boundaries in mind. Odiles are not very physically affectionate, and require more alone time than most species. Still, theyre not absolute loners, and need attention just like any other species does! Talk to her, be attentive, and so on. Most of all though, be yourself! And Odile will see through any meaningless words or appearances you put on just to appease her.

Best of luck!

[pomefioredove]

I really liked the advice for writing about Rook ;u; I was thinking if there was one for writing about Vil's character too?) :'0

I can try!

I think what you want to avoid is making vil a stereotypical "mean girl", for lack of a better term. he has a low tolerance for bullshit but he's not a bully. he's just... german...

he's also not perfect. like, that, to me, is a huge part of his character. when I write him, I give him a sense of humor, I give him flaws, I make him a little... uglier, so to speak, because that's who he is to me. especially with yuu

what makes him an interesting character (to me) is his relationship with morality. he definitely has insecurities about his appearance, he's very meticulous and critical of himself, he has an eating disorder, to me, at least, but... like, that's not what makes him tick. vil is extremely insecure about his morality. he thinks he's a bad person, an irredeemably bad person, an intrinsically bad person, and he believes, in some way, that he's unlovable. he hates who he is, he hates that he can't be good enough, or innocent enough, or nice enough, like neige. it's not about looks, not really. it's also fucking insane to me how all the adults in his life profiled him as a villain and put him in that role again and again, both on stage and in real life. being told that you're a bad person really fucks you up as a child

so, feeling like he's inherently evil and unlovable, he pours all of his effort and time and care into his appearance, because, unlike his morality, that can be changed. he needs that control. of course, the result of this is that he becomes really insecure about his body, and is always looking to improve, because it's never enough to heal what actually needs to be healed

he puts on this mask of indifference and perfection, he acts like he think he should (or how other people assumes he should), he makes himself untouchable because he feels like he doesn't deserve to be touched, but god, is he scared. and so, so lonely. and jealous. and sort of resentful of everyone for making him that way, but dependent on their comfort and approval all the same

people don't really look at vil as if he were human and I think that bothers him. even though he makes himself inhuman, godlike, he doesn't really want that. he wants to be loved for who he is, he wants to be reassured that he's not broken, he wants a break from being looked at, he wants to be felt instead

I read a post once, forgive me for I do not remember the OP, that said that it wasn't jealousy or rage or bitter ugliness that had caused vil to overblot. it was when he realized that he was about to hurt neige, and that he had become the villain everyone already saw him as. his conflict with his morality is the most interesting part of his character and it's rarely explored, he's rarely even humanized

tldr, uhhh, vil is a person, he longs to be seen as a person, he is not a mean girl. got emotional writing this bc I love vil so muc,

[stardancerluv]

What the Emperor Wants

Part Thirteen

Summary: New developments after Geta proposes to reader. The past is remembered.

Warning/Notes: Angst, fluff, Screaming (Caracalla is upset!) dated views of people, wounds & religion.

Bacchus is the god of fertility, wine & revelry.

Thank you so much for reading. Its a bit long. Debated about splitting it up. ❤️s, reblogs, comments and feedback is always welcome!!! Happy New Year! 🎉💐

“Yes, yes Geta I will be honored to be your wife.”

Once again, you felt as his lips brushed over your knuckle. It caused a flutter, a very pleasing flutter in your heart as he slipped an iron band onto your finger.

“I give you this, a betrothal ring.”

As he held your hand as his eyes met yours and you held his hand in return.

His words, may have come from the heavens above but his eyes were soft as fresh earth on a summer’s day. He was there grounded to terra with you.

******

Once the villa became aware of his betrothal to you; it felt like a storm of preparation was passing through. Geta began making arrangements. Not to be a distraction to anyone, you made your way back to your room.

You had seen him once before this determined. It had been your second time ever in the royal box, Nadia was still ill. You were her replacement and terribly nervous.

Though, one of his personal gladiators received a mortal wound. When it happened an instrument of harm flew from his grasp and it struck a senator. It was the later that had rankled him. With a flick of his wrist and the gladiator had been dispatched. With this memory, you were struck with the realization that the same senator that had been hurt was the one who had put on quite a show of disapproval to you being in attendance of their session.

Through all of the activity Aelia, remained calm and composed. You were grateful for her calm nature and steadfastness over the news.

You managed to make it to your room, with little fuss as the entire villa felt as if it hummed and buzzed like the bees, the people in your village had kept. You did not linger, or bother anyone. As a child, you had learned to not bother the hive. One could get stung, this time however you were afraid, you’d get stung and realize you were asleep and this had been some wild dream from the gods.

It was quiet, though your heart had kept its steady beat. Going to the small speculum, you eyed your appearance. You held up your wrist that was still adorned by the bracelet, then you held up your hand with the ring. It had truly happened. Geta, had proposed to you.

Being an empress more would adorn you. Geta himself wore a bit. It made him all the more pleasing to the eye. Though you’d be false to yourself if you did not find it pleasing in how he appeared before the jewelry or the powders to make him appear more like a god.

*******

He felt free, making a decision for himself. It caused happiness to fill him.

From afar, he had kept an eye on you. He watched you move, how you smiled. Hearing how you spoke it reminded him of the poetry he used to lose himself in reading. He missed the days where he could disappear to read or take in a good performance or look upon art.

When Caracalla began to exude problems with his illness, those fancies were squashed. No longer could he just do what called to him. Though the thirst of a good fight in the arena was something that entertained the both of them. It kept, Caracalla smiling or at the least shift him away from one his darker spells. Enjoying those fights more often had brought you to him.

Its a long time since he followed his own impulses. Been too long in his opinion. He was first born, he was allowed this. You made him feel close to the exhilaration of knowing a new providence would be under the rising and setting of the Roman sun or when a favorite gladiator won.

********

Reaching into the folds of the beautiful fabrics, you removed a sprig of Rosemary. You brought it to your nose and smiled. It was refreshing.

The sun as vivid as Geta’s hair; began to touch the horizon you wondered if a letter was sent to your village. Your village where you last embraced, held hands with your mother or where you knelt and hugged your younger brother. Your older brothers and father had already crossed the river styx.

She would have loved to know her daughter would be an empress. If she had gone to be with her husband and other sons, you promised in your heart you’d be reunited. You’d happily tell her of how grand and large Rome truly is. And with great pleasure you’d tell her what it was like to meet his sire, emperor Geta and how he decided to make you his empress.

You murmured a soft prayer of gratitude. All you knew was, Venus and Psyche must truly be blessing and guiding yours and his hearts.

The creak of your door, brought you from your musings. Glancing, you saw Aelia. You smiled and rose from where you sat and went over to her. You tucked the rosemary away. When you saw the edge that her face had taken, how stoney her eyes were you paused. You had only seen her this sharp when uou questioned Geta.

Your heart squeezed, painfully.

“Aelia? Is there something wrong? Are you ill?” Your eyes grew at the mere passing of the thought. “Has Geta become ill?”

“No.”

She reached and grabbed you. Turning your face upwards to her. You did not resist. Fear had taken ahold.

“Are you enchantress? Do you cast spells?”

“No. Why?” You trembled.

“His sire, my sire Geta is to marry you. He has become besotted with you. He has become capricious.”

“He has?”

You always heard, his temper could be sudden and as sharp as the mighty and powerful Jupiter. You had seen touches. But you had also heard and seen that he could be just like Bacchus as well.

“Yes. He has never spoke of marriage. He has never been so impulsive that he would send one of the Praetorian Guard.”

“You rescued me from him last night.”

Her hand on you tightened, you winced.

“I know how they can be. I am no beast.”

“Thank you.” You exhaled.

“So what has come over him. Could it be from that knife’s blade? The one that drew his life’s blood?” Her eyes never left yours.

“Aelia, I am sure it could not. But I am just me. I know no spells.”

You learned from Geta to not look away. However, in this moment you wished you could. How she looked at you, hurt.

“The sun always rises as the moon settles away. Those two are never as radiant as they are when they are alone in the sky. That is I.” You paused and swallowed. “I do. I don’t know how else to truly be. My father said, one day it may cost me my head but believe me when I say, I do care for him, Geta. I do.”

You echo. A warmth came over you as you spoke of him.

“I heard only of stories that our gods or how my father and mother were when they shared a smile, or laid a weathered hand on the other.”

Her hand finally released you.

“I hope your beautifully woven words are true. I will stand by you and help you into this new journey where and when I can.”

She promised.

“Thank you, Aelia. Thank you.”

*******

Clad in a dark and heavy cloaks with the cover of the night, the carriages pulled up to the expansive royal domus. With time away, you were reminded of how big it was.

You were lowering your hood, when you heard steady and concurred foot falls of some guards accompanied by the softer but still determined foot falls of a pair of bare feet. Looking up, you saw a very grumpy, sleep rumpled Caracalla. He was wrapped messily in a white sheet. Dondas, his little monkey held onto the sheet as he moved fairly steadily towards the two of you. Geta was beside you, lowering his hood.

“You left me!” He hollered.

You took a step back.

“I’m sorry. Needed to clear my head.” Geta said softly as he stepped closer to his brother.

“You should have told me!”

You dared to look their way. You noticed tears had wet his eyes.

“I figured it would be good for you to be away from your big brother for a little while.” He stepped even closer. “I’m sure it gave you a chance to throw a wild party or two.” He rose his eyebrows and a smile played on his lips.

He chuckled then. A smile finally cracked his mouth. “I did. They were fantastic. I will have to throw another since you’ve returned.”

“We’ll see.”

They embraced. Dondas, hopped down then and made some happy sounds.

You debated about leaving to your room, you didn’t want to disrupt his good mood. You began to unfasten the cloak.

“You brought her back.”

Your fingers stilled on your cloak.

His voice, was sharp and it cut through the room. Glancing over, you saw as he struggled away from Geta’s grasp. Easily, he freed himself, quickly he was where you stood.

“The messages were not false then.” His expression turned sour.

Before you could react, he had grabbed your hand where the iron band encircled your finger.

“You plan on marrying, marrying this…” He spat out, as he tugged on your hand.

“Brother, I have told you to watch your tongue around her.” He easily closed the distance, he placed a hand on his shoulder.

His hand was warm, as if flushed with a fever as he shook it to let you go as if it had gotten stuck.

That’s when you noticed Dondas.

“I don’t care what you say…” He shrieked.

His eyes were wild, his voice grew sharp once again. Yet his words faded to silence as Dondas walked over to you.

“Get away from her, she’ll hurt you.”

You frowned at his words. You couldn’t imagine hurting anything.

Dondas looked back at him. He let go of your hand to clap and smiled at his little monkey, bending gently towards it. As part of his sheet slipped he pushed it back onto his shoulder.

Dondas, looked back at you tilting her head to one side. Then on her little feet, you saw her exhibit only a few times she went over you, easily climbing up your cloak. She skittered and squeaked close to your ear. You glanced at her and smiled. You could feel as her little feet held onto the fabric before there was a little jump and she landed between the two of you again.

She bowed her head and soon scampered over to Caracalla, and easily climbed up the sheet. Then she appeared to settle and perch herself on his shoulder. It was her special place to be; when she wasn’t on Caracalla’s man servant’s shoulder.

Blinking, you attempted to look at Caracalla and then at Geta. Caracalla had frowned. His brow creased as he brought up a ringed finger to his lips before mumbling something and then walked back in the direction of his rooms.

One the servants with a swish and a flowery air appeared with a glass of wine in an outstretched hand to Geta.

He glanced, nodding and took it. He gestured to you. “She may want a glass as well. You will be serving, myself, Caracalla and our soon to be empress.”

She glanced at you. You had replaced her in the royal box, when she had taken ill. Not many words had been exchanged between you. She brought drying cloths when you took your first bath here.

“Yes, a glass would be very nice after the journey we had.” You said softly.

She moved as expected. Which felt odd since it was directed at you. You would have to get used to this as well.

They turned back to Geta.

“If you show any disrespect, I will have your head.”

“No words nor disrespect will come from me sire.”

“Good. Now get her glass.”

There was some clinking of a new glass, the liquid being poured and she was in front of you. You gladly took it.

He made a dismissive gesture. “Help in the kitchen where you are needed. Tell those there and the others, I will need their attendance ante meridiem after I have finished my first meal.”

“Yes, sire.”

Geta, then turned to Aelia. “Aelia, I will be relying on you to make certain all this planning will go as it should.”

“Yes, as you wish Geta.”

“I know, it will be a great undertaking. I have sent a letter to my mother. Let me know when there is a response.”

“I will work as hard as always. And I will surely tell you.”

“Thank you. Now, you may retire. I will see you when the sun is high in the sky.”

“Yes, Geta when the sun is high in the sky.”

*******

After Geta dismissed the guards and you were alone with Geta, the sensation of butterflies flapping in your belly began once again. In the carriage, you had been too caught up looking out of the windows and sleep had once again claimed you in the steading rolling and bumping of the wheels on the road.

The wine you had sipped did little to calm the sensation. Finally finishing the glass and all it did was move with waves that rose and fell in you. The butterfly wings had calmed only to replaced with what felt like a storm coming to water.

With a flurry of fabric, and small metallic rattle echoed as a little more his cloak fell the grown. Softly, wrapped clothes were still woven around his body. The magnificent of the colors he wore brightened the room.

Geta went and sat amidst the eagles that were finally carved on his throne. You heard as he sighed. “Come here.” He motioned to you.

You came over, and knelt at his feet.

“Remove that.” He motioned to the cloak you still wore. “Sit with me.”

You glanced around.

“I don’t want you there, if I did I would have said so.” He patted his lap. “I want you here.”

There was some shifting around but you both found a comfortable way to sit, you found yourself astride his lap.

A fuzzy warmth came over you. Perhaps the wine finally was calming you.

“The next few days will be very busy.” Sitting back a little, he rubbed his temples.

You tried to say something but the words would not come. They all felt foolish or you knew he knew so why even say them. You tried to give him a look of support.

His eyes met yours.

“What is fighting in you, blossom?”

“I want to assure you, I am here whenever the need will arise but you know this. I feel silly to echo what you already know.”

You shifted a little on him.

“It is still nice to hear, especially when it comes from your lips.”

He brought his hands down. It felt as if some of his tension was leaving him. Sitting a little more erect, he licked as his bottom lip as his thighs bumped you.

“Then, Geta my emperor, my future husband.” A smile came over you, a the familiar warmth he gave you heightened . “I am here for whenever you need me.”

“Without ever being your husband, I would have needed you.”

His words made you tremble.

“Oh, Geta.” You whispered.

Hmm, he made a sound as if he was in thought.

Grabbing your hand, just where the bracelet laid; his nose grazed your soft skin there. You inhaled though as you felt his mouth, a soft sound poured from your lips

“You’re so soft.”

@honey-eyed-munson @amethyst-serenade @screaming-blue-bagel @kitkat80 @blondie324 @alyisdead @hellomadamebutterfly @laura-naruto-fan1998 @helsa3942 @marrowfrog00 @misspendragonsworld @therealjomarch @deliciousfestsalad @justalittlebitshy @aspiringcokewhore

❤️Let me know if you’d like to be tagged! ❤️

[thr0wnawayy]

Useless Heroes and Hori's spinelessness with setup.

Salutations! I remembered my password.

(Jk, I've been busy)

It's no secret that Japan's heroes in MHA are extremely incompetent, I've pointed out their general disregard towards human life and surrounding infrastructure.

However what some of you might not know is that a majority of heroes in MHA are completely and utterly useless.

And I'm not just talking from a Doylist perspective either, Heroes in MHA are more of an obstacle than the villains they fight.

Take this panel for example:

Originally I was going to crop this to only include (ugh) Birdman, however on a second read I realized how asinine every single hero (not counting All Might) is.

First off the "clean up". I shouldn't need to explain what's wrong with this. The crowd posing a security risk, the minimal security. The fucking plastic bags!?

I mean really, what the hell can Backdraft achieve here, or Kanami or Mount Lady. The list goes on.

(That also ignores how these 4 imbeciles are getting paid for what a clean up crew or police force could do easily. Not to mention this whole incident veing their fault)

Anywho... We then see Death Arms and another "hero" yelling at Midoriya, who was also a victim of the Sludge Villain and actually bought All Might time. Whereas Bakugo failed like a panicked animal and worsened the situation.

It is here we see the first plot point: Heroes are hypocritical and biased towards those with flashy quirks.

They automatically downplay Midoriya while also neglecting to get him checked on by a paramedic.

Even Bakugo doesn't benefit as these so called Heroes swarm him like a vulture. Just so they can use him to boost their own popularity.

(and if I'm honestly speaking, if Birdman were somehow a high ranker. Bakugo would have fallen for it hook, line and sinker)

This subtly introduces a second idea: that Heroes are not as pure as they seem. Perhaps they can even be corrupt.

These two ideas, plotpoints, call them what you will. Do a good job at showing us the cracks in the mirage. Cracks that seemed to be widening come the Sports Festival.

So what happend?

I'm sure we're all familiar with the utter disappointment/disaster that was MHA's epilogue.

Regardless if you believe the initial final chapter to be canonical or the more recent 'improvement'. We can all agree that it bombed in regards to doing the above any justice.

The simple answer is that Hori (in my opinion) is a spineless hack, who can draw really good but for the love of god. Keep him out of the Writers room.

Hori seems to whine about how dissatisfied he is with MHA's direction towards darker themes or even complaining about characters he wrote into the story himself (see Tetsutesu x2.)

Hori lacks any guts when it comes to his own writing, preferring to laze-about in what's comfortable. The problem is he didn't write a comfortable story.

Corruption, Eugenics, Peer Abuse, Negligence and Human Trafficking. These are all things that MHA brings up but Hori refuses to touch on. Despite having wrote them into the world (and plot) himself.

Someone once commented under a post of mine that my W.I.P worked as a story because the events fit, rather than simply existing for shock value.

Now I cannot confirm whether or not the above were added to drive up stakes. However with how MHA ended up, I wouldn't be surprised if it was like the Big Three all over again. Hori adding something, nor knowing what to do with it and then desperately trying to smother it while introducing the "next big thing".

Ultimately, I find it humorous that someone so inspired by comic books and Star wars, is such a coward when it comes to pushing boundaries. Instead choosing to fall in line with what's trending, what the polls say, chasing after something that could never be obtained in the first place.

But hey look at the bright side, at least we have fan-works.

[bittersweetresilience]

reading year in review

companion post to my writing year in review... thank you @teafig for tagging me in this fun new variation and also always being so sweet... i did more than one for some months because i really have. so. many. bookmarks.

serious active interests at the time, sleeper fandoms or genres or pairings

JANUARY

The Arowana by chesslyfe5eva (Danganronpa, 6,486 words)

When Kiyotaka is born, his grandfather gifts the new parents a baby arowana.

i know, i know. danganronpa fic on here and it's not even komaeda. but this one is so insane it grips me. i've never so enjoyed reading about original characters.

The Dog, Untrained by Anonymous (Disco Elysium, 12,950 words)

An exploration of those Cuno has lost, those he's gained, and those he can't let go.

this and the arowana are both from nemali bookmarks and oh. my. god. they possess me. non linear narratives. minor character character studies.

annotated by ritsukies (Miraculous Ladybug, 4,351 words)

Félix and Marinette share a quiet moment together in the shared space of Adrien's bedroom.

JANUARY WAS FELINETTE MONTH FOR THE COSHRIMPERS. all the fics in this series are killer but this one specifically eats my brain. reminds me of the first few picnics... the start of spouse house...

FEBRUARY

Blueberry passion fruit by @ninadove (Miraculous Ladybug, 5,486 words)

He walked up to the counter, because he could not think of anything else to do. For all those times he had rehearsed their reunion, he had failed to consider the most obvious scenario: Adrien might want to run away once more.

this fic was notable to me because it was the first time i had enjoyed a coffee shop au in quite a while. i did fall a little in love with nina writing.

MARCH

sailor's knot by nailgunstigmata (Dungeon Meshi, 5,345 words)

The dangers of the dungeon are plentiful. Some of them are of the moral kind.

FUCKED UP CHILAIOS YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS TO ME. this is the fic i remember blowing me away, briefly but for realsies.

APRIL

The Only Love We Keep by @nemaliwrites (Miraculous Ladybug, 6,935 words)

Five times Zoé’s love wasn’t reciprocated, and one time it was.

i'm obsessed with nemali fic. i almost put in pursuit of the uneatable too. this one obliterates me especially. i love zoé so dearly.

Terrycloth Mother by rowdymouse (Earthbound, 4,325 words)

Tony's faced with a hard task: providing Jeff all the love he never got and desperately needs.

i read this fic and it was so good and so chilling it immediately shot onto my all time favorite fanfiction list.

MAY

in the light of the red moon by @purplecatghostposts (Miraculous Ladybug, 29,317 words)

Félix succeeds in bringing Marinette back. Adrien, Kagami, and Marinette are now trapped in an empty world, unless they can either convince Félix to bring everyone back, or do it themselves. Meanwhile, Félix slowly learns of the consequences of pushing the Miraculous of Emotion past its limits.

i can't say more that this fic is literally my émotion dream fic. it's everything i ever wanted for félix.

My choice, despite everything by dezzert (Honkai: Star Rail, 88,188 words)

Episodes of Gepard and Sampo throughout the years, and what they learn about themselves through each other.

such a well written character and relationship study. i was never that into sampard in the first place but this fic makes me understand it.

JUNE

in the heat of the moment by sesame_seed (Honkai: Star Rail, 4,273 words)

Jing Yuan tries not to mind. His instincts are the least important part of him, after all.

AAAAAAAA RENJING TIME RENJING TIME RENJING TIME FINALLY. i'm getting emotional about it. this is one of the first renjing fics that inspired me to write my own renjing. i recommend all of this author's fics, especially on the beach and sandalwood and ash.

only the mountain remains by questioningly (Honkai: Star Rail, 10,195 words)

Ever since his return from the frontlines, Jing Yuan has been acting strange, and Dan Feng and Yingxing can't seem to figure out why.

this one's jingrenheng and it won't happen again but holy shit. i remember texting autumn about a particular line in this one, about yingxing having sex with jing yuan being just one of the ways in which he will live forever, and i'm still breathless about it. holy shit.

Sweet Dreams by vahveroinen (Honkai: Star Rail, 1,059 words)

Sunday teaches Aventurine a lesson.

i wish i had done penacony in july because this is too many fics but alas, i read my way through, like, 10 different tags in june. if i'm limiting myself to one aventurine fic it's this one. i forgot i loved somnophilia until i read this fic.

JULY

在路上 by Sweetie_tianyang (Honkai: Star Rail, 221,914 words)

艾利欧的剧本已然走到终点，在死亡如期而至前，��想最后做一件事情。

i've been translating this fic for over three months now. it's one of my favorite fics ever and i need everyone to read it right now. it is the DEFINITION of renjing. also, i actually bookmarked it on june 30 but reading took a while and i obviously kept thinking about it and i don't have any other favorites in july. sorry to all the june fics i had to skip.

AUGUST

What Real Human Beings Do by @nemaliwrites (Miraculous Ladybug, 1,029 words)

There are ghosts living inside of you.

nemali, i think we should marry.

人不如猫糕 by breaddog003612 (Honkai: Star Rail, 8,845 words)

景元领养了芝麻酥跟糯米团后，某日跟前男友电刀调情被两只猫糕看到了……

you ever love an author so much they unlock your bestiality kink. every time i get an update from this author i get so happy. i love all of this author's jing yuan harem fics and renjing scenes. blade having a child kink is so so SO unbelievably true. i have to lie down about this.

for the hope of it all by @asukiess (Miraculous Ladybug, 9,000 words)

"in five years, there’s a house on the water. adrien’s fumbling with the rope knot keeping our sailboat tied to the dock. you’re watching him from the sand.” a pause, and then: “alive, i might add.”

autumn writing so good it makes you realize you have to read more classic literature to keep up.

SEPTEMBER

不xx就出不去的房间 by Acat3 (Honkai: Star Rail, 26,389 words)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA okay i admit i have only fully read the renjing chapter of this fic but by god i have reread it constantly. feiyuan too. i need to be more horny.

To bring back the fire in her eyes by @ninadove (Miraculous Ladybug, 2,074 words)

“No drink for you tonight,” Colt announced, the triumphant accent thundering down her spine. “It’s bad for the baby.”

obsessed with this fic and also its sequel. amélie. horror. amélie.

OCTOBER

性与爱的莫比乌斯环 by Acat3 (Honkai: Star Rail, 15,946 words)

this fic is so balls to the walls crazy it actually makes me sick. it's so good. i'm frothing at the mouth over it. it's horrible. i love it. please give me more of it immediately. this is also the fic that unlocked freak time with ishi ni sun and for that i will sloppy it infinity.

waiting room by @mostmagical (Mass Effect, 6,565 words)

When Shepard wakes up after everything, Garrus isn't there. And neither is anyone else.

my favorite nicole mass effect fic... it does remind me of 大鱼 but most of all it reminds me of my mostbeloved. and character study.

NOVEMBER

Alma de araña by @ninadove (The Shadow of the Wind, 2,177 words)

The boy you’ll die for peels away from his thoughts, and smiles.

nina writing has been consistently stunning me but this fic was truly a masterpiece. a plus plus plus. you will enjoy whether or not you know the book series.

i don’t want this to end, i just wanna be your friend by bishakespeare (Night in the Woods, 4,414 words)

Five times Casey saved Gregg and one time Gregg couldn’t save Casey.

uuuUUUUUGGGGGHHAAAAUUUUAAAAAUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAA. i got extremely crazy about night in the woods again, if briefly, and this fic. this fic is everything.

call & response by MOKANA (The Bright Sessions, 30,302 words)

Damien sleeps with every character: the fic.

i CANNOT overstate how good this is. porn with narrative and character study. got me reading top damien. lord almighty.

DECEMBER

reasons to stay by sulkybender (Arcane, 1,927 words)

After a while, he starts to think about reasons to live.

i have to sink my teeth into all of this author's fics. prose so good it opens up the world for me.

aside from my beloved friends whom i happened to tag already, hauling @isabugs @celestialtitania @monpetitchattriste @blur0se @heartfulselkie @coffeebanana into this. show me the fics, spouses.

[steddie-island]

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let's spread the self-love 💛

Thank you! 😘😘😘

It was a big writing year for me and there are a lot of fics that I'm really proud of. 🥰

Mutually Beneficial - Smutty filth with a mean dom Eddie. 😌

Wallpaper - Platonic Stobin, with Steve coming out as transfem to Robin (TBH I love all 3 of the fics that I did in this little 'verse.)

Sweet as Cherry Wine - Featuring transmasc Steve Harrington and vampire Eddie Munson. Again, I love all 3 that I've done for this 'verse and am excited to do more with them.

Love is a Battle(vest) - Steve replaces Eddie's battle vest and they get together about it.

Squeezed In - Steddissy filth with some sweet schmoopy feelings that sneak back in at the end. Eventually there's going to be a part 2 to this, too. I just have to finish it.

I'm also going to follow your lead and rec some of my fave fics of the year! All of these are Steddie unless noted otherwise.

Like Lovers Do by @v3llichor - Just SO FUCKING SOFT. You can't go wrong with any of their fics (I know I'm biased here but Dra-mate-ic was a gift fic for me that is just full of Steve and Eddie both being ridiculous and dramatic and Robin and Chrissy being fed up with them. It's so cute, go read it!) Also No Fairy Tale Ever Started This Way, it's so funny and so hot and just really gives us dork 4 dork Steddie.

I had been hungry, all the Years by @jamiethegardener55 The Steddissy fics of all Steddissy fics. Also go read her unsafe, medium sane, very consensual series because it is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Mine by @runninriot (another author where you literally cannot go wrong with any of the fics you pick.)

Proximity by @stervrucht Some of the best fucking pining you will read I s2g!

To the moon and to saturn by @pennyplainknits A fic featuring Steve helping Robin when she's asking him to explain going down on someone. This fic is so sweet, I've read it at least twice and it makes me get all teary every time I do.

Sub Eddie Week by @steddieas-shegoes All 7 parts are just exquisite. 😌

Demisexual/Virgin Eddie by @pearynice Another series where every one of them is just so fucking good. Just do yourself a favor and read all of them because 😍!!

I don't know you figure it out by @wynnyfryd The first Steddie series I got into, I read this on Tumblr and then immediately went and read it on ao3 once I was caught up. Mind the tags, this one has some angst to it, but it's so fucking well done and makes me want to bite shit in the best way!

I know I've left a lot of really talented authors off of this list, I would be here all year if I tried to remember every amazing fic that I managed to read in 2024. We're a fandom that is really lucky to have so many amazing authors and artists.

Here's to Steve and Eddie keeping our brains rotting in 2025!

[serenityfails]

i spent ten months of this year trying to find work and two months suffering in the coldest layer of hell after finally finding work so i would not say i am feeling super joyful about the year i have had. HOWEVer

i continue to trans my gender and i enjoy doing it, despite (gestures at the world). i have very good friends and family that i love. i got new holes in my ears today and it's great.

and the other day as i was feeling miserable at work and feeling like being a trans artist with no degree makes me the least hireable asshole on earth who will accomplish nothing at all, i remembered that i have made some art that other people have seen or read and enjoyed, and that they have taken time out of their days to do that and tell me about it, and for once in my life i was feeling like i could internalize that and believe in the value of it. which is big for me. it's always been very hard for me, outside of the immediate moment, to feel the sense of happiness and accomplishment that comes from someone telling you something you created made them feel something, that it stuck with them for any length of time at all.

i also thought about old artbooks and zines and the way people preserve and treasure them now, and felt like i had my own small little slice of that feeling. that you don't have to matter to THE MOST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD, because it is very lovely to have made something that is meaningful for even a very small group of people.

if you're reading this, you're likely one of the people i am talking about. so thank you for sharing that feeling with me. it quite literally kept me going. happy new year. :)

[kozukensgf]

< hazel 2024 wrapped! >

first and foremost,

happy new year everyone! 💓 this year is the craziest year for me because i’ve never thought that i would be a writer in this app? even though i have been on hiatus this app always welcome me like a warm hug (i love this community i love yall) hence i want to thank every kind soul on this app who has been supporting me since day 1 🥹

special thanks, to you

thank you for every likes, reblog, comment, mention and inbox. i read each one of them and often times they are so wholesome 🥹

thank you to my taglist, who always leave a like and comment under my post. thank you to my 🐨, 💍, 😻, 🩵, 🪐 , 😛, diabolical anon, i love reading the inbox you guys left me (it made my day). to my silent readers, thank you for sticking with me!

to the one who made this journey fun, cherry 🍒 (also a talented queen) @seungcheorry

thank you for approaching me to do a collab 🥹 it was the best decision i ever made as a writer, which is collaborating with a TALENTED writer like you. we then became friends and i’m so glad for that. you always knew what to say when i needed to hear it the most, esp when i rant to you about- (ok that’s all yall get)

keep slaying with your works, your blog is literally my favourite place (i keep coming back to your dk posts btw, it’s how i keep my sanity in check)

to my favourite writers

@sweetiesicheng

i’m telling yall in her works, she potray each members’ personality perfectly and accurately. are you living in seventeen’s dorm or something?? because no way. keep up the good work!! i love reading your dk’s drabbles hihi

@lololololchips

MOTHER. Idk what y’all say the slayed so bad with her smau. i love reading it, it’s funny asf. (I WANT YOUR PERSONALITY👹) little did you know, you actually were the one that inspired me to do smau 🥹🎀 looking forward to read more of your amazing-funny-smau in 2025!

authors and their works that i love and workshipped:

you made me giggling toes curling with your amazing works <3

@secndlife @bitchlessdino @ddeonghwa-s

((i really need to explore more))

last but not least,

i want to apologise for being inactive. i’ll post once in a while! that’s a promise that i planning to keep for a long time. may 2025 be nicer to me and i hope uni won’t be as harsh as now.

happy new year everyone 🥳

the real last but not least,

speacial thanks to my tag list <3 if we have interacted, trust me i remember you!

@worldpeaceforyoongi @sunooslover @forever-atiny @qockiestt @mystverse @blaycke @jaslwr @weird-bookworm @clownprincehoeshi @aaa-sia @http-mewchuu @heeseungthel0ml

@toplinehyunjin @aervera @arkynz @Hawshiiiii @jenowithjaem @chhnc @do-you-remember-summer-127 @unlikelysublimekryptonite @lesuneczka @tinyelfperson @codeinebelle @fr-freaky @cherrylvrr @dcrlingyou @hq3lo @jkbabiey

@sarabencze @gyuguys @dunixxd @glitterhosh @jihoonsbbygirl @tacosandbitch @dwaekki-bee @darkypooo @theidontknowmehn @ma-riiii @elein041 @enchantingellee @yejisuu @seungkwansflower @enhacolor @nctwishstan @jelliblue54-blog @wakandabiitch2 @tastyluvr @zerowantstobattle

THANK YOU 💕💞💗💝💘💖

[faithisyours]

The List

Vi x Fem!Reader AU

Summary: Vi Reads a book that touches a nerve. You come up with an idea that will hopefully heal some of her inner teenager.

CW: all fluff, some hurt comfort, that's literally it

Word count: 1.3k

AN: Howdy, this is my first fic back since summer (thanks college) and my first official Arcane fic. This is also my first chapter fic, which I will try to make regular uploads on, probably once a week, but no promises. Also Happy New Year!!! This chapter is not smutty, but upcoming chapters will be, so minors gtfo, majors, you enjoy! (Also if you have any ideas for chapters, I'm all ears).

And special shoutout to my god, the loml, my queen, and bestie forever @mythsretriever for being my beta reader on this one!

Chapter 1: The List

The sun had set just a few minutes ago. Its waning peach and purple light stretched into the living room through the open window, accompanied by a breeze where warmth and chill danced together. You were on the couch, a book in one hand, Vi’s hair tangled in the other. Often you laid like this, Vi curled between your legs, her back against your belly, while you both read. It was a mindless habit that your free hand played in her hair.

You two had found yourselves in this position maybe an hour ago. Or maybe two. You couldn’t remember. But nonetheless you stayed, serene and content in each other's silence, the only sounds being the occasional page turn or the muffled noise from the street below.

You had just taken your free hand out of Vi’s hair to turn the page when you heard what sounded to you like a sniffle. Originally thinking it came in through the window from a passing car, you were about to brush it off, but then you heard it again. And this time it was accompanied by your girlfriend bringing a hand up to her face.

On instinct you froze, all focus going to hearing that sound again. And hearing it one more time confirmed it; Violet was crying, or at least on the verge of it. You eased your bookmark into your book and set it down. Only within the past year of your three year relationship had Vi started to show more vulnerability in front of you. This was still new, and comforting her about it was even newer. You didn’t want to fuck this up.

Ever so lightly you placed your hand on her arm. When she didn’t pull away, your touch became more present, rubbing and squeezing gently. You quietly cleared your throat, attempting to shake the disuse and clear the small worry forming there.

“Hey, are you alright?” Your voice was between a whisper and a normal volume. As you spoke you saw her bring her hand up to her face again, brushing off tears as soon as they spilled. She nodded and turned into the hand on her arm, giving you her side profile.

“”Ya, I’m alright it’s just…” She quickly shoved her bookmark between the pages and put it down, her now free hand accompanying her other on the front lines of battling the tears. “Just this book is getting to me.” She attempted a chuckle but it came out too tight. Her hands switched to fanning her face.

“Do you want to talk about it, maybe?” You brought your hand up to the side of her neck, caressing her cheek with the back of your fingers. “Vent about how the characters are going about their life wrong?” you lightly joked. It wasn’t received, in fact Vi dropped her head into her hands and started actually crying. Your stomach dropped. You had fucked it up, butchered your attempt at comfort. Scrambling for a way to fix this, you sat more upright and leaned closer to Vi, placing both your hands on her upper arms and gently pulling her back towards your chest.

“Hey that was a joke I didn’t mean to up-”

“No, It wasn’t what you said, it…” She sniffled and wiped her face, leaning more upright and turning back towards you. “The book just hit a nerve I thought wasn’t sensitive anymore, is all.” You thought she was going to stop there with the explanation, but she surprised you when after a moment she kept speaking. “This main character is doing all these adventurous, youthful things and I’m just…I never got to do that stuff, ya know?” Because she had been in prison, and unjustly, which always made you livid when you thought about it. “I just feel like I missed out on all these milestones. Like the 19 year old in me is mourning all these moments that I’m never going to get.” As she said this she leaned back into your embrace. You let your arms wrap around her chest and hold her, an act that comforted her as much as it did you.

After a pause of silence long enough to know she didn’t have anymore to say, you spoke.

“I know this doesn’t really mean much or take any of the pain away, but… I’m so sorry that happened to you, Violet. You were just a kid, you didn’t deserve that.” As you spoke, tears began pooling in your eyes. Thinking about young Vi, scared and alone in a prison with no one to look out for her, made your heart shatter every time. But this moment was about her, so you suppressed your sniffles and blinked your eyes clear.

Vi took in your words, nodding slightly, and then turned fully around to face you. Her eyes were quite red, and there was some snot dripping slowly from one of her nostrils. She gave you a small, sad, appreciative smile, and launched herself at you, wrapping you up in a classic Vi hug where one hand caressed your head and the other held you tight by the waist. You didn’t wait a second, you wrapped your arms around her, one caressing the nape of her neck, the other holding her strong back close.

“Stupid books, always making us cry,” you said, sniffing around a huffed out laugh you both shared. You squeezed her tight, then released her to caress her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and wiping away the last of her tears. “Do you want to keep reading or watch a movie?”

“Watch a movie,” she replied.

“Okay, you pick one you want to watch, I'll go make us some hot chocolate and popcorn.” You patted her leg then popped up and ran to the kitchen, popping a bag of popcorn in the microwave and putting the kettle on for the hot chocolate. As you worked, you thought about what Vi said, about how she felt like she missed out on certain things. How could you help her get those experiences?

You came back with the food and drinks, set them down on the coffee table, and curled yourself up around Vi.

“I picked Spirited Away,” she said, curling up against you and moving the blanket on her lap to cover yours, too.

“An excellent choice,” came your reply. The movie began to play, but what Vi said still ate at you.

“You know, you could make a list.” she gave you a confused look, a line forming between her eyebrows. “Of all the things you want to do, all the things you missed out on. Take some inspo from your book, maybe. I can come up with a couple ideas, but you should make a list. And then we can do them together, if you want.” You caressed her face. “You deserve to have those experiences, Violet. Even if you think you’re past it.”

She gave you a hug so tight you thought you might pass out from lack of oxygen. “That's such a great idea.” She popped up from the couch and ran off quickly, you heard a rustling of things being moved around, and when she returned she had a small notebook and pen in hand. That made you smile.

“Make sure skinny dipping is on that list,” you said. She grinned at you, writing it down as the first on the list.

You watched the rest of the movie in near silence, save the rustling of popcorn or the slurping of hot chocolate, and occasionally Vi would quickly jot down an idea in her notebook. But the soundtrack of the movie eventually lulled you both to sleep, curled around each other on the couch, the small notebook dangling loosely from Vi’s hand, a page already full of things she wanted to do.

Tip Jar

[eww-y-tho]

I updated my 'Everything I Have Ever Shipped' post on my profile (the pinned one) to include the story of the sneaky way that my sister trolled me while binging Arcane because it's a really funny story and not a lot of people have read my post and I think it deserves to be put to light becuz wtf.

So first of all, when my sister pitched the idea of binging Arcane in the car while visiting her, I was hesitant at first because LoL is actually cancer, but she convinced me (for her it was going to be a rewatch). I had a peripheral understanding and knowledge of the show. Like I knew Jinx, I knew that there was a lesbian sex scene, and I knew about jayvik, but nothing in detail.

In the car, she goes into specific detail about how she did not like Jayce. Because "all the problems come from him," apparently. I was fishy on Jayce based on her opinions of the character and really tried to see her perspective.

And I will be honest, I did not like him s1 ep4-9, and I really took Jayce and Mel's character arcs at face value. He was a good man with good intentions, but the "Jezebel" character in Mel would take him away from his goal, and he would become a narcissistic prick. But I also didn't hate him. He was a good character and none of his actions seemed too dickish (except the "you didn’t say they were from the undercity" line.)

I was pleasantly surprised by season 2, however, and I started to see what she was talking about was misguided at the same time.

The thing is, I never felt upset at Jayce for s2 act 1 & 2 and trusted that he had a good reason, and he became much more sympathetic in my eyes after ep7. AND THEN I started becoming a jayvik truther in ep8 because of the Mel to Viktor transition in the cave (like wtf), and the homoerotic fight scene, and I did a little soul search deep dive into jayvik.

I completely flipped my opinions on Jayce and she was deeply upset and it was hilarious because at the end of ep7 I said "I still don't get why you hate Jayce" and she like actually sighed and was disappointed.

I remember a specific moment where she went: "EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO VIKTOR IS JAYCE'S FAULT, VIKTOR TOLD HIM TO DESTROY THE HEXCORE, BUT DID HE LISTEN? NO! IF HE ACTUALLY LISTENED TO VIKTOR FOR ONCE, NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED!" And then I was like, "THAT'S NOT HOW A STORY WORKS, THO! HOW WAS HE SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT WOULD HAPPEN? HE JUST WANTED TO SAVE HIS PARTNER'S LIFE!"

I would also like to point out that I was wondering who the mage guy was that saved Jayce the entire series. It was in the back of my mind for the entire time, and I was really confused about him because I didn't see a character that could really qualify for his power set.

So while I was watching ep7 crying my eyes out becuz of timebomb, memeing with 'MEANWHILE...' spongebob references every time they cut to Jayce, having my mind go a million miles an hour with theorizing and like having a breakdown, I was just in a mentally strange place.

So when the mage showed up in the "I won't fail" scene... I saw the slow zoom in, the power set involved with the hexcore blob, and all the little tiny hints, and I screamed out loud, "IS THAT VIKTOR!?!"

... And she looks me dead in the eye and says "no" in the most monotone voice I have ever heard from her.

And I believed her so much at that point that I didn't even question it. So then episode 9 comes along, and Viktor is revealed to be the plot twist. I was so pissed because I was right the entire time, and SHE made me believe that I didn't understand the story. She fucking CACKLED.

I love her, but that was a betrayal, man.

Once Jayce said, "All I want is my partner back," I was a complete jayvik shipper, and recently, she's changed her tune to Jayce after I completely bombarded her with pro-Jayce propaganda, so that's better, at least, lol.