#bingo contender?

[suckishima]

okay this is so small but makes me really happy. taketora just got done talking about how much he admires tanaka and how cool and "manly" he is, which like makes sense right, both tanaka and taketora are always being shown as these like loud "boy's boys" archetypes who do everything with power, talk about girls, and emphasize "guts" and "manliness," so obviously taketora would respect tanaka

but then he immediately turns to also think about how much he admires fukunaga in the same way—fukunaga who doesn't display any of those same qualities that taketora was just admiring about tanaka. fukunaga is quiet, fairly low-key and doesn't flaunt anything ever. dude just goes around making weird puns that 1 people often barely even hear and 2 apparently seem to baffle everyone. but taketora sees all of that and sees how fukunaga still shows up and gets the job done more than successfully—he's one of the top point getters on the team—and taketora respects him for all of that, still calls him a "man's man" and tbh more than respects him, he admires him and sees him as a rival

and idk that just makes me happy, like 1 it's a nice small way of furudate saying that yeah "manly" is a thing that's important to taketora but it doesn't just mean one stereotypical thing—like it's showing that taketora isn't as one dimensional as we would have thought and that he sees things from multiple perspectives (we also saw this from him back during the whole "guts" thing with kenma and how he respects him too)—and it's also an example of seeing fukunaga from another perspective too. it's because he's so low-key that even we as readers have probably barely noticed how much of a rock he is for the team, but if you got back through their matches you can see how often he does score—he's quiet but he's always there. and i just like that furudate takes a moment to not only acknowledge fukunaga but to do it from taketora's pov in order to really hit it home to us how true it must be

[bettyshoweduptotheparty]

Midnights duality (part 2): Meet me at midnight

So, we’ve established that Midnights is the era where Taylor makes it known that there are two versions of her story, and that the prevailing narrative can’t be trusted and she’s letting a second (conflicting) narrative exist alongside it. This brings me back to the sentence that concluded the album announcement and opened the first track: Meet me at midnight.

Sounds so simple, right? But who are we meeting at midnight? It’s not the public Taylor, because we’ve known her for a while. So it must be the private one, the one that wears trainers and a T-shirt and bleeds purple glitter. Let’s meet her.

Where, other than in the mv, do we see this private Taylor? On the big screen during the Eras tour performance of Anti Hero. And what is she doing? Screaming and waving at us before she walks off in a huff. Guess no one was there to meet her…

She is also the one taking notes when performance Taylor is doing the teaching. I find it noteworthy that the public Taylor here is dressed in 1989 outfit and is holding the pointer stick in the same way she used to swing and hold the golf club in the Blank Space performance on the 1989 tour. She is also the one slut-shaming and bullying Taylor about her weight in the bathroom scene, two things we know were very prominent during the 1989 era so this ‘Anti Hero’ villain is her 1989 self, the height of her fame and perfectly crafted public persona. So this private Taylor that we are meeting is taking notes from her 1989 self. Interesting… And even more interesting that we are now getting a vault track on 1989tv called SLUT!. And I have just learned today that we are quite possibly getting a mv for this song… so would this be the place to meet our new Taylor? I think it’s a contender.

I have said in my post about the burning Lover house, that I take from the blue flames that 1989tv will move the narrative of this new Taylor forward quite a bit and as we are nearing the release (5 days to go as I’m writing this) I get that feeling more and more. Yes, I am not blind or deaf, I am very well aware that Taylor is currently doing her very best performance of NFL player’s gf, but I actually think that furthers my duality in public narrative and performance art point from part 1. Because, while I’m sure I don’t need to give you any examples of the excessive articles and media coverage of Taylor’s outings with either MH or TK, I just want to remind you of what other articles and media coverage has emerged in recent months, and this is not a story that would have made the NY Times or Cosmopolitan even a year ago.

Yep, Gaylor has entered the mainstream media. Not something that was on my 2023 bingo card, if I’m honest. Not even during the spring and summer of 2019, during Taylor’s soft launch phase, was her queerness this openly discussed in mainstream media. And not just as a general idea, some of the articles are linking her to very specific women in the past and, as if that wasn’t enough, the women in question have promptly appeared in public, either non-denying a relationship with her (looking at you DA), or showing up at her concert after a supposed years-long feud, adding fuel to the fire. And didn’t Taylor make a spectacle of looking lovingly up at Karlie in the stands at the last LA show, a show that she hyped up enough with 1989 announcement easter eggs that she could be sure everyone was watching. She wants to give this new narrative a platform. Yes, the straight girl pap walks are happening, but so is this. Pick your narrative. Especially the inclusion of Taylor in posts from official LGBTQ charities like Stonewall and Glaad seems significant to me, because they are non-profit organisations that are dedicated exclusively to preserving and telling queer people’s stories and would never risk their reputation or seriousness of their cause by participating in clout chasing or name dropping. And I know that these two things going on simultaneously seem super confusing, but I’m starting to think the confusion is part of the act. This is the tale of the two Taylors and it’s our job to work out which is which. The Stonewall Archive specifically tagged Taylor in their post about an exhibit on media coverage and public perception… they know something we don’t.

The re-emergence of pap walks alone is something I wasn’t expecting. Over the last 7 years we have known Taylor as a private person after her turbulent 1989 era. She was mostly quiet, stayed out of the headlines, no pap walks or public appearances outside of award shows and select performances. After all, reputation Taylor told us that the old Taylor died and the new version didn’t explain anything or show her face in public much. But 2023 Taylor has felt a lot like that old Taylor, right?? The pap walks, the girl squad, the high publicity romances… So, hasn’t Taylor learned her lesson from her 1989 self after all?

I think she has, but she wants the rest of the world to eat their words and see how ridiculous this is. Will this all be part of a Slut! mv? Maybe. Or it could be a way to distract the fanbase from something else that’s going on. One very notable difference in the pap walks now is how confidently herself she is when she’s photographed with her friends or going to the studio. Back in 2014 she would leave the gym looking like she was walking the runway with not a hair out of place, and now she is walking the streets of NYC looking queer as ever. (I swear she googled ‘How to look like a lesbian’ before picking that second outfit…) And I’ve seen how much it confuses the swifties. And I’m here for it 😋 Question though, if she’s going into the studio looking this gay, is the music coming out of these sessions going to be equally💅 ?

Something is brewing and 1989tv is the next thing on the horizon, so let’s look at that.

Midnight and Sunrise

Having been introduced to our new Taylor at the beginning of Midnights, she’s taken us through the main album, then the 3am bonus tracks, to the til dawn edition. With every new midnights edition we have worked our way through the night from midnight, to 3am, to dawn. So, next would be sunrise, right? And there have actually been a few mentions of sunrise and daylight in both the 1989tv marketing and other media coverage. I’ve spoken about the midnights to daylight theory before, as it’s one that many Gaylors have speculated on, but I think there has been quite a bit of movement on this recently.

Firstly, there is the yellow 1989tv vinyl that is conveniently named the ‘Sunrise Boulevard edition’. Not only does it have the word sunrise in it, it is also a direct reference to the Stonewall National Museum & Archive, which is located on this road in Fort Lauderdale, FL. And with the emergence of all the other variations of the 1989tv vinyl, it is easy to spot that they all have a sunlit beach theme (a big change from the OG 1989 city theme!) and with the recent leak of a purple version on the website of a record shop, we now have a full rainbow of 1989tv vinyls. Sunrise and rainbows… I think I have an idea where this may be going. But hang on, there is more.

Remember when I said that the Stonewall National Archive knows something we don’t? A few days ago, they posted this on their Instagram with lyrics from Taylor’s happiness, highlighting and italicising the word sunrise and pointing everybody’s nose in the caption to their address at 1300 E Sunrise Boulevard:

This feels VERY intentional. And I’ve never really looked at the happiness lyrics in that way, having taken the song to be about Scott B and her old label, but when Stonewall is using these exact lines in that context, with a strong suggestion that they have insider knowledge, it seems worth looking at them again.

In the caption, SNMAL say that they ‘celebrate the glorious sunrise of LGBTQ+ history’ with the pride flag and sunshine emoji. So, could it be that the Sunrise Blvd vinyl and accompanying rainbow variations of 1989tv are going to bring some kind of moment in history for LGBTQ people? It certainly sounds like this is about more than just Taylor. Perhaps furthering the theory that there may be a double album on the horizon with the second one being all collaborations. Stonewall also liked a comment on this post that said that something is in the air 🌈

They also included the line about flickers of light from the dress I wore at midnight. Flickers of light, as in glimpses of her queerness? The ones we are seeing now in all those articles are social posts? The mention of a dress immediately throws my mind back to the rainbow dress that Billy Porter ended up wearing at World Pride 2019, but that was almost certainly meant for Taylor. And out of all the photos of Taylor from the VMAs this year, which one did GLAAD choose to post on their Instagram in September? Yep, the one with Billy Porter. Takes me back to 2019… and something else does too, actually: The Cruel Summer live single release.

Cruel Summer was released as a single this June, 4 years after its initial release. And almost made it to No.1. It was certainly on the radio A LOT. The Lover set is also the opening act of the Eras tour, so this summer has certainly had some 2019 throwbacks. And remember how the Lover era started? With ME! Out now! on Lesbian Visibility Day, followed by the sunshine and rainbows parade that was the mv and (as we later learned from the documentary) 'Cats, unicorns and gay pride... things that make me ME.' And now, in October 2023, Taylor released a live version of Cruel Summer and used the very photo from the 2019 shoot as a cover for the single. And not only was that a 2019 photo shoot, it was the last photo she posted on her instagram in June 2019 before she was meant to wear the dress at NYC Pride. I think she captioned it something like 'calm before the storm'. And now that photo has made a comeback. If I were a betting woman...(and I've learned better than to ever make predictions when it comes to Miss Taylor Swift these days) but if I were I'd say it looks like she's taking another run at this. Meet ME at midnight...and then follow me into the daylight. ☀

And one more thing before I conclude this monstrosity of an essay, I found Taylornation's post for the midnights anniversary last week a bit mysterious:

It says 'Tonight we celebrate an album written by the one that could make us stay. After all the sleepless nights and friendship bracelets we've shared, we hope you know you're never really on your own, kid.' Sounds a bit like a pep talk (and a plea at the same time) to me. Why do the fans need reminding of the good times and be asked to stay? Where would they go and why?? And the first picture in the carousel is our girl 'home Taylor' from the Anti Hero mv, looking contemplative, maybe waiting for someone to come and finally let her out of that house. And the photo immediately after it is Taylor as we know her, smiling for photos with her fans at the movie premier. The two Taylors again...but one is in black and white and the other is in screaming colour 😉iykyk.

[xomoosexo]

Would you say the Kara clip counts as an unexpected soldier in the drolo war, or are we looking for more out-there contenders

you know what? sure! second bingo tile down!

[feedthefandomfest]

I have a question because I want to comment but I feel nervous. It is very foolish but it is seriously something that prevents me from commenting-

So English is not my first language and I suffer from a disease known as 'fuck you all English leaves your brain when you tap on the comment box'. Like I'm fluent enough to write a fic but the comments break me and I can only do basic 'subject verb complement' and forget half my vocabulary because I'm so nervous, so it often ends up being broken English.

I back out of posting comments except 'i love this this is amazing thank you for writing I love it' because I'm too scared the author will take it badly ? Like, what if they find it annoying ? What if they believe I think they write bad English and I'm mocking them and they don't want me to ever read their works ever again ?

Anyways, my question is : Does it actually bother anyone to receive broken English comments? Do people find it annoying ?

I would never be annoyed by such a thing and I'm positive that's true of others as well. On the contrary, it kinda blows my mind whenever I stop to think about how members of fandom for whom English is not their first language are so often working in translation. Like the trickiest barrier I have to contend with when writing anything is sleep deprivation and your average writer's block 😅 so to imagine also rendering those words in a different language?? 🫠

To varying degrees, the tragic disease of "empty comment box = empty brain" can strike anyone, regardless of language. On the plus side, some of the tricks to break through the blankness are also broadly applicable, such as

drawing from a list of sentence starters like the ones offered here or here (the beginner bingo card also has similar tasks!!)

installing this handy script that generates a positive comment on demand, which you can modify or expand on as needed

using the floating comment box to track moments or quotes you want to compliment specifically, even with just a string of emojis 💕💕💕

I can recall a couple comments I've gotten where the person apologized or gave a sort of disclaimer that English wasn't their first language, and honestly it just made me even more appreciative of the comment? Because there are so many reasons that a reader doesn't comment, and a language barrier is the most understandable!! And yet here they are, making me smile with their words. I always want to reassure them in my reply that an apology/disclaimer isn't necessary, but I don't always know how. (And there's nothing wrong with acknowledging something you're self-conscious about, after all.)

The concept of "broken English" has also got me thinking, though... And since it turned into a bit of an essay I'll leave it under the cut. 💛

Because the term "broken English" has a lot to unpack, seeing as it's always unfairly positioned those who speak English as a second language imperfectly as lesser (broken = defective). And that strikes me as a bit ironic, considering the degree to which English is a Frankenstein's monster of a language—this conglomeration of every language it encounters and subsumes. In that sense, English itself is a broken language? Or rather the shards of numerous languages held together with duct tape and gum and a whiff of imperialism. Its usage is always in flux, always evolving as speakers adapt it to new circumstances, and those adaptations become dialects in and of themselves. There is no one English language.

I teach high schoolers, and I'm consistently struck by the growing chasm between the kinds of English I can speak and the kinds of English they can speak. And technically my job is to train them in how to use American Standard English and read literature written in American Standard English, but really I find that pretty limiting.

Take the tone of this response, for instance! The more I've leaned toward trying to articulate these complicated issues of language, the more formal my speech has become. Contrast that with the first paragraph, where I'm trying to get across this awkward earnest admiration for the extra effort required of some fans just to engage in fandom, and so I ended up using more casual phrasing and emojis in a way that (hopefully) conveys a certain warmth and self-deprecating humor and whatnot.

If I were to leave a comment on a fic that blew me away, left me in a state of awe or delight or anguish—just a puddle on the floor—I'd find American Standard English quite lacking. Downright restrictive. The unique jumbled babble of fandom-speak functions on breaking the standard rules in order to evoke an intensity of emotion that meets the demands of the moment.

Another thing about commenters who really commit to throwing the rules out the window in favor of vibes is that I get such a strong sense of personality beaming through. A distinct voice that's generated, an intense impression of there being an individual on the other side with a particular shape. And there's something delightful about that.

...I suppose this is all a very roundabout way of saying that if there's anywhere to just unleash, vocab and mechanics be damned, where it's more than okay to string together whatever words you can in service of how you're feeling, it's the AO3 comment box. 💛

[mcytblrconfessions]

I remember one year (I think it was December 2021) when people were making their "predictions/bingo cards" for the new year and there's was someone (who wasn't in the fandom) who had the prediction "one of those dsmp guys kills someone". In the replies people started discussing who it would be (the main contenders were jackmanifold and bbh) and I'm sort of disappointed (but not really cause murder is bad) it didn't come true

[starplusfourletters]

So I’m reading Heir to the Empire between ep7 and ep8 of Ahsoka which is Some Kinda Choice and:

Omigod no one told me this is the one where Mara Jade gets introduced! Hi Mara!

“0.7 seconds after leaving the Jedi, Ahsoka starts dealing drugs for the mob” will never not be funny to me but “after being the Emperor’s personal assassin Mara Jade goes to work for Discount Kaz Brekker” is a strong contender

I definitely pictured Early Mara as more feral tho? Like, she’s pissed that she can’t get a character reference from her last employer. Mara PLEASE

Also Multiday Hikes for Character Bonding gotta be one of my favorite genders

I read No Prisoners first and gonna be honest it wasn’t my favorite so this is me finding out 1) Pellaeon was a retcon and 2) I don’t like it. I mean I like Pellaeon in both books but I’m having a hard time seeing them as the same person. And I can’t totally articulate it; in some ways the two incarnations seem too different, but I think actually my bigger issue is that they’re too similar? It’s been 30 years and a BUSY 30 years at that and this guy’s just kinda vibin’? Did No Prisoners reach its OC maximum and pull this man out of a bingo wheel or

Thrawn’s Art Insight Checks bring me life. Rebels really wasn’t making that up huh

Okay so the main motivating factor for me reading this book is the Thrawn content. Like, I want to understand why people are obsessed with Thrawn. *I* want to be obsessed with Thrawn. And okay competent villain is competent I can get behind that, but the fact of the matter is that’s he’s made one critical strategic blunder: going up against the Protagonists. And listen that’s just FUNNY. When your diabolical fascist plot 5 years in the making keeps getting set back because the exact wrong person shows up in the exact wrong place for completely unrelated reasons

It’s just hard to be afraid of this guy when the Force haaaaaates him in the most comical way possible

Speaking of which does the Falcon canonically run on an Improbability Drive now

The Noghri can tell Leia is Vader’s daughter based on smell and all I can think is “you must smell like feet wrapped in leathery, burnt bacon”

[nessa007]

charles melton going from riverdale to the movie may december with julianne moore and natalie portman and being a solid contender for best supporting actor oscar nominee wasn’t on my 2023 bingo card but good for him

[biggie-chcese]

barok and susato for the bingo!!

ohhh love those guys!!!

Barok:

Susato:

FINALLY got a bingo lol. thanks barok. maybe if i projected id win for once, but alas, i do not really enjoy my fiction in that way (no shade to those who do tho). ANYWAY my second and third favorite ace attorney characters ever <3333 i actually think a lot of barok fans are right about him in the way that they critically acknowledge his flaws and the writing shortcomings around his arc while also appreciating the story being told. but there is a Sector of fandom that is incredibly wrong about him and will read the game text in bad faith so yeag <3 i have many headcanons but for one i know this man has autism you cannot convince me otherwise. he should've gotten bullied more in the game bc id give anything to watch ryu and iris roast his ass in his own office for the first time again. also, every time he does that leg shit i want to eat him alive like a pack of wild dogs on a raw steak. excellent character

as for susato, it's honestly a lot of fans of her that have me like "we have played and read this game in WILDLY different ways" pfff. like sorry that is not ryunosuke's little sister! that is his trusted friend and highly capable assistant!!! like why is fandom so afraid of the simple dynamic of being friends, genuinely. anyway she is so much more than a "weirdgirl" (though she is Weird and i mean this so affectionately) and the way she contends with her perfectionism and imposter syndrome is... oughhh i adore her. also her design fucking SLAYS. kimono + boots combo is a serve, love it. it's a good representation of the meiji era mindset of introducing western styles to japanese fashion culture. i wish her hair was easier to draw tho 😭 also shoutout to her being just as frazzled as ryu when put on the spot as a lawyer, really reminds me of how cool and collected Phoenix seems in AJ when you're not in his POV, but when when you play as him you're like "ahhh i see... we're All struggling here <3" hands down the best assistant character in ace attorney for me and it is not even a contest.

god i love these two.

[finniestoncrane]

You already know who I'm gonna ask for the bingo (YJ Riddler) 💀

ah my precious little bug who belongs on my couch with a glass of milk and a blanket ;-; if he'd had more screen time i genuinely think he'd be a strong contender for top 5 riddlers of all time across the board and not just for me lol

[suckishima]

bsdkhskjd i forgot how many top tier flashbacks and little side moments this match has omgg

[adracat]

G Witch Ep 20 thoughts

WHOOO YEAH that was great. The show is always great but I greatly enjoyed the entangling of plot threads as the sidecast get to stretch their legs. It's not the reunion we were hoping for yet, but good things come to those who wait

First up we have a few establishing scenes to convey where our cast are in the aftermath of Quinharbor. A bit surprised we don't get another timeskip, but this ups the chance for Mio Earth shenanigans so I'm not complaining. Guel is hellbent on making Shaddiq answer for his sins. Coincidentally, Shaddiq is just as furious with Guel.

I was assuming from the preview that this demonic Haro would be an alarm, but no. Just some weird interrogation of Martin. That poor kid is so bullied. He does it to himself, but still. Super funny that he went to the lounge just to give Secilia an update on his relationship with Earth House. Does someone have a crush? Join the club, buddy. You have like half of gwitch twitter to contend with. I respect a man who wants a woman to dom him

OOF. We knew it would happen, but it still stings to see all of GUND-ARM and Miorine being held responsible for Earth. Miorine canonically a problematic fav 😔 It's ok girl, I'm a Fire Emblem and Gundam fan. War crimes are a plus!

It was nice to see the kids, while confused, not angry or throwing accusations around. And the verbal support from Lilique was very appreciated. While they don't have the context, they believe in Miorine. She would probably break down crying if she knew. Or allow herself to feel anything more than pitch black despair

New hazing technique just dropped. Text someone about their accused warcriminal ex murdering people and see how they react. We don't see who it might be, but Suletta is justifiably unnerved. Whoever they are, probably dead now *spoilers*

Interesting bit of lore in this segment though. They emphasize the push into space by the corps led to mass casualties and it's a bit eerie when we consider real world parallels. Gwitch's corporate space overlords could be a dark glimpse into our future.

Petra speaking to Suletta wasn't on my bingo card but I liked it. Suletta's line here conveys she's just continuing to go through the motions of a happy school life because it's all she has. Prospera told her it would fill her heart after all.

Lol right for the jugular. But her guileless question here is interesting because of the connection Suletta made. She recognizes the girl's feelings because Petra admits she'd be lost without Lauda. You can see Suletta linking her love for Miorine to Petra and Lauda, which is paralleled again later.

This episode went from 0 to 60 in like two seconds flat. Shaddiq finally takes Michaelis out for a stroll and is embroiled in a heated clash with Guel who wants answers for his father. And ofc Shaddiq is still on his princely BS trying to defend Mio's honor lol. You're looking at the wrong person buddy. And I don't mean Prospera 😉

Meanwhile, the school is put on red alert as Kenanji tries to evacuate the students. I may not trust him but at least he has good priorities. But this is futile since the most toxic room is the galaxy finally opens. Norea runs off, looking for blood and her gundam as 5lan follows. This will turn out amazingly. So funny how Nika just leaves without comment, poor girl gonna have nightmares from the 5nore gauntlet.

This scene was great. Norea is feeling so much and overflowing with grief for Sophie mingled with rage at Spacian oppression. She can't waste time listening to 5lan, only vent at this injustice and take as many spacians as possible.

The Sophie bracelet kills me so much. They were together for years under Naji, pledged their lives to this cause, and now Sophie is gone. More on this later, but I had goosebumps from Norea's scenes throughout the episode. So good

Warcrimes! Warcrimes everywhere!! Norea has officially gone apeshit and now the school will pay for it. Shouldn't have locked her in with the gremlin tbh. He did not help her state of mind. This shot with Earth House is striking though. God this show is a looker.

Again, we have Suletta relating to Petra with these words. You can see as they wash over Suletta. She too wants nothing more than to be with her precious person. Props to Petra for taking the initiatve to aid her fellow students btw. Suletta isn't a surprise since we know her history on Mercury, but an average spacian girl drives home these are normal kids. They might benefit from their parents wealth, yet they aren't combatants or the callous suit husks of Benerit.

Guel finally gained his answers during this power struggle, and I have to say I appreciate Shaddiq's candor. He isn't lying or twisting words, straight up I manipulated your father and did all these terrorist hijinks. Points for honesty. Guel isn't happy with that ofc but then Shaddiq throws his own actions at him. Due to his prior rash behavior, his father is dead. Not because of Shaddiq.

AND GUESS WHO'S LISTENING? 'Oops sry Lauda, didn't have the chance to tell you while I was off being Miorine's secretary. Oh and don't mind the gundam in the closet. Later bro.'

Welp, goodbye metephorical haven for Miorine and Suletta and the place when their bond was cemented. We'll miss you. I want to see Suletta return afterward and find Cool-san. She can't leave little buddy in the rubble and not return it to Mio! (But really? The left orb, like her left eye that she's totally gonna lose? Okouchi, plz)

I'm happy the animals were well looked after. That was honestly my major concern throughout this episode. Tycho especially is an icon and she's stolen my heart. Suletta's goat mom must live🥺 And Demi-barding reveal! I had a feeling it was a Chuchu suit from the name so that's very neat. She's an understated pilot compared to the witches/Guel etc but no less cool/competant.

Nika and Chuchu's moment was cute. Their trust and affection for each other is a nice reprieve from all this dire mess. It also shows Chuchu's emotional growth from a fist-first talk later girl to someone who is willing to listen.

Shaddiq's rant here is rather illuminating, because while his methods MAY have led to a Cold War ceasefire, terrorist violence upon civilians can't be excused. The next statement about Miorine and the repeated insistence HE would be the one to play hero without staining his prize makes his actions seem like a narcisictic bid rather than genuine. As Delling said, a throne is vested with power and an egotistic boy isn't a fitting king.

However, this bit here gives Shaddiq a sad bit of poignance. He's right. Benerit and the SAL didn't care when it was Earthian lives. Norea says as much earlier, too. But they finally act when Spacians are the one's dying. If it wasn't for his idealized view of himself/others, he just might have succeeded. We'll see if the cuffs stick but with multiple eps left there's a good chance he wriggles free. The Space Assembly League are backing him/Ochs Earth after all.

I'll be honest, this got to me. She's reaching for a ghost, who was paradoxically the most alive person she knew. Sophie was nothing like the dead things in Norea's book, her private altar where she feared and worshipped death. It became an obsession for her as 5lan alludes, but he tried to reach for her and offered a living hand instead. He says they can leave and live instead of dying pointlessly. And just when we think she's reaching for him too, Norea dies and Sophie's bracelet burns. Stunning artistry here. It just might be the blow that sends 5lan on a quest to destroy Peil and Elan prime. I sure hope so!

Similarly, we have Suletta witness Petra's body. She's reaching out a hand, and it's not hard to draw the lines between the last scene and this. They were both reaching for a loved one, dying in pursuit of it.

Now there's Suletta who sees the potential cost of hesitation. What if she, like Petra, never sees Miorine? What if Miorine dies before she can reach her? Delicious pain

In the aftermath of death, we have Suletta resolved. She tends to the rubble in search of wounded and spurs Earth House to help. Considering her time as a rescue worker on Mercury, she isn't a stranger to this sight but the context is different. This was a school, a supposedly safe and normal place. Her mother was wrong again.

Without the school, greenhouse, and the illusion of normality, Suletta must now confront where to go from here. I think we all know what that means. EARTH PLEASE, but grab the Schwarzette before you leave. Hope next episode is a Mio centric episode! Unless reunion~

[scottsummersevents]

For the Sexy Days of Summers Event happening right now we've invited Scott Summers (Cyclops) fans to take part in spreading more love for him out there on the internet by creating fanfiction, fanart, fan works, etc. to celebrate our favorite X-Men leader and the possibility of what if. For the duration of this challenge so far we've received some really incredible submissions with super rare pairings that are new to us. For the month of September we'd like to share some of those and also share some various fandom creations along the way in terms of content. Some might be an old favorite pairing while others might be something in terms of shipping you've never considered before.

Below under the cut you can take a look at some of the Scott/Logan fics created by some of our bingo participants and by some of their favorite authors. It is only a small portion of what you can find for this pairing, but gives you a taste of some great fics for them!

Also if you have a favorite Scott pairing and a fanfic that you've written or that you love, then feel free to drop us a note and let us know so we can showcase it in the future!

Stay tuned for more duo spotlights coming soon!

All you Need is Trust by Jade_Dragoness (Rated E) Logan had barely gotten used to not being constantly at Scott's throat when Cable shows up to tell them that for the future of the entire mutant race - actually for the sake of everyone on the planet - they need to get married. Logan is convinced this is a weird joke on both of them which Scott is clearly taking too seriously. Then he’s actually at the altar getting married to Scott Summers. Okay, he’s going to drink the entire bar dry now. Cyclops goes to LIMBO by ELG  (Rated E) The Avengers go after the bad guys who kidnapped Scott. [The Avengers get telepathically violated. Scott gets slut-shamed. Logan gets jealous.]

December 24th by Oberonsearring (Rated T) It's December 24th. Logan knows where Scott is.

Raise Your Hand by eoen (Rated E)

Snapshots by Cerylid (Rated T) After X3, Scott unexpectedly returns, depowered and unable to remember anything after being kidnapped by Stryker. Back at the mansion, as Hank races against time to try and fix Scott's malfunctioning powers, Logan starts to find out more about who Scott Summers really is.

So Easy by Cerylid (Rated M) Logan wakes from the events in Days of Future Past to discover that he and Scott Summers are in a clandestine relationship. When Scott realises that this is a “different” Logan from the one he’s in love with, he pulls away and pretends nothing is wrong. As Logan struggles to come to terms with everything that's happened, changing the timeline and saving his friends, he also has to contend with his growing confusion over Scott, as well as Scott's increasing efforts to pretend that he's unaffected by what's happened.

Small Sacrifice by Cerylid (Rated T) (Set after X2) After Scott is injured during a mission, Logan forces him to confront some of his self-destructive tendencies.

Never Alone by Scottxlogan (Rated: E) After arriving in a new future to find himself in a relationship with Scott Summers, Logan and Scott finally find their way to wedded bliss. All is well until members from Logan's other team come calling and bombard in on their secluded honeymoon in the woods. Knowing that the honeymoon is going to take a backseat to his team, Scott and Logan help out on the Avengers mission, but discover after that they aren't going to be as alone as they were hoping for. Does this mean that the honeymoon is over before it begins for them?

Damaged by ScottxLogan (Rated E) Logan's been behaving different lately and no one seems to notice it except for Scott. As Scott finds himself contemplating his colleague's strange behavior, he finds that the mystery Logan presents turns into an obsession for him. Scott's convinced something has changed, but when no one else seems to pay attention to Logan's new habits, Scott takes it upon himself to discover just what has brought about the change in his teammate. Will Scott's obsession lead to happy endings for these two or more misery down the road as this new world unfolds?

I Found My Thrill by destroythemeek (Rated E) Logan has pie on his lip. Scott’s a little distracted.

The Reservation by ScottxLogan (Rated M) Scott and Logan have been swamped with meetings leaving them both ready to unwind when the day is over, but when they discover that Emma booked them a room with only one bed, will it make things even more awkward or open the door to explorations they weren't brave enough to face on their own without the nudge from their good friend?

Outside the dawn is breaking (But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free) by Wolfsheart (Rated E) What happened during the year following Stryker and Alkali Lake? What did Scott Summers experience? What did Logan witness? What was the final straw that compels Scott to return to the lake? This story explains everything and then veers hard left from canon.

Out there's a land that time don't command by Wolfsheart (Rated M) After a nasty break-up with Jean, Scott left the school and headed west to his home state of Alaska. For months, he's made his home there, feeling exiled from all the people he cares about. Then a familiar face shows up at his door unexpectedly; the face of his crush. Will Scott finally find some much needed and deserved happiness?

Time After Time by Wolfsheart (Rated T) In 2006, a grieving Scott Summers meets his end by a kiss. In 1945, after the bombing of Nagasaki, Logan meets an 'old friend' he won't meet for another 55 years.

At the bottom of every bottle by StormXPadme (Rated E) Scott asks Logan to go back to Alkali Lake with him to retrieve what might be left of Jean's body. They find other things. A new journey neither of them has expected begins.

If this is what we've got, then what we've got is gold by StormXPadme (Rated E) A compilation of very loosely connected Scogan smut and kink ficlets, some of them created from prompts on tumblr. Every now and then, even the X-Men's work-obsessed team leader needs to unwind and let off some steam in the bedroom. Between his own team and a couple of friends among the Avengers, it's a good thing, Scott always has someone around, more than willing to help him out with that. Or: Another entry for my "Scott Summers is one of the Marvel fandom bicycles, actually" agenda.

Uncharted sea, unopened door by StormXPadme (Rated E) A compilation of smut and kink ficlets, some of them created from prompts on tumblr. Mind the chapter titles for pairings. While these oneshots are part of my main X-Men verse, it's not necessary to know the other parts to understand it (some chapter notes contain brief explanations respectively). Please be VERY aware of major spoilers for my "Weathered I"-series and the upcoming follow-up series "Weathered II" though. If you plan to read the series and want to be surprised by major plot twists, please skip this collection.

Under Your Spell by scottxlogan (Rated E) While on a mission Logan's deviation from the objective takes him down a surprising path when he finds himself suddenly overtaken with thoughts of Scott Summers.

Ever After by scottxlogan (Rated T) Post Days of Future Past timeline Logan awakens to find himself in a very different place than the one he left. **Spoiler alert: This fic may possibly contain X-Men Days of Future Past references/possibly spoilers in it. If you haven't seen the film yet and don't want to be spoiled a little bit, then don't read the story just yet. You have been warned**

Killing Your Number by nomelon (Rated E) On The Island, Logan gets trapped in a purpose-built prison cell with a kid wearing some kind of weird eye-mask.

Professor Jackass by walrusface (Rated E) Logan finds himself in bed with an unconscious Scott and a set of marker pens. He's hardly responsible for what he does next.

Breaking Inside by Wolfsheart (Rated E) What happened during the year following Stryker and Alkali Lake? What did Scott Summers experience? What did Logan witness? What was the final straw that compels Scott to return to the lake? This story explains everything and then veers hard left from canon.

Change and Withstand by flightinflame (Rated M) A moment's lack of attention on a mission leads to Scott Summers getting kissed. He fights down his panic, tells himself it's fine, that he can deal with it. It doesn't matter. He wants to just move on, but that's hard when Logan is acting so strangely towards him. Almost as if he knows what happened...

Beautiful Wreck by sg_fic (Rated E) Scott's got a problem. He's going to solve it. Takes place after The Last Stand (boo), but Scott and Xavier survived (yay!)

Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds (She’ll beat you if she’s able) by Wolfsheart  (Rated E) Scott loses a bet to Emma. It doesn't matter what that bet was. All that matters is that Scott loses, and how he has to do the thing. The thing happens to involve wearing sexy expensive lingerie and getting photo or video proof of Logan's reaction to it. Logan's reaction is...very positive.

Sleepy? Cuddles? by KiAnLake (Rated M) Sleepy Scott wants to go to his room but gets found by Logan.

If It Comes Back by flightinflame (Rated M) Logan turns his back on the school, setting out as a lone wolf. Until he meets a young man in need of help - a young man who looks painfully familiar.

(This is Not a) Love Song by menel (Rated M) Written for the X-Men Kink Meme prompt: ‘Wolverine plans date night for him and Scott. Scott is surprised and super touched that Logan cares as much as he does.’

Really, talk. by sg_fic (Rated E) A romantic getaway forces Scott and Logan to talk. Really, really talk.

Undercover by sg_fic (Rated M) Scott and Logan are sent to investigate the disappearance of five young mutants. Post X-2

Protect You by SilverDolphin (Rated T) (This could be visually disturbing for some people, contains a severely injured Scott. Open at your own discretion.)

Lost Sheep by SilverDolphin (Rated T) After the movie happenings went down and the school got rebuilt, Scott goes and looks for Logan, intending to help him.

Fail Safe (Logan’s lullaby) by sg_fic (Rated E) Scott and Logan try to understand each other’s mutations better. Post DoFP.

Getting used to happiness by Xenia (Rated G) Logan has a nightmare and he's not really sure what's real and what's not after it. Post Days of Future Past.

Call My Name Or Walk On By by Wolfsheart (Rated E) Superheroes die all the time, and they usually come back from the dead. It's just a matter of time. And for Logan, it was just a matter of time before his return to life was discovered and someone from his past would track him down. When it's his former friend, teammate, and rival -- Scott Summers -- how could he ever see this kind of reunion between them?

Simpatico by menel (Rated T) Stuck in the Danger Room, the field leader and the newest X-Man have an unexpected heart-to-heart (with no claws or force beams involved).

To Know My Enemy by menel (Rated E) What if Scott and Logan once struck a deal in order to better facilitate their working relationship? What if that deal grew more complicated over time?

Ball Games by ELG (Rated E) When it comes to a grieving Scott Summers, everyone needs Logan to be the bad guy. Scott needs it most of all. [Not much plot, quite a lot of porn.]

Mine by glacis (Rated E) Scott goes looking for his bike and finds a whole lot more than he expects. Logan stakes a claim.

Eyes Wide Open by menel (Rated E) Depowered after a month in captivity and a botched mission, Scott has retreated into himself. Nearly everyone is walking on eggshells around him and it’s up to Logan to bring their Fearless Leader back. Written for the prompt, "Surprise."

Do Over by talkativefangirl13 (Rated E) When Logan woke up, he found out that the future had changed, only in a way that he didn't expect.

Flowers Pisses Me Off by talkativefangirl13 (Rated M) "I’m trying to help you, you insolent jerk!” Logan heaved and tried catching his breath while his healing factor fixed up the damage inside his throat. He spat the remaining blood on the floor in which Scott mentally added to the list of things he’ll be cleaning later.

With a tired grunt, Logan sat up on his hunches while glaring down on the bright red flower he was holding, without as much as a second thought, he shrugged and placed it on a nearby vase before turning to glare at Scott, “Obviously I don’t need yer help,” he said, “Stop pestering me, One Eye.”

Lost by twilightHDfan (Rated E) A week after the Battle of Alcatraz Jean and the Professor return, but Cyclops remains missing. Logan goes looking for the leader of the X-men.

Revelation by Cerylid (Rated T) Logan and Scott go undercover as a couple on a mission to gather information. It was supposed to be straightforward, but Scott struggles to keep his feelings for his teammate hidden while they are out.

Take Two by Cerylid (Rated M) Scott discovers from Ororo that she thinks Logan likes him, and is persuaded to try and connect at the Christmas Eve party.

The Icing on the Cake by menel (Rated T) Written for the head canon, “When they are at a party and have cake, Logan scrapes off most of his frosting and gives it to Scott.”

And so many others you need to check out on AO3 here.

[strixcattus]

Part five and final of part one of SCPSTPTPC. This may or may not be it for today!

As always, a Spoiler Zone is in effect below the cut, though any spoilers will only be referenced rather than direct. Probably. And as has been the case for this first run, I'm roleplaying as myself on December 25, 2023.

I'm at the mirror again. And... oh, hey! The mouse-pointer from the Fury! That's so cool.

...And here's the Narrator. Time to get some answers.

> So you're the Narrator? "Yes. And you've done an absolute botch job to get here." > Does it hurt like this? "No. I don't feel pain anymore." > What are you? "I'm an echo."

Is that what the Spectre meant, when she compared him to herself?

> Has every Narrator been different? "Of course. That's how the Construct works. Until now." > Do you have anything to say for yourself? "I do. I want you to remember that there are real people out there." > Why did you lie to me? "Maybe the other versions of me thought it would make your task impossible. Maybe they just didn't want to contend with the truth. Maybe they were all just wrong. Not me, though. I'm right." > If you made me, then what am I? "You're the Long Quiet, the god I made to rid the world of death."

To rid the world of death?

I knew we were a... god. I'd been spoiled, remember? I told you back at the beginning, I found out about this game through a spoiler! This was that spoiler!!

But... to rid the world of... death? That's...

I don't want to rid the world of death. I don't want to exist in a world without death.

> If I am meant to rid the world of death... what is the Princess? "She is the Shifting Mound, the Ebb and Flow, the Capacity to Change. She is Transformation, or most of it. She becomes that which people perceive her to be. And you are meant to kill her." > What happens if I kill her. How do you know it wouldn't be worse? "Of course it won't be worse. Anything is better than oblivion."

I don't want to live forever. I don't! And I don't want to make anyone else live forever, either.

> I'm pretty sure death is important. "Of course you'd think that. You've never died." > ...I don't want to destroy death. I'm not going to slay her. "Well. There's no reasoning with a god. I've said my piece, and my time is up. It's like I said; I'm just an echo. And echoes always fade away."

I think I have to free her. It's the only choice I could live with.

I was right, to feel bad about trying to slay her. I wish I could take it all back.

Maybe I can, here. Now.

...

She's dominating. She only sees things from her singular perspective. She does not acknowledge her vessels as people, and she does not acknowledge people as worthy of consideration.

But it would be wrong to kill her, and it is only right to set her free.

Regardless, it is beautiful. And I think I'm making the right choice.

...I'm going to miss my Voices.

...

I think, after everything that's happened, I'm going to miss being past me.

Bingo card, updated for Run I:

I'm not sure if what happened in Sp3ctre counted for breaking "one new Voice per chapter" or not. On the one hand, I definitely didn't start out with a third Voice in my head... but on the other, Opportunist was added—I just didn't get to see him.

And I don't think that hit on "nontraditional stairs." But I'm putting a question mark anyway.

And my gallery has opened up!

I think I will call it a night. Tomorrow, we can see those other new chapters—all of them!

[ladyvictory22]

The Rookie

In the world of Formula 1, rivalries were as intense as the roar of the engines competing on circuits worldwide. This year, a new addition to the team panorama left everyone expectant. Andretti F1, a respected name in motorsport, had completed the process to enter Formula 1, and their new team director had arrived with a bang. "The rookie," as the media called him, was known for his unwavering energy and boisterous attitude.

Toto observed with some suspicion from a distance as the rookie made his way onto the F1 scene. The rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull had been a constant for years, and Toto couldn't help but feel that the young Andretti team director could become a new contender. Although he didn't initially like the rookie's effervescent personality, he soon became impressed by his ability to keep up with him in press conferences and interviews.

Christian, on the other hand, watched everything with an indifferent expression. Red Bull was still at the top, and he didn't feel his position was in danger. But there was something bothering him, something he hadn't fully identified himself. He couldn't help but notice that the rookie and Toto were always together at press events, and this was starting to stir some jealousy in Christian, but he tried to ignore it. Soon, the media, noticing the closeness between the rookie and Toto, dubbed him "The new Christian," a label the rookie was delighted to embrace.

One day, a journalist asked Christian about the new title bestowed upon the rookie. Christian furrowed his brow, he had read about it, but he wanted to ignore it. However, it seemed everyone was intent on reminding him, and he replied, "No one should be happy about people giving you a title because you're trying to imitate someone else."

Days later, during a press conference at the Monza Grand Prix, Toto was questioned about Christian's statement. With a mocking smile, Toto replied, "It's obvious he's not like Christian; he doesn't stab you in the back."

Toto's words reached Christian's ears, and he felt hurt but furious... how dare he? He sought out Toto in the paddock, a displeased look on his face. When he finally arrived at the Mercedes garage, he began speaking accusingly, "What the hell do you mean by saying I stab people in the back, Toto? Are you insinuating something?"

"Hello to you too, Christian... tell me what I owe your visit?" Toto said unfazed.

"Don't start with your fake cordiality, Wolff," he said in an annoyed tone.

Toto chuckled.

"I'm just being polite; you walk in here to my garage, to my office, and you just shout at me..." Toto said.

"It's not the first time I've done it," he replied with a furious look.

"Yes, it's not the first time, it's been many times...," Toto had a half-smile.

"Yes, and yet 'I stab you in the back'..." Christian looked away.Toto laughed again.

"Don't laugh, you damn idiot... you're accusing me in front of everyone... and..." he said, looking at him again.

Toto got up from his chair and approached Christian, both locking eyes, and the tension between them was palpable, but there was something more in the air. The rivalry that had once pitted them against each other was turning into an attraction that neither could deny, and maybe that was another reason for Christian's jealousy... for a moment, he felt that adrenaline mixed with nervousness that spread, and his irritation... the decision between wanting to stay or run.

"Christian..." Toto said very close to his face, "Tell me if in a company, a rookie comes in and wants to be on good terms with those in higher positions... what does he do?"

"He tries..." they were very close, and Christian couldn't help but look at his lips for a brief moment and then reconnect their gazes, "He tries to get attention..."

"Exactly... and what do you think 'the rookie' is doing?" Toto said, moving away a bit, and Christian felt a bit dizzy; he was hypnotized by the proximity.

Christian thought it over... reflected... "Strategy."

"Bingo... this is just a strategy. The rookie is eager to earn a place, but he can't easily replace someone like that, he has to earn it, and wanting to be slippery doesn't help... a rivalry that has lasted a decade... like the one you and I have... can't be erased... just because a nobody arrives... you didn't erase it when McLaren was here or when Ferrari got closer, right Dear?" Toto whispered in his ear, and Christian melted, closing his eyes, feeling Toto's pronounced accent... now it was just the two of them in the office... with no one standing in their way.

"What I said at the conference was part of the game, to keep everyone entertained," Toto added and put his hand on the back of Christian's neck.

Christian bit his lip and smiled slightly... and murmured, "Always creating games, aren't you?"

Toto responded by closing the distance between them in a passionate and angry kiss; Toto's tongue insisted on entering Christian's mouth until he yielded; it was as if they were waging a battle instead of a romance.

When they separated... Toto said, brushing their lips, "It's you and me."

"Idiot..." Christian whispered letting himself be kissed again.

"Little Terrier..." Toto said and Christian swatted him which made the Austrian laugh.

----

in your consideration @silvereds

[aingeal98]

The part of the Zionists rhetoric I've seen online especially here on tumblr that really... not so much confuses or disturbs me because every part of supporting racism and genocide is disturbing, but the part that makes me nauseous in a very specific way, is how many of these people claim to be leftists. Not the Israeli government or the majority of Zionists obviously, they're proud racist right wingers. But here on tumblr you have people who believe in feminism and queer rights and would agree easily enough with surface level takes on how racism in America is bad. And when it comes to conservatives and red fascists they can easily tell when a right wing racist or homophobe is arguing in bad faith, they can make long posts explaining the harm behind terf rhetoric and how it differs from the actual fight for women's liberation. They can look at the Russia and Ukraine conflict and use critical thinking to call out bad actors with ease.

But then with Israel and Palestine they just... Flip. All the bad faith arguments they criticised before is now their modus operandi. They ignore the ongoing genocide and the Palestinians talking about it and focus on the oppressors, only reblogging the same one or two Palestinian voices once every now and then that say everything they want to hear and nothing more.

I think the most striking example is that "antisemitism bingo" someone made where the ongoing genocide was something to be laughed at and the blog made fun of Palestinian civilians being tortured. And yet when a blocklist went around of people who interacted with that ghoulish blog, clearly explaining why we should avoid them, (Hijt:The racism and dehumanisation of Palestinians) these "leftist zionists" immediately were like "Oh its a block list of Jewish blogs! It's only blocking us because we're Jewish!"

Like it's the most bad faith easily disproven illogical argument that every random 4chan troll can make. It's not my actions it's because I'm white! It's not my homophobic remarks it's because I'm straight!

I still struggle to understand how they're able to flip so easily from intelligent historical and societal discussions of oppression and intersectionality to denial of the Nakba, denial of the apartheid and racism that has ruled the Israeli state since its conception, denial of the Israeli terrorism and colonisation ongoing in the West Bank that Palestinians have been speaking up about for years (The save Sheikh Jarrah campaign and the murder of peaceful Palestinian activists predates October 7th by quite a bit and yet received far, far less coverage by western media) and denial of everything the government and soldiers and many citizens are currently doing to murder as many Palestinians as possible. How do you go from pointing out cult tactics to a Maga style tribalism enthusiast just because it's Palestinians being oppressed and not another group?

The only reason I can think of is that unlike say, white people or straight people, zionists DO have an understandable, real fear that they can use to promote their racist cult. Antisemitism exists worldwide and is a problem in every single country. Unlike ridiculous concepts like "white genocide" or misandry, there is grounded, factual and understandable reasons for Jewish people to want a community where they can feel safe. And anyone who truly cares about equality for all must be committed to stamping out and dismantling antisemitism in every country and neighbourhood, because Zionists sure as hell aren't. The more antisemitism exists the greater their fuel for justifying and promoting Israel as the One True answer to it all.

But the solution of Israel involved ethnic cleansing in order to built their majority Jewish state, and relies on racism and genocide to maintain it. Just like any other coloniser state, it's not sustainabile and is constantly spiralling towards fascism. (America currently contending for loudest spiral) And that is obvious to anyone who reads up on the history or just like. Talks to Palestinians for five seconds. Israel exists due to racism and dehumanisation of Palestinians, and anyone who considers that an acceptable sacrifice is blatantly morally bankrupt. But the tribalism is simply too strong for that sort of logic and understanding, and whatever reasons they may have for falling into Zionism, it's still unacceptable. If you're still on here talking about "demonising Israel and exaggerating genocide (for the woke agenda, is what they're two steps away from saying) then I have no sympathy or time for you. One day you will be forced to reckon with your cognitive dissonance and willful ignorance, and the self righteous racist narrative you cling to will no longer be enough to protect you from judgement. Normal people with their morals screwed on right don't support fascism and racism. Leftists sure as hell shouldn't support facism and racism. (And yes this goes for those who defend Russian and Chinese imperialism too.)

You talk about feeling isolated, about having no one but fellow zionists to rely on. No one else will accept how complicated the situation is, you say over the sound of ten thousand murdered children killed and celebrated by the fascists you're carrying water for. Everyone else is just too antisemitic! You say as the Israeli government and military celebrates Hannukah by bombing Palestinians and joking that they're lighting one of the candles.

I genuinely can't tell if these people are aware they're full of shit or just so scared that they've dived deep into cult mentality with zero critical thought allowed. But either way, there should be no more space for them in our community than a nazi, a homophobe or a Trump supporter. They may have parroted similar ideals of equality and justice for long enough, but when push came to shove and the issues began to hit too close to home, they decided that supporting facism is how they want to cope. So be it. Palestine will be free with or without them and I will mourn the intelligent principled people they could have been, but at the end of the day you have to draw the line somewhere. And supporting genocide is generally a solid line to go with.

[thepolomonkey]

Merlin Fic Recs - Corporal Punishment

For h/c bingo this year, I chose to do some fic recs for one of my best loved tropes - Merlin or Arthur getting whipped and then getting some sweet sweet comfort. Here's ten of my faves:

Correctives by misanagi

Being sent to the dungeons wasn't the only punishment Arthur received for getting the flower to save Merlin.

Delicious series one whump with Arthur being so brave and lovely and noble

Leon and the Servant by Smcstrav

As he watches Merlin go through a difficult time, Leon is forced to question everything he knows about duty and responsibility and the places of servants and nobles in society.

Again series one, again delicious whump with poor Merlin being beaten by the steward amongst many other things

Treason by wangler

Arthur tries to take his frustrations out on Merlin. His timing isn't great.

Slightly dark but also so tender and sexy

Making Apologies by margeurite_26

When Arthur returns from a impromptu hunting trip to find the stocks empty, he’s surprised by Uther’s leniency. But Merlin doesn’t get away with making Arthur’s excuses so easily this time.

Arthur learns a hard lesson in this one, which excellently features PissedOff!Gaius

Cruel punishment by Ace_Teagirl

Uther finds out about Arthur and Merlin's relationship. He sentences Merlin to be whipped while Arthur is forced to watch.

The note of defiance this one ends on is just perfect!

A Good King to his People by Sita_Z

Arthur thinks that getting Merlin in trouble is a laugh. But it really isn’t.

A total whumpy classic, and Morgana makes an excellent supporting appearance

Two loves I have, of comfort and despair. by rufflefeather

Merlin defies Uther and is sentenced to receive a lashing. Arthur must give it.

The aaaangsssttt! But also some lovely tender comfort too

Salt by archaeologist_d

Uther was having none of Merlin calling his son names in public. There were consequences.

Short and sad but a hopeful ending!

Struck From Behind by KiyoYoon

Arthur sees something quite worrying on Merlins back and begins to question him about it.

Set after those mean tournament guys hurt Merlin in the armoury, a lovely bit of comfort

The Magic You So Despise by AngelQueen

In a world where Ygraine Pendragon lives, all is not golden. In a world where Arthur Pendragon grows up with two parents, life is not easier. In a world where Morgana of Cornwall grows up never fearing Uther Pendragon, her life is still a lonely one. In a world where magic is not banned, there is still the prejudice and suspicions of kings to contend with. In a world where Merlin Emrys is born the second son of Camelot, the weight of destiny is no less debilitating. There are no easy answers, no simple, well-traveled paths to walk. A pre-series AU.

And finally, something a bit different - an Ygraine!Lives au in which Merlin and Arthur are brothers but Uther is abusive to both, especially Merlin. It's a hard read but very beautifully written.