#gosh darn how AUs there’s too many

[pixlokita]

So I was scrolling through your page just for fun and then I saw that you have a werewolf CC AU and I was like: " Wolf Cassie's definitely going to be friends with him."

Sorry Gregory! But now we got a Wolf gang!

Aw ye ;w;

[ohhcinnybuns]

Thinking about AU baker Chuuya and florist Dazai this evening…

Chuuya owns a pâtisserie in a quaint cultural part of downtown Yokohama called “pêches et crème.” He loves to bake French goods to show love for his half-French heritage: Macarons, Éclairs, Chouquettes… Chuuya knew just how to satisfy his patron’s sweet cravings.

All the locals who enter his shop are immediately drawn to Chuuya’s charm and delicious baked goods. They compliment his artistry and use of chocolate and fruits to enhance flavors.

Though, they tell him he should move his beautiful shop because of the ugly ass building across from his potentially scaring customers away. The building looked hollow and devoid of life with its chipped grey paint and haunting ‘for lease’ sign displayed on its window. Chuuya makes note of it and thanks his patrons for their feedback.

And then, one day, the ‘for lease’ sign on the building across from him was gone. Over the next few days, Chuuya notices workers coming in and out of the building to give it a facelift, wondering what type of shop it will become. The grey paint on the building turned into a muted yellow, and the window borders were accented by swirling vinyl patterns of lush vines in the shapes of hearts. He thought it looked nice… or at least, nicer than the run down crap it used to be. He makes a mental note to thank his neighbor when the shop opens for upgrading the eyesore.

Until one beautiful sunny morning, Chuuya walks to work and finds a handsome brunette holding a bouquet in his hands, looking up at the newly renovated building, deep in thought. He seemed to be mumbling to himself, a hand on his chin. Upon further inspection, Chuuya spotted a van behind him with its trunk popped open to reveal buckets of flowers - roses, daffodils, tulips, daisies - flowers of every kind in bloom and filling his senses.

The floral scent overwhelmed him so much that he almost didn't realize he had stopped walking, his nose twitching, and finally, he sneezed. Gosh darn pollen.

The brunette breaks from his mumbling spell and turns to Chuuya.

When their gazes lock, Chuuya can feel his cheeks warm. The brunette was a lot more handsome than he thought… and the smile he gave Chuuya only stirred butterflies in his stomach. Is this what people call love at first sight? ‘Shit! He’s coming this way.’

Chuuya clears his throat and immediately begins to look for his keys to unlock his shop pretending like he wasn’t just gawking at a handsome man across the street. Was he running away? It sure kind of felt that way by the way his hands kept fumbling his keys as if purposely stretching time for him on this particular morning. Chuuya curses under his breath with a defeated groan until he feels a hand land on his shoulder.

Chuuya jumps from the touch; a tint of red highlighting his cheeks. He turns to face the man who towers over him, still clutching a bouquet in his arms with a grin on his face as if reading every thought crossing Chuuya’s mind.

Who are they? What do they want? Am I being robbed? Should I call for help? If he goes out, would he regret it under the hands of this handsome thief? Too many questions and too many scenarios run through his head. Maybe he should be more direct.

“May I help you?” Chuuya finally asks, his hands learning to properly hold his keys without looking like a clown. He shifts his pose to cross his arms over his chest, eyeing for any sign of potential thievery. He’ll kick some ass if he has to.

“Yes, actually. Are you Chuuya Nakahara?” asks the brunette, lifting his hand from his shoulder to twirl a strand of Chuuya’s hair away from his face. Chuuya immediately grabs his wrist and pulls away.

“Who’s asking?” Chuuya glares at the guy. Man, he was pretty but daft to think he could just creep up on Chuuya and start petting him.

“Why, your new neighbor of course!” The guy pays no mind to Chuuya’s glare. Instead, he lifts the bouquet adorned with red camellias, peach peonies, and white with salmon tint daffodils.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet as the name, Chuuya Nakahara.”

Chuuya is stunned silent, blushing furiously as the handsome man hands him the bouquet while mumbling to himself again, criticizing his work, “I should have added an orange flower for your hair or a blue for your eyes. Now it all just feels wrong.”

“I didn't see any blue flowers in your van? Wait a minute, you haven’t even told me your name yet or why you know mine!”

The taller man laughs, his head tilted back as if his name was the funniest thing in the world. He leans into Chuuya’s personal space, his hands slipping into his coat pockets and with dazzling smile, he says, “Dazai. Dazai Osamu.”

Chuuya’s throat runs dry. He was starting to feel parched, as if he had just run a marathon with no water for miles. The only thing he's capable of is repeating Dazai’s name as if engraving it upon his lips.

Dazai nods his head and steps away, distancing himself from Chuuya. His gaze becomes soft, and with another twirl of Chuuya’s curls, he says, “I’ll come back with a better one next time, Chuuya. I’ll see you around.”

Chuuya finds himself mindlessly nodding like it is normal to do with someone they have just met on an average Tuesday. An unknown feeling bloomed around him, and he knew it wasn't because of the flowers.

After they part ways, Dazai flashes through his mind during breaks, lunch, and baking sessions. Honestly, the brunette made quite the impression on him, and he blushed every time he glanced at the bouquet. He put them in a porcelain vase next to his cash register so he could see their beauty in full bloom. His patrons teased him about the beautiful flowers that sat beautifully in his shop. They added a floral necessity to the scent of sugar, chocolate, and cinnamon in the air.

Maybe he’ll consider asking for the florist's number and sending a box of his best pastries as a ��thank you’ for the bouquet. Perhaps he’ll ask for a date or two, and finally find out how the smug bastard knew his name. It’ll make a great conversation starter for the next time they meet.

[windydrawallday]

You know what? I'll announce what I was meant to say for almost a week! I'll write this on the go so, it will probably be long:

Do you see all of that in those two pics? Those are ALL TF WIPs I hoarded between other dozens since 2022 (plus some almost finished and/or on the pipeline of being finished).

Well, having them constantly lingering in my present 2024 folder made it easy to grab and work on them on an almost daily-weekly basis...

... but it pushed aside my other personal projects that ended up in a secondary WIP folder that I barely touched since I fell into this robot hell.

Not a bad thing! This was fun, but after this year's mixture of creative exhaustion I'm facing, I want to slow down a bit my focus on TF art.

I will still work on the WIPs related to my pals @sug4r-melon , @goobygnarp, and @lovestruckmousey 's designs for our shared TF AUs.

(And probably some low-key simple projects like doing tiny vehicle mode icons of the TFA cast like how I did with the RB cast for a zine. I was thinking too about making plush-toy icons of my favs because I can).

(I already set up a sideblog to save a great part of my TF art, especially the Lockdown/Prowl ones but for now, I'll leave it all private. I won't purge my fanart but I prefer to be safe).

But the rest? If it's not in the final stage and/or scheduled already (I have one dated since the past year to be posted in September so, that still stands) the WIP/artwork will be canned on a folder apart until I can have the motivation to work again on them.

The other reason for this slowdown is... I'm currently in two Zines. One for TFs (that I feel super honored to be part of) and another with OCs.

I had quite a bumpy ride at the beginning of this year, trying to postulate to zines not centered around TFs because I really want to branch my art and expose my original stuff so...

Nailing that OC zine feels like a big VICTORY! And I hope to expand more because gosh darn: no one but ME can draw my OCs!

And I miss my critters... I didn't participate in Artfight because of zero updated refs. I really want to change that next year!

Yup... a long read. But I hope my point is understandable and I'm not sounding like a quitter or something sjfhdkjshfsdjfh

Thanks for the patience and know if any of ya still enjoy my TF work: there's quite a bulk on the #ifellinrobothellagain tag x) Many didn't get as much traction on its day so, they will always be there to poke and revisit 💖

And is not like you'll never see certain faces again: for me, nothing is lost... just transforms and takes new shapes and names.

[aerequets]

Hello again!

I was wondering if you had any spy x family fic recs that are twiyor centric? AUs? I’m having trouble finding ones that are what I’m looking for. Ratings don’t matter. Anything from G to E would be appreciated! Thank you!!

boy oh BOY do i have twiyor fic recs !!!! it's like basically all i read LMAO and i am always on a hunt for more. i feel like i have read through a good chunk of what's on ao3 and i still feel starved. there's always my bookmarks you can sift through for twiyor fics, but for some more curated recommendations (and this is not gonna include all the ones i've lost my mind over, that's far too many, this is just what i can remember off the top of my head):

the living blues by @nire-the-mithridatist

GOD it would be such an understatement to say i am a huge fan of not only this work but EVERY WORK by this author because SHE HAS A WAY WITH WORDS OKAY. i avoid angst like the plague but i saw the happy ending tag to this fic and IT DIDN'T DISAPPOINT (chapter 6 is gonna be an epilogue)!!!!!!! AUGHHH this isnt even a good review im just yelling but yeah this is really good and also pretty much everything else by this author, i'll say it now so this list doesn't have numerous fics by the same person just do yourself a favor and read through what she's got if you haven't already

rated T, 5/6 chapters, currently 14k words

(edit: completed!)

With Kid Gloves by crownofrosegold on ao3

4 words: Mr Darcy Hand Flex

rated G, 1/2 chapters, currently 2.5k words

(edit: completed!)

the most yearning, pining, longing fic ever with the least physical touch ever. loid traces yor's gloves in his pocket with his thumb and its somehow intimate. yeah

it's been a hot minute since it's updated but the first chap can kinda be read as a standalone (to me) which is why i rec, even though i personally only go after finished fics for my own sanity :^) also its just too darn cute how can i not

How to Be a Supportive Husband by @nemaliwrites

rated T, 1/1 chapters, 910 words

short and sweet drabble of the most simpiest loid post reveal. what more could you want

MISSION: Bottom Feeder by SilverSupa on ao3

rated T, 2/4 chapters, currently 9.5k words

this one is just too good and funny LMAOO yor and loid are Peak Stupid and also Peak Attracted To Each Other so it's just. mm good mix. this one's also been a hot second since it's last update but i love it too much so its on this list

even when we're not together (will you stay with me?) by JaMills on ao3

rated T, 1/1 chapters, 4.5k words

gosh this is another one of those super good reads that make you sit and think after you're done. soulmate AU where they swap bodies as children until they meet. personally i'm not the most dedicated reader of aus where yor and loid meet as kids, but the way its handled here is just so good and adds to the story. it's also part of a series and the next installment is equally as good. this is another one of those authors that has a lot of quality stuff (although there's a good dash of angst which i keep my distance from JKFHISDH) so look through their page!

Enough by Frotu on ao3

rated T, 1/1 chapters, 4k words

EHEHE THIS ONE HAS ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET FR it is soooo cute. typical thing of yors coworkers getting into her head, she asks loid if what they have is enough, and... well.... you can read what happens from there ;] (spoiler: it's very cute)

a dream in charmeuse by selfetish (@selfetishizing ) on ao3

rated T, 2/2 chapters, 12k words

oh gosh, the prose in this is just?? so insanely good??? its such a pretty read. this is twiyor, yes, but it's also a deep dive into femininity and yor's understanding/rediscovery of it. i remember the first time i read it the opening scene of the first chapter was just so GOOD to me, i was like OMG i am not gonna forget this this is so iconic AND IT IS!!!!! i love me a good yor centric fic. we usually get more of twilight contemplation (i mean he has got the whole mission thing going on and hes our resident overthinker so, understandable) but this was such a nice look into yor's..,, like, fundamental building blocks?? if that makes sense?? its just good ok read it

"The Five Times Loid Forger Went Topless In Front of His Wife and the One Time She Reciprocated" Or “Bare-Chested in Berlint” by Talik_Sanis on ao3

rated M, 6/6 chapters, 17.5k words

that title should tell you all you need to know right LMAOOO it's just yor being incredibly horny, like embarrassingly so. she lacks a grip

again this is just 8 fics, where my bookmarks list are over 200 (yeesh) so feel free to look through those. i've also got some fics, most of which are twiyor lmao (brainrot i told you). and don't forget to show these awesome authors some love!

[animalsalvationassociation]

Emma Jade in MEOMI’s Style

Illustration Time: 5hrs 31m

[ DO NOT REPOST, ALL ART & CONCEPTS WERE MADE BY ME ]

Okay so if it wasn’t clear before, this is Professor Emma Jade. She is a Zoologist and a Animal/Nature Activist. She is an ally to the Octonauts as well as many other organizations (Ex. C.L.A.D.E.). Emma also happens to be very good friends to Captain Barnacles as well as many other activists that work within the A.S.A.

In this AU Emma is the main character. I wanted to showcase the potential of the Octonauts world by using Emma to help the audience understand how things work on this version of Earth.

She’s a very interesting character, and I’m excited for all of you to get to know her. I wanted to make up for the week that I didn’t post in between the other Octonauts refs and the last post. This won’t always happen but I’m too excited to wait for the next picture because of how gosh darn cute it is. So expect a post on Thursday!

My regular posting schedule should be every Tuesday if not then Thursdays. I’m in the process of looking for a new job (hopefully in childcare) so that schedule may change in the future. But I will be sure to keep all of you updated! Again a HUGE thank you to everyone who is following along, I hope this will be able to inspire others to keep strengthening our little fandom, because it sorely needs it!

(P.S. This isn’t my favorite drawing but its been the basis for all of her main colors so I’m still rather attached to it. This was actually the first digital version of her as well so extra attachments I guess)

[ This is an Octonauts AU, in no way is this canon to the OG storyline. ]

Original Design:

https://www.tumblr.com/animalsalvationassociation/733195730614943744/welcome-to-the-asa

If you want to see more check me out on DeviantArt I have lots of other fandom based drawings over there or go check out my Instagrams!

https://www.deviantart.com/cookiecrumbles52

I'm an Octonauts Group Admin! Wanna add your art??? Go check it out!

https://www.deviantart.com/octonauts-community

Instagrams:

@ CookieCrumbles52 (Stories)

[ https://www.instagram.com/cookiecrumbles52/ ]

or

Palace_City_52 (Character Creation)

[ https://www.instagram.com/palace_city_52/ ]

[nell0-0]

RULES: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Thanks for the tag @musical-chan !

The fact I have to change a bit how I have my wips saved bc the titles are an actual word and then a keysmash lmfao. I'mma just delete the keysmash for this ksksks.

Random stuff:

Mieruko-chan meets Hanako-kun

Obito's crushes through the years

Elliot doodles (OC)

K+C wip (OC)

Role Reversal concept Nart (Naruto)

fam emo vibes

bw trainer sona

IMG

snack police archeops

REINGO AU

LOZ + LU ones:

yl&sk+tatltael

war shades 2

LTTCMASKCH1

doodlesad

windmaskchaos

Linkle stuff

Culture shock au botw setting

cake

First time in Warrior's era

Warriors and Mask about Fi

Flora and Wild_gem poopers

Hero shade wars stuff

LU chain in Twi's Hyrule

With Marin and Tune

Pokemon au

...and those ain't even all of them. I ain't including the fanfic ones either, just art pfpfpf. Gosh darn it. Too many to tag, so feel free to join if you wanna!

[lets-try-some-writing]

Oooh, can we get a directory’s commentary on the Blind Starscream AU and the Starscream Knitting AU? I know they are small AUs, but I enjoy rereading them from time to time. Plus they involve my favorite (troubled) Seeker. Also maybe one for Broken Record too because that one was just so gosh darn good! Please and Thank you!

I got you! I love giving my thoughts on the writing! Also I seriously adore the Starscream knitting AU and I have fun with the Blind Starscream AU too. I just ran out of ways to continue them. Any ideas for them would be gladly accepted :3

Blind Starscream

It was born of a request, and honestly I wasn't the most enthused with it because I had no plot to give the AU. It was a concept game rather than a story for me. Not a bad thing from time to time, but I like having a story to follow to write for. However with that said, it is a fun one and I recall having a great time thinking about how frickin funny it must be to watch Optimus yeet water at Screamer because he's scared of the bugger.

Extra tidbit about this AU: Starscream actually thinks its super funny to pretend he can see, but ONLY around ST3V3 the Vehicon. Starscream will act as though he can see perfectly and stare with lightless optics right into the Vehicon's visor. ST3V3 is terrified, but not a spark believes him when he says Starscream can see and absolutely can end their lives. Well, they believe the second part, but most don't question Starscream's blindness.

Starscream Knitting

It has been a VERY long time since I last looked at this AU. I hardly remember where it began, but I know it was made when I still didn't know how to format anything in visually pleasing and rational way. I don't go back and read my old work for a reason. (lll￢ω￢)

That said, I have had one image in my head since I learned about how running a small business works. Starscream, with stupidly colorful packaging, slowly and carefully getting every package done with his giant frickin claws. Oh! And those nails are absolutely manicured so that he can take videos and pretend he's just a really stylish knitter. He will never admit he enjoys his claws being painted a vivid red.

He secretly watches manicure videos online and asks Knockout to do him up every now and then.

Broken Record

Oh boy. The emotions were STRONG with this fic. It was the week before midterms and I was STRESSING. So of course I gave my baby some trauma to make me feel better. I was actually at work most of the time while writing Broken Record. I listened to City of the Dead on repeat the whole bloody time because it set the mood. No escape. No victory. No hope. Only loss.

Tidbit about Smokey in this fic: He did absolutely everything under the sun to make things work, and while not shown super closely in the fic because I enjoy being somewhat sane, he had a DEEP relationship with the team. He came to see Arcee as a sister in a sense. He adored her and looked up to her for many long loops before he had to pull away and then grew to see how badly her grief was hurting her. He wasn't the closest with Bulkhead and Wheeljack, but he shared many long nights alongside them, talking about the slightly happier aspects of war. Bumblebee he saw as a brother and eventually a ward as time dragged on. As he matured, he felt the need to watch over the scout, just as Optimus did. This was never fully expressed in the fic, but if given the chance, Smokescreen would take up a parental mantle if only to honor the fallen. He was especially close with Ratchet, that with the medic being the closest mech he ever had to a father.

Surprising right? You would think he's see Optimus that way. However he can't see Optimus like that. In his optics, Optimus is like a ghost. He learns from the mech, but Optimus is a strange thing for Smokescreen. A living dead mech. As much as Smokescreen bonded to the Prime, it was all a very solemn thing. But him and Ratchet? He loves Ratchet as a son would his father. Ratchet was always there for him, always offering comfort instead of the cold conformation of loss that Optimus gave. I didn't have enough time to write it, but I really wanted a scene where Ratchet tucked Smokescreen in after a long day and even managed to get the truth from him. I wanted to write one loop where Ratchet knew, and all he could do was hold Smokescreen's servo and weep as the loop came to an end.

Another tidbit: I fully intend to write a prequel with Orion and his trial. And let me tell you, what I have envisioned is ROUGH. It will take me a hot minute to write I think, simply because writing Broken Record required me to have a VERY off mental state to make it happen. However when I write it, let me say now that Orion Pax will have no frame of reference and do far worse things than Smokescreen in an attempt to get out. There could have been other ways to get out, but after so long? He just wanted to be free, no matter the harm it caused to Megatron at the Council chambers.

[camp-counselor-david]

Ough, I just remembered that "Missing Halloween" animated short, and it hit me with the biggest Jasper/David vibes, so now I'm making it everyone elses problem with a self indulgent au ramble.

TW for child death

Jaspvid AU where after Jasper "leaves" Camp Campbell, the summer ends and David goes home for the year.

Things proceed as normal, until halloween, where after all school year of not seeing Jasper, David bumps into him on halloween of all days! He's got a pretty cool ghost costume on, too, especially for it being the late 90s! There was no reason to think he was actually dead. The ghosts in cartoons always phased right through things, but he could grab Jasper's hand and pull him along for a fun holiday themed buddy reunion!

By then, David forgot about the whole feud about the camp. All he knew was that Jasper was back, and he didn't seem too mad about what happened between them either. He seems to enjoy running around with David and trick or treating-- even though for some reason everyone's ignoring Jasper, which really peeves David off.

They stop by David's house, and even his mother seems to be ignoring Jasper! He asks his mom to take a picture of the two of them in their costumes, but she doesn't take it seriously, and when she shows them the photo she took, only David appears in it. So not only does his mom start insisting that he's being silly and taking an imaginary friend too seriously, but their gosh darn crappy technology isn't working right either!

David storms back outside with Jasper, upset at the idea that people think that his very real best friend is suddenly fake! Why would they imply that he's crazy when all of the adults in his life acknowledged Jasper as a person before? He and Jasper get into a little bit of an argument about it, causing Jasper to get up and walk off into the woods.

Unlike their last spat, though, David follows after him this time. He didn't want to lose him all over again. But where are they going? Why did it look like Jasper was walking back to Camp Campbell? Or... Spooky Island? Why there? Why wasn't he listening when he called out to him?

He finds Jasper sitting alone outside of the cave, and the two talk out what happened. They laugh at how familiar their argument felt, and David ends up apologizing and sharing some of his halloween candy. Because when push came to shove, they would always be best friends.

Meanwhile, his worried sick parents seek him out, figuring that if their David ran away to anywhere, it was the camp that he wouldn't stop gushing about ever since he came back home from it.

After a lengthy search, they find David happily snacking on candy next to the corpse of his best friend, Jasper, who had finally found peace through being found.

Anyway, I'm sorry. I think I've seen too many death/monster aus lately, and it has infected me with the halloweenies. I'd be shocked if more people didn't see the original short I'm talking about, but here it is!

[rayofmisfortune]

I JUST WATCHED IT AND. MY GOD. WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT. RUIN- I- I feel so stupid omg. And Solar. GOD SOLAR. Ripped away in a matter of seconds. No one saw it coming, then Ruin dropped a bomb shell on them, AND THEN. He's gone. Just like that. God. I can feel sun and moon's heart breaking through the screen and. Oh god Moon, that broken scream for Solar, I... I felt that. I can barely even process THIS, much less even BEGIN to imagine earth's and lunar's reactions. (1/7)

I'M STILL RECOVERING FROM THAT WHOLE THING I- AAAAH

THE WAY SOLAR JUST- he just- *SOBBING*

PLEASE NO I DON'T WANNA SEE THEIR REACTIONS PLEASE THEY WERE SO CLOSE TO SOLAR PLEASE NO- oh my gosh what about Jack?

I-

I understand where Ruin was coming from... they'd seen how far the Creator Council can go with their projects first hand... pretending to be something sinister for decades just so you can survive has a tol on a person... there's no arguing that.

"They don't like killing people." I'm... i'm not too sure about that honestly... this being... boosted by the fact that in the very same video they admitted to wanting to kill both Sun and Moon at first. THAT was a part of their original plan... plus, during the October takeover, they made SURE to encourage Bloodmoon's thirst for their name sake... I think there were mentiones of them even partaking in this killing??? Or offering to help or something like that..

BUT MY MAIN POINT!

"If I could save you I would." WELL CLEARLY YOU WOULDN'T- sir, in the SAME BREATH YOU SAY YOU WANTED TO KILL SOMEONE GENUINELY CONSIDERED KILLING THEM- and- and you can't go into another dimension to kill the root of your problem? I DOUBT ANYONE WOULD REALLY CARE IF THE CREATOR IN SOLAR'S DIMENSION SUDDENLY DISAPPEARED! Just- if... if Ruin had gone to Solar's dimension (yes, made difficult by only being allowed to access one dimension... BUT- BUT THEY SAID THEMYELF THAT THOSE ARCADES WERE NO UNUSUAL ARCADES! SURELY THEY COULD'VE MADE THEIR OWN PORTAL TO ACCESS OTHER DIMENSIONS???) they could've gotten rid of that Creator... which would put Solar's dimension on the list of those that WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WIPED! I.. I don't trust a word Ruin says anymore. (I will hold onto au beans with all my heart)

ALSO! Ruin said their dimension was gone? Sir... please do enlighten me as to HOW you're here then huh? How are you still here if your dimension has been eaten by a wither storm hmm? Actually... it may have something to do with that new body... their body was made from parts that originated from the TSBS dimension... but... their backplate was still the same as when they wee ruined... ARGH I DUNNO! THIS LITTLE DETAIL IS DRIVING ME UP A WALL

OOOOHOHO i think the Creator will have surely noticed! He was... awfully interested in Ruin when he found out about them... I still think there's something going on between them... SOMETHING

The "not alive but not dead" think is just... so weird?? I mean if it's a Creator then... THEY'RE STILL BAD NEWS???

Ruin's plan has so many holes it's crazy...

JDNDNC I LOVE READING THROUGH YOUR THOUGHTS SO GOSH DARN MUCH! Expanding my own views by reading and rereading them hehehe

[typewriter83]

Hey there! Miss Undercover back again xx

I totally agree with you seeing Tommy/Ellie as a strictly platonic/familial dynamic haha. My favourite fics of them are the ones where they roast eachother humourously but love each other fiercely and bond by ganging up on Joel together 🤣 They're so silly and sweet and gosh darn adorable.

I'd say your tendency to write Ellie into uncomfortable situations is because it is such a significant part of her character. By no means does it shape her identity as a whole, but it contributes to it heavily in some aspects and carries a lot of important weight. To me, Ellie was a really crucial example of teen girl trauma at the hands of a creepy man and how this problem can persist even in— ESPECIALLY in the context of a video game where the world is apocalyptic and based on survival. Ironically, this whole aspect of being in critical danger and at risk of not surviving is really emphasised when David and Ellie are in a literal BURNING BUILDING, yet David's main concern seems to be tackling Ellie and assaulting her. Additionally, it makes sense that she came across a horrible grown man interested in pursuing her in an environment where men like him are rampant and reckless and there's no legal system or particular awareness of morality to hold them to account.

The fact that you include Ellie's trauma in your AUs, as well as many other writers, is wonderful considering the fact that it amplifies this whole idea of the same issue being heavily prevalent and thus interwoven into several different universes— because this offensive dynamic is, as a matter of fact, found throughout different time periods and countries. It spans over centuries and over the globe— sisters, united in suffering. It's disturbing how far the extent of this problem goes, and it's intriguing seeing the awareness and discussion that was sparked when TLOU was first released. I've seen many men say that they could hardly tell David's true intentions (and that it took them until the burning building scene to realise), and in contrast many women say that they knew from the beginning of David and Ellie's interaction. I myself had bright red alarm bells ringing in my head at the sight of David and the way he communicated himself to Ellie.

There's a huge disparity in the culture of paranoia that us ladies were conditioned to adopt due to the victimhood we've been subjugated to and have continuously seen from a young age, and the awareness of this prevalent issue that men slowly learn to develop. I think I was always aware to some degree of the dangers presented to me as a girl, and it was heartbreakingly interesting seeing Ellie's underlying understanding of the strife of her situation clash with her desperation to save Joel. She was wary of David, and aware, I'm sure, of the troubles posed by men like him, yet she was forced into a situation where she had to put her desire for avoidance aside and put survival first.

Ellie inspired many too. Her recovery arc, and the fact that she took that pain and turned it into strength and motivation was admirable. Here was a young girl who bore the pain of being preyed on like a cross on her little shoulders, and while she showed signs of trauma in the aftermath it didn't ensconce her identity and turn her into the emblem of a victim. Instead, we got to see her character remained fleshed out and complex, see her passion to save the world and ambition to make a change. Many media creators try to present female victimhood as this one-track journey where being the damsel-in-distress takes up our personality and zaps us of all individuality, but the video game creators thankfully took a different route. They gave Ellie this refreshing autonomy by having her 1) take charge and off David herself and 2) be able deal with her troubled emotions in the aftermath but still remain focused on her goal. It was great having her be a personality of her own rather than just a salvation to Joel's suffering / vulnerable figure that fuels his saviour complex. Instead of using an overdone trope, TLOU made it their own by putting a slight spin on it and allowing both Joel and Ellie to be their own unique individuals. Ellie isn't some helpless being that critically needs Joel to survive— that much was made clear, her independence and headstrong initiative shines through consistently. It's just great and handy to have him anyway and they're attached on a great level.

While Ellie having to off David was devastating, the act of being able to output this rage and fear herself instead of having it done for her was cathartic to see. Many girls like her want to channel that inner rage into destroying their abusers once and for all but don't get the chance to, and it's great how TLOU went about executing this sort of scenario in a realistic yet satisfying way where our dear Ellie gets at least some form of closure.

I agree, it's always great talking to you 😊💝 I do love these chats of ours

Miss Undercover - are you a writer? I’m 100% not asking you to tell me who you are, but do you write? Because this analysis is next level. Chef’s kiss

Uncle Tommy and Ellie are simply adorable - I have a wonderful uncle that married my aunt when I was a toddler and he’s one of my favorite people on the freaking planet. So, that relationship with Tommy and Ellie is special. I really want to lean into it with LtW2, try to heal the damage while she and Tommy (as well as Tommy and Joel) come to understandings.

Ellie’s trauma - I think it’s a critical, and horrifying, part of her character no matter how she’s written. Whether looking back on the canon event, twisting it in a parallel universe, or creating something more modern, I think it shapes Ellie into the adult she will become.

Even though it’s not discussed in canon, I think Ellie had seen violence like that in Boston as well - she knew when she met David that he was not like Joel. Now, I know in the game they leaned into her trusting him, but she was so much more hesitant with David than she was when she met Joel - which of course they switched up in the show, so it’s all about context. Regardless, David’s character was hell bent on making Ellie his. It’s disturbing to write any scene where David hurts Ellie - but when he makes it clear that his intention is to have her, it leaves me shaken.

In all honesty, writing the Donuts & Coffee version was more disturbing for me to write than the burning church in LtW. Maybe it was because Ellie was older and completely thrown off guard, or it was just crafting a brand new concept, I’m not sure. The burning church was like recreating the restaurant - just a little tidbit on that.

It’s also disturbing to see conversations on social media about the comparisons/similarities between David and Joel - that just blows my mind. I watched episode 8 before I watched the game and I felt a tingle run down my spine the first time she locked eyes on David. It’s the eyes for sure. And I think it’s an interesting commentary on society when men (not all men, and there are some women) can see similarities between Joel and David. Joel didn’t want to take care of Ellie, he didn’t want to be responsible for her, but he never gives off the impression of wanting to harm her. Seeing as he’s basically Tess’s guard dog, I think it leads (should lead anyway) the player/viewer to believe Joel wouldn’t hurt a woman, unless it was in self defense. We don’t get to see what Joel was like before Boston, but we have to believe this was true between Austin and Boston.

Your last two paragraphs about Ellie’s recovery need no reply - I really just want everyone to go back and read your analysis of Ellie’s character - because I think it sums her up in a much more poignant way than anything I could approach.

I sincerely enjoy discussing TLOU with you, Miss Undercover - if you ever decide to create a side blog (please let it be Miss Undercover somehow), please hit up my DMs so we can chat more! But until then, I look forward to our next topic of discussion! Honestly I would love to discuss canon more, Ellie and or Joel in any capacity - I know this took awhile for me to address but I feel like I’m getting back on track, finally!

🫶🏻

[kyndaris]

Coffee Shop AU

Most first dates, or meet-ups as I like to call them (especially with a stranger), that I've gone to have involved lunch or coffee at a local cafe. Thankfully, in the city of Sydney, there are plenty of cafes (of varying quality) one can visit. And all of them come with a decent brunch menu (though some will close by 2:30 or 3 PM at the latest). Enter Edition Roasters. While it has a few branches in and around the CBD (Australian shorthand for Central Business District), my date and I picked the one in Darling Quater.

But I've jumped forward to our date and failed to introduce the person behind it all!

Although I've gone on a date before with a woman, Eivor, which didn't end up as well as I had hoped, I wasn't quite willing to quite throw in the towel. After all, how many dates have I gone with men? And while the men in my life have failed to make my heart flutter, who was to say I wasn't an asexual lesbian?

Especially with the so-called 'squishes'/ brief flirtations of attraction I've had with a few women I've met over the years? THough now that I think on it, do fictional men count in terms of romantic attraction? Am I still clutching at straws?

No, I couldn't yet label myself as aromantic just yet!

I mean, Dikottir isn't bad! It's just...I don't feel a sense of romantic attraction to him. Even though we've gone on five dates and have technically 'known' each other for a year now.

Alas, I have once more been distracted. Where was I? Ah yes, my so-called 'date.' So, yes, this trip out to Edition Roasters was my second meet-up with a woman.

From the very start on Hinge, we struck up a conversation on musicals including one that has yet to grace the stage - Epic: The Troy Saga by Jorge Rivera-Herrans. As a frequenter of Tiktok, she had heard the songs being performed whilst I had the good fortune for my Spotify shuffle list to insert a few of the songs whenever I chose to listen to songs from musicals.

Though not a frequent replier, we were both able to share our passion for musicals and also touched a little on their second passion: fanfiction. Given the obsession of my fellow classmates back in Year 8 and 9 for all things anime, and to stretch our writing skills, I was no stranger to fanfiction.

Back in my heyday, I used to frequent ones for Kingdom Hearts, Naruto, Shugo Chara! Even now, trying to ween myself off fanfiction, I still can't quite kick the bucket as I continue to lurk among the Harry Potter fandom, while occasionally experimenting with Far Cry 5 (yes, I'm a gosh darn sinner), She-Ra and a host of Disney ones as well.

It was because of her heartfelt passion for Epic, and how we did initially chat about mythology, that I've given my date the code name: Athena. Unlike Eivor before her, she was keen to arrange a meet-up sooner rather than later. So, after some discussion - with a variety of choice between multiple places to eat at - we finally settled on Darling Square.

I was the first to arrive. Shivering in the cold Australian winter, I put my name down on the paper sheet out front and waited for our number to be called out. Athena joined me shortly afterwards and we chatted a little about our week and our lives. Before too long, our number was called and we were directed to a table out in the wind (perhaps not the best choice but given how busy the place was, it made nabbing a table easier). Despite not having much sun, there was a heater purposely positioned close by to offer some warmth. Although, if I'm being honest, it was the hot chocolate I ordered, more than anything else, which served to defrost me.

Then it was time for the main meal. Athena ordered a miso salmon ochazuke after crunching the numbers on online reviews regarding the cafe's signature dishes, while I settled for a miso wagyu bolognese. As we ate, we talked a little of the work we did, our family composition, and the reason why we were dating. We even reminisced on many a bad date we've had - with her recounting one where the man hailed Hitler.

And though this is the second time someone I know has gone on a date with a seeming Nazi sympathiser, it's a bit strange that it's happened twice. I honestly have to wonder if they went on the date with the same man.

After lunch, we walked around Darling Harbour before heading up towards Town Hall station. It was, in my eyes, a wonderful day out. While I wouldn't have called it love at first sight, I certainly didn't feel as intimidated as my meet-up with Eivor at the ice-rink. Nor did I feel like Athena fail to meet the expectations I'd set up in my head.

I wouldn't say we clicked immediately but it definitely felt like we had a strong connection and understanding of the other.

Now, I wouldn't call that love but I'd say it went far more swimmingly than I'd feared. Yes, I was probably still putting up a front, but I didn't feel either one of us dominated the conversation. It flowed well, like having a good deep and meaningful natter with a good friend (rather than an acquaintance).

Is this a good sign?

But Athena did say to hit her up for another outing.

The only problem, of course, is that I'm not so much a foodie as someone who simply tags along and enjoys the food on offer (as long as it's not spicy). Does make me wonder if the two are related, though...

Are all asexuals bad with spice? Or is it just me with a low tolerance for both? Probably just me. And the smut fanfictions I read simply represents my ability to enjoy wasabi (to a degree). It's not the perfect analogy but I'll have to make do. This is, after all, coming down from spending an entire Saturday out and about at the Sydney Manga and Anime Show (SMASH!) and then finishing off all the chores I needed to do in preparation for the week ahead.

Give a 31, who will be 32 when this post goes up, woman a break! It ain't easy trying to juggle care for an elderly grandparent, work, hobbies, dating and what else when it comes to the adulting life. It's not like there's a manual!

[oloreandil]

Fic authors self rec! 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❤

that's such a nice ask to come back to and then i almost lost it in my drafts, merci Alex <3333

my faves are uuuuuuh i will be a big bee and put many fics, because i love them actually:

blue like the sky - haikyuu!!, kenhina

soulmate au and the longest thing i've ever written and i'm honestly not proud of this one enough. took AGES to plan (it's 43k, the planning document was uuuh 10k overall i think and then i lost the file lol) but i'm so happy with how it came out, considering how old it is

i act like i know (but i'm really just a kid) - haikyuu!!, oikuro

a breakup fic that i forgot i translated but apparently i did ???? first fic of mine that made people cry and it was SUCH fun to write haha. that feeling when the clothing store starts playing "say something i'm giving up on you", but in fanfic form

nausea - death note, gen

Light Yagami character study written in class during high school and honestly that description tells you way more than it should, this one is near and dear to my heart and one of the first fics i ever wrote

look how far we've come - haikyuu!!, kuroaka

i love Akaashi Keiji, the fanfic. that's it tbh that's all there is to it

some nights - haikyuu!!, mostly gen

this one uh. actually don't read it immediately plz because while i still adore the concept i came up with (songfic of "some nights" by fun but pretend it's about post apocalypse survival) it NEEDS to be rewritten zkgjnerg

sharp - haikyuu!!, daisuga

see how nausea tells too much ? same but edgier and with random hcs thrown in it and also it's harder to read because i was Into It but gosh darn i love it

trois tablettes de chocolat noir / chocolate (fr / en versions) - death note, mellonear

"Mello leaves wammy's house" character study as a side story of this convoluted AU i have with my best friend. my life is better and filled with kindness and joy specifically because i wrote this fanfic into existence. no matter how afraid i am of saying this out loud, it's true and i can't break that spell. i'll cherish it always

let's go see the world together - breath of fire iv, ryulu (do they even have a ship name......)

DEFINITELY don't read this one immediately lmao but i'm almost done with the rewrite (it's been months but shhh). i finished the manga adaptation of this game and INSTANTLY started writing something wayyy above my skill level. it shows, but fuck if i didn't have fun and i love this manga and this story very strongly

aaaaand that shall be it. thank you again Alex you are very very kind and i definitely didn't need to ramble as much but i have fun and i have words

[muzzlemouths]

I love your DMD au so gosh darn much it is now my favorite Sun & Moon AU! I've been asking so many questions the last few days because the more I learn about it the better it gets! But, I really want to know: if the boys could know just how many people love them, want to meet them, and shop at their mall, how would they react?

YOUR F. YOUR FAVORITE?????? HELLO

That's so so sweet of you!!!!! I genuinely had to stop and pace around my room for a hot second after hearing you say that OGHDFHJ 💕

If the boys knew just how much everyone loved them, I think they wouldn't really know what to do with themselves. It'd be a little overwhelming at first (fifty years is a long time to go without affection from anyone but each other), but it'd bring smiles and happy tears, too. They've given up on anyone still caring about them, they've resigned themselves to being old news, so the sheer scale of love would have them soaring with joy.

[bluiex]

Heyyyyyyy, it's me, Bloop Anon, back at it with their fake dating AU that seems to be possessed by the fluff and crack gods. Please enjoy watching cats interacting with each other bc i miss my cat gosh darn it, i just want to pet her, is that too much to ask? anyway, totally didnt based this off my own cat behaviour, no sireeeeeee

--

“Jellie, no! Come back here!”

He wasn’t quick enough, she already started to smell the cages. One cat, probably Pearl if Scar remembered how they each looked like, hissed lowly, backing into her cage. Jellie only looked at her before moving on to the next cage. 

Maui was much more curious than Pearl, poking his nose out of the cage, making Jellie hiss. They had a staring contest before Grian clapped his hands, making both of them jump and making Jellie hide under the couch.

“Well, that went well.”

Scar gaped at him.

“What do you mean that went well?”

Grian shrugged. “They didn’t try to bite each other, I count that as a success.”

Scar closed his mouth, speechless. If it weren’t for the cages, he was certain Jellie would’ve fought Maui. He was about to express such thought when Grian took out his phone from his pocket and pointed at his room.

“May I call my girlfriend?”

Scar nodded, not quite understand what was going on anymore.

Grian closed the door and Scar could hear the faint conversation. A hiss brought his attention back to the cats, who were having a standoff, Maui’s muzzle still poking out and Jellie sitting on her hide legs, not looking impress.

“Oh no,” he muttered.

He tried grabbing Jellie, but she slipped under his grasp and hid behind Pearl’s cage, much to the gray cat’s chagrin.

“Jellie, c’mere girl,” he called, putting on his baby voice and extending his hand towards her.

Jellie frowned at the hand, tapped it with her paw (her claws were out, if Scar hadn’t retracted his hand, he would’ve gotten a scratch) and walked to Maui’s cage. Scar let out an offended gasp.

“Oh, you little rapscallion! Ignoring your dear old dad like that.”

Gently, he approached her, trying to get her away from those two cats, who were probably traumatized at this point. Except maybe Maui, he looked like he was having a great time. 

“Now now, Jellie, no use to be difficult. Let’s just leave those two alone—”

Turned out, Jellie was a smart cat. She hid under the couch before he could grab her, cursing underneath his breath. He was on all four, trying to get Jellie who simply sat on all four legs, looking like your typical loaf of bread, as if she was mocking him. Knowing her, he wouldn’t be surprised if she was.

Grian came out of his room, at a very bad timing, and stopped in his tracks when his eyes landed on Scar. 

“What are you doing?”

His accent was more pronounced than usual, catching Scar off-guard. He slowly raised himself on his two legs and gave the blond man a sheepish smile. 

“Nothing,” he said innocently.

Grian crossed his arms, eyebrow raised. 

“Uh-huh. And I’m supposed to believe that?”

“Yes, actually, sometimes I like to lay on all four and just look under the couch.” He pointed at his temple. “It recalibrates my brain.”

Grian let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head slightly. He raised his phone and shook it slightly. Scar kept his gaze on the device.

“Just called my girlfriend and we agreed to leave the cats at your place until we come back from our vacation.”

Scar perked up at that, bouncing on the ball of his feet and clapping his hands together. Grian looked at the ceiling.

“I’ll come back with their food and another litter box.” He looked around the room, inhaling sharply. “Not sure where you’re gonna put the other litter box—”

“Don’t worry, I’ll figure that part out.”

Grian quirked his eyebrow, but shrugged it off.

“I’ll still show you how to give their food, and don’t worry, they eat from the same bowl no matter how many times I tell them they each have their own bowls.”

Grian joined him, sitting on the ball of his feet, and opened the cages. His cats immediately went to greet him, purring and rubbing their face against his knees. He cooed.

“You guys be good, alright? Daddy will be back in a couple of days.”

Scar had completely forgotten to ask him when he’d be back.

“A couple of days, you say?”

Grian chuckled. “Yeah, we’ll be out for almost ten days.”

“I hope you guys have fun.”

Grian grinned at him. “Oh, we will.”

He said it as if Scar was in on the joke, if it even was a joke, except scar was never good at understanding subtext, so he simply smiled and nodded. 

Maui rubbed his face against Scar’s thigh, making him almost jump out of his spot. He tentatively scratched behind his ears and received loud purrs in return. He smiled softly, petting his ears, cheek, neck, you named it. Grian giggled.

“Aww, he likes you.”

Scar let out a laugh. “For now.”

Grian gently slapped his arm. “Don’t say that, I’m sure every cat loves you.”

Scar laughed at that. “You tell that to Jellie.”

Grian hummed and rose up, letting out a sigh. He turned his gaze to Scar, who was still petting Maui.

“Well, I’ll see you in a bit.”

Scar nodded, still in that euphoria of being chosen by a cat. Grian let out a chuckle, and left the apartment, leaving the residents none the wiser.

-- bloop anon (i am totally not projecting onto scar, what are you talking about? totally didnt make him neurodivergent coded (adhd, autism, anxiety? fuck if i know))

True and real cat behavior

I LVOE THIS AU I'M SO HAPPY YOU'VE GIVEN US MORE!!!

[ghosts-and-blue-sweaters]

EEEEEEE OKAY RAMBLES INCOMING OH MY GOSH MODERN AU OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH

!!!!!!

Thank you for asking about thisssssss :D

Best personality trait

How much he wants to protect people, definitely—specifically Tommy!

In this universe, Tommy was born when Ghostbur was around seven years old, ish? So Ghostbur has literally been with Tommy since he was a baby and he’s watched him grow up and get bigger and he has Many Feelings about that 🥺 He freaking loves his brother. Absolutely adores him. He would actually die for Tommy, no question about it.

And because Ghostbur & Tommy’s bio family was very Not Good, Ghostbur was pretty much the one who raised Tommy—not the parents. And soon after Tommy was born, the two were moved into foster care, which was confusing and scary and nothing ever stayed the same. So, Ghostbur became even more of a protector for his tiny brother :’) He worried a lot about Tommy’s safety, and what could or would happen to him if Ghostbur wasn’t around.

Ghostbur essentially acted as a shield for Tommy; he stepped in and saw/experienced/felt/went through bad things and hard things and scary things and sad things so that Tommy wouldn’t have to. Not that Tommy had a flawless childhood, of course—he absolutely went through super hard things—but Ghostbur did his very best to protect him from the worst of things.

Ghostbur would literally do anything for Tommy, like. His love for his little brother knows no bounds. He’ll protect him to the ends of the earth or die trying.

How they feel about Wilbur

OHHH-HO-HO, THIS IS A GOOD QUESTION!!!

His feelings about Wilbur are… turbulent. Alsgaksgkag

He didn’t even know Wilbur existed for most of his life, so when he finally discovered that he had a twin he has a freaking twin, he was… confused. Very, very confused.

Wilbur didn’t exactly help with that 😅 He’s very… um. Well, he’s very Wilbur XD He’s loud and theatrical and dramatic, and takes up so much space personality-wise. He’s not cruel or trying to be mean, but he can definitely come off as pretty sharp, and that made Ghostbur not like him too much at first 😅

However, things get better! As time goes on, Ghostbur comes to understand Wilbur more and more, and realizes that Wilbur cares a lot and has Big Feelings and struggles with things, and—perhaps the strangest of all—Wilbur loves. He loves Tommy. He might even love Ghostbur.

Things are confusing. Ghostbur’s thoughts on his twin are confusing.

But at the end of the day, when the house is quiet and Wilbur sits on the porch and plays guitar and watches frogs and birds and bugs, Ghostbur thinks that he likes Wilbur. He thinks that Wilbur is not a bad guy.

Love is confusing.

How they react when they are feeling joy or sadness

:D

For happiness, it’s almost exactly like canon; his voice gets super high-pitched and squeaky, he smiles a lot, he has a great time. Basically, wholesome. So darn wholesome.

His joy is absolutely contagious. You can’t not smile when Ghostbur smiles, I mean come on. Especially when he’s super happy :D

Hugs!! He definitely hugs!! He hugs when he’s happy!! Tommy quite likes the hugs (sometimes aksgaksgjag) and he’s learned that it’s something Ghostbur loves doing, so he mostly lets Ghostbur hug as much as he wants :)

And happy bouncing, as well. Ghostbur does little happy bounces; sometimes jumping a few inches into the air, but often just bending his knees a little bit (I do this sometimes when I’m happy!).

There’s a lot of other times when Ghostbur’s joy is much quieter, however—BUT NO LESS WHOLESOME!!!

For example, just being around Tommy is enough to make him very happy :) So like, at night when the both of them are a bit sleepy and sitting on the couch, Ghostbur will smile to himself and not say a word, content to let Tommy rest. Content to just be.

Ghostbur loves the quiet moments, man. He just loves ‘em.

He also likes to trace his finger along Tommy’s hand, when he’s happy!! Going over all the lines and such, quiet and thinking about how every human hand is different and looks different and feels different, and how wonderful that is. He’s glad that Tommy’s hands are soft.

For sadness… :0

Ghostbur’s definitely a denier; when he’s feeling sad or not-happy, he never likes to say that or admit that to anyone—even to himself. He’ll try and convince himself that he’s happy, or distract himself with things that will make him happy, or simply… metaphorically run away from the bad thoughts, and desperately try to forget them. If he forgets, then they’re not real.

…right?

It’s not very healthy :( The poor man needs to be more honest with himself, and more open about this to people :(( GAHHHHHHH I LOVE HIM SO MUCH AND WANT TO GIVE HIM A HUG AND LET HIM CRY ON ME <333

Almost always, Ghostbur reaches a breaking point, when the bad thoughts get too loud and take up too much of the space inside his head, and he can’t feel happy and he doesn’t feel happy, and he’s scared and he just wants to feel right again but he doesn’t and that really scares him.

When that happens, pretty much the only thing left to do is… cry. And thing is, Ghostbur doesn’t cry all that much! He really dislikes crying, and tries not to do it at all! But when he feels like this—sad and scared and scared and scared and scared—he can’t stop crying. And he hates it, he hates how much he cries, he hates how he can’t stop, but he doesn’t know what else to do.

Every once in a while Tommy will find him crying, and trying to be quiet about it so that Tommy doesn’t see. When that happens, Tommy just hugs him, and Ghostbur hugs back, and there’s… Lots of crying. Lots of it.

And then afterward, Ghostbur is “back to normal” and tries not to think about crying or sad things or scary things! It’s… definitely not a healthy way to live :(

I THINK WILBUR’S GONNA HELP WITH THIS MAYBE. I DON’T WANT GHOSTBUR TO BE LIKE THIS FOREVER.

Scariest moment of their life

Oh… man :(

Honestly, Ghostbur could make a list of all the scariest moments of his life—that is, if Ghostbur actually acknowledged those moments, which he doesn’t.

I’m still figuring out the specifics of his backstory, but I do know that…

He’s drowned at least once (hence his fear of water/not knowing how to swim)

He’s watched some people die (more than one)

Bad things have happened to Tommy

Ghostbur couldn’t stop the bad things from happening to Tommy

Ghostbur blames himself for the bad things that happened to Tommy

He’s also Very afraid of doctors/needles, but I’m not sure exactly why yet :0

[afeatherinthewind]

😲 Adjusting my nerd glasses and beaming at the ability to long post under the read more the history of one of my oldest fandoms, my favorite au, and longest running hyperfixations, if I may 🤓 scroll for the TLDR but I had way too much fun remembering and explaining this, sorry if it's annoying lol!

The truth is that Reverse Falls as a concept predates the known existence of Ford. I remember when the concept first started, I believe it was fairly short after Gideon's premiere, as a simple prompt: what if Gideon and the Pines twins had a role reversal? It was a cute and fun idea and nobody had ANY idea what was to come (literally, some people in the early fandom thought the show might take dark creepy turns and we were laughed at because "it's DISNEY" and "for KIDS" and well look who's laughing now it's the giant monster triangle trying to and I quote "turn those kids into corpses". Also me I am laughing.) So Reverse falls sort of became the best way to explore the concept of a "dark" version of gravity falls. And hoooo-wee, canon ended up feeding us WELL. So many character foils meant loads of opportunities for swaps. Pacifica swapping with Mabel. Wendy swapping with Robby. Heck, Grenda and Candy swapping with Pacifica's friends, Tiffany and Unnamed-Pacifica-lackey-who-deserves-justice-and-a-name-and-lines-gosh-darn-it.

Aaaanyway. Then came our favorite little dorito, Bill Cipher. Who do you swap a crazy dream demon with? Nobody really fit the - dare I say it- bill. So! The fandom do what fandom do best and collectively built a new concept- if a character couldn't be swapped with a literal other character, we could swap their character traits! And thus was born the little blue offbrand tortilla chip, William Cipher. Rather than a cunning, laughing, know-it-all, powerful trickster demon, the fandom created the terrified, crying, powerless demon. Except if he was a demon he would be powerful right? So what if we made him technically powerful, however, it was HIM the one who got trapped in a deal, forced to serve the twins and provide them even more power than their amulets? Perfect. Fast forward again, the Reverse falls fandom gained a lot of popularity because the art was (mostly) awesome, the concept was cool, it was easy to get into. AND THEN FORD CAME ALONG and it got EVEN COOLER.

Once again, the fandom needed to work it's magic to fit another cool new character into the AU. should he be swapped with Stan, a con artist? Or maybe the same thing as Bill, swap his traits? Except all we had to go off of for MONTHS was the tiny clip at the end of Not What He Seems (the wait was EXCRUCIATING) and context clues/hidden messages in the shows codes (which I could make a whole other mega post about). It was hard to say what the "opposite" of this interdimensional Stan-twin would be because we didn't know who he was canonically. Plus some people had already tried to push that Stan and Bill shoydlve swapped, though most agreed Bud was a good enough fit. Will was super popular by then, so replacing him with Ford would be weird. Maybe swap McGucket with Ford... maybe just OC the hell outta him? This is how the concept of Rev!Ford got muddy. The general consensus was "he's probably evil" (until/unless we find out canon Ford is evil so then that would make r!Ford good...? Idk man we were just in shambles waiting after that cliffhanger). People made multiple versions of Rev!Ford and honestly I remember seeing petty arguments on here about it as if it was some big deal lol. Classic Tumblr.

Eventually we got more canon Ford! A genius inventor, author of the journals, estranged twin to Stan, Dipper's idol and teacher, and... trapped in a deal with Bill! Much to play with!

There are still a few versions of Ford that people cling to but for the most part, he got very similar treatment as Bill/Will, with a reversal of traits and character relationships. Rev!Ford is pretty much flipped with Bill, because the prevailing headcanon was that r!Ford was much more obsessed with magic than science, though still a genius with both, so he managed to trick the blue dream demon into giving him and his family power, almost gifted as a "pet" to Mabel and Mason (fans figured out the name long before it was revealed canonically and it was a cool/easy way to distinguish between rev!dipper and canon!dipper). Generally it was headcanoned that Dipper really wanted to *surpass* Ford rather than *impress* him, so it was an angsty tidbit to assume that the reason R!Ford would give "control" of Will to the twins would actually be to keep an eye (ha) on them and remind the younger twins how much more powerful he was than them.

Rather than being estranged, Stan and Ford were often considered business partners - Stan's work with the Tent o' Telepathy and selling fancy cars (a twist on Bud) distracting the townies so Ford could focus on his studies of magic and interdimensional travel, which many headcanoned he could do freely rather than being trapped like canon Ford was. A popular headcanon was that rev!Ford wanted Weirdmageddon and that rather than the lucky protagonists (Paz and Gideon) trying to stop Bill, they had to try to stop Ford. Eventually, Mabel and Mason recognizing that they were manipulated to hell and back by their great uncles and switching sides to fight along side the pesky losers who were trying to ruin their (somewhat murder-y) fun all summer.

Some really cool interpretations actually utilized the fact that multiple dimensions are canon to drag canon Bill into the Rev!Falls world to see big bad Bill and big bad rev!Ford simultaneously "working together" and plotting to stab the other in the back. Mmmainly that was the fandom excuse to ship Will and Bill because... fandoms gonna fandom.

If Reverse Falls interests you I cannot highly enough recommend the cosplay music videos by DeathArising on YouTube. The cosplays are all so cool and they made an insanely complex and cool story out of their version of Rev!Ford's lore, especially related to Will and Fiddleford (who also never really got swapped the fandom said nono he can stay young and hot forever as an evil scientist that works for Ford, sorry old man mcgucket, your twink death was denied). And the cinematography gets so freaking stunning as they continued making the music videos for years (I think they still are??) So very very cool. They are the rev!Ford cosplayer in the gif above as well!

So there is your insanely long answer!

TLDR: Rev!Ford is generally a mishmash of being a swap for Bill Cipher and of reversal of Ford's canon character traits, but ultimately, it depends on who you ask.

Is it after midnight for me? Yes. Am I normal? Absolutely not. Do I care way too much about this stupid AU of a show that's been over for a decade? Clearly. But I hope you don't mind this wall off text lmao I had fun recounting it!

man who the hell even is reverse falls ford

is he just ford but evil? there's a bunch of "ford but evil" fords like "one of us" ford where he takes bill's deal and works together with him (i know there's a lot of these concepts/executions but i just always call it "one of us" since he's ONE OF THE BOYS!!)

like is reverse ford just?? a scumbag shitface?? is that his only personality besides "old sexy smartish dumbass"?? doesn't he have that sobbing blue triangle?? wait hold up why doesn't he make a portal for his own personal gain?? that would be smart as shit

i only understand reverse falls as in "imagine that the roles are reversed" but ford has NO ONE? "uh who is he??" "evil!!" is he like the bill cipher of this universe minus the infinite power and all that? i don't know he's always been a mystery to me but i used to love drawing him with long braided hair and a cool eye (like sans?)